August 28, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 8/21/23 and 8/24/23, approval of payroll totaling $336,998.21, and approval of accounts payable totaling $401,487.67. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clint Walker stated that Kansas is receiving $451,000,000 to allow for better cell phone service and computer service and he hopes Bourbon County receives their fair share of it.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, updated the Commissioners on the chip and seal project which Eric said is currently on hold due to the chip spreader breaking down last Friday. Eric stated they are taking the machine to G.W. Van Keppel for repairs. A blast is scheduled for Thursday at Thomas Quarry and the crusher is being moved there from the Beth Quarry. Eric said the crew is out patching potholes, mowing right of ways, and getting rock on the roads. Nelson said he received a call from Brent Smith and spoke to Eric about the status of a project on 115th Street. Eric stated he would check into this as he thought the tubes had been installed. Jim asked Eric if his budget was doing ok and receiving reports, and Eric said he has been crunching numbers with Susan.
Rob Harrington, with Bourbon County REDI, stated he was here on behalf of Legacy Health Leadership Team to update the Commission on emergency services in Bourbon County. Mr. Harrington said Legacy Health is moving forward with a strategic partner to solidify emergency room services in Bourbon County. More information on a timeline and the partners will be announced in the next few weeks. Jim asked Rob to share with Legacy that he appreciates Legacy providing us an ER. Rob asked for a 3-minute executive session to update Commissioners on another project.
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to go into a session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include both Commissioners, Rob Harrington, and Justin Meeks for 3-minutes returning at 5:41. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 5:41 with no action. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Jim said he likes we are getting some roads done. Jim stated there will not be a Commission meeting on Monday due to Labor Day, but a meeting will be held after the budget hearing on September 7th. Jim said the City of Fort Scott is meeting tonight to discuss the water situation and make a declaration since Bourbon County is in the emergency drought area declared by the state. Jim explained the Governor’s emergency drought declaration and how the state is allowing individuals permits to obtain water from state fishing lakes, however; Bourbon County does not have a state fishing lake. Jim said the city owns all the water, and they are taking notice and taking action.
Nelson said he has heard talk of mask mandates coming back and that he remembers when we had someone at the door checking temperatures and handing out masks and stated he will not have anything to do with that. Jim said if we have to go in that direction, Nelson would be allowed to vote. Jim said before he would entertain considering a vote, he would want to hear more from Clifton who is our health representative, Becky Johnson from SEK-Multi County Health Department, and have several health officials to talk to us and give us guidance. Anne Dare said we have learned a lot and that needs to be taken into consideration and that the monthly meeting of the SEK-Multi County Health Department will be held tomorrow in Garnett but she is unsure if that topic will be discussed. Jim said it is something we will have to watching going forward and see what happens.
Clint Walker questioned if the Commissioners have heard anything from the state about West Nile Virus that has been detected in surrounding counties. Jim stated he has not heard anything regarding West Nile Virus in the area.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:46. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
9/11/2023 Approved Date