Bourbon County Arts Council Members present at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee in 2020, from left, Elaine Buerge, Deb Anderson, Terry Floyd, Steve Floyd and Linda Noll.
The annual art show that showcases local area artists is March 10-12.
The 30th Annual Bourbon County Arts Council exhibit will be held Thursday, March 10 through Saturday, March 12 at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
“We will host the Chamber Coffee on March 10 at 8 a.m.,” Deb Anderson, president of the council said.
The exhibit will be open Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11 from 12 PM to 7 PM and Saturday, March 12th from 9 AM to 1 PM.
The BCAC was formed in 1973 to foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, according to BCAC President Deb Anderson.
A 2016 photo of the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Exhibit.
An artist reception will be held March 10th from 6 PM to 8 PM where participating artists will have the opportunity to listen to the juror critique and visit with her about their pieces.
The juror for the event this year will be Tara Booth, an Associate Professor of Art at Cottey College, Nevada, Mo.
The competition is open to all artists age 16 and older.
Categories include Best of Show 2D and 3D, Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Arts, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil and Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Watercolor.
A new “Theme” category has been included: The theme this year is “The Eye of the Beholder”.
Bourbon County businesses and individual sponsors for the first prize winners of the art categories are:
2D and 3D – Memory of E.C. Gordon Ceramics – Ward Kraft, Inc
Drawing & Graphics – Landmark Bank Jewelry – Citizens Bank
Mixed Media – Lyons Realty Painting – Union State Bank
Pastel – Mid-Continental Restoration
Photography – H & H Realty
Sculpture – Fort Scott Broadcasting
Fiber Arts – Bernita Hill
Watercolor – Buerge Art Studio
Theme – City State Bank
Glass – Jamie Armstrong, Edward D Jones
Printmaking – Osage Timber, LLC
Current Bourbon County Arts Council Bard Members are Deb Anderson, President; Bre Eden, Vice President; Steve Floyd, Secretary; Terri Floyd, Treasurer; Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Elaine Buerge, Deb Halsey, Justin Meeks, Laura Meeks, Linda Noll, Tedena Tucker, and Chris Woods.
History of BCAC
“The organization of the BCAC is 52 years old this year. It was originally known as the Fort Scott Arts Council,” Anderson said. “Upon its incorporation, it was changed to Bourbon County Arts Council.”
“There were several activities in the beginning,” she said. “In June 1973 the first project was a booth at the arts and crafts fair, during the Old Fort Days Rodeo sponsored by the Jaycees.”
“The BCAC held the first street theatre,” she said. “In the art area there was ceramics, bread baking, spinning and weaving, wood carving, and quilting. Local artists displayed paintings, there was also an artist who did sketches and another who had very unusual pottery.”
They held a Continental Theatre Group presentation, variety shows, musicals, even a parade
The original board officers:
Gary Cullor-Chairman
Joann Meara -Vice-Chairman
Sally Cullor-Secretary
Treasurer-Steve Buerge
Board members were Dale Hammons, Robert Estes, Robert Galvin, Helen Stranathan, and Larry Nuss.
Committee chairman were
Music – Ralph Carlson
Arts – Ernie Huse
Crafts – Sondra Carlson
Theatre – Sally Cullor
Publicity – Shirley Hill
Membership – Mary Ann Burke
“A big thank you to these individuals, for forming this organization, who realized how important the arts were to a community and all those who have came after in keeping the BCAC alive, Anderson said.
“I have attached a history story of the BCAC from Gary Cullor who shared it with me,” Anderson said. “He is much more knowledgeable since he was there from the beginning. There would be a correction to the information in the fourth paragraph, it should read April 9th,1973 instead of April 9th,1773.”
Luther’s BBQ restaurant is located at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside. The River Room Event Center is located on the second floor.
The 6th Annual Prairie Troubadour starts tomorrow Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the River Room Event Center, 3 W. Oak.
The event is “to bring Catholics together to enjoy things we enjoy culturally,” Michael Pokorny, a house father at St. Martin’s Academy said. “To help our friends and neighbors understand our faith and how we live it with joy.”
The Prairie Troubadour is named in memoriam of poet, songwriter, and man of the Kansas prairie, Gerald Francis Kerr, the father of St. Martin’s Academy founder, Daniel Kerr.
The theme of this year’s event is Feasts, Fasts, and the Seasons.
Feb. 25 is registration at 6:30 a.m. followed at 7 p.m. by Baylor University Professor Dr. Michael Foley who will be speaking on “How to Drink Like a Saint.”
8 p.m. Dale Alquist, president of The Chesterton Society, will speak on “Feasting and Surprisingly Fasting with G.K. Chesterton.”
9 p.m. There will be an afterglow session.
Saturday, Feb. 26
9:30 a.m. Daniel Kerr, headmaster/founder of St. Martin’s Academy will welcome guests, followed at 9:45 a.m. by Father Joshua Moore, sub-prior at Clear Creek Abbey, Oklahoma, who will speak on “Fasting: Or Why Officers Eat Last.”
10:45 a.m. Brandon Sheard, owner/operator of Farmstead Meatsmith, Tulsa, OK will speak on “The Virtue of Pig Killing.”
At noon, lunch will be on your own, Luther’s Restuarant, directly under the River Room Event Center, is recommended.
At 1:15 p.m. Dr. John Cuddeback, a professor of philosophy at Christendom College, Front Royal, Virginia will speak on “Animating Your Home with Leisure.”
At 2:15 p.m. Dr. William Fahey, president of Thomas Moore College of Liberal Arts, Merrimac, NH, will speak on “My Little Horse Must Think It Queer and Other Musings on the Natural Order of Liturgical Living.”
There will be a break at 3:15 p.m. and a break-out with vendors.
A question and answer session with the speakers will happen at 4:30 p.m. and the symposium closes at 5:30 p.m.
At 7 p.m. there will be a whiskey and cigar soiree with the speakers and musical entertainment by the St. Martin’s Academy students and others. This event is for VIP Pass Holders only.
First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,
The 101st Fort Scott Kiwanis Pancake Feed is March 1 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and then again from 4-6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Third, and National Avenue.
It is a pick-up meal, with cars asked to come in from Fourth Street to the driveway in front of the church.
The cost is $5 per person with children under five free.
The club members will deliver to groups with 10 meals or more orders.
Call 620.224-9067 for the delivery service.
The meal includes two pancakes with butter and syrup and a sausage patty.
Community members enjoy visiting at the Fort Scott Kiwanis Pancake Feed at Buck Run Community Center in February 2020, before the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now the organization has a drive-through meal.
Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time, according to information from John Crain, President.
“The club has 25 members, and we would love to have more,” he said.
The group meets on Tuesdays at noon for lunch at First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford, Fort Scott.
Crain listed some of the Kiwanis projects last year:
They
Repaired and applied deck stain to picnic tables in Gunn Park, and the bridge on its first lake
Decorated a shelter house for Christmas in the Park
Trimmed low hanging trees for the school bus passage
Helped with the Downtown Clean Sweep
Will be planting trees across town this spring
Some of the organizations and activities they have donated to last year:
CASA
Beacon
Sponsor students to Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar
Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Program Coordinator, shows the banner telling of the event. From the HBCAT Facebook page.
A community gathering is happening this Saturday to gain input on ideas to establish and develop a community project on Fort Scott’s east side.
The name of the event is Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods, and is hosted by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. The event will be on Feb. 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Fort Scott Fire House #2, 23 S. Franklin. Breakfast will be provided and there will be a tablet giveaway drawing.
Fire Station #2, at First and Franklin Street on Fort Scott’s east side.
“We have $70,000 for this Creative Placemaking project through the Patterson Family Foundation Grant and Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways Grant,” Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT Program Coordinator said.
“Creative placemaking is allowing community’s residents to be part of the decision-making process of the project,” Carpenter said. “They get to decide where and what the project can be. Some examples would be fixing up an underutilized park, turning an alleyway into an art gallery, or restoring an abandoned building to make it into a community center. The possibilities are endless and are completely up to the community!”
Through this project, the organization seeks to help the east side residents “reimagine a place in the community to increase vibrancy, build capacity among the residents to take ownership of their communities and improve economic conditions,” Carpenter said.
“This public forum is part of one of our Creative Placemaking projects that will be on the east side of Fort Scott,” Rachel Carpenter said.
At this event, HBCAT will review with the participants what is in place for the Creative Placemaking project, have the residents share what they want to see in their neighborhood, identify what challenges may be encountered, and start identifying the options, she said.
The target participants are Fort Scott east side residents who want to build up their neighborhood, she said.
“This is 1 of 3 public forums we will have,” Carpenter said. “Our planning committee will take the ideas from the audience that fits with the grant criteria, and pick one to start developing a sustainability plan for a project.”
The office of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National, from its Facebook page.
About HBCAT
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth. Our solution to building healthy communities is by transforming power, building trust, and encouraging community participation. A comprehensive strategy for change includes local organizing, strategic communication, community research, creating systems, and environmental changes.
The office is located at 104 N. National Avenue, just north of Luther’s Restaurant and Carpenter can be reached at 620.215.2562.
Common Ground Coffee Company is not just a place to gather but also offers small event catering and rental space venues.
Like other coffee shops, one can hang- out with others, catch up on some studying or just find a little solitude, all while enjoying specialty drinks and scrumptious foods, according to its website.
In addition to a hang-out place, the business offers small event catering and rental space venues.
The conference room, a private space at the rear of the business, is free, when available.
And there is a large space with outdoor access and a stage in the rear also called the Loading Dock.
“We rent rooms for showers and parties,” Vickie Waldron, manager, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee attendees on Feb. 17. In addition, “We cater baked goods for small events.”
The coffee shop is a ministry of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
The excess profits are given back to the community, Waldron said.
“We donate to any of our staff’s charity of choice,” she said. “We have donated to the Sharing Bucket, Paws and Claws, American Childhood Diabetes Assn., the local GED program, the Leukemia Association, just to name a few off of the top of my head.”
Common Grounds currently employs 16-17 people.
Hours of operation for the business are:
Monday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday Closed
The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site are inviting the public to join them in saying goodbye to long-time Superintendent Betty Boyko.
The Friends will host a reception on Wednesday, February 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Crooner’s Restaurant, 117 S. Main, to honor Boyko.
Boyko is leaving her Fort Scott post to accept the Superintendent position at Homestead National Historic Park in Beatrice, Nebraska, which is closer to her family.
“Betty has been an active part of our community since she became Superintendent in May 2006, and she will be missed,” Martha Scott, member of the Friends group said.
“Come by, say goodbye to Betty and grab a Crooner’s Cakery cupcake and a glass of punch as we say farewell to this longtime Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent,” Scott said.
“Betty has great administrative and people skills,” Scott said. “She also has been active in Rotary Club and her church.”
“Betty has always been open to ideas that were still part of the mission of the historic site, but thinks outside the box,” she said.
Such ideas as the Symbols of Sacrifice, which are flags placed on the parade ground to honor veterans, and the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony that happens annually now.
Symbols of Sacrifice event, Sept. 2015
Recently, it was Betty who suggested that the Fort needed a boundary expansion so that the Block House could be included as part of The Fort Scott National Historic Site.
“Since it is government, we have to be careful because there are things that the fort and its employees cannot do — like the boundary expansion. She can’t actively work on it. It’s a fine line — government!” Scott said.
Boyko made the events happen with help from residents of the community.
To begin with, she gave information to local citizens on how a Friends group is beneficial to a historic site.
“She was instrumental in suggesting that we start a Friends of the Fort group,” Scott said. “She said it would be beneficial to the park.”
About the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s mission is to support the National Historic Site in a partnership through activities that may include fundraising, volunteerism, education, advocacy, and research.
The Friends have provided the lunch for the newly naturalized citizens after the Naturalization Ceremony held at the fort, provided the treats at the end of the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, and made homemade ice cream for visitors for the 4th of July as well as many Friends members spending countless hours as a volunteer at the Fort.
Advertising for the Fort on a local, regional, state, or national level is done by the Friends group and they were instrumental in lobbying for the boundary expansion which resulted in the Block House becoming part of the Fort.
A group of citizens in 2009 came together to discuss forming a Friends group. They were Cheryl Adamson, Darlene Doherty, Sandra Haimerl, Herbert Haimerl, Reed Hartford, Ken Lunt, Dale Johnson, Caroly Lydic, Cynthia McFarlin, James Pitt, Jim Scott, Martha Scott, James Smith, and Paulette Smith.
From this grassroots meeting, the Friends group was born. That initial group served as officers and board members during the early years.
Current board members and officers are Reed Hartford, President; Matt Wells, Vice President; Martha Scott, Secretary; Marlene Braker, Treasurer. Vonnie Rickerson, Kelley Collins, Frankie Ruggerio, Shay Lynn Clements, Carol MacArthur, Judy Earp, Ronda Hassig, and Kaitlyn Wilson serve as the current board.
Funds for the activities that the Friends do are provided in two ways: the Flag subscriptions and membership dues.
The Flag subscriptions are a service that the Friends provide to residents within the city limits of Fort Scott, where they place a full-size flag on a 12-foot pole in a residents front yard five times a year — on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Subscriptions are $35.00 per year and are due by the 20th of March. If interested in this subscription, please contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 for more information.
“If you are interested in helping place those flags on the flag holidays, please call Kelley Collins to let her know that you’d like to help,” Scott said. “We are a small group of dedicated volunteers, we flag placers, and it is a worthwhile way to begin a holiday day.”
Membership in Friends is easy, Scott said.
The four membership levels are: $35 is Corporal, $50 Sergeant, $75.00 Quartermaster, $100 Sergeant Major.
If interested, mail a check to Membership Chairman, Martha Scott, 1208 S. National, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in Schools Site Coordinator, speaks to the group on Feb. 8. Submitted photo.
The Fort Scott High School Career Exploration Mentoring Program needs a few more volunteers.
The program is a partnership of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fort Scott and the school district, USD234, according to the Chamber website.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lindsay Madison told the weekly Chamber Coffee attendees on Thursday that two more female mentors are needed for the students.
“The Chamber’s motivation for organizing the program is related to Workforce Development,” Madison told fortscott.biz. “Our goal is to help the students be on a path to success, but also develop a funnel of employees for our manufacturers and other businesses by exposing students to local career opportunities available.”
“Students may be ready to start working directly after high school or college, or may move away for several years and return to Bourbon County in the future,” she said. “By being part of the mentor program they will be more aware that Fort Scott truly is a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
“Working at a local manufacturer does not exclusively involve assembly line work as students may perceive, there are many great positions to be held in accounting, sales, engineering, welding and other areas that we try to expose them to,” she said.
“Some students are more interested in health care, law enforcement or other fields and mentors will work to set up job shadows or question/answer sessions with people in those careers” Madison said. “Each student’s needs are differently related to their educational goals or career exploration and while we bring the mentors and students together monthly as a group, the mentors work individually with the students they are paired with to build connections and make a positive impact towards their success.”
Currently, there are 14 students enrolled in the program, Madison said.
Once per month a group activity, speaker or tour is organized by the Chamber.
On February 8 at Fort Scott High School, Assistant Principal Alex Specht was the keynote speaker. Submitted photo.
At least one other time per month the student meets with their mentor one-on-one to talk about personal goals, pertinent topics or other issues that the student might have.
Attendees at the Feb. 8 mentoring program at Fort Scott High School. Submitted photo.
Bill Michaud, the owner of Sleep Inn Hotel and Chamber member, helps with the program, working with the mentors. Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in Schools Site Coordinator, helps recruit high school students and keeps them informed of meetings, Madison said.
It is an extra-curricular activity, and the high school staff are “very supportive” by allowing extra time at lunch for the meetings, Madison said.
Community members interested in being mentors, and students interested in the program, may contact the Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].
If you are interested in being a mentor to a high school student please complete the following, which is found on the Chamber website:
Here are several of the education modules used by mentors for discussion topic ideas for one-on-one visits with the students: basic vehicle maintenance, cooking, driver’s license information, household financing, jobs, and personal health.
The modules listed above were developed by the 2017-18 LEAD Bourbon County class, a leadership program organized by the Chamber.
Governor Laura Kelly announced last week that 40 rural Kansas communities will receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) totaling more than $17.6 million to help support critical community development projects.
The City of Fort Scott received a $700,000 award grant to help revitalize the wastewater system infrastructure.
The awards are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and granted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities CDBG program. Eligible CDBG public improvement projects help fund water and wastewater projects, housing rehabilitation, and other community facilities and services, according to a press release from the governor.
The $700,000 grant will be put with the $425,000 that the city will provide of the projected total cost of $1,125,000 for wastewater system infrastructure improvements.
Kelley Zellner. Submitted photo.
“The project is set to be solicited in the next few weeks, ” Fort Scott City Manager Kelley Zellner said. “And a contractor will be selected. Once the contractor is chosen for the job, the contractor decides the order of completion of the project using their ‘Means and Methods.'”
“The city’s wastewater collection system is in need of attention in certain areas and some of the equipment at the sewer plant will need to be looked at for upgrades in the next several years,” Zellner said.
“This particular improvement project, to the citizens of Fort Scott is a small portion of the need improvements to the overall collection system and a small step in the direction of a healthy infrastructure legacy for our children and grandchildren’s sake!” he said.
These minutes were approved on Feb. 8 by the commission.
January 31, 2022 Monday 8:35 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric presented two utility construction permits from Cox Communication. One on 240th north of Limestone for fiber optic. The other is on Kansas west of 230th. Lynne made a motion to approve the two permits. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Ashley Shelton presented a Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St, Fort Scott. Lynne made a motion to approve the Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St., Fort Scott, KS. Jim Harris seconded. All approved.
Susan presented Approval of Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report. This is a report of all their budget numbers. We are missing about 12. Those turned in are on budget. These reports are sent to the state. Lynne Oharah made a motion to approve the cemetery & township board reports that have reported for year-end budget of 2021. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan discussed sick leave. We had our first department head meeting and it went well. The resolution (06-22) being presented is how they feel the sick leave should be handled.
“Whereas all new hires accrue one day per month of sick leave. One day will represent the number of hours a normal workday is for the specific position or department and whereas of February 1, 2022, new hires will be given 12 days of sick leave on the first day of hire. If the employee leaves employment before their one-year anniversary date and sick leave used exceeds the annual accrual rate of one (1) day per month, the sick leave used must be reimbursed back to the county, Ex: Employee works sick (6) months but uses eight (8) days of sick leave and terminates employment. Two (2) days of non-accrued sick leave will be deducted from the employee’s final paycheck, and whereas, the number of months of service divided by two (2) will be allocated on day one of the transfer for any employee who transfers from a salaried position to an hourly position. Ex: An employee who has worked for Bourbon County in a salaried position for sixty (60) months (5 years) will be granted thirty (30) days of sick leave on the first day of the transfer to an hourly position.”
Basically we will frontload the sick leave for any new hire and if they terminate before first year of employment then they will have to pay days back. And for the salaried position we basically stated that this is what they would have accrued and then divided it in half. The department heads felt this was fair. As a resolution it will be added to the handbook until the handbook has been updated. Clifton made a motion to pass resolution 06-22 amending sick leave accrual. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks requested an executive session for attorney client privilege for 7 minutes. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for 7 minutes returning at 8:53am including 3 commissioners and Justin Meeks. Lynne seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 8:53am. No action. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks asked a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents for the possible transfer of the hospital building to Noble Health. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents from the county to Noble Health. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks asked for an executive session for proprietary information for 7 minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and myself. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 7 minutes returning at 9:02am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 9:02am. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Justin stated that he received an e-mail from a patron concerning some sales tax revenue stuff from back in the day. Obviously, I don’t have the ability to give that legal advice. It doesn’t deal with the county specifically so I will be forwarding that on. If I do need to address that myself I will request permission from the commission prior to that.
Jim Harris announced the commission has been invited to the 76th Annual Bourbon County Conservation District Annual Meeting to be held on February 5th, 5:30pm at Rosie’s Cabin in Uniontown, KS.
Clifton made a motion to allow the three commissioners to attend the Noble Health function. No business will be conducted. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Anne Dare asked about the Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report. She has heard from 2 different treasurers stating that the information they had received was confusing as to what they needed to report for year end. She asked if this has been taken care of. Ashley Shelton stated that the distribution came in high at the end of the year; it shows that they had more money. They need to show whatever was over that they didn’t spend as a cash balance at the beginning of 2022. They are going to receive less money in 2022 but added with that beginning cash balance for what they received over should balance out. Anyone that has reached out to me has been given this information on how to handle it. I would encourage anyone with questions to give me a call. Susan Bancroft made a suggestion that we call in all the treasurers and give them a rundown on how to do this process.
At 9:08am, Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Matt Crystal, Matt Quick and Shane Walker were also present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes, Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey asked for approval of a culvert extension at 1973 60th St, Bronson, KS. Lynne made a motion to approve. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Eric stated that from Tuesday at midnight they had three trucks running three shifts around the clock through Thursday. He thanked his crew.
