The Bourbon County Courthouse and Transfer Station will be closed Monday, December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th.
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Care to Share is Expanding Offices to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
A local grassroots helping organization is reorganizing and expanding to a space in the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
Care to Share is a cancer support group that provides both emotional and financial help to cancer fighters and their caregivers.
All services and items for the cancer fighter/caregivers are free.
The 501c3 cancer support group formed in July 2007, said Teresa Davenport, president of the group.
For about 15 years the group has had a small office in the building at 902 S. Horton. First Mercy Hospital, then Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas owned the building, and Fort Scott Community College briefly from June to December 2023. Now USD 234 is purchasing the building for an expanded preschool program.
The Care to Share group began to think about a different site for the organization to have an office and talked to Bourbon County Commissioner Jim Harris, said Cory Bryars, vice president for the group.
Harris in turn talked to Rob Harrington.
“Legacy Healthcare Foundation owns the building and…gave the go-ahead for them to move in,” Harrington said. “I contract with Legacy to do property management for them so I was the initial contact. I want people to know that they are giving back to the community. ”
On Sunday, December 17, Care to Share volunteers moved the items stored at 902 S. Horton to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
At both sites, both Mercy and Legacy have given rent and utilities for free to the organization, for which they are grateful, Davenport said.
The New Space Has More Rooms
“When you walk in (the former Mercy Hospital building), you can go to the front desk,” Davenport said. “It will be… more availability to the public.” The front desk is the first thing seen when entering the facility.
Behind that front desk, thereis a large room with door access to the desk and several smaller rooms.
The smaller rooms are envisioned to be for trying on wigs and bras, a room for consultation, a large storage room, and a room for all the equipment that Care to Share loans to people who need them.
Community Fundraisers Help Save Lives
Last year, Care to Share gave over $97,000 to cancer fighters and their caregivers, mostly gasoline money for appointments and treatments, and other personal concerns of the people with cancer, such as housecleaning, meals( including Ensure-a highly nutritional drink), respite care for caregivers, mowing of lawns, etc.
The year-round fundraisers in the three counties they serve contribute to the Sharing Bucket, the financial arm of the organization. Besides Bourbon, they also serve people in Crawford and Linn Counties.
“All those tournaments, bake sales, etc. have raised over $1.5 million since 2009,” Davenport said. “We run strictly by volunteers, no one gets paid.”
“I want the communities to know they are saving lives with this community involvement,” she said. “Helping them get to treatment.”
In January 2024 they will be reorganizing following the resignation of Lavetta Simmons, a founder of the group.
“We had a volunteer meeting last week,” Davenport said. ” We have a ride coordinator, a meal coordinator, and a chore coordinator to better serve the counties. We are separating all the volunteer’s responsibilities. We want to serve more efficiently.”
“Delegating all this volunteer stuff, I’ll be able to do more grant writing, etc.,” Davenport said.
Following the move on December 17, the volunteers will be working on and off at the new site to organize the office space.
“We’ll need help organizing the new space,” she said.
To help this organization through talent or time, one can contact Davenport at 620.238.0902 or email [email protected] or Bryars at 913.269.3122 or email [email protected]
Upcoming Events
On Sunday, January 22, Care to Share will have an open house at the new site for the public and also provide a sign-up sheet for potential volunteers.
The first Saturday in February, they will reinstate cancer support meetings, which will be held at the McAuley Center, she said.
Starting on March 6 there will be a volunteer manning the front desk each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“If people need things in the meantime, call us,” she said.
Lavetta Simmons, who is a founding member of the organization, resigned in October and her last day is December 31, 2023.
“My priorities have always been God, family, and Care to Share,” Simmons said. “Family is overshadowing Care to Share at this point in my life, I will be taking care of two great-grandchildren.”
With Davenport and Bryares serving on the board starting in this new year are Carol Hill, treasurer; Kathy Clark, Tammy Miller, Leah Lewis, Richard Long, JoVoli Clark, Joyce Nicholson, and Jerry Witt. Simmons will be an emeritus member and Dr. Boban Matthews is an ex-officio member.
“On this newly reorganized program, we are looking for a secretary for the board that will start in January,” she said. “There are two open positions on the board, that we would like a nurse or doctor to fill.”
To learn more about Care to Share:
Care_to_Share_brochure 2023-08
Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for December 12
The Regular Council Meeting on December 12, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 8:00PM, due to schedule conflict with school activity, by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (8:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Mayor Jurgensen presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing councilmember Josh Hartman
404 Washington repair followup – Mr O’Dell did not appear. Exterior of structure is not completed but has been made safe and secure. Exterior and interior work is continuing.
USD 235, Vance Eden – Mr Eden forgot after the music program. He wanted to address the council about support for a proposed grant project to construct preschool/daycare classrooms, office spaces, and community space for fitness center and computer lab.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:12PM
Meeting resumed at 8:12PM, no action taken.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $393,424.49, Receipts $38,253.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $184,870.35, Checking Account Closing Balance $243,781.59. Bank Statement Balance $252,410.86, including Checking Account Interest of $71.68, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,629.27, Reconciled Balance $243,781.59. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,562.47, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $20,047.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,841.33, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $331,232.47. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $869.87, and Utility CDs $1,049.90 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,919.77. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of November $149,642.90, Year-to-Date Net Loss $99,770.38. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $109,948.84 (90.0%), Expenditures $103,590.71 (64.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,931.68 (92.0%), Expenditures $27,021.56 (65.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $120,906.83 (77.2%), Expenditures $120,058.49 (53.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $170,695.62 (114.0%), Expenditures $142,559.66 (77.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $8,841.12 (75.6%). The December 2023 estimated payables to date in the amount of $69,435.50 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of November 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and November 27, 2023 Special Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported a sewer issue at 100 Second St. It is unsure whether the leaking line is the city’s or the property owners. Council directed him to determine the ownership of the line and fix if it is the city’s line.
He reported that the labor for the water valve replacement is estimated at $4,720 and estimated to be 12 weeks out.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to table labor for valve replacement until January meeting
Rich asked about a water meter replacement plan. This will be put on the January agenda under new business.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was not in attendance. Johnson reported that Animal Control Officer is monitoring the dogs at large on Washington Street and taking appropriate action.
Clerk Johnson received a request for donation for SOS (Send Off Seniors) party. Historically the city donates $100.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2024 SOS Party
Johnson asked to not renew Zoom subscription. It has been used twice in the last three years. Council agreed to non-renew as we can always reactivate if needed. She did receive a late notice for renewal of smoothwall and did get it paid and renewed.
She also gave an update from the December 5 KDHE public meeting on the Lead Service Line Inventory being required by EPA and KDHE. KDHE does have grants available for assistance in getting accurate information for the inventory. Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) also has technical assistance available. She will be attending a MAP webinar in January. Some of the testing processes are changing and the acceptable level will be reduced from 15ppb to 10ppb
She provided governing body with a resource pamphlet from League of Kansas Municipalities and asked to not comply with request for Economic Development Survey as city has not expended anything for economic development. Clerk was directed to order a 2024 Governing Body Handbook for new councilmember.
Animal Control Officer Binford wanted to express her appreciation for the gift and council support.
Johnson also thanked the council for allowing her to be City Clerk.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – again conveyed his appreciation to other governing body members and city staff as his term is ending.
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will present $10,000 grant check on December 18. Contractor is planning to begin as soon as weather permits.
Pond Project – contractor has contoured bank and is waiting on County to deliver rock. County rock crusher is broken down at this time. Mayor Jurgensen has given KDWPT biologist Don George an update on progress and discussed with him the weeds growing in the riprap on the west side. It is recommended to not spray with roundup or glyphosate. Mr George would like to view the areas of weeds and make herbicide recommendation.
NEW BUSINESS
2024 CMB off premises renewal-Union Station –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to renew Union Station’s CMB off premises license for 2024
Procurement Policy – after discussion, policy does not need changed. The wording on the invitation for bid needs to state that bid opening will be (up to 10 days) before council meeting and will be awarded at council meeting.
Financial/Utility Software – Clerk Johnson contacted four companies for quotes – Tyler Technologies, one time fees $60,570, annual fees $20,645; MuniBilling, one time fees $2,390, annual fees $5,208; gWorks, one time fees $1,500, annual fee $2,030; and Edmunds, one time fees $10,000-12,000, annual fees $7,000. She recommended gWorks as they have the lowest quote plus we already use gWorks desktop Utility Billing module. There will be no onboarding/implementation cost for utility billing. All quotes are for cloud-based software.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to purchase gWorks Finance Hub and Utility Billing Hub cloud-based software
Employee Benefits-Health Insurance – Clerk Johnson presented the three options she found. None can be used until we have an employee to insure. Once an employee is hired, she recommends KMIT as the best option for long term health benefits.
Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:59PM
Chamber Offers Promotional Opportunities for Local Businesses
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December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott
Ascension Via Christi will cease operations at its emergency department in Fort Scott on Wednesday, Dec. 20. This decision was made after a thorough analysis of trend data, patient census, and the current and future challenges and opportunities facing this facility.
Over the past several years, a multidisciplinary team that includes Ascension Via Christi clinical and operational leaders have been working together to understand the current operating environment at the Emergency Department in Fort Scott. This department has seen a steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census. These factors, coupled with other economic challenges, have limited the emergency department’s ability to continue operations.
“After exploring the options available, it was clear that this was the only option for us. There are other providers in the region positioned to serve the residents of Fort Scott and neighboring communities. These providers will help us ensure continuity of care for our patients as we approach closure,” says Drew Talbott, president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.
Ascension Via Christi is committed to supporting associates, patients and community members through this transition.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and nearly 80 other sites of care and employs approximately 6,200 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission for December 18
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
December 18, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- 2023 Budget Amendment Hearing
- Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk
- Heartland Member Application
- REDI Gala
- Future Meetings
The Commission will reconvene at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd at 6:00 p.m.
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/11/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,776.36
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $448,457.08
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Lamb and Cattle Show is March 2024
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Canceled for This Evening
The special meeting of the Bourbon County Commission on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 has been cancelled due to the unavailability of multiple individuals.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for a Special Meeting on December 13 at 402 Woodland Hills Blvd.
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
December 13, 2023 5:30 p.m.
A special meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on December 13, 2023 at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Elected Officials for the New Year Will be Sworn-In This Month
Those elected in the last November election will be sworn in sometime in December, because of their duties starting in January, said Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.
Also in January, the Bourbon County Commission will choose a chairman for the year amongst themselves, she said.
This year the county elections were done on newly purchased election equipment, Hawkins said, with few glitches.
“We had a representative from the company on site, Clear Ballot, of Boston, Massachusetts,” she said.
The prior county clerk purchased all new equipment before she resigned, Hawkins said.
The following are the newly elected officials from the November 7, 2023 election:
For the City of Fort Scott Commission: Tracy Dancer, Matthew Wells, and Dyllon Olson.
For the Bronson City Council: Michael Stewart, Christy O’Brien, and Kayla Greenway.
As Mayor of Fulton: Misty Adams
On the Fulton City Council: Lawrence Paddock, Ronald Marsh, and Stephanie Smith.
On the Uniontown City Council: Danea Esslinger, Bradley Stewart, and Mary Pemberton.
On the the Redfield Council: L.D. Morrison, Brandy Corriston and Mel Hunt.
On the Mapleton Council, Michael Hueston, Tayler Northcutt* and Woody Brown*.
*These candidates were chosen by lot on November 20, 2023
to break a three-way tie, with the Bourbon County Chairman Jim Harris pulling a name out of a hat, supervised by the county clerk, she said.
For the Fort Scott USD 234 Board of Education:
Position 1: James Wood
Position 2: Mike Miles
Position 3: Doug Hurd
At-large: Stewart Gulager
For the Uniontown USD235 Board of Education:
Position 1: Troy Couchman
Position 2: Rhonda Hoener
Position 3: Seth Martin
At-Large: Matt Kelly
For the Southwind Extension District: Trent Johnson and Deb Lust.
For the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees: Ronda Bailey, Douglas Ropp, and Chad McKinnis.
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for December 4
December 4, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Vance Eden, Mark McCoy, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Mary Pemberton, Anne Dare, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of payroll totaling $287,844.75, approval of accounts payable totaling $430,050.06, and approval of minutes from 11/27/23. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
During public comments Clint Walker stated his daughter had an accident near Uniontown and thanked Bourbon County EMS, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, and Rural Fire for their quick response to the scene. Mr. Walker also questioned the process of counting provisional ballots. Jennifer Hawkins, County clerk and Election Officer, stated the canvass was published in the newspaper for any of the public who would like to attend and view the process of counting the provisional ballots by the Board of County Canvassers. Due to a three-way-tie for the Mapleton Council race there had to be another meeting of the Board of County Canvassers, which was also published in the newspaper, to determine by lot the winners of that race and to finalize the General Election. Michael Hoyt stated he saw the notices of the meeting of the Board of County Canvassers in the newspaper and did not attend the first meeting, but attended the final meeting where the tie was broken. Mr. Hoyt said he had multiple questions that evening and the County Clerk answered them all and explained processes to him. Mr. Hoyt discussed the Juneteenth holiday and told the Commissioners he felt they were on the cusp of a problem to not observe the Juneteenth holiday. Anne Dare asked about the tax statements and questioned if there was a state statute mandating when they have to be mailed. Patty Love, Treasurer, said she received her numbers late from the Clerk and the statements were mailed on November 30th and by statute they do not have to be mailed until December 15th. Anne stated that no matter who she talks to they always pass the buck. Anne asked for an update on the emergency room. Rob Harrington discussed meetings that have taken place between the Lieutenant Governor’s office, Brad Matkin, himself, and Justin Meeks regarding Timken and how the State is trying to work on a solution to keep them in Fort Scott. Mr. Harrington said the Lieutenant Governor’s office asked for a small committee and that they won’t be able to comment on Facebook, but will come and update the Commissioners as he has information.
Vance Eden, Superintendent of USD 235, met with the Commissioners to ask for a letter of support for a grant they are applying for. Mr. Eden stated this is an 85/15 grant with Covid relief funds through the Department of the Treasury. Mr. Eden stated a few components of the grant are childcare, broadband, and workforce development. Mr. Eden explained the 4-year-old at risk program and stated with the grant they would be able to move to a full day and would have the room in a new facility to accommodate 3 year olds as well. Moving the current fitness room and case management offices for the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center and Communities in School representatives to the new facility was also discussed. Mr. Eden stated they don’t know an exact dollar amount as they are still working with an architect but estimate the total project being 3 ½- 41/2 million dollars with USD 235’s portion being paid from lease purchase. Clifton made a motion to support USD 235 with their grant opportunity and that all Commissioners sign a letter of support. Nelson seconded the motion with discussion. Nelson questioned not knowing the final cost to be able to state what USD 235’s 15% match would be. Mr. Eden stated the top range would be $600,000 paid over 10 years. Nelson asked if they would be able to do the match without raising taxes and Mr. Eden stated they could. All Commissioners approved the motion and signed the letter of support.
Jim made a motion to move Public Works Department updates to after Justin Meeks on the agenda. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Mary Pemberton questioned the Contribution Agreement with Hinton Creek and stated she was not speaking against the project as she felt there could be great benefits within the county. Mary asked the Commissioners if they would use the PILOT funds from the solar farms to lower taxes. Jim stated he would like to use a percentage but cannot commit to all as it is only for 10 years. Clifton said if he ran and won, he would love to see 60-70% be used to lower the mill levy but they don’t know for sure how much we will receive in PILOT funds. Nelson stated he would love to but hates to commit to something we can’t guarantee. Mary said her main concern is the process and asked if the Commissioners took an active role or if Justin and Rob were the only ones negotiating. Jim stated Clifton was involved in the process. Mary asked if anybody did research on what the PILOT was and Jim stated he fully understood what was going on. Mary stated the contract says it can be in multiple layers at the developer’s discretion and questioned the total of 400 MW. Jim stated it will be 400-600 MW. Mary said she did research and was able to gather numbers from projects in Michigan and that those PILOTS are $2500-$4000 per MW and questioned why we settled for $1500 per MW? Clifton stated they didn’t have to pay us anything that they didn’t even have to notify us they planned on building. Jim agreed and stated that Heartland didn’t let us know they were building a solar farm and that since we aren’t zoned, they don’t have to. Jim thanked Rob and Justin for negotiating since we could have received nothing. Nelson asked Mary if the places with the solar farms in other states she was discussing were zoned. Mary stated she did not check for solar but stated with the wind projects most weren’t zoned. Jim said we could have received nothing but negotiations started at $900 per MW and we were able to get $1500 per MW. Mary asked when Next Era approached about this and Rob stated it was over a year ago.
Susan Walker, CFO, stated it is the time of year that we need to adjust a few budgets and that most are due to revenue coming in over what was anticipated. Susan requested permission to publish in the newspaper a notice for a budget amendment hearing to be held on December 18th at 5:30. Clifton made a motion to allow Susan to publish the budget amendment 2023 notice in the newspaper. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a letter submitted by the Marmaton Township notifying the Commissioners of the passing of Wilma Graham who was their Treasurer. The Marmaton Township board met and are requesting that Janice Fewins be appointed to fulfill Wilma’s term. Clifton made a motion to appoint Janice Fewins to the Marmaton Township Treasurer to fulfill Wilma Graham’s term. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks requested three executive sessions.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-mnute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Rob Harrington and will return at 6:20. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:20 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to go into a 15-mnute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe, Justin Meeks, Eric Bailey, and Matt Quick and will return at 6:37. Jim seconded the motion and he and Nelson approved. Clifton Beth abstained. Jim made a motion to resume normal session at 6:37 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and he and Jim approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated he was put on noticed by Mrs. Beth that they would like to us to pull out of the quarry. Eric recommended respecting her wishes of nullifying the contract and pulling out of the quarry. Jim made a motion to accept Eric Bailey’s recommendation to nullify the contract with Beth Quarry. Nelson seconded the motion and he and Jim approved. Clifton abstained.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for a third executive session for Justin Meeks. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-mnute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Eric Bailey, and Matt Quick and will return at 6:47. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:47 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the culvert approval form from last month and stated the fuel report will be emailed. Eric presented a risk avoidance grant that KCAMP emailed him. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the risk avoidance grant with Eric Bailey. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they are surveying the roads for Blackberry Transmission line to replace electric lines. Eric said they are out taking pictures and that a county employee is with them. Eric stated they are finishing up mowing and hauling rock to some soft spots due to recent moisture. Eric said he and Dustin Hall will be attending the Kansas Association of Counites meeting this week in Wichita and that Chad will be in charge while they are gone.
During Commission comments Jim asked Clifton to give an ER update. Clifton stated the Emergency Room is going to close on December 20th and they are still pursuing every avenue to have and ER but it goes back to licensing issues. Clifton stated the legislatures and the state are aware but there are federal regulations and that there cannot be a stand-alone ER unless 35 miles from the “parent” parent location. The 2020 date for REH may be moved back to 2018 but again goes back to federal regulations. Clifton said they have been in contact with more than one organization. Jim said Clifton has been in contact with those in Washington to try to make things happen. Jim stated we’re working 24/7 to try to make this happen. Clifton agreed and said there are no less than 15 people in the industry working on this on a daily basis. Clifton questioned where the lack of respect has come from regarding public outbursts stating you can’t raise your voice in the stands during meetings in Topeka or you will get kicked out and asked why we allow it. Clifton said he is tired of it and has put up with it for three years. Clifton stated he wouldn’t vote to take away public comments but, in his opinion, you should be asked to leave and not come back in the future. Jim said he gives stiff warning tonight and to sign up for public comments to speak.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, reminded the Commissioners of the holiday dinner that will be held on Friday. Clifton made a motion that all three Commissioners may attend a holiday dinner for our employees on Friday and no business will be conducted. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
12-11-2023 Approved Date
REDI Gala Is Planned for December 30
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