The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 16
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
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Joining Kansas Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs for Lunch
This week, I joined Kansas cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs for lunch. Days like these serve as a reminder that Kansas produces smart, hard-working and civic-minded individuals who want to give back to their country. As a U.S. Senator, one of the most meaningful responsibilities I have is nominating young Kansans for our service academies and helping them achieve their dreams of service to our country.
It was great to have lunch with several of the cadets that I had the honor of nominating to the academy – Mason Vasta of Overland Park, Tyler Simms of Olathe, Cody Savage of Leavenworth, Zachary Bollinger of Hesston, Remington Stiles of Topeka, Aaron Eakins of Wichita, Cale Curtis of Wichita, Jack Arnold of Topeka and Taylor Ellis of Lenexa.
Applauding the Signing of the CHIPS and Science Act into Law
This week, the CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law. This legislation invests resources into manufacturing semiconductors and other critical technology in the United States, authorizes investments in key technology areas and works to rebalance federal research investments to the middle of the country.
A strong economy will help us produce the technology and resources we need to compete successfully in the decades to come. This legislation invests in businesses around the country to produce key technologies, such as semiconductors, here at home, creating new jobs and boosting American manufacturing. As aggression from China and Russia makes clear, it is vital to safeguard our supply chains from any disruptions. This bill is a key step in rebuilding our economy to be stronger and independent from our adversaries.
Touring Rooks County Health Center
On Tuesday, I visited my hometown of Plainville to tour Rooks County Health Center and meet with the center’s new CEO, Stephanie Bjournstad. During our meeting, we discussed the hospital’s day-to-day operations and the many services they offer to Kansans, including a walk-in clinic, testing services, physical therapy, urgent care, speech therapy, labor and delivery care and more. I also had the opportunity to meet with members of the Rooks County Health Center Board to discuss the challenges they face working in rural Kansas health care, especially during the pandemic and in its aftermath. Our rural health centers provide quality care for residents in the surrounding communities and region, even in the most challenging of times. Thank you to Stephanie Bjornstad for the warm welcome, and to Charlie Allphin, Jeff VanDyke, Jon Voss, Chuck Comeau and Dr. Mike Oller for taking the time to offer input.
Speaking at Amber Wave Ribbon Cutting
In Phillipsburg this week, I spoke at the ribbon cutting and reveal for Amber Wave which is set to be North America’s largest wheat protein plant. I toured this facility earlier in the year, and it is great to see the work being done to transform this plant into a leading ingredient, feed and low-carbon fuel producer. Biofuels offer tremendous opportunity for job growth as an industry contributing $2.2 billon to our state’s economy each year. This $200 million investment will create 60 full-time jobs and drive economic growth in the surrounding area. Additionally, this facility will have the capacity to process roughly 10% of the wheat grown in Kansas when fully operational.
It is great to see Summit Agricultural Group choosing to invest in Kansas, and I look forward to seeing this industry grow in the future. Thank you to all who joined for this announcement, including Bruce Rastetter, CEO of Summit Agricultural Group, Justin Kirchhoff, President of Summit Ag Investors, Dave VanderGriend, CEO of ICM, Inc of Colwich, Jon Sargent, President of Todd & Sargent of Ames, Iowa, Elaine Bowers, Kansas State Senator, Rick Billinger, Kansas State Senator, Ken Rahjes, Kansas State House Representative, JD Schlieman, Executive Chairman of Amber Wave, Randy Cimorelli, CEO of Amber Wave and Kevin Bogenreif, Senior Director of Summit Ag Investors.
Sheridan County Townhall
This week, I hosted a townhall in Sheridan County. It was good to see many familiar faces and talk with Sheridan County residents about the issues that are important to them, as well as the challenges they are facing. My conversations with Kansans help inform the work I do in Washington, D.C. Thank you to Karl Pratt, Executive Director of Sheridan County Economic Development Corporation, for hosting this townhall, as well as those at the Sheridan County Community Foundation. I also want to thank all the local leaders who took part in this discussion.
Touring Solomon Valley Manor
Earlier this week, I toured the site of the new Solomon Valley Manor nursing home now being built in Stockton. The existing nursing home facility provides quality care and health services for seniors in the surrounding community, and it is great to see the construction of this new center which will improve quality of life for the residents of this home. Thank you to Solomon Valley Manor administrator Amanda Atkisson for giving me the tour, as well as City Commissioner Bob Becker for joining us and providing additional input on the ways in which this center serves Kansans in the area.
Touring Lil’ Hawks Village Daycare
On Wednesday, I toured Lil’ Hawks Village Daycare, a daycare facility currently under construction in Grainfield. Currently, there are no daycare facilities operating in Gove and Park, allowing this center to fill a much-needed void for childcare for the community. This daycare was made possible through collaboration with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, USD 292, the Grainfield Community Development Committee (GCDC) and the Gove County Community Foundation. The center was appropriately named Lil’ Hawks Village Daycare after the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” It was great to see the work being done by the community to make this daycare facility a reality. I want to thank GCDC Chair Kay Haffner and Lil’ Hawks Village Daycare Director Ashley Schultz for hosting me and for their work investing in young Kansans. Thank you also to J.R. Moses, Todd Flinn, Steve Watts, Duane Vollbracht, Marilyn Mong, Shari Burks, Becky Tucker and her children Larsen, Westen and Colten, Darren Racette, Harvey Heier and Bryant Briggs for joining us.
Touring SurePoint Ag Systems
Also on Wednesday, I visited SurePoint Ag Systems, a farm equipment manufacturer in Atwood, to tour the plant and learn more about its contribution to the Kansas Agriculture industry. SurePoint provides farmers with custom solutions for the control and application of fertilizer, seed and farming chemicals. I appreciate SurePoint’s commitment to improving agricultural technology innovation and for working for more than a decade to provide reliable equipment to Kansas farmers. Thank you to CEO Josh Wolters and Founders Blaine Ginther and Matt Wolters for organizing the visit, and to the many members of the SurePoint team who joined me on my tour of the facility.
Visiting Quinter
This week, I also visited Quinter to meet with Kansans there and discuss the issues that are important to them. It was great to see many familiar faces during my stops in town to Gove County Farm Bureau, Cooksey’s Appliances, U.S. Post Office, The Bank, Ray’s Pharmacy and Equity Bank.
Touring Citizens Medical Center
Today, I toured the Citizens Medical Center in Colby and met with hospital leadership to discuss the issues and challenges they are currently facing in their work to provide health care services to residents of Northwest Kansas. During our meeting, it was great to hear about the steps being taken to construct a new hospital in the future and to expand their child care center to meet the needs of the community. Thank you to Citizens Health CEO David McCorkle, City of Colby Manager Ron Alexander and President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Sean Hankin for hosting me during this visit and for providing valuable insight during our conversation.
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Obituary of Mary Ellen Harper
Mary Ellen Harper, age 96, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, August 13, 2022, at her home. She was born September 26, 1925, in Uniontown, KS, the daughter of Benjamin and Hazel Cox Hite.
She married Richard Harper on October 29, 1944, in Arma, KS. He preceded her in death on August 15, 2008. Mary Ellen’s life was all about her family. She made sure no one lacked for anything. Her many talents included sewing, embroidery, working dot-to-dot and puzzle books, and fishing with a cane pole. She loved music, attending the Ft. Scott Jubilee, and watching tv, especially the news.
Mary Ellen was an excellent cook. Her specialties included fried chicken, noodles, and pies. She did have a mortal fear of snakes and lizards.
She was a member of Eastern Star, Devon Methodist Church, and later attended Diamond Community Church.
Survivors include her daughters, Linda Harryman, and Katherine Johnson and husband Billy Joe, all of Ft. Scott; 12 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and 34 great-great grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Melvin, and Gary Harper; two grandsons, Benjamin Underwood, and Raymond Harper; three brothers, Richard, Donald, and Earl Hite; a son in law, John Harryman; and her parents.
Pastor Rick Hite will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 20th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to either Kids with Courage Foundation or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Friday Night Free Concert: Rick Hite
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by local musician Rick Hite who sings and plays guitar, and performs a variety of music including Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Gospel, and Oldies.
“Hite began singing in church at the age of 5 and has been playing guitar since age 9,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “He has played The White Horse Saloon in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Jekyll Island, Georgia, the Mildred Store, VFW, the Eagles, Elks, Old Settler’s Picnic, and various local venues. We’re pleased to welcome Rick Hite back to the park pavilion. Come out and join your friends for an enjoyable evening of music.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 15
Stay the Course by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
Very early one morning I awakened about 1:00 a.m. and began thinking. In the midst of my random thoughts, I heard in my heart, “Stay the course.“ Those three words came out of nowhere and they didn’t correlate with anything I was thinking. I realized God was answering the question I’d presented to Him the previous day. I had basically asked, “What am I supposed to do?” in regard to a certain personal situation.
I had no idea there was such a detailed definition for the small word “stay,” which means: (1) to continue in the place or condition specified (2) to live; dwell (3) to continue; last (4) to remain to the end of, to be able to last through. The definition for “course” is: (1) onward movement; progress (2) the direction taken (3) a regular manner of procedure or conduct (wisest course). So God’s answer was: I am to continue to live my remaining time making spiritual progress, in the wisest course, in order to successfully finish my race.
My normal daily routine is to get up, start the coffee, and lay out my Bible and devotional books on the kitchen table. In my pajamas, I sit at the table and have coffee with my heavenly Father and He talks to me through His written Word. I come into His presence with awe and thanksgiving for the privilege of calling Him my Savior, Friend, Provider, Healer, Counselor, and Sustainer. God’s love is everything to me and He deserves the best and first part of my day. My training time spent in the kitchen lets the devil know whose side I’m on, plus it quenches my thirst as I run my course steady on.
I once heard a message about doing things that were not classified as sin, but they didn’t help us — they didn’t do us any good. The apostle Paul teaches on this subject: “All things are legitimate (permissible), [and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life] (1 Corinthians 10:23 AMP). When an individual is walking on life’s tightrope, there’s a fine line regarding balance too. “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour” (1 Peter 5:8 AMP). I determined a long time ago that I was not going to be hors d’oeuvres for the devil. He’s gonna have to eat his lunch all by himself.
God will meet us where we are spiritually and His grace and love will transform us step by step. Although our entire being is important, Paul said that our inner life is the most important. “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are [our inner being is] being renewed every day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT). Believers have to get off the starting block and “devour God’s Word” every day so our minds and spirits can be renewed. It’s not an automatic process, otherwise it wouldn’t matter if we gave up.
Christ followers are to stay the course to the end of their race. Paul said, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:6,7 NLT). One day we can all say that — if we’ve lived a well balanced, vigilant, cautious, and obedient life.
The Key: I started out walkin’ but I’m runnin’ my last mile Home.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 29
July 29, 2022 Friday, 1:00pm
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Jim Harris and Clifton Beth-via phone) and the County Clerk present.
Jim made a motion for an executive session 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 for possible litigation for 20 minutes returning at 1:23pm including 2 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker. Jim made a motion to return to normal session at 1:23pm. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Justin asked that the commissioners approve up to $50,000 monies approved for a special internal investigation on certain funds that have been used by departments.
Clifton made a motion as stated by County Counselor Meeks. Jim seconded. All approved. At 1:27pm Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Clifton seconded.
All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(s) Jim Harris, Chairman
(s) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
August 9, 2022, Approved Date
Bourbon County Minutes of July 26
July 26, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Clifton
Beth and Jim Harris) and the County Clerk present.
Clint and Rachel Walker, Matt Quick, Brian Wade, Keni Stark, Susan Bancroft, Shane
Walker, Jason Silvers, and Josh Jones were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda. Move the approval of minutes to the
next meeting. Jim seconded. All approved.
Eric gave handouts from the LRSP meeting last week. That will give you an idea of
what was discussed in the meeting. Once we are done with the study that will give us
the opportunity to apply for several grants to make our roads safer. We have
completed asphalt at Hiatville and are now working on 55th and Yellowstone. We had
a rain delay today. Had a little breakdown with the roller last week and tried to
overnite some parts. They were supposed to be here Thursday and they got here
Monday. We are up and running again. We blasted at Blake Quarry last week 50,732
tons. They had about 12 or 15 holes and they didn’t have enough powder so they will
come back for those. The 2007 F750 that we bought we picked up this week. Has
28,000 actual miles mint condition. Very nice used truck. Four mowers are mowing
roadside and the sidearm mower. If we use the sidearm mower it is because the trees
are out in the road and it’s hitting our vehicles. We’ve had some complaints about us
cutting the trees but it is a safety issue. We replaced the three culverts on 225th and
are ready to do the asphalt when we get there. Jim stated that he worked the
Republican booth at the fair and had several people thank him for buying a bigger
crusher and making an attempt to take better care of our roads. Clifton made a
motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney
for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-
client relationship including 2 commissioners, Eric Bailey, Justin Meeks, and Susan
Bancroft for possible litigation for 7 minutes at 6:15pm. Clifton made a motion to
return to normal session at 6:15pm with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.
Jim made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual
proprietorships including 2 commissioners, Justin Meeks, Shane Walker, and Susan
Bancroft for 10 minutes returning at 6:25pm. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All
approved.