Eric stated they have a truck down. The drive shaft is out.
Eric stated that they received the permit to fix the dam at Elm Creek.
Eric discussed a situation where wire got wrapped around the dozer at the landfill while working in C & D. He stated that a shield could be purchased for $18,000 and would be money ahead.
Eric requested a work session for March 15th in the afternoon in the commission room which will be open to the public.
Eric stated that the windmill project is finishing up.
Mowing & Snow Removal bids for the medical building were discussed. Tabled for 30 days.
Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for 10 minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and Rob Harrington returning at 9:26am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action at 9:26am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to allow Clifton Beth to negotiate up to $125,000 for acquisition of real property. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including Dave Bruner, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and 3 commissioners for 15 minutes returning at 9:44am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:44am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft discussed the lease agreement with Ascension Via Christi for another year. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the lease extension with Ascension Via Christi. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan also discussed the state setoff agreement. We talked about this late in the year last year about doing something at our landfill that gives us the opportunity that if someone doesn’t pay their bill, to send them to a collection agency. Working with the state, when someone does a tax return and if they are getting anything back, they will take it out of the tax return to pay the county.
Susan also reviewed that we are getting down to the end of 2021 and closing out some of that information. Still working with the Treasurer’s to clean up some accounts there. We would like to request some transfers from some funds. Would like to request $20,000 be moved from the Appraiser’s fund over to their reserve fund. $20,000 from the election fund to the election reserve fund, and $30,000 from noxious weed to noxious weed equipment fund. $20,000 from road & bridge to special road machinery fund and $50,000 from special bridge to road & bridge special improvement. The clerk’s office would like to transfer $8,000 to the election reserve fund. $20,000 from general to computer equipment reserve. Lynne made a motion to approve the transfers as presented. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan stated that the overall bottom line budget is ok. However, there are a few departments where we exceeded the budget. The County Commission exceeded their budget by $9,400. The County Coroner by $7,700. The County Attorney by $10,000. And district court exceeded by $43,000. However, in 2022 for the district court we are going to reduce their budget by that amount. Some of this is just not understanding the budget law and cash basis law. In our first department head meeting we discussed this. We are looking to implement a purchase order system to help us at year end. To make sure we are expensing in the correct year. The sheriff’s budget will be exceeding by $5,000. We can show it as a budget violation or you can give me authority to move that expense to the general fund to offset it. With the sheriff’s budget we had projected a cash carryover of $124,000 and they are going to start out the year with a $69,000 deficit. So the actual cash carryover is only going to be about $60,000. They start out with a lot less money than we anticipated. That has to be made up somewhere throughout the year or you are going to continue to compound the problem. I talked with the sheriff in our first department head meeting and we made some corrections at year end so it’s a little bit worse than we had anticipated. Lynne asked if this would be the only violation we will have. Susan stated that we would also have violations from the distribution that happened where there was an overage sent to the taxing entities. There are almost 50 funds that are running in the negative and those will all be violations. There is nothing I can do about it. Clifton made a motion to move the $5,000 from the general fund to the sheriff’s budget and do an adjustment for the overage the following year. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Anne Dare asked about who does the distribution to the taxing entities? Susan stated the treasurer does. Anne asked if we have issues every year. Susan stated no. Anne asked about the other violations that were brought up during the audit. Are those being cleaned up? Susan stated that slowly they are being cleaned up. Anne stated that the meeting at the hospital was awesome. She had hoped for more details. She asked about the county giving $2,000,000 to the hospital. Clifton stated that the $2,000,000 is on top of the $800,000 that was given for the audit. Clifton stated that this information was in the initial cooperative agreement that was signed. Anne asked why the county needs to give the money? Clifton stated that he felt it was to show that the county is as committed as they are. It will be Bourbon County Community Hospital. Where is the money coming from? Clifton stated that his opinion was the Mercy donation and we have ARPA funds which totals 2.3 million. Anne asked when they are expected to pay the funds. Clifton stated we can write them a check or we can make payments.
Clint Walker stated that Allen County subsidizes their hospital $1,000,000 per year. He also stated that the Road & Bridge crew did an outstanding job putting in whistles on 95th Street and Old 54.
Lynne thanked Clifton for all the hard work with Noble Health getting the hospital up and running. Jim agreed with Lynne on all the hours Clifton put in. Clifton stated that Rob Harrington played a big role in this as well. Clifton stated that the feasibility study is not 100% complete, but they are far enough into it to know they can move forward. Anne Dare asked about any more discussion/community meetings. Clifton stated he had no idea of timeline on that.
Jim Harris stated that he’s heard comments on how short the commission meetings are. He stated that we have a very good agenda and we move forward and get things done. He welcomes the public getting involved in the meetings. We represent the citizens of Bourbon County. Justin and Susan suggested maybe having a commission meeting in one of the outlying towns in the county every 4 months or so. Jim stated he was open to that. Clifton stated that the meetings do not have to be broadcast. It is done as a courtesy. If we have a meeting out in the county it will not be broadcast. Anne stated that she appreciates the momentum that this commission has brought. I think that has caused everyone else step up to the plate. Eric is doing a phenomenal job, Ashley, bringing Susan on and the sheriff. When I attend a meeting and only have to be here for 45 minutes I feel good about the rest of my day. Jim stated that we have a good group of commissioners, Susan on board, Justin and Eric is doing a fantastic job along with our elected officials and Rob Harrington is a team member. We have a lot of good things going forward. Susan stated that she is getting great cooperation. We’ve got to change the way we are doing some things.
Jim thanked Rob Harrington and others for their work on the hospital project.
Lora Holdridge would like to get blinds for the south windows due to glare on computers. She is going to get bids for blinds. Jim said she could pay out of general fund.
At 10:16am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
These minutes were approved on Jan. 31 and posted on the county’s website on Feb. 7
January 25, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Jim Harris, Lynne Oharah and the County Clerk present.
Matt Crystal and Amanda Gilmore were present for some or all of the meeting.
Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes, Jim seconded, all approved.
Eric stated that a compost facility permit had been submitted. We will follow our solid waste plan. Jim made a motion to move forward with permit for composting facility as outlined at the Bourbon County Transfer station KSA 65-3407 allowing public works department to continue with a compost facility. Lynne seconded. All approved. Chairman Harris signed the permit.
Eric stated that the local road safety plan grant that we were awarded last year was contacted last week they are to the point of starting with looking at our roads. We have a kick-off conference call with them tomorrow at 1:00pm.
This week we are working on the ditches on Birch Road. We hauled gravel from the windmill over where they had their concrete plant. They offered us some excess gravel. C & D landfill has been capped on top per KDHE guidelines. We are on schedule with that.
A 48-inch culvert on 218th south of Native that the east bottom is completely rusted out. Had a company come in and look at lining it hoping to not have to dig up the road. They sent us back a price of $9,400.00 to line it. Working on coming up with a plan to fix this ourselves.
Windmill project update we are still working on post-road inspection. Give them a list of items to be worked on. They are not completely leaving but are pulling out trailers on Cavalry. There are still contacts for us.
Approval of Township and Cemetery Board Annual Report. This was postponed to next week. Not all reports are in.
Lynne made a motion to change next Tuesday’s meeting to Monday morning at 9am. Jim seconded. All approved.
Susan stated that the SEK Regional Meeting will be hosted by Bourbon County this year. Jim asked Susan to take charge of this. Susan said she would work with Lora Holdridge.
Justin Meeks asked for permission to meet with Jim Harris regarding some contract reviews and lease assignments. He also stated that he has the landfill real estate contract almost complete. Hoping to have this on the next agenda in February.
Susan stated she needed an executive session for personnel matters of nonelected personnel regarding job performance. Lynne made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy regarding job performance for 10 minutes returning at 9:28am including Justin Meeks, Courtney Goucher, Ashley Shelton, 2 Commissioners and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to return to normal session at 9:28am. Jim seconded. All approved. No Action.
Commissioner comments – discussion of road maintenance. Jim stated a resignation was received from the person who has served on the Library board. If anyone has interest in serving on this board to please let him know.
Rob Harrington stated that they are moving forward with a couple of projects with great things coming in the near future.
At 9:38am Lynne made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jim seconded. All approved.
These minutes were approved on Jan. 18 and posted on the county’s website on Feb. 7
January 11, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Jim Harris, Lynne Oharah and the County Clerk present.
