Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Agenda for the FSCC Trustees Meeting on Feb. 20

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February 20, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
February 20, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall, followed by regular board meeting at
approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 23,
2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 8
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 55
A. Consideration of Class and Miscellaneous Fees, 55
B. Consideration of Garrison Restoration Bids, 60
C. Approval of Property Disposal – Salon Chairs, 76
D. Approval of Property Disposal – Print Shop Equipment, 78
REPORTS, 80
A. Administrative Updates, 81
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 100
ADJOURNMENT, 1011

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• February 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 13 – 17, 2023: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 24, 2023: Aggie Day
• April 7, 2023: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 17, 2023: Board Meeting
• May 13, 2023: Graduation
• May 15, 2023: Board Meeting
• June 19, 2023: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 23, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Evelyn Arevalo, IDRC Project Specialist, effective February 15, 2023
b) Shelly Brennon, Nursing Administrative Assistant, effective February 20,
2023
2) Separations
a) Rebecca Clay, TRIO Database Manager, effective January 27, 2023
b) Diego Calderon, IA MEP Regional Recruiter, effective February 20, 2023
3) Transfers
a) Kris Mengarelli, from VP of Workforce Development to CTEC Director,
effective January 25, 2023

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

To view the entire packet:

2.20.23 Consent Agenda
Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board of Trustees Minutes of Jan. 23, 2023

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
January 23, 2023
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall meeting rooms. The
meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and approved by unanimous vote to add
an item C under Action/Discussion as Presentation of Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
Information.
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as
amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2023-24
academic calendars as presented.
B. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve a total amount
of $800,103 for purchase of heavy equipment simulators.
C. Matt Quick and Jim Harris from Bourbon County presented details of the Bourbon County Neighborhood
Revitalization Plan Information. The last NRP expired 12/31/22. The only change from the previous NRP
is reducing the requirement of $15,000 improvement for a residential area to $5,000. Matt will provide
further information on specific financial impact, and he will have Justin Meeks go through and review to
the document.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed correspondence.
REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Workforce Development,
Instruction, Student Services, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, Athletics, and the President.
Bryan talked about REDI Board Retreat addressing retail, housing, and workforce studies. He thinks it would be
beneficial for Rob Harrington to come present to the FSCC Board for its part in the work. It will spotlight FSCC’s
contributions to the community. Bryan will work with Rob Harrington to come to a future meeting for the
presentation.
Robert shared about a letter from a previous student who received a scholarship.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:59 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.
Government, Kansas

From the Land of Kansas 45th Anniversary Celebration

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MANHATTAN, Kansas —From the Land of Kansas, the state’s agricultural trademark program, is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2023. The program will kick off its celebration at the Kansas State Capitol on Tuesday, March 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the From the Land of Kansas program will be offering samples of their products and showcasing their businesses.

The From the Land of Kansas program began in 1978 within the state’s agriculture agency, now the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and was designed to promote and celebrate agriculture experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. The program has grown to include 375 members and farmers’ markets. These businesses span the breadth of the agriculture industry, from restaurants, agriculture equipment manufacturers, retailers, farmers and ranchers, to food processors, agritourism, wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Basic membership of the state’s trademark program is free and additional benefits are tailored to support all types of businesses, new or established, and assist them with taking their business to the next level. The program’s website, FromtheLandofKansas.com, also provides a map to help consumers find Kansas businesses and farmers’ markets across the state.

“It’s been the best thing for our business,” said member Christina Blincoe with Sweet Streams Lavender Farm in Bucyrus, Kansas. “We have seen growth from the program every year consistently. We love having the logo on our website because it’s an automatic accreditation of our farm. We love the online store to share our products on the website.”

From the Land of Kansas also hosts an e-commerce website, shop.fromthelandofkansas.com, where members can sell their products online, reaching more customers across the state of Kansas and the U.S. In honor of the 45th anniversary, the program is offering a limited-edition classic shirt representing products grown, raised and produced in Kansas which can also be found at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com.

