Category Archives: Government

Government

Sen. Marshall Seeks Input from Kansans on 2023 Farm Bill, Launches Online Survey

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(Washington, D.C., March 7, 2023) – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. launched a web page for Kansas’ agriculture community to share its input on the 2023 Farm Bill. The U.S. Senate is currently in the early stages of writing the 2023 Farm Bill, which will impact agriculture in Kansas and around the world for the foreseeable future.

“This legislation needs to deliver the critical resources and support that our farmers, ranchers, growers and producers have long relied upon,” Senator Marshall said. “That is why I am asking members of Kansas’ agriculture community to take our 2023 Farm Bill survey. Your input through this survey will be informative as we continue our work on this important piece of legislation. We only write a Farm Bill every five years so it is important we get it right.”

Additionally, Senator Marshall released a video announcing the launch of the webpage. You may click HERE or on the video below to view the video.

Kansans may click HERE or on the image below to take Senator Marshall’s 2023 Farm Bill survey. Additionally, the 2023 Farm Bill survey can be found under the “For Kansans” section on www.marshall.senate.gov.

Background:

The original Farm Bill – The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was a federal law passed in 1933 as part of U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The law offered farmers subsidies in exchange for limiting their production of certain crops. The subsidies were meant to limit overproduction so that crop prices could increase. This was so farmers wouldn’t go out of business and then ultimately not produce enough food for the U.S. Today, along with crop prices, the Farm Bill authorizes federal programs related to conservation, trade, crop insurance, and nutrition.

Last month, Senator Marshall launched a new initiative to highlight conservation efforts within the Kansas agriculture community. The series will also feature ongoing federal conservation programs taking place in Kansas. Stories will be released throughout the legislative process on the 2023 Farm Bill on Fridays.

To date, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has held three hearings on the 2023 Farm Bill. These hearings have focused on the Farm Bill’s titles related to trade, horticulture, crop insurance, commodity programs, nutrition, conservation, and forestry. You may click on the titles or images below to watch Senator Marshall’s remarks and questions from each hearing.

March 1: Conservation and Forestry Programs

February 17: Nutrition Programs

February 9: Commodities and Crop Insurance

February 1: Trade and Horticulture

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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR March 6 MEETING

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, March 6, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

  • Board Minutes from the 02-13-23 regular board meeting and 02-27-23 special board meeting
  • Financials-Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – February 17, 2023 – $1,583,201.90
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • Items of Interest: Preschool Spring Fling – April 6, 2023, 5:30 – 7 pm

 

The board heard from FSHS Thespians in honor of March being Theatre in Our Schools Month.  FSHS Troupe members Kinsley Davis, who also serves as President, and Emma Guns updated the board on the many things the performing arts programs offer and the importance of theatre in our schools.  FSHS Thespians put on productions, compete at several levels, and contribute to the community through service projects.

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on the upcoming KESA visit on Thursday, March 9 and noted that state assessments will begin after Spring Break.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, noted the Federal Fiscal forum that Mrs. Smith and she would be attending at the end of March specific to federal funds in Wichita.

 

Superintendent Brown summarized the February 27, 2023, work session in regard to long-range facility and maintenance planning.  The board identified the Fort Scott High School HVAC, district-wide roof maintenance, and preschool expansion as the top three priorities.  Superintendent Brown discussed the planned special education space remodel at the high school.  Chad Remboldt, Nathan Compton, and Jason Dial with TRANE gave a presentation and answered questions from the board in regard to the potential high school HVAC project.

 

The board discussed the MOU with Community Health Center.

 

The board approved obtaining additional bids for the high school tennis courts resurface.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Activity Bus Purchase
  • Football Uniform Bids to Jock’s Nitch
  • Two payments to Meridian Roofing in the amounts of $392,669.67 and $343,205.28
  • Kansas Infinitec Coalition contract for 2023-24
  • Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) – Kansas School-to-Work Program for the 2023-24 school year
  • Pre-Funding Early Retirement Payments
  • Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology for the 2023-24 school year
  • FSHS Courses for 2023-24
  • Approval of Personnel Report (following)

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

March 6, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Bowman, Carissa, Resignation, FSHS FACS Teacher, at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Mayginnes, Krystle, Resignation, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal, at the end of the 2022-23 school year

 

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:

  • Blackburn, Brendon – transfer from FSMS Student Support Center to 6th grade Science Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
  • Brown, Harmony – FSMS Paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
  • Deatsch, Erin – Winfield Scott Kindergarten Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
  • Feeback, Brennen – FSHS Special Education Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
  • Short, Samantha – transfer from FSMS 6th-8th Spanish/ELA to FSMS 6th – 8th Grade ELA Interventionist for the 2023-24 school year
  • Stanley, Tammy – transfer from FSMS 6th Grade Math Teacher to FSMS 6th – 8th Grade Math Interventionist for the 2023-24 school year

