These are minutes for the month of January 2007, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.

January 1, 2007-Holiday January 5, 2007
January 8, 2007 January 12, 2007
January 15, 2007-Holiday January 19, 2007
January 22, 2007 January 26, 2007
January 29, 2007

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January 05, 2007      Friday  9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He discussed available State Surplus vehicles and equipment.  No action.
 
Larry Goucher met with commissioners to complain about the condition of his road north of Hammond.  He feels the grader is doing a poor job by grading the gravel off before it has a chance to settle in to the road bed after a rain.  This leaves a mud pit, he says.  He said the gravel road looked beautiful before it was bladed off.  Gary Houston will take a look at the road today after the meeting.
 
Marty Pearson discussed equipment issues. 
 
Darrell Spencer met with commissioners to say he heard the property we were interested in possibly building a new jail on was nearly sold.  Bill Brittain has been in contact with Don Stewart and isn’t aware of that but he’ll check it out.
 
Commissioners discussed dispatch.  Bill Brittain has been told of a man in Sedgwick County who has experience in these matters.  The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) will contact him and see if he’s interested in helping us.  He would be an ideal person because he doesn’t represent the City or the County in any way.  Terry Graham would like to have more information on him before we decide to use him.
 
Tom McNeil is interested in a vehicle for his sanitation work.  He also feels a 4-wheel drive is required.  He found a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with 64,000 miles for $12,900, but it isn’t local.  Shepherd’s has a Trailblazer coming in but we don’t have information on that vehicle yet.  The commissioners agreed they would like to buy locally, if possible.
 
Clyde Killion heard from the Department of Transportation (KDOT) that we can run off-road fuel and save taxes because we’re exempt.  Commissioners want a second opinion and to have something in writing before we try that.
 
Joanne Long presented resolutions for 2007 for consideration.  We normally reorganize on the second Monday in January, but since we’re not changing members, we can do it now.  Especially since the 15th is a holiday and would push payday back to the 12th, next Friday.  No immediate action.
 
Jody Chaplin of J&L Trucking, Uniontown, is interested in scrap metal at the landfill and an old truck.  Commissioners asked him to speak with Clyde Killion.
 
David Neville reported on the courthouse boilers.  He said everything is working well so far on performance.  However, we’ve had mild weather.  He also said that the air conditioner unit in the CSO offices on 3rd Floor are 26 years old and need replaced.  It is losing Freon internally and would not be worth it to try to repair, considering the age of the unit.  He also commented that the newer units are louder than the older ones so it would need to be located in an area to cut out sound.  Commissioners want to see prices.  They also want a letter sent to area HVAC/heating personnel to see if anyone is interested in being the County’s main repair person.  We need to compile a list of all the equipment we have to send in the letter, and we would require a repair person to be certified in the equipment we have.  Mr. Neville will compile a list for the county clerk to send in a letter.
 
Lynn Smith and Shane Walker met with commissioners to discuss computer items.  They asked if the Computer Fund and GIS Fund could be combined beginning in 2008.  That way we’d only have one fund to deal with.  Commissioners liked the idea.  Shane Walker also discussed his extra GIS work with commissioners.  He said he will be working at home as well as here and feels it will be about 20 hours per week.
 
Laura Hyer and Shane Walker met with commissioners to discuss the Homeland Security audit.  Gary Houston made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of fifteen minutes, under the Security Exception of the Kansas Open Meetings Act, to discuss equipment.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Laura Hyer, Shane Walker and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:41 am and ended at 10:56 am with no action.
 
Laura Hyer discussed attendance at monthly LEPC meetings.  She will send out a letter of encouragement to entities for attendance to them.  Table-top drills and exercises will be the focus in 2007.
 
After discussion, Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt the following 2007 resolutions:
 
                   01-07 Holidays and Closed Days for 2007
                   04-07 Waiver of GAAP
                   05-07 Designation of Depositories and County Newspaper
 
Resolutions 02-07 and 03-07, the salary resolutions were tabled until Monday.
 
Bill Brittain said that someone is interested in being caretaker at Elm Creek Lake, on site.  He wants to fix up the caretaker’s house and live in it and also wants to improve camp sites.
 
Susan Quick if we have hired Linn County Abstractors and Justin Meeks for the upcoming tax sale.  Commissioners confirmed that both were approved in the commission minutes but we want contracts.  Susan will get Terri Johnson to work up contracts for us.
 
Gary Houston and Clyde Killion left the meeting at 11:20 am to view the road Mr. Goucher talked about earlier in the meeting.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.
 
                                                                  THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                  OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                  (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman         
                                                                  (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 
                                                                  (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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January 8, 2007        Monday         9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.
 
Curt Shankel met with commissioners to say that Fort Scott Lake committee surveys are getting ready to go out.  When completed they will be sent directly to Bob Hosack, the grant coordinator.  He needs about 120 labels addressed to Mr. Hosack for the return address envelopes.  The commissioners asked the clerk to prepare the labels.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He also requested to purchase State Surplus Property equipment for the County in the form of four trucks, a tractor, a bush hog and a roller.  Commissioners reviewed the finances in the Road & Bridge Fund.  There is a distribution by the end of this month which will help the cash.  Commissioners called to put a hold on it.  We will also see if we can get a discount on the price for buying so much at once.
 
Terry Graham took the oath of office for his new term as County Commissioner.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Terry Graham as Chairman and Bill Brittain as Vice-Chairman for 2007.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to purchase 4 trucks, a tractor, a bush hog and a small roller from State Surplus Property not to exceed $53,000.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
The bulk of the meeting was spent discussing the proposed salary resolutions for County Employees and Elected Officials for 2007.
 
After extensive discussion, Terry Graham made a motion to adopt Resolution 02-07 and 03-07, the salary resolutions for 2007.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:25 pm.
 
                                                                           THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                           OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                           (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 
                                                                           (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 
                                                                           (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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January 12, 2007      Friday  9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:05 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
Commissioners discussed a vehicle for the County Sanitarian.  Bill Brittain discussed the 2003 Jeep Cherokee Laredo from Shepherd’s for $9,942 with 61,000 miles.  After discussion, Bill Brittain made a motion to purchase it for the Sanitarian.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.
 
Laura Hyer reported that we’re starting to see accidents with the ice.  She also relayed a request from rural fire departments for the County crews to drop salt at the stations as they go by.  Commissioners asked Laura to talk to Clyde about the request.  She informed commissioners of area shelters that are opening at Buck Run, Garland and Fulton.  Commissioners approved a Press Release for the ice storm.
 
Jackie Messer introduced himself to commissioners as Scott Township Fire Chief.
 
Ms. Hyer asked commissioners to sign a declaration of disaster emergency to have in case we need it if the ice knocks power out.  She said it can be helpful in anticipation of a disaster but she won’t send it to the state without prior approval from the commissioners.
 
Dean Mann gave an update on the Marmaton Riverfront Development Project.
 
Commissioners received a written request from Fire District 3 to appoint Trustees and Alternates for 2007 based on recent chief and assistant chief elections.  Terry Graham made a motion to appoint the following Trustees and Alternates to the Fire District 3 Board:
 
Station
Trustee
Alternate
Uniontown
Alvin Beerbower
Jared Lord
Bronson
David Edwards
Jason Harper
Fulton
Marty Messer
Teddy Wilson
Mapleton
Mike Hueston
Marty Crystal
Devon
Steve Herring
Jeff Reed
Hiattville
Jerry Page
Louella Howard
 
Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Joanne Long spoke to commissioners about a request she received to book hotel rooms for Tom McNeil and Don Russell to attend a meeting.  She said she has nothing indicating Don Russell is doing anything official with the County and wants to get it approved.  Commissioners authorized a hotel room for Don Russell, as he is going to be consulting with the County in the future.
 
Clyde Killion gave a brief road report.  In answer to the request from the fire departments, he said the road crews will put the same thing at the fire stations as we use on the roads in this condition.  That would be fine rocks to help with traction.  He said that salt is not helpful while the freezing rain and sleet is still coming down because it just gets washed away or frozen over.  Mr. Killion reported that we picked up the trucks and most of the equipment from State Surplus Property yesterday.  The trucks are going out today after they are checked out and seen to be in good working order. 
 
Ann Ludlum presented the monthly progress reports for the Extension Office.  She reported that schools are closing today at 1:00 pm, due to the inclement weather.
 
Commissioners authorized distributing paychecks early if people want to get home before the weather conditions worsen.  When asked if the courthouse will close, commissioners said they would make that decision later this afternoon, but added that any employee who felt they needed to leave early could use vacation, as it is the beginning of the year, and people have their vacation to use.
 
Laura Hyer and Shane Walker reported on the NOAA teleconference.  She said it was reported that we will get the ice in three waves and it is expected to knock out power.   She said we should have ice accumulations of a total of 2 inches by Sunday.  The EOC will likely open.
 
Joanne Long presented prices to replace the three blinds in her office.  Vertical blinds would be $555.00.  1” metal blinds is $810.00.  Both prices include freight and installation.  Commissioners approved the purchase of the 1” metal blinds from Ruddick’s.  Ms. Long thanked commissioners.
 
Ms. Long presented two resolutions for consideration by the Commission.  Resolution 06-07 is an annual resolution to cancel checks that are over two years old and have not been cashed.  Resolution 07-07 is the Declaration of State of Local Emergency, as requested by Laura Hyer.  Terry Graham made a motion to adopt both resolutions.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.
 
Commissioners authorized the Chairman to decide if the Courthouse will close based on the progress this afternoon.  However, nothing will be decided until after Mark Ward is sworn in as District Judge at 2:00 pm.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:40 am.
 
                                                                             THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                             OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 
                                                                              (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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January 19, 2007                Friday  9:05 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Gary Houston present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Bill Brittain arrived at 10:55 am after a doctor’s appointment.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He said more salt is coming in today in anticipation of the weekend forecast of snow.  He reported that the recycling program will be canceled this weekend due to the slick conditions.
 
Shane Walker reported that there are several old PCs that we’ve replaced.  He said that they can’t be used for new programs for us as they are obsolete.  Lynn Smith knows of a church that is looking for PCs to be donated.  Commissioners aren’t sure that’s allowed so they asked him to check with the county attorney.  Commissioners approved of the disposal of the “dumb terminals” which used to access the AS400.
 
Harold Coleman requested to purchase new uniforms for himself and his deputies (about $200 per person) and also discussed training for select corrections staff for a part-time police academy.  He said it’s a two week course and would only be offered to established employees only.  Commissioners approved the purchase of the uniforms and think the training is also a good idea.
 
Laura Hyer discussed the courthouse evacuation plan.
 
Bill Brittain arrived at 10:55 am.
 
Commissioners discussed selling the excess land around the landfill.  Contracts have been drawn up by Stewart Realty to list the parcels.  Gary Houston thinks we should keep one of the parcels to use for fill dirt.  Mr. Brittain made a motion to contract with Stewart Realty to sell the excess property at the Landfill and authorizing the chairman to sign the contracts.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Mr. Graham only signed two of the contracts at this time.
 
Upon advice of the county attorney, the commissioners decided not to change the way the county pays its contracted surveyor.  However, they are going to allow for an increase in the surveying fee from $35 to $40.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:55 am.
 
                                                         THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                         OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                         (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 
                                                         (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 
                                                         (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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January 22, 2007      Monday         9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:05 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
John Cassett met with commissioners to discuss his proposal of fixing up the caretaker’s house at Elm Creek Lake and living there as caretaker.  His aunt and uncle were caretakers there years ago.  He’d like to be there as a presence to deter vandalism and to allow for weekend travelers to have someone on site to help them.  He also would like to set up camping spots and maybe a bait shop in the future.  He would supplement us with approximately $350/month in rent if the caretaker position doesn’t work out and is flexible on wages as caretaker if he does get to live in the house.  Commissioners will consider the request but reminded Mr. Cassett that we already have a caretaker at the lake part-time.  Terry Graham asked Mr. Cassett if he would consider living at the house for free and being a night watchman for the lake.  That would leave the caretaking to the current employee.  Mr. Cassett indicated he could be interested in that arrangement.  No action at this time.
 
Marty Pearson called from the Shop to say he needs chain for the grader tires.  It takes 22’ per tire and three tires per grader.  He has priced the chain at $1.57/ft.  Bill Brittain wants to hear local prices too.  Gary Houston asked Marty to see if any local prices are within 10% of the $1.57/ft.  If there are, we are to buy locally.
 
Commissioners discussed a couple of proposals from the watershed district.  The first is to elevate the roadway to the top of the old bridge for a total cost of $14,850.  The second proposal is to elevate the roadway to the emergency spillway elevation for a total cost of $63,250.  Terry Graham made the motion to accept Option 1 for Watershed site 1-4 on Overbrook Road.  Under the proposal, the County is to buy 7’ diameter tube and cover it with road rock.  The watershed will do all earthwork, supply warning signs and guardrails.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
 
                                                                          THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                          OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                          (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 
                                                                          (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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January 26, 2007         Friday        9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Gary Houston arrived at 10:15 am.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He reported that no local business wants to deal with the amount of chain we need.  There was also discussion of a local company that was upset because the County didn’t consider them for a particular purchase, but the County didn’t know that business sold what we needed.  This is happening more frequently with different types of items and the commissioners would like to get the word out to the local businesses to let us know what they offer that may not be well known to us that we may use so that we can consider them in the future.
 
Discussion of John Cassett’s proposal to live at Elm Creek Lake.  No action.
 
Joanne Long initiated a discussion of the Parks and Recreation fund.  This is the portion of Alcohol & Drug appropriations that comes back to the county to use for local improvements to parks and other recreation.  Terry Graham approved payment of $500 of his allotment to the Uniontown Park Improvement Fund in care of Kenny Holt at Union State Bank.
 
Commissioners received word that we did not get the Small Cities Community Development grant for the correctional center project.
 
Joanne Long informed commissioners of a resolution the Kansas County Treasurer’s Association is asking to be adopted by each county.  Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt Resolution 08-07, urging the federal and state governments to retain driver’s license renewals at the local level.  Terry Graham seconded and both voted in favor.  Copies of the resolution were sent to Senator Pat Roberts, Senator Sam Brownback, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Revenue Joan Wagnon, Senator Jim Barone, Representative Shirley Palmer and Representative Robert Grant.
 
John Cassett stopped in for an update on his request to live at Elm Creek Lake.  Commissioners discussed having him be a night watchman and maintaining the caretaker’s residence and dumping trash at the lake while Duane Ledford maintain most of the caretaker duties.  Doylene Kennedy will advise Mr. Ledford of the idea to see if he is interested.  In this proposal, Mr. Cassett would live at the caretaker’s house rent-free while employed as night watchman and receive $200/month in salary.  Mr. Ledford would maintain most of the caretaker duties for a reduction of wages by $200/month.
 
Gary Houston arrived at 10:15 am. 
 
Harold Coleman informed commissioners that Uniontown has requested a school resource officer.  There was discussion of grant possibilities.  Terry Graham will contact Randy Rockhold, Superintendent of Schools about it.
 
Susan Quick spoke with commissioners about the tax sale.  Contracts aren’t ready yet.  She said that she has about 75 parcels ready to give to the abstractor.  Commissioners asked Mrs. Quick to write official letters of acceptance to the abstractor and attorney.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 am.
 
                                                                           THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                            OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                            (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 
                                                                            (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 
                                                                            (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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January 29, 2007         Monday      9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
Commissioners discussed the interest of other people in the caretaker/night watchman position.  They decided to advertise the position.  Applications are due by 4:30 pm on Friday, February 9th.
 
John Cassett came back and commissioners advised him that they would be advertising the position and gave Mr. Cassett an application to fill out.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
 
                                                                     THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                     OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                     (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman       
                                                                     (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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