September 2008 Minutes

These are the minutes for September 2008, as approved by the Bourbon County Commission.

September 1, 2008 Holiday	September 5, 2008
September 8, 2008	September 12, 2008
September 15, 2008	September 19, 2009
September 22, 2008	September 26, 2008
September 29, 2008


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September 5, 2008 Friday 9:00 am

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

Bill Van Kirk, 6^th Judicial District, Community Services, met with commissioners to get a signature for the FY2009 carry-over reimbursements plan. Gary Houston signed the document as vice-chairman.

Clyde Killion gave road reports. Commissioners discussed motor grader mileage and compared numbers with neighboring counties.

David Neville asked commissioners when they plan to asphalt the west parking lot and if they would use concrete on the Judson Street parking behind the correctional center and health clinic. Commissioners said that it’s not in the budget and will have to wait until at least next year.

Jim Ivy and Jim Harris met separately to discuss the motor grader bids. Commissioners informed them that all bids are not in yet and that they will wait until they are in to open them.

John Scott spoke with commissioners about Indian Road at Lake Fort Scott from the boat dock to the shelter house. He said the road is breaking up and wants to know if the County could repair it before winter. The commissioners advised him that the City is responsible for that part of the road and that he should contact the City about it.

Jerry Lyons spoke with commissioners about Serecia Lespedeza problems.

Larry Paddock, Mayor of Fulton, met with commissioners to discuss the streets in Fulton. He asked when the County can help with chip and sealing the streets. The commissioners said it will be on the agenda and we will get to it when weather permits us to get caught up.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:55 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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September 8, 2008 Monday 9:15 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.

Joanne Long discussed the Lake Committee minutes on the County website. They are not an official committee appointed by commissioners. She has received a question about their content. Commissioners will speak with the County Attorney about it.

Joanne Long asked commissioners for an executive session to discuss an employment issue regarding a non-elected person. 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. Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor. Those present for the session were Terry Graham, Gary Houston and Joanne Long. The session began at 9:28 am and ended at 9:33 am. Once in regular session, commissioners stated that a person on Community Pool time is still a full time employee and entitled to the benefits thereof.

Nina Yakel asked commissioners about repairs to the Caretaker’s roof at Elm Creek Lake. Commissioners only received one quote—Ruhl’s Construction, for $1,753 (subject to the increase in shingle prices). Terry Graham made a motion to hire Ruhl’s Construction for the roof repair of the Elm Creek Caretaker’s House. Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor.

Keith Jeffers called in to update us with what he’s doing. He’s the Branch Manager for Infrastructure at the State EOC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after Hurricane Gustav. He said that the entire EOC is currently staffed with responders from across Kansas. He is scheduled to return in mid-September.

Commissioners opened three revised lease options for road graders. All leases are for 5 years/7,500 hours. The commissioners will review the information and make a decision at a later date.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:40 am.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Bill Brittain, Chairman
(ss) Gary Houston, Commissioner
ATTEST:
(ss) Joanne Long, County Clerk

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September 12, 2008 Friday 9:00 am

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

Michael Pommier, reporter with the Fort Scott Tribune, was present.

Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and improved.

Marty Pearson discussed repairs to a loader at the rock quarry. He also requested a pay increase for Bill Metcalf, as he’s doing more of the mechanic work.

Bob Shufflebotham, Phoenix Mining, asked commissioners if they have made a decision about closing a portion of Deer Road. The commissioners indicated that they have not been able to speak with Clyde about it yet.

Harold Coleman met with commissioners. Bill Brittain informed him of a no cost jail assessment available. Bill Brittain heard about it from Nancy Boyda’s office.

Robert Lamb informed commissioners of a downed tree on 75^th Street north of Soldier Road.

Jim Ivy, Murphy Tractor inquired if commissioners have made a decision about road graders yet. They have not and Bill Brittain has only just seen them as he’s been out of town.

John Tersinar, Kansas Works, met with commissioners. He said that the 17 counties in Kansas affected by the flooding in 2007 are eligible for funds from a $10 million national grant which has been issued. It is to repair areas damaged by the flooding. He is setting up work sites in many of the 17 counties already and is interested in helping Bourbon County too. The grant employs area workers who have been recently unemployed due to closings and layoffs. It is available until June 30, 2009 and pays $10.50/hour. The commissioners are interested in the program for several projects, including tire clean-up at the Marmaton River and Mill Creek. Mr. Tersinar will return Monday with paperwork for the commissioners to sign to enter the program.

At 10:00 am, a public hearing was held for the CDBG application for the Lake Fort Scott Sewer District. Those present for the hearing were: Bill Brittain, Gary Houston, Joanne Long, Michael Pommier, Bob Hosack, Mark Pressly, Curt Shankel, Robin Button, Terry Parrott and Jim Gladbach. Mr. Hosack reported that the County is re-submitting for the grant, as we didn’t get it in 2007. The figures have been updated for a total cost of $2,090,475, up from $1,860,200 last year. That puts the average user rate per month for the residents at $40.80, up from $38.71. The CDBG funds available will remain the same at $240,000. We hope to get the bulk of the money for the system from federal grants. Mr. Pressly had lots of comments about the manner the information is being presented but the commissioners and Mr. Hosack assured Mr. Pressly that they are following the guidelines required by the CDBG program. After discussion, the public hearing was closed at 10:30 am. Mr. Hosack presented two resolutions for consideration as part of the application and several other documents for signature. Bill Brittain made a motion to submit the CDBG application for the Lake Fort Scott Sewer District and to adopt Resolution 18-08 (legal authority to apply for CDBG funds) and 19-08 (assurance of continued funding for sewer project). Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor. Bill Brittain signed the necessary documents.

Keith Jeffers, Darrell Bloomfield and Laura Moore met with commissioners for application to FEMA for funding for the Drywood Township All-Hazard Shelter. Ms. Moore said the project will cost $259,992. We hope that FEMA will fund it because it will be an “all-hazard” shelter, more than just a tornado shelter or a community center. Bill Brittain made a motion to apply for the funds. Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor. Ms. Moore will send new paperwork with Bill Brittain as chairman. Commissioners will sign the documentation Monday. Ms. Moore also asked to schedule a public hearing for the application. Commissioners set the hearing for 10:00 am, Friday, October 3, 2008.

Mark Pressly asked a few more questions about the sewer project.

Harold Coleman asked for permission to purchase some infrared game cameras for security in problem areas. When prompted, he indicated he would look into grant possibilities for them. Sheriff Coleman said that they have been very helpful in other jurisdictions in problem drug and vandalism areas.

Keith Jeffers reported to commissioners on his recent deployment to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and on upcoming rain which is forecast for our area. He said we may receive an additional 7” of rain this weekend before the remnants of Hurricane Ike make their way north.

JR Parker spoke with commissioners about Deer Road and coal trucks running on the asphalt.

Joanne Long asked commissioners if they plan to sign a contract with one of the uniform maintenance companies. Not today.

Ms. Long also informed commissioners that, on advice of counsel, we should remove the Lake Fort Scott Sewer page from the County website. Commissioners agreed.

Joanne Long asked commissioners if anyone has approached them about closing a portion of Indian Road for the Airport Day activities tomorrow. They have not. However, in anticipation of the request, Bill Brittain made a motion to allow the temporary closure of a portion of Indian Road for Airport Day, Saturday, September 13, 2008, if needed. Gary Houston seconded the motion and both voted in favor.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at noon.

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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September 15, 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.

John Tersinar and Michelle Bish, Kansas Works, met with commissioners. They re-stated what they do for the benefit of Terry Graham, who was absent last week. They also brought the worksite agreement for us to sign. Gary Houston made a motion to enter into contract with the Kansas Works program. Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Clyde Killion was present for most of the discussion. The program hopes to start here on October 6^th.

Clyde Killion gave a road report. He also discussed the request from Phoenix Mining to close a portion of Deer Road between 250^th and 260^th. He will look into that. Mr. Killion informed commissioners that the road crews will return to 8-hr days on Monday, September 29^th.

Keith Jeffers gave a report on the weather this weekend. He also discussed training for CPR/First Aid for employees and the need for an Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) for the courthouse. Commissioners approved the training and authorized Mr. Jeffers to handle the scheduling and see about an AED. It was believed that we were supposed to get one a while back when Laura Hyer was here. Commissioners asked Mr. Jeffers to contact Laura to see if she remembers anything about that.

Much of the morning was spent comparing the road grader lease options. No action at this time.

Don Stewart and Lynne Oharah each stopped in and Bill Brittain informed them of the meeting on September 26^th with other law enforcement officials about jail expenses.

Bill Brittain signed the corrected grant application for the Drywood Township All-Hazard shelter.

Joanne Long asked commissioners about the Drug/Alcohol policy and the Yakel’s, as they live on County property at Elm Creek Lake and don’t have set hours of working. No action.

Bill left the meeting at 11:45 am. The meeting adjourned at noon.

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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September 19, 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.

The commissioners received a letter from the Division of Property Valuation certifying that Bourbon County Appraiser, Judy Orton, is in compliance with state appraisal guidelines.

Bill Wiggans updated commissioners on his health. He asked about his AFLAC insurance and how it can continue to be paid while he is in recovery. Commissioners advised him to speak with Kendell Mason in the Clerk’s Office about it.

Per the guidance of Judy Moler, attorney for the Kansas Association of Counties, Bill Brittain made a motion to amend the County’s Drug and Alcohol policy to exclude residences. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

Doylene Kennedy reported that FEMA has sent us another check.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 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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September 22, 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.

Clyde Killion gave a road report.

Gary Houston arrived at 10:05 am.

The commissioners left to watch a demonstration of the John Deere 670 motor grader at 10:10 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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September 26, 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. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Bills and payroll for the period were reviewed and approved.

Joanne Long asked commissioners if the County would be providing flu shots for its employees and other courthouse employees. Commissioners agreed to pay for half the $30 fee. Joanne Long will coordinate with the health office.

