April 4, 2008       Friday        9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners present.  Shirley Goltra was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

 

Shane Walker reported that RTS Microsystems is working on wireless for the County.  He also gave commissioners some information they requested about the location of bridges in the county.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He also reported that Beachner could do micro-surfacing for about $16,000 per mile and that it would last between 5 to 7 years.

 

Shirley Goltra informed commissioners of the re-issuance of a check to Bourbon County Economic Development which was paid to the wrong vendor in 2006 and voided but never paid back out correctly.  It was budgeted to be spent in 2006.

 

Mike Kastl stopped in to inquire about a truck driving job with the county.  Commissioners directed him to speak with the Public Works Department.

 

Lloyd Wiley stopped in to inquire about the small patch of hay by the landfill which he has mowed in the past.  Commissioners will discuss the matter with the county counselor.

 

Doylene Kennedy had quarterly reports signed by the commissioners.

 

Harold Coleman informed commissioners that the inmate crew is out picking up trash at Gunn Park and along the highway.  He also said that they traded in the 4-wheeler for a larger one which is heavy duty.

 

Sharon Elder had commissioners sign the annual RVI agreement.

 

Don Breese stopped in about a lot at Fort Scott Lake.  He has problems with road access to a septic system.  Commissioners advised him to seek legal advice.

 

Commissioners spent part of the morning reviewing the bridge reports for those bridges that require attention.

 

Doylene Kennedy informed commissioners that she ordered books for the rock quarry.  She said she knows we’re watching the budget, but this order should last us a while.

 

Jim Adams stopped in to remind commissioners about a free fly-in of planes this Sunday at the airport.  He said there’s also a free dance afterwards but a ticket is required.

 

Tom McNeil spoke with commissioners about revising the contractors list.  He said that they must be licensed.

 

Earl Conner stopped in to ask for culverts to be opened up south of Xenia.  He also said that gravel gets put on the road and the grader comes along and grades it all off.

 

Commissioners left the meeting to view County property west of the landfill that they may put up for sale.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.

 

                                                                             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

April 7, 2008  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.  He and the commissioners discussed the bridge report.

 

Joanne Long updated commissioners on the phones.  The main line was cut Friday afternoon and we have no outside telephone or internet at this time. 

 

Bill Brittain discussed land we have for sale.  Don Stewart has informed him we have offers on it.  Terry Graham made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of 5 minutes, under the land acquisition 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, Clyde Killion and Joanne Long.  The session began at 9:03 am and ended at 9:08 am with no action.  The commissioners and Clyde will meet with the realtor after 10:30 am today.

 

Vicki Pritchett, the new Chamber of Commerce director, met with commissioners to introduce herself and let commissioners know what her plans are.

 

Ann Ludlum presented the monthly progress reports for the Extension Office.

 

Keith Johnson, Colonial Life, met with commissioners to discuss insurance benefits for county employees.  No action.

 

Commissioners left the meeting at 10:20 am to view property.

 

                                                                            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

April 11, 2008     Friday        9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Bill Brittain and Gary Houston present.  Shirley Goltra was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

 

Eric Bailey and Todd Farrell of the City of Fort Scott met with commissioners to discuss their annual “Spring Clean-up Program”.  Bill Brittain made a motion to waive the gate fees in conjunction with the program as last year.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor.

 

Marty Pearson stopped in to discuss glass bottles being left at Cedar Creek Lake.  Commissioners would like to get a sign up stating no bottles and violators will be fined.  We’re also checking into security cameras.

 

Nina Yakel came in and asked commissioners about feeding fish at Elm Creek.  Commissioners want to start now.  She also said that the feeders need new batteries.  Commissioners advised her to contact Don George.

 

Mrs. Yakel also asked about getting a phone for the reservations.  We will check to see whether it is more economical to get a cellular or land line.  She also wants to draw up a lease agreement for the renters of shelter houses for damages incurred.  Commissioners advised her to speak with Terri Johnson about that.

 

Fire District 3 wants to use a shelter house for a district picnic.  They want to use it free of charge.  Commissioners approved the request and said that the district should work out the details with Nina.

 

Nina also said that signs for fees and lake regulations need to be updated.  Commissioners approved the request.

 

She said we borrow the city’s boat for fish feeding and have for some time.  It needs maintenance and the city would like us to pay for the maintenance this time since we’ve used the boat free of charge all this time.  Commissioners approved that payment and advised Mrs. Yakel to contact Don George to see if the state has a boat they can donate to us for future feedings.

 

Nina said that Shelter #2 needs a new roof.  Shelter #3 has a broken window.  Commissioners asked her to get a list together of needed repairs and their costs and prioritize them.

 

Clayton Tatro, FSCC President, met with commissioners.  He informed commissioners that the college has hired a security person to start April 16^th.  Mr. Tatro also presented an annual report of the college and a fact sheet.  He also clarified the question many people have about the FSCC buildings in Crawford and other counties.  They are not funded with Bourbon County tax dollars.  They are leased, not owned. 

 

Don Stewart met with commissioners and presented a contract for 30 acres, more or less, of Bourbon County owned property, for $1,300 per acre, around the landfill.  Gary Houston made a motion to sign the sale contract, pending loan approval.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and both voted in favor.  Part of the agreement includes the County having the land surveyed.

 

There is one more strip of land we’re going to list for sale with Stewart Realty.

 

Commissioners discussed having an employee appreciation luncheon.  They would like to schedule it for May 16^th.

 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:46 am.

 

                                                                           THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                           OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                          (ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman 

                                                                          (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

April 14, 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.

 

Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved. 

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

 

Bob Shufflebotham and Bob Hartley of Phoenix Coal Company presented a new road closing agreement for approval.  Bill Brittain made a motion to approve and sign the road closing agreement.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and both voted in favor.

 

Commissioners went downstairs to look at the emergency preparedness truck in preparation of the new director starting this week.  Clyde will have it taken to the shop to tune it up and get it ready.

 

Harold Coleman met with commissioners.  Bill Brittain spoke with him about the City’s Lake Patrol Officer at Fort Scott Lake.  He asked if the County should deputize him.  Sheriff Coleman said there would be liability issues with that.  No action.

 

Terri Johnson informed commissioners that the document from Stewart Realty she was asked to review was okay.  Don Stewart was present.  He presented quotes on surveying the land we agreed to sell.  There were three.  They were from:  Cornerstone at an amount not to exceed $700; Springer Land Suveying for an amount between $1,850 and $2,750; and from Agricultural Engineering for an amount not to exceed $1,500.  Bill Brittain made a motion to accept the quote from Cornerstone not to exceed $700.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and both voted in favor. 

 

The commissioners left at 11:40 am to meet Clyde to view a road situation on Limestone Road.

 

                                                                             THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                              OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                              (ss) Bill Brittain Chairman 

                                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

 

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

April 18, 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 meetings were read and approved.

 

Keith Jeffers, Bourbon County Emergency Manager, met with commissioners.  He said that Laura is coming down this afternoon to help get him acclimated with the office.

 

Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about the emergency management vehicle and others being driven to and from home for work.  In most cases, the employee could come to work and then use the County vehicle for business needs.  Excessive driving of these vehicles is very costly for fuel, wear and tear and other expenses.  The commissioners said that the emergency responders need to have their vehicles.  Ms. Long disagreed that some of the people with vehicles are not emergency responders.  Commissioners will consider that and see what other counties do about their vehicles.

 

Officials with “Race for the Hidden Treasures of Fort Scott” have asked to use a statue in the courthouse lawn as a clue during Memorial Day weekend.  Commissioners approved the request.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He said that it’s time to renew a landfill permit and that the C&D where we’ve been working is about full.  He said we could go higher with a letter from an engineer.  Mr. Killion also informed commissioners that he heard the State road crews are going to 4-10 hr days to save fuel.  He asked commissioners if that’s something they would be interested in doing as well.  Commissioners will consider the request.

 

Nina Yakel presented commissioners with a draft of a contract for shelter house rentals that Terri Johnson drew up.  She wants to add a few more clauses concerning the right to refuse service to someone who has caused problems in the past and the ability for the County to terminate a rental in progress if we see trouble.  Joanne Long asked if, as a public entity, we have the right to refuse service to someone.  Commissioners asked Mrs. Yakel to check with Mrs. Johnson about the proposed additions. 

 

Mrs. Yakel also spoke with commissioners about signs for regulations at the lake and fish food.  She got prices from Miller Feed & Oil and Big Sugar.  Commissioners advised her to call each place prior to ordering when she needs it and to purchase from the lower supplier.  They also said to keep a journal of the dates she calls and the prices they give her for a record.

 

Mrs. Yakel also spoke with commissioners about burning around the lake this year.  She would like to set up more camping spots and needs the overgrowth burned off to see if anything is appropriate around the lake for that purpose.  There was also discussion about improving the electrical pole receptacles and perhaps increasing the number.  That will require a call to Heartland and discussions with an electrician.  Commissioners advised her to put that on her list. 

 

Joanne Long asked about receipts at Elm Creek Lake for collection of rental fees.  Mrs. Yakel has a small generic receipt book that she showed.  Joanne Long will contact the auditor to see if that is good enough for him.

 

Laura Hyer returned some of her uniforms.  She said that she never had others that were on the list.  She said that she forgot the cell phone on the charger at home but she will overnight it.  She also said that the DVD camera was returned and exchanged for a digital camera some time ago and wasn’t on the inventory anymore.  Joanne Long said that it was still on the inventory list and that’s why we were looking for it.  Commissioners released her final check for payment.    

 

Bob Daylong spoke with commissioners about a drainage issue.   

 

Bill Brittain 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.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Clyde Killion and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:11 am and ended at 10:16 am with no action.

 

Joanne Long presented a cellular phone policy and card swipe policy for the commissioners to review.  Terry Graham made a motion to adopt the policies as written.  Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

 

Terry Graham and Clyde Killion left the meeting at 10:25 am to view a road in the Xenia area.

 

Don Stewart met with commissioners to present an offer on another piece of Bourbon County property we have listed for sale.  Bill Brittain made a motion to accept the offer at $1,300/acre for approximately 13 acres of land west of the landfill, pending approval from Terri Johnson.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor.

 

Tom McNeil discussed sanitation issues.

 

Doylene Kennedy spoke with commissioners about paperwork for Elm Creek Lake.

 

Bill Brittain left the meeting to speak with Jimmy Nichols.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:30 am due to lack of a quorum.

 

                                                                                      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

April 21, 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 9:07 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He asked again about changing the hours on the road crew like the State is doing, considering the rising costs of fuel.  The commissioners are considering it.

 

Larry “Mike” Goucher showed commissioners video of his road.  He is unhappy with the condition the road operator keeps it.  Gary Houston will look at the road in question.

 

Keith Jeffers updated the commissioners on the progress he is making.  He has completed two training courses online and will be attending additional training in Iola this week.

 

Terry Graham left the meeting at 10:30 am to view a road with Clyde.  He returned at 11:00 am and left again to speak to someone at Othick’s Abstract Company.  He returned again at 11:15 am.

 

Harold Coleman spoke to commissioners about the cell phone policy.  His deputies are concerned about the bills being looked over.  Joanne Long said the policy is standard to other counties to protect the county and the employee.  She further said that if she has any questions on any of their charges, she will contact Harold about them.  The Sheriff will speak with his staff to see if that satisfies their concerns.

 

Commissioners discussed the employee appreciation dinner.  It was decided to hold it at the 4-H building after all.  It will be in shifts so that the courthouse will remain open.  Bill Brittain left the meeting at 11:47 am to reserve some food items that he found on sale.

 

Don Stewart brought the addendum to the sales contract.  Commissioners asked Joanne to have Terri Johnson review it.

 

Blonn Miller, Miller Feed & Oil, called commissioners to discuss the fish food situation at Elm Creek Lake.  After discussion, commissioners purchased 10 tons from Miller Feed at $14.99 per 50 lb bag.

 

Terry Graham explained what he saw of the road he viewed earlier.  He asked the clerk to draw up an affidavit stating that the portion of 210^th Street has been maintained for at least 15 years.

 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:13 pm.

 

                                                                                   THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                    OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                                   (ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman 

                                                                                   (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

April 25, 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 9:20 am.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

 

Gary Judd spoke with commissioners about dogs running loose in the County.  As mayor of Redfield, they haven’t enacted any ordinances because they’ve been told to enforce them they would need established law enforcement.  Commissioners encouraged Mr. Judd to speak with the Sheriff and the League of Kansas Municipalities.  Terri Johnson was present for part of the discussion and added that the town in which her parents live have levied fines against people who’ve registered complaints with their city council.

 

Cheryl O’Brien spoke with commissioners about a drainage problem in Devon causing ruts in her driveway.  She also reported a sewage problem that is draining onto her land.  Commissioners directed her to speak with Tom McNeil about the sewage issue and advised her that she would have to purchase the first culvert tube, which would assist with the drainage issue.  The commissioners also indicated that the County is not permitted to change the natural flow of water on lands.

 

Joanne Long reported that Terri Johnson approved the addendum to the sale agreement for signature.  Bill Brittain signed the document.

 

Chad Ogle, Coastal Energy, met with commissioners to introduce himself and speak about fuel issues.

 

Tom McNeil informed the commissioners that a meeting with KDHE officials that was scheduled for this coming Monday has to be postponed until next Friday.  Commissioners will still view the site on Monday prior to his arrival.

 

Keith Jeffers updated commissioners on Emergency Preparedness topics.  He will be meeting soon with Delwin Mumbower and is scheduling classes and training for this summer.  He also indicated the desire to purchase three additional satellite telephones to go with the one we currently have.  They would be for the Sheriff’s Department, the Fort Scott Police Department, Chief Davis and Emergency Management.  Commissioners like the idea.

 

Harold Coleman asked to speak with commissioners about a non-elected personnel issue.  Bill Brittain 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.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Harold Coleman and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:26 am and ended at 10:31 am with no action.

 

Bill Brittain left the meeting at 10:32 am for a doctor’s appointment.

 

Lee Davis spoke with commissioners about noxious weeds.

 

Joanne Long informed the commissioners that they have been asked to perform a fence viewing in Scott Township for Mark & Jamie Pollmeier.  Terry Graham asked the clerk to schedule it for 10:30 am, Monday, May 5, 2008.

 

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.

 

                                                                                       THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                       OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

 

                                                                                       (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner 

                                                                                       (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner

ATTEST:

(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

April 28, 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.

 

Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He also discussed the budget with the commissioners and how the rising cost of fuel will affect the amount of work that will be done this year.

 

Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners.  The commissioners discussed a possible radar presence on some county roads where speeding has been reported.

 

Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.

 

Jerry Lyons asked commissioners to sell him a culvert pipe.  The commissioners denied the request, explaining that they cannot compete with private businesses.

 

Tom McNeil reported that he looked into a sewage problem that was reported last week.  He thinks that the excess rains of late created run-off.

 

Susan Quick reported the Road & Bridge Sales Tax income for March.

 

At 11:20 am, the commissioners left the meeting with Tom McNeil to view a couple of dump sites of old tires.  This is in preparation to meet with KDHE officials about it.

 

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