Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Business

Apex Energy/Bourbon County Commission Agreements Signed

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Wind turbines just off  Kansas Hwy. 59 in Allen County.

The controversial wind energy business is coming to Bourbon County.

 

Following a request to Apex Clean Energy, the wind energy company from Charlottesville, Virginia for specifics on the project, the following statement was provided.

 

Apex Clean Energy entered into five agreements with the  Bourbon County Commission last Friday, March 13, according to Helen Humphreys, public engagement manager for Apex.

 

“In addition to setting out how Jayhawk Wind (Jayhawk) will operate in the community, the agreements also empower the county to enforce the provisions and ensure residents’ concerns are addressed both during the construction process and once the project is operational,” according to the press release provided FortScott.Biz.

 

Julianna Pianelli, Apex Project Development Manager, said, “We appreciate the Bourbon County commissioners for their careful, objective review of the Jayhawk Wind agreements. We know that economic opportunity has been a priority for the county, and we are proud that Jayhawk will provide a new source of revenue, new jobs, and new customers for local businesses.”

 

The agreements with Bourbon County Commissioners are unique No other entity or individuals are similarly restricted in the use of county roads and given that Bourbon County does not have zoning restrictions, several of these agreements are entirely voluntary and reflect Apex’s commitment to community engagement, according to information provided by Humpherys.

Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.

 

The following was sent from Humphreys regarding the agreements with the Bourbon County Commission.

 

“Decommissioning Agreement

Decommissioning agreements are common in the wind industry and ensure that financial resources are available to remove the turbines and related facilities at the end of a project’s lifespan. The Jayhawk Decommissioning Agreement:

  • Specifies that the turbines, and related equipment, will be removed by the project owner when the project is complete; and
  • Requires that, on the 10th anniversary of the completion of construction, Jayhawk Wind will place a performance bond, letter of credit, or other security acceptable to the county to cover the net removal cost in an amount determined by an engineer selected by the county.
  • To view the document:
  • doc10726320200313102218-c-c-c

Contribution Agreement

The Contribution Agreement details the financial donation Jayhawk will make to Bourbon County if the project enters construction. Kansas law exempts renewable energy projects like Jayhawk from property taxes for the first ten years of operation, just as it does with a property such as farm equipment and other sources of energy production. In place of these taxes, wind developers often propose to donate funds to a county through a voluntary contribution agreement because we believe it is important that a project directly benefits its community.

In the Bourbon agreements, Jayhawk committed to making an initial payment of $407,812.50 to Bourbon County upon receiving notice to proceed with construction. This payment will be followed by nine annual payments of $365,625, and a final annual payment of $182,813.

After 10 years of operation, the tax exemption will expire, and Jayhawk will pay property taxes to the municipalities and school districts in which the project is located. According to the Jayhawk Wind Economic Impact Analysis:

  • Bourbon County will receive annual revenues of $586,380 and a total of $11.4 million over the projected 25-year life of the project;
  • Uniontown Unified School District will receive $387,000 annually beginning in year 11 and a total of $5.8 million;
  • Girard Unified School District will receive $203,000 annually beginning in year 11 and a total of $3 million; and
  • Erie Unified School District will receive $38,00 annually beginning in year 11 and a total of $572,000.
  • To view the document:
  • doc10726020200313102002-c-c-c

Road Use Agreement

The Road Use Agreement (RUA) clearly outlines Jayhawk’s obligation to maintain or improve the county roadways it will use. According to the agreement, the county will prepare a pre-construction road survey and establish an inventory of the roads before construction. These tools will be used to both mitigate project impacts on local traffic during construction and to determine what repairs and improvements will be needed to return the roads to pre-construction condition.

Also, vehicles with a combined weight of 80,000 pounds or more will be required to stay on approved transportation routes.

Jayhawk Wind agrees to return the roads it uses during construction to a condition that is “as good or better” to that existing before construction. Also, Jayhawk will be obligated to make repairs to any roads damaged during construction that create a hazard to the traveling public.

The RUA ensures Bourbon County has the resources needed to oversee the project and details how Jayhawk Wind will coordinate with county officials, by providing:

  • $50,000 for the County to hire outside engineering or added employee costs;
  • $250,000 security provided by Jayhawk before construction begins to guarantee its obligations under the RUA;
  • Proof that Jayhawk shall maintain $3,000,000 in insurance; and
  • That even after Jayhawk becomes operational, larger projects for which Jayhawk must use county roads will require Jayhawk to purchase a bond and ensure damage resulting from its road use is repaired.
  • To view the document:
  • doc10725620200313101557-c-c-c

Development Agreement

While Bourbon County is not a zoned county, Jayhawk voluntarily agreed to a few project design restrictions including:

  • Sound from each turbine shall be less than 50 dBA at any non-participating home;
  • Turbines shall be set no less than 1,400 feet from any non-participating home;
  • Turbines shall be set back no less than 1.1 times the height of the turbine from any non-participating property line;
  • Turbines shall be set back no less than 1.1 times the height of the turbine from any county road; and
  • Turbines shall be tubular towers and lighting shall be by the FAA.
  • To view the document:
  • doc10725720200313101736-c (Signature Edit)-c-c

Complaint Resolution Agreement

Jayhawk agreed to a complaint resolution process that ensures members of the public who make a complaint can have confidence that their concerns will be addressed. Moreover, it empowers the county to order a review of unresolved complaints by an independent engineer. The Development Agreement requires Jayhawk to:

  • Establish a “24/7” single point of contact to take claims or issues and respond to complaints within five business days;
  • Maintain a record of complaints received and resolve any deemed to violate the Development Agreement; and
  • Be bound by the decision of a third-party engineer during dispute resolution between the county and the project.”
  • To view the document:
  • doc10725920200313101859-c-c-c

“Cumulatively, these agreements enable the continued development of Jayhawk while providing certainty for Bourbon County that all residents will benefit either directly or indirectly from the project,” according to the information provided by Humphreys.

The Jayhawk Wind project is expected to be operational in 2021.according to the information from Humphreys. It will produce enough power to supply 70,000 average U.S. homes and will also provide significant economic benefits for the local economy, according to the information.  This includes the creation of more than 115 construction jobs and seven long-term operations positions.

Bourbon County, Business

Gordmans Reduces Hours

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HOUSTON (March 18, 2020) – The safety and health of our guests, associates and store communities are our top priority.

 

To better support our associates, serve our customers and slow the spread of COVID-19, Stage Stores and our family of brands (Gordmans, Bealls, Goodys, Palais Royal, Peebles, and Stage) have adjusted our store operating hours.  Until further notice, our reduced store hours are as follows:

  • Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm
  • Sunday 12pm-6pm

 

Additionally, in compliance with local government orders to shut down all non-essential businesses, as well as other location-based factors, select stores are temporarily closed and will not re-open until circumstances improve.

 

Our new store openings continued as planned yesterday, March 17, however new store openings planned for March 31 have been postponed. Events planned in conjunction with store openings, such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies, have been canceled.

 

In addition to our new store hours, we are taking the following actions to help keep our guests and associates healthy:

  • Increasing the frequency of store cleanings, paying special attention to frequently touched objects and surfaces such as register counters, shopping carts, door handles, restrooms, etc.;
  • Reminding our associates of their training on illness prevention;
  • Advising all employees to stay home if they are not feeling well, or if circumstances might advise them to do so, to seek medical attention if they have symptoms.

 

We also encourage our guests everywhere to take the extra precautions necessary to safeguard their health and the health of others. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and work with public health authorities as required. We will keep you informed if our approach changes and will continue to post updates on stage.com and gordmans.com. We look forward to serving guests in our stores.

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Filings for the November 2020 Election in the County

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John Horn votes during a 2017 election at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

The election process has begun and  this year the general election date is November 3,

“Filing deadline is noon, June 1st, 2020,” Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason said. “Anyone wanting to run for a local office can pick up the filing paperwork from my office.”

 

The county clerk’s office is located on the first floor of the north wing of the Bourbon County courthouse, 210 S. National Ave.

 

Since the interview, the courthouse has temporarily closed due to COVID 19 prevention measures.

 

“I am checking my emails on a regular basis,” Mason said on March 17. “if someone needs a packet they can email me with their mailing information and we will mail them a packet.  My email address is [email protected].”

 

 

At the county level, there have been some filings for Bourbon County Sheriff and two commission positions, Mason said.

 

So far this year, three men have applied to run for Bourbon County Sheriff:  Derick Burke, Bill Martin and Craig A. Rice

Fort Scott Police Department Officer Derick Burke. File photo. Burke is running for sheriff.

 

Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo. Martin is running for sheriff.

 

Craig Rice. Courtesy photo by Merle Humphrey. Rice is running for sheriff.

 

 

Two Bourbon County Commission seats are up for election:

For Commission District #2 – Jeffrey Fischer and Jim Harris

For Commission District #3 – LeRoy “Nick” Ruhl

Jeff Fischer, District 2 Bourbon County Commissioner. He is running for his current position.
Jim Harris, Bourbon County Public Works Director. Harris is running for District 2 Commissioner.
Nick Ruhl, District 3 Bourbon County Commissioner. He is running for his current position.

 

 

“Elections in even years are in August and November,” Mason said. “A  law changed the odd-year elections from spring to fall.

 

As of last week, there are no amendments received to be put on the ballot,  Mason said.

 

The following is from the Bourbon County website:

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

 

Bourbon County, Business

Dollar General Dedicates First Shopping Hour to Senior Citizens Starting March 17

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The freezer and cooler section were expanded in the recent Dollar General remodel.

Dollar General Corporation announced plans to dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior shoppers, as well as amend store operating hours beginning March 17, 2020.

Senior Hour Encouragement
“Dollar General is strongly encouraging that the first hour of operations each day be dedicated solely for the shopping needs of senior customers, who are one of the groups most vulnerable to the COVID-19 coronavirus. In keeping with the Company’s mission of Serving Others,”  according to its’ website. “Dollar General wants to provide these at-risk customers with the ability to purchase the items they need and want at the beginning of each day to avoid busier and more crowded shopping periods.”

Fort Scott Dollar General  Manager LaDonna Sandstoe said today that the “plan came through from headquarters,” and “there was a “conference call this morning.”
“It didn’t work too well this morning,” Sandstoe said. “We had teenagers coming through here with the seniors.”
“But 8 to 9 a.m. is designated for the elderly,” she said.
Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sandstoe said.
The following is from the Dollar General website;

“Other customers are encouraged to plan their shopping trips around this window of time to allow the most susceptible customers in our communities the ability to shop during the first hour that stores are open.

Store Hour Adjustments
Additionally, all stores plan to close one hour earlier than current close times to allow employees to clean and re-stock store shelves, as well as for their health and wellbeing.  Stores will continue to maintain current opening hours. Normal operating hours by individual store locations are available here.

Dollar General remains committed to providing customers and employees with a safe, clean and pleasant shopping environment at all stores and seeks for customers to feel confident when shopping its stores.

Quote from Todd Vasos, CEO
“In keeping with our mission and our ongoing commitment to serve our communities, we are dedicating the first hour of each day to seniors.  We appreciate our customers’ understanding of our decision and request they visit our stores later in the morning to allow at-risk populations the ability to purchase the items they need at affordable prices,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO. “During these unprecedented times, Dollar General is diligently working to meet the ongoing needs of our customers and communities. We are proud to live our mission and provide customers with everyday low prices on the household essentials that are used and replenished most often.”

About Dollar General Corporation
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for more than 80 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 16,278 stores in 44 states as of January 31, 2020. In addition to high-quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and PepsiCo. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com.”
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Will Reevaluate Courthouse Closing March 23

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 23, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00 Executive Session, Reevaluating Opening the Courthouse

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Will Not Meet March 17

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 17, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

No Meeting – Courthouse closed

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Utility Disconnects Suspended Until April 15

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KCC issues emergency order suspending utility disconnects until April 15

 

Citing emergency declarations by Governor Laura Kelly, President Donald Trump and the World Health Organization, the Kansas Corporation Commission used its emergency powers to issue an order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until April 15.  The action, taken in a special meeting this morning, will offer relief to those experiencing potential hardship from the COVID-19 virus.

 

The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction, several of which have already voluntarily suspended disconnects. The Commission also encourages those utilities not under its jurisdiction to enact similar practices.

 

“COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge, and Kansans may face unexpected or unusual financial difficulties,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “No one should have to worry about losing utility service needed to ensure public safety, which is why I am bringing every resource to bear to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy. Kansans step up in a time of need, and this is more proof.”

The Commission may elect to extend the suspension order in a subsequent order if conditions warrant.

 

Today’s order can be viewed on the Commission’s website:  https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20200316105259.pdf?Id=88d5541d-695f-4b27-ae43-2ce44d20a94f.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Fiber Optic Coming to Uniontown, Continuing In Fort Scott

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Conduit for the Craw-Kan Fiber Optic project sits on Uniontown City property on March 7.

Hi-speed internet is coming to Uniontown.

Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative, Girard, received a broadband internet loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has been stockpiling conduit and cable in Uniontown since late February 2020.

 

The new high-speed internet service will be provided to the 350 customers in Uniontown, Craig Wilbert, general manager of Craw-Kan said.

Craig Wilbert, general manager of Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative.

“There will be no rate change,” Wilbert said.

 

Craw-Kan crews will be replacing copper lines, then connect to computers, phone, and cable TV, giving access to up to  1,000 gigabits per second.

 

A landline may be required as a prerequisite for internet service based on geographic location, call the cooperative at  620-724-8235 to check.

 

The benefits of the new project: getting the fastest available internet in the county, at an affordable rate, Wilbert said.

 

” Great for students and also makes working from home a reality,” Wilbert said.

 

The internet service will only be for Craw-Kan Cooperative members.

 

The Uniontown project will start late spring 2020. “when the weather dries out a bit” and won’t be complete until mid to late 2021, Wilbert said.

 

 

The cooperative received a Rural Utilities Services loan which requires contractors to be certified by an engineering company that has demonstrated the ability to complete a project this large.  Any contractor meeting this condition can bid on the job, Wilbert said.

To learn about Craw-Kan prices:

https://ckt.net/service/internet/

 

Materials are ready for the Uniontown Fiber Optic project.

 

Fort Scott Fiber Optic Project

Craw-Kan has also been replacing internet copper lines in Fort Scott, in preparation for service there.

Uniontown will all be done at the same time as the Fort Scott project and will be cut over to be in service at the same time, Wilbert said.

 

 

“The Fort Scott project is about one-half done,” Wilbert said. “There is a central office on National Avenue where our equipment is.

 

“The west side of Ft. Scott is nearly complete,” he said.” I anticipate about 12 more months for the rest of the city to be completed.  We do it in sections so services will be available in chunks of territories as they are completed.”

 

Why does a project like this take so long?

 

” Mainly it is a matter of cost,” Wilbert said.  “Ft. Scott will end up being a several million dollar project and the Cooperative simply does not have the financial means to complete a city the size of Ft. Scott in one year.  The second reason is the scope of the project.  It is similar to replacing every water or electric line in town.  We are passing every home and business within the city limits.  That’s a lot of fiber to bury!  Definitely worth the wait.”

 

The life expectancy of fiber optic lines is 40 years, Wilbert said.

 

Spools of optical cable.

 

Craw-Kan Expanding Business Customers

The projects are the result of declining populations in rural areas nationwide, he said. This was affecting the Craw-Kan business negatively.

 

“We needed to find new business,” Wilbert said. “We decided to find non-members of the coop, they are strictly customers.”

 

They received requests from Mound City, St.Paul, Pittsburg and Fort Scott and those projects are completed, he said.

 

 

Workers from Bob Hull, Inc., Frankfurt, KS unload fiber optic cable in Uniontown on Feb. 29.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Shape Your Future: 2020 Census 

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K-State Research and Extension Southwind District 

Family Consumer Science News Column 

Joy Miller 

620-223-3720 or [email protected] 

 

Census Day is April 1, 2020, the formal beginning of the 2020 U.S. Census.  All Kansas households will receive an invitation with instructions by mail between March 12th-20th. Data collection continues through July 2020. 

The U.S. government uses the population data to help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states, counties, and communities for ten years.  Participation in the 2020 Census ensures your community is represented fairly and receives their share annually.  This could mean more funding for your schools, roads and highways, public health, affordable housing programs, and so much more. 

Who Should Respond to the Census? EVERYONE! Your participation is important, essential, major, meaningful.  How do I respond to the census? The Census Bureau will offer the census form in four ways: 

  1. Online: 2020 marks the first year you will have the opportunity to respond to the census online using a computer or smartphone. Online census responses are secure and cost-effective. Not only that, but a user-friendly interface offers help screens and the chance to review your responses before submitting. 
  1. Over the telephone: All invitations will provide a toll-free phone number so you may choose to respond to the census from the convenience of your phone. 
  1. Using a paper form: You may also wait (until mid-April) to receive a hard copy of your 2020 Census questionnaire. If you choose to respond using the paper form, fill out your questionnaire and drop it off at your mailbox or post office. 
  1. By responding to a census enumerator: Census enumerators, also referred to as census takers, conduct non-response follow-ups in an effort to ensure an accurate count. Households that do not respond via online, phone, or mail will be contacted at their residential door by census enumerators for in-person interviews.  

The Census Bureau will NOT call or email you. 

What questions will be asked on the 2020 Census? The survey is ten questions and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. 

  • Name 
  • Relationship to householder 
  • Phone number 
  • Household tenure (own/rent) 
  • Age 
  • Number of people in household 
  • Sex 
  • Usual place of residence 
  • Race 
  • Hispanic origin 

For more information and insights into the 2020 Census, visit census.gov. Follow us on Facebook (Southwind Extension) and join us Tuesday, March 31st for Facebook Live to learn more about the Census, how it is used, and the potential impact on your community.  

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Session March 3

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March 3, 2020                                                             8:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met for a special session.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners).  No action was taken.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners).  No action was taken.

 

The regular meeting started at 9:00 am.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

 

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

March 10, 2020, Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 3

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March 3, 2020                                                  Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present for a portion of the meeting (that signed in) were Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Apex representatives Alan Anderson, Helen Humphreys, Jeff Spangler and Juliana Planelli as well as Anne Dare, Ken Anderson, Deb Lust, Mary Pemberton, Matt Davis, Joe Ludlum, Rachel & Clint Walker, Rich & Rei Clark, Arlene Weber, Barbara Peine, Kim Simons, Jordan Nielson, Darren Crays, David S?, Janice Bailey, Sara Conkling, Ruby Keith, Barbara Schmidt, Melissa Warner, Don (Sparky) Schroeder, Brent Smith, Sara Sutton, Kevin Huber, Tara Allen, Heather Herring, Stacy Racy, Dennis Fry, Janet Beene, Deb , Morter, ? Field, Deb Martin and Nancy Van Etten.

 

Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman with Road & Bridge met with the Commissioners.  Jim said they are crushing daylight to dark to get caught up.  They are patching around the County daylight to dark (patching on 125th, Hackberry, Valley, 215th and Yale).

 

Nick discussed the brush being left along the roads that has been cut up; he suggested not cutting anymore until the brush gets cleaned up.  Lynne made a motion to burn the brush (and keep the fire away from fences), Nick seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne reported brush in the road near Range and 95th.

 

Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 11-20;

Bourbon County KS. Commission

Patron Participation and Public Forums

In order to maintain orderly and efficient County Commission meetings it has become necessary to enact the following policy addressing patron participation in commissions meetings and forums.

  1. Personal, rude, or slanderous remarks are prohibited.
  2. Patrons wishing to speak publicly during a commission meeting must make such request through the Bourbon County Clerk’s office.
  3. Comments will be limited to five minutes per patron per meeting.
  4. Fifteen minutes per subject or associated subject will be allowed.
  5. One hour of accumulated time will be set aside for public comments.
  6. A copy of any material to be shared or used to address the commission will need to be provided to the Bourbon County Clerk the day prior to the scheduled commission meeting.

Nick seconded.  Jeff said that Mark McCoy (a civic leader in our community) recommended getting control over the Commission meetings, Jeff said at times they get asked questions and answer without giving adequate information.  He said they have appreciated the conversations, Justin said they have enjoyed the banter about different subjects, but haven’t been able to control the meetings and now due to possible litigation this is necessary.  Jeff said the Commission meetings are open, they are here to conduct business, they are glad the people are here, but they are trying to arrive at a balance.  Lynne said they are trying to get the County to move forward, he said some entities have rigid rules and regulations to go by.  Whatever the topic is, they encourage people to call and talk to the Commissioners or if there is a road issue to call the Road & Bridge department.  All approved and signed the motion.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to discuss contract negotiations, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Alan Anderson).  No action was taken.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to discuss contract negotiations, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  No action was taken.

 

 

Lynne asked that the 11:00 meeting to discuss the Apex Wind generation contracts be rescheduled to 3/10/20 at 11:00 am.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners).  No action was taken.

 

Jeff Fischer reported that some people have been questioning Justin Meeks qualifications; Jeff read Justin’s resume, Justin has work experience in a private practice, a County Counselor, a County Attorney, an Assistant County Attorney, a partner in a law firm, a contract negotiator, a legal assistant and a law clerk.  He has teaching experience and has served on several boards.  Jeff said that the Commissioners have complete confidence in the County Counselor with his professional experience.  Jeff said he supports the role of the County Counselor, he said Justin had been very actively involved in the ambulance negotiations for Bourbon County.  Jeff said he supports Justin’s level of professionalism.  Lynne agreed and said that Justin is a part time counselor, but works over 25 hours a week in this role.  Nick said that Justin goes above and beyond what is asked of him and that he trusted him.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Kendell Mason).  No action was taken.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Kendell Mason).  No action was taken.

 

At 11:12, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Jeff seconded; Jeff said he was asked about the executive sessions that just occurred, Jeff said the sessions had nothing to do with the wind farm agreements, he said the wind farm agreements were to be talked about at 11:00, but that had been postponed until 3/10 at 11:00, all approved the motion.

 

The Commissioners met with David Neville regarding the front porch steps; David reported that Jess Milburn who had gotten the bid is declining the job.  Nick made a motion to re-bid the job and open the bids on March 24th, Jeff seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion that all of the Commissioners view the front porch steps, Jeff seconded and all approved.  After looking at the steps, Nick made a motion to close the front porch until the porch is repaired, Jeff seconded and all approved.

 

The spring on the door at the ambulance barn has broken; the Commissioner’s were ok with the $1,000 replacement.  Nick will discuss this with Robert Leisure.

 

Barbara Peine met with the Commissioners; she is against the wind turbine. On 2/29/2020 she attended a Fort Scott Chamber meeting; five different representatives from Topeka were at that meeting.  Wind installations came up and she said they all said it was a local decision made by the local commissions whether the wind farms would be located in Bourbon County. She said they had hoped that the Commissioners would listen to all of the concerns the citizens in Bourbon County before making a final decision and signing the agreements.  She asked the Commissioners to do a moratorium because the people here are just now discovering wind turbines are being considered.  She said if they would have been informed back in 2016 it would have been a fairer playing field.  She suggested allowing the voters to decide whether or not to allow the wind turbines here.  She said during her working career transparency and the lack of communication caused discord, similar to what is happening now between the citizens and taxpayers of Bourbon County versus the Commissioners.  She discussed the new 5 minute rule on speaking at the Commission meetings; she said it seems as though the Commissioners didn’t want the citizens to voice their opinions.  She said moving forward with technology isn’t always for the better.

 

Mike Wunderly met with the Commissioners; he is also opposed to the wind farms.  He asked the following questions; do you live in Bourbon County by choice, are you forced to live here under any circumstance, when you chose to live here did you do so hoping that a wind turbine power plant would someday be located in Bourbon County, how many of you would like to have a brand new home in the country and how many of you would like to have the new home in the middle of or new a wind turbine power plant?  He said he had been many places, but always looked forward to coming home to Bourbon County for the peace and quiet that it offered.  He compared the $14,000,000 County budget to the PILOT payment (he said the PILOT is $400,000.00).  He asked if the PILOT money would be shared with other entities.  He discussed the KDWP requirements for the wildlife habitat and asked how a wind turbine power plant could build all of the roads and towers without KDWP permits.

 

Carla Nemecek with Southwind Extension District met with the Commissioners and presented their Making a Difference January 2020 newsletter.  She said their office does many things as well as soil testing, Aging with Attitude Regional Expo, Walk Kansas and accept online registrations and online payments.  They are planning and preparing for the 2020 fair.

 

Jeff reported that he, Jody Hoener, Bill Brittain and Nathan Fausen will be meeting in Topeka on 3/5/2020 regarding healthcare.

 

Jeff made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Judge Ward, Ben Cole and Bill Martin).  No action was taken.

 

At 4:06, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

March 10, 2020, Approved Date