Ms. Long also spoke with commissioners about the sick leave policy for employees. It has a cap at 120 days. According to the current policy, anyone who goes over the 120 days will be paid a quarter of the time over it at the end of the year. Since the County already pays for a quarter of a person’s sick time when the leave after being here 10 years, there is no need for this policy. It could just encourage someone to take sick days when they’re not sick. Terry Graham made a motion to remove the cap on the sick leave policy in the personnel manual. Bill Brittain seconded the motion and both voted in favor.

Jim Ivey, Murphy Tractor, met with commissioners to check on the motor grader situation. The commissioners said they are considering splitting the lease between two companies instead of getting two from one company. No action at this time.

Gary Houston arrived at 9:15 am.

Brian Gettler, Western Land Services, met with commissioners to discuss access to county rights-of-way for natural gas lines.

Keith Jeffers updated commissioners on the following emergency management issues:

He will be hosting a booth this weekend at the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta and will have a storm spotter’s class at the college on Saturday afternoon.
He worked with Tom McNeil this week on a sanitation issue. He asked that Tom get a radio for his vehicle, as parts of the County are without cell reception. Commissioners will look into that through the Sanitation budget.
He asked to purchase identification badge equipment, through a Regional Homeland Security grant, which will allow identification for the local emergency responders as well as identification for all county employees. The equipment is free through the grant, and the County must maintain/upgrade the equipment as necessary for its life-span. Commissioners approved the request.
He wants to purchase a weather station for the courthouse roof, allowing us to be an official weather station for the National Weather Service. Commissioners approved the purchase of the equipment at approximately $620.00.

Joseph Johnson, BI Incorporated, met with commissioners. Judge Mark Ward, Terri Johnson, Harold Coleman, Ron Gray and Jimmy Nichols were also present. Mr. Johnson gave a presentation on alternatives to incarceration, to alleviate the over-crowding in the jail.

JR Parker met with commissioners to report that Deer Road is still not fixed. Commissioners will speak with Clyde about it on Monday.

Terri Johnson spoke with commissioners about the Deputy Medical Examiner situation. With Chief Davis’s coming departure, she asked that the commissioners designate the two lieutenants to cover on the city side. Bill Brittain made a motion to appoint the Bourbon County Sheriff and Lieutenants West and Shelton as Deputy Medical Examiners for Bourbon County. Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

Tom McNeil informed commissioners he will soon need tires for the Jeep. No action at this time.

After discussion, Gary Houston made a motion to lease one John Deere (Murphy Tractor) and one Komatsu (Berry Tractor) motor grader and to trade the Gallion to Komatsu and the Cat to John Deere. Terry Graham seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

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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September 29, 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 9:08 am. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Bill Van Kirk, 6^th Judicial District, Community Services, met with commissioners to present the Year-End report for the Department of Corrections. Bill Brittain signed the page acknowledging receipt of the report.

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Day spoke with commissioners about septic tank problems at Hidden Valley Lake. Commissioners advised them to speak with KDHE, as it is a private community. He said they’re also getting an undesirable element moving in because, as a private community, they think they are above the law. They have been working with the sheriff’s department on that front.

Clyde Killion gave a road report. The commissioners discussed the request to close a portion of Deer Road for Phoenix Mining. They asked him to have the county attorney draw up an agreement about it.

Harold Coleman, Darrell Spencer and Shane Walker met with commissioners to discuss purchasing a booking system for the jail. The current system was designed by Denny Kohl and wasn’t purchased by Infinitec when they acquired Kohl Software, so it’s not supported and we haven’t been able to contact Denny for problems. They have looked into other systems and have found one that they like. It costs $40,000 and requires a $10,000 deposit. Bill Brittain asked them to look for a grant to help pay for it. They have looked into some grants without success, but will continue to look. However, there are things the current system is not keeping up so something needs done soon.

Bob Shufflebotham, Phoenix Mining Company, met with commissioners to ask about Deer Road. The commissioners informed him that they have asked the county attorney to work up a contract regarding the closing.

David Neville informed commissioners about the condition of the sidewalk around the health office. There are several large cracks that have been tripping people up when they walk. He got prices to replace the stretch of concrete. They were:

Marberry Concrete	$4,454.00
Rogers & Sons Concrete	$6,018.00


Bill Brittain made a motion to go with Marberry. Gary Houston seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

Megan Welch, TAC, met with commissioners to discuss energy-saving measures for the courthouse. It involves performance contracting for facility improvements using energy savings to offset the costs. She would like to perform a free preliminary audit of the facilities. Commissioners asked her to leave the contract so the County Attorney can look it over.

Gary Houston made a motion to place 30 mph signs on Soldier Road from 245^th to 265^th St. and on 265^th St. from Soldier to Range. Bill Brittain seconded the motion and all voted in favor. He asked that three sets of signs be used so that there can be one in each direction in each mile of road.

After routine business, the meeting adjourned at 11:31 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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