NOTICE – Due to the weather, the soup lunch that was scheduled today has been cancelled and rescheduled for next Friday, February 25.
The Soup Luncheon has been rescheduled for NEXT Friday, February 25 from11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a to-go meal that can be picked up under the covered entrance off of National Avenue. A variety of soups including potato, vegetable beef, and chili will be served along with a dessert for a free-will offering. Sponsored by the Mission Committee.
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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to add the countries of Denmark, Georgia, Iceland, Latvia, Netherlands, Reunion and Slovenia. The countries on the travel quarantine list will expire on March 3, 2022. KDHE will not release a travel quarantine list after March 3, individuals should now refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel advisory page.
An unvaccinated individual who has not had COVID-19 within the last 90 days or those that have not received all the recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots, should quarantine if they meet the following criteria:
The length of a travel-related at home quarantine is 5 days after your last exposure with an additional requirement to wear a well-fitting mask indoors and outdoors when around others for an additional 5 days. If you cannot mask, at-home quarantine is recommended for 10 days. Quarantine would start the day after you return to Kansas or from the mass gathering. If you do not develop symptoms of COVID-19 during your quarantine period, then you are released from quarantine. Regularly check this list to stay up to date on travel-related guidance. Please refer to the KDHE Isolation and Quarantine FAQ for additional information.
For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.
For those who meet the following criteria do NOT need to quarantine:
Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel or mass gatherings.
The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.
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.
Barb, a precious friend, has been given a year to live.
“Brain tumor,” she was told. “Radiation and chemo will be administered simultaneously.”
We women who have come to know her through the Bible studies she led in her home, through her dedication to the church where we worship here in Mazatlán, are daily reading the postings of her loving husband, Wes.
They are reminders that we are to trust in God and no one else. I know Barb as a friend with whom I’ve shared lunches where we tell Grandma stories, where we are transparent when we are wounded and know that prayers will be offered on our behalf. She was the women’s leader who invited me to speak at their conference and who always encouraged me to use my gifts. I’m pretty sure she did that with everyone she met.
A few days ago, this was Wes’s morning post: “…As you can see, we are settling in for the battle of Barb’s life! This battle encompasses the tenuous “balance” of which I have written several times, the previously unknown challenges we are increasingly experiencing, the dealing with a plethora of drugs with their attendant effects and side effects, and the necessity of increasingly dealing with the ravages of the multiple maladies—surgery, brain tissue removal, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, pulmonary thrombosis, and urinary infection, all-the-while taking particular care that she not be exposed to Covid. But, with God’s help, care and guidance, we are confident that ‘His ways are greater than our ways’ and that our future and our course is totally in His hands and that is exactly where we want to be!”
Today, Wes continued to bless others in the midst of some tough news that the chemo was discontinued because of his wife’s pulmonary embolism and a UTI, and her radiation was stopped for a week to allow her to gain some strength. “Even eating is tiring and exhausting to her! Giving this situation even a modicum of being tolerable is the incredible love, support and caring that we continue to receive from our Heavenly Father and our friends, family and even acquaintances. Another encouragement for both of us is the ability and opportunity to pray for others of whose needs we are blessed to share.”
Compare that to another Mazatlán friend, “Debra,” who also was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and given 18 months to live. Yesterday, I spoke with Suzanne, her daughter, who filled me in on all the details that led up to her surgery. Debra and her husband and two adult daughters are atheists, so when I offered to pray for their family and Suzanne said that I could, I was excited. Perhaps through this experience, I thought, they will reexamine their faithless position.
Our phone calls were disconnected three times, and after the last interruption, Suzanne sent me this text: “I guess the texting gods weren’t too keen on us talking.” Not exactly what I hoped for. Two friends of mine. Same age. One whose eternal destiny is secure. One desperately needing to turn to Jesus.
I will continue to pray for both women and their families, but I think we all would agree which of the two is in need of more urgent intercession. Please join me in praying that I might have the right words to share the same Hope on which Wes and Barb rely before it’s too late.
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.
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
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
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
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
These minutes were approved on January 11 and posted on the county’s website on Feb. 7
January 4, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Susan Bancroft, Ann Dare, Justin Meeks, Jason Silvers, Bill Martin and Bobby Reed.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meeting minutes, Jim seconded, all approved.
Clifton made a motion to appoint Jim Harris as Chairman of Commission for year 2022. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey reported a couple of permits. Completion of an entry tube at 727 240th, Oscar Gonzales. The second is application from Dave’s Towing & Recovery for movement of an oversized load. Going from 21 Grant to Wall Street east to Locust Road to 2376 Locust Road. It is a garage. Waiting for state approval so will be on our road very minimal. Jim made a motion to approve an application for an oversized load, garage structure, going to 2376 Locust Road. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Eric stated that he received information from KDOT on a couple of bridges that they will be replacing. Scheduled for January of 2023 will be Paint Creek Bridge. 1.58 miles north of Crawford County line which is on Hwy 3 coming out of Hepler. Owl Creek Bridge is the second one which is 2.14 miles east of K3 junction on Hwy 39 also scheduled for January of 2023. There is still discussion on closing those highways. If they do that will put a lot more traffic on Birch Road. We are in the process of getting that repaired and brought up to standards.
Eric stated compost permits for the landfill. We submitted plans to KDHE and they have some concerns with storm water runoff, so we are back to those discussions. We are still work on permits.
Eric stated we are in the process of repairing a couple of bridges. On 85th north of 54 Hwy bridge deck was damaged. The second is on 75th and Poplar back to the south. A hole showed up in the bridge deck.
Eric stated they are preparing for another snow event. Probably will brine intersections, bridges and hills starting this afternoon and tomorrow. Right now, they are saying just an inch or less.
Eric gave an update on equipment on Purple Wave. Sale is January 11th. Sterling truck tractor is up to $6,200 right now. The F8000 is up to $1,600.
Eric stated that they are losing signs on Arrowhead, Jayhawk and Yellowstone. Discussion followed on what could be done to prevent this from continuing. Eric is going to check into spacing on the signs.
Eric gave an update on windmills. They are finalizing restoration on our roads. Eric will be meeting with Jeff Spangler reviewing videos of pre and post and proceed following the road use agreement. Jim stated that Eric has done a good job in this process. Eric stated that they have been very good to work with. I have had some calls on potholes and things like that and I’ve made a phone call and within a day or two they’ve been fixed.
Eric asked Jim about a washout that he mentioned previously. He said he hadn’t located it. Jim gave him directions and Eric said he would look again. Lynne asked if the bridge on 115th was being worked on. Eric said it was on his radar and would get to it soon. Eric stated that they are headed to 60th and Grand where it’s undermined back up underneath and got to get it supported so as not to lose decking.
Susan Bancroft stated that she and Bobby had talked this week about all the issues at the jail. Heating and air needs addressed first. They had a power surge out there and possibly have some control panels out. That would be an insurance claim that we could go after. I have a call into Kevin Ross. He got back with me yesterday to set up a meeting to talk about some of the other things that are going on. Susan stated she would recommend that we go ahead and accept the bids that were put out by the sheriff’s department so that we can get moving on this as it is very cold in some of those pods. Bill stated one unit is completely down and another unit with the same codes so within the next few days or so we’re going to have a second unit down. Susan stated that since the bids were not opened at the scheduled time, the commissioners could call an emergency and move forward. Bill had to go to the jail to get the bids and would return to discuss.
Susan stated that there are some concerns at the landfill with employee dumping. The program was supposed to be for current employees, and we have a lot of retired employees and family members of retired employees so maybe it’s being stretched a little bit. Because our cash reserves are low Susan made the recommendation to suspend the program for this year. Maybe get everything back in good working order and then maybe reconsider it next year. Clifton asked why the program couldn’t be run correctly. Jim asked what the revenue change would be like. Eric didn’t have numbers in front of him at that time. Lynne made a motion that our policy for employees dumping at the landfill is active employees only and only their household and must have a county issued ID. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Lora Holdridge gave a yearend report. She stated they were extremely busy. We were slightly under $175,000. The year previous was $155,000. Jim asked if Ashley and Lora were on the same page for road closures to avoid some of the problems we’ve had in the past. Lora stated that they are and that she is working with Eric Bailey and Matt Quick to get all the road closings up to date.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda and allow Bill to present the bids for the HVAC. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Bill presented the bids for HVAC and stated that he did send certified letters requesting bids but only received a couple back. Bill also asked if there was any more information regarding warranties on the HVAC systems following the discussion from the previous meetings. Suan said didn’t not check on the warranty because Mr. French said that the normal commercial standard warranty is only 1 year, so I didn’t go any further than that. She said that she would be glad to discuss the issue with Mr. Ross but at this point it is an emergency and you have to assess the damage and he really doesn’t know what is wrong until he gets in there and gets them apart. Bill also asked that if there is a meeting that himself or a representative from the Sheriff’s office be present since they are in that building and that way there would be no miss communication. Susan said that Ben and Bobby have both already been invited and have been in contact as well as provided a list of items that are outstanding. Clifton opened the bids; the first bid was from Tony French for French Plumbing. The bid stated that due to the original boards being removed and custom ones put in, it will be necessary to put the original back in, wiring harness and all units have had pin connectors cut off and they will have to be replaces. The correct thermostat will also be installed with correct wiring, temp sensor with thermostat will be installed in all secured rooms in accessible locations. No delivery date on boards or wiring harnesses. 10 boards, 10 harness, 10 stats, 7 sensors, wire, labor totals $27,818.36. There is another bid from Mr. French to run conduit drain from units to the gathering on the north end of the building, all materials and labor is $2206.96. Clifton said that the conduit should have been installed at the beginning so that would be his opinion should be on the original contractor. The second bid was provided by CDL, it says replacement of improperly installed rooftop conduit for convenience outlets and exhaust fans powerpoint first included and usb okay. Electric scope for rooftop conduit and wire, removal and replacement supplying convenience outlets and exhaust fans. Electrical scope remove existing conduit wire fittings for rooftop convenience, outlets at rooftop units, remove existing conduit, replace existing conduit, wire fittings for rooftop, replace existing conduit wire fittings, replace existing GFCI receptacles with weather resistant, and add additional durable conduit supports as needed if performance bond is required at two percent, this excludes anything not listed above, cutting patching of roof, conduit circuits for RTUS, any electric work below roof, fire alarm, security, VDV temperature controls, prevailing weights, and sales tax. The base bid price is $21,523. Clifton stated that in his opinion the bids are not even for the same thing. Clifton said the bid from Mr. French is for the HVAC repairs and the CDL bid is to fix the conduit with the electrical wiring. Clifton said that the HVAC needs fixed but the wiring in his opinion whoever build the building screwed up and the county shouldn’t have to pay for that. He said in his opinion it is a warranty issue or we should go after the people who built the building. The HVAC needs repaired and looks like French was the only one that bid that. There was further discussion regarding issues with the building who should pay for the repairs. Susan said that she did find communication from the previous board where it was accepted as it was after it was fixed the last time, so your kind of starting over. Had that communication not been there, some more conversations with them may have been possible. Susan asked for permission to discuss with Mr. Ross, Justin Meeks, a commissioner, as well as a representative from the Sheriff’s Dept. Clifton volunteered and sooner rather than later or we will proceed with lawsuits. Justin said the word emergency is very important. Bob said that it was working ok but Mr. French thinks it could be due to a power surge that happened several months ago. After more discussion Clifton made a motion to accept the bid from French Plumbing for the bid to fix the HVAC unit, adding that this is an emergency repair, Lynne seconded, all approved. Bobby said that there are 10 units and 1 is down and 1 has an error so it is not comfortable in there. Susan said that she will get a meeting set up with the contractor.
Lynne said that he typed a modified 30×30 resolution for review. Clifton said that he feels there is some strong language that in his opinion says that Sherrif Matin would not be able to do his job on private property. Lynne said that he used the words arbitrarily and legal to take care of that. There was discussion regarding the draft of the resolution. There are changes to be make and brought back to the next meeting.
Ashley Shelton presented the 2022 resolutions that need to adopt for the year. The 1st resolution is for the holidays, Juneteenth was discussed but the commissioners decided not to add that as a paid holiday for the county at this time since Good Friday is given as a paid holiday. Jim made a motion to adopt resolution 01-22 with regards to the holidays and closed days for Bourbon County Employes including Landfill employees for 2022, Clifton seconded, all approved. The next resolution presented is a resolution concerning the waiver of generally accepted accounting principles. Jim made a motion to adopt resolution 02-22 for Bourbon County Kansas, a resolution concerning the waiver of general accepted accounting principles for the year 2022, Clifton second, all approved. The next resolution is for reimbursement of travel expenses, this one did change this a little bit because we do follow the IRS Standards for the mileage rate and they change mid-year, we do a resolution in January so instead of putting a specific mileage on there, it was changed to state that we would follow the rate set by the IRS and so that way this one won’t have to be redone year after year. Jim made a motion to adopt resolution 03-22 for Bourbon County Kansas reimbursement for travel expenses for Bourbon County employees and we shall follow the standard mileage rate set by the IRS, Lynne second, all approved. Next is a resolution to designate
depositories and official publication carrier, we have City State Bank, UMB, Union State Bank, Liberty Savings and Loan, Landmark National Bank and Citizens Bank, Landmark National Bank is the active account carrier and Fort Scott Tribune is the official county newspaper. Jim made a motion to adopt resolution 04-22 for Bourbon County Kansas a resolution to designate depository as an official public carrier in compliance with KSA 9-1401 with the following banks City State Bank, UMB, Union State Bank, Liberty Savings and Loan, Landmark National Bank and Citizen Bank and also the newspaper carrier will be Fort Scott Tribune, Clifton seconded, all approved. In the past there has been a resolution appointing a public health officer, there was discussion, and it was decided to wait and gather more info before proceeding. The last thing is an organization resolution and agreement for the credit card program. I would like to add myself to replace Kendall and then I would also like to add Courtney Goucher, Personnel Director because she does accounts
payable she would need access to that if there’s any problems with payments cards not working if I wasn’t here, Patty Loves since she is our County Treasurer and Susan Bancroft, Finance Director. If you are all okay with that, I just need the chairman to sign and then I will have to get signatures of everyone that we’re going to add, and they said once it is submitted then we should have access within 24 hours. the commissioners agreed to add additional personnel that will allow them to have communication with a credit card company that we can do business with, adding Courtney Goucher, Patty Love, Susan Bancroft and of course the County Clerk Ashley Shelton, Jim signed the forms.
Ashley presented a policy issue, there is an employee that is moving from a salary position to an hourly position. This employee has been with bourbon County for 6 years so the vacation time will be added up front based on would be uploaded or not and if so, how much. There was discussion. Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personal matters of individual nonelected personnel to protective their privacy dealing with some job function changes, it will include the three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and Ashley and will be for 15 minutes. Bill Martin asked that a department head or supervisor of the employee also be included. Clifton added to the motion to include Bobby Reed as well they will return at 10:29 am, Lynne seconded, all approved.
Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 10:29 am with no action, Jim seconded, all approved.
Jim said they will address it at the next meeting and asked if Booby could be at the next meeting as well.
Clifton made a motion to go into an executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personal matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy related to job functions, duties, and performance it will be for 20 minutes and will include the 3 commissioner and Justin Meeks returning at 10:51 am, Lynne seconded and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:51 am, Lynne seconded, all approved.
Justin asked the commissioners to approve the bourbon county council employment agreement. Basically, it is staying at the same rate, there will be a reduction in pay based off new employment people that are here we have a new, economic development director and a new business director. He said that he only plans to work 15 hours a week at $75 an hour so it’s $58,500 and would like to be paid monthly. Obviously, the tax sale issues that we’ve had in the past with regards to getting some support there, I would like you to approve my invoice on that as well which has been improved the last two years. Clifton made a motion to approve the contract with county councilor Meeks, it’s for one year as well as the tax sale invoice, Lynne seconded, all approved.
Justin said that he would like to be a part of the committee with regards to some policy changes that we can have in the future concerning some employees that are an administrative level, obviously we need to get some hopefully some contracts written up for certain employees and he will start working on those to submit to Susan for review, he wants to make sure he gets direction from the commissioners at least to prepare those contracts for review. Clifton said that doesn’t need a motion because that is part of his job.
Susan said that she had been asked by Mr. Harris for a for a report of what has been spent to date of APRA Funding. That’s what you have before you, as of today your balance in the fund is $564,000 however, we’ve obligated more than that so the balance would be around $293,000 that we’ve got unobligated and below that we’ve had two additional requests, one from rural water district #4 and one from mental health. Just kind of wanted to give an idea of where we were as of today and what we’ve what obligations we’ve already made. Clifton asked if she know when we will receive the 1.4 million again. Susan said she would check on it but last year it was around July. Jim asked if that would carry over. Susan said yes, they will have until 2025 to spend the funds so there is no rush. Susan said that her and Justin are going to work on an agreement with Rural Water District #2 before they release any funds.
Clifton made a motion to add Elected Officials’ Comments to the agenda after public comment and before commissioner comment, Lynne seconded, all approved.
Bill Martin said that it is 2022 and with a new year comes new year’s comes new grants that will start opening and so he will be applying, reviewing, and applying for any and all type of grants that are out there that will assist the sheriff’s office in regard to the operation of the sheriff’s office. Bill said that if you happen to get a an email or something that requests that you set up an account, he asks that you review that and if you have any questions whatsoever in regard to a grant, please reach out and he will be more happy to answer any and all questions that you have and if he doesn’t have those answer he will know who to turn to in regards to those answers to those questions. Bill also announced that unofficially he has been given notice that they have been awarded or another grant for equipment. He said that he will not explain what that equipment is at this present time because they are requesting additional information, so he has to do some more research and digging and provide those answers that they’re requesting. Bill also asked if there is a new wage and salary resolution to pay for all employees and when will that be made public.
Susan said that they are going to work on putting some wage band together and a low and a high end and then a person could be moved anywhere in that band and not everyone would have to be the same as long as the department says within their budget. Susan said that is a project to be worked on and brought back to the commission for approval. Bill said that he has some ideas for the wage bands and would like to be part of that process of creating that.
Jim asked Susan id she is comfortable with how things are going to move forward working with the treasure to avoid violations this year. Susan said that there are a few questions that she has for Terry based on the distribution. She said she did talk to Patty last night and she had made that additional distribution so some of our funds are running in the negative, so she that’s a concern, she thinks she needs to check and see if that’s a violation, that would be the only one that she can foresee at this point. She said that they worked on an issue together last night until about 7:30 pm, we had some CIC issues but she thinks they’re working through that today and that will get us balanced through October and then Rhonda was going to work on November and December today and so we’re really close to getting the books reconciled. She said that she feels pretty comfortable, she went from January till October, and they came up with the same information and so she feels like they are working well together.
Lynne asked if they are getting closer to resolving all these issues with CIC, it seems like we are running into an awful lot of them? Susan said that they sent it to programing and they will have to determine if it was a human error or a programing error on CIC’s part.
Jim said that again he wanted to say thank you for letting him be the chairman, they as a team we will do this, and I want to thank everyone that
supported the commission last year, he thinks they are working well with a lot of good people so thank you and he welcomes opportunity to be the chairperson but it’s only as a team member and he emphasizes that one, we voted on it, so I want to move forward so the general public knows we’re a team.
At 11:03 am, 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
January 11, 2022, Approved Date
