The City of Fort Scott Administration Offices will close at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24th, 2022 due to the Fort Scott High School All School Reunion parade which begins at 5:00 p.m.
Category Archives: Government
Moran Hwy. 54 Bridge To Open Today
New U.S. 54 overpass to open June 22
Wednesday, June 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to open the new U.S. 54 railroad overpass to traffic at Moran. The bridge is expected to open before 5 p.m. Wednesday, weather permitting.
Drivers are reminded to use extra caution since the project area remains a work zone. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 14
June 14, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the
County Clerk present.
Clinton Walker, Rachel Walker, Anne Dare, Matt Crystal, Jacob Bielenberg, Bill Martin, Bob
Reed, Ben Cole, Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Rob Harrington, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker
and Matt Quick were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Lynne seconded.
All approved.
Eric Bailey presented a culvert permit for Patrick Wood at 1004 S 230th. The commission is going to check on whether they have to approve each culvert permit. If not, it will be
discontinued. Eric gave an update on the composting permit for soybeans. The permit is still on hold. Eric said that the holdup is on their side. We’ve done everything on our side. Eric stated
there has been training on the rock crusher. It puts out a lot of rock. We are cleaning up the overburden at Blake’s. We will start asphalting next week in Hiattville. The culvert crew has
been working on 215th cleaning out the ditches and getting the tubes in.
We had some trees down over the weekend from the storm and are working on cleaning that up. Eric received a call
from Iola Post Office. Unity and 62nd Terrace where there is a water plant and a house. There is a lane that goes down there. We’ve checked with Lora and we’ve looked on the GPS maps and
that road does not show as a platted road on either map and hasn’t been bladed and they’re unable to get down to the mailboxes. Does anyone know of any agreement in this case? Jim
said he didn’t think they ever bladed it
Eric stated he received a call from a councilman from Uniontown from our meeting we had out there, it was their understanding that we were going to lay asphalt for them. I need some guidance. Jim stated that was not his understanding. He said that we would review and see if we could help them or not. Justin said we can’t do that without an interlocal agreement. We can’t compete with private business.
Justin stated that there are two more trestle bridges in the county that are becoming a problem. We’ll have to make some big
decisions on probably three of them. Eric stated working on the area Lynne mentioned is go on each side of the bridge and put barricades up stating “bridge out” and put a dead end sign. We
will be working on correcting this in the very near future.
Lynne mentioned that on Unity between 95th and 105th there is an area that washes a trench out every time we get a few inches of
rain. I think it might be a ditch problem. Jim asked what Eric needs to be really aggressive with ditching? Jim asked Eric to bring a plan. Jim said it was no reflection on Eric’s operation because we had the same issues when he was in the position.
Ashley Shelton presented fireworks permits that need signed. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris and Ashley to sign the fireworks permits. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley stated there would be one more next week.
Ashley spoke on Preservation of Ballots and
Election Records per KSA 25-2708 states the records shall be destroyed after 22 months from election. When the ballots are destroyed, I have to have two witnesses, one from each party. I
have reached out to Carol MacArthur, chairperson for Democratic party and also reached out to Mark McCoy who is the chairperson of the Republican party who recommended Anne Dare.
Those two people have to be appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Clifton made a motion to appoint Carol MacArthur and Anne Dare to witness the 22 month destruction of election
material. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley stated that there have been complaints from
the people that the building at 108 W 2nd. There was work done last year and paid for but it is not completed. Jim asked if there is a check-off process for projects to make sure they are
completed prior to payment. Ashley said when we received the invoice and it has been signed, we assume the work is done.
Ashley asked if any of the commissioners planned to attend the
KAC conference on October 17-19. Jim asked that Ashley make reservations for him. Clifton and Lynne will be attending, also.
Bill Martin stated that over the last 5 years there have been 90 employees go through the jail as correctional officers. In the last week we’ve had four correction officers turn in their
resignations. That brings us down to 8 to operate the jail. I’m here to inform the commissioners that I’m shutting the jail down. We’ll be transferring the inmates out until we can figure out
what we can do in regards to the employees. We’ve had Facebook posts, job announcements by word of mouth to get people to come in and haven’t gotten one application. This is being done
for inmate and correction officer safety. Bobby Reed did everything he could do.
Jim
mentioned that this is a nation-wide issue. Your situation is not unique. People don’t want to work. Bobby stated that this is a very difficult decision. I have 16 positions that are under my
control for correction staff, not including myself, my caption or my secretary. Next Tuesday, I will have 8 of those employees out of 16. Those 8 employees, if they stay, I have been told that
another one may be coming; I have another one coming at the end of August. Those 8 employees are staying on because we are not shutting the facility down completely. We are
moving all of the inmates out that we can to surrounding areas. I’ve been in contact with several sheriffs throughout SEK as far as Fredonia and we are going to have to keep those 8 people on
and figure out some sort of schedule so that when arrests are made they are still going to be booked into our system. They will then be transferred to another county. We still have to have
daily operations, depending on the court systems, we are still going to have to get the inmates to court. We will have to go get them from where they are being held to get them there. We will
still be responsible for their medical. This morning I have 62 inmates that are ours. Some counties are going to charge us $35.00/day/inmate, some counties will charge $40.00/day/inmate
and some will charge $45.00/day/inmate plus medical. Jim asked Bobby what he thought was contributing to the turnover. I
n the last couple of months, everyone that has resigned has filled
out the exit interview paperwork. I ask for details. Several years ago we opened our job pool to hire outside of Bourbon County. I had an employee who left two weeks ago that was driving from El Dorado Springs, MO. He found employment closer to home making more money. Gas prices are also playing a roll. I’ve contacted Cherokee, Crawford, Allen, Linn, Anderson and
Miami. Everyone, but Miami and Anderson County start out at $15.00/hr. They are struggling to stay fully staffed. When asked if they would take some of our prisoners they said in an
emergency they would but they are trying not to because they are short staffed as well. Miami and Anderson’s starting wage is $17.00/hr. Jim stated that according to records, their budget was
increased $48,000.00 for 2022. Bobby said back in 2018 we started out at $10.17/hr. In 2018 we got a $1.50/hr raise that brought us up to $12.17/hr. With the 3% that we got in 2022 that
brought the starting wage to $12.50/hr. Bobby stated that even if we brought the starting wage up to $15.00/hr., there is no guarantee it will bring us applicants. Bill asked about the increase
for 2022. Jim stated that there was an additional $48,000.00 for the correctional facility and an additional $50,000.00 for Sheriff’s side. When we did the budget last year we tried to address it
and tried to help. Bill stated that the report they received from Susan showed we are about 3%
below what we should be spending but we’re not familiar with what will happen in the future.
We are just finishing the 5th month going into the 6th and overtime is at $32,000.00. Given the
pay raise we feel that that is going to be over budget in regards to wages and salaries and we are
trying to watch that in regards to what is going on. Bobby and Ben have worked diligently
trying to figure out what to do and how to get this going. Law enforcement public safety, when
it comes to correctional officers, are just as important. Our hands are tied. We can’t even fill
from deputies because it takes away from their time off. Jim stated that when we increased your
budget $48,000.00, we were hoping that would bring the salary up enough to make people
happy. Bill stated that this is not to make anybody angry, but we’ve had several studies done to
show that we are below the minimum pay. We addressed that and they were in double-digit
figures. When you give raises in the single-digit figures it’s hard to make that up. We are open
for suggestions. We are willing to have a round table discussion at a later time, but right now
this is what we are faced with. Bobby said we need to come up with incentives for people to
want to stay. We need to pay our people well enough that they can’t afford to look. When there
is such a wide salary difference between us and the private sector it’s pretty common sense.
With 60 inmates at an average of $40.00/day that’s $2,400.00/day multiplying by 30 days that’s
$72,000.00/month. If this is long term, which I hope is not, we have roughly 180 days left in the
year. That’s $432,000.00 estimated to pay to other counties depending on our numbers. That
doesn’t include medication, fuel and wear and tear on vehicles. Susan asked about food service.
Bobby said that we are under contract and he hasn’t reached out to them. Worst case scenario,
we have to keep a few of our inmates because we can’t find housing, a bare minimum of maybe
under 10. Susan stated that because we are a government entity, contracts can be broken because
of budget constraints. Could we reduce the amount of food? Bill stated that we will have to get
with the contractor and find out once we get the numbers and negotiate. If we do away with that
contract, it will be difficult to find another vendor to come back in due to what is going on. This
contractor takes full responsibility for any food allergy reactions. They take that responsibility
during lawsuits so we have to negotiate and watch what we do. Bobby stated there are two
vendors. One is food service and the other is medical with CHC. Due to some of our inmates
going to other facilities that have CHC will have to work something out. If we pull off of that
then our costs go up considerably. CHC has saved Bourbon County a lot of money. I would
hate to do away with the contract. We are hoping this is short term. Jim stated some of our
larger correctional facilities are privately run. Is there any advantage to that? Have you looked
at anything like that? Bobby responded that the sheriff has control over the jail, the jail has to set
in the county seat. I’m almost 100% certain that the county has to have the jail and it can’t be
because if it was that easy every county would do it. Out of 105 counties in Kansas there are 102
jails within Kansas. Three or four are shut down because they are old and only have one or two
beds. Most of those that are privately run are like a prison and not a county jail. Those facilities
house post-trial or sentenced inmates. Bill stated that a private institution would pay more in
wages. That would not be feasible for Bourbon County. Clifton asked how many beds our jail
has. Bobby stated 74. This morning there are 69 inmates and 6 of those are Linn County so we
would be 61 or 62 inmates. Linn County will take their inmates and house them elsewhere this
week. I spoke to the sheriff in Linn County and their facility will not be open for another 2 or 3
weeks and that’s if all goes well. Bill stated that at the end of May we should have spent 41.5%
and is setting at 37% which is about 3% less which gives us some cushion for overtime. There is
going to be overtime on the sheriff’s side now because we have a deputy that resigned and that
We are just finishing the 5th month going into the 6th and overtime is at $32,000.00. Given the
pay raise we feel that that is going to be over budget in regards to wages and salaries and we are
trying to watch that in regards to what is going on. Bobby and Ben have worked diligently
trying to figure out what to do and how to get this going. Law enforcement public safety, when
it comes to correctional officers, are just as important. Our hands are tied. We can’t even fill
from deputies because it takes away from their time off. Jim stated that when we increased your
budget $48,000.00, we were hoping that would bring the salary up enough to make people
happy. Bill stated that this is not to make anybody angry, but we’ve had several studies done to
show that we are below the minimum pay. We addressed that and they were in double-digit
figures. When you give raises in the single-digit figures it’s hard to make that up. We are open
for suggestions. We are willing to have a round table discussion at a later time, but right now
this is what we are faced with. Bobby said we need to come up with incentives for people to
want to stay. We need to pay our people well enough that they can’t afford to look. When there
is such a wide salary difference between us and the private sector it’s pretty common sense.
With 60 inmates at an average of $40.00/day that’s $2,400.00/day multiplying by 30 days that’s
$72,000.00/month. If this is long term, which I hope is not, we have roughly 180 days left in the
year. That’s $432,000.00 estimated to pay to other counties depending on our numbers. That
doesn’t include medication, fuel and wear and tear on vehicles. Susan asked about food service.
Bobby said that we are under contract and he hasn’t reached out to them. Worst case scenario,
we have to keep a few of our inmates because we can’t find housing, a bare minimum of maybe
under 10. Susan stated that because we are a government entity, contracts can be broken because
of budget constraints. Could we reduce the amount of food? Bill stated that we will have to get
with the contractor and find out once we get the numbers and negotiate. If we do away with that
contract, it will be difficult to find another vendor to come back in due to what is going on. This
contractor takes full responsibility for any food allergy reactions. They take that responsibility
during lawsuits so we have to negotiate and watch what we do. Bobby stated there are two
vendors. One is food service and the other is medical with CHC. Due to some of our inmates
going to other facilities that have CHC will have to work something out. If we pull off of that
then our costs go up considerably. CHC has saved Bourbon County a lot of money. I would
hate to do away with the contract. We are hoping this is short term. Jim stated some of our
larger correctional facilities are privately run. Is there any advantage to that? Have you looked
at anything like that? Bobby responded that the sheriff has control over the jail, the jail has to set
in the county seat. I’m almost 100% certain that the county has to have the jail and it can’t be
because if it was that easy every county would do it. Out of 105 counties in Kansas there are 102
jails within Kansas. Three or four are shut down because they are old and only have one or two
beds. Most of those that are privately run are like a prison and not a county jail. Those facilities
house post-trial or sentenced inmates. Bill stated that a private institution would pay more in
wages. That would not be feasible for Bourbon County. Clifton asked how many beds our jail
has. Bobby stated 74. This morning there are 69 inmates and 6 of those are Linn County so we
would be 61 or 62 inmates. Linn County will take their inmates and house them elsewhere this
week. I spoke to the sheriff in Linn County and their facility will not be open for another 2 or 3
weeks and that’s if all goes well. Bill stated that at the end of May we should have spent 41.5%
and is setting at 37% which is about 3% less which gives us some cushion for overtime. There is
going to be overtime on the sheriff’s side now because we have a deputy that resigned and that
position will have to be covered too with the possibility of one or two more leaving. This is not
about the sheriff’s office, I’ll handle that. Bobby has worked hard to find ways along with the
help of Undersheriff Cole and I believe they have done all they can. Clifton asked how many
people Bobby has today. Bobby stated that he has 11 as of today. He has 19 positions, 16 that
are assigned to the back that are 6 correction officers, 4 corporals, 4 sergeants and 2 lieutenants
that doesn’t include myself, my captain or my business secretary. Bill stated that he knows there
will be people in the public that will say that when we built the new jail we increased our staff
and that is incorrect. We hired one and that is the transportation officer. Bobby stated I’m not
asking for more staff because I can’t fill the positions I have now. Jim asked if they equate so
many employees per inmates. Bobby stated no that they would need a lot more staff handle it
that way. Bill said there was a study done that stated one correction officer per 8-10 inmates.
With the way the jail was designed we could handle the inmates with the current staff. Jim asked
if we were going to maintain eight employees could we keep 30% of the inmates. Bobby stated
that he doesn’t like to work with less than three employees due to safety or medical issues. Jim
asked Susan about the money they are talking about spending where is it coming from? Susan
stated at quick glance I can’t tell you. You may have to dip into some sales tax money of which
you don’t have a lot built up and if sales tax takes a dip that’s a little bit different. Susan stated
that looking at studies with counties with populations similar to ours. Of course, you have to
look at assessed valuation, property tax generated but what comes from that is Bourbon County
has the lowest assessed valuations in the comparisons and we’re the third highest in mill levy.
So, we are poor and are taxing at a high rate. We are second to lowest in what we can generate
in property taxes. It’s more about economic development and growth in our community. That is
a partnership between lots of entities. Bourbon County Redi, City of Fort Scott, our school
districts with everybody coming together and figuring out how we get our assessed valuations up
so we can lower our taxes, that’s housing development and industries coming in. Right now we
are a poor county when it comes to what we have to fund and the services we provide. I looked
at the American city, county government journal and it is a national problem. What is changed,
according to the article, is the private sector is offering high compensation, flexibility and rapid
career advancement. They are looking for younger workers. They are calling this the great
resignation. They’ve never seen anything like this. Turnover is unprecedented. For many the
pandemic prompted reflection about what is most important in their lives. Work, it turns out,
wasn’t as important as many had thought and people became less willing to center their lives
around their job. Further into the article it talked about a shift in worker attitudes. There are five
values that could be driving the change. A desire for flexibility across all dimension, work that
works for the person, among the young groups they are telling governments to rethink how
they’re giving incentives both wage and non-wage incentives to align better with new worker
values. We are not just talking about other industries; we are talking about people we are trying
to hire. They are saying be open to hiring senior workers. The report that they did said that if
we don’t change our approach to hiring and retention the oldest members of gen-x (those born
between 1997 and 2012) who are now 25 and the youngest just 10 years old the cohort will be
the target hires for the next decade or more and their interests are very different than those of the
baby boomers and the gen-xers who now occupy most senior rolls in government. We have to
rethink what we’re doing. Jim asked if the sales tax won’t cover it, will we do no-fund warrants?
Susan stated that could be a potential. You could have to do some serious budget cuts; you could
have to do some reduction in force. This is a very serious conversation. Bobby stated that it
costs a lot of money to fight crime and crime don’t care about money. This is a service that
every county has to provide but the people that are allegedly committing crimes don’t care if we
have an industrial park full of businesses or we have zero. Clifton stated that is what pays our
taxes. We don’t have a golden goose that lays eggs to pay for everything. Clifton verified with
Bobby that his staff work 12-hour shifts and that is a difficult thing to staff. Hospital systems
have spent billions of dollars trying to figure out how to do it effectively and they haven’t
figured it out either. Jim asked since we’ve built the new facility, what percent has the crime
gone up in Bourbon County? Bill said he could get some numbers for him in a couple of weeks.
Before closing out Bill asked if the public comments regarding what they’ve talked about could
be asked now as they would be leaving after their presentation. Clint Walker stated he reads
various county newspapers and they have sheriff’s report during commission meeting. Why
don’t we do that? Bobby said there is a report sent everyday to the newspaper and various other
e-mail addresses. Arrests, inmate count and releases are included in the report. There is a
website that you can get this information from as well. Jim said that when the jail was built it
was highly discussed about the money that was to be made by renting beds. Bobby said he
wasn’t going to go down that rabbit hole because it’s a conversation for another day. But, we
moved into that jail 6/18/18. When the jail was built we had 40 inmates here and 20 – 25 housed
out. So, we built that jail for 74, at the time we had 65. We have 1,100 feet currently at the jail
that pods could have been put in but weren’t at that time. Hindsight is 20/20, if we could go
back in time, I would bet at that time the cells would have been added in that space to house
them, we could have had it paid off in 2 ½ years and we would have 2 ½ years of revenue that
could have assisted in our budget for wages. Anne Dare reiterated that it is a national problem
and not just a sheriff problem; it is a society problem and the way our society is going. It is
going to take faith-based communities; medical communities, sheriff communities, school
communities to effectively change the culture of our county. The only thought I had was
implementing some type of ROTC type program. Is there anything that could be law
enforcement type classes in our high school and junior college to possibly help the education
process in order for them to come out ready to be hired. Clifton stated the junior college does
have classes. When someone is hired in law enforcement that person is sent to the state academy
in Hutchison. While there, he is being paid a salary. Once they graduate, they are certified in
the state of Kansas. By statute, once they finish academy, they have to work for that agency for
1 year. Jim asked Bobby if starting salary was $15.00/hr what would happen? Bobby stated he
didn’t know. I can only hope it would help. I don’t know if it is a fix-all because other counties
paying that amount are having trouble keeping help. The county just south of us is slightly
below that but as of the 27th of this month they will be raising it to $15.00/hr. I fear it will cause
a snowball effect in raising the starting wage to $15.00/hr then you would have to raise those
who’ve been there awhile higher and then that will affect other departments in wanting increases.
I think it is a step in the right direction but will cause a snowball effect and there is no guarantee.
I’m available for any questions, round table events to come up with a solution to this problem.
Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft for 10 minutes
returning at 10:41am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:41am with no
action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session for Councilor Meeks for
attorney client privilege. Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 including three commissioners, Councilor Meeks for 10
minutes returning at 10:51am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return
to normal session with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual
proprietorships including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Rob Harrington and Merrill
Atwater for 10 minutes returning at 11:03am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session
at 11:03am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft stated the SEK Multi-County Health Dept is doing a community baby shower
and our handbook does not allow for solicitation. We can make a donation as a county or can
put it out for our employees to see. The Commission gave permission to put it out. Susan stated
bank reconciliation for May is complete. There is nothing new, sales tax is up still. We did
reconcile. All departments are doing better in getting these done quickly. Jim asked about the
difference in the CD’s listed. Susan said she would get with Rhonda and Patty and look into
bidding those out again with the interest rates going up. Susan presented information from
Juvenile Detention Center as to what they will be charging next year. We’ve always budget
$110,000.00 and so that is still within range. Their estimate is $83,655.00. It is based on usage.
Susan requested an executive session. Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-
4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Shane Walker, and Justin Meeks for 5
minutes returning at 11:14am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:14am
with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Shane Walker – CIO: No comment
Public Comment: Anne Dare stated she was looking at the May bank reconciliation and wanted
to know why we have 1.64million in CD’s. Susan stated they are certificates of deposit and
we’ve tied up our cash to get a little more interest on it. It is part of the budget. That protects us
from raising taxes. Anne asked about the funding for the Juvenile Detention Center. How many
juveniles do they house for Bourbon County for last year? Justin stated that you cannot house
juvenile offenders with adults. We looked at another facility but it was full. Anne wants a better
breakdown. Anne asked that they take another look at it to see if it is cost effective. Justin said
he and Susan would look at it again.
Ashley Shelton stated that Clear Ballot election equipment would be here this afternoon to
demonstrate their equipment. Public is welcome.
Commission Comment: Jim assured Anne that they would look at the juvenile detention center
again.
At 11:22am Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
KS Bonuses For Child Care Providers
Governor Laura Kelly Announces $53 Million in Appreciation Bonuses for Child Care Providers
~~Child Care Providers Will Receive $750 to $2,500 Per Person
as a Thanks for Their Hard Work~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her administration is giving a total of $53 million to eligible child care staff at licensed facilities as a reward for their incredibly essential, hard work. The funds will be made available through Child Care Workforce Appreciation Bonuses that will soon be directly distributed to approximately 22,650 early childhood care staff members across Kansas. Individual bonus amounts will range from $750 to $2,500 per person.
“Early childhood development is the smartest investment a community can make. Early childhood education programs benefit our kids in the long-term, both in and out of the classroom, and they make it possible for parents to enter and participate in the workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s exactly why we’re making a total of $53 million available to nearly 23,000 child care providers throughout Kansas: We want to show our gratitude for all they do every single day.”
Eligible child care providers must be regularly working in a paid position at a licensed facility and have a minimum of six months continuous employment at their current employer or six months of combined continuous employment with a licensed provider. Home-based and relative providers may also qualify for the bonus program. There is also an opportunity for those who have worked less than six months at a licensed facility to receive a bonus. The Appreciation Bonus is a one-time payment that will begin in mid-to-late July and is funded through federal Child Care Development Funds.
Licensed facilities include child care centers, including all Head Start programs and preschools; school age programs; day care homes; and DCF relative providers.
“Working in child care is a calling, one that inspires and educates the minds of young Kansans, and plays an important role in strengthening Kansas families,” said Laura Howard, Secretary of Kansas Department for Children and Families. “We cannot say it enough — Thank you child care workers for everything you do for Kansas children!”
Child Care Aware of Kansas (CCAKS) will implement the program on behalf of the Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. All eligible child care workers will receive a letter in July outlining the process to accept the bonus and will have until Nov. 18 to act. CCAKS will offer educational webinars about the process as well. Learn more at www.ks.child careaware.org.
“Child care professionals are essential to a thriving Kansas economy, providing high-quality early care and education to young children while ensuring parents are able to work,” said Kelly Davydov, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. “We’re grateful for their service to young children and families.”
The Child Care Workforce Appreciation Bonus program is one more way the Kelly Administration has supported child care providers to create real, sustainable change in child care in Kansas.
In total, the Kelly Administration has invested more than $272 million to support child care providers, including three rounds of Child Care Sustainability Grants to aid child care providers to meet the costs of operating their businesses through the remaining impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The third round of Child Care Sustainability Grants announced in March made more than $160 million available for child care businesses to use toward payroll expenses, costs of operations, and potential revenue losses. Rounds one and two of the Sustainability grants provided nearly $100 million in support to ensure child care centers and home-based providers were able to remain open.
HERO Relief Provider Funding assisted all open child care providers and related providers with funding supports during the immediate impact of COVID-19. More than $11 million was awarded to providers to assist with unexpected expenses related to the pandemic.
Governor Kelly also wrote a letter to licensed child care providers thanking them for their work and informing them of how to qualify for the bonus award. The letter is available here.
Minority/Women Enterprise Award Nominees Are Sought
Nominations Open for Minority and Women Enterprise Development Awards
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced the call for nominations for the 2022 Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards. The annual awards are just one way the Department of Commerce notes the growing impact minority- and women-led companies have on the entire state economy.
“Any time we have an opportunity to shine the light on all the amazing businesses and businesspeople in our great state is a win,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Taking the time to recognize minority- and women-owned businesses is key to our success in highlighting and showcasing our Kansas communities and the people who make them thrive.”
Presented by the Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Development, the awards are given to minority- and women-owned businesses in the following categories:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Professional Service
- Retail
- Service
- Supplier/Distributor
- Young Entrepreneur
- Business Advocate
- Corporation of the Year
“We want to recognize minority- and women-owned businesses that are working hard to build their companies and at the same time contributing to their community as valuable resources,” Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Rhonda Harris said. “This is a great time to say “Thank you” for everything that they do, and we appreciate their dedication and vision to make their community and Kansas a better place.
MED Week is celebrated nationally to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority business enterprises that support the U.S. economy and generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue. The significant economic impact of minority- and women-owned businesses translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. These jobs not only sustain the individual worker, but contribute to the economic security of their families, and the economic vitality of their communities and of the nation.
The Department of Commerce will hold an annual luncheon in November to recognize the many winners and celebrate the contributions of women- and minority-owned businesses and communities across the state.
To learn more about the MED Week Awards, view past winners and nominate a business, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 13.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
Kansas Hits Lowest Unemployment Rate in Recorded History
|
FSCC Board Minutes of May 16
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
May 16, 2022
PRESENT: Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and CTEC Board
members
Acting Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Acting Chairman noted the graduations on Saturday were well attended, and
the ceremonies went very well. Hart noted that the nursing pinning was also nice.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
FINANCIAL AID REPORT: Lillie Grubb presented an explanation and update for the financial aid department.
A motion was made by Elliott seconded by Fewins and carried by unanimous vote to move the tour of student
housing to post-adjournment, with no business taking place during the tour.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was by made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revised
chemistry fee due to the increase in the lab kit.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed items of correspondence.
REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from the Gordon Parks Museum, Miami
County Campus, Instruction, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:35 p.m. by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.
Tom Havron led a tour of Boileau Hall, Greyhound Hall, and Garrison Hall.
Chairman Clerk7
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
May 16, 2022
PRESENT: Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and CTEC Board
members
Acting Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Acting Chairman noted the graduations on Saturday were well attended, and
the ceremonies went very well. Hart noted that the nursing pinning was also nice.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
FINANCIAL AID REPORT: Lillie Grubb presented an explanation and update for the financial aid department.
A motion was made by Elliott seconded by Fewins and carried by unanimous vote to move the tour of student
housing to post-adjournment, with no business taking place during the tour.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was by made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revised
chemistry fee due to the increase in the lab kit.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed items of correspondence.
REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from the Gordon Parks Museum, Miami
County Campus, Instruction, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:35 p.m. by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.
Tom Havron led a tour of Boileau Hall, Greyhound Hall, and Garrison Hall.
Chairman Clerk7
FSCC Board Agenda for June 20
Bo Co Commission Agenda For June 21
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 21, 2022
1 st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2 nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3 rd 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 & Bridge Report
Conservation District Budget
Ashley Shelton – Fireworks Permits
Jim Harris – Executive Session 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
Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
Public Comment
Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would
Bo Co Commission Work Session on Jail
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Monday starting at 7:30am
Date: June 20, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
WORK SESSION REGARDING THE CORRECTIONAL CENTER HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT 7:30AM. THIS IS A WORK SESSION AND NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. THIS WORK SESSION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
FS City Commission Minutes of June 7
Minutes are unapproved until the meeting.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of June 7th, 2022 Regular Meeting #11
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 7th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners K. Harrington, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with President J. Jones presiding.
INVOCATION: City Commissioner, Matthew Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Jason Dickman, Brad Matkin, Jackson Tough, Kevin Allen, Megan Smith, Dallas Smith, Ann Rawlins, David Saker, Claudia Wheeler, Jody Hoener, Clayton Miller, Steve Anthony, Harold Martin, Rob Harrington, Emily Bolt, Tayton Majors, and representing the press Tammy Helm, Editor, Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: State Farm Insurance 100th Anniversary Proclamation – President Jones read a proclamation proclaiming June 7th, 2022 as State Farm Day in the City of Fort Scott. He called upon the residents of the City to observe this day by demonstrating what being a good neighbor is all about through acts of kindness and making people feel welcome.
Josh asked that Rob Harrington be added under Appearance.
Election of President of the City Commission – Josh said that the next item is to elect a President of the Commission.
- Van Hoecke said that he has checked into it and the State Statutes on replacing the President position as well as the Mayor position. He would like to replace both positions. He cited Kansas State Statutes and the City ordinances and said that we can take this time to put new faces on the Commission in leadership positions.
- Van Hoecke made a motion to take nominations for Mayor at this time since there are no guidelines in place for the President to automatically move up to the Mayor position. Shane Walker seconded.
- Jones states that K.S.A. 13-513 sets the guidelines on how to fill the Mayor’s position and read the following: “When any vacancy shall happen in the office of Mayor by death, resignation, absence from the City, removal from office, refusal to qualify or otherwise, the president of the council for the time being shall exercise the duties of the office of Mayor with all rights, privileges, and jurisdiction of the Mayor until such vacancy is filled or such disability is removed, or in the case of such vacancy, other than a temporary absence of disability, the president of the council shall become Mayor. Thereupon the council shall elect from its membership a new president of the council. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the office of councilman, the governing body shall appoint an elector of the word where the vacancy occurs to be councilman for the balance of the unexpired term.”
- Van Hoecke said that he was looking at K.S.A. 12-184a which states: “Form of government continued. A) A city shall continue to operate under its current form of government whether established at an election, or by adoption of a charter ordinance or ordinance until such time that the City’s form of government is changed as provided by law. B) All existing ordinances and charter ordinances relating to a city’s form of government, except those provisions relating to the time if city primary and general elections, shall remain in effect until amended or repealed by such city.”
- Jones said that the protocol set in the past has been that the president moves up to Mayor and cited a situation where this occurred in the past. He said that he was just pointing out what has happened in the past.
- Van Hoecke said that a liaison needs to be appointed to the Lake Advisory Board to replace Kevin Allen.
- Van Hoecke said that the current ordinance needs changed.
City Attorney said that you can change your current ordinance. There is an ordinance to replace a Commissioner. The replacing of the President to the Mayor position has not come up since he has been City Attorney. He said they can change the ordinance however they wish.
Back to the previous motion to take nominations for Mayor at this time, roll call was taken with T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voting aye. J. Jones abstained. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED TO TAKE NOMINATIONS FOR MAYOR.
- Jones moved to nominate Katie Harrington for Mayor. M. Wells seconded. M. Wells and J. Jones voted aye. S. Walker and T. Van Hoecke voted no. K. Harrington abstained.
- Jones asked the City Attorney if the abstained vote counts as an affirmative vote and he said it did.
APPOINTED KATIE HARRINGTON AS MAYOR.
- Walker moved to nominate Matthew Wells to serve as the Lake Advisory Board liaison. J. Jones seconded. J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, and S. Walker voted aye. M. Wells abstained. Motion carried 4-1.
APPOINTED MATTHEW WELLS AS THE LIASION OF THE LAKE ADVISORY BOARD.
- Walker moved to nominate Tim Van Hoecke as President of the Commission. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPOINTED TIM VAN HOECKE AS PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COMMISSION.
CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 17th, 2022 and special meeting of June 1st, 2022.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1313-A totaling $583,514.00.
- Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer – April Invoice – $2,155.00
- Request to Pay – HDR Engineering – River Intake Project – $7,124.16
- Request to Pay #2 – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Manhole 148 Project – $94,116.15
- Consideration to Pay – Brightly Software – $7,677.09
- Harrington asked that the payment to Bourbon County R.E.D.I. be removed from the Appropriation Ordinance as she has a conflict.
- Walker moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the Bourbon County R.E.D.I. payment. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE REMOVAL OF THE PAYMENT TO BOURBON COUNTY R.E.D.I.
Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Payment of $5,416.67:
- Jones moved to approve the payment to Bourbon County R.E.D.I. T. Van Hoecke seconded. J. Jones, S. Walker, M. Wells, T. Van Hoecke voted aye. K. Harrington abstained. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED PAYMENT TO BOURBON COUNTY R.E.D.I. IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,416.67.
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
Ann Rawlins – Ms. Rawlins appeared before the Commission regarding the Old Fort Genealogical Society. She is the librarian. She has an exciting project regarding the Katy Railroad project. They had an exhibit in Texas, and they want to move it to Fort Scott. Documents to be housed are accounting records, maps, annual reports, etc. They need to be available to the public. Their museum will donate these items to a research library. They would like to take over the lower half of Memorial Hall for these items. She asked them to consider their putting Memorial Halls repairs on the front burner.
- Van Hoecke said that he thinks all of the Commission would like the building repaired.
Steve Anthony – Mr. Anthony asked permission to use the tennis court lights at the Golf Course on July 30th for their Special Olympics tournament.
- Wells moved to allow the Special Olympics tournament to use the tennis court lights at the Golf Course for their event on July 30th, 2022. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ALLOW THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS TOURNAMENT TO USE THE TENNIS COURT LIGHTS AT THE GOLF COURSE FOR THEIR EVENT ON JULY 30TH, 2022.
Old Business:
- Consideration of Impound Yard for Codes vehicles – City Manager said that he passed out information to the Commission regarding an impound yard for Codes vehicles and Land Bank vehicles that are acquired. We need a place to hold them and companies to pick them up. He has had three interested parties. These vehicles would be picked up at no cost and held at no cost, but they would get the vehicles once the titles are acquired in payment of the holding and picking up and hauling. The City would have to comply with the State of Kansas Salvage Control Act. He asked that the vehicles would not be held in a blight area where they could be viewed. The regulations would need to be gone over with the interested party.
- Jones said that this needs to be looked at yearly and make sure all interested parties are considered.
Clayton Miller said that they want to make sure they are up to City codes on the property for the salvage yard.
City Manager said that we can get an ordinance in place also. It will take a little while to get this developed and started.
- Wells moved to moved to move forward with an impound yard for the City of Fort Scott for Codes vehicles. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH AN IMPOUND YARD FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT FOR CODES VEHICLES.
Appearances:
Dallas Smith – Wedding reception venue request – Dallas and Megan Smith appeared before the Commission to ask for the use of the Airport hangar for a wedding reception and for the City to waive the alcohol consumption on this property for this event on October 29th, 2022. This would be from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Van Hoecke moved to allow Dallas Smith to use the hangar at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport for the wedding reception on October 29th, 2022 and to waive the alcohol consumption on the property for this date. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ALLOW DALLAS SMITH TO USE THE HANGAR AT THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT FOR THE WEDDING RECEPTION ON OCTOBER 29TH, 2022 AND TO WAIVE THE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON THE PROPERTY FOR THAT DATE.
Jody Hoener – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team – Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding – 3rd Street Park upgrades – Downtown Arch placemaking – Jody stated that in their packets is the Memorandum of Understanding. She had the City Attorney review it and he gave a suggestion or two which she included in the MOU. There is $70,000 in grant funds in the 3rd Street project and $70,000 in grant funds for the Downtown Arch project. She also asked for approval for the Pledge.
- Wells moved to accept the Memorandum of Understanding between the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and the City of Fort Scott to outline the implementation of the 3rd Street Park project and Downtown Arch project and the pledge. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE HEALTHY BOURBON COUNTY ACTION TEAM AND THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT TO OUTLINE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 3RD STREET PARK PROJECT AND THE DOWNTOWN ARCH PROJECT AND THE PLEDGE.
Jody gave an update on the T-Mobile grant project also to the Commission. They are meeting with Fort Scott National Historic Site personnel on this project.
Lake Advisory Board Representative – Harold Martin, Lake Advisory Board member, informed the Commission that their Board met on June 4th, 2022, and they would like the City to wait two to three years before the sale of any additional Lake property. There were complications with the sale of the first four lots. The Lake Advisory Board would like a Comprehensive Plan established before the sale of any additional lake lots. Their Board voted that all boat licenses be shown on the actual vessels. All boat licenses expire on December 31st of each year. They should be displayed on the right side of the vessel. They asked for a change in this ordinance to reflect this.
Two recommendations were made at their meeting in May which remains unanswered. The Board recommended that legal counsel determine whether Lake Fort Scott falls under the State of Kansas Boating Regulations. Their board has not heard a reply.
City Attorney said that he and the City Manager discussed this. The Lake Patrol Officer always consults the State and complies with what they require.
Mr. Martin said that their other issue is regarding anchors and proper maintenance and protocol for the anchors and for the City to invest in what is needed. This should not be designated to the Lake Patrol Officer but a City employee. He asked for a status on this.
City Manager said that he would look into the cost of that.
- Jones apologized for the swimming ropes not being in place for Memorial Day. The fish feeders were not up yet either.
Mr. Martin said that they are up now.
Rob Harrington – Rob introduced his new grant writer Emily Diebolt, and the new intern for Bourbon County R.E.D.I, Tayton Majors. They each stood up and gave a little of their background.
Rob said that he prepared a policy and procedures and handed the City Attorney a copy.
He said a year ago he stood before the Commission and addressed a couple of items on behalf of a couple of businesses. He addressed the road by Peerless and El Charro. The road needs to be repaired.
City Attorney is working on this issue to get easements on this road known as 25th Street. He has quit claim deeds from all property owners except for Peerless.
Rob will check with Peerless on this.
Rob also brought up the ditch in front of Niece Products and if the road is City or County property. There is a water issue there. The ditch needs cleaned out.
Shane said that the roads are the County, but the ditch is the City’s.
City Manager will check into this issue.
Public Hearings:
- Jones moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:06 P.M.
6:00 p.m. – Notice of Hearing of de-annexation of the property more commonly known as 2142 Jayhawk Road –
Katie asked if there was any public comment and there was none.
- Wells said that the City promised to get them water some time ago. He cannot find any information on this issue. He said that there are two houses close in proximity that do have City water.
- Wells moved to table this de-annexation at this time until more information can be obtained. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
TABLED THE DE-ANNEXATION FOR 2142 JAYHAWK ROAD AT THIS TIME.
- Jones made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:12 P.M.
New Business:
- Acceptance of K.D.O.T. Grant – Horton Street – $949,000.00 – Resurfacing, new sidewalks, crosswalks, and ADA ramps on Horton Street between 6th Street and 18th Street – City Manager said that the City was awarded this grant.
- Wells moved to accept the K.D.O.T. Grant for Horton Street in the amount of $949,000.00. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED K.D.O.T. GRANT FOR HORTON STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF $949.000.00.
- Consideration of Change Order #1 – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Manhole 148 Project – Increase of $1,283.50 – due to final quantity reconciliations on project – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that the increase is due to final quantity reconciliation amounts.
- Van Hoecke moved to approve Change Order #1 for Nowak Construction Co., Inc. for the Manhole 148 Project in the increased amount of $1,283.50. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
approved Change Order #1 for Nowak Construction Co., Inc. for the Manhole 148 Project in the increased amount of $1,283.50.
- Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Bourbon County for EMS – City Manager said that the MOU is before them.
Discussion was held on what is charged whether it is per hour or a percentage of time.
- Wells moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Bourbon County for EMS. K. Harrington seconded. J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye. S. Walker abstained. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND BOURBON COUNTY FOR EMS.
- Consideration of Bids for Demolition: City Manager said that there were two bids received. The low bid is as follows for each structure:
- 731 S. Heylman – Dave’s Demolition – $1,100.00 – Skitch’s – $3,442.00
- 312 S. Heylman – Dave’s Demolition – $1,200.00 – Skitch’s – $4,939.00
- 1409 S. Ransom – Dave’s Demolition – $1,200.00 – Skitch’s – $3,439.00
Dave Saker said that he had Kevin Russell contact him about getting the rock from these demolitions. He will remove it himself as he has a big hole he is wanting to fill.
City Manager said that he didn’t see any reason why he couldn’t have it. It belongs to the contractor to dispose of.
Dave said that he will have all three structures removed within a five-day period.
- Van Hoecke moved to award all three demolitions to Dave’s Demolition. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO AWARD THE DEMOLITION FOR 731 S. HEYLMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 TO DAVE’S DEMOLITION; 312 S. HEYLMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,200.00 TO DAVE’S DEMOLITION; AND 1409 S. RANSOM IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,200.00 TO DAVE’S DEMOLITION.
Reports and Comments:
- Commissioner Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments:
City Manager stated that he and the City Attorney are working on the Bourbon County R.E.D.I. and Tourism Ordinance update.
He stated that they are working on the Land Bank ordinance for mowing and well as preparing an ordinance for a separate fund for the Land Bank.
Josh said that his preference would be to move those funds to a Land Bank account so it can be tracked.
Rob said that there is a Land Bank meeting next week.
- Engineering Firm Comments:
- On-Call Sanitary Sewer Manhole Inspection Training Proposal – Jason Dickman, informed the Commission that this proposal is for the On-Call Sanitary Sewer Manhole Inspection in the amount of $6,500.00. They have been training City staff also on manhole inspections.
No action was taken on this item so it will be on the next agenda.
He stated that he is still looking for Memorial Hall plans.
Jason also updated on three other projects. He also discussed Wall Street. The Commission reminded him that they asked that an impact study be done for the businesses on Wall Street before the project proceeds further.
- Commissioners Reports and Comments:
- Van Hoecke – Tim welcomed Katie Harrington to the Commission. He remarked about the opening day at the Aquatic Center and social media comments.
Chief Shelton said that it was handled in house by H.R.
Tim commended all those involved with Good Ol’ Days – from the Committee to all the City crews. He thanked all those involved with the parade and the vendors and the organizations that were on display. He thanked Jackson Tough and Lindsay Madison also. He thanked the citizens also for supporting this event.
Tim commended the Golf Course on the serving of food at the Golf Course now. This will be a great profit maker.
- Harrington – Katie stated that she attended the Good Ol’ Days parade and commended the City crews for their hard work for this event.
- Wells – Matthew thanked the City and Public Works crews on the extra hours worked for Good Ol’ Days. We are blessed to have these employees working for the City. He said that the Fort had some Native American dancers. It was an awesome weekend all around.
Matthew asked about the electric hookups in the downtown area and upgrading them.
Matthew asked about the Codes Department and the creation of a Standard Operating Procedure.
City Manager is working on this still.
Matthew asked about Smart Growth America and if the City is still on board with this program and their ideas. He said we need to address this.
Matthew asked about rewriting the boat license for the Lake residents. He also asked about the rewriting of the ordinance for replacement of Commissioners.
City Attorney said that there are only two options: leave it alone or pattern it after a couple of other ordinances.
Matthew asked for an update on the microphone system in the City Commission room so people can hear better.
Shane said that he is having issues getting proposals for it. He has a bid from one company.
Matthew asked if Jason Dickman can look at Niece and the water issue. He said that there are hydrants and signs with issues with tree and brush overgrowth. He said that one is in the City and the other two are in the County.
Jason will look into this issue.
Matthew asked about adding an extra Land Bank member.
Tim said that they are working with Rob Harrington on this issue. Their meeting is next week, and he doesn’t want to speak prematurely on this.
- Walker – Shane remarked that there were lots of vendors at Good Ol’ Days this year. He said that there were lots of people. He thanked the Police Officers and Dispatchers and Fire personnel for their assistance.
Shane asked if Jason and the City Manager had looked at 2nd and Judson.
Jason said that there are multiple items to be addressed at that location.
- Jones – Josh said that Cooper Street has started with concrete and looks good.
Josh stated that Pee Wee Button passed away. He served as a Firefighter for many years.
He thanked all the crews for their assistance in Good Ol’ Days.
Josh said that over $750.00 were sold in boat permits at Lake Fort Scott over Memorial Day weekend.
Josh asked Bob to look at Charter Ordinance No. 21 and if it still exists.
- City Attorney Comments – Nothing to report.
Adjournment:
- Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:12 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Lewis
Deputy City Clerk
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter
Calling on the U.S. Attorney General to Investigate Violence Against Pro-Life Organizations
This week, I led 15 of my colleagues in calling on U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate and work to prevent violence against pro-life organizations. After a draft opinion in the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was leaked to the media last month, pro-life and religious organizations, including crisis pregnancy centers that assist women in need, have been vandalized and, in some cases, attacked by arsonists. Most prominently, a man was arrested with the stated intent to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his home.
I am concerned that this trend will continue should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade in the coming weeks unless the Department of Justice, the FBI and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices take a firm, public stance and a proactive response against these violent threats. The Department of Justice must take all of these threats seriously, and I look forward to receiving their response. Read the full letter here.
Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter