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Category Archives: Government
Kansas Attraction Development Grants Announced
Kansas Tourism Announces $400,000 Available in Attraction Development Grants
TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Attraction Development Grant program is open for applications. A total of $400,000 is available. Attraction Development Grants provide strategic economic assistance to public or private entities, or not-for-profit groups, that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attraction in the state. The deadline for applications is March 31.
“The projects that we are looking for with these grants are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Each person that visits our state also supports our economy, by eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and shopping at our stores. These Attraction Development Grants will help entice more people to choose Kansas for their next adventure.”
The goals of Attraction Development Grants include:
- Spur economic growth
- Develop destination-based assets
- Increase visitation to Kansas
- Enhance visitor experience
- Improve the quality of life in communities across the state.
“Attraction Development Grants are one of the many tools we have to assist travel industry partners across the state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “With world-renowned destinations, history rich communities and spectacular natural wonders, every corner of Kansas is a vital part of the state’s tourism economy. These grants support our attractions and increase visitation to and throughout Kansas.”
Grant dollars may fund up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent. For more information, including grant applications please visit https://www.travelks.com/
Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) that is derived from state lottery proceeds.
About the Kansas Tourism Division:
The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce and works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
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FS City Agenda for Feb. 14
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
February 14, 2023
6:00 P.M.
- ROLL CALL:
- Jones T. Van Hoecke E. Woellhof K. Harrington M. Wells
- CONSIDERATION:
- Patrick Wood – Consideration of Pocket Community
RESOLUTION NO. 7-2023
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ACCOMPANY THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION.
RESOLUTION NO. 8-2023
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF A RURAL HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICT (RHID) AND AN INDUSTRIAL BOND (IRB) ISSUE IN SUPPORT OF THE BROKEN OAK POCKET COMMNITY PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 1907 HUNTINGTON BLVD IN FORT SCOTT, KANSAS
- Approval of Equipment Trade – E42 R2-Series Bobcat Compact Excavator
- Consideration to publish for Request For Qualifications (RFQ) for 2023 Cape Seal Program – tabled from February 7, 2023, City Commission meeting
III. Adjournment:
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
The Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl LVII Champions!
After a hard-fought victory last night, the Kansas City Chiefs are once again Super Bowl Champions! For the second time in four seasons, the Vince Lombardi Trophy is headed to Kansas City. What an incredible season and well-deserved win for the Kansas City Chiefs. Congratulations to the entire team, Coach Andy Reid, the Hunt family and all of Chiefs Kingdom.
The Chiefs Kingdom Champions Parade will be held this Wednesday, February 15, starting at 12:00 p.m. CT. Following the parade, there will be a victory rally at Union Station at 1:45 p.m. CT. You can stay up-to-date on all the details at ChiefsParade.com.
I want to thank all of our law enforcement officials for their tireless work to keep everyone safe during this exciting time for Chiefs Kingdom. Let us all remember to be respectful of those in uniform during our celebrations throughout the week. Go Chiefs!
Mowing Proposals For City of Fort Scott Requested
The City of Fort Scott is accepting proposals for mowing and trimming of public and private properties for both one (1) year and three (3) year contracts. The sites will generally be locations that have been cited for violation of the City’s vegetation nuisance ordinances. Services will be on an “as needed” basis and will have to be completed five (5) days from notification. Successful applicants will be required to provide certification of a minimum of $100,000 in commercial liability insurance, provide proof of Workers Compensation coverage or sign a waiver, and be at least 18 years old.
Applicants can submit bids for each of the following:
–Small residential or commercial jobs requiring mowers less than 48” and trimming based on approximately 6,000 square feet or less. All overgrowth over one inch (1”) thick must be cut down also. Pick up limbs, debris, and trash before mowing and remove them from property. Please note that before and after photos will need to be taken before payment is received.
–Large residential or commercial jobs requiring tractor and brush hog mower, trimming based on 6,000 square feet or per acre, per job. Pick up limbs, debris, and trash before mowing and remove them from property. Please note that before and after photos will need to be taken before payment is received.
Submit sealed bid proposals in writing no later than 4:00PM Friday, March 17th, 2023, to Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk, City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Call 620-223-0550 with questions. The City reserves the right as a judge of all values of selection and to use more than one of the bidders if necessary to manage the workload.
PLEASE SUBMIT EACH BID SEPARATELY.
Downtown Revitalization Grants Announced
$850,000 Funding Announced for
Downtown Building Revitalization
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $850,000 has been made available to fund a new round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants. The HEAL program, which is funded by the Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation, provides grants to small communities across the state to revitalize downtown buildings.
The HEAL program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:
- New or expanding businesses
- Housing
- Arts and culture
- Civic engagement
- Childcare
- Entrepreneurship
“Downtowns throughout Kansas are already making dramatic and visible improvements because of this popular program,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation is creating even more opportunities for communities to bring their historic buildings back to life and strengthen their local economies.”
HEAL is intended to close financial gaps in restoring underutilized properties and making downtown districts throughout the state more economically vibrant. Applicants must show that submitted projects have potential to become economic drivers in the community.
Eligible applicants must be organizations applying on behalf of building owners and may include designated Kansas Main Street programs, economic development organizations, cities, counties, 501c3 or 501c6 organizations, and local community foundations.
Private building owners should contact their local organization to work in partnership on the application and to identify buildings that are strong candidates for the HEAL program. The buildings should be underutilized, valuable to the historic fabric of the downtown district and have a feasible plan for adaptive re-use.
“Contributing to the HEAL program alongside the Department of Commerce is a natural fit for our foundation’s mission,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, President of the Patterson Family Foundation. “Downtown areas are often the heart of communities of all sizes, and we believe rural downtown spaces especially will benefit from improvements to their beauty, safety, and greater accessibility.”
HEAL matching grants will be awarded for either façade or building construction projects. Communities that received a previous HEAL grant are not eligible to apply in this round.
Proof of matching funds from the building owner will be required at the time of application. The application window opens February 13 and closes March 31 with award notifications at the end of May.
Information about the HEAL grant program and the online application can be viewed at www.kansascommerce.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 10, 2023
Committee Work continues to be the major focus. The Senate Tax Committee that I chair, passed out several bills. Some of the bills that passed included exempting Social Security from income tax, increasing income tax standard deductions, and repealing the 1.5 mil of property taxes the state keeps and funding the 1.5 mil using State General Funds (SGF). The bills still need to pass the Senate and the House before the Governor must decide to veto or let become law.
Tax cut on Premium Taxes, a “sales” tax that insurers pay on premiums that they receive from their policy holders, passed the Senate unanimously. SB 25 would cut the premium tax from 6 percent to 4. It was reported that Kansas has one of highest premium tax rates in the nation. The cut will bring the tax rate more in line with other states.
Premium Taxes are due 90 days after the fiscal year end. However, SB 19 would change that so that premium taxes would be due 90 days after calendar year end. The bill passed the Senate unanimously.
Budgets are being worked in committees. It is frustrating as the information reported is minimal and legislators get a short timeframe to review the information. During a Commerce Committee hearing on the Department of Commerce budget, it was troubling to listen to the ways they are giving away taxpayer dollars. Especially since I hear from Kansans who are struggling to make ends meet because of taxes and the increased cost of necessities. Legislators have attempted to improve the budget process, but it is a battle against people who want to grow government and have control of the books. I am working with a few others on solutions and will keep you posted.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Jan. 31
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Feb. 14
Two Vacancies on FS Street Advisory Board
There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott.
When submitting your letter/email of interest, please provide any specific knowledge or training you have that would complement you being a member of this Board.
All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.0550. Please submit your letter of interest by March 8th, 2023.
Uniontown City Council Agenda for Feb. 14
Uniontown City Council agenda for Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at Uniontown City Hall.
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick –
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of January 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KCC Inspection
KRWA Conference
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements –
KRWA Voting Delegate –
Benefit-Cost Analysis Workshop, April 19-20, Manhattan –
Rabies Clinic this year?
CCMFOA Conference, March 22-24, Manhattan –
Court Clerks Conference, March 3, Wichita –
KSGFOA Membership, Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita –
Utility Hearings this month – last Wed 22nd, change date to 28th?
LSLI survey –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Citywide Trash Service –
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –
NEW BUSINESS
City Attorney –
Attachments:
Uniontown City Council Minutes of Jan. 10
The Regular Council Meeting on January 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 Dixie Riedel and Kay Forsen (Kansas Municipal Gas Agency), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – gave a presentation of the proposed project and fielded questions. We would have a contract with KMGA to participate in a project with Minnesota Municipal Gas Agency. MMGA would be the entity to actually prepay. If we would choose to participate, we would choose the amount (10%-60%) of our proposed daily usage to pledge to this project. The discount seen in the last six months has been $0.25-$0.40/unit.
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend. He sent a thank you to the Council for their support of the project with a list of donors and costs for the project.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $354,638.51, Receipts $56,191.05, Transfers Out $19,026.68, Expenditures $48,250.91, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,551.97. Bank Statement Balance $355,533.60, including Checking Account Interest of $76.87, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,981.63, Reconciled Balance $343,551.97. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,165.36, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,793.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,442.36, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $429,952.95. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $438.27, and Utility CDs $374.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $812.57. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Security Meter Deposits $0.23, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Security Meter Deposits $0.45, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $3,000.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement $3,000.00 for Total Transfers of $19,026.68. Net Loss for the month of December $11,086.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,808.47. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $123,315.52 (116.9%), Expenditures $116,473.53 (89.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,274.50 (101.6%), Expenditures $39,133.62 (95.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $133,607.21 (95.7%), Expenditures $172,946.27 (70.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $155,336.20 (109.6%), Expenditures $146,843.96 (88.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (120.9%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%). The January 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $39,253.89 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of December 13, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
- Resolution 2023-0110-1 – 2023 GAAP Waiver
- Destruction of records for 2012 and prior
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system will by January 17-18.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported little change on Smith Estate demolition over holidays. The park looked really good over holidays!
Mayor Jurgensen addressed the ongoing neighbor feud. Discussion ensued.
Clerk Johnson was absent due to family emergency.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – Received an invitation to attend Governor’s inauguration.
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Mayor Jurgensen visited with Bourbon County Public Works Director on the rock and he said the county can’t give us the size rock we’re wanting. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 accept the size of rock presented unless they can make bigger
Placemaking Project – Mayor Jurgensen has reviewed the catalogs and called companies for pricing. He’s going to try to get the committee together soon.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Doug Coyan indicated materials would probably be delivered around February 1. Discussion ensued regarding timeline of project. He also stated that concrete cost is skyrocketing. Discussion ensued.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss nonelected employees performances and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:20PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:20PM.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to increase the City Superintendent and City Clerk wage rate $1.00/hour and the Maintenance Helper wage rate $1.50/hour, effective January 1, 2023
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:25PM