Category Archives: Bourbon County
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for January 8
January 8, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Jason Silvers, Mark McCoy, Clint Walker, Teri Hulsey, Michael Hoyt, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 12-18-23, approval of payroll totaling $225,101.85, and approval of accounts payable totaling $448,457.08. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Michael Hoyt stated he sent information regarding the STAR Bond and TIF and if anybody else would like to receive the information he has it available to email.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated there wasn’t a culvert report for December and the fuel report was emailed to the Commissioners. Eric said it is time to have the annual bridge inspections and he is asking approval for 21 bridges and 5 low water crossings for $8,000 from Schwab Eaton. Eric stated that Schwab Eaton does the inspections every year and that we are mandated to do the inspections. Clifton made a motion to accept the proposal for the 12-month annual interim routine bridge inspections which are due January 2024 for Schwab Eaton in the amount of $8,000 and for all three Commissioners to sign. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric then presented an agreement for the bridge at 60th and Grand Road. Eric said Justin has reviewed the contract. Clifton made a motion to sign the agreement for Project 006C-5286C-01 off system bridge program. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric updated the Commission on the landfill compactor that he asked permission to purchase from Purple Wave. Eric said he was able to purchase the compactor for a price of $21,500 and that it has made a big difference just by how much it is compacting the ground. Eric said there are two road graders listed on Purple Wave that will sell tomorrow. A blast was conducted at the Shepard Quarry last Thursday and ended up with 48,177 tons and they are currently in the process of moving the crushers and setting up the quarry to get rock on the road in that area. Eric said they sent trucks out to push off the slush we received from the storm today. The crews are on a rotating basis with one crew working 4:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. and another crew working 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. to try to cut down on the overtime. Eric said they are prepared for the rest of the week and are full on salt and ice control and running five dump trucks. Nelson said he received a call from the Bronson City Clerk and that she inquired about meeting with him and Eric to see about possibly doing chip and seal and Eric said he was unsure about if they could do in-kind projects and said he would visit them. Jim said the City of Fort Scott will be contacting Eric to talk about working together to do asphalt again this year.
Matt Quick, County Appraiser, informed the Commissioners that their office sent out personal property rendition forms January 1st. Matt said that anybody that who personal property in Bourbon County will receive a form that has their personal property listed with a section that asks if the personal property is still owned. Matt stated the forms need to be completed, signed, and returned to his office by March 1st. If the form is not received, they must assign a penalty to the property owner which will be reflected on their tax statement they receive in December. Matt stated it is a simple form to complete and return and he wanted to get the information out to residents so they do not receive penalties in the future. Matt also said if a resident sells any type of personal property, such as a boat, ATV, or trailer, they need to let the Appraiser’s office know when they do so they can remove it from the tax roll. Matt stated if a person has a boat, they sell they also need to notify KDWP in Pratt to get it removed from the state system.
Susan Walker, CFO, spoke to the Commissioners about the audit proposals she received to complete the 2023 fiscal year audit. Susan stated she reached out to five audit firms and only two were able to accept clients. Susan said we need to make a decision quickly so that we can get our audit scheduled to ensure we have the audit information back timely to help with budget preparations for next year. One proposal was from Loyd Group, LLC and was $45,000 the other is Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips, PA for $24,000. Clifton made a motion to use Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips PA out of Chanute, KS with a bid of $24,000. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, presented the KRAF grant and stated they would use that to purchase another LUCAS device and RAD 57 pulse-oximeters which will detect carbon monoxide. Teri stated that the Chairman would need to sign the grant. Clifton made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign the KRAF grant. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Teri said she was contacted via Facebook by an individual asking if the patient is alert or if the patient is with a person that can legally make decisions for them and they know their insurance will not cover a certain area and are able to let you know this and will EMS transport that patient to a facility covered by their insurance upon their request. Teri said that they will transport to the closest appropriate ER based upon medical conditions and yes, if the patient is alert and able to make a sound medical decision, they will honor that request; however, there are stipulations to that for example if they are having a cardiac event Via Christi would be the closest appropriate ER even if they are not in your network. Teri said if they were to transport a patient to an ER that was not capable of handling their situation then the patient would incur another ambulance bill whether that is ground or air ambulance. Teri said they have protocols they must follow and must take patients to the closest appropriate facility and if anybody has any questions, please reach out to her.