March 16, 2020
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, March 16, 2020. The meeting will be held in the Heritage Room at Fort Scott Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in the Heritage Room at 5:00 p.m. followed by regular board meeting at
5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Space Girls Preview
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on February 17,
2020, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 77
A. Consideration of April Board Meeting Date, 77
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 78
A. Letters of Appreciation/Correspondence, 79
REPORTS, 80
A. Administrative Updates, 81
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 101
ADJOURNMENT, 102
1
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• March 16, 2020: Board Meeting
• March 23, – 27, 2020: Spring Break – Campus Closed
• April 3, 2020: Aggie Day
• April 10, 2020: Good Friday – Campus Closed
• April 20, 2020: Board Meeting
• May 11 – 14, 2020: Final Exams
• May 15, 2020: Graduation
• May 18, 2020: Board Meeting
• May 25, 2020: Memorial Day – Campus Closed
• June 15, 2020: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bill Meyer
_____ Robert Nelson
3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. SPACE GIRLS PREVIEW
4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on February
17, 2020.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Hollie Souza, Administrative Assistant to Nursing, effective March 30,
2020
2) Separations
a) Derrick Whitt, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective March 2, 2020
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Meyer Nelson
FSCC Minutes of Feb. 17
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Training
February 17, 2020
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members.
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
SOFTBALL UPDATE: Kae Lani Bryan, FSCC Softball Coach, introduced the 16 softball team members and
provided an update about the program. Highlights included a list of community service performed by the team,
improvements made to the field, and sharing the team GPA of 3.35.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda and addendum provided.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2020-
2021 tuition and fees as presented.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus, Student Services, Athletics, Academic Affairs, Finance and Operations, and the President.
B. Alysia requested that the Board identify a member to serve as the KACCT representative. Bill Meyer volunteered to fill the role, and Jim Fewins volunteered to serve as an alternate.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:07 p.m. by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.
Visitation Cancelled at all KDOC facilities
TOPEKA, Kan. – The Secretary of Corrections announced today that visitation will be suspended at all Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) facilities, effective immediately, as a measure of precaution to reduce exposure of COVID-19 to our residents and staff.
We will reevaluate on an on-going basis and will communicate any changes as soon as possible.
Families are encouraged to utilize e-mail, phone and video visits to stay in touch with their loved ones.
For more information and resources related to COVID-19, including symptoms and tips for prevention, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s website at http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/.
Obituary of Larry David Coleman
Larry David “Grandpa” Coleman, age 74, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Landmark Hospital, Joplin, MO.
He was born on March 31, 1945, in Anna, IL, the son of John Patterson and Lenora Lucille Coleman.
David worked as a roofer for the Roofer’s Local Union #20 Kansas City.
He enjoyed fishing, spending time at the lake, and playing cards with the grandkids. He loved spending time with his family.
Survivors include two daughters, Kimberly and John Woodall, Ft. Scott, KS, and Tammy Davidson and husband Bryan, Uniontown, KS, two sons, Travis Coleman and wife Amanda, Ft. Scott, KS, and David Coleman and wife Nancy, Pleasanton, KS; 21 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, and three sisters, Judy Ogden, Deborah Elliott, and Leona Richardson.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy and Roger Turner; two sisters, Kathy Optandy and Bonnie Brown; and his mother.
Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the David Coleman Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Reta Mae Johnson
Reta Mae Johnson, age 99, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away early Friday, March 13, 2020, at her home.
She was born August 4, 1920, on the family farm northeast of Bronson, the daughter of John Christian Ermel and Mary Susan Lawry Ermel.
She attended the Dry Ridge Grade School and graduated from the Bronson High School in 1937. At the age of seventeen, she began teaching grade school. She taught at Blazing Star, Victory and later Bronson schools.
She married Buford William Johnson on May 21, 1939, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Reta Mae’s main priority was taking care of her family and her home. She enjoyed working in her garden, tending her flowers and looking after her chickens and geese.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She also enjoyed decorating cakes and painting. She was a member of the Bronson Baptist Church.
Survivors include her four children, Judy Wilson and husband, Rex, of Bronson, Ronda Murrow, of Uniontown, Kansas, Vlad Johnson and wife, Donna, of Wamego, Kansas and Wes Johnson and wife, Billie Sue, also of Bronson. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, Stacy Davis (Matt), Jana Wilson (Brian), Marci Fox (Mickey), Lisa Hemby, Nikki Burks (Joe), Debbie Sharkawi (Tarek), Chad Murrow (Misty), Julie Shroyer (Zachary), Casey Johnson (Song), Trevor Johnson, Clint Johnson (Angela), and Brandi Spainhoward (Mitch); thirty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way.
Her husband, Buford, preceded her in death on February 12, 2010. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Doris Fink and Maxine Burt.
Rob Mauk will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Friday, March 20th at the Bronson Baptist Church.
Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Bronson Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Terri Lynn Allison
Terri Lynn Allison, age 59, resident of Springfield, MO, died Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at the Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, MO.
She was born October 6, 1960, in Fort Scott, KS, the daughter of Patricia Smith. She graduated from Fort Scott high school with the class of 1979. She married Michael Allison on April 5, 1985, in Fort Scott.
She enjoyed picking berries, talking on the phone, and decorating for every holiday. Terri’s favorite flowers were lilies. She took pride in helping others through Life Builder’s Outreach. She was a member of the Crossway Baptist Church in Springfield, MO.
Survivors include her husband, Michael, of the home; four sons, Brandon Smith, Gantier, MS, Michael Allison, Jr., Springfield, MO, Daniel Allison, Altoona, PA, and William Allison, Springfield, MO; two daughters, Stephanie Allison, Halltown, MO, and Heather Allison, Springfield, MO; five grandchildren; and an aunt, Della Dietrich, Kincaid, KS.
She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather George Decker.
There was cremation. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Springfield. Memorials are suggested to the Terri Allison Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Nursing Homes Close to Visitors in Fort Scott
Visiting loved ones and friends in Fort Scott nursing homes is not advised because of the COVID 19 pandemic.
“We are monitoring who comes and goes,” Kathy Nalley, administrator of Guest Home Estates, 737 Heylman, said. “That’s what the CDC is saying to caregiver facilities.”
As of this morning, the doors are locked at Guest Home Estates, she said.
Kenna Smith, owner-operator of Franklin House, 1126 Horton, said only health care providers will be allowed into their facility.
“It’s hard on everybody, but necessary,” Smith said. They have not been allowing visitors since yesterday, she said.
Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton, also has visitor restrictions.
“Out of caution and care, we are limiting to direct staff care and health care providers,” Margaret Moyer, director of Country Place, said. “I’ve received notification from corporate office. It’s effective as of 10 a.m. today.”
Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, is discouraging visitors, but they are allowed, Becky Kellum, marketing director at the assisted living facility said.
On March 10, Lynnette Emmerson, administrator of Medicalodge, 915 S. Horton, wrote a letter to the families of their residents asking for families and friends to not visit the nursing home for the benefit of its’ residents., she said.
She is following the Center for Medicare Services recommendations that they are getting from the Center for Disease Control, she said.
They are actively screening individuals, including staff, who are necessary to come into the facility, Emmerson wrote in the letter.
FortScott.Biz was unable to speak with Hillside Guest House leaders on their possible visitation constraints.
Please be advised to contact them, should you have questions.
Girl Scout Cookie Time!
Girl Scout Troop 71650 with help from Troop Leader Cynthia Goebel are selling those famous cookies.
But because of the COVID-19 virus, the sale has changed.
“This will be our last cookie booth sale,” Goebel said. ” Due to the coronavirus, we received word that direct sales to the public will end after March 15th. But you can still get your favorite Girl Scout Cookie until March 28th .”
The troop will be outside Walmart from noon till 4 pm on Sunday, March 15.
“We have 17 girls ranging from kindergarten to high school,” Goebel said. “We meet at the First Presbyterian Church on Fridays at 6 pm.”
“Last year the girls were just short of their goal of selling 3000 packages of cookies,” Goebel said. ” They sold 2960 packages. This year the girls hope to make their goal of 3000. Currently, we are at 2,708.”
Locally the troop’s best-sellers are Thin Mints, Caramel Delites, Peanut Butter Patties cookies, she said. “The Thanks-A-Lot cookie is retiring. It is the shortbread cookie with chocolate on the bottom.”
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Here is the link for the Girl Scout Cookie Story: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/cookies/all-about-cookies/Cookie-History.html
The funds are used for fees (registration annual fee is $25.00), supplies, camp/day camp is $40 -$50, summer camp fees range up to $400, Goebel said.
The troop has many activities during the year.
“In November we have the nuts and candy sale, ice cream social, roller skating, yoga, swimming, camping and of course the cookie sale,” Goebel said. “This year we have a spring trip planned to Worlds of Fun in June. Last year we went to the Butterfly Palace and Fritz’s Adventures in Branson, day camp is the first week of June at Friendship Fields in Frontenac. Sheriff Bill Martin came to explain and show the girls fingerprinting.”
USDA Opens Sign Up for Causes of Loss
Sign up March 23, 2020, for Producers Impacted by Drought or Excess Moisture as well as Announces Provisions for Sugar Beet Producers
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 28, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced additional disaster assistance available to agricultural producers, including producers impacted by drought and excess moisture as well as sugar beet growers. Through WHIP+, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is helping producers recover from losses related to 2018 and 2019 natural disasters.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will open signup on March 23 for producers to apply for eligible losses of drought (D3 or above) and excess moisture. USDA is also entering into agreements with six sugar beet processing cooperatives to distribute $285 million to grower members of those cooperatives who experienced loss.
“It’s true that farmers and ranchers are no strangers to the impact natural disasters have on their operations, but disaster events the past two years have been atypically widespread, relentless and unforgiving,” Secretary Perdue said. “In some instances, producers have suffered multiple disaster events in one year or in several years back-to-back. I am pleased that Congress has afforded USDA the authority to continue providing much-needed assistance to producers who have lost so much these last few years. President Trump has the backs of our farmers, and we aim to support them as they recover.”
In June 2019, more than $3 billion was made available through a disaster relief package passed by Congress and signed by President Trump. In December 2019, Congress passed, and President Trump signed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 that provides an additional $1.5 billion for the continuation of disaster assistance program delivery.
WHIP+ New Qualifying Disaster Events
The bill added excessive moisture and D3 and D4 drought as qualifying losses for WHIP+ assistance.
Beginning March 23, producers who suffered either of these types of loss in 2018 and/or 2019 can apply for WHIP+ assistance at their local FSA office. For drought, a producer is eligible if any area of the county in which the loss occurred was rated D3 (Extreme Drought) or higher on the U.S. Drought Monitor during calendar years 2018 or 2019.
WHIP+ Sugar Beet Loss Assistance
As also directed in the bill, USDA will provide $285 million through sugar beet processing cooperatives to compensate grower members for sugar beet crop losses in 2018 and 2019. Details will be finalized in agreements between USDA and participating sugar beet processing cooperatives. Sugar beet producers who are members of these cooperatives and experienced losses may contact their cooperative for more information about how this sugar beet crop assistance will be administered.
WHIP+ for Quality Loss
In addition, producers have reported widespread crop quality loss from eligible disaster events that results in price deductions or penalties when marketing the damaged crops. The Appropriations bill expands WHIP+ to include assistance for crop quality loss. FSA is gathering data and input from producers and stakeholders regarding the extent and types of quality loss nationwide.
“Providing assistance for quality loss is complicated, and we are actively gathering data and input on how to administer quality loss assistance for producers,” said Farm Production and Conservation Undersecretary Bill Northey.
Eligibility
To be eligible for WHIP+, producers must have suffered losses of certain crops, trees, bushes, or vines in counties with a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration or a Secretarial Disaster Designation (primary counties only) for the following named natural disaster events; hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, typhoons, volcanic activity, snowstorms, wildfires, and now excessive moisture that occurred in 2018 or 2019. Also, losses located in a county not designated by the Secretary as a primary county may be eligible if the producer provides documentation showing that the loss was due to a qualifying natural disaster event.
For drought, counties having a D3 or D4 Drought Monitor classification in any portion of the county anytime during calendar year 2018 or 2019 will also be eligible.
A list of counties that received qualifying hurricane declarations and designations is available at farmers.gov/recover/whip-plus. The U.S. Drought Monitor is available at https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/.
Because livestock losses are covered by other disaster recovery programs offered through FSA, these losses are not eligible for WHIP+.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Sixth COVID-19 case identified in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is announcing a sixth case of COVID-19 in Kansas. The presumptive positive case was identified with testing sent to KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories (KHEL). These results will be verified by the CDC lab but will be treated as a positive unless determined otherwise.
The case is in a Butler County man in his 70s who had travel outside the U.S. KDHE continues to work with the local health department and CDC to identify and contact people who may have come into contact with the individual while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms. The patient is in isolation. No other information will be provided about the patient.
“Kansans should remain vigilant,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary said. “It’s important to live your lives, but it’s also important to take basic precautions like exercising good hygiene practices. It is up to each of us to do our part.”
People should exercise vigilance when attending large public gatherings, particularly those people over age 60 and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions. There are mass events guidance documents from the Centers from Disease Control available on KDHE’s website, www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath and believe you may have had contact or have had contact with someone with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.
You may also call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) today Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information about COVID-19, visit KDHE’s website and Frequently Asked Questions at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Bourbon County Commission Special Session March 3
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 Commission Minutes of March 3
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.
- Personal, rude, or slanderous remarks are prohibited.
- Patrons wishing to speak publicly during a commission meeting must make such request through the Bourbon County Clerk’s office.
- Comments will be limited to five minutes per patron per meeting.
- Fifteen minutes per subject or associated subject will be allowed.
- One hour of accumulated time will be set aside for public comments.
- 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