The Bourbon County Courthouse and Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, October 9th in observance of Columbus Day.
Category Archives: Government
Bo Co Commission Minutes of Sept. 25
September 25, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Mark McCoy, Emily Franks, Anne Dare, Kevin Davidson, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 9/18/23, approval of payroll totaling $338,719.44, and approval of accounts payable totaling $576,872.46. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clint Walker spoke of the recent passing of Bob Marshall and suggested the Commissioners lower the flag on Thursday to show respect for Mr. Marshall’s many years of service starting in the Marine Corps, serving the community and on various boards including FSCC, and his time as a Senator. Clint said Mr. Marshall would always talk to you no matter where you were and treated everybody with respect. Jim said they would take that into consideration.
Emily Franks, with Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips, PA, presented the 2022 fiscal year audit. Emily went page by page explaining the information contained in the audit. Since the county spent more than $750,000 in federal funds there were federal requirements that they were obligated to follow to report and test for the single federal audit. Emily said the county has implemented changes and now reconciles and balances the accounts monthly to be in compliance which was an issue listed in prior audits.
Susan Walker requested a 10-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners, Susan Walker, Jennifer Hawkins, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:00. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:00 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin asked to amend the agenda for an executive session for attorney client privilege.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for an executive session for attorney client privilege. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:07. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:07 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
The Commissioners discussed the health insurance benefits information that was presented last week while Nelson was out of town. Susan stated if they are going to leave the state pool they have to do so by October 1st. Jim asked if the opportunity to leave the state pool come up again next year and Susan said yes. Clifton said they will save more money in a year because we won’t have the penalty but they had a goal of having someone trained by now and $30,000-$40,000 would be burnt up quickly to hire a consultant to administer the plan. Clifton said personally he is in favor of leaving the state plan but it wouldn’t be much savings this year so we will probably have to keep what we have. Susan said the premiums for the state plan will not be changing next year. Nelson said it sounded like we don’t know enough to upset the apple cart with something as important as insurance. Clifton said the plan we would be going to is almost identical to what we have and after the penalty we would have approximately $58,000 in savings but we have no staff to administer at this point. Clifton said his goal would be to have the staff ready next year to administer. Jim said they have been talking of leaving the state plan for three years and asked why aren’t we ready after three years. Jim made a motion to leave the state employee health plan and go with a private carrier. Nelson seconded the motion with discussion. Nelson said our staff has indicated they can’t do it right now without hiring someone else and if we could do it without hiring someone else, he would be all for it. Clifton said we can point fingers but at the end of the day it would fall on Jennifer and Susan and in his opinion they have so much on their plate already they have been unable to do it. Clifton said it is not their fault why we are not ready. Jim said he is not blaming anybody but we should have done a better job in planning. Clifton said in his opinion they are doing everything they can in their power, we just had a good audit so thank you to Patty, Susan, and Jennifer. Clifton said the problems from they are dealing with from the past has kept them from other priorities that would benefit this county. Jim asked all in favor of his motion to leave the state employee health plan with the motion failing 1-2.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, said they lost a fence at the shop due to the windstorm over the weekend and there were several trees downed near the shop. Yale Road has been milled with only a one-foot strip left to be completed. Nelson said he heard about it all the way in South Korea. Eric said the company doing the work had a cancellation which is why the work was done on short notice. Eric said he has spoken to and emailed several residents in the area. Nelson said the concern of the residents is that we won’t get one mile of asphalt laid there next year. Eric said he can propose it and it is up to the Commissioners to make it happen during the hard surface road work session but he hopes to get to Eagle Road and one mile on Yale Road. Jim asked if it would be the east or west mile and Nelson said he would have to see what the residents want. Nelson asked when the work session would be for the hard surface roads and Eric said it is usually held in February or March. Nelson thanked Eric for responding to all the emails from the residents of Yale Road.
Justin Meeks asked for a 7-minute executive session for contracts. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners, Eric Bailey, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:32. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 6:32 with action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to allow the County Counselor to re-write the contract at Beth Quarry. Jim seconded the motion. Clifton abstained. The motion passed 2-1. Clifton stated he has no benefit from this as it is his mother’s land and contract. Jim said we ran out of room to do more blasts and that is why we have to do this.
Justin Meeks asked for a 20-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:55. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:55 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session for 10 minutes under 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 and will return at 7:07. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. The County Clerk asked who would be included in the executive session so Clifton made an amendment to the motion to go into executive session to include all three Commissioners and County Counselor Justin Meeks. Nelson seconded the motion stating the 10-minutes would end at 6:08 now and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 7:08 with no action. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:08. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
10-2-2023 Approved Date
Oct. 12 KDOT Meeting: Focus on Transportation Priorities
KDOT to host Local Consult in Iola Oct. 12
Meeting will focus on transportation priorities in southeast Kansas
The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting nine meetings in October as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. KDOT holds Local Consult meetings every two years to discuss regional transportation project priorities with Kansans.
The sixth meeting will be in Iola and focus on transportation in southeast Kansas (KDOT District 4). It will take place on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. – noon, at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Iola.
Those who attend will have an opportunity to share their region’s transportation priorities, hear about more investments being made in transportation and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT. The meeting is open to the public.
This event in southeast Kansas is part of the series of meetings being held across the state and is an important step in collecting public input for the IKE program – the state’s current 10-year transportation improvement program.
The remaining Local Consult meeting locations, dates and times are:
- KC Metro – Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Lenexa Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center in Lenexa.
- Wichita Metro – Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – noon, WSU Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex in Wichita.
- Virtual Meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, they may attend a virtual meeting on Zoom. Please register here https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvf-uppjMsHdaOpjIXnRlJQV-xQrcEpb1A
More information about the Local Consult process is available online at: ike.ksdot.gov/local-consult-process.
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Bo Co Commission Agenda for Oct. 2
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
October 2, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 9-25-2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $416.24
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- County Clerk
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Real Property Relief Application-202 Holbrook
- Susan Walker, CFO
- Approval of Open Enrollment Letter
- Approval of Disability Insurance-Assurity
- Approval of Cancer Insurance-Prosperity
- Approval of Northwestern Mutual Life Options
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- 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.
Attachment:
Proposed Evergy Settlement Agreement If Approved: Approximately $5 More Per Month for Kansas Central Customers
A Proposed Settlement Agreement Has Been Filed in the
Evergy Rate Case, Now It’s Up to Commissioners to Decide
TOPEKA – This afternoon, the parties in the Evergy rate case filed a unanimous settlement agreement with the Kansas Corporation Commission covering all issues in the case. The parties include KCC staff, Evergy, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and a variety of groups representing industrial, commercial, educational, and environmental interests. The Commission still needs to evaluate the proposed settlement, and may approve, reject, or modify the agreement.
The Commission will conduct its hearing on the settlement agreement on Monday, October 9, 2023 at its Topeka office. The hearing will be livestreamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel. Limited public seating will also be available in the hearing room. At the hearing, Commissioners will have an opportunity to hear from parties’ witnesses and ask questions before deciding whether or not to approve the agreement. A Commission order is due by December 21, 2023.
In its Application, Evergy sought a net revenue increase of $204 million (9.77% increase) for Evergy Kansas Central (formerly Westar) and a net revenue increase of $14 million (1.95% increase) for Evergy Kansas Metro (formerly KCP&L). Under the settlement agreement, Evergy Kansas Central would receive a net revenue increase of $74 million (3.54% increase), and Evergy Kansas Metro would receive a net revenue decrease of $32.9 million (4.53% decrease). If the settlement agreement is approved, the average monthly impact to residential customers will be an increase of $4.64 per month for Evergy Kansas Central customers and a decrease of $6.07 per month for Evergy Metro customers.
A link to the proposed settlement agreement is available here .
KS Hearing for Proposed Seed Law on Oct. 19
MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, to consider the adoption of proposed regulations that govern the administration of the Kansas Seed Law. The hearing will be held in person at the Kansas Department of Agriculture at 1320 Research Park Dr. in Manhattan, as well as via video conferencing system.
KDA is proposing four new regulations along with amendments to two existing regulations, all of which implement revisions and offer clarification to the Kansas Seed Law. The new regulations define terms, set guidelines about analysis to determine violations, establish a list of restricted weed seeds, establish a list of prohibited weed seeds, and clarify rules for seed labels.
