Category Archives: Bourbon County

Amended Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on March 11

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

 

March 11, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes 3/4/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,076.65
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,928.16
  1. Public Comments
  2. Don George-Elm Creek Dam Grant Status Report
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. BlueMark Energy Agreement
    2. Cintas Rental Service Agreement
    3. KCCA Conference
    4. Real Property Relief Applications
  • Healthcare Sales Tax Ballot Language
  • Clifton Beth-Public Safety
  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.

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 11

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

 

March 11, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes 3/4/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $307,076.65
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,928.16
  1. Public Comments
  2. Don George-Elm Creek Dam Grant Status Report
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. BlueMark Energy Agreement
    2. Cintas Rental Service Agreement
    3. KCCA Conference
    4. Real Property Relief Applications
  • Clifton Beth-Public Safety
  • Commission Comments
  1. Adjourn Meeting

Accounts Payable 3-8-2024

Payroll 3-8-2024

 

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.

Uniontown City Council Agenda for March 12

The Uniontown City Council will meet at 7 p.m. at city hall for its regular monthly meeting.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Pond project – Don George, KDWPT –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of February 13, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and February 27, 2024 Special Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by ____________, Second by ______­­­_______, Approved ________ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at _______.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Water valve replacement –

 

Codes Enforcement: 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

2023 Financial Audit

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

 

Warehouse refurbishing –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

 

Attachments:

2024 Financials – February

03-24 Informational Items

Uniontown City Council Meeting Minutes of February 27

The Special Council Meeting on February 27, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:30PM 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 was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties, benefits, and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:00PM

 

Clerk Johnson included in session, open meeting resumed at 7:00.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:35PM.

 

Johnson still included in session. Open meeting resumed at 7:35PM.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to have Clerk Johnson post City Clerk position with appropriate publications and organizations

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to amend Section 2.9.0 with the statement that full-time employees hires on or after March 1, 2024 will not be eligible for this benefit and add Section 2.11.0 Health Insurance Benefit effective for all new full-time hires on or after March 1, 2024

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:36PM

Uniontown City Council Meeting Minutes of February 13

The Regular Council Meeting on February 13, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, 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

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Clerk Johnson reported that Shane Kober requested speed bumps in front of his residence.  After discussion, Council does not wish to put speed bumps on Sherman Street.  Clerk was asked to advise him to followup with the Sheriff’s department for information on how to proceed.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the January 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $235,479.20, Receipts $85,918.56, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $24,988.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $293,383.58. Bank Statement Balance $293,816.11, including Checking Account Interest of $54.56, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $432.53, Reconciled Balance $293,383.58.  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 $390,482.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $54.56, and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $54.56.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of January $57,904.38, Year-to-Date Net Income $57,904.38.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $8,044.20 (6.5%), Expenditures $6,943.58 (4.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $2,715.90 (7.3%), Expenditures $2,136.25 (5.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $17,162.10 (11.7%), Expenditures $10,531.03 (5.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $52,382.78 (31.9%), Expenditures $8,403.32 (4.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The February 2024 payables to date in the amount of $36,872.84 were presented.

 

Clerk Johnson explained the new report for current payables and the difference between the two presented.  She asked the council which report they preferred – Claims Report by Department, by Fund was chosen.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of January 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

 

Clerk Johnson reported several notifications of insurance renewal conditional provisions from EMC.

Website hosting price increase of $2.50/month.

Municipal Court Clerks conference is March 1, in Wichita.  She will not attend this year.

CCMFOA Conference is March 20-22, in Manhattan.  She will not attend this year.

CDL storm siren maintenance agreement should renew in March.  She will have a new agreement for action at next meeting.

gWorks was used for accounts payable this month and end of month procedures will be done on gWorks.  She has a training on Thursday for bank reconciliation, deposits, and reports.  She will then get all deposits for the month entered, process penalties, and mail delinquent notices.

Bourbon County Job Fair is February 22.  She asked is they wanted a booth to try to recruit a clerk and maintenance worker.  Not at this time.

She did order a 2024 labor law poster.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – wished to recognize Clerk Johnson and thank her for all her work in the software conversion.

Councilwoman Esslinger – absent

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – the school contacted the City to see if they could stage rock on the right of way for the walking trail project. The rock is being hauled by the county.  He told them yes.  Superintendent Rich stated that there is a gas main just south of the sidewalk by the medical clinic.  Mayor Jurgensen also asked Rich to get fescue and seed the ditches that were worked on Third St.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Rabies Clinic – tentatively scheduled for March 23, 1:30-3:00PM.

 

Mayor Jurgensen asked if the Council wanted to reskin the warehouse and put in the ramp and rollup doors to use as public works building.  We will need to determine specs and request bids for the metal siding/roof, the ramp and rollup doors, and the installation.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:47PM

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 8:22, open meeting resumed at 8:47.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to call a special meeting on February 27, 2024, 6:30PM for the purpose of executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:48PM

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of March 6

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

March 6, 2024

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Eighteen members representing fourteen agencies attended.  Billie Jo announced that swim pass applications would be available during the month of April at The Beacon and Buck Run Community Center.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Kathy Romero, Angels Care Home Health: At present the organization provides services to about fifty clients in Bourbon County
  • Travis Wilcoxen, Angels Care Home Health: Angels Care has been in Bourbon County since 2004; they offer a variety of in-home skilled nursing care including psychiatric.
  • Nick Johnson, USD 234: The monthly preschool screening will be held on March 22.  Kindergarten round-up is scheduled for April 10; preschool round-up will be April 12.  Contact USD 234 for more information.
  • DeeDee LeFever, Community Liaison for Greenbush: Her job is to connect families with services.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: FSHA manages 190 low-income apartments; currently the waiting list is from 3-6 months for all size apartments, but they are always taking applications.
  • David Gillen, Beacon: In February, the Beacon assisted 232 families which included 468 individuals.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research and Extension: She is partnering with Lisa Robertson, COPE, to start a small class to help newly housed individuals with cooking skills; in April she will begin working with the Core Communities to provide nutrition education.  Contact Lea Kay at K-State Research to explore the class opportunities she provides.
  • Shanna Willey, Community Health Worker, CHC SEK: Shanna is available to help clients with applications for Medicaid, prescription assistance, disability, LIEAP, etc.
  • Lora Wilson, CHC: Lora is the director for the Tobacco Cessation program; contact her if you need help becoming tobacco free.
  • Janice Lamb, Core communities: Core communities meets Monday evenings at 5:30 at the Methodist Church for a meal, and then hold classes to help core leaders understand all areas of poverty.  The curriculum comes from “Bridges Out of Poverty.”  Graduation for the first Core Communities class will be April 22 at the Methodist Church.
  • Stephanie Herring, Family Resource Center: Stephanie works in homes, mostly with parents rather than the children, to lower the possibility of child abuse or neglect.
  • Larry Jump, Community Liaison with SEK CAP: SEK CAP is looking for employees in the Bourbon County office, especially a lead teacher assistant.  Contact Larry for further information.
  • Lindsey McNeil, COPE and KU: Lindsey is currently working on a grant with Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT, for drug prevention; they need volunteers to help with this program.
  • Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE: The COPE grant funding ends on May 31; they will continue seeing clients until that time.  COPE was able to get six homeless people housed during the last few weeks.  They have a new partnership with Spark Wheel at Uniontown.  The   Wash Wednesdays program will be able to continue with assistance from Aetna.
  • Angela Handly, Compassionate Ministries, Salvation Army: Angela has taken Allen Schellack’s position with these organizations.  She took time to review the services she can provide and reminded members that her office is at 26 N. Main.

 

  1. Program:  Teri Hamilton, President, Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, presented our program.

 

It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring who reaps a harvest in the Autumn.

 

The Farmer’s Market will be in the new community pavilion beginning this year; the pavilion was funded with a T-Mobile grant and other donations.  Anyone can reserve the pavilion through the Fort Scott City offices.  Farmers’ Market operates from the first week in May through the last week in October on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

 

This year the Farmers’ Market will be accepting SNAP benefits in support of local nutrition.  SNAP dollars will only be able to be used for food and food related items.  Through a grant, a person will be hired to manage the snap booth during the hours of the Farmers’ Market.

 

Venders can set up a booth for $5.00 each week.  Potential venders need to contact Teri in order to be approved to have a booth.  There are also fundraising opportunities through the Farmers’ Market organization.  There are twenty-four planned booth spaces under the pavilion now, but that can be expanded to thirty-six if the need arises.  There are many special events that will be scheduled in conjunction with the Farmers’ Market such as Breakfast on the Bricks, the Children’s Business Fair, K-State Research projects/programs, The National Historic Site, etc.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Billie Jo reminded members that LIEAP applications will close at the end of the month.

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be April 3, 2024.

 

St.Martin’s Academy Rugby Players: David VS Goliath Story

The St. Martin’s Academy Rugby Team.Top, from left to right: Finn Burch, Prosper Owen, Will Van De Ryt, Robbie Ritson, Joseph Moleski (Captain), Benedict Sullivan (Co-Captain), Berkely Nordhus, Ben Walsh, Colin Egger.
Bottom, from left to right: Sam Egger, Ben Skinner, Patrick Mulholland, Peter McDonald, Ethan Blakie, Liam Pluta. Submitted photo.

Saint Martin’s Academy is a Catholic boarding school for boys that combines classical academics with a practical work program on a sustainable farm. and is located southwest of Fort Scott.

It seems they have some athletes as well.

“We are the reigning Kansas State Rugby Champions, ” said school headmaster Daniel Kerr. ” Currently, we are ranked #9 in the country for all schools of any size according to the Goff Rugby Report.”

Saint Martin’s Academy rugby players, the Kingfishers, beat the Thomas Aquinas Saints, Overland Park, who had won state the previous 14 years in a row in May 2023.
We are currently 9-1, having already defeated three reigning state champions: Missouri Champion SLUH (St. Louis University High School) by a score of 34-17; Pennsylvania Champs Gregory the Great by a score of 47-3; Tennessee Champs Germantown by a score of 44-7,” Kerr said.  “We will play reigning Oklahoma State Champs Bixby on March 16th on our home field.  Our one loss was to the #3 ranked Club Team, Woodlands by a score of 8-15.”
“We received … an invitation this year, a couple of weeks ago, from the governing body of USA Rugby and will be headed to Elkhart, Indiana to compete against the best teams in the country from May 23rd-25th,” Kerr said.  “Nearly all the teams there will be from schools with several thousand students.  For us to be in that league having only 68  students total is an extraordinary accomplishment.  Most of the teams will have more boys in their rugby program than we have in our entire school body.  It’s a true Hoosiers story – David vs. Goliath.”
The athletes ages are from 14-18, and are all students at St. Martin’s.

“To be a rugby player at St. Martin’s Academy is to be part of something larger than yourself,” said Coach John Prezzia.  “It’s to be a band of brothers; a small group of young men united in the forge of intense battle amongst each other, where they are truly, ‘ironing sharpening iron’. This creates a bond amongst them that is so tight, that every one of them is completely willing to sacrifice all of himself for the sake of each brother next to him, and the team as a whole”

“This unity of purpose and toughness is how we continually punch above our weight, and with only 68 boys total enrolled at the school, we can compete with the very best teams in the country,” he said. “We have just been invited to the National Tournament…and are currently in the planning and fundraising phase. The boys have worked unbelievably hard to get to this level, and are incredibly excited to compete with the best.”

We got the invite last Tuesday, and when I announced it to the boys, they just about brought the house down with their hooting and hollering,” Prezzia said. “It was a pretty special way to kick off this journey to try and bring a Rugby National Title back to Fort Scott.”

 

The St. Martin’s Academy Rugby Team prays before playing. Submitted.
John Prezzia has been the head coach of the Kingfishers, since 2022.
He was the assistant rugby coach at Gregory the Great Academy in Elmhurst, PA before taking the helm as head coach for the Kingfishers in 2022, Kerr said.
Prezzia is a native of Pittsburg, PA, where he wrestled collegiately for Wisconsin.  He and his wife Michaela were married last summer and are expecting their first child in April.
About Rugby:
“Rugby, a “barbarian’s sport played by gentlemen”, was invented in Rugby, England in 1823 when William Webb Ellis picked up a soccer ball and ran with it,” Kerr said.  “It is the progenitor of American football.  For example, the name ‘touchdown’ comes from the rule in rugby where you have to physically touch the ball down in the endzone for the score to count.  Rugby combines the fluidity and continuous play of soccer with the physicality and roughness of American football.  There are 15 players on the field and like soccer, they play both offense and defense as the ball changes possession.  Like American football, the aim is to carry the ball across the opponents goal line and touch the ball down in the opponents end-zone or ‘try zone’.  A ‘touchdown’ is called a ‘try’ in Rugby.  A try is worth 5 points and the subsequent conversion kick is worth 2 points.”

Regional Economic Development Inc. Welcomes New Board Member Matt Ida

The Board of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. recently added a new member: Matt Ida, president of Extrusions, Inc. in Fort Scott.

According to a press release from REDI, the mission of the organization is as follows:  They ” are committed to uniting community voices, forging strategic partnerships, and securing pivotal grants. From fostering business growth and tourism to championing development initiatives, we are the nexus of vibrant community transformation. Here, you’ll find the resources, leadership, and opportunities essential for a prosperous and resilient future.”

Ida joins the following members of the board:

  • Mark McCoy – chairman of the board
  • Misty Adams – secretary – Fulton
  • Payton Coyan -vice president
  • Bryan Holt – treasurer
  • Tim Van Hoecke – City of Fort Scott Commission
  • Clifton Beth – Bourbon County Commission
  • David Stewart – USD 234
  • Vance Eden – USD 235

“Since our inception, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones,” according to the press release, including:

  • “Partnered with Legacy Health Care to present $34,000 to Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service for the purchase of a Lucas device and a new ventilator.
  • Awarded funds for community projects, such as Kansas Rocks, Bourbon County Fair, Gunn Park bike trails, and ball field renovations in Bronson.
  • Secured grants for Bourbon County EMS for equipment, the Fort Scott Fire Department for a new All Terrain Vehicle, and the City of Fort Scott for automated external defibrillators and storm sirens.
  • Announced $800 Million in solar development.
  • Secured funding for the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Mural
  • Successfully recruited Kansas Renewal Institute.
  • Announced Project Fort Scott with the potential to bring in $114.3 Million in development.
  • Facilitated the creation of studies that included retail, housing, labor, health care, business environment, and many others. These studies create the bedrock of data that is essential in recruiting and attracting new business and development.
Hosted events for community and business development such as:
  • Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Bureau of Research for a community outlook and economic forecast event.
  •  Held the inaugural rural workforce summit in Fort Scott, which brought professionals from all across the state to hear from seven industry-leading and nationally known economic experts.
  •  Co-hosted the Bourbon County Job Fair to assist the displaced workers from both Valu Merchandisers Company and the Timken Company as well as anyone looking for career opportunities.
  • County-wide strategic planning and community visioning session
  • Held ongoing meetings with both housing and childcare representatives along with professionals who specialize in those fields.”

According to the press release, looking ahead, the group is  focused on:

  • “Developing business community data.
  • Conducting annual business retention and expansion surveys.
  • Providing technical assistance to existing businesses.
  • Collaborating with Fort Scott Community College on technical training.
  • Organizing seminars and training for local businesses.
  • Exploring opportunities with the Department of Commerce.
  • Recommending training and education for start-ups.
  • Providing resources to entrepreneurs.
  • Facilitating attraction of new healthcare, housing, and business development projects.”

The REDI office is now located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., downstairs, just south of the stairwell and elevators.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. has a new office in the lower level at 401 Woodland Hills Bvld. The old Mercy Building.

To reach the REDI  team call the following numbers:

  • Rob Harrington – Executive Director: 620-215-0144
  • Tayton Majors – Business Retention and Community Initiatives Manager: 620-215-0821
  • Lauren Engstrom – Executive Assistant and Marketing Coordinator: 620-215-3546
Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.

For more information

bourboncountyredi.com

https://www.facebook.com/BourbonCountyREDI/

AD: The City of Uniontown is Searching for A City Clerk

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  • Paid Time Off: 10 Holidays, 1-4 weeks Vacation, 12 days Sick Leave, & More
  • Retirement Plan: participate in KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System)
  • Health & Life Insurance available
  • Wage Scale: minimum $15.00, may be more depending upon experience

 

The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances:  receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail, and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; other duties as required (a more detailed job description and list of duties available upon application).

Personal Requirements:

  • You must be a Motivated, Self-Starter
  • High Attention to Detail
  • Basic Computer, Accounting, and Secretarial Skills
  • Ability to Maintain Confidentiality and Discretion
  • Live Within 10 Miles of Uniontown
  • Valid Driver’s License & Pass Pre-Employment Drug Screen

 

Apply in person at Uniontown City Hall, call 620-756-4742, or submit your resume via email to [email protected] .  Applications are accepted through Noon on March 12th.

Uniontown City Hall. 2023

 

 

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission on February 26

February 26, 2024                                                                            Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

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

 

Cherri Walrod, Clint Walker, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Deb McCoy, Teri Hulsey, Trevor Jacobs, Mark Mcoy, Anne Dare, Patty Ropp, Debbie Martin, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting. .

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-12-24 and 2-20-24, approval of payroll totaling $293,310.56 and approval of accounts payable totaling $327,719.27. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Cherri Walrod, Community Liaison for Core Community Bourbon County, invited the Commissioners to a Bridges out of Poverty workshop that will be held on March 2nd. Cherri stated the workshop will be lead by Deborah Factor, CEO of Youth Core Ministries, and participants will review a mental model of poverty, examine a theory of change, and analyze poverty through the prism of housing, the hidden rules of class and resources.

