The Regular City Council Meeting on March 9, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (7:04), Amber Kelly, and Charles Wehry. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Clerk Sally Johnson, Loren Korte, Matt Korte, Katie Towne, Mike Towne, Lynn Oharah, Leah Hall, Derek Hall, Seth Martin, and Bill Griffith.

Mayor Jurgensen moved the Old Business item “Whether to pass on gas daily gas prices in February to customers” to between Consent Agenda and Department Reports to accommodate those in attendance.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Personal Service Insurance, Loren & Matt Korte – Gave a presentation of the proposed renewal of the City’s insurance coverages. There is a nominal increase in overall premium.

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the February Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $448,749.10, Receipts $39,679.74, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $57,121.66, Checking Account Closing Balance $428,281.18. Bank Statement Balance $438,575.77, including Checking Account Interest of $34.16, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $10,294.59, Reconciled Balance $428,281.18. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $26,943.16, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,415.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,238.93, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $495,878.89. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $70.27 and Utility CDs $64.80 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $135.07. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2021, Beginning Balance $225.33, Receipts $0, Expenditures $225.33, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of February $20,467.92, Year-to-Date Net Income $27,182.71. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $16,508.49 (16.5%), Expenditures $16,325.66 (13.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,768.94 (16.6%), Expenditures $3,993.61 (9.2%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $40,828.94 (31.6%), Expenditures $19,879.57 (6.0%); General Fund YTD Revenue $39,038.01 (34.1%), Expenditures $14,918.32 (9.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,734.33 (29.0%), Expenditures $0 (0.0%). The March 2021 estimated payables including estimate gas supply invoice in the amount of $255,046.33 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

• Minutes of February 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting and February 18, 2021 Special Council Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

Whether to pass on gas daily gas prices in February to customers – The latest estimated invoice amount is $232, 624. The 5-year historical average cost for February is $3,380, leaving an extraordinary amount of $229,244. State legislature passed House Substitute for Senate Bill No. 88 City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program to allow cities to borrow from the State to help pay for the extraordinary costs from the extreme winter weather. Clerk Johnson explained that we would have to use as much of our reserves as possible to qualify for the loan. She has determined reserves available for this bill would be $130,000, leaving $99,244 that would have to be covered by the loan.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to adopt Resolution 2021-0309-1 authorizing the City of Uniontown, Kansas to apply for the City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program for the purpose of obtaining a loan from the State of Kansas to finance extraordinary electric and/or natural gas costs incurred during the extreme winter weather event of February 2021.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 pass Ordinance No. 193 authorizing the execution of a loan agreement between the City of Uniontown, Kansas and the State of Kansas, acting by and through the Kansas State Treasurer for the purpose of obtaining a loan pursuant to the City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program to finance extraordinary electric and /or natural gas costs incurred during the extreme winter weather event of February 2021; establishing a dedicated source of revenue for repayment of such loan; authorizing and approving certain documents in connection therewith; and authorizing certain other actions in connection with the loan agreement.

It was agreed by the council that only the loan with interest should be passed on to the customers. The loan term was agreed to be 60 months. Clerk Johnson had calculated February usage for all customers and estimated monthly payments based on latest estimated figures. She will send a statement to each customer with the full amount due. Payment options will be included. She will also establish an accounts receivable system to track receipts and payments. All payments will be used exclusively for loan repayment.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to send each customer a statement for full amount due. They may pay full amount up front or 60 monthly payments with interest possibly changing every January. Customers will be eligible to pay off at any time without penalty. Statements will be sent at least annually or upon request to City Clerk. City Clerk will establish an accounts receivable system to track receipts and payment. If the customer chooses to close gas account, any balance due will be added to the final bill. If the City is reimbursed from Federal, State, or litigation sources the customers will be reimbursed accordingly.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that the school has a big pile of dirt they will give to the city that could be used to construct a berm on the north end of town to divert water flow into town.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to accept dirt from school

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan addressed a property that needs cleaned up that we are getting nowhere with. The information was submitted to our attorney but a court summons was never issued. It was suggested to send out request for qualifications for an attorney.

He also addressed a reported dog bite. The dog owner was here to explain to Council what they had and are doing to keep their dogs in their control.

Mayor Jurgensen reported that he has been receiving complaints about the camper parked on Second Street near the intersection with Fulton St blocking sightline for the intersection. He also has received complaints about the Bradford pear tree branches impeding two-way traffic on Clay Street and Second Street.

It was also reported that 405 Clay has a big limb hanging down that is blocking sightline.

Clerk Johnson let the Council know that Fort Scott’s citywide yard sales are May 8. Last month it was approved to have either the week before or week after Fort Scott, but it usually rains then.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to hold the Citywide Yard Sales on August 28.

A homeowner has requested his meter deposits be returned to him by check instead of applied to his account. Historically we apply deposits of homeowners back to their account in December after at least a year of on-time payments. His would be applied in December this year. Council directed Clerk Johnson to cut homeowner a check for deposit refund and present amendments to Ordinance No. 159 stating the deposit refund policy.

JBHS LLC notified us this week that the service window has been delivered to his house but not all parts were delivered. He is following up with the company.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Wehry – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Utility Hearings – Mayor Jurgensen wanted to prepare hearing officers that there may be several request hearing this month due to the increased gas usage due to the extreme cold. Hartman and Esslinger are the hearing officers for this month.

NEW BUSINESS

None

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:47PM

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 11, 2021

1^st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2^nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3^rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

10:00 Election Canvass

Monday, March 15, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin a field survey at the Little Osage River Bridge on K-3 in Bourbon County. The bridge is approximately two miles south of the Bourbon-Linn county line.

The length of the survey is 3,000 feet on the existing highway alignment. Survey findings will be used to design a bridge replacement project. KDOT expects the survey to be finished by April 16.

Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property. Joe Bowen will oversee this KDOT survey. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: ___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Charles Wehry

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Personal Service Insurance, Loren & Matt Korte

CITIZENS REQUESTS

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

A. Minutes of February 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting and February 18, 2021 Special Council Meeting

B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent: Bobby Rich

Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan

Dog bite

Clerk Report: Sally Johnson

Citywide yard sale – May or August

Meter Deposit Refund –

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Wehry –

Mayor Jurgensen –

OLD BUSINESS

Whether to pass on gas daily gas prices in February to customers –

Utility Hearings –

NEW BUSINESS

03-21 Informational items

2021 Financials – February

The Special City Council Meeting on February 18, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (by phone), Amber Kelly, and Charles Wehry. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joe George, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

To Discuss and make decisions on the following topics:

KMGA February 17, 2021 invoice – Invoice consisted of usual March 2021 estimate prepayment, January 2021 true up, but also included a Collateral Call to reimburse for the $1,000,000 cash collateral required to secure gas to all of their members through the holiday weekend. Our portion of the collateral call is $6,295. Invoice is due by Monday, February 22, 2021 instead of the usual 30 days.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Wehry, Approved 5-0 to pay the KMGA February 17, 2021 invoice in the amount of $10,178.22 by March 22, 2021

How to pay KMGA March Invoice – Council reviewed the usage to date and the daily indexes to date. Clerk Johnson estimates the bill to be $133,678.47 without the collateral call adjusted back off. She will ask KMGA if the collateral call will be adjusted on the next billing and if we could possibly get a month-to-date or weekly statements/invoices to better understand the true financial impact for the month. Council will look at whether to pass on to customers, how much, and in what manner at the March 9, 2021 regular meeting.

Finalize emergency procedures for this gas/extreme weather emergency. Mayor Jurgensen, Councilman Wehry, Superintendent Rich, and Clerk Johnson met on February 16, 2021 with Will Wallis, Bourbon County Emergency Manager, and Commissioner Lynne Oharah.

Bourbon County Emergency Management has cots, blankets, etc needed to set up a warming station. Clerk Johnson had spoken with Bret Howard, Superintendent USD #235, about using the WBE gym for a warming station in the event of loss of gas. It was verbally agreed on. A calling tree has been set up to notify gas customers in the event of loss of gas.

Superintendent Rich informed that manpower would be an issue if this occurred. All gas meters would have to shut off and when flow was reinstated all meters would have to be turned on, bled, and all pilots lit. This would require several people if to be done in a timely manner and each person would have to have to proper tools to complete the task. It was suggested to compile 4-5 tool kits with all the tools that would be needed.

The emergency procedures for a loss of gas event would be:

1. Notify Bourbon County Emergency Management and USD 235.
2. Notify Governing Body to implement calling tree. If no answer, visit the location. If they have special needs or need transportation they are to call City Hall.
3. Shut off meters.
4. Help transport citizens to warming station.
5. End of event, an adult household member must be present to turn on gas, bleed lines, and light pilots.

Council also approved a public statement:

As many of you have heard, with the extreme cold we have recently experienced, gas prices have skyrocketed. At this time the City of Uniontown is able to pay for the gas we supply to you. However, a portion of this may have to be passed on to you. We have an emergency plan if for some reason our gas supplier is unable to supply us. We appreciate all of the conservation efforts you have put forth and ask that you continue to conserve. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:40PM

The Regular City Council Meeting on February 9, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Charles Wehry. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mark Warren, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Smoothwall firewall & guest internet connections, Mark Warren – Mark started out going over all the technology that has been added. He gave a quick tutorial on the function of the Smoothwall firewall and presented options for allowing access to WIFI by guests.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow guests open WIFI access with acceptance of terms and conditions before connection

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the January Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $401,098.47, Receipts $70,486.17, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $19,809.54, Checking Account Closing Balance $448,749.10. Bank Statement Balance $453,583.25, including Checking Account Interest of $36.11, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $4,834.15, Reconciled Balance $448,749.10. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $26,921.23, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,390.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,221.60, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $516,282.01. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $36.11 and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $36.11. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2021, Beginning Balance $225.33, Receipts $197.23, Expenditures $197.23, Ending Balance $225.33. January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of January $47,650.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $47,650.63. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $8,828.46 (8.8%), Expenditures $6,048.52 (4.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $3,048.49 (8.8%), Expenditures $1,969.31 (4.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $20,260.03 (15.7%), Expenditures $7,280.52 (2.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $33,588.86 (45.6%), Expenditures $6,834.21 (4.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,734.33 (29.0%), Expenditures $0 (0.0%). The February 2021 estimated payables in the amount of $46,224.68 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda including:

• Minutes of January 19, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

Mark Warren gave an update on the medical clinic. Building is ready. They are looking for a local nurse practitioner. They will be open three days a week to begin.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that the steel basketball backboard was received and installed. Clerk Johnson reported that the backboards were donated by the school. A partial payment by the vandal has been received.

The amount of water kept in the tank was discussed. He will keep the tank at a level to accommodate weather and fire protection.

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that letters regarding the dog bite were sent to the owner of the dog and to the complainant. We have received no response from the Smith Estate regarding the punch list letter from our attorney.

Clerk Johnson stated that the Park Committee would like for their funds to be used for a dedicated pickleball court with a fence at 105 Third St. It was also suggested to consider 210 Sherman St as it already has a cement slab. She will look into measurements for the court and measurements of the lots suggested and the cost of building/fencing a court.

A contract for 2020 financial audit was received from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept contract from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton for 2020 financial audit

Clerk Johnson received an inquiry about citywide yard sale. It was decided to have ours the weekend before or the weekend after Fort Scott has theirs. Citywide cleanup was also discussed. It was decided that due to amount of misuse of the service last year that we will not host a citywide cleanup this year.

The Cornhole project based learning group notified us that the target date to complete the project is April 1. Clerk will send a response to have someone from the group and their project teacher contact Superintendent Rich about placement and timing.

A voting delegate needs to be selected for KRWA.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Wehry, Approved 5-0 to appoint Bobby Rich as KRWA voting delegate

A Notice of Conditional Renewal was received from EMC regarding communicable disease exclusion endorsements on the general liability coverage.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Wehry – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Liquor Sales and Sunday CMB Sales – an ordinance authorizing the retail sale of liquor and an ordinance authorizing Sunday sales of liquor and CMB was presented.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Wehry, Approved 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 190 authorizing the retail sale of alcoholic liquor within the city limits of Uniontown, Bourbon County, Kansas

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to set the biennial occupation tax at $200 on Ordinance No. 190

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 191 authorizing Sunday sales of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverage in the original package within the city limits of Uniontown, Bourbon County, Kansas

Ordinance No. 191 must be published two consecutive weeks on the same day of the week, allow for a 60 day petition period, and, if petitioned, put before the voters before becoming effective. If no petition filed, the ordinance will become effective April 22, 2021.

SPARK funding – Clerk Johnson still has not received a ship date on the service window. The $225.33 left in the project account is for reimbursement of expenditures between March and June of 2020. These funds were transferred to the general fund February.

NEW BUSINESS

Water Rate Increase – a notice of a 5% rate increase from Consolidated RWD #2 was received. Treasurer Bolinger and Clerk Johnson presented some options on passing the increase on to our customers.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept Option B, increase minimum charge 5% (to $25.69 inside city limits, $26.87 outside city limits) and usage charge 5% (to $11.56 inside city limits, $12.10 outside city limits) and adopt Ordinance No. 192 repealing Ordinance No. 188, relating to water rates and amending any previous ordinances or resolutions setting forth water rates for the City of Uniontown, Kansas

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:47PM