Susan Bancroft, Ann Dare, Jason Silvers, Bill Martin, Ben Cole and Bobby Reed were also present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim began the meeting asking different department heads their thoughts on masks. Patty Love stated that she felt like since they have the sneeze guards they are safe. Matt Quick stated that he feels they have plenty of distance in their office. Eric Bailey went to mandatory masks. One of his co-workers had a direct exposure so they are masking. It was determined that each department head or elected official would set their own rules on masking for their department. Bill Martin asked what the requirement would be to attend commission meetings. Jim said it would be up to the public as to whether they wear a mask or not until further notice.
Lynne made a motion to approve previous meeting minutes. Jim seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey presented an extension permit for an entrance tube for Russell Felt at 2431Jayhawk. Lynne made a motion to approve the extension permit for 2431 Jayhawk. Jim seconded. All approved.
Eric stated that they used brine for the last snow storm. They are calling for another call for this weekend and will probably do the same.
Eric stated that on Birch Rd they have started filling in ditches. They were 4 or 5 feet deep from washout.
Truck #146 Freightliner Heavy Duty Dump Truck was losing some antifreeze. Took to Findley to identify what the issue is and then we’ll have to decide what to do. #145 truck we took to Fleet Pride in Joplin to have the cylinder rebuilt.
Eric stated that IMSHAW training was scheduled for this Friday but has been cancelled due to Covid protocol. Next week we had software training scheduled and has been cancelled due to Covid.
Windmills are drawing to a close on the construction phase. Will be reviewing pre and post construction videos on the roads. I’ll be putting together a punch list and using the road agreement that is in place.
Eric stated that the Sterling and the old bridge truck auctions off today. Currently, the Sterling is around $9,000 and the other is $2,000 to $3,000. Lynne mentioned a place on 75th & Maple on the northeast corner that has a ditch that needs to be worked on.
Jim mentioned mowing/snow removal bids for the medical building. It is tabled until mid-February.
Clifton Beth arrived at meeting.
Jim made a motion to adopt Resolution 05-22 Bourbon County Kansas a resolution in support of the rights of private property land owners. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Bill Martin stated that back in July he filed for a grant for body cams. In December, I was notified that we would receive the grant. The grant is a 50/50 match. The body cam and car cam have to be on the same system. I’m asking for funds to purchase the in-car cameras along with the body cameras. The in-car cam system we have now will not work with the body cams we are looking at. The cost will be $191,931.00 for the in-car cameras. We have 17 cars including the transports for the jail. For me to accept the body cam grant I need the in-car cameras. If you disapprove, the in-car camera system leasing then I will submit a letter to the group that awarded the grant that we cannot move forward. We are looking at a lease purchase for five years. Discussion continued regarding current system and why new equipment is needed. Installation is included in cost. Jim asked if there were any other grants that could be gained to help pay the cost. Bill said no. Tabled until next week to give time for financial reports.
Jim asked about a previous grant that Bill had discussed. Bill explained that it was a one year grant for two drug enforcement positions. Jim made a motion to approve Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grant 22-JAG-01 in the amount of $113,292 to be used for drug treatment and enforcement. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to add Rob Harrington for NRP program. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Rob Harrington requested that the county commission agree to pass the interlocal agreement that will be with the city of Fort Scott. The Fort Scott School District just passed this last night. The county commission which would reenact the NRP (Neighborhood Revitalization Program). It was not renewed in 2020 when it should have been. We are now getting all entities to sign off on it. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the interlocal agreement for the NRP program beginning January 1, 2022 expiring December 31, 2026. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks gave an update on the upcoming tax sale.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship discussing contracts with three commissioners, county councilor for 7 minutes returning at 10:25am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session. No action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Bill Martin stated that a couple of his deputies that are filling in for dispatch. I’m paying them out of my budget. They are having trouble finding dispatchers. That will explain some of the overtime for my department.
Jim wanted to discuss with department heads and elected officials the agenda request form that can be obtained from the clerk’s office. It helps us know ahead of time what will be discussed and possibly allow us to make decisions quicker and not have to delay.
Bill Martin made the statement that there is no other county that has to complete a form to be added to the agenda. I do not agree with having to do this. Jim stated that it is just a courtesy to know in advance what everyone needs. It’s nothing to be offended about. Let’s give it a chance and see how it goes.
At 11:02am, Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.
