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Category Archives: Government
Improving Kansas Electrical Grid Resilience and Capacity
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Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission for This Evening, Oct. 23
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 23, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 10/16/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $342,018.24
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $694,895.54
- Public Comments
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Letter of Support for CHC SEK Transportation
- Approval of 2024 Calendar
- Jennifer Hawkins-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- 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.
Attachments:
KS Announces 5-Year Blueprint to Ensure Reliable, Quality Water Supply
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Kansas Main Street Program Seeking New Communities
Governor Kelly Encourages Communities to Join Kansas Main Street Program
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Main Street program is seeking new communities to join the program in 2024. Kansas Main Street provides technical assistance and support for communities working to revitalize their downtown areas by focusing on economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.
The Kansas Main Street program was initially launched in 1985 but was ended in 2012 under the Brownback Administration. Governor Kelly restarted the program in 2019 with support from the Kansas Legislature.
“The Kansas Main Street Program has been crucial to preserving and growing downtowns across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Downtown areas are the heartbeat and pride of most communities across Kansas, and improving these community pillars is part of how we’ll bring new jobs to the area.”
Communities wishing to submit applications must first attend a virtual application workshop, which will explain the Main Street Approach and the process for completing the application. Main Street Kansas will host the next virtual application workshop at 10 a.m. Monday, November 13.
Applications for the Kansas Main Street program will open on December 4 and close on January 26, 2024. Applications will be reviewed in February, with new communities announced in March.
“Eleven communities have been added since Governor Kelly brought the Kansas Main Street program back in late 2019,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These Kansas communities now have the resources and tools needed to support economic development and breathe new life into their downtowns and historic commercial districts.”
Benefits of earning designation as a Kansas Main Street community include:
- Comprehensive technical assistance from the state and national programs to further economic development downtown
- Training in strategic planning, program capacity-building, and organizational management for the Main Street organization
- Individualized training for Main Street managers, boards, and other Main Street participants
- Attendance to statewide quarterly training and professional development opportunities
- Access to design services to help downtown property owners undertake effective rehabilitation, restoration, adaptive reuse, and infill projects, as well as reimagining public spaces within the district
- Access to business assistance such as recruitment and retention, succession planning, business plan development, and entrepreneurial development
- Membership in the Main Street America network
“The Main Street Approach is a proven economic development tool, especially for small, rural communities,” Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said. “It has been a great resource for communities in Kansas, and we always encourage more participants in the program.”
Registration for the November 13 application workshop is required, which can be completed here.
For more information on the Kansas Main Street program, click here or contact Director Scott Sewell at (785) 230-6404 or scott.sewell@ks.gov.
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Community Connection Panel is Oct. 25 at the Empress Event Center
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Grant to Improve Food Assistance Benefits
Federal grant awarded to improve efficiency and access to Kansas Food Assistance program
TOPEKA – The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program has announced the awarding of a Process and Technology Improvement grant of $706,550 to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). The grant will enhance the digital system that accepts SNAP, known as Food Assistance in Kansas, applications.
“Our main goal is to reduce status wait times, improve data accuracy, and enhance the overall client experience,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard shared. “This will result in Kansans receiving Food Assistance benefits in a timely manner and ensuring that Food Assistance continues to effectively serve as the primary defense against hunger.”
The FNS Process and Technology Improvement grants supports efforts by state agencies and their community-based and faith-based partners to develop and implement projects that use technology to improve the quality and efficiency of SNAP application and eligibility determination systems.
DCF will automate manual Food Assistance administrative tasks using BOT automation. Using this technology, the agency will be able to register cases, enter data, and create workflow tasks for caseworkers all without human intervention. Workers will receive notification of an issue with an application and then will follow-up with the Kansan to ask questions or get additional details.
In FY 2022, DCF received 147,224 Food Assistance applications. Currently, the state has 95,047 Food Assistance cases that are made up of 106,699 adults and 84,343 children. DCF is working in partnership with Accenture, the technology business manager of the data management system used by the agency for the benefit programs.
The teams will begin working immediately on the upgrades and have up to three years to complete the project using the funding from the FNS grant.
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USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through a suite of more than 16 nutrition assistance programs, such as the school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC and SNAP. Together, these programs serve 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year, promoting consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential to optimal health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through the co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FNS’s report, “Leveraging the White House Conference to Promote and Elevate Nutrition Security: The Role of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service,” highlights ways the agency will support the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. To learn more about FNS, visit www.fns.usda.gov and follow @USDANutrition.
KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
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Fort Scott Radio Station Recognized by Kansas Dept. of Commerce
A local business was recognized during the recent ceremony by The Kansas Department of Commerce held in Wichita on Oct. 12.
To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes businesses across the state for the valuable contributions they make to the Kansas economy and to the well-being of their communities, according to https://www.kansascommerce.gov/kansasbusinessawards/.
Fort Scott Broadcasting Co. Inc was recognized as the Southeast Kansas Regional Winner in Retail and Service. Tim and Deb McKenney are the owners of the business.
“Deb submitted the information,” Tim McKenney said. “It was really just a statement about the station’s 70th birthday under the same family ownership and management coming up next year. She mentioned some of our programs we air regularly such as the city, county, and school talk shows to keep folks in tune with current happenings in the area.”
“The award was for 69 years of community service to our community,” Deb said.
The categories were:
- AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
- Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
- Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
- Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
- Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
- Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
- Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
- Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
- Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State.
Businesses and individuals from across the state were honored for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state’s economy at the ceremony, according to a press release.
Governor Laura Kelly announced at the ceremony that Atwood-based SurePoint Ag Systems has won the 2023 Governor’s Award of Excellence and Tank Connection in Parsons earned the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, according to the press release.
A record 297 businesses, organizations and individuals were nominated in nine categories for this year’s To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards, according to the release. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria such as business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investments, and support of local community events. A total of 245 Merit Awards and 43 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor’s Award of Excellence.
To view the list of award winners: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/kansasbusinessawards/#h-merit-award-winners
In the regional award winners division for retail/ service across the state, the winners were:
From the Southeast section of the state, the regional winner was Fort Scott Broadcasting All Hit 103.9 fm, 98.3 fm, and 1600 am.
East Central
JT’s Grill
Northwest
Shores Napa Auto Parts
Northeast
Lumber House True Value
South Central
Country at Heart
Southwest
Jetmore Veterinary Service
KS Flags Are Half-Staff In Honor of Judge Malcolm
Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Magistrate Judge William Malcolm
TOPEKA— Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol Complex and all court buildings and facilities until Monday, October 23, 2023, to honor 21st District Magistrate Judge William Malcolm, who died from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this month.
“Judge Malcolm was a dedicated public servant who, for nearly two decades, worked hard to ensure justice for the citizens of Clay and Riley counties,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “On behalf of the State of Kansas, I thank him for his service. My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones.”
Judge Malcolm passed away on October 15, 2023. A public visitation will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/
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Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on Oct. 10
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
OCTOBER 10, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on October 10, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor
Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley
Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Danny Taylor, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan,
City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Region H Multi-Hazard, Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan – Clerk Johnson communicated with Bourbon County Emergency Management that we adopted resolution to continue in June, 2022, and sent updates to the city’s portion of the plan. There has been no acknowledgement of the communication. She will followup.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319-(b)(4), in order to discuss economic
development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and
individual proprietorships, the open meeting to resume at 7:20, include Sally Johnson.
Open meeting resumed at 7:20PM. No action taken.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the September 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds
was $385,053.49, Receipts $46,930.23, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $33,645.50, Checking Account Closing
Balance $395,312.22. Bank Statement Balance $404,186.79, including Checking Account Interest of $82.69, Outstanding
Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,874.57, Reconciled Balance $395,312.22. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit
$33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All
Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $482,395.77. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $713.64, and Utility CDs
$682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,396.21. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the
month of September 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. September
Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond &
Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of September $10,258.73, Year-to-Date
Net Income $51,760.25. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $90,189.41 (73.8%), Expenditures $84,841.97
(53.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $28,217.64 (76.5%), Expenditures $23,385.57 (56.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue
$109,050.40 (69.6%), Expenditures $98,075.55 (43.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $150,127.90 (100.2%),
Expenditures $120,383.02 (65.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,100.03 (81.8%), Expenditures $3,713.22
(31.8%). The October 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $35,838.69 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
Minutes of September 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich on vacation.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that he hasn’t seen any progress yet on 404 Washington, they have until
December 1 to complete exterior. The dead tree at 505 Wall has been removed. 201 Fulton, 303 Third, 401 Sherman,
201 Franklin, 307 Washington, and 306 Washington grass/weeds were discussed. Coyan will talk to or send letters as
needed. Clerk Johnson will get contact information for 201 Fulton and 201 Franklin for him. There are broken limbs
hanging in a tree on the easement between 406 and 408 Fulton.
Clerk Johnson reported on the KRWA webinar she attended regarding Lead Service Line Inventory and workshop on
Alcohol Beverage Control. She also handed out information on PFAS class action suit and Cybersecurity.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – would like council salary put on agenda next month. Clerk Johnson is to present a draft ordinance
on amount and regulations for council pay.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Electrical in Park – 30AMP outlets have been requested for use for food trucks not during an event.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to set the fee for use of 30AMP outlets at $15
Street project – contractor will be in town October 12 to visit with Rich about the project and plan to begin on October
13.
Council asked to have procurement policy on next month’s agenda to review and amended, if needed.
Mural Grant – we have received the second payment from grant.
Placemaking Project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will be sending us the grant application that has to be filled out online.
Multi-use of the court was discussed. Specs for the project for bid request was discussed. Johnson will draw up bid
invitation, have reviewed,
and then sent out to area contractors.
Pond Project – signed contract has been received. We can request bids. They do not have to be sealed bids. Johnson
will order the weed barrier needed. Weeds coming through current weed barrier was discussed. Johnson will ask Don
George, KDWPT, what herbicide is acceptable.
NEW BUSINESS
Messaging System – council reviewed the information on several different systems and will not pursue at this time.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:39PM
Wild Game and Foraged Food Cooking Competition on Nov. 19 in Lawrence
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