Weather permitting, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to replace a crossroad pipe on K-31 within the city limits of Blue Mound. The work zone will be closed to traffic between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drivers should use alternate routes around the daylong highway closure.
Persons with questions may contact KDOT Superintendent Shawn Denny, (785) 433-6115, or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
The Bourbon County Commission meeting scheduled for this evening has been canceled.
Submitted by
Jennifer Hawkins
Bourbon County Clerk
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The Boy Scouts are out and about selling popcorn!
The money from sales goes to help with the dues of the children.
If there is money left over from paying their dues, it goes to purchasing their awards and camps. If you are interested in supporting the troop they will be having their weekly meeting at First United Methodist Church at 3rd and National tonight at 6 p.m.
“We will have some popcorn with us for sale. If you have a child interested in joining scouts feel free to stop by and check it out,” said Mandi Widder, who submitted the item.
Submitted by Michael Hoyt
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 23, 2024 5:30 p.m.
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.
Kaety Bowers, Mapleton, and Tim Emerson, Devon, were elected chair and vice-chairman, respectively, of the Bourbon County Republican Party at the annual leadership reorganization meeting at Fort Scott Livestock Market last evening. Gayle Sackett was elected secretary and Donna Banwart, treasurer, both from Fort Scott.
They will represent the county at state Republican meetings and local monthly meetings, Emerson said.
Candidates are nominated and voted on at an annual reorganization meeting.
At the September 19 meeting, the whole slate of officers was elected in one nomination. “There was no one opposing us,” said Emerson.
The results of the election are reported to the state, he said.
According to the rules and regulations, Emerson said that the party leadership and precinct leadership must have a male and female representative.
Each precinct person represents their local township in Bourbon County.
At regular monthly Republican meetings, those running for office in upcoming elections may speak to the group.
“Usually, our meetings are quarterly, except in election years or when the group sees the need to meet,” outgoing secretary Deb Martin said. “We have Republican officeholders speak about their offices and current legislation action updates and other current political campaigns.”
On September 19, David Beerbower, county commissioner candidate; Tim Shallenberger, Kansas State Senator candidate and Rick James, Kansas Representative candidate in the November 2024 elections spoke to the group.
At monthly meetings there is also discussion on ways to help Republican candidates get elected, Emerson said.
“You go door to door to explain what the candidates stand for, that’s very helpful to candidates. Signs are put out for national and state candidates at people’s homes with good (visible, highly trafficked areas) he said.
The Special Uniontown Council Meeting on September 18, 2024, at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:00 PM 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 Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applicants for non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 5:20 PM
Meeting resumed at 5:20PM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to hire Angela Hixon as City Clerk, start date of October 7, 2024
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 5:25PM
John Hrenak retires from KDOT
John Hrenak, Jr., District Maintenance Engineer for the District Four of the Kansas Department of Transportation, is retiring Oct. 1, following 45 years and four months of service to the State of Kansas.
Hrenak began his career with KDOT in 1979 as Project Engineer at the Fort Scott Area Office. He was promoted to Area Construction Engineer and Area Engineer prior to the closure of the Fort Scott office in 1996. Hrenak then became a Staff Engineer at the district office in Chanute. He was named to his current position in 1998.
As District Maintenance Engineer, Hrenak has overseen all state highway maintenance and snow and ice removal operations in 17 counties of southeast Kansas. “I’ve always been inspired by the dedication of our maintenance employees,” he said. “They’re the first responders to anything that goes bad. They do a good job for their communities and their families. We’re working for the people of Kansas.”
Hrenak lives in Fort Scott. He plans to spend more time with family and friends during his retirement.
An open house for Hrenak will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, in the south building of the KDOT District Four office complex at Chanute. The south building is located at 1502 S. Washington St.
“We have been working to build the business since we discovered the clay vein in 2017 on our family property in northwest Bourbon County,” she said. “We have worked diligently since then to reclaim and test the clay, dreaming of the day we could launch Bourbon County Clay.”
The Regular Council Meeting on September 10, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 5:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly (8:25), Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Interview non-elected personnel –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:00.
Open meeting resumed at 7:00.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:20.
Open meeting resumed at 7:20.
CITIZENS REQUEST
none
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the August 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $300,920.74, Receipts $40,904.00, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $35,763.99, Checking Account Closing Balance $293,284.75. Bank Statement Balance $293,467.13, including Checking Account Interest of $62.89, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $182.38, Reconciled Balance $293,284.75. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,595.12, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,396.79, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $391,768.28. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $467.79, and Utility CDs $1,384.69 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,852.48. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of August $7,635.99, Year-to-Date Net Income $57,8058.55. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,850.49 (61.5%), Expenditures $81,944.78 (50.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,311.82 (63.1%), Expenditures $20,417.78 (48.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $92,758.76 (63.3%), Expenditures $74,512.96 (42.0%); General Fund YTD Revenue $151,872.36 (77.6%), Expenditures $127,948.07 (41.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,120.92 (84.3%), Expenditures $5,668.41 (56.0%). The September 2024 payables to date in the amount of $31,728.14 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Rogers and Sons Concrete, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that 405 Hill St had complied and 504 Sherman St’s chickens are still getting out. They were seen in neighbor’s yard before meeting and pictures were taken for the file. Superintendent Rich received a report that grass/weeds at the culverts were not being trimmed at 303 2nd St. Coyan will followup.
City Superintendent Rich requested to attend the Pipeline Safety Seminar in Manhattan, October 29-30.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend the Pipeline Safety Seminar in Manhattan, October 29-30.
He also reported that the public water supply inspection by KDHE has been completed. It is recommended to have the water tank inspected again, since it has been more than five years since last inspection.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to have Bobby Rich schedule an inspection of the water tank
Clerk Johnson reported that a major gas leak was found in a home. Gas has been shut off and plumber contacted by property owner to repair
Johnson asked if council wanted to have the auditor present the 2023 audit or accept as presented on paper.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2023 audit as presented on paper
Johnson also informed the council that cost of internet service for the SCADA will be going up $20/month and City Hall will be going up $10/month on October 1 billing. One-call tickets will also be going up $0.13 per ticket effective January 1. She informed that KSGFOA fall conference is in November and KMU is hosting a City Clerk & Finance Professional Management Academy one day a month for five months beginning October 16. These could be beneficial training opportunities for her replacement.
A request for records was received pertaining to Winter Storm Uri, she will respond as requested.
A FEMA Exploratory Conference Call is scheduled for September 12, 1PM regarding damages from flooding for disaster DR 4800.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – Thanked Sally, Bobby, Colby, and Old Settlers Committee for all their work for Old Settlers Picnic. The new city limit signs look nice.
Councilwoman Esslinger – Send a Thank You to Old Settlers Committee.
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – Received complaints about fishing derby being unorganized and car show impeding parade route during Old Settlers Picnic.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting was held September 1. A press release was sent to The Fort Scott Tribune, Fort Scott Biz, and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
Streets – Superintendent Rich and Clerk Johnson met with Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt on September 4 to go over areas requiring warranty work. The City will need to prep the area on South Washington that needs extended. Rich reports that the tractor is not the correct equipment to dig it out and pack AB3, he will contact a contractor to complete the prep work. The cracks will be filled with a rubberized liquid material. Delich recommend using a cold pour crack sealer to seal cracks in the future.
NEW BUSINESS
Sale of property – Mayor Jurgensen was approached about selling a portion of city property. City attorney recommended publishing the intent to sell.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to publish intent to sell city property after a public comment period that will end October 8, 2024
Clerk Johnson will consult with attorney on wording for the intent and publish.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 9:00
Open meeting resumed at 9:00.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:01PM
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 16, 2024 4:45 p.m.
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.
