Category Archives: Government

Government

Kansas Delegation Launches “One Pill Can Kill” Fentanyl Awareness Campaign

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Washington, D.C. – Today, on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, the Kansas federal congressional delegation, alongside over 100 Kansas organizations, launched a statewide week-long #OnePillCanKill fentanyl crisis awareness campaign. As students return to school, each member and organization participating will raise awareness across the state about the dangers of fentanyl, the deadliest drug our nation has ever seen. Throughout the week, members will be educating our communities, hosting fentanyl roundtables, engaging in press opportunities, using social media to inform Kansans of the dangers of fentanyl and more.

 

Initiatives like the #OnePillCanKill awareness campaign sheds light on the gravity of the issue and emphasizes the importance of educating parents and children. By equipping our communities with knowledge about the dangers of fentanyl, Kansans become better defenders against this deadly scourge.

 

“Fentanyl, the deadliest drug our nation has ever seen, kills a Kansan nearly daily and is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45. Known as the ‘silent killer,’ fentanyl cannot be detected by taste, smell, or sight when mixed with other drugs and is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. This poison does not discriminate and has claimed the lives of over 1,200 Kansans across the state,” said Senator Marshall. “Our children do not know what they are up against. That is why, as kids return to school, we are leading this statewide #OnePillCanKill campaign. To tackle this crisis head-on, we are coming together and educating our communities about the devastating realities of this epidemic. As we navigate this crisis, our unity becomes our strength, education our defense, and our shared purpose our guiding light.”

 

“Fentanyl is claiming the lives of children and young adults all across the country who are deceived by drug dealers into purchasing lethal doses of fentanyl being sold as legitimate prescription pills,” said Senator Moran. “As students go back to school this week, it’s critical that we educate our young folks about the dangers of fentanyl. It only takes one pill to kill, but it will take an army of parents, teachers, students, first responders, neighbors and strangers to spread awareness about this lethal drug to save lives and end fentanyl deaths.”

 

“Fentanyl, now the leading killer of Americans aged 18-45, is tearing holes in families and communities here in south central Kansas,” said Rep. Estes. “In addition to working to secure our southern border and stop the stream of fentanyl into our country, I am pleased to join my Kansas colleagues in sharing resources to combat this deadly epidemic and raising awareness in communities that one pill can kill. As young Kansans head back to school this month, we want to remind parents, teachers and students of the dangers of fentanyl, and encourage conversations that can protect the lives of those we love.”

 

“In our state and around the country, the fentanyl crisis has become a public health emergency, with our youth being hit the hardest because they often don’t know the devastating impacts until it’s too late. I’ve had conversations with local law enforcement, health care, and education professionals on how we can best combat this epidemic. Now, the Kansas congressional delegation is coming together to fight this crisis head-on, because one death is one too many. With increased collaboration from all corners of our community, we can help save lives,” said Rep. Davids.

 

“Fentanyl is crushing families and communities across our state. Over 1,200 Kansans have already died from fentanyl poisoning, and this crisis is only getting worse by the day,” said Rep. LaTurner. “In addition to securing America’s wide-open southern border, proper education and awareness in our schools, homes, and communities can be the difference between life and death. I’m proud to team up with my fellow Kansans to fight back against one of the most dangerous drugs our nation has ever seen.”

 

“President Biden’s open border policies have turned every American community into a border town,” said Rep. Mann. “Drug mules smuggle fentanyl into our country every day, and now Kansans are dying from overdoses in record numbers. The rest of the Kansas delegation and I are raising awareness about this crisis. We need to equip parents and schools with resources to stop fentanyl from falling into the hands of young people. Most of all, we need to secure our southern border and cut the drug off at its source, which will protect the lives of Kansans and all Americans.”

 

Government, Kansas

Federal Funding Announced to Protect Historic Rural Properties

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Governor Kelly Announces $750,000 to Protect Historic Rural Properties

~~National Park Service Awards $750,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant to the Kansas Historical Society~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $750,000 in federal funding will go toward preserving historic properties in the downtown commercial cores of Kansas’ rural communities with populations under 30,000. The Kansas Historical Society’s State Historic Preservation Office, which administers the Kansas Rural Main Street Grants, was among 13 subgrant programs in 12 states to receive the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants.

“Kansas is home to many historical and cultural sites that tell the story of our state’s and our nation’s past,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the National Park Service and the Kansas Historical Society, we can protect our rural communities for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”

The National Park Service awarded nearly $9.7 million in 2023 to support the preservation of historic buildings in rural communities across America. The Paul Bruhn Historical Revitalization Grants are named for a former executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont.

Congress appropriates funding for various programs through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), including the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant. The HPF, authorized through 2023, uses revenue from federal oil leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, assisting with a broad range of preservation projects without expending tax dollars.

The Kansas State Historical Society will be scheduling a grant workshop soon. To be placed on a notification list for further details on the available subgrants, contact Katrina Ringler, Cultural Resources Division Director, by phone at 785-272-8681, ext. 217, or by email at [email protected]. More details about the subgrant program are available here.

More information about the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant can be found at go.nps.gov/revitalization.

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Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Budget and Regular Meeting Agenda for August 21

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 21, 2023 4:30 p.m.

 

A budget work session will be held at 4:30 p.m. before the regularly scheduled Commission meeting.

 

August 21, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes from 8/14/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Resolution 14-23
  • Appointment of Drywood Township Treasurer
  • Bourbon County Conservation District
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Government, Kansas

Trail Cameras Prohibited on Kansas Public Lands

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Trail Cameras Prohibited on KDWP-managed Lands in Response to Growing Public Concerns

PRATT – Over the past several years, staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have fielded an ever-increasing amount of public concerns regarding the use of trail or game cameras on public lands. Concerns cited by the public commonly included the ethics of “fair chase,” issues of theft and privacy concerns. After much deliberation – including seven public meetings held over the course of two years – Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners voted this year to prohibit trail cameras on Department lands and waters, including Walk-in Hunting Access and iWIHA properties (private lands leased by KDWP for public hunting access).

“As the number of trail cameras on the landscape increased, so did the number of reports made by constituents citing camera theft and misuse,” said Ryan Stucky, KDWP Public Lands assistant director. “There were also concerns about trail camera users disturbing wildlife with frequent visits to check on those cameras.”

As a result, Department staff and Commissioners agreed the regulation change – which is now in effect – should state that no person shall place, maintain, or use a trail or game camera on Department lands, or use any images or video from a trail or game camera including location, time, or date, for any purpose on KDWP lands and waters.

KDWP defines trail or game cameras as any remote motion-activated or infrared camera in which the shutter is activated by sound triggers, proximity sensation, radio transmitters, or a self-timer built into the trail or game camera.

While using images of wildlife produced by or transmitted from a satellite to aid in taking or locating wildlife on Department lands and waters is prohibited, the use of mapping systems or programs remains a legal activity.

For the full regulation, visit ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations and click “Department Lands and Water” then “115-08-25, Trail or game cameras and other devices.”

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Government, Kansas

KS Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy Announced

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Kelly Administration Implements Forward-Thinking Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that in order to stay ahead of the progression of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, she has directed Executive Branch agencies to adopt a statewide generative AI policy. The policy, created and introduced by the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), outlines how Kansas can responsibly embrace and use the technology while also protecting the State of Kansas.

“It is essential that we be proactive in finding the best way to use any technology that can pose risks to Kansans’ data and privacy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “With the adoption of this policy, Kansas serves as a model for what an enterprising, effective government can do to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.”

The policy comes as state and federal elected officials across the country grapple with the challenges of generative AI, which are computer-based tools used to automate certain tasks. With this policy, Kansas is staying ahead of the curve as many states continue to consider ways to regulate the use of generative AI.

“The full potential of generative AI has yet to be seen,” said Interim Chief Information Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer Jeff Maxon. “We have only scratched the surface in our understanding of what this technology can do. With the adoption of this policy, it allows agencies to safely explore how we can use generative AI to enhance our work and, ultimately, better serve Kansans.”

The policy serves as the primary governing document for the usage of generative AI for users or related activities by the entities. This policy applies to all business uses involving the State of Kansas, including but not limited to the development of software code, written documentation (i.e., policy, legislation, or regulations), and correspondence (such as memorandums, letters, text messages, and emails), research, the summarization and proofreading of documents, and the making of business decisions.

The policy outlines that responses created from generative AI outputs must be reviewed for accuracy, appropriateness, privacy, and security before being acted upon or disseminated. It also lays out that state information and/or Restricted Use Information (RUI) shall not be provided when interacting with generative AI.

Agencies are to ensure contractors disclose in their contracts the use of generative AI or integrations with generative AI platforms. Contractors are also prohibited from using State of Kansas RUI or other confidential data in generative AI queries or for building or training proprietary generative AI programs unless explicitly approved. Contractors utilizing generative AI to build software must demonstrate positive control over all data input into the system.

Software code generative by generative AI shall only be implemented after the entity has identified and mitigated all business and security risks related to its use. All usage of software code generated by generative AI shall be annotated.

View the full policy here.

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Government, Kansas

Food Assistance For Students

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Kansas Families to Receive Approximately $7.4M in Food Support Through Pandemic EBT Program

~~DCF to Distribute Both Child Care and Supplemental Benefits for 2023~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced, in collaboration with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), the continuation of the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (P-EBT) for the 2022-2023 school year. The program provides financial assistance to families who receive free or reduced-price school meals or who have children under the age of six and receive regular Food Assistance benefits.

“The P-EBT benefit provides temporary funding to address hunger and put healthy food on the table for Kansas children,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am thankful for our partnership with the Kansas Department of Education, which will ensure we have the data to get these benefits into the hands of families across the state.”

Beginning this week, children under the age of six in a household that received Food Assistance (also known as SNAP) in Kansas between August 2022 and May 11, 2023, have started to receive the child care P-EBT benefit. The amount of the benefit will vary depending on how many months a child received Food Assistance benefits. DCF anticipates distributing approximately $7.4 million for this program.

Additionally, DCF will be providing a supplemental P-EBT benefit for the summer months of 2023. This benefit is for school-aged children who received free or reduced-price school meals during the 2022 -23 school year.

Due to the complexity of gathering the necessary data, DCF will distribute the supplemental benefit in two phases beginning in January 2024.

The first phase includes an auto-issuance of benefits to families who are known to DCF through a direct certification process. The second phase, in February 2024, provides families an opportunity to request the supplemental benefit using an online portal. Additional information about the request process will be shared at a later date.

The supplemental benefit is $120 per child. DCF anticipates distributing $13.6 million for 2023.

“The P-EBT program has been essential for families who are experiencing food insecurity,” said Kansas DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “I am pleased that we are able to work with our partners to ensure families once again have access to high-quality food.”

Recipients can use their P-EBT funds to purchase eligible foods from approved retailers that accept Food Assistance benefits, like grocery stores and online at Aldi, Amazon, or Walmart.

Additional information can be found on the DCF website.

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Area News, Government, Kansas

Correctional Facility Bus Involved in Traffic Accident

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TCF residents injured in bus accident

IOLA, Kansas. – Just before 1am, August 17, 2023, a transport bus carrying 21 Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) residents was involved in a traffic accident. Nine people, including eight residents of the TCF, were injured.

The TCF residents had just finished their 3-11 pm shift at the Russell Stover plant in Iola and were returning to Topeka. The bus turned onto Highway 169 and collided with a semi-truck.

The bus driver was seriously injured and transported to a Kansas City area hospital.

Eight residents were injured including 3 with bone fractures. All eight are expected to recover.

The 13 other residents reported no injuries and were transported back to the worksite. As a precautionary measure, they were sent to a local hospital for assessment.

KDOC continues to work with law enforcement to determine the cause of the accident.

The Topeka Correctional Facility is the only correctional facility for female adults operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections. The current population is 762 women.

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Exercise, Government, Kansas

New Kansas Bicycle Map now available

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Whether you’re looking to cycle from one county to the next or across the entire state, the new 2023-2025 Kansas Bicycle Map has a lot to offer those planning a short trip or a long ride.

