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USD234 has some great news.
The board of education recently approved a bond refinance, according to Gina Shelton, business manager for the school district.
“This saves our community $5,792,515.15 and allows us to pay the bond off 5 years earlier,” she said. “We continue our commitment to be good stewards with our taxpayer funds and are so very excited to have this opportunity.”
In a 7-0 vote, USD 234 School Board approved Resolution 19-09 on March 2, 2020, to refinance a portion of the District’s outstanding Series 2014 General Obligation Bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates and captured savings for our community of $5,792,515.15. As a result of the refinancing, the District will pay off the bonds five years earlier than originally planned.
Series 2020 Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds Highlights
The final average interest rate after refinancing is 2.57%.
Total savings is $5,792,515.15 (after all refinancing expenses).
As a result of the refinancing, the District will pay off the bonds five years earlier than originally planned, with a final maturity in 2035, versus 2040.
The refinancing improves the District’s financial position, provides interest cost savings and future mill levy management options.
Timing – Why is this important??
Past
School District and Community passage of bond was just in time.
The initial bonds were passed on December 22, 2014.
Legislation became effective July 1, 2015, that lowered the bond state aid.
We are currently receiving 64% in state aid.
Had we waited, our community would have been receiving 33% state aid.
In 2019-20, the state aid is paying all the interest on the school district’s bonds and some of the principal of the bonds.
Now
Interest rates are at a historical low.
The school board’s goal with refinancing was the capture the lower interest rate currently in the market.
History has shown us that interest rates will go back up, so it is critical to take advantage of the lower rates now.
Parent/Teacher conferences for the USD 234 School District will be held on Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10.
Conferences will be held at the following times:
Fort Scott Preschool Center – 4:20 to 7:50 p.m.
Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware – 4:15 to 7:45 p.m.
Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School – 4:30 to 8:00 p.m.
There will be no school for USD 234 students on Friday, March 13.
Spring Break will be held the week of March 16-20.
Classes will resume for USD 234 students on Monday, March 23.
Citizens of Bourbon County Opposed to Industrial Wind will host Senator Mike Thompson on Sunday, March 8th at 4:00 pm at The River Room, 3 West Oak Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701
Senator Thompson was the former chief meteorologist for WDAF-TV in the Kansas City area 1992-2018 prior to that he was chief meteorologist for KC TV 1983-1992 as well as a meteorologist for KOKH-TV and KWTV in Oklahoma City and WPCQ-TV in Charlotte North Carolina.
Senator Mike Thompson was elected to fill in a district 10 Kansas Senate seat.
“We welcome everyone to come to Senator Mike Thompson’s presentation on the environment,” Anne Dare said. “This is a great opportunity that you will not want to miss.”
February 20, 2020 Tuesday 10:30 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting. Commissioner Oharah, Ruhl, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were all present.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
At 11:11, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
February 25, 2020, Approved Date
February 18, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Nick Ruhl and Lynne Oharah present. Jeff Fischer was present by phone. The County Counselor and the County Clerk were also present.
Tammy Helm with The Tribune, APEX representatives Jeff Spangler, Chris Knapp and Alan Anderson, along with Barbara Peine, Else Moss, Michael Hoyt, Kim Simons and Jody Hoener were also present for a portion of the meeting.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman). No action was taken.
Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman reported they are doing routine maintenance around the County; they are installing culverts and hauling gravel around the County. Jim said they hauled gravel to Hackberry & 209th as well as 60th. Jim said they are waiting on a rebuilt compressor for the patcher. Jim said they are reviewing the salt purchasing agreement.
Jim said they closed the road at Range and 215th due to a bridge failure where the rock abutment collapsed; Jim said they are working with Ag Engineering and this will be fixed and open within a few days.
Lynne reported the Mayor of Uniontown requested that the County clean out the ditches at the cemetery on Maple Road just east of Uniontown.
Nick reported that an area near Range and Condensory needs gravel.
Lynne reported that George Warren suggested a rock crossing at an area near Kansas Road and Highway 3 may need an additional culvert.
Jim Harris reported he had driven the roads presented from the wind farm map; he said there are 66 metal culverts, 4 concrete culverts and 2 low water crossings in the area. Jeff reminded the Commission that the County is not responsible for getting the roads up to the required specifications for the wind farm usage, but the wind farm company is.
Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale held on 2/14/2020. He said the properties sold brought approximately $24,000. Many of the properties didn’t sell. Justin said he had met with the City of Fort Scott regarding the Land Bank prior to the sale and is still working with them. Jeff suggested they sell the unsold properties through an auction service. Justin said he would like to have a liquidation tax sale by the end of the year. Michael Hoyt said the City of Fort Scott “cherry picked” the properties considered for the Land Bank, he said the properties didn’t have guaranteed clear titles; Justin said the Land Bank did not take any properties from this tax sale, he said it is the City’s option to decide to forgive the specials on the properties. Justin said he wouldn’t guarantee personal service regarding the tax sale properties (the landowner is mailed several notifications and it’s put in the newspaper to notify them of the tax sale), therefore none of the properties could be guaranteed clear title insurance. Lynne said the sold tax sale properties get a quit claim deed. The new property owners can then do the work to try to obtain title insurance. Justin said the law prevents people that owe back taxes on their properties from bidding on their own property that is in the tax sale. Nick made a motion to publish to get bids to do title work for the next tax sale, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Jody Hoener met with the Commissioners regarding Mercy Hospital donating the hospital building to the County. Mercy closed in December of 2019. She said they invited the City of Fort Scott, the County, FSCC, the Chamber, Mental Health, FSPD, the Sheriff, the Tribune, Rehabilitation, Via Christi and CHC to a meeting in the hospital to discuss the hospital and the healthcare future. CHC liked the concept and wanted to take ownership, but didn’t. Many entities looked at the facility, but none as a single entity could take on the building. Jody said if several entities leased space in the hospital building it could increase the access to healthcare services. Jody felt the $30 million hospital could be used as an asset for healthcare. She said if the property is 75-100% occupied it could sustain it. There is 177,000 total square feet at the hospital and 122,000 square feet of leasable space. They held a meeting with future tenants of the building CHC and Via Christi; if the County took on the building we could have healthcare in our community and have access to increased services we don’t currently have. Jody said if we (the County) take the building we are taking control of our healthcare destiny and increasing access to healthcare. Jody reported that CHC, Via Christi, the City of Fort Scott, FSCC (nursing program) and counseling services are all in support. Jody said if the County accepts the building donation, Mercy has also agreed to donate $1 million to the County. There have been draft budgets done regarding the building; Jody said the $1 million donation could be used to help cover any shortfall amounts. She said due to the donated property and the $1 million donation, the County would be able to lease out space without a mortgage on the property. Jeff made a motion to allow Jody Hoener to sign the letter of intent for Via Christi, Nick seconded and all approved. Justin Meeks will review the donation agreement. Jody said they will need to form a regulatory board for the facility. Jeff Fischer said he felt that there could eventually be an economic benefit if various entities lease the space. The Commissioners all thanked Jody for the work she has done regarding Mercy donating the property.
Nick made a motion that the Commissioners are able to attend a Smart Growth America workshop on 2/26/2020, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.
Nick made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Nick made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included Lynne, Nick and Kendell Mason). No action was taken.
