|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Let’s Get Growing Coming to Fort Scott
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 31
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 31, 2023
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes
• Signatures for Accounts Payable
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Eric Bailey – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
• Kathy – Executive Director of Area Agency on Aging
• Jeremiah Hill – County Roads
• Bill Martin – Vehicle Bids/Loans
• Coroner Cost–Sharing Agreement
• SEKRPC – Renewal
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Attachment:
Jennifer Hawkins Selected As Bourbon County Clerk by Republican Party
Jennifer Hawkins, 34, was selected from a field of three persons to become the next Bourbon County Clerk last evening at a Republican Party Convention.
“We had three individuals contact the (Republican) party,” Mark McCoy, chairman, said.
He will forward Hawkins name to be approved to Governor Kelly today. Outgoing Bourbon County Clerk Ashley Shelton’s last day in February 3. Shelton resigned last week.
Today Hawkins is being sworn in as Bourbon County Deputy Clerk, then her first day as clerk is Feb. 6, she said.
Hawkins has worked for the county government for almost a decade.
“I have worked as the lead motor vehicle clerk in the treasurer’s office for five years, and as the office manager of the public works department for 4.5 years,” she said.
She has helped with accounts payable and payroll in the county clerks office as well.
“I have a working relationship with all the county offices and feel I can help move the county forward,” Hawkins said. “I want to do my part to see Bourbon County and Fort Scott succeed.”
With the loss of the two other office staff in the clerk’s office besides Shelton, “It will be rough until I can get some additional help hired,” she said
“I will be hiring two full time office staff, one will be deputy county clerk (who will also be the) accounts payable clerk,” she said. “One will be a front office clerk to assist Bourbon County residents by manning the switchboard and helping with licensing and hunting licenses.”
The staff will have to absorb a part time position, Hawkins said.
Hawkins said the county has “wonderful benefits to offer” including retirement, health insurance (including dental and vision), vacation and sick leave.
Hawkins was born and raised in Fort Scott, attending Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College.
She has a 15- year-old daughter who attends Fort Scott High School and whose activities keep her “pretty busy with her school functions.”
Tim Shellenburger New Kansas Senator Representing Bourbon County
Another new face will be serving Bourbon County as the District 13 Kansas Senator.
On January 22, a Republican Convention was held in Columbus to select a new senator for District 13 replacing Richard Hilderbrand who resigned. Tim Shallenburger was selected.
“He is a former Kansas State Representative,” McCoy said. “Most recently he was the mayor of Baxter Springs.”
District 13 encompasses Bourbon, Crawford and Cherokee Counties.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Meets Feb. 1
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting will be Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. in the conference room at Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott, Fort Scott.
Agenda
Welcome:
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Program: Melanie Wiles, Gentiva Hospice
Open Forum:
Adjournment: Next General Members
meeting will be March 1, at 1:00 p.m.
Bourbon County Commission Reorganizes Some Positions
The following letter was presented at the Jan. 17 Bourbon County Commission meeting, detailing changes in some county positions.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Jan. 17
To view the minutes:
Call For Entries-Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit-2023
The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its 31st Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 2nd, through Saturday, March 11th.
The mixed media competition is open to artists of age 16 and older. Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.
A new themed category has been included; the theme this year is “DOORWAYS & WINDOWS”. An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.
Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members. Artists may enter up to five pieces, but only three in any one category. Entry deadline and payment are due by February 24th, 2023.
Cash awards totaling greater than $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.
Entry forms may be requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650, Deb Halsey at (620)224-0684, or e-mailing [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.
The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows: Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 24th. No late entries will be accepted.
Artwork will be accepted at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on February 26th, between 1 and 4 pm.
Juror critique of the artwork will occur on March 1st; this is closed to artists and the public.
The BCAC will host a Chamber Coffee Thursday March 2nd at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.
A reception, open to the public, will be held for participating artists and the Juror on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm.
The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, March 2nd through Friday March 10th, from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 11th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.
Lamb and Cattle Show Sponsors Wanted for Spring Show
A couple with young children has taken on facilitating a youth livestock show. This spring is their third show.
Adam and Hannah Montee hosted a youth livestock show in the spring of 2021 at the Crawford County Fairgrounds to offer kids an opportunity to showcase their animals.
This was because so many livestock shows had been shut down due the COVID 19 Pandemic.
“We have 3 kids who are in 4-H now and show lambs, goats and calves, plus a 2-year old who can’t wait to show,” Hannah said.
At that 2021 show, 100 calves were shown by 60 exhibitors from six states, and $1,000 in cash and prizes were given away, according to Hannah.
“Our goal the first year was to raise $2,000 for updates to wash racks at the Crawford County Fairgrounds,” she said. “With help from sponsors, we are hopeful the project will be completed soon.”
In 2022, the Montees changed venues for the show to Fort Scott and had over 70 kids showing 150 animals.
It will be at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds again this year on March 17 -18.
“We changed venues because the (Crawford County) fair board did not want to work with us,” Hannah said. “The Bourbon County fair board wants show, clinics, etc. there and doesn’t care when others are scheduled.”
“We also needed full use of the fairgrounds – exhibitors able to stall in the barns, inside space, etc. and we did not have access to that at the Crawford County fairgrounds,” she said.
This year they are adding lambs to the livestock show: a prospect and possibly a progress lamb show on Friday night, March 17.
The Montees are looking for more business sponsors for this year’s show. There are different level of sponsorships from $100 to $500.
“Any sponsorship money goes directly to prizes for the kids,” she said.
Contact her at 620.704.4196 or email [email protected]
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 24
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: January 24, 2023
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes
• Approval for Accounts Payable
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
• Shane Walker – Chief Operating Officer
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor
• Bill Martin – Discussion of Investigation by County Attorney
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Uniontown Homecoming Candidates Announced
Pictured are the Uniontown High School 2023 Homecoming Candidates: front row, left to right: Destiny Lucas, Emiley Greenway, Genesis Walker. Back row, left to right: Kane Shepard, Rylan Lee, Jett Harvey.
The Uniontown Eagles will host Chetopa High School on Friday, January 27 for the Winter Homecoming basketball games. The UHS King and Queen Coronation will take place prior to the boys’ varsity competition.
Submitted by Rebecca Sutterby
West Bourbon Elementary Secretary
and UHS Student Council Advisor
Program Sign-Up to Help Low Income Homes with Energy Costs
SPECIAL SIGN UP DAY FOR LIEAP JANUARY 25TH
Persons wishing to sign up for the 2023 LIEAP Program are encouraged to attend a special sign up day Wednesday, January 25th from 11 am to 2 pm, at Bourbon County Senior Citizen’s Center, 26 N. Main, Fort Scott, KS.
A representative from Evergy will be available to assist in the sign up process and determining eligibility.
LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one time per year benefit.
The one time assistance payment is determined by household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, and source of heat.
Individuals must bring:
- All proof of income for the past 30 days
- Utility account numbers for Evergy & KS Gas Service
- Security #’s for everyone in household
Persons eligible:
- An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs.
- Applicants must show a recent history of payments toward the purchase of the primary heating energy.
- Must meet income guidelines.
Those who cannot attend the special sign up on January 25th can still apply on the DCF website, www.dcf.gov by clicking “Apply for Services” or in person at the DCF Office and be eligible according to the guidelines by 5 pm, March 31st.
Unapproved Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council for 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 a