Category Archives: Bourbon County

Uniontown: Improving Community Spaces Grant Available

The City of Uniontown owns the pond just east of the Uniontown Jr/Sr High School.

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is gearing up for a placemaking project in Uniontown,” President and CEO Jody Hoener said.

Jody Hoener, President and CEO of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

They are seeking Uniontown resident’s input for a grant to improve the small town of almost 300 people in Bourbon County.

“We have a survey for community members to fill out,” Hoener said. “It’s available online at HBCAT.org or residents can pick up a paper copy from us at our Fort Scott Office (104 N. National) or from Sally Johnson at City Hall in Uniontown.”

Fort Scott has received several placemaking grants.

“We have already been working on Creative Placemaking projects in Fort Scott: the 3rd Street Park Improvements and the Downtown Arch projects,” Rachel Carpenter, Director of the The Center for Economic Growth at HBCAT, said.

Rachel Carpenter is the director of the Center for Ecomomic Growth at HBCAT.

“Creative Placemaking is letting the community choose a project and public space that enhances the quality-of-life people in that area,” Carpenter said. “Placemaking is about creating community spaces that improve vitality, and promote health, joy, and well-being. The community has the opportunity to take ownership of a place in their neighborhood.”

“This Creative Placemaking project is specifically for Uniontown, we are encouraging all residents of Uniontown to complete the survey,” Carpenter said. “The survey is live now and will remain open until March 13th. We can budget up to $10,000 towards this project funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas to be completed by June 2024.”

“Some examples would be: park improvements, murals in an alley way, public space for studying or a public art sculpture about the place’s history,” Carpenter said.

The Uniontown City Park is on the square in the center of the city.

Uniontown residents are asked to fill out a brief survey to help with ideas for the grant.

Here is the link:
http://ow.ly/iJ8s50MJfSL

FS City Agenda for Feb. 14


SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
February 14, 2023
6:00 P.M.

 

 

 

  1. ROLL CALL:

 

  1. Jones T. Van Hoecke E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells

 

 

  1. CONSIDERATION:

 

  1. Patrick Wood – Consideration of Pocket Community

RESOLUTION NO. 7-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ACCOMPANY THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION.

 

       RESOLUTION NO. 8-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF A RURAL HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICT (RHID) AND AN INDUSTRIAL BOND (IRB) ISSUE IN SUPPORT OF THE BROKEN OAK POCKET COMMNITY PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 1907 HUNTINGTON BLVD IN FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Approval of Equipment Trade – E42 R2-Series Bobcat Compact Excavator

 

  1. Consideration to publish for Request For Qualifications (RFQ) for 2023 Cape Seal Program – tabled from February 7, 2023, City Commission meeting

 

 

III.            Adjournment:

 

 

Bourbon County Dems Meet Feb. 19

Bourbon County Democrats will hold their first general meeting of 2023 on Sunday, February 19th, at 2:00 p.m.
They will be meeting in a new location on Fort Scott Community Campus: Room H121 in the Ellis Center.
Kansas Representative Christina Haswood will be their speaker.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 (Carol MacArthur) for a ride to the meeting or for more information.

Submitted by

Carol MacArthur\
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Feb. 14

Uniontown City Council agenda for Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at Uniontown City Hall.

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

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick –

 

 

Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of January 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KCC Inspection

KRWA Conference

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements –

KRWA Voting Delegate –

Benefit-Cost Analysis Workshop, April 19-20, Manhattan –

Rabies Clinic this year?

CCMFOA Conference, March 22-24, Manhattan –

Court Clerks Conference, March 3, Wichita –

KSGFOA Membership, Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita –

Utility Hearings this month – last Wed 22nd, change date to 28th?

LSLI survey –

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Citywide Trash Service –

 

 

School Pond Project –

 

 

Placemaking Project –

 

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

City Attorney –

 

 Attachments:

02-23 Informational Items

2023 Financials – January

Uniontown City Council Minutes of Jan. 10

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

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

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

 

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

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

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

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

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

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

 

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

Mayor Jurgensen addressed the ongoing neighbor feud.  Discussion ensued.

 

Clerk Johnson was absent due to family emergency.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

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

 

OLD BUSINESS

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

NEW BUSINESS

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

Open meeting resumed at 8:20PM.

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Bourbon County REDI

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

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

 

Starlite FCE Minutes

Starlite FCE Minutes

January,2023

 

The January meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at Presbyterian Village’s meeting room.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order, and Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club collect.  Eight members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for eight hours and had recycled fifty pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report.  Glenda Miller read a Thank you card from the VA Hospital thanking us for the 210 Christmas cards we had sent.  Glenda also passed out new address sheets to the members.  January birthday were recognized by Glenda.

 

Old business consisted of follow up plans for the March program on Men’s Health.  Glenda will present the lesson to the club with Deb Lust help. It was discussed to invite residents of Presbyterian Village and providing cobbles and ice cream for refreshments.  Plans were made to present the program to other groups as well and ask someone in the health field to present it.  It was also suggested to give a gift card to the outside presenter.

 

Before the meeting the member signed Valentine cards to take to Veterans in the assisted living facilities and senior housing and to Tri-Valley.  Deb Lust, Joyce Allen and Taylor Bailey volunteered to deliver the valentines

 

Letha Johnson moved the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

Glenda Miller presented the lesson on Character Counts “Caring”, while the members enjoyed refreshments provided by Doris Ericson and Glenda Miller.  Refreshments consisted of Chocolate cookies, ice cream, and water.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Illusionist Coming to Fort Scott on Feb. 17

Reza World Class Touring Illusionist!

Reza World Class Touring Illusionist is coming to Fort Scott! Come out enjoy a great event while supporting the Splash Pad and new sensory addition!

02.17.23 @ 7pm

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College

Click here to get your tickets NOW!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

 

February 1, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Eighteen members representing seventeen agencies attended.  Billie Jo announced that there continues to be an opening on the Coalition Board; they are seeking a volunteer.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP: At present she has volunteers working with the Teammates program at Uniontown, Beacon, Fort Scott Housing, and Red Cross blood drives. The next blood drive is February 16 at Buck Run, 12:30 – 7:00.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA: CASA is a rewarding way to help the youth in our area.  Pioneer Kiwanis also works to support youth projects. Both organizations would welcome additional members.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K State Research: Three classes are in process at this time; she is always looking for partners who can provide space for programs.
  • Dave Gillen, Beacon: Reminded members of all the services that Beacon offers.
  • Donna Cunningham, Family Strong Program: Now housed in the Board of Education building, 424 S. Main.
  • Michelle Stevenson, USD 234 ECPS: Program is full right now but she can always take referrals for a waiting list.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army: Has lots of resources if there is a need:  hygiene products, medical equipment on a temporary basis, fans, bedding, temporary lodging, gas, etc.  Red Kettle campaign did not go quite so well as last year so they will suffer some budget cuts.  Allen’s hours are 10-2 Mondays through Thursdays; however, call first as Alan may be out of the office assisting someone with a need.
  • Kelly Mengerilli, Early Childhood Block Grant: Works with preschool, Happy Kids, etc. to provide quality child care.
  • Ann Elliott, Family Resource Center: In addition to writing grants and overseeing the Family Strong Grant, she can help with gaps in services.
  • DeeDee, Community Liaison: Helps facilitate a close working relationship between organizations:  Parents as Teachers, Birth to Three, Early Childhood, etc.
  • Christine Abbott: SEK Works: Works with ages 16-24 on completing a GED, job trainings, etc.  Christine is in Fort Scott on Mondays and Wednesdays at the HBCAT office.  SEK Works also provides adult services; the Fort Scott office is staffed all week.
  • Lindsey McNeil, CHC, COPE: works strictly with KU.
  • Lindsey Waterman, CHC and KU: Works with the COPE grant to house homeless, help with applications for apartments, SNAP and Medicaid. COPE is not housed in the clinic but at HBCAT office. They also help with Meals on Wheels.
  • Vicki Wright: SEK Mental Health: Have received a grant to expand training for mental health first aide: how to properly help when someone is in a mental health crisis.
  • Melinda Miller: SEK Area on Aging:  Does case management and assessing; her office is in Pittsburg.

 

  1. Program: Melanie Wiles, Gentiva Hospice

Gentiva was formerly known as Avalon Hospice.  Melanie’s job is to educate what hospice really is because hospice is underutilized.  Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care where the focus is the patient and family – not the disease.

 

Medicare adopted hospice services in 1980; therefore, there is no cost for the service.  Hospice is not just treating physical systems; they have a whole team approach.  A physician must refer for hospice.

 

Hospice care allows patients and families to focus on the things that matter the most – time with loved ones and sharing conversations with family and friends.

 

Hospice is about treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit, and bringing comfort, compassion and closure for patients and their families.  It is a plan of care that brings comfort, compassion, and closure for the patient and the family.  Gentiva specializes in honoring life and offering dignity to those who are facing a life-limiting illness.

 

Contact information for Gentiva Hospice:  2307 South Tucker, Pittsburg, KS 66762, 620-231-8000, gentivahs.com.

 

  1. Open Forum: Billie Jo mentioned that our April program will be a presentation by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra Department; the March program is not finalizedb

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be March 1, at 1:00 p.m.