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Uniontown City Council Minutes of Jan. 10

The Regular Council Meeting on January 10, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dixie Riedel and Kay Forsen (Kansas Municipal Gas Agency), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – gave a presentation of the proposed project and fielded questions.  We would have a contract with KMGA to participate in a project with Minnesota Municipal Gas Agency.  MMGA would be the entity to actually prepay.  If we would choose to participate, we would choose the amount (10%-60%) of our proposed daily usage to pledge to this project.  The discount seen in the last six months has been $0.25-$0.40/unit.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend.  He sent a thank you to the Council for their support of the project with a list of donors and costs for the project.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $354,638.51, Receipts $56,191.05, Transfers Out $19,026.68, Expenditures $48,250.91, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,551.97. Bank Statement Balance $355,533.60, including Checking Account Interest of $76.87, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,981.63, Reconciled Balance $343,551.97.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,165.36, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,793.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,442.36, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $429,952.95. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $438.27, and Utility CDs $374.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $812.57.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Security Meter Deposits $0.23, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Security Meter Deposits $0.45, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $3,000.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement $3,000.00 for Total Transfers of $19,026.68.  Net Loss for the month of December $11,086.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,808.47.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $123,315.52 (116.9%), Expenditures $116,473.53 (89.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,274.50 (101.6%), Expenditures $39,133.62 (95.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $133,607.21 (95.7%), Expenditures $172,946.27 (70.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $155,336.20 (109.6%), Expenditures $146,843.96 (88.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (120.9%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%).  The January 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $39,253.89 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of December 13, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  • Resolution 2023-0110-1 – 2023 GAAP Waiver
  • Destruction of records for 2012 and prior

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system will by January 17-18.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported little change on Smith Estate demolition over holidays.  The park looked really good over holidays!

Mayor Jurgensen addressed the ongoing neighbor feud.  Discussion ensued.

 

Clerk Johnson was absent due to family emergency.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Received an invitation to attend Governor’s inauguration.

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Mayor Jurgensen visited with Bourbon County Public Works Director on the rock and he said the county can’t give us the size rock we’re wanting.  Discussion ensued.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 accept the size of rock presented unless they can make bigger

 

Placemaking Project – Mayor Jurgensen has reviewed the catalogs and called companies for pricing.   He’s going to try to get the committee together soon.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Doug Coyan indicated materials would probably be delivered around February 1.  Discussion ensued regarding timeline of project.  He also stated that concrete cost is skyrocketing.  Discussion ensued.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss nonelected employees performances and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:20PM

Open meeting resumed at 8:20PM.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to increase the City Superintendent and City Clerk wage rate $1.00/hour and the Maintenance Helper wage rate $1.50/hour, effective January 1, 2023

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:25PM

One opening (City resident) for the Fort Scott Design Review Board

There is one opening (City resident) for the Fort Scott Design Review Board.

The function of the Design Review Board is to review requests for Certificate of Appropriateness in the historic district of our downtown. They meet on an “as needed” basis.

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected].

Please submit your letter of interest by March 9th, 2023.

 

Makers Market Feb. 11 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds

The February Makers Market is this Saturday, February 11th from 10 am to 3 pm in the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

The Makers Market will have lots of options for all of your Valentine’s gift

Vendors are:

Mmm Flavor Shop

Locust Hill Lamancha Goat Milk Products

Donna Beerbower’s Fudge

Designer Florals by Rilie

Walking bouquets by the Sunshine Boutique. Submitted photo.

Hamilton Bakery

Bathhouse Trading Company

Micki Kraft’s Sewed items

All Things Cute Cuddle

Happy Little Candle Factory

Makaeldron’s Cauldron Jewelry

Frilz by Victoria

Pheonix Fire Designs

 

Mmm Flavor Shop will have a meals available for purchase that include create your own pasta, macaroni and cheese, from scratch Angel Food Cake, and Whoppie Pies.  They will also have dips available for Sunday Superbowl Parties.

Angel food cake. Submitted photo.

 

 

Moderate Income Housing Grant to Bring 20 New Housing Units to Fort Scott

Bourbon County REDI is proud to announce its collaboration with two housing developers on the Moderate-Income Housing Grant from the Kansas Rural Housing Corporation. If awarded, this project will bring over 20 new housing units to Fort Scott, a much-needed addition to the community.

The Moderate-Income Housing Grant provides funding for the development of affordable housing for moderate income families. This grant will allow for the creation of new housing units that will provide families with the stability and comfort of a safe and affordable home.

Bourbon County REDI, working with the two housing developers, has been advocating for this grant for many months. The grant, if awarded, will have a significant impact on the local economy, creating jobs and providing much-needed housing for Fort Scott families.

“Bourbon County REDI is committed to creating a better future for the families of Fort Scott,” said Robert Harrington, Executive Director of Bourbon County REDI. “This grant will help us achieve that goal and make a positive impact on the community. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Kansas Rural Housing Corporation and our housing development partners on this project.”

For more information on Bourbon County REDI, please visit our website at www.bourboncountyredi.com.

About Bourbon County REDI

Bourbon County REDI is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic development in Fort Scott, Kansas, and the surrounding areas. We work with businesses, individuals, and community organizations to create a thriving and sustainable economy for future generations.

Contact: Robert Harrington Executive Director of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. [email protected]

 

Fort Scott City MEETINGS FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023:

 

 

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD will meet at 5:00PM at City Hall regarding the Fort Scott Pavilion and discussion of open position on the Board.

 

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING will meet at 6:00PM at City Hall to consider Patrick Wood Properties, LLC’s request of the City to Support (MIH), IRB, RHID or NRP. a waiver of building permits and impact fees, help with water metering, sanitary sewer tie in and storm water runoff for his Pocket Neighborhood. Also, the consideration of acquiring a mini excavator by trade.

 

Both meetings are open to the public and will be available on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel.

 

Komb Radio Auction Feb. 9-10

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Fort Scott Broadcasting…
Radio Auction is back!
Radio Auction is back and better then EVER! Get your bid numbers and join Deb and Tim on 103.9 FM or 98.3 FM every Thursday and Friday starting at 2 pm.
You can listen and bid on the radio or online at kombfm.com.
All Hit 103.9 FM & 98.3 FM Radio Auction Rules (for a complete listing please visit https://radioauction.kombfm.com/) :
  • You must have a bid number, in order to get a bid number you can call 620.223.4500 or stop in to the station at 2 N. National.
  • To place a bid on an item in advance call the office at 620.223.4500, to bid during auction time call 620.223.5580,4545,4544. You can also send bids via text to 620.224.7962
  • Bid in increments of no less then $1 at a time, $5 at a time for items valued over $100. A tax of 9.4% will be added to some items.
There will be no Auction on February 16th or 17th, but will start back up
on the 23rd.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Obituary of Carl Hagan Sr.

Carl Edward Hagan, Sr., age 70, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 6, 2023, in Ft. Scott.

He was born January 7, 1953, the son of Floyd E. Green and Teresia Waunettia Edna Pryor.

Carl graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  Carl first married Bethany Ann Nolan and they had one son, Carl Jr.  He later married Kelli Thompson and later divorced.

In earlier years, he worked as a diesel mechanic for Mid-Western Distribution.  When that business closed, Carl found employment with Superior Industries in Pittsburg where he worked until his retirement.

Carl had a love for vintage automobiles and will be remembered for his ’56 yellow Chevy Nomad.

 

Survivors include his son, Carl Hagan, Jr. of Ft. Scott and a step-son, Kelley Olivas and two grandchildren, Jacob Magnus Hagan and Gwenyth Bethany Hagan.  Also surviving is a brother, Ernest P. Hagan, Jr. of Montgomery, Texas.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marilyn McKey.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, February 13th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Carl Hagan 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.

 

Fort Friends Now Accepting New and Renewed Subscriptions for U.S. Flags

 

Volunteers post a flag at a Fly the Flag subscriber’s business. Submitted photo.

 

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc. is taking new subscriptions and renewals for their Fly the Flag project.  The project  provides homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to fly the Stars and Stripes on five different flag holidays during 2023 without the hassle of purchasing, placing, and storing a flag and pole.  You don’t even have to remember the holiday!

For $37 annually, the Friends will install a 3’x5′ flag on a 12 foot staff at your home or business on each of the following Flag Holidays :

Memorial Day, May 29th

Flag Day, June 14th

Fourth of July, July 4th

Labor Day, September 4th

Veteran’s Day, November 11th

 

Agreements for new subscriptions can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be requested by phone or text. Contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484.  Renewals notices are being mailed/e-mailed to 2022 subscribers. Both new agreements and renewals must be returned by March 31, 2023.

 

All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site including Symbols of Sacrifice, Candlelight Tour, and other special programs including the 2023 Fort Scott performance of “Wahzhazhe”: The Story of the Osage People, July 21 and 22.

 

Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by lining the streets  of Fort Scott with our nation’s symbol!

 

The Fly the Flag project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.  Once signed up, you will receive the option to renew annually.

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Obituary of Gavonn Burk

Gavonn Michaela Annette Elise Burk, age 24, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS.  She was born on January 5, 1999, in Olathe, KS, the daughter of Jeff Burk and Mary McCully.  She grew up in Iola, KS.  Gavonn was a free spirit who stood for what she believed in.  She enjoyed attending live concerts and spending time with family and friends.  She adored her two daughters who meant everything to her.

 

Survivors include her daughters, Scarlett Burk and Gracelynn Jones; her mother, Mary Watson (Will), Fort Scott, KS; her father, Jeff Burk, Fort Scott, KS; 7 brothers, Tripp Chapman, Prestonn Burk, Daylonn Burk, Londonn Burk, Brittonn Burk, Ethan Watson, and Tylor Watson; 3 sisters, Railie Zimmerman, Peytonn Burk, and Kindra Watson; grandparents Irene and Dan Rhodes, Gary Hartman, and Theresa Burk and Marvin Hartman; great grandparents Loren and Ivana Higginbotham; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by a grandfather, Mike Burk and stepfather Billy Chapman.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 11th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in Holmes Cemetery, Prescott, KS.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Gavonn Burk Memorial Fund 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Chamber Coffee at Lyons Realty Group

ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by
Lyons Realty Group
Thursday, February 9th
8am
8 E. Wall Street
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, February 9th at 8 a.m. hosted by Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall Street.Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
Lyons Realty Group is celebrating two successful years representing buyers and sellers of commercial, residential, and agricultural properties. They are excited to continue their high level of community involvement and support of other local businesses.
The Chamber encourages everyone to come out and learn more about this business located in the Downtown Historic District. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Click here to check out their Facebook page!
Click here to view their website!
We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701