 

District Administrators:

  • Dalaina Smith – Assistant Superintendent – Contract extension – 1-year renewal for the 2023-24 school year

 

Building Administrators:

  • Scott Kimble – FSHS Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
  • Zach Johnson – FSMS Principal- 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
  • Yasmina Query – Eugene Ware Elementary Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
  • Shelly Charter – Winfield Scott Elementary Principal – 1-year renewal for the 2023-24 school year
  • Nick Johnson – Fort Scott Preschool Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years

 

Assistant Building Administrators:

  • Alex Specht – FSHS Assistant Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
  • Jeff DeLaTorre – FSHS Activities Director – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
  • Matthew Harris – FSMS Assistant Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
  • Brandon Boyd – Eugene Ware Elementary Assistant Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years

 

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Voting to Overturn Biden Administration Rule Impacting American Retirement Accounts
I voted to support and pass a disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) regarding a Department of Labor (DOL) rule that would allow asset managers to prioritize environmental, social and corporate governances (ESG) factors over the best financial returns for Americans’ retirement accounts.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) covers most employer-sponsored retirement plans, and the Employee Benefits Security Administration within the DOL is responsible for enforcing rules on how these retirement plans are invested. Last year, the DOL released a rule to allow retirement plan fiduciaries to consider ESG factors over financial returns when selecting investments for the retirement plans of more than 150 million American workers. This resolution enables Congress to express disapproval and nullify the rule.

The 401(k) accounts of millions of Americans are not a political tool for the Biden administration to use to further its agenda. This resolution now goes to the President to be signed or vetoed. I encourage the President to listen to the representatives of the people and sign this resolution to nullify the rule.

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Fort Scott, Government

FS CITY COMMISSION MEETING Minutes of February 21, 2023

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of February 21, 2023                                 Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION:  T. Shelton, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/Interim City Manager, Travis Shelton/Police Chief, Dave Bruner/Fire Chief, Jason Dickman/City Engineer, Ben Hart/BakerTilly Financial Director, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Thomas Russell/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Marquece Hayes, Kennedy Webb, and Thade Yates

 

AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA:

 

  1. Wells stated that there will be an addition to the City Commission meeting agenda, item number IV that will be Approval of Agenda. This will be the time to make amendments to the meeting agenda to avoid last-minute motions and decisions that were not on the posted agenda.

 

  1. Lewis stated there was an amendment to the agenda for the Consideration of the Contract of Brad Matkin for the position of City Manager.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to add the requested amendment for the Consideration of the Contract of Brad Matkin for the position of City Manager to New Business as item H with the recommendation of moving into Executive Session. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA TO ADD THE REQUESTED AMENDMENT FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE CONTRACT OF BRAD MATKIN FOR THE POSITION OF CITY MANAGER TO NEW BUSINESS AS ITEM H WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF MOVING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 7, 2023.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1330-A totaling $190,921.53

 

  1. Request to Pay – AVFUEL Corporation – $13,141.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – $40,236.10

 

  1. 1/31/2023 – S. Horton and W. 6th – Survey 100% – $800.00

Preliminary Design 70% –   $13,800.00

$14,600.00

 

  1. 1/31/2023 – Sanitary Sewer Project – Final 100% – $2,900.00

Bidding 80% – $3,150.00

$6,050.00

 

  1. 1/31/2023 – S. Industrial Pk. Waterline – Final 80% – $590.00

 

  1. 1/31/2023 – City Engineer – Monthly Fee – $4,243.60

 

  1. 2/6/2023 – System Designs – Addenda phase II – $2,512.50

Phase III -$12,240.00

$14,752.50

 

  1. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – Bond Payment – BI# 0144062716811 – G O REF BDS SR 2016 – $63,646.88

 

  1. Request to Pay – Kansas State Treasurer – Bond Payment – BI# 0144021821160 – GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2021-A – $21,000.00

 

  1. January Financial Statements

 

  1. Wells questioned the items in the Expense Approval Report for Planet Tech and Vermont Services.

 

  1. Matkin stated that Vermont Services is for Tyler Technologies. He will check in to Planet Tech.

 

  1. Harrington requested that the State be notified that Janet Guilfoyle no longer works for the City and there is a new contact person. B. Matkin will resolve.

 

  1. Wells questioned the cell phone franchise fees from ATT and Verizon. He would like to make sure that the City is asking all the providers for the same fees.

 

  1. Wells inquired about the two (2) bonds being paid.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. K. Harrington seconded. T. VanHoecke, J. Jones, E. Woellhof and K. Harrington voted aye. M. Well voted nay.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Program: B. Matkin stated that citizens have been.

Inquiring about this program that was previously in effect but stopped.  He spoke with B. Hart who indicated the funds for the program could come from the Codes Demolition Fund with the request of $10,000.00 to start. The program is that a citizen pays half of the replacement or a maximum of $2,000.00. There is a $23,000.00 carryover from last year’s demo budget. B. Matkin stated that this year we can only do as many as the budget allows for the year.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve $10,000.00 in the Codes Demolition Budget for the Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Program for 2023. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED $10,000.00 IN THE CODES DEMOLITION BUDGET FOR THE SIDEWALK, CURB AND GUTTER PROGRAM FOR 2023.

 

 

APPEARANCES: 

 

  1. Consideration of re-bid process for airport runway – Brian Coomes/Engineer and Project Manager for Olsson Engineers and Seth Simpson/Airport Manager presented to the Commission the proposal to go out to bid again, after a previous attempt, to resurface all the pavement on the Airfield at the airport and for approval for the amendment of breaking up the bid in to two (2) portions if the bids come back higher; a base bid and an alternate bid. The total funds available will be $3.2 million. There are additional costs to Olsson to prepare to go out for rebid. B. Coomes discussed the timeline and the grant process. He stated that the City’s match is approximately $447,000.00 for the entire project. Rehabilitation of the connecting taxiway to the box hangar at the south end of the apron. Last year the FAA determined that was an ineligible expense on the grant. The projected cost of that maintenance is approximately $63,000.00. An application was submitted to KDOT Division of Aviation to cover 90% of the cost of that taxiway. The application was successful and KDOT pledged $57,000.00 to cover 90% of the cost of that maintenance and the City’s local match would be approximately $390,000.00.

 

Discussion was had with B. Coomes and the Commissioners regarding specifications on the documents provided.

 

  1. Woellhof motioned to move forward with the re-bid process for the Runway Resurfacing Project.

 

Discussion was had regarding the language in the bid.

 

  1. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE RE-BID PROCESS FOR THE RUNWAY RESURFACING PROJECT.

 

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Amendment One to Olsson’s agreement for consulting services for the Airport Runway Project. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED AMENDMENT ONE TO OLSSON’S AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE AIRPORT RUNWAY PROJECT.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:

 

  1. Jones moved to open the Public Hearing for the purpose of evaluating the performance of Grant No 21-IT-002 to address concerns at 8 and 16 N. National Ave. All aspects of the grant will be discussed, and oral and written comments will be recorded and become part of the City of Fort Scott CDBG Citizen Participation Plan. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PURPOSE OF EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF GRANT NO 21-IT-002 TO ADDRESS CONCERNS ON 8 AND 16 N. NATIONAL AVE.  ALL ASPECTS OF THE GRANT WILL BE DISCUSSED, AND ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMENTS WILL BE RECORDED AND BECOME PART OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT CDBG CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN.

 

No one was present to speak regarding the Public Hearing. The grant is to be closed out.

 

  1. Harrington moved to close the Public Hearing. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING.

 

Public Comments was moved to accommodate speakers who attended to address the Commission but arrived late.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Marquece Hayes came to address the Commission regarding students’ interest in bringing back the football program at Fort Scott Community College.  M. Hayes was informed that the Commission does not have any authority in this matter. M. Wells referred the students to the College Board of Trustees.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration of window replacements for Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. National. This item was presented to the Design Review Board on February 14, 2023 and recommended to be approved by the City Commission.

 

Discussion was had regarding the pictures that were supplied.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the window replacements for Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. National based on the Design Review Board’s approval and recommendation. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE WINDOW REPLACEMENTS FOR BOURBON COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER, 26 N. NATIONAL BASED ON THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD’S APPROVAL AND RECOMMENDATION.

 

  1. Consideration of replacing the WWTP Grit Removal System – Jason Dickman spoke for Peter Earles. He stated that he created a bid package that is a sole source situation. He is before the Commission to make sure the project is moving forward. M. Wells stated it was not a budgeted item for this year but was brought to the Commission because it is an improvement that must be made to the Water Treatment Plant.

 

Discussion was had about the Grit Removal System.

 

  1. Hart stated that there is enough money in the ADM account to cover the cost, but Commission approval is needed.

 

  1. Dickman was asked to explain the purpose and importance of this system.

 

Discussion was had on sole source items and bidding out for needed materials.

 

  1. Dickman was asked to explain why the Grit Removal System is not a three (3) bid process. He explained that equipment for the WWTP is only produced by a handful of companies because it is specialized equipment.

 

Commissioner concern about due diligence with the bid process for items that may not be sole source providers and prioritizing the issues was discussed.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to go out for bids for the Booster Station and tank. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BIDS FOR THE BOOSTER STATION AND TANK FOR THE WWTP.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the contract for the Grit Removal System for the WWTP as presented. K. Harrington seconded. J. Jones, K. Harrington, T. VanHoecke and M. Wells voted aye.  E. Woellhof voted nay.

 

APPROVED THE CONTRACT FOR THE GRIT REMOVAL SYSTEM FOR THE WWTP AS PRESENTED.

 

  1. Jones asked E. Woellhof why he voted against the motion for the Grit Removal System. E. Woellhof stated that he believes that there should be more than one proposal to consider for that system.

 

Discussion was had about the City’s current Bid Process.

 

  1. Update on 1107 W. 6th Street: T. Russell stated that he could answer some questions, but would suggest that this item be rescheduled so that Jesse Milburn can come before the Commission.

 

  1. VanHoecke motioned to move J. Milburn’s appearance before the Commission regarding 1107 W. 6th Street to the March 7th City Commission Meeting. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO MOVE J. MILBURN’S APPEARANCE BEFORE THE COMMISSION REGARDING 1107 W. 6TH STREET TO THE MARCH 7TH CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

 

  1. Consideration of Annual Water Meter Changeout Program: B. Lemke was not able to attend the meeting due to illness. B. Matkin requested to table the item until the March 7th, 2023, City Commission meeting.

 

  1. Harrington moved to table Consideration of the Annual Water Meter Changeout Program to the March 7th, City Commission Meeting. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE CONSIDERATION OF THE ANNUAL WATER METER CHANGEOUT PROGRAM TO THE MARCH 7TH, CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

 

  1. Consideration of Memorial Hall rentals and fees: B. Matkin brought to discussion the use and rental fees of Memorial Hall. He stated that in the past 18-19 months, the current policy has not been followed. He would like the Commission to decide whether the City will use the policy and charge for the use of Memorial Hall or not for the sake of consistency and procedure for the staff at City Hall. He also stated that he promoted Doug Gunns to manage operations at Memorial Hall in addition to his current responsibilities.

 

Discussion was had about the current policy.

 

  1. VanHoecke motioned to move the item of Memorial Hall to the next meeting on March 7th, 2023.

 

The Commission agreed to a Work Session prior to the March 7th, 2023, City Commission Meeting.

 

  1. Wells agreed to strike the motion of tabling the issue in favor of the scheduled Work Session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Consideration of reappointment of expired Golf Course Advisory Board members John Leek, Mitch Quick and Steve Harry: T. VanHoecke left the Commission Room. B. Matkin stated that the candidates expressed interest in remaining on the Board until the end of the year.

 

Discussion was had about the current process of keeping advisory board seats filled.

 

  1. VanHoecke entered the meeting.

 

  1. Jones stated that he believes that all of the advisory boards need to be reevaluated.

 

The Commission agreed on a Work Session for the purpose of reevaluating the City’s Advisory Boards prior to the March 21st, 2023, City Commission Meeting at 5:00 PM.

 

  1. Farmer suggested that the Commission make a decision on the expired seats of the Golf Advisory Board for legal purposes.

 

  1. Jones moved to extend the appointed positions of the Golf Advisory Board members John Leek, Mitch Quick and Steve Harry until the end of the year 2023.
  2. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO EXTEND THE APPOINTED POSITIONS OF THE GOLF ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS JOHN LEEK, MITCH QUICK AND STEVE HARRY UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR 2023.

 

  1. Consideration of Banking Service Bids:
  2. Matkin would like to extend the bid deadline until the March 7th, 2023 meeting because it was stated that a bank did not receive their personal Invitation to Bid letter in enough time to provide a bid. Letters were sent, the bid was posted on the City’s website and in the Newspaper of Record. One bid was received.

 

  1. Jones moved to re-open the bid for the City’s Banking Services until Monday, March 6th at 3:00 PM. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO RE-OPEN THE BID FOR THE CITY’S BANKING SERVICES UNTIL MONDAY, MARCH 6TH AT 3:00 PM.

 

  1. Consideration of the Contract of Brad Matkin for the position of City Manager:
  2. VanHoecke motioned to move in to Executive Session for the purpose of the discussion of a contract pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In the Executive Session will be the five (5) City Commissioners and the City Attorney. The Session will be held in Jeff Hancock’s office and will reconvene at 7:50PM in the City Commission Room.
  3. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO MOVE IN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE DISCUSSION OF A CONTRACT PURSUANT TO THE PERSONNEL MATTERS OF NON-ELECTED PERSONNEL EXCEPTION IN K.S.A. 75-4319(B)(1). IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE THE FIVE (5) CITY COMMISSIONERS AND THE CITY ATTORNEY. THE SESSION WILL BE HELD IN JEFF HANCOCK’S OFFICE AND WILL RECONVENE AT 7:50PM IN THE CITY COMMISSION ROOM.

 

  1. VanHoecke motioned to move out of Executive Session. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO MOVE OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved table the item and to direct Bob Farmer/City Attorney to continue contract negotiations with Brad Matkin/Interim City Manager. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE ITEM AND TO DIRECT BOB FARMER/CITY ATTORNEY TO CONTINUE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH BRAD MATKIN/INTERIM CITY MANAGER.

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

Interim City Manager:  B. Matkin

  1. Boat ramp is complete and open at Lake Fort Scott.

 

  1. Sound system for the Commission Room is on order and should arrive within thirty (30) days.

 

  1. Meeting with the Chamber on Thursday to discuss a parking plan.

 

  1. Gunn Park Gazebo – a couple of citizens are interested in possibly moving it or restoring it for the City. They were given two (2) weeks to decide.

 

  1. RV Park Update – estimates on parts and labor for the installation of electricity will be approximately $10,000.00. Water will be done also. Will have three (3) bids for the labor for the electric.

 

  1. School Zone Lights – meeting with Superintendent Destry Brown next week.

 

  1. Floating T-Dock for Fern Lake – spoke with Don George about getting a quote and financial help to make it happen. Would be beneficial to have a safety precaution on it and would be located at the north side of Fern Lake for fishing.

 

  1. Common Ground alley crossing issue: talking with them about a possible dome mirror. J. Jones stated he has a dome mirror and will donate it if they would like it.

 

  1. See-Click-Fix – getting a quote because it would be beneficial to citizens

 

  1. Police Chief Travis Shelton’s last City Commission Meeting – Retirement Reception to be held on Tuesday, February 28th.

 

  1. Lewis stated that the Commission needs to make a motion to close out the CDBG Grant NO 21-IT-002 that was the topic of the Public Hearing.

 

  1. Jones motioned to close out the CDBG Grant NO 21-IT-002 for 8 and 16 N. National Ave. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO CLOSE OUT THE CDBG GRANT NO 21-IT-002 FOR 8 AND 16 N. NATIONAL AVE.

 

  1. Matkin stated that Susan Galemore will replace the City’s current CDBG Representative Carey Spoon effective February 28th, 2023.

 

Engineering:  J. Dickman

  1. School Zone Light – looking into a state program with the State Traffic Engineer that helps cover the cost for school zone lights.

 

  1. CCLIP Program for FY 2025 and 2026 is now open. They will put together another exhibit and package to continue the Wall Street project for funding in 2025.

 

  1. Second Addendum for the Sanitary Sewer Project sent yesterday. The wage rates remained the same therefore nothing had to be advertised for that issue.

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. Woellhof – No comments to add.

 

  1. Jones –
  2. Would like to consider putting funds in CDs
  3. Citizen concerns about school pick up/drop off lines at 3rd and Margrave
  4. Director updates – getting directors to come to Commission meetings
  5. Gunn Park Caretakers house – citizen suggested Airbnb
  6. Commissioner replacement – Election year, possibly take 4th in line this year
  7. Appreciates working with Travis Shelton
  8. Thank all who came out to Reza show on Friday. Thank you to Bailey, Katie, Meredith and Kelly for all of their work to make the event a huge success.

 

  1. Harrington – Appreciates Chief Shelton

 

  1. VanHoecke –
  2. Expressed honor to work with Chief Shelton. Wished him well in his retirement.
  3. Congratulations to the volunteers of Reza
  4. Wants to look at Codes and violations
  5. Any information regarding US Hwy 69. B. Matkin stated he was told about two (2) months until completion.

 

 

 

  1. Wells –
  2. Consider refurbished I-Pads with stylus instead of paper agenda packets
  3. Citizen concern regarding a dock at Lake Fort Scott in small cove due to disturbance from late night parties
  4. Consider a CDBG grant for Memorial Hall to fix the steps and other issues
  5. Matkin stated that he talked to a contractor this week about a price for the steps.

 

  1. Jones stated that he had been asked by a citizen if the City-owned land between the Artificers and Sharkey’s can go over to the Land Bank and put out for proposals.

 

  1. Wells stated that he would like to hear proposals for ideas citizens have before the City turns it over to the Land Bank.

 

  1. Wells stated he wanted to celebrate the guys getting the boat ramp done, the work on Judson Street, emulsion tank is up, alleys fixed our guys have been working exceptionally hard. He also thanked Chief Travis Shelton and expressed his appreciation.

 

City Attorney Comments: Worked with Travis Shelton since the first day (Travis) started. Has always been a true professional and wishes him the very best.

 

Adjournment:

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn at 8:20 PM. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:20 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Lisa Lewis

City Clerk

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 3, 2023

 

The Senate did not work any bills on the floor this week.  Hopefully, that will not be the case next week.  The floor schedule is not made available until the evening before – so stay tuned.

 

Here are a few more highlights from the previous week when over 30 bills were debated and voted on in two days.

 

Personal Property Tax, such as trailers, golf carts, some mobile homes, and other items have very steep penalties if owners do not file a form with the county appraiser on or before March 15 each year.  Senate Bill (SB) 8 lowers the failure to file penalty from 50% to 12.5%, late filing penalties from 25% to 10% and other penalties from 5% to 2%.  The bill would also limit required filings to an initial filing and when there has been a change to the report or property previously listed so that you don’t have to file every year.  It passed the Senate unanimously.

 

Education Opportunities were expanded for low income students in SB 83 by increasing the eligibility.  It eliminates the requirement a student must qualify for the free and reduced lunch program and increases the income limit to 400% above federal poverty.  Children who are adopted or in foster care, and children of parents in law enforcement, firefighter, or emergency medical service provider are eligible.  The tax credit for donors will increase from 70 to 75% with a limit of $100,000 per donor.  The program is capped at $10 million and could be increased each year certain conditions are met until a final cap of $20 million.  Some argue that this program hurts K-12 public education funding.  However, K-12 funding has increased to record highs in the past few years the program has been in existence.  The bill passed 22 to 16.  I voted yes.

 

Child Mutilation Prevention would prohibit gender reassignment surgery on children.  The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts would be required to revoke the license of medical person(s) who preformed the surgery.  The bill passed 26 to 11.  I voted yes.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Fort Scott, Government

Improvements to Highway 69 Nearing Completion

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The KDOT building located on Hwy. 69.

Progress is being made on the section of highway that slices through Fort Scott from north to south. Improvements are also on the horizon for several other Southeast Kansas highway projects.

In March 2022,  U.S. Hwy. 69 in Bourbon County was approved a bid for improvement to the intersections of 3rd, 6th, 12th and 25th Streets in Fort Scott,  including traffic signals.

The two miles of highway improvement inside the city limits of Fort Scott was awarded to LaForge & Budd Construction Company Inc., Parsons, Kansas, for a price tag of $2,645,573.03.

The improvement work began on Sept. 6, 2022.

“The project on US 69 is for intersection improvements for both pedestrians and vehicle traffic,” KDOT Iola Area Office Engineer Troy Howard, said. “Several intersections are getting signal updates. Both 6th St. and 12th St. are getting turning lanes added to improve traffic flows. At this point they are working on the turning lanes.”

“According to the contractors schedule they are supposed to be completed around the first of June,” Howard said.

 

Hwy. 69 Near Arma Is Nearing Completion

Travelers may have noticed that there is work on Hwy. 69, around Arma, as well.

“By late May, work should be completed on the U.S. 69 expansion project at Arma, weather permiting,” KDOT’s Priscilla Petersen,  said. “The highway will be four lanes between Pittsburg and Kansas City.”

 

Four-Lane Corridor?

At one point there was work towards a four-lane highway corridor down U.S. 69 Highway from Kansas City to past Pittsburg.

“The goal for U.S. 69 is debatable, depending on who you ask,” Wayne Gudmonson, KDOT Dist. IV Engineer, Chanute, said. “There is a group and a large number of supporters that want to construct U.S. 69  four-lane  (all the way) to I-44.There is another group who do not want this… so, at this time, U.S.69 will be four-lane from Kansas City to Pittsburg, once the work around Arma is completed.”

 

Baxter Springs

“We are also currently constructing a four- lane piece of U.S. 166 down around Baxter Springs (south of Pittsburg),” Gudmonson said. “This work begins on U.S. 400 just north east of Baxter Springs.  It angles down and … reconstructs U.S. 166 to a four-lane with an interchange just east of Baxter and a second interchange at the junction of K 26 and U.S. 166. From this interchange we diagonal down to the south east with a two lane section that ties back into U.S. 166 just west of the Kansas-Missouri line.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Free Library Services For The Blind: Talking Books

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Governor Laura Kelly signs proclamation for Kansas Talking Books Week

TOPEKA –Govenor Laura Kelly signed a new proclamation in late February designating this week, March 6-10, 2023, as Kansas Talking Books Week.

The week-long celebration marks the anniversary of the enactment of legislation establishing free library services for the blind.

The Pratt-Smoot Act, signed March 3, 1931, placed the responsibility of providing adequate library materials for the use of blind adults under the administration of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled in the Library of Congress. Several updates to the original Act included additional funding and provisions for people with print disabilities other than blindness to be included.

Kansas Talking Books, a division of the State Library of Kansas, presently serves patrons in all 105 counties across the state. Print-impaired Kansans enrolled in the program are connected to a collection of more than 140,000 items. Materials include digital and braille books, popular magazines, and locally produced materials of particular interest to Kansans or by Kansas authors. All services are provided at no cost to the patron.

Talking Book Week programming will be shared on social media at https://www.facebook.com/kansas.talking.books.service. Information about the webinars, book club meeting, and other activities can be found at kslib.info/talking.

Patrons, caregivers, and community members can find more information and the application for services at the same web address. Those in the Emporia area can call 620-341-6280. Other regions in Kansas can call toll-free at 800-362-0699.

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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board of Education Agenda for March 6

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 6, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0       Call Meeting to Order

           

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

 

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

 

            4.1       Board Minutes

  1. 02-13-23 Minutes
  2. 02-27-23 Minutes

            4.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – February 17, 2023 – $1,583,201.90

            4.5       Activity Fund accounts

            4.6       Items of Interest: Preschool Spring Fling – April 6, 2023 5:30 – 7 pm

 

5.0       Student Recognition (Information/Discussion Item)

            5.1       FSHS Thespians

 

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

 

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Finance Director’s Report

 

7.0       Old Business

 

7.1       Summary of Work Session (Information/Discussion Item)

7.2       HVAC Proposal (Information/Discussion Item)

7.3       MOU – Community Health Center & FSHS Clinic Space discussion                                                                    (Information/Discussion Item)

7.4       Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. (Action Item)

 

8.0       New Business

 

8.1       Activity Bus Purchase – $129,342 (Action Item)

8.2       Football Uniform Bids & Recommendation (Action Item)

8.3       Roof Payment 1 & Roof Payment 2 (Action Item)

8.4       Kansas Infinitec Coalition for 2023-24 (Action Item)

8.5       Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) – Kansas School-to-Work Program (Action Item)

8.6       Pre-Funding Early Retirement Payments (Action Item)

8.7       Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology for the 2023-24 school year                               (Action Item)

8.8       FSHS Courses for 2022-23 (Action Item)

 

9.0       Public Forum

 

10.0     Other Business – Negotiations

 

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Action Item)

10.2     Exit Executive Session

 

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

 

11.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

11.2     Exit Executive Session

11.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

11.4     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

11.5     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting

                       

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for March 7

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

To view entire packet:

DOC030423-03042023115447

 

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

March 7, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

   Roll Call:

  1.       J. Jones     T. Van Hoecke     E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells
  2.      Flag Salute:
  • Invocation: Regan Wells

 

  1. Approval of Agenda:
  2. Consent Agenda:
  3. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 21, 2023

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1331-A totaling $311,195.45

 

  1. Public Comment:

Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5)      minutes per person, at Commission discretion.

 

VII.      Old Business:  

 

  1.   Contract – City Manager, Brad Matkin

 

 

VIII.     Appearances:

 

  1. Mike Miles – Fire Department Retention presentation
  2. Bourbon County Casa – Requesting donation from the City

 

  1. 3. Healthy Bourbon County Action Team – Update on Center for Economic Growth – Jody Hoener, Rachel Carpenter, Dacia Clark

 

  1. Cory Bryars – Request to close Riverfront Park September 29th and 30th, 2023 for the Care to Share Event

 

  1. Update on status of 1107 W. 6th St. – Contract of Sale – James Malveaux

 

 

  1. Public Hearing: None
  2. New Business:
  3. Discussion of 10 N. National property
  4. Consideration of Utility Easement Adjustment on Purchased Lake Lot
  5. Consideration for purchase of Storm Siren – Walnut Hill – Chief Bruner
  6. Consideration for purchase of Body Cameras – Chief Pickert
  7. Consideration of Paint for Striping Machine – Tom Coffman
  8. Purchase of Attachment for Skid Loader – Tom Coffman
  9. Consideration of Annual Water Meter Changeout Program – Bill Lemke
  10. Consideration 1107 W. 6th Street Bids
  11. Consideration of Banking Service Bids
  12. Consideration of Ground Lease Bids
  13. Consideration of Fort Scott Pavilion Bids – J. Dickman
  14. Consideration of CDBG Sewer Project Bids – J. Dickman
  15. Consideration of RFQ for US 54-CCLIP Geometric Improvements – Phase I

