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The Special Council Meeting on March 25, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin (5:31), Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order discuss offer of position of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 6:05PM
Johnson in at 5:41, out at 5:42. Open meeting resumed at 6:05.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to authorize Mayor Jurgensen to hire a City Clerk at $15/hour with benefits as specified in employee policy manual
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 6:08PM
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 19, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).
Roll Call
Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.
Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation – T. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and M. Wells said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly, Ben Hart/City Finance Director-BakerTilly (via Teams Meeting), Tom Coffman/Public Works Director, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Michael Hoyt, J. D. Collins/R&R Equipment, Diane Striler, Cory Bryars, Kate Freeman, Deb Needleman, Gary Cullor, Kevin Mitchelson/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm, Dakota Lapping/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm, Fred Wingert/Advantage Development LLC, and Lindsay Madison.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as presented. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1356-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates February 28, 2024 – March 12, 2024 – $387,082.32
– Approval of Minutes from September 19, 2023, February 6, 2024, and
March 5, 2024
– February Financials
MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
Public Comment No Public Comments.
Appearances
Joe Wimmer (Time stamp 5:55) – Tiger Color Run – Request for Temporary Street Closure – April 26, 2024 – Maple Ridge Park (roadway in Riverfront Park) – 5:00PM – 8:00PM and Temporary Park Closure – April 26, 2024 – 4:00PM – 8:00PM.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve the applications. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED THE REQUEST FROM USD234 FOR A TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE ON APRIL 26, 2024, OF MAPLE RIDGE PARK (ROADWAY IN RIVERFRONT PARK) FROM 5:00PM TO 8:00PM AND THE TEMPORARY CLOSUURE OF RIVERFRONT PARK ON APRIL 26, 2024, FROM 4:00PM – 8:00PM FOR THE ANNUAL TIGER COLOR RUN.
Diane Striler and Cory Bryars (Time stamp – 7:17) – appeared before the Commission to provide the requested financial outline of the costs to own and operate the proposed Downtown Ice-Skating Rink from the March 5, 2024, Appearance. (The written is proposal available in the March 19, 2024, Agenda Packet on www.fscity.org). They presented three (3) potential scenarios for City involvement in the Community Ice Rink categorized as Most Involvement, Less Involvement and Least Involvement.
Discussion was had about the possibility of alternative locations, fundraising and other costs involved.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to have the City take ownership of the skating rink (the option of Most Involvement) with the location to be determined at another time.
MOTION DEFEATED BY 3-2 VOTE.
Old Business
Approval of Ordinance No. 3762 – AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 2383, ORDINANCE NO. 2384 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2393 WHICH ESTABLISHES THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, PLANNING COMMISSION, AND ORDINANCE NO. 3497 AMENDING SECTION 2.20.040 MEMBERS APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF THE MEMBER THEREOF AND DEFINING THEIR DUTIES – Recommended by Planning Commission – February 21, 2024, tabled by City Commission – March 5, 2024- Commission Work Session – March 12, 2024.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3762 – an ordinance repealing and replacing Ordinance No. 2383, Ordinance No. 2384 and Ordinance No. 2393 which establishes the City of Fort Scott, Kansas, Planning Commission, and Ordinance No. 3497 amending Section 2.20.040 Members Appointment and Terms of the Member thereof and defining their duties. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3762.
Approval of Ordinance No. 3761 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.04.90 OF ORDINANCE NO. 3486 UTLITY TERRAIN VEHICLES (UTV) OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE – tabled March 5, 2024, to change verbiage before approval.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3761 as it has been changed. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3761.
Approval of Ordinance No. 3763 to repeal Ordinance No. 3060 Requiring a Public Dance License.
MOTION: M. Guns moved to approve Ordinance No. 3763 to repeal Ordinance No. 3060. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3763 TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 3060.
Approval to correct the numbering of Charter Ordinance No. 32 to Charter Ordinance No. 35.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the correct numbering of the Charter Ordinance from No. 32 to Charter Ordinance No. 35. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO CORRECT THE NUMBERING OF CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 32 TO CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 35.
Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Inc. – tabled from February 20, 2024.
ACTION: B. Matkin was directed to reach out to the petitioner to verify all information provided to the City Commission in their request before the MOU is drafted by the City Attorney and placed on a future agenda.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to table Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Inc. until the items in the correspondence can be addressed (by direction of B. Matkin to reach out to the petitioner) and including the additional items presented by M. Wells. M. Wells seconded the motion.
Deb Needleman/Treasurer of the Bourbon County Senior Citizens board was recognized by the Mayor and addressed the Commission regarding the funding concerns.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF AN MOU WITH THE CITY AND BOURBON COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS, INC.
Updates on six (6) lake lot surveys – J. Dickman distributed copies of the lake lot survey to the City Commission. These are to be filed with the County.
Discussion was had about the lots and the encroachment tract on the survey and options to be considered moving forward.
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
New Business
Public Hearing – Case No. 1043 – Zoning Change from R2-C3 and Conditional Use Permit – Gary W. Cullor and Sally A. Cullor Revocable Trust represented by Kevin F. Mitchelson/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm and Fred Wingert/Advantage Development, LLC. – Recommended by the Planning Commission on February 21, 2024.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:05PM (Time stamp 1:05:50). D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:05PM.
will be directly affected; 3) there are commercial uses of the neighboring property; 4) there were no objections before the Planning Commission Public Hearing on February 21, 2024; 5) they are aware of the flood plain, but it is not an issue for this project; 6) the boundaries of the property have been verified; 7) access to the units will be through Scott Street; 8) the City has given proper Public Notice according to Code and Statutes; 9) F. Wingert has had conversations with the neighbors and addressed their concerns; 10) there has been no objection to the project; 11) it received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission. Therefore, they are before the City Commission requesting approval of the rezoning request and approval of the conditional use permit.
There were no public objections presented at this hearing on March 19, 2024.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:12PM (Time stamp 1:11:50). M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:12PM.
MOTION: M. Guns moved to approve the request to change the zoning of the parcel from R2 to C3 and approve the Conditional Use Permit for Case No. 1043. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED THE REQUEST TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF THE PARCEL FROM R2 TO C3 AND APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR CASE NO. 1043.
Consideration to purchase (1) 2024 72” Grasshopper 900D mower under state contract #53340. Item is budgeted for 2024 to replace the Super 104 mower -$21,124.95 – T. Coffman
MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the purchase of the 2024, 72” Grasshopper 900D as presented. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE 2024, 72” GRASSHOPPER 900D AS PRESENTED.
Consideration to purchase WorkMaster 70 – Tractor for the Golf Course and Fort Scott Lake from R&R Equipment – Sole Vendor – $38,500.00 – T. Coffman
MOTION: M. Guns moved to approve the purchase of the WorkMaster 70 from R&R Equipment for the price of $38,500.00.
APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE WORKMASTER 70 FROM R&R EQUIPMENT FOR THE PRICE OF $38,500.00.
Consideration of CD Reinvestment Bids – (2) bids received – Landmark National Bank and UMB Bank for a $2,000,000.00 – 12 Months – Settlement Date March 20, 2024 – Maturity Date June 20, 2024 AND $1,000,000.00 – 3 months – Settlement Date March 20, 2024 – Maturity Date June 20, 2024.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the UMB Bank proposal. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED THE UMB BANK PROPOSAL FOR A $2,000,000.00 INVESTMENT ON A 12-MONTH CD AT 4.76% AND A $1,000,000.00 INVESTMENT ON A 3-MONTH CD AT 5.14%.
Discussion of School Zone Speed Limit Signs on National Ave. – T. Dancer addressed the current placement of the new lighted School Zone signs and made some suggestions for where they might be more helpful due to where students actually cross National Ave.
ACTION: B. Matkin was directed to work with Chief J. Pickert to move the flashing signs to better locations within the school crossing zone on National Ave. B. Matkin stated that it will take some time to do that as other projects are already scheduled and lights are on order for Eugene Ware school crossing zone but probably will not arrive until next year.
Discussion of Downtown Parking Time Limit/Yellow Curb Enforcement – B. Matkin informed the Commission that beginning April 2, 2024, the City will start enforcing the 2-hour parking on Main Street from 3rd Street to Skubitz Plaza. Signs are up and they will be adding more. B. Matkin will talk further with the City Attorney regarding parking on Wall Street, which is an area of concern.
ACTION: B. Matkin stated that he will work on this issue with Chief J. Pickert and be ready for April 2nd on this issue as well.
Discussion of Codification of Ordinances for City of Fort Scott – L. Lewis presented the options and recommendations offered by CivicPlus and Municode
(our current service providers) to begin the process of getting the City’s ordinances in order, current and user friendly.
ACTION: L. Lewis was directed to continue moving toward a goal and bring back prices for the options available.
Discussion of Fireworks for 4th of July – B. Matkin stated that the Elks Lodge was the previous display provider for the City but did not do it last year. Another group took care of last year’s display but are not able to do it again this year. He stated that he spoke with B. Hart regarding what other cities do for firework festivities. Most cities budget funding for the 4th of July (and Christmas); Fort Scott currently does not. To cover this year, he would be requesting up to (no more than) $15,000.00 since it is not in the 2024 budget.
ACTION: T. VanHoecke directed B. Matkin to go out for bids, with a request for extensive detail in their bids, for firework service for the City on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Reports and Comments
City Manager (Time stamp 1:52:37) – No comments
City Engineer (Time stamp 1:52:43) – J. Dickman stated that the Horton Street Project is out for bid and due April 11, 2024. Possible addendum to come.
Commissioners Comments
ACTION: B. Matkin to follow up with M. Wyatt regarding last time vacancies were advertised and status of the sitting Board.
City Attorney – (Time stamp 1:59:30) – No comments
Adjourn
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00PM (Time stamp 1:59:44). M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MARCH 19, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:00PM.
_______________________________________________________________________
Respectfully submitted by:
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 22, 2024
The Budget is so full of pork, you’d think it’s a bacon factory. It increases spending 13.9%, over $1.2 billion, in just one year. There are some good things in SB 514 – the budget, but the waste far outweighs the good. The final budget bill will be put together in conference committee. Maybe this year, waste will get trimmed. The SB 514 passed 24 to 14. I voted No.
Tax Relief for a second time this session passed the Senate. The first time was CCR 2284 that was vetoed. The second time was SB 539 that passed with a bipartisan veto proof majority. It would provide property, income, and sales tax relief for Kansas taxpayers, but the House buried it in committee. They introduced a tax bill of their own, HB 2844, Monday, held a hearing on it Wednesday. Thursday they gutted SB 300 and put the contents of HB 2844 in SB 300, what is referred to as a ‘gut-n-go’. They passed it out of House Tax. It’s difficult to say what will happen, but what we do know is that this bill moves to the left and is a smaller tax cut for Kansans. There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so I am working for maximum tax relief. Kansans need it, especially with cost of food, fuel, and other necessities.
County On License Plate would be required on a majority of license plates and would authorize First City of Kansas (Leavenworth) distinctive license plates. HB 2498 passed unanimously.
Occupational Licensing would be expedited, and fees waived for military service members and spouses residing or planning to reside in Kansas. HB 2745 passed unanimously.
Kansas Commission On Veterans Affairs Office would be reestablished as the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. The Veterans Claims Assistance Program would be updated to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. HB 2760 passed 40 to 0.
Peer Support Counseling is with peers of similar experience. It would by expanded allowing law enforcement, emergency services, or the Kansas National Guard to utilize more resources for peer support and extend privilege to discussing a critical incident. HB 2557 passed 36 to 4. I voted Yes.
Silver Alert for a missing person would be expanded to include anyone over 18 diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Currently, silver alert is for elderly who are missing. SB 371 passed unanimously.
Ignition Interlock Devices are required for a person convicted of DUI. Currently, they pay a monthly fee for the device and the manufacture pays a fee to the Highway Patrol. SB 493 would establish another fee fund that would be paid by the convicted person to the Highway Patrol for administering the program. This increased cost will not be a deterrent from drunk driving. “I don’t think that you shall see, a fee that doesn’t tax you or me.” It passed 28 to 12. I voted No.
Kansas Credit Unions would be able to operate outside the state. A suspended board member may apply for review that has to occur within 60 days. It would allow the Credit Union Administrator to collect civil penalties. There are several other provisions in the HB 2561 that passed 40 to 0.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
March 22, 2024
The Budget is so full of pork, you’d think it’s a bacon factory. It increases spending 13.9%, over $1.2 billion, in just one year. There are some good things in SB 514 – the budget, but the waste far outweighs the good. The final budget bill will be put together in conference committee. Maybe this year, waste will get trimmed. The SB 514 passed 24 to 14. I voted No.
Tax Relief for a second time this session passed the Senate. The first time was CCR 2284 that was vetoed. The second time was SB 539 that passed with a bipartisan veto proof majority. It would provide property, income, and sales tax relief for Kansas taxpayers, but the House buried it in committee. They introduced a tax bill of their own, HB 2844, Monday, held a hearing on it Wednesday and put the contents of HB 2844 in a shell, SB 330 which is a Commerce bill. They passed it out of House Tax on Thursday. It’s difficult to say what will happen, but what we do know is that this bill moves to the left and is a smaller tax cut for Kansans. There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so I am working for maximum tax relief. Kansans need it, especially with cost of food, fuel, and other necessities.
County On License Plate would be required on a majority of license plates and would authorize First City of Kansas (Leavenworth) distinctive license plates. HB 2498 passed unanimously.
Occupational Licensing would be expedited, and fees waived for military service members and spouses residing or planning to reside in Kansas. HB 2745 passed unanimously.
Kansas Commission On Veterans Affairs Office would be reestablished as the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. The Veterans Claims Assistance Program would be updated to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. HB 2760 passed 40 to 0.
Peer Support Counseling is with peers of similar experience. It would by expanded allowing law enforcement, emergency services, or the Kansas National Guard to utilize more resources for peer support and extend privilege to discussing a critical incident. HB 2557 passed 36 to 4. I voted Yes.
Silver Alert for a missing person would be expanded to include anyone over 18 diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Currently, silver alert is for elderly who are missing. SB 371 passed unanimously.
Ignition Interlock Devices are required for a person convicted of DUI. Currently, they pay a monthly fee for the device and the manufacture pays a fee to the Highway Patrol. SB 493 would establish another fee fund that would be paid by the convicted person to the Highway Patrol for administering the program. This increased cost will not be a deterrent from drunk driving. “I don’t think that you shall see, a fee that doesn’t tax you or me.” It passed 28 to 12. I voted No.
Kansas Credit Unions would be able to operate outside the state. A suspended board member may apply for review that has to occur within 60 days. It would allow the Credit Union Administrator to collect civil penalties. There are several other provisions in the HB 2561 that passed 40 to 0.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Wednesday, April 3, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a project to install new light towers on the U.S. 69 and U.S. 54 interchange north of Fort Scott. The highway shoulders will be closed at the work zone with minimal effects to traffic.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $396,512 to Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by late May.
Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA– APHIS), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial dairy operations. These are the first cases of HPAI in commercial dairy operations in Kansas. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that indicate mammal-to-mammal transmission, indicating that the risk to the public remains low.
At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. The pasteurization process of heating milk to a high temperature ensures milk and dairy products can be safely consumed, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In line with long-standing policy, the CDC does not recommend consuming unpasteurized milk or raw milk. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Dairies are also required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply chain.
We continue to encourage all dairy producers to closely monitor their herd and contact their local veterinarian immediately if cattle appear infected. Symptoms are mostly restricted to late-stage lactating cows and include a drop in milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency. We encourage dairy producers to minimize wildlife access to their dairy cattle’s water and feed sources.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment works to protect and improve the health of all Kansans. The agency has been notified of the findings and will monitor the situation as they did for HPAI when it was found in the poultry industry.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve while promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection and food safety to the best of our ability.
HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds
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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
March 26, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Invocation
V. Approval of Agenda
VI. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VII. New Business
A. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom Project – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – 1) Furnish and install new TruLog siding and fascia to the exterior walls of the shower house – 2) Work will add six (6) weeks additional time to the completion date from approve of change order –1$13,500.00
VIII. Adjourn
The exterior framework began on March 22, on the new Kansas Department of Children and Families building project at Wall Street and National Avenue.
If all goes well, the completion date is July 2024, said Mike Anders, job supervisor of Silverrock Ventures.
The 13,000-square-foot building will house offices, several conference rooms, interview rooms, a large central file room, reception/waiting areas, break rooms, and storage spaces. There is a storm shelter built into the plan.
Kendall Schoenrock, owner, and developer of Silverrock Ventures who is building the new office space for the KDCF, spent time in making the facade of the building fit in with downtown Fort Scott, Anders said.
“It will have a red brick face and a limestone three-foot starter around the bottom of the east and north side,” Anders said. “It will have a different roof to fit in with downtown. It will have outside lighting like that of E3 Ranch, right across the street.”
There will be parking on the north side of the building, on Wall Street, which the building will face. They are also leasing parking spaces from the City of Fort Scott for some parking west of the building, on the south side of that lot.
There is a whole slate of tradesmen lined up for the work ahead: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, framing, masonry, and painting, Anders said.
Skitches Hauling and Excavation, Inc., Fort Scott, was the demolition contractor for the building site.
“He supplied all of our backfill and got our job site ready to build on,” Anders said. “A great guy.”
“We tried to use local contractors,” he said. “A lot are from a 30-mile radius approximately.”
Silverrock Ventures will do the interior finishing he said.
About DCF
The Kansas Department for Children and Families is available to assist with child care and child support, employment education and training, food and cash assistance, support for youth who have experienced foster care, and more.
For further information about services to the community:
https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/default.aspx
If you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is being harmed emotionally, physically, or sexually, report it to the Kansas Protection Report Center 24/7 at 1-800-922- 5330 or online.
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TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) wants to remind utility customers that there are two important dates coming up that they should be aware of. First, the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP, is Friday, March 29. LIEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. LIEAP applications must be received by the Kansas DCF office by 5 p.m. on Friday. The KCC urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected. More information about the program is available at https://www.dcf.ks.gov/
In addition, the Cold Weather Rule ends on Sunday, March 31. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers, served by KCC regulated utilities, from disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees.
When the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, regulated utilities are also required to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken. When that protection ends on Sunday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.
It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/
To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.
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Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Attachments:
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
March 25, 2024 5:30 p.m.
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 th 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.