A sneak preview of Gunn Park before the first viewing Friday evening showed some of the hard work that had been put into Christmas in the Park, a community holiday event.
Christmas In The Park
Category Archives: Bourbon County
Fort Scott Commission Agenda And Minutes
AGENDA FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION FORT SCOTT CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM 123 SOUTH MAIN DECEMBER 5, 2017, 4 P.M.
- ROLL CALL:
ADAMS BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL
- FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
- PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Introduction of new employee
- CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 21st, 2017.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1204-A totaling $319,308.23.
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
- APPEARANCE:
- CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
- PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: 4:15 p.m. – Vacation of Street/Alley – 18 feet of the alley between Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12, Block 14, South Side Park Addition lying between the South line of 19th Street to the North line of 20th Street between Crawford and Eddy Streets AND the 60’ street of Crawford Street lying between 19th and 20th Street adjacent on the West of Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12, Block 14, Southside Park Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas and lying adjacent on the East of Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, & 11, Block 13, Southside Park Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas – Approval of Ordinance No. 3521
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
- Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to operate a private
secondary school at 1950 Indian Road
- Consideration of change of zoning from C-2 (Restricted Commercial) to I-2 (Heavy Industrial) for the property known as
AGENDA FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION FORT SCOTT CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM 123 SOUTH MAIN DECEMBER 5, 2017 4:00 P.M. the vacant land south of 2500 Liberty Bell Road – Approval of Ordinance No. 3522
- Consideration of change of zoning from C-2 (Restricted Commercial) to I-2 (Heavy Industrial) for the property known as the land south of 2503 South Main – Approval of Ordinance No. 3523
- Consideration of change of zoning from R-2 (Residential Zoned) to C-2 (Commercial) for the property known as the northwest corner of 19th and Crawford – Approval of Ordinance No. 3524
- Consideration of Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3525
- Consideration of Wastewater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3526
- Consideration of Stormwater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3527
- Rejection of Woodland Hills Golf Cart Shed Bids
- Consideration to set Budget Amendment date
10.Consideration of the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas amending the project plan and development agreement regarding the 2322 S. Main Redevelopment District within the City. Approval of Ordinance No. 3528, Project Plan and Development Agreement
11.Consideration of three year contract with KCAMP for Member
Contribution Credit and Rate Stabilization Program
12.Consideration of Proposed Salary Ordinance No. 3529
- COMMENTS:
- Director Updates:
- Commission:
- City Attorney:
- Director of Finance:
- City Manager:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE
AGENDA FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION FORT SCOTT CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM 123 SOUTH MAIN DECEMBER 5, 2017 4:00 P.M. SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO (see below justification) DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN
MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.
Justifications for Executive Sessions:
- Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
- Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
- Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
- Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
- Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
- MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 21st, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Bartelsmeyer, Nichols and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Commissioner Adams was absent.
INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Martin, Children’s Minister, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rachel Pruitt, Deb Needleman, Cheryl Adamson, Chad Brown, Bill Lemke, Daryl Parker, Barbara Ritter, Bryan Ritter, Jody Hoener, Roy Hoener, Paul Martin, Clayton Miller, Michael Mix, Rhonda Dunn, Jessica Schenkel, Cory Schenkel, Justin Dye, Blake Sloup, Margo Stockert, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 7th, 2017.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1203-A totaling $191,896.81.
- Christmas Parade Permit Form- December 5th, 2017.
Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
- APPEARANCE: None
- CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
- PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
1
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
CONSIDERATION:
- Approval of updated Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention – Ordinance No. 3520 – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the current ordinance regarding cross connection and backflow prevention was adopted in 1992. This ordinance prohibits the cross connection between the public water supply and any other water or substance of questionable or unknown quality or any substance which would degrade the public water supply and to provide for maintenance of a continuing effecting cross control program. Over the years, the City has updated their codes, but this ordinance has never been updated. He thanked Bill Lemke for his hard work with this ordinance.
Bartlesmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3520 providing for Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3520 REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3048 AND REPLACING WITH ORDINANCE NO 3520 REGARDING CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES THEREOF.
- Adoption of PedNet Coalition – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Plan – Jody Hoener, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, informed the Commission that a public unveiling of the plan was held last Tuesday. The purpose is to adopt a non-motorized transportation plan which will help address barriers towards a healthier community and provide more access to transportation options and healthy food choices. The plan is broken out into four sections: Trails; Bike Infrastructure; Crosswalks and Signage; and Sidewalks. The total budget for this plan is over $4,000,000. These projects will be focused on one at a time and take many years to complete. She asked the City Commission to formally adopt the Master Non-Motorized Transportation Plan for the City of Fort Scott.
City Manager said that this plan will eventually incorporate into the City’s Comprehensive Plan and can be referred to when projects are looked at.
Nichols moved to approve the adoption of the Master Non- Motorized Transportation Plan for the City. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE ADOPTION OF THE MASTER NON- MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.
2
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
COMMISSION/STAFF:
- Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Rachel introduced two guests that were present at the meeting from Sol Purpose. Blake Sloup and Justin Dye were present and gave an update on their company. They recently finished up a solar renewable energy project at Sharky’s where they installed solar plates at the roof of their building and also installed energy efficiency upgrades. They have saved the company approximately $1,600 in energy costs already. They said they would be willing to visit with any commercial business or residential household that is interested in solar renewable energy.
Rachel also introduced Brian and Barbara Ritter with the Boiler Room Brewhaus who had just received their State licensing to open up the brewery at 102 S. National. They plan to have an open house on January 6th, 2018 and invited all to attend.
- City Commission:
Adams – Not present.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Parker – Nothing to report.
Nichols – Nothing to report.
Mitchell – Shared a flyer with the Commission that she received at the Fort Scott Public Library Board meeting showing all the benefits they offer.
- City Attorney: Nothing to report.
- Director of Finance: Nothing to report.
- City Manager:
- Bridal Veil/2nd Street Park – City Manager said that there is a group that is looking at this park and will come to the City with a proposal in the near future. It was removed from the agenda due to this fact.
- Employee Christmas bonus – City Manager asked the Commission if they would consider giving the Christmas bonus to City employees again this year with the exception of the City Attorney and himself. He recommended $100.00 to full time employees, $50.00 to regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Christmas bonus. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
3
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
APPROVED THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BONUS OF $100.00 FOR ALL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES, $50.00 FOR REGULAR PART TIME EMPLOYEES AND $25.00 FOR PART TIME EMPLOYEES. THIS BONUS WILL EXCLUDE DAVE MARTIN, CITY MANAGER, AND BOB FARMER, CITY ATTORNEY.
- City Christmas Party – City Manager reminded the Commission the City Employee Christmas party is December 12th, 2017 at Buck Run Community Center at 6:00 p.m.
- Next City Commission meeting – City Manager reminded the Commission that the next Commission meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. on December 5th, 2017 due to the Christmas parade.
- City Manager wished all a Happy Thanksgiving! He is excited about
all that is happening in our community.
ADJOURNMENT:
Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:35 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 5th, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
____________________ DIANE K. CLAY CITY CLERK
4
Beacon Still Has Older Children In Need of Christmas Presents
The Beacon is a helping agency that during the Christmas season is the go-through agency for Adopt-A-Child.
This program helps provide Christmas presents to families with children up to fifth-grade age.
Currently, all families have been adopted, but “I have a few families that have older children that need presents,” Sue Emmons, executive director of the Beacon said. “Several grandparents on fixed incomes are raising grandchildren.”
For the Christmas Adopt-A-Child, sponsors are asked to choose only one clothing item and/or one gift item for each child, with a $30 per child limit.
Stated needs are asked to be purchased before toys.
The gifts are asked to be gift wrapped and tagged with the child’s first name and family member and delivered to Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton, not later than December 18, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“We also handle the Elks Christmas Food Basket,” Emmons said. “It’s a generous Christmas basket they deliver.”
For more information contact Emmons at 620-223-6869 during office hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
As a helping agency, the Beacon follows these guidelines:
Presbyterian Village Christmas Tree Contest
New to the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County’s Homes for the Holidays Tour, December 2 and 3, is Presbyterian Village, an assisted living facility at 2401 S. Horton.
“At this location, we are showcasing the Christmas tree decorating contest in Fort Scott where over 15 trees were entered and are all uniquely decorated using creativity and class,” Ginger Nance, executive director of Presbyterian Village, said.
Christmas trees are displayed throughout the facility.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals could enter the tree decorating contest.
Since Presbyterian Village is in the Homes for the Holidays tour the Christmas trees will be on display the same hours on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
For more information contact the village at 620-644-4362.
Fort Scott Christmas Parade Dec. 5
The theme of this year’s Fort Scott Christmas Parade is Christmas Vacation. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Third and Main Streets, heading north on Main to Skubitz Plaza.
“People can have fun with that,” Lindsay Madison, executive director of Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce said. “They can play off the movie by the same name or what they do on Christmas vacation.”
To register for a parade entry go online to http://fortscott.com
or stop by the Chamber office at 231 E. Wall.
Prizes will be awarded for first place, $75; second place, $50 and third place, $25. Briggs Automall of Fort Scott is providing the prize money.
New this year is a theme decorated golf cart category, with a $25 prize for the winning entry.
Fort Scott Recreation Department will offer free hot chocolate before and during the parade.
The parade entries will exit the parade at Skubitz Plaza, past the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. The tree will be lit following the parade by Mayor JoLynne Mitchell.
Pre-register for children lucky-draw prizes at Papa Don’s Restaurant, 10. N. Main prior to the parade. Pre-registration is from Friday, Dec. 1 until Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. when the parade starts.
Names for lucky-draw prizes will be drawn following the parade for children. Categories are as follows: ages 3-8, both boys and girls; 9-14, both boys and girls and one prize for children 14-18 years old. The drawing will take place after the Christmas tree lighting.
Mayor Mitchell will give some brief comments, then Santa will go to Papa Don’s Restaurant Celebration Room for children to visit with him.
Each child that comes to visit Santa at Papa Don’s will receive a book, compliments of USD 234.
Fort Scott High School Pride Club students will have Christmas crafts for children to do while waiting in line for Santa in the big room of the restaurant.
Walgreen Drug Store will take a free 4 X6 inch photograph of children with Santa. The photo may be picked at the store, later.
Sekan Is Hiring
Werling Book Signing
Local author Cathy Werling will have an author reading and book signing of her book “Why Did Grandpa Cry” at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9 at the Lowell Milken Center, Wall and Main Streets.
For more information contact the center at 620-223-1312
KState Extension: Christmas Trees-Tips for Selection and Care
Submitted by Krista Harding, KState Extension Southwind District
The selection and purchase of a Christmas tree has become an annual tradition for many families who chose a real tree over an artificial substitute. For many, bringing home a tree is often the kick-off of the holiday season. Today, live trees can be found just about anywhere you look such as retail lots, shopping centers and the ever popular choose-and-cut farms. Of course, real trees do require some extra care to keep them looking good through the holiday season.
When choosing a tree, freshness is the most important factor. Purchasing trees that have already been cut for a period of time are probably the most difficult trees to keep fresh and fragrant due to the length of time from cutting until the tree is placed in the home. A fresh tree should have a healthy, green appearance without a lot of dead or browning needles. As you stroke the tree, needles should not come off into your hand. Another good test to do before buying a tree is to raise the trunk a few inches off of the ground and then drop the tree on the cut end. When this is done, only a few, inner dried needles should fall, and certainly not any green outer needles.
Once the tree is brought home, its continued freshness will depend on the type of care that is provided. A 1-inch re-cut across the bottom of the tree should be made. This will remove any clogged wood that may not absorb water. Put the tree into a stand or container of warm water and place it in as cool a spot as possible. Avoid placing it in an area where there is a heat source such as a fireplace, wood-burning stove, heat ducts and even television sets. This will help to preserve the freshness, reduce water loss and lessen the fire danger.
Depending on the size and species of tree, the use of a gallon of water in the first day would not be uncommon. Therefore, the tree should be checked frequently and re-watered as necessary. If the tree does become dried out, it probably will not absorb water. It may be necessary to take the tree down and re-cut the bottom to allow the absorption of water. This is inconvenient, but it is the only way to prevent early needle loss if a tree has become dried out. In the past, some have thought that adding aspirins, copper pennies, soda pop, sugar and bleach to the water may prolong the life of a tree. This has not been proven.
Should you choose a living Christmas tree, they definitely require special care. Once the tree is brought home, it should be conditioned before being placed in a heated room. Leave the tree in an unheated garage or building for a couple of days. After conditioning, the tree can be brought in and placed in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Watering a live tree should be done prior to placing it in the home, by moistening the root ball.
