These are the minutes for October 2008, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.
October 3, 2008 October 6, 2008
October 10, 2008 October 13, 2008 Holiday
October 17, 2008 October 20, 2008
October 24, 2008 October 27, 2008
October 31, 2008
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October 3, 2008  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.
 
Brian Wade and David Singmaster met with commissioners to discuss problems on Soldier Road and 265th Street with excessive dust, culvert damage and bridges with too heavy traffic due to large trucks moving heavy loads.  Gary Houston will look into what can be done and get back to Mr. Wade before the end of the day.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to sign the Preliminary Analysis Letter of Interest with T.A.C.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners to appoint a voting delegate and alternate to the KCAMP annual meeting at the KAC conference.  Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Terry Graham as voting delegate for KCAMP.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Bill Brittain then made a motion to appoint Gary Houston as alternate for KCAMP.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Darrell Bloomfield, Drywood Township, asked commissioners to help demolish a building the township has recently purchased that is falling in.  Commissioners will get to it after the asphalting season is over.
 
Brian Wade returned to ask about the commissioners adopting a resolution requiring dust control on heavy loads.  The commissioners said that would put an undue burden on someone who was constructing a house.  The company which was causing all the dust on Soldier Road contacted Bourbon County and said they would pay for the dust control.  Commissioners informed Mr. Wade that as soon as the shipment was in, they would put out the dust control.
 
At 10:00 am a public hearing was opened for consideration of applying for a CDBG grant for Drywood Township to construct a community center/storm shelter.  Those present for the meeting were the commissioners, Don De Laney, Kevin Howard and Darrell Bloomfield from Drywood Township, Representative Shirley Palmer, candidates Cindy Clements, Jeffrey Locke and Bob Marshall, Laura Moore from PSU, Keith Jeffers and Neil and Tammie Underwood.  Laura Moore said that the application is for a total cost of $273,550.  Drywood Township’s match is 25%, or $70,137.  They will ask for site work assistance from the County.  There being no further comment, the public hearing closed at 10:08 am.  Bill Brittain made a motion to apply for the CDBG grant for Drywood Township.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt Resolutions 20-08 and 21-08, as part of the grant application.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Keith Jeffers updated commissioners on emergency management issues.
 
Rhonda Fernandez, Professional Insurance Consultants, presented the renewal for the County health insurance package.  We’ve had some large claims which have hurt the renewal.  Commissioners will discuss their options and get back with Rhonda.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.
 
                                                                                THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                                OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                                (ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman 
                                                                                (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 
                                                                                (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 6, 2008       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.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners if they want to re-test Dilute Negatives on the Drug & Alcohol screenings.  Commissioners said no. 
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to appoint Gary Houston as the voting delegate for KAC.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Bill Brittain as the 1st alternate for KAC.  Terry Graham seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Judy Orton as 2nd alternate to KAC.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 
 
Gary Skinner presented commissioners with a petition to close a road in Hiattville.  Commissioners gave the petition to the clerk for processing.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He said that the crew for the flood clean-up started today and there are 12 working.
 
Ann Ludlum presented the monthly progress reports for the Extension Office.
 
Judy Orton asked commissioners to repair the west parking lot of the courthouse.  The pot holes are getting very large.  No action at this time.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners what they are going to do about health insurance.  There was discussion but no action.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:07 am.
 
                                                                                   THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                                    OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                                    (ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman 
                                                                                    (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 
                                                                                    (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 10, 2008      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.
 
Payroll and accounts payable for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
Bill Brittain signed a sales tax report for Doylene Kennedy.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He said the Kansas Works crew is working well.  Commissioners discussed a road grader lease with Clyde.  They discussed whether we should purchase it or trade it in for another.  No decision was made at this time.
 
Susan Whitehead spoke with commissioners about the entrance to Deer Road from US 69 Hwy.  The commissioners informed her that the State is responsible for the highway entrances.  They will contact the State and asked that she also contact them.  They gave her the KDOT number.
 
Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about bringing in someone for the three weeks of advanced voting and the election to help with the increased traffic.  Commissioners approved the request.  Cecelia Kramer will be the employee and Joanne asked that she be compensated $10.00/hour as she is experienced.  Commissioners approved the request.
 