Kevin Gleason met with the Commissioners to discuss the wind farm; also present for his presentation (that signed in) were Mary Pemberton, Anne Dare, Jason Sutterby, Barbara Peine, Kim Simons, Else Moss, Rachel Martin, Debra Martin, Kathleen Gilliland, Janet Beene, Tara Allen, Marla Koester, Rhonda Dunn and Jordan Nielson. Mr. Gleason said he was here as a concerned citizen, only representing himself, but said he felt a lot of people felt the same way as he did. He lives 4 miles southeast of Uniontown (7-8 miles from the proposed wind farm). He feels blessed to live in a County where people care and hopes someday his sons will move back to this area. He questioned if the benefits of the wind farms out-weigh the costs. He said as an agriculturist he envisions the resources as the most precious commodity. He said he had thought about the wind farms for a long time and said it would be sad if they come to Bourbon County. He said the proposed wind farm will run right through one of the last large tracts of native prairie grass. He said we were told the blades were salvageable, but he had seen an article where the blades were buried in landfills. He mentioned the wildlife effects as well as the migratory patterns near the Bourbon Allen Lake. He said he had heard reports of cows dying due to the wind farms, he didn’t know if there was any truth to this, but said he had hoped someone checked into this as well as any health concerns. He discussed wind turbines being a green energy project; he said he felt they didn’t look green to him due to what goes into building them. He said very few would gain from the wind farms, but said he had no problem with this. He said most of the landowners that will have them are friends of his. Job opportunities were mentioned in a previous meeting; he said most of the workers on the wind farms located in Moran were from out of county. Mr. Gleason said his father was a County Commissioner in Wabaunsee County when they were trying to put wind farms in there; he said he felt there was a lot of potential for corruption. He said it bothered him that neighbors are being pitted against each other; he understood that the Commissioners faced tough issues; he felt this was the biggest and would affect everyone forever if it goes through. Before Mr. Gleason asked the following questions, Lynne said the Commissioners couldn’t answer a lot of questions since legal counsel had advised them not to comment.
Are you concerned about being sued by property owners? Lynne – can’t answer
Has there been an “Official Site Review” done by KDWPT? I’m told this is a requirement and nothing was said about that at the meeting at FSCC. Lynne – can’t answer
How many turbines are being proposed? I’ve been told at least 75. – Lynne – can’t disclose
How would you feel if you were Janet Beene who has broken ground for a new home and now could potentially have a turbine very close on at least three sides? Lynne – valid concern
How much is the total 2020 Bourbon County budget? Lynne – $14,663,429
What will the PILOT being proposed and when will it begin? Lynne – can’t disclose, Mr. Gleason said he assumed the PILOT amount was small compared to the overall County budget and asked if the return was worth the cost
What is the potential benefit to schools and to which schools? – Lynne – USD 235
How many people signed the petition to stop the wind project? – Lynne – what petition, Anne Dare said the Commissioners hadn’t received the petition yet, but at that time there were 292 signatures on the petition
What are some of the other counties you’ve been in touch with and what do they say about wind energy? Lynne-we have been in touch with others & there are pro’s and con’s
What guarantee is there that the money will continue or increase? –question wasn’t discussed
What is the anticipated time schedule of events for the commissioners? Lynne – they don’t have a timetable
Tell me about the property tax calculation process after the 10-year tax abatement? Lynne- the tax value will be calculated by the appraiser. Mr. Gleason referred to a comment by Michael Bloomberg; he said after the project is depreciated and the tax abatements, the tax rate of 25% would not be much tax. Lynne discussed Linn County; he said 75% of their tax base is from power. Mr. Gleason said he hoped the County would take their time and make a well informed decision regarding the wind farms; Lynne said they are doing their due diligence. Mr. Gleason asked them to consider the environmental effects as well as the esthetic beauty of the land. He said he thought the environment is worth the fight. He said when going west he sees a tower in the far west with blinking lights, he said he can’t imagine seeing 75 sets of red lights in the southwest where currently there is only open sky.
At 11:56, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Nick seconded and all approved.
After lunch the following attended the meeting Anne Dare, Jason Sutterby, Barbara Peine, Kim Simons, Else Moss, Rachel Martin, Tyler Martin, Debra martin, Kathleen Gilliland, Jordan Nielsen, Karen Kellenberger, Nancy Van Etten, Barbara Schmidt, Brent Smith, Tim Emerson, Mike Wunderly, Ken Anderson and Reitha Clark.
Barbara Peine read a report from the Heartland Institute Freedom Rising – Wind Industry Poised for Decline, Report States. The report projected impending government decisions could soon result in a sharp decline in the expansion of wind power.
Mike Wunderly said he was against the wind farms. He presented the Commissioners with an article from the January 30, 2019 Iola Register where an additional mechanics lien of $494,000+ was placed on land where a wind farm was located. He discussed an article from Les Keikel in Indiana; the annoyances of noise, placement, setback and safety concerns of the proximity of the homes verses land to the wind towers. He discussed the various setback requirements in different areas of the country; one location in Maine had a setback requirement of more than 7,000 feet.
Tyler Martin said he lives only 2 miles from the proposed wind farm. He said his neighbor is building a home that will have wind turbines around it. He encouraged the Commissioners to consider the tax base; he said it is hard to build the tax base if people aren’t building homes in the areas of the turbines.
Tim Emerson said he was opposed to the wind farms; he had a copy of the Resolution from Anderson County regarding zoning. He said we needed zoning in Bourbon County. He discussed various articles; one article said the non-recyclable blades were being shipped to landfills, articles on wind power in Germany, an article declaring wind farms a public nuisance due to health reasons. He suggested a moratorium so studies could be done regarding the health effects. He encouraged people to view the proximity of the homes to the wind farms in Moran.
Anne Dare presented a signed petition to the Commissioners; she said they are not legal and not binding but was only to allow people to sign if they were opposed to the wind farms. She asked that they be put as public record and said the petition had 303 signatures. She said she was disappointed in February 11th evening meeting, she said they had no chance for rebuttal or follow up questions. She said the answers from APEX were vague. She didn’t feel there was any real evidence they had done anything they had asked for. She said a resident at 215th & Wagon Road could see the lights from the wind farm in Moran. She said the County needed to broaden the tax base, but asked if this was the best way to do this. She said we needed to broaden the tax base now, not in 10 years when the PILOT program ends; she said the PILOT is “piddly” money. She previously asked how the economic development director finds out about possible new industry coming to town; she was told the State informs the County of this, she suggested that someone from the County actively draw businesses to us. She questioned what money would be available to help new businesses. She said if the wind power project is completed in 2021 it would be 2031 before they were paying property taxes. She discussed Kansas magazines that she receives; she said in the magazines filled with pictures of Kansas there isn’t one picture of a wind turbine. She asked that the Commissioners do their due diligence before committing the County to something so many didn’t agree with.
Barbara Peine met with the Commissioners; she discussed the road usage agreement. Lynne previously stated that if the County didn’t sign the road usage agreement the company could use the highways; Lynne said they (APEX) will not build public roads, but will build their own access roads if needed. He said they want to use the Bourbon County roads. Anne Dare asked if the County ever told someone they couldn’t use the County roads; Lynne said how do you tell someone they can’t use the roads when there is large farm machinery that is always using the roads, he asked if we were going to single them out. Kim Simons stated APEX stated at the February 11th meeting that they wouldn’t come to Bourbon County without the road use agreement; what was actually stated was that they can come without the road use agreement, but don’t want to do that, all of their projects have a road use agreement in place.
Else Moss discussed the non-disclosure contracts between the County and APEX; Lynne said they couldn’t discuss the contracts. She questioned since tax dollars pay the County legal services could they also help those against the wind farms; Lynne said the County Counselor works for the Commissioners. Marita Meech previously suggested that the County hire a different attorney to review the wind farm contracts; Lynne said he is searching for legal assistance with the contracts and had reached out to the County insurance company KCAMP for assistance regarding the wind farm.
Anne Dare questioned what Jeff Spangler’s role with the wind farm company was; he said he was hired to be the public engagement organizer. He said his office will be in Girard and that it was his job to fact find and get correct and the most up to date information for people.
Deb Martin asked if Crawford County was zoned; Justin Meeks said parts of Crawford County are zoned. She asked if Crawford County was giving the green light regarding the wind farms; Lynne said yes.
Lynne made a motion to adjourn at 2:45, Nick seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
February 25, 2020, Approved Date
February 14, 2020 Friday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.
Mindy Koester- Combs, Mike Engstrom, Anne Dare and Mary Pemberton were also present.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded, (Jeff said the session would be confined to one subject and said they would not be discussing anything else and said there could be minimal action taken) and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). After the session, Jeff made a motion to give the Commissioners permission to request proposals for contract review with respect to the wind energy agreements, Nick seconded and all approved.
At 9:43, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
February 18, 2020, Approved Date
February 4, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.
Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Julie Saker and Michael Hoyt were also present for a portion of the meeting.
Jim Harris, Jerad Heckman and Shane Walker met with the Commissioners to discuss a road at 75th & Victory Road; Shane said the KDOT map shows it as unimproved, dirt, unmaintained road. The Commissioners said they need to look at the deed to see if there is a right of way there.
Richard Womelsdorf met with the Commissioners to discuss whether a road at 115th & Tomahawk was an open or closed road; they said they would have to look at the deed to determine if there was a right of way there as well.
Jim Harris met with the Commissioners to discuss a 1998 New Holland Tractor with a blown motor; he said R&R would give the County $7,500 for it as is or it could be used as a trade in on a new tractor. Nick made a motion for Jim to get bids for a new tractor using the 1998 New Holland as a trade in, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Jeff Fischer discussed a map that Coffey County uses regarding their pavement management program; he felt a map similar to this could be beneficial to Bourbon County.
Jeff said that Larry Shead had asked for an update regarding 250th & Deer Road; Jim said there wasn’t enough room to install the recommending culverts. Jeff asked that Jim provide him with the hydraulic study of the area.
Lynne discussed trees being trimmed at 145th & Jayhawk; Jerad Heckman said a power company was doing work there not the County.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jody Hoener, Justin Meeks and City of Fort Scott employees Robert Uhler and Susan Bancroft). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jody Hoener, Justin Meeks and City of Fort Scott employees Robert Uhler and Susan Bancroft). No action was taken.
Jeff Fischer read an article provided to him from the Iola Newspaper discussing the wind farms in Allen County and mechanics liens between the contractor and subcontractors. The PILOT program for Allen County is $250,000 which is equal to 1,250 per megawatt). The size of the wind farm field in Allen County is the same as Bourbon County.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker). No action was taken.
Greg Schick met with the Commissioners to discuss the upcoming tax sale on February 14th and the Land Bank; Jeff said he is on the Land Bank board and there was a meeting at 5 pm tonight. There was a discussion over the tax sale list; Mr. Schick said the Treasurer told him there would be additional interest and fees charged that isn’t on the list; Justin said there would be additional interest that continues to accrue daily. Mr. Schick said in the past he had bought several properties from the tax sales. Justin discussed the Land Bank; he said properties out in the County will not go into the Land Bank and said the Land Bank can choose what tax sale properties (located in the City of Fort Scott) it wants. Justin discussed the title company’s policy saying that if they don’t get personal service, then they may not get title insurance for 15 years; he said this created a market of properties that couldn’t get title insurance. He said he wasn’t responsible for a clear title to the properties. Justin said the Commissioners goal is to get the properties back on the tax roll. Currently there are no properties in the Land Bank.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
At 12:13, Nick made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Lynne seconded and all approved.
Jeff Fischer gave a presentation, present for this discussion were Paulette Albright, Kim Simons, Lynn Robinson, David Snow, Janice Bailey, Mary Pemberton, Nancy Van Etten, Mike Wunderly, Reitha Clark, Barbara Sevart, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Mark McCoy, Brent Smith and Tim Emmerson. In the presentation, Jeff discussed calculating an effective tax rate, he discussed Coffey County and how a large portion of their taxes are paid by the utility companies. He compared other Counties value and what portion of their value is made up by utilities. Appraiser Clint Anderson discussed how land value is calculated. Jeff compared the higher mill rates in Bourbon County verses other neighboring counties. The goal for Bourbon County is to lower the tax rate; this can be done by adding valuation.
Tim Emmerson said he had lived here for 46 years; he said he is against windmills and said he would hate to think the whole atmosphere could change with the windmills. He said he believes in economic development, but said the windmills won’t bring people here but felt people will move away. He said Wyoming is building a landfill to bury the windmill blades. He felt Bourbon County needed zoning and restrictions for when businesses want to locate here to protect the landowners here.
Kim Simons said she had taken a tour of a wind farm in Allen County; she said she had met landowners that have wind farms on their property. She said their property had the following liens (between the property owner and businesses) on them… $5.3 million for a crane company, $1.8 million for a rock quarry, a lien from a lube company and another lien coming from another crane company. She said this landowner had not received their lease payment yet. She said she thought the Commissioners needed to listen to the ones that want the windmills, but also listen to the ones that will have to live around them, Jeff Fischer said he agreed. Justin Meeks said if anyone has any legal questions they should seek legal counsel.
Mary Pemberton had previously presented contracts used in Neosho County regarding the wind farms, she asked if the Commissioners had reviewed them; Jeff said they are being used to help with the wind farm negotiations for Bourbon County.
Mike Wunderly said he didn’t care what the leases said, but was concerned about what the wind farms could do to the rest of Bourbon County.
Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners to discuss the 2019 Coronavirus; he recently had a meeting with KDHE regarding the virus. According to KDHE people who have been diagnosed have reported symptoms that may appear in as few as 2 or 14 days after the exposure to the virus. Currently there are no vaccines available to prevent the infection nor are there any medications approved for the virus. Most people with mild coronavirus will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking pain and fever medications; however some will develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization. Will said if the virus comes here, they would need to quarantine and isolate the patients. Will suggested using Mercy Hospital as a place to isolate them and asked that the Commissioners start a conversation with Mercy representatives regarding using the hospital. Will said he needed to put together a plan and do a cost analysis to operate the facility if needed.
Justin Meeks informed the Commissioners that there would be property at Hidden Valley Lake included in a tax sale in the future.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker). No action was taken.
At 4:22, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
February 3, 2020 Monday 10:30 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting. The Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were all present.
Alan Anderson, Luke Hagedorn, Juliana Pianelli and Scott Koziar met with the Commissioners to discuss the wind farms.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Alan Anderson and Luke Hagedorn). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Alan Anderson and Luke Hagedorn). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Alan Anderson and Luke Hagedorn). No action was taken.
At 11:34, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
February 4, 2020, Approved Date
No Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Kansas, Kelly ensures state is ready
Governor Kelly, Secretary Norman, General Tafanelli urge preparedness
Governor Laura Kelly, along with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Kansas Adjutant General Lee Tafanelli, director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM), today outlined a robust, comprehensive preparedness plan for COVID-19, also known as novel coronavirus.
“There are no confirmed cases in Kansas, but we are prepared,” Kelly said. “Currently, in Kansas, the overall risk of the virus is low, but that does not mean we can rest easy. We take this situation seriously. We can and will remain ready to respond swiftly and effectively, should the virus spread to Kansas.”
The Kelly administration is working closely with federal, state and local partners to maintain awareness of national and international trends related to the virus. KDHE currently is working on Kansas-specific guidance, based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to help local communities continue their preparedness efforts.
Under Governor Kelly’s direction, KDHE and KDEM are:
“The health and safety of every Kansan is our top priority and we are utilizing every tool at our disposal to continue monitoring the situation and ensure that we are ready to respond should that be necessary,” Kelly said. “The best way to protect yourself, your family and your friends against contracting the virus is to use good hygiene practices like washing your hands, coughing into your sleeve, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and stay home if you’re not feeling well. It’s simple, but effective.”
Kansas has tested a few suspected cases of coronavirus, with no positive results as of today.
“Our KDHE lab now has the capability to test for cases of COVID-19, which will expedite the test results,” Dr. Norman said. “That means our state can respond quickly and effectively. Make no mistake — our team is experienced. They are highly trained and prepared to keep Kansans safe.”
The Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories facility, in Topeka, was one of the first in the country to be certified by the CDC to test for COVID-19. When there is a Person Under Investigation, KDHE coordinates with the local health department and other stakeholders such as hospitals and clinicians to help coordinate sample collection and shipping to the KDHE Lab, which cuts the testing time for suspected cases down from days to hours.
The adjutant general outlined KDEM’s preparedness efforts as part of a coordinated state response.
“We stand ready to support county emergency managers for resources and technical assistance when needed,” Tafanelli said. “We have been coordinating, planning and participating in briefings with local, state and federal partners on a daily basis. We stand ready to respond.”
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath. These symptoms can develop 2-14 days after exposure. The symptoms can range from mild to severe – and in rare cases, have resulted in death.
If you have recently traveled to areas including China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea and have developed fever with lower respiratory symptoms including cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel or have had contact with someone with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider. You may also call the KDHE phone hotline number.
KDHE HOTLINE NUMBER: 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF)
PREVENTION
There is no current vaccine for COVID-19. However, there are ways to prevent the spread of this disease.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
This situation is constantly evolving and changing. For the most up-to-date information, please use the following links from KDHE and the CDC: