These are the minutes for October 2007, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.
October 01, 2007
October 05, 2007
October 08, 2007 Holiday
October 12, 2007
October 15, 2007
October 19, 2007
October 22, 2007
October 26, 2007
October 29, 2007
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October 1, 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.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and.  Gary Houston arrived at 9:13 am.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
Curt Shankel informed commissioners he received the list he needs for the grant application.
 
Terri Johnson met with commissioners.  She spoke with them about road issues, costs related to Jessica’s Law, Exempt versus Non-Exempt employees for FLSA, marking county vehicles and alcohol and drug testing for all County drivers.  Gary Houston made the motion to amend the Alcohol & Drug Testing section of the Employee Handbook to read any employee who operates a county motor vehicle as a part of his or her regular duties and all employees of the SEKRCC are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, effective January 1, 2008.  Terry Graham seconded and all voted in favor.  Commissioners agreed to put the alcohol and drug testing out to bid.  Mrs. Johnson said that revising the section of the handbook to include all drivers meets the requirements of notice to the employees of the change, effective January 1, 2008.
 
Harold Coleman asked commissioners if the County would waive the landfill dumping fee for a truck load of C&D from cleanup at the Hammond Community.  Commissioners approved the request and notified the landfill of the person who will be driving it there. 
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned 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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October 5, 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.
 
David Neville spoke with commissioners about the south parking lot.  He said City officials and Clyde suggest pouring concrete at the entrances to meet up to the brick on the streets as they feel concrete will hold better than asphalt at those areas.  Commissioners agreed and asked Mr. Neville to get prices for 6” six bag cement from edge of road to the inside edge of sidewalk curbing.  They stressed that this must be done within two weeks as the City will be laying the asphalt in three week’s time.  They also suggested having one entrance done at a time so the lot doesn’t have to be closed any longer than necessary.  Commissioners gave David approval to pick the low estimate and get it done.  In exchange for this work by the City, the County will be returning the favor at the airport as our equipment is already in the area.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to nominate Gary Houston as voting delegate and Terry Graham as alternate for the KCAMP annual meeting.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Bill Brittain said that there will be a City/County joint meeting Oct 15th at 10:30 am to meet with KDOT.  This meeting will be held at City Hall because there is more room there.
 
Shane Walker and Tom McNeil met with commissioners to discuss maps of Lake Fort Scott and the Three Mile Zone around Fort Scott.  Richard Nienstedt says that it is three miles from the city limits so it’s not a radius of anything.  This can be confusing for rural residents because their land may fall within the zone but a neighbor may not.  Also, the area Larry Davenport wants to improve is within the three mile limit of Fort Scott.  He must therefore discuss his intentions with the Planning Commission.
 
Lora Holdridge asked commissioners about the west parking lot.  She wanted to know if the commissioners’ spots are assigned parking or first come first served on non-commission meeting days.  She said that there are patients of the Health Department that could use the close proximity parking on those days.  Commissioners will discuss the matter. 
 
Ed McLiney, Kevin Howard, Harold Coleman, Dan Laughlin, Jake Underwood, Laura Hyer, Lynne Oharah, Don Stewart, Dick Hedges, Mike Emerson, Darrell Spencer, Jimmy Nichol and Brad Rich met to discuss the condition and future of the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center.  The group viewed a video of the jail, and saw several charts of expenses and actual and projected revenues.  The committee would like to tour area jails to see what is being done there.  Jimmy Nichols will set up the tours and will also schedule a walk-through of our jail for the committee.    
 
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 
 
October 8, 2007  Monday—Columbus Day Holiday, No meeting

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October 12, 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.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
Jimmy Nichols asked commissioners to clarify the type of information he is to obtain from other counties on their jail expenses.  Commissioners want to know the expenditures for the last year. 
 
Mr. Nichols showed commissioners a demonstration video he and the correctional center shot at Uniontown High School.  It is a demonstration of the CERT team taking down a combative inmate.  He said that they have gone to many area schools and been well received.  He says the demonstration helps guide the students away from behavior that may make them end up in jail.
 
Terry Graham signed the Inter-Local Agreement with the City of Fort Scott, USD 234 and Fort Scott Community College to participate in the Neighborhood Revitalization Program.  Commissioners agreed to take part in the program at a meeting in September.
 
