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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Unapproved Minutes of November 7, 2023 Regular Meeting

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 7, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, E. Woellhof, and M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION: M. Wells led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Diane Striler, Rachel Carpenter, Lindsey McNeil, Kylie Paulsen, Angela Simon, Nate Lyons, Bailey Lyons, Dwight Sprouls, Robert Harrington, Jody Hoener, Darrell Pulliam

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Harrington moved to approve the amended agenda submitted prior to the meeting. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE AMENDED AGENDA

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1347-A – $736,392.66
Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Payment Application No. 2 – $48,978.00
Request to Pay – Bennet, Inc. – 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relation Project – Change Order No. 1 – Soil management support from PPB Enviro-Solutions ($22,000.00) and additional requested work for Splash Pad future restroom infrastructure ($40,000.00) – $62,000.00
Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 22-306 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Pay Application No. 5 – $105,259.50

VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Diane Striler – request to establish a Common Consumption Ordinance for the City and to be ready for Christmas on the Bricks beginning November 30, 2023.

VanHoecke moved to approve the City to establish a Common Consumption Area Ordinance for the Downtown Historic District, extending that area to include Holmtown Pub and Riverfront Park, and the exclusion of all federal buildings, the Creativity Museum and the boundary of the median in Skubitz Plaza as indicated on the map submitted for the period of (1) year. K. Harrington seconded. E. Woellhof, M. Guns, T. VanHoecke and K. Harrington voted aye. M. Wells voted nay.

APPROVED THE CITY TO ESTABLISH A COMMON CONSUMPTION AREA ORDINANCE FOR THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT, EXTENDING THAT AREA TO INCLUDE HOLMTOWN PUB AND RIVERFRONT PARK, AND THE EXCLUSION OF ALL FEDERAL BUILDINGS, THE CREATIVITY MUSEUM AND THE BOUNDARY OF THE MEDIAN IN SKUBITZ PLAZA AS INDICATED ON THE MAP SUBMITTED FOR THE PERIOD OF (1) YEAR.

OLD BUSINESS:

Consideration of Demolition Bids (Bid No. 2-2023) – 4 S. National and 10 S. National –

Guns moved to accept the bid of $94,396.00 for the demolition of the structures on 4 S. National and 10 S. National. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE BID OF $94,396.00 FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES ON 4 S. NATIONAL AND 10 S. NATIONAL.

Consideration of Housing Development – Patrick Wood: Tabled from 10/17/2023. P. Wood asked the City for incentives that are required for his grant application for his development of (6) duplexes.

Wells moved to approved up to $85,000.00 of in-kind work including water, sewer, demo and associated dump fees, dirt work, site work, waiving of permits, expediting permits from the City and expediting services from the City and will go out for a Zero Dollar IRB Bond for the development. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED UP TO $85,000.00 OF IN-KIND WORK INCLUDING WATER, SEWER, DEMO AND ASSOCIATED DUMP FEES, DIRT WORK, SITE WORK, WAIVING OF PERMITS, EXPEDITING PERMITS FROM THE CITY AND EXPEDITING SERVICES FROM THE CITY AND WILL GO OUT FOR A ZERO DOLLAR IRB BOND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT.

APPEARANCES:

Rachel Carpenter, Kylie Paulsen and Lindsey McNeil addressed the Commission to increase the awareness of issues in the community, encourage collaboration through all sectors, educate the community on the role of Community Health Workers and resources available through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) and Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) and introduce the implementation the grant program Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE).

The agenda’s order of Appearances was amended by request.

Bailey Lyons and Meredith Tucker addressed the Commission on behalf of the Splash Pad Committee to request permission to work with the City and Earles Engineering for their upcoming projects in 2024. The Committee received grants from the Timken Foundation ($85,000.00) and Walmart ($20,000.00) to be used for shade structures and construction of an ADA-compliant restroom.

Matkin was directed by the Commission to work with the Splash Pad Committee.

Rachel French, Bailey Lyons, Angel Simon and Nate Lyons addressed the Commission to request that the City enter into a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with Eighteen65, LLC and provide a financial subsidy of $100,000.00 ($50,000.00) per building at 10 and 12 S. Main to support the renovation and operation of the kitchen incubator program. Jody Hoener (HBCAT) and Robert Harrington (REDI) spoke in support of the project.

Guns moved to approve $100,000.00 to Eighteen65 as the physical agent for funds to be used by the Kitchen Collaborative, that an invoice and updates be provided to the Commission. K. Harrington seconded. K. Harrington, M. Guns, T. VanHoecke and M. Wells voted aye. E. Woellhoff voted nay.

APPROVED $100,000.00 TO EIGHTEEN65 AS THE PHYSICAL AGENT FOR FUNDS TO BE USED BY THE KITCHEN COLLABORATIVE, THAT AN INVOICE AND UPDATES BE PROVIDED TO THE COMMISSION.

Rachel French – Certificate of Appropriateness for The Christian Learning Center at 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main – Recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023.

Harrington moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness submitted and recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023 for 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVE THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS SUBMITTED AND RECOMMENDED BY THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON 11/6/2023.

Kendall Schoenrock (not present) – Certificate of Appropriateness for DCF Parking Lot at 4 S. and 10 S. National. The Design Review Board recommended option K-8 to amend the current Lease Agreement he has with the City that would address concerns regarding diagonal parking.

Guns moved to approve the amendment to the parking lot lease agreement to reflect option K8 that was recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE PARKING LOT LEASE AGREEMENT TO REFLECT OPTION K8 THAT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON 11/6/2023.

Harrington moved to accept the Certificate of Appropriateness for the building plans for the future DCF building to occupy 4 S. and 10 S. Main submitted to and recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE BUILDING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE DCF BUILDING TO OCCUPY 4 S. AND 10 S. MAIN SUBMITTED TO AND RECOMMENDED BY THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON 11/6/2023.

NEW BUSINESS:

Consideration of Interview Room recording system and case management software – $11,467.00 – J. Pickert requested that the Commission approve the system as it was budgeted.

VanHoecke moved to approve the purchase of the interview room recording system and case management software for law enforcement for $11,467.00. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF THE INTERVIEW ROOM RECORDING SYSTEM AND CASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR $11,467.00.

Consideration of reappointment of Frank Halsey to Parks Advisory Board Recommended by the Parks Advisory Board on 10/26/2023 –

Harrington moved to reappoint Frank Halsey, as recommended by the board on 10/26/2023, for another (3) year term on the Park Advisory Board. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO REAPPOINT FRANK HALSEY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD ON 10/26/2023, FOR ANOTHER (3) YEAR TERM ON THE PARK ADVISORY BOARD.

Consideration to accept contract with Hofer & Hofer for the Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom –

The Parks Advisory Board recommended to the Commission to approve the proposal/contract with Hofer & Hofer for a shower house ($87,283.00) and restroom facility ($41,900.00) at Gunn Park on 10/26/2023. It was understood by the board and the Commission that the City’s sewer work would not be complete by April and waste would need to be manually removed until the necessary infrastructure could be completed. The money would come from the Parks Fund.

VanHoecke moved to accept the proposal/contract from Hofer & Hofer for the shower house ($87,283.00) and the restroom for ($41,900.00).
Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL/CONTRACT FROM HOFER & HOFER FOR THE SHOWER HOUSE ($87,283.00) AND THE RESTROOM FOR ($41,900.00).

Consideration to accept a bid for (22) window replacements for Shelter houses 2 and 6 as recommended by the Parks Advisory Board on 10/26/2023 – Three quotes were supplied: 1) D&J Glass (224 State St) for $12,514.83; 2) Peerless (not stated) and 3) Home Depot for $8976.00.

VanHoecke moved to table the decision until 11/21/2023. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION UNTIL 11/21/2023.

VanHoecke requested that the Agenda order be changed to bring Item K next due to the length of the meeting.

Consideration to approve and pay Sprouls Construction – Project 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Change Order No. 1 – Increased cost of foundation piers for $16,000.00 –

VanHoecke moved to approve Change Order No. 1 for the Fort Scott Pavilion (Project No. 22-031B) to pay Sprouls Construction $16,000.00. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR THE FORT SCOTT PAVILION (PROJECT NO. 22-031B) TO PAY SPROULS CONSTRUCTION $16,000.00.

Consideration of Lake Fort Scott boat ramp bids – One bid from Marberry Concrete was submitted. K. Harrington confirmed that the Lake Advisory Board was in favor of the repair. B. Matkin confirmed the money would come from the Lake Fund.

VanHoecke moved to proceed with the proposal from Marberry Concrete for $66,750.00. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PROCEED WITH THE PROPOSAL FROM MARBERRY CONCRETE FOR $66,750.00.

Guns left the room.

Guns returned to the meeting.

E Woellhof left the room.

Consideration of City Employee holiday bonus of $150.00 submitted by B. Matkin – Funds to come from the individual departments.

VanHoecke moved to approve the 2023 city employee holiday bonus for $150.00. M. Guns seconded. M. Guns, T. VanHoecke, K. Harrington, M. Wells voted aye. E. Woellhof not present for the vote.

APPROVED THE 2023 CITY EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY BONUS OF $150.00.

Consideration of the 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule –

Woellhof returned to the meeting.

Wells moved to table the decision of the 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule to the 11/21/2023 meeting. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION OF THE 2024 CITY OF FORT SCOTT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE TO THE 11/21/2023 MEETING.

Consideration of Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) proposal with Gilmore & Bell – M. Guns motioned to move forward with the creation of Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts and Downtown Second-Story Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE CREATION OF REINVESTMENT HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS AND DOWNTOWN SECOND-STORY REINVESTMENT HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS.

Consideration of South Industrial Park Waterline Project Inspection Proposal by Earles Engineering & Inspection for $76,383.00 –

Harrington moved to approve Earles Engineering & Inspection’s proposal of $76,383.00, to come from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Fund, for the inspection of the South Industrial Park Waterline project. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED EARLES ENGINEERING & INSPECTION’S PROPOSAL OF $76,383.00, TO COME FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUND, FOR THE INSPECTION OF THE SOUTH INDUSTRIAL PARK WATERLINE PROJECT.

Consideration to accept the resignation of City Manager Brad Matkin –

VanHoecke moved to table the decision of the 12/19/2023 City Commission meeting. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF CITY MANAGER BRAD MATKIN TO THE 12/19/2023 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

Consideration of a Tourism Rubric – T. VanHoecke moved to table the decision on the submitted Tourism Rubric until 11/21/2023 and that Commissioners send their recommendations to the City Manager for consideration. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION ON THE SUBMITTED TOURISM RUBRIC UNTIL 11/21/2023 AND THAT COMMISSIONERS SEND THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR CONSIDERATION.

VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:07PM. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:07PM

Next Meeting:

WORK SESSION – Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 5:00PM – Small Business Incentive Program

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING – Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 6:00PM

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County, Government

Special Meeting on November 27 for the Uniontown City Council

November 15, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

A special meeting of the Uniontown City Council will be held at City Hall on November 27 at 6 p.m.

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

Discuss ordinance regulating council pay

Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Inmate Escape Incident Press Release November 11

November 15, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Obituary

Obituary of Leland “John” Bolden

November 15, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Leland Eugene “John” Bolden, age 79, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at his home. He was born December 2, 1943, in Ft. Scott, the son of Arthur Shrakes and Violet Bolden.

Following high school, John enlisted in the United States Army. The Army became a career for John and he served for twenty years.

John married Barbara Ann Audilet on November 29, 1966, at Lowell, Arizona.

After retirement from the military, John and his family moved to Arizona where John began his second career as a copper miner. He worked as an equipment operator in the copper mines for another twenty years. John retired from mining in 2003. He and Barbara lived for a short time in Iowa before relocating to Ft. Scott, Kansas partly because Ft. Scott had better fishing. In addition to fishing, John also enjoyed hunting and working on vehicles as long as they weren’t Chevys.

Survivors include two daughters, Laura Barenthin of Ft. Scott and Barbara Ann Spinazzola (Tony) of Mesa, Arizona; six grandchildren, Craig Bolden, Jasmine Tomasi (Ethan), Lillian Barenthin, Alex Bolden, Sierra Spinazzola and Caitlyn Spinazzola and four great-grandchildren, Tessa Goddard, Auryana Bolden, Jonathan Bolden and Emilia Barenthin. Also surviving are three brothers, William “Bill” Fountain of Ft. Scott, Richard Fountain of Joplin, Missouri and Randy Fountain, Manhattan, Kansas and three sisters, Naomi Hull of Groves, Texas and Myrtle Hull and Patty Hathaway, both of Ft. Scott.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara on July 15, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Thelma Lewis.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 21^st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project 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.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports November 15

November 15, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

11-15-2023A

11-15-2023R

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234 on November 16

November 14, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, November 16th at 8 a.m. hosted by USD-234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to enter through the main entrance facing Main Street.

Fort Scott city school district was originally organized in 1865 as District No. 55 and the first school opened in the fall of 1865. By 1892 there were eleven school buildings in Bourbon County. In Kansas, the unified school districts developed after legislation passed in 1962 that was intended to reduce the number of rural school districts.

Today the USD-234 school district serves approximately 1,871 students from Pre-K to 12^th grade. The mission statement for the district is that USD-234 will lead in the success of each student in becoming independent, responsible, and productive global citizens. The vision statement for the district is that USD-234 will provide an exemplary education for all.

Join us this Thursday to hear about the current and upcoming programs that are happening at the High School this year. Contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

***

Fort Scott Police Department

Burglary at the VFW Building

November 14, 2023 Submitted Story 1 Comment

On Monday November 13^th at approximately 2:30 pm Officers with the Fort Scott Police Department were dispatched to the VFW located at 1745 South National in Fort Scott, Kansas in reference to a burglary. The burglary occurred sometime between the evening hours on Sunday the 12^th and the afternoon of Monday the 13^th. Entry into the building was forced through an exterior door. The perpetrator(s) were able to gain access to a safe and removed $604.50. There are currently no suspects. If you have any information, please contact the Fort Scott Police Department.

Fort Scott Police Department

Obituary

Obituary of Wilma Graham

November 14, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Wilma Kay Graham, age 77, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at her home in Redfield. She was born January 23, 1946, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Clarence William Brown and Lois Kathleen “Kay” Wilson Brown.

Wilma married Larry Robert Graham on November 12, 1964, at Nevada, Missouri.

Wilma was an active member of the Redfield Community. She served several terms on the Redfield City Council and was also a member of the Redfield Ruritan and the Redfield Baseball Association. She kept busy working and organizing many breakfasts and chili feeds to support these organizations. She also served as recordkeeper for the cemeteries in the Marmaton Township.

Wilma was a longtime member of the Redfield United Methodist Church.

In her spare time, Wilma enjoyed working outside, spending time with her grandchildren and taking the occasional trip to the casino.

Survivors include her children, Tresia Graham of Uniontown, Kansas, Ricky Graham (Angela) and Stephan Graham all of Redfield and Jason Hicks (Nicole) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Richard Hill, Charles Hill and Broderick Glessner and two sisters, Diana Sullivan and Shasta Clay.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, on March 30, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her father, Clarence Brown, who was killed in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean Conflict, her mother, Lois “Kay” Hill, two brothers, Dewey Hill, Jr and Kenneth Brown and a grandson, Rushton “Peanut” Hicks.

There was cremation. A memorial service with burial in the Dayton Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Redfield Ruritan 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 Scott, Schools

USD 234 Board of Ed. Highlights from November 13 Meeting

November 14, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN

Superintendent

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, November 13, 2023

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

10/9/2023 Regular Meeting
10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting

Financials-Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26

Activity Fund accounts

USD 234 Gifts

FSHS Art Club Fundraising

FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025

FSHS Swimming Fundraising

FSHS Wrestling Fundraising

FSHS Baseball Fundraising

USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:

Rachelle Thomas is in her 21^st year of teaching but this is her first year with Special Education. Tonya thanked Rachelle for her willingness to step up and become a leader for the Eugene Ware Special Education department.
Stephanie Flanner has been the Behavior Consultant at Fort Scott School District for two- and one-half years. She has been recognized for her ability to help the students even if that is riding the bus to school with them in the mornings. Tonya stated that Stephanie is bringing innovative ideas to her that will help staff and students.
Tonya Barnes recognized Rick Scholes. He is in his 12^th year with USD 234 as the School Psychologist. Rick is always supportive of teachers and immensely helpful with paperwork and meetings. He is hard working and very ready to help the students

Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month was Bryce Daly. Superintendent Brown recognized Bryce for his behind-the-scenes work as District Technology Coordinator. He is willing to work nights and weekends to make sure that the school network is on track. Bryce was thanked for his hard work and being willing to step in wherever needed

Eugene Ware recognized four outstanding students:

Elsie Fields and Jace Marbery represented the Leadership Club Team from Eugene Ware. Elsie reported on the annual food drive going on this week and will be donated to our local Beacon. The winning class will receive ice cream bars. Jace explained about Wreaths Across America. The students decorate paper wreaths with a Veteran’s name and displayed in the school. Each wreath is $1, and all money is donated to Diane Tucker who then buys wreaths for the National Cemetery.

Leah Pommier and Audrey McNutt explained about enrichment projects that are being done at Eugene Ware. They reported about their shop where they are selling several school supplies. These students are learning to use Canva to help create parent newsletters.

Superintendent Destry Brown did not present at this time.

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on first- and second-year teacher meetings. She reported that we are seeing great participation and leadership from these teachers. December will start winter testing and teachers are using the data from previous reports. Seeing the students using the latest programs has been encouraging.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, presented the Board with a printed report.

Superintendent Brown explained about early payroll as well as ESSER reports that are due for the State.

Superintendent Brown discussed the new requirements for the nonresident student policy. A public hearing was set for December.

Superintendent Brown and the Board looked at the district map and discussed a possible change in “at large” voting. This will be discussed further and would be brought to a public vote at a later date

The board went into an executive session for possible purchase of property.

The board approved the following items:

Personnel Report following

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

The board went into an executive session for Superintendent Evaluation.

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

November 13, 2023

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Whitney Heckman – Middle School Secretary

Rosemary Harris – Middle School Science/Social Studies Teacher

Langdon Giddons – Helpdesk Technician

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Sierra Alford – High School English Teacher – 2024 Spring Semester

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Lynette Emmerson – Middle School Secretary

Rhonda Perkinson – Middle School Paraprofessional

Brenda Holt – High School Paraprofessional

Gavin Davis – Eugene Ware Paraprofessional

Government, Kansas

Commerce Program Opens Employment Pathway for Justice-Involved Kansans

November 14, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

TOPEKA – KANSASWORKS, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, is taking significant strides to empower justice-involved individuals across the state through the Re-entry Specialized Employment Counseling & Training (ReSpECT)WORKS program. This program provides intensive case management and career navigation for eligible individuals released from the prison system in Kansas.

The ReSpECTWORKS program, administered in partnership with the Kansas Department of Corrections, was established in 2021 to help reduce the state’s recidivism rate in Kansas, which is currently at 35 percent.

“This program focuses on providing an opportunity for justice-involved Kansans to secure sustainable, living-wage employment in order to actively participate in society and break the cycle of incarceration,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “In turn, employers that need talent can be rest-assured these candidates have a pool of resources to help them succeed.”

The program currently operates through federal funding that the agency competes for, such as the $4 million Pathway Home grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2021.

Assistance is provided on an as-needed basis and includes:

Job preparation, exploration and planning
Occupational skills training
Rental assistance
Transportation and other basic needs-related payments
Supplies and work clothes
Intensive case management and employment counseling
Assistance obtaining state identification
Other individualized services

“We know that those who obtain a livable wage job upon release from prison are a third less likely to return,” Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda said. “We are excited about our partnership with KANSASWORKS and the ReSpECTWORKS program, as it provides an added layer of resources to help these individuals succeed once they have returned to the community.”

A unique aspect of ReSpECTWORKS is that participants remain with the same case manager pre- and post-release. Additionally, participants receive 12 months of follow-up upon securing stable employment. The objective of this method is to assist participants by providing comprehensive, personalized service that will help lead them into and retain high-demand, sustainable-wage jobs and decrease the likelihood to re-offend.

To date, the ReSpECTWORKS program has enrolled 360 justice-involved participants and has achieved an employment rate of more than 70 percent.

“Our approach to this program is intentional, and the feedback that we’ve gotten from those enrolled is encouraging,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce Mike Beene said. “All of this is about putting the human element back into the equation, and the ReSpECTWORKS program facilitates that.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce hopes to expand the program and increase the annual number of justice-involved individuals served annually to 120 within the next year.

About KANSASWORKS:

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

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

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

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce