Kansas Senators Respond to Zelenskyy’s Address to Congress
Senators will Travel to Poland and Germany This Weekend
(Washington, D.C., March 16, 2022) – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Jerry Moran issued the following statements after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Congress this morning. Additionally, Senators Marshall and Moran will be traveling to Poland and Germany this weekend to gain more insight on needed security support for Ukraine and NATO readiness.
“The courage and bravery of the Ukrainian people have inspired all of us. President Zelenskyy challenged our nation that if you want to be a leader of the world you have to be the leader of peace. But, you can’t obtain peace if you are leading from behind – we need President Biden and Europe to step up and lead,” said Senator Marshall. “We have the ability to show more compassion and to get more humanitarian aid. But, there is so much more that we could do short of American boots on the ground and American pilots in the air. We can arm Ukrainians and get them MiG-29s and A-10s. But, our sanctions have to be real – right now our President is just shouting in the wind. Specifically, President Biden’s sanctions on Russian energy don’t go into effect until June 24th – once again our President is late to act.”
“President Zelenskyy’s address to Congress was a powerful and moving reminder that the United States must continue to take action to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unprovoked attack, assist refugees fleeing Ukraine, support our NATO allies and make certain Vladimir Putin pays for his aggression,” said Senator Moran. “The United States has the capability to provide further resources to Ukrainians through defensive military equipment, food aid and medical supplies. We must demonstrate through our actions that we stand with Ukraine and our European allies in the fight for democracy.”
Background:
Senators Marshall and Moran joined Senator Lindsey Graham (SC) in introducing a resolution calling for Vladimir Putin and members of his regime to be held accountable for the numerous acts of war crimes, aggression, and human rights abuses conducted under his watch. The resolution passed unanimously in the Senate yesterday.
There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16th, 2022. This meeting will be held to accept the resignation of Commissioner Pete Allen.
This meeting will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room and will be broadcast on the City’s you tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Deputy Clerk present.
Ann Dare, Matt Crystal, Don Coffman, Clint Walker, Bill Martin, Jason Silvers, Ben Cole, Rob Harrington, and Matt Quick were present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey presented culvert permits. A culvert extension for John Burlow, 920th St, Moran, KS. Lynne made a motion to approve the permit. Clifton seconded. All approved. A culvert extension for Paul Hopkins at 2528 240th. Lynne made a motion to approve the permit. Clifton seconded. All approved. Thomas Russell at 135th & Maple for a culvert. Lynne made a motion to approve the permit. Clifton seconded. All approved. A new culvert for Larry Snyder a quarter of a mile north of 205th & 31 Hwy on the west side of the road. Lynne made a motion to approve the permit for Larry Snyder at 2379 190th St, Fulton, KS. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Eric presented the 2022 Management Plan for Noxious Weed Plan. Lynne made a motion to accept the plan. Clifton seconded. All approved. Next, Eric presented 2022 Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report. Lynne made a motion to accept the report. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Eric spoke on hay bids. He stated that the two usual spots are Elm Creek, Native Road and recommended the Radio Tower that has approximately 3 acres at 1131 250th St. This will be put out for bid for all three locations and the bids brought back to the commissioners.
Eric stated the bridge at 115th & Range is back open as of this morning. The next project will be at 30th & Ivory there is another void that we need to fill in.
Eric reminded everyone of the work session to be held next Tuesday, March 15th at 1pm. We’ll bring some prices on what we think it will cost to produce asphalt this year. Our 6422 oil is locked in at $560/ton through May.
Eric stated they are still working on the final punch list regarding Windmills. Spoke with Jeff Spangler yesterday and we are following the road use agreement.
Railroad crossing at 240th will be taken care of this Wednesday working with BSNF to extend the culvert. We will be looking at a couple of others as well.
Snow Removal & Mowing Bids – tabled until March 29th.
There was discussion of liquor sales in the county. Justin stated that we are a nonzoned county so we can follow state guidelines or make our own. Susan stated that the local alcohol tax is something that we’ve never received. One third goes to general fund, one third to special parks and one third to special alcohol fund. The
revenue coming off of that would be new to the county. Right now we levy for special parks and special alcohol so at least maybe we wouldn’t have to levy for that anymore. A resolution will be created and presented at the next commission
meeting.
Lora Holdridge discussed the 17 County Meeting that Bourbon County will be hosting in the fall. It was determined that September would be the better month. Exact date and other details will be determined at a later date. Lynne suggested inviting
Jay Hall, KAC Attorney to speak. Susan said she would give him a call when a date has been set.
Counselor Comments: 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 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft for 7 minutes returning at 9:40am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to
return to normal session at 9:40am. No action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
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 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft, and Dave Bruner for 10 minutes
returning at 9:53am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:53am. No action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to 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 dealing with hospital contracts including 3
commissioners, Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft returning at 10:14am. Lynne
seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at
10:14am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Finance Director Comments: Susan gave an update on financials. We have worked through January 31st. Patty is working on getting through February. We had another director meeting and had good discussions. I would like to put together an
administrative policy handbook. It will take a good year to get through it. It really talks through how we handle certain situations. Within that administrative policy handbook would also be our personnel handbook that we are working on. I’ve had
good feedback from most of the directors and elected officials. It’s been good for us to get together and work together on some things.
Public Comment: Anne Dare asked for clarification of audit violations and how they affect grants and why are we still in violation and why isn’t it cleaned up? What’s
going to be done different so we can get out of this cycle?
Susan responded to the questions as follows: The audit letter was dated September 10th, 2021. You are almost through 2021 completely when we got our final audit. Anything that happened before that period of time is going to be very difficult to change. Depending on the issue. October tax rolls is our biggest audit violation that we are going to have. Too much money was paid out to the taxing entities. It leaves our cash balances in a negative. We over paid and that couldn’t be corrected until the January distribution in 2022. In the January distribution she reduced the amounts paid out to the taxing entities. Nothing we can do about that. Stated it was a system error but I have no validation of that. I would need to go back through the CIC notes but that is something that Patty worked with CIC on. At the end of 12/31/21 there will be 50 funds in the negative. Reconciliation of cash in bank to the counties accounting records are complete we should not have a violation of that this year. We’ve tied out all the records and right now the things that I’m doing is to make sure we don’t have any budget violations. If a revenue is booked into an expense account that could show us understating our expenses. Those are the things I’m fixing. Things have not been coded correctly. Reconciliation of our annual tax roll. There will still be an audit violation for that. Public works billings that were fixed the very first part of 2021. Jennifer has done a great job in that area and has everything lined back out and approximately the $100,000 we were short has been collected. Maybe about $10,000 we are going to have to write off. We have put some controls in at the landfill and how they reconcile their cash everyday and we match it to a report. That was done at the end of 2020.
Preparation of financial statements. We are trying to get to a point where we are monthly producing something to give to the commission and department heads because they have not received a budget report in months. Getting things lined out in the Treasurer’s office has been challenging, but we are getting there.
There was another concern with inmate monies put into a separate checking account and how those monies are deciphered. That is internal controls that we need to work on with the Sheriff’s and Corrections departments. That will be the next big thing we will tackle.
County Attorney’s diversion funds, same situation as the inmate funds. Concern with rotation of duties. The reason you have rotation of duties is to catch any kind of fraud that could potentially be going on.
In the Clerk’s office, they have several different people that do vouchering and checking those things. We’ll have to get to the same type of situation in the Treasurer’s office.
When you ask about grants, it specifically asks you on these federal grants have you had any audit violations? I have to answer that, yes. It then asks what type of violations? The ones I would be really concerned with is the billings which means we didn’t have a very good internal control system. The preparation of financial statements is a big one. Not matching cash in bank to accounting records is another big one. We are not going to show favor with those kinds of violations. We will still have some violations for 2022.
Don Coffman asked if there was a policy in place for the whistles being put in. Is there a certain size limit? Jim stated we have a very extensive handbook on culverts, right-of-ways, easements, etc. If it is a big ditch, we’ll do a water hydraulic study from Ag Engineer. They then tell us what size. If it is a standard ditch we just match it up.
Elected Official Comments: No comment.
Commission Comment: Lynne stated that the commission meeting for March 22nd will be at 6pm, City Hall in Uniontown. Jim stated that it’s time for the Commissioners to pay their dues to the Kansas County Commission Association. Lynne made a motion to continue membership in the KCCA. Clifton seconded. All approved.
At 10:29am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Doretta Neville, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
March 15, 2022, Approved Date
The governing body of the City of Uniontown will be in attendance at the March 22, 2022 county commission meeting but will not be conducting city business, submitted by Sally Johnson, UniontownCity Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.
The Regular Council Meeting on March 8, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:05), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, Arlie Bess, Mauriel Whisenhunt, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, gave an explanation of the Placemaking Pathway. Adding outdoor exercise equipment, public restrooms, pickleball court, etc would be projects that could be partially funded with a pathway grant; however, in order to qualify for a grant a pledge would have to be signed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 3-2 (Esslinger, Stewart) to sign the Pathways to a Healthy Community Pledge Placemaking Package with Sally Johnson as contact person and submit to Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
CITIZENS REQUEST
Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked about the Ruritan funding a public bathroom in or near the park. He presented a sketch and ideas were discussed. He asked that the City apply for a REDI grant for the project. He will work with an engineer to get some cost estimates.
Arlie Bess – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on storage containers. He has two and wanted to know if he would have to get rid of them. Discussions are preliminary but if an ordinance was passed, his containers would be grandfathered in.
Mauriel Whisenhunt – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on citywide trash service. She has a house and a business, would she have to pay for two trash service fees? Discussions are preliminary, but that is a good question and will be considered in future discussions.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the February Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $361,861.00, Receipts $50,364.54, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $60,806.42, Checking Account Closing Balance $338,643.12. Bank Statement Balance $353,490.41, including Checking Account Interest of $27.26, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $14,847.29, Reconciled Balance $338,643.12. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $415,619.39. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $55.71, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $130.55. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500, Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of February $23,217.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $14,899.62. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $17,272.29 (16.4%), Expenditures $18,274.04 (14.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,470.50 (15.3%), Expenditures $8,504.42 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $29,400.22 (21.1%), Expenditures $19,466.90 (7.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,577.30 (30.0%), Expenditures $22,785.51 (13.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,784.86 (26.1%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%). The March 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $22,828.49 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Minutes of February 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
Superintendent Rich asked for permission to get a dumpster to remove the storage building at 112 Second St and to clean up those two lots.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow Bobby Rich to get what is needed to remove the storage building and clean up the lots at 112 Second St
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent so discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste was tabled until next month.
Clerk Johnson informed the Council that KDHE is soliciting for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects to fund.
The legal bills for the transfer of 105 Third St have been received. She asked for clarification of what was to be billed to the buyer and what was the City’s responsibility. The amount to bill to the buyer is $76.
She reminded the Council that League of Kansas Municipalities’ Governing Body Institute & Mayors Conference is April 29-30 at Manhattan
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – asked about spring citywide cleanup. After discussion
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for April 25-29 with dumpsters picked up when filled and the number of dumpsters to be determined by current cost
Councilwoman Kelly – was approached about someone wanting to purchase a corner lot to put an RV on to live in until something could be built. They were encouraged to attend a council meeting to present their request. The City does not allow people to live in RVs.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – wants another rabies clinic. Clerk Johnson will contact Marmaton Valley Vet Clinic to get one scheduled. If after March 31, those attending will not be charged a late fee for registration.
OLD BUSINESS
Wholesale water supply – Rate ordinances were acquired from City of Fort Scott for 2013 to present. Rate ordinances for the same period were requested from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2 but not received yet. Councilman Ervin has worked up some figures but forgot to bring them. The discussion will continue next month.
Pond Improvement Project – USD 235 asked if we were still planning to use the rock piled north of the pond and were told yes. The rest of the project will be completed in the summer. Clerk Johnson was reminded to order fish food.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – A couple more have paid in full. We may be able to pay an additional $10,000 back in a couple more months.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson stated that the first report required by Treasury is due April 30, 2022. She is attending webinars on compliance and how to complete required documentation.
Street Repair – Increases in oil prices may increase the cost of asphalt. We may not be able to complete as much as we initially thought. Discussion will continue next month. The Bourbon County Commission will hold their March 22, 2022 commission meeting at Uniontown Community Center. If the councilmembers plan to attend a notice will have to be posted, that they may be there but not to conduct city business. Public Works Director Bailey has contacted Councilmember Kelly to attend the next commission meeting to discuss the resurfacing of Maple Road from Uniontown to Bronson.
NEW BUSINESS
Special Event CMB License-Union Station – they are the weigh-in location for the fishing tournament and would like to be able to allow anglers to consume on premises during the tournament, May 28, from 6AM to 11:59PM.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to approve the Special Event CMB License for Union Station for May 28, 2022, 6AM to 11:59PM
City Sewer at Union Station – they asked if it was a possibility. After discussion, the Council consensus is not at this time.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and applicants of non-elected personnel positions, the open meeting to resume at 8:45
Johnson called in at 8:43, out at 8:44. Meeting resumed at 8:45.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0-1 (Ervin abstain) to hire Ginger Ervin for cleaning/water sampling position, cleaning will be $10/hour, water sampling will be $3/sample
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:49PM
Added Item P – Consent Agenda – Consideration to Pay – Olsson Associated – Engineering – Rehabilitation Runway – $16,080.00
Added Item #12 under New Business:
Consideration of Wood Hills Golf Course changes:
Tournament fee change
Ord No. 3604 amending the board members from five to seven
Letters of Interest – Golf Course Advisory Board – Received two: Jayce Simons and Cathy Bishop
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET MARCH 15, 2022 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
P. Allen J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells K. Allen
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by:
IV. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 1st, 2022.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1308-A totaling $1,266,495.29.
C. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.:
Building Inspection $ 284.00
City Engineer $4,120.00
Fort Scott Dam Improvements-Design $7,500.00
Total $11,904.00
D. Resolution 6-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 208 N. Little Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
E. Resolution 8-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 601 W. 2nd Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
F. Resolution 9-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1409 S. Ransom Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 10-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 220 S. Judson Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 11-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 12-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 731 S.
Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 13-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 604 W. 5th
Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 14-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 722 S.
Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
L. Resolution 15-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 312 S.
Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
M. Resolution 16-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1021 W. 4th
Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
N. Resolution 17-2022 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe
and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 623 Short
Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/3/2022 @ 6:15 p.m.
O. February financials
P. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – Airport Engineering – Rehabilitate
Runway Project – $16,080.00
V. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five
(5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
VI. Appearances:
Jesse Hazen – Request to use Riverfront Park – Car & Bike Show for Good Ol’
Days
Kayla Hall – Good Ol’ Days donation
VII. Old Business:
1. Demolition Agreement Changes (newest changes highlighted in blue)
2. Business License Discussion (Matthew Wells)
3. Consideration of Special Street Maintenance Program for the City of Fort
Scott for 2022 (Matthew Wells)
4. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3603 – Changing Parks Advisory Board
from five to seven members
VIII. Public Hearing: None
IX. New Business:
1. Consideration of Temporary Notes – Fort Scott River Intake Project (Bret Shogren – Stifel) – Approval of Resolution No 18-2022 which amends Resolution 46-2018 which authorized Improvements to the City’s public water supply system and provided for the payment of the costs thereof.
Approval of Resolution No. 19-2022 authorizing the sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes
2. Consideration of Letters of Interest – Parks Advisory Board
3. Consideration of Letters of Interest – Lake Advisory Board
4. Consideration of Bids – Wastewater Treatment Plant Ground Lease
5. Consideration of Bid – 17th & Eddy Drainage Project
6. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3591 – Uniform Public Offense Code – Effective 4/1/2022
7. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3592 – Establishment of a Fingerprint Fee for the Fort Scott Municipal Court
8. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3593 – Establishment of a Warrant Fee for the Fort Scott Municipal Court
9. Discussion of Fire Department coverage territory expansion
10. Consideration of Invoice – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – $1,560.00 – February 2022 Port-a-Potties
11. Discussion of National Avenue Project (Jason Dickman)
• Report on Surveying Lake Lots
• Report on Surveying Old City Landfill property
12. Consideration of Woodland Hills Golf Course:
• Tournament fee change
• Ordinance No. 3604 amending the board members from five to seven
• Consideration of Letters of Interest (two openings)
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
IX. Adjournment:
Senate Bill 282 started out as an Aviation Tax Credit bill. It passed out of the Tax Committee last year and was amended on the Senate floor last week. The bill would provide employers in aviation a tax credit beginning in tax year 2023 for tuition or certain program-specific course-fee reimbursements. There were several amendments that went on the bill: a housing development tax credits for suitable housing in communities that are in need of increased housing; up to $250 tax credit for teachers purchasing classroom supplies out of their own pocket; an income tax credit for any property tax increases for low income seniors and disabled veterans – basically freezing property taxes for qualifying Kansans; and increasing the $20,000 property tax subtraction on the K-12 20 mil to $65,000. The bill had some good and some not so good changes to the tax code, but overall it will help Kansas taxpayers so I voted Yes. It passed on a vote of 33 to 4.
Increased access to health care by expanding access to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Senate Substitute for House Bill (Sen Sub HB) 2279 removes the requirement that APRNs have to work with a physician and allows them to work independently. APRNs would be required to maintain malpractice insurance, as do doctors. The bill passed 30 to 7. I voted Yes to provide more access to healthcare in our rural communities.
Currently, Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) cannot be removed in Kansas. HB 2594 would allow the VIN plate for antique vehicles to be removed while restoring a vehicle. The bill passed unanimously.
Kansas Employment Retirement System (KPERS) funding has been and is still an issue. In order to pay some of the unfunded liability down, SB 523 would transfer $1 billion from the State General Fund to KPERS over a two year period. I voted Yes. We need to fix KPERS. The bill passed 28 to 12.
Foster care and adoption agencies issues have also plagued Kansas. In an attempt to address some of the problems, the Senate passed HB 2075 that would allow adoption proceedings to take place in a county where Department of Children and Families (DCF) or subcontractor has an office. This should help improve the adoption process and adoption of children in the foster care program. The bill passed 34 to 6. I voted Yes.
County election officers would be able to remove names from the registered voter list if a person has not voted in a four-calendar year period or does not respond to a confirmation notice sent by the county election officer. I vote Yes to clean up voter rolls. SB 439 passed the Senate 33 to 6.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
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Postal Reform Passes the Senate
Throughout my time representing Kansans in Congress, I have advocated for the preservation of rural post offices and sensible reforms that ensure the Postal Service’s stability. This week, the United States Senate passed H.R. 3076, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 to help improve and sustain the United States Postal Service (USPS).
For rural Kansans and older residents, the Postal Service is the glue that keeps them connected to the rest of the country. Kansans have always detailed to me the adverse impact the declining quality of USPS has on their lives and expressed the need for reforms to improve its efficiency. In 2015, I first introduced the Postal Service Reform Act and again introduced this legislation in 2018 and 2021. The Postal Service is an indispensable piece of infrastructure that can reach nearly every address in America, and I am pleased we are one step closer to getting this critical reform across the finish line. Click here or below to watch my remarks.
To read the Kansas City Star’s report on postal reform passing the Senate, click here.
Putin’s Unjust War with Ukraine
Russia’s war in Ukraine has raged on for nearly three weeks, and Russia’s brutality is on full display. There is evidence of maternity wards at hospitals being bombed, and hundreds of civilians have been killed. I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution that encourages investigations into war crimes by Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders responsible for these outrages. There are now 2.5 million Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict, with many more who are displaced from their homes within Ukraine. When the war first started, I called for humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians, and Congress passed more than $13 billion in aid to Ukraine, with $6.7 billion going specifically for humanitarian purposes. The United States will continue to support Ukrainians in their fight for freedom.
Responding to President Biden’s Announcement to Ban U.S. Purchase of Russian Oil
On Tuesday, President Biden announced a ban on the U.S. purchase of Russian oil. My colleagues and I made clear the United States cannot continue subsidizing Russia’s aggression by purchasing Russian oil. Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine must be a wake-up call to the Biden administration to maximize home-grown energy and not diminish American energy independence. We need an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence, and it can’t be accomplished without enabling our oil and gas producers to play a larger role.
Banning the purchase of Russian oil is a good first step, but now President Biden must immediately reinstate the Keystone pipeline, allow for new drilling leases on federal lands and waters, and retreat from proposals that would install burdensome regulations and tax increases on domestic oil and gas producers. Until we take these actions to unleash American energy, gas prices will continue to rise and we will remain reliant on our adversaries for energy production.
Ahead of the State of the Union, Sen. Marshall and I teamed up on a letter to President Biden calling for an embargo on Russian energy and introduced legislation that would ban the import of Russian oil. Read the full letter here.
Protecting and Supporting Kansas Law Enforcement
Securing Critical Resources in FY2022 Appropriations Package
This week, Congress passed its FY2022 Appropriations Package. As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I secured new resources for Kansas law enforcement in the FY2022 Appropriations Package, in addition to increased funding for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program and Community Oriented Policing Service Hiring Program.
At a time in which certain groups are calling to defund the police, in which the work and dedication of men and women in blue is questioned, I have and will continue to be an advocate for our law enforcement officers. After attempts to gut law enforcement programs, my committee was able to protect and increase vital resources for our men and women in blue. This includes new funding to make certain police officers receive the best training, the newest technology and the tools they need to protect our communities and keep our officers safe.
I appreciate the county sheriffs, chiefs of police, state troopers and officers who speak with me frequently about what their departments are facing on a daily basis and inform me of the resources they need to be successful in our communities. I stand with our law enforcement and will continue to do everything I can to support them in the United States Senate. Our police need to know that we care about them; we respect them; and we’ve got their six.
Kansas Congressional Delegation Honors Olathe East High School Heroes
This week, I joined Congresswoman Sharice Davids and members of the Kansas Delegation, including Sen. Marshall and Representatives Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, in recognizing the heroic actions of Olathe East High School School Resource Officer (SRO) Erik Clark and Assistant Principal Kaleb Stoppel on Friday, March 4, 2022.
The heroic actions and quick response of Officer Clark and Dr. Stoppel saved lives at Olathe East High School last Friday. The outpouring of support for the Olathe East community has been inspiring, and this resolution is one more way in which we can honor the actions they took to protect others and thank them for the love, care and sacrifice they showed towards their students and fellow educators. Full text of the resolution can be found here.
Investments to Advance U.S. Space Exploration
As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS), and Related Agencies, I was pleased to continue my strong support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) within the FY2022 Appropriations Package.
This bill reflects my commitment to accelerate NASA’s missions and cement America’s leadership in space exploration. Since the creation of the Artemis program, I have worked to lay the foundation to return American astronauts to the Moon, and I’m pleased this legislation advances this goal by supporting each key element of the Artemis program.
The legislation also continues to invest in NASA’s STEM education programs, critical science missions and aeronautic research. Thank you to Sen. Shaheen for her strong partnership in crafting a bipartisan bill that includes investments across multiple arenas and prioritizes the important work at NASA and their commercial partners.
Banking Committee Work
Speaking at the American Bankers Association Conference
On Wednesday, I spoke at the American Bankers Association’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. We discussed the consequences of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the disruptions to global financial markets and energy prices. Additionally, we discussed the Enhancing Credit Opportunities for Rural America (ECORA) Act, legislation I introduced to benefit borrowers of agricultural credit and rural home mortgages through lower interest rates and increased access to credit. With increasing inflation significantly affecting farmers and ranchers, Congress needs to do everything we can to help agricultural producers and our rural towns. Thank you to Kansas Bankers Association President Doug Wareham for moderating our conversation and to ABA for inviting me to participate.
Meeting with the Kansas Bankers Association
I also welcomed the Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) leadership team to Washington, D.C. this week. In order to support the credit needs of local families and businesses, community banks need tailored regulations which decrease the cost of credit. We discussed legislative efforts to bolster the competitiveness of rural and agriculture-focused banks and encourage growth. Another key issue we covered is the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR). In response to the large amount of deposits banks received through pandemic stimulus funds, I introduced legislation to allow small lenders greater regulatory flexibility in meeting the financing needs of their local communities. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will continue to advocate for the local lenders which are often the backbone of communities across Kansas.
Announcing Grant for Fort Hays State University to Recruit STEM Educators
This week, I announced a grant to Fort Hays State University to recruit and prepare STEM teachers to work in rural areas with a high need for STEM educators.
Effective and passionate teachers play an important role in inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM, and these fields are critical to American competitiveness on the global stage. This federal grant will increase the number of science teachers equipped to teach in Kansas’ rural school districts, while also contributing to national research on how to better train STEM educators to serve in rural America. I have a been a longtime supporter of STEM education, and this federal grant will contribute to making certain more of our next generation of engineers, scientists and technology professionals call rural Kansas home.
Good News for Kansas: NAIR-WSU Contract to Benefit Wichita
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University has been awarded the largest contract award in the school’s history.
Read more about my work to highlight Kansas’ strong aviation capabilities from the Wichita Business Journal here.
Veterans’ Affairs Committee Work
Meeting with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough
This week, I met with Secretary McDonough to discuss our collaborative work over the last year to deliver health care and benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service. The Senate unanimously approved my Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act last month which would enable Post-9/11, combat-deployed veterans to enroll in the VA health care system. This was the Senate’s first step in a multi-pronged approach to address this issue. The remaining steps we discussed are a bipartisan path forward on creating a framework for the secretary’s quicker decisions on toxic exposure presumptions, as well as establishing actual presumptions of service-connection for certain diseases which can now be linked to military service.