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented several resolutions for 2024 including GAAP waiver, financial institution and official newspaper declarations, and Rural Opportunity Zone. Clifton made a motion to adopt Resolution 1-24 concerning the waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer stated Resolution 2-24 is designating depositories and the official publication carrier. Jennifer stated in compliance with KSA 9-1401 the following banks of Bourbon County are selected as depositories of funds by the County Treasurer: City State Bank, UMB Bank NA, Union State Bank, Liberty Savings and Loan, Landmark National Bank, and Citizens Bank NA. The county’s active account will be carried in Landmark National Bank and the official county newspaper will be the Fort Scott Tribune. Clifton made a motion to adopt Resolution 2-24 designating depositories and official newspaper as stated by the County Clerk. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented Resolution 3-24 which authorizes the participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program for the calendar year 2024 with Bourbon County allocating zero dollars for the purpose of matching payments from the State of Kansas. Clifton made a motion to pass Resolution 3-24 authorizing the participation of the ROZ for student loan repayment for the calendar year 2024 and as stated allocate zero dollars for this purpose. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer asked to amend the agenda to discuss the inclement weather policy. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add discussion of inclement weather in the county. Nelson seconded the motion the motion and all approved. Jennifer stated since this is her first year as Clerk, she wanted to inquire about the inclement weather policy and if it is decided to close the courthouse who would be notified. After discussion it was decided the Chairman would coordinate with the Public Works Department and the County Counselor to determine if the courthouse will be closed. The Chairman will notify the County Clerk, who will send out notifications to the department heads of the closure. Nelson asked how the employees who work EMS, Public Works, and the Sheriff’s Department who work while the courthouse is closed would get paid. It was determined that the employees who work while the courthouse is closed will receive time and a half.
Sheriff Bill Martin met with the Commissioners regarding the retirement of a K9 named Pistol. Sheriff Martin presented the contract, which states the handler Zach Ross will be taking custody of the dog, for the Chairman to sign. Nelson made a motion for the Chairman to sign the retirement paperwork for K9 Pistol so the dog can go to Deputy Zach Ross. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Sheriff Martin stated another car has been totaled in an accident and he is working with the insurance company regarding it. Sheriff Martin said they have received approximately $11,000 from the insurance company for the vehicle that has 152,000 miles on it. Sheriff Martin said he has reached out to the business where they purchased the other vehicles and is waiting on a quote from them. Sheriff Martin asked to work with the CFO to determine how to purchase a replacement vehicle whether that be money that have or if it needs to be financed.
Clifton asked for continued permission to work with Sheriff Martin and Undersheriff Davidson regarding deputies that are underpaid. Clifton said he would like to talk to them as a Commissioner about trying to get the deputies more money. Jim agreed and said if Bill doesn’t have it in the budget they can work with Susan and find some more money or move it but he thins we’re losing deputies to the City because they’re paying much better. Clifton thanked the newspaper for the clarification that was made about a story a few weeks ago stating information was leaked during an executive session which was not what was stated. Nelson ended the Commission comments section by holding a prayer.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:16. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
1-23-2024 Approved Date
The Bourbon County Commission Amended Agenda For January 23
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
January 23, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 1/8/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,106.71
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $539,504.23
- Approval of November Financials
- Susan Walker, CFO
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- County Clerk
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Selection of Chairman 2024
- Audit Contract
- REDI/Legacy Health Announcement
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Jeff Armstrong: New Realtor in Fort Scott
Jeff Armstrong obtained his real estate license in the fall of 2021. and he joined Front Door Real Estate in August of 2022.
“I look forward to assisting sellers/buyers through the quagmire of home real estate,” he said. “Besides children, home ownership is one of the largest and possibly most stressful financial responsibilities for adults. My purpose as a real estate agent is to work alongside the client to facilitate transactions, clarify areas of uncertainty, listen and identify the client’s needs/wants, and create an atmosphere of trust.”
“There are many high-quality realtors in Fort Scott, so I am constantly reading, listening, and learning to provide the exceptional service clients deserve,” he said.
“My original purpose of getting my license revolved around owning and managing a piece of commercial real estate in town, however, like many short-term goals, I pivoted,” he said.
“I run and operate a pressure washing business (Armstrong Pressure Washing) out of Fort Scott and did some work for Jared (Leek) back in early 2022,” he said. “We were just talking and I mentioned I recently earned my real estate license and he graciously asked if I would have interest in joining Front Door.”
“The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Front Door Real Estate made the decision simple,” he said. “I am spoiled to be a part of such an amazing group of professionals. Real estate transactions do demand a certain level of knowledge and problem-solving, but can be wasted without trust, integrity, and communication. Much like any service profession, real estate is fueled by relationships.”
“Housing markets go up and down, but how we work for our clients supersedes those events and smooths out the rough times and enhances the joyous moments.”
When asked what his community involvement/hobbies/interests are:
“As each day passes, I find that my faith in Jesus Christ becomes more and more important to me and all that I do should be done to glorify His holy name. With kids in middle school and high school, most of my extra time revolves around them and their engagements. I also own and operate my pressure washing business during the spring/summer/fall months.”
“I am supported and encouraged by my gorgeous wife Jamie and blessed with my two children, Kendal and Jax,” he said. “My parents, Steve and Janet, provide me wisdom and encouragement even as an adult.”
Contact Info: 620-224-3036, [email protected], Facebook @jeffarmstrong-realtor, 113 S. Main Street
Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on January 23
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
January 23, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 1/8/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,106.71
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $539,504.23
- Approval of November Financials
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- CFO
- County Clerk
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Selection of Chairman 2024
- Audit Contract
- REDI/Legacy Health Announcement
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Bourbon County Community Outlook Conference Is January 31
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The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for January 22
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
January 22, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 1/8/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,106.71
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $539,504.23
- Approval of November Financials
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- CFO
- County Clerk
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Selection of Chairman 2024
- Audit Contract
- REDI/Legacy Health Announcement
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Attachments:
Accounts Payable 1-12-2024 P13
Executive Session Justifications:
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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
The Beacon Year in Review: Helping Those In Need With Help From the Community
The Beacon Director Dave Gillen and Assistant Director Ashley Heathman have compiled the 2023 statistics for the local helping organization.
“In 2023 we had a total of 145 new families totaling 322 new individuals between adults and children,” Heathman said. “Our new families were a mixture of new residents and current residents facing hard times due to the rising cost of living and facing job insecurity.”
The last few years of statistics that the Beacon keeps show an increase in the number of new families needing help.
In 2020, there were 102 new clients totalling 235 individuals, in
In 2021 there were 83 new clients totaling 147 individuals, in
2022 there were 147 new clients totalling 302 individuals and in
2023 there were 145 new clients totalling 322 individuals, Heathman noted.
“The Beacon helps Bourbon Country residents facing food insecurity, along with this we offer financial assistance for prescriptions, rent, and utility payments thanks to the Hack Foundation and Bourbon County Coalition.”
The Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition is a charitable organization that helps facilitate a working relationship between organizations.
“The Hack Foundation was a trust fund set up for the Presbyterian women to take care of Fort Scott citizens to help during certain financial situations,” Heathman said. “Hack comes from two sisters whose family used to own a greenhouse in Fort Scott.”
“All financial requests that come through our door are paid out by Bourbon County Coalition and the Hack Foundation,” Heathman said.
“We could not do what we do without our amazing donors and volunteers,” she said. ” David and I express sincere gratitude to everyone, all our donors and volunteers, as they continue to help us help others.”
During the 2023 calendar year, The Beacon also helped several local organizations and causes.
“The Beacon helped disperse 202 shoe vouchers for Community Christian Church to our clients for school shoes for their children,” according to the press release.
They donated food items to the Elks Club organization to help them disperse holiday meals to 103 homes; totaling 123 individuals.
They teamed up with the community to help provide Christmas presents and holiday meal boxes to 77 families; totaling 410 individuals.
“Throughout the year the Beacon donates to the Fort Scott School District food pantry, ” according to the press release. “We try to donate food items to Feeding Families In His Name (Wednesday evening community free meal) when we can.”
The organization assisted with family swim passes thanks to the Bourbon County Coalition, and helped donate hats and gloves to the Share the Warmth cause for Bourbon County.
The Beacon, which has a food bank, dispersed food for 3,241 families in 2023 serving a total of 4,305 adults and 2,955 children.
“We are looking forward to being able to assist Bourbon County residents again this year,” Heathman said. “According to Kansas Food Bank, we are the second largest food bank in Southeast Kansas. Thank You!”
“We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations whether that is monetary donations, their time, or food donations. We could not do what we do without you!” Heathman said.
Additionally, the Beacon is grateful for the donated 699 volunteer hours to the organization for 2023, she said.
“The Beacon also provides (to those who need them) hygiene necessities, formula, and diapers depending on availability as well,” according to a press release from the Beacon. “Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we receive food donations from our local Wal-Mart that set out inside for anybody in need from 10 am to close.”
“A big thank you to Fort Scott Fire Department, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Scott FFA, and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas for helping us unload the truck every month.”
“Last but not least we would love to thank our local churches, individuals, and civic organizations for helping us help others,” she said. “We truly reside in a very generous community, it would take us days to name every single person or group that helps our cause; please know we thank each one of you from the bottom of our hearts for blessing us with the ability to help others.”
Allen Schellack Retires As Director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries
After 11 years, Allen Schellack is retiring from Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries.
“When I worked for the city of Fort Scott I saw a lot of people needed assistance,” he said. “I was part of the local ministerial alliance at the time and felt the Lord leading me to ministry.”
In 2016 the ministry became a joint effort of community leaders, and area churches and was sponsored locally by the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
The office is located on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Office at 26 N. Main.
Some of the services the outreach center provides are foster family outreach services, homeless outreach services, hygienic services, medical supplies, and fellowship.
“For about seven years we have been the designated Salvation Army Disaster Relief and Services Extension Unit for Bourbon County,” Schellack said.
Because of this partnership, Schellack could provide disaster relief assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics) temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor, vision help with eyeglasses, and other needs on a case-by-case basis.
Through a relationship with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, physical assistance is provided to individuals or families traveling through Fort Scott who have no other resources and need help to reach their destination. The assistance is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department.
Some of Fort Scott Compassionate Care Ministries’ outreaches are free box fans in the summer; heaters, blankets, bedding, and towels in the winter, fire disaster packs, homeless/transient assist packs, Christmas presents for teens and families, and school supplies for middle and high school students.
The ministry is a 501 C(3) not-for-profit volunteer organization with no paid staff.
This is Schellack’s last week at the ministry.
“A minister never truly retires until God calls him home,” he said. “There will always be some kind of ministry wherever I go. I am retiring from Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries.”
He said Anglea Handly is transitioning to take care of the Compassionate Care office and the Salvation Army duties for Bourbon County.
To contact the ministry: 620.223.2212 or [email protected]
Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on January 9
Unofficial minutes
The RegularUniontown Council Meeting on January 8, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Oath of Office was administered to newly elected councilmembers by Clerk Johnson.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $243,781.59, Receipts $73,292.55, Transfers Out $19,054.68, Expenditures $62,540.26, Checking Account Closing Balance $235,479.20. Bank Statement Balance $244,368.14, including Checking Account Interest of $53.92, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,888.94, Reconciled Balance $235,479.20. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $332,578.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $923.79, and Utility CDs $1,091.36 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,015.15. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2023, 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, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000, to Security Meter Deposit $9.56; from Gas Utility Fund to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000, to Security meter Deposit $19.12; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000 for Total Transfers of $19,054.68. Net Loss for the month of December $8,302.39, Year-to-Date Net Loss $108,072.77. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $124,626.63 (102.0%), Expenditures $119,097.15 (74.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,864.03 (100%), Expenditures $34,036.23 (82.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $137,399.07 (87.7%), Expenditures $163,108.78 (72.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $207,072.57 (138.3%), Expenditures $156,498.76 (84.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $9,525.56 (75.6%). The January 2024 estimated payables to date in the amount of $28,498.47 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of December 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
- Destruction of records for 2013 and prior
- Resolution 2024-0108-1 – 2024 GAAP Waiver
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich requested to shut off the water and close the public restroom for the winter. After water is shut off, the doors will be locked and signs will be placed on the doors.
He gave an update on the sewer issue at 100 Second St – the issue is on the property owners side of the sewer service. It is recommended that when new line is tapped into main it includes a trace wire (all utilities).
The sewer main in the alley between Hill St and Clay St was backing up. A screen was used when cleaned out to see what was blocking the flow. Screen was full of feminine hygiene products. A request to not flush certain items was put in the January newsletter.
The quote from CAS Constructors, LLC for labor to replace the butterfly water valve at the master meter is $4,720. Valve, actuator, and solenoid have been ordered and still several weeks from delivery.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept quote in the amount of $4,720 from CAS Constructors, LLC to remove existing butterfly valve and replace with new actuated butterfly valve
Mayor Jurgensen asked for a followup on the standing water in the drainage ditch from midway between Third St and Second St to the railroad right-of-way box culvert. Source of water is still undetermined.
Mayor Jurgensen reported that he spoke to owner of 201 Second St about the fallen fence and yard. Tenants have picked up and stacked fallen fence and cleaned up yard. It was also reported that improvements at 404 Washington are continuing.
Clerk Johnson reported the Kansas Health and Environment Labs schedule of fees are projected to increase 35% effective May, 2024.
She gave an update on the finance and utility billing software implementation.
Johnson received information regarding National Flood Insurance Plan training. As Uniontown has not significant flood risk, she will not attend but will pass on information to her replacement.
Also received a notice regarding Information Technology/Operational Technology Essentials Workshop. Council did not feel anyone should attend, but Superintendent Rich could attend if he wanted to.
She received notice of a rate increase from C2 today that will be effective with the January reading. Service fee will increase from $20 to $25/month, usage rate will increase $.23/1000 gallons, a 5.22% overall increase. Johnson presented options for city customer rate increase to be effective with the January readings to reflect the increase from C2.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve Ordinance No. 204 repealing Ordinance No. 195, relating to water rates and amending any previous ordinances for resolutions setting forth water rates for the City of Uniontown, Kansas with inside city limits minimum charge of $27.16 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.74/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000; for customers outside city limits minimum charge of $28.40 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $13.31/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000 to take effect on the January 26, 2024 billing
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – severe weather is forecasted for the weekend. A member update had not been received from KMGA as of meeting, Clerk Johnson will reach out for an update. He also reminded council that dog/cat registrations period is now until March 31. It was asked if we would host a rabies clinic again this year. Clerk Johnson with reach out to Dr Holeman for a late March date.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking project – Grant check has been received and work will begin when weather permits.
Pond Project – contractor is still waiting on county for rock.
NEW BUSINESS
Water Meter Replacement Plan – after discussion, we will start with a few this year and budget in the following years for more to have on hand and replace when needed. Superintendent Rich stated he would need help to remove/replace some of the meters as some of the meters are pretty deep in the well.
Clerk Johnson asked when and where to advertise for the City Clerk position. Mayor Jurgensen asked her to send the clerk’s job description to the council in next month’s packet and put a non-elected personnel executive session for on the agenda to discuss duties and benefits.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:33PM
Call for Entries – Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit – 2024
The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its 32nd 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, February 29th, through Saturday, March 9th.
The mixed media competition is open to artists aged 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 “ART OF EVERYDAY LIFE”. 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 23rd, 2024.
Cash awards totaling over $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 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 23rd
. No late entries will be accepted. Artwork will be accepted at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Sunday February 25th, between 1 and 4 pm.
Juror critique of the artwork will occur on Wednesday February 28th; this is closed to artists and the public.
The BCAC will host a Chamber Coffee Thursday February 29th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.
A reception, open to the public, will be held for participating artists and the Juror that evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, February 29th through Friday March 8th, from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 9th, 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.
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