“I’m very passionate about helping farmers and Kansas businesses succeed and thrive in the agriculture industry,” said Sammy Gleason, marketing manager for From the Land of Kansas. “My dad is a fourth-generation Kansas farmer, which makes the From the Land of Kansas program something I hold close to my heart. I love serving our members, no matter the size of their business; they give me a purpose.”

For more information about the program and its members, visit FromtheLandofKansas.com or engage with the program through social media by following From the Land of Kansas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Pat Bishop Appointed Fort Scott Land Bank Manager

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Pat Bishop. Submitted photo.

There is a need in communities to get abandoned and vacant properties to land purchasers that can improve the property.

To this end, the Fort Scott Land Bank was initiated in 2018 and last month a manager for the program was hired.

“Vacant and abandoned properties have negative spillover effects that impact neighboring properties and, when concentrated, entire communities and even cities. Research links foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned properties with reduced property values, increased crime, increased risk to public health and welfare, and increased costs for municipal governments,” according to https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/

Pat Bishop has been appointed manager of the Fort Scott Land Bank. The appointment was effective as of January 1, 2023.

Bishop now is responsible for acquiring unused properties and maintaining them, pending transfer to a new owner.

His most important responsibility will be the sale or transfer of properties to buyers through setting up the framework for the clearing of title, negotiation of the purchase price and negotiation of the development agreement, he said.

All  of the responsibilities are subject to the approval of the Land Bank Board of Trustees.

The City of Fort Scott  and Bourbon County government entities  share the salary for the position which is $20,000 per year.

“My hours are 1 -5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though I am available at all times,” Bishop said.

Bishop and his wife, Cathy, have lived in Fort Scott for 44 years and he was a practicing attorney in Bourbon County for 29 years.

Bishop has been integral in the preparation of the legal documentation necessary for the last two Bourbon County tax foreclosure sales, working with the Bourbon County Counselor, and therefore is familiar with the acquisition process, he said.

Bishop may be contacted at 620-224-6962.  His email address is [email protected].

Bourbon County has provided Mr. Bishop an office in the courthouse located at 210 S. National.

The job requires that he be out of the office quite often, and contact is recommended via phone or email, he said.

What the Fort Scott Land Bank Does

“In 2018 the City of Fort Scott established the Fort Scott Land Bank,” Bishop said. “The purpose of the Land Bank is to acquire title to dilapidated, vacant or unused properties and convert them to productive use.”

These properties do not contribute to the tax base, and in addition create fire and safety hazards and reduce the value of surrounding properties, he said.

Most of the properties are acquired through Bourbon County tax foreclosure sale, though properties have been and may be donated to the Fort Scott Land Bank.

“At this point in time the Land Bank has 49 Fort Scott properties in its inventory,” Bishop said. ” All these properties are either vacant lots or structures in need of repair.”

The Land Bank determines the best usage for a property, he said.

Points considered for the usage for the property are the neighborhood, the size of the lot, and the condition of any structures, he said. And there is an attempt to sell the property for value in accordance with a development agreement between the Land Bank and the purchaser.

The agreement will require the developer to improve the property, such as building a house  or remodeling an existing structure, within a given period of time, according to Bishop.  If the developer fails to comply with the terms of the agreement, the property reverts to the Land Bank.

When the property is purchased, the Land Bank is required to maintain the premises, such as mowing, and may have to cause an unsafe structure to be removed, he said.

“The decision to sell land bank property will not be determined solely on the basis of purchase price,” he said. “The Board of Trustees will consider the proposed usage,” he said.

The construction of housing on a property is the most important consideration as there is a scarcity of affordable housing in Fort Scott, Bishop said.

“Other priorities in the following order are: protection of properties for historic preservation, government or public use, ownership by non-profits, such as a church, ownership by adjacent property owners for side-lot acquisitions and green or garden spaces for public benefit,” he said.

Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees

The Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees are appointed by the Fort Scott City Commission and presently consists of Craig Campbell, Chairperson; Robert Coon, Vice Chairperson; Bailey Lyons, Treasurer; Josh Jones, (City Commissioner) Jim Harris, (Bourbon County Commissioner), Rob Harrington (Bourbon County Regional Economic Director) and Patrick Wood.

