May 2007 Minutes

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

May 04, 2007	May 07, 2007--No mtg
May 11, 2007--No mtg	May 14, 2007
May 18, 2007	May 21, 2007
May 25, 2007	May 28, 2007--Holiday

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May 4, 2007 Friday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Terry Graham and Bill Brittain present. Shirley Goltra was also present. Gary Houston arrived at 9:09 am. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Diane Clay, Fort Scott City Clerk, presented a plat showing the addition to the Heritage Inn. She said it needs to be signed by the Chairman of the County Commission and attested to by the County Clerk. As the Clerk is out of town, she will try again next week.

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

Gary Houston arrived at 9:09 am.

Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about replacing the concrete blocks flanking the end of the east sidewalk with a more permanent concrete structure to be a better retaining wall for the flower beds. This will be helpful once the flowers are planted, which Judy Orton plans to plant flowers over the weekend and the inmates will do the concrete work. Commissioners approved the request.

Kendell Mason spoke with commissioners about cutting an early check to Elbrader’s for payment of the Emergency Preparedness vehicle. No bill had ever been submitted for the purchase from last month. Commissioners approved the request.

Bill Pollock spoke with commissioners about the future of US 69 through Fort Scott and beyond. There will be a meeting on the corridor study May 14^th at 6:00 pm at Fort Scott Community College. He would like the commissioners to be present at the meeting. Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will pay approximately 80% of the $300,000 study and the remaining costs will be divided between the County, City of Fort Scott, and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

Henry Ericson asked commissioners to redesign the application process for noxious weeds. They will discuss it with Lee Davis.

Lee Davis, Noxious Weed Director, met with commissioners. He said that the roof of the Noxious Weed barn in Uniontown is leaking. It needs to be repaired and painted. No action.

Commissioners opened chemical quotes. Two were received. They were:

Van Diest Supply Company	300 gal PastureGard @ $43.19/gal=	$12,957.00
	40 gal 2,4-D Amine @ $ 9.32/gal=	$ 372.80
	12 qts Milestone @ $70.81/qt=	$ 849.72
	12 gal Tordon 22K @ $83.81/gal=	$ 1,005.72
	Total:	$15,185.24
UAP Distribution	300 gal PastureGard @ $43.19/gal=	$12,957.00
	40 gal 2,4-D Amine @ $9.29/gal=	$ 371.60
	12 qts Milestone @ $70.75/qt=	$ 849.00
	12 gal Tordon 22K @ $77.50/gal=	$ 930.00
	Total:	$15,107.60


Terry Graham made a motion approve purchase from UAP for a total of $15,107.60. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

Delta George presented commissioners with the monthly progress reports for the Extension Office.

Gary Houston left the meeting at 11:15 am for an appointment.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:18 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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May 07, 2007 Monday No quorum, no meeting
May 11, 2007 Friday Commissioners to view equipment demo—no meeting

May 14, 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 9:10 am. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.

Commissioners discussed the zipper demonstration from Friday.

Joanne Long asked commissioners to consider raising the mileage reimbursement rate, due to the increase in gasoline. We currently pay .445 per mile for employees using a private vehicle. The IRS rate for 2007 is .485. The current Kansas rate is .43 but their year starts over on July 1 and may increase at that time. Commissioners tabled any decision until after July 1 so we can learn what the Kansas rate will be.

Clyde Killion gave a road report. There was further discussion of the zipper demo and discussion of possibly renting it. We’re unsure about an hour restriction of 40/month and want to ask the company if that restriction can be lifted before we decide to rent it.

David Neville met with commissioners to discuss several topics. First, he said that we had our annual boiler inspection and the inspector was impressed with the repairs we’ve made to our boiler system. Mr. Neville asked the inspector the typical life expectancy of a boiler. He told him that if it is well-maintained, it can last 40 years. Ours are almost 30 years old. Mr. Neville also spoke with Clyde Killion about the sewer work scheduled for Thursday. Our road crew will dig the trench. Mr. Neville also asked if/when the County would be resurfacing the County’s parking lots. Commissioners said to schedule the south lot for after the sewer work. Courthouse General can pay for it. Mr. Killion also suggested that we paint the parking slots at an angle, rather than perpendicularly once it’s resurfaced. Angled spaces wear better than the sharp turns needed in 90 degree spaces. Mr. Neville also asked if we can have the sidewalk along the south edge of the parking lot replaced. Commissioners asked him to get sealed bids. The clerk will handle the publication for it. Finally, Mr. Neville asked the progress on the east courthouse porch. We have no current update, but David will call the architect to see where he is.

Commissioners received a petition to vacate a section of road in Xenia. The clerk will notify the owners in the area and set up the public hearing.

Don Doherty and Jeremy Bowman met with commissioners to discuss their proposed dental buy-up. Mr. Doherty said that over 30% of those employees responding were interested in the buy-up plan. He brought two plans—Met Life and Guardian Life. There was discussion of the plans but no action at this time.

Scott Jurgensmeier, Oneok Energy Marketing, met with commissioners to review a proposition to offer discounts on natural gas based on our usage. With our permission, he reviewed our usage for the last two years. His offer has the ability to lock in a price for part of our natural gas based on our prior usage. Commissioners like the idea of the plan but would like the county attorney to look it over. Mr. Jurgensmeier listed some of his clients, including Carlisle, the City of Girard and the City of Iola.

Bill Brittain spoke with commissioners about a call he received from a person in a wheelchair who wants to fish at Elm Creek Lake. There are docks that are designed for handicapped accessibility, but we don’t allow cars to drive along the shore where this person wants to fish. Our insurance company will not allow it.

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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May 18, 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. Bill Brittain heard from the Zipper company and they will allot 60 hours use on a rental and said that if we need more to call them. No action.

Jay Sanborn spoke with commissioners about a road. He plans to build a house and the access is technically an open County road but it hasn’t been maintained. He would like it brought up to standard.

Nina Yakel met with commissioners to request some signs at Elm Creek Lake. She needs them to stop cars from blocking docks and other maintenance items, now that there’s an on-site caretaker. She also reported that the hand pump on the well isn’t working. Commissioners discussed the water in the pump and declared it’s probably not potable so they will inquire from rural water about running a water line on the shelter house side. If we do this, the County will take over payments of the water bill at Elm Creek Lake.

Commissioners received a request from SBA Towers, the company that leases from us the Couch Street location for a telecommunications tower, for a perpetual lease for a lump sum payment of $72,600. Commissioners will consider the request. That figure calculates to 11 years of the current $550/month lease payment we receive. Commissioners would be more interested in selling the lot outright. Terry Graham placed a call to the company and left a message.

Lois Coyan presented the 2008 Annual Weed Management Plan for Bourbon County Noxious Weed. Commissioners signed the plan.

Gary Houston and Clyde Killion left the meeting at 10:15 am to view the road in northeast Bourbon County which Mr. Sanborn wants improved.

We received a call about the land we purchased for the landfill site. Gary Cullor, the prior owner had an arrangement with Lloyd Wiley that if Mr. Wiley kept an area about 3 acres cleaned up, he could have the hay off that land. Now that the County owns the land, we will be required to bid it out, like we do with the hay at Elm Creek Lake. However, he feels he should be entitled to the hay this year since he wasn’t notified of the change in circumstances.

Wilma Graham met with commissioners to request to be put on the list for chip and seal for Redfield. She also asked commissioners to remind Clyde Killion about the Lucas property culvert. There’s a huge mud puddle there because of the crushed culvert and it’s a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mrs. Graham also commended the new County mower in the area.

Joanne Long asked commissioners again to consider raising the mileage reimbursement, as regular unleaded is $3.499/gallon today. She also asked commissioners to be aware of the miles being driven by County vehicles and said that an employee should be able to justify their miles with the work they are doing for us. If they can’t then we have a problem. Bill Brittain said he would like to stop all employees from driving County vehicles home. Ms. Long said all the Commission has to do is pass a motion to that effect. No action at this time.

Lee Davis reminded commissioners that he’d like to get a raise for Lois Coyan for Noxious Weed Secretary at July 1. Commissioners will discuss it when all commissioners are present.

Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about a personnel change in the correctional center. Gene Parker is going from full-time to part-time employment, effective June 1^st. Amanda Lickteig will be doing the job duties of Mr. Parker’s current position, Business Administrator. However, there is an understanding between the Sheriff and Mr. Parker, that should Mr. Parker return to full employment in 6 months, he is to return to his position of Business Administrator. Ms. Long wants to be sure it is handled appropriately so that we don’t set ourselves up for a liability issue. Also, what Ms. Lickteig will be paid for the next six months is yet to be determined. However, Ms. Long reminded commissioners that when the correctional center changed their pay scale, it was determined that pay was based on the employee, not the position. Harold Coleman met with commissioners about the subject. He confirmed that her pay will not increase for these six months and that she may not be guaranteed the position, should Mr. Parker come back to the correctional center full-time. As to pay, the current salary resolution only allows for part-time personnel to receive up to $8.50/hour. Sheriff Coleman will discuss pay with Mr. Parker and return to the commissioners with his recommendation for pay.

Joanne Long reminded commissioners that a part-time wage is also yet to be determined for Fern Wratchford when she returns in June. The salary resolution would allow for up to $9.00/hour in her case. Commissioners would like to hear from her supervisor, Judy Orton, about her thoughts on pay.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 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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May 21, 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 9:15 am. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Marty Pearson met with commissioners and gave an equipment report.

Curt Shankel met with commissioners for a Lake Fort Scott update. He went over the schedule of events now that the surveys are complete. There are a series of meetings scheduled now.

Terri Johnson spoke with commissioners about some items they had her research.

Bill Brittain made a motion to sell the property on Couch St. by sealed bid on July 9, 2007, at 10:00 am. Terry Graham seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Bids are required to be turned in to the County Clerk by 4:30 pm on Friday, July 6, 2007. The county clerk will publish the notice in accordance with K.S.A. 19-211. Bourbon County has the right to reject any and all bids.

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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May 25, 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 and discussed the County’s recycling program. He’s meeting with a man this afternoon that has an offer for us.

Bill Brittain got a verbal commitment from the Zipper representative to rent the equipment for 30 working days. Clyde presented commissioners with a list of road areas to use the Zipper on. Commissioners intend to rent the equipment, however, they are closed for the long holiday weekend.

Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of 5 minutes, under the non-elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Those present for the session were the commissioners and the county clerk. The session began at 9:33 am and ended at 9:38 am with no action.

Don Doherty and Jeremy Bowman met with commissioners to summarize their proposed dental buy-up plan. Bill Brittain made a motion to sign with Guardian Dental with a July 1, 2007, start date. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Mr. Doherty will schedule enrollment with the Clerk’s office. Susan Porter and Peggy Cowan met with commissioners concerned about the dental change. They have made appointments to have major services and want to be sure they will still be covered under the new plan. Commissioners advised them to contact the dentist and inform them of the change in plans. The new plans are as follows:

Coverage	Base Plan	Buy-Up
Single	$15.05	$27.23
Emp/Spouse	$29.62	$53.89
Emp/Child(ren)	$35.13	$63.99
Emp/Family	$49.70	$90.64


Bourbon County will pay 100% of the base single plan ($15.05/month). If an employee wants to improve the plan to the buy-up or to include family members, the County will continue to pay $15.05/month and the remainder of the cost of the premium will be taken from the employee’s paycheck as a deduction.

Bill Brittain left the meeting at 10:00 am to attend at KDOT meeting.

Terry Graham left with Clyde Killion at 10:55 am. To view a portion of 195^th Street for Dennis Beltram.

The meeting adjourned at 10:55 am due to lack of a quorum.

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

May 28, 2007 Monday-Memorial Day No meeting

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