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 1^st 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

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

Equitable Sharing Agreement _ Certification

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

March 29, 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 all or some of the meeting were Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Don
Coffman, Matt Crystal, Drew Solomon, Tom Booser, Merrill Atwater, Dr. Randy
Nichols, and Mark McCoy.
Eric Bailey presented permits for Joe Kerr at Indian Rd and 195th for an entrance
culvert. The second permit is for Craw-Kan to install fiber lines in the southwest part
of the county. Clifton made a motion to approve the permits at Indian Rd & 195th and
also for Craw-Kan in the southwest area of the county. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric said that he received a phone call this morning regarding a utility company
cutting Maple Rd. at approximately 190th or 195th he has not seen it yet. He was not
aware of this and is going to work with them to get the appropriate permits. Eric said
that he does not think that cutting the road was the best option but he was not aware
of the project prior to them cutting the road. Eric asked that if a utility company
contacts a commissioner, then please refer them to his department so they can look
at all options and get appropriate permits. Jim said that he had a conversation several
months ago with a utility company but he said that he told them to contact Eric.
Eric said that due to the road safety plan grant received last year, TranSystems
Company is in town gathering data. Eric said that if you see vehicles with lights
driving around gathering data but those vehicles should be clearly marked.
Eric discussed the placement of a stop sign in Bronson in the area of 25th & Bay St at
the far west part of the curve. He provided maps and of the location and it was
discussed as to what the best placement would be. Jim made a motion to place a stop
sign at the intersection of Bay and the curve between 25th & Bay. This would stop the
westbound traffic on Bay Street and the sign would be placed on northwest corner of
the intersection. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Eric said that Dustin had worked diligently to find a dump truck and it paid off
because they were able to find a 2008 Sterling in Tulsa for $60,000.00 and it has the
plow attachments that they will be able to put the county plow on it. Eric said that
they finished at 267th and Arrowhead with the 36” culvert replacement so that isn’t so
narrow now. He said that they are scheduled to burn at Elm Creek Lake on Friday,
weather permitting. Eric gave an update on the windmills saying that they are still
working on the punch list that he submitted and everything is going good on finishing
up. Jim Harris asked if Eric had received information on federal funding for the year
yet. Eric said yes, but that it had been postponed. Lynne asked about the ditching on
Wagon Rd that he had received a call on. Eric said that it is on the list and they are
working as fast as they can but they also need to look at fixing cross tubes if the
ditching is going to really help anything.

Millie Lipscomb, with the Elk’s Lodge, said that with costs rising on everything, that
she was requesting a donation from the county of $750 instead of $500 that has been
donated by the county the last few years. Clifton made a motion to donate $750 to
the Elk’s Lodge for their fireworks display this year. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley presented the contract with Hamlin Energy to help secure the best price for a
gas supplier since Pro Solutions is going out of business. She said that they will look
and price as well as monitor bills and recommend locking in a price or changing
suppliers. She also said that the contact is not for a specific time frame that it can be
revoked at anytime with a written letter from the county. Clifton made a motion to
allow Chairman Harris to sign the contract with Hamlin Energy. Lynne seconded. All
approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add mowing at 401 Woodland Hills
Blvd. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to move county counselor comments to the end of the agenda.
Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton said he had been asked if the bids received were apples to apple and he said
that they are not. Justin Meeks recommended rejecting all bids and rebidding it. He
said that he thinks that we should rebid with better specs. Jim agreed. Clifton made a
motion to reject the bids for mowing and rebid it with more detailed specs and to be
due back by next Tuesday’s meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton 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 session will last for 30 minutes returning to the
commission room at 9:57 am and will include the 3 commissioners, Noble Health
representatives (Drew Solomon, Tom Boozer, and Marrill Atwater), Josh Jones, Shane
Walker, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:57 am with no action. Lynne
seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to move the executive session for personnel matters to next
week’s meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan reminded everyone that the meeting next week on March 5th will be held at the
Mapleton Community Center at 6 pm and asked what the commission wanted to do
about future meetings in outside areas of the community. Jim said that he would like
to see one held at Garland and Hiatville. Lynne said he would like to see a night
meeting held here at the courthouse as well and Jim agreed. Lynne also said that if
you are going to have meetings at those locations you should probably have one at
Fulton, Hammond and even Devon. Jim said he would be in favor of trying that and

proceed based on attendance. Jim recommended that once we have been to several
remote locations for meetings, that they continue with a remote location meeting
once per quarter and an evening meeting at the courthouse every 4-6 weeks possibly.
Susan said that she would work on a schedule. Susan handed out a capital
improvements document to help department heads to understand what needs to be
taken into consideration when looking at capital projects. This also includes
personnel. If a department needed to add personnel they would have to justify the
reason for requesting.
Noble Health Presentation – Drew Solomon gave an update on the feasibility study. It
is substantially complete. There are a few items that need to be done. A lot of good
findings. Tom Booser will provide additional information. Tom is the coordinator of
the research. All of rural Kansas has a demographic trend happening. Every year 25
families leave this county. Right now 19% of the population of Bourbon County is 65+.
In 20 years 40% of the population will be 65+. This region is the least healthy in the
entire state. Kansas used to rank 9th in terms of health and has declined to 29th out of
the 50 states. Through community meetings and surveys the consensus is that we
need more healthcare. Data shows there is a very significant trend in this county.
There was substantial migration for healthcare from this area prior to the hospital
closing. Eleven million dollars per year for healthcare leaves Bourbon County for care
outside of this county. If this is going to be a sustainable hospital it must control the
out migration. It must find a way to build trust in the community and attract people
back. In this community, in this region, these hospitals carry twice the
uncompensated care burden as most rural hospitals. As the population ages, you can
see from a financial standpoint, your coverage may exceed, in terms of income from a
hospital, 40% of revenue. Medicare pays less than private insurers. Medicare
typically pays less than the cost to deliver the care. The current model of this
hospital the cost to deliver the care is higher than what the reimbursement is. Every
time you see a patient you lose money. The only way a hospital can fix that is from a
high percentage of private insured patients. If you have a large Medicare/Medicaid
population and you can control payments you have a very stable model. This is why
so many hospitals get some level of tax subsidy because there is a structural mismatch
between costs and revenue. The only way to surmount this, going forward, is to do
something different than you’re doing right now or what has been done in the past.
This is a structural problem and you have to change the approach. Part of that is
collaboration. Rural hospitals should collaborate more. This is going to require
transformation. A completely different way of behaving in regard to healthcare.
There has to be some sort of community leadership to get people to understand that
using healthcare in the region keeps it sustainable. In this region, workforce could be
the main component of whether a hospital is viable or not. There is a nursing school
in Pittsburg that graduates about 120 students per year. On average, those students
owe $25,000 which could be about 15 to 20% of your pay every month to pay off that
loan. What if there were help for these candidate nurses so they wouldn’t have that
debt. This requires community activism and some original thoughts. The former
hospital operated in a certain model allowing surgery and other things like that.
There is a merging model called a rural emergency hospital that could be an option