 

 

Airport, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Airport Receives Improvement Grant

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Governor Kelly Announces $11 Million

for 66 Airport Improvement Projects


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 66 airport projects across the state have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for planning, constructing, or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports.

“Whether it be airplane manufacturing, a link in the supply chain logistics, or travel, the Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants ensure the safety and longevity of Kansas airports, all while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”

The aviation industry represents over $20.6 billion in economic impact across a broad spectrum of supply chain and manufacturing industries in Kansas.

“Every mode of transportation is a link to the state’s economic vitality,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation. “These airport improvements are a few of many important efforts to empower the aviation industry across Kansas.”

The KAIP typically receives $5 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires airport sponsors to participate in project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of the total project. This year, the program awarded more than $11 million to 66 approved projects, with a total project value of nearly $14.4 million.

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 153 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $66 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were scored according to impact on flight safety, economic growth, and regional benefit.

“We’re grateful to satisfy 22% of the total airport improvements requested this year,” said Bob Brock, Director of the Division of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation. “We look forward to new and ongoing partnerships with aviation stakeholders to achieve stronger aviation infrastructure for the future.”

Approved 2023 Kansas Airport Improvement Program projects:

  • Allen County – Replace Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), $153,000; taxiway rehabilitation, $157,500
  • Amelia Earhart, City of Atchison– Construct automated gate, $42,075
  • Chanute – North apron reconstruction, $424,570; perimeter fencing, $180,000
  • Cheyenne County – Replace AWOS system, $153,000
  • Coffeyville – Crack seal and remark runway, $42,750 design, $229,500 construct
  • Colonel James Jabara, Wichita – Relocate/widen taxiway, $114,000 design, $800,160 construct
  • Comanche County – Preserve concrete runway, $19,000 design, $225,000 construct
  • Cook Airfield, Rose Hill – Used Jet A truck, $30,000; electric hose reel for MOGAS pump, $3,000; Parking ramp, $148,500; pavement repairs, $18,000
  • Jack Thomas Memorial, El Dorado – Replace fuel system, $10,800
  • Elkhart Morton County – Rehabilitate terminal building, $29,750
  • Fort Scott Municipal – Taxiway rehabilitation, $57,600
  • Gardner – Taxiway, $47,500 design, $99,000 construct
  • Garnett – Replace fuel system, $90,000; terminal rehabilitation, $15,300
  • Great Bend Municipal – Replace primary wind cone, $5,588
  • Harper Municipal – Replace fuel farm card reader, $21,250
  • Hays Regional – Pavement repair materials, $25,500; upgrade security and access gates, $21,250; ARFF station gate automation, $17,000
  • Hugoton Municipal – AWOS update, $5,700 design; $165,600 construct; fuel dispenser, $4,750 design, $40,950 construct
  • Hutchinson Regional – Install wildlife dig barrier for perimeter fence, $32,504
  • Independence Municipal – Airport rotating beacon/tower, $23,750 design, $112,500 construct
  • Johnson County Executive – Pavement maintenance materials, $13,600; southwest fence, $129,600; north fence, $156,150
  • Kinsley Municipal – Fuel farm card reader, $13,500
  • Lawrence Regional – Airport master plan update, $360,000; apron rehabilitation, $130,500 design, $800,000 construct; runway extension, $99,750 design
  • Lyons-Rice County Municipal – Fuel system. $23,750 design, $282,600 construct
  • Mark Hoard Memorial, Leoti – AWOS III, $163,764
  • Medicine Lodge – AWOS update, $5,700 design, $165,600 construct
  • Montezuma Municipal – Seal, patch, overlay and stripe runway, $792,700
  • Moundridge Municipal – Resurface runway, $720,000
  • New Century Air Center, Johnson County– Airfield electrical vault building, $89,300 design, $338,400 construct; rehabilitation of central portion of the west apron, $133,000 design, $800,000 construct; maintenance materials, $13,600
  • Norton Municipal – Replace and relocate AWOS, $153,000
  • Oakley Municipal – Replace rotating beacon and tower, $76,500
  • Pratt Regional – Apron and hangar area rehabilitation, $59,850 design, $653,400 construct
  • Shalz Field, Colby – Card station for self-serve fuel pumps, $16,200
  • Syracuse-Hamilton County – Replace fuel system, $66,500, design, $486,000 construct; replace AWOS, $121,500
  • Tribune Municipal – Remove telecom tower to mitigate runway obstruction, $72,000
  • Wamego Municipal – Airport development plan/master plan (phase II), $66,500; reconstruct apron and connecting taxiway, $468,000

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Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Kansas Attraction Development Grants Announced

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Kansas Tourism Announces $400,000 Available in Attraction Development Grants

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Attraction Development Grant program is open for applications. A total of $400,000 is available. Attraction Development Grants provide strategic economic assistance to public or private entities, or not-for-profit groups, that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attraction in the state. The deadline for applications is March 31.

“The projects that we are looking for with these grants are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Each person that visits our state also supports our economy, by eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and shopping at our stores. These Attraction Development Grants will help entice more people to choose Kansas for their next adventure.”

The goals of Attraction Development Grants include:

  • Spur economic growth
  • Develop destination-based assets
  • Increase visitation to Kansas
  • Enhance visitor experience
  • Improve the quality of life in communities across the state.

“Attraction Development Grants are one of the many tools we have to assist travel industry partners across the state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “With world-renowned destinations, history rich communities and spectacular natural wonders, every corner of Kansas is a vital part of the state’s tourism economy. These grants support our attractions and increase visitation to and throughout Kansas.”

Grant dollars may fund up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent. For more information, including grant applications please visit https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/ or contact Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe at [email protected].

Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) that is derived from state lottery proceeds.

About the Kansas Tourism Division:

The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce and works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support. 

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

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Bourbon County, Government

FS City Agenda for Feb. 14

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SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
February 14, 2023
6:00 P.M.

 

 

 

  1. ROLL CALL:

 

  1. Jones T. Van Hoecke E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells

 

 

  1. CONSIDERATION:

 

  1. Patrick Wood – Consideration of Pocket Community

RESOLUTION NO. 7-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ACCOMPANY THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION.

 

       RESOLUTION NO. 8-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF A RURAL HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICT (RHID) AND AN INDUSTRIAL BOND (IRB) ISSUE IN SUPPORT OF THE BROKEN OAK POCKET COMMNITY PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 1907 HUNTINGTON BLVD IN FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Approval of Equipment Trade – E42 R2-Series Bobcat Compact Excavator

 

  1. Consideration to publish for Request For Qualifications (RFQ) for 2023 Cape Seal Program – tabled from February 7, 2023, City Commission meeting

 

 

III.            Adjournment:

 

 

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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The Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl LVII Champions!
After a hard-fought victory last night, the Kansas City Chiefs are once again Super Bowl Champions! For the second time in four seasons, the Vince Lombardi Trophy is headed to Kansas City. What an incredible season and well-deserved win for the Kansas City Chiefs. Congratulations to the entire team, Coach Andy Reid, the Hunt family and all of Chiefs Kingdom.

The Chiefs Kingdom Champions Parade will be held this Wednesday, February 15, starting at 12:00 p.m. CT. Following the parade, there will be a victory rally at Union Station at 1:45 p.m. CT. You can stay up-to-date on all the details at ChiefsParade.com.

I want to thank all of our law enforcement officials for their tireless work to keep everyone safe during this exciting time for Chiefs Kingdom. Let us all remember to be respectful of those in uniform during our celebrations throughout the week. Go Chiefs!

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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Fort Scott, Government

Mowing Proposals For City of Fort Scott Requested

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The City of Fort Scott is accepting proposals for mowing and trimming of public and private properties for both one (1) year and three (3) year contracts.  The sites will generally be locations that have been cited for violation of the City’s vegetation nuisance ordinances. Services will be on an “as needed” basis and will have to be completed five (5) days from notification. Successful applicants will be required to provide certification of a minimum of $100,000 in commercial liability insurance, provide proof of Workers Compensation coverage or sign a waiver, and be at least 18 years old.

 

Applicants can submit bids for each of the following:

 

–Small residential or commercial jobs requiring mowers less than 48” and trimming based on approximately 6,000 square feet or less. All overgrowth over one inch (1”) thick must be cut down also.  Pick up limbs, debris, and trash before mowing and remove them from property.  Please note that before and after photos will need to be taken before payment is received.

 

–Large residential or commercial jobs requiring tractor and brush hog mower, trimming based on 6,000 square feet or per acre, per job. Pick up limbs, debris, and trash before mowing and remove them from property.  Please note that before and after photos will need to be taken before payment is received.

 

Submit sealed bid proposals in writing no later than 4:00PM Friday, March 17th, 2023, to Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk, City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Call 620-223-0550 with questions. The City reserves the right as a judge of all values of selection and to use more than one of the bidders if necessary to manage the workload.

 

PLEASE SUBMIT EACH BID SEPARATELY.

 

Government, Kansas

Downtown Revitalization Grants Announced

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$850,000 Funding Announced for
Downtown Building Revitalization

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $850,000 has been made available to fund a new round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants. The HEAL program, which is funded by the Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation, provides grants to small communities across the state to revitalize downtown buildings.

The HEAL program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:

  • New or expanding businesses
  • Housing
  • Arts and culture
  • Civic engagement
  • Childcare
  • Entrepreneurship

“Downtowns throughout Kansas are already making dramatic and visible improvements because of this popular program,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation is creating even more opportunities for communities to bring their historic buildings back to life and strengthen their local economies.”

HEAL is intended to close financial gaps in restoring underutilized properties and making downtown districts throughout the state more economically vibrant. Applicants must show that submitted projects have potential to become economic drivers in the community.

Eligible applicants must be organizations applying on behalf of building owners and may include designated Kansas Main Street programs, economic development organizations, cities, counties, 501c3 or 501c6 organizations, and local community foundations.

Private building owners should contact their local organization to work in partnership on the application and to identify buildings that are strong candidates for the HEAL program. The buildings should be underutilized, valuable to the historic fabric of the downtown district and have a feasible plan for adaptive re-use.

“Contributing to the HEAL program alongside the Department of Commerce is a natural fit for our foundation’s mission,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, President of the Patterson Family Foundation. “Downtown areas are often the heart of communities of all sizes, and we believe rural downtown spaces especially will benefit from improvements to their beauty, safety, and greater accessibility.”

HEAL matching grants will be awarded for either façade or building construction projects. Communities that received a previous HEAL grant are not eligible to apply in this round.

Proof of matching funds from the building owner will be required at the time of application. The application window opens February 13 and closes March 31 with award notifications at the end of May.

Information about the HEAL grant program and the online application can be viewed at www.kansascommerce.gov/heal.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

February 10, 2023

 

Committee Work continues to be the major focus.  The Senate Tax Committee that I chair, passed out several bills.  Some of the bills that passed included exempting Social Security from income tax, increasing income tax standard deductions, and repealing the 1.5 mil of property taxes the state keeps and funding the 1.5 mil using State General Funds (SGF).  The bills still need to pass the Senate and the House before the Governor must decide to veto or let become law.

 

Tax cut on Premium Taxes, a “sales” tax that insurers pay on premiums that they receive from their policy holders, passed the Senate unanimously.  SB 25 would cut the premium tax from 6 percent to 4.  It was reported that Kansas has one of highest premium tax rates in the nation.  The cut will bring the tax rate more in line with other states.

 

Premium Taxes are due 90 days after the fiscal year end.  However, SB 19 would change that so that premium taxes would be due 90 days after calendar year end.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously.

 

Budgets are being worked in committees.  It is frustrating as the information reported is minimal and legislators get a short timeframe to review the information.  During a Commerce Committee hearing on the Department of Commerce budget, it was troubling to listen to  the ways they are giving away taxpayer dollars.  Especially since I hear from Kansans who are struggling to make ends meet because of taxes and the increased cost of necessities.  Legislators have attempted to improve the budget process, but it is a battle against people who want to grow government and have control of the books.  I am working with a few others on solutions and will keep you posted.

 

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

Caryn