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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Young Entrepreneur Series: Camren Lamb
This is first in a series of young entrepreneurs in the community. The series aims to highlight youth who are venturing out in their own businesses.
Please submit names of other recommended young entrepreneurs to be featured to [email protected]
Camren Lamb, 9, heard about entrepreneurship in January 2022, at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Dare to Dream program, an adult entrepreneurship event.
Camren is the son of Melanie and Larry Lamb, rural Fort Scott.
Melanie attended the event and Camren came also.
“I asked if I could make a picture, so I sold my first art,” Camren said.
He sells artwork and plays a newly purchased guitar as part of his business.
Dacia Clark, with the Small Business Development Center, taught him and others in a April 2022 childrens workshop about developing a business plan, and other marketing basics, Rachel Carpenter with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team said. The SBDC is housed in the HBCAT office at 104 N. National Avenue.
“Acton Children’s Business Fair provided the curriculum, and HBCAT helped coordinate the efforts,” Carpenter said.
In addition to selling his artwork, he plays music requests on his guitar for passersby.
“I played ukelele first, then guitar,” he said. The guitar was purchased from money he earned at the Children’s Business Fair in April 2022.
He doesn’t charge for for playing, he said.
“I use it to draw people (in to look at his artwork),” he said. “I take requests and tell them songs are free but I had a basket for artwork sales and people started putting money in for the music.”
He was selling at the Fort Scott Farmers Market for the first time on June 3. “This is my second time selling, the first time was at Buck Run Community Center at the Children’s Business Fair.”
Most recently he played guitar at the Shead Farm Festival, the Fort Scott Christian Heights Country Store and at the Friday Night Free Concert at the gazebo downtown.
He took ukelele lessons from Bob Solomonson and guitar lessons from Stephen Moses, he said.
Camren said this year his earnings will go to help the Show Me Christian Youth Home and he is also saving money for church camp.
Fort Scott Farmers Market Feature: The Hamiltons’ Artisan Bakery
We are happy to have The Hamiltons’ Artisan Bakery as a part of the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market for their 2nd year! The Hamiltons can be found at the market Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesday afternoons from 4-6 p.m. They will be bringing sourdough breads and a variety of baked treats each week. Come out and get some!
The farmers market is located on Skubitz Plaza, in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Affordable High Speed Internet Project Coming to Bourbon County
TOPEKA, June 12, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced a $49.9 million loan to connect thousands of rural Kansans to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. The project will improve service for 149 businesses, 821 farms and over 4,000 people in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette and Neosho counties.
“High-speed internet is essential in today’s world of online business, learning and communication,” Davis said. “This investment will help ensure rural Kansas remains a place of opportunity to live, work, and raise a family.”
This is the fourth funding round of the USDA ReConnect Program. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department has invested in 142 ReConnect projects that will bring high-speed internet access to 314,000 rural Americans.
Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement totaling $714 million in USDA investments in Kansas and 18 other states.
The Kansas details are:
- The Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative Inc. in Kansas will receive a $49,954,702 loan to connect 4,189 people, 821 farms, 149 businesses and three educational facilities to high-speed internet in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette and Neosho counties.
Background: ReConnect Program
Applicants to ReConnect Program funding must serve a rural area that lacks access to service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload. Applicants must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in the proposed service area. Additionally, to ensure that rural households that need internet service can afford it, all awardees will be required to apply to participate in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP offers a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service to qualifying low-income households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal Lands.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
Friday Night Free Concert: The Millers
This week’s Friday Night Concert will feature Michael and Lita Miller. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, June 16, at the Heritage Park Pavilion at 1st and Main streets.
The Millers began performing gospel music in a trio. Now the two of them sing together, bringing authentic old Southern, traditional songs with a little bluegrass gospel thrown in. They are both well-rounded musicians, playing various bluegrass style instruments.
“A lot of the music comes from down south,” Michael, pastor of the Bronson Baptist Church, said. “Everything we do has a purpose and a message.”
Michael will play finger-style acoustic guitar and Lita will play the bass.
“They are a joy to hear. Because they are a husband and wife team, they know where each other is going with the music. It’s just a great blend of voices and instruments,” Ralph Carlson, concert organizer, said. “They are one of the Friday Night Concert regulars and it’s good to have them back.”
Seating is limited so everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall St.
The concert series is sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bo Co Coalition Minutes of June 7
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2023
- Welcome: Twenty-one members representing sixteen agencies attended. Billie Jo shared that thirty-three family passes to the Aquatic Center had been approved allowing a total of 135 individuals to access the pool this summer. Lea Kay Karleskint and Travis Wilcoxsin have agreed to serve on the Coalition Board and will be beginning their terms in September.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Cassidy Lutz, K-State Research: Southwind District has several classes being offered in the near future: Strengthening Families, Choose Health: Food, Fun, and Fitness, Sewing Steam. For more information contact Southwind Extension District, 620-365-2242.
- Sandy Haggard, RSVP: Red Cross blood drive will be June 15 and 16 at Buck Run; contact Sandy to volunteer to help.
- David Gillen, Beacon: Last month 329 families totaling 757 people received services from Beacon. This number included twenty-two new families. The first six months of 2023 have averaged twelve new families qualifying for Beacon assistance each month. David reminded members of all the services that Beacon offers; emergency help is also provided for individuals that do not qualify for services based on income.
- Jeanne Camac – Congratulations to Jeanne on her retirement from USD 235 where she served as the high school counselor!
- Amy Hagan, CHC: Provides home-based help for moms; the goal is to get families “on their feet.”
- Megan Smith, CHC: Provides in-house family support; works with infants through age 44.
- Lisa Robertson and Lindsey McNeil, COPE: They are out in the community to help people; they are housed at the HBCAT office. They are grant funded until December 31, 2023.
- Rachel Carpenter, COPE: Reminded members of grant opportunities for restaurants and women beginning businesses. Rachel is working to address inequities in our community and continues to seek partners who will help bring the transportation program to our area.
- Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State, Snap Education: She just needs space and she brings the kitchen and all the supplies for her classes. Her target audience is low resource persons. She will now be housed in the CHC building as the liaison between CHC and K-State Research Extension.
- Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Continues to conduct and have success with the Baby and Me Tobacco Free and Teen Pregnancy programs. Tammy reminded members about the Bourbon County Baby Shower to be held at the Health Department, 524 Lowman Street, on June 22, 10 – 12. She also noted that Holly Fritter at the Health Department is the Safe Sleep person for Bourbon County.
- Shawna Willey: In-Clinic Community Health Worker at CHC. Can help with applications for homelessness, health care, etc.
- Maggie Young, CHC: Working to create a task force for youth through a tobacco cessation grant and will be working in the schools.
- Christine Abbott, SEK Works: There is still money available; she continues to look for youth 16-24 for her programs. A very positive recent change has allowed the youth in her programs to be paid a competitive wage between $7.25 and $20.00 per hour. She can help with work experience, applications, resumes, etc. Several youth from Bourbon County are involved in these programs.
- Michelle Stevenson, USD 234 PreSchool Program: She is funded by the Early Block Grant which has been approved for another year. Many children graduated from her program; therefore, she needs referrals! Contact Michelle at 620-223-8965, Extension 3005.
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: She has a total of 190 units; however, at this time there are waiting lists for all size units – the longest waiting list she has had in seventeen years. The situation is probably due to higher rents elsewhere.
- DeeDee LeFever, Greenbush Community Liaison: She helps match Greenbush services such as Parent as Teachers, Audiology, Infant-Toddler Networks, professional development, etc. to people who need them. For additional information: greenbush.org or 800-554-3412.
- Kathy Romero, Angels Care Home Health: Since 2004 they have been providing in home behavioral health care help for such things as anxiety, depression, bipolar, etc. They also specialize in the Care Connections program for individuals who need care in their home before hospice.
- Program: Dawn Cubbison presented a slide show explaining all the extra benefits provided through the Aetna Better Health of Kansas such as the Healthy Rewards Program, over-the-counter supply catalog, transportation services, respite care, Ted E Bear Kids Club, No Place Like Home Grant, mobile app, and many others. For more information: AetnaBetterHealth.com/Kansas.
- Open Forum: Billie Jo reminded members that the Coalition does not meet in July.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be August 2. April Jackson, Thrive Allen County, will present the program on overdose prevention.
Candidates for 2023 Election in Bourbon County
The following is the list of cities, schools and K-State Extension candidates who filed for by the June 1st deadline in Bourbon County, provided by Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.
“There will not be a primary election this year, so all qualified candidates will be on the ballot in November,” Hawkins said.
City of Fort Scott Commission
- Matthew Wells
- Edwin Woellhof
- Dyllon Olson
- Margaret P. Cummings
- Tracy Dancer
- Joshua Baseley
- Barbara Ann Rawlins
- Harold “Pete” Allen
- Janice Allen
Redfield Council Member
- Brandy Corriston
- Leonard “L.D.” Morrison
Bronson Council Member
- Michael Stewart
Uniontown Council Member
- Danea Esslinger
Southwind Extension District
- Trent Johnson
- Deb Lust
Fort Scott USD 234 Board Member
- Position #1-James Wood, Joe Wimmer, and Scott Center
- Position #2-Mike Miles
- Position #3-Robert Harrington, Aaron Judy, and Doug Hurd
- Position At Large-Stewart Gulager and Payton Coyan
Uniontown USD 235 Board Member
- Position #1-Troy Couchman
- Position #2-Rhonda Hoener
- Position #3-Seth Martin and Kolby Stock
- Position At Large-Matt Kelly and Josh Hartman
Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees
- Douglas Ropp
- Ronda Bailey
- Kirk Hart
- David Elliott
- Josh Jones
- Roberta “Bert” Lewis
- Robert Nelson
- Chad McKinnis
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 12 at Mapleton
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Mapleton Community Center
June 12, 2023, 5:30 PM
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute and Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 6/5/2023
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk
- Hall Fence Viewing
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Meeting Adjourn
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
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.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Bourbon County Budget Work Session: June 12 from 11 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.
There will be budget planning work sessions on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 11:00-4:30 to allow department heads to submit their requested 2024 budgets to the Board of County Commissioners. No action will be taken during the work sessions.
Attachments:
Agenda for City of Uniontown Council on June 13
City of Uniontown Council Agenda, June 13
ORDINANCE NO. 202 – REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 148
ORDINANCE NO. 201 – REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 146
ORDINANCE NO. 148 AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 138 – Dangerous and Unfit Structures
ORDINANCE NO. 146 AMENDS ORDINANCE NO. 130 – MINIMUM HOUSING CODEORDINANCE NO. 138 – Dangerous and Unfit Structures
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Community Conversation regarding placemaking project
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of May 9, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
404 Washington St
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Budget worksession
2022 Audit
KMGA Gas Supply Alternatives
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Mural Grant –
Street repairs/resurfacing –
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
City of Uniontown Minutes of May 9
The Regular Council Meeting on May 9, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Amber Kelly. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Loren Korte, Personal Service Insurance planned to be here to present the City with a dividend check from EMC, but was unable to make it due to the weather.
Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism planned to be here to pick up grant application but wasn’t able to come. Clerk Johnson asked council what percentage of match for this application, 56% was used for phase I.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to submit CFAP Grant Application with a 56% match.
Clerk Johnson will email application to Don George tomorrow.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the April 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $345,407.78, Receipts $33,990.09, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $20,937.77, Checking Account Closing Balance $355,428.10. Bank Statement Balance $357,610.00, including Checking Account Interest of $74.34, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,181.90, Reconciled Balance $355,428.10. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,223.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,499.83, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,993.59. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $302.32, and Utility CDs $164.51 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $466.83. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of April 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. April Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of April $10,026.32, Year-to-Date Net Income $11,876.13. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $38,134.93 (31.2%), Expenditures $38,690.75 (24.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $11,987.81 (32.5%), Expenditures $10,443.41 (25.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $74,395.57 (47.5%), Expenditures $42,133.87 (18.7%); General Fund YTD Revenue $58,008.36 (38.7%), Expenditures $60,617.60 (32.7%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,937.49 (52.8%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The May 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $37,906.04 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of April 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that nuisance/debris letters were sent. Mayor Jurgensen requested that he be notified when and to whom letters are sent. There was an apparent breakdown in communications which caused an issue with a letter recipient. Clerk Johnson will send a letter to that recipient apologizing for the communication breakdown. Coyan will next target unmowed properties.
404 Washington St was discussed. Coyan and Johnson will review the dangerous structure ordinance(s) and discuss with the council again next month.
Animal Control Officer Binford has issued 14 citations for failure to register dogs/cats. As of today, five have been resolved. Court is scheduled for May 15, 2023 for the remainder.
Clerk Johnson informed the council a letter of financial commitment was received from Bandera Stone for the Mural Grant as part of the grant application. Grant application was submitted 4/17/2023.