“The revised map has new features such as a focus on rail-trails, Kansas Tourism resources, and information on the recently published Kansas Active Transportation Plan,” said KDOT’s Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer. “This map provides information for cyclists of all levels of experience as well as community advocates wanting to develop and improve trails and paths in their areas.”

The 2023-25 map includes a state map showing daily traffic volumes, county roads, rest areas, bike shops, byways, state parks, bicycle routes across Kansas, and also includes:

  • Kansas Rail-Trails revised map and infographic.
  • Section on Sharing the Trail.
  • Information on Kansas Tourism Cycling resources.
  • Information on the Kansas Active Transportation Plan.
  • S. Bicycle Routes 76 and 66 information.
  • A table of state recreation areas and amenities.
  • State bicycle laws.

Maps and cards with bicycle safety tips are available free of charge on the Kansas Bicycle Map webpage – KSBicycleMap (ksdot.gov) This page also includes links to an interactive bicycle map and several city maps.

For more information or to order maps by email or phone, please email [email protected] or call (785) 296-5186.

Below: 2023-2025 Kansas Bicycle Map cover.

Bike Map

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Government, Kansas

Drought Mitigation Announced by KS Governor

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Kelly Administration Commits Additional $1M to Conservation Efforts in Response to Projections of Lower Wheat Production

~~Funds Reduce Erosion, Promote Water Conservation, and Mitigate Effects of Ongoing Drought~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that an additional $1 million has been directed to Conservation Districts across Kansas to support practices that will reduce erosion, promote water conservation, and mitigate the effects of the ongoing drought. This is in addition to the $3.5 million distributed each year for similar conservation efforts.

This additional funding comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects that the wheat harvest will be 122 million bushels short of Kansas’ 330-million-bushel average.

“The drought we have experienced has absolutely starved our wheat harvest at a time when Kansas farmers – and the world – cannot afford it,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue to make the necessary investments to protect the water resources that fuel our agriculture industry – the bedrock of our state’s economy.”

Funding is provided by the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation (KDA–DOC) through an appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund. The program is administered by Conservation Districts across the state.

“The state continues to seek funding for conservation efforts that can maximize water resources and help make agricultural practices for farmers and ranchers more efficient and sustainable,” Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said.

Landowners and producers with natural resource concerns on their property are encouraged to visit their local Conservation District office to discuss the possibility of receiving state financial assistance. The additional funding is available to landowners and producers interested in eligible water resource practices such as irrigation water management, nutrient management, planting cover crops, livestock water supplies, cross fencing, and abandoned well plugging.

Please contact your local conservation district office for application assistance and more information concerning state cost-share programs and other available services. A directory of Conservation Districts can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts.

In addition to helping with conservation efforts, the Department of Agriculture reminds Kansas farmers, ranchers, and their families that help is available for ag-related stress. The lower-than-expected yield can be overwhelming for mental health. Those resources can be found at KansasAgStress.org.

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Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of August 1

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of August 1, 2023                                        Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 25, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, E. Woellhof, M. Guns (via telephone) were present with Mayor M. Wells. K. Harrington was absent.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  E. Woellhof, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Ben Hart/Finance Director, (via telephone), Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, J. Pickert/Police Chief, D. Bruner/Fire Chief, Rachel Carpenter, Michael Hoyt, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer, and Mark McCoy.

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

  1. Wells moved to approve the agenda with the addition of Consideration to approve Fort Scott joining the Mayoral Alliance Against Hunger to be added as Item E to New Business. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE AGENDA WITH THE ADDITION OF CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE FORT SCOTT JOINING THE MAYORAL ALLIANCE AGAINST HUNGER TO BE ADDED AS ITEM E TO NEW BUSINESS

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $213,912.62
  3. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. via Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Project No. 23-409 (22-306) – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 3 – $553,602.60
  4. Approval of Drinking Establishment City License Renewal – Pizza Republic – 17 S. Main Street – Bret Holder
  5. Approval of Ordinance No. 3748 – Amending Chapter 10.04 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code to Incorporate Standard Traffic Ordinances for Kansas Cities – 2023 Edition
  6. Approval of Ordinance No. 3749 – Adding Section 10.05 Regulating Public Offenses Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; Incorporating by Reference the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities, 39th Edition, “With Certain Omissions, Changes, and Additions; Prescribing Additional Regulations; and Providing Certain Penalties.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Approval of the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for City of Fort Scott Budget Hearing – T. VanHoecke moved to approve the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for the City of Fort Scott Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing and Budget Hearing. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE DATE OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2023, AT 6:00PM FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING AND BUDGET HEARING.

 

  1. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a representative – TABLED FROM JULY 25, 2023.

 

  1. Woellhof moved to table the consideration of the MOU to the August 15, 2023, meeting and have City Attorney review the terms that T. VanHoecke questioned and revise the language. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF THE MOU TO THE AUGUST 15, 2023, MEETING AND HAVE CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW THE TERMS THAT T. VANHOECKE QUESTIONED AND REVISE THE LANGUAGE.

 

  1. Selection of date for Certified Local Government Program (CLG) Work Session in August with Katrina Ringler, Commission and Community

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the date of Friday, August 11, 2023, at 5:00PM as a Work Session to invite the community to participate in an open discussion with Katrina Ringler about Fort Scott becoming a Certified Local Government as an option to our current Design Review Board process. He requested that the City Clerk post the information packet online for those who were interested in learning more about the program.

 

APPROVE THE DATE OF FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2023, AT 5:00PM AS A WORK SESSION TO INVITE THE COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION WITH KATRINA RINGLER ABOUT FORT SCOTT BECOMING A CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS AN OPTION TO OUR CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW BOARD PROCESS.

 

APPEARANCES:

 

  1. Rob Hansen – Son of American Legion Car & Motorcycle Show: Squad Commander R. Hansen addressed the Commission to request a temporary street closure for a fundraising event that will be held in the Landmark Bank parking lot. He is requesting to close off the street for safety because it is a family event.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the request for a temporary street closure of 3rd between Main and National on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 8:00AM-1:00PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR A TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE OF 3RD BETWEEN MAIN AND NATIONAL ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023, FROM 8:00AM-1:00PM.

 

  1. Matkin stated the City would provide barricades for both ends of the street.

 

  1. Mark McCoy and Tayton Majors – Bourbon County REDI: T. Majors addressed the Commission with a Business Retention and Expansion presentation. The PowerPoint presentation is included with these minutes.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration for the purchase of a fire truck: Fire Chief, Dave Bruner gave a presentation on the need for the City to consider purchasing a fire truck to replace the failing 1997 E-One Pumper from Station 2. It was usually the first truck out, however over the past (6) months the reliability of the truck is an issue and has been placed into a backup reserve mode. Bruner stated that a worn apparatus is a threat to the community and the firefighters. He said that the parts become more difficult to get with the age of the truck and repairing it does not change the age of the unit and waiting for a disaster is not safe or productive. He asked the Commission for permission to begin looking for grants and bids on inventory. PowerPoint presentation included with these minutes.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve that the FSFD could begin looking for grants and potential inventory for the purchase of a fire truck to replace the 1997 E-One Pumper from Station 2. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THAT THE FSFD COULD BEGIN LOOKING FOR GRANTS AND POTENTIAL INVENTORY FOR THE PURCHASE OF A FIRE TRUCK TO REPLACE THE 1997 E-ONE PUMPER FROM STATION 2.

 

  1. Amendment 1 to the Brick Street Policy: M. Wells requested that the Commission approve an amendment to the current Brick Street Policy as follows:

 

Amendment 1

  1. Concerning the treatment of manhole covers; it is here by adopted according to the recommendation of the street advisory board to allow up to 12 inches in a square pattern around manholes for bricks to be laid up against. This will protect the manhole covers and allow the bricks a solid surface to rest against.

 

  1.  Concerning the intersections of brick streets and asphalt streets. It is here by adopted, according to the recommendation of the street advisory board that wherever a brick street abuts against a non-brick street the intersection where the brick streets abut against; May upon the advisement of the Public Works, Director, or the street department Director be done as a concrete intersection. Concrete at intersections where the brick street would abut against shall be done in a minimum of 8 inches of concrete reinforced by a minimum 3/8 rebar on an 8 in.² pattern or according to KDOT specifications.

 

Be it also adopted that wherever a case shall arise where the brick    street is running through the middle of two adjoining asphalt     streets, there may at the advisement of the public works Director, or        the street department Director, allow for the use of an apron of up        to 20 feet that would abut against the brick street that passes          through, allowing the brick street, a continuous path, splitting the         two concrete aprons, adjoining the asphalt streets. All concrete       aprons shall be done at a minimum of 8 inches, with a minimum of        3/8 rebar being placed on 8-inch squares, or according to KDOT   specifications.

 

This will again allow a solid surface for the bricks to abut against.

 

  1. Any, and all bricks that may become available because of any concrete apron or intersection, shall be palletized, cleaned, and stored according to the Brick Street policy to later be used on the

 

 

repair and maintenance of other brick streets. At no time shall    bricks be allowed to be used as full, or underlayment.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Amendment 1 to the Brick Street Policy. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED AMENDMENT 1 TO THE BRICK STREET POLICY.

 

  1. Consideration of bids for Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project No. 23-005B: J. Dickman stated that (5) bids were received for the project on July 21, 2023. The lowest bidder was Bennett, Inc. of Lamar, MO with the bid of $232,477.50, substantially complete within 90 days, fully complete in 120 days. J. Dickman stated that he recommends the bid be awarded to Bennett, Inc.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve that the bid for the Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project No. 23-005B be awarded to Bennett, Inc. of Lamar, MO at $232,477.50. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THAT THE BID FOR THE EVERGY INFANTRY SUBSTATION SANITARY SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT NO. 23-005B BE AWARDED TO BENNETT, INC. OF LAMAR, MO. AT $232,477.50.

 

  1. Wells clarified with J. Dickman that this project is paid for by Evergy and not the City.

 

  1. Consideration to set deadlines for City Commission meeting agenda practice and procedure: M. Wells requested that the Commission consider approving a deadline for the good of the Commission to receive the information earlier to have time to make more informed decisions at meetings. This would require an earlier deadline.  T. VanHoecke stated that he believed there was a policy already in place.
  2. Woellhof moved to table the consideration until the August 15, 2023, meeting to confirm if there was an existing policy in place. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION UNTIL THE AUGUST 15, 2023, MEETING TO CONFIRM IF THERE WAS AN EXISTING POLICY IN PLACE.

 

 

 

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

City Manager:  B. Matkin – no comments

 

City Engineer:  J. Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspection

  1. CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project continues. Currently the crew is working behind City Hall to line manholes.
  2. 15th and National – 17th and Eddy – trying to get contractor out to clean up and finish. Utilities are moved. Contractor states they are currently booked on other projects.
  3. M. Wells confirmed with J. Dickman that the South Industrial Park Waterline Extension has a purpose in the future and ties into the loop to increase water pressure to the businesses in the area. Also, the City needs to move forward and complete the access road. J. Dickman stated that he needs to know the measurements to add the additional cost of asphalt to the bid.

 

City Attorney:  B. Farmer

No comment.

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. Harrington: Not in attendance

 

  1. Guns:
  2. Thank you to all volunteers for the Splash Pad
  3. USD 234 will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in the district for the school year
  4. August 4th and 5th is Sales Tax Holiday, many local businesses are participating
  5. Many activities this week including the Champions Forever event at Memorial Hall
  6. August 10th is the Contractors’ Meeting at City Hall
  7. August 12th is the Poverty Paradigm at the Middle School brought by CORE Community Bourbon County. She is planning to attend. Tickets are still available.

 

  1. Woellhof: No comments other than a correction that the Champions Forever is being held at the High School, not Memorial Hall.

 

  1. VanHoecke:
  2. Hats off to City Crews for the storm clean up again.
  3. Brush dump is still open
  4. Congratulations and thank you to all those who worked to get the Splash Pad completed for Fort Scott

 

  1. Wells:
  2. Thank you for the Splash Pad and very thankful for all who worked to get it to its completion, have seen many out there enjoying it
  3. Thankful for the rain

 

ADJOURNMENT:

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:44PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:44PM.

 

Respectfully submitted for approval,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk