The unofficial minutes of the Uniontown City Council

The Regular Council Meeting on August 9, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:04), Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George and Randy Rathbun (Uniontown Ruritan), Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Jason Thompson and Josh Bales (Green Environmental Services), Mary Pemberton, Carey Spoon, SEK Regional Planning Commission, and Amanda Lancaster, Diehl Banwart Bolton, CPA, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Open Bids for street mill & asphalt project – Bettis Asphalt & Construction Base Bid $127,287.85, Alternate $70,950.15, total $198,238.00.  Killough Construction Base Bid less mill/pack on Seventh St/Sherman St $60,813.24.  Due to one bid not having a complete base bid and not comparable to the other bid received and the other bid was over our budgeted amount for the project, all bids were rejected.  The Council will consider asking for line item bids in the future as they also consider other funding options.  Clerk Johnson will send letter to Killough Construction.

Open RFPs for Trash Service – The City is required to follow the procedure laid out in KSA 12-2036.  The procedure was explained by Clerk Johnson.  No RFPs were opened.  Green Environmental Services was given their unopened proposal and Clerk Johnson will return the other with a letter of explanation.  Clerk Johnson will send out a supplemental newsletter with this information.

2022 Financial Audit presentation – Due to a misunderstanding regarding the Gas Utility Loan and collection of gas surcharge to repay loan, the Gas Utility Fund expenditures were over budget.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to accept 2022 Financial Audit as presented

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George asked the Council is they wanted lever handles in and out or a push bar or the inside.  Lever handles were selected.  Doors will open out and have programmable locks.  Ruritan would like for it to be open to the public during the day.  He is meeting with electrician tomorrow.  There will be a fan in the attic area and can lights.

Randy Rathbun gave a presentation for the proposed addition of a “fire truck” in the playground in honor of Dale Jackson.  Council was receptive of the addition.

SEK Regional Planning Commission, Carey Spoon – State of Kansas had a summit last month regarding the Hub they have set up to administer the funds from BIL.  Most federal funding is wanting regional projects and an action plan would have to be submitted before any funding for the implementation could be applied for.  She gave a handout to each person at the table with information explaining Safe Streets 4 All.  CDBG is not accepting applications for street projects this year.  They are not very familiar with KDOT funding sources but will try to help us as much as possible.  They are having a meeting August 23, 11-1 (in person or zoom) on BIL funding.

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pemberton gave an update on the progress of their rehab.  Scheduled to pour sidewalk next week.  Codes Officer Coyan will meet with her again.  Inside should be completed by end of August and all work should be completed by end of October.  She also reminded the Council of the Bourbon County REDI vision meeting on August 23, 6PM, at River Room above Luther’s BBQ in Fort Scott.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the July 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $371,765.26, Receipts $28,432.97, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $27,542.60, Checking Account Closing Balance $369,629.63. Bank Statement Balance $372,396.19, including Checking Account Interest of $1.43, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,766.56, Reconciled Balance $369,629.63.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,100.97, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,593.23, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,381.43, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $446,705.26. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $208.02, and Utility CDs $168.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $376.42.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of July 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  July Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Loss for the month of July $2,135.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $45.886.13.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $64,623.57 (61.3%), Expenditures $63,375.25 (48.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $20,413.55 (57.2%), Expenditures $22,756.67 (55.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $87,681.63 (62.8%), Expenditures $84,919.58 (34.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $100,488.77 (78.2%), Expenditures $88,140.99 (53.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $1,041.18 (9.8%).  The August 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $40,671.74 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

• Minutes of July 12, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reminded Council he has two weeks vacation time that has to be taken before October 29, then gets three weeks.  He is to take one week at a time.

KCC Pipeline Safety Seminar is October 26-27 in Manhattan.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend KCC Pipline Safety Seminar in Manhattan on October 26-27

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported the deadline for Smith Estate is September 1.  City Attorney suggested preparing resolution for condemnation.  It was suggested to have a structural engineer inspect the property prior to preparing the resolution.

Clerk Johnson informed the council that HBCAT needs budget numbers for the placemaking project.  She will add a survey to the supplemental newsletter for community input of what exercise equipment to purchase and/or build pickleball court.

KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference is September 29-30 in Wichita.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference in Wichita on September 29-30

We received a letter from FEMA regarding the 30-day data submission notification for the draft flood insurance rate map (FIRM) for Bourbon County.  The draft shows decreased potential for flooding and no special flood hazard areas in the city limits.

There have been requests for fall citywide cleanup.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to have a fall citywide cleanup August 22-26, 8AM-8PM with dumpsters removed when full.

Clerk Johnson will also add this and a reminder about school starting to the supplemental newsletter.

The November regularly scheduled council meeting is on election day.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to reschedule the November regular council meeting on November 15, 2022, 7PM

The HP color printer/copier has quit.  RTS Electronics said parts are not available and would recommend replacing with a laser color printer instead of an inkjet, more cost effective.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, approved 4-0 to have Clerk Johnson get a new color printer/copier

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – He attended the KMGA Regional Meeting in Humboldt on July 14 (handouts in packets).  BBCO REDI Vision Meeting, August 23, 6PM, River Room, Fort Scott.  He also asked if the dog issue had been resolved.  Clerk Johnson stated that she informed Animal Control Officer Binford and that the dogs that were chasing the kids were back at home and tied up in different areas than before, so dog owner is aware they were loose but she hasn’t been able to connect with him yet.

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – received a complaint of a property owner being injured while mowing the easement ditch on his property on Seventh St.  Council asked Rich to look at ditch and talk to property owner.

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Two lights out in park, northeast corner and west side.  Rich spoke to Evergy today and they said it could be 10 business days before they are repaired/replaced.

OLD BUSINESS

American Rescue Plan Act update – Council directed Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan to get bids for the ADA bathroom upgrade at City Hall.  Also asked Johnson to amend the BBCO REDI grant application for this project instead of the public bathroom project.

2023 Budget, Gas Surcharge/Loan – Budget has been reworked to add gas surcharge revenue and loan payments.  Johnson also revised the 2022 budget to include the gas surcharge revenue and loan payments.  At this time, it does not appear that we will need to republish.  She asked Council to review the reworked budget and let her know by the end of the week if something needs amended.  She will send notice of hearings to Tribune next week.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:28PM.

Open meeting resumed at 9:28PM.

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to increase base pay for Animal Control Officer to $12/hr

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:29PM

July 29, 2022 Friday, 1:00pm

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Jim Harris and Clifton Beth-via phone) and the County Clerk present.

Jim made a motion for an 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 possible litigation for 20 minutes returning at 1:23pm including 2 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker. Jim made a motion to return to normal session at 1:23pm. Clifton seconded. All approved.

Justin asked that the commissioners approve up to $50,000 monies approved for a special internal investigation on certain funds that have been used by departments.
Clifton made a motion as stated by County Counselor Meeks. Jim seconded. All approved. At 1:27pm Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Clifton seconded.
All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(s) Jim Harris, Chairman
(s) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
August 9, 2022, Approved Date

July 26, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Clifton
Beth and Jim Harris) and the County Clerk present.
Clint and Rachel Walker, Matt Quick, Brian Wade, Keni Stark, Susan Bancroft, Shane
Walker, Jason Silvers, and Josh Jones were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda. Move the approval of minutes to the
next meeting. Jim seconded. All approved.
Eric gave handouts from the LRSP meeting last week. That will give you an idea of
what was discussed in the meeting. Once we are done with the study that will give us
the opportunity to apply for several grants to make our roads safer. We have
completed asphalt at Hiatville and are now working on 55th and Yellowstone. We had
a rain delay today. Had a little breakdown with the roller last week and tried to
overnite some parts. They were supposed to be here Thursday and they got here
Monday. We are up and running again. We blasted at Blake Quarry last week 50,732
tons. They had about 12 or 15 holes and they didn’t have enough powder so they will
come back for those. The 2007 F750 that we bought we picked up this week. Has
28,000 actual miles mint condition. Very nice used truck. Four mowers are mowing
roadside and the sidearm mower. If we use the sidearm mower it is because the trees
are out in the road and it’s hitting our vehicles. We’ve had some complaints about us
cutting the trees but it is a safety issue. We replaced the three culverts on 225th and
are ready to do the asphalt when we get there. Jim stated that he worked the
Republican booth at the fair and had several people thank him for buying a bigger
crusher and making an attempt to take better care of our roads. Clifton made a
motion for an 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 including 2 commissioners, Eric Bailey, Justin Meeks, and Susan
Bancroft for possible litigation for 7 minutes at 6:15pm. Clifton made a motion to
return to normal session at 6:15pm with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.
Jim 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 2 commissioners, Justin Meeks, Shane Walker, and Susan
Bancroft for 10 minutes returning at 6:25pm. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All
approved.
Justin Meeks requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive
session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected
personnel to protect their privacy including 2 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan
Bancroft for job performance for 10 minutes returning at 6:38pm. Clifton made a
motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.

Shane Walker stated he has a letter that needs Chairman signature stating that we
pay dispatch and we give them all the 911 funds and there are some duplicate
services. This will alleviate that and save us money. Clifton made a motion to allow
Chairman Harris to sign the dispatch operation responsibility agreement with the city.
Jim seconded. All approved.
Public comment: Brian Wade stated he reached out to Eric last week to see if he
could get a traffic counter out in front of his house. I would like it set up to run from
now till after September 20th. Hoping he can get it out in the next couple of weeks. I
put in a KORA request because Mr. Martin on his budget request stated that he had an
8 pound meth seizure in Bourbon County. The county attorney and Bill sent me
something it’s a couple of Hispanics on a kilogram of hallucinogenic drugs which a
kilogram is 2.20462262185 of a pound. That’s not 8 pounds. So, why the fuzzy
numbers? Where did it happen? I would like to know where it happened. Also, on a
KORA request I requested information on ammunition. What he used for ammunition.
I got the receipts on that, there is a lot of money. I called Ron Gray and asked him
what did you guys use. He stated he learned from the guy before him and we didn’t
spend much money. He stated usually a box of shells to practice and a box to qualify.
The budget that Bill has for bullets is $11,640. That’s a chunk of money. I called
Travis Shelton and asked him what is your budget for shells and he said $10,000.
Travis said we pay for lights, repairs and bullets out of it. One thing I do question is
223 rounds. Thirteen thousand two hundred rounds of 223’s. That seems like a huge
number of rifle rounds. The other one is 8 and 12 gauge shot gun shells. That sounds
like we’re going dove hunting or maybe shooting some trap with 8’s. You would think
law enforcement would use slugs or double ott buck which he has very small quantity
of slugs. We got a county trap shoot? Jim stated that Bill would need to be present
and answer to that. Kevin Stark stated he has some land on the state line in Bourbon
County and the exact same land in Vernon County. My property taxes in Bourbon
County was 4 years ago was $14.00 per acre and in Vernon County it is $1.40. Tillable
ground is much higher than pasture land. It seems like we are little bit out of sync
with our neighbors. I just ask that you watch expenditures and try to keep spending
down. Cost for putting in a crop per acre is around $650. On top of that risk we have
higher property taxes. It puts us at a disadvantage. Jim stated that when comparing
to Vernon County, look at their roads compared to ours. Kevin asked the
commissioners to watch their expenditures as much as possible.
Commissioner comments: Clifton stated that Susan’s presentation from a couple of
weeks ago (may be viewed on the county website) is very telling as to why we are
where we are. You can’t compare our county to our surrounding counties. Clifton
stated there would be no meeting next week due to election. Get out and vote.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn at 7:08pm. Jim seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

July 18, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Clifton
Beth and Jim Harris) and the County Clerk present.
Patty LaRoche, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Bob Reed, Kevin Davidson, Matt Quick, Clint
Walker, Nelson Blythe, Donald Coffman, Rachel and Clint Walker were present for
some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes for last weeks’ meeting. Jim
seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey stated he had no permits to report on. Eric gave a reminder that the LRSP
meeting with KDOT is tomorrow from 1pm to 5pm in the Commission Room. Open to
the public if they wish to attend. Eric states regarding to asphalt, they lacked about
125 yards being done at Hiatville today. They blew a hydraulic fitting on cities’
laydown machine. We should be back up and going tomorrow and hopefully get
finished. We will be moving to 55th & Yale. I called on our paver and they haven’t
got it in yet. Bellydump is still hauling rock. We are scheduled for a blast at Blake
Quarry this Wednesday probably somewhere around 50 to 60 ton. Having issues with a
couple of dump trucks. Roadside mowing is going on now, we have four mowers
going. Have the sidearm going as well. 165th & Tomahawk had a grader operator do
about 1 mile of ditching. Did a good job. Culvert crew is trying to get some crossroad
tubes in as well. Waiting on 30 inch tubes for 115th. North of Hackberry we have
three tubes needing replaced. They’ve rotted out on the bottom. Clifton asked if
Eric had heard anything from KDOT on the bridge on 215th. Eric stated no. He said he
got a rough estimate from an engineer for bridge replacement and it was around 2 to
2 1/2 million. Eric stated they are looking at some grants.
Clifton requested an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters
of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including two
commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Tiana McElroy and Shane Walker for 15
minutes returning here at 6:23pm. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a
motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to remove Matt Quick regarding Hours of
Operation from the printed agenda. Jim seconded. All approved.
Jim stated that a commissioner needed to be appointed to the Bourbon County REDI
following Lynne’s resignation and I would like to recommend Commissioner Beth.
Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft discussed the Revenue Neutral Rate regarding the County. After
discussion of keeping our levy flat which would exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate and
this stands as a notice to the county clerk for this budget year. The Clerk has to send
letters to every tax payer so we have to certify by the 20th of September. The

Revenue Neutral Rate hearing will be first and then we’ll talk about the budget
hearing. We will present why we are exceeding the RNR and then we will vote on the
budget following. The commissioners stated that they would like the hearing and
vote to be on separate dates. Clifton suggested a night meeting so more of the public
could attend. Clifton made a motion for Ashley to publicize the intent to exceed
Revenue Neutral Rate and the hearing will be held August 30th @ 6pm at 210 S
National, Fort Scott, KS in the Commission Room. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton asked Bobby Reed for an update on the jail. Bobby stated that since July 6th
we’ve had two applicants. We called to schedule an interview with one them. No
answer. I saw this individual out in the public and asked him about it. He said he
decided to do something else. Bobby told him there had been an increase in wages to
$14.50/hr. The individual stated that wasn’t enough. The other applicant was not
contacted due to her background. We are having open interviews this Thursday from
4pm to 8pm out at the jail. We’re going to hit it again on Facebook. As of tomorrow,
I will be down to 6 correctional officers. Both lieutenants are working shift work and
the captain will be going to a shift as well. I will be utilizing off-duty deputies and
myself when applicable for transports. Linn County should be opening their new
facility soon and hoping to get our inmates closer which will cut down on drive time,
maintenance and fuel. Current inmate count as of this morning was 25. We do still
have some inhouse because we can’t find homes for them at the moment.
Clifton asked Sheriff Martin regarding money for vehicles. The highway patrol
vehicles that the city bought would they be an option for us. Bill responded that their
cars are maintained but they drive their vehicles hard. The city only drives about 5
square miles. Some of the equipment that is in the vehicles cannot be transferred to
other vehicles. Bill said the price for a car fully equipped is $50 to $55,000.00. Bill
stated they are going to order two cars this year. Our fleet is getting old and worn
out. Jim stated that Bill budget request would result in a 5 mil increase and the tax
payers cannot bear that at this time. Jim stated that Bill’s concerns regarding putting
a fuel tank on the property due to flood plain. Jim stated that is not true. The flood
plain is not on the county property. Jim also stated that Bill could save 82 cents per
gallon as of today if Judy’s Fuel brought that to you. Eighty-two cents per gallon
times 15 vehicles daily. That’s $100,000 per year. Bill said that he had concerns with
the tank tipping over and running down the creek. Jim stated that there would have
to be a fence to suit the fire marshall. Bill said if that’s what you want to do then do
it today. Jim further stated that Bill had asked for more deputies. In 2021 you had
2,253 traffic stops; 928 were within the city limits. If you stay out of the city limits
would you need two more deputies? Bill stated he was glad Jim brought that up
because we are now going into criminal investigations. With that being said we will
have to go into executive session to explain those reasons. I’ve also brought Deputy
Davidson who will need to be part of the executive session to explain why we do what
we do in regards to that. Clifton made a motion for an 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 including 2
commissioners, Justin Meeks, County Attorney Tiana McElroy, Bill Martin, Deputy

July 18, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Clifton
Beth and Jim Harris) and the County Clerk present.
Patty LaRoche, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Bob Reed, Kevin Davidson, Matt Quick, Clint Walker, Nelson Blythe, Donald Coffman, Rachel and Clint Walker were present forsome or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes for last weeks’ meeting. Jimseconded. All approved.

Eric Bailey stated he had no permits to report on. Eric gave a reminder that the LRSPmeeting with KDOT is tomorrow from 1pm to 5pm in the Commission Room. Open to
the public if they wish to attend. Eric states regarding to asphalt, they lacked about 125 yards being done at Hiatville today. They blew a hydraulic fitting on cities’ laydown machine. We should be back up and going tomorrow and hopefully get
finished. We will be moving to 55th & Yale. I called on our paver and they haven’t got it in yet. Bellydump is still hauling rock. We are scheduled for a blast at Blake Quarry this Wednesday probably somewhere around 50 to 60 ton.

Having issues with acouple of dump trucks. Roadside mowing is going on now, we have four mowersgoing. Have the sidearm going as well. 165th & Tomahawk had a grader operator do
about 1 mile of ditching. Did a good job. Culvert crew is trying to get some crossroad tubes in as well. Waiting on 30 inch tubes for 115th. North of Hackberry we have three tubes needing replaced. They’ve rotted out on the bottom. Clifton asked if
Eric had heard anything from KDOT on the bridge on 215th. Eric stated no. He said he got a rough estimate from an engineer for bridge replacement and it was around 2 to 2 1/2 million. Eric stated they are looking at some grants.

Clifton requested an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including two commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Tiana McElroy and Shane Walker for 15
minutes returning here at 6:23pm. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to remove Matt Quick regarding Hours of Operation from the printed agenda. Jim seconded. All approved.

Jim stated that a commissioner needed to be appointed to the Bourbon County REDI following Lynne’s resignation and I would like to recommend Commissioner Beth.
Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft discussed the Revenue Neutral Rate regarding the County. After discussion of keeping our levy flat which would exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate and this stands as a notice to the county clerk for this budget year. The Clerk has to send
letters to every tax payer so we have to certify by the 20th of September. The Revenue Neutral Rate hearing will be first and then we’ll talk about the budget hearing. We will present why we are exceeding the RNR and then we will vote on the
budget following. The commissioners stated that they would like the hearing andvote to be on separate dates. Clifton suggested a night meeting so more of the publiccould attend. Clifton made a motion for Ashley to publicize the intent to exceed
Revenue Neutral Rate and the hearing will be held August 30th @ 6pm at 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS in the Commission Room. Jim seconded. All approved.

Clifton asked Bobby Reed for an update on the jail. Bobby stated that since July 6th we’ve had two applicants. We called to schedule an interview with one them. No answer. I saw this individual out in the public and asked him about it. He said he decided to do something else. Bobby told him there had been an increase in wages to
$14.50/hr. The individual stated that wasn’t enough. The other applicant was not
contacted due to her background. We are having open interviews this Thursday from
4pm to 8pm out at the jail. We’re going to hit it again on Facebook. As of tomorrow,
I will be down to 6 correctional officers. Both lieutenants are working shift work and
the captain will be going to a shift as well. I will be utilizing off-duty deputies and
myself when applicable for transports. Linn County should be opening their new
facility soon and hoping to get our inmates closer which will cut down on drive time,
maintenance and fuel. Current inmate count as of this morning was 25. We do still have some inhouse because we can’t find homes for them at the moment.

Clifton asked Sheriff Martin regarding money for vehicles. The highway patrol vehicles that the city bought would they be an option for us. Bill responded that their cars are maintained but they drive their vehicles hard. The city only drives about 5 square miles. Some of the equipment that is in the vehicles cannot be transferred to
other vehicles. Bill said the price for a car fully equipped is $50 to $55,000.00. Bill stated they are going to order two cars this year. Our fleet is getting old and worn out. Jim stated that Bill budget request would result in a 5 mil increase and the tax
payers cannot bear that at this time.

Jim stated that Bill’s concerns regarding putting
a fuel tank on the property due to flood plain. Jim stated that is not true. The flood plain is not on the county property. Jim also stated that Bill could save 82 cents per gallon as of today if Judy’s Fuel brought that to you. Eighty-two cents per gallon
times 15 vehicles daily. That’s $100,000 per year. Bill said that he had concerns with the tank tipping over and running down the creek. Jim stated that there would have
to be a fence to suit the fire marshall. Bill said if that’s what you want to do then do it today. Jim further stated that Bill had asked for more deputies. In 2021 you had 2,253 traffic stops; 928 were within the city limits. If you stay out of the city limits
would you need two more deputies? Bill stated he was glad Jim brought that up because we are now going into criminal investigations. With that being said we will
have to go into executive session to explain those reasons. I’ve also brought Deputy Davidson who will need to be part of the executive session to explain why we do what we do in regards to that. Clifton made a motion for an 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 including 2 commissioners, Justin Meeks, County Attorney Tiana McElroy, Bill Martin, Deputy

Davidson for 10 minutes returning at 6:53pm. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton stated that what Bill is asking for is a 5 mil increase. You have been in here with your guys stating they don’t get paid enough. But what you’ve
asked for isn’t shown in the budget. We don’t control the budget. You control what you do with your budget. You can ask for whatever you want and the law states we have to allow you reasonable amounts. It also states that we basically have to give
you what you ask for. What you are asking for doesn’t address the issue which is pay.

Bill stated the pay needs to have a base pay and then differential for what you do special. If you’re K9 you get x amount of dollar per month. Same thing with fire arms coach and same thing with field training officer. If you take classes and have 40
hours of drug interdiction courses and develop that time limit then you get x amount of dollars. It helps people strive to better themselves to help the community better.
Bill discussed scheduling issues. Jim asked why other sheriff departments have zero overtime and you have bookoo hours of overtime. Bill stated it is staffing. You can’t
eliminate overtime in law enforcement. Reports have to be done before they go home. Jim asked if Bill thought the crime rate has gone up that much since he has
been sheriff to keep growing the budget 127%. Bill stated that crime has gone up and in regards to the 127% increase since 2010. Bill stated he didn’t become sheriff until
2013. Susan stated the year it went up was 2013. Bill stated that shows proactivity.

Bill asked what kind of Sheriff’s department do you want? Do you want a proactive one or reactive? Jim asked Bill to look at the folks in the room and tell them do you want us to raise taxes by 5 mils to hire you two more deputies. Bill said that he would only be hiring 2 deputies to absorb my budget. Jim stated with a $500,000
increase on your budget request. If I’m going to provide professional safety, when someone picks up the phone and they need help and not wait for an hour or two to respond, yes I will. I worked in an environment not too long ago when a call would
come in and it would be an hour or so before I will have a deputy to respond. I’m not going down that road again. With the type of calls that law enforcement is faced with today I don’t expect a deputy to walk up to the door on a domestic call, not knowing what is going on in there, he knocks on the door and a gunshot comes
through that door. They need backup. Jim asked if these positions were created or replacing someone. These were created for that grant. Jim stated the grant is going to expire and we have to pick up their salaries. Bill stated we discussed this before
with Susan, that one of the positions that is not currently filled right now is making up
the October to December, if everything goes right there maybe a little extra that we
can spend but we can use that money to assist them with more time to do additional
work to solve more crime. I’m working with the state with that right now and
showing there could possibly be additional monies left over and that’s one thing you
don’t want to do is turn money back in. They want you to spend all of it. Jim stated
regarding the SRO position, I believe those positions are needed in our school system.
I’m going to echo what you told me six months ago that we have no money for SRO for
234 and 235 so I’m recommending the cities and the schools work together to provide that position. I believe the schools and the cities have the money. Bill stated that fuel and ammo is the biggest expense. Vehicle maintenance is also increased. Clifton
asked Bill who does their oil changes. Bill stated that the decision is left up to the deputy. We do business with local businesses and in turn they support us on certain
things. Jim stated as a commissioner I will not raise the mil levy if we have to go up a couple mils to provide you with a couple of deputies then we will cut other departments if we have to. Clifton stated that Bill’s department is doing a good job.

Bill gave statistics on drug detectives since June. Bill stated in June alone 8.5 pounds of meth was seized in Bourbon County; 1.7 ounces of marijuana; 13 drug dosage use
of pills; 31 paraphernalia; over $169 dollars in cash. We have seized 6 vehicles and about 14 arrests that were drug related. Jim asked Bill if he was given 2 more deputies what do you see change next year that you might need more positions. Billsaid nothing. These positions will focus on drugs but if there is a shift change,
someone calls in sick, vacation, they will step into those positions. Jim asked if they are doing that now. Bill said no that the grant basically focus on that. Once the grant expires you probably will see a significant decrease in overtime. The grant will
expire June 2023. Clifton and Jim stated they do not support funding SRO. It should be covered by city and school. Clifton asked if there is a bond schedule in Bourbon County. Bill stated no; bond is set by the judge.

Justin Meeks requested an executive session. 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
possible litigation including 2 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks for 10 minutes returning at 8:21pm. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to
return to normal session at 8:21 with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.

Clifton spoke about the CHC land exchange. The land that CHC owns which is 7.2 acres which includes the helipad and the west parking lot. CHC has approximately
$125,000 in the property and they would like it back in a certain way. They have proposed that we forgo their rent until December and they will transfer the land back
to the county. It will not increase the budget and it isn’t tax payer dollars. Jim seconded. All approved. Just Meeks asked if he needed to draw up the papers.
Clifton asked him to reach out to CHC’s attorney and see what their process is.
Susan stated monthly financials (June) we are in balance. We need the chairman to sign the 2nd quarter financial report for publication. This is a group effort as Ashley looks it over, Patty looks it over and then the chairman. Everyone of those groups is
required to do a report to the Tribune. We’ve consolidated it into one to save on publication costs. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the Bourbon County Quarterly Report. Jim seconded. All approved. Susan continued
that statutorily Patty is required to ensure that we have enough securities pledged for the county with all of our banking institutions. She and I have been working together
on that and we have put together a spreadsheet which shows the cash balance at the end of the month in each institution. When I was checking on the banks there were four accounts at the sheriffs’ department that we were unaware of so we’ve added
those to this list and if you will look at City State Bank, I’ve actually reached out to John Hill, there is definitely some violations going on there. It would be not only our violation but a banking violation. I asked John if FDIC was covering those accounts at the sheriffs’ office separately under a different FDIC. I don’t think you can do that.