Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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February 03, 2023

 

Committee Work was still the main focus during the fourth week of session.  A record number of bills, including tax bills, have been introduced this year.  There have been several hearings.  Most likely, bills will be worked in the next week or so.  “Working” a bill is lingo for debating, amending, and/or voting on a bill.  Bills, schedules, and recordings of meetings can be found at http://www.kslegislature.org.

 

Taxes Collected (often referred to as “revenue”) continues to exceed estimates.  January taxes collected exceeded estimates by over $50 million.  That puts the fiscal year collection over $700 million above estimates.  Keep in mind this is after revenue estimate adjustments and tax cuts in 2021 and 2022, including reducing the state grocery sales tax to 4.0.  In 2021, the Governor called the income tax and other tax cuts “reckless”.  The legislature overrode her veto and implemented the cuts.  It is obvious with the increased “revenue”, there could have been more tax cuts.  There appears to be agreement, so the question is, what taxes get cut and by how much?

 

Energy Policy  A constituent at a legislative coffee asked why Kansas doesn’t have an energy policy and why electricity being produced in Kansas is being sent out of state with Kansas rates continuing to climb.  Excellent questions.  There have been a few bills introduced attempting to chip away at some of these problems.  One bill would elect the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) board members, who oversee utility companies in Kansas, instead of the Governor appointing them.  Almost everyone at the coffee agreed that there needs to be a balance of our energy supply and that Kansas should reap some benefit for having the energy production in our state.

 

Privacy Free Speech and Foreign Threats News of the China spy balloon this week should be a wake-up call.  However, it is not the first wake-up call.  For years, China, Russia, some technology companies, and others have been challenging the very protections created by our Founding Fathers.  They have been spying, limiting our speech, and manipulating information.  You may not have heard that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a $1.5 million fine to GoodRx for unauthorized disclosure of its users’ medication data with third parties for advertising.  Of course GoodRx denies it and said the fine was less expensive than fighting the accusation.  The notion of privacy is being eliminated.  Technology and complacency have moved us to a surveillance state.  There are a few bills that have been introduced in the Kansas Legislature, but the real change comes down to the choices we make, like choosing browsers and software that don’t track you, and educating yourself and others on threats.

 

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

Caryn

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for FS City Commission on Feb. 7

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING

OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET

February 7, 2023
6:00 P.M.

 

   Roll Call:

  1.       J. Jones     T. Van Hoecke    E. Woellhof     K. Harrington     M. Wells
  2.      Flag Salute:
  • Invocation: Led by: M. Wells
  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 24, 2023.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1329-A totaling $927,968.03

 

  1. Request to Pay – De Lage Landen Public Finance, LLC – $17,641.00

Golf Cart Rental Fee

 

  1. L. G. Barcus and Sons, Inc. – $84,390.97 – Dam Improvements

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – $33,084.08
  2.  1/6/2023 – City Engineer Monthly Fee – $4,120.00
  3.   1/9/2023 – S. Horton and W. 6th – Preliminary 50% – $10,350.00
  4.   1/9/2023 – System Designs Addenda phase II – $7,537.50 and

Phase III – $2,040.00

  1. 1/9/2023 – 2022 Sanitary Sewer Project – Final 90% – $7,250.00

and Bidding 10% – $450.00

  1.   1/9/2023 – South Industrial Park Waterline – Final – $590.00
  2.   1/9/2023 – GO Car Wash MEP Plan Review – Jason Dickman –

$568.00

  1. 1/9/2023 – Cooper Street Inspection – Trever Stoppel – $58.50

And Cylinder Breaks – $120.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering Change Order No. 2 –

$282,383.00 – 17th & Eddy Storm Water – Remobilization fees due to substantial delays in utility relocations.

 

  1. Judy’s Fuel & Oil LLC – $26,520.69 – Unleaded Gasoline

 

  1.   Public Comment:

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

 

 

 

 

 

  1.  Old Business:  

 

  1. Consideration to remove “Interim” from Interim City Manager’s title

 

  1. B. Consideration of Splash Pad location

 

 

VII.      Appearances:

 

  1. Pat Bishop – Fort Scott Land Bank Manager- Introduction and Annual Report for the Commission.

 

  1. Shane Lamb and Susan Galemore/SEKEDC

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2023                                                             A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT KANSAS HOUSING INVESTORS TAX CREDIT APPLICATION BY RURAL REDEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RENTAL HOUSING LOCATED AT 736 S. HEYLMAN, FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

  1. C. Justin Pergont regarding the Van Fossen Apartment Project

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 4-2023

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

 

  1.    Consideration of Resolution No. 5-2023

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF A RURAL HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICT (RHID) AND AN INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND (IRB) ISSUE IN SUPPORT OF THE VAN FOSSEN APARTMENTS PROJECT TO BE LOCATED AT 19 S. MAIN AND 23 S. MAIN IN DOWNTOWN FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Patrick Wood

 

  1. Stacy Wood – Advisory Boards

 

 

 

 

VIII.     Public Hearing:

 

  1. Petitioner Robert Lembcke – 2010 E. 3rd Street, Fort Scott

Vacate the roadway easement on Barteau Street between 3rd and 4th Streets – Property described as: APPROXIMATELY 300’ x 60’ OF BARTEAU STREET LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1-13 BLOCK 16 AND LOTS 2-14 BLOCK 17 MCMILLAN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT KANSAS.

 

 

  1.  New Business:
  2. Consideration to publish for Request for Proposals – Ground Lease – Scott Flater
  3. Consideration to go out for bids – 2023 Mowing Season – Norm Nation
  4. Consideration to apply for Grant Project for Automatic External Defibrillator to be placed at City Hall, Buck Run, Fire Department, Airport, Golf Course, Public Works, and Memorial Hall – Dave Bruner
  5. Consideration to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to replace the Exhaust Removal Systems within truck bay areas of Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 2 – Dave Bruner
  6. Cape Seal for 2023
  7. Brick Crew Justification
  8. Reports and Comments:
  9. Interim City Manager Comments:
  10. RenoDry Report Regarding Moisture Control at Memorial Hall
  11. School Crosswalk Light on National Ave.
  12. Sidewalk and Curb Reimbursement Program
  13. Demolition Budget
  14. Audio-Visual Equipment for Commission Room

 

  1. Engineering Comments: Update included.

 

  1. Commissioners Comments:
  2. Jones –
  3. VanHoecke –
  4. Woellhof –
  5. Harrington –
  6. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

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

 

XII.         Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Jan. 24

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Minutes of January 24th, 2023                                Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 24th, 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, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells.  Commissioner K. Harrington was absent.

 

FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION:  T. VanHoecke, 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, Thomas Russell, Codes Enforcement Technician, Seth Simpson, Airport Director, Doug Guns, Sports Facilities Director, Bob Farmer, City Attorney, Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, Eddie Townley, Michael Buller, Steve Anthony, Justin Pregont, and Michael Hoyt.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  M. Wells asked if anyone had additional items to add to the agenda for this meeting. L. Lewis stated that the agenda did need to be approved due to amendments made to the published agenda on January 20th, 2023.  J. Jones motioned to approve the January 24th, 2023, amended agenda.  T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE JANUARY 24, 2023, AMENDED AGENDA.

 

Continue reading Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Jan. 24 →

Government, Kansas

Preventing Fatal Crashes

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Every life saved is a success, but more can be done

to prevent fatality crashes
The good news – Kansas Department of Transportation preliminary crash notifications for 2022 show Kansas experienced a 3% decrease in fatalities compared to 2021. The bad news – vehicle crashes continue to be one of the state’s main causes of preventable deaths.

“We hardly can celebrate 413 lives lost in 2022 compared to a total of 424 lives in 2021, because even one death is one too many,” said Vanessa Spartan, KDOT Transportation Safety Bureau Chief. “That said, while many states in the nation are experiencing an increase in fatal crashes, Kansas experienced a decrease. Behind those numbers are the families and friends we must remember. But it is positive that 11 more families were able to continue with their daily lives and enjoy last year in comparison to 2021.”

No life lost is the goal, and 413 lives lost in vehicle crashes is 413 too many. Loss of life and serious injury not only leaves families and friends grieving emotionally, but results in economic stress for families, employers and communities.

“We are in this together,” Spartan said. “Everyone sets the tone by example by building a community intolerance toward dangerous driving behaviors that can lead to a vehicle crash. Far too often, loss of life and serious injury could be avoided by wearing a seat belt, slowing down and following traffic laws.”

The public will soon see more information about Drive to Zero Kansas, a new educational traffic safety campaign KDOT is promoting in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The goal is to reduce crashes, death and serious injury through education, enforcement, emergency response and engineering.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Government, Kansas

Initiative For Expanding Employment for People with Disabilities

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Kansas 1 of 10 “Core” States Selected to Participate in Initiative to Expand Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced today that Kansas is 1 of only 10 states and the District of Columbia selected by the U.S Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to participate as a “core state” for its National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network initiative (NEON).

NEON is a technical assistance initiative that advances collaboration with national provider organizations (NPOs) to develop strategic plans for increasing competitive integrated employment (CIE) opportunities for the individuals they serve, including those with significant disabilities and those who have faced barriers to employment. Until now, NEON has focused primarily on advancing CIE by offering national provider organizations technical assistance from recognized subject matter experts and support for local provider organizations. By expanding participation to core states, NEON seeks to focus on promoting positive changes in state-level policies and systems.

“KDADS is honored to be selected as a participant in this initiative designed to make employment a reality for more people with disabilities,” KDADS Secretary Howard said. “We are committed to making competitive, integrated employment a priority and implementing a strategic plan that supports effective practices and promotes healthier workplace equality.”

Competitive integrated employment (CIE) is defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:

  • Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience;
  • Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions;
  • At a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and
  • Presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.

Kansas’s participation in this initiative will help KDADS connect to consulting, capacity building support and ongoing mentoring as we seek to increase CIE for individuals with disabilities in the state.

Kansas has been designated to receive 100 hours of technical assistance from subject matter experts to be used by August 31, 2023, based on the state’s goals and needs with additional hours available as needed and approved by ODEP. This can include blending, braiding, and sequencing of funding, strategic planning, and data collection and analysis. KDADS will begin holding monthly stakeholder meetings to gather input.

Expectations for core states as set forth by NEON include a scope of work that includes the opportunity to work with a maximum of four subject matter experts (SMEs) who will provide virtual and onsite training, technical assistance and policy consulting to include:

  • One-on-One (1:1) Policy Consulting: Individualized support in accomplishing 1-3 policy-specific outcomes to assist the state in developing or implementing technical assistance objectives with the alignment of policies, practices, and funding to support the state’s initiative to enact Employment First principles, assist providers in transforming their business model, and advance NEON’s National Plan to Increase CIE.
  • Capacity Building Assistance/Training in Effective Practices: A combination of in-person and virtual capacity building assistance and training which will result in the accomplishment of 2-5 major outcomes that align with ODEP’s Criteria for Performance Excellence in Employment First State Systems Change and Provider Transformation.

In addition to the policy support described above, each NEON Core State will also have access to and be expected to engage in all ODEP’s National Employment First Community of Practice (CoP) activities, including but not limited to: monthly training webinars, a virtual policy platform, national inventory of resources to help providers achieve increased CIE, and timely updates from Federal officials on new policy developments and funding opportunities to support state NEON efforts.

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Fort Scott, Government

FS Parks Advisory Board Has Opening For a Member

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Fort Scott Parks Board Committee has an opening for a member.
  • One opening for a three (3) year term.

 

The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott. All boards and commissions of Fort Scott serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated.   If you have a desire to serve on this board, please submit a Letter of Interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or [email protected].  The names and letters will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission.   Please submit your letter of interest by 4:00 PM on March 3rd, 2023.

 
Government, Kansas, Schools

Kansas Education Enrichment Program to Open for Applications February 22

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Governor Kelly Announces Program to Provide $1,000 per Student to Qualifying Families to Promote Learning Recovery

 

TOPEKA – As Kansas students continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Laura Kelly announced today the creation of the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP), which will provide qualifying parents and guardians with a one-time $1,000 award per child to pay for educational goods and services such as tutoring and school supplies. KEEP will open for application on February 22. Kansas businesses that provide educational materials or services are urged to join the KEEP Marketplace.

“With KEEP, we’re enabling Kansas students to access the resources and support they need to thrive in the classroom. I look forward to families being able to access these funds soon,” said Governor Kelly. “In the meantime, I am calling on all Kansas businesses that provide education services to join the KEEP Marketplace and help our students live up to their highest potential.”

Students whose household income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will be eligible for KEEP funds.

KEEP funds will be able to be used on enrichment and educational activities including:

  • ​The purchase of curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices
  • Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
  • Tutoring
  • Language classes
  • Musical instruments and lessons

The funds will not be eligible for private school tuition.

Parents and guardians may select enrichment and educational activities from approved service providers via the online KEEP Marketplace or request that a service provider be approved and added to the statewide directory.

Businesses that offer educational opportunities and services are encouraged to join the KEEP Marketplace to assist families and students. Businesses interested in becoming a provider on the KEEP Marketplace can apply to become a Qualified Education Service Provider on the program website: www.keep.ks.gov.

More information on how families can apply for, access, and use their funds is forthcoming and will be available in February when the KEEP application launches.

KEEP is being offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Kansas Office of Recovery, with the goal of providing educational activities and learning opportunities to students across Kansas to promote educational learning recovery in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter

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Happy Kansas Day!
On January 29, 1861, the great state of Kansas was founded. Each year, Kansans everywhere celebrate the history, ideals, people and natural beauty that make our state unique. Our history is marked by the events and people that have shaped us into the state we are now, and I am encouraged by the many Kansans who paved the way before us over the years. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of our state in the U.S. Senate and mindful of the many farmers, ranchers, teachers, entrepreneurs, parents and countless other unsung heroes who came before us.

Ad Astra Per Aspera. Happy birthday, Kansas!

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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter →

Government, Kansas

2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Results, 2023 Contest

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PRATT – The 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest, hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), is officially underway! Participation is simple; record the number of unique bird species you see in Kansas from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2023 and submit your findings. You just might end up a 2023 Kansas Birding Big Year winner!

Participants of all skill levels are invited to compete in one of three age groups: Youth (age 17 and younger), adult (ages 18-64), or senior (age 65 and older). The winners from each category will receive prizes to be awarded in January 2024.

Participation Guidelines

  1. Participants must register online at ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Diversity/2023-Kansas-Birding-Big-Year on or before April 1 to participate in the 2023 contest.
  2. Participants must read and abide by the set of rules governing the competition. These rules are adapted from the American Birding Association Recording Rules and Interpretations and include the Code of Birding Ethics. Breaking, or disregard for, these rules will result in disqualification.
  3. Participants must log their data into the online service, eBird, available on the Cornell University website, ebird.org. Each participant must create an individual profile, sign-in and password to begin submitting sightings.
  4. Participants must submit a running total list of observed species quarterly to the program coordinator to track progress and provide quality control. The program coordinator and competition committee have final say on list totals. Quarterly submission dates for the 2023 contest are: June 30, September 30 and December 31.

Winners will be recognized, and prizes awarded, in mid-January of the following calendar year. Award categories are as follows: Youth, Adult Novice, Adult Intermediate, Adult Advanced, and Senior.

The 2022 Kansas Birding Big Year Contest wrapped up in December 2022, with youth participant Franklin Miller claiming the title of “Kansas’ Top Birder” after identifying 322 unique bird species in the state last year.

The top winners from 2022 in each category are listed below.

Adult, Advanced

  1. Malcolm Gold – 315*
  2. Mark Nolen – 304*
  3. Jeff Calhoun – 250*
  4. Dan Broers – 246
  5. Chad Gardner – 228

Adult, Intermediate

  1. Seth Miller – 290*
  2. Juan Avena – 275*
  3. Corey Entriken – 267*
  4. Melissa Bruce – 265*
  5. Kelli Egbert – 219

Adult, Novice

  1. Ann Tanner – 183
  2. Krystal Sarcone – 83
  3. Timothy Tarkelly – 79

Youth

  1. Franklin Miller – 322*
  2. Hezekiah Swihart – 192
  3. Michaela Gold – 166
  4. Danielle Gold – 143

Senior 

  1. Henry Armknecht – 289*
  2. Sue Newland – 270*
  3. Dan Larson – 215
  4. Marie Plinsky – 206
  5. William Simon – 140

An asterisk (*) denotes a Top 10 Overall score.

Sponsors of the 2022 Kansas Big Birding Year contest include: City of Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Acorn Naturalists, The Kansas Ornithological Society, Dr. Robert Penner, and KDWP.

For more on the Kansas Birding Big Year, visit ksoutdoors.com/services/Wildlife-Diversity/2023-Kansas-Birding-Big-Year.

Government, Kansas

Early Childhood Grant Awarded to Kansas

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Governor Kelly Announces $4 Million Planning Grant to Advance Statewide
Early Childhood System

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund has been awarded a $4 million 2023 Preschool Development Birth through Five Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. The grant will support the state’s ongoing efforts to bolster the early childhood workforce, support the physical and emotional well-being of our children, and ensure we design an early childhood system that meets the needs of all Kansas families.

“We know that a child’s development from birth to five years of age is vital to their trajectory in education and in life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will allow us to plan and build upon initiatives that strengthen our integrated early childhood system, with a special focus on ensuring our most vulnerable children are prepared for kindergarten.”

The grant will support:

  • A study on how to better coordinate the state’s delivery of early childhood services to create a more streamlined system that is easy for all families to navigate, especially low-income and vulnerable populations.
  • Exploration of a service delivery model that empowers families to be part of designing a responsive early childhood care and education system and holding the system accountable.
  • Strengthening the early childhood sector’s workforce recruitment and growth.
  • Exploration of a compensation reform plan based on the true cost of care, market conditions, and the economic growth Kansas is experiencing.

“As a recipient of federal funding in 2018 and a three-year renewal grant in 2020, Kansas has amplified and expanded a continuum of services and supports to better meet the needs of Kansas children and their families,” Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet, said. “We are excited to receive this new award which will allow us to take stock of our progress and design a future that ensures all Kansas children can thrive,”

To learn more about the progress of Kansas initiatives supported by this grant, visit kschildrenscabinet.org.