Justin Meeks requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive
session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected
personnel to protect their privacy including 2 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan
Bancroft for job performance for 10 minutes returning at 6:38pm. Clifton made a
motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.
Shane Walker stated he has a letter that needs Chairman signature stating that we
pay dispatch and we give them all the 911 funds and there are some duplicate
services. This will alleviate that and save us money. Clifton made a motion to allow
Chairman Harris to sign the dispatch operation responsibility agreement with the city.
Jim seconded. All approved.
Public comment: Brian Wade stated he reached out to Eric last week to see if he
could get a traffic counter out in front of his house. I would like it set up to run from
now till after September 20th. Hoping he can get it out in the next couple of weeks. I
put in a KORA request because Mr. Martin on his budget request stated that he had an
8 pound meth seizure in Bourbon County. The county attorney and Bill sent me
something it’s a couple of Hispanics on a kilogram of hallucinogenic drugs which a
kilogram is 2.20462262185 of a pound. That’s not 8 pounds. So, why the fuzzy
numbers? Where did it happen? I would like to know where it happened. Also, on a
KORA request I requested information on ammunition. What he used for ammunition.
I got the receipts on that, there is a lot of money. I called Ron Gray and asked him
what did you guys use. He stated he learned from the guy before him and we didn’t
spend much money. He stated usually a box of shells to practice and a box to qualify.
The budget that Bill has for bullets is $11,640. That’s a chunk of money. I called
Travis Shelton and asked him what is your budget for shells and he said $10,000.
Travis said we pay for lights, repairs and bullets out of it. One thing I do question is
223 rounds. Thirteen thousand two hundred rounds of 223’s. That seems like a huge
number of rifle rounds. The other one is 8 and 12 gauge shot gun shells. That sounds
like we’re going dove hunting or maybe shooting some trap with 8’s. You would think
law enforcement would use slugs or double ott buck which he has very small quantity
of slugs. We got a county trap shoot? Jim stated that Bill would need to be present
and answer to that. Kevin Stark stated he has some land on the state line in Bourbon
County and the exact same land in Vernon County. My property taxes in Bourbon
County was 4 years ago was $14.00 per acre and in Vernon County it is $1.40. Tillable
ground is much higher than pasture land. It seems like we are little bit out of sync
with our neighbors. I just ask that you watch expenditures and try to keep spending
down. Cost for putting in a crop per acre is around $650. On top of that risk we have
higher property taxes. It puts us at a disadvantage. Jim stated that when comparing
to Vernon County, look at their roads compared to ours. Kevin asked the
commissioners to watch their expenditures as much as possible.
Commissioner comments: Clifton stated that Susan’s presentation from a couple of
weeks ago (may be viewed on the county website) is very telling as to why we are
where we are. You can’t compare our county to our surrounding counties. Clifton
stated there would be no meeting next week due to election. Get out and vote.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn at 7:08pm. Jim seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of July 18
July 18, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Clifton
Beth and Jim Harris) and the County Clerk present.
Patty LaRoche, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Bob Reed, Kevin Davidson, Matt Quick, Clint
Walker, Nelson Blythe, Donald Coffman, Rachel and Clint Walker were present for
some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes for last weeks’ meeting. Jim
seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey stated he had no permits to report on. Eric gave a reminder that the LRSP
meeting with KDOT is tomorrow from 1pm to 5pm in the Commission Room. Open to
the public if they wish to attend. Eric states regarding to asphalt, they lacked about
125 yards being done at Hiatville today. They blew a hydraulic fitting on cities’
laydown machine. We should be back up and going tomorrow and hopefully get
finished. We will be moving to 55th & Yale. I called on our paver and they haven’t
got it in yet. Bellydump is still hauling rock. We are scheduled for a blast at Blake
Quarry this Wednesday probably somewhere around 50 to 60 ton. Having issues with a
couple of dump trucks. Roadside mowing is going on now, we have four mowers
going. Have the sidearm going as well. 165th & Tomahawk had a grader operator do
about 1 mile of ditching. Did a good job. Culvert crew is trying to get some crossroad
tubes in as well. Waiting on 30 inch tubes for 115th. North of Hackberry we have
three tubes needing replaced. They’ve rotted out on the bottom. Clifton asked if
Eric had heard anything from KDOT on the bridge on 215th. Eric stated no. He said he
got a rough estimate from an engineer for bridge replacement and it was around 2 to
2 1/2 million. Eric stated they are looking at some grants.
Clifton requested an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters
of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including two
commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Tiana McElroy and Shane Walker for 15
minutes returning here at 6:23pm. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a
motion to return to normal session with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to remove Matt Quick regarding Hours of
Operation from the printed agenda. Jim seconded. All approved.
Jim stated that a commissioner needed to be appointed to the Bourbon County REDI
following Lynne’s resignation and I would like to recommend Commissioner Beth.
Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft discussed the Revenue Neutral Rate regarding the County. After
discussion of keeping our levy flat which would exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate and
this stands as a notice to the county clerk for this budget year. The Clerk has to send
letters to every tax payer so we have to certify by the 20th of September. The
Revenue Neutral Rate hearing will be first and then we’ll talk about the budget
hearing. We will present why we are exceeding the RNR and then we will vote on the
budget following. The commissioners stated that they would like the hearing and
vote to be on separate dates. Clifton suggested a night meeting so more of the public
could attend. Clifton made a motion for Ashley to publicize the intent to exceed
Revenue Neutral Rate and the hearing will be held August 30th @ 6pm at 210 S
National, Fort Scott, KS in the Commission Room. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton asked Bobby Reed for an update on the jail. Bobby stated that since July 6th
we’ve had two applicants. We called to schedule an interview with one them. No
answer. I saw this individual out in the public and asked him about it. He said he
decided to do something else. Bobby told him there had been an increase in wages to
$14.50/hr. The individual stated that wasn’t enough. The other applicant was not
contacted due to her background. We are having open interviews this Thursday from
4pm to 8pm out at the jail. We’re going to hit it again on Facebook. As of tomorrow,
I will be down to 6 correctional officers. Both lieutenants are working shift work and
the captain will be going to a shift as well. I will be utilizing off-duty deputies and
myself when applicable for transports. Linn County should be opening their new
facility soon and hoping to get our inmates closer which will cut down on drive time,
maintenance and fuel. Current inmate count as of this morning was 25. We do still
have some inhouse because we can’t find homes for them at the moment.
Clifton asked Sheriff Martin regarding money for vehicles. The highway patrol
vehicles that the city bought would they be an option for us. Bill responded that their
cars are maintained but they drive their vehicles hard. The city only drives about 5
square miles. Some of the equipment that is in the vehicles cannot be transferred to
other vehicles. Bill said the price for a car fully equipped is $50 to $55,000.00. Bill
stated they are going to order two cars this year. Our fleet is getting old and worn
out. Jim stated that Bill budget request would result in a 5 mil increase and the tax
payers cannot bear that at this time. Jim stated that Bill’s concerns regarding putting
a fuel tank on the property due to flood plain. Jim stated that is not true. The flood
plain is not on the county property. Jim also stated that Bill could save 82 cents per
gallon as of today if Judy’s Fuel brought that to you. Eighty-two cents per gallon
times 15 vehicles daily. That’s $100,000 per year. Bill said that he had concerns with
the tank tipping over and running down the creek. Jim stated that there would have
to be a fence to suit the fire marshall. Bill said if that’s what you want to do then do
it today. Jim further stated that Bill had asked for more deputies. In 2021 you had
2,253 traffic stops; 928 were within the city limits. If you stay out of the city limits
would you need two more deputies? Bill stated he was glad Jim brought that up
because we are now going into criminal investigations. With that being said we will
have to go into executive session to explain those reasons. I’ve also brought Deputy
Davidson who will need to be part of the executive session to explain why we do what
we do in regards to that. Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-
4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including 2
commissioners, Justin Meeks, County Attorney Tiana McElroy, Bill Martin, Deputy
FS City Commission Minutes of August 4
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 4th, 2022 Regular Meeting #16
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.
INVOCATION: Bill Downey, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Dave Bruner, Lisa Lewis, Rob Harrington, Jackson Tough, Susan Bancroft, Patty LaRoche, Jason Dickman, Michael Hoyt, Destry Brown, Bill Downey, Jr., Ray Babb, James Brackett, Pete Allen, Amanda Goltra, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 19th, 2022 and special meeting of July 26th, 2022.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1317-A totaling $378,639.54.
- Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – (June) – $892.50
- Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $47,383.81 – 17th & Eddy Project
- Wells moved to approve the Consent Agenda. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt said he wished to make two comments. The first comment is that he commended Kelley Zellner, City Manager, in providing him budget work session documents. He will have comments at the budget hearing for the Commission.
His second comment was concerning the petition for the ladder fire truck to have this go to a public vote. There were 525 signatures on the petition, and he considers this voter suppression as this did not go to a vote of the public. This had nothing to do with financing of the fire truck. He said that the grant money should have been used to pay off the pumper truck and not purchased the ladder truck.
Old Business:
- Consideration for the demolition of 722 S. Heylman Street (progress report) – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, passed out photos of the demolition. There has been no progress made on this structure.
- Van Hoecke moved to award the bid in the amount of $1,800.00 to Dave’s Demolition. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO AWARD THE DEMOLITION BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,800.00 TO DAVE’S DEMOLITION FOR THE PROPERTY AT 722 S. HEYLMAN.
Appearances:
Patty LaRoche – Lake Advisory Board Report – Mrs. LaRoche said that the Lake Advisory Board met on July 9th, 2022 and made the following recommendations to the City Commission:
Approved to recommend to the City Commission a guideline for the future sales of City-owned property at the lake which includes the following policies and procedures:
- Smart Growth Coordination with the Lake Advisory Board to determine which lots are to be sold.
- Deed Restrictions such that:
- Any lots sold by the City of Fort Scott are to be used solely for single family residential use, whether year round or seasonal, as are related garages or outbuildings. All commercial, industrial, retail, and multi-family housing uses are prohibited. The property may also not be subdivided in any way without the express approval of the City of Fort Scott City Commission. These property and findings on purchaser and successors or assigns of the purchaser.
- Must be a stick frame home.
- Accurate survey of lots.
- Market analysis and timing recommendations.
- Sale Structure, which deals with how the lots would be sold (auction, listing, etc.).
- Listing, sale, and title document preparation.
- Document review by City Attorney.
- Document acceptance by the City Attorney and buying parties, including realtors, etc.
- Sale review by the City Commission.
- Sale Acceptance by the seller and buyer.
The Lake Advisory Board understands it is important to be aware that Lake Fort Scott is the emergency water supply for the City of Fort Scott. We also understand that the City has a responsibility to its water source to do the things that pertain to monitoring and ensuring that the water source is clean, which is the bathymetric survey and the evaluation of water quality. Given the importance of those issues to the citizens of Fort Scott, and to ensure an adequate and safe water supply in the case of drought, the Lake Advisory Board recommends the following to be funded in the next budget cycle.
Recommendation to the City Commission that the bathymetric survey the water course, wetlands, and lake evaluation and the water quality study should happen under the next budget cycle and be funded by any source other than the Lake fund.
It is also their recommendation that these studies be completed by surrounding universities as course work as they have been in the past.
Aaron Foxworth – Tacos & Tailgates Temporary Street Closure Request – J. Jones said that this is the Tacos and Tailgates event to be held on September 3rd, 2022 at Riverfront Park. He asked that it be blocked off for a truck show from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They will use the River Loop road section.
- Jones moved to approve the temporary street closure request for Riverfront Park on September 3rd, 2022 for Aaron Foxworth for the Tacos and Tailgates event. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
approved the temporary street closure request for Riverfront Park on September 3rd, 2022 for Aaron Foxworth for the Tacos and Tailgates event.
Rob Harrington – Visioning Session for Bourbon County R.E.D.I. – 8/23/2022 – Mr. Harrington stated that in Proverbs 29, it states “where there is no vision, the people perish”. He announced that Bourbon County R.E.D.I. is hosting a visioning session for all Bourbon County entities. This will include cities in Bourbon County as well as all school districts, the college, and the County. This will be held on April 23rd, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. There will be a meal served to all elected officials. Discussion on moving the county forward will be held. He invited all City Commissioners to attend this event to be held at the River Room.
Public Hearing – None
New Business:
- Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 6 E. 13th Street and Conditional Use permit to allow a small animal hospital – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change and Conditional Use Permit. The property has been purchased by Amanda Goltra, DMV, who will open and operate a small animal hospital.
- Jones moved to approve Ordinance No. 3614 changing the zoning from C-2 to C-3 and the Conditional Use Permit to allow a small animal hospital at 6 E. 13th Street. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3614 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR THE PROPERTY AT 6 E. 13TH STREET.
- Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 2204 S. Main – GO Car Wash – Approval of lot split – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change at 2204 S. Main Street as well as the lot split.
Fred Merrill, GO Car Wash representative stated that there is 7 acres they have purchased between Dollar Tree and Sekan Printing. He said that they will use a shared entrance with Dollar Tree. Mr. Merrill said that the car wash will use 1.2 acres of the property with remainder for expansion of 5.8 acres behind it.
- Van Hoecke moved to approve the zoning change from C-2 to C-3 and also the Lot Split for the property at 2204 S. Main Street. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3615 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 2204 S. MAIN STREET – GO CAR WASH
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3616 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – LOT SPLIT AT 2204 S. MAIN STREET – GO CAR WASH – CONSISTING OF ONE PARCEL OF 5.9 ACRES AND ONE PARCEL OF 1.2 ACRES.
- Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 12th & Clark Streets – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change at 12th & Clark Streets. The prospective owner would like to build a mechanic shop at this location.
- Wells moved to approved Ordinance No. 3617 changing the zoning from C-2 to C-3 for the property at 12th & Clark Streets. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3617 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 12th & CLARK STREETS.
- Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618 – City Manager said that this Ordinance pertains to the vacancy in the office of City Commissioner.
Discussion was held to table this until the next meeting so they can review it more.
- Van Hoecke moved to table Ordinance No. 3618 until the August 16th, 2022 meeting. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE ORDINANCE NO. 3618 UNTIL THE AUGUST 16TH, 2022 MEETING.
- Consideration of Resolution No. 32-2022 – Convention and Tourism Resolution in accordance with Charter Ordinance No. 34 – City Manager said that this Resolution will work in conjunction with Charter Ordinance No.34 concerning the oversight of the Convention and Tourism Committee with Bourbon County R.E.D.I. providing that oversight.
- Wells moved to approve Resolution No. 32-2022. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 32-2022 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT HEREBY ESTABLISHING BY THE POWER OF CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 34 THE OVERSIGHT OF THE COMMITTEE TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE PROGRAMS AND EXPENDITURES FOR PROMOTION OF CONVENTIONS AND TOURISM WHICH SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY THIS RESOLUTION.
- Approval of Budget Hearing Date and Revenue Neutral Hearing Date – August 23, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. – City Manager asked about changing the budget hearing date due to the Visioning Session which will be held that same night.
- Van Hoecke moved to approve to hold the budget hearing and the revenue neutral hearing on September 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO HOLD BUDGET HEARING AND REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2022 AT 5:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL.
Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments:
- Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding for School Resource Officers – City Manager stated that he is working with USD #234 on a Memorandum of Understanding for the School Resource Officer(s) position.
Josh Jones welcomed Destry Brown, Superintendent, to the Commission meeting.
- Dispatch Equipment Service & Operational Responsibility – City Manager shared with the Commission that he received a letter from the Bourbon County Commission regarding Dispatch equipment service and operational responsibility.
- Director Comments: None
- Engineering Firm Comments: Jason Dickman gave an update on the following projects:
- CDBG Sewer Project – ongoing project
- Horton Street project – surveying will start next week
- 17th & Eddy – under construction
- KDOT Access Road – Permit was received – will bid out soon
- South Industrial Park Waterline – moving forward
- State Revolving Loan Fund – In the first steps in submitting this application to the State
- Wells asked about the steps to Memorial Hall.
Jason stated that the got the plans from the contractor in Pittsburg and will talk with him next week.
Discussion was held on costs for bathrooms at Lake Fort Scott and estimated costs.
- Commissioners Reports and Comments:
- Wells – Matthew thanked all City staff and Evergy personnel who worked the large power outage from the lightning strike on Wednesday, August 3rd. He thanked all who were involved. He also thanked Buck Run Community Center staff who opened up a cooling facility so residents would have a place to go and get cool and sleep.
He also stated that the Fort Scott National Historic Site has issues with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team proposed location for the pavilion. Rob Harrington is the City’s representative on this committee.
- Van Hoecke – Tim read from the City adopted Code of Procedures which states that the meeting agenda should usually go out on the Wednesday before the following Tuesday meeting. He said that he regretted that the meeting could not be held on August 2nd, 2022.
Tim also echoed Matthew’s comments to all who were involved with the power outage.
- Jones – Josh read from the Code of Ethics which was also adopted by the Commission that states the City Clerk may fix deadlines for the agenda so that it may be timely compiled and distributed.
Josh thanked Kelley for heading up the team with Evergy and the City on the outage and all working together.
- Walker – Shane thanked Kelley also for heading up the City staff on the outage.
Shane thanked Stephen Toal for his painting at the Water Plant on the way to Gunn Park. He urged citizens to go and look.
- City Attorney Reports and Comments: Nothing to report.
Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
- Walker moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of attorney/client privilege exception in reference to possible litigation in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 7:29 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Attorney, and City Manager. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
- Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:29 p.m. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.
Adjournment:
- Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
City Clerk
Minutes of FS City Commission from August 2
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 2nd, 2022 Regular Meeting #15
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 2nd, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.
INVOCATION: Matthew Wells, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Steve Anthony, Pete Allen, Travis Shelton, Dave Bruner, Fred C. Merrill, Eric Goltra, Lori Brackett, Peter Brackett, Ray Babb, James Brackett, Mark McCoy, Bill Downey, Carl Brenner, Jason Dickman, Lisa Lewis, and Kevin Allen.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
- Harrington moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) until 6:19 p.m. This will include City Commissioners and City Attorney. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
- Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 6:19 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
CONSENT AGENDA:
- Wells moved to only approve Item B of the Consent Agenda for the Appropriation Ordinance No. 1317-A. K. Harrington seconded.
- Wells amended his motion to approve Item B of the Consent Agenda totaling $178,384.50, which is the payroll section of the Appropriation Ordinance. This is due to the fact that the agenda packet came out on Monday in lieu of Friday. K. Harrington seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye. J. Jones voted no. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED ITEM B OF THE CONSENT AGENDA TOTALING $178,384.50 WHICH IS THE PAYROLL SECTION OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE.
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 19th, 2022 and special meeting of July 26th, 2022.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1317-A totaling $378,639.54.
- Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – (June) – $892.50
- Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $47,383.81 – 17th & Eddy Project
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
Steve Anthony – Steve announced that the Special Olympics Golf Tournament held this last weekend raised $32,000. It is scheduled for July 29th, 2022 next year.
- Harrington discussed rescheduling this meeting so they can have time to review the agenda packet. They will meet on Thursday, August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
- Harrington moved to postpone the meeting until August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye. J. Jones voted no. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED TO POSTPONE THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING UNTIL AUGUST 4TH, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M.
Adjournment:
- Harrington moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
City Clerk
More Government by Gregg Motley
More Government
It is a commonly held belief amongst 21st Century Americans that people are basically good, but the facts on the ground deny that assumption. No one would dispute that a child not only needs help with the activities of daily living, but also needs consistent guidance in order to successfully transition into productive adulthood. Our various levels of government are necessary to maintain a civil society; otherwise, we would devolve into chaos.
Statistically, we have much more government involvement in our lives since I was born in the 1950’s. Government spending is a much higher percentage of Gross National Product, and many huge government agencies at all levels have come into existence since my youth. There were no “Great Society” programs, no Medicare, no Obama Care, and six Presidential Cabinet level positions have been created: Housing and Urban Development, Education, Transportation, Energy, Veteran Affairs and Homeland Security. Federal tax rates on families in 1960 were 3% on the first $4,800.00 earned. Now, Social Security and Medicare taxes alone are more than double that, even before any income taxes are collected.
Why has government exploded with growth? Let me propose two main causes: first, the moral decline of Americans necessitating more government intervention in our lives. As noted by John Adams, “Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” I believe recent trends are proving his point.
One does not have to dive too deeply into the statistics to document the moral decline of America, most notably crime rates, divorce, unwanted pregnancies, drug dependence, etc., have skyrocketed. That is not to say we were without sin in the 1950’s, based on the evils of racism alone in the form of segregation, prohibitions on mixed race marriages, Jim Crow laws and the like. But generally, Americans were more personally productive and tended to respect authority.
Secondly, our universities have popularized socialistic economic theories, such as that of John Maynard Keynes. In the 1970’s when I was studying economics, the theories of John Adams and Milton Freidman ruled the day; we studied Keynes as a novelty. In the 21st Century, governments at all levels have followed the Keynesian trend of greater reliance on government intervention.
In response to this rise of social disorder, it seems that modern economic theories have attempted to create societal solutions to the consequences of our moral malaise, so far without success. In fact, the jurisdictions where modern theories have been applied to the highest degree have experienced rising crime and higher rates of individual pain as measured by previously mentioned trends. The “Great Society” programs were launched nearly 60 years ago, and after billions of dollars of spending, the percentage of Americans living below the poverty line has remained virtually unchanged.
If we have learned anything from the dramatic growth of government during my lifetime, it should be that more government is not the answer to our problems; not Federal, not state, not local. Until the people of this nation begin to realize the importance of the basic fundamentals of two parent households, steady loving discipline of our children, and ample investment of parents’ time and money in the education of our next generation, we will continue to struggle economically and socially, both in metropolitan areas, and rural communities like Bourbon County.