April 1, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Jason Silvers, Mary Pemberton, Teri Hulsey, James Whitney, Scott Christiansen, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 3-25-2024.
Nelson asked to make an announcement before the minutes were approved. Jim and Clifton agreed to let Nelson make an announcement. Nelson resigned his position as 1st District Commissioner. Nelson stated that he signed up for a section under public comments and then read a prepared statement, and announced his plan to run for Sheriff. Jim and Clifton thanked Nelson for his work as Commissioner and wished him good luck. Nelson left the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Mary Pemberton discussed the solar farm projects and stated the same excuse of no zoning was being blamed as it had during the Jayhawk Wind project. Mary said the Commissioners should protect county residents and those adjoining, non-participating landowners. Mary said the current contracts have outlined a 25-foot setback from a neighboring property line, and she feels that is not acceptable. Mary said she does her own research and does not rely on the information provided by others. Mary discussed other areas that are zoned and stated many are allowing alternative energy, but they are not allowed to run amuck and gave an example of Labette County who she said issued a moratorium and stated they would not sign any road use agreements until they received more information on the project. Mary stated most places hold public hearings and said it would be great if the Commissioners held informative meetings for residents. Mary said there will be a presentation given by individuals who have knowledge of solar farms on Wednesday at 6:30 at the Fort Scott Livestock Market. Mary said this will be the first of many meetings and it is informational, not to take a stance for or against the project.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, and Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, presented the culvert report for March. Eric said the fuel prices report was emailed to the Commissioners. Eric stated the bridge project at 160th Street and Fern Road was going well with the old bridge removed and the area being measured for concrete, however; the rain today might cause a delay. The Blackberry project will begin replacing electric poles starting April 30th. Eric said that weather permitting there will be a blast at the Blake Quarry on Thursday. Jim asked if this would be a single blast or a double blast, and Eric stated it will be a double blast as they have more than enough overburden cleared at the quarry. Eric stated the crack sealing machine was started today and they anticipate starting later this week sealing cracks. Eric said they will begin in areas around the shop in case of technical difficulties and plan on committing April and May to crack sealing. A controlled burn was held at Elm Creek Lake last week. Clifton stated he needed to leave in 10-minutes. Eric handed out their 2024 asphalt plan and asked to be placed on the agenda on April 15th to go over the different projects.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda and move SEK-CAP to the next item. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Scott Christiansen and James Whitney, with Southeast Kansas Community Action Program, Inc Public Transportation provided an informational packet that outlines the services they offer residents in Bourbon County. Services started August 28, 2023 in Bourbon County, and so far in March they have had 94 riders. Many riders are in the Fort Scott area, however; they will travel to the smaller towns in Bourbon County with Uniontown and Mapleton having many residents who frequently use their services. Any resident can call to request a ride, but they are unable to haul pets or go into Missouri. SEK-CAP received a $5,000 grant from Health Bourbon County Action Team and contributions from other area businesses to provide services until June 30, 2024 and are asking for $3,000 from Bourbon County to help with operational costs for July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. Jim said they would think about the request and place the item on next week’s agenda.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, asked for approval to meet with Rob Harrington with Bourbon County REDI to apply for a Communities Facility Grant. Clifton stated he received more information on the grant and Kansas doesn’t do more than 10%. Teri handed out a sheet that outlined the EMS run numbers and explained the difference in numbers from last year versus this year. Teri stated that a transfer is inter-facility, so that is when they took a patient from the ER to a hospital for additional treatment. Since we do not have an ER that is the reason for the jump in the transport numbers and no transfers. Jim thanked Teri for all that she does.
Jim told Susan Walker, CFO, that she would be placed on the agenda for next week for the items she had on the agenda that they were unable to get to since Clifton had to leave early.
Jim and Clifton stated they appreciated what Nelson did as a Commissioner.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:03. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
4-8-2024 Approved Date