These are minutes for the month of February 2008, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.

February 01, 2008 February 04, 2008
February 08, 2008 February 11, 2008
February 15, 2008 February 18, 2008 Holiday
February 22, 2008 February 25, 2008
February 29, 2008

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February 1, 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.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
Commissioners discussed the AT&T parking lot situation pertaining to the correctional center sewer.  According to a letter from the City, we had another jumpsuit back up into city hall through the plumbing.
 
Darrell Spencer and David Neville spoke with commissioners about updating security cameras for the correctional center.  They want to replace the old and get a new system with audio and video.  They clarified that it would be for non-cell areas of the center.  Two quotes were presented.  They were:
 
Joplin Fire Protection
$33,248 installed
Includes:  12 interior and 4 exterior cameras, high security enclosures (interior), environmental enclosures (exterior), 32 channel DVR, 20” LCD monitor, UPS back-up, power supplies, wire and hardware, training and set-up, keyboard and mouse. 
All Systems
$41,320 installed
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to purchase the system from Joplin Fire Protection as it was the low bid.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Terri Johnson and David Neville spoke with commissioners about the AT&T situation for the west parking lot.  After explaining why AT&T would need to do the work, commissioners approved the work through AT&T to the pedestal and Mike Tindel to do the rest at a total cost of approximately $3,000.  This will also allow us to leave the cement pad for the trash dumpster.
 
Mr. Neville asked commissioners when we will go down to one door, now that the security cameras are in operation.  Commissioners agreed on March 1st, as it would give enough time to notify the public with signs and announcements to the media.
 
Terri Johnson spoke with commissioners about recovering medical expenses from prisoners.  She said she can ask the court upon conviction to assess medical costs to the defendant.  She said that is allowed by law and she will speak with the judges about it.  Bill Brittain said, and the other commissioners agreed, that all expenses, including charges for destruction of property, should be assessed to the prisoner.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of 5 minutes, under the Attorney/Client Privilege Exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act to discuss possible litigation.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Terri Johnson, Clyde Killion and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:09 am and ended at 10:14 am with no action.
 
Jim Harris, Berry Tractor and Screen Machine Industries, Inc., presented information on screen plants.  He invited Clyde, Marty and the commissioners to view a plant in Lyon County next week, to see one in action.
 
Bill Brittain signed the monthly sales tax report for the landfill.
 
Tom McNeil spoke with commissioners about Flood Plain maps.
 
Joanne Long spoke with commissioners about repairs to her vehicle which was damaged at a conference.  The County paid for repairs to a vehicle in 2005, which also suffered damage at a conference. It appears to be a precedent.  Commissioners are concerned how far this could go and want to speak with the County Attorney about it.
 
Marty Pearson spoke with commissioners about screens. 
 
AT&T wants to be paid, at least partially, before they do the work moving the phone line in the west parking lot.  This will require an early check.  Bill Brittain signed the agreement with AT&T for the work in anticipation of approval from Terri Johnson.  An early check will be cut for the payment in full as soon as it can be done.
 
Gary Houston spoke about the possible need to replace a road grader in his district.
 
Bill Brittain said that plans for the Sewer District for Lake Fort Scott are still in the works, and if they fail, we can apply again for the grant next year.
 
It was reported that the grant application for a storm shelter in Garland was turned down.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:45 am.
 
                                                                              THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                               OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                              (ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner 
                                                                              (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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February 4, 2008      Monday         9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Gary Houston and Terry Graham present.  Joanne Long was also present.  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
 
Commissioners approved an early check for moving the phone lines in the west parking lot.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
Earl Brown spoke with commissioners about closing an alley in Hiattville between himself and the Hiattville Fire Station.
 
Terry Graham made a motion to transfer $4,000 from Noxious Weed to the Noxious Weed Equipment Fund from the remaining 2007 budget.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor.
 
Alice Maffett, Bourbon County Health Nurse informed commissioners that she changed the location for the dispensing site in emergencies from Arnold Arena to the Fort Scott Middle School.
 
Ann Ludlum presented commissioners with the monthly progress report for the Extension Office.  She also discussed the 2008 Walk Kansas Program and the new 4-H Development Fund where people can make donations to help pay registration fees for kids to go to state and national 4-H events.
 
Laura Hyer and Dale Cathey met with commissioners to discuss protocols for rural responders to administer care.  Mercy officials couldn’t make the meeting and asked to reschedule.
 
Mark McCoy asked commissioners about a safe room FEMA grant.  Commissioners advised him to speak with Laura Hyer.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:40 am.
 
                                                                    THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
                                                                    OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
 
                                                                     (ss)  Gary Houston, Commissioner 
                                                                     (ss) Terry Graham, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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February 8, 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.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He discussed the tour of the screen machine this week in Lyon County.  He also said that Elbrader’s bought a ton truck that they were interested in.  It’s got 62,000 miles and he’s asking $10,500.  It would be a great sign truck.  Commissioners approved the expense.
 
Lois Coyan presented a Noxious Weed Eradication Report for signature.  Commissioners signed the report.
 
Jim Harris, Berry Tractor, presented a price on a smaller Screen Machine.  No action.
 
Jack Black presented commissioners with another DVD for them to watch.
 
Adam Kuehl and Rick Freeman, HMN Architects, and Ed McLiney, McLiney and Associates, met with commissioners to present figures for a proposed 132 bed or 152 bed jail.  They also asked commissioners to consider getting paperwork signed for their professional services on the project. 
 
Sheriff Harold Coleman, Undersheriff Ron Gray and FSCC President Clayton Tatro met with commissioners to discuss security at Fort Scott Community College.  Mr. Tatro would like to get a law-enforcement trained person to be a security officer for the college.  He said that the main need would be for night-time at the dorms.  According to the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), a college can contract with a municipality (city or county).  Though it is legally permissible, he understands it may not be logistically feasible and he understands that.  Mr. Tatro said he doesn’t want to form an official campus police department, but he wants to have someone who is authorized to arrest if need be and who can distinguish between administrative violations and lawful violations.  Though it would be a college employee, he would want the person to be a trained law enforcement official who can work with the County when not needed at the college.  Sheriff Coleman will contact our insurance company to see what they think.  Mr. Tatro understands that any set-up would need to be mutually beneficial to the college and the County.  Commissioners feel as long as it isn’t a detriment to the County, they would like to help if possible.
 
Harold Coleman discussed the possibility of taking on the Emergency Preparedness duties under the Sheriff’s Office.  He said that though a lot of counties do it that way, he respectfully declines. 
 
The sheriff asked commissioners for a brief executive session to discuss non-elected personnel.  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, to discuss non-elected personnel.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Those present for the session were the commissioners, Harold Coleman, Ron Gray, Clayton Tatro and Joanne Long.  The session began at 11:35 am and ended at 11:40 am with no action.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 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

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February 11, 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 corrected.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He was out early this morning with the freezing rain and ice.
 
Joanne Long asked commissioners about an invoice in to be paid.  It is to Terry Nading for reimbursement of electrical expenses for an emergency preparedness tower on his property.  The expenses were charged to his home meter rather than to the county.  Commissioners agreed to pay it but asked that Laura Hyer get documentation from Heartland on the exact amount which was mis-billed.
 
Dustin Moreland, Van Keppel, and John McGimpsey, Astec Mobile Screens, met with commissioners to discuss equipment they sell.  No action.
 
Laura Hyer met with commissioners to discuss Net EOP—an online emergency operations plan.  She also gave commissioners the most recent weather forecast.  She asked commissioners to see her in her office to review the Net EOP.  Commissioners went to the basement office from 11:00 am and came back at 11:30 am.
 
Jim Adams asked commissioners about the County Coroner.  A friend of his died and his widow was told it will take 90 days to get the death certificate.  He thought that was a very long wait.  Commissioners explained that Bourbon County doesn’t have a County Coroner anymore.  We have appointed the Sheriff and Fort Scott Chief of Police as Assistant Medial Examiners.  Commissioners advised Mr. Adams to ask the Sheriff if he knows why the wait will be so long.
 
Mr. Adams also spoke with commissioners about the City cracking down on codes which is resulting in more condemnations.  He asked if the City and County can make arrangements for a set fee for Landfill expenses—maybe per square foot, so that contractors know what it will cost to take debris to the landfill.  Commissioners explained that the landfill is purely fee based, not supported with tax dollars, so we will have to come up with an accurate cost.  Commissioners like the idea.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:55 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

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February 15, 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.
 
Joanne Long reminded commissioners of a meeting next Wednesday, upstairs in Pat Jackson’s office from noon to 1:00 pm.
 
Ms. Long asked commissioners if they would be bidding out the Elm Creek Hay again this year.  Commissioners need to speak with Lee Davis about spraying first.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
Judge Ward spoke with commissioners about employment details about the new bailiff that will be hired soon.  He/she will be a county employee, full time, but not on our health insurance.  The cost of the employee with taxes and other deductions will be about $23,000 per year. 
 
Commissioners received a formal request from the City of Fort Scott to set a rate per square foot for dumping from houses that are condemned and demolished. 
 
They also mailed us again to request that the sewer situation be fixed as soon as possible.  We’re working on that now.
 
Terry Graham and Clyde Killion left the meeting at 9:45 am to view a reported problem with junked cars blocking the view on a county road west of town.  Terry Graham returned at 10:12 am.
 
Doylene Kennedy presented a railroad project agreement from Kansas Department of Transportation and information about a bridge project.  The bridge project will require the county to purchase some land around the area.  We have a while to act on it.  Bill Brittain signed the railroad agreement.
 
Laura Hyer went over the 2008 Objectives for Emergency Management.  She wants to ensure we keep our current levels and enhancements.  She also spoke about being offered a position with another county that she is likely to take, for financial reasons.  She informed the commissioners and the other county that she will not leave Bourbon County in a lurch and they have agreed to allow her to keep up with Bourbon County work at nights and on weekends.  She said that as long as she does, she wants to continue being paid by Bourbon County.
 
Bill Brittain made a motion to pass a proclamation celebrating 40 years of fair housing and declaring April as Fair Housing Month in Bourbon County.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Bill Brittain left the meeting at 11:15 am to view roads with Clyde.
 
Doylene Kennedy asked about having a booth at the county fair again this year.  She said she’d like it to be for all of Bourbon County instead of just clean water.  Commissioners like the idea and approved renting a booth space.
 
Tom McNeil discussed contractors.  Some of them have left the area.
 
David Neville asked commissioners if they want to trench for the drains on the west side of the courthouse.  After discussion, commissioners decided not to trench for the drains, claiming that when the parking area is re-surfaced, the slope of the ground will allow for the water to drain better.
 
Justin Meeks presented the bill for the tax sale.  He thinks they will have an easier time after this first sale.  The treasurer hopes to have the next sale this summer.
 
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 
 
February 18, 2008    Monday         Holiday—no meeting

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February 22, 2008    Friday 9:00 am
 
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the county clerk present. 
 
Doylene Kennedy presented commissioners with information on the Safe Route to School Program and a pool of engineers we can subscribe to for help with projects.  She also informed commissioners that we received an increase in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) for the Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP).
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.
 
Commissioners spent part of the morning in discussion of the Lake Fort Scott sewer project.  Bill Brittain has learned that there might be several opportunities for funding this year. 
 
Dustin Moreland, Van Keppel, and Jim Harris, Berry Tractor, met to discuss the quotes for a screen machine for rock production.  Mr. Harris is concerned that his competitor got his quotes and was able to go back and re-submit to us.  Commissioners and those present all agreed they want everything to be fair.  The commissioners want the foreman to look over the presentations to see that each submission is “apples to apples” and then the County may need to re-bid it so everyone has the same opportunity.  No action at this time.
 
Jack Adamson met with commissioners on behalf of a family member who is in the process of building a house but the State of Kansas won’t allow access from Hwy 65, which is the only access point.  Commissioners don’t have control over state roads.  They suggested Mr. Adamson contact his state representative and senator.  Perhaps they some influence over KDOT at their level.  Joanne Long got their names and numbers for him. 
 
Terri Johnson met with commissioners to request an executive session to discuss possible litigation. Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, under the Attorney/Client Privilege 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 9:47 am and ended at 9:52 am with no action.
 
Gary Houston made a motion to go back into executive session, for another five minutes, under the Attorney/Client Privilege 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 9:52 am and ended at 9:57 am with no action.
 
Commissioners informed Mrs. Johnson of some complaints they have received about vehicles on Jayhawk Road and tracking mud onto the road.  Apparently, there is a lot of mud being transferred to the road.  Everyone agreed that the easiest solution may be for the owner to purchase a couple loads of rock to put in the lot.  Mrs. Johnson will look into it to see if there is some public nuisance law that may apply.
 
Linda Stone met with commissioners to discuss the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  She said various firefighting grants are available through FEMA and they only require a matching 5% locally.  She said that there are no limits per county or region.  She recently relocated to Bourbon County and wants to make sure the fire departments around here are helped if possible.  She can hold workshop for our area fire departments.  Commissioners said they would like to set up a meeting with the fire chiefs to let them know about this.
 
Susan Quick met with commissioners about the tax sale.  There are about 30 deeds that will need to be re-issued because of incorrect legal descriptions.  The Register of Deeds will require $8.00 for each new deed unless they are entered as Bourbon County instruments.  Commissioners authorized them to be entered as Bourbon County instruments. 
 
Lee Davis advised commissioners that he would not be spraying Elm Creek Lake hay for noxious weeds this year.  He said to go ahead with the hay bids.
 
Laura Hyer met with commissioners.  Today will be her last day in Bourbon County but she will be working remotely evenings and weekends.  She made arrangements with the commissioners to be paid through March.  For this, she will continue to assist us and come back to help with a new manager’s orientation.  She will keep in touch with the Clerk’s office through email.
 
Harold Coleman updated the commissioners on something he’s been doing with the jail.  He is allowing the possibility of smoking privileges in exchange for the prisoners keeping their areas clean and keeping order among the prisoners.  It’s been a dramatic change.
 
Tom McNeil spoke with commissioners about a situation this week at Lake Fort Scott over an inspection.  Mr. McNeil also spoke with commissioners about a blocked road at the south and east end of the Lake.  It appears that one owner has blocked further access on the road which is hindering another owner’s access to the north.  No one can be blocked entrance to their property.
 
After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 12:23 pm.
 
                                                                     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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February 25, 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 meetings were read and corrected.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  He reviewed the quotes on the screening devices.  After discussion, commissioners asked Mr. Killion to ask each business to quote again, using only the specs we want.  We will open them next Monday all at once.
 
Joanne Long asked about the Elm Creek Hay bid resolution.  After discussion, Bill Brittain made a motion to adopt Resolution 09-08.  Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  Sealed bids will be accepted through close of business on March 28th and opened at 10:00 am, Monday, March 31st.
 
Commissioners spent part of the morning discussing prisoner housing.  The maximum amount set by the Kansas Legislature is $64.36 per night.  The commissioners want to know from other counties what they are charging and what counties like Sedgwick, Johnson, Wyandotte and Linn think about us raising our rates if we build a new facility. 
 
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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February 29, 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.
 
Clyde Killion gave a road report.  Commissioners asked for rock on several county roads.
 
Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.
 
Dick Hedges spoke with commissioners about the US Hwy 69 Corridor Study.  He presented commissioners with a proposal to review.
 
Jack Black asked commissioners if they had a chance to watch the DVD he brought them yet.
 
Terry Graham made a motion to sign an addendum to the Berlin Wheeler contract, extending it two years.  Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
 
Joanne Long spoke with commissioners on several subjects:
 
She said that the bailiff in District Court has been hired and will begin on March 17th. 
The deadline for alcohol and drug testing has passed and we only have one response. 
Deputy Sheriff Mike Feagins asked to purchase a Taser® through grant funds we received about two years ago.  The purchase price is $814.95 plus shipping and handling.  The expense was approved. 
City Hall wants to know if we’ve set a per square foot charge for demolition loads yet.  The commissioners said they have not but agreed to direct bill the City for those loads and would like to know for the next two or three demolitions the square footage of the house so that we can come up with a rate. 
The City also wants to know when the sewer problem will be fixed because it’s starting to affect homes in the area.  We are waiting on AT&T to do their part and then we can get the trap dug. 
With the new salary resolution, do part-time correctional officers participate in the deduction for four pay-periods like other employees?  Commissioners said they do and should move up to the full-time wage of a correctional officer after that period.
Our employment attorney suggests changing Laura Hyer to hourly now that she will be working remotely and paying her for the hours worked.  Commissioners said they agreed to pay the full wage for March and will stick to that.
Ms. Long hasn’t been able to locate the credit cards that Laura had.  Terry Graham said that the Sheriff has them.
 
Harold Coleman spoke with commissioners about autopsies.
 
Bob Farmer met with commissioners.  Commissioners told him about the fees and sewer situation.
 
Terri Johnson met with commissioners.  She said she will have the resolution establishing the Lake Fort Scott Sewer District ready Monday.  She also spoke with commissioners about the debris on county roads, regarding the heavy mud on Jayhawk Road.  She discussed the difference between a nuisance and a road hazard.
 
Mrs. Johnson also asked commissioners for an executive session to discuss legal matters.  Bill Brittain made a motion to go into executive session, for a period of five minutes, under the attorney/client privilege 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, Terri Johnson and Joanne Long.  The session began at 10:43 am and ended at 10:48 am with no action.
 
Gary Houston and Terry Graham left the meeting at 10:54 am to view the muddy part of Jayhawk Road.  Bill Brittain went downstairs to speak to Jimmy Nichols about prisoner housing.  Everyone was back at 11:25 am.
 
Terry Graham indicated he might not be here Monday as he has a family member scheduled for surgery that morning.
 
Hubert Thomas asked commissioners about hunting at Cedar Creek Lake.  There has been some interest and he wants to know our answers before the next Watershed meeting.  Commissioners said that lake was created especially without hunting allowed.  Mr. Thomas would like a letter from the commissioners to that effect for the meeting, as the commissioners are the governing body over the lake.
 
Mr. Thomas also spoke with commissioners about raising part of Hackberry Road, between 170th and 180th Street in order to build a lake.  He said that he would take care of the concrete, raise the bridge, supply the beams and road dirt and erect a fence.  The county will be responsible for furnishing the gravel and the decking for the bridge.  All parties are in agreement with this.
 
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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