Commissioners signed a letter of intention to provide “in-kind” services for labor and equipment on a Mapleton chip and seal project.  Commissioners have previously issued a letter for this purpose but this letter is more specific for the grant purposes on the cost of the project.
 
Commissioners received a letter from a resident at Fort Scott Lake complaining about a holding tank.  This is the second letter from this individual.  The first letter was given to Tom McNeil.  The second letter indicates her belief that nothing has been done in the matter.  Bill Brittain is aware of the situation and said that Mr. McNeil is working on it and that no one is “grandfathered” as the letter implies.  He said that all residences must comply with sanitation codes.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He said the crew should finish chip and seal work today.
 
Doylene Kennedy asked Terry Graham to sign a quarterly report for the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP).  Mr. Graham signed the report.
 
Ms. Kennedy also advised commissioners that the state of Kansas is now requiring licensed surveyors to check our landfill in order to obtain a permit.  No action at this time.
 
Laura Hyer met with commissioners to say that she needs to set up a foreign animal disease meeting in the near future and asked if it could coincide with our holiday dinner.  Commissioners think that is a good idea.  The holiday dinner is tentatively scheduled for December 10th.
 
Ms. Hyer also provided commissioners with a pamphlet on storm shelters to get an idea of what communities are using.
 
Laura also asked commissioners to sign a letter of support to authorize her to be an instructor for Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM).  Terry Graham signed letter on behalf of the Board.  This will allow Ms. Hyer to hold classes locally for our emergency responders.
 
Harold Coleman met with commissioners to update them on the situation this week with Trembly Tiny Trails.  He said Mr. Trembly has been very cooperative with all that has been going on.  He also said that he will not be issuing any statements on the progress of the investigation, because investigations are not public record in Kansas.  He likened it to someone being investigated for child abuse.  He said that no one knows about it until and unless criminal charges are filed.  Mr. Trembly has not been charged with anything at this point. 
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners what, if any, changes they will make to the parking in the west lot.  After discussion, commissioners decided to change the 15 Minute Parking sign to a Health Department Patient Parking Only sign.  No other changes are to be made.
 
Commissioners discussed the land at Hiatville that Mark Brillhart asked the County to donate to him.  The public hearing was held in July and no one opposed the donation.  Other questions were raised about various boundary lines and road status but that doesn’t affect this property.  Therefore, Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt Resolution 18-07, donating the land from a vacated railroad right of way in Hiatville to Mark Brillhart, as he is the adjoining neighbor.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Ann Ludlum presented the monthly progress reports for the Extension Office.
 
Bill Brittain discussed a request from USD 234 to assist with the cost of installing a sprinkler system at Ellis Park.  Commissioners want to know if our contribution can be in-kind.  Bill Brittain will ask the school district.
 
Charlie Cress asked for permission from the commissioners to dump a load of garbage from the County right-of-way at his rural property where people have been dumping.  Commissioners approved the request and informed the gate operator of the decision.
 
Commissioners went to City Hall to wish Richard Nienstedt good luck at his new job as today is his last day.
 
Meeting adjourned at 11:35 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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October 15, 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.
 
Terri Johnson met with commissioners.  She is researching a waterway question for the commissioners.  Mrs. Johnson advised commissioners on a fence placement question.  She said the commissioners should instruct the landowner on the placement of his fence.  If he disagrees with our assessment, he can get a survey.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
At 10:00 am, a public hearing was opened for a CDBG application on behalf of Drywood Township for construction of a community center/storm shelter.  Laura Moore, SEKRPC, Darrell Bloomfield and Kevin Howard, Drywood Township, Rick Zingre, architect and Jason Silvers, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, were present.  Ms. Moore went over the application process and the details of the project.  Should the grant be awarded, the County and Drywood Township would enter into an inter-local agreement.  The matching portion of the grant would be through township funds and “in-kind” work from the County for site work.  Mr. Bloomfield informed commissioners of a meeting the township had previously in which there was no opposition.  At 10:15 am, having heard no opposition, Bill Brittain made a motion to close the public hearing.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Bill Brittain then made a motion to approve the CDBG grant application on behalf of Drywood Township.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Ms. Moore will bring the final paperwork on Monday for signatures.
 
Commissioners joined the Fort Scott City Commission for a joint meeting at 10:30 am at City Hall.  Those present for this portion of the session were:  Terry Graham, Bill Brittain, Gary Houston, Dick Hedges, Jim Adams, Gary Bukowski, Barbara Wood, Joanne Long, Diane Clay, Bob Farmer, Susan Brown, Jason Silvers, Dean Mann, and representing the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), Kristi Pyle, Kristy Kelley, Mike Stringer and Darrin Petrowsky.  The meeting was held to discuss the US 69 Highway corridor.  KDOT recommends that we conduct a corridor study for the future of US 69 Hwy in Fort Scott to determine how the four-lane will affect our area.  KDOT will assist us with information on what other cities/counties have done to accommodate new highways.  KDOT will also provide all funding initially but will ultimately be responsible 65% of the project costs.  The remaining 35% will be paid by the City and County.  If we enter into the partnership agreement, the City and County will meet to determine the scope and particulars of the project as is runs from the US 54/US 69 Junction south to the Bourbon/Crawford County line along its existing path.  KDOT says it will be flexible on the local funding needs as they know how budgets are set in advance.  When asked if federal funding could supplement local tax dollars to help pay the local portion, KDOT said that Corridor Management doesn’t allow for other state or federal funding assisting in payment.  Bill Brittain would like to ask for an exception to that.  KDOT said that either the City or County will administer all contracts and RFPs.  They said we need to act quickly so that we can get our project on the table for the next comprehensive plan for KDOT in 2009.  If we delay, we may not get in.  Dean Mann said that if/when we join the partnership agreement, the 69 Corridor Association will go to Crawford County to get them on board for their portion of the highway.  The typical timeline for a corridor study is 18 months, but it depends on the scope.  KDOT said it is best to prioritize our wants/needs.  It was mentioned that the expanding gaming in Crawford and/or Cherokee County will possibly affect where US 69 meets up with US 400 in southeast Kansas.  After the discussion, Bill Brittain made a motion to authorize Terry Graham to sign the Partnership Agreement.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  For the City, Gary Bukowski made the motion to enter into the partnership agreement with Bourbon County.  Jim Adams seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.  KDOT will send originals to be signed.  We will have Terri Johnson look it over for us.  This portion of the meeting ended at approximately 11:25 am.
 
Commissioners returned to the courthouse at 11:30 am.
 
David Neville informed commissioners that he has a solution to the drainage problem in the west parking lot and asked if he should get estimates to repair it so it can be asphalted.  Commissioners said that we should wait until next year due to funding and scheduling reasons.
 
Jimmy Nichols called to say that a tour of the Allen County jail is scheduled for 10:30 am, Friday.  Commissioners asked the clerk to notify the jail committee and advise them of transportation from here which will leave at 9:45 am, Friday.
 
Jim Adams stopped by to say hello.
 
Dick Hedges stopped in to inform the commissioners that if they want to take the lead on this US 69 plan, we’re welcome to.  The Commission agreed that it will mostly cover City needs, so the City should be the leader on it.  Mr. Hedges said that the City will be hiring a city planner who will be able to help.  He also said there should be a committee of about 8 people formed and that we should definitely involve those who will be affected by the new highway.  Commissioners agreed.
 
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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October 19, 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 and approved.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He said that the asphalting of the south parking lot is scheduled to begin on Monday.
 
Earl Brown asked commissioners the status on a land situation in Hiattville.  Commissioners said they have not heard anything on it in a while.
 
Terry Graham executed documents for the partnership agreement between the City of Fort Scott and the County and the closing documents for the Couch Street property sale.
 
Curt Shankel met with commissioners to discuss the Fort Scott Lake sewer project. The next step is to circulate a petition to gather signatures.  Terri Johnson offered opinions on the law concerning the petition requirements.
 
Commissioners received public notice regarding a proposed Kansas Water Pollution Control Permit for Phoenix Coal Company.
 
Rhonda Fernandez, Professional Insurance Consultants, presented the 2008 health insurance renewal.  She also discussed a short-term disability plan for employees in conjunction with a life insurance plan.  Commissioners will review the insurance quotes with department heads.
 
