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Government

Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission Meeting on July 25

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

July 25, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells
  3.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  Led by M. Wells

III.    Approval of Agenda:

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 11, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1339-A — $717,956.29
  4. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 2022 CDBG       Sanitary Sewer Project – Inspection Services –
  5.   May 31, 2023 – Invoice #16604 –  $17,063.90
  6.           July 5, 2023 – Invoice #16678 –    $16,602.75
  7. Request to Pay – Ray Lindsey Co. – Grit Removal System $151,752.76
  8. Request to Pay – Haynes for WWTP Booster Station –     $27,800.00
  9. July Financials

 

  1.    Public Comment:

 

Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission’s discretion.

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Approval of Contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton to audit financial statement of the City for the year ended December 31, 2022 – $18,150.00 – presented by Terence Sercer, CPA
  2. Consideration of parking lease agreement for DCF building – B. Farmer
  3. Consideration to accept responsibility of Splash Pad – J. Jones and B. Lyons

 

 

 

 VII.   Appearances:

  1. IT Service Proposal for City of Fort Scott – Shawn Latimer – PCnet
  2. HBCAT:  Downtown Arch Project – seeking approval from the                           City Commission
  3. HBCAT:  Amendment to MOU – 3rd Street Park and Downtown Arch Project
  4. Cory Bryars:  Care to Share Event
  5. Dakota Rusk and Austin Alfaro:  Rumble on the Bricks – Temporary Street Closure on Old Fort Blvd (includes all of Skubitz Plaza)

 

VIII.   Public Hearing:  Petition to Vacate East 21st Street – Marvin A. Lewis – Norman        Nation to present petition

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Consideration of bids for Evergy Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project for Infantry Substation – J. Dickman
  3. Consideration to Eliminate Inactive Accounts – B. Hart

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke –
  6. Harrington –
  7. Woellhof –
  8. Guns –
  9. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

 

XII.     Adjournment:

Obituary

Obituary of Larry Farris

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Larry Clarence Farris, 71, of Arma, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the Medicalodge of Frontenac, Kansas. Larry was born on August 21, 1951, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Fred Warren Farris and Alice Marie (Coles) Farris.

Larry is survived by several cousins, including Jo Thompson, of Hugoton, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two brothers, Kenneth Ray Farris, and Gary Leonard Farris.

Following cremation, Larry will be interred with his parents and brothers in the Richland Cemetery, Mound City, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will hold private memorial services at a later date. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Gary Saker

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Gary M. Saker, 74, formerly of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away July 14, 2023, after a battle with an ongoing illness. Gary was preceded in death by his father Don Saker and mother Eloise Richards Garnand.

 

Survivors include Tracy Saker, sons Andrae and Bryden Saker of the home along with Kaleb Saker of Girard, Kansas, and his family.  Recently Gary enjoyed spending more time with his grandchildren in Girard prior to being hospitalized.

 

Gary also leaves behind his sisters, Sharon Conner, Debbie Garnand DeJong, Glenna Garnand, Sawannah Saker Lewis, and brothers Gary G., and Don Saker, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

 

Gary worked in restoration for several years before becoming disabled. Gary loved to cook, hunt, fish, and spend time with family and friends. Gary was loved by all who met him, and he would do anything for almost anyone. Gary’s loving kindness, thoughtfulness, and sense of humor will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched.

 

Following cremation, memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

 

 

Opinion

Sacrifice by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023

A Christian businessman was traveling in Korea. In a field by the side of the road was a young man pulling a plow while an old man held the handles. The businessman was amused and took a snapshot of the scene. “I suppose these people are very poor,’” he said to the missionary who was interpreter and guide to the party.

“Yes,” was the quiet reply. “Those two men are Christians. When their church was being built, they were eager to give something toward it, but they had no money. So, they sold their only ox and gave the proceeds to the church. This spring they are pulling the plow themselves.” The businessman, silent for a few moments, said, “That must have been a real sacrifice.”

“They did not call it that,” answered the missionary. “They thought themselves fortunate that they had an ox to sell!”

I read that story and wonder how much I really give up in order to advance the gospel, in order to obey Romans 12:1, where I am told to be a “living sacrifice” to the Lord.  How about you?  Are you content just to tithe and call it good?    But aren’t there other things we are asked to sacrifice?  In Mark 14, we learn of a woman who sacrificed not only her most valuable possession but also her pride.  Could we say the same?

Just a few days before Jesus’ death, we read about a dinner party where an uninvited woman showed up with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume (about $15,000 today), broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus’ head. Guests were indignant and harshly rebuked her. “Why this waste of perfume?  It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” I love Jesus’ response.

 “Leave her alone…Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.  The poor you will always have with you and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.  She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

In Lady in Waiting, Becoming God’s Best While Waiting for Mr. Right, Jackie Kendall explains the purpose of the alabaster box in biblical times. When a young woman was old enough to marry, her family would buy this box and fill it with ointment.  When a man proposed, the future bride would break this box at his feet in order to show him honor.

Don’t miss the importance in this story about Jesus.

Amidst the arrogant rudeness of the other dinner guests, she, a lowly woman, cared not that she was being mocked and ridiculed.  Her entire focus was on her Savior. He who would be betrayed by Judas a short time later had to breathe a sigh of relief that someone understood what he had come to earth to do and wanted to honor him for it.  His disciples certainly didn’t.  The high priest didn’t.  Those for whom he had performed miracles didn’t.  Many of us still don’t.

But this woman did. In a few hours, Jesus would be on his knees, weeping that God would stop his crucifixion from happening.  But at this moment, he had an acknowledgement that it was worth it. Someone wasn’t requiring anything from him but wanting to love on him right where he was.

 

Dear Readers, what is your most treasured possession, your “alabaster box”?  This woman gave all she could.  Could Jesus say the same about my life?  Could he say it about yours?

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon is July 26

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Community Connection Panelist Luncheon!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Community Connection Panelist Luncheon on Wednesday, July 26th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St. Chamber members and the community are invited to attend for updates on things that are happening in the community!

The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10 and those need to be ordered by July 25th at 10am. Those planning to attend may RSVP online at fortscott.com under the events tab.

There will be a 7-minute update from each of the following panelists, ending with time for questions:

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Craig Campbell Chair, Becky Tourtillott Vice Chair
Fort Scott National Historic Site, Carl Brenner
Fort Scott Recreation Commission, Lucas Kelley
Good Neighbor Action Team, Craig Campbell
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Jody Hoener President/CEO, Rachel Carpenter Director
Kansas Small Business Development Center, Dacia Clark, Assistant Director PSU KSBDC

Moderator for the event will be Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty Group, 2023 Chamber Board Chair.

Click here to RSVP and pre-order lunch!

This event is being sponsored by Davis Accounting, Inc.

and Labconco.

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

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

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC SELECTS GUGNANI TO FILL KEY ADMINSTRATIVE ROLE

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Sonia Gugnani. Submitted photo.

Sonia Gugnani, whose connection to Fort Scott Community College goes back more than 10 years, is the school’s new vice president of academic affairs.

Her hiring was formally approved by the FSCC Board of Trustees on Monday, and elevates her from her previous post as associate dean of instruction and institutional effectiveness.

The move constitutes a small one geographically for Gugnani, she can just slide into the VP’s office from her current station in Bailey Hall, but a large one in terms of oversight and responsibility.

It’s a role for which she’s well-prepared.

“As the associate dean, I was involved in serving the needs of the high school students in our area,” she said. “That involved collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the success of our students. I am very familiar with various processes and have been closely involved in curriculum development, assessment and accreditation.

“Having worked with the previous vice president of academic affairs (Adam Borth) has given me a better understanding of the job.”

Gugnani, who has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in psychology, began at FSCC in 2014 as a part-time instruction support specialist after two years as an adjunct instructor. She was appointed director of institutional effectiveness and outreach in 2019, then associate dean of instruction and institutional effectiveness in 2021. She participated in the Kansas Community College Leadership Institute last year, and is part of the Lead Bourbon County training cohort.

Teamwork is the key ingredient to success for a lead administrator, she said.

“Working with faculty and staff to offer our students opportunities and quality education is essential for this position,” she said. “I consider myself extremely fortunate to work with a great group of faculty and staff who support the college’s mission and go above and beyond what is expected of them in order to achieve shared objectives.”

Of course, the job does not come without challenges, Gugnani agreed.

“Most community colleges are seeing a reduction in enrollment as a result of students entering the workforce directly out of high schools,” she said. “Promoting general-education courses, dual-credit courses, and implementing short-term career and technical programs could help with enrollment and retention.

“By providing our students the resources they need to complete their education, we can help them be independent and self-sufficient. I strongly believe community colleges have the ability to strengthen our nation’s workforce.”

Personally, Gugnani and her husband, P.K., a local physician, are “proud parents” of three sons, Neil, 19, Shekhar, 19, and Raj, 14. The two eldest are recent graduates of Fort Scott High School and the youngest is an incoming freshman at FSHS.

“(We have) been part of this community for the last 19 years,” said Gugnani, who enjoys spending time with her family, watching action/comedy movies and taking long walks, making puzzles and playing board games.

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Virtual Job Fair to Showcase Hundreds of Available State Positions

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TOPEKA – Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. This virtual fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, will focus on employment opportunities available within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are almost 800 vacancies across the state.

“The Department of Commerce alone has 28 openings, and we want to fill these positions with skilled and professional candidates looking to secure good-paying careers with great benefits,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All of our agency jobs offer opportunities for individuals to make a true difference in the lives of individuals and communities by serving our great state.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

To register for the July 26 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click here.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Bourbon County, Government

City of Uniontown Budget Work Session Minutes of July 18

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The Budget Worksession on July 18, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Budget worksession

 

Council was presented with a 2024 proposed budget.  It was reviewed and amended to have the same mill rate as last year, which will exceed the revenue neutral rate.  It was agreed upon to send notice to County Clerk of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate and set the revenue neutral rate hearing to begin at 6:45PM on September 12, 2023, to be immediately followed by the budget hearing, then the regular council meeting.  Session ended at 7:48PM

 

 

Government

Uniontown City Council Unofficial Minutes of the July 11 Meeting

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The unofficial minutes of the Uniontown City Council for July 11, 2023.

The Uniontown City Council Meeting on July 11, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger (7:02), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dakota Harris, Tim Nuckolls Agency, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Dakota Harris – Tim Nuckolls Agency– Mr Harris gave a presentation of GlobeLife benefits.  Consensus was that we would not add any benefits at this time.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to make the following appointments/designations:

City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk – Sally Johnson; City Treasurer – Charlene Bolinger; Municipal Judge – Patricia Miklos-Boyd; Municipal Prosecutor – Chase Vaughn; City Newspaper – The Fort Scott Tribune; and Official Bank – Union State Bank, Uniontown.

 

Oath of office was administered to Johnson and Bolinger.  Johnson will administer oath to judge and prosecutor at next court session.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the June 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $356,954.32, Receipts $75,670.19, Transfers Out $3,012.77, Expenditures $29,870.79, Checking Account Closing Balance $399,740.95. Bank Statement Balance $402,032.87, including Checking Account Interest of $81.25, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,291.92, Reconciled Balance $399,740.95.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,283.27, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,889.95, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,559.71, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $486,473.88. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $460.31, and Utility CDs $331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $792.26.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  June Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.30); for Total Transfers of $3,012.77.  Net Income for the month of June $42,786.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,188.98.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $58626.68 (48.0%), Expenditures $56,043.66 (35.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $18,250.72 (49.5%), Expenditures $16,134.02 (39.2%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $89,262.73 (57.0%), Expenditures $62,070.25 (27.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $118,401.36 (79.1%), Expenditures $85,279.90 (46.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,967.49 (53.2%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The July 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $24,426.87were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of June 21, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.  Mayor Jurgensen asked him to take 4 sets of barricades to 75th street for the baseball tournament this weekend.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan presented the Statement of Enforcing Officer regarding 404 Washington St.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2023-0711-1 a Resolution fixing a time and place and providing for notice of a hearing before the Governing Body of the City of Uniontown, Kansas, at which the owner, his or her agent, lienholders of record, occupants and other parties in interest of structures located within said city and described herein may appear and show cause why such structure should not be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished as an unsafe or dangerous structure.

 

The sewer issue at 305 Clay has been resolved and the dead tree at 505 Wall will be removed as soon as contractor can remove it.  Councilmember Kelly asked about household items being stored in a carport.  Clerk Johnson has already spoken with the party.

 

Clerk Johnson asked for voting delegate/alternate voting delegate for League of Kansas Municipalities.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to designate Jess Ervin as voting delegate and Amber Kelly as alternate voting delegate

 

Johnson reminded governing body to let her know if any wished to attend the League of Kansas Municipalities Conference in October or the Regional Meeting on July 27 in Pittsburg.

She also reminded them of the Budget Worksession scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 5:30PM.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – asked if the stone post on her property has any historical significance and if it can be removed.  It was suggested she take a picture of the stone and contact the Bourbon County Historical Society to see if there is any historical significance and whether it can be removed.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

KMGA Supply Management – we received an email about the executive directors’ decision to partner with WoodRiver Energy.  Dixie Riedel called on July 6 to explain that the default purchasing method would be a blend of fixed and first-of-month pricing but each member could tailor their portfolio with all fixed, all first-of-month, or a blend.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to use the default purchasing method for our portfolio

 

Johnson will contact Dixie tomorrow with this decision.

 

Mural Grant – an update was given.

 

Placemaking Project – an update on the success of the booth at Independence Day Bash was given.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Fall Cleanup –

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to provide three dumpsters August 28-31, 8am-8pm, until filled.  When full, dumpsters will be removed.

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:24PM