The governing body of the City of Uniontown will be in attendance at the March 22, 2022 county commission meeting but will not be conducting city business, submitted by Sally Johnson, UniontownCity Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.

The Regular 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, to adjourn at 8:49PM

February 15, 2022                                Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Deputy Clerk present.

Susan Bancroft, Clint Walker, Matt Crystal, Bill Martin, Ben Cole, Shane Walker and Matt Quick were present for some or all of the meeting.

Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded.  All approved.

Eric Bailey presented a permit for Eric Gray at 208^th & Katy for an entrance tube.  Lynne made a motion to approve the permit.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

Eric stated they are prepping for possible storm this week.

Eric stated that they had Emshaw training last Thursday at Buck Run.  We had some employees that were getting into the time frame of needing renewal so we got that done.

Eric started that Schaub Eaton has started the annual bridge inspections.  We have 139 bridges along with 30 low water structures to be inspected.  We will receive a report when completed.  The bridge at 180^th & Birch is being worked on.  Guard rail got hit, the stringer is hanging and the bridge decking is rusting away.  We’ve got the stringer back in place and they’re working on getting the bridge decking back in place.

Eric will meet with Jeff Spangler this morning to drive back around looking at the roads following the road use agreement.  Making certain everything is met.

Jim asked Eric if he had looked at the road at 230^th.  Eric said that would be this morning.

Jim gave Eric some information on rock crushers if Eric decides to get a larger one.

Clifton made a motion to amend agenda to move the County Counselor time to the bottom of the agenda.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

Susan Bancroft presented resolution 07-22 (ROZ) Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2022.  It is a state program created in 2012 under the Brownback Administration to help those relocating to rural areas.  They have an opportunity, if relocating to KS and have never lived in KS, in an area where there is a ROZ county they have the opportunity to have some of their student loan debt forgiven.  They also have 100% of their state income tax that can be waived for 5 years.  The county has the opportunity to contribute toward this but in the past we’ve always done zero dollars because we haven’t budgeted for it, but we still have to approve the resolution so that we can be considered a ROZ county so that cities and employers can participate in this because we are a ROZ county.  We are not tying ourselves to any funding but have to have the resolution in place.  Jim asked if we could contribute and Susan said that is something that needs to be looked at in the future as we doing our planning.  It could definitely be an economic development incentive.  Clifton made a motion to approve resolution 07-22.  As an FYI he stated that the county is allocating zero dollars per year for the purpose of matching.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

Susan mentioned that next meeting we will be bringing back the County Appraiser’s contract.  The state has a certain requirement that they want it in a resolution form.  We just found that out late last week so we will be bringing it back once Justin has a chance to go over it.

SEK Regional County Meeting will be March 17^th in Garnett.  We need a head count for registration.  Please let me know this week if you plan to attend.

Susan stated that she had met with Ashley Shelton and Patty Love.  We have had some really good meetings to talk about structure and reporting.  The commissioners, county treasurer and county clerk all are required to do quarterly reporting which we have been a little lax on in the past.  We’ve put together a schedule of when this reporting is to be completed.  To save on publication costs we would like to do one report that gives cash, revenue and expenditures and that meets on the obligations we have to statutorily.  Patty and I also talked about doing monthly financial reports due on the 15^th of each month.  We are very close to having end of year finished.  By next meeting we are hoping to bring all of that to you.  I’m meeting with Terri Sercer today to go over some entries that have to be made.  I feel things are going very well.  I want to give a shout out to Rhonda Dunn.  She has been a huge help with this process.

Susan handed out articles to the commissioners that are helpful as legislature starts to go through.  One is talk about food sales tax being zeroed out.  If the bill passes that will be just the state tax of 6 1/2%.  You will still have to pay local tax on food items.  The other article is regarding bipartisan infrastructure law.  A lot of federal funds coming to KS.  They encourage long-term capital planning which I think we have already started.  We have a work session set up.  We want to make sure we put together a really good plan.  It helps us when we are looking at some of the funding that’s coming down.

House Bill 2619 would require all compensation of elected officers to be posted on the county’s website.  I’ll watch this bill as it goes through legislative session and let you know when/if that passes.

Susan stated that there is grant opportunities.  The first is due by February 28^th.  It’s called a Base Grant.  We can do three different applications for this grant.  It is driven by industrial parks, new business.  I sat down with Rob Harrington yesterday and I feel like the best project that we have that could potentially apply for this grant is the Spyder expansion and the parking lot that we want to build over there.  There is $100,000,000 dollars available.  It requires a 25% match.  You have six months to begin the project and two years to complete.  It has to be driven toward economic development and business.  The city will also be applying for this grant as well.  There will be another webinar tomorrow that I will be listening to on this subject.

Susan stated she met with city staff to talk about the north side parking project.  We are going to work together on that and renew some lines that we think are causing some water issues.  One of the things discussed was this could create another issue going forward because when we put the troths in for surface water it’s going to go to Judson and cause more issues because there are no storm drains to take it.  They are working on their side to see what they can do to address that.  I feel it needs to be engineered for ADA compliance and AG Engineering is about 4 to 8 weeks out before they can get to this project.  Do we wait for Ag Engineering or do we look for another firm to help with this?  Jim stated that he would like to keep it local.  Susan said she would get with Frank and see when they can work on this and then coordinate with the city as well.

Susan gave copies of Ashley Shelton’s training schedule just to keep them in the loop.

Susan met with Ashley and Patty regarding issues of grants and other funding coming into the county it sometimes isn’t identified very well.  As we develop new policies and handbook, I would like us to develop some kind of administrative policy book that talks about how we handle certain things.  When a payment comes to the county there is a form we would like the department head to complete that states we know this money is coming and this is where we want the money to go.  So there are no issues or delay in getting that information posted in the general ledger.  That is one of the things that Patty and I worked on and we’ll be talking about that in our next department head meeting.  As we develop those procedures we will bring them to you.  We’ll talk to department heads about them first.

Public Comment: Clint Walker stated it was nice to see Susan on the ball on the rural opportunities.

Elected Official Comment: No comment

Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for minutes including 3 commissioners, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks returning at 9:43am.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:43am with no action.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property for 7 minutes including 3 commissioners, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks returning at 9:50am.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:50am with no action.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 785-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 15 minutes returning at 10:12am.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:12am with no action.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

At 10:13am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Doretta Neville, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

February 22, 2022, Approved Date

January 31, 2022                                 Monday 8:35 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

Anne Dare and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.

Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded.  All approved.

Eric presented two utility construction permits from Cox Communication.  One on 240^th north of Limestone for fiber optic.  The other is on Kansas west of 230^th.  Lynne made a motion to approve the two permits.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

Ashley Shelton presented a Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255^th St, Fort Scott.  Lynne made a motion to approve the Real Property Relief Application for 1762 255^th St., Fort Scott, KS.  Jim Harris seconded.  All approved.

Susan presented Approval of Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report.  This is a report of all their budget numbers. We are missing about 12.  Those turned in are on budget.  These reports are sent to the state.  Lynne Oharah made a motion to approve the cemetery & township board reports that have reported for year-end budget of 2021.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

Susan discussed sick leave.  We had our first department head meeting and it went well.  The resolution (06-22) being presented is how they feel the sick leave should be handled.

“Whereas all new hires accrue one day per month of sick leave.  One day will represent the number of hours a normal workday is for the specific position or department and whereas of February 1, 2022, new hires will be given 12 days of sick leave on the first day of hire.  If the employee leaves employment before their one-year anniversary date and sick leave used exceeds the annual accrual rate of one (1) day per month, the sick leave used must be reimbursed back to the county, Ex: Employee works sick (6) months but uses eight (8) days of sick leave and terminates employment.  Two (2) days of non-accrued sick leave will be deducted from the employee’s final paycheck, and whereas, the number of months of service divided by two (2) will be allocated on day one of the transfer for any employee who transfers from a salaried position to an hourly position.  Ex: An employee who has worked for Bourbon County in a salaried position for sixty (60) months (5 years) will be granted thirty (30) days of sick leave on the first day of the transfer to an hourly position.”

Basically we will frontload the sick leave for any new hire and if they terminate before first year of employment then they will have to pay days back.  And for the salaried position we basically stated that this is what they would have accrued and then divided it in half.  The department heads felt this was fair.  As a resolution it will be added to the handbook until the handbook has been updated.  Clifton made a motion to pass resolution 06-22 amending sick leave accrual.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

Justin Meeks requested an executive session for attorney client privilege for 7 minutes.  Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 for 7 minutes returning at 8:53am including 3 commissioners and Justin Meeks.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 8:53am.  No action.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

Justin Meeks asked a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents for the possible transfer of the hospital building to Noble Health.  Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign any and all legal documents from the county to Noble Health.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

Justin Meeks asked for an executive session for proprietary information for 7 minutes including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and myself.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 7 minutes returning at 9:02am.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.  Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 9:02am.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

Justin stated that he received an e-mail from a patron concerning some sales tax revenue stuff from back in the day.  Obviously, I don’t have the ability to give that legal advice.  It doesn’t deal with the county specifically so I will be forwarding that on.  If I do need to address that myself I will request permission from the commission prior to that.

Jim Harris announced the commission has been invited to the 76^th Annual Bourbon County Conservation District Annual Meeting to be held on February 5^th, 5:30pm at Rosie’s Cabin in Uniontown, KS.

Clifton made a motion to allow the three commissioners to attend the Noble Health function.  No business will be conducted. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Anne Dare asked about the Township & Cemetery Board Annual Report. She has heard from 2 different treasurers stating that the information they had received was confusing as to what they needed to report for year end. She asked if this has been taken care of. Ashley Shelton stated that the distribution came in high at the end of the year; it shows that they had more money. They need to show whatever was over that they didn’t spend as a cash balance at the beginning of 2022. They are going to receive less money in 2022 but added with that beginning cash balance for what they received over should balance out. Anyone that has reached out to me has been given this information on how to handle it. I would encourage anyone with questions to give me a call. Susan Bancroft made a suggestion that we call in all the treasurers and give them a rundown on how to do this process.

At 9:08am, Lynne made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

February 8, 2022, Approved Date

Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 15, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Resolution for Liquor Sales in the County
• Bob Reed – Resolution regarding Housing of Parole Violators
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o BB County Representative for Lake Advisory Board
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials 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 Request – Lake Advisory Board

Agenda Request – Housing of Parole Violators

Resolution – Maintenance of Prisoners