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. Interim City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke –
  6. Woellhof –
  7. Harrington –
  8. Jones –
  9. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

XII.        Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for   Executive Sessions)

 

XIII.        Adjournment:

 

 

Government

Ag Producers Safety Net Program

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Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs 

 

Manhattan, Kansas, March 3, 2023 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year have until March 15, 2023, to elect and enroll a contract. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these two safety net programs to provide vital income support to farmers experiencing substantial declines in crop prices or revenues.
“The Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs provide critical protection to many American farmers. As producers across the country deal with market volatility and natural disasters, these programs offer much-needed stability,” said Dennis McKinney, State Executive Director for FSA in Kansas. “I am encouraging producers to reach out to their county offices to learn about program eligibility and election options today, so that they can begin the enrollment process as soon as possible.”

 

Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC, which are both commodity-by-commodity, or ARC-Individual, which covers the entire farm. Although election changes for 2023 are optional, producers must enroll through a signed contract each year. Additionally, if a producer has a multi-year contract on their farm and makes an election change for 2023, they will need to sign a new contract.

 

If producers do not submit an election by the March 15, 2023, deadline, the election remains the same as the 2022 election for commodities on the farm. Farm owners cannot enroll in either program unless they have a share interest in the commodity.

 

In Kansas, producers have completed 74,828 contracts to date, representing 72% of the more than 104,000 expected contracts.

 

Producers who do not complete enrollment by the deadline will not be enrolled in ARC or PLC for the 2023 year and will not receive a payment if triggered.

 

Producers are eligible to enroll farms with base acres for the following commodities:  barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.
Decision Tools

 

In partnership with USDA, two web-based decision tools are available to assist producers in making informed, educated decisions using crop data specific to their respective farming operations:

  • Gardner-farmdoc Payment Calculator, a tool available through the University of Illinois allows producers to estimate payments for farms and counties for ARC-CO and PLC.
  • ARC and PLC Decision Tool, a tool available through Texas A&M University that allows producers to estimate payments and yield updates and expected payments for 2023.

 

Crop Insurance Considerations and Decision Deadline

 

ARC and PLC are part of a broader safety net provided by USDA, which also includes crop insurance and marketing assistance loans.

 

Producers are reminded that ARC and PLC elections and enrollments can impact eligibility for some crop insurance products.

 

Producers on farms with a PLC election have the option of purchasing Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) through their Approved Insurance Provider. However, producers on farms where ARC is the election are ineligible for SCO on their planted acres for that crop on that farm.

 

Unlike SCO, the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) is unaffected by an ARC election. Producers may add ECO regardless of the farm program election.

 

Upland cotton farmers who choose to enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are ineligible for the stacked income protection plan (STAX) on their planted cotton acres for that farm.

 

Producers should contact their crop insurance agent to make certain that the election and enrollment made at FSA follows their intention to participate in STAX or SCO coverage. Producers have until March 15, 2023, to make the appropriate changes or cancel their ARC or PLC contract.

 

More Information

 

For more information on ARC and PLC, producers can visit the ARC and PLC webpage or contact their local USDA Service Center.

 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In 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 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 www.usda.gov.

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

 

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Take Down Tobacco

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Kansas Department of Health and Environment Resist Program, and the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition host National Take Down Tobacco Day at the Capitol

TOPEKA – Today, members of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Resist program and the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition hosted Take Down Tobacco Day at the Capitol – a national day of activism where youth are encouraged to speak out against commercial tobacco companies and speak with policymakers about tobacco prevention.

“Take Down Tobacco Day is a great opportunity to unite communities and create a unified voice to stand up to commercial tobacco companies,” said Bryce Chitanavong, youth tobacco prevention coordinator. “Tobacco companies use deceitful marketing tactics to target the youth because they see them as future customers. We want them to know that we won’t allow it.”

For most people, tobacco use starts when they are young. Nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily first try smoking by the age of 18. Young people are even more vulnerable to nicotine addiction as their brains develop. Commercial tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States. The use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe, regardless of whether it is smoked or not.

Previously known as Kick Butts Day, Take Down Tobacco Day provides an opportunity to educate students about the importance of youth advocacy in tobacco prevention. The American Heart Association provided advocacy training on the evening of March 1 to prepare students to speak with their policymakers. Each group that registered will get a chance to meet with their local representative and discuss tobacco prevention with them.

Resist is a youth-led program focusing on peer-to-peer education, awareness and policies preventing tobacco and electronic cigarette/vaping use. Resist chapters are locally established and hold community awareness events to promote tobacco-free environments. Resist is made possible with the support of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition.

Resources are available for people who want to quit smoking or vaping. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visit ksquit.org.

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