February 12, 2024 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.
Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Charles Gentry, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-5-24, approval of payroll totaling $297,154.89, and approval of accounts payable totaling $810,179.43. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Michael Hoyt reminded everybody to register to vote before February 20th to be able to participate in the election in March. Michael said anybody who is going to turn 18 by election day can register to vote as well and the County Clerk confirmed this.
Trevor Jacobs, State Representative, called into the meeting to ask the Commissioners to support a resolution opposing the entry, transportation, employment, and settlement of illegal immigrants in Bourbon County. Nelson read the entire resolution and stated Wallace County, Kansas passed a similar resolution in the last few weeks. Trevor commended the Commissioners for entertaining the resolution. Nelson made a motion to pass resolution 04-24. Jim discussed the resolution stating he just received it and wanted to have the County Counselor review and wait until Clifton is back to vote on it. The motion died due to a lack of a second. Nelson said he sent the resolution to Justin about a week ago. Justin said it is not a contract and is not binding so it is up to the Commission if they would like to pass. Jim stated he would like to postpone until the next meeting so all three Commissioners have a chance to vote. Trevor asked to participate in the discussion at the next meeting.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented an application for utility construction for Chris Meech at 1997 195th Street to have electric ran under the road. Nelson made a motion to approve the permit and sign it. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric stated the storm this morning was crazy with an approximate 7-mile radius around Fort Scott having snow and slush on the roads. Eric said a crew went out to push the snow off the road. Eric said when the courthouse was closed due to the ice storm those who work at the courthouse were paid for 8 hours and asked that his crew get paid 8 hours in addition to what they were paid for working that day. Eric said it was a tough storm. Jim said it was discussed how the employees would be paid in the event of a courthouse closure a few weeks ago but agreed they had a tough job and that we ask a lot out of the crew. Jim said he was in favor of chasing and paying them 8 hours. Jim made a motion to change the policy and pay public works, EMS, and the Sheriff’s department employees who worked during the ice storm an additional 8 hours. Nelson discussed changing the decision and asked if employees will come back in the future and want more. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they are clearing overburden at Blake Quarry for a blast. Jim asked how things were going at Shepard Quarry and Eric said they started out rough but are getting better. Eric said they are hauling rock as fast and best as they can. Nelson said he had a few people ask if they could grade Locust Road west of Redfield. Nelson said they were happy about the rock they received but it is wash boarded. Eric said the rock was put down when extremely muddy and that he would have a grader work on the road.
Sheriff Bill Martin presented the Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification for the Chairman to sign. Sheriff Martin stated the agreement shows we haven’t received any money. Nelson made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign the agreement. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Sheriff Martin stated several weeks ago a vehicle was totaled and we will receive $16,485 from KCAMP and he is here to ask for an additional $35,000 to purchase a replacement vehicle. The Sheriff said four bids were sent out and City State Bank responded with a bid for $37,119.00 but will actually end up being $35,619 due to the deductible being lower than he thought. Jim asked if the $35,000 is for one vehicle and asked if Susan found any money available so they didn’t have to finance. Sheriff Martin said he did not hear back from Susan. Nelson made a motion to allow the Sheriff to move forward with purchasing a vehicle either through a loan or by working with the CFO to see if we can purchase the vehicle outright. Jim added he would like the CFO to respond within 24 hours. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, stated last week he proposed several options for a sales tax to help fund healthcare. Justin read the two options and stated words are important as we can allow for additional EMS funding if we are unable to secure and emergency room. Jim stated he liked the wording of the second option, but the shortness of the first option. Justin stated the second option is more specific and gives a timeline and tells what happens if REH gets approved. There was discussion over wording and timelines and it was decided to work on the options and that they can hold a special meeting if needed when Clifton is available to vote on the final ballot language. Charles Gentry said those who are forming a committee will want to know ballot language as soon as possible due to the amount of work needed to promote the issue.
Justin Meeks requested a 7-minute executive session. Nelson made a motion to go into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks for 7-minutes to return at 6:28. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 6:28 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to go back into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks for 10-minutes to return at 6:40. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 6:40 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim did not have any comments tonight. Nelson said a prayer during his Commission comment section.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:41. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
2-26-2024 Approved Date