The secretary and I also covered the receipt of nominations from the administration to fill vacancies in the important positions of VA Under Secretary for Health, VA Under Secretary for Benefits and at the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. The secretary gave me a rundown on each nomination for these positions, which the Senate received on March 10. I wrote to President Biden last month on the need to fill these long-overdue vacancies so I was pleased the secretary was able to deliver this good news. I’m looking forward to learning more about the nominees during the upcoming confirmation process.
Finally, the secretary and I discussed his recommendations for review by the AIR Commission to be made public on March 14. His recommendations on facility realignments, openings and closures around the country will serve as the AIR Commission’s starting point in an effort that will modernize VA’s infrastructure to ensure veterans have access to world-class medical facilities for decades to come. I will be following this statutorily-mandated process closely, particularly as they impact Kansans.
Annual VSO Hearings
On Tuesday, the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees held our final joint hearing with testimony from the American Legion and several other veteran service organizations (VSOs). These hearings are an important feature of the committee’s work, affording us opportunities each year to hear directly from veteran advocates about their priorities and their work on behalf of their members. We discussed the Emporia American Legion Post’s ATLAS pod I announced last March, which will begin hosting VA clinical appointments by the end of this month. I am pleased that Kansas veterans in the area will now have better access to VA telehealth and I am grateful for the VA, American Legion and Philips partnership to reach veterans where they are with VA care.
As the Ranking Member of the Senate VA Committee, I also discussed the importance of caring for the health needs of toxic-exposed veterans without further delay. My legislation with Sen. Tester, the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, would get veterans in need of health care into the VA quicker than any other bill in Congress, and I urged my colleagues in the House to send it to the President’s desk for signature. I look forward to continuing to work with the VSO community, as well as across the aisle and across Capitol Hill, to craft the next phase of our approach to fix the system for toxic-exposed veterans.
Remembering Roger Kemp
This week, I spoke on the Senate Floor in memory of Roger Kemp, a passionate member of the Kansas City community and a staunch women’s advocate following the tragic murder of his daughter, Ali.
In 2002, Ali was murdered at the age of 19 while she was working as a pool life guard. Living through every parent’s worst nightmare, Roger channeled his grief into bringing his daughter’s murderer to account for his heinous crime. Roger demanded nothing less than absolute justice for his daughter. He worked tirelessly, including through a billboard advertisement campaign, to find Ali’s killer. This campaign not only worked to bring her killer to justice but led law enforcement—both locally and nationally—to adopt a similar strategy that has been credited with helping apprehend hundreds of other suspected killers.
Over the nearly 20 years since its founding, the Ali Kemp Educational Foundation and its T.A.K.E. Defense programs have trained more than 70,000 girls and women across the country, ranging in age from 12 to 90 – no doubt saving more than one life. He was a loving father and husband, a dedicated member of his community and a man who created good from the devastating loss of his daughter.
My prayers are with Kathy, Tyler and Drew, and all that knew and loved Roger in this time of sorrow. I’m honored to have considered him a friend, and it comforts me to think that he has reunited with Ali once more.
Meeting with Aviation Leaders I joined Harlow Aerostructures, Spirit AeroSystems and Honeywell this week to discuss their contributions to Sikorsky helicopters that carry out critical missions for our military. We discussed their work on the CH-53K Super Stallion, the Marine Corps’ heavy-lift helicopter, and the UH-60 Blackhawk, the Army’s aviation workhorse. As we look at the crisis in Ukraine and toward potential conflicts with China, we need the most capable and efficient helicopters to defend American assets. I am proud that these Kansas companies are partnering with the military to provide our servicemembers with the best technology that is available. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to support our suppliers and manufacturers who serve our military men and women.
Meeting with Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas
Executive Director Pat Jones and I met virtually this week to discuss the inspirational work being done by the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation in Wichita. Pat provided an update on the Timbers, a 100-unit, ADA accessible housing community located in northeast Wichita. The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas understood the need to support independent living options for individuals with disabilities and in response, created the Timbers apartment units. I appreciate the work Pat is doing to renovate the Timbers and look forward to following its success as the project expands.
Remembering George Nettels Jr. George learned from his father that life is a gift and the length of it was not guaranteed. He took that lesson to heart, making sure that while he was on this Earth, he bettered his hometown of Pittsburg, made countless memories with his family and friends, and was always ready for an adventure.
This week, I spoke on the Senate Floor in memory of George Nettels Jr. Robba and I extend our sympathies to his family and friends, and all those who knew and loved him.
Meeting with Dianne Macheers It was great to meet with Kansan Dianne Macheers in Washington, D.C. this week. We had the opportunity to discuss the future of assisted living homes as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dianne serves America’s senior citizens in her position as Vice President of Corporate Communication at the Ridge Senior Living and her expertise was appreciated as I continue working to ensure Kansas’ seniors receive quality care. Over the past year, I have continually advocated to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) emergency assistance to be directed to assisted living homes. HHS has been focused on sending PRF funding assistance to Medicare and Medicaid facilities, but it is essential to ensure assisted living homes are not left behind.
Visiting with Kansas Collegiate Leaders Visiting Donnelly College in KCK
Before heading to Washington on Monday morning, I visited Donnelly College to receive and update from President Monsignor Stuart Swetland and tour new buildings on campus. We also took time to discuss issues relevant to my role on the Senate Committee with jurisdiction over educational issues, such as federal Pell Grants, and steps they took to increase access to their nursing program. Training new nurses for the workforce is extremely important to all areas of our state but especially for our rural hospitals.
Special thanks to Monsignor Swetland for the tour and CCO Lisa Stoothoff, CFO Bernard Barry and Donnelly Board Member Maureen Mahoney for joining us.
Meeting with President Ben Schears of Northwest Kansas Technical College
I was pleased to meet virtually with President Ben Schears of Northwest Kansas Technical College (NWKTC) this week. President Schears updated me on the college’s interest in expanding educational offerings to further aid development of the high-skilled workforce Kansas employers and communities desperately need. We also discussed how federal resources can help support the college’s efforts to educate students in high-demand fields and prepare them for quick and successful entry into the workforce. I thank President Schears for his leadership and clear attention to the educational and workforce needs of our state.
Visiting with Members of the Truckers Convoy in Washington, D.C. This week, I met with Kansans who drove to our nation’s capital with the truckers convoy. Our conversation touched on the concerns with COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the negative impact these mandates have had on a variety of industries, including health care and transportation. We also discussed the need for the Biden administration to increase America’s domestic oil production. Our nation is safer when we are not reliant on volatile regions or hostile nations in order to support our nation’s energy needs. I’m grateful to have met with fellow Kansans who understand the importance of vocal engagement in public policy.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the first public meeting of the inaugural Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on March 23-24, 2022. The public – including urban producers– is encouraged to attend.
“I look forward to working with this new urban agriculture federal advisory committee,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The committee’s valuable insights and expertise will provide critical guidance to help us better serve urban agricultural producers, strengthen local food systems, and increase equity and access to healthy, local food.”
The new federal advisory committee is part of USDA’s efforts to support urban agriculture, creating a network for feedback. Members were announced last month, and include agricultural producers, and representatives from the areas of higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing.
About the Meeting
USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is coordinating the meeting, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET on March 23 and 24, 2022. To attend, register by March 18, 2022.
At the meeting, committee members will discuss administrative matters and consult on the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Urban, Indoor and Emerging Agriculture grants.
Members of the public who wish to submit comments or questions related to urban agriculture may submit them via www.regulations.gov.
Comments must be submitted by March 18, 2022.
For special accommodations, please contact Leslie Glover at (602) 395-9536 or [email protected].
The Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is part of a broad USDA investment in urban agriculture. Other efforts include:
Grants that target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers, and policy development related to zoning and other urban production needs.
Cooperative agreements that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans.
Investing $260,000 for risk management training and crop insurance education for historically underserved and urban producers through partnerships between USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the University of Maryland, University of Connecticut, and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.
Organizing 11 Farm Service Agency (FSA) urban and suburban county committees. FSA will organize additional committees.
The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It is led by NRCS and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture. Its mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices, including community composting and food waste reduction.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Proof of Concepts Applications Open through the End of the Month
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Kansas Innovation & Technology Enterprises (KITE) Proof of Concept (POC) applications for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022 are being accepted through Thursday, March 31. The POC program helps cultivate and support innovation in Kansas by supporting companies with advanced, innovative technology.
The program is designed to fill a need for support where typical funding mechanisms are not available, acting as a bridge to commercialization and funding by angel or venture investors. The program aims to assist in:
the establishment of promising new technology-based entrepreneurial ventures within the State; and
the commercialization of inventions resulting from research conducted at Kansas public universities.
“Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship is one of the key initiatives in our Framework for Growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Tolandsaid. “Driving innovation in our economy is a critical component to attracting businesses and people to Kansas. I’m pleased we are able to offer this funding to help Kansas entrepreneurs develop new technologies and reach their goals.”
The POC funding is designed to help develop a project/product to the point where the entity can raise significant amounts of external capital. Typically, these awards will be used for commercial assessment and/or technology validation, such as advanced testing or prototype development.
Applications for POC funding are accepted throughout the year. The POC review committee meets on a quarterly basis to review proposals and make recommendations for funding in two categories: For-profit Entity and Faculty Led. Award amounts can be between $5,000 – $25,000 per application. Award notifications for the application period ending March 31 will be made in late April.
POC applications can be found here. For additional information, please contact Wade Wiebe at [email protected].
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’sGovernor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’sBest 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.
USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Backyard Flock in Kansas
For Immediate Release:
March 12, 2022
For more information:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706 [email protected]
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard mixed species flock (poultry) in Franklin County, Kansas. Samples from the flock were tested at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed at the USDA–APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response. KDA officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.
If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.
As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.
For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Ann Dare, Matt Crystal and Bill Martin were present for a part or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey presented a permit for culvert extension that was completed for Russell Felt at 2431 Jayhawk. All commissioners signed.
The bridge at 130th & Birch has the outer stringer in place and welded. Concrete decking is put back in and now we’re working on getting guard rail back up.
Eric stated they are calling for storms again this week. Material wise we are holding up. We got truck 145 back last week. We are on our way to get truck 146 so we’ll have 5 trucks to work with. Eric stated that we lost a previous employee over the weekend. There will be several of us attending the funeral tomorrow just to let you know. Landfill will stay open.Eric stated he met with Jeff Spangler last Tuesday after commission meeting and we went around and looked at some areas that IA is continuing to work on. They are doing a good job and will be doing a final punch list soon.
Clifton stated he received a request for sidearm mower on the county road going east of Oakgrove Cemetery. Eric stated they would take care of it.
Jim made a motion to sign a cereal malt beverage permit for 946 Hwy 69. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Ashley Shelton stated the Clerk’s office adds special assessments. We have requests to remove special assessments (mowing, demo, clean up, etc.) from the city asking us to remove them. The assessment requests are sent once a year to be added. Once assessment removal requests are received, the chairman approves and the process is handled by the Clerk’s office, then passed on to the Treasurer’s for finalizing.
Justin Meeks reported work is being done to prepare for the next sales tax. Demand letters will be going out soon for the sale in September.
Justin also reported that he has received revised contracts from Noble Health that he will be discussing with the Chairman.
Jim stated that in the past Justin mentioned about the county working with private investors at Elm Creek. Is that still something we’re looking at? Justin stated that five or six years ago we were approached by some people who were very interested in running an Airbnb or fixing up the cabins out there and having a private partnership. With money as tight as it is I think it is a very good idea to have that happen. It would be simple contracts. Some of the cabins have repair needs. Justin will check and see if the private investor is still interested. Clifton stated this would have to be a bid out process to do this.
Ashley Shelton wanted to discuss closing due to inclement weather. Ashley has a call-tree to all department heads and they in turn notify their employees. The clerk’s office is the switchboard for the building. We need to know if a department is closed so that as we receive calls that information can be passed along. We notify the radio station and we put posting on Facebook.
Susan stated that we have heard back from the state and they don’t like the contract that we had with the appraiser. We have fixed that and we’ve done a new resolution to comply with their format. In 2025 the resolution will need to be renewed again. We need to get this sent to the state as soon as possible. Clifton made a motion to accept the amended resolution for the appraiser’s contract (32-21). Lynne seconded. All approved.
Susan stated that has been working very closely with the Treasurer and Clerk’s office on various things. One of the things we’ve identified in the treasurer’s office is that it is difficult for Patty to not have a lot of interruptions where she is currently at. We have the control room right off of her office and we are asking that she be allowed to move into that area and that would allow her privacy and be able to concentrate a little better with less interruptions. Commissioners approved.
Susan stated that when going over the financial reports over the weekend there are a few entries that need to be corrected. I’m going to make those and we should have final reports next week. Patty and I are working on those.
Public Comment: Anne Dare asked for justification for a new parking lot. Justin stated it is the property owned by the land bank that is just west of the DMV building. The building currently includes Driver’s License Office, Probation Office and Spyder. The CEO of Spyder made a presentation to the city of Fort Scott and they are on rapid growth mode. They have a lot of room to grow. Susan stated that the property has to be advertised for 30 days. The grant that we are applying for is due February 28th contingent on us getting the property. Justin stated there is a dilapidated house that needs to be torn down. We are also looking at some basketball goals to be used by neighborhood children when not being used for a parking lot. Susan stated that only cost to us would be if there is a clearing title. Justin stated if there is a title issue he can take care of it. Anne followed up with asking why it is our place to provide parking for Spyder. Justin stated that this building is our incubator. Susan stated that the grant we are applying for we have to identify the businesses that are in there now and that grant is specific for expansion of business and that’s why they were named in our conversation. Susan stated the project is estimated at $150,000. for the project. That is only if the grant comes through. Anne stated that with ESSR funds the school district will receive $6,000,000 – $7,000,000 dollars that USD is going to receive on their own. I’m encouraging you all to be as fiscally responsible as you can with ARPA, Spark, etc. funds when these other entities come and ask the county for more funds. Susan stated that the Spark funds were the first funds released for Covid and then later on we had all these other funds that came out. At the time, when it happened, it was really to mitigate safe environments like the college used a lot of their funding to create dorm space to isolate. The school districts were spent more on masks and extra janitorial services. I think the intent of those Spark funds were used correctly at the time it happened because it was the only thing available. We haven’t had any requests from the educational facilities today for any of the funding the county is receiving.
Elected Official Comment: No Comment.
Five minute break was requested.
Commission Comments: Lynne commented on closing the courthouse due to inclement weather. Sometimes it’s justified to be closed. When you look at the overall scope of who has to show up to work. The biggest part of our workforce is going to be here and we’re going to pay time and a half. I do think it is a great idea that if the department heads don’t think we can make it in that’s the way we should go. Safety first for the families. Jim stated each department head should be in charge of their department. Clifton stated that weather can be different across the county. Bill Martin stated he agreed that it should be up to the department heads for their departments to be open. He asked if a person doesn’t come in how are they paid? They can take vacation time. Bill stated that it is not figured in his budget for snow days and paying time and a half. Asked that that be looked at when planning budgets. Jim plans to allow each department head to decide whether to be here or not. The courthouse will be open unless Eric states that no one should be out on the roads.
Clifton suggested having an evening commission meeting. It was determined the commission meeting for Tuesday, March 8, will be at the Community Building in Uniontown at 6:00pm. The meeting will not be available via YouTube.
At 9:59am, Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded. All approved.
