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Uniontown City Council Agenda For April 12

Uniontown City Council will have their regular monthly meeting on April 12 at 7 p.m. at city hall.

Council members are:

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Ruritan, Skeet George –

 

UHS Alumni Association, Susan Eldridge –

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of March 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

Shipping/Storage Containers, Accessory/Storage Buildings, Fences regulations, Solid Waste

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Financial Audit contract

Insurance renewal

 

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply –

 

Pond Improvement Project –

 

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

Street Repair –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

ADJOURN

To view attachments:

04-22 Informational items

2022 Financials – March

Uniontown Council Meeting Minutes of March 8

The minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.

Council Meeting on March 8, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:05), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, Arlie Bess, Mauriel Whisenhunt, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, gave an explanation of the Placemaking Pathway.  Adding outdoor exercise equipment, public restrooms, pickleball court, etc would be projects that could be partially funded with a pathway grant; however, in order to qualify for a grant a pledge would have to be signed.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 3-2 (Esslinger, Stewart) to sign the Pathways to a Healthy Community Pledge Placemaking Package with Sally Johnson as contact person and submit to Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked about the Ruritan funding a public bathroom in or near the park.  He presented a sketch and ideas were discussed.  He asked that the City apply for a REDI grant for the project.  He will work with an engineer to get some cost estimates.

 

Arlie Bess – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on storage containers.  He has two and wanted to know if he would have to get rid of them.  Discussions are preliminary but if an ordinance was passed, his containers would be grandfathered in.

 

Mauriel Whisenhunt – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on citywide trash service.  She has a house and a business, would she have to pay for two trash service fees?   Discussions are preliminary, but that is a good question and will be considered in future discussions.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the February Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $361,861.00, Receipts $50,364.54, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $60,806.42, Checking Account Closing Balance $338,643.12. Bank Statement Balance $353,490.41, including Checking Account Interest of $27.26, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $14,847.29, Reconciled Balance $338,643.12.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $415,619.39. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $55.71, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $130.55.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  February 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 Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500, Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of February $23,217.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $14,899.62.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $17,272.29 (16.4%), Expenditures $18,274.04 (14.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,470.50 (15.3%), Expenditures $8,504.42 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $29,400.22 (21.1%), Expenditures $19,466.90 (7.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,577.30 (30.0%), Expenditures $22,785.51 (13.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,784.86 (26.1%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%).  The March 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $22,828.49 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of February 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich asked for permission to get a dumpster to remove the storage building at 112 Second St and to clean up those two lots.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow Bobby Rich to get what is needed to remove the storage building and clean up the lots at 112 Second St

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent so discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste was tabled until next month.

 

Clerk Johnson informed the Council that KDHE is soliciting for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects to fund.

The legal bills for the transfer of 105 Third St have been received.  She asked for clarification of what was to be billed to the buyer and what was the City’s responsibility.  The amount to bill to the buyer is $76.

She reminded the Council that League of Kansas Municipalities’ Governing Body Institute & Mayors Conference is April 29-30 at Manhattan

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – asked about spring citywide cleanup.  After discussion

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for April 25-29 with dumpsters picked up when filled and the number of dumpsters to be determined by current cost

 

Councilwoman Kelly – was approached about someone wanting to purchase a corner lot to put an RV on to live in until something could be built.  They were encouraged to attend a council meeting to present their request.  The City does not allow people to live in RVs.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – wants another rabies clinic.  Clerk Johnson will contact Marmaton Valley Vet Clinic to get one scheduled.  If after March 31, those attending will not be charged a late fee for registration.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply – Rate ordinances were acquired from City of Fort Scott for 2013 to present.  Rate ordinances for the same period were requested from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2 but not received yet.  Councilman Ervin has worked up some figures but forgot to bring them.  The discussion will continue next month.

 

Pond Improvement Project – USD 235 asked if we were still planning to use the rock piled north of the pond and were told yes.  The rest of the project will be completed in the summer.  Clerk Johnson was reminded to order fish food.

 

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – A couple more have paid in full.  We may be able to pay an additional $10,000 back in a couple more months.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson stated that the first report required by Treasury is due April 30, 2022.  She is attending webinars on compliance and how to complete required documentation.

 

Street Repair – Increases in oil prices may increase the cost of asphalt.  We may not be able to complete as much as we initially thought.  Discussion will continue next month.  The Bourbon County Commission will hold their March 22, 2022 commission meeting at Uniontown Community Center.  If the councilmembers plan to attend a notice will have to be posted, that they may be there but not to conduct city business.  Public Works Director Bailey has contacted Councilmember Kelly to attend the next commission meeting to discuss the resurfacing of Maple Road from Uniontown to Bronson.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Special Event CMB License-Union Station – they are the weigh-in location for the fishing tournament and would like to be able to allow anglers to consume on premises during the tournament, May 28, from 6AM to 11:59PM.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to approve the Special Event CMB License for Union Station for May 28, 2022, 6AM to 11:59PM

 

City Sewer at Union Station – they asked if it was a possibility.  After discussion, the Council consensus is not at this time.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and applicants of non-elected personnel positions, the open meeting to resume at 8:45

 

Johnson called in at 8:43, out at 8:44.  Meeting resumed at 8:45.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0-1 (Ervin abstain) to hire Ginger Ervin for cleaning/water sampling position, cleaning will be $10/hour, water sampling will be $3/sample

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0,

My Rejection Collection by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche

I am beyond excited!  For not a few years, I have been writing a book.

Call it my “Rejection Collection” if you will, but the actual title is A Little Faith Lift…Erasing the Lines of the Enemy.  And yes, it was difficult to narrow down my personal anecdotes into 25 chapters, but I’ve tried to choose the best of the best.  Or should I say, the worst of the worst?

At any rate, once my book was finished, I started worrying.

What if no one sees merit in it?

Who am I to try and enter the world of authorship when there are hundreds struggling to do the same?

Will I survive if it receives bad reviews?

Would it be tacky to pay my friends to write good ones?

Could it be that I’m the only one who has enough stories of rejection/embarrassment to fill an entire book, so no one will relate…and I’ll be alone, sitting on an island somewhere, yes, alone, reading one of my many…well, books…because I had to pre-order 5,000 of them which, of course, didn’t work out so well for me?

(Did I mention that I will be alone?)

Do you see a problem here?  I wrote a book on overcoming rejection, yet clearly, I have a tad bit of work to do to take my own advice.

A month ago, John, a respected agent, read my first four chapters and wanted to represent me to the Christian publishing world.  For days, I walked around in a stupor, not knowing if I should share the unbelievable news with my friends or not.  I certainly never expected an agent with his reputation to take on someone who had never authored a book, but when his wife read my chapters on an airplane and “laughed at loud in several places” and told her husband so, the deal was sealed.

The next step was for me to write a book proposal.  Twenty-seven pages later, I sent my 1800th revision to John.

It lacked one thing: I didn’t have a huge social media following. Publishers insist on it.  In other words, people have to know me before they want to really know me.

For starters, I had to get an Instagram account.  And yes, I know Instagram has been around for a decade, but I was intimidated by it…which is nuts because one of my chapter titles is this: “The Worse Failure?  Failing to Try.”

In that same chapter, I mention Jael, Abigail, Rahab, Ruth, the hemorrhaging woman and Mary Magdalene, all Biblical characters who took enormous risks.  A page later, I even wrote, “I fear too many people will end up with a life of Regret instead of Adventure.”  So, I took the plunge and between my son, my granddaughter, and my daughter-in-law, I find myself experimenting and now am a member (is that the right word?) of Instagram! You can follow me (please!) at patty_laroche.

This might be the gutsiest thing I’ve ever done in my life (writing the book, not joining Instagram).

What I do know is that I don’t want to look back, years from now, and wonder what might have happened if I didn’t take the risk.

Perhaps you can relate.  Someone/something has convinced you that you aren’t capable, yet you have a passion to press forward. Perhaps you want to design clothes.  Or have a yard sale.  Or sing in the praise and worship band.  Or learn to golf.  Or start a Bible study.  Or perfect a pecan pie.  Or…(you fill in the blank).

Whatever it is, let’s do this together.  Let’s take the risk like the Biblical heroines did so that we never regret not trying.

CHC Awarded $1Million For Regional Transportation Facility for SEK 

Governor Laura Kelly Announces $13.2 Million Awarded for Public Transit Projects Across Kansas

SALINA – Governor Laura Kelly, joined by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Nuria Fernandez and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, announced $13.2 million will go toward 48 public transit projects across the state.

“A strong, safe public transportation system is critical to our state’s economy and quality of life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Projects like wheelchair accessible busses, upgraded bus facilities, and route and parking lot enhancements will ensure Kansans have access to adequate, safe, and well-maintained public transportation.”

That money will go to 26 transit agencies as part of the Access, Innovation, and Collaboration (AIC) Public Transit Program.

 The announcement took place at the OCCK, Inc., Transportation complex in Salina in an expanded bus facility funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation and an FTA grant, with support from the City of Salina and OCCK. The 16,000 square-foot expansion was completed in November 2021.

“This work reflects the tremendous partnership between all levels of government,” FTA Administrator Fernandezsaid. “In addition to funding new bus facilities and improving transit service, the grants support the purchase of low- or no-emission buses. That work throughout Kansas will accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation system, and help keep our skies blue, our water clean and our climate more predictable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Both urban and rural transit providers receive support from the AIC program, which will improve transit access and services for Kansans. The projects have a total cost of about $17M, with the AIC program providing about $13M ($2M state, $11M federal) of the funds.

In the first two years of the AIC program, KDOT will have awarded $21 million in funding for a total project cost of $26 million.

“The AIC Public Transit Program combines state and federal resources that will enhance access to transit, invest in emerging technologies and form collaborations with public and private transportation providers,” Secretary Lorenz said. “I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve established to improve transportation services and options for Kansans.”

Project types include constructing bus maintenance facilities to aid in fleet management, upgraded transit accessibility following the Americans with Disabilities Act, advanced technologies, and expanded low emissions transit operations.

A map of AIC Transit projects can be found here.
Below, is a list of the AIC Kansas 2022 Selected Projects:

Access, Innovation and Collaboration Kansas 2022 Selected Projects

Project Sponsor

Project Title

Award

Butler County Department on Aging

Technology Upgrade

$1,552

Community Health Center (CHC) – Southeast Kansas (SEK) in Crawford County

Regional Transportation Facility for SEK

$1,043,802

City of Liberal

Transit Program Signage

$172,800

City of Wilson

Bus Facility

$40,000

Clay County Task Force

New Bus for Clay County

$63,000

COF Training Services, Inc. in Franklin County

2021 Bus Replacement

$51,746

Coffey County Transportation

Bus and Bus Facility Improvements

$25,600

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. (DSNWK) in Ellis County

8-Passenger Bus w/ 4-Wheelchair Capacity

$71,702

Building & Equipment Updates

$87,412

Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency (FHATA) – serving Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary counties

Safety & Security Upgrades to FHATA Facility

$20,000

Covered Bus Parking Lot at the FHATA Facility

$57,750

Junction City Regional Transit Facility

$900,000

K-18 Connector Expansion

$370,980

Junction City Fixed Route Bridge Funding

$157,500

Real Time Passenger Information Devices

$9,600

Microtransit Study

$54,000

Zero Emissions Vehicle Study

$20,000

Futures Unlimited – Sumner County

Transportation Facility Renovation

$221,060

Hetlinger Developmental Services – Lyon County

Three-Stall Bus Barn

$81,865

Johnson County Transit

EV Micro Transit Service

$374,526

Technology Improvements for RideKC

$382,500

Lawrence Transit

Equitable & Accessible Bus Stops

$122,040

Multimodal Transfer Facility Elements

$1,624,000

Microtransit Pilot

$124,000

Zero-Emissions Transition Plan

$120,000

Technology, Accessibility and Branding Enhancements

$676,448

Lyon County Transportation (LCAT)

Security Camera Expansion

$12,000

Leavenworth County

Secure Parking Area for Transit Vehicles

$525,000

Morris County

Public Transportation Facility

$507,465

Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging – Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington counties

Clean Technology Expansion

$234,509

OCCK, Inc. – Saline, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Cloud, Ottawa, Republic, Mitchel, Jewell and Lincoln counties

Mobility Hubs & Stop Improvement

$84,600

Second Floor Renovation

$270,316

81 Connection Expansion (Saturdays)

$54,812

CityGo+ – Microtransit Pilot in Salina

$250,400

Fixed Route Enhancements – Software & Bus Equipment

$570,769

Osage County

New Vehicles

$222,400

Rooks County

Bus Garage Project

$620,928

Sedgwick County Department on Aging

Vehicle Camera Systems

$32,000

Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP) – Crawford and Neosho counties

Innovative Scheduling

$103,437

Solomon Valley Transportation – Jewell, Mitchell and Osborne counties

Building Project

$1,484,290

The Guidance Center – Leavenworth

Transit Technology Implementation

$25,747

Unified Government Transit

Bus Facility Modernization

$431,778

Fleet Modernization

$271,440

Paratransit Software Enhancements

$16,560

Accident Incident Management System

$15,300

Micro Transit Expansion

$394,144

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Pilot Program

$124,168

Wabaunsee County

Fleet Expansion and Barriers

$87,210

Total: $13,213,156


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Bo Co Coalition Minutes of April 6

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

April 6, 2022

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Fourteen members representing ten agencies and two guests attended the meeting.  Billie Jo introduced Elizabeth Schafer as a new board member replacing Nancy Van Etten who has moved from the area.  She also noted that Family Swim pass applications were still available at Beacon and Buck Run; completed applications must be returned to Buck Run by April 29; applications will be approved at the May 3 board meeting.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Elizabeth Schafer, Pioneer Kiwanis, announced that the club has purchased a handicap swing for Gunn Park. They will be hosting the Chamber coffee on April 28 to make the presentation of the swing.  She also reported that CASA continues to be in need of more volunteers.  At present we have twenty volunteers in Bourbon County; we could use as many as fifty.  There is a training involved; interested individuals can contact Elizabeth or Christa Horn for additional information.
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP, shared information about the “Aging with Attitude” Regional Expo to be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, April 29, at Community Christian Church, 1919 South Horton. Registration fee is $15.00 for the day; additional information can be obtained by contacting Barbara Stockebrand, 620-625-8620, our local extension office, or agingexpo.ksu.edu.
  • Christine Abbott, SEKWorks, introduced Joellene McKeehan. Joellene has been with the organization only a few weeks; she works out of the Paola office.  Christine also mentioned she has funds available for all of her programs; she continues to be in Fort Scott every Monday.  She and Joellene have been attending the various job fairs in the counties.  She also noted that there are over 70,000 available jobs in the State of Kansas.
  • Holly Fritter, SEK Multi-County Health Department, shared information about the upcoming Community Baby Shower to be held on Thursday, June 23, from 10-12, at Buck Run Community Center. There will be door prizes, give-aways, and many other things.  For more information or to help in any way, contact Holly at 620-223-4464 or 417-661-0308.  This is for any Bourbon County resident that is pregnant or has an infant up to six months old.
  • Linda Lawrence, SEK Multi-County Health Department Special Projects, informed members that the Covid boosters are available. Anyone can have the fourth shot; the fifth shot is reserved, at this time, for only those immune-challenged individuals.  Appointments are recommended and available on Mondays and Thursdays.  She also shared that the Health Department will have a table at the Aging with Attitude Expo; they will be sharing information on immunizations for those over fifty.
  • Amanda Gilmore, Lighthouse Aglow, reminded members that they meet on the second Thursday of each month; however, due to Easter, the April meeting will be April 7, 6:30 p.m., at the Fort Scott Inn.
  • Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Program, explained the Preschool 2022 Spring Fling, to be held April 7, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the USD 234 Preschool. This is the first big collaborative event by the Early Childhood Coalition and is for children and parents of pre-natal through age 6.  She also mentioned that she has a few openings for her program; soon she will be working with ten babies!
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has some two-bedroom apartments ready for occupancy; she has a short waiting list for one, three, and four-bedroom apartments.
  • Gabby Gire, CHC SEK, noted that she will have a booth at the upcoming Fort Scott Home Show; various vaccines will be given during that time. She will be hosting the first “Tobacco Cessation” meeting in Fort Scott on May 5.  She also shared that CHC is hiring several positions and that the new facility at the old Price Chopper building should be open by the third week in December.
  • David Gillen, Beacon, explained that the Beacon is in a partnership with Walmart through the Feed America association which allows them to have many food items to share with their clients. They also can provide hygiene products, diapers and wipes, and taxi vouchers when needed.

 

  1. Program: Joshua McCloud, Donor Relations and Community Outreach Coordinator, Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, and Carla Farmer, Board President, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.

Josh first made two announcements:  1.  The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is presenting a grant writing workshop on April 19; refer to the Foundation website to sign up to participate.  2.  The DCF Job/Resource Fair will be held on May 24, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Pittsburg Memorial Hall.  For more information contact Kelly Stammer at 620-820-6319 or [email protected].

 

Josh explained that the Community Foundation is a public charity created by and for the people of our area.  The mission is to encourage charitable giving to benefit the common good and improve the quality of life for those in Southeast Kansas.  He then explained the three different grant cycles for which 501(c)3 organizations, schools, government institutions, and religious institutions can apply:  Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Youth-Volunteerism Grants, CFSEK General Funds Grant, and Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Grants.

 

Carla then explained the differences between the two entities and ensured than an organization could certainly apply for funding from both foundations.  For more information on the foundations or how to apply for grant funding, visit www.fsacf.com and southeastkansas.org.

 

 

  1. Open Forum:  Gabby Gire, CHC SEK, will present our May program.

 

 

 Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting

Testimony of God’s Deliverance From Drug Addiction

Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse welcomes Benton Cavaness who will share his story. After a 20 year drug addiction, Benton is free! “God miraculously gave me complete victory over addiction and I have experienced more miracles and blessings in the last year than most people ever get to witness!”

Benton is from Thayer, KS. His interests now are God, church, family, farming, cattle, horses and staying free!

Guests welcome Thursday, April 7th at 6:30 pm.

We will gather in the conference room of Fort Scott Inn, 101 State Street.

Aglow International is an interdenominational ministry for women and men. The goal is: Every Nation touched, every heart changed.