Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 18, 2022
NO COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring a women’s self defense class this Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Fort Scott Middle School from 10 a.m. to noon.
The class in Fort Scott came about when Schwab’s daughter was preparing to go to college.
“The foundation needed time to regroup after his passing and so we are now scheduled to do it this Saturday, October 15th,” she said.
Bronson Baptist Church has been in the Bronson community for 140 years.
The small congregation in western Bourbon County will celebrate the anniversaryChur this Sunday, Oct. 16 with a special music concert by Lloyd Houk at 9:45 a.m., followed by morning worship at 10:45 a.m. There will be a carry-in lunch following services.
The Bronson Baptist Church was chartered in 1882. At first the people met in a wood frame building that housed the congregation, then a brick building at 403 Randolph, across the street was built in 1925.
“My grandfather, Christian Frederick Ermel, was a brick layer that worked on it,” said Judy Wilson, whose family has attended the church for generations.
“My parents, Reta Mae and Buford Johnson, always attended the church,” Wilson said.
“I can remember some Sunday School teachers from way back, Cordie Volmer, and Ima Jean Sager,” she said. “The people I remember older than my parents generation is Glenn Entzminger, who was a leader of the church, always there for anything needed.”
Judy and husband Rex were married in the church.
And in recent years they had Reta Mae’s funeral there.
“Right now, not many attend the church, but if folks come they are going to hear the Word of God, for sure,” she said.
The church is an independent Baptist Church and the current pastor is Michael Miller.
“It was the preacher’s suggestion to have the 140th anniversary celebration,” Wilson said. “He thought it was worth celebrating.”
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 11, 2022
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 from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Ashley Shelton – Commission Room for Election
o 108 W 2nd St
o Accounts Payable Process
• Bob Reed – Jail Operations
• Jon Lowry – EMS Call Update
• Shane Walker – Bid Opening for North Sidewalk & Parking Area
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• 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.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 10, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 8:00AM. THE
COURTHOUSE WILL BE CLOSED FOR BUSINESS IN OBSERVANCE OF COLUMBUS DAY, BUT
THE NORTHEAST ENTRANCE OF THE COURTHOUSE WILL BE OPEN FOR ANYONE WHO
WISHES TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Clifton Beth – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
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.
The Uniontown City Council Agenda for Oct. 12
Council members:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
UJHS East Coast Fundraiser, Blake & Ginger Ervin –
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Lead & Copper –
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Reminder that November meeting has been rescheduled for November 15.
BBCO REDI Visioning Session II rescheduled from 9/29 to 10/12, 5:30PM – RSVP by 10/10 to 620-644-7966
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
Attachments:
The Regular Council Meeting on September 13, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:46PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing – no citizens had questions. A roll call vote was taken to approve Resolution No. 2022-0913-1 a resolution of the City of Uniontown, Kansas to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved – Roll Call Vote: Jess Ervin – absent, no vote; Danea Esslinger – Yea; Josh Hartman – Yea; Amber Kelly – absent, no vote; Bradley Stewart – Yea – to adopt Resolution No. 2022-0913-1 a resolution of the City of Uniontown, Kansas to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate
2023 Budget Hearing – no citizens had questions.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to approve the 2023 Budget as presented
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George asked for a recess to view the building.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to recess 5 minutes to view the progress of the project.
Open meeting resumed at 6:55PM. Mr George stated that the locksmith would be here next week to train city staff on the operation of the automated locks and signs for the doors need to be ordered by the City.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the August 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $369,629.63, Receipts $39,795.82, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $32,790.86, Checking Account Closing Balance $363,858.59. Bank Statement Balance $372,642.97, including Checking Account Interest of $31.51, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,784.38, Reconciled Balance $363.858.59. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,013.32. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $239.53, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $492.83. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $1,250.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of August $5,771.04, Year-to-Date Net Income $40,115.09. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,584.05 (71.7%), Expenditures $72,465.47 (55.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,398.40 (65.5%), Expenditures $24,984.53 (60.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $99,257.20 (71.1%), Expenditures $104,020.67 (42.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $107,261.48 (83.5%), Expenditures $97,997.60 (59.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $1,041.18 (9.8%). The September 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $34,228.03 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich informed Council he would be taking vacation and has asked Eddie Tanner to cover for him.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to have Eddie Tanner cover for Bobby Rich while on vacation and start on September 22, to review duties with Rich
Lead and Copper results have been received. One had a high copper level. Jeff Lamfers, KRWA, has been working with us on what is needed to correct this. He has suggested a letter to KDHE to invalidate the sample as it was not taken from a source commonly used for human consumption.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approve 3-0 to send letter to KDHE requesting invalidation of the sample that included the high copper reading
John George, Ag Engineering, would like to purchase bulk cold patch from us for his drive. After discussion, it was determined that we wouldn’t have any to sell.
Superintendent Rich was thanked for all hard work this summer.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate is in the process of demolition by the family. 103 Third Street has poured their ADA sidewalk. Noticed the dog pen was gone from 204 Second St. Dog owner moved out of town in June. He will try again to connect with tenant at 301 Second #1 about yard debris. Most yards looked good for Old Settlers weekend.
Clerk Johnson reported that the BBCO Health Department will hold a flu shot clinic on October 17, 2022, 9:30-10:30AM at the community center, flyer will be included with newsletter. She reminded Council that the November regular council meeting has been rescheduled for November 15, 7PM due to election day on November 8.
Randy Rathbun and Mary Pemberton powerwashed the rock posts, shelters, and gazebo in the park before Old Settlers. Randy said there were 12 rock posts that were not engraved and would like to sponsor three if not more than $225 each. Mayor Jurgensen thought that the engraving was for “Old Settler” families and suggested we contact someone involved in the park improvement project to find out before checking into current cost of engraving.
Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting permission to pursue legal action on our account 1078003.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to allow Collection Bureau of Kansas to pursue legal action on our account 1078003
Bourbon County REDI is pursuing a Rural Champions grant for planning and technical assistance to improve affordable housing in the County. They are requesting a letter of support from the City.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to send letter of support of Bourbon County REDI’s application for a Rural Champion grant to improve affordable housing in the County
Bourbon County REDI is hosting a Visioning Session II on September 29, 2022, 6PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area. RSVP by 9/26/22. Jurgensen, Ervin, Esslinger, Stewart, and Johnson attended the first session. Ervin and Johnson will be out of town for this one. If any of the others plan to attend, they are to let Clerk Johnson know before 9/26 and she will RSVP.
Reminded all that League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference is coming up.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – absent
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – asked to have First Missionary Baptist Church revival information put in the next newsletter. Starts October 9, three evenings.
Mayor Jurgensen – asked for a quote from Knight’s Tree Service (a new business in town) to take down and remove debris from tree in easement at Second and Fulton Sts. The quote was for $1,000. He has insurance and if hired his insurance requires a copy of the contract for services before releasing certificate of insurance.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to hire Knight’s Tree Service to remove tree and clean up debris from tree in easement at Second and Fulton Sts, stump will not be ground, for $1,000
Bus drivers are also complaining about the number of limbs hanging low over street, predominantly Washington Street. We will request quotes to have trees trimmed.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking Survey – only three responses to the survey. Mayor Jurgensen had two responses given to him. All three stated they wanted both, a pickleball court and outdoor exercise equipment, but none of them specified specific equipment. Mayor Jurgensen asked why the students never completed the cornhole area. We were never informed as to why the project based learning project wasn’t completed. Mayor Jurgensen will convene a committee of 5-6 community members to determine which exercise equipment to get quotes. There was discussion as to whether to concrete the whole area or just the pickleball court.
American Rescue Plan Act update – one quote has been received for the ADA upgrade of city hall bathrooms. Another plumber has viewed the site and taken information to prepare a quote. Another contractor has indicated to Coyan that they will be in to view and prepare a quote. We may have to request sealed bids for this project
NEW BUSINESS
Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 8:28PM
Governor Updates Declaration of Drought Emergency, Warnings and Watches for Kansas Counties
The Governor’s Drought Response Team examines conditions; and recommends updates to the Governor
Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #22-08. This drought declaration continues to keep all 105 Kansas counties either in watch, warning or emergency status.
“Much of Kansas continues to experience severe drought conditions which have impacted the daily lives of Kansans through our hot and dry summer months,” said Governor Kelly. “As these conditions are forecast to persist or worsen over the foreseeable future, I strongly encourage all Kansans to be mindful of ways we can conserve water and minimize fire hazards.”
The drought declaration placed 67 counties into an emergency status, 11 counties in a warning status and 27 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. Much of Kansas has experienced above normal temperatures dating back to the previous April, with precipitation averaging well below normal for many of those same locations over that same timeframe. In some parts of Kansas these precipitation deficit conditions have existed since the latter part of 2021. The outlooks from now through December favor above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation for nearly all portions of Kansas, meaning drought conditions could persist and expand over the next several months.
“The current drought conditions impacting much of Kansas have stressed surface and groundwater supplies, negatively impacted crop production, and led to elevated wildfire risk in many areas,” said Owen. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to be diligent in the monitoring of drought conditions across Kansas and make future drought recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change. With outlooks continuing to call for challenging conditions into the winter months, the need for continued drought awareness and action across Kansas is essential.”
Through an interagency agreement between the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Kansas Division of Emergency Management, counties in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes. These counties also become eligible for water in some federal reservoirs.
Individuals and communities need to contact the Kansas Water Office for a water supply request prior to any withdrawals from lakes. These requests will in turn be referred to the appropriate office to obtain necessary permits to withdraw requested water.
This Executive Order shall remain in effect for those counties so identified until rescinded by Executive Order ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.
Effective immediately, Executive Order #22-08:
The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans.
For more detailed information about current conditions, visit the Climate and Drought webpage on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.
County Drought Stage Declarations:
Drought Emergency: Allen, Barber, Barton, Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Cowley, Crawford, Decatur, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Gove, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Greenwood, Hamilton, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Labette, Lane, Logan, McPherson, Meade, Montgomery, Morton, Neosho, Ness, Norton, Pawnee, Phillips, Pratt, Rawlins, Reno, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Scott, Sedgwick, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, Wichita, Wilson, and Woodson.
Drought Warning: Anderson, Chase, Coffey, Lincoln, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Morris, Osborne, Saline and Smith.
Drought Watch: Atchison, Brown, Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Miami, Mitchell, Nemaha, Osage, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Washington, and Wyandotte.
# # #
Bourbon County is set for a tax sale on October 13, 2022 at 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Bourbon County Courthouse at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas.
“The purpose of the tax sales is to get the properties into the hands of taxpayers that will pay the (property) taxes,” Bourbon County Treasurer Patty Love, said.
“There are a total of 68 properties on the list at this time,” she said.
There is a process to hold the tax sale.
“The Bourbon County Counselor, Justin Meeks, files the tax sale in court, Love said “Justin works with the County Appraiser, Matt Quick, to provide the maps and pictures the day of the tax sale to show property for sale. The treasurer collects the revenue from the tax sale and applies it to the property taxes. The Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge’s office, will type the new deeds.”
“At the prior tax sale held in January 2022, there were 50 properties that sold for a total of $129,408.40,” Love said. “The 14 properties that didn’t sell were properties inside the city of Fort Scott that had a minimum bid which was a total of the Special Assessment levied against the property by the City for mowing and demolition. Those properties that didn’t sell have now been transferred to the Fort Scott City Land Bank.”
The following is a description of the Fort Scott Land Bank from a prior news release:
“The Fort Scott Land Bank focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties into productive use.
Vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties are often grouped together as “problem properties” because they destabilize neighborhoods, create fire and safety hazards, drive down property values, and drain local tax dollars.
The Fort Scott Land Bank was created to strategically
acquire problem properties, eliminate the liabilities, and transfer the properties to new, responsible owners in a transparent manner that results in outcomes consistent with community-based plans.
These opportunities are a collection of parcels owned by the Fort Scott Land Bank.
Every transfer of property from the Fort Scott Land Bank will be accompanied by a development agreement, outlining the final use of the property as well as accompanying timelines. The purchase price
for Land Bank properties will be negotiated based on the cost to acquire the property as well as the details in the development agreement. The Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees will approve the final agreement and purchase offer.”
“The money from the Land Bank is distributed to the various taxing entities at the time of the next distribution,” she said. “County Distributions take place in January, March, June, September and October.”
Here is a list of the properties and their owners that will be sold at the tax sale:
More info can also be obtained on the Bourbon County Facebook page, or by contacting the Bourbon County Treasurers Office, 620.223.3800.
