These are the minutes for March 2007, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.

March 2, 2007 March 5, 2007
March 9, 2007 March 12, 2007
March 16, 2007 March 19, 2007
March 23, 2007 March 26, 2007
March 30, 2007

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March 2, 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.
 
Lee Davis left revised prices for chemicals for commissioners to review.
 
Clyde Killion reported on the baler system at the Chanute landfill, which he visited yesterday.  There was discussion of the differences between a baler and a compactor.  A baler would benefit the landfill we take our loads to, but we could still make fewer trips and save money using only a compactor, which costs less.  The baler permanently makes a load small but the compactor only keeps it compact until it is dumped and then it spreads back out in the landfill.  We would need to find out capacities of area landfills to help determine what would be best for us.
 
Terry Graham reported on a Millcreek Watershed meeting he attended this week.
 
The County Board of Canvassers convened at 9:30 am to finalize the February 27, 2007, City/School Primary Election Results.  Joanne Long and Cecelia Kramer presented the election data and 25 provisional ballots for the Board to rule over.  In the end, 20 provisional ballots were deemed to be valid and those votes were added to the unofficial totals from Tuesday night.  None of the races were changed and the election results were certified and the abstract of votes cast was signed.
 
Terry Graham left the meeting with Clyde Killion at 10:00 am to view a road.
 
Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about prisoner housing.  Commissioners want to speak with McLiney and Company again about funding possibilities.
 
Terry Graham returned to the meeting at 11:35 am.
 
Commissioners discussed whether or not to let out bids for Elm Creek hay.  With the shortage this year, there’s a big interest in the hay at Elm Creek.  Commissioners decided to burn it off this month and make sure it’s mowed by June 17th and removed by June 25th.  If it’s not, it reverts back to the County with no refund of money.  The clerk will prepare the publication to that effect.
 
There was discussion of whether Don Russell should be a part-time employee or contract help.  If he’s an employee, we pay payroll tax and his workman’s compensation is covered as an employee.  However, if he’s contract help, there would be no payroll taxes and the county would have to pay approximately $882 per year in workman’s compensation insurance or he would have to provide his own.  Commissioners will discuss more on Monday after Mr. Russell talks with his insurance agent.
 
Ann Ludlum gave commissioners a list of this year’s Walk Kansas teams.  She asked that the commissioners pick their favorite team name.  Commissioners picked “Smiles and Miles”.
 
Mrs. Ludlum also presented the monthly progress reports for the Extension Office.
 
Commissioners received the title insurance on the landfill property.  They asked the clerk to file it with the contract.
 
Robert Pulliam met with commissioners to ask about getting gravel at Hidden Valley Lake.  Terry Graham said that those are considered private lanes, like a driveway, and therefore an individual would have to purchase the gravel.  He’s been discussing this with some individuals from the lake area.
 
Laura Hyer spoke with commissioners about putting her truck up for sealed bids.  Joanne Long will publish it.  Commissioners stated that all bids must be back by close of business, March 22, 2007, to be opened at 10:30 am, Friday, March 23, 2007.
 
Ms. Hyer also informed commissioners of an upcoming meeting on containment for Pan Flu, which they are invited to attend. 
 
Terry Graham signed approval for incident management team training.
 
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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March 05, 2007        Monday         9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Terri Johnson met with commissioners.  She discussed the lease agreement for the Elm Creek Caretaker’s house.  She will have something drawn up for Friday.  Other topics of discussion were the bridge suit and the tax sale contracts.
 
Wilma Graham asked for city limit signs for Redfield.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, under the non-elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long.  The session began at 9:28 am and ended at 9:33 am with no action.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt Resolution 12-07, the Elm Creek Hay Bid.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  It will be published in the newspaper.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He also presented prices for asphalt oil.
 
Laura Hyer met with commissioners to discuss emergency preparedness issues.
 
Lee Davis reported that he plans to burn Elm Creek Lake next week.
 
Terri Johnson came back with answers on the issues she discussed with commissioners earlier today.  Gary Houston made a motion to go into executive session, under the non-elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:12 am and ended at 10:17 am with no action.
 
She also learned that the caretaker’s house at Elm Creek Lake will most likely be a taxable benefit.  She’ll continue to work up the contract between the County an Nina Yakel.
 
Curt Shankel updated commissioners on the income survey at Fort Scott Lake for the proposed sewer system.  He said they sent 50 out and got 33 back.  He needs to find out if all 50 have to be returned, or if they can proceed with fewer.  He should know more by the middle of March.  Mr. Shankel also informed commissioners of a meeting scheduled for March 24th.
 
Don Russell met with commissioners.  He got his own insurance for worker’s compensation.  Commissioners explained to Mr. Russell that they discussed with Terri Johnson about his being a consultant versus being an employee.  Terry Graham listed his expectation of Mr. Russell with regard to the County:  Lake Fort Scott sanitation, zoning, all grant opportunities, FEMA flood plains management/watershed, 5-year solid waste plan updates, 5-year federal aid projects, and hard-surface road plan with Clyde.  Bill Brittain mentioned building permits.  Mr. Russell informed commissioners that he and Tom McNeil are to attend a landfill meeting tonight.
 
Terry Graham made a motion to rescind his earlier motion to hire Don Russell as a part-time employee.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 
 
Terry Graham then made a motion to contract with Don Russell as a consultant, in the amount of $1,535 per month, for a period of 12 months.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Commissioners will have the county attorney draw up a contract.
 
David Neville met with commissioners to ask about the deadline for the heating and air.  Businesses have until close of business tomorrow to respond for maintenance and the 14th for the new unit for 3rd floor.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:05 pm.
 
                                                                           THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                           OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                           (ss) Terry Graham, Chairman 
                                                                           (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner 
                                                                           (ss), Commissioner
 
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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March 9, 2007          Friday  9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Jeff Davis, Director of Public Safety of the City of Fort Scott, met with commissioners.  He’s been working with Judy Orton and Shane Walker on the aerial photography and addressing for the GIS program/911 addressing.  It’s working well.  Mr. Davis asked commissioners if there are any new issues with communications.  Terri Johnson said she’s been approached by the City of Bronson on dispatch issues and she advised them to speak with the commissioners if they are not getting what they want as the County Commission is the ultimate responsible party.  Mr. Davis said he has been speaking to them about the agreement the City of Bronson had with Dispatch when it had a police department several years ago.  Bill Brittain updated those present on the man from Wichita who was recommended to be a mediator.  Bill has been speaking with Richard Nienstedt about it.
 
Joanne Long reported that the only heating and air company to respond by the deadline the commissioners set was DC Refrigeration.
 
Terri Johnson met with commissioners at their request.  She has four things for the commissioners today.  Don Russell joined the discussion.  Mr. Russell announced that in light of the indictment, he asked to put his work with us on hold until after everything is settled.  Terry Graham thanked him for the consideration and that they hope to be able to do business with him when everything is cleared up.  Commissioners accepted Mr. Russell’s contract termination and will pay him for what he’s done for us to date.
 
Mrs. Johnson said she contacted Meeks and Klutman about the tax sale contract and spoke with Erik Klutman.  She advised him of the County’s request to have a cap on the billing expense since we’re paying by the hour instead of by the parcel and that if anything needed to be in excess of the cap, it would have to be approved by the commissioners.  Mr. Klutman indicated that he would speak with Mr. Meeks and they would get back to her.
 
The County Attorney also has the residence agreement for Nina Yakel to live at the caretaker’s house at Elm Creek Lake.  After determining that the commissioners would be the body which would inspect the property for damages/repairs, she indicated she would send up several copies for commissioners to review after reprinting a page.
 
Mrs. Johnson then asked commissioners for an executive session to discuss a non-elected personnel issue.  Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, under the non-elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long.  The session began at 9:12 am and ended at 9:17 am with no action.
 
Dean and Gail Bailey spoke with commissioners about heavy trucks tearing up Jayhawk Road east of US 69 Hwy.
 
Kevin “Skitch” Allen met with commissioners.  He said he settled the wire deal with his insurance company but he’s unhappy with the treatment he received from Karen Rocher from the Sheriff’s Department on the phone.  He said he is always treated professionally and courteously when he calls other areas of the courthouse.  Mr. Allen said that he’d like to know where the wire is now.  Because of its value, it should at least be returned to the railroad, where the thieves said they stole it from. 
 
Mr. Allen also discussed proposed county zoning and the Lake Fort Scott sewer plan with commissioners.
 
Marty Pearson gave a road report.  Gary Houston asked why a culvert hasn’t been set from two months ago.  Mr. Pearson said he’ll have to “re-locate” the area because the paperwork is only good for 15 days.  He assured Mr. Houston it will be done by Wednesday.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, under the non-elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Marty Pearson, Doylene Kennedy and Joanne Long.  The session began at 9:53 am and ended at 9:58 am with no action.
 
Jimmy Nichols and Gene Parker met with commissioners to discuss the need for a vehicle for transporting large amounts of prisoners.  His work crew is growing and has quite a list of jobs lined up already this spring.  Also, we often need to transport several prisoners at a time and we currently don’t have a large enough vehicle for that purpose and end up having to make multiple trips. He’s looking for a large passenger van.  Asking around at local dealerships he has found them for around $18,000 but he found one in Vinita, Oklahoma, at a dealer who specializes in law enforcement vehicles for $10,500.  It’s a 2003 GMC 14-passenger van with about 70,000 miles.  It also comes with a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty.  Commissioners approved the purchase.
 
Mr. Nichols also discussed a door in the correctional center that needs replaced.  He has one price at the moment but the commissioners would like him to get at least one more.
 
Gene Cowan met with commissioners and asked about Tom McNeil’s employment.
 
Lee Davis learned that we are prohibited from selling chemicals at cost to citizens because of a state regulation tying that ability to the mill levy set by the county for Noxious Weeds.  However, the cost-share program will continue unchanged.
 
Mr. Davis also indicated he will order PastureGard.
 
Susan Quick presented commissioners with a petition from county employees asking for new drinking fountains on 1st and 2nd floor.  Commissioners will consider the request.
 
Ed McLiney, McLiney and Company, met at commissioners’ request to discuss financing for the jail proposal through General Obligation bonds on an election.  The commissioners would have to establish a citizens’ committee (1-2 from each township, city, school district, chamber of commerce, citizens’ advisory committee, etc.) to promote the issue because McLiney and Company cannot promote, but they can help educate for the issue.  Also, the jail personnel, the architect and commissioners can help educate.  He recommends a personal call and a written invitation.  If it goes on the ballot and it passes, we can save ½ percent on the interest.  However, if the proposition fails, we cannot use the bonds and it would end up costing more, if it was done at all.  Commissioners will think of names of 5 or 6 key people to invite over the weekend and discuss it on Monday.
 
Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about a truck for the Sheriff’s Department.  It’s a 2004 GMC with 31,000 miles and a  3yr/36,000 miles warranty for $18,500 equipped.  He would be trading in Earl Gillispie’s vehicle also.  Commissioners approved the purchase of the truck.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners about the invoice from Don Russell for the services he provided prior to today.  She specifically asked about a day in February and the rate of $18.00 per hour.  The day in February was for attending an LEPP meeting and commissioners approved the $18.00/hour.
 
Doylene Kennedy spoke with commissioners about demolition in the fire zone this weekend.  State guidelines require the landfill employees wear protective gear and have a physical prior to the dump.  She asked if the City should have to pay for the physicals.  Commissioners advised her to ask how the City would like to pay for it:  a straight reimbursement or added to their fees at the landfill.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:05 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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March 16, 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 meeting were read and approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He and the commissioners discussed North National being closed for repair of a bridge.  There are no detours designated.  Mr. Killion has been in contact with the State, but the County cannot put a sign on the state’s right-of-way.  Commissioners also discussed upcoming road projects.  Mr. Killion advised commissioners that the City has requested use of our sheep’s foot roller to compact at the fire site when they’re finished filling up the holes.
 
Terri Johnson informed commissioners that Nina Yakel has a few requests for changes to the lease before signing.  She will be in later this morning and Mrs. Johnson would like her to come see her when she’s done.  Commissioners said they trust whatever the county attorney will change.  Mrs. Yakel is anxious to begin work on the house.
 
Harold Coleman met with commissioners to discuss the prisoner clean-up crew.  They worked in Bronson yesterday and collected 70 industrial size bags of trash in 6 hours.  They also raked ruts out of the park and seeded the park.  Mr. Coleman said they purchased a 4-wheeler out of the commissary fund to help supervise the prisoners.  Commissioners discussed having the crew work on the courthouse lawn.
 
At 10:00 am, commissioners opened the air conditioner quote for replacing the unit in the Court Services offices.  We only received one quote.  It was from DC Refrigeration for a total price of $10,400.00.  Mr. Neville indicated that it is for a 4-ton unit, installed with zoning, and moved into the vault on 3rd floor.  The specifications were available to anyone interested.  Terry Graham made a motion to accept the quote.  Gary Houston seconded and all voted in favor.
 
David Neville spoke to commissioners about fixing the sewer in preparation of fixing the south parking lot.  He contacted everyone in the phone book and received only one reply.  It was from Taylor Plumbing for a $2,250.75 estimate.  That estimate includes purchasing pipe and commissioners wondered if they could buy the pipe directly from the City to save money.  David will check with the City and report back on Monday.  The County crew would do the digging work, regardless.
 
Nina Yakel met with commissioners to review her duties.  She asked if she is to clean the shelter houses.  She indicated that she doesn’t feel like the compensation covers that.  Commissioners said that people put down deposits and discussed the possibility that the deposits are forfeited to Mrs. Yakel if they leave the house trashed.  Mrs. Yakel also discussed some changes she would like made to the lease agreement.  Commissioners told her to see the county attorney, as they had spoken to her about her requests already. 
 
Tom McNeil met with commissioners.  He said he is running into discrepancies with contractors over required lengths of laterals.  Our codes require 400’ of 4” pipe but many contractors are only using the 270’ of 10” pipe, which was supposed to be the exception and has now become the rule.  He is sending a letter out to all contractors to say that 400’ of 4” pipe is required, but if there are extenuating circumstances, they are to speak with the Sanitarian.  Commissioners also advised Mr. McNeil to talk to the Crawford County Sanitarian. 
 
Terri Johnson presented commissioners with the revised lease agreement for consideration between the County and Nina Yakel.  Terry Graham and Mrs. Yakel signed it.
 
Commissioners left the meeting at 10:40 to view the Landfill.
 
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 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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March 19, 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.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
Harold Coleman met with commissioners to discuss seeding the courthouse lawn.  He will purchase seed from a local store and get to work with the prisoner work crew today.
 
Commissioners discussed the viewing the landfill property Friday.  They told Mr. Killion that there are parts of buildings that could assist in a compacting set-up like we’ve discussed.  Mr. Killion will view it today.
 
Joanne Long went over cellular options with commissioners for the County’s cell phones.  We currently have 12 phones—four with US Cellular and 8 with Alltel.  Five of the lines with Alltel are under contract.  Both US Cellular and Alltel put together a package for us to consider.  Commissioners asked to see the home area maps for both US Cellular and Alltel to decide which is best for the County in terms of roaming.  They also want to know if US Cellular would buy out the existing contracts with Alltel if we were to switch.  No action at this time.
 
Jeremy Bowman, HRH, met with commissioners to review a spreadsheet on dental plans.  It has a base plan and a buy-up to a richer plan.  Mr. Bowman said it does require that there is a minimum participation of 25% to take the buy-up, so commissioners asked him to put a letter with the employees’ paycheck to gauge their interest.
 
Laura Hyer met with commissioners for ICS training.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Bill Brittain to represent Bourbon County on the Bourbon County Economic Development Council for the year 2007.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Terry Graham made a motion to name Gary Houston as the alternate to the Economic Development Council for 2007.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:45 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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March 23, 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 meeting were read and approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He said that Greg Schick wants to buy a culvert tube.  We can’t sell to individuals but he says he’s a business.  Commissioners said we don’t sell wholesale for retail.  Dwayne Neil asked Clyde if the County will be replacing the old culvert at Hell’s Bend Bridge.  Commissioners said we are not.  Mr. Killion advised commissioners that we need to order culverts.  Commissioners asked him to get quotes.
 
Commissioners discussed the Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) licenses for Hidden Valley Lakes Association.  They have both the “for consumption on the premises” and “not for consumption on the premises” licenses.  There is question as to whether it is legal for someone to purchase a six-pack of beer, walk out the door, and open and drink one.  Dave Klepac was present.  He asked the commissioners what is the “premises”?  The license describes the premises for both CMB licenses as Plat 4, Lot 75, Hidden Valley Lake.  The commissioners will let County Attorney give them her opinion.  Mr. Klepac asked if the CMB license can be revoked or suspended.  Terry Graham said that the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) said that is at the discretion of the County Commission. 
 
The commissioners discussed the make-up of the Franklin Township Board.  Mr. Klepac is the Treasurer and Tom Bradbury is the Trustee and they need to give the commissioners a letter of recommendation to appoint Tom Ridge as Franklin Township Clerk. 
 
David Neville met with commissioners about sewer pipe.  The City can’t sell to us but they gave us the names of several businesses they buy from.  Mr. Neville has 6 quotes on pipe and one for labor from Ron Taylor for $1,000.00.
 
United Water Works, Springfield, MO    $1,015.80
Water Products, Inc., Owasso, OK $1,047.49
Judy’s Iron & Metal, Fort Scott, KS $1,145.26
HD Waterworks Supply, Grandview, MO $1,204.40
Judy’s Iron & Plumbing, Fort Scott, KS  $1,368.79
C & L Supply, Nevada, MO $1,573.35
 
Commissioners approved the quote from Judy’s Iron & Metal for $1,145.26.
 
Restoration bids were opened at 10:00 am.  There were 3:
Rogers & Sons $4,000.00
Mid-Continental   $9,075.00
Double E Restoration $5,773.21 + $775.00 to power wash
                             
The commissioners want David Neville to review them.
 
Ann Ludlum asked to use the courthouse lobby on April 21, 2007, for a sewing workshop.  Commissioners approved the request.
 
Sharon Middleton met with commissioners to discuss Pawnee Township.  She said the Township wants a culvert replaced at Hiattville Cemetery, but she was told by the Public Works Office that we can’t do it.  Commissioners will talk to Clyde, since the township is another taxing entity, not a private individual.
 
Laura Hyer discussed training she has taken this week.  She’s a certified trainer now.  She said the commissioners need to set up long-term plan to increase law enforcement personnel in case of wide-spread disaster.  We currently have 6 officers but that’s not enough to handle the entire county if there’s a large-scale disaster.  She said volunteer/rural fire departments are in the same predicament.  There was discussion of compensation for training and answering calls to help improve the force.  She said a more trained fire department would improve ISO ratings and lower people’s insurance rates.  She asked the commissioners to please consider these items in the upcoming budgets.
 
Truck bids were opened at 10:30 am.  Only one was received and it was from Tim and Shirley Goltra for $805.  Commissioners rejected the bid and asked Ms. Hyer to see about a trade-in.  They asked her to talk to area dealers about finding something at auction with about 60-70,000 miles.
 
Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about the jail population.  We were at 62 this week.  The need for more housing is imperative.
 
Terri Johnson met with commissioners about the Hidden Valley Lake CMBs.  Her opinion is that if it is sold to be taken off premises, it cannot be opened and consumed on premises.  There was discussion of selling bottles in the clubhouse for on-premises consumption and cans for off-premises sales.  That way, only people with bottles are allowed to drink on site.  The commissioners thanked Mrs. Johnson and will give her opinion to the people involved.
 
Lee Davis presented chemical quotes.  There are 3:
 
Vegetation Mgmt
2 cases Krovar DF @ $10.91/lb
$1,047.36
3-3 lb Oust XP @ $10.19/oz
$1,467.36
15 gal Garlon 3A @ $67.59/gal
$1,013.85
32 gal Tordon 22K @ $81.71/gal
$2,614.72
Total
$6,143.29
Van Diest
2 cases Krovar DF @ $10.09/lb
$  968.64
3-3 lb Oust XP @ $7.87/oz
$1,133.28
15 gal Garlon 3A @ $65.87/gal
$  988.05
32 gal Tordon 22K @ $82.97/gal
$2,665.04
Total
$5,755.01
UAP
2 cases Krovar DF @ $9.46/lb
$  906.16
3-3 lb Oust XP @ $6.75/oz
$  972.00
15 gal Garlon 3A @ $69.75/gal
$1,046.25
32 gal Tordon 22K @ $83.10/gal
$2,659.20
Total
$5,585.61
 
Terry Graham made a motion to go with UAP as it was the low bid.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
We received three bids for the hay at Elm Creek Lake.  They were:
 
Dwayne Neil  $703.00
James Riggs $351.00
David Schwalm  $500.00
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to accept the bid from Dwayne Neil for $703.00.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.
 
Jimmy Nichols spoke with commissioners about prisoner numbers.  We shipped out six females to be housed elsewhere at a cost of $40/day.  Summer is coming and is historically worse for crime.  Darrell Spencer is calling about the housing pods.  Mr. Nichols asked to order bunk beds for an immediate fix.  Commissioners approved the request.  Commissioners discussed purchasing a house and securing it for low-security inmates.  Bill Brittain will speak with the City about code issues.
 
Joanne Long informed commissioners that Steven Ray Larsen submitted his resignation at Osage Township Trustee, due to health issues.
 
Ms. Long updated the commissioners on the County cell phones.  US Cellular won’t buy out the contracts but will likely credit us phones.  We have 5 lines (4 Sheriff and 1 Emergency Preparedness) under contract until some time in 2008.  It costs $200 per line to buy out the contract.  After discussion, commissioners asked the clerk to contact US Cellular and arrange to have all the lines brought under one contract, as discussed.  This will bring all the separate cell phone plans under one umbrella and save money on per-line charges, roaming and overall usage for the County.
 
There was discussion of having all employees who drive county vehicles to be randomly drug and alcohol tested.  Currently only road and bridge personnel are tested.  No action at this time.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:10 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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March 26, 2007   Monday      9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session at 9:00 am with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:10 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  Commissioners discussed the summer hard-surface road program.
 
Commissioners discussed the Hell’s Bend Bridge and whether or not the road needs to be officially closed.  Commissioners left the meeting at 10:45 am to view the bridge.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned.
 
                                                                 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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March 30, 2007        Friday  9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Doylene Kennedy spoke with commissioners about AT&T wanting money for damage to lines.
 
Ms. Kennedy also advised the commissioners that the Gene’s IGA West building has sold.  The new owners say we can use the east parking lot for the recycling trailers, except for during the Farmer’s Market.  Other possible locations discussed were the courthouse parking lot, the lot east of Citizens Bank, and others in downtown Fort Scott, but most are used on Saturday nights by the Jubilee patrons.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report. 
 
Ed James met with commissioners requesting his job back.  Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, under the employer/employee negotiation exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act, for a period of 5 minutes.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Clyde Killion, Ed James and Joanne Long.  The session began at 9:05 am and ended at 9:10 am with no action. 
 
Shanda Stewart spoke with commissioners about Mr. James.  Commissioners decided to reinstate his employment with a provision to get a CDL within 30 days.
 
Delta George presented the monthly progress reports for the Extension Office.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
Mr. & Mrs. Dale Russell spoke with commissioners about their road grader operator.  They would like him to use smaller rock and fines instead of what he has been using.  Clyde Killion will speak with him.
 
Tom McNeil met with commissioners to discuss sanitation codes.
 
Greg Schick met with commissioners to ask about our buying practices.  He wants to be sure we allow everyone the opportunity to quote.
 
Paul Pavey discussed the proposed Riverfront Authority.  The newspaper article indicated there would be damming of the Marmaton River and that caught his attention.  He thought we weren’t allowed to build in the Flood Plain.  He spoke with Senator Barone about it.  Commissioners will keep him in the loop about it and thanked him for the information.
 
Bill Brittain left the meeting at 10:40 am to go to a dentist’s appointment.
 
Laura Hyer and Shane Walker met with commissioners.  Shane said he is interested in being on the Riverfront Authority committee.
 
Laura Hyer asked if there has been any progress on the mediation for dispatch consolidation.  Bill Brittain would have that information.
 
Susan Quick spoke with commissioners about the attorney contract for tax sale.  Terri Johnson is contacting them today so we can get it signed and moving forward.
 
Joyce Manahan, a representative with Sam’s Club, met with commissioners.  She has come before and signed up employees individually as members.  Now they are allowing businesses to become members and the employees can join through us and save on the membership.  Alone, it costs $40/year.  Through us is $30/year.  The County would pay $35/year and people would sign up on the internet through the clerk’s office.  We must have at least 50 employees interested to join.  She said that number can include people who already have individual memberships.  It’s a new employee benefit item, in effect for the last 4-5 months.  Terry Graham said he doesn’t like that it would look like we’re encouraging our employees to go out of town to shop.  Since people can still get an individual membership, the commissioners declined the program.
 
Bill Brittain returned at 11:22 am.
 
Mr. Brittain discussed a gardening meeting he attended this week.  The commissioners also discussed the growth of the courthouse lawn since the seeding.
 
Commissioners received a phone request from Clyde Killion for “Not a Through Road” sign on Justice Lane.  Commissioners approved the request.
 
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 
                                                                          (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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