Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government

Tourism on the Rise in Fort Scott

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Jackson Tough. Submitted.

Tourism is the act of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and pleasure, while using commercial services, according to Britannica Dictionary.

Local tourism is looking healthy as evidenced by the transient guest tax from 2015 through 2022, which just completed its first quarter, JacksonTough, Fort Scott’s Public Relations and Tourism Director said.

“Transient guest tax is probably the most common form of raising funds to promote tourism in a given community,” Tough said. “It’s simply a tax on hotel/motel rooms that visitors pay when they stay in Fort Scott.”

“Residents do not pay into the tourism tax unless they happen to stay in a hotel/motel in Fort Scott,” he said. “Advertising funds are primarily used for promotion of Fort Scott; from print ads, brochure distribution, website maintenance, materials to target motorcoach tours and conferences, social media ad placement, among others.”

The City of Fort Scott has had several tourism directors through the years whose job it is to promote events and attractions

Tough started last June as the newest public relations and tourism director.

Earlier this year, his office was moved from city hall to the Bourbon County Regional Economical Development Inc. office on the second floor of the Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main, he said. He is still an employee of the city but the move allows he and the REDI Executive Director Rob Harrington to work more closely.

Because tourism is also a form of economic development the city commission and the REDI board agreed that it would be smart for the two entities to work side by side, Tough said.

“Like Rob’s job is to help existing businesses increase and to facilitate new business, my job is to help grow existing tourism as well as promote for new events and tourism attractions to Fort Scott,” Tough said.

“I’m very excited about the direction we’re headed in, Harrington said. “Jackson and I work well together. He has his own economic development experience when he was in broadcast marketing and management and also through the chamber of commerce. He has put together a solid plan for marketing Fort Scott tourism into the future.”

 

The NICA race at Gunn Park in April 2022. Submitted photo.

“Even though tourism is on the rise there’s always room for improvement,” Tough said. “We are constantly researching opportunities. Whether it’s the possibility of more motor sports, expansion of rodeo events, adding disc golf or baseball tournaments.”

“There has been discussion of combining and incorporating Gordon Parks, Company D – 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment and other little known and under told stories of progressive African American leaders and events from the Fort Scott area,” Tough said. “It’s an inspirational story that should be told about our area.”

“Advertising funds are primarily used for promotion of Fort Scott; from print ads, brochure distribution, website maintenance, materials to target motorcoach tours and conferences, social media ad placement, among others.”

The Fort Scott Mud Run in April 2022. Submitted.

To view the prior story on the mud run:

Watch Fun in the Mud April 23-24 at Bo Co Fairgrounds

“We recently hosted two new events to Fort Scott,” Tough said. “The first annual Fort Scott Mud Run at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds drew approximately 500 visitors to town last month. The first annual National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) youth race at Gunn Park, also in April,  brought approximately 400 visitors to Fort Scott.”

This month Bourbon County hosted with Crawford and Cherokee counties the 2022 Big Kansas Road Trip which features three Kansas counties each year.

The three counties cooperated to invite folks from across Kansas to explore the area.

“It’s been a fantastic event to be a part of!” Tough said.

These Are Events The Fort Scott Tourism Office Works With

  •  FSCC Rodeo each March,
  •   National Historic Site Spring Civil War Encampment in April,
  • Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Swap Meet and Town-Wide Sale each May,
  •  Good Ol’ Days Celebration in June,
  •   Lavender Fest  in June,
  • Marmaton Massacre/Tri-Yak-A-Thon in September,
  • Pioneer Harvest Fiesta,  and the Gordon Parks Celebration in October,
  • Veterans Day Events (Monuments & Memorials, Military Mixer, etc.) in November,
  • National Historic Site Candlelight Tours in December.

“We also promote Dolly the Trolley, the U.S.National Cemetery #1, our Historic Downtown District, as well as other events/attractions” Tough said.

“Fort Scott Tourism is continuing to build a strong brand, expand our social media reach, and target consumers that fit our primary visitor demographics,” Tough said. “Brand awareness is critical to building a relationship with travelers. We will continue to utilize creative concepts that deliver…measurable results. A unique proposition targeted to prospective travelers can create consumer engagement.”

 

For more information about Fort Scott tourism click www.VisitFortScott.com to discover more events, attractions, excellent eateries, cozy accommodations and more.

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Meets Monday

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: May 9, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 9TH AT 9AM IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Bourbon County, Business, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of April 12

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The Regular Council Meeting on April 12, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association asked for permission to hold the all school reunion in the city park the evening of Saturday, September 3, 2022.  They will provide insurance certificate.  They request that the ban on alcoholic beverages in the park be lifted for that evening and want to know if there are any other limitations.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second  by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Uniontown Alumni Association to host all school reunion in the city park on September 3, 2022, allow alcohol consumption from 5PM to Midnight, and no glass containers allowed

 

Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked the council to recess to view the location for the proposed public restrooms.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to recess for 10 minutes to view 112 Second St

 

Meeting resumed at 7:19.  Mr George asked for action to designate the location for the project.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to allow preliminary planning for construction of an ADA public restroom at northeast corner of 112 Second St

 

Discussion followed regarding funding for the public restroom, pickleball court, and outdoor equipment.  This project qualifies for the placemaking pathway we pledged.  Contact REDI for best time to submit an application for 2022 funding.  ARPA funds could also be used for this.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger was absent. March written Treasurer’s Report and 1st Quarter Report were presented.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $338,643.12, Receipts $52,765.73, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $23,883.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $364,499.67. Bank Statement Balance $364,938.99, including Checking Account Interest of $29.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $439.32, Reconciled Balance $364,499.67.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,475.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $85.61, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $160.45.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of March $25,856.55, Year-to-Date Net Income $40,756.17.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $27,812.18 (26.4%), Expenditures $25,333.54 (19.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $8,633.12 (24.2%), Expenditures $11,942.48 (29.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $54,144.38 (38.8%), Expenditures $28,296.04 (11.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $49,170.41 (38.3%), Expenditures $29,562.90 (17.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,814.86 (26.5%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%).  The April 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $29,474.19 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of March 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that the storage building at 112 Second St has been removed, two gas main valves have been replaced, and the speed bumps/signs have been installed.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 104 Fulton has been cleaned up by new owner. An issue of trash in a trailer and debris in the back yard at 202 Fourth St was addressed and trailer has been removed.  103 Fifth is being cleaned up by new owner.  He has contacted our attorney twice in the last two months to get something resolved with the Smith Estate with no response back.  301 Second St #1 has a lot of clutter and debris.  Clerk Johnson will contact the attorney to try to speed things up.  It was suggested to schedule a worksession to continue discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste.  It will be scheduled at next meeting.  Councilmember Ervin asked him to go by 301 Second St and address the collection of clutter/debris.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the financial audit contract with minimal increase in cost but less than anticipated in the budget.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept the financial audit engagement letter with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton

 

Loren Korte was here with the insurance renewal and went over changes with Clerk Johnson.  Overall increase in premiums is 6.74% but less than anticipated in the budget.  He will present to council if needed.  Council concurred it was not needed.

Rabies clinic was April 9 with a good turnout.  Thirteen dogs and seven cats were registered at the clinic.  Clerk Johnson presented a list of animals registered last year that are not yet registered this year, a list of new residents that need a reminder that dogs and cats are required to be registered, and a list of those that have registered but not provided proper rabies documentation.  She will go over this list with Animal Control Officer Binford to get citations issued.

Kansas Municipal Utilities conference in April 27-29 in Wichita which also includes the KMGA Board of Directors meeting and an afternoon of sessions on gas.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Bobby Rich and/or Sally Johnson to attend the KMU conference in Wichita, April 27-29, if they choose

 

KMGA will be hosting regional meetings this year.  The one for our area will be in Humboldt on July 14.  Will put on the agenda again in June.  Clerk Johnson also presented a market update from KMGA.

Midwest Assistance Program would like to assist communities in the application process for USDA community facility project grants and/or loans.  Clerk Johnson will contact them for more information about what is available and what would be the city’s obligation.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – thanked councilmembers and employees that attended the county commission meeting last month.  Asked if fish food has been received.  Clerk Johnson has ordered but it has not been shipped yet, she will follow-up.  He had a request to change elected officials pay to monthly whether attend regular meeting or not which led to a discussion on protocol for elected officials censure or removal.  Clerk Johnson will have the attorney draft an ordinance addressing elected officials pay and protocols.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply – table until next month.

 

Pond Improvement Project – Invitations to bid should be sent/published next month and the liner needs to be ordered due to shipping times.

 

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – this does not need to be discussed monthly, put on the agenda quarterly for updates.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – The annual report has been submitted. There was some discussion about using the funds for the public restrooms, pickleball court, and outdoor exercise equipment.  We will add discussion of the funds to the worksession we schedule next month.

 

Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen was thanked for asking county commissioners for a commitment to help us on our streets this year at the March 22 commission meeting.  Table further discussion until next month.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00PM

 

Meeting resumed at 9:00PM.  No action was taken

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at

Bourbon County, Government

The Uniontown City Council Agenda For May 10

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The Uniontown City Council Agenda for May 10

Council members:

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Appoint City Clerk, City Treasurer, Court Clerk, Municipal Judge, Prosecutor, official newspaper, bank and administer oath of office

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of April 12, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KCC Inspection

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

Shipping/Storage Containers, Accessory/Storage Buildings, Fences regulations, Solid Waste – set worksession date

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Financial Audit

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply –

 

Pond Improvement Project –

 

American Rescue Plan Act update– set worksession date

 

Street Repair –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by ________________, Second by _____________________, Approved ________ to recess into executive session pursuant to the nonelected personnel matters exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance evaluations of nonelected personnel, the open meeting to resume at____________.

2022 Financials – April 

 

 

 

Government

Newly Created Position at KDOT Filled

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Alexander named KDOT Transportation Electrification Manager
Tami Alexander has been named the Transportation Electrification Manager for the Kansas Department of Transportation. The position was recently created to help the agency focus on strategic planning for electric transportation and to administer federal program funds. Alexander started her new role on May 2.

Alexander previously worked for Metropolitan Energy Center, a nonprofit organization, as their Senior Program Coordinator and served as the Central Kansas Clean Cities Coordinator. She was responsible for programs within the transportation department on alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicle deployments and also educated the public and governments on electric vehicles (EV) and EV charging equipment.

“I am passionate about promoting the economic and environmental benefits of alternative fuels and vehicles and working with rural and urban communities to help them plan and implement projects that support their goals,” she said.

Alexander has bachelor’s degrees in mathematics-statistics and geology and a master’s in environmental science, all from Wichita State University. She is a Kansas native and lives in Wichita with her husband and their three children.

Tami Alexander
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

April 30, 2022

 

The legislature began the 2022 veto session on April 25.  It has been an unusual year and the schedule confirms this since the legislature will return May 23 and the final day of session will not be until June.  The last day is usually in mid-May.  The delayed schedule is a response to the Congressional map being challenged in court.

 

Sales Tax on Groceries, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2106, passed the Senate unanimously and the House with super-majority.  January 1, 2023, the state sales tax on groceries will decrease from 6.5% to 4%, in 2024 it will decrease to 2%, and in 2025 it will be 0%.  The Governor’s plan never cut “sales tax on food”.  It was sales tax on groceries.  Groceries are to be defined as non-prepared foods with a few quirky items.

 

My updates do tend to focus on tax.  As the Senate Tax Chairman, I have worked diligently to lower taxes in Kansas.  Someone in the Capital commented to me that we wouldn’t have passed any tax legislation this year if I would not have been working on it.  We have had some major wins this year, including lowering property tax for homeowners.  (Hopefully, local governments will not take the savings from you by increasing local taxes.)  The Governor took credit for it even though she never worked on it.

The legislature passed a budget that puts over $750 million in reserve.  That money should be returned to the taxpayers – Kansans need it with inflation and skyrocketing prices.  Let’s cut more taxes by passing CCR 2597.  It would remove income tax on Social Security, increase the standard deduction based on inflation, and implement other common-sense tax solutions for Kansans.

Fairness in Women’s Sports, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 160, would have ensured participation in women’s sports is for biological women.  For a second year, the Governor vetoed the legislation.  The Senate had the votes for an override.  However, the House fell three votes short of an override.  I supported the legislation and the override.  It will be interesting to see how much impact this has on 2022 elections.

The Parents’ Bill of Rights, CCR 58, would have been a first step for addressing Critical Race Theory (CRT), age-appropriate material, and transparency for parents of students attending elementary or secondary school in this state.  The Governor vetoed the legislation.  The Senate overrode the veto but the House fell short by 12 votes.  I had introduced a bill banning CRT and the teaching of inaccurate history.  Due to social pressure the bill didn’t even get a hearing.  The Parents’ Bill of Rights was the only legislation to pass out of committee this year.

The Governor vetoed Welfare Reform CCR 2448, requiring able-bodied adults without dependents to complete an employment and training program in order to receive food assistance.  The House and Senate were able to override this veto.  I voted Yes.

A Constitutional Amendment will be on the November 2022 ballot, allowing voters to decide if the Kansas Constitution should be amended to require County Sheriffs to be elected, except for Riley County.

More legislation that passed can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.  I’ll include more items in a later update.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Superintendent Search Update

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

April 29, 2022

 

Message for Stakeholders:

 

On behalf of the board, we would like to update our stakeholders and staff on the Superintendent Search process, specifically the opportunities for input and feedback on candidates.

 

The first opportunity was with the online survey, there was an amazing response – thank you. The next opportunity for feedback will occur during the candidate interview process.

 

There will be two “meet and greet” receptions open to all staff and community members during the candidate’s visit and tour of our district.

On each day of finalist interviews, scheduled for May 10, 11 and/or 12, the district will host public receptions at 4:00 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. It is our hope that providing two times on each day will allow staff and community to select the time that best fits their personal and work schedules.

 

KASB will collect feedback from each of these events and provide the data to the board for consideration. More specific information regarding location and specific dates will be shared as soon as the board determines the number of finalists for interviews.

 

The USD 234 Board of Education wants to use the opportunities provided through the search process to engage the voices of our staff and patrons in helping us identify the best course forward for our district.

Submitted by

USD 234 Fort Scott Board of Education

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 3

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: May 3, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Justin Meeks, County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the April 19 Bourbon County Commission Meeting

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April 19, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Jim Harris, Lynne Oharah
and the County Clerk present.
Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Don Coffman, Matt Crystal, Mark McCoy, Bill Michaud, Rob
Harrington, Lora Holdridge, Annie Clarkson and Bill Martin were present for some or
all of the meeting.
Lynne made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Jim seconded. All
approved.
Eric Bailey presented an entry permit at 2500 Tomahawk for William Pope. Lynne
made a motion to approve the entry permit for William Pope. Jim seconded. All
approved. Eric stated the federal fund exchange amount is $110,072.57. If we do the
buyback through KDOT at 90 cents on the dollar it will be $99,065.32. Jim Harris
signed the agreement. Eric reminded everyone that Thursday is the District 4
meeting at Chanute at 9am. Eric and Dustin Hall will be going. The punch list for
Jayhawk Wind’s Road Use Agreement is complete with punch list. We are in the final
stages of finishing the RUA. Eric said we should have our roads back in our possession
very soon. There is an Open House for Jayhawk Wind for the commissioners to come
meet the operators on Thursday from 3pm to 6pm at the Operations & Maintenance
building. Eric gave a breakdown of the asphalt meeting broke down by district. Gave
a handout of what cost would be. District 3 has no asphalt but would like to do some
preventative maintenance. Lynne asked if it could be cut down between Native &
maple. Dustin stated possibly a little but they wanted to get around both curves as
there is breakdown in the section. Jim stated all districts are important. If money
runs out you have to stop. Justin Meeks stated that Clifton is forgoing asphalt in
District 3 to try to help out the other two districts. Justin also stated that he and Eric
and Susan have discussed the need for a new crusher. Susan stated there is some
federal funding we could go after. Susan had some information on the crusher that
was handed out. Susan stated we would need some monies from the PILOT fund until
some other debt is paid off. We have two years that we have to work with other
funds to pay the note. Justin asked how much of this year’s proposed would have to
be cut to buy the crusher? Dustin stated between $100,000.00 to $150,000.00
depending on what total price is. Susan stated the other thing we need to think
about is so far we have done 3 blasts which is about $120,000.00. To do 4 blasts it’s
going to be $160,000.00. That will be $40,000.00 per year for blast #4. You’re going
to have $80,000.00 for 2 additional blasts so that we can make enough rock. There is
going to be about $136,000.00 per year in expenses to make enough rock and pay for
the blasts. Jim asked Eric about federal funding. Eric stated $60,000.00 has to go for
the bridge on Fern Rd. Susan stated that there are some projects we can after for
funding. The project at Elm Creek dam would qualify so we need to dig into some of
the grants. Lynne made a motion to move Eric Bailey to the end of the meeting after
commissioner comments giving them time to come up with hard numbers on crusher.
Jim seconded. All approved.

Lora Holdridge stated that Caleb Chaplin and they are going to request a road closing
at Pawnee. We noticed there is another land owner that owns all the other land to
the south and they own everything. Could we contact Mr. Callow who owns the
property and ask if we could vacate to save money? Jim said yes.
Bill Martin stated they are part of the Federal Forfeiture group and they are required
to send in an annual certification report to make sure that the funds we get from
Federal Forfeiture Funds are reported properly. The report states no money has been
spent as of now. Lynne Oharah made a motion to allow Jim Harris to sign this
agreement. Jim seconded. All approved.
Justin Meeks requested an executive session for attorney client privilege. Lynne
made a motion for an executive session for 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 including 2 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks
for 4 minutes returning at 9:43am. Jim seconded. All approved. Lynne made a
motion to return to normal session at 9:43am with no action. Jim seconded. All
approved.
Justin Meeks stated that 2 weeks ago there was discussion regarding Elm Creek Lake
with regards to a public/private partnership. We have some ground work to do on
getting bids to fix up the exterior of the 3 structures – The main lodge and two cabins.
The idea of the public/private partnership is to have help being the managers of like
an Airbnb. Eric is planning to drain the lake in early fall and it will be empty for quite
some time in order to repair the dam. This would be the perfect time to explore the
partnership. Now that we have Rob and Susan on board and with Shane’s expertise
with historical preservation we can maybe at the end of May to go out for bid to see
who would be interested in helping us with this public/private partnership. Looking
at having canoe rentals, RV hookups, getting water to the three structures. The
public/private partnership would manage it. There would be a 60/40 split of profits –
40% to the county and 60% to them. Discuss next week the bid process.
Susan did a 5 year comparison and a 2021 year in review for Public Works. We are
going to start implementing this into our budget document for every department. To
show people where we have been and what we have accomplished. We are going to
add projected projects for 2023. One of the things I want to highlight is the fueling
station. We are getting our gas about 40 cents cheaper. Most of the departments are
taking advantage of that. I want to praise those who are trying to keep costs down as
much as we can and that’s where departments are working together to do that. We
had a problem in the landfill last year but have recovered. Susan stated that
financials aren’t balanced and we are working through that this week. I’ve notified
the treasurer that we have about $20,000.00 variance and so we are working through
that. Susan requested an executive session for proprietary. Lynne made a motion for
an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or
trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships for

10 minutes including Rob Harrington, Shane Walker, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft and
2 commissioners returning at 10:10am. Jim seconded. All approved. Lynne made a
motion to return to normal session at 10:10am with no action. Jim seconded. All
approved.
Public Comment: Bill Michaud requested that the county consider a transient guest
tax in the county. Anne Dare asked if Elm Creek Lake was a WPA project? Lynne
stated that the entirety of Elm Creek Lake was a WPA project. She wants to make
certain that research is done so that we are in compliance as this project is ongoing.
Susan stated that we have a CFAP program out there. We’ve got to make sure we are
standing up to that agreement. Anne asked about the crusher and grants that will be
requested for other Road & Bridge projects. The county was turned down for a base
grant and it’s been on the news that several cities in the area did receive one.
What’s going to change that will give us a better chance of getting one? Is there
anything in the works to give us a better chance? Susan stated that yes from the
financial perspective. There is oversight and we are doing better in meeting our
deadlines. We can’t change past violations and when we submit a grant application
we are asked to submit our audit from previous years. It will take us two or three
years to get out of that cycle. Not all grants ask for that information, most federal
grants do. Anne asked if it is helpful that we are implementing internal controls?
Susan stated yes. Anne asked if there have been internal controls in the past? Susan
stated yes. Rob Harrington called to ask about the base grant that we didn’t receive.
There were several grant requests within Bourbon County and none of them were
granted. Twenty grants got a perfect score and underneath that 33 grants tied for
sub-perfect scores. They stated we were very close. There is an opportunity to write
a letter and ask that a second round of base grants be opened. A lot of the grants
went to Johnson and Sedgwick County. Those grants will touch a lot more people
being larger counties. One was a $10 million dollar grant in Johnson County for a
development up there. The Topeka Zoo got 3 million. Another project received 7.9
million. Tie breakers on grants are usually letters of support. If you think it’s a great
project to write a letter of support. Jim responded to Anne’s comments on Elm Creek
that there would be a lot of discussion and public involvement before anything is
done. Mark McCoy stated that he is no longer a city employee. While employed by
the city I made a personal commitment to the city commissioners that I was 100%
committed to them and would limit my contact with the county. I am once again in a
volunteer capacity at the county working with Emergency Management. He said that
he would like to reiterate what Bill Michaud said in that he would like to see a county-
wide transient tax. Mark also stated that he would not be in alignment to renting the
Elm Creek cabins for a month. I don’t think you want to do a long term stay. Susan
stated that after a certain period of time the transient tax runs out. Mark stated he
believed it to be at 28 days. Bill Michaud confirmed that to be correct. Mark
mentioned that the county website needed to be updated. Ashley stated that Shane
Walker has been working with Mat Casner to update the site and changes will be
coming. Mark stated that he has been asked to come onboard with Bourbon County
REDI as the Small Business Coordinator and have accepted. I’m happy to volunteer.
It’s the right thing to do. Mark stated this is a very busy week for Bourbon County.

There is a bicycle race, a mud race and civil war reenactment and ball games are
starting up. St. Mary’s Gala is this weekend as well. Don Coffman stated Old 69
North (215th) is in bad shape. Jim stated that it is on Clifton’s list. Don stated that it
might just need a surface coat. Jim stated that it is on Eric’s maintenance list.
Elected Official Comment: Ashley stated that she and Doretta would be going to
Election training the next two days. We hope to learn a lot. No cost for the session.
She stated that she is looking into new election equipment.
Commission Comment: Jim asked Susan to look into what it would take to implement
the transient tax in the county.
Eric reported on information that he received on the crusher. He got a hard number
for the price of the crusher. He checked with another company and it would be a
year before we could get what we needed. A new crusher would be far more than
what we were projecting. Susan stated that Sourcewell, for equipment and services,
will do their competitive bidding. They get the best possible lowest dollar product so
that cities and counties are not having to spend all their time doing requests for
quotes. Susan asked if the commission chooses to go down this road is for her to have
permission to get with the local banks for lease purchase agreements and have them
bid on that. Lynne made a motion to purchase the used crusher MR130 Crusher and
953 Screen Plant for $1.356 million which will be paid for with a combination of Road
& Bridge Funds, Hard Surface Road funds and PILOT money for down payments and
Susan will reach out to local banks for financing of remainder of the balance. Jim
seconded. All approved. Susan stated this is a 10-year lease purchase. Anne Dare
asked where the machine would be coming from. Dustin Hall responded from Murphy
Tractor. Jim stated that 215th off Indian going south to 39th needs to be completed.
The lake road needs some work. Do what you can. Dustin Hall stated they are hoping
sales tax will be high again this year and maybe will have enough to care of all of it.
Lynne Oharah made a motion to approve the asphalt program Eric provided as well as
use Onyx for 5 miles as a test. Eric has discretion to trim projects to lower cost to get
new crusher. Jim stated to be very selective where they trim. Jim seconded. All
approved.
Lynne made a motion to adjourn at 10:57am. Jim seconded. All approved.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commissioners Meet in Special Meeting Today at 5 p.m.

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There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28th, 2022.  This meeting will be held for the City Commission to recess into Executive Session.

 

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.   This meeting is open to the public.  The Executive Session is not open to the public.