Harold Coleman informed commissioners of a tree down in on Hackberry Road in the county.  Clyde Killion was informed of the situation.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to pay $50 out of the Special Parks & Recreation Fund to See-Kan RC&D to help allay expenses for materials and attendees for an agri-tourism business conference.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Joanne Long informed commissioners that the tax sale is scheduled for Oct. 30, 2007, at 10:00 am. 
 
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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October 22, 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.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  Since it’s raining, the parking lot asphalt project in on temporary hold.
 
Lee Davis gave commissioners each a weed spraying calendar.
 
Laura Moore presented commissioners with paperwork regarding the CDBG application on behalf of Drywood Township.   Gary Houston made a motion to authorize Terry Graham to sign the Statement of Assurances and Certification.  Bill Brittain seconded and all voted in favor.  Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt Resolutions 19-07 (Legal Authority to apply for grant) and 20-07 (Continuation of funds for project).  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Bill Brittain then made a motion to enter into an inter-local agreement between Bourbon County and Drywood Township for the project.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Mark Wade spoke with commissioners to ask for gravel next to the asphalt at Cowan’s Country Corner.  He also discussed some overhanging trees on Limestone Road.
 
Laura Hyer reminded Terry Graham of an upcoming courthouse security meeting this Friday.  She also discussed problems with phone reception and being able to identify calls from the courthouse when a person doesn’t leave a voicemail.  As the outgoing lines are all roll-over, it is impossible to know who is calling but if it’s important, they will either leave a message or call back.
 
Curt Shankel updated commissioners on the status of the petition for the Lake Fort Scott sewer district.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:15 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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October 26, 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.
 
David Neville informed commissioners that KCAMP will pay the damages for water damage in the basement.  Commissioners approved the sheetrock and electrical work at this time.
 
Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners.  The commissioners relayed a request for School Resource Officer at Uniontown.  Mr. Coleman said that Fort Scott Community College is interested also.  Commissioners also showed Mr. Coleman a letter of appreciation from the Uniontown schools for the recent demonstration from the jail personnel.
 
Don Doherty and Rocky Smith met with commissioners to discuss option on Coventry health insurance for county employees.  No action.
 
Justin Meeks met with commissioners to discuss the tax foreclosure sale.  Susan Quick was also present for this discussion.  He said it’s been more work than expected but it will happen in 2007.  It will be on November 30th at 10:00 am.  He said that there has been some redemptions taking place but there are still over 80 parcels that will likely be sold.  He did say it should be much smoother beginning next year as the learning curve will be over.  He apologized about the delay but confirmed that it needs to be done properly. 
 
Jimmy Nichols reported on the jail tour.  He said it went really well and that the committee would like another tour.
 
Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about a Wage & Hour seminar she attended in Wichita this week.  She briefly discussed the hours “permitted or suffered to work” and the importance of not allowing employees to come to work more than 5 to 10 minutes prior to their shift.
 
David Neville met with commissioners to discuss courthouse security.  As there is a safety meeting today, the committee asked him to speak with commissioners about pricing security cameras.  Commissioners don’t want to peace meal any of the items, but rather want a complete plan from the safety committee.
 
Marty Pearson met with commissioners and discussed the need to replace several trucks in the fleet.  No action.
 
Laura Hyer informed commissioners that the State Mitigation program sent her an email saying $70M from federal mitigation funding will be allotted to Kansas.  It can be used for buyouts in the flood plain, safe rooms in schools and protection of critical facilities, among other things.  It is a 75/25 cost-share.  Commissioners advised her to proceed with the courthouse porch and the other items previously discussed. 
 
Ms. Hyer also reminded Terry Graham of the safety meeting today at 1:00 pm.
 
Commissioners left the meeting to view an entrance to Lakeview Estates off Indian Road.
 
Meeting adjourned at 11:25 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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October 29, 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.
 
David Neville met with commissioners to discuss striping the parking lot once it’s asphalted. 
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  No asphalting today as there is a pump out at the plant.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
Curt Shankel met with commissioners.  He discussed the petition process and some questions and answers he’s gotten and plans to send out to everyone.
 
At 10:10 am, the commissioners left to view a road south of Uniontown.
 
Terry Graham and Gary Houston returned at 12:15 pm.
 
Meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm.
 
                                                                        THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                        OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                        (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 
                                                                        (ss) Bill Brittain, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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