She asked City’s insurance agent if Old Settlers Committee was required to have event insurance or would the City’s policy cover the event. He said the Old Settlers Committee needs to have their own event policy. This was passed on to the committee. Johnson will inquire about cost of a policy for the committee.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – wanted to know if the ball association is allowed to use the lights for practices. After discussion Johnson will send message to President and Vice-President of association the lights can be used for organization practices, only when needed and last coach of the day is responsible for making sure they are shut off.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – wanted to make sure we have enough chemical for mosquitos. Yes, we do.
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – hired Cindy Mumbower as the new custodian/water sampler. She started last week.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking Project – Committee met on May 3 and doesn’t recommend outdoor exercise equipment. Doesn’t feel it is cost effective. They said yes to the pickleball court, possibly a community garden was discussed. Healthy Bourbon County Action Team will be here for the June meeting to discuss the key findings from the community perception survey and have a “Community Conversation” for the project.
Motion by Danea, Second by Hartman , Approved 4-0, to solicit quotes for a 30’X60’X6” concrete slab with fiberglass rebar and light broom finish for the pickleball court
American Rescue Plan Act update –Annual Project and Expenditure report was submitted on 4/17/2023. Mayor Jurgensen suggested capping the scales instead of removing and building ramp over cap on south side of warehouse before skinning and installing new rollup doors.
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – have not received anything yet from KMGA.
Street repairs/resurfacing – Three bids were received for the project and opened (bid tabulation attached).
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to award base bid plus alternate bid to Bettis Asphalt for the total amount of $175,597.19
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:15PM
Bo Co Commission Minutes of May 22
May 22, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present at the Garland Community Center.
David Klein, Raymond Kalm, Lester Waring, Ruth Waring, Shirley Colvin, Tammie Underwood, Rob Gray, Jeremiah Hill, Richard Cullison Jr., Kathy Crisp, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes the approval of minutes from last week’s meeting, approval of payroll totaling $327,284.67, and the approval of accounts payable totaling $780,170.75. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Matthew Wells, Mayor of the City of Fort Scott, asked the commission for a donation for the fireworks show that Fort Scott provides. Mr. Wells asked for the same amount that Bourbon County gives to Uniontown or any other town. Jim stated the Uniontown show is not paid for by the city, but by a private company. Jim said he appreciates the city stepping up to provide a fireworks display for our residents. Nelson stated he doesn’t believe that government funds should be involved and does not want to use taxpayer dollars in that manner. Clifton said to his knowledge Bourbon County hasn’t donated to a fireworks display before. Jim made a motion to donate $2500 to the City of Fort Scott for a fireworks display. The motion failed due to a lack of a second. Clifton made a motion to donate $500 to the City of Fort Scott and the City of Uniontown for a fireworks show from the PILOT funds. It was explained that the PILOT funds are revenues generated from the Jayhawk Wind project and are not taxpayer dollars. Jim seconded the motion, but Nelson opposed stating no county funds should go to fireworks. The motion passed 2-1. Jim said we are responsible for a better quality of life for our residents.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for an executive session with Matthew Wells. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners, Matthew Wells, and Justin Meeks. The executive session will be conducted in another room in the community center and the Commission will return at 5:46. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 5:46 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, gave an update stating they are redoing decking on the bridge at 60th and Arrowhead Road. Dustin said there have been 21 signs vandalized throughout the county. The laydown machine is currently waiting on a part, but they anticipate having the machine back this week. The crusher has been down due a programming issue, but the company will be here Wednesday to fix it. Jim asked if the price of oil was still ok, and Dustin said it is good right now.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to strike Eric’s executive session. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Tim Spehr submitted an application for a road closure on a portion of 260th Street south of Deer Road. Mr. Spehr stated he came before the Commission a few years ago and was told by the prior board no because re-opening a road could be a hassle. Mr. Spehr said the road is in bad shape and isn’t driveable. Jeremiah Hill voiced his concern and said he disagrees with closing the road. Mr. Hill said there was an agreement with the coal company who was to put the road back in good condition when they were done reclaiming. The Commissioners discussed the condition of the road as they all separately viewed the section of road that Mr. Spehr is wanting to close. Clifton said he takes in all input and if a motion is made today, he will abstain until he talks to all the landowners on 260th Street between Cavalry Road and Deer Road. Jim tabled the application for a few weeks to allow the Commission to speak to the area landowners and do more research. The County Clerk will contact Tim Spehr and Jeremiah Hill when the issue is placed back on the agenda.
Jeremiah Hill questioned the section of Eagle Road that is scheduled to be paved this year and asked why it was starting at the railroad tracks and going to the state line instead starting at the top of the hill. Dustin said they’ve discussed starting at the railroad tracks due to the budget, but if there are funds left, they may be able to tie in and asphalt to the hill.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked the Commission about the schedule for future evening meetings. There are currently meetings scheduled in Uniontown and Mapleton, and Jennifer stated if additional locations are wanted, she needs to reserve buildings and notify the public. The Commissioners decided to have a meeting in Hammond on June 19th.
Jim opened the meeting to public comments and stated if an identifiable individual is going to be discussed it would have to be done in executive session.
Vicki Shead stated the county has previously sprayed poisonous Hemlock and the area around 250th Street and Deer Road needs sprayed again. Mrs. Shead stated the Hemlock is very dangerous and can kill deer and cattle and she is concerned as there are kids who go fishing at the bridge where it is located.
Larry Shead thanked the county for quickly cleaning the graffiti on the metal bridge. Mr. Shead asked if the county would be mowing to the fences as they did last year, and Dustin replied in the fall they will try to make two passes while mowing.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job performance and will include all three Commissioners, Dustin Hall, and Jeremiah Hill. The executive session will be conducted in another room in the community center and the Commission will return at 6:21. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 6:21 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Richard Cullison Jr. and Raymond Kalm discussed Tweedy and Custard cemeteries and how they are not being mowed properly. Mr. Kalm said a lot of people come in for Memorial Day and the cemeteries need mowed especially then. Since the county does not mow the cemeteries the County Clerk will research who is on those cemetery boards and notify them of the mowing issues.
Nelson talked about how there are roads in the county that are not maintained, and employees not paid well, and the county has to stop spending money on things like fireworks and extra stuff. The recent $50,000 donation that Bourbon County made to Core Communities was brought up. Jim stated that the Meals on Wheels program and the Southeast Mental Health Clinic makes life better for Bourbon County residents and he will always vote to help the elderly. Jim said the $50,000 donation will help 50 families out of poverty and to think about how that will help the next generation, that we have to reach out and help them. Nelson asked about those who work for Bourbon County who make $13.00 an hour. Jim said the Sheriff’s Department, Jail, and Public Works have given raises and they need to work on the courthouse, but that we can’t abandon other people we need to make the county a better place to live. Clifton said the money given to Meals on Wheels and for the elderly is a good investment. Clifton stated they have lowered the levy 5 mills since he has been Commissioner and not raised taxes. Jim agreed they have lowered taxes and helped people.
Jim said he was contacted by the Fort Scott Tribune about not releasing minutes of the meetings before they are approved. Jim said it is up to the Commissioners, but he is ok as long as it is posted as un-official minutes. Clifton said he has been misquoted in the minutes before and Nelson agreed and said if he sees something wrong, he will want it corrected. Justin explained that the notes the County Clerk takes during the meeting are KORA discoverable. Jason Silvers, with the Fort Scott Tribune, said if they report something from unofficial minutes, they report it as such. A comment from a previous article regarding the meetings outside of the courthouse was discussed. Jim said it was questioned if the Commission wanted to please five people in person or 200 who watch on livestream. The residents in attendance were asked if they liked having meetings come to the smaller communities in the county, and they responded yes. Clifton said that the meetings don’t have to be livestreamed and Jim explained that started during COVID when the courthouse was closed, and residents were unable to attend meetings. Clifton stated a lot of counties are stopping the livestream of their meetings. Justin stated that for the whole time he was county counselor people have been asking for night meetings.
Jim gave an update on the Elm Creek dam project stating Eric Bailey has been in contact with engineers and contractors to set up meetings. Clifton suggested if anybody knows of contractors to have them contact the Commission to go look at the dam. Jim said they want four or five contractors to look at the dam and will need an engineer if it goes to the grant process.
Clifton asked those in attendance if they would like the meetings to come out in the community more often and they responded yes and they would like more notice. Clifton said he would love to have more people come to the meetings.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:43. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Approved 6-5-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
___________________,
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
_______________, Approved Date