Harold Coleman informed commissioners that he called about the jail assessment Bill discussed.  He said there are two types:  one that only assesses the jail facility and another which assesses the entire justice system of the county.  Sheriff Coleman is interested in the more inclusive one.  He presented commissioners with a list of potential assessors and said we need to pick one from the Jail side and one from the Justice System side.  He said that he and other members of the correctional center and sheriff’s department have picked people who are from smaller communities who will be more familiar with a county our size.  Commissioners agreed with the picks.  Sheriff Coleman said that there will be a several day meeting in Denver to go over the assessment and should include a commissioner, as well as representatives from the Sheriff’s Department, jail and the judicial system.
 
Joanne Long presented the new contract for inmate meals at the jail.  Commissioners would like Terri Johnson to look it over.
 
David Stewart, 2116 Jayhawk Road, asked commissioners about raising his culvert so he can pave around it.  Commissioners will have Clyde look at it.
 
Justin Meeks asked commissioners to officially hire him to conduct the tax sale.  Gary Houston made a motion to hire Justin Meeks to conduct the tax sale.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  He will get a contract to us for signature next week.  Mr. Meeks said he sent out demand letters already and has gotten a good response.  Over 30 have redeemed their properties which is money in the bank for the County.  He will file the cases next week and proceed with publications.  The tax sale will be sometime in early January 2009.  Susan Quick confirmed that things are progressing nicely so far.
 
Susan Quick spoke with commissioners about a stopped check from the landfill.  It surrounds a structure which was condemned by the city and razed.  No one has yet to come up with a “per square foot” fee to charge the city so these demolitions can be billed to the city rather than the contractor.
 
Tom McNeil informed commissioners that Beth Rowlands will be in town next week and if they have any questions for her, they should submit them in writing for her to answer.
 
Shane Walker updated commissioners that he’s still looking into grant possibilities for the correctional center booking system programming. 
 
Lee Davis said he needs to purchase a computer but will check his budget at the end of the month to see if he has funds for it this year.
 
Vicki Pritchett, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, met with commissioners to ask that they adopt a resolution to join the Frontier Military Scenic Byway.  Ralph Carlson was also present.  Benefits of being on the Byway include increased promotion, preservation, partnerships and pride.  Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt Resolution 22-08, joining the Frontier Military Scenic Byway.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Ms. Pritchett will also send a support letter for commissioners to sign.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners what they intend to do about the County health insurance.  Bill Brittain made a motion to open bids for health insurance to be due in the County Clerk’s Office by 4:30 pm, Monday, November 3, 2008.  Rhonda Fernandez is to be agent of record for Preferred Health and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, but no one else will get an agent of record and no proposals are to be submitted to the commissioners.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Joanne asked commissioners about the contract for uniform cleaning.  Commissioners don’t want to sign a contract unless we can draw up the “out” clause.  They said they would like to continue doing business without a contract, if possible.
 
Bill Brittain left the meeting at 12:00 pm.  Terry Graham left at 12:15 pm.  Meeting adjourned at 12:15 pm.
 
                                                                        THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                        OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                        (ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman 
                                                                        (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 
                                                                        (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 17, 2008      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.
 
Tom Swayne, TMHC, gave a brief overview of the drug testing program.
 
Marty Pearson gave a road and equipment report.  He also mentioned that the Kansas Works crew is doing a great job.
 
Don Doherty spoke about dental insurance.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to appoint Ottis Allen to the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging Governing Board.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Terry Graham made a motion to sign the food services contract with Mercy for inmate meals.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Shane Walker spoke about grant possibilities for the correctional center booking system.  He and Harold met with commissioners to discuss them.  There is enough budget to pay the 25% down.  Commissioners discussed finance options.
 
Commissioners signed a letter of support for the Frontier Military Scenic Byway.
 
Keith Jeffers discussed First Aid/CPR training for courthouse employees.  He would like to move Tom McNeil into the basement so he can assist with Flood Plain Management and use the maps Tom has for that.  Commissioners advised Mr. Jeffers to speak with Judy Orton because that is her space.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:05 am.
 
                                                                        THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                        OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                        (ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman 
                                                                        (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 
 
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 20, 2008                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 approved.
 
Curt Shankel spoke with commissioners about the grant application for Lake Fort Scott.  He’s concerned that the Lake is competing for a grant with Drywood Township.  The commissioners assured Mr. Shankel that they are not.  The grants are totally different. 
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
Harold Coleman asked for an executive session to discuss a personnel issue.  Terry Graham 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.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and both voted in favor.  Those present for the session were Terry Graham, Bill Brittain, Harold Coleman and Joanne Long.  The session began at 9:55 am and ended at 10:00 am with no action. 
 
Harold Coleman and Terri Johnson met with commissioners to ask for an executive session.  Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of ten minutes, under the non-elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and both voted in favor.  Those present for the session were Terry Graham, Bill Brittain, Harold Coleman and Terri Johnson.  The session began at 10:46 am and ended at 10:56 am with no action.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:25 am.
 
                                                                          THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                          OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                          (ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman 
                                                                          (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 24, 2008      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.
 
Mel Cummings spoke with commissioners about a situation with a sheriff’s deputy escorting his soon-to-be ex-wife to retrieve belongings while he was out of town.  The commissioners advised him to speak with Sheriff Coleman.
 
Joanne Long informed commissioners that the postman has requested a key to the west door.  Commissioners will discuss the situation with David Neville next week.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He again commented on the work done by the Kansas Works crew and said that he thinks the City of Fort Scott will contract with them too.
 
Terry Graham left the meeting at 10:00 am for a doctor’s appointment.
 
Jimmy Nichols met with commissioners to discuss getting reimbursed for the part-time help we hired to supervise the inmate crew assigned to the City.  We need to bill the city for the hours worked and see if they want to continue.  Bill Brittain will speak with the city manager.
 
Mr. Nichols said that he received the assessment package from Washington for the jail assessment.  He completed it and faxed it back.
 
Keith Jeffers gave commissioners an update on Emergency Management issues.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 am.
 
                                                                                     THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                                     OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                                     (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 
                                                                                     (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 27, 2008      Monday         9:00 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.
 
Marty Pearson gave an equipment and road report.
 
Shane Walker presented commissioners with a contract for consideration for a jail software program.  Terry Graham made a motion to enter into a contract with Golden Eagle Law Enforcement for the jail program for $44,500.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor.  Gary Houston signed the contract in the absence of Bill Brittain.
 
Charlie Blevins asked commissioners if the Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College is supported by tax dollars.  The commissioners were not sure but said they could find out.
 
Megan Welch, Brian Tanner and Matt Brodine, TAC, met with commissioners for a preliminary analysis of the courthouse.  David Neville was also present.  Commissioners encouraged them to work with David on the project.
 
Laura Moore, Pittsburg State University, and Darrell Bloomfield, Drywood Township, met with commissioners for changes to the paperwork for the Garland Community Center, to reflect the $35,000 awarded from the federal government.  It was decided to use the $35,000 toward the 25% match from the township.  Ms. Moore will reflect the change in the paperwork.
 
Ted Sprague, Murphy Tractor presented the lease paperwork for the John Deere motor grader.  The commissioners will have the county attorney review it.
 
Harold Coleman asked commissioners for an executive session.  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 both voted in favor.  Those present for the session were Terry Graham, Gary Houston, Harold Coleman and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:50 am and ended at 10:55 am with no action.
 
Tom McNeil updated commissioners on sanitary situations in the Mapleton area.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 am.
 
                                                                              THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                               OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                               (ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman 
                                                                               (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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October 31, 2008               Friday 9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present. 
 
The commissioners received a request from a health insurance company to extend the deadline to Thursday.  Commissioners didn’t think that would be fair to the others.
 
Karen Paddock spoke with commissioners about a secure storage problem in the basement. 
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
Terri Johnson informed commissioners that she is down one in the office and asked if we could supplement Valorie to keep up with the filing.  The commissioners agreed to an add-on job at the rate of legal secretary pay.
 
David Neville and Doylene Kennedy met with commissioners to discuss the same storage situation that Karen spoke of earlier.  There are old maps which need to be keep forever that are currently stored with the district court records.  They are rarely accessed but they sometimes are.  Doylene asked if a map cabinet could be built in the room Tom McNeil is currently in since he’s moving to the basement.  Commissioners approved the request.
 
Joanne Long informed commissioners that FEMA will only pay us the for our flood claim if we obtain and keep flood insurance.  Commissioners will look into the cost of flood insurance to see if it is cost-effective.
 
Chad Odle, Coastal Energy, met with commissioners.   The commissioners asked to lock in prices.  He said they will look into it around February.
 
Keith Jeffers gave commissioners an LEPC update.  He said he can get an Emergency Alert System for cell phones @ 1.50 each.
 
Tom McNeil and Keith Jeffers are going to Wichita next Friday to a seminar on wetlands and lagoons.  It is paid for by KDHE.
 
Bill left at 11:00 am for doctor’s appointment.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:45 am.
 
                                                                          THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                          OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                          (ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman 
                                                                          (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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