May 31, 2022, Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the
County Clerk present.
Matt Crystal, Donald Coffman, Anne Dare, Susan Bancroft, Pete Allen, Alan Drake, Bill Martin,
Kevin Davidson, and Robert Harrington were present for some or all of the meeting.

Clifton made a motion to accept previous meeting minutes. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Eric Bailey presented a form for signature for a culvert that was approved in a previous meeting.
The address of the culvert is 1941 Jayhawk, Ryan Coon. He will be installing following our
policies and procedures. Eric gave updates on road conditions with all the rain. They are
starting to see several sink holes with culverts blowing out. We are making a list and dealing
with them as we can. We are out pothole patching today. 205th & Kansas in the ditch there is a
hole that has shown up. When the rain subsides we will do some exploring and see what is going
on. We have ordered more chemicals. Last year we came to you regarding an F750 for our
special bridge that will be coming up for sale from Kansas City. I’m asking that you give me
authority to bid on it when it comes up for sale. Eric estimated he thought it would be priced at
$40,000 or $50,000.00. Clifton clarified that this purchase would be with funds that are already
budgeted for. Jim made a motion to allow Eric to move forward with the purchase of 2012 F750
using general practices on the price. Clifton seconded. All approved.

Eric will be gone on
vacation next week. Dustin will be in charge. Jim asked to check on a tree covering a stop sign
off of 54 going south on 240th. Clifton stated that there is a tractor and three trucks at the
hospital that Eric could use for Road & Bridge. The other two commissioners agreed.

Clifton 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 three commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 10 minutes
returning at 9:14am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal
session at 9:14am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Susan Bancroft spoke on behalf of Deb Needleman stating that Bourbon County Senior Citizens
has received $45,600.00 in the past. They have lost their funding from United Way which was
$10,000.00 per year. Therefore, they are asking for an additional $10,000.00 this year in their
budget. They do programs like Meals on Wheels and subsidized transportation. Jim asked what
happened to the United Way funding. Susan said she knew United Way has changed. Jim also
asked if the city of Fort Scott funds this. Susan stated no.

Justin Meeks gave an update on taxes for 2017 & 2018. Demand letters went out last week for
2018. Collections are going pretty well. Properties in Fort Scott will be presented to the Land
Bank on June 13th.

Susan Bancroft requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for an executive session
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy for 20 minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks returning at 9:38am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:38am with no
action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Shane Walker – CIO: No comment

Public Comment: Anne Dare thanks the commissioners for going to Garland for a commission
meeting and asked if there were any plans for more evening meetings. Commissioners stated
they would work on the schedule for that.

Anne asked concerning the shooting in Uvalde TX
has there been any conversation about moving forward with school security in our districts. Jim
stated that as a grandparent he has met with two school board members and there is discussion
with reviving group meetings with the new superintendent, sheriff and city police. Anne asked
about ARPA funds or any other grant money that maybe could be used for security. That would
be a question better answered by the school.

Pete Allen stated that there is a new structure being placed in Marco Estates that doesn’t appear
to be in line with our protective covenant. The building is a house trailer and the minimum
requirements are 1,050 sq feet. I don’t believe that structure is that big. Also have a problem
with a high pressure gas line on that property. When you apply the rules and regulations of
setback lines, there isn’t anywhere on that property that you could build a 1,050-foot structure
and be off of the property lines with the required distance. Also, he is hearing that the person
that is going to move in there is going to start an automobile rebuilding business in the backyard
which is against the covenants. I need some guidance on where to go from here. Lynne asked if
Pete had spoken with Matt Quick, our Appraiser. Pete said no that he had just learned this
information. Matt stated that his department would have nothing to do with the gas lines. He
said his guys had been out there and told them what needs to be done as far as a septic system.
Justin Meeks said he would need to check with Lora in the Deeds Office to see if the covenants
are on all deeds. Justin stated that according to the covenant put in place in 1968 was for 30
years then another 10 years. The enforcement arm is the people of the homeowners association.
The majority of the people of the subdivision has to write this person who they believe is in
violation and move forward with the damages. Justin stated that in what he is reading it could be
that this ended in 2008 possibly. It isn’t real clear. Clifton said it sounds like a civil suit where
others in the subdivision would have to file a civil suit. Justin stated that he is not giving legal
advice.

Alan Drake thanked the commissioners for what they do. He stated he worked with Susan a long
time ago and she is doing a good job. He lives in Marco Estates and they have some work and
research to do but thank you for listening.

Commission Comment: Lynne stated that they had a good Memorial Day. Jim stated that he
spent time at the LaRoche field. Lots of people in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Very good
outing. I spoke with some of them and they are staying in and eating in our restaurants and that’s
good for our community. Anne Dare asked if there was some way to gauge what something like
that brings in. Susan Bancroft stated there is a tool that Rob Harrington can help you with. Jim
Harris mentioned it’s Good Ol’ Days this weekend. Lynne asked the community to bear with us
as we try to keep the roads in shape with all the rain we’ve had. Clifton stated that Covid is back
so be careful. We probably won’t know the full scope because people are home testing and not reporting in so they won’t have to quarantine.

Clifton also stated that every budget request that
has come through so far has asked for an increase with some asking for 20% increase. Where do
they think the money is coming from? Times are tough. Everyone needs to tighten up. I would
have a hard time approving anything that is an increase. I’m not in favor of raising taxes.

Jim stated that he too is not going to approve any increases in budgets this year. I would like to
lower the mill levy again this year. I would encourage other taxing entities to tighten their
budgets as well. Clifton stated that these other taxing entities need to be called out. I’m tired of
us taking all the blame. There are two other big taxing entities in our county and one of them is
setting on a bunch of ESSR funds and another is buying buildings at a rapid rate. We do things
wrong, too but the public is struggling to pay bills we can’t just give money away. Jim stated we
all have to work together to make things better. Clifton stated that we need to try to reduce the
taxpayer’s burden as much as possible but with that, there is a good possibility that services may
be reduced also. The two other commissioners agreed.

Bill Martin stated that the new superintendent for Fort Scott and also a new superintendent for
Uniontown. We have spoken with the superintendent in Uniontown and have another meeting
with him tomorrow. One thing that was brought up in regards to financing of the SRO since the
grant will be expiring so we are opening up the dialogue of what can be done. I request the
agenda be amended. I put in a request last week in regards to the retirement of one of our K9
dogs and the contract to sign that dog off. We signed him over to one of the deputies. I’ve
already presented the contract to Justin earlier this morning. It came to light that Susan wasn’t
included in receiving a copy of the request and contract. Jim asked that the contract be tabled
until next week which would allow Susan and Justin time to review to see if there is any
financial or liability issues. Bill stated that he felt this was a conversation between elected
officials. He stated he worked very diligently on the contract and he didn’t see why there needed
to be outside resources except for the council who has looked over it. Jim stated that Susan is
our CFO and HR Director and I want her to review it. I would also like Justin to have more time
to look it over to make sure there are no financial or liability issues.
At 10:13am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(s) Jim Harris, Chairman
(s) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(s) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
June 7, 2022, Approved Date

May 24, 2022 Tuesday 6:00 PM
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and
the County Clerk present.
Bill Fiscus, Patty Love, Rhonda Dunn, Bill Martin, George Collins, Patricia ?????, Tammie Underwood, Shirley Colvin, Richard Cullison Jr, Dana Arens, Laura Krom, Dennis Krom, Donald Coffman, Raymond Kalm, Vickie Shead, and Larry Shead were also present for some or all of the meeting.

Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne both approved.
Eric Bailey discussed a permit for a culvert at 1941 Jayhawk but said that the individual would like to install it themselves. There was discussion regarding individuals installing their own culverts as long as they follow the county guidelines.
Jim made a motion to allow individuals to install their own driveway culverts as long as they follow Bourbon County guidelines and approved by the road and bridge director. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to allow the permit for Mr. Coon at 1941 Jayhawk to allow them to install their own culvert. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Dennis Krom asked if the county was way behind or what was the reasoning he wanted to install his own culvert? Eric responded that there are multiple reasons, but yes they are way behind and this individual is wanting to get into his property before the county would be able to get to it. There was further discussion on the process of an individual installing a culvert themselves.
Eric reported that him and Dustin had been to the Kansas County Highway meeting in Dodge City last week and they were able to attend several classes that were very good and informative. He also said that the new crusher is here and working but they did have to install more conveyors to keep up with the crusher. They were supposed to have training this week but due to weather they have postponed that for another week. Eric said that they had a surprise MSHA inspection today and they did have 1
citation at Thomas. He said that the pump that was in the bottom of the pit was 6
foot away from the high wall but they really couldn’t go any further because of the
blasted rock. Eric said they are clearing overburden at Blake Quarry getting ready for
the next blast. He said that they decided to go back to Blake because that is where
their asphalt plant is set up at and it would be more convenient. Eric gave an update
on Yale Road, he said that they were scheduled to start milling it up from 65th to the
lake entrance the first part of June but the milling machine is down, and parts are on
backorder. He said they may have to change things around and work on some other
areas until the part comes in for the milling machine and then go back to that. Eric
asked about increasing the price of dust control from $1.50 to $1.75 per linear foot.
Clifton discussed that he feels that oil is a poor option. Jim said there is another option, but it is a lot of work and maintenance. Clifton said that you have to mill up
the oil and that is one reason he feels it is a bad option. Jim said that you would have
the same problem with calcium chloride. Jim said he feels that Eric should be able to
adjust the price as the price of oil changes. Lynne made a motion to change the price
of dust control from $1.50 to an appropriate rate based on the current market. Clifton
seconded. All approved.

Bill Fiscus CEO for Tri-Valley thanked the commission for the continued support they
provide and presented the Tri-Valley budget request for 2023. A packet of information
was provided to the Commission and Clerk explaining their numbers for the current
year. The request did increase by $10,000 from the previous year. He said that they
are increasing wages but are still having trouble finding people to work. He said that
there are four counties that contribute, Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson. He
said that Allen, Neosho, and Bourbon are similar size and patient numbers and they
receive $70,000 from Allen and $60,000 from Neosho and would like to see all three
counties contribute close to the same. Jim thanked Bill for coming and presenting
that information.

Public Comment: The public asked what the plan was for Eagle Road. Jim said that for
his district this year there is one that has been reported as dangerous by the public
and another that was promised several years ago by a previous commission. He said
that after this year he has no large projects for his district and the last 2 years of his
term he can totally focus on Eagle Road because he believes that it needs to be done.
He said that he knows that it is a high traffic road but money wise it will take a
couple of years to get it done. It was asked if there was a possibility that they would
start paving it next year. Jim said that is what he would like to see.

Clifton said that
there are a lot of paved roads in the county, and they are all important none is more
important than another and there is limited money to fix them. Clifton stated that he
would like to see a 10-year plan for the entire county based on need and not by
district, the problem with that is that the next commission does not have to follow
that plan. Jim said that there is a 10-year plan that has been put together that
anyone is welcome to look at but they cannot guarantee that it will be followed.

There was more discussion regarding road conditions of Yale as well as other roads in
the area. Jim encouraged the public to come to the work sessions and voice their
opinion.

Residents asked about their tax statements saying that they live on a paved
road when it is now gravel. Clifton recommended that they contact the county
appraiser’s office because they are the ones that would be able to change that.

A
small section of road by the state line was discussed and the commissioners said that
it is on the plan to be fixed this year and the public thanked the commissioners and
said that it is a little section but it needs fixed in a big way. Lynne said that another
thing that they look at when deciding priority is school bus routes because they need
to make sure the kids are safe.

Vickie Shead presented information on Hemlock that is growing in the area. She said that she has spoken to the Noxious Weed Director Andy Johnson and he has done some
research and found that it has to be sprayed at a certain time of year. Vickie said that it can be invasive and is a killer of livestock, wildlife, and even humans. She said that some people are very sensitive to it and even the pollen can
kill them. Vickie also said that Andy is doing a very good job mowing as well. Eric said
that Andy has been researching Hemlock and has a plan. Jim said that maybe
someone should talk to the state and see about making it a noxious weed.

Larry Shead asked about getting water level meter on the low water bridge on Deer
Road. Eric said that it is on the list and they just haven’t gotten to it yet. Larry said
that he also wanted to thank them for 250th Road last year, it is wonderful.

Raymond Kalm asked about people speeding though Garland especially when they
have the monthly dinner in town. Bill Martin asked if it has been reported to the
sheriff’s office. It had not so he advised to report it so that they can plan accordingly
because they only have 2 deputies on duty at a time and they may be at the other end
of the county at the time.

Richard Cullison Jr. asked about the shoulder being lower than the road and the
ditches are higher than the road, so the water has nowhere to go and runs down the
road. He said he has several pasture entrances that you can’t get in because it is a
foot higher than the road. Eric said that they are working on that. Jim said that they
approved a ditching crew last year, but they haven’t been able to do that because no
one wants to work and this year it has been raining so they can’t get to then yet.
Clifton said that in his area the grader man ditches with the grader and it makes a big
mess for a month but works great. He said that when they came out and took dirt out
to clean the ditch but then the fence starts to lean. Clifton said that he would like to
see all the grader men do ditching. There was further discussion on ditches, culverts,
and gravel washing out.

Dennis Krom thanked the commission for having a meeting at Garland and hopes that
they will come back.

Raymond Kalm asked about maintenance on Custard Cemetery that is on his farm and
said that it is not being mowed like it should.

Rhonda Dunn said that if she
remembered correctly the money that goes to Tweedy Cemetery is supposed to go to
maintain Custard as well. Ashley said that there is a book in the clerk’s office that has
contact information for the cemeteries and just to call to get that information. There
was further discussion of cemetery maintenance.

Bill Martin said that he just wanted to thank everyone for coming and remind them
that he has an open-door policy and would be glad for anyone to come in and talk to
him. He said that if anyone has question regarding his department he would
appreciate if they would come talk to him before going to the commission because he
will probably be able to shed some light and how his department operates the cost of
operation.

Patty Love said that if anyone has any questions for her department just to give her
office a call, they are fully staffed and have good staff and hopefully people will see
improvement.
Jim thanked everyone for coming, he said that they plan on having more remote
meetings as well as evening meetings at the courthouse that they are welcome to
come to.

At 7:19pm Clifton made a motion to adjourn meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
May 31, 2022, Approved Date

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 7, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Dustin Hall – Road & Bridge Report
• Bill Martin – K9 Retirement Contract
• Clifton Beth – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Lynne Oharah – 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
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o EMS Manager/Service Director for Bourbon County EMS
o Executive Session – KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.