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April 5, 2022 Tuesday at 6 pm
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Harris,
Commissioner Oharah and the County Clerk. They were present for the entire meeting.
Commissioner Beth was present for a portion of the meeting.
Also present for the meeting were, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were
present for the entire meeting) Matt Quick, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Deanne Weir,
Charlotte Ernest, Debra Matt, Earl Capp, Vicki Capp, Kim LaPorte, David Scharenberg, Dan
Laughlin, Steven Hall, Jan Laughlin, Ronald Burton, Jarad Lord, Donald Coffman, Clint Walker,
Mike Hueston, Alyssa Firley, William Peters, Nadine Leach, Butch Leach, Fred Larson,
Woodrow Brown, and Brandon Whisenhunt.
Jim thanked everyone for coming.
Lynne made a motion to approve the previous weeks minutes as well as the work session. Jim
seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Eric Bailey presented a permit for Josh Query at 2504 Limestone Rd for an entry culvert. Lynne
made a motion to approve the permit. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Eric reported that they were able to get Elm Creek burned. He said that they have started
crushing at Thomas Quarry. Eric said that Schwab Eaton had been in town looking at the low
water crossings and are finishing up and they should have that report back in about a month. Eric
asked the commissioners if they were still planning to have a hard surface meeting next week.
They all agreed that they wanted to have a meeting next week following the regular commission
meeting. Eric reported that IEA is finishing up on the punch list regarding the windmill project
and should be turning the roads back over soon.
Hay bids were opened. Jim made a motion to approve the highest bid for each property which are
as follows:
Elm Creek – Joe Tirri $3357.00
Native Road – Steve Sinn $251.00
Tower – Steve Sinn $25.00
Lynne seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation
with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client
relationship, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room and
will be for 7 minutes returning at 6:18 pm and will include Commissioners Harris and Oharah
(Commissioner Beth was not present) and Justin Meeks. Jim seconded and Jim and Lynne
approved.
Lynne made a motion to return to normal session at 6:18 pm with no action. Jim seconded. Jim
and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data
relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual
proprietorships, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at
6:26 pm. Included will be Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not
present), Justin Meeks, and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:26 pm with action. Jim seconded. Jim and
Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to allow Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft to work
together on a partnership regarding Elm Creek. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss
personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, the
Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at 6:34 pm. The session
will be for 5 minutes and include Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was
not present) Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:34 pm. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne
approved.
Commissioner Beth joined the meeting.
Justin said that they are asking the commissioners to change the title for Shane Walker to Chief
Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial Officer. He said there is no change in
pay, only the title, and it is to encompass all of their job titles into one. Jim made a motion to
change Shane Walkers title to Chief Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial
Officer. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft said that she has a letter from I AM REHAB requesting to renew their contract
for another year which would take it through May of 2023. Clifton asked when the contract for
Via Christi renews. Susan said she believed that it was in August. Lynne made a motion to renew
the contract for I AM REHAB for another year. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Susan said that they need to elect one of the commissioners as a voting delegate for the KAC.
She said that they are wanting to add an HR group to the organization and one of them would
need to complete to voting form. Clifton made a motion to allow Jim as the voting delegate for
KAC. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan said that based on the appraisal of the medical building done during the feasibility study,
that it appraised for much more than they anticipated and that the amount of insurance needs to
be increased to at least $7 million in coverage on the building itself. Clifton made a motion to
increase the amount of coverage on the medical building to $7 million. Lynne seconded. All
approved.
Susan asked if they would be interested in doing a joint KOMA training with the City of Fort
Scott. Clifton said that he and Lynne had already been through the training and are not interested
in doing it again at this time. Jim said he would possibly participate depending on his schedule.
Public Comment:
Vicki Capp asked what the plan is for Yale Road? Are they going to fix it and repave it or turn it
into gravel and leave it gravel? Eric said that the base on Yale Road is failing and it would have
to be taken back to gravel and the base needs to be rebuilt before it would be able to be repaved.