For the most part, these changes implement revisions that were made to the Kansas Seed Law during the 2022 legislative session and also make minor clarifications. The only change imposed by these regulations that has the potential to have a practical effect on the agricultural seed industry is the addition of Caucasian bluestem and yellow bluestem seeds to the list of restricted weed seeds. This addition is proposed to help safeguard the agricultural industry from the threat of invasive weeds which is part of the agency’s mission to protect plant health.
KDA welcomes public input on any portion of the proposed regulations — especially the addition of the new species, including those species of Old World Bluestem — to the list of restricted weed seeds. Input can be shared on the public comment portion of the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/
Public comment will also be possible at the public hearing both for in-person and online participants. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference must pre-register at the Public Comment webpage to be provided with a video link.
Any individual with a disability may request accommodation to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].
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WHAT: Public hearing on proposed Kansas Seed Law regulations
WHEN: Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Kansas Department of Agriculture
1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, Kansas
Or virtual: via video conferencing system
Hearing for Proposed Seed Law Regulations.pdf
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Bourbon County Approved for Bridge Replacement Over Pawnee Creek and Hwy. 69 at Crawford County Line
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Building Workforce Through Apprenticeship Grants
Governor Kelly Announces Recipients of More than $500K in Registered Apprenticeship Grants
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a total of $528,478 has been awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce to eight entities across the state for projects that will attract and retain employees and build the state workforce through registered apprenticeships.
“Last year, I created the Office of Registered Apprenticeship to dramatically scale up our state’s efforts to train Kansas workers with the skills needed to succeed in today’s modern economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Apprenticeships are a win for both workers and businesses, which is why my administration will continue to invest in them.”
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship received total funding requests of $3.3 million from 16 applicants. Applicants identified a variety of project needs related to registered apprenticeships, such as technical instruction, outreach, staffing, partnerships, and administrative costs. Awardees are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, and projects must be completed by September 30, 2024.
“Unions, higher education partners, and other economic development groups have accepted the challenge to modernize the registered apprenticeship ecosystem,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Benefits will be felt throughout the economy, with Kansas workers and their families being the biggest winners.”
Grant awardees include:
- Dodge City Economic Development Council received $45,000 for capacity building and direct business outreach
- Greater Kansas City Laborers Training, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council received $36,000 for a Spanish-speaking instructor
- Ironworkers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust in Wichita received $29,956 for training equipment including a forklift trainer
- Kansas Farm Bureau (statewide) received $90,000 for capacity building and direct business outreach
- Kansas State Council of SHRM (statewide) received $62,160 for capacity building and direct business outreach
- Plumbers and Pipefitters Training of Kansas, United Association 441 (UA441) in Wichita received $100,000 for HVAC training equipment, capacity building, and direct business outreach
- Topeka Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 226 (IBEW 226), in partnership with Hutchinson Community College, received $66,885 for training equipment and related technical instruction
- Wichita Electrical Industry Training Fund, IBEW 271 received $98,476 for capacity building and direct business outreach
“Registered apprenticeships give Kansas workers the skills and experience they need to compete in the modern economy,” Director of Apprenticeship and Internship Shonda Anderson said. “These grants will help connect those skilled workers with good-paying jobs in an increasing number of occupations.”
“This investment in our mission will empower us to provide additional training to our current apprentices as well as attract additional apprentices to our program,” UA441 Vice President John Clark said.
To learn more about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, click here.
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U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on Mental Health
Wrap-Up: Senator Marshall Hosts Ag Mental Health Awareness Week
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marshall, M.D. led an Ag Mental Health Awareness Week. This campaign intended to bring attention to the signs a friend or loved one may be displaying when struggling with mental health and, throughout the week, highlighted resources that are available to farmers, ranchers, and our rural communities.
Working in agriculture presents unique challenges, often out of farmer’s or rancher’s control, and stressors that can contribute to poor mental health outcomes in rural Kansas communities. Senator Marshall’s campaign highlighted how Kansans can recognize someone in need of support and where to turn for help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide, 9-8-8 is the confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that is available through text or call 24/7. The average wait time to be connected in Kansas is less than 21 seconds.
Below are some highlights from Senator Marshall’s campaign.
Hosted Mental Health Roundtables:
During the week, Senator Marshall hosted roundtable sessions in Wichita and Topeka to address meeting mental health needs for the agriculture communities throughout Kansas. Senator Marshall was joined by health care leaders from across the state, Kansas State Research and Extension professionals, the Kansas Farm Bureau, and the Kansas Farmers Union, among others.
Video PSA:
Senator Marshall released a public service announcement for his Ag Mental Health Awareness Campaign, which highlighted mental health trends in ag communities, how Kansans can recognize mental health warning signs, and where assistance can be found. You may click HERE or on the image below to watch.
Senator Marshall’s Ag Mental Health Campaign on Social Media:
Senator Marshall hosted a video conference with over 80 different groups across Kansas, including community health centers, farmers & ranchers, and agriculture groups, to discuss how everyone can come together for a week of action to spread awareness on mental health and discuss specific resources. Each group was asked to use the hashtag Ag Mental Health Awareness to unite everyone in their efforts.
The week of action was organized to highlight different aspects of mental health and resources. The week concluded with a resource graphic that was viewed and shared by over 1,000 people.
KS Attorney General: Procedures for Election Results
AG’s Office Issues Opinion on Election Recount Procedures
TOPEKA – (Sept. 27, 2023) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach’s office today issued an opinion on procedures for election recounts.
“…A county conducting a recount may not substitute ballot images for the original paper ballots, unless the person requesting the recount specifically requests such substitution in a county that uses optical scanning equipment or electronic or electromechanical voting systems,” the opinion reads.
Rock Creek and Lake Fort Scott Valves Are Closed
As of right now the Rock Creek and Lake Fort Scott valves have been closed.
This is thanks to not only the weekend rains but also to the citizens of Fort Scott doing their part in conserving water. Thank you!
We will have to continue monitoring the river levels and will open the valves if needed. We will communicate this.
Please continue watching unneeded water usage.
We are still under a Water Warning.
Submitted by Brad Matkin, City Manager, City of Fort Scott
620-223-0550 ext. 210
Award for Breastfeeding Support Received by SEKMCHD
Submitted by Becky Johnson, Administrator/Director of the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department.
The Bourbon County office is located at 524 S. Lowman and can be reached at 620.223.4464 or [email protected]
Recently all four of the offices of SEK Multi-County Health Department (SEKMCHD) (Allen, Anderson, Bourbon and Woodson Counties) have received the Gold Level “Breastfeeding Employees Support Award” from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and its Business Case for Breastfeeding program.
We have worked very hard to get this award for our offices and are pleased with the continual growth we are having for employee support, recruitment and retention. It is the goal of SEK Multi-County Health Department to become and remain a family-forward workplace, to provide resources and education for our employees and to normalize breastfeeding, as it is a healthy and natural way to feed your baby and is essential to maintaining the workforce.
SEKMCHD benefits not only from staff retention but also from turnover costs, healthcare costs savings and reduction of absenteeism. Child care is difficult to find, as most parents know, so we allow new moms to bring their baby to work with them for the first 6 months. We also benefit from staff satisfaction and these days, that it not an easy thing to maintain. My motto is “Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of you”. I am blessed with a great group of employees that want to work in public health and I spend a lot of time making sure their needs are met and finding new ways to retain them.
We have taken on several new services in the last couple of years, one being our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program and have been able to hire new employees to provide this service to our communities. Our clientele has grown so much that we now have 2 Breastfeeding Peer Counselors (Holly Fritter, who covers Bourbon and Woodson Counties and Khloe Utley, who covers Allen and Anderson Counties) and a supervisor for this program (Brittany Frishman, who is our Designated Breastfeeding Expert and covers all 4 counties). This ties right in with the support we offer our employees. Also, our staff have taken several levels of courses on breastfeeding, we’ve remodeled/updated areas in each of our offices for lactation rooms and can offer professional lactation support to our communities.
I am so very proud of our team and the accomplishments we’ve made through the turmoil that has been faced in public health in recent years. It’s nice to see something positive take off so well!