The Special Council Meeting on May 14, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:17PM 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 was Betty Hartman, Delci Allen, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants for non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:29PM

Betty Hartman in at 6:30PM, out at 6:43 PM.

Delci Allen in at 6:56PM, out at 7:15PM

Open meeting resumed at 7:29PM.

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to hire Delci Allen to fill City Clerk positon, a full-time position eligible for all full-time benefits as stated in the Employee Policy Manual, to start on May 28, 2024

Moved by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:30PM

Regular Council Meeting

The Regular Council Meeting on May 14, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:30PM 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 Don George (KDWPT, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Don George, KDWPT, presented a check for CFAP grant reimbursement for Phase II Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project.  He asked if the City had any new projects in mind for the pond and explained the lack of funding for the CFAP lease program.  Lease payments will no longer be paid starting in 2025.  CFAP-1forms still need to be submitted for 2024 but not at all beginning in 2025.

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

FINANCIAL REPORT

Due to an issue with the new software, bank reconciliation has not yet been completed; therefore, there were no financial reports presented.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to amend Consent Agenda, remove Treasurer’s Report

CONSENT AGENDA

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

• Minutes of April 9, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and April 17, 2024 Special Council Meeting
• Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported the fence on south side of lagoon down due to flooding.  Clerk Johnson has contacted Bourbon County Emergency Management about the PA meeting for the declared disaster.  She will followup with them as there have also been reports of flooding in buildings and ditches/culverts overflowing during the disaster event.   Trail drainage work on southeast corner of trail is washing out to ditch on north side of 1^st St inhibiting water flow.  Clerk Johnson will contact school about this.  Also reported that Rogers & Son has begun the work on filling in the scales.  He had to move the fuel tank.  He couldn’t get enough clearance to move very far.  Pemberton and Stewart will check into equipment to move to a new location.

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan discussed various projects in progress around town.  He also discussed various locations with nuisance violations.  He will try to make personal contact with property owners/tenants before sending letters or posting “Mow Your Yard” signage.

Clerk Johnson informed the Council the storm siren maintenance agreement renewal increased 216%.  Council directed to solicit quotes from other electrical companies also.

Kansas Health and Environment Labs will begin moving into their new location in January 2025.  Nothing required of us at this time.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:20PM

Open meeting resumed at 9:20PM.

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to hire Colby Herring as custodian/water sampler

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – tornado shelters were not timely unlocked.  Mayor Jurgensen has talked to new fire chief about this and will request a copy of chain of command for sounding siren and unlocking doors and also ask for a point of contact.

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – items for painting court have been acquired, just waiting on weather.

Warehouse project – Specs for the refurbishment of the warehouse was discussed in depth.  Resolution No 2024-0514-1 to sell 402 Sherman and allocate funds from sale to offset costs to refurbish warehouse into public works space.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2024-0514-1 a resolution to sell city property and to allocate the proceeds from sale of city property for refurbishment of public works building

NEW BUSINESS

Streets – Mayor Jurgensen has spoken with Bettis again to remind him of the warranty work needed on work they completed last year.  He also discussed information on the KDOT Cost Share program.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:53PM

May 20, 2024                                                                        Monday, 5:30 p.m.

The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

Mike Wunderly, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Bo Casper, Jason Silvers, Emily Franks, Michael Hoyt, and Deb Martin were present for some or all of the meeting.

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 5-13-2024, approval of payroll totaling $298,201.43, and approval of accounts payable totaling $408,894.66. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

Susan Walker, CFO, and Patty Love, Treasurer, updated the Commissioners on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program errors they had found. Susan said the application states if the homeowner has delinquent property taxes, then they forfeit NRP from then on, however; this has not been enforced in the past. Susan asked if we move forward following how the application reads or do we change the application. Jim said he is ok with how it is as long as people understand up front that they will forfeit the program if their taxes are delinquent. Brandon said he thinks taxes should be delinquent one year before they forfeit their place in the program. Clifton asked if this would apply to personal property tax such as boat trailers, and Susan stated it only applies to delinquent real estate tax. Jim asked how taxes are determined to be delinquent and Patty explained the first half of the taxes are due December 20^th each year, so if you have not paid by close of business then on December 21^st your taxes are delinquent. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed there should be a grace period for the homeowners to pay their taxes without forfeiting the program. It was determined if the taxes are not paid by December 20^th of the following year, then their taxes would be considered delinquent and they would forfeit NRP.  Susan said there will need to be an addendum to the program so she will work with Matt Quick, Appraiser, who will have to contact other entities who participate in the program and they will present it at a future meeting. Susan said that she has continued checking NRP applications for accuracy and at this point has made it through 2020 applications and so far, there is approximately $13,000 owed to residents. Susan said it is a very time-consuming process, but she will keep working on checking the remainder of the applications.

Emily Franks, Auditor with Jarred, Gilmore, Phillips, PA, presented the fiscal year 2023 audit report. Emily went page by page to explain each section of the audit report to the Commissioners. Emily stated we were in compliance, however; she stressed the decrease in cash balances and said the general fund has decreased a few hundred thousand from 2022 to 2023 and stated the Commissioners need to keep an eye on this to keep expenses under control and keep this in mind going into the budget process of how to get more receipts into the General fund. Emily went over all of the different funds and said the overall ending unencumbered cash balance was decreased by about $700,000. It is recommended to have three to six months of operating expenses in cash balance. Emily stated the only things she wanted to discuss regarding Bourbon County was the need to complete a resolution outlining elected officials’ salaries and the need for detailed credit card receipts. Some credit card receipts do not show detailed explanations of what was purchased and Emily stated for transparency a copy of the itemized receipt should be obtained. Emily said there is a management letter enclosed in the packet that states there are no issues or violations and requested the Treasurer, Clerk, and CFO to sign and send back to their firm.

Sage Hall discussed his health concerns relating to solar panels and read multiple studies regarding what he discussed. Mr. Hall said he is all about freedom and constitutional rights and said he has a problem when his tax dollars are used as federal and state subsidies to produce energy sent elsewhere. Mr. Hall also discussed the potential decrease in property value he will be facing due to the solar panel farms next to his home.

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated the committee members listed on the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan needs to be updated. Eric recommends Jim Harris, Clifton Beth, Brandon Whisenhunt, himself, and Frank Young be listed as committee members of the Bourbon County 5-Year Solid Waste Plan. Jim asked if there would be any other changes to the plan, and Eric stated the only change is the committee listed on the plan. Clifton made a motion to update the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan committee members to those listed in Eric’s recommendation. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said the estimate of Bourbon County’s share to fix bridge #518 would be closer to $600,000 instead of the $300,000 that was originally estimated. Eric stated with the disaster damage we currently have he is not sure we would have the funds available to fix the bridge if we were to win the grant funds. Eric asked if the Commissioners wanted to postpone applying for the grant until next year. After discussion it was agreed to wait until we get past the disaster damage to apply for the bridge grant. Eric said they are almost done driving every road to  locate storm damage and that he must have estimates turned into KDEM by Friday. Eric stated that each day they are finding more damage undermining the roads and bridges within the county. Brandon asked Eric to tell his crew they are doing a good job. Eric said that they have added gravel on Yale Road by the Stevenson Cemetery so that residents could enter the cemetery.

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked if the Commissioners would like to hold a meeting next Monday since the courthouse will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. The Commissioners agreed to not hold a meeting next week since the courthouse would be closed. Jennifer asked to amend the agenda to add a reimbursement request form that must be signed by all the Commissioners. The request form is for the state-ran Presidential Preference Primary Election that happened in March and Bourbon County is asking for a reimbursement of $11,320. Clifton made a motion to sign the reimbursement request form. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer asked for a 5-minute executive for consultation with an attorney. Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under 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 to include the three Commissioners, Jennifer Hawkins, and Justin Meeks who will attend via phone and will return at 6:23. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:23 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

Brandon said he has traffic concerns regarding the solar panel projects and said it looks like stormwater permits will have to be obtained from the State and Jim agreed. Brandon discussed zoning and stated the Clerk cannot find a statute outlining the number of signatures needed on a petition and that she provided him a copy of the statutes that state the Commissioners can pass a resolution for zoning. Jim said he would be in favor of it going on the ballot if they receive a petition signed by residents. Clifton said a lot of the people he has spoken to do not want zoning and Brandon said he has heard from people both for and against zoning. Jim asked for more research to be done regarding the number of signatures needing for a zoning petition. Clifton said he talked to Destry Brown, Rory Chaplin, Jason Kegler, and Vance Eden about trade school opportunities and he said his wish is to be able to help fund that. Brandon said he is all for tech schools and Clifton said he would be ready to make a motion tonight. Brandon suggested working on the budget first and Jim said a lot of kids are wanting to go into trades.

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:32. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

6-3-2024                                 Approved Date

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

June 3, 2024 5:30 p.m.

1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Flag Salute

• Approval of Consent Agenda
  1. Approval of Minutes from 5/20/2024
  2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $238,157.83
  3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,658.57

1. Public Comments
2. Department Updates
   1. Public Works
3. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)

• Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Address EMS Questions
• Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  1. Office 365 Renewal
  2. KDHE Public Notice

1. Commission Comments
2. 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 Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

June 3, 2024 5:30 p.m.

Accounts Payable 5-31-2024

Payroll 5-31-2024

1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Flag Salute

• Approval of Consent Agenda
  1. Approval of Minutes from 5/20/2024
  2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $238,157.83
  3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,658.57

1. Public Comments
2. Department Updates
   1. Public Works
3. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)

• Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  1. Office 365 Renewal
  2. KDHE Public Notice
• Commission Comments

1. 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 Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

May 27, 2024

There will not be a Bourbon County Commission meeting held on Monday, May 27, 2024, due to the Courthouse being closed in observance of Memorial Day.

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.