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God’s Timing: Always On Time by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.. Submitted photo.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

How long do we trustfully wait on God to answer our prayers? A few days?  Months?  Years?   God told Abram that he would be the father of many nations, yet there he was, over 99 years old, and he and his wife, Sarai, had no kiddos.  What was Abram thinking?

“Maybe God confused me with someone else.”

“Maybe I misunderstood.  Maybe He said ‘kids.’  Yea, that’s it.  He’s giving me a herd of goats.”

“Maybe I need to help God and make this happen myself.  Yep, that’s what I’ll do.  After all, God is busy.  He probably forgot His promise.”

God had told Abram that his offspring would be numerous.  Ten years later, Abram remained childless. When God came to Abram in a vision and promised to be Abram’s shield and great reward, Abram wasn’t too hepped about receiving that promise. “LORD God, what good will your gifts be if I continue to be childless?”

I get it.  The only one in the picture to inherit Abram’s vast estate was Eliezer, his servant.  God reassured him that he would have his own son and that his offspring would be more than the “dust of the earth” (Gen. 13:16) and later, the “stars of the sky” (Gen. 15:5).

But doubts began to creep in, so Abram took matters into his own, wrinkly hands.  After all, what harm could it do?  He finally, by golly, would have a “legitimate” heir.  He impregnated his wife’s servant Hagar who birthed Ishmael, never realizing that, to this day, this royal mess-up would cause unending problems between the Israelis and the Arabs.

Abram impatiently moved forward to help God’s will come to pass.  Surely we can’t blame him, right?  Wrong.  God lives in a timeless zone.  What seems to us late, for God is on time. Perfect time.

Haven’t we all been there?  We take our requests to God.  And wait.  And wait.  And wait.  Do we patiently endure, knowing that God will answer in His time? Do we continue to exude peace?  Sure we do.

NOT!  If you’ve read any of my columns, you know that I do not wait in peace. I “do” the first part of Matthew 7:7 well. Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  It’s the very next verse that causes me issues: “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”  I love the part that tells me I’m going to get what I want.  I don’t love the part that fails to tell me how long it will be before I “receive” what I’m seeking. (Not proud to admit that.)

We read that God did for Abram what He said He would do.  Sarai (meaning “my princess”), in her old age, birthed Isaac, and her name was changed to Sarah (“mother of nations”), while her husband’s name was changed to Abraham (“father of a multitude”).  I love that God did that miracle in their old age.  That way, they could give God all the credit.             Scripture makes it clear that God will answer our prayers.  He will.  Sometimes He wants us to figure things out on our own.  Other times, He wants us to grow our faith and trust in Him and His timing. (Sooooo hard, don’t you think?)  And let’s not forget that little “motive” thing.  Am I asking for something out of selfish ambition?

Mark 12:30 tells us that our relationship with God should have priority over any earthly matter.  Do we keep that in mind when we make our requests?  The way we answer that question likely determines the timing God uses to answer us.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Understanding Poverty Workshop is March 2

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Do you ever wish you could “peek behind the curtain” and learn some of the “WHY” behind certain puzzling behaviors?

Solving poverty means that we must first understand the some of mindset which drives it.

Who should attend this workshop? Any member of the community who wants a greater understanding of poverty and a plan to alleviate it.

This includes: business leaders, educators, clergy, church members, Core Community advisory board members, Core Community
volunteers, Law Enforcement Officers, etc.

Participants will review a mental model of poverty, examine a theory of change, and analyze poverty through the prism of housing, the hidden rules of class and resources.

Cost includes training materials and book.

DATE: Saturday, March 2, 2024
TIME: 8:30 AM TO 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Fort Scott Nazarene Church
1728 Horton, Fort Scott, KS
COST: $35 (payable the day of event)
To Register email: Cherri Walrod – [email protected]
Hosted by Core Community Bourbon County

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of February 7

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

February 7, 2024

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Twenty-three members representing seventeen agencies attended.  Billie Jo reminded members that swim pass applications would be available during the month of April.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Travis Wilcoxsen, Angels Care Home Health: The February focus of the month is “heart healthy.”  Statistics show that 50%  of heart patients are medication non-compliant; they can help rectify those situations.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing: There continues to be a waiting list for all unit sizes; applications will still be taken.
  • Michelle Lyon, DCF: LIEAP applications are open until the end of March.  Also, the Presbyterian Church continues its furniture ministry; if someone is in need, notify the church office.
  • Star Culp, Parents as Teachers: She has one opening in USD 235.
  • Michelle Worsley, Childcare Aware of Kansas: She provides assistance on the business side of childcare.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research: Lea Kay still needs partners with space for her nutrition and walk programs.
  • Lori Holman, American Red Cross: The next blood drive will be only one day on February 15 at BRCC from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.; Red Cross is in crisis mode with the shortage of all types of blood. Make an appointment to donate at redcross.org.
  • Janice Lamb, Core Communities: Core began with fifteen core leaders; thirteen of those will graduate on April 8 and enter Phase 2 of the program. A new class will begin in September.
  • Cherri Walrod, Core Communities: “Bridges Out of Poverty,” a workshop designed to help participants understand poverty, will be presented at the Fort Scott Nazarene Church on March 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is a $35.00 enrollment fee to be paid the day of the event.  Contact Cherri at [email protected] for more information.
  • Lisa Robertson and Lindsey McNeil, COPE: Last month, 191 cycles of laundry were provided during wash Wednesdays.
  • Christine Abbott, KansasWorks: The Bourbon County Job Fair will be held on February 22 from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. at 401 Woodland Hills.  It is not too late for a business or organization to set up a booth; contact the HBCAT office.
  • David Gillen, Beacon: David reviewed all the services the Beacon offers and noted that 152 families were served in January and 28 volunteers, including several members of the Fort Scott High School National Honor society, helped with those services.
  • Larry Jump, SEK CAP: Larry encouraged members to check the new SEK CAP website; he mentioned that the organization needs children and employees.
  • Sandy Haggard, AmeriCorps Seniors: At present she has volunteers at Beacon, USD 235, and the Red Cross blood drives.
  • Tammy Alcantor, Crawford County Health Department: She is working on a grant application that would provide prenatal classes by Zoom for Bourbon and Cherokee counties; this would eliminate the necessity to travel in order to attend.
  • Lora Wilson CHC/SEK: Lora will be reviving the tobacco cessation program; contact her if you have questions or input.

 

 

  1. Program:  March program will be presented by Teri Hamilton, Fort Scott Farmers’ Market.

 

Patty LaRoche presented the program; she spoke about sex trafficking, explained how Adam LaRoche’s foundation is making a difference in this area, and shared stories of some of the recent cases.  Unfortunately, it takes an average of seven rescues before a victim’s recovery actually takes place.  She advised members to be aware of what their children are doing with social media as it is a prime place for someone to be trafficked; snapchat is the worst.  The three things that we all can do are to understand the facts, look for behaviors that would indicate someone feels he/she is not measuring up, and pray for those brave enough to enter the fight and for those willing to help.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be March 6, 2024.

 

Bourbon County, Youth

Barnstormers 4-H Club Minutes of January 10

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The Barnstormers 4-H club called their monthly meeting to order on
January 10th at 6:30 p.m.  The roll call was, “What is one of your New Year’s resolutions?”.  21 members were present along with 12 parents and 1 guest.  Pam Speers then came up to talk about plant science.
Next the Secretary minutes and treasures’ report were read and
approved.  A thank you card for Producers Coop donation to the club was passed around and signed by all members.  Jack Endicott gave a talk on his Gettysburg mini Lego set with some historical facts.  At 6:51 p.m. Emery Ellis made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Easton Karleskint seconded.  Maggie Swank had a fun game prepared for all to enjoy after adjournment.
Jewel Endicott
Barnstormers 4-H Secretary
Jack Endicott
Barnstormers 4-H Reporter
Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for Feb. 6 Fort Scott City Commission Meeting

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

February 6, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Call to Order
  2.   Roll Call – Quorum = 3

III.    Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda:
  4. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 23, 2024.
  5. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1353-A – $753,134.24
  6. Request to Pay – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Project No. 22-305 – South                       Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Contractor’s Application for                                      Payment No. 3 – $97,929.00.
  7. Approval 2024 City Occupation License Renewals – 1) Hulbert’s Jewelry LLC       & Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, 22 N. Main Street, Fort Scott – 2) Fort Scott Gun &                   Pawn Shop, 1402 E. Wall Street.
  8. Approval of 2024 Public Dance City License Renewal – Memorial Hall, 1 E.              3rd Street, Fort Scott.

 

VII.   Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

 

VIII.   Appearances:

 

  1. HBCAT – Proposal for economic development services – J. Love

 

  1. Old Business: 
  2. Consideration of REDI Contract Proposal – R. Harrington

 

  1. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board – M. Wells

 

  1. Discussion of Streets Advisory Ordinances – tabled from January 23, 2024

 

  1. New Business:
  2. Action Items:
  3.   Golf Cart Rental Policy – Steve Carter
  4. Discussion of Ordinance No. 3402 and No. 3586 – Operation of Golf Carts
  5. Discussion of Ordinance No. 3486 – Operation of Any Utility Terrain                                     Vehicles (UTV)
  6. Discussion of Famer’s Market/Fort Scott Pavilion Rental Rates
  7. Discussion of Annexation of Gunn Park
  8. Discussion of Annexation of Woodland Hills Golf Course
  9.  Discussion of Work Session – Memorial Hall

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:

         – T. VanHoecke

         – M. Wells

– M. Guns

– D. Olson

– T. Dancer

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

XII.     Adjourn:

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of January 23

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 Unapproved minutes

 

Minutes of January 23, 2024                                           Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 23, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, M. Wells, M. Guns, and D. Olson were present with Mayor T. Dancer.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION   T. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and B. Matkin provided the invocation.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE Brad Matkin/City Manager, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Ben Hart/BakerTilly-Finance, Dave Bruner/Fire Chief, Mark McCoy/REDI, Robert Harrington/REDI, Marvin A. Lewis, Josh Jones, Travis Sawyer, Michael J. Hoyt, Jody Lore, Darnell Pullian, Barry Queen, Dean Striler and Cory Bryars.

 

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as submitted. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

AGENDA APPROVED AS SUBMITTED.

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 19, 2023, and January 9, 2024
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1352-A – $1,136,092.65
  3. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. –Project No. 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – Payment Application No. 3 — $104,165.51.
  4. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – Payment Application No. 4 (Final) – $40,964.70 – with Substantial Completion
  5. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Application for Payment No. 4 – $29,468.65.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Environmental Process Equipment Company (EPEC) – Invoice #01162401 – UV Upgrade at WWTP – Final Payment – (remaining 10% of $318,378.00) – $31,837.80.
  2. December Financials

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the Consent Agenda. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Josh Jones:  J. Jones addressed the Commission requesting that they delay approving the Bourbon County REDI Contract for 2024 that is on the night’s agenda until the next meeting to hear a proposal from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) to complement REDI.  

 

Dean Striler:  D. Striler addressed the Commission regarding his disapproval of the decision to disband the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board and requested an explanation.

 

Barry Queen:  B. Queen addressed the Commission regarding his disapproval and concerns of the decision to disband the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board. He would like clear communication.

 

Michael J. Hoyt:  M. Hoyt addressed the Commission regarding who will be the City contact for the STAR Bond. B. Matkin stated that he is the City contact and Garth Hermann/GillmoreBell who B. Matkin would contact for responses to STAR Bond questions.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Combine Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals – tabled from January 9, 2024, for legal counsel

  1. Farmer stated that the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals must remain (2) separate boards. They each serve separate purposes whose duties cannot be completed by a single board, and each has distinct functions.

 

NO ACTION TAKEN. THE BOARDS REMAIN SEPARATE.  

 

Resolution No. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A – tabled from January 9, 2024

  1. Hart explained the differences between General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and accounting by Cash Basis which is designed for smaller cities in the state of Kansas which is done by waiver under this resolution.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A. M. Wells seconded.

 

  1. Hoyt was recognized by the Chair to comment on waiving GAAP.

 

All voted aye.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A.

 

City Commission Representative to the Fort Scott Public Library           M. Wells explained that there was concern from the Fort Scott Public Library that the newly elected Mayor was not to sit on the Library Board. M. Wells was chosen by Commission vote to remain the representative. This is against the board’s standard practice. B. Farmer/City Attorney researched the topic and found no Kansas statutes that prohibited M. Wells from remaining on the Library Board without the title of Mayor for 2024. The direction come from the Southeastern Kansas Library Association’s accepted standards. B. Farmer will write a letter to the Fort Scott Public Library explaining the Commission’s decision to retain M. Wells as the City Commission Representative for the Fort Scott Public Library for 2024. If there continues to be an issue, the remedy would be to write a Charter Ordinance.

 

NO NEW ACTION TAKEN. THE VOTE TO RETAIN M. WELLS AS THE CITY COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY, JANUARY 9, 2024, STANDS AS RECORDED.

 

 

APPREARANCES 

 

Michael J. Hoyt regarding Charter Ordinance No. 31: M. Hoyt addressed the Commission by request of an Appearance and provided supplemental materials. In summary, on August 18, 2020, a Charter Ordinance exempting the City of Fort Scott from the provisions of K.S.A. 12631P relating to the disposition of sewer and storm water reserve funds was passed by the City Commission. After the ordinance passed, a protest

 

petition was found to be sufficient by the County Attorney. The petition was circulated, enough signatures were obtained to put this issue on a ballot. A special election was held on January 5, 2021, and the decision was that Charter Ordinance No. 31 would NOT be invoked.  M. Hoyt stated that he has an issue with this because Charter Ordinance No. 31 is not recorded in the City’s ordinances; like it never existed. M. Hoyt stated that it should be in the City’s records as passed by the City Commission and revoked by protest petition. He is asking that it be put on the record.  B. Farmer stated that it is called a “distinction without a difference”. M. Hoyt would like to make sure that there are no further mistakes. He stated that there have been similar issues in the past.

 

  1. VanHoecke requested that (1) last look be made for the documents. If they cannot be located, the City Clerk is to request the election results and documentation from the County Clerk to have for this City Commission who will then validate the file the records at the City.
  2. Hoyt stated it would be beneficial to have the letter that was sent to the City from the County Elections Officer that said that the election did, in fact, take place.

 

The Commission directed the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk to follow up with the stated actions.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS 

 

Public Hearings:

 

  1. Wells moved to open the Public Hearing for Case No. 1042 at 6:45PM. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO OPEN PUBLIC HEARING FOR CASE NO. 1042 – VACATION OF E. 21ST STREET – MARVIN A. LEWIS AT 6:45PM.

 

Case No. 1042 – Vacation of E. 21st Street – Marvin A. Lewis – Not recommended by Planning Commission January 10, 2024.

  1. Lewis was present as well as Josh Jones who has property that would be affected by the vacation of the street. The Planning Commission did not recommend the vacation due to accessibility concerns for potential development in the immediate area. J. Jones proposed an alternative solution at the end of the Planning Commission meeting on January 10, 2024. J. Jones suggested swapping the parcels on each side of E. 21st Street so that M. Lewis’ property would remain together instead of being split by the road and easement. The Planning Commission did not recommend vacating E. 21st Street as requested. They heard the alternative proposal after voting and suggested taking the idea to the City Commission for consideration as a compromise to the access concerns.

 

Discussion was had about options.  B. Farmer stated that the Commission can only vote on whether to vacate E. 21st Street as presented in the case.  J. Jones stated that the alternative would be to vote on the vacation and then make a second motion regarding the proposal.

 

  1. Guns moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:55PM. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING OF CASE NO. 1042 AT 6:55PM.

 

  1. Wells motioned to follow the recommendation of the Planning Commission and not approve the action request to vacate E. 21st Street as presented in Case No. 1042. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND NOT APPROVE THE ACTION REQUEST TO VACATE E. 21ST STREET AS PRESENTED IN CASE NO. 1042.

 

  1. Wells moved to have the City Attorney write a proposal to swap Lot 11, owned by Marvin A. Lewis, with the City-owned property on the other side of E. 21st Street. The City of Fort Scott would maintain the ability access to utilities on all land in the transaction. This proposal is to be presented to Marvin A. Lewis for consideration. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO HAVE THE CITY ATTORNEY WRITE A PROPOSAL TO SWAP LOT 11, OWNED BY MARVIN A. LEWIS, WITH THE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF E. 21ST STREET. THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT WOULD MAINTAIN THE ABILITY ACCESS TO UTILITIES ON ALL LAND IN THE TRANSACTION. THIS PROPOSAL IS TO BE PRESENTED TO MARVIN A. LEWIS FOR CONSIDERATION.

 

  1. Wells moved to open the Public Hearing for Case No. 1044 at 6:57PM. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO OPEN PUBLIC HEARING FOR CASE NO. 1044 – ZONING CHANGE AND SPECIAL USE PERMIT – 1601 E. WALL – TRAVIS SAWYER AT 6:57PM.

 

Case No. 1044 – Zoning Change and Special Use Permit – 1601 E. Wall – Travis Sawyer – Recommended by Planning Commission January 10, 2024 – Travis Sawyer requested that the City Commission consider a change in his original proposal to the Planning Commission which is to move the proposed building (7) feet closer to Franklin Street than what was represented on the map. He stated he spoke to the Planning Commission about it because he would be building into the easement. The intention is to keep it further from the waterway. The previous building was into the easement as well.

 

Pete Allen asked that the Commission keep in consideration the proposed Wall Street Historic District that is in process.

 

The City Engineer stated that he looked at the site and if the paperwork includes a variance to the setback, everything should be fine.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:07PM. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING OF CASE NO. 1044 AT 7:07PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to follow the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approve the action request of Case No. 1044 to change the zoning and special use permit of 1601 E. Wall Street. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND APPROVE THE ACTION REQUEST OF CASE NO. 1044 TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF 1601 E. WALL STREET FROM MULTI-USE TO C-3 AND APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT.

 

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

Replacement of staff vehicle allocated in 2023 Capital Improvement Plan Fire Chief Dave Bruner addressed the Commission for permission to search for a replacement for the 2009 Trailblazer (purchased in 2010) that is currently assigned to the Deputy Fire Chief as a response vehicle.

Repair of the vehicle has become an issue. D. Bruner stated that he would like the Commission’s approval to search for a used replacement vehicle and waive the approval requirement of the City’s Purchasing

 

Policy. That would allow him to work with the City Manager and act quicker on the purchase due to the demand for used vehicles. It was determined that the Commission had previously waived the requirements if funds were available.  B. Hart confirmed funds are available in the Public Safety Capital Equipment Fund with $30,000.00 allocated in the budget and the amount is amendable if necessary.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the purchase of an unequipped vehicle under $30,000.00 (without required emergency items) and up to $35,000.00 (with required emergency items). D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF AN UNEQUIPPED VEHICLE UNDER $30,000.00 (WITHOUT REQUIRED EMERGENCY ITEMS) AND UP TO $35,000.00 (WITH REQUIRED EMERGENCY ITEMS) WITH THE APPROVAL TO BE MADE BY THE CITY MANAGER.

 

  1. Matkin left the room (7:20PM)

 

Streets Advisory Board Ordinance Changes

  1. VanHoecke moved to table the discussion of ordinance changes until February 6, 2024. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION OF STREET ADVISORY BOARD ORDINANCE CHANGES UNTIL THE FEBRUARY 6, 2024, CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

 

Letter of Interest for the vacancy on the Streets Advisory Board submitted by Robert Hassig

  1. Wells moved to approve Robert Hassig as a member of the Streets Advisory Board. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ROBERT HASSIG AS A MEMBER OF THE FORT SCOTT STREETS ADVISORY BOARD.

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting (7:22PM)

 

Consideration of 2024 REDI Contract

Mark McCoy/President of Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) addressed the Commission as the City and County’s economic development entity with a proposed contract beginning in 2024.

 

Discussion was had on the status of the contract and payments related to that contract.

 

  1. Harrington/Executive Director of REDI addressed the Commission regarding the future of the proposed contract with REDI and the status of the contract as he understood.

 

  1. Jones (former City Commissioner) was recognized by the Chair and made statements regarding the history of the contract with the City and REDI during his seating on the Commission.

 

Further discussion was had regarding the economic development for the City regarding first point of contact, following procedure, honoring the existing contract and possible changes in language of the proposed contract.

 

  1. Guns asked B. Hart for the amount available in the Economic Development Fund. B. Hart confirmed $196,000.00 is in the fund.

 

  1. Jones requested that the City hear a proposal from HBCAT to possibly complement the proposed REDI contract and have the (2) possibly work together.

 

  1. Guns moved to postpone consideration of the proposed 2024 Contract between REDI and the City of Fort Scott until the regular City Commission meeting of February 20, 2024. D. Olson seconded.
  2. Guns and D. Olson voted aye. T. VanHoecke, M. Wells and T. Dancer voted nay.

 

MOTION DEFEATED BY 2-3 VOTE.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the revised 2024 REDI contract which includes the 30-day cancellation notice and allows other entities to present their services to the Commission for consideration. T. Dancer seconded.

 

  1. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted aye. D. Olson, M. Guns and M. Wells voted nay.

 

MOTION DEFEATED BY 2-3 VOTE.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (8:21PM)

 

 

 

 

 

Cost Plus Net Fee Agreement for (Preliminary) Engineering Services – Project No. 06-KA-6898-01 – KDOT CCLIP-US 54 Project Phase I

The City Engineer presented the official state contract which is a three-party agreement between the engineer, the City and the State. This agreement combines the fees of Phase I design and allows the 90/10 reimbursement to be put into effect. Once completed and returned to the State, a supplement to this agreement with cover Phase II design.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (8:23PM)

 

  1. Wells left the meeting (8:24PM)

 

  1. Olson moved to approve the Cost Plus Net Fee Agreement for (Preliminary) Engineering Services as presented. M. Guns seconded. D. Olson, M. Guns, T. VanHoecke, T. Dancer voted aye. M. Wells was absent for the vote.

 

APPROVED THE COST PLUS NET FEE AGREEMENT FOR (PRELIMINARY) ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PROJECT NO. 06-KA-6898-01 KDOT CCLIP US54 PROJECT PHASE I.

 

  1. Wells returned to the meeting (8:25PM)

 

 

Work Session – Contractors’ Advisory Board

  1. Wells moved for continuation of discussions by Work Session regarding a Contractors’ Advisory Board to be held on February 20, 2024, 5:00PM at City Hall. M. Guns seconded.

 

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Comments were made by the City Manager, City Engineer, Commissioner VanHoecke, Commissioner Wells, Commissioner Guns, Commissioner Olson, and Commissioner Dancer. Available on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel.

 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

  1. VanHoecke moved for the City Commission to recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matter pursuant to the attorney/client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Manager, and the City Attorney. The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 9:06PM. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

  1. Wells moved to come out of Executive Session with no action. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO MOVE OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION WITH NO ACTION.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:08PM. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:08PM.

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Government, Kansas

USDA Issues Payments of Disaster Relief to Crop Producers

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USDA to Issue $306 Million in Final Payments to Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 – The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing final Emergency Relief Program (ERP) payments totaling approximately $306 million to eligible commodity and specialty crop producers who incurred losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin issuing these additional payments to eligible producers this week.

“In the natural disaster recovery process, every little bit of available assistance helps offset the financial toll that these catastrophic events have taken on agricultural producers, their families, and their operations,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “With remaining funds after initial factoring, USDA was able to put additional money back in the hands of the producers as we strive for the most fair and equitable distribution of available funds to as many producers as possible.”

Recipients of the additional payment are limited to those producers who received ERP Phase One payments from FSA that were calculated based on crop insurance indemnities. Initially, ERP Phase One payments to producers who were indemnified through Federal crop insurance, were subject to a 75% payment factor. FSA has since determined that adequate funding exists to provide an additional 3.5% ERP Phase One payment to producers who had crop insurance increasing the overall payment factor to 78.5%. These additional ERP Phase One payments are subject to FSA payment limitation provisions as outlined in the ERP Phase One fact sheet. 

Because ERP Phase One payments to producers of noninsured crops covered by FSA NAP policies were originally paid at 100%, there will be no additional payments issued to these producers for 2020 and 2021 losses. 

The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, 2021 (P.L. 117-43) provided $10 billion in assistance to agricultural producers impacted by wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, winter storms and other eligible disasters experienced during calendar years 2020 and 2021. In 2022, FSA implemented ERP Phase One, which delivered $7.5 billion in payments to commodity and specialty crop producers. For Phase One, ERP used a streamlined process with pre-filled application forms, leveraging crop insurance indemnities or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) payments on file with USDA.   

Separately, through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) Congress allocated approximately $3.2 billion in funding to cover necessary expenses related to losses of revenue, quality or production losses of crops. Enrollment is ongoing for ERP 2022, which covers losses to crops, trees, bushes and vines due to qualifying, calendar year 2022 natural disaster events including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought and related conditions. 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.  

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 2015

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 2015

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that for the first time since 2015, Kansas saw less than 400 traffic fatalities last year. Preliminary data for 2023 indicates 388 people died in traffic crashes in Kansas, compared to 410 fatalities in 2022. The number of fatalities has been trending down for three consecutive years.

Roadway safety has improved, in part, thanks to the Kelly administration’s 10-year, $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program and efforts to close the ‘Bank of KDOT.’

“Safe roads save lives, which is why I have been relentless about repairing our infrastructure across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’ll work with the legislature to continue to make those necessary investments, and in the meantime, we must all do our part to reduce traffic fatalities. I encourage all Kansans to buckle up, follow posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and drive sober.”

The simple act of buckling up increases crash survivability by over 45%, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. The Drive To Zero Coalition credits initiatives included in the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan to helping lower fatalities and serious injuries.

“The state’s Safety Plan has resulted in increased behavioral safety messaging and low-cost engineering improvements, such as the designation of four Safety Corridors, communities building safety coalitions, and law enforcement increasing engagement with the public,” said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.

Click here to learn more about these safety initiatives.

The Kansas Drive To Zero Dashboard can be found here.

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Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Government

Updates from Local Leaders: Community Connection Panelist Luncheon on February 7

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Join us!

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon

Wednesday, February 7th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.

Chamber members and the community are invited to hear 7-minute updates by the following entities: City of Fort Scott, City Manager Brad Matkin Bourbon County, Commissioner Clifton Beth Bourbon County REDI, Executive Director Rob Harrington Fort Scott Community College, President Jason Kegler USD-234, Superintendent Destry Brown USD-235 (Superintendent Vance Eden is unable to attend)

The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10.

Those planning to attend may RSVP here. (lunch orders being accepted online thru 8am Wed. the 7th)

Moderator for the event will be Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty Group,

2024 Chamber Board Member & Past Board Chair.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.
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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

February 2, 2024

 

The Disability Employee Act tax credit program expired last year.  We tried to continue the program, but the Governor vetoed the extension language in CCR 8.  This year the legislature passed CCR 15 to reinstate the program.  The legislation passed the Senate unanimously and has been sent to the Governor.

 

Committee work is still the main focus of session.  All bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org. There are several bills that have passed out of committees.  It appears leadership is not going to move on any bills until there is a vote to override the Governor’s veto of the tax bill CCR 2284, or it could just be a coincidence that no bills have been brought “above the line”.  Above the line is a term used for bills that passed out of committee and are scheduled for debate on the chamber floor with the committee of the whole.  The committee of the whole is all of the members of that chamber.

 

Tax Relief is a major debate in Topeka.  There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so how are we going to cut taxes?  The legislature passed sustainable tax relief in CCR 2284 that helps fight inflation with a bipartisan vote, but the Governor vetoed it.  There will be an attempt to override the veto.

 

CCR 2284 would provide tax relief for all Kansans.  Some people are misrepresenting the fact that it would help over 341,000 low income taxpayers.  They would pay $0 in state income tax.  For example, a family of four making $29,000 with the legislators’ plan, CCR 2284, would have $0 taxes owed, a relief of $372 from existing law, and a relief of $310 over the Governor’s plan.  In current law the family has a $12,000 taxable income after the standard deduction and personal exemptions are subtracted, taxed at 3.1% or $372 taxes owed. The Governor’s plan (SB 377) the same family would have $10,000 taxable income, because SB 377 increases the standard deduction to $10,000 marred filing jointly, but leaves the personal exemption the same; resulting in a tax obligation of $310, a $62 savings from current law.  CCR 2284 would have $0 taxable income because there is an additional subtraction of $12,300 for joint filers ($6150 for individual filers) besides the standard deduction and personal exemption subtractions (which is increased in CCR 2284) – a much better deal than current law or the Governor’s plan.

 

One of the most important features in CCR 2284 is that it continues to increase the standard deduction and personal exemptions to fight inflation, along with a property tax inflation fighter.  CCR 2284 and the Governor’s plans decrease property taxes by exemption $100,000 from the K-12 20 mill, but the legislature’s plan continues to increase this value to fight inflation plan.  Both plans accelerate the elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and exempt Social Security from income tax.  Taxpayers deserve the best possible tax relief and policy that helps fight inflation.

 

Foreign Adversaries, such as China, must be stopped from owning property in Kansas.  I requested legislation to address this and stopping taxpayer money like Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) from being invested in foreign countries that are adversaries of the United States.  The foreign investment language passed the Senate, but a few House members blocked it in conference committee last year.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn