Category Archives: Bourbon County
Women’s Business Expo and Luncheon April 27

Fort Scott Community College is excited to bring back our annual Women’s Luncheon and Vendor Expo. This event will take place April 27th on Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day from 11am to 2pm in the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
Local vendors will be set up throughout the lobby and meeting rooms of Ellis ready for you to shop! We will also be serving a light lunch of two different wraps, salad, and mixed fresh fruit. We will also have tea, water, lemonade, and coffee.
Cost is only $7 per person for lunch. Reserve your ticket or vendor space by emailing Kassie Cate at [email protected] or call 620.223.2700 ext. 5248. Tickets will be available at the door as well.
We hope you can ‘squeeze’ some time in for us and enjoy this very springy event ![]()
Draft Minutes of the Uniontown City Council from April 12
The Regular Council Meeting on April 12, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST
Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association asked for permission to hold the all school reunion in the city park the evening of Saturday, September 3, 2022. They will provide insurance certificate. They request that the ban on alcoholic beverages in the park be lifted for that evening and want to know if there are any other limitations.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Uniontown Alumni Association to host all school reunion in the city park on September 3, 2022, allow alcohol consumption from 5PM to Midnight, and no glass containers allowed
Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked the council to recess to view the location for the proposed public restrooms.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to recess for 10 minutes to view 112 Second St
Meeting resumed at 7:19. Mr George asked for action to designate the location for the project.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to allow preliminary planning for construction of an ADA public restroom at northeast corner of 112 Second St
Discussion followed regarding funding for the public restroom, pickleball court, and outdoor equipment. This project qualifies for the placemaking pathway we pledged. Contact REDI for best time to submit an application for 2022 funding. ARPA funds could also be used for this.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. March written Treasurer’s Report and 1st Quarter Report were presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $338,643.12, Receipts $52,765.73, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $23,883.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $364,499.67. Bank Statement Balance $364,938.99, including Checking Account Interest of $29.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $439.32, Reconciled Balance $364,499.67. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,475.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $85.61, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $160.45. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of March $25,856.55, Year-to-Date Net Income $40,756.17. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $27,812.18 (26.4%), Expenditures $25,333.54 (19.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $8,633.12 (24.2%), Expenditures $11,942.48 (29.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $54,144.38 (38.8%), Expenditures $28,296.04 (11.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $49,170.41 (38.3%), Expenditures $29,562.90 (17.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,814.86 (26.5%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%). The April 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $29,474.19 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of March 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich reported that the storage building at 112 Second St has been removed, two gas main valves have been replaced, and the speed bumps/signs have been installed.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 104 Fulton has been cleaned up by new owner. An issue of trash in a trailer and debris in the back yard at 202 Fourth St was addressed and trailer has been removed. 103 Fifth is being cleaned up by new owner. He has contacted our attorney twice in the last two months to get something resolved with the Smith Estate with no response back. 301 Second St #1 has a lot of clutter and debris. Clerk Johnson will contact the attorney to try to speed things up. It was suggested to schedule a worksession to continue discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste. It will be scheduled at next meeting. Councilmember Ervin asked him to go by 301 Second St and address the collection of clutter/debris.
Clerk Johnson presented the financial audit contract with minimal increase in cost but less than anticipated in the budget.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept the financial audit engagement letter with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton
Loren Korte was here with the insurance renewal and went over changes with Clerk Johnson. Overall increase in premiums is 6.74% but less than anticipated in the budget. He will present to council if needed. Council concurred it was not needed.
Rabies clinic was April 9 with a good turnout. Thirteen dogs and seven cats were registered at the clinic. Clerk Johnson presented a list of animals registered last year that are not yet registered this year, a list of new residents that need a reminder that dogs and cats are required to be registered, and a list of those that have registered but not provided proper rabies documentation. She will go over this list with Animal Control Officer Binford to get citations issued.
Kansas Municipal Utilities conference in April 27-29 in Wichita which also includes the KMGA Board of Directors meeting and an afternoon of sessions on gas.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Bobby Rich and/or Sally Johnson to attend the KMU conference in Wichita, April 27-29, if they choose
KMGA will be hosting regional meetings this year. The one for our area will be in Humboldt on July 14. Will put on the agenda again in June. Clerk Johnson also presented a market update from KMGA.
