Monthly Archives: December 2019
FS Commission Minutes of Dec. 3
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 3rd, 2019 Regular Meeting #22
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 3rd, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Mitchell, and Nichols were present with Mayor Parker presiding.
INVOCATION: Michael Mix – Public Utilities Director said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Dave Bruner, Travis Shelton, Michael Hoyt, Chad Brown, Michael Mix, Pete Allen, Kevin Allen, Josh Jones, Jeff Deane, Peter Hinkle, Drew Sebilius, Bret Shogren, Mitch Walter, Devin Tally, Susan Bancroft, Paul Ballou, Robert Uhler, Deb Needleman, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 19th, 2019
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1251-A totaling 216,872.18.
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Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #1 – $51,062.50 – River Intake Structure Project
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Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #2 – $62,206.80 – River Intake Structure Project
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Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #3 – $308,966.02 – River Intake Structure Project
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Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #4 – $71,059.43 – River Intake Structure Project
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt passed out to the Commissioners a small booklet of the Constitution of the United States.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration of Employee Christmas Bonus – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, asked the Commission if they would consider giving the Christmas bonus to City employees again this year with the exception of the City Attorney and City Manager. She recommended $100.00 to full time employees, $50.00 to regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. This has been budgeted.
Mitchell moved to approve the Christmas bonus. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
Approved the annual Christmas bonus of $100.00 for all full time employees, $50.00 for regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. This bonus will exclude Dave Martin, City Manager, ANd the City Attorney.
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Consideration of Lake Sewer District Sewer Increase – Dave Martin, City Manager, remarked that the last meeting the lake sewer rates were discussed about increasing from $15.77 to $22.79 which is the 2020 rate which will match the City’s rate. According to the service agreement with the County, this is a County led project. Susan researched this and the County should be the entity to form a sewer board. The County was notified back in July of 2019 that this increase needed to occur. The Commission has every right to approve this increase according to the agreement. Susan Bancroft reached out to Stuart Porter, who is with Schaub-Eaton, the engineer for this project, and those rates were only supposed to be at that level for one year. The City will continue to work with the County.
Nichols moved to approve the lake sewer increase from $15.77 to $22.79 for 2020. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED LAKE SEWER INCREASE FROM $15.77 TO $22.79 FOR 2020 FOR LAKE RESIDENTS.
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Debt Service Structure Presentation – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, shared with the Commission the City’s debt and where we are. Over the next seven years, most of our debt will be paid off. Susan went over the various funds of the city. 23% of our debt is the Aquatic Center and Buck Run improvements which will retire in 2021. 36% of our debt is from water utility improvements. Our debt limit is $15 million based on our assessed valuation. $13.1 million is exempt because it is utility debt. The City has $13.9 million of debt capacity. The City is in good financial condition.
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Approval to publish Budget Amendment for the December 17th, 2019 meeting – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that a budget amendment hearing needs to be held at our next meeting in December.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to publish the budget amendment hearing notice and to hold the public hearing at the December 17th, 2019 meeting. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
approved to publish the budget amendment hearing notice and to hold the public hearing at the December 17th, 2019 meeting.
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Approval of low bid for financing the River Intake Project – General Obligation Temporary Notes – Bret Shogren, of Stifel Public Finance, informed the Commission that on November 19th, 2019 you adopted a resolution scheduling a sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes for December 3rd, 2019. The notice to bid was sent out and published in your local newspaper. Moody’s was also sent this information and a conference call was held with City officials to issue a credit rating. Moody’s issued a 1 rating for the temporary notes which is the highest rating you can receive. There were six bids received with the lowest bid from Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Company in the amount of $1.492177%. He asked for the Commission to adopt the Resolution directing the sale of the temporary notes and accepting the low bid.
Approval of Resolution 29-2019 authorizing and directing the issuance, sale, and delivery of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2019-1 of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; providing for the levy and collection of an annual tax, if necessary, for the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on said notes as they become due; making certain covenants and agreements to provide for the payment and security thereof; and authorizing other documents and actions connected therewith. – $4,925,000 – River Intake Project
Mitchell moved to approve the low bid from Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Company in the amount of 1.492177% and approve Resolution No 29-2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
Approved Resolution 29-2019 authorizing and directing the issuance, sale, and delivery of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2019-1 of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; providing for the levy and collection of an annual tax, if necessary, for the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on said notes as they become due; making certain covenants and agreements to provide for the payment and security thereof; and authorizing other documents and actions connected therewith. – $4,925,000 – River Intake Project
approved low bid from hutchinson, shockey, erley & Company in the amount of 1.492177%.
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Consideration of approval of Energy Services Contract with Schneider Electric – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that Peter Hinkle and Drew Sebilius are here this evening from Schneider Electric. Several months ago, a Request for Qualifications was sent out and the Commission selected Schneider Electric. In May of 2019, this firm did an audit of all City facilities. Tonight, it is scheduled for approval of their contract and the financing to actually conduct the work.
Mr. Hinkle informed the Commission that to update them, they have been in business since 1836. This will help address building needs of all your facilities. He asked approval for the contract and the financing and then they would begin ordering materials for updates. A change of lighting to LED would be implemented. Mechanical improvements will also be implemented through updating heat and air conditioning units. Infiltration issues and window replacement will be implemented. The total scope of this project is $1,534,077. Savings to the City over 20 years is estimated to be $2,153,229. The interest rate for the lease purchase agreement for the equipment is 3.50%. There were five banks that submitted bids for this project. This is a 20-year lease agreement. A press release will be issued regarding this project and updates will be given throughout the process. Approval of the ordinance and resolution is needed.
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3554 authorizing the City of Fort Scott, Kansas to enter into a lease purchase transaction, the proceeds of which will be used to pay the costs of acquiring certain equipment for use in the City; and to approve the execution of certain documents in connection therewith.
Parker moved to approve the ordinance to enter into a lease purchase agreement for the energy savings project. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
Approved Ordinance No. 3554 authorizing the City of Fort Scott, Kansas to enter into a lease purchase transaction, the proceeds of which will be used to pay the costs of acquiring certain equipment for use in the City; and to approve the execution of certain documents in connection therewith. $1,534,077 – ENERGY SAVINGS EQUIPMENT LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
Approval of Resolution 28-2019 – Authorizing the City to enter into an Energy Savings Contract for the acquisition and installation of certain energy savings improvements in the city.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No 28-2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
Approved Resolution 28-2019 – Authorizing the City to enter into an Energy Savings Contract for the acquisition and installation of certain energy savings improvements in the city – SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
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Consideration of architectural services from Zingre’ & Associates for repairs to the Water Treatment Plant facility – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that a fire occurred at the Water Treatment Plant at 910 Burke Street on October 24th, 2019 in the early morning hours. He asked for approval for the contract with Zingre’ & Associates to assist with the bidding process and specifications to repair this structure due to the fire.
Susan Bancroft said that this cost will be reimbursed through the insurance.
Nichols moved to approve Zingre’ & Associates architectural contract in the amount of $7,776.00 to repair the Water Treatment Plant facility. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ZINGRE’ & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTURAL CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,776.00 TO REPAIR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT FACILITY.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates:
Dave Bruner – Dave updated the Commission on fire calls for 2019 versus 2018. There are about 300 calls less for the fire department than the previous year. This is due to the fact that the Fire Scott ambulance is now a third out vehicle due to the two ambulances now.
There were 48 fire calls this year compared to 44 calls last year. The calls are 80% EMS related. He said that on Thanksgiving Day the Fire Department crew delivered a baby as they arrived before EMS did.
Robert Uhler – Robert asked the Commission to extend the time frame for the flood plain for 501 E. Wall which is the Greg Schick property. He asked for an extension of 60 days for him to complete his work.
Bartelsmeyer moved to allow an additional 60 day extension for the property at 501 E. Wall belonging to Greg Schick and if more time is needed, then Mr. Schick should come and request it in person. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
EXTENDED KDHE FLOOD PLAIN APPROVAL FOR AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS AND IF MORE TIME IS NEEDED, MR. GREG SCHICK WILL NEED TO SHOW UP IN PERSON.
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City Commission:
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Mitchell – Asked that everyone remember our Sheriff Bill Martin in their thoughts and prayers while he is being hospitalized.
Nichols – Nothing to report.
Adamson – Nothing to report.
Parker – Nothing to report.
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City Manager:
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Attorney – City Manager said Burton Harding, our current City Attorney still has an active law practice. The City needs someone to focus more on our complex needs at this time. Recently, at the League of Kansas Municipalities annual meeting, a contact was made with Lauber Municipal Law Firm. They are a group of attorneys that City staff met with and feel confident that they can assist us. Burton will stay on until the end of the year. Jeff Deane is present tonight from Lauber Municipal Law Firm. He practices in Kansas as well as his partner, Joseph Lauber. He asked approval for Ordinance No. 3555 setting the City Attorney.
Mr. Deane said that they are exclusively municipal law. They do no other kind of law. He said they are available at a moment’s notice. There are six of them in this firm and he and Joe Lauber deal specifically with Kansas law. He has been in practice since 1998. They are excited to work with the City of Fort Scott.
Mitchell moved to approve Lauber Municipal Law Firm as the City’s new attorney effective immediately and to approve Ordinance No. 3555. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3555 TO HIRE A CITY ATTORNEY AND SET HIS SALARY WHICH WILL REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 2707 AND ORDINANCE NO 2757 PREVIOUSLY SETTING SAID CITY ATTORNEY’S SALRY FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:48 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:48 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 17th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY
CITY CLERK
FS Commission Agenda for Dec. 17
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
DECEMBER 17, 2019
6:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Eric Going, Parkway Church of God
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 3rd, 2019.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1252-A totaling $1,277,645.70.
C. 2020 Cereal Malt Beverage/Public Dance Licenses: (originals in Clerk’s office)
Package Sales:
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall
Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main
Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main
Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main
G & W 2, L.L.C., 911 E. 6th Street
Hilltop Bait Shop – 2015 E. 1st Street
Consumption on the Premises:
Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt
NPC International, Inc. DBA Pizza Hut #2423 – 1810 S. Main
Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton
Public Dance License:
Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th
Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National
Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main
Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National
River Room Events, LLC – 3 West Oak
Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott
Memorial Auditorium – 1 East Third
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Resolution 30-2019 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 421 W. 5th Street – Public Hearing Date – 2/4/2020 – 6:15 p.m.
VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
6:00 p.m. – Budget Amendment Hearing
VII. CONSIDERATION:
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Approval of Quit Claim Deed – Transfer of Depot Parking Lot to H.P.A.
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Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding with Charlesworth Consulting – Consultant for City’s insurance needs
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Consideration to accept Grant Agreement between City of Fort Scott and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
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Consideration of 2020 Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service Agreement
VIII. COMMENTS:
- Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt
Chad Brown
- Commission:
- City Manager:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO
(see below justification)
DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN
MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.
Justifications for Executive Sessions:
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Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
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Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
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Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
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Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
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Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
First Southern Baptist Christmas Sunday Begins With Community Breakfast Dec. 22
Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church at 1818 South Main will have a special service Christmas Sunday, December 22nd at 10:50 am. We will be serving a community breakfast before church starting at 9:45 am. The menu includes eggs, hash browns, fruit, and biscuits and gravy. After breakfast, our worship service will include both contemporary and traditional Christmas songs and hymns.
Pastor James Collins will be preaching a special message from his latest book, “The Nativity: How The Story of Christmas Can Change Your Life.” Collins will be signing copies of his books after the church service.
The church’s mission statement is “Know Jesus and Make Jesus Known.” According to Pastor Collins, “Our church exists to worship God, to exalt His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to nurture and care for one another, and to share the good news about the forgiveness of sins found in Christ alone. People are more open to the Gospel at Christmas. It is my hope that people will come to our service, make eternal decisions for Jesus, and lives will be forever transformed.”
Collins went on to say, “We hope you will visit our church. If you do, please excuse our mess as we are in the process of remodeling our sanctuary and building our new Family Life Center.”
First Baptist Offers Christmas Eve Service Dec. 24
First Baptist Church,123 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott will have a Christmas Eve Service at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24
The purpose of First Baptist Church is to worship and glorify God by preparing each member to reach others for Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20
Robert Kraus is the interim pastor. For more information contact:
620 223 3080
Christmas Services at Community Christian Church Dec. 24
Community Christian Church,1919 S, Horton St., in Fort Scott, will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service
6 pm on 12/24
“Come early to enjoy homemade cookies, coffee and hot cocoa,” said Children’s Pastor Paul Martin.
FSCC Trustees Minutes of Nov. 18
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Training
November 18, 2019
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bernita Hill, Dana McKenney, Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community
members.
Chairman John Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer recognized Liz Meyer’s contributions to FSCC and
stated that she will be greatly missed as a member of the Board of Trustees. He led the Board in a moment of
silence in Liz’s memory.
SECURITY CAMERA UPDATE AND DEMONSTRATION: Tom Havron provided a demonstration of the
security systems that have been recently installed as step one in campus security. Step two includes working with
CDL to replace cameras in Greyhound and Bailey Halls, followed by a keyless dorm entry system.
OUTSIDE SAFETY LIGHTING: Bernita Hill addressed the lack of lighting outside Cleaver Boileau Hall and
recommended additional lighting to improve safety outside the facility.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Hill, seconded by McKenney, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda and addendum provided.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the sale of
COPs for Boileau Hall refinancing to Landmark National Bank in conjunction with Country Club Bank.
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the resolution
to refinance the COPs for Boileau Hall.
B. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
disposal of a chicken coop and a shed built by LaHarpe Construction Trades students through sale by
advertising in the Iola Register and Fort Scott Tribune.
C. A motion was made by Hill, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to table approval of the
Emeritus Staff Policy for the next meeting as President Johnston works on the verbiage of the policy.
D. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to agree to the terms
of the tax relief program for the City of Fort Scott.
E. A motion was made by Hill, seconded by McKenney, and carried by unanimous vote to publish that the
Board will fill the vacancy on the Board of Trustees by appointment not sooner than 15 days after such
publication.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of appreciation/correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Gordon Parks
Museum, Miami County Campus, Student Services, Finance and Operations, and the President. President Johnston also shared the Annual Report with the board.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:30 p.m. by Hill, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote.
FSCC Trustees Agenda Dec. 16
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, December 16, 2019. The meeting will be held in Cleaver Boileau Agriculture Hall at Fort Scott Community College.
To view the entire agenda packet click below:
5:00 p.m. Dinner in the Cleaver Boileau Agriculture Hall at 5:00 p.m. followed by regular board meeting at 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. Audit Report – Terry Sercer
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 18,
2019, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Consideration of Tri-State HEP Database, 66
B. Consideration of Emeritus Staff Policy, 80
C. Appointment of Board Member to Fill Board Vacancy, 81
REPORTS, 82
A. Administrative Updates, 83
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 94
ADJOURNMENT, 95
1
, 66
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• December 16, 2019: Board Meeting
• December 23 – January 5, 2020: Winter Break – Campus Closed
• January 8 – 10, 2020: In-service
• January 13, 2020: Spring Semester begins
• January 20, 2020: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Campus Closed
• January 27, 2020: Board Meeting
• February 17, 2020: Board Meeting
• March 16, 2020: Board Meeting
• March 23, – 27, 2020: Spring Break – Campus Closed
• April 3, 2020: Aggie Day
• April 10, 2020: Good Friday – Campus Closed
• April 20, 2020: Board Meeting
• May 11 – 14, 2020: Final Exams
• May 15, 2020: Graduation
• May 18, 2020: Board Meeting
• May 25, 2020: Memorial Day – Campus Closed
• June 15, 2020: 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.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on November
18, 2019.
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) Marlene Braker, Accounting Clerk, effective November 18, 2019
b) Valeria Pena, Regional Recruiter for IA DOE, effective November 18, 2019
c) Dustin Johnson, Assistant Football Coach, effective November 20, 2019
d) Diego Calderon, Regional Recruiter for IA DOE, effective December 15,
2019
e) Jared Wheeler, Communications Instructor, effective January 1, 2020
2) Separations
a) Craig Richardson, Assistant Football Coach, effective December 3, 2019
b) Morgan McNeley, Resident Assistant, effective December 15, 2019
c) Jazmine Bamberger, Resident Assistant, effective December 18, 2019
d) Alli Price, Resident Assistant, effective December 18, 2019
e) Joey Thomas, Assistant Football Coach, effective December 31, 2019
f) Martha Dare, Print Shop Director, effective December 31, 2019
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Fewins Hill
McKenney Meyer Nelson
New County Information Board Installed at Courthouse
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSCN0182-2-300x225.jpg)
A mass notification message board was installed on the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse at 2nd and National Ave.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSCN0180-2-300x225.jpg)
The Bourbon County Emergency Management purchased the electronic sign from Garland Fire Department for $1,200.
“It was purchased on October 16, 2019, after taking bids and deciding where to place it, it was installed on December 11, 2019,” William Wallis, Bourbon County Emergency Management Director said.
“After several months of discussion and deliberation Shane (Walker, Bourbon County Information Technology Director)and I decided to purchase it and use it to display messages to the public such as CodeRed signups, red flag fire warning days, weather warnings such as ice storms, snowstorms, etc.,” Wallis said in an earlier story.
No county money was used to purchase or have it installed, Wallis said in the previous story, grant money was used.
To view the previous story, click below:
Electric and hybrid vehicle owners to see change in registration fees
TOPEKA – In the 2019 legislative session, law makers passed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2214, which approved the increase in vehicle registration fees for hybrid and electric vehicles. Originally introduced by the Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force and worked on through the legislative process. Registration fees for electric-hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles will increase to $50 from either $30 or $40, depending on the gross vehicle weight. For all-electric vehicles, registration fees will increase to $100 from either the current $30 or $40 fee. This change will take effect on January 1, 2020.
There are roughly 2.5 million registered vehicles in the state of Kansas and of those a small percentage are considered electric or hybrid electric vehicles.
According to the fiscal note presented, the registration fee change will increase State Highway fund revenues by $610,095.
Dollar Tree Coming to Fort Scott in 2020
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dollar-tree-location-229x300.jpg)
The City of Fort Scott is pleased to announce a new Dollar Tree store will be opening in late summer of 2020.
Dollar Tree will be conveniently located on the Highway 69 Corridor with ground breaking expected in the first quarter.
The City is actively working to increase sales tax revenue in 2020 and expects additional opportunities to be announced in January.
Jayhawk Wind Farm Impact Analysis Dec. 2019
Study Quantifies Economic Opportunity for Bourbon and Crawford Counties if Jayhawk Wind Farm Is Constructed
According to a new economic impact analysis, Bourbon and Crawford Counties will gain an estimated $27.2 million total in new revenues over the first 25 years of the Jayhawk Wind project, if it is constructed.
Apex Clean Energy, the company developing Jayhawk Wind, estimates that, if built, about 80% of the project’s turbines will be located in Bourbon County, generating $11.4 million in new revenues for that jurisdiction. Crawford County would host the remaining 20% and receive $3.9 million.
Moreover, the project is expected to create about 318 jobs in the Bourbon County and Crawford County region, generating about $15.7 million in new earnings for local workers during construction.
For the complete analysis, click here:
Jayhawk Wind – Economic Development Report Final November 2019(1)
Once the project is operational, it will create as many as 30 new, long-term local jobs. These new long-term jobs will result in earnings of about $1.2 million annually, once the wind farm is operational.
About seven of these jobs will be direct hires of the wind farm, while the remaining jobs will be generated by local businesses that grow as a result of Jayhawk Wind’s operation.
New tax revenues from the project will also benefit local education.
Beginning in 2032 and through 2046:
• Uniontown Unified School District (USD) 235 will receive over $387,000 annually, totaling $5.8 million;
• Girard USD 248 will receive $203,000 annually, totaling over $3 million;
• Erie USD 101 will receive $38,000 annually, totaling over $572,000; and
• Fort Scott Community College will receive $256,000 annually, totaling over $3.8 million.
Existing local businesses will win too. The $250 million investment that Jayhawk Wind represents will benefit a wide array of area businesses, including hotels, restaurants, professional service firms, and construction supply companies.
Bourbon and Crawford Counties alone will see over $36.2 million in new economic output during construction.
“Wind farms create numerous economic benefits that continue to last for decades,” said Dr. David Loomis, Illinois State University professor of economics and co-founder of the Center for Renewable Energy, who conducted the analysis.
The U.S. wind industry has grown at a rapid pace since 2006, due in part to new, efficient technologies and demand by corporate buyers increasing demand for wind energy.
Starbucks, Wal-Mart, and General Motors are among the corporations purchasing wind energy produced
from Illinois wind farms.
“Demand for wind energy continues to grow due to low, long-term, stable pricing, which protects against future price volatility,” said Dr. Loomis. “In recent years, investment in wind energy
development has only been slowed by uncertain government policies.”
“Apex Clean Energy is proud to be a part of an industry bringing economic opportunity to rural America, which has not always benefited equally from our nation’s recent economic growth,”
said Jade Scheele, Apex Clean Energy senior development manager.
A copy of the Jayhawk Economic Impact Analysis can be found at www.jayhawkwind.com.
Dr. David G. Loomis is professor of economics at Illinois State University and co-founder of the Center for Renewable Energy. He has over 10 years of experience in the renewable energy field and has performed economic analyses at the county, region, state, and national levels for utility-scale wind and solar generation. Dr. Loomis is a widely recognized expert and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes magazine, the Associated Press, and the Chicago
Tribune and has appeared on CNN. Dr. Loomis has published over 25 peer-reviewed articles in leading energy policy and economics journals. Dr. Loomis received his PhD in economics from
Temple University in 1995.
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About Apex Clean Energy
Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 200 renewable energy experts uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers.
For more information on how Apex is leading the transition to a clean energy future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.