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Uniontown City Council Meeting of Jan. 10
The Regular Council Meeting on January 10, 2022 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 Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Tyler Travis, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Oath of Office was administered to newly elected officials. President of Council was elected.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0-1 (Ervin abstained) to elect Jess Ervin as President of Council
CITIZENS REQUEST
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the December Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $348,223.56, Receipts $68,673.96, Transfers Out $35,022.42, Expenditures $58,131.60, Checking Account Closing Balance $323,743.50. Bank Statement Balance $335,330.57, including Checking Account Interest of $28.96, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,587.07, Reconciled Balance $323,743.50. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,038.92, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,538.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,323.63, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $400,644.93. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $369.71, and Utility CDs $323.27 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $692.98. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2021, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.00, Capital Improvements $1,000, Capital Improvement-Streets $250, and General Fund $2,000, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, Capital Improvements $1,000, Capital Improvement-Streets $750, Security Meter Deposit $0.14, and General Fund $3,000, from Gas Fund to Capital Improvements $3,000, Capital Improvement-Streets $12,500, Security Meter Deposit $0.28, and General Fund $3,000, from General Fund to Capital Improvements $3,000 and Capital Improvement-Street $2,500, Total Transfers of $35,022.42. Net Loss for the month of December $24,480.06, Year-to-Date Net Loss $77,354.97. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $117,090.65 (117.3%), Expenditures $113,960.87 (92.1%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $37,924.19 (109.1%), Expenditures $39,925.02 (91.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $149,077.20 (115.4%), Expenditures $292,421.16 (88.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $148,684.70 (129.9%), Expenditures $157,586.80 (96.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $13,736.60 (91.9%). The January 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $21,547.42 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of December 14, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
- Resolution 2022-0110-1 – 2022 GAAP Waiver
- Destruction of records for 2011 and prior
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The sewer main servicing Tyler Travis’ at 204 Second St sewer line is blocked by roots. Superintendent Rich received some quotes to cut out the roots, from Meyer Specialty, Wichita, at $450/hr and Ace Pipe Cleaning, Kansas City, at $300/hr. Also roots in main near 304 Washington St. Replacing the main with pvc at 204 Second St is out of the question due to the proximity of electric pole in the dig area and property owners garage (excavator will not attempt). It was suggested to look into using ARPA funds to pay for this.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to contract Ace Pipe Cleaning to clean roots out of sewer mains near 204 Second St and also near 304 Washington.
Rich reported that the tractor has been repaired. Councilman Stewart volunteered to haul to/from the mechanic in Colony. Mechanic cost was substantially less than PrairieLand Partners.
Trees have been planted at park and pond.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan started discussion on ordinances for storage containers, storage/accessory buildings. Mayor Jurgensen spoke to owner of 112B Second St and 103 Fifth St. They will sell 112B Second Street to the City for $1,000. Mayor and owner discussed that 103 Fifth St needs cleaned up. A letter needs to be sent to initiate cleanup. Cleanup completion date was discussed. Discussion concerning the purchase of 112B ensued. This property adjoins the Kite property the City recently acquired.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to purchase Lot 58 less west 8’, Block 11, Original town, Uniontown, Bourbon County, KS commonly known as 112B Second St
Clerk Johnson reminded Council that Local Government Day at the Capitol is January 26, 2022, and to let her know if she needed to register anyone or get lodging for them.
Communities in Schools is hosting “Mental Illness-The Silent Epidemic with Coach Potter” on January 17, 6:30PM at West Bourbon Elementary
Reminded Council of the Health in All Policies Learning Session on January 19, 2022, 5:00-8:00PM at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office.
KRWA Delegate –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to designate Bobby Rich as Delegate and Josh Hartman as Alternate Delegate for KRWA
She has registered for an ARPA Overview zoom on January 25 through CCMFOA.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – She has been asked by someone on Bronson City County to have someone from Uniontown City Council to attend county commission meeting to have Maple Road resurfaced from Bronson to Uniontown.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to have Amber Kelly attend county commission meetings to get Maple Road resurfaced from Bronson to Uniontown
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Traffic control on several streets – streets and locations were discussed.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase and install five sets of speed bumps and four signs with two sets on Hill St and three sets on Fulton St
Dog/Cat Ordinance and amendments review – after discussion, it was recommended to amend ordinance to include $100 fee per animal for non-compliance of number of animals allowed and animal(s) must be removed from city limits within 30 days or fee assessed again. Clerk Johnson will check with attorney and bring amended ordinance to next meeting.
Wholesale water supply – Councilman Hartman has been in communication with Bourbon County RWD #4 but the length of pipe to connect has not been determined. Councilman Ervin has been in communication with Rob Harrington, Bourbon County REDI, to facilitate a meeting between him, as a representative of City of Uniontown, and City of Fort Scott regarding rates.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to have Jess Ervin represent the City of Uniontown at meeting(s) with the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2 negotiating water rates
Pond Improvement Project – no update. The walkway east rail is welded on the east side and tacked on the west side.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – Interest rate for 2022 did not change, still 0.25%. Clerk Johnson plans to send yearly statements by the end of January.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson will attend another zoom on ARPA on January 19. Final Rule has been released.
NEW BUSINESS
Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen has spoken with County Commissioner Oharah about hiring the county to asphalt some of the streets in town this summer. As of December 31, there is $106,517.50 in the Capital Improvement-Streets fund. We might be able to asphalt about a mile of streets. Communication will continue with County on their willingness to work with us. The damage to the streets by the three different trash companies was discussed. It was suggested to have Clerk Johnson to check into citywide trash hauling to limit the number trash trucks on our streets.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 7:39PM
City of Uniontown Agenda for Feb. 8
City of Uniontown Agenda for Feb. 8
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
Motion by ________________, Second by _____________________, Approved ________ to recess into executive session pursuant to the nonelected personnel matters exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance of nonelected personnel, the open meeting to resume at____________.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Nancy Holt
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of January 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KRWA Conference-March 29-31, Wichita
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Shipping/Storage Containers, Accessory/Storage Buildings, Fences regulations
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
HBCAT Placemaking Pledge –
Court Clerk’s Spring Conference – March 4, Wichita
CCMFOA Spring Conference – March 16-18, Manhattan
KSGFOA membership
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Dog/Cat Ordinance and amendments review –
Wholesale water supply –
Pond Improvement Project –
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
Street Repair –
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Ordinance under consideration:
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
PO BOX 51
UNONTOWN, KS 66779
ORDINANCE NO. 196
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 174 RELATING TO THE KEEPING OF DOGS AND CATS WITHIN THE CITY OF UNIONTOWN AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY BY REQUIRING ALL DOGS AND CATS KEPT WITHIN THE CITY OF UNIONTOWN TO BE REGISTERED AND VACCINATED FOR RABIES.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF UNIONTOWN, KANSAS:
SECTION 1. Add Section 2 as follows:
PERMITTED DOGS AND CATS; FEE
- Any household knowingly own or harbor more than three adult dogs and/or three adult cats will be assessed a fee of $100 and the animal(s) will have to be removed from the city limits within thirty (30) days of notification of assessed fee. If animal(s) is not removed fee will be re-assessed every 30 days until number of animals in household comply.
- Notification can be delivered in person or sent by certified mail, return receipt.
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force after its passage and publication in the official city newspaper.
Passed and approved this 15th day of February, 2022.
___________________________
Larry Jurgensen, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Sally Johnson, City Clerk
Attachments are below:
Vacancy on Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board
There is an opening on the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee:
-
One opening (Full-time resident on the East side of Lake Fort Scott)
The function of the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the Fort Scott City Manager and Governing Body regarding lake operations, lake safety, fishing, boating, and camping at Lake Fort Scott.
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, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by February 25th, 2022.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb.3
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Feb. 2
Chamber Coffee Postponed to Feb. 10 For Lyons Realty
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Uniontown City Council Draft Minutes of the Jan. 10 Meeting
The Regular Council Meeting on January 10, 2022 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 Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Tyler Travis, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Oath of Office was administered to newly elected officials. President of Council was elected.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0-1 (Ervin abstained) to elect Jess Ervin as President of Council
CITIZENS REQUEST
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the December Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $348,223.56, Receipts $68,673.96, Transfers Out $35,022.42, Expenditures $58,131.60, Checking Account Closing Balance $323,743.50. Bank Statement Balance $335,330.57, including Checking Account Interest of $28.96, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,587.07, Reconciled Balance $323,743.50. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,038.92, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,538.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,323.63, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $400,644.93. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $369.71, and Utility CDs $323.27 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $692.98. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2021, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.00, Capital Improvements $1,000, Capital Improvement-Streets $250, and General Fund $2,000, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, Capital Improvements $1,000, Capital Improvement-Streets $750, Security Meter Deposit $0.14, and General Fund $3,000, from Gas Fund to Capital Improvements $3,000, Capital Improvement-Streets $12,500, Security Meter Deposit $0.28, and General Fund $3,000, from General Fund to Capital Improvements $3,000 and Capital Improvement-Street $2,500, Total Transfers of $35,022.42. Net Loss for the month of December $24,480.06, Year-to-Date Net Loss $77,354.97. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $117,090.65 (117.3%), Expenditures $113,960.87 (92.1%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $37,924.19 (109.1%), Expenditures $39,925.02 (91.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $149,077.20 (115.4%), Expenditures $292,421.16 (88.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $148,684.70 (129.9%), Expenditures $157,586.80 (96.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $13,736.60 (91.9%). The January 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $21,547.42 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of December 14, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
- Resolution 2022-0110-1 – 2022 GAAP Waiver
- Destruction of records for 2011 and prior
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
The sewer main servicing Tyler Travis’ at 204 Second St sewer line is blocked by roots. Superintendent Rich received some quotes to cut out the roots, from Meyer Specialty, Wichita, at $450/hr and Ace Pipe Cleaning, Kansas City, at $300/hr. Also roots in main near 304 Washington St. Replacing the main with pvc at 204 Second St is out of the question due to the proximity of electric pole in the dig area and property owners garage (excavator will not attempt). It was suggested to look into using ARPA funds to pay for this.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to contract Ace Pipe Cleaning to clean roots out of sewer mains near 204 Second St and also near 304 Washington.
Rich reported that the tractor has been repaired. Councilman Stewart volunteered to haul to/from the mechanic in Colony. Mechanic cost was substantially less than PrairieLand Partners.
Trees have been planted at park and pond.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan started discussion on ordinances for storage containers, storage/accessory buildings. Mayor Jurgensen spoke to owner of 112B Second St and 103 Fifth St. They will sell 112B Second Street to the City for $1,000. Mayor and owner discussed that 103 Fifth St needs cleaned up. A letter needs to be sent to initiate cleanup. Cleanup completion date was discussed. Discussion concerning the purchase of 112B ensued. This property adjoins the Kite property the City recently acquired.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to purchase Lot 58 less west 8’, Block 11, Original town, Uniontown, Bourbon County, KS commonly known as 112B Second St
Clerk Johnson reminded Council that Local Government Day at the Capitol is January 26, 2022, and to let her know if she needed to register anyone or get lodging for them.
Communities in Schools is hosting “Mental Illness-The Silent Epidemic with Coach Potter” on January 17, 6:30PM at West Bourbon Elementary
Reminded Council of the Health in All Policies Learning Session on January 19, 2022, 5:00-8:00PM at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office.
KRWA Delegate –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to designate Bobby Rich as Delegate and Josh Hartman as Alternate Delegate for KRWA
She has registered for an ARPA Overview zoom on January 25 through CCMFOA.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – She has been asked by someone on Bronson City County to have someone from Uniontown City Council to attend county commission meeting to have Maple Road resurfaced from Bronson to Uniontown.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to have Amber Kelly attend county commission meetings to get Maple Road resurfaced from Bronson to Uniontown
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Traffic control on several streets – streets and locations were discussed.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase and install five sets of speed bumps and four signs with two sets on Hill St and three sets on Fulton St
Dog/Cat Ordinance and amendments review – after discussion, it was recommended to amend ordinance to include $100 fee per animal for non-compliance of number of animals allowed and animal(s) must be removed from city limits within 30 days or fee assessed again. Clerk Johnson will check with attorney and bring amended ordinance to next meeting.
Wholesale water supply – Councilman Hartman has been in communication with Bourbon County RWD #4 but the length of pipe to connect has not been determined. Councilman Ervin has been in communication with Rob Harrington, Bourbon County REDI, to facilitate a meeting between him, as a representative of City of Uniontown, and City of Fort Scott regarding rates.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to have Jess Ervin represent the City of Uniontown at meeting(s) with the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2 negotiating water rates
Pond Improvement Project – no update. The walkway east rail is welded on the east side and tacked on the west side.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – Interest rate for 2022 did not change, still 0.25%. Clerk Johnson plans to send yearly statements by the end of January.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson will attend another zoom on ARPA on January 19. Final Rule has been released.
NEW BUSINESS
Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen has spoken with County Commissioner Oharah about hiring the county to asphalt some of the streets in town this summer. As of December 31, there is $106,517.50 in the Capital Improvement-Streets fund. We might be able to asphalt about a mile of streets. Communication will continue with County on their willingness to work with us. The damage to the streets by the three different trash companies was discussed. It was suggested to have Clerk Johnson to check into citywide trash hauling to limit the number trash trucks on our streets.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 7:39PM
Water Main Break at N. Broadway and E. Pine Streets In Fort Scott

CHC/SEK locations close early Wednesday, delay opening Thursday
Due to winter weather conditions all Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas clinics, including Walk-In Care, will be closing at 5 p.m. on Wednesday Feb. 2, and delaying opening until 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb 3.
Closing early will allow CHC/SEK staff to travel home more safely on Wednesday, and the late opening will allow time for clinic maintenance crews to get parking lots and sidewalks cleared of accumulated snow.
Focus on Heart Health This Valentine’s Day
By Clara Wicoff
Did you know February is American Heart Month? With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s the perfect time to be thinking about heart health! Here are some heart-related items to keep in mind.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This is also true for the state of Kansas, where heart disease leads all causes of death. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help to prevent heart disease. Two of these choices include eating a healthy diet and being physically active. The former is essential because poor dietary quality is the top risk factor for heart disease, accounting for approximately half of heart disease deaths worldwide. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have identified several diet recommendations related to heart health. This includes following a diet which emphasizes eating vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and fish. They also recommend choosing foods lower in sodium and cholesterol, replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats (like cooking with vegetable oil instead of butter), and avoiding sweetened beverages.
In addition to eating a heart-healthy diet, being physically active is also key to promoting heart health. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. These guidelines also recommend doing muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week. However, if this is more than you can do right now, focus on doing what you can. Even just five minutes of physical activity can have health benefits!
There are many tools out there which can help you to make healthy choices regarding diet and exercise, including MyPlate, the Nutrition Facts label, and more. Learning how to use these tools to improve your health and potentially reduce your health care costs will be the focus of a free class I am teaching at the LaHarpe City Hall on Saturday, February 26th at 1 PM. For more information about this class and other steps you can take to prevent heart disease, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.