Midwest Assistance Program would like to assist communities in the application process for USDA community facility project grants and/or loans. Clerk Johnson will contact them for more information about what is available and what would be the city’s obligation.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – thanked councilmembers and employees that attended the county commission meeting last month. Asked if fish food has been received. Clerk Johnson has ordered but it has not been shipped yet, she will follow-up. He had a request to change elected officials pay to monthly whether attend regular meeting or not which led to a discussion on protocol for elected officials censure or removal. Clerk Johnson will have the attorney draft an ordinance addressing elected officials pay and protocols.
OLD BUSINESS
Wholesale water supply – table until next month.
Pond Improvement Project – Invitations to bid should be sent/published next month and the liner needs to be ordered due to shipping times.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – this does not need to be discussed monthly, put on the agenda quarterly for updates.
American Rescue Plan Act update – The annual report has been submitted. There was some discussion about using the funds for the public restrooms, pickleball court, and outdoor exercise equipment. We will add discussion of the funds to the worksession we schedule next month.
Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen was thanked for asking county commissioners for a commitment to help us on our streets this year at the March 22 commission meeting. Table further discussion until next month.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00PM
Meeting resumed at 9:00PM. No action was taken
Moved by Ervin, Second by Esslinger Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:00PM
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 12
April 12, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the
County Clerk present.
Also present for the meeting were, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were
present for the entire meeting) Matt Quick, Susan Bancroft, Justin, Meeks, Lora Holdridge, Bill
Martin, Roger Harris, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Cynthia Stine, Dale Bollinger, Randy Ruby,
Marti Tuchscherer, Patty LaRoche, Nancy Maze, Mark Bolton, Donald Coffman, Tim
Mckenney, Deb Mckenney, Linda Noll, Matt Noll, and Dale Arnold.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meeting minutes, Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey presented 2 permits: The first permit was Craw-Kan for a utility permit for fiber
installation on Locust Rd and Limestone Rd. Clifton made a motion to approve the permit for
Craw-Kan as stated by Eric Bailey. Lynne seconded. All approved. The second permit was for
Don Garrett/Brad Bradley for a culvert permit for new installation at 35th & Yellowstone Rd.
Clifton made a motion to approve the permit at 35th and Yellowstone as stated by Eric Bailey.
Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric informed that there is decking loose on a bridge between Birch and Calvary and 120th and
130th. He said it is closed today for repair should be done today and back open. Eric said that
KDOT is in the area and are doing traffic counts in the county in case anyone sees them. He said
that the composting permit for landfill is still in process and has not been approved yet. There is
another review process that needs to be completed before it can be approved. Eric said that
before he gets a bunch of calls on Arrowhead there had been dust control done years ago and
they are tearing it up to fix potholes and turn it back to gravel they, are not paving that road. Eric
informed the commission that there are a few from his department as well as himself that are
going to be attending a training on Thursday in Chanute and has to do with signs as well as other
things. Eric is finalizing the punch list on the windmill project and working with Justin to get the
roads turned back over to county.
Hard surface roads were discussed as to what needed to be completed this year. Jim explained
that there is a sales tax for that purpose and each district get one third of it. Jim said that for his
district he would like to see 195th on the East side of Fort Scott Lake as well as 215th from Indian
to 39 Hwy. Lynne said he would like to see Maple between Uniontown and Bronson, Yale road
and Yellowstone that was tore up and left gravel repaved at Hidden Valley Lake. He also said
that if there was any money left, he would like to see 125th between 54 Hwy and Maple Road.
Eric presented some information on a company called Onyx that is a turnkey operation that
would replace chip and seal and extend the life of the road and hopefully that will help give more
time to resurface the road on a schedule to keep them maintained better. Clifton said that he
would like to see a plan that looked at what roads are the worst and heaviest traveled and have a
plan based on that and not worry about each district getting the exact same amount of money. He
said that all of the road mentioned need fixed and they need a plan to do it even if it isn’t divided
evenly. He said that the roads he would like to look at in his district would be Old 69 Hey
between Fort Scott and Fulton and Soldier Road east of Hammond. He said he didn’t get any money for his district last year because another district needed it more and that is how it should
be done and he would like to see a plan based like that. The commissioners asked Eric to bring a
plan for review but Jim and Lynne both agreed they would like to keep their portion in their own
district unless Clifton needs some since he gave up his last year. The commissioners, Eric Bailey,
and Dustin Hall discussed ways that they could possibly make the money go further and make
the roads last longer with the money that they have available.
Multiple community members were in attendance that expressed concerns for roads in their areas
of the county.
Lynne said he was approached by a patron in Uniontown about tires. I would like permission to
go talk with Ol’ Boy Tires. Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne to go visit with a local
business in Uniontown. Jim seconded. All approved.
Jim asked Eric about putting up the signs previously discussed. Eric said with this being a short
week they would get them up next week.
Lora Holdridge 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 including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Lora Holdridge and
Shane Walker for 10 minutes returning at 10:18am to this room. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:18am with no action. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Lynne made a motion to amend agenda moving County Counselor to the end of the session.
Clifton seconded. All approved.
Ashley presented an agreement from Tri-Valley for appropriations of $55,000.00 which is what
was budgeted. This agreement is a renewal from previous year. Clifton made a motion to
approve the agreement. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan received notice that we did not receive the base grant which was for the Spyder parking
lot. We’ll have to figure out other ways to do that. That’s the 1st federal grant that you didn’t
receive. She did some checking and no one in Bourbon County or the City received any grant
funding. Susan said she would make some phone calls and find out why. Susan requested an
executive session regarding nonelected personnel for 15 minutes. 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 including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, and
Dave Bruner for 15 minutes returning to this room at 10:37am. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:37am with no action. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Clifton made a motion to allow Mr. Judy for public comment. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Mr. Judy asked if the handicapped ramps could be fixed. Lynne stated that we are in the process
of fixing those.
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 including 3 commissioners, Justin
Meeks, Susan Bancroft, and Shane Walker for 20 minutes returning to this room at 11:01am.
Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:01am
with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan stated that we took quotes for mowing at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. They were due today
at 10am. Phillips Lawn Care had the lowest per occurrence quote at $500. With the unknowns
of the property we would do at on a month-to-month basis until we figure some things out.
Clifton made a motion to accept the quote from Phillips to mow on a per time as needed basis.
Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan stated that we are looking at possible funding we need
from ARPA funds for EMS. Dave Bruner left some information with me and each commissioner
received a copy. I would like a week to look through and see if it meets all the obligations and
then come back with a proposal on potential ARPA funding. We had a couple hundred thousand
left over from last year’s funds that could possibly help us with some urgent need items for EMS.
They are looking at needing to possibly replace one of the ambulances in the near future, but we
are two years out on a brand new. If we did a remount, it would be 13 months. If we book this
year, we have to pay the entire thing or we could go with a lease purchase which I would
recommend with the unknowns today. Rob Harrington mentioned that there might be a USDA
grant that we are going to look into that and bring information to you next week. Jim asked how
things were coming on the north sidewalk and parking. Susan stated that they looked at it last
week and they are getting ready to give us the engineering report and then we’ll put it out to bid.
Public Comment: Clint Walker talked about an $89 million dollar transmission line project. The
Kansas Corporation Commission has made the decision and no local government has any say in
it whether being a zoned or non-zoned county. Michael Hoyt restated his request that he made a
Uniontown that the commission provide in advance documents that would allow the public to
participate in the budgeting process. There is a public hearing portion of the budget process and
there’s not much we can do if we don’t have the information ahead of time. It is imperative that
this happens.
Susan asked the commissioners to give her authority to go talk to the city manager regarding
EMS.
Elected Official Comment: Who does the grants for the County? Is it internal or outside? Susan
stated it is internal. Bill stated that grants are starting to be available. He would like information
as to why grants are turned down and that information can be passed on to their grant writers for
future.
Commission Comment: Clifton made a motion for Susan to be able to talk to the city manager
concerning EMS. Lynne seconded. All approved. Jim stated that KDOT will be hosting a
region 4 commission road supervisor meeting in Chanute on April 21 at 9am. I am planning to
attend and hope the other two commissioners will consider attending. Eric is planning to attend.
Susan is going as well. Jim made a motion that all commissioners be allowed to attend the
meeting. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Anne dare asked about evening meetings. Garland will be contacted to schedule for April 26th.
May 17th is scheduled at the courthouse at 6pm.
County Counsel Comments: Justin requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for
an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade
secrets or corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships including 3
commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, and Justin Meeks for 15
minutes returning to this room at 11:28am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a
motion to return to normal session at 11:28am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to allow Susan to visit with CEO of Via Christi Hospital concerning
contracts. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion for an 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 3 commissioners, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks
for 10 minutes returning to this room at 11:41am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made
a motion to return to normal session at 11:41am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
At 11:42pm, Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
April 19, 2022, Approved Date
Discovering Fort Scott’s Little Known Stories
Discovering Fort Scott’s Little Known Stories
Exploring the African American Experience
Fort Scott Kan. – Students from Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College will be researching the little known and under told stories of progressive African Americans and leaders from the Fort Scott area.
Students will create audio recordings or videos to share these stories in their ‘voices’ through social media and short films hosted by the National Park Service, Gordon Parks Museum, and their schools.
Exhibits will be developed from their work.
The public is invited to the kickoff for this project on Monday, April 25, at the Ellis Fine Arts Center theater on the Fort Scott Community College campus at 10 a.m.
There will be a presentation by Robin Hickman Winfield, the great niece of Gordon Parks, and Eli Reed, an award-winning photographer, photojournalist, author, and the 2021 Choice of Weapons Award Recipient.
This project will continue through the end of the fall semester with the final media products and presentations.
Shane Walker Begins As New Fort Scott City Commissioner
Shane Walker, 53, is the new Fort Scott City Commissioner, replacing Pete Allen who resigned last month.
Walker is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Bourbon County.
He has 10 years experience in a corporate setting, five years running his own business and 18 years of local government experience, he said. He has also been a firefighter for 10 years and has served on a regional Homeland Security board through the State of Kansas.
Walker’s education history involves multiple schools and programs mainly in information technology from IBM, Cisco, Sun and Microsoft.
Currently, he is involved in the community as a part of Gunn Park Trails, a volunteer mountain bike trail group; is the local Historic Preservation Association Vice President and is in the Knights of Columbus.
He and his wife have four daughters.
Walker applied for the city commissioner vacancy because he wants to “help make Fort Scott a better place that my kids want to come back to, after college, and live.”
His first meeting as a commissioner was April 5.
The duties of Fort Scott City Commissioners are to set policy, procedures and budgets, he said.
The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main.
Bo Co Dems Meet April 24
What’s Happening in Fort Scott April 15 Newsletter
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Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 19
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: April 19, 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
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Lora Holdridge – Road Closure
• Bill Martin – Equitable Sharing Agreement & Certification
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment
Uniontown School Reopens Fitness Center
“The fitness center is available to our physical education classes,” he said. “Our junior high and high school classes really don’t use it as they have the weight room. Our elementary PE classes used it on Friday’s before COVID. That hasn’t resumed post-Covid at this time.”


A keycard is sold to USD235 District residents for $10, a one time fee, unless the card is lost.
“You will be required to sign a sheet acknowledging you will agree to follow the rules and regulations for the Uniontown Fitness Center,” he said. “You will also need to pay a one-time fee of $10. Once you have done those two things, you will be given a keycard and may begin using the Uniontown Fitness Center.”


Explore Kansas On the Big Kansas Road Trip
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Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 5
April 5, 2022 Tuesday at 6 pm
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Harris,
Commissioner Oharah and the County Clerk. They were present for the entire meeting.
Commissioner Beth was present for a portion of the meeting.
Also present for the meeting were, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were
present for the entire meeting) Matt Quick, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Deanne Weir,
Charlotte Ernest, Debra Matt, Earl Capp, Vicki Capp, Kim LaPorte, David Scharenberg, Dan
Laughlin, Steven Hall, Jan Laughlin, Ronald Burton, Jarad Lord, Donald Coffman, Clint Walker,
Mike Hueston, Alyssa Firley, William Peters, Nadine Leach, Butch Leach, Fred Larson,
Woodrow Brown, and Brandon Whisenhunt.
Jim thanked everyone for coming.
Lynne made a motion to approve the previous weeks minutes as well as the work session. Jim
seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Eric Bailey presented a permit for Josh Query at 2504 Limestone Rd for an entry culvert. Lynne
made a motion to approve the permit. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Eric reported that they were able to get Elm Creek burned. He said that they have started
crushing at Thomas Quarry. Eric said that Schwab Eaton had been in town looking at the low
water crossings and are finishing up and they should have that report back in about a month. Eric
asked the commissioners if they were still planning to have a hard surface meeting next week.
They all agreed that they wanted to have a meeting next week following the regular commission
meeting. Eric reported that IEA is finishing up on the punch list regarding the windmill project
and should be turning the roads back over soon.
Hay bids were opened. Jim made a motion to approve the highest bid for each property which are
as follows:
Elm Creek – Joe Tirri $3357.00
Native Road – Steve Sinn $251.00
Tower – Steve Sinn $25.00
Lynne seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation
with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client
relationship, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room and
will be for 7 minutes returning at 6:18 pm and will include Commissioners Harris and Oharah
(Commissioner Beth was not present) and Justin Meeks. Jim seconded and Jim and Lynne
approved.
Lynne made a motion to return to normal session at 6:18 pm with no action. Jim seconded. Jim
and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data
relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual
proprietorships, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at
6:26 pm. Included will be Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not
present), Justin Meeks, and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:26 pm with action. Jim seconded. Jim and
Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to allow Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft to work
together on a partnership regarding Elm Creek. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss
personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, the
Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at 6:34 pm. The session
will be for 5 minutes and include Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was
not present) Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:34 pm. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne
approved.
Commissioner Beth joined the meeting.
Justin said that they are asking the commissioners to change the title for Shane Walker to Chief
Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial Officer. He said there is no change in
pay, only the title, and it is to encompass all of their job titles into one. Jim made a motion to
change Shane Walkers title to Chief Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial
Officer. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft said that she has a letter from I AM REHAB requesting to renew their contract
for another year which would take it through May of 2023. Clifton asked when the contract for
Via Christi renews. Susan said she believed that it was in August. Lynne made a motion to renew
the contract for I AM REHAB for another year. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan said that they need to elect one of the commissioners as a voting delegate for the KAC.
She said that they are wanting to add an HR group to the organization and one of them would
need to complete to voting form. Clifton made a motion to allow Jim as the voting delegate for
KAC. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan said that based on the appraisal of the medical building done during the feasibility study,
that it appraised for much more than they anticipated and that the amount of insurance needs to
be increased to at least $7 million in coverage on the building itself. Clifton made a motion to
increase the amount of coverage on the medical building to $7 million. Lynne seconded. All
approved.
Susan asked if they would be interested in doing a joint KOMA training with the City of Fort
Scott. Clifton said that he and Lynne had already been through the training and are not interested
in doing it again at this time. Jim said he would possibly participate depending on his schedule.
Public Comment:
Vicki Capp asked what the plan is for Yale Road? Are they going to fix it and repave it or turn it
into gravel and leave it gravel? Eric said that the base on Yale Road is failing and it would have
to be taken back to gravel and the base needs to be rebuilt before it would be able to be repaved.
That is the plan for it, but at this time, nothing has been decided and they are having a meeting
next week to address the plan for hard surface roads. Vicki asked if the one cent sales tax was
still in place to help maintain the road? Susan said that it is still in place but is for all roads. Jim
explained that when the sales tax was passed that it was enough to maintain what was already
paved. Then they added more miles of paved roads and it is hard to keep up with it all and find
money to maintain it all. There are roads in every part of the county that need attention. David
Scharenberg asked if all three of the commissioners supported repaving Yale Road. Lynne said
that has always been his plan was to repave it. Jim said that each district should see 1/3 of the
sales tax money and he would support what Lynne wanted to do with the 1/3 he receives for his
district. Clifton said he had roads in his district that are bad too and need repaired and they would
do the best they could with what they have. There was more discussion regarding the road
conditions in the northwestern part of the county.
Ronald Burton asked about the county helping with Union Street on the edge of Mapleton. Justin
said they cannot do that because it is the city limits and that would be competing with the private
sector. He asked if he could close it to through traffic when it gets too bad? Justin said yes since
it was in the city limits. He asked if he annexed it out of the city then would the county maintain
it? Justin answered that then it would be a county road and they would be responsible for
maintaining it.
Mike Hueston asked if the commission could recap the presentation that was given by Nobel
since they were unable to attend that meeting. Clifton talked about the highlights of the
information given by Noble. Hueston asked about the condition of the ambulance wearing out
and need replaced. Clifton said that this something they will have to evaluate and get a plan in
place. He said that the county has purchased one new ambulance but the others were given by
Mercy and they cannot give them or sell them for a certain timeframe.
Commissioners Comments:
Lynne said that they are working on getting a cell tower up in that area and getting internet for
everyone in that area. He said that he wanted to keep taxes the same and not have to increase
them. He thanked everyone for coming.
Clifton thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
Jim thanked everyone for coming and was glad they had a good turnout. He said that they are
planning to keep having meetings at outside locations and since they had a good turnout would
be back at Mapleton again. He said that they are going to work hard to keep taxes from raising.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner










