Category Archives: Government

August 28 Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission

August 28, 2023                                                                                                                   Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe and the County Clerk present.

 

Anne Dare, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 8/21/23 and 8/24/23, approval of payroll totaling $336,998.21, and approval of accounts payable totaling $401,487.67. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clint Walker stated that Kansas is receiving $451,000,000 to allow for better cell phone service and computer service and he hopes Bourbon County receives their fair share of it.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, updated the Commissioners on the chip and seal project which Eric said is currently on hold due to the chip spreader breaking down last Friday. Eric stated they are taking the machine to G.W. Van Keppel for repairs. A blast is scheduled for Thursday at Thomas Quarry and the crusher is being moved there from the Beth Quarry. Eric said the crew is out patching potholes, mowing right of ways, and getting rock on the roads. Nelson said he received a call from Brent Smith and spoke to Eric about the status of a project on 115th Street. Eric stated he would check into this as he thought the tubes had been installed. Jim asked Eric if his budget was doing ok and receiving reports, and Eric said he has been crunching numbers with Susan.

 

Rob Harrington, with Bourbon County REDI, stated he was here on behalf of Legacy Health Leadership Team to update the Commission on emergency services in Bourbon County. Mr. Harrington said Legacy Health is moving forward with a strategic partner to solidify emergency room services in Bourbon County. More information on a timeline and the partners will be announced in the next few weeks. Jim asked Rob to share with Legacy that he appreciates Legacy providing us an ER. Rob asked for a 3-minute executive session to update Commissioners on another project.

 

Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Nelson made a motion to go into a session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include both Commissioners, Rob Harrington, and Justin Meeks for 3-minutes returning at 5:41. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 5:41 with no action. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Jim said he likes we are getting some roads done. Jim stated there will not be a Commission meeting on Monday due to Labor Day, but a meeting will be held after the budget hearing on September 7th. Jim said the City of Fort Scott is meeting tonight to discuss the water situation and make a declaration since Bourbon County is in the emergency drought area declared by the state. Jim explained the Governor’s emergency drought declaration and how the state is allowing individuals permits to obtain water from state fishing lakes, however; Bourbon County does not have a state fishing lake. Jim said the city owns all the water, and they are taking notice and taking action.

 

Nelson said he has heard talk of mask mandates coming back and that he remembers when we had someone at the door checking temperatures and handing out masks and stated he will not have anything to do with that. Jim said if we have to go in that direction, Nelson would be allowed to vote. Jim said before he would entertain considering a vote, he would want to hear more from Clifton who is our health representative, Becky Johnson from SEK-Multi County Health Department, and have several health officials to talk to us and give us guidance. Anne Dare said we have learned a lot and that needs to be taken into consideration and that the monthly meeting of the SEK-Multi County Health Department will be held tomorrow in Garnett but she is unsure if that topic will be discussed. Jim said it is something we will have to watching going forward and see what happens.

 

Clint Walker questioned if the Commissioners have heard anything from the state about West Nile Virus that has been detected in surrounding counties. Jim stated he has not heard anything regarding West Nile Virus in the area.

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:46. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Selena Alvarado, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

              9/11/2023          Approved Date

 

 

 

Work Session Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Sept.18

 

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

September 18, 2023 4:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

A work session will be held to discuss health insurance benefits with Don Doherty.

 

 

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Sept. 18

 

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

September 18, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9-11-2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Bill Michaud-CORE Communities Progress Update
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • 2022 Audit Letter
  • Commission Comments
  1. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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

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

attorney-client relationship.

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

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

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

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

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

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

KS Birth Certificate Must Reflect Scientific Fact

AG Kobach commends KDHE for complying with state law on Birth Certificates

TOPEKA – (Sept. 15, 2023) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued the following statement in response to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment complying with SB 180 and Attorney General Opinion 2023-2 by listing individuals’ biological sex at birth on birth certificates and stopping the modification of birth certificates to reflect something other than sex at birth. KDHE will also restore its own previously modified birth records to their original form.

Attorney General Kobach stated: “The intent of Kansas legislators was clear when they passed the Women’s Bill of Rights. Kansas birth certificates are state records that must reflect scientific fact as recorded by the doctor at the time of birth. I am pleased that KDHE is now complying with Kansas law in the wake of the recent federal district court order.”

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CONTACT: Danedri Herbert – (913) 706-6394 [email protected]

KS Governor Participates in Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference

Governor Kelly Travels to Japan, South Korea
to Create More Jobs for Kansans


TOPEKA
– This week, Governor Laura Kelly traveled to Japan and South Korea to participate in the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association (MWJA/JMWA) Conference. While there, she met with business leaders to continue building on Kansas’ historic economic development success and create new job opportunities for Kansas workers.

“The relationships we’ve established with Japanese and Korean companies like Panasonic, Marubeni, and CJ CheilJedang have been instrumental in the $17.4 billion in private investments made into the state since I took office,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening those relationships and building new ones, we continue spurring economic development success and delivering on our mission to make Kansas the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

While in Japan, Governor Kelly delivered keynote remarks at the MWJA/JMWA conference and, alongside a bipartisan group of Midwest governors, met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel to discuss economic development opportunities.

“Governor Kelly’s commitment to strengthening ties with Japan and South Korea is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leadership needed for trilateral cooperation. These partnerships aren’t just about business; they’re about building a brighter future for Kansans,” Ambassador Rahm Emanuel said. “When I see a state like Kansas making such significant strides in global economic partnerships, it showcases the importance of collaboration, vision, and innovation.”

In Kyoto, Governor Kelly met with Panasonic Energy leadership. In July 2022, Governor Kelly announced Panasonic would be building one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plants in the United States in De Soto. The $4 billion investment is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs, which represents the largest economic development project in Kansas history. Learn more about Panasonic’s historic investment here.

In Tokyo, Governor Kelly toured the Marubeni Corporation headquarters. Marubeni acquired Arkansas City’s Creekstone Farms Premium Beef LLC in 2017. Since then, the company has invested $35 million in facility improvements, including a refrigerated distribution center and 20,000 square-foot child care facility that is now under construction. In 2020, Creekstone Farms was awarded the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award. Governor Kelly toured the plant in June 2021. Learn more about Creekstone Farms and Marubeni here.

Governor Kelly ended her trip in South Korea, where she visited CJ CheilJedang (CJCJ) headquarters. CJCJ became the parent company of Schwan’s in 2019 and constructed the world’s largest frozen pizza manufacturing plant in Salina, creating 225 new jobs. Its $600 million investment resulted in a new manufacturing plant that opened in May 2023 and a food distribution center that is expected to be completed in early 2025. Learn more about CJCJ’s investment in Schwan’s here.

No Fall Turkey Hunting Season in 2023 in Kansas

Fall Turkey Season Suspended in Kansas Due to Population Declines

PRATT – Beginning this fall, Kansas will have no fall turkey hunting season due to declining populations at state and regional levels. The difficult decision was arrived at by members of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission after hearing compelling recommendations from staff over the course of four public meetings.

“We’ve documented consistent declines in turkey populations over the last 15 years largely due to reduced production levels,” said Kent Fricke, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks small game biologist. “These trends are not unique to Kansas. States across the Midwest and Southeast have experienced similar patterns in turkey populations.”

Though far fewer turkey hunters participate in the fall season than in the spring in Kansas, wildlife biologists said it remained an important component of overall harvest.

“The estimated statewide fall harvest of turkey was less than 500 birds in 2022,” said Fricke. “While this is a small proportion of the statewide population, fall harvest is an additive source of mortality for turkeys, especially when hens are harvested.”

Over the past several years, Commissioners have approved other preventative recommendations to reduce the impact of the fall season on turkey populations. In 2017, Commissioners voted to reduce the statewide bag limit from four birds to one bird. In 2019, fall turkey season dates were reduced from Oct. 1 through Jan. 31 (123 days) to Oct. 1 through Nov. 10 (41 days).

But not all is lost. Staff continue working diligently to obtain as much data as possible in hopes of one day reversing declining population trends. One such example is a new research project set to begin in Kansas in January 2024 to examine wild turkey populations and ecology to inform state harvest and habitat management (more HERE).

To learn more about turkey hunting in Kansas – including Kansas’ all-new lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits and other regulation changes aimed at population conservation – visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting then select “Turkey.”

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Increased Patrol on Hwy. 69 Starts Today

Expect increased traffic enforcement on Safety Corridors

Drivers will notice increased activity by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol along four designated Kansas Safety Corridors beginning in mid-September. The increase is part of the continuing efforts being implemented to reduce fatalities and serious injuries along the corridors.

These agencies are working to save lives by deterring dangerous driving behaviors including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving as well as occupant protection violations.

The four corridors under the Safety Corridor Pilot Program include:

  • I-135: Sedgwick and Harvey counties, from 53rd Street in Park City to Exit 34 in North Newton.
  • U.S. 24: Pottawatomie County, from St. Marys west to Manhattan.
  • U.S. 83/50: Finney County, from Plymell north through Garden City and west to the Holcomb exit.
  • U.S. 69: Crawford County, from the U.S. 400 junction north through Frontenac and Pittsburg to the U.S. 160 junction.

The five-year Safety Corridor Pilot Program is a strategic initiative of the Drive To Zero (DTZ) Coalition, which is a partnership comprised of state and professional organizations whose mission is to have zero traffic fatalities. The Safety Corridors were selected based on a history of fatal and serious injury crashes, availability of additional law enforcement and input from local transportation safety partners.

From 2016 to 2021, over 500 crashes occurred on these corridors resulting in 35 deaths and 68 serious injuries. For more information, visit the corridor website at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burTrafficSaf/safetycorridor.asp.

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City Commission Agenda for Sept. 19

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 19, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by M. Wells
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 5, 2023
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1344-A — $469,395.66
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering and Inspection – $36,194.50
1. Invoice #16789 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $23,194.50
2. Invoice #16784 – 21-303 – WWTP – System Design – Phase III – $13,000.00
D. Request to Pay – Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. – Financial Advisory Fee – General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 – Issue Record #64784 – $12,312.50.
E. August Financials
F. Request to Approve Change Order No. 2 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Bennett, Inc. – Increase of $63,295.00
V. Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VI. Old Business:
A. Consideration to Accept USDA Rural Development Grant for $33,000.00 –
D. Bruner and Emily Diebolt – Storm Sirens
B. Consideration to Accept (2) Grants from Timken Foundation of Canton –
1. City of Fort Scott – Automated External Defibrillators – $13,500.00
2. Fort Scott Fire Department – UTV – $21,500.00
C. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health In All Policies Task Force – Tabled until September 19, 2023, for response to request to have contract language amended. History: Tabled July 25, 2023, August 1, 2023, defeated motion on August 15, 2023.
D. Consideration of Resolution No. 13-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1001 W. 2 nd St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather more information.
E. Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2023 – Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure – 1801 W. Wall St.
Tabled to September 19, 2023, for extension to gather information regarding owners and taxes being paid.
VII. Appearances:
A. Lake Fort Scott Residents – Potential lake improvements during low level
VIII. Public Hearing: 2023 Budget Amendment
IX. New Business:
A. Consideration of Purchase of new WILO mixer for bio basin from IPS Process Solutions for $25,244.35 – S. Flater
B. Consideration of Contractors’ Licensing Program – N. Nation
C. Consideration of Project Inspection – Sanitary Sewer Relocation for the Infantry Substation – J. Dickman
D. Consideration of Relocation and Reimbursement Agreement – Evergy – Fort Scott Infantry Substation Project – J. Dickman – Tabled from September 5, 2023
to propose a project inspection inclusion to Evergy.
X. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
K. Harrington –
E. Woellhof –
M. Guns –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XI. Adjournment:

Agenda for Special City Commission Meeting on Sept. 14

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
September 14, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: T. Van Hoecke
III. Approval of Agenda:
IV: New Business:
A. Consideration of Bids for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 @ 20 th Street Repair – J. Dickman
B. Consideration of Proposal for Inspection for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 @ 20 th Street – J. Dickman
C. Consideration of Approval of (2) Beer Gardens for Fort Fest 2023 –
September 30, 2023 – Riverfront Park – B. Matkin or Cory Bryars
XI. Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:

Fort Scott to Receive Highway Geometric Improvement in the Amount of $1,500,000 

Governor Kelly Announces 27 Cities to Receive $22M for Highway Improvements

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 27 cities across Kansas will receive a total of $22 million for projects to improve intersections and state highways extending through cities as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP).

“My administration is committed to preserving and improving Kansas highways by investing transportation dollars in the projects where they can do the most good,” said Governor Kelly. “Thanks to our increasingly solid financial footing at the state and federal levels, Kansas is finding ways to solve problems and bring resources directly to communities across the state.”

KDOT was able to increase CCLIP funding for this selection cycle due to additional federal funds coming to Kansas as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL). The program will provide $5.1 million in state fiscal year 2025 and $16.9 million in state fiscal year 2026.

Both federal and state funds are designated for the CCLIP program. Local matching funds are required based on city population.

In total for this CCLIP cycle, KDOT received 60 applications requesting $53 million.

“Pooling resources is an excellent way for cities to maximize the benefits of additional funding for local transportation investments,” said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Investing in highways that also serve as city streets is a huge benefit to communities to improve safety and create a better environment for business activity.”

CCLIP projects can be submitted in three categories: Surface Preservation, which involves maintenance work such as resurfacing; Pavement Restoration, which includes full-depth pavement replacement and possibly drainage issues; and Geometric Improvement, which addresses turn lanes, intersection improvements, or modifications to lane configurations.

For the state fiscal year 2025, the city, category, and amount awarded CCLIP funds include:

  • Abilene – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Atchison – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Clay Center – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Colby – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Council Grove – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Emporia – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Harper – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Larned – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Leavenworth – Surface Restoration, $400,000
  • Lyons – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Stockton – Pavement Restoration, $700,000
  • Winfield – Surface Preservation, $400,000

For the fiscal year 2026, the city, category, and amount awarded CCLIP funds include:

  • Clay Center – Surface Preservation, $400,000
  • Ellsworth – Geometric Improvement, $1,100,000
  • Emporia – Geometric Improvement, $1,200,000
  • Fort Scott – Geometric Improvement, $1,500,000
  • Girard – Pavement Restoration, $1,500,000
  • Hoisington – Pavement Restoration, $1,100,000
  • Lakin – Pavement Restoration, $1,400,000
  • Meade – Pavement Restoration, $1,300,000
  • Ness City – Pavement Restoration, $1,100,000
  • Pittsburg – Geometric Improvement, $1,500,000
  • Russell – Pavement Restoration, $1,000,000
  • Sedan – Pavement Restoration, $1,250,000
  • Wamego – Pavement Restoration, $650,000
  • Westwood – Pavement Restoration, $400,000
  • Yates Center – Pavement Restoration, $1,500,000

 A map of these CCLIP projects is available here.

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Fort Scott’s New Community Development Director: Mary Wyatt

Mary Wyatt, 37, is the new Fort Scott Community Development Director, with an office located at City Hall.

City Manager Brad Matkin said that the city had a community development director four years ago and believes the position is important.

Fort Scott City Hall.

In her job, she will involved in projects for community venues such as the golf course, airport, Memorial Hall, Buck Run Community Center, Lake Fort Scott, LaRoche Stadium, and the Heathly Bourbon County Actions Team’s Downtown Arch Project.

Additionally, she will be working with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development and representing Fort Scott in Topeka, City Manager  Matkin said.

“I sit on some event planning committee boards and volunteer for community events like the Gordon Parks Festival, and will be the facilitator for the city meetings of several advisory boards,” she said. “I research and apply for grant funding to make improvements to our community, I also assist our City Manager  and Tourism Department on projects.”

“Her personality will be a great fit for not only our staff but with the citizens of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “She is from Fort Scott and knows what the citizens want and need. She has goals set for herself and is a self-starter and that is very important in a position like this.”

She graduated from Fort Scott High School and Missouri State University with a bachelor’s in Health and Human Services

I worked over a decade of my career at Medplans/Firstsource here in Fort Scott as a Claims Analyst, then promoted to Quality Analyst, four years of my career at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott and Olathe Health as an Insurance Specialist, then promoted to Patient Access Supervisor,” she said.  “Most recently my husband and I started our own business in June of 2022, Wyatt’s HVAC & Home Solutions, LLC.”

“Going back to school to get my college degree was where I found my passion and niche in public health and safety,” she said.

“My husband David and I have two children, ” she said. “Our son Daxton just turned 15 and is a freshman at Fort Scott High School, he plays soccer for the Fort Scott Tigers. Our daughter Alayna is 12 years old and is in 7th grade at Fort Scott Middle School and plays volleyball there.”

My birthday is on Halloween, so I’m into all things spooky… Halloween, fall candles, scary movies, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween costumes of course!” she said.  “I’m also signing up to volunteer to help the Chamber of Commerce out with our Fall Festival here in town. I love to cook and bake, and I love crafting as well.”

Matkin said Wyatt stood out from the other candidates because she has dealt with the public, has been in management, and has experience working on saving time, money, and resources.

I have a very strong and innate sense of empathy and compassion for all people of all backgrounds who are struggling, misunderstood, marginalized, and underrepresented,” she said.

She has lived in Fort Scott most of her life.

“That helps me to connect to and understand the needs of many different groups of people here,” she said. “This job entails a lot of meetings, research, number crunching, data, financial analysis, etc. that’s necessary to get the job done, but what gets me out of bed every day is my love and empathy for our community.”

“I also bring determination and perseverance to this position with the city and I’m not afraid of digging into hard work to get things accomplished. I come from a long line of blue-collar, salt of the earth, came up from nothing, earn-every-penny-we’ve-ever-had type of a family.”

“I have been on my own and working full-time since I was 17 years old, she said. “I haven’t had an easy life, I’ve had to work hard, fail, try again, fail, get up, and keep trying to accomplish my goals, but one thing about me, I never give up. I will never stop working towards making the City of Fort Scott a better place to live for our citizens. I will never throw in the towel, I will always get up every time I’m knocked down, and I will contribute everything I have in me in my time here with the city, to work towards a healthier and happier future for our community.”

Matkin decided not to fill the FS Human Resource Director position, instead spreading that out throughout the staff, “so the money from that position will fund the Community Development Director position. I will continue doing some of the delicate HR functions as well as my City Manager functions.”

The salary for the Fort Scott Community Development position is $52,500 – $70,000 range, he said.