That is the plan for it, but at this time, nothing has been decided and they are having a meeting
next week to address the plan for hard surface roads. Vicki asked if the one cent sales tax was
still in place to help maintain the road? Susan said that it is still in place but is for all roads. Jim
explained that when the sales tax was passed that it was enough to maintain what was already
paved. Then they added more miles of paved roads and it is hard to keep up with it all and find
money to maintain it all. There are roads in every part of the county that need attention. David
Scharenberg asked if all three of the commissioners supported repaving Yale Road. Lynne said
that has always been his plan was to repave it. Jim said that each district should see 1/3 of the
sales tax money and he would support what Lynne wanted to do with the 1/3 he receives for his
district. Clifton said he had roads in his district that are bad too and need repaired and they would
do the best they could with what they have. There was more discussion regarding the road
conditions in the northwestern part of the county.
Ronald Burton asked about the county helping with Union Street on the edge of Mapleton. Justin
said they cannot do that because it is the city limits and that would be competing with the private
sector. He asked if he could close it to through traffic when it gets too bad? Justin said yes since
it was in the city limits. He asked if he annexed it out of the city then would the county maintain
it? Justin answered that then it would be a county road and they would be responsible for
maintaining it.
Mike Hueston asked if the commission could recap the presentation that was given by Nobel
since they were unable to attend that meeting. Clifton talked about the highlights of the
information given by Noble. Hueston asked about the condition of the ambulance wearing out
and need replaced. Clifton said that this something they will have to evaluate and get a plan in
place. He said that the county has purchased one new ambulance but the others were given by
Mercy and they cannot give them or sell them for a certain timeframe.
Commissioners Comments:
Lynne said that they are working on getting a cell tower up in that area and getting internet for
everyone in that area. He said that he wanted to keep taxes the same and not have to increase
them. He thanked everyone for coming.
Clifton thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
Jim thanked everyone for coming and was glad they had a good turnout. He said that they are
planning to keep having meetings at outside locations and since they had a good turnout would
be back at Mapleton again. He said that they are going to work hard to keep taxes from raising.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
March 29, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and
the County Clerk present.
Also present for all or some of the meeting were Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Don
Coffman, Matt Crystal, Drew Solomon, Tom Booser, Merrill Atwater, Dr. Randy
Nichols, and Mark McCoy.
Eric Bailey presented permits for Joe Kerr at Indian Rd and 195th for an entrance
culvert. The second permit is for Craw-Kan to install fiber lines in the southwest part
of the county. Clifton made a motion to approve the permits at Indian Rd & 195th and
also for Craw-Kan in the southwest area of the county. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric said that he received a phone call this morning regarding a utility company
cutting Maple Rd. at approximately 190th or 195th he has not seen it yet. He was not
aware of this and is going to work with them to get the appropriate permits. Eric said
that he does not think that cutting the road was the best option but he was not aware
of the project prior to them cutting the road. Eric asked that if a utility company
contacts a commissioner, then please refer them to his department so they can look
at all options and get appropriate permits. Jim said that he had a conversation several
months ago with a utility company but he said that he told them to contact Eric.
Eric said that due to the road safety plan grant received last year, TranSystems
Company is in town gathering data. Eric said that if you see vehicles with lights
driving around gathering data but those vehicles should be clearly marked.
Eric discussed the placement of a stop sign in Bronson in the area of 25th & Bay St at
the far west part of the curve. He provided maps and of the location and it was
discussed as to what the best placement would be. Jim made a motion to place a stop
sign at the intersection of Bay and the curve between 25th & Bay. This would stop the
westbound traffic on Bay Street and the sign would be placed on northwest corner of
the intersection. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Eric said that Dustin had worked diligently to find a dump truck and it paid off
because they were able to find a 2008 Sterling in Tulsa for $60,000.00 and it has the
plow attachments that they will be able to put the county plow on it. Eric said that
they finished at 267th and Arrowhead with the 36” culvert replacement so that isn’t so
narrow now. He said that they are scheduled to burn at Elm Creek Lake on Friday,
weather permitting. Eric gave an update on the windmills saying that they are still
working on the punch list that he submitted and everything is going good on finishing
up. Jim Harris asked if Eric had received information on federal funding for the year
yet. Eric said yes, but that it had been postponed. Lynne asked about the ditching on
Wagon Rd that he had received a call on. Eric said that it is on the list and they are
working as fast as they can but they also need to look at fixing cross tubes if the
ditching is going to really help anything.
Millie Lipscomb, with the Elk’s Lodge, said that with costs rising on everything, that
she was requesting a donation from the county of $750 instead of $500 that has been
donated by the county the last few years. Clifton made a motion to donate $750 to
the Elk’s Lodge for their fireworks display this year. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley presented the contract with Hamlin Energy to help secure the best price for a
gas supplier since Pro Solutions is going out of business. She said that they will look
and price as well as monitor bills and recommend locking in a price or changing
suppliers. She also said that the contact is not for a specific time frame that it can be
revoked at anytime with a written letter from the county. Clifton made a motion to
allow Chairman Harris to sign the contract with Hamlin Energy. Lynne seconded. All
approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add mowing at 401 Woodland Hills
Blvd. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to move county counselor comments to the end of the agenda.
Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton said he had been asked if the bids received were apples to apple and he said
that they are not. Justin Meeks recommended rejecting all bids and rebidding it. He
said that he thinks that we should rebid with better specs. Jim agreed. Clifton made a
motion to reject the bids for mowing and rebid it with more detailed specs and to be
due back by next Tuesday’s meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss
data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts,
and individual proprietorships. The session will last for 30 minutes returning to the
commission room at 9:57 am and will include the 3 commissioners, Noble Health
representatives (Drew Solomon, Tom Boozer, and Marrill Atwater), Josh Jones, Shane
Walker, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:57 am with no action. Lynne
seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to move the executive session for personnel matters to next
week’s meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan reminded everyone that the meeting next week on March 5th will be held at the
Mapleton Community Center at 6 pm and asked what the commission wanted to do
about future meetings in outside areas of the community. Jim said that he would like
to see one held at Garland and Hiatville. Lynne said he would like to see a night
meeting held here at the courthouse as well and Jim agreed. Lynne also said that if
you are going to have meetings at those locations you should probably have one at
Fulton, Hammond and even Devon. Jim said he would be in favor of trying that and
proceed based on attendance. Jim recommended that once we have been to several
remote locations for meetings, that they continue with a remote location meeting
once per quarter and an evening meeting at the courthouse every 4-6 weeks possibly.
Susan said that she would work on a schedule. Susan handed out a capital
improvements document to help department heads to understand what needs to be
taken into consideration when looking at capital projects. This also includes
personnel. If a department needed to add personnel they would have to justify the
reason for requesting.
Noble Health Presentation – Drew Solomon gave an update on the feasibility study. It
is substantially complete. There are a few items that need to be done. A lot of good
findings. Tom Booser will provide additional information. Tom is the coordinator of
the research. All of rural Kansas has a demographic trend happening. Every year 25
families leave this county. Right now 19% of the population of Bourbon County is 65+.
In 20 years 40% of the population will be 65+. This region is the least healthy in the
entire state. Kansas used to rank 9th in terms of health and has declined to 29th out of
the 50 states. Through community meetings and surveys the consensus is that we
need more healthcare. Data shows there is a very significant trend in this county.
There was substantial migration for healthcare from this area prior to the hospital
closing. Eleven million dollars per year for healthcare leaves Bourbon County for care
outside of this county. If this is going to be a sustainable hospital it must control the
out migration. It must find a way to build trust in the community and attract people
back. In this community, in this region, these hospitals carry twice the
uncompensated care burden as most rural hospitals. As the population ages, you can
see from a financial standpoint, your coverage may exceed, in terms of income from a
hospital, 40% of revenue. Medicare pays less than private insurers. Medicare
typically pays less than the cost to deliver the care. The current model of this
hospital the cost to deliver the care is higher than what the reimbursement is. Every
time you see a patient you lose money. The only way a hospital can fix that is from a
high percentage of private insured patients. If you have a large Medicare/Medicaid
population and you can control payments you have a very stable model. This is why
so many hospitals get some level of tax subsidy because there is a structural mismatch
between costs and revenue. The only way to surmount this, going forward, is to do
something different than you’re doing right now or what has been done in the past.
This is a structural problem and you have to change the approach. Part of that is
collaboration. Rural hospitals should collaborate more. This is going to require
transformation. A completely different way of behaving in regard to healthcare.
There has to be some sort of community leadership to get people to understand that
using healthcare in the region keeps it sustainable. In this region, workforce could be
the main component of whether a hospital is viable or not. There is a nursing school
in Pittsburg that graduates about 120 students per year. On average, those students
owe $25,000 which could be about 15 to 20% of your pay every month to pay off that
loan. What if there were help for these candidate nurses so they wouldn’t have that
debt. This requires community activism and some original thoughts. The former
hospital operated in a certain model allowing surgery and other things like that.
There is a merging model called a rural emergency hospital that could be an option
commissioner’s get with the county counselor to go over the case. Justin stated there
were comments in a previous meeting about the commissioners controlling elected
officials employees. Some statutes say that commissioners are responsible for policy
except elected officials. You guys have no control over the hiring and firing of
elected official’s employees. If there is a policy in the handbook and the elected
official doesn’t want to follow it they don’t have to.
Commission Comments – Lynne wants to see commission meeting at Devon, and one at
Lake Fort Scott. Jim stated he wants to go off-site once per quarter and have a night
meeting every 5th or 6th meeting depending on participation. Jim stated that he is not
in favor of raising the mill levy. Lynne stated that department heads with a surplus
should use that money for raises for their departments.
Clifton made a motion for an executive session 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 for possible litigation for 5 minutes, including 3
commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker returning at 10:58am. Lynne
seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at
10:58am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved. Lynne made a motion to allow
Justin to handle litigation situation that has arisen. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion for an executive session 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 for possible litigation for 7 minutes including Justin, Susan
Bancroft and 3 commissioners returning at 11:06am. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:06am with no action. Lynne
seconded. All approved.
At 11:07 Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
Several Uniontown 4-H Club members have been busy competing in local Aggie Day events recently. On March 25th members competed at Fort Scott Community College Aggie Day in Meat Evaluation, Livestock Evaluation and Vet Science. The highlight of the day was our Junior Meat Evaluation teams as they finished 1st and 2nd overall in the contest. Marley Sutton was 2nd, Makinlee Bloesser 3rd, Austin Maycumber 4th, Kendyl Bloesser 5th, McKinley Sutton 6th and Seth Shadden 7th.
Two weeks later members competed in the Allen Community College Aggie Day Livestock Judging contest. The teams ranked 5th and 8th overall with Makinlee Bloesser leading the way with an 18th place individual finish.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: April 12, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Lora Holdridge – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Tri–Valley Agreement for Services
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o Executive Session – KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment
A Fort Scott 4×4 Mud Run to benefit a local recreation center is coming to town on April 23-24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Spectator’s cost is $5 person, or $10 for carload (6 and under free).
Participating Mud Run entries are $20.
All proceeds are being donated to the Fort Scott Recreation Center, according to the event organizer Michael Hayden.
“We really appreciate him doing this, the additional funds really help out,” Tom Robertson, director of Fort Scott Recreation Center, said. “This assistance will help with scholarships for kids and families that can’t afford to sign up for a program such as baseball, swim lessons or cooking class, anything with a fee attached.”
Bourbon County was chosen to have the event because leadership was welcoming, Hayden said.
“We wanted to have a mud run somewhere in the southeastern Kansas area to give our members a larger event to attend in a part of the state that is often overlooked for bigger cities,” said Hayden. “After contacting a few different counties, the leaders in Bourbon County and the City of Fort Scott seemed most open and welcoming to the idea.”
The event will be at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, located on South Horton in Fort Scott, just across from the community college.
“Mud Runs involve a mud pit dug to a specific depth and length in which a vehicle attempts to power through and reach the other side in the shortest time possible,” Hayden said. “Heavy equipment is standing by to pull out those that get stuck before reaching the end.”
There are typically several different classes of vehicles to keep competition fair, he said.
“We will have two different mud pit depths and three different classes, based on tire size,” Hayden said. “The vehicles need to be registered and street legal, with the exceptions of a few minor modifications. The intent is to allow the average person to be able to come out and have fun! We we have trophies and door prizes in all classes.”
The mud run is organized by the Kansas Ram Club.
“Our major sponsors are Ron’s Tire and Service in Fort Scott, Simon’s Dirt Work in Fort Scott and Buddy’s Home Furnishings in Pittsburg,” he said.
“Also, we have added an additional exhibition night for Friday night at 6 P.M. in which the Kansas Gambler 500 vehicles are going to be coming through the mud pit as part of their annual cruise,” Hayden said. “They plan to have somewhere around 100 eccentric vehicles and should be an exciting time!”
Uniontown City Council will have their regular monthly meeting on April 12 at 7 p.m. at city hall.
Council members are:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Ruritan, Skeet George –
UHS Alumni Association, Susan Eldridge –
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Shipping/Storage Containers, Accessory/Storage Buildings, Fences regulations, Solid Waste
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Financial Audit contract
Insurance renewal
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
Wholesale water supply –
Pond Improvement Project –
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
Street Repair –
ADJOURN
To view attachments:
The minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
Council Meeting on March 8, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:05), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, Arlie Bess, Mauriel Whisenhunt, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, gave an explanation of the Placemaking Pathway. Adding outdoor exercise equipment, public restrooms, pickleball court, etc would be projects that could be partially funded with a pathway grant; however, in order to qualify for a grant a pledge would have to be signed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 3-2 (Esslinger, Stewart) to sign the Pathways to a Healthy Community Pledge Placemaking Package with Sally Johnson as contact person and submit to Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
CITIZENS REQUEST
Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked about the Ruritan funding a public bathroom in or near the park. He presented a sketch and ideas were discussed. He asked that the City apply for a REDI grant for the project. He will work with an engineer to get some cost estimates.
Arlie Bess – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on storage containers. He has two and wanted to know if he would have to get rid of them. Discussions are preliminary but if an ordinance was passed, his containers would be grandfathered in.
Mauriel Whisenhunt – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on citywide trash service. She has a house and a business, would she have to pay for two trash service fees? Discussions are preliminary, but that is a good question and will be considered in future discussions.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the February Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $361,861.00, Receipts $50,364.54, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $60,806.42, Checking Account Closing Balance $338,643.12. Bank Statement Balance $353,490.41, including Checking Account Interest of $27.26, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $14,847.29, Reconciled Balance $338,643.12. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $415,619.39. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $55.71, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $130.55. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February 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 Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500, Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of February $23,217.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $14,899.62. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $17,272.29 (16.4%), Expenditures $18,274.04 (14.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,470.50 (15.3%), Expenditures $8,504.42 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $29,400.22 (21.1%), Expenditures $19,466.90 (7.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,577.30 (30.0%), Expenditures $22,785.51 (13.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,784.86 (26.1%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%). The March 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $22,828.49 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich asked for permission to get a dumpster to remove the storage building at 112 Second St and to clean up those two lots.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow Bobby Rich to get what is needed to remove the storage building and clean up the lots at 112 Second St
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent so discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste was tabled until next month.
Clerk Johnson informed the Council that KDHE is soliciting for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects to fund.
The legal bills for the transfer of 105 Third St have been received. She asked for clarification of what was to be billed to the buyer and what was the City’s responsibility. The amount to bill to the buyer is $76.
She reminded the Council that League of Kansas Municipalities’ Governing Body Institute & Mayors Conference is April 29-30 at Manhattan
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – asked about spring citywide cleanup. After discussion
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for April 25-29 with dumpsters picked up when filled and the number of dumpsters to be determined by current cost
Councilwoman Kelly – was approached about someone wanting to purchase a corner lot to put an RV on to live in until something could be built. They were encouraged to attend a council meeting to present their request. The City does not allow people to live in RVs.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – wants another rabies clinic. Clerk Johnson will contact Marmaton Valley Vet Clinic to get one scheduled. If after March 31, those attending will not be charged a late fee for registration.
OLD BUSINESS
Wholesale water supply – Rate ordinances were acquired from City of Fort Scott for 2013 to present. Rate ordinances for the same period were requested from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2 but not received yet. Councilman Ervin has worked up some figures but forgot to bring them. The discussion will continue next month.
Pond Improvement Project – USD 235 asked if we were still planning to use the rock piled north of the pond and were told yes. The rest of the project will be completed in the summer. Clerk Johnson was reminded to order fish food.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – A couple more have paid in full. We may be able to pay an additional $10,000 back in a couple more months.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson stated that the first report required by Treasury is due April 30, 2022. She is attending webinars on compliance and how to complete required documentation.
Street Repair – Increases in oil prices may increase the cost of asphalt. We may not be able to complete as much as we initially thought. Discussion will continue next month. The Bourbon County Commission will hold their March 22, 2022 commission meeting at Uniontown Community Center. If the councilmembers plan to attend a notice will have to be posted, that they may be there but not to conduct city business. Public Works Director Bailey has contacted Councilmember Kelly to attend the next commission meeting to discuss the resurfacing of Maple Road from Uniontown to Bronson.
NEW BUSINESS
Special Event CMB License-Union Station – they are the weigh-in location for the fishing tournament and would like to be able to allow anglers to consume on premises during the tournament, May 28, from 6AM to 11:59PM.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to approve the Special Event CMB License for Union Station for May 28, 2022, 6AM to 11:59PM
City Sewer at Union Station – they asked if it was a possibility. After discussion, the Council consensus is not at this time.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and applicants of non-elected personnel positions, the open meeting to resume at 8:45
Johnson called in at 8:43, out at 8:44. Meeting resumed at 8:45.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0-1 (Ervin abstain) to hire Ginger Ervin for cleaning/water sampling position, cleaning will be $10/hour, water sampling will be $3/sample
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0,
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
April 6, 2022
Josh first made two announcements: 1. The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is presenting a grant writing workshop on April 19; refer to the Foundation website to sign up to participate. 2. The DCF Job/Resource Fair will be held on May 24, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Pittsburg Memorial Hall. For more information contact Kelly Stammer at 620-820-6319 or [email protected].
Josh explained that the Community Foundation is a public charity created by and for the people of our area. The mission is to encourage charitable giving to benefit the common good and improve the quality of life for those in Southeast Kansas. He then explained the three different grant cycles for which 501(c)3 organizations, schools, government institutions, and religious institutions can apply: Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Youth-Volunteerism Grants, CFSEK General Funds Grant, and Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Grants.
Carla then explained the differences between the two entities and ensured than an organization could certainly apply for funding from both foundations. For more information on the foundations or how to apply for grant funding, visit www.fsacf.com and southeastkansas.org.
Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting
Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse welcomes Benton Cavaness who will share his story. After a 20 year drug addiction, Benton is free! “God miraculously gave me complete victory over addiction and I have experienced more miracles and blessings in the last year than most people ever get to witness!”
Benton is from Thayer, KS. His interests now are God, church, family, farming, cattle, horses and staying free!
Guests welcome Thursday, April 7th at 6:30 pm.
We will gather in the conference room of Fort Scott Inn, 101 State Street.
Aglow International is an interdenominational ministry for women and men. The goal is: Every Nation touched, every heart changed.
Without Needing to Enlist!
Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting its 39th Annual Civil War Encampment, April 23 and 24, 2022. Join us for cooking on the open fire, experience artillery and infantry troops preparing for battle, smell bread baking, participate in discussions about troop and refugee support, step back in times while playing period games, and try writing with quills and ink! This event is a well-loved tradition that is back and better than ever!
Acting superintendent Carl Brenner welcomes the community to the Fort to experience life as it really was. “We are grateful to have the generous support and participation from the Holms Brigade, Wichita Boy Scout Troop 704, Friends of Fort Scott, Inc., and plenty of new and old Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers alike,” said Acting Superintendent Carl Brenner. “We encourage everyone to step back in time and smell, hear, see, and experience life at the fort.”
Park volunteers and staff will be leading a variety of programs. Both days will consist of several artillery and infantry demonstrations and tours of the fort. Saturday: join the discussion around the importance of the Lunette Blair Block House (adjacent to the park on Skubitz Plaza), find out about the lives of women during the Civil War period with the Ladies Union Aid, a cooking demonstration outside our mess hall and baking bread in the bakery. Sunday: begin the day aa authentic 1840s church service, play authentic lawn games, and participate in a discussion about being a Civil War refugee. The day is full of fun and games for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!
Encampment Schedule:
SATURDAY, APRIL 23
Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons, and in the bakehouse doing demonstrations throughout the day
SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons throughout the day
You are always welcome to wear a mask, and please remember to keep safe distances, wash your hands, and have fun!
From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
Credit Photo as: NPS Photos
Submitted by Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN; SEK Multi-County Health Department Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
Prevent-Promote-Protect
Who are we?
We are the SEK Multi-County Health Department.
1971, the Bi-County Health Department was started with Anderson County and Linn County. Kansas Department of Health and Environment worked with these two counties because of their low immunization rates. Several years later, Allen, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties joined to form the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department. In 2006, Linn County left the SEKMCHD leaving the four counties – Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson.
Who are our staff?
Allen County: Megan Neville, RN-Public Health Nurse; Traci Ridge-Accountant; Susan Belt, MT(ASCP)- Reg. PHEP Coordinator/Planning & Outreach Coordinator; Vicki Howard-Home Visitor; Ruby Gulick-Administrative Assistant; Deidre Wilson, RN-WIC Coordinator/Public Health Nurse; Dr. Rebecca Watson-Medical Director; Cara Walden, RN-Public Health Nurse; Cynthia Frisbie, RD, LD-Dietician
Anderson County: Samantha Mason BS, RN-Public Health Nurse; Mika Mader-Administrative Assistant
Bourbon County: Hannah Geneva, RN-Public Health Nurse; Kendell Mason-Administrative Assistant; Holly Fritter-Home Visitor; Linda Lawrence-Special Projects Assistant; Rebecca Johnson, BSN, RN-Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
Woodson County: Tiffany Davidson, RN, BSN-Public Health Nurse; Joni Diver-Administrative Assistant
What do we provide to our community?
Public Health
What is Public Health?
Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases. Overall, public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations. These populations can be as small as a local neighborhood, or as big as an entire country or region of the world. (CDCfoundation.org)
Why is Public Health important?
Public health professionals try to prevent problems from happening or recurring through implementing educational programs, recommending policies, administering services and conducting research—in contrast to clinical professionals like doctors and nurses, who focus primarily on treating individuals after they become sick or injured. Public health also works to limit health disparities. A large part of public health is promoting health care equity, quality and accessibility. (CDCfoundation.org)
The 10 Essential Public Health Services:
The strength of a public health system rests on its capacity to effectively deliver the 10 Essential Public Health Services:
The 10 Essential Public Health Services provide a framework for public health to protect and promote the health of all people in all communities.
To achieve optimal health for all, the Essential Public Health Services actively promote policies, systems and services that enable good health and seek to remove obstacles and systemic and structural barriers — such as poverty, racism, gender discrimination, and other forms of oppression — that have resulted in health inequalities.
Everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to achieve good health and well-being.
Other services we provide to our community:
Family Planning:
Breast Exam, Pap, Lab Work, STD testing, Blood pressure screening, hemoglobin, blood sugar, nutrition counseling & birth control if desired.
Immunizations:
Infants, Children, & Adults
KanBe Healthy Screening:
For Kancare eligible children up to 18 years of age. Full physical, hearing & vision screenings, and lab work.
Healthy Start Home Visitor:
Provides home visits to pregnant mothers and parents of newborns. Provides parents with resources and referrals for various assistance programs they are eligible for. Breastfeeding education provided.
Adult Physicals:
Basic adult physical provided by registered nurse for employment purposes. Physicals also provided for State of Kansas foster care or adoptions.
Childhood Physicals:
Physicals for public schools, daycares, Headstart or preschool. Full physical, hearing & vision screens, lab work. No Athletic Physicals.
Blood Pressure & Glucose Checks:
We will monitor blood pressure/blood glucose and keep a record for you.
Pregnancy Tests:
Provided for $15.00. Referrals to DCF, WIC, HSHV, and family doctor are provided.
WIC:
Women, Infant, & Children – State Program to help promote the healthy development of children. Call for more information.
STD Testing & Treatment:
We will test for and treat gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.
Lab/Blood Draws:
Cholesterol, diabetes, drug screens, pregnancy, CBC, Thyroid, prostate. For a full list and pricing please call.
Child Care Licensing:
Call for more information
How to contact us:
Allen County: (620)365-2191
Anderson County: (785)448-6559
Bourbon County: (620)223-4464
Woodson County: (620)625-2484