Living trees should not be kept inside for more than 10 days. Exposure to warm temperatures may cause the dormant tree to break buds and start to grow. Before removing the tree and planting it outside, it should be allowed to acclimate itself the same way before it was brought inside. The planting hole should be dug before the ground freezes. Once planted, water well and place some mulch around it to prevent the soil water from freezing.
With proper selection and care, you can enjoy a fresh tree throughout the holiday season. And with a real tree, you don’t have to worry about storing it for a year before using it again! They just take a little more work while on display.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244- 3826.
LaRoche Baseball Complex Annexed
The City of Fort Scott recently annexed the LaRoche Baseball Complex into the city limits at a recent meeting.
The complex is located in the industrial park south of the city on U.S. 69 Hwy.
“The city maintains the complex,” Rhonda Dunn, Fort Scott Community Development Director, said. “They do the mowing, the maintenance, the painting, the lights, etc. It makes sense, that since the city owns the park, it should be within the city limits.”
A board oversees the park, which includes members from the city, Fort Scott’s school district, and the LaRoche family.
Emory Arnold Trust Land To Be Developed
Land south and east of El Charro Restaurant will be annexed into the city with Peerless Products and Labconco Corporation planning to develop the properties, according to a city official.
The City of Fort Scott will rezone the Emory Arnold Trust land, located on U.S. Highway 69 for redevelopment on Dec.5, Rhonda Dunn, Fort Scott Community Development Director said.
“Part of it is the Emory Arnold Trust, south of El Charro Restaurant, down to Jayhawk Road to Liberty Bell Road,” she said. “Peerless and Labconco are buying the properties for future development.”
The land will be annexed into the city.
Labconco Corporation is located at 2500 Liberty Bell Road, while Peerless Products, Inc. is located at 2403 S. Main Street, parallel to U.S. 69 Hwy.
Emory Arnold was a prominent Fort Scottian who died in 2015 at age 98. He served in positions at Fort Scott Community College as the registrar, assistant dean, athletic director and vice president until his retirement in 1981, according to his obituary. The arena at FSCC bears his name.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Nov. 28
The Bourbon County Commission meets on the 2nd floor of the county courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue, Tuesdays starting at 9 a.m.
The November 28 agenda is:
9-9:45 a.m.-Jim Harris
9:45-10:15-Commissioners consider and take action on any and all questions or issues which may arise regarding the law enforcement project.
11 a.m.-Justin Meeks
noon-1:30 p.m.-Commissioners gone to lunch
2:30-Employee Handbook
3 p.m.-Discuss 2018 wages, longevity pay, and holiday schedule
1st District-Lynne Oharah, 2nd District-Jeff Fischer,3rd District-Nick Ruhl. County Clerk-Kendell Mason
Justifications for Executive Session:
· Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
· Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
· Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
· Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
· Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
· Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Westar and Great Plains Merge
Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy Shareholders Approve Merger at Special Shareholder Meetings
Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE: WR) and Great Plains Energy Incorporated (NYSE: GXP), the parent company of Kansas City Power & Light (“KCP&L”), announced on Nov. 21 at their respective shareholder meetings that shareholders overwhelmingly approved the proposals necessary for the merger between the two companies. More than 90 percent of the shares voted at each company approved the transaction.
“We are excited about today’s approval from shareholders of both Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy. This vote indicates that both companies’ shareholders believe in our combined ability to create a stronger regional energy provider, positioned to better serve all of our customers,” said Terry Bassham, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Great Plains Energy and KCP&L. “This new combined company will ensure we keep ownership of our utility assets in our region to grow local economies.”
“Customers and shareholders will benefit by combining Westar Energy and Great Plains Energy into a strong Midwest utility,” said Mark Ruelle, president and chief executive officer of Westar Energy. “Our geography and history of partnership position us to bring efficiencies and savings by joining our operations. We continue to make progress toward completing the transaction in the first half of 2018.”
Westar Energy and Great Plains Energy announced a revised transaction in July 2017 after the Kansas Corporation Commission denied the companies’ original request to combine in April. This revised agreement involves no transaction debt, no exchange of cash, and is a stock-for-stock merger of equals, creating a company with a combined equity value of approximately $15 billion.
The merger is expected to help maintain reliable, low-cost energy for the company’s 1 million Kansas customers and nearly 600,000 customers in Missouri. Additionally, with one of the largest renewable energy portfolios in the nation, the new combined company will be a clean energy leader, supplying nearly half of its retail sales from emissions-free electricity.
For more information visit the “Westar Energy Merger” page at greatplainsenergy.com or westarenergy.com/westar-at-a-glance.
About Great Plains Energy
Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Great Plains Energy Incorporated (NYSE: GXP) is the holding company of Kansas City Power & Light Company and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company, two of the leading regulated providers of electricity in the Midwest. Kansas City Power & Light Company and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company use KCP&L as a brand name. More information about the companies is available on the Internet at www.greatplainsenergy.com or www.kcpl.com.
About Westar Energy
As Kansas’ largest electric utility, Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE: WR) provides customers the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes. Half the electricity supplied to the company’s 700,000 customers comes from emissions-free sources – nuclear, wind and solar – with a third coming from renewables. Westar is a leader in electric transmission in Kansas, coordinating a network of lines and substations that support one of the largest consolidations of wind energy in the nation. For more information about Westar Energy, visit www.WestarEnergy.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this communication that are not based on historical facts are forward-looking, may involve risks and uncertainties, and are intended to be as of the date when made. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the anticipated merger transaction of Great Plains Energy Incorporated (Great Plains Energy) and Westar Energy, Inc. (Westar Energy), including those that relate to the expected financial and operational benefits of the merger to the companies and their shareholders (including cost savings, operational efficiencies and the impact of the anticipated merger on earnings per share), the expected timing of closing, the outcome of regulatory proceedings, cost estimates of capital projects, dividend growth, share repurchases, balance sheet and credit ratings, rebates to customers, employee issues and other matters affecting future operations. In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy are providing a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the provided forward-looking information. These important factors include: future economic conditions in regional, national and international markets and their effects on sales, prices and costs; prices and availability of electricity in regional and national wholesale markets; market perception of the energy industry, Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy; changes in business strategy, operations or development plans; the outcome of contract negotiations for goods and services; effects of current or proposed state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments, including, but not limited to, deregulation, re-regulation and restructuring of the electric utility industry; decisions of regulators regarding rates that the companies can charge for electricity; adverse changes in applicable laws, regulations, rules, principles or practices governing tax, accounting and environmental matters including, but not limited to, air and water quality; financial market conditions and performance including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates and credit spreads and in availability and cost of capital and the effects on derivatives and hedges, nuclear decommissioning trust and pension plan assets and costs; impairments of long-lived assets or goodwill; credit ratings; inflation rates; effectiveness of risk management policies and procedures and the ability of counterparties to satisfy their contractual commitments; impact of terrorist acts, including, but not limited to, cyber terrorism; ability to carry out marketing and sales plans; weather conditions including, but not limited to, weather-related damage and their effects on sales, prices and costs; cost, availability, quality and deliverability of fuel; the inherent uncertainties in estimating the effects of weather, economic conditions and other factors on customer consumption and financial results; ability to achieve generation goals and the occurrence and duration of planned and unplanned generation outages; delays in the anticipated in-service dates and cost increases of generation, transmission, distribution or other projects; Great Plains Energy’s and Westar Energy’s ability to successfully manage and integrate their respective transmission joint ventures; the inherent risks associated with the ownership and operation of a nuclear facility including, but not limited to, environmental, health, safety, regulatory and financial risks; workforce risks, including, but not limited to, increased costs of retirement, health care and other benefits; the ability of Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy to obtain the regulatory and shareholder approvals necessary to complete the anticipated merger or the imposition of adverse conditions or costs in connection with obtaining regulatory approvals; the risk that a condition to the closing of the anticipated merger may not be satisfied or that the anticipated merger may fail to close; the outcome of any legal proceedings, regulatory proceedings or enforcement matters that may be instituted relating to the anticipated merger; the costs incurred to consummate the anticipated merger; the possibility that the expected value creation from the anticipated merger will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; difficulties related to the integration of the two companies; the credit ratings of the combined company following the anticipated merger; disruption from the anticipated merger making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers; the diversion of management time and attention on the anticipated merger; and other risks and uncertainties.
This list of factors is not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other materials that Great Plains Energy, Westar Energy and Monarch Energy Holding, Inc. (Monarch Energy) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with the anticipated merger. Other risk factors are detailed from time to time in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K filed by Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy with the SEC. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. Monarch Energy, Great Plains Energy, and Westar Energy undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.