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Category Archives: Government
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Agenda For Bourbon County Commission Feb. 22
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: February 22, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Cereal Malt Beverage Permit Approval
• Removal of Special Assessment Process
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o Inclement Weather
o Control Room Request
o Finance Report Update
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment
Legislative Update Coffee Tomorrow at the Empress Event Center
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Third USD234 School Funding Community Conversation Tomorrow
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McKinney to Serve as KS State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency
Biden Administration Appoints Dennis McKinney to Serve as State
Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Kansas
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2022— The Biden Administration recently appointed Dennis McKinney as
the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Kansas Farm Service Agency (FSA). McKinney
joined the Kansas FSA team on Feb. 14, 2022.
“Individuals selected to serve as FSA State Executive Directors are incredible public servants who have
a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at
the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to
have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural
communities across America.”
McKinney is a Kansas farmer and cattle producer whose family farm operates in southern Kiowa and
northern Comanche counties. He served as a Kiowa County Commissioner from 1989 to 1992 before
being appointed to the Kansas House of Representatives, where he served until 2009. In 2009,
McKinney was appointed as the 38th State Treasurer of Kansas. A resident of Greensburg, he has also
served as a member of the board of the Kiowa County Memorial Hospital and the Kansas Historical
Foundation.
As SED, McKinney will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural
producers in Kansas. These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a
safe, affordable, abundant, and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for consumers.
“The State Executive Director is a pivotal leadership position for the Agency and for the agricultural
producers we serve,” said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations. “These
leaders, appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to
their respective states. We are happy to have them on board and wish them much success.”
Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural partners through the effective,
efficient, and equitable delivery of federal agricultural programs. The Agency offers producers a strong
safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. Additionally, through
conservation programs, FSA continues to preserve and protect natural resources and provides credit to
agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including targeted loan
funds for beginning, underserved, women and military veterans involved in production agriculture.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris
Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient
local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and
nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and
producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure
and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by
removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more,
visit usda.gov.
Fishing: Live-Imaging Sonar Study
KDWP Fisheries Staff Test Latest Technology in Ground-breaking Study
EMPORIA – Many advances in technology arise out of a desire to improve output and efficiency, and the fishing industry is no exception. One such advancement that has many anglers “picking sides” is the introduction, and proliferation, of live-imaging sonar (LIS) – sonar that allows anglers to view fish and structure, below and around their vessel, in real time and often with great clarity. While some believe LIS adds immense value to the overall fishing experience, others believe it poses an ethical dilemma, blurring the lines of “fair chase.” So, when is an advancement too advanced? That’s the data KDWP Fisheries staff sought but couldn’t find; so, they developed it themselves in a first-of-its-kind study.
“As a conservation-based organization, we always want to look to science and ask ourselves, ‘What is the data telling us?’” said KDWP Fisheries biologist, Ben Neely. “But this technology is just new enough, that these data really didn’t exist. That’s when we decided we needed to explore this further and develop the study. It’s taken off like wildfire in the conservation community ever since.”
KDWP Fisheries staff opted to conduct a controlled and replicated experiment to assess the influence of LIS on catch of winter crappie – Kansas’ second-most sought-after sportfish. Specifically, the project was designed to examine LIS impacts on “casual weekend anglers” fishing unfamiliar water on a weekend trip.
In early December 2021, a total of 32 individuals from KDWP’s Fisheries and Wildlife divisions, and Kansas State University took part in a two-week experiment at Cedar Bluff Reservoir. Anglers were randomly partnered up and instructed to fish for seven hours on either the north or south sides of the lake, and either with or without the aid of LIS. The next day, each team switched sides and use of equipment; This resulted in a total of 16 controlled “samples.” The results were unexpected.
- Participating anglers who did not use LIS averaged 6.3 crappie per day, while anglers who used LIS caught 7.3 crappie per day.
- When other species of fish were counted in the study, teams not using LIS averaged 12.9 fish per day, compared to 14.4 per fish per day when LIS was used.
- And, anglers also caught slightly larger crappie on average (10.8 inches) when using LIS, compared to the fish (10.5 inches) caught by anglers not using LIS.
Ultimately, the data collected demonstrated that while LIS may improve angler catch and size of crappie by casual weekend anglers, overall differences were statistically minimal. And maybe more importantly, the data suggests an overall low risk of long-term damage to crappie populations as a result of LIS. However, anglers with more experience and expertise using LIS to target crappie were not considered in this study. Future studies are being discussed that can leverage the abilities of more LIS-experienced anglers to further inform future management of crappie in Kansas.
“Balancing sociological needs with biological needs is at the heart of nearly everything we do at KDWP,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless. “This study is a fine example of how our staff continue to operate off of the best-available data to make science-based decisions that benefit not only the resource, but our users. I’m confident this study will be just one of many that the conservation industry looks to, as our talented staff in Kansas continue to pave the way in fisheries research and management.”
To learn more about this study, watch an audio/video presentation by Neely here, https://youtu.be/XEiP0_PMjjg.
For more on fishing in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Fishing.
Fort Scott City Special Meeting Today Feb. 18
There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18th, 2022.
An Executive Session.
Discussion of the sale of Lake Fort Scott properties, and the Airport Runway project.
This meeting will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room and will be broadcast on the City’s you tube channel. The meeting is open to the public, but the Executive Session is not.
Grant Money to Aid City’s Wastewater Collection System
Governor Laura Kelly announced last week that 40 rural Kansas communities will receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) totaling more than $17.6 million to help support critical community development projects.
The City of Fort Scott received a $700,000 award grant to help revitalize the wastewater system infrastructure.
The awards are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and granted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities CDBG program. Eligible CDBG public improvement projects help fund water and wastewater projects, housing rehabilitation, and other community facilities and services, according to a press release from the governor.
The $700,000 grant will be put with the $425,000 that the city will provide of the projected total cost of $1,125,000 for wastewater system infrastructure improvements.
“The project is set to be solicited in the next few weeks, ” Fort Scott City Manager Kelley Zellner said. “And a contractor will be selected. Once the contractor is chosen for the job, the contractor decides the order of completion of the project using their ‘Means and Methods.'”
“The city’s wastewater collection system is in need of attention in certain areas and some of the equipment at the sewer plant will need to be looked at for upgrades in the next several years,” Zellner said.
“This particular improvement project, to the citizens of Fort Scott is a small portion of the need improvements to the overall collection system and a small step in the direction of a healthy infrastructure legacy for our children and grandchildren’s sake!” he said.
The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Jan. 31
These minutes were approved on Feb. 8 by the commission.
January 31, 2022 Monday 8:35 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric presented two utility construction permits from Cox Communication. One on 240th north of Limestone for fiber optic. The other is on Kansas west of 230th. Lynne made a motion to approve the two permits. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Ashley Shelton presented a Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St, Fort Scott. Lynne made a motion to approve the Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255th St., Fort Scott, KS. Jim Harris seconded. All approved.
Susan presented Approval of Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report. This is a report of all their budget numbers. We are missing about 12. Those turned in are on budget. These reports are sent to the state. Lynne Oharah made a motion to approve the cemetery & township board reports that have reported for year-end budget of 2021. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan discussed sick leave. We had our first department head meeting and it went well. The resolution (06-22) being presented is how they feel the sick leave should be handled.
“Whereas all new hires accrue one day per month of sick leave. One day will represent the number of hours a normal workday is for the specific position or department and whereas of February 1, 2022, new hires will be given 12 days of sick leave on the first day of hire. If the employee leaves employment before their one-year anniversary date and sick leave used exceeds the annual accrual rate of one (1) day per month, the sick leave used must be reimbursed back to the county, Ex: Employee works sick (6) months but uses eight (8) days of sick leave and terminates employment. Two (2) days of non-accrued sick leave will be deducted from the employee’s final paycheck, and whereas, the number of months of service divided by two (2) will be allocated on day one of the transfer for any employee who transfers from a salaried position to an hourly position. Ex: An employee who has worked for Bourbon County in a salaried position for sixty (60) months (5 years) will be granted thirty (30) days of sick leave on the first day of the transfer to an hourly position.”
Basically we will frontload the sick leave for any new hire and if they terminate before first year of employment then they will have to pay days back. And for the salaried position we basically stated that this is what they would have accrued and then divided it in half. The department heads felt this was fair. As a resolution it will be added to the handbook until the handbook has been updated. Clifton made a motion to pass resolution 06-22 amending sick leave accrual. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks requested an executive session for attorney client privilege for 7 minutes. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for 7 minutes returning at 8:53am including 3 commissioners and Justin Meeks. Lynne seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 8:53am. No action. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks asked a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents for the possible transfer of the hospital building to Noble Health. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents from the county to Noble Health. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks asked for an executive session for proprietary information for 7 minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and myself. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 7 minutes returning at 9:02am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 9:02am. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Justin stated that he received an e-mail from a patron concerning some sales tax revenue stuff from back in the day. Obviously, I don’t have the ability to give that legal advice. It doesn’t deal with the county specifically so I will be forwarding that on. If I do need to address that myself I will request permission from the commission prior to that.
Jim Harris announced the commission has been invited to the 76th Annual Bourbon County Conservation District Annual Meeting to be held on February 5th, 5:30pm at Rosie’s Cabin in Uniontown, KS.
Clifton made a motion to allow the three commissioners to attend the Noble Health function. No business will be conducted. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Anne Dare asked about the Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report. She has heard from 2 different treasurers stating that the information they had received was confusing as to what they needed to report for year end. She asked if this has been taken care of. Ashley Shelton stated that the distribution came in high at the end of the year; it shows that they had more money. They need to show whatever was over that they didn’t spend as a cash balance at the beginning of 2022. They are going to receive less money in 2022 but added with that beginning cash balance for what they received over should balance out. Anyone that has reached out to me has been given this information on how to handle it. I would encourage anyone with questions to give me a call. Susan Bancroft made a suggestion that we call in all the treasurers and give them a rundown on how to do this process.
At 9:08am, 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
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
February 8, 2022, Approved Date
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Feb. 8
These minutes were approved on Feb. 15
February 8, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Matt Crystal, Matt Quick and Shane Walker were also present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes, Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey asked for approval of a culvert extension at 1973 60th St, Bronson, KS. Lynne made a motion to approve. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Eric stated that from Tuesday at midnight they had three trucks running three shifts around the clock through Thursday. He thanked his crew.
Eric stated they have a truck down. The drive shaft is out.
Eric stated that they received the permit to fix the dam at Elm Creek.
Eric discussed a situation where wire got wrapped around the dozer at the landfill while working in C & D. He stated that a shield could be purchased for $18,000 and would be money ahead.
Eric requested a work session for March 15th in the afternoon in the commission room which will be open to the public.
Eric stated that the windmill project is finishing up.
Mowing & Snow Removal bids for the medical building were discussed. Tabled for 30 days.
Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for 10 minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and Rob Harrington returning at 9:26am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action at 9:26am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to allow Clifton Beth to negotiate up to $125,000 for acquisition of real property. Jim seconded. All approved.
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 Dave Bruner, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and 3 commissioners for 15 minutes returning at 9:44am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:44am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft discussed the lease agreement with Ascension Via Christi for another year. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the lease extension with Ascension Via Christi. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan also discussed the state setoff agreement. We talked about this late in the year last year about doing something at our landfill that gives us the opportunity that if someone doesn’t pay their bill, to send them to a collection agency. Working with the state, when someone does a tax return and if they are getting anything back, they will take it out of the tax return to pay the county.
Susan also reviewed that we are getting down to the end of 2021 and closing out some of that information. Still working with the Treasurer’s to clean up some accounts there. We would like to request some transfers from some funds. Would like to request $20,000 be moved from the Appraiser’s fund over to their reserve fund. $20,000 from the election fund to the election reserve fund, and $30,000 from noxious weed to noxious weed equipment fund. $20,000 from road & bridge to special road machinery fund and $50,000 from special bridge to road & bridge special improvement. The clerk’s office would like to transfer $8,000 to the election reserve fund. $20,000 from general to computer equipment reserve. Lynne made a motion to approve the transfers as presented. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan stated that the overall bottom line budget is ok. However, there are a few departments where we exceeded the budget. The County Commission exceeded their budget by $9,400. The County Coroner by $7,700. The County Attorney by $10,000. And district court exceeded by $43,000. However, in 2022 for the district court we are going to reduce their budget by that amount. Some of this is just not understanding the budget law and cash basis law. In our first department head meeting we discussed this. We are looking to implement a purchase order system to help us at year end. To make sure we are expensing in the correct year. The sheriff’s budget will be exceeding by $5,000. We can show it as a budget violation or you can give me authority to move that expense to the general fund to offset it. With the sheriff’s budget we had projected a cash carryover of $124,000 and they are going to start out the year with a $69,000 deficit. So the actual cash carryover is only going to be about $60,000. They start out with a lot less money than we anticipated. That has to be made up somewhere throughout the year or you are going to continue to compound the problem. I talked with the sheriff in our first department head meeting and we made some corrections at year end so it’s a little bit worse than we had anticipated. Lynne asked if this would be the only violation we will have. Susan stated that we would also have violations from the distribution that happened where there was an overage sent to the taxing entities. There are almost 50 funds that are running in the negative and those will all be violations. There is nothing I can do about it. Clifton made a motion to move the $5,000 from the general fund to the sheriff’s budget and do an adjustment for the overage the following year. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Anne Dare asked about who does the distribution to the taxing entities? Susan stated the treasurer does. Anne asked if we have issues every year. Susan stated no. Anne asked about the other violations that were brought up during the audit. Are those being cleaned up? Susan stated that slowly they are being cleaned up. Anne stated that the meeting at the hospital was awesome. She had hoped for more details. She asked about the county giving $2,000,000 to the hospital. Clifton stated that the $2,000,000 is on top of the $800,000 that was given for the audit. Clifton stated that this information was in the initial cooperative agreement that was signed. Anne asked why the county needs to give the money? Clifton stated that he felt it was to show that the county is as committed as they are. It will be Bourbon County Community Hospital. Where is the money coming from? Clifton stated that his opinion was the Mercy donation and we have ARPA funds which totals 2.3 million. Anne asked when they are expected to pay the funds. Clifton stated we can write them a check or we can make payments.
Clint Walker stated that Allen County subsidizes their hospital $1,000,000 per year. He also stated that the Road & Bridge crew did an outstanding job putting in whistles on 95th Street and Old 54.
Lynne thanked Clifton for all the hard work with Noble Health getting the hospital up and running. Jim agreed with Lynne on all the hours Clifton put in. Clifton stated that Rob Harrington played a big role in this as well. Clifton stated that the feasibility study is not 100% complete, but they are far enough into it to know they can move forward. Anne Dare asked about any more discussion/community meetings. Clifton stated he had no idea of timeline on that.
Jim Harris stated that he’s heard comments on how short the commission meetings are. He stated that we have a very good agenda and we move forward and get things done. He welcomes the public getting involved in the meetings. We represent the citizens of Bourbon County. Justin and Susan suggested maybe having a commission meeting in one of the outlying towns in the county every 4 months or so. Jim stated he was open to that. Clifton stated that the meetings do not have to be broadcast. It is done as a courtesy. If we have a meeting out in the county it will not be broadcast. Anne stated that she appreciates the momentum that this commission has brought. I think that has caused everyone else step up to the plate. Eric is doing a phenomenal job, Ashley, bringing Susan on and the sheriff. When I attend a meeting and only have to be here for 45 minutes I feel good about the rest of my day. Jim stated that we have a good group of commissioners, Susan on board, Justin and Eric is doing a fantastic job along with our elected officials and Rob Harrington is a team member. We have a lot of good things going forward. Susan stated that she is getting great cooperation. We’ve got to change the way we are doing some things.
Jim thanked Rob Harrington and others for their work on the hospital project.
Lora Holdridge would like to get blinds for the south windows due to glare on computers. She is going to get bids for blinds. Jim said she could pay out of general fund.
At 10:16am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
February 15, 2022, Approved Date
The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Jan. 25
These minutes were approved on Jan. 31 and posted on the county’s website on Feb. 7
January 25, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Jim Harris, Lynne Oharah and the County Clerk present.
Matt Crystal and Amanda Gilmore were present for some or all of the meeting.
Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes, Jim seconded, all approved.
Eric stated that a compost facility permit had been submitted. We will follow our solid waste plan. Jim made a motion to move forward with permit for composting facility as outlined at the Bourbon County Transfer station KSA 65-3407 allowing public works department to continue with a compost facility. Lynne seconded. All approved. Chairman Harris signed the permit.
Eric stated that the local road safety plan grant that we were awarded last year was contacted last week they are to the point of starting with looking at our roads. We have a kick-off conference call with them tomorrow at 1:00pm.
This week we are working on the ditches on Birch Road. We hauled gravel from the windmill over where they had their concrete plant. They offered us some excess gravel. C & D landfill has been capped on top per KDHE guidelines. We are on schedule with that.
A 48-inch culvert on 218th south of Native that the east bottom is completely rusted out. Had a company come in and look at lining it hoping to not have to dig up the road. They sent us back a price of $9,400.00 to line it. Working on coming up with a plan to fix this ourselves.
Windmill project update we are still working on post-road inspection. Give them a list of items to be worked on. They are not completely leaving but are pulling out trailers on Cavalry. There are still contacts for us.
Approval of Township and Cemetery Board Annual Report. This was postponed to next week. Not all reports are in.
Lynne made a motion to change next Tuesday’s meeting to Monday morning at 9am. Jim seconded. All approved.
Susan stated that the SEK Regional Meeting will be hosted by Bourbon County this year. Jim asked Susan to take charge of this. Susan said she would work with Lora Holdridge.
Justin Meeks asked for permission to meet with Jim Harris regarding some contract reviews and lease assignments. He also stated that he has the landfill real estate contract almost complete. Hoping to have this on the next agenda in February.
Susan stated she needed an executive session for personnel matters of nonelected personnel regarding job performance. Lynne made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy regarding job performance for 10 minutes returning at 9:28am including Justin Meeks, Courtney Goucher, Ashley Shelton, 2 Commissioners and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to return to normal session at 9:28am. Jim seconded. All approved. No Action.
Commissioner comments – discussion of road maintenance. Jim stated a resignation was received from the person who has served on the Library board. If anyone has interest in serving on this board to please let him know.
Rob Harrington stated that they are moving forward with a couple of projects with great things coming in the near future.
At 9:38am Lynne made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jim seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
January 31, 2022, Approved Date
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Jan. 11
These minutes were approved on Jan. 18 and posted on the county’s website on Feb. 7
January 11, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Jim Harris, Lynne Oharah and the County Clerk present.
Susan Bancroft, Ann Dare, Jason Silvers, Bill Martin, Ben Cole and Bobby Reed were also present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim began the meeting asking different department heads their thoughts on masks. Patty Love stated that she felt like since they have the sneeze guards they are safe. Matt Quick stated that he feels they have plenty of distance in their office. Eric Bailey went to mandatory masks. One of his co-workers had a direct exposure so they are masking. It was determined that each department head or elected official would set their own rules on masking for their department. Bill Martin asked what the requirement would be to attend commission meetings. Jim said it would be up to the public as to whether they wear a mask or not until further notice.
Lynne made a motion to approve previous meeting minutes. Jim seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey presented an extension permit for an entrance tube for Russell Felt at 2431Jayhawk. Lynne made a motion to approve the extension permit for 2431 Jayhawk. Jim seconded. All approved.
Eric stated that they used brine for the last snow storm. They are calling for another call for this weekend and will probably do the same.
Eric stated that on Birch Rd they have started filling in ditches. They were 4 or 5 feet deep from washout.
Truck #146 Freightliner Heavy Duty Dump Truck was losing some antifreeze. Took to Findley to identify what the issue is and then we’ll have to decide what to do. #145 truck we took to Fleet Pride in Joplin to have the cylinder rebuilt.
Eric stated that IMSHAW training was scheduled for this Friday but has been cancelled due to Covid protocol. Next week we had software training scheduled and has been cancelled due to Covid.
Windmills are drawing to a close on the construction phase. Will be reviewing pre and post construction videos on the roads. I’ll be putting together a punch list and using the road agreement that is in place.
Eric stated that the Sterling and the old bridge truck auctions off today. Currently, the Sterling is around $9,000 and the other is $2,000 to $3,000. Lynne mentioned a place on 75th & Maple on the northeast corner that has a ditch that needs to be worked on.
Jim mentioned mowing/snow removal bids for the medical building. It is tabled until mid-February.
Clifton Beth arrived at meeting.
Jim made a motion to adopt Resolution 05-22 Bourbon County Kansas a resolution in support of the rights of private property land owners. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Bill Martin stated that back in July he filed for a grant for body cams. In December, I was notified that we would receive the grant. The grant is a 50/50 match. The body cam and car cam have to be on the same system. I’m asking for funds to purchase the in-car cameras along with the body cameras. The in-car cam system we have now will not work with the body cams we are looking at. The cost will be $191,931.00 for the in-car cameras. We have 17 cars including the transports for the jail. For me to accept the body cam grant I need the in-car cameras. If you disapprove, the in-car camera system leasing then I will submit a letter to the group that awarded the grant that we cannot move forward. We are looking at a lease purchase for five years. Discussion continued regarding current system and why new equipment is needed. Installation is included in cost. Jim asked if there were any other grants that could be gained to help pay the cost. Bill said no. Tabled until next week to give time for financial reports.
Jim asked about a previous grant that Bill had discussed. Bill explained that it was a one year grant for two drug enforcement positions. Jim made a motion to approve Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grant 22-JAG-01 in the amount of $113,292 to be used for drug treatment and enforcement. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to add Rob Harrington for NRP program. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Rob Harrington requested that the county commission agree to pass the interlocal agreement that will be with the city of Fort Scott. The Fort Scott School District just passed this last night. The county commission which would reenact the NRP (Neighborhood Revitalization Program). It was not renewed in 2020 when it should have been. We are now getting all entities to sign off on it. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the interlocal agreement for the NRP program beginning January 1, 2022 expiring December 31, 2026. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks gave an update on the upcoming tax sale.
Clifton made a motion to go into 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 discussing contracts with three commissioners, county councilor for 7 minutes returning at 10:25am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session. No action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Bill Martin stated that a couple of his deputies that are filling in for dispatch. I’m paying them out of my budget. They are having trouble finding dispatchers. That will explain some of the overtime for my department.
Jim wanted to discuss with department heads and elected officials the agenda request form that can be obtained from the clerk’s office. It helps us know ahead of time what will be discussed and possibly allow us to make decisions quicker and not have to delay.
Bill Martin made the statement that there is no other county that has to complete a form to be added to the agenda. I do not agree with having to do this. Jim stated that it is just a courtesy to know in advance what everyone needs. It’s nothing to be offended about. Let’s give it a chance and see how it goes.
At 11:02am, 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
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
January 18, 2022, Approved Date