July 29, 2024                                                                                                        Monday, 5:30 p.m.

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

Glen L. Wolfe, Rachel Walker, Clint Walker, Don Tucker, Jean Tucker, Mike Wunderly, Jason Silvers, Kyle Parks, and Deb Martin were present for some or all of the meeting.

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7-22-204, approval of payroll totaling $291,738.49, and approval of accounts payable totaling $850,070.41. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

Mary Pemberton said she spoke with the zoning officials in Linn County and they comply with the agriculture exemption. Mary stated she discussed limited zoning and outlined special use permits last week and that it isn’t about taking away property rights but will give the Commissioners a backbone to get better contracts. Mary said she is not opposed to solar and wind projects but feels the residents need protected and they should pay taxes.

Michael Hoyt said they are about halfway in their attempts to obtain the needed signatures for a petition to change the number of Commission seats from 3 to 5. Jim stated it would cost more in benefits to increase the number of seats by about $16,000 in benefits.

Michael discussed the census reports for Bourbon County and questioned why there were so many registered voters. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, explained that there are many students who attended the community college that registered as voters. Jennifer explained how a person must not vote in two federal elections, which is eight years, before the process can be started to remove them from the voter registration list. If a former resident has registered to vote in another jurisdiction, we will receive a notice to cancel the Bourbon County registration. Jennifer went on to explain that while she could not speak for how it was done in the past, her office monitors the newspaper and local websites to obtain obituaries to remove those who have passed away from the registration list. A report from KDHE is also sent weekly, however; that only lists individuals who have passed away in Kansas and being so close to Missouri a lot of residents pass away in other states. Jennifer stated they have a report of the oldest registered voters in the county and are working through the list to try to determine if any have passed away. A copy of the death certificate or an obituary listing the date of birth of the individual are the documents that can be used to cancel a deceased individual’s registration.

Glen Wolfe said his truck broke down on Highway 54 near 35^th Street when he was bringing livestock to the Friday sale. Mr. Wolfe said he was able to get his truck pulled off the highway several hundred feet from the intersection and into the ditch. Mr. Wolfe was able to find someone with a trailer to help him haul his truck home and when he went back on Saturday afternoon his truck was gone. Mr. Wolfe said he spoke to the Sheriff’s Department and his truck was towed on Saturday morning even though the sticker that was on it when he picked it up from the tow company said he had 72 hours. Mr. Wolfe said he is asking for a refund of the $460 tow fee he had to pay to get his truck back. Mr. Wolfe said he spoke with the Sheriff who said he should have given the department a courtesy call that his truck was broken down, and when pressed the Sheriff said it was not a state law to request a courtesy call and that he would not give him a refund on his tow fee. Clifton asked if his truck was in a dangerous place and said he has seen vehicles sitting broken down for longer than 72 hours. Mr. Wolfe said it was sitting 300-400 yards down from the corner. Jim asked Sheriff Martin to speak. Bill said that Mr. Wolfe came in last week to speak about the situation and that his deputy received a tip of the truck sitting for several days so it was towed. Mr. Wolfe said the earliest it could have broken down was 10:00 Friday morning and he has two witnesses to that. Jim asked Justin’s opinion and he replied it was no concern of the Commissioner and that Mr. Wolfe can seek legal counsel to try to get a refund.

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a KONE agreement for elevator work. Clifton said it includes installing a pit ladder and asked if we have one currently. Brandon asked how much a ladder was and if someone spoke to David regarding this. Brandon made a motion to accept the agreement, pay KONE, and have the Chairman sign the agreement. Clifton seconded and all approved.

Jennifer said today was the first day of early voting and they had a good turnout. Early voting will be from 8:30-4:30 through Friday, 8:00-12:00 pm on Saturday, and 8:30-12:00 p.m. on Monday. Polling places will be open on Tuesday from 7:00-7:00. Jennifer reminded anybody who needed an advance ballot by mail that tomorrow, July 30^th, is the last day to turn in your application.

Brandon said he received a phone call from the president of a cemetery board about a situation where someone claims to have plots and neither party has proof. Brandon suggested anybody who purchases cemetery plots to register those with the Register of Deeds office. Brandon also said that you can register your DD214 with the Register of Deeds Office. Clint Walker said that you could lose data such as social security number but Brandon assured him that the Register of Deeds office redacts any identifiable information such as that.

Clifton said that the Commissioners can’t take the green energy abatement passed by former Governor Brownback away. Clifton said he doesn’t know any of his friends who want zoning. Jim said there are a lot of questions moving forward about zoning and that people should speak at the ballot. Jim said you must have a comprehensive plan and would have to hire a person and have a vehicle for zoning. Clifton said it would cost 2-3 mills for zoning. Jim said once zoning is in other Commissioners could add more to it.

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:09. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                  ___________________,Commissioner

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

8-12-24                            Approved Date

A meeting of the Industrial Development Research Committee will be held on August 12, 2024 immediately following the Bourbon County Commission Meeting which begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701.

07-24 Revenue Report

2025 Budget

2024 Amended Budget

2024 Financials – July Treas Report, Act v Bud

2024 Amended Budget Hearing 6:30PM, 2025 Budget Hearing 6:45PM, Regular Uniontown City Council Meeting 7PM, Tuesday, August 13, 2024

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

2024 Budget Amendment Hearing

2025 Budget Hearing

Bid opening for repairs and improvements to building located at 201 Sherman St

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Raymond “Skeet” George – fence for pickleball court

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes of July 9, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and July 16, 2024 Budget Worksession
2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

Streets –

NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2^nd ___________________, Approved ___________

The Budget Worksession on July 16, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (5:42), Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

Clerk Johnson explained why she thought the 2024 budget needs amended and presented her suggestions for amending the general fund and the special highway fund.  Council agreed with suggestions and suggested date for hearing is August 13, 2024, 6:30PM.

Clerk Johnson and Treasurer Bolinger presented proposed budget before and after amending 2024 budget.  Council only looked at the after amend proposal.  Several line items were tweaked and Council agreed to not exceed the revenue neutral rate.  Treasurer Bolinger made changes to proposed budget as proposals were made.  The suggested date for budget hearing is August 13, 2024, 6:45PM.

Clerk Johnson will email County Clerk of intent to not exceed revenue neutral rate tonight.  She will also have hearing notices published no later than July 31.

Worksession adjourned at 7:40PM.

The Regular Council Meeting on July 9, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:01), Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pillion, Old Settlers Committee – requested to have a street dance again this year on Friday or Saturday and would like to block off Sherman St between 2^nd and 3^rd Sts.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to allow the street dance on either Friday, August 30, or Saturday, August 31, and to block off Sherman St between 2^nd and 3^rd Sts

A sponsorship form for Old Settlers Picnic was presented.  City provides a trash dumpster and staff to keep public restrooms clean and stocked.

Dave Wehry via email – requested to pay his bill in two payments without a penalty assessed as meter was misread by the City in May causing his bill to be very high this month.

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow two payments and waive penalty since we misread in May

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the June 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $262,758.51, Receipts $57,246.25, Transfers Out $3.026.00, Expenditures $24.827.71, Checking Account Closing Balance $292.151.05. Bank Statement Balance $298.333.35, including Checking Account Interest of $58.67, Outstanding Deposits $117.01, Outstanding Checks $6,299.31, Reconciled Balance $292,151.05.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,407.04, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,376.69, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,198.64, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $390,133.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $342.09, and Utility CDs $883.53 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,225.62.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  June 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 Income for the month of June $29,392.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,671.85.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $53,724.09 (43.5%), Expenditures $63,992.22 (39.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $17,218.50 (46.6%), Expenditures $16,739.80 (39.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $82,090.53 (56.0%), Expenditures $58,322.40 (32.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $131,202.05 (80.0%), Expenditures $105,806.96 (52.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,966.38 (54.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The July 2024 payables to date in the amount of $13,741.22 were presented.  The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve amended Consent Agenda:

• Minutes of June 14, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
• Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

Request to schedule a budget worksession.  Assessed valuation is down approximately $929,000.  Revenue Neutral Rate for this budget is 63.882.  We must notify County Clerk by July 20 if plan to exceed revenue neutral rate.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a budget worksession on July 16, 5:30PM, dinner will be provided

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan invited owners of 101 Washington to attend regarding yard and inoperable vehicle.  They did not attend; a letter will be sent.  Commended property owners for keeping yards mowed – 102 Franklin, 505 Washington.  201 Fulton has sold and new owner is cleaning up property.  303 Clay has sold.  204 2^nd St has new tenant that is sheriff’s deputy.  405 Hill St – they are not getting the mobile home approved by the council.  They are looking for another mobile home but will more than likely sell property as is.  There are some properties that ditches are not being mowed or trimming done.  Behind the buses needs trimmed badly.  505 Wall still has an unregistered vehicle on premises.

City Superintendent Rich absent.  He is still waiting on quotes for gas valve replacements.

Clerk Johnson asked all to sign a thank you note to Union State Bank for the exceptional Independence Day Bash.  Colby did an awesome job of keeping restrooms clean and stocked.

She also reminded council that City Clerk replacement will need to attend educational trainings as soon as possible. A couple of applications have been received.  Council will keep them on file and continue accepting applications at this time.

Information was received from Repurposed Materials Inc.

She followed up with Brian Allen, BBCOEM, regarding the April flooding.  It may be months before FEMA makes a determination.

Received Approved Pending Adoption Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan and request for adoption resolution.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to approve Resolution 2024-0709-1 adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – asked about fencing that was washed out in April flooding at lagoon.  Superintendent Rich has cleaned up debris and repaired the fence.  After pictures have not been taken yet.

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Chalk lines were done then it rained.  They will try to get chalked and completed by August meeting.

Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen is hopeful to mail out invitation for bids by end of week.  Would like for them to be opened at August 13 meeting and completed by December 15, 2024.

Streets – It was requested Superintendent Rich order saturock and patch potholes before school starts.

Mayor Jurgensen is working on mitigation funding for culverts and ditches.

NEW BUSINESS

None

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:58PM

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Payroll 8-9-2024

Accounts Payable 8-9-2024

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

August 12, 2024 4:00 p.m.

Please note this meeting begins at 4:00 p.m.

1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Flag Salute

• Budget Discussion

1. Approval of Consent Agenda
   1. Approval of Minutes from 7/29/2024
   2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $298,476.77
   3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $1,006,244.56
2. Public Comments
3. Department Updates
   1. Public Works

• Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(6)
• Commission Comments

1. 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.