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Monthly Archives: June 2024
FS Commission Minutes of June 4
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of June 4, 2024 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 4, 2024, at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:010) in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).
Roll Call
Meeting called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.
Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Tom Coffman/Public Works Manager, Bill Lemke/Water Distribution & Wastewater Collections Supervisor, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via telephone), Amanda Lancaster/Diehl, Banwart & Bolton, Jason Silvers/Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt, Mark Hall, Kathryn Salsbury, Cole Jones and Charles Gentry.
Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
- Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and B. Matkin said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda (Time stamp 1:15)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to amend the agenda to remove Robert Harrington from Appearances. He is unable to attend and will appear at the next meeting. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.
ACTION: D. Olson requested that R. Harrington be informed of what is expected from his appearance.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda with the amendment. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.
Consent Agenda (Time stamp 2:21)
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1361-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 15, 2024 – May 28, 2024 – $521,016.52
- Approval of Minutes for May 21, 2024
- Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom – Amount Due – $20,561.40
- Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 3 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom –Amount Due – $10,125.00
- Request to Pay – Earle’s Engineering & Inspection – Project No. 06 KA-6898-01 – Design Contracts – $25,947.45
- Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – Invoice #7615 – Demolition of 10 S. National Ave. – $94,396.00
Items C & D: The payment to Hofer, Hofer & Associates is approximately 90% complete.
Item F: B. Matkin stated that there may be another charge for dump fees.
ACTION: B. Matkin will let the Commission know if there are any additional charges for dump fees from Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. for the demolition of 10 S. National.
MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the Consent Agenda. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.
New Business
Action Items:
Consideration of Letters of Interest for City Commissioner (Time stamp 4:05)
Each candidate gave an introductory statement and received questions from the Commissioners.
Mark Hall (Time stamp 4:51)
Kathryn Salsbury (Time stamp 12:08)
- Matkin left the meeting (Time stamp 14:30) and returned at (Time stamp 21:43)
Cole Jones (Time stamp 26:18)
Charles Gentry (Time stamp 39:50)
MOTION: M. Wells moved to appoint Charles Gentry to the City Commission.
MOTION DIED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to appoint Kathryn Salsbury. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.
Oath of Office for new Commissioner (Time stamp 1:04:28) Kathryn Salsbury was sworn in by the City Clerk and took her position at the Commissioner’s table.
Selection of President of Commission (Time stamp 1:05:56)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to appoint D. Olson as President of the Commission. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Selection of Commission Representative of the HBCAT Health and All Policies Task Force vacated by the resignation of M. Guns.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to nominate K. Salsbury as the representative. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 1:07:32)
Consideration to purchase mower for the airport – Grasshopper Model 900D-1.3L for $21,124.95 (Time stamp 1:07:36)
- Coffman presented the request to the Commission. The reason for the purchase is as follows: 1) The current model has been discontinued; 2) parts are difficult to acquire; and 3) the mower is in constant need of repairs. This is an emergency purchase. It is State contract #53340 therefore it does not require the three (3) quotes required by the City’s Purchasing Policy. J. Oliphant verified that the money would come from reserves and will be replaced by anticipated interest earned on investments. This mower will be used at the lake and the airport.
- Farmer returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:09:18)
MOTION: D. Olson moved to purchase the mower with half of the funds coming from the lake fund and the other half coming from reserves.
- VanHoecke seconded the motion. D. Olson, T. VanHoecke, K. Salsbury and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.
Consideration to Purchase Jet-Foamer System – Wastewater Collections – Key Equipment & Supply Co. – $45,363.13 (Time stamp 1:15:33) – B. Lemke presented his request to the Commission explaining that the primary function is to treat sanitary sewer lines for root and grease control to keep lines open which is a huge problem for the City. Currently a powder dumped down a manhole which is flushed down the lines with water however it can only reach approximately 200 feet. The new jet foam system, in conjunction with the City’s vactor truck will be far more efficient and will treat the entire circumference of the affected pipes. This item will be purchased with reserves from wastewater utility. It was put in last year’s capital plan (2023-2027) under Wastewater Collections to be purchased in 2025. Purchasing it this year will drop it from the 2025 capital plan and will not have to be budgeted.
ACTION: T. VanHoecke requested that J. Oliphant send a current Capital Plan for pending Capital Expenditures to the City Manager and the City Clerk via email in order that the Commission has an updated copy. J. Oliphant agreed.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to purchase the Jet Foamer System. D. Olson seconded the motion.
Discussion was had about the reserve fund, investments and upcoming obligations.
All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Consideration to Purchase 2022 Ford F350 Service Truck – Water Distribution – Olathe Ford Commercial Sales Center – $65,350.00 (Time stamp 1:26:34) B. Matkin stated that the fleet is deteriorating, however they will look for used vehicles instead of requesting this new truck. He requested that consideration for this item be removed. Discussion was had about the process of purchasing used vehicles. The vehicle will be used for the Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection departments.
ACTION: The immediate need is one (1) vehicle. The limit is set at $35,000.00 for the City Manager to sign off on the purchase. The Commission directed B. Matkin them updated and call a Special Meeting if necessary.
Consideration of bids for 2024 Hay Rights at Fort Scott Municipal Airport (Time stamp 1:33:24) Four (4) bids were received: 1) Tippin T Cattle ($15,265.00); 2) KW Cattle ($12,750.00); 3) Ricky Kellenberger ($10,601.00) and 4) Crystal Livestock Express LLC ($6,045.00).
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to accept the bid of $15,265.00 from Tippin T Cattle for the 2024 Hay Rights at Fort Scott Municipal Airport. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Certificate of Appropriateness for 124 E. Wall Street – Hole in the Wall Liquor (Time stamp 1:35:13) The request by applicant Roy Hoehner to install solar panels on the roof and east-facing awning of the building within the Historic District was recommended by the Design Review Board on May 29, 2024. Discussion was had about the panels on the awning.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the request based on the recommendation of the Design Review Board. T. Dancer seconded the motion. K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells and D. Olson voted no.
MOTION PASSED BY A 3-2 VOTE.
Certificate of Appropriateness for 110 South Main LLC – 110 S. Main Street (Time stamp 1:52:11) The request by applicant Kathy Dancer to replace façade lettering, placement of exterior heat pump condenser in south window bay but enclosed with period appropriate custom screen, replacement of 2nd floor windows with decorative mullions and replace blocked in arch walls with storefronts in tow central bays and compliant doors was recommended by the Design Review Board on May 29, 2024.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness for 110 South Main LLC. D. Olson seconded the motion.
- Wells, D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and K. Salsbury voted yes. T. Dancer abstained.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.
Consideration of Request for a New City License to Serve Alcoholic Liquor and Cereal Malt Beverages for Consumption On The Premises – Mi Ranchito – 17 S. Main Street
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the new City License for MiRanchito at 17 S. Main Street. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Public Comment (Time Stamp 1:59:46)
Michael Hoyt addressed a public notice from KDHE that was presented at County Commission meeting the night before, would also like to be read into the budget process and had a question regarding the approved the jet foam treatment for the sanitary sewers.
- VanHoecke left the meeting (Time stamp 2:04:02) and returned to the meeting (Time stamp 2:05:52).
Appearances
Amanda Lancaster/Diehl, Banwart & Bolton appeared by request and addressed the Commission regarding the expectations of the Single Audit vs. Regular Audit.
- Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 2:08:36).
- Matkin left the meeting (Time stamp 2:09:11).
- Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 2:10:11).
- Matkin returned to the meeting (Time stamp 2:13:07).
Reports and Comments
- City Manager Comments (Time stamp 2:22:00)
– Approval to proceed with equipment auction
ACTION: B. Matkin will get a date for the auction and D. Olson requested a list of equipment inventory.
– Summer Collegiate Baseball league
– Memorial Hall Request for Proposals to repair façade – will bring to Commission if they come in over $10,000.00
– Want to explore current regulations for shipping containers
ACTION: B. Matkin will bring information for discussion about shipping containers to the next Commission meeting
- Engineering Comments (Time stamp 2:30:12)
– Update on Horton & 6th Street Project – start date is July 8th, 2024, and is expected to be a 230-day project.
– Rerouting to be done with signage to adjacent side streets.
- Commissioners Comments
– K. Salsbury (Time stamp 2:33:35)
– M. Wells (Time stamp 2:33:47)
– T. VanHoecke (Time stamp 2:34:30)
– D. Olson (Time stamp 2:36:50)
– T. Dancer (Time stamp 2:36:56)
- City Attorney Comments (Time stamp 2:38:42)
MOTION: (Time stamp 2:39:28) – T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:39PM. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.
JUNE 4, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:39PM
_______________________________________________________________________
Submitted by:
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 12
Chamber Coffee at 110 S. Main on June 13
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Bourbon County Community Theatre Announces Play Auditions
The newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre is holding auditions for the first show of the season.
Auditions for Holy Mother of Bingo! by Patrick Walsh are from 7-8:30 p.m., June 17 or 18 in the Ellis Performing Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. Auditions for the interactive comedy murder mystery show are open to adults and teens and no preparation is necessary.
Pioneer Drama describes the show this way, “An innocent bingo fundraiser at the Our Mother of Mercy church goes awry when parishioners mysteriously drop dead! The evidence suggests well-calculated murders, but who is to blame? Tensions rise as everyone begins identifying suspects. Past feuds rear their heads as the members of the parish try to state their innocence one by one. Who could be behind the elaborate spree? The disgruntled choir director? The magician turned youth minister? The ex-convict that has recently turned to the power of prayer? It couldn’t be one of the Cookie Cadets selling their beloved cookies! Everyone’s a suspect… even the audience in the zany comedy that takes interactive theatre to a whole new level!”
Performances of the show are Aug. 2 and 3 and rehearsals are approximately Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page or by contacting the Director, Angie Bin, at 620-719-9622 or at [email protected].
BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast KS through threatre.
Anyone who would like to join the community theatre or assist with the technical aspects of the play can fill out an interest form on the Facebook page or at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/
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Barnstormers 4H Club Met May 8
May 8, 2024
At 6:31 p.m. the Barnstormers 4-H meeting was called to order at the Hubenette Pavilion.
The roll call was, “What are your summer plans?” 18 members and 12 parents were present.
Next the Treasurer’s report and Secretary minutes were read and unanimously approved.
The 2024 Fair newspaper was passed out to all families.
Cannon O’Brien came forward to give a talk on gun safety. After a very informed talk and many questions. Jack Endicott made a motion and Cannon seconded to adjourn the club meeting. The time was 6:54 p.m. The next Barnstormers club meeting is June 12, 2024 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
Jewel Endicott
Barnstormers Secretary
Jack Endicott
Barnstormers Reporter
Obituary of Carla Lowe
Carla Dean Lowe, age 59, a resident of Neodesha, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Neodesha Care and Rehab Facility. She was born October 3, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the daughter of Robert Eugene Lowe, Sr. and Wilma Dean Kepley Lowe. She enjoyed collecting dream catchers.
Survivors include two sisters, Brenda Karns and Cheryl Reed, and two brothers, Glen Lowe and Robert Lowe, Jr. Also surviving are her three children and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many cousins. Carla was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
There was cremation. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place in the Dayton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Carla Lowe Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Uniontown Mural Depicts Vignettes of The Wizard of Oz and Local Books
A mural on the side of a Uniontown business makes the downtown area more attractive and pays homage to local history.
Don and Mary Pemberton own Bandera Stone Inc., a rock quarry business in the county.
“Bandera flagstone has been quarried near Redfield off and on since the mid-1800’s and the company name Bandera Stone carries on that history,” she said.
“Bandera Stone Inc. had outgrown its office space, and needed to expand and add a showroom,” Mary Pemberton said. She and her husband Don own the business.
“We liked this brick building on the Uniontown square and wanted to save it,” she said. ” I always planned on having a mural painted on one side as part of the remodel.”
“In March of 2023, my office assistant, Ashley, encouraged me to apply for the Rural Mural Grant awarded by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity to promote tourism to small communities,” she said. “The City of Uniontown agreed to sponsor my application and we were awarded a grant that covered about 1/3 of the cost of the mural. Bandera Stone, Inc. funded the other 2/3 of the total cost.”
She selected Danyell Miles, Fort Scott, after talking with a few artists.
“She has painted several murals around Fort Scott and Pittsburg, so I knew the quality of her work. I wanted the mural to have some local and state significance, yet be fun and a nice backdrop for selfies. The design Danyell put together is all of that! With her mother, Flo Tanner, helping her, Danyell began painting in June 2023 and finished in August 2023, working two or three evenings each week to avoid the daytime heat.”
“Everything on the mural has a meaning and was designed so visitors who know a little about Bourbon County, and take a few minutes to really look, will find ‘hidden’ relevance in the various elements,” she said.
“The Eagle represents the local Uniontown High School mascot; a nod to local and state aviation history is the hot air balloon and banner which is being pulled by Amelia Earhart’s airplane; Wizard of Oz characters are one of the first things most people think of about Kansas – as are tornados. Danyell had the brilliant idea of using ‘tornado debris’ to incorporate a number of local and Kansas items: the books are all authored by Bourbon County residents, a Missouri-Pacific railroad engine reminds that Bourbon County used to be a rail hub, a box turtle, fishing, farming, and even a windmill to signify the future. Also prominently displayed in the debris is ‘Life in a Jar’, the UHS History Day project that inspired a book and movie and brought the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes to Fort Scott!”
Pemberton added a 3D element by making a basket that ” people can stand in when taking a picture with the hot air balloon. The colorful balloon with the Uniontown banner makes for a very nice and memorable ‘hometown’ or ‘travels’ photo.”
” Next time you are near Uniontown, stop by 103 Third Street on the north side of the park square and see the mural, take a picture, view the fossil collection in the Bandera Stone Inc. window displays and if you’d like, step inside the showroom to see the transformation of a piece of Uniontown history which most people remember as a former cafe,” she said.
The following local authors/books are depicted on the mural: The Greatest Test of Courage by Ronda Hassig; Historic Reflections of Bourbon County by Fred Campbell Jr. and Don Miller; Murder and Mayhem by Brian Allen; Life in a Jar; Why Did Grandpa Cry? by Cathy Werling; A Little Faith Lift by Patty LaRoche; A Kansas Sunset by Joyce Love, Our Duty by Gerri Hilgar; The Moffet Street Gang by Kay Large; Legends of Bourbon County by Judy Marshall; Fort Scott Now and Then by D. Miller, A Schofield, F. Campbell, and D. Banwart and The Learning Tree by Gordon Parks.
Report from the U234 Board of Education Meeting on June 10
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN , Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, June 10, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
05/13/24 Board Minutes
06/03/24 Work Session Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – May 08, 2024 – $1,677,190.37
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 23-19 KMIP Signers
Belinda Pitts, mental health liaison, was recognized by Tonya Barnes and Destry Brown. She was thanked for her willingness to be involved and available to the students. Belinda has taken this newer roll and has really excelled. She started as a para and transferred to this position in September.
Cynthia Row, SEK Mental Health, along with her team (Malinda Bailey, Ashlee Reeder, and Angel Brazeal) were recognized by Tonya Barnes and Destry Brown. Cynthia is our “911 call” with some of our students. She was thanked for always being pleasant and easy to work with. Her and her team work throughout the district with students. We are extremely glad to be partnered with SEK Mental Health.
Destry Brown was recognized by staff for his support and help throughout this last year. The ESY students made him a poster of “what I love about Mr. Brown” that was presented to him by staff.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the budget for end of fiscal year. He also informed the Board about the EPA grant that the district will partner with that will help in the workforce development. There was a report from CHC and the services they provided to the students for the 2023-24 school year.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on iReady testing for the 2023-24 school year where there has been excellent improvement thanks to the hard work of the teachers and staff.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on Extended School Year being held in partnership with Summer Enrichment at Winfield Scott this summer. She explained about the final SPED payment for the fiscal year and gave a quick look at training for August with the SPED staff.
The board approved the following items:
- iReady Testing Quote
- TCI Social Studies Resource Quote
- 2024-25 District Handbooks
- Purchase of two vehicles
- Resolution 23-20 – Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Resolution 23-21 – Change Method of Election
- District Cell Phone Policy
There was none present for public forum.
The board went into executive session for negotiations.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
June 10, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Carter, Leah – Retirement – Physical Education Teacher – Middle School – May 28, 2024
Hall, Kathi- Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Softball – High School
Hoener, Rhonda – Resignation – Part Time School Psychologist Paraprofessional
Hull, Megan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
King, Christina – Supplemental Resignation – Play Assistant (Fall Musical) – High School
Peterson, Emily – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – Preschool – May 17, 2024
Nance, Amy – Resignation – 1st Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Staton, Shanna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool – May 15, 2024
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2024-35 school year:
Coen, Jessica – Special Education Teacher – Preschool
Cox, Kelly – Reading/Math Intervention Teacher – Preschool
Dunkeson, Lewis – Special Education Teacher – High School
Groll, Delaney – .6 Speech Pathologist
Holthaus, Danielle – Virtual Kansas Renewal Institute Teacher May 20 – July 31, 2024
Jones, Taylor – Spanish Teacher – High School
Lancaster, Bridgett – Girls Physical Education Teacher- Middle School
Russell, Heather – School Psychologist
Vincent, McKayla – 1st Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Guss, Stewart – Full Time Bus Driver
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Colvin, Crystal – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School
Flanner, Kevin – From assistant to Head Volleyball Coach – High School
Gorman, Allie – Girls Summer Conditioning – High School
Homan, Tracy – STUCO & Yearbook Sponsor – Middle School
Martin, Jared – Girls Summer Conditioning – High School
Sprague, Nate – Assistant Summer Weights & Assistant Football Coach – Middle School
High School Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 School year
Summer School Elementary
Julie Forkner, Candy Turner, Sabrina Terry, Rhonda Hoener, Lindsey Gulager, Brooklyn Newell, Amy Nance, Vangie Korinke, Lindsey Davis, Moriah Dillow, Rhiannon Tuck, Katie McGee, Michelle Defebaugh, Tiffnie Spears, Darcy Workman, Caitlin Shrewsbury, Anna Kim, Kim Couch, Regina Cruse, Xoe Altic, Jenny Tourtillott, Linda Minor, Sarah Dunivan, Caleb Hendricks
Summer School Additional Paras
Samara Hernandez, Nancy Mincks
Summer School Preschool
Andrea Heckman, Cynthia Hemphill-Witham, Mya Stewart, Shannah Staton, Natasha Lindo
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 11
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission on June 3
June 3, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Brandon Whisenhunt and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Bo Casper, Katie Casper, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Larry Martin, Deb Martin, Vance Eden, Pete Owenby, Brent Smith, Angie Owenby, Teri Hulsey, Deb McCoy, Mary Pemberton, and David Beerbower were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Brandon made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 5-20-24, approval of April Financials, approval of payroll totaling $283,157.83, and approval of accounts payable totaling $406,658.57. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to add Vance Eden to the agenda before the public comments. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Vance Eden, Superintendent of USD 235, stated he has been to a few meetings and provided statute to the Commissioners regarding distribution of funds and would like to get an update on the status of his request for Jayhawk Wind funds to be distributed to USD 235. Jim stated legal says it is a donation not PILOT funds which fall under different statues. Jim said he would support a project with USD 234 and USD 235 and Fort Scott Community College on a trades program and that they could possibly use wind money to support the joint effort. Vance handed out the Jayhawk Wind Contribution Agreement and Jim asked if it says PILOT, Vance said no but it does in meetings and on the budgets as well as receipts provided by the Treasurer’s Office. Jim said he wants to work with legal counsel to determine if we have to distribute the funds and asked Brandon if it was ok for him to work with Vance and Justin, which Brandon agreed to.
Katie Casper stated she spoke at the 4-15-24 meeting and that she was told by Jim if an attorney’s opinion was obtained that demonstrated how the Commission could establish and negotiate setbacks on existing contracts that you would amend the moratorium to include all contracts not just those signed and notarized after April 15th. A group of concerned citizens contacted an attorney who has experience in the industry and delivered that letter to the Commission at the April 29th meeting where both Commissioner Beth and Harris stated the letter had no legal merit based on the advice of five attorneys. Katie said when she asked if there was a written opinion from any of those attorneys the only documentation that she received was a print out of a PowerPoint Presentation from December 2023 that was presented at the Kansas Association of Counties meeting from an attorney group who represents NextEra. Katie said her question was since the citizens provided what was asked of them is there a formal response from any of the five mentioned attorneys that specifically addresses the opinion that was provided? Jim said that he has nothing in writing and that legal said we couldn’t because of the signed contracts. Jim said he has spoken to Crawford County officials on what they are doing regarding solar and thinks we can copycat off what they’re doing. Jim said he would ask if he could get a written legal opinion on why we cannot take on the contracts and he said our insurance company would cancel if we did this and we can’t operate as a county without insurance. Katie said she had a local insurance agent contact her who stated property owners who are considering solar contracts have asked if those solar panels are covered under their farm liability insurance and they are not. Katie stated the solar companies are not adding those property owners as loss payees on their insurance policies and thinks that is something the public needs to be made aware of. Katie stated at the May 20th meeting the Commission advised citizens to get a petition signed by constituents if we wish to place limited zoning on the ballot. A petition was presented to the County Counselor for approval before circulating for signatures as required and the response they received was that said petition was invalid as by statute zoning cannot be placed on the ballot by petition but must be done by resolution of the Commission. Katie asked if it was known that a petition could not be used and if they were just sent down a rabbit trail or did no one know the process but we were advised to do it anyway? Jim said he thought that anything could go on the ballot. Katie reminded the Commissioners that they work for all the people of Bourbon County and stated some people don’t want zoning because they don’t understand what it means. Jim said they are going to get a committee together and a comprehensive plan must be in place before they can move forward and that is something they will talk about when Commissioner Beth gets back. Katie asked about conflicts of interest regarding the solar contract negotiations and Justin stated he has no conflict whatsoever. Katie asked Justin if he was aware we couldn’t put zoning on the ballot and he said he spent a good portion of his week researching zoning and that he has advised the Chairman to hire an outside expert like Crawford County has. Jim handed out copies of Resolution 05-22 and read the resolution that was passed by the Commissioners in May 2022. Jim said the Commissioners received the request for the resolution by citizens and that he supported it and it clearly says we don’t support imminent domain. Jim said that they support individual’s property rights and now people are asking them to tell their neighbors what they can and can’t do. Larry Martin asked if his neighbor’s property rights cancel out his property rights. Jim said if it harms you then it is a civil matter. Tim Emerson said it affects everybody in Bourbon County because if there is a hailstorm then the runoff will go into creeks. Jim said he respects Tim’s opinion but said that to his knowledge KDHE doesn’t think they’re as dangerous as he let on. Pete Owenby asked if that means he can do anything on his land and who cares what his neighbor says?
Clint Walker spoke of the importance of a grant writer and referred to an article he read about a resident who was able to get a new roof and said he thinks the County, Cifty of Fort Scott, and City of Uniontown should work together to try to do that.
Mary Pemberton said it irritates her that you don’t take the time to educate yourself before you take action. Mary said that property owners have nothing to do with setbacks. Jim asked why Mary wanted a committee formed then. Mary said that the setbacks are determined in the contracts the County Commissioners sign with the developers. Mary said to look at what was done in the past and not make the same mistake in the future.
Pete Owenby asked Jim if he looked at the solar farm in El Dorado Springs, Missouri and Jim said no, but he looked at one by St. Louis. Pete said he got out and walked near the one in El Dorado Springs and that he could feel electricity in the air that made his hair stand up. Pete asked if they are sure there is no conflicts of interests in the negotiation of the solar projects and Jim said he can’t speak for Brandon or Clifton but that he has no conflict of interest. Pete asked what is going to happen when his insurance rates are going to go up due to the solar farm that will be next to his house and property. Jim said that would be a civil matter.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the monthly culvert report for approval and stated the fuel report was emailed to them. Eric said they are currently mowing hard surface roads and main arterial roads. Eric and Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, discussed the storm cleanup and stated due to the amount of damage it could take one to two years to get everything back to how it was. Eric and Dustin have driven all the roads in the county and marked damage on the map and their estimate of damage is 9.5 million dollars and that includes debris removal, washout repairs, gravel, culverts, and putting the roads back in the condition they were. Eric asked to be allowed to purchase through SourceWell a mini excavator in the amount of $46,408.27 by lease purchase to use for the storm cleanup. Eric said he feels they will be reimbursed for the work through FEMA. Eric said if FEMA doesn’t cover the cost, they have enough in their equipment fund to cover the purchase. Brandon made a motion to approve the purchase of a Sany SY35CU with our first payment due next February at a rate of 4.05%. Eric said if they are reimbursed by FEMA, they plan to pay it off before they pay any interest on the machine. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric asked for a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel. Brandon made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include both Commissioners, Eric Bailey, and Justin Meeks and they will return at 6:43. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Jim made a motion to resume normal session with no action at 6:43. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, said she posted their stats online and received a lot of questions regarding it so she would like to answer those tonight. It was asked what constitutes a dry-run and Teri said that could involve blood draws for the Sheriff’s Office or Police Department after CHC is closed, lift assists for the elderly who fall but are not injured and sign a refusal form. Teri said they are dispatched to all car versus deer accidents when airbags have deployed even if the caller said they are not injured and they will obtain a signed refusal form. Teri said it can also be if a patient calls EMS but then decides they don’t want to be treated. EMS had 98 dry runs last month. Diabetic emergencies with low blood sugar can usually be treated on scene and billed because the paramedics give medication to help raise the blood sugar while the other dry runs listed are not billable. Teri said that they could be cancelled in route due to an OnStar crash activation when the Sheriff’s Department or Police Department get on scene and state there is no need for EMS. Teri said they respond to all structure fires and remain on scene until released by command. Events such as the rodeo and sporting events are examples of standby calls where EMS can bill for their services. When employees are notified to come in for an all call, they are reimbursed their normal rate for a minimum of two hours. All 911 calls with transport are billable and Teri said she does not have the number of those that don’t pay. Teri said they are going to start using the State Setoff Program to try to recover some of the EMS bills that have not been paid. Teri stated they received a $3,000 grant from Wal-Mart and she thanked REDI for their help obtaining that.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented an Office365 quote from the IT department for the Commissioners to approve. Brandon made a motion to approve, sign, and pay the Office365 quote as presented. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer stated she received a public notice from KDHE regarding an NPDES permit renewal for a rock quarry at 521 55th Street in Uniontown. The public notice is available for view in the Clerk’s Office.
Brandon said the longer he sits in the Commission seat it seems that residents are getting angrier about solar projects and urged residents to reach out to their neighbors. Brandon said that there is a lot of anger and discontent that solar has caused in the county and he let residents know that they can call him and discuss things so cooler heads can prevail. Jim stated a lot of people are opposed to zoning and that some want solar and that there are people in the county who still didn’t know anything about it. Jim said he talked to two companies who spoke about putting up evergreen trees around the projects and said arguing won’t settle anything.
Michael Hoyt asked how long before the Commissioners hired outside council and if it would be just for zoning or for wind and solar power. Jim said his opinion is he would like to discuss next week going forward with an outside consultant to come in and help us move forward including solar panel farms and any type of special use permit. Michael asked if it was going to be a consultant or legal counsel. Jim said he would like to have work session with the Commission where the public would be invited and they would sit down with a consulting person from a firm that has done this before. Jim said Crawford County is going to let him know who they will be using. The deadline for an individual who is interested in submitting a letter of interest for the solar panel farm committee is June 12th.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:58. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
6-10-2024 Approved Date
Via Christi Cybersecurity Update
Ascension continues to work expeditiously alongside industry-leading cybersecurity experts in our efforts to safely restore systems across our network. Please know our hospitals and facilities remain open and are providing patient care. Patients should continue to visit the regional updates portion of this webpage for the latest information on a state-by-state basis.
Ascension continues to make progress in our efforts to safely restore systems across our network. Restoring our Electronic Health Record (EHR) continues to be among one of the top priorities of our recovery process.
To date, we have successfully restored EHR access in our Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Maryland, Central Texas (Ascension Seton and Dell Children’s hospitals), and Oklahoma markets. We are still working toward completing EHR restoration across our entire ministry by June 14.
For patients who receive care in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Maryland, Central Texas, and Oklahoma, access to your patient portal has been restored. However, please note that medical records and other information between May 8th and June 6th may not be accessible as we work to update the portal with information collected during the system downtime. For record availability during that time frame, please contact your clinician’s office. Please note that, due to high volumes, responses to portal messages may experience a slight delay.
Thank you to our patients and community for your patience and support, and to our dedicated clinicians who continue to provide quality care.