 

Clint Walker discussed other communities who have passed resolutions in favor of Medicaid expansion, suggested Bourbon County do the same, and said he doesn’t like to send his money elsewhere.

 

Mark McCoy, with Bourbon County Emergency Management, said there is currently a red flag warning and urged residents not to burn as there will be wind gusts up to 50 mph.

 

Nelson presented a resolution 04-24 opposing the settlement of illegal immigrants in Bourbon County and made a motion to adopt it. The motion died due to a lack of a second.  Nelson said resolutions make statements and he believed many residents of Bourbon County would agree and said you need to stand up for what you believe in or what you think is right. Clifton stated the first part of the resolution is already a law and that the only way he would vote in favor of passing the resolution is if wording is changed to state Washington DC failed not just the Biden Administration. Clifton also said he doesn’t agree with the bottom section and stated he will not go against a church helping little kids and said in his opinion this was political mudslinging. Jim read a resolution prepared by the County Counselor that is in favor of the settlement of legal immigrants in Bourbon County. Trevor Jacobs, District 4 State Representative, thanked the Commissioners for allowing him to speak. Trevor said he appreciates Nelson for bringing this up as it is our Constitutional right to protect the border and that if people think that immigrants are not coming here, they are foolish. Jim discussed the resolution Nelson presented and said he has a problem with the section stating the Biden Administration and churches as well.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented a utility permit for 1997 195th for the final approval signatures. Eric said the work has been completed and meets their specifications. Eric presented the Bi-annual inspections agreement with Schwab Eaton.  111 bridges will be inspected and put on the KDOT portal for $19,622. Eric said the new miner training for MSHA will take place this week. The DWR permit has been obtained for the location east of 130th Street on Kansas Road, so they have ordered four 48-inch culverts to complete the project. Eric said they are still waiting on the DWR permit for 225th and Tomahawk Road. The bridge project at 160th Street and Fern Road is scheduled to start April 1st but could be as soon as March 11 as they are finalizing utilizes now.  Nelson asked where the bridge project at 60th and Grand Road stands and Eric said it is in the inspection phase. Eric said they met with an asphalt contractor for Eagle Road and they took core samples and are waiting to hear results back. Eric said they may not have enough fines in the mixture now that the rock crusher is producing cleaner chips. Eric said they are aware there is some unraveling on the road and will be able to correct this by putting a surface coat on. Eric said a meeting is scheduled with the City of Bronson to visit about asphalt and he said he will send Nelson the time and date of the meeting. There was a hailstorm in April 2022 and there was damage done to the roof at the public works building. Eric said the insurance adjuster would like to visit and he asked permission for Clifton to be present since he has experience with metal roofing. Jim and Nelson agreed to allow Clifton to visit with Eric and the insurance adjuster. Eric stated they had to raise tire prices at the landfill from 9 cents per pound to 10 cents per pound due to the company we use to dispose of the tires raised their prices. Eric said there have been questions about the motor graders and if they have GPS capabilities. Every motor grader has GPS and a report can be generated to show what time the graders start, fuel consumption, where the machine has graded, and even how much time the grader sits idle. Eric said he has asked his graders to do daily maintenance such as greasing and that is why they may be at their homes before 3:30. Eric said his door is always open if anybody has questions about purchases they make to give him a call.

 

Matt Quick, County Appraiser, stated property valuations will be sent out March 1st. Due to the housing market everything is going up and it is approximately 9% this year. Matt said the market side is showing an increase of at least 30%. Matt said commercial property is on cost as they cannot use market value and those properties have gone up because costs have gone up. Dry crop land is down some this year while grass land is up some. Matt stated that residents have 30 days to appeal their valuations and his office will review the property and schedule a meeting to sit down and go over everything with them. Matt said he wanted residents to be aware of the increase and stated the value doesn’t set the taxes the mill levy does. Jim asked if the majority of what Matt does is dictated by the state and Matt said everything is set by the state. Michael Hoyt asked if there is a hunting land classification and Matt stated no, there is dry crop and grass land which is broken down into tame for hay ground and native for pastures. Matt said that last year we were not compliant due to our residential values being too low. Matt said he wishes he could lower them but that is not what the state dictates.

 

Jim made a motion to table the discussion of healthcare sales tax due to Justin being sick and unable to attend tonight. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Susan Walker, CFO, stated she has previously asked to use the state setoff program for public works and the landfill. Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, has spoken to the state setoff program and they currently collect for approximately 53 EMS agencies with good luck. Teri said they can collect off of not only income tax returns but also casino winnings from casinos in Kansas. Susan said we currently write off $3,000-$10,000 per month for EMS bills.  Jim asked if the state charges to use their setoff program. Susan said they charge 19% of what is collected. Susan said Teri and her staff would have to submit reports to the state and Teri stated she has a letter drafted that they would send out to individuals before they are sent to the setoff program. Currently OMNI, the third-party vendor who bills for our EMS services, sends out two statements and a final letter and will write off if no payment is received. Michael Hoyt asked how long that takes because sometimes it takes insurance longer than 90 days to pay on a claim. Susan said it is usually 120 days past due when OMNI sends the final notice letter. Nelson made a motion to allow EMS to start using the state setoff program  to help collect on EMS billings. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Teri presented an agreement that needs to be signed to before they can use the program. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the agreement. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Susan stated a few weeks ago the Sheriff’s department asked to replace a totaled vehicle. They originally were looking at using ARPA funds but Susan said she has been working with Patty on an additional distribution that will take place next week. There will be approximately $38,000 received from the extra distribution and Susan suggested the funds be used to purchase a patrol vehicle outright instead of financing. Nelson made a motion to allow the extra distribution to pay for the patrol vehicle for the Sheriff’s Department. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, received a letter stating that Mark McCoy’s appointment to the non-lawyer member position of the 6th District Judicial Nominating Commission will expire in March. Mark McCoy stated he would be honored to serve again if the Commissioners wish to re-appoint him. Nelson made a motion to re-appoint Mark Mcoy  to the non-lawyer member position of the 6th District Judicial Nominating Commission. Jennifer stated in the past the county has received a bad audit for not completing inventory yearly so she presented a 2023 inventory certificate for the Commissioners to sign so the county is in compliance with state statute. Clifton made a motion to approve the 2023 inventory list. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented a letter from the county’s insurance provider, KCAMP, informing those with historical courthouses that they may want to consider purchasing coverage on a reproductive cost valuation basis. After discussion it was decided to remain with the coverage the county currently has for replacement cost basis. Jennifer asked if more than one Commissioner planned to attend the Bridges out of Poverty workshop with Jim being the only Commissioner who plans to attend. Jennifer stated the Presidential Preference Primary election will be held on March 19th with early voting beginning March 11 at the courthouse. The early voting will take place from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday, 8:00-12:00 on Saturday, and 8:30-12:00 on Monday, March 18th. In the past the Commissioners have not held a meeting on the day before the election since the Clerk’s office is busy with setting up election sites and the Commissioners agreed to not hold a meeting on March 18th. Jennifer asked if the Commissioners would like to advertise for hay bids for Elm Creek Lake, the old landfill site near 225th and Native Road, and the radio tower site on 250th Street. Eric Bailey said that he would like to do them this year again. Jennifer will place the bids in the newspaper and the website.

 

Clifton said he gets called out by people online and said he is accused of not having a thick skin and stated there is a member of the audience who pressed charges against someone who raised their voice and said at some point you lose patience. Clifton said he hears what people say about him not being conservative enough but that he’s sitting in this seat and if someone is staring and pointing at me and slaps hard on the table he feels threatened. Clifton said he has been called disrespectful but stated the audience is as well. Jim said Trevor called him after the last meeting and he told him he wanted Justin to review the resolution and make some changes and he would approve it. Jim said he has to support his thoughts as wells as yours and was surprised that Justin’s resolution wasn’t passed tonight. Deb Martin said that they have no problem with legal immigration but Justin’s resolution doesn’t state illegal immigration and she thinks we need to focus on the illegal aspect. Michael Hoyt asked if there will be al election in April since the healthcare tax has been delayed. Jennifer Hawkins stated they will not be able to hold the election on April 16th due to the timing restrictions she has to follow to publish notification of a special election. Jim said he feels a lot of people were rude speaking towards them. Nelson said a prayer during his Commission comment time.

 

Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:53. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                   ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

3-4-2024                           Approved Date

 

Amended Bo Co Commission Meeting Agenda for This Evening

 

 

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

 

March 4, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes 2/26/2024
  1. Public Comments
  2. Thomas Russell-Resolution 04-24
  3. Healthcare Sales Tax Ballot Language
  • Matt Quick 6:00 Conference Call with Property Valuation Division
  • 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.