Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Minutes of October 23

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October 23, 2023                                                                                                                 Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

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

 

Karla Cox, Dale Bollinger, Clint Walker, Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers, and Deb McCoy were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 10/16/23, approval of payroll totaling $342,018.24, and approval of accounts payable totaling $694,895.54. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

During the public comments Dale Bollinger stated he spent 28 years providing fire and EMS services for the City of Fort Scott and felt obligated to come speak. Mr. Bollinger asked for clarification on the amount that Clifton had previously stated it would cost to put an EMS barn in the western part of Bourbon County. Jim stated a new ambulance is around $350,000 and Clifton added we need new ambulances now then to add additional for a western EMS barn plus the payroll for additional employees. Mr. Bollinger stated he was trying to make suggestions on ways to operate and suggested putting an ambulance at the Uniontown Fire Station. Jim asked why we haven’t received a request from those out west for an EMS barn in their part of the county. Mr. Bollinger asked questions regarding the current EMS processes and abilities and it was suggested to him that he speak to EMS Director Teri Hulsey. Mr. Bollinger voiced his opinion on the necessity of an emergency room stating that EMS could stabilize and transfer to the nearest appropriate health care facility and asked Commissioners not to get in a hurry funding 1.5 million of taxpayer dollars. Clifton said Dale’s opinion is we don’t need an ER and his opinion is that we do. Clifton stated he has spoken to two doctors that he trusts that advised him we need an emergency room. Clint Walker stated Allen County EMS just ordered an ambulance and is on a two year wait list. Mr. Walker asked that Bourbon County be proactive instead of reactive and informed the Commissioners of a water program he heard about and suggested it be looked into to see if Elm Creek might qualify. Pete Allen stated we have excellent EMS service in Bourbon County and that we need to get an ambulance to people as quickly as possible which is why he suggested putting an ambulance in western Bourbon County. Mr. Allen questioned the need for an emergency room in Fort Scott and stated our taxes are already high and that we can’t afford to lose more residents. Clifton asked if Mr. Allen  knew the estimated loss of industry in Bourbon County if we don’t have an emergency room and stated it is 20%.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, provided the Commissioners a letter of support to sign for CHC SEK’s transportation program grant application. Jennifer asked the Commissioners to approve the 2024 calendar so that workdays could be submitted to KPERS. Clifton made a motion to pass Resolution 16-23 designating 2024 holidays for Bourbon County. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jennifer Hawkins requested a 5-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners, Jennifer Hawkins, and Susan Walker and will return at 6:20. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:20 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks requested a 5-minute executive session.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:27. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:27 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated the asphalt on Eagle Road from the railroad tracks east to the state line is completed. Last week the crew worked on building the base and replacing crossroad tubes on Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th Street. Eric said the crusher quit this afternoon and threw a code so they contacted the company and are waiting to hear back from them. Eric told Jim he looked at the culvert near 30th Street and Highway 39 and that the crew would have to fix it as it had fallen in. Eric said they have added oversize rock to the boat ramp at Elm Creek. Eric stated Murphy Tractor has reached out about going to Iowa to tour the factory where the graders are made. Jim said he wouldn’t be able to go until spring but it is worth the trip. Nelson verified that the 4-way stop that was approved last week was placed and Eric stated he will make sure it is up. Jim suggested speaking about speed limits on gravel roads next week.

 

Nelson said that 30% of people who go to the emergency room are for non-emergency issues and that people call an ambulance when they could have waited and gone to the clinic the next day. Clifton stated that the problem didn’t happen overnight and won’t be fixed overnight. Clifton spoke about opinions that are posted online and in the newspaper as fact. Jim stated he has been contacted by individuals and businesses who have stated if we do not have an emergency room that they would have to leave Bourbon County. Jim said there is a Community Connection Luncheon hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday but Nelson and Clifton couldn’t attend so Jim will be attending. Jim discussed the candidate forum that will be hosted at Fort Scott Community College on Wednesday evening. Jim made a motion that all three Commissioners may attend the candidate forum at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Wednesday with no county business being conducted. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:40. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

10-30-2023                                     Approved Date

 

Government, Kansas

The Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1

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TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Wednesday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when the local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.

Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027 or 785-271-3140.

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Government, Kansas

KDOT sets online meetings for input on projects to address extreme weather, natural hazards

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The Kansas Department of Transportation is receiving federal funds to address transportation infrastructure vulnerabilities caused by extreme weather events and natural hazards that can happen anytime across the state.

To receive input from the public about transportation infrastructure needs in Kansas regions or communities, KDOT is holding three online meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

“We want to know where the trouble spots are, such as frequently flooded roadways,” said David Schwartz, KDOT Assistant to the Director of Planning and Development. “We also want to know where critical community assets might be at risk of losing access during disasters. Having additional background and data from the public will assist KDOT staff when making project selections.”

Eligible project costs could include:

  • Planning, design, construction, rehabilitation and property acquisition related to improving the resilience of the state transportation system.
  • Equipment acquisition to support disaster response and transportation resilience.
  • Natural infrastructure, flood protection and ecosystem restoration projects in connection with transportation improvements.

Each of the Nov. 1 online meetings will have a different emphasis. They will be:

  • 2 p.m. – Focus on Wichita metro.
  • 5:30 p.m. – Focus on Kansas City metro.
  • 7 p.m. – Kansas statewide focus.

To connect to one of the meetings and for more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/mrxcysx6. Reservations are not required. The meetings will be recorded for later viewing and comment submission at the website address above.

The funds are through the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program. This program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is providing funds for Federal Highway Administration programs through 2026.

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Government, Health Care, K-State Extension, Kansas

The A, B, C, & D’s of Medicare

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

We’ve all seen the Medicare ads that will make you wonder if you are missing out on important benefits.  This is not necessarily the case and there is no need to ponder this concern alone!  Trained and unbiased Senior Health Insurance Counselors are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation.

 

Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15th-December 7th, is a great time to ask your questions!  Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment.  Until then, here are some Medicare basics:

 

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that can cover:

  • individuals ages 65 and older, individuals younger than age 65 years with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

 

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that covers:

  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Qualified short-term stay in skilled nursing facilities
  • Home health care Hospice care
  • Part A is premium-free for most individuals

 

Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers:

  • Doctor’s office visits
  • Outpatient hospital care
  • Lab tests and certain medical equipment and supplies
  • In 2024, this monthly premium for most people is $174.70.

 

Medicare Advantage Plans are also called Medicare Part C:

  • Combine Part A and Part B services (i.e., HMO, PPO, PFFS, etc.)
  • Some offer prescription drug coverage
  • Should visit with your doctors prior to see if accepts this plan

 

Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage:

  • Insurance that covers both generic and brand-name prescriptions
  • Coverage is provided through private insurance companies
  • Most will pay a monthly premium for a drug plan

 

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap):

  • Private health insurance that helps pay beneficiaries’ share of costs in Original Medicare

 

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

  • Helps pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-pays for individuals with limited income and resources

 

Part D Extra Help:

  • Helps pay for premiums, deductibles and prescription drug costs with an income eligibility requirement

 

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 30

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

October 30, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/23/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Bourbon County Soil Conservation District
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Discussion of Speed Limits on Gravel Roads
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Letter of Support for SEKMHC-KDOT Transportation Grant
    2. Appointment of KWORCC Voting Delegates and Nomination of Trustee
    3. 11/6/2023 Meeting
  1. Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the USD 234 Board of Education for Oct. 30

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING

October 30, 2023 – 5:30 PM

AGENDA SUMMARY

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                Danny Brown, President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3..0      Other Business – Personnel Matters

3.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item).

 

3.2       Exit Executive Session

 

3.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

           

4.0       Adjourn Meeting

                        President Brown

Government

Cost Share Assistance Available for Irrigation Technology

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation (KDA–DOC) is pleased to announce the availability of funds in the form of cost share assistance and incentive payments to assist landowners with irrigation efficiency technology. The funding is provided by KDA–DOC through appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund and the program is administered by Conservation Districts across the state.

This initiative is designed to promote irrigation efficiency by providing cost share assistance to landowners for automated mobile drip irrigation systems, autonomous pivot systems, water meter monitoring software subscriptions, bubbler nozzle packages, and remote monitoring systems (soil moisture probes included as part of system).

Eligible projects must be located within Kansas groundwater management districts 1 through 5. Applications are currently being accepted, and projects will be approved beginning on November 1, 2023, until all funds have been allocated. Equipment purchases and subscriptions made before application approval by KDA–DOC are not eligible for this initiative.

Applications for this irrigation technology cost share funding must be made through local Conservation Districts. For application assistance and details about funding eligibility, along with more information concerning other available services, please contact your local Conservation District office. A directory of Conservation Districts can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts.

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Cost Share Assistance Available for Irrigation Technology.pdf
Fort Scott, Government

Design Review Advisory Board Meeting is Nov. 6

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The Fort Scott Design Review Advisory Board Meeting

 

When: November 6th, 2023

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topics for discussion:

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness for storefronts of 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main in Fort Scott submitted for consideration.
  2. Certificate of Appropriateness for 10 S. National DCF Building project submitted for consideration.

 

The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available to watch on YouTube after the meeting is held.

 

Submitted by:

Mary Wyatt

Community Development Director

City of Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government

Brad Matkin Resigns as City of Fort Scott Manager, Effective January 3

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Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.

Brad Matkin, Fort Scott’s City Manager for approximately 1.5 years resigned yesterday, posting a public service announcement on the City of Fort Scott Facebook page.

Matkin said on October 24 he turned in a letter of resignation to the Fort Scott City Commission, effective on January 3, 2024.

“I will continue doing duties of city manager until that time and close out some of the projects we’ve got, and establish guidelines for the next few years, ” he said on Facebook.

“There is a lot left to do,” Matkin said. “We have only touched the very tip of the iceberg with our accomplishments. As a City, we must establish a Housing/Business Development Coordinator who works full-time for the city and goes and visits with our existing businesses to see if there is anything the City of Fort Scott can do for them. We worry so much about bringing in new business sometimes the great businesses like Timken, Peerless, Ward Kraft, etc. get forgotten.”

This Housing/Business Development Coordinator position would also help developers in their housing and business developments, finding grants, property, and opportunities, he said.

Other projects that Matkin sees as not completed are street, water, and wastewater 2024 and 2025 programs that need to be developed and executed, along with several other tasks.

“You sacrifice a lot with this position and family is very important to me,” he said in an interview. “I have lost many years with my family in previous jobs, and I have decided this was not fair to me or my family. There are several reasons for my departure but this is the only one I will discuss.”

Matkin thanked the city staff and utility work crews, the commissioners, citizens, and his family for their support.

Even “Citizens who haven’t always been supportive, I want to thank you because you are the motivation that drives us,” he said.

He credits any accomplishments to his staff and crews, he said in an interview. “I was just the person that helped with the decisions, they are the ones that made them happen. Every accomplishment I can write down was done by the City of Fort Scott Team and not the City Manager.”

 

Here are the staff accomplishments:

  • Building the staff that the city currently has.
  • Establishing the “My Fort Scott” app.
  • Finishing Cooper Street.
  • Finishing “Old Faithful” project.
  • Improving wages for City staff members.
  • Improving wages for City Public Safety members
  • Gunn Park camping area improvements.
  • Lake Fort Scott stem repair.
  • 2022 Cape Seal program completion and 2023 Cape Seal program preparation work.
  • Increasing advertisements and promotions of area events by the tourism department.
  • Approvement of 2025 CCLIP grant for 2nd phase of Wall Street
  • Pothole and Crack sealing program.
  • Establishing a brick crew, and a street repair team.
  • Memorial Hall improvements.
  • Additional Lake Fort Scott fishing docks.
  • Buck Run Community Center improvements.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements and elimination of “the smell”.
  • Assignment of Baker Tilly as City’s Finance Director.
  • Flawless 2022 City audit.
  • $1.7 million CDBG sewer repair grant ($1.1 million was the city’s responsibility).
  • Airport runway and taxi-way improvements.
  • Stormwater project on 17th and Eddy.
  • Purchased street line painter, painting the city streets with city crews.
  • Several street and water line repairs.
  • Bringing back the Community Development position.
  • Establishing a budget that did not increase taxes and opened up some additional monies.

 

Fort Scott has a future, he said. “If it’s allowed, but it’s going to take positivity. That was my goal to spread positivity and get rid of negativity. I feel like I have done that, for the most part.”

“It’s my hometown,” he said on the Facebook announcement of his resignation. “I’ve lived here 53 years….there is no place better.”

He will help the commission find a replacement for the position, he said. “To get everything ready for basically what I would have done into the next two years,” he said in making the resignation announcement at the Community Connections Panel at noon yesterday.

When Matkin told the panel he was resigning, at the end of his presentation of highlights at the city,  the moderator, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President Bailey Lyons thanked Matkin for his service to the city of Fort Scott, and asked if there is a new search started for city manager.

“I haven’t talked to the commission, personally,” he said. “If I had a recommendation, I would make it a national search or a least broaden the search out a little further. It will take a little while to find one.”

To view a prior story:

Brad Matkin is the New Fort ScoATtt Interim City Manager

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Meet in a Special Meeting on Oct. 30

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The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, October 30, 2023 in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at 5:00 pm.  The board will immediately adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel matters of nonelected personnel regarding administrative contracts and organizational structure and for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship as it relates to real estate negotiations.  No action is expected to follow.

 

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Capitol Tour
Jill Jones of Prairie Village

Aaron Cain of Spring Hill

Julie Cain of Spring Hill

Jenna Cain of Spring Hill

Wes Cain of Spring Hill

Chelsea Powell of Hays

Tommy Powell of Hays

Thomas Powell of Hays

Lila Montgomery of Hays

Walter Montgomery of Hays

Richard Vohs of Olathe

Amanda Nedved of Lenexa

Adelie Nedved of Lenexa

Avalyn Nedved of Lenexa

Alexa Nedved of Lenexa

Nicole Huff of Cunningham

Fred Frantz of Overland Park

Audrey Frantz of Overland Park

Gabrielle Frantz of Overland Park

Freddie Frantz of Overland Park

Justin Frantz of Overland Park

Oliver Sowards of Olathe

Natalie Sowards of Olathe

Jackson Sowards of Olathe

Reid Sowards of Olathe

Matt Walker of DeSoto

Megan Walker of DeSoto

Lydia Walker of DeSoto

Adalyn Walker of DeSoto

Don Koci of Colwich

Laurie Koci of Colwich

Alvin Neville of Colwich

Karla Neville of Colwich

Ben Marquardt of Overland Park

Caitie Marquardt of Overland Park

American College of Cardiology
Danish Bawa of Overland Park

Rajendran Sabapathy of Overland Park

Ashiya Khan of Overland Park

WTA Advocates for Rural Broadband
David Shipley of Allen

Mark Gailey of Tyro

MKC
Dave Spears of Valley Center

Community Care Network of Kansas
Scott Anglemyer of Shawnee

Sonja Bachus of Topeka

American Association of Crop Insurers
Doug Jakway of Lawrence

CoBank
KC Preisner of Dodge City

American Psychiatric Association
Cord Huston of Lenexa
Kamalakar Surineni of Wichita

National Children’s Alliance
Christian Morgan of Overland Park

Mesothelioma Applied Foundation
Mackenzie Thomas of Lenexa

Tiffany Thomas of Lenexa

CARE USA
Elysia Chao of Lenexa

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Jennifer Naylor of Rose Hill

Hannah Soderstrom of Wichita

Heather Soderstrom of Wichita

MOARC
Melissa Sieben of Lawrence

PFLAG
Lisa Wright of Overland Park

Edith Guffey of Lawrence


 

 

 


Recognizing National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, ensuring Americans had an opportunity to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome. This week, I continued the tradition by introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution that outlines the improvements made to Down syndrome research and advocacy, the improved quality of live for the Down syndrome community, and commended the efforts of loved ones and caretakers who steadfastly care for individuals with Down syndrome. As co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am pleased that efforts to increase federal investment in Down syndrome research has significantly improved over the past decade. This month is an opportunity to honor the Down syndrome community, their families and caretakers, and leaders in the advocacy and medical research fields for their work to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome.

You can watch my floor speech honoring Down Syndrome Awareness Month here.

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