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Unoffical Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on July 11

The Regular Council Meeting on July 9, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:01), Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pillion, Old Settlers Committee – requested to have a street dance again this year on Friday or Saturday and would like to block off Sherman St between 2nd and 3rd Sts.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to allow the street dance on either Friday, August 30, or Saturday, August 31, and to block off Sherman St between 2nd and 3rd Sts

 

A sponsorship form for Old Settlers Picnic was presented.  City provides a trash dumpster and staff to keep public restrooms clean and stocked.

 

Dave Wehry via email – requested to pay his bill in two payments without a penalty assessed as meter was misread by the City in May causing his bill to be very high this month.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow two payments and waive penalty since we misread in May

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the June 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $262,758.51, Receipts $57,246.25, Transfers Out $3.026.00, Expenditures $24.827.71, Checking Account Closing Balance $292.151.05. Bank Statement Balance $298.333.35, including Checking Account Interest of $58.67, Outstanding Deposits $117.01, Outstanding Checks $6,299.31, Reconciled Balance $292,151.05.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,407.04, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,376.69, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,198.64, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $390,133.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $342.09, and Utility CDs $883.53 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,225.62.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  June Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of June $29,392.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,671.85.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $53,724.09 (43.5%), Expenditures $63,992.22 (39.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $17,218.50 (46.6%), Expenditures $16,739.80 (39.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $82,090.53 (56.0%), Expenditures $58,322.40 (32.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $131,202.05 (80.0%), Expenditures $105,806.96 (52.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,966.38 (54.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The July 2024 payables to date in the amount of $13,741.22 were presented.  The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve amended Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of June 14, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Request to schedule a budget worksession.  Assessed valuation is down approximately $929,000.  Revenue Neutral Rate for this budget is 63.882.  We must notify County Clerk by July 20 if plan to exceed revenue neutral rate.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a budget worksession on July 16, 5:30PM, dinner will be provided

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan invited owners of 101 Washington to attend regarding yard and inoperable vehicle.  They did not attend; a letter will be sent.  Commended property owners for keeping yards mowed – 102 Franklin, 505 Washington.  201 Fulton has sold and new owner is cleaning up property.  303 Clay has sold.  204 2nd St has new tenant that is sheriff’s deputy.  405 Hill St – they are not getting the mobile home approved by the council.  They are looking for another mobile home but will more than likely sell property as is.  There are some properties that ditches are not being mowed or trimming done.  Behind the buses needs trimmed badly.  505 Wall still has an unregistered vehicle on premises.

 

City Superintendent Rich absent.  He is still waiting on quotes for gas valve replacements.

 

Clerk Johnson asked all to sign a thank you note to Union State Bank for the exceptional Independence Day Bash.  Colby did an awesome job of keeping restrooms clean and stocked.

She also reminded council that City Clerk replacement will need to attend educational trainings as soon as possible. A couple of applications have been received.  Council will keep them on file and continue accepting applications at this time.

Information was received from Repurposed Materials Inc.

She followed up with Brian Allen, BBCOEM, regarding the April flooding.  It may be months before FEMA makes a determination.

Received Approved Pending Adoption Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan and request for adoption resolution.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to approve Resolution 2024-0709-1 adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – asked about fencing that was washed out in April flooding at lagoon.  Superintendent Rich has cleaned up debris and repaired the fence.  After pictures have not been taken yet.

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Chalk lines were done then it rained.  They will try to get chalked and completed by August meeting.

 

Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen is hopeful to mail out invitation for bids by end of week.  Would like for them to be opened at August 13 meeting and completed by December 15, 2024.

 

Streets – It was requested Superintendent Rich order saturock and patch potholes before school starts.

Mayor Jurgensen is working on mitigation funding for culverts and ditches.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:58PM

Veterans Claims Clinic to Provide Assistance in Overland Park

TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Veterans Services, VA Health Care – Kansas City and Eastern Kansas, and the VA Veterans Benefits Administration are proud to sponsor a comprehensive Veterans Claims Clinic on July 25 – 26 at the American Legion Post 370, located at 7500 W 75th St, Overland Park, Kan. The hours on Thursday, July 25, will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All services are free of charge.

The clinic aims to assist Veterans and their families in filing VA disability claims, applying for VA health care, and providing information and screenings related to the PACT Act. The event will also feature participation from Veteran-focused community organizations, offering a wide range of resources and support.

No appointment is necessary to attend the clinic. Veterans should bring copies of their separation documentation, medical records and marriage and dependent birth certificates.

“We will have trained and credentialed Veterans Service Representatives ready to assist with both enrolling in VA health care and the filing of claims to gain access to benefits and compensation they have earned,” said Bill Turner, director of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. “We hope word will spread and all Veterans and their families will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to connect with federal, state and local community resources dedicated to their service and well-being.”

While the event is Veteran focused, Kansas City employers are encouraged to visit and learn more about Veterans’ benefits and ways they can assist them in their employment.

This event is a collaborative effort to ensure that Veterans and their families have access to the benefits and health care they are eligible for. It is essential for Veterans to secure the benefits they have rightfully earned through their service to our country. All Veterans, families and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Veterans Services, VA Health Care – Kansas City and Eastern Kansas, and the VA Veterans Benefits Administration are proud to sponsor a comprehensive Veterans Claims Clinic on July 25 – 26 at the American Legion Post 370, located at 7500 W 75th St, Overland Park, Kan. The hours on Thursday, July 25, will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All services are free of charge.

The clinic aims to assist Veterans and their families in filing VA disability claims, applying for VA health care, and providing information and screenings related to the PACT Act. The event will also feature participation from Veteran-focused community organizations, offering a wide range of resources and support.

No appointment is necessary to attend the clinic. Veterans should bring copies of their separation documentation, medical records and marriage and dependent birth certificates.

“We will have trained and credentialed Veterans Service Representatives ready to assist with both enrolling in VA health care and the filing of claims to gain access to benefits and compensation they have earned,” said Bill Turner, director of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. “We hope word will spread and all Veterans and their families will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to connect with federal, state and local community resources dedicated to their service and well-being.”

While the event is Veteran focused, Kansas City employers are encouraged to visit and learn more about Veterans’ benefits and ways they can assist them in their employment.

This event is a collaborative effort to ensure that Veterans and their families have access to the benefits and health care they are eligible for. It is essential for Veterans to secure the benefits they have rightfully earned through their service to our country. All Veterans, families and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

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Republican Candidate Forum: July 30

The Bourbon County Republicans will hold a local republican candidate forum on July 30th, 6pm at the Empress Center, 7 N. Main.
This will be for Republican candidates only and registered Republicans.
Each candidate will be allowed an opening statement and a closing statement with a question and answer period in between.
Candidates that are unopposed or unable to attend are encouraged to bring a statement to be read or they may email their statement to [email protected].
Questions may be submitted for consideration to [email protected].

The Obituary of Joyce Martin

Joyce Irene Martin, age 81, a former resident of Bronson, KS, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Credo Assisted Living, Fort Scott, KS.  She was born November 18, 1942, in Moran, KS, the daughter of Haskell Howell and Mildred Horner Howell.

She married Charles Joseph Martin on February 14, 1960, at Community Baptist Church in Iola, KS.  He preceded her in death on October 22, 2003.  She and her husband and 5 children, Charles, Jr., Samuel, James, Rachel, and Nathanael served one term as missionaries in the Samoan Islands of the South Pacific.  Joyce was a member of the Iola Baptist Church.

 

Survivors include four sons, Charles, Jr. and wife Michelle, Vista, CA, Samuel and wife Barbara, Festus, MO, James and wife Lori, Summerdale, AL, Nathanael and wife Dedra, Newton, KS; a daughter, Rachel O’Dell and husband Mark, Independence, MO; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Benjamin, Lynelle, Michael, Steffenie, Logan, Liam, and Caitlyn Martin, and Tyler, Sarah, and Justin O’Dell; 21 great-grandchildren; and 3 siblings Ella Britt, Iola, KS, Hazel Bahner, Topeka, KS and Wayne Howell, Topeka, KS.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Mitchell, a brother, Allen Howell, and her parents.

 

Samuel Martin will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Friday, July 19th, at the Fairview Chapel in Mildred, KS.

Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 10:30 at the Fairview Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to World Missions Bearing Precious Seed and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

KDOT to replace guardrail along U.S. 69

 

The week of July 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin replacing guardrail on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. The 27-mile project area starts at the south U.S. 69/U.S. 54 junction and continues north to Pleasanton.

 

The speed limit will be reduced to 60 miles an hour in the work zone, with alternating lane closures for northbound traffic. The ramp from westbound U.S. 54 to northbound U.S. 69 in Fort Scott will be closed to traffic between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, July 22-23. Use alternate routes during the closure.

 

KDOT awarded construction contracts totaling $1 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by the end of 2024. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

Obituary of Larry Stewart

Larry William Stewart, age 63, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away Saturday June 29, 2024, at his home.  He was born September 18, 1960, in Long Beach, California, the son of Luther William “Stu” Stewart and Lela Williams Stewart.  Since his father was in the military, Larry lived in a variety of places throughout the United States while he was growing up.  He graduated from high school in Hernando, Mississippi.  Larry married Deborah Ervin in 1993.  While living in Ft. Scott, Larry worked at Hammond Seed and Elevator, Shepard Team Auto Plaza and as a clerk at area service stations.  He also enjoyed traveling to various malls and trade shows selling sports memorabilia.  He also enjoyed photography.

 

Larry is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Ft. Scott, Kansas and his children, Shelby Watkins and Virina Stewart, both of Ft. Scott, Dustin Stewart of Garland, Kansas and Savannah Stewart of Carl Junction, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and a great-granddaughter with another great-granddaughter on the way, and a brother, Mike Stewart of Hernando, Mississippi. Also surviving are Larry’s loyal dogs, Harley and Smiley who were by his side when he passed away.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.

 

There was cremation.  Private services will take place at a later date.  Arrangements were under the direction 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.

Patio Concert at the Liberty Theater on July 20

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County Arts Council…

Bourbon County Arts Council is excited to announce our third Patio Concert for the 2024 season!

Details are as follows:

“Flagship Romance”

Liberty Theatre Patio

Saturday, July 20th

(Please refer to the attached flyer.)

Crooners will be closed in the month of July.

Jared graciously agreed to provide “BAR SERVICE” the evening of the patio concert.

      Jonny O’s Food Truck – Nashville Hot Chicken & Burgers will be parked in front of Crooners.

      Please support them by choosing them as your dinner option.

If you would like to purchase tickets, please text Terri Floyd at 620-224-7221 or Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650

(Do NOT respond via this email to reserve tickets.)

Reservations are REQUIRED.  If you are interested in purchasing tickets, do not delay.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Fort Scott Sidewalk Sale Saturday July 13

Save the Date for a Summer Sidewalk Sale ~ Downtown & Around in Fort Scott! Enjoy fruity drinks and great deals while supporting local!

Participating Retailers:

110 South Main Mercantile, 110 S. Main St.

Angie Dawn’s Boutique, 108 S. Scott St.

Barbed Wire & Roses, 18 N. Main St.

Be The Light Boutique, 12 N. Main St.

Bids & Dibs, 108 S. Scott St.

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, 16 S. Main St.

Laree + Co, 3 S. National Ave.

Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National Ave

Ruddick’s Furniture & Flooring, 117 S. National Ave.

Shirt Shack, 11 E. 18th St.

Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall St.

Bourbon County Democrats will be set up Downtown with an information booth & Chamber Bucks drawing along with Riggs Chiropractic that will be doing free screenings!

There will be Business Bingo where you can pick up a card at any participating store, make a purchase of $5 or more from at least 3 stores during the Summer Sidewalk Sale, get your bingo card marked, and turn in at the third store for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks. Chamber Bucks certificates can be used at over 60 local retailers and restaurants around the community!

A fun time to support local while finding some great sales inside and out of participating merchants! Most stores are open 10am to 5pm, but some hours may vary.

Don’t forget to support the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market which will be open Saturday from 8am-12pm under the Gathering Square Pavilion.

Organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US