Click below:
https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1068/5-2-20-update-numbers
DeeAnna Marie Poole, age 60, resident of Fulton, KS, died Friday, May 1, 2020, at her home.
She was born on July 8, 1959, on Camp Pendleton Marine Corp base in Oceanside, CA, the daughter of John Thomas Durbin, Sr., and Mary Eva Wickham Durbin.
She was a loving mom, wife, aunt, and sister. She cared for her family and always saw the good in people. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service from 1989 to 1994 when MS caused her to be paralyzed.
DeeAnna always had a warm smile on her face. She was the best mother any child could ask for. She will forever be greatly missed by many.
Survivors include her husband Jim of the home; two sons Brandon Poole, Prescott, KS and Jimmy Poole, Jr. Phoenix, AZ; sisters Faith Durbin, OK and Kathy Biggart, Fort Scott; grandchildren Tayden Poole, Kelsee Poole, Anna Olive, Hailey Olive, and Taylor Poole; nieces and nephews Jorden Durbin, Matt Brown, Jessy Brown, Daniel Durbin, Michael Durbin, Tommy Durbin, Jeffery Durbin,
She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, John Thomas Durbin, Jr.; a sister, Candy Brown; and two nieces, Justina Durbin, and Katrina Brown.
Private graveside services will be Monday, May 4th, in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Fulton, KS. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Letter To The Editor
Submitted by Jeff Fischer, Bourbon County Commissioner
There has been some concern over this proposal and how it may compromise our community members’ rights.
Let me first say, first and foremost, that is absolutely not the intent.
We are living in unprecedented times. New ideas and technology should be brought to the table and discussed unless we are satisfied with the status quo. We share an obligation to protect our citizens to the best of our ability.
I pray that this pandemic is on the way out. However, should this virus have a second wave, having the tools to isolate the infected and liberating the healthy will be a big step in avoiding the anticipated consequences.
I know many, if not all, of our large employers, are taking temperatures and monitoring symptoms of their employees prior to every shift. Some of our larger businesses are actively looking for a tool to use to help monitor the symptoms as a strategy to keep their employees safe and their operations ongoing.
Nationwide, everyone is looking for increased access to testing. This proposal was presented as an option to help meet community needs, looking for ways to keep our workforce and elderly safe, and prepare for future risk.
I also know that every county health department is tracking and tracing confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Although the proposal used a word like “surveillance,” this does not mean a mass population tracking system. The objective of this proposal has never been the surveillance and tracking of individuals, but the disease. We have learned that early detection, confirmation and appropriate actions are key factors in limiting the spread of the virus that causes this disease.
We need to move past keeping healthy people at home and move toward quarantining those who show a confirmed positive of COVID-19. This specific proposal targeted increasing our regional testing capacity and building a data infrastructure for the rapid sharing of the results.
MRIGlobal, formerly known as Midwest Research Institute based in Kansas City has presented a proposal dated April 20th to Bourbon County. This proposal had three main components, two of these components pertained to diagnostic testing for COVID-19 and the third component pertained to a symptom monitoring application. Although this proposal is specific to Bourbon County, it is being used as a template to be in other remote areas to support expanding diagnostic testing capacity with rapid reporting of the results.
Each of the three components is menu priced.
For example, we could select the service described in item one and only pay for the number of tests that are performed. This would give our community 500 diagnostic tests each week with same day results. CHC SEK would likely collect the specimens and deliver them by noon in Kansas City. CHC SEK would bill for these tests as they currently do now. We may learn that we have no need for items two and three, but they are priced to give our community scalable capacity.
“Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself.” Isaiah 44:24
My life feels like an HGTV show. Our church has been going through a building expansion and remodeling. We recently added a new Family Life Building which is not complete. Construction is currently underway on the interior. The church kitchen and a couple of Sunday School classrooms are torn apart in various stages of remodel. New built-in bookcases are being added to my office. Everywhere I turn, I am tripping over tools and lumber.
At home, it is no different. When our family moved to Southeast Kansas, we purchased a Victorian house which is over 130-years-old. My wife, Amanda, watched a couple of episodes of “Fixer Upper” and somehow the thought got into her pretty head that I have all the skills to renovate our house. Last week, Amanda came into where I was working and said, “Since you have been working on this house, I have really grown closer to the Lord.” I said, “Is that because the beauty of my work makes you think of heaven?” She said, “No, not heaven. Your work makes me think of the other place.”
The problem is our house is crooked – out of level. You can see it in the floors, the ceilings, the roofline, the door jambs, even the window frames. Since I am trying to keep as much of the original materials as possible, it is difficult to use reclaimed wood which is twisted and broken.
I have always admired how a master carpenter can take pieces of salvaged wood and out of them build something beautiful. If you’re human and living on this planet, pieces of your life are twisted and broken. Chances are you have seen parts of your life break apart – dreams, relationships, promises, and hearts. We’ve all experienced broken pieces. Our lives need the hands of a carpenter.
I don’t believe that it was merely coincidence that the Lord Jesus Christ was a carpenter. After all, since the beginning of time, He has been a builder. His hands built the planet on which we stand. His hands built the sky on which we gaze. His hands even built us in the womb. And those same hands that built the universe can take all the twisted and broken pieces of your life and build until your life turns out to be something beautiful.
Your part is to let Him have all the pieces. Bring to Jesus all your brokenness – your sorrows, losses, frustrations, hurts, and wounds. Give Him your broken dreams, relationships, promises, and broken hearts – all of it. Put them all into the Carpenter’s hands. You don’t have to struggle with your life. You can put your life into Jesus’ hands because His hands are the hands of a carpenter. He is the Master Carpenter of life. So, let Him be the Carpenter of your life.
The point is: Today, give the Lord any part of your life or heart that is or has been broken. Then let the Master Carpenter redeem the broken pieces and build your life into something beautiful.
Let Jesus be your Carpenter, and you will be sure it’s built right.
James Collins is the senior pastor of First Southern Baptist Church where “Drive-In” Church will be held tomorrow at 11 am. For more information, go www.fortscottfsbc.com.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held April 21st, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Mitchell presiding.
INVOCATION: There was no invocation given.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: There was no audience in attendance other than a very few City staff.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week – April 12-18, 2020 – Mayor Mitchell read this proclamation and thanked all of our dispatchers for their hard work and dedication to their positions.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 7th, 2020.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1261-A totaling $495,579.32.
Resolution No. 10-2020 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 10 N. National Street – Public Hearing Date – June 2nd, 2020 – 6:15 p.m.
Request to Pay #8 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $297,929.28 – River Intake Project
Change Request Proposal #11 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $37,859.00 – River Intake Project – Pump #3 Rebuild
Approval of 3RK – Certificate of Pay Request #4 – MIH Housing Grant – $11,557.87.
March financials
Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute
limit per citizen) – Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 6:00 p.m. De-annexation of property located at 1121 207th Street – Approval of Ordinance No. 3560
Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:13 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:13 P.M.
Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that Darin Boss resides at 1121 207th Street. He recently discovered his house is annexed into the City limits and is the only house in that area that is annexed. Cindy Bartelsmeyer, former City Commissioner, lived in that house and annexed the property so she could run for City Commission. He has requested that it be de-annexed from the City limits. Diane asked for approval of Ordinance No. 3560 which would de-annex this property from the City limits. There are no City services at this location.
K. Allen asked if it was common practice to annex your property if you wanted to run for City Commission. This is setting precedence that states you can annex your property and live anywhere.
Jeff Deane, City Attorney, said that property can be annexed into the City limits. There are no services out there. He has no legal objection to this. It is a voluntary request. Legal requirements by State Statute have to be met and qualified in order to be annexed or de-annexed. This meets those requirements by State.
The Mayor said that anyone who runs for office can annex their property into the City limits and she did the correct thing.
Nichols moved to approve Ordinance No. 3560 de-annexing the property at 1121 207th Street from the City limits. Mitchell seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3560 DE-ANNEXING CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM THE CITY LIMITS OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS – 1121 207TH STREET.
Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:22 p.m. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:22 P.M.
CONSIDERATION:
Consideration to Hire a City Engineer – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that we have had a couple of meetings with Commissioner Pete Allen this last week regarding engineering. Pete feels strongly we need a City engineer. This would allow that person to be on site and make sure that all specifications are followed. There is money in the budget for this position, but due to the pandemic, it is affecting our finances. He feels like we are in a good position to go month to month and Susan Bancroft will explain it to the Commission. A job description was developed for this position also.
Pete Allen said it is hard to put a value on a City engineer position with the work the City is looking at in the near future.
Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission she wished to first address the budget. This will help set the direction for your decision. She has met with all the department heads on holding the line steady. The City is very uncertain about revenues due to COVID-19. She reminded the Commission of the City’s Mission Statement and Vision Statement. Cuts were made throughout the entire budget. She explained the cuts to the general fund as well as all the other various funds of the City. She explained projects that have been cut or put on hold to reevaluate in the middle of the summer and see where our revenues are. There is a meeting next week with the pool association to see what will be happening with COVID-19 and budget restraints on the opening of the aquatic center.
After looking at all the cuts, it looks like there is about $2,000,000 for 2020 for projects. This is taking $750,000 from the Water Utility fund, $450,000 from the Wastewater Utility fund, and $800,000 from Stormwater Utility fund. The water meter replacement program needs to move forward in 2020. This is for meter change outs. The Wastewater Plant roof needs replaced this year also. Discussion needs to be held how to use these dollars. Short term notes could be issued to proceed with projects also. Grants will be looked at. That many times includes shovel ready projects which would involve engineering.
Susan urged them to review the Vision/Mission Statement; review the City of Fort Scott Comprehensive Plan; develop Street Program with the Street Advisory Board; and develop a Utility Infrastructure Program. She shared pros and cons of hiring an engineering firm versus hiring a City engineer as an employee.
Discussion was held regarding hiring a City engineer as an employee versus hiring an engineering firm through RFQ’s and the pros and cons.
K. Allen asked that Susan give them a list of the cuts each department has made.
K. Allen moved to hire a City engineer. Pete Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, and R. Nichols voted aye. L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted no. Motion carried 3-2.
APPROVED TO HIRE A CITY ENGINEER.
Consideration of Request to send out Request for Qualifications for City Engineer – (Discussed above)
Consideration of Approval of Salary Ordinance Number 3561 – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission since the hiring of a City engineer was approved, the Salary Ordinance needs approved. This allows for the position of City Engineer. Susan said the base salary is not to exceed $95,000.
L. Watts said that the area cities are in line with this.
Deb Needleman said that this is straight salary before benefits.
City Manager said that a committee will be formed to interview qualified candidates.
K. Allen moved to approve the Salary Ordinance allowing for the City Engineer position. R. Nichols seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts voted aye. J. Mitchell abstained. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3561 OF THE APPOINTIVE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 3544. – ADDED CITY ENGINEER POSITION.
Consideration to repeal Ordinance No. 3556 and approve Ordinance No. 3562 establishing a Street Advisory Board – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that a new ordinance created by Pete Allen is in your packet for consideration. Pete’s ordinance has 7 people with 1 person in the 3 mile radius.
L. Watts said that she also prepared a new ordinance. She said that her version reflects 7 City residents. The original ordinance states that the Community Development Director, City Manager, and a City Commissioner would sit on this board along with four other citizens. Pete’s reflect no City staff. She believes that a City staff person should attend these meetings.
City Manager said that Pete has no problem with having a City staff person present.
Pete said that City staff should be available for any meeting, but not a member of the committee.
Discussion was held regarding other City boards and if City staff attend those meetings. City Clerk told the Commission a City staff person is always there and acts as a liaison between the board and the City. A member outside the three-mile zone was also questioned and discussed.
J. Mitchell moved to change the Street Ordinance to include six (6) City residents and one (1) member in the three-mile limit of the City of Fort Scott. The terms will be staggered and set at the first meeting. The City Manager will appoint a City employee who will serve as an ex-offocio. As an ex-officio, the staff member will act as a liaison between the Commission and the board. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Approved to change the Street Ordinance No. 3562 to include six (6) City residents and one (1) member in the three-mile limit of the City of Fort Scott. The terms will be staggered and set at the first meeting. The City Manager will appoint a City employee who will serve as an ex-offIcio. As ex-officio, the staff member will act as a liaison between the Commission and the board.
Consideration of appointments to Street Advisory Board (Seven (7) City residents) – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission of letters/emails of interest that had been submitted.
Lindsey asked since this ordinance has now been amended, if letters of interest should be accepted again.
Jeff Deane, City Attorney, recommended leaving the appointments open due to the new ordinance.
Lindsey asked since so many people have shown interest, if they can request some biographical information on the people that have submitted letters of interest and from people who will be. She thinks there was only one which gave any background which could bring assistance to the board.
Pete Allen said that we didn’t ask for resumes. If there are people on that list that you don’t want, don’t vote for them. Whoever receives the most votes, gets to be on the board.
Kevin Allen asked if it had been advertised.
City Attorney said not with this new ordinance.
Lindsey said that she didn’t want to vote with only one candidate outside the three-mile limit. Also, she would still like more information on the individuals who have expressed interest.
Mitchell moved to give people more time to get letters/emails of interest in along with more information on the individuals who have expressed interest. She asked for an additional week to be given to submit these letters/emails of interest. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
approved to give people more time to get letters/emails of interest along with more information on the individuals who have expressed interest. She asked for an additional week to be given to submit these letters/emails of interest
Consideration to reject bids – Machine Shed – Airport – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that we only received one bid for this project. This is one of the cuts that was determined to be made due to budget constraints.
K. Allen asked if the City received a grant for this project.
Susan said that per Rachel there has not been a grant received for this project.
Pete said that there are openings on the Airport Advisory Board and that the Commission should solicit people for boards and not advertise for people to submit letters of interest.
City Attorney will check into this issue.
Nichols moved to reject the bid for the machine shed at the Airport. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.
APPROVED TO REJECT THE BID FOR THE MACHINE SHED AT THE AIRPORT.
Consideration to apply for 2020 CARES Act for Airport runway improvements funding – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that he thought we had a deadline to meet to make repairs to the runway. A decision needed to be made due to the time frame. Because of the amount this would take, it would be about $60,000 to $70,000 over the grant amount. This is not in the budget.
Pete asked what the C.A.R.E.S. Act stood for.
Dave will find out. It is funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consideration of approval of charter ordinance to fill a vacancy on the City Commission – Jeff Deane, City Attorney, said that he has rewrote the original ordinance. He asked Kevin Allen if he had a chance to look it over.
Kevin said that he wanted to go with the original ordinance that he wrote.
Jeff Deane said that he still had a copy of it on his computer. This would allow everyone who ran for office to have the opportunity to serve. If no one wished to, then letters of interest were taken and the Commission would appoint someone. If a candidate could not be agreed upon, a special election would be held. In case of a tie at the election, the tie breaker would go before the Bourbon County Commission who would break the tie.
Mayor Michell said she is in favor of leaving it the way it is now and taking letters of interest. The people who lost the election could still submit a letter of interest and be considered.
Lindsey said that she has checked with the League of Kansas Municipalities on this issue. Our current State Statute gives the framework on filling a vacancy. She plans to compile some guidelines on filling a vacancy. She thinks there needs to be some structure to this current ordinance. She will be looking in the next two weeks how to change our current ordinance.
Kevin Allen asked the City Attorney how much time he has spent on this.
City Attorney said not a lot. He discussed the change in the State Statute 25-117 and if you change it, that would need to be a Charter Ordinance.
Discussion was held regarding if a charter ordinance or a regular ordinance would be needed.
(Batteries had to be changed on some of the microphones at this time).
City Attorney read the original Charter Ordinance to them. The position would be filled by: a) the candidate from the last general election that had the highest amount of votes but not elected; if that candidate is no longer eligible or declines in writing to serve, the vacancy will be offered to the next highest voter getter and so on until there are no remaining vote getting candidates. b) the Commission will accept letters of interest and appointed by an agreement of Commissioners; c) Should no majority of the City Commission be found after two votes, the appointment will be made by a special election; d) should a tie occur in the special election, the vacancy will be decided by the Bourbon County Commission.
K. Allen moved to approve the original Charter Ordinance in filling a vacancy in the office of City Commission. P. Allen seconded. K. Allen and P. Allen voted yes. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted no. Motion denied.
denied to approve the Charter Ordinance in filling a vacancy in the office of City Commission.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
Director Updates:
Dave Bruner – Dave gave a COVID-19 update to the Commission. As of today and the Governor’s briefing, there are 2,205 cases in Kansas. This is up 39 cases from yesterday. There are cases in 69 of the 105 counties in Kansas. There have been 107 deaths which is up from 7 from yesterday. President Trump has released his guidelines for opening up America. It is in three phases based on public health experts. These steps will help State and Local officials when opening their counties, getting people back to work while trying to protect American lives. He wanted to outline the chain of command that pandemics go through. First of all, there is the President in Washington, D.C., then the State Governor and K.D.H.E. Then it is released to the Public Health Officer and Emergency Management, and then the local government. The City works closely with the Public Health Officer and Emergency Management. President Trump said that he will be meeting with the State Governors and informing them of his guidelines for opening America up. At this time, the local level of the Public Health Office is waiting for those guidelines. There have been numerous conversations held to start those steps.
City Manager said that the current committee that is meeting in the mornings will turn into an Opening Up Committee. The opening has to come from the Public Health Officer.
Dave Bruner said that something that is challenging to us is to make sure our hospitals can meet this challenge.
Robert Uhler – Robert thanked Pete Allen for his information and tour on Street Building 101.
C.A.R.E.S. Act stands for Coronavirus Aid Relief Economic Security Act. He has been communicating daily with our elected officials. There is money for small cities which they consider 50,000 or less. They are lobbying that we need that money as much as the larger cities.
He said that the Lake Advisory Board would like to meet. He asked permission to meet with them and keep it under the amount of 10 people. There are seven on the board. He will take minutes. The Commission verbally gave their approval for the board to meet.
He said that his last issue is that the City has 109 pieces of property that they don’t use. With the Coronavirus and our budget, he would like to move some of these properties. There are two that adjacent landowners are interested in. One property is 120 N National and the other is at the Lake at 195th Street. He will get more information to you.
Discussion was held regarding the process these properties would be sold.
Robert said that there are Kansas Statutes that have to be followed to sell City property. It will be advertised. He will get a broker’s opinion first and then post in the newspaper.
Nichols moved to allow Robert to move forward with the sale of two properties. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE SALE OF TWO PROPERTIES.
B. City Commission:
Kevin Allen – Kevin said that he was asked about the cart rental at the golf course. Will they have access to the carts again?
Robert Uhler said that he and Shannon O’Neil are working with the P.G.A of America. He will get back with him on that.
Kevin asked where we were on 5th & Andrick and if the water lines have been moved.
Dave said he checked with Chad today and he has ordered the larger pipe. We will rip the old ripe out and move forward.
Dave said that you asked about the signs on Liberty Bell Road and they have been put up. Also, they have talked with Bill Michaud.
Kevin asked if Travis has checked with the speed limit on Margrave.
Jason Pickert said that he has reached out to Joe Allen, Ted Hessong, and the principal at Christian Heights school. He doesn’t know if he has received any feedback from them.
Kevin said that it is important that each department has cut 15% from their budget.
Randy Nichols – Nothing to report.
Pete Allen – Pete said that a few weeks ago that the Commission gave the okay for Kevin to meet with the Bourbon County Commission. He talked to Lynne Oharah. Lynne asked him to bring another Commissioner. Kevin brought Pete with him. Lynne asked that a joint meeting be held at City Hall in a month. Lynne has facts and figures and some proposals to present. The County has asked the City support their 1% sales tax issue that is coming up. He asked for approval to have a joint session with the County Commission.
Nichols asked if a specific agenda would be drawn up and turned over to our local City officials. He asked about Dave calling Lynne to get an agenda.
Kevin said that they want to have an open discussion between the two entities. He would also like to see meetings between the school district and the college boards.
Lindsey Watts proposed meeting on another date besides our regular City Commission meeting dates.
City Manager mentioned a Saturday morning at the Empress for a couple of hours. He will work with Lynne Oharah and Pete to set up a meeting. He said that Susan and he have a meeting with Josh Jones tomorrow as Josh is heading up the sales tax issue.
Pete showed a picture of Andrick Street. It was taken a week ago. The people up there are pretty upset that this project has taken so long. He suggested that since there are only six houses and five of them with tenants that the City offer them something as a gesture of good will. He suggested a free year of water and sewer abatement.
Lindsey asked financially what that would entail and if that was legal.
City Attorney said he did not know but he will check with Susan and find out if there is anything prohibiting this.
Lindsey said that you will be setting a precedent. It may be justifiable but need to take into consideration.
Lindsey Watts – Lindsey thanked Rachel and Ally for their help with the CDBG Revolving Loan program. Last week there was a packet on your table but it wasn’t addressed. There was 30 total approved grants which totals 195 retained jobs as of April 21st. There were a total of 52 applications between April 1st and April 10th. There were 19 applications that were ineligible due to State requirements. Eight applications had a LMI below 51%. Nine applications were outside the City limits and two applications did not meet the full time equivalent State requirement. There has been $233,750 in allocated funds as of April 14th out of the $265,709 that was available. There is $3,459 in remaining funds. A letter was also received from the Kansas Secretary of Commerce, David Toland, congratulating the City on moving quickly through this process.
JoLynne Mitchell – The Mayor read a letter she received from David Toland, Kansas Secretary of Commerce. The letter read as follows: “Thank you for heeding the call to quickly issue working capital loans to small businesses in need from your CDBG Revolving Loan Fund. When others have been busy deciding what to do, Fort Scott has been getting it done. I understand Fort Scott has made 27 loans to date and has three loans in process. Please extend my special thanks to Rachel Pruitt, who has been extremely responsive and supportive throughout this process. Keep up the good work, and thank you for everything you’re doing to support businesses in Fort Scott”.
C. City Manager: Nothing to report.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Nichols moved to recess into Executive Session for 20 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel, and consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship. This Executive Session will include the City Attorney, Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, and the City Commission. There may be action anticipated. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.
RECESSED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:25 P.M.
Watts moved to recess into another Executive Session for 5 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel, and consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship. This Executive Session will include the City Attorney, Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, and the City Commission. There may be action anticipated. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
RECESSED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:48 P.M.
Mayor Mitchell asked for a motion to be made.
Nichols said that during the Executive Session it was brought to their attention that Commissioner Kevin Allen has created a hostile workplace and has not met the standards of an elected official and potentially put the City at a liability risk. He asked the City Attorney to read Resolution 11-2020 – Resolution Censuring Commissioner Kevin Allen.
This resolution states that Commissioner Kevin Allen, based on the investigation of the complaints lodged, it is more probable than not that Commissioner Kevin Allen has engaged in acts prescribed by the employment discrimination laws applicable to the City over a period of months as set out in Exhibit A; That Commissioner Kevin Allen is hereby censured and admonished for his conduct also set forth in Exhibit A; That the Commission calls on Commissioner Allen to refrain from such behavior in the future, abide by the restrictions set out in Exhibit A, and to act in a manner that upholds the dignity of his office.
Exhibit A made following finds of fact and statements as it regards to Commissioner Kevin Allen. The following requirements were made:
Commissioner Kevin Allen should write a formal letter of apology with the text being approved by the City Attorney before signature to be delivered by the City to the employee.
Commissioner Allen shall have no one-on-one contact with the employee in an official or personal capacity. Any professional contact between the employee and Commissioner Allen must be arranged with the City Manager and someone else must attend.
Commissioner Allen shall refrain in the future from any and all conduct that could be construed as harassment, or as retaliation for this report, including, but not limited to comments of a derogatory nature regarding the employee to any person or organization whatsoever.
Commissioner Allen shall abstain from and not take part in any official act concerning the employee’s employment including but not limited to debate, discussion, or vote of the Commission concerning the same.
Commissioner Allen will complete one full day or equivalent of Kansas elected official training, approved by the City. The training must include training on the issue of harassment in the workplace and the appropriate role of elected official in government. This training must be completed within six months of the date of this notice.
The City Attorney and Human Resource Director met with Commissioner Allen and he denied the allegations and after consulting with counsel of his choosing, refused to provide a written acknowledgement of the findings and remedial requirements. Through counsel, he did acknowledge that he had been informed of the allegations and bar against retaliation and agreed not to contact the employee directly.
Pete Allen said that everyone here knew about it but himself. It is a total surprise to him. Why wasn’t he called about it?
City Manager said that it was reported to the City Manager, the Mayor, and the President of the City Commission. He couldn’t talk to any others at that time due to KORA restraints.
Pete said that you are asking him to judge him guilty.
Nichols moved to approve Resolution 11-2020 – Resolution Censuring Commissioner Kevin Allen. Mitchell seconded. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. Motion carried 3-2.
APPROVED RESOLUTION 11-2020 – RESOLUTION CENSURING COMMISSIONER KEVIN ALLEN.
ADJOURNMENT:
Watts moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:12 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 10:12 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on May 5th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
MAY 5, 2020
6:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: None
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 21st, 2020.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1262-A totaling $615,308.86.
Request to Pay #4 – Schneider Electric – $216,807.84 – Energy Service Project
Approval to Pay #5 – Strukel Electric – Electric Vault Project – $5,130.00
Approval to Pay – Olsson – Electric Vault Project Engineering – $5,193.01
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: None
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – February – $1,185.00 – Porta Pottie Services
Approval to publish 2020 Budget Amendment and to hold a public hearing on May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Consideration to repeal Ordinance No. 3556 and approve Ordinance No. 3562 establishing a Street Advisory Board
Consideration of appointments to Street Advisory Board (Six (6) City residents – One (1) County resident within 3-mile limit)
Consideration of appointments to Design Review Board
Consideration of appointments to Planning Commission
Approval of Hay Bid – Airport
Discussion of Pool Opening
Discussion of Fuel Bid
IX. COMMENTS:
Travis Shelton – Margrave Street School zone discussion
Robert Uhler – Shiney Studio roof update – Certificate of Appropriateness
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:
Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
The City of Fort Scott will be open to the public beginning Monday, May 4th, 2020.
We ask that if you are not feeling well, have a temperature, or breathing issues to NOT come into City Hall but rather call 223-0550. We will have a policy of one person in and one person out during Phase One of the Governor’s Reopening Plan. The City Commission meetings will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 10 allowed. They can be viewed on the City’s You Tube Channel at City of Fort Scott.
You can still pay your utility bill or Municipal Court fine online at www.fscity.org and click on the Online Bill Pay button. There is also a drop box in the alley behind City Hall.
Department of Commerce introduces new grant program for
Kansas arts organizations affected by COVID-19
Topeka, Kan. – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced today that nearly $500,000 in grant funding is being made available to provide operational support to Kansas arts organizations experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19.
The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Creative Industries Arts Commission will distribute CARES Act arts funding through the Short-Term Operational Support (SOS) Program, a grant program developed to assist with immediate financial needs resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, May 4, through May 15, 2020.
“COVID-19 has placed unexpected strain on all facets of our economy, including the arts,” Kelly said. “Together, we will ensure no organization is left behind in this emergency.”
Kansas-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations whose primary purpose is to produce, present, promote or serve the arts are eligible to apply for SOS grant funding. SOS grants can be used by organizations to cover payroll, fees for contract personnel and facility costs such as rent and utilities.
“The arts account for thousands of Kansas jobs and play a critical role in creating a high quality of life in Kansas,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Ensuring this sector isn’t overlooked during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important step as we rebuild the Kansas economy.”
For more information on the Short-Term Operational Support Program and to apply online, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/ArtsSOS.
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas go to covid.ks.gov.
Caryn Tyson for Kansas Senate
(PARKER, KS) – Caryn Tyson, Kansas Senator, has filed for re-election and released the following statement:
“I am greatly encouraged by the very positive response I have received encouraging me to run for re-election. With increasing threats of massive tax increases and threats on our personal freedoms, my experience and problem solving skills in technology, business, agriculture, and in the legislature is needed in Topeka now more than ever.”
Caryn is a senator of the people – someone who will truly listen, someone who represents their values and someone who has the real-world experience necessary to get the job done.
Tyson said, “I am not a career politician. They’re the problem. Politicians pretend to be something they’re not. Leaders have a record that demonstrates who they are. I am a leader with proven results who shares your Kansas values.”
Caryn Tyson has math and computer science degrees from Kansas State and an engineering management degree from KU. After graduating K-State she began working in the Information Technology industry and continued working in this field for more than 25 years. Caryn’s work included space shuttle support for NASA where she received awards for achievement and teamwork.
Caryn is serving her second term in the Kansas Senate. She served one term in the Kansas House and is presently the Chair of the Tax Committee, one of most important committees in the Kansas Senate. As one of the leading freedom fighters in the Senate, Tyson, works diligently for smaller, smarter government.
Caryn and her husband, Tim – both fifth generation Kansans – own and operate Tyson Ranch in Linn County, established in 1871 by Tim’s great-great grandfather.
Kansas is on target with revised estimates; down 51.4% compared to last April
TOPEKA – As predicted, the State of Kansas saw a decrease in total tax collections when compared to April of Fiscal Year 2019. These reductions are largely due to announced tax date extensions, which gave relief to Kansans while moving collections into the Fiscal Year 2021.
On April 20, the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Kansas Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, met to review the fall estimates and make revisions. These revisions take into consideration the changes in tax deadlines, consumer purchasing behaviors, and employer withholdings.
The state’s total tax collections for April were $578.1 million. Compared to April last fiscal year that is down $610.7 million or 51.4%. However, the state is in line with the revised estimates as those collections are 0.10% or $360,655 more than the estimate.
Individual income tax collections were $282.5 million; $1.2 million or 0.4% more than the new estimate. Corporate income tax collections were $37.8 million; 2.3% or $888,372 below the estimate.
Retail sales tax collections were $184.1 million; $2.3 million or 1.2% below the estimate. Compensating use tax collections were 2.4% higher than estimated with $41.5 million collected.
Haley Troutman, 27, is the new kindergarten teacher at West Bourbon Elementary school in Uniontown for 2020-2021.
She has two years of experience teaching at Precious Lambs Preschool and two years teaching at Eugene Ware Elementary School in Fort Scott in Grades 3 and 4.
Troutman completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from KSU in 2014, then took a position with Precious Lambs Preschool as their director/lead teacher.
“To gain more experience in childhood behaviors, I worked for a year at SEK Mental Health as a children’s case manager,” she said.
“In 2018, I began Kansas State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT program). I have spent the last two years as a 3rd and 4th-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary. It has been a wonderful journey, but I am beyond excited to settle in my hometown.”
Troutman’s hometown is Uniontown, Kansas.
“I am so excited to be an Eagle again,” she said. “The staff has been so welcoming and wonderful to me already.”
She is married to Stuart and has three children, Molly (age 8), Sadie (age 5), Jett (age 2).
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“I love building relationships with students and their families. It is also rewarding to see the gains that children make throughout the course of a school year, both socially and academically.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“I would say, ensuring that every student is challenged at his/her academic level while meeting the needs of the whole group. I love the challenge of differentiation. Additionally, being a responsive teacher can be challenging; being able to notice what is working and change what isn’t.”