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Bourbon County, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Help Count Birds for Science during the 124th Annual Christmas Bird Count

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Credit Photo as: Tufted Titmouse. Photo: Michele Black/Great Backyard Bird Count

Fort Scott National Historic Site (park) and Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) are setting up a trial run for a new Christmas Bird Count “Circle” with the National Audubon Society.

The park and refuge invite birdwatchers to participate in the longest running community science survey, the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC).

Saturday, December 16, birders and nature enthusiasts should meet at the park’s Visitor Center in Fort Scott at 7:30 and/or 10 am. No experience is necessary to participate in the count.

 

Counts will be led by Fort Scott National Historic Site Park Ranger Jessica Nielsen and US Fish and Wildlife Visitor Services Coordinator Nova Clarke.

“Currently, there is no data being collected for the Christmas Bird Count in Bourbon County,” said Jessica Nielsen. “To establish a new count location, the Audubon Society recommends holding a trial count. This event will serve as Fort Scott National Historic Site’s trial run, with staff hoping to establish an official count for 2025.”

 

This year, the Audubon Christmas Bird Count will mobilize nearly 80,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,600 locations across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count utilizes the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone.

 

When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds, and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. Christmas Bird Count data have been used in more than 300 peer-reviewed articles.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset.

 

-NPS-

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

  Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s First Annual Match Day Exceeds Expectations

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The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its inaugural Match Day, raising an impressive $89,551 for 11 of its community funds.

The community’s response to the new fundraising event was truly incredible. FSACF pledged to match $25,000 in community donations this year, facilitated by a matching grant opportunity from the Patterson Family Foundation. The FSACF funds and organizations involved with the event received a total of $64,551 in community support. This shared generosity and dedication to Bourbon County and the Fort Scott area are set to make a lasting impact on the community!

“We appreciate the strong response from our community members and local businesses,” stated Craig Campbell, President of FSACF. “Their support has allowed us to provide funding for a range of initiatives that address important needs and contribute to the betterment of our community.”

Match Day proceeds will be distributed to:

  • Anna Fay Steele Memorial Fund
  • Care to Share Cancer Support Group
  • First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment
  • Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation Fund
  • Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund
  • Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment
  • Pratt & Pauline Irby Endowment
  • John Valentine & Patricia Jean Neff Healthcare Fund
  • Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Fund
  • Shepherd Family Endowment Fund
  • Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation

The success of Match Day paves the way for an even more impactful Match Day 2024, slated for December 3rd. FSACF encourages everyone to mark their calendars and join the movement to amplify the power of giving back.

“We sincerely appreciate the trust and generosity extended to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation,” Campbell remarked. “Working together, we can continue to create a lasting impact on the lives of our friends and neighbors.”

To learn more about the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and its philanthropic initiatives, please visit FSACF.com!

Government, Kansas

Vote On The New Kansas License Plate Design

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Governor Kelly Encourages Kansans to Vote on
New License Plate Design

~~Kansans Can Vote Among 5 Designs Adhering to Law Enforcement Needs through Friday, December 15~~  

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today shared how Kansans will be able to weigh in on the next State of Kansas license plate. Starting today, Kansans can go to KSPlates.kansas.gov to vote for their favorite plate among five designs created by Mammoth Creative Co., a Kansas-based marketing firm, in partnership with Kansas Tourism. Voting will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 15.

“Kansans have offered their thoughts on our state’s next license plate through social media and elsewhere, even sending potential designs to my office. Many of these designs were beautiful, but we’re moving forward with this voting process to ensure law enforcement can easily read the selected license plate and to get safer plates on the streets as soon as possible,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I encourage Kansans to make their voices heard and am looking forward to announcing the winner next week.”

The five options, while continuing to align with Kansas Tourism’s “To the Stars” branding and the already announced guidelines, incorporate previous public feedback such as a lighter blue on the original proposal, a State of Kansas outline, wheat, and sunflowers. The plate proposals were also chosen because they prioritize public safety. Clear, simple designs enable law enforcement officers and traffic systems to quickly and easily read the license plate number.

“It is critical that Kansans be able to quickly identify a vehicle by its license plate – whether that be when reporting erratic driving behaviors, crashes, or Amber Alerts to law enforcement,” Captain Candice Breshears, Kansas Highway Patrol, said. “Every second counts in an emergency, which is why we appreciate that the backgrounds of these license plates do not interfere with the plate combinations.”

“Legible and high-contrast license plates are important for the Kansas Turnpike and for Kansans when they drive on other toll roads,” Steve Hewitt, CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, said. “Having clear State of Kansas license plates will be crucial in keeping tolls low as we transition to cashless tolling in mid-2024.”

Kansans can vote on their favorite design as many times as they would like until voting closes on Friday. Votes will gauge support for a specific design, though minor aspects of the winning design may change to ensure compliance with production protocols. The selected plate will be announced on Monday, December 18, 2023.

The State of Kansas incurred no additional costs for designing the new license plate options or the voting website; both were covered by existing contracts with Kansas-based firms. The timeline for distributing the new plates will be altered due to the preproduction processes needing to be performed after the new design is selected.

In the meantime, with the help of county treasurer offices, the Kansas Department of Revenue will continue its license plate modernization project as originally scheduled, transitioning embossed plates to the digitally produced license plate process introduced in 2018. The delay of the new design does not halt this process; all plates will continue to be printed with the current design until the new one is selected and printing systems adjusted.

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Obituary

Obituary of Velma Russell

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Velma Jean Russell, age 94, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed peacefully December 6, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Emporia, Kansas. She was born May 17, 1929, in Redfield, Kansas, the daughter of Wesley and Marjorie Reasoner.

In 1938, the family moved to California, near Stockton. They returned to the Midwest nine years later. In 1946, Velma graduated from the Nevada High School in Nevada, Missouri. The following year, she returned to California by train. Her boarding did not go unnoticed by a young sailor returning from leave. He introduced himself somewhere between New Mexico and Arizona. They corresponded while he was at sea, met when they could, and were married on December 18, 1948, in Vallejo, California.

Of all her accomplishments in life, her marriage ot sixty-seven years, and her six children and their families were, by far, her most significant and what she cherished the most. Velma’s faith in Christ sustained and enriched her. She gave her best in whatever she endeavored. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. Those who knew her were glad they did.

She is survived by a daughter Jane Gorton (Chris) of Emporia, Kansas and their sons, Nathan, Wyatt and Lucas (Casie); four sons, Paul Russell of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Sam Russell (Debra) of Salina, Kansas and sons, Simeon, Gabriel and Austin; Rod Russell (Rene) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and their children, Reed, Devon (Ben), and Chad (Casey) and Phil Russell (Misty) of Parsons, Kansas and their sons, Ben, Abe (Maddie) and Silas. Also, grandsons Wayne and Brian. Velma had eighteen great -grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William, son, Wesley, her parents and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, December 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Pushing and Pulling by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

I feel pretty brave when I have both of my kids by my side. Sometimes they convince me to do things I wouldn’t ordinarily do. For example, last year we vacationed in Grand Bahama and we spent one day at a local fishing/swimming hole. The waves were strong, the water was beautiful, clear and deep, and the dark rocks surrounding the hole were very jagged and tall. I was content to just sit and watch them spearfish, but Mariam convinced me to jump in. So I did. When I decided to climb out, I couldn’t. My daughter stood on the high rocks and tried to pull me out, but I have a weak shoulder which prevented a successful retrieval. So I yelled above the loud waves to my son to come and help. So with Aaron pushing on my bottom and Mariam pulling on my good arm, I came flying out of the hole like a dolphin. I was grateful that my kids were there and stood in the gap for me because I could not get out of my sticky situation by myself.

 

To “stand in the gap” means we’re working for the Kingdom of God. Believers are to  plant the seeds so the Holy Spirit can work in hearts. God has always used His willing followers to stand in the gap between good and evil. One of our responsibilities is to pray for God’s forgiveness and mercy to become a reality for those who are lost and can’t find their way. Pastors stand in the gap for their cities, parents pray down a firewall for their children, etc. Prayer is not a last resort, but a first response.

 

In today’s computer world, a firewall is comparable to standing in the gap. A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. A firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted network and a nontrusted network, such as the Internet. I believe one of the best firewall examples was Abraham.

 

Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and his family lived in Sodom. When the Lord came and visited with Abraham, He said, “’I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.’” Abraham asked the Lord if He would sweep away   the righteous with the wicked. And he ventured further and asked if He would destroy Sodom if 50 righteous people lived in the city. So the Lord said that He would spare the entire city for the sake of the righteous. Abraham was so deeply concerned for Lot that he pleaded with the Lord five more times, “Finally, Abraham said, ’Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?’ And the Lord replied, ’Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten’” (Genesis 18:20,32 NLT.)

 

Sadly, not even ten righteous people were living in Sodom. But because Abraham had stood in the gap as a firewall, angels safely escorted Lot and his family out of the wicked city before it was completely destroyed. Abraham’s firewall protected Lot and his family when the Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Like Abraham, we can be a friend of God (ref. James 2:23) with bold confidence to stand in the gap and be a relentless firewall for our loved ones.  

 

The Key: Gaps are everywhere. Find one and stand in it.

K-State Extension

Fight Germs with Handwashing

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Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

As we enter the peak of flu season, it is important to remember the importance of one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from getting sick: handwashing. I am currently traveling to schools throughout the four counties served by K-State Research and Extension in the Southwind Extension District (which includes Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties) to provide a handwashing school enrichment lesson to first-grade students. As part of this activity, youth put lotion on their hands and look at their hands under a blacklight. Like germs, the lotion is invisible to the naked eye. However, the lotion lights up brightly underneath the blacklight. Youth are then instructed to wash their hands and look at them again underneath the blacklight to reveal the spots they missed. I have yet to have a single student get their hands completely clean the first time. This hands-on activity is an excellent reminder for youth about the importance of handwashing, but taking the time to wash hands properly is important for all of us.

 

So, what are the proper handwashing steps? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following five steps:

  1. Wet
  2. Get Soap
  3. Scrub
  4. Rinse
  5. Dry

 

While these steps seem simple, there are a few more items to keep in mind. First, after you wet your hands with water (which can be either warm or cold), you should turn off the tap before getting soap. Lather all surfaces of your hands with the soap. You should scrub your hands for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. (Practicing this has been a favorite in the first-grade classrooms I’ve visited!) To learn more about the science behind these proper handwashing steps, visit bit.ly/handwashingscience.

 

For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. To receive the “Wellness For You and Community, Too!” e-newsletter published monthly by the Southwind District, visit bit.ly/southwindnews.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

K-State Extension

Use Caution When De-Icing

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

 

It is that time of year again when the potential exists for icy streets and sidewalks.  Ice melting products can help keep us safe while walking and driving. However, these products vary in their ice melting abilities and their safety.

 

Some deicers corrode metal, causing damage to cars and aluminum siding. Deicers can accelerate the freeze-and-thaw cycles and damage concrete sidewalks and driveways, and some can even damage nearby plants and shrubs.

 

There are five main materials that are used as chemical deicers: calcium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, urea and calcium magnesium acetate.

 

Calcium chloride has long been the traditional ice-melting product of choice. It will melt ice to about -25°F. Plants roots can be damaged by calcium chloride if used in excessive amounts. The downfall to this product is that it forms a slippery, slimy surface on concrete and it can actually cause damage to concrete and metal surfaces.

 

Sodium chloride, also known as rock salt, is effective on ice to about 12°F and is the least expensive de-icing material available. But, it can damage soils, plants, metals and concrete.

 

Potassium chloride is another deicing product, but it can cause serious plant injury when washed or splashed on foliage. Its minimum working temperature is about 20°F.

 

Urea is a fertilizer that is also used to melt ice and is effective to about 21°F. Since it is a fertilizer, it will not damage plants. Remember when using urea to be considerate of the potential for surface water runoff.

 

Calcium magnesium acetate is made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid (the main compound of vinegar). This product works differently than the other materials in that it does not form a brine like salt, but rather helps prevent snow particles from sticking to each other or the sidewalk or the road. Calcium magnesium acetate has little effect on plant growth or concrete surfaces.  It is a little slower to melt ice, but is effective to 20°F.

 

Limited use of any of the mentioned products should cause little plant injury. Problems happen when they are used excessively and there is not adequate rainfall to wash or leach the material from the area.

 

The symptoms of salt damage on plants include poor or stunted growth in the spring, dieback on evergreens and marginal leaf browning or leaf scorch on deciduous trees and shrubs.

 

Ice melting products are most effective when they are spread thinly and evenly over pavement prior to ice formation. It is much easier to prevent ice from forming than to try to melt away a thick layer of ice.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission for December 11

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

December 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 12/4/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Special Guest-Senator Tim Shallenburger
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Susan Walker, CFO-Audit Proposals
  • Shane Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

2023 Christmas Light Trolley Tours Offered

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2023 Christmas Light Trolley Tours

See the Christmas Lights of Fort Scott!

Book your tour today!
Friday

Dec 8th

thru

Dec 23rd
5:45 & 7:00PM

Every evening with an extra 8:15pm tour on Friday/Saturday or also on weekdays in demands allow!

Arrive early before the tour for

complimentary hot cocoa, cookies,

candy canes & glow necklaces!

Book the whole trolley for just your group for $125, OR purchase individual tickets for

$8 adults, $5 kids 12 and under.

Elves will be aboard each tour for caroling & fun!

Tour lasts 50-minutes to an hour.

Pre-paid reservations required.

Cash, check or credit card.

Call us at 620-223-3566 to book your tour over the phone, or send us an email.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of the Special Meeting Held on November 27

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A Special Meeting on November 27, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Discuss ordinance regulating council pay – review and discussion of the draft ordinance presented.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt amended Ordinance No. 203, an ordinance establishing compensation for members of the governing body of the city of Uniontown, Kansas.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance, job duties, and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:40PM

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 7:30PM.  Open meeting resumed at 7:40PM.  Council asked Clerk Johnson to gather information about health insurance coverages/plans and costs from KMIT, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and Kansas Rural Water Association.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to table insurance benefit discussion until December 12, 2023 meeting

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council Meeting on November 14

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The Regular Council Meeting on November 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Zach Snyder and Stevie Amos (Thomas Construction), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Placemaking Project – bid opening – this is for 34’ X 65’ X 6” pickleball court, 2 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $18,430 and Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $20,650.  Bid tabulation attached.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $18,430

 

Clerk Johnson stated that acknowledgement for the BCBS Pathways Grant of $10,000 was received, needs signed, and returned.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to authorize Sally Johnson to sign the BCBS Pathways Grant acknowledgement and return

 

Pond Project – bid opening – this for Phase II of riprapping bank, 3 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $13,500; Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $6,680; and Thomas Construction Inc, $28,024.  Bid tabulation attached.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Marbery Excavation & Hauling in the amount of $6,680

 

Clerk Johnson has ordered/received weed barrier.  She ordered one designed to go under driveways this time.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the October 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $395,312.22, Receipts $37,931.52, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $27,043.25, Checking Account Closing Balance $393,424.49. Bank Statement Balance $399,580.44, including Checking Account Interest of $84.55, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,155.95, Reconciled Balance $393,424.49.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $480,508.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $798.19, and Utility CDs $682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,480.76.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $562.50, Expenditures $562.50, Ending Balance $0.  October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of October $1,887.73, Year-to-Date Net Income $49,872.52.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $100,111.61 (81.9%), Expenditures $94,509.42 (59.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,115.85 (84.4%), Expenditures $25,225.57 (61.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $112,721.15 (72.0%), Expenditures $111,228.80 (49.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $156,439.58 (104.5%), Expenditures $133,070.97 (71.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $6,183.82 (52.9%).  The November 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $185,122.07 were presented which includes invoice for street resurfacing.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of October 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:55.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:20.

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 8:00, out at 8:15.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:52.

 

Johnson called in at 8:25, out at 8:52.  Open meeting resumed at 8:52.  Council asked if schedule a special meeting for executive session for non-elected personnel could they also include discussion of the council pay ordinance. Yes, they can.  They would like to have meal provided for special meeting.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to schedule a special meeting for November 27, 6PM, to dicuss ordinance regulating council pay and executive session for non-elected personnel exception.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that the incoming water valve is not closing completely.  He is currently shutting off the master meter when the pump is not running.  He has replaced the solenoid which was also leaking.  Can’t find anyone to work on the leaking valve.  We can order a new one like we currently have or we can order a different valve but would possibly not be the same size and would cost more to replace.  Either valve would probably have a 4-6 week delivery.

 

Motion ;by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to order new valve like existing valve from Mid America Valve

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 404 Washington has started construction.  102 Franklin received letter on 10/31 and have started piling up dead tree/brush.  201 Fulton letter was sent to attorney handling the foreclosure.  The attorney was to notify the lender and/or owner to address the issue.  After discussion, due to the time of year and other properties in town with ditches not mowed, City will not pursue this until spring.

 

Clerk Johnson reported on information received from KDHE on the Lead Service Line Inventory and a scheduled public hearing on the Lead and Copper Rule Revision Rule Implementation in Chanute on December 5, 7PM.

KMGA May 1, 2024 through April 20, 2025 Projected Gas Volumes were received.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to accept KMGA proposed Projected Gas Schedule for May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025

 

Johnson also reported on the KMU Regional Meeting and the KSGFOA Fall conference.

KMU is hosting a virtual 2024 Legislative & Regulatory Outlook on December 1, 10AM.  She has registered to attend.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – conveyed his appreciation for the City and staff during his time on the council.  He will be unable to attend the December meeting, so said goodbye tonight.

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – has been receiving reports of dogs at large in the 300 block of Washington St.  He will ask Animal Control to followup.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Street project – work is completed.  Mayor Jurgensen and City Superintendent Rich met with contractor to discuss some areas of concern.  Work is warranted until October 27, 2024.  Contractor will come in to repair areas of concern next summer while working in the area.

 

Mural Grant – we have received the third and final payment from grant.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Council Pay Ordinance – tabled until special meeting on November 27, 2023.

 

Procurement Policy –

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to table discussion of current procurement policy to the December 12, 2023 meeting.

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:57PM