Category Archives: Government

FS City Commission Budget Hearing For Amending 2022 Budget is Dec. 20

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING FOR AMENDING THE 2022 BUDGET. THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS WILL MEET ON THE DAY OF 12/20/2022 AT 6 PM AT CITY HALL 123 S. MAIN ST, FORT SCOTT KS 66701 FOR THE PURPOSE OF HEARING AND ANSWERING OBJECTIONS OF TAXPAYERS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED AMENDED USE OF FUNDS.

budget amendment hearing 2022

DETAILED BUDGET INFORMATION IS AVAIBLABLE AT CITY HALL 123 S. MAIN ST., FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THIS HEARING.

Flags Half Staff for Pearl Harbon Remembrance Day

Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, Governor Laura Kelly ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, to sunset on Thursday, December 8, 2022, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

“Today marks the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, in which over 2,400 Americans lost their lives,” Governor Kelly said.  “I encourage all Kansans to join me in remembering those killed on December 7, 1941, and in honoring all veterans and service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit  https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors .

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Older Drivers Safety Awareness Week

Safe mobility is the driving factor in

Older Drivers Safety Awareness Week

Keeping older adults active in their communities and maintaining safe transportation are the goals of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, which is Dec. 5-9. Normal activity such as shopping, working, volunteering and socializing should not become safety limitations or strand seniors at home, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

“Many seniors will experience a full lifetime of normal driving, and age alone should not be considered when evaluating driving longevity,” said Chris Bortz, Kansas Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Safety Assistant Bureau Chief. “But if families have noticed changes in their older loved ones, get togethers over the holidays can be a good time to discuss senior driver health.”

According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, 55.7 million people, or 17% of the population, were over the age of 65. This same year, 17% of national traffic fatalities were those age 65 and older.  Seniors are considered vulnerable road users more susceptible to serious injury and death in a crash.

The normal aging process can bring changes in physical, emotional and cognitive health. NHTSA advises senior drivers to adjust driving habits or seek alternative methods of transportation if –

  • A friend or family member has expressed concern about their driving or references new small dents or dings on your vehicle.
  • They sometimes get lost while driving on routes that were once familiar.
  • They have been pulled over by a police officer and warned about their poor driving performance, even if they didn’t get a ticket.
  • They have had several moving violations, near misses or actual crashes in the last three years.
  • Their healthcare provider has advised them to restrict driving or transition to other transportation.

If seniors are having any issues driving, they should –

  • Be aware of physical limitations and how they may impact driving.
  • Listen to what people tell them who care about them most.
  • Discuss driving with your healthcare provider – he or she can evaluate the interactions and any side effects of medications.
  • Refresh their knowledge of current safe driving practices.
  • Begin planning for alternative ways of meeting transportation needs and learn about transportation options in the community.

For more information and resources on senior driving and transportation, visit Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully | NHTSA  Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (#ODSAW) | AOTA .

 

Teens Challenge: Create Video On Road Safety

Safe Kids Kansas Announces new Take it from a Teen Video Challenge

Kansas teens will have an opportunity to win $100 and help spread awareness about road safety

TOPEKA – Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and program sponsor State Farm announce an opportunity for Kansas high schoolers to share their knowledge on safe driving and passenger practices. The Take It from a Teen video challenge is a unique way to hear from teenagers on how to reach teens with important road safety information that can prevent injuries and save lives. Each winning applicant/team will receive $100.

“The video challenge will be a great way for high schoolers in Kansas to use their creativity while spreading a positive message that could help save lives,” said Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas State Director. “We look forward to seeing what interesting, fun and humorous videos Kansas teens can create!”

Students can create a 45-60 second video that answers one of the following questions:

  • How would you tell your friends to slow down while driving?
  • How would you tell your friends to buckle up?
  • How would you tell your friends not to text and drive?
  • How would you tell your friends not to drive under the influence?
  • How would you tell your friends not to drive with too many teens and not enough seatbelts in the vehicle?

Videos must be submitted to Safe Kids Kansas via email by Friday, January 20, 2023. Submissions must include age, address and the county of the participant. The videos will be judged based on the relevancy of the content, creativity, adherence to the time limit and contest rules. Six winners will be chosen and notified by email, and presentation of the check will be worked out Winning videos be shared on Safe Kids social media in the coming weeks.

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About Safe Kids Kansas

Safe Kids Kansas is a non-profit coalition of partners and local coalitions across the state dedicated to prevention of unintentional childhood injuries. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment serves as lead agency of the coalition. Safe Kids Kansas is part of Safe Kids Worldwide network. For more information, visit safekidskansas.org or follow @safekidskansas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter


Honoring Retiring Kansas Farm Bureau President Rich Felts
Speaking at Kansas Farm Bureau Annual Banquet
It was great to join members of the Kansas Farm Bureau to honor Rich on the occasion of his retirement and to wish him well in his next chapter.

For the past eight years, Rich has advocated for Kansas farmers and ranchers, bringing their challenges to Washington, D.C. and fighting for policies that support agriculture. This passion for serving the agriculture community comes from his upbringing in small-town Kansas and the lessons he learned from his parents who farmed before him. Rich has dedicated his life to serving Kansans, and he is an example of true servant leadership and is dedicated to improving the state he loves.

I congratulate Rich on his retirement and thank him for the many ways he has served Kansas farmers and ranchers.

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

Fort Scott Commission Agenda for Dec. 6

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
December 6th, 2022
6:00 P.M.

I. Roll Call:

J. Jones T. Van Hoecke E. Woellhof M. Wells K. Harrington

II. Flag Salute

III. Invocation: Led by: M. Wells

IV. Consent Agenda:

A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 15 th, 2022

B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1325-A totaling $298,158.88

C. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $9,922.77 – 17th & Eddy
Stormwater Improvements

D. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer – $105.00 – Outside Contract Work

E. Request to Pay – O’Brien Rock Co., Inc. – $5,840.00 – Cooper Street Project

F. Request to Pay – Hawkins, Inc. – $9,756.57 – Water Treatment Supplies

V. Public Comment:

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

VI. Old Business:

A. Consideration of Amended Truck Route Ordinances

1. Ordinance 3621- amending 2740 Sect. 10.48.030 – Penalty for Violation

2. Ordinance 3622- amending 2787 Sect. 10.48.020 – Routes Designated

3. Ordinance 3623 – amending 2740 Sect. 10.48.010 – Vehicles Required
to Follow Truck Route

VII. Appearances:

A. Bourbon County Economic Development and Tourism – Rob Harrington
and Jackson Tough presenting

VIII. Public Hearing: Properties for Condemnation Thomas Russell, Codes
Enforcement Officer presenting

1. Resolution 42-2022 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged
Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 410 S. Margrave

2. Resolution 43-2022 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged
Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1718 E. Oak

3. Resolution 44-2022 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged
Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1225 E. Elm

4. Resolution 45-2022 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged
Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 102 S. Horton

5. Resolution 46-2022 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged
Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 102 S. Osbun

6. Resolution 47-2022 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged
Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1221 S. Main

7. Resolution 48-2022 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged
Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 523 S. Heylman

8. Resolution 49-2022 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged
Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1107 W. 6th Street

IX. New Business:

X. A. Financial Reports

1. City Finance Report Update

2. Set Hearing for December 20, 2022, to amend 2022 Annual City Budget

A. Salary/Wage Ordinance Update for 2023

B. Employee Member Benefit Program for 2023

XII. Reports and Comments:

A. Interim City Manager Comments:

B. Assistant City Manager Comments:

1. Splash Pad

2. Lake Items

C. Engineering Comments:

D. Commissioners Comments:

E. City Attorney Comments:

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

IX. Adjournment:

Bourbon County Commission Minutes from Joint Work Session Nov. 22

November 22, 2022,                                       Tuesday 12:00 p.m.

 

There was a joint work session between City and County Commissioners.  There were several members of the community present. There was no action taken.

 

Topics of Discussion:

 

  • Rock for Cooper Street
  • Transient Guest Tax
  • Shared Services between City and County
  • Tourism – REDI
  • Area Agency on Aging
  • North end of Lake Rd.
  • Land Bank
  • Airport Expansion
  • Housing Study
  • Negativity on Facebook
  • Town Hall meeting in January
  • Sidewalk on north side of Courthouse

 

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

 

 

 

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission from Nov. 22

November 22, 2022,                                          Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Anne Dare and Rob Harrington were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous week.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Eric Bailey stated that the sidewalk project was underway.  They had to dig a little bit deeper than originally planned to find a solid sub-base. Will try to get the pour done this week if possible.  We are in the final stages of getting the bean pad built.  Had a meeting with representative from ADM to look at our area and waiting to hear back.  Eric stated they had a dump truck tip over on its side.  The operator was unhurt.  We set the truck back up ourselves and added fluids and were able to drive it off.  A little bit of cosmetic damage.  Eric requested an executive session.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) for preliminary discussion for acquisition of real property including three commissioners, Eric Bailey, Dustin Hall, and Justin Meeks for five minutes returning here at 9:09 a.m.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to allow Eric Bailey to pursue some road right-of-way with 3 different owners around 160th between Fern & Grand on a bridge we got a grant to redo the bridge so it’s approximately 3/4 of an acre.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including three commissioners, Eric Bailey, Justin Meeks, and Dustin Hall for ten minutes returning here at 9:21 a.m.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Section 1 Handbook – Discussion of approval.  Discussion regarding Mission/Vision statement ended with decision to exclude statement.  Ashley suggested references to the Mission/Vision statement throughout Section 1 be removed.  Commission agreed.

 

Jim asked for an executive session.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individuals nonelected personnel to protect their privacy job performance including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for 15 minutes returning here at 9:38 a.m.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

An amended copy of Section 1 of the handbook was presented to the commission.  Clifton made a motion to approve.  Nelson seconded.  Clifton stated he had some issues with the history part of this section.  The statement “it is 638 square miles with open prairie comprising 90% of the area.  The native forest comprised of remaining 10% of timber belt contains hackberry, hickory, oak, pecan and walnut trees.”  Clifton stated he feels this is an untrue statement and should be removed.  Clifton made a motion that part be redacted.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin Meeks was contacted by an attorney yesterday regarding assignment of lease for the hospital building.  Justin requested an executive session.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for three minutes returning at 9:47 a.m.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with action.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to do the leases to finish up the lease assignment for the hospital building.  Justin stated he is working on the deeds for the property of 201 S. Crawford.  We are working on the deeds now and should be done next week and should be transferred into the county.  I’ve been in it and it is in very bad shape.  I think it should be scrapped.  With your permission I’ll get with Eric to get in his que to get that ready to be torn down.  Discussion regarding the future of the lot was had.  A parking lot with a possible basketball hoop to give the youth a place to play.  Justin continued with discussion of the Land Bank with shared services in that the person would work for the land bank but also help with tax sales.  The Land Bank is requesting that the county supply an office space in the courthouse.  I’m asking permission from the commissioners to allow this person to use office space and will also make it convenient to be close to the Deed’s office as deeds and abstracts are worked on.  They plan to open this position in a few days.  Jim made a motion to allow the Land Bank Manager to share Justin’s office with him.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Shane Walker – No Comment.

 

Public Comment: No comment

 

Commission Comment: Jim stated that he would like to schedule a town hall meeting in the River Room in January.  One of the topics will be housing.  I’m going to invite the city commissioners, contractors and real estate people.  The public is encouraged to attend.  Other topics can be included as well.  Clifton made a motion to allow all three commissioners to attend a work session with the city commissioners.  It will be an open meeting.  It will be at noon with public welcome.  There will be no action taken.  Nelson seconded.  All approved.

 

Brian Allen announced from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the hospital in the McAuley Room and discuss the flood plain maps for Bourbon County.  Anyone who is concerned about their property are encouraged to attend.  All public is welcome.  This is Federal and State not Bourbon County.

 

At 10:01 a.m. Clifton made a motion to adjourn.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

 

 

 

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

 

 

 

 

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Dec. 6

Agenda (see attachments below)
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: December 6, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

KDOR PVD Compliance (via phone at 9:15am)

Renodry Representative

Approval of Accounts Payable

Jim Harris Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer

o 2022 Budget Amendment

o Financials Ending 10/31/22

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Susan Bancroft Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Attachments:

Bourbon County meeting data

2022 Budget Amendment

Financials Ending 22.10.31

Compliance Statistical Measures Explained

006 Bourbon Scorecard 2022

Tax Collections Up in Kansas

Kansas Collects $642.3 Million in
Total Tax Collections for November

~~Collections Continue to Outpace Fiscal Year 2022 with 5.4% Growth~~

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue today announced that total tax collections for November were $642.3 million, which is $15.4 million, or 2.5%, more than last November. Total tax receipts for Fiscal Year 2023 continue to outpace Fiscal Year 2022, with year-over-year growth at 5.4%.

Total tax collections for November were 5.3% below the estimate, which was recently raised at November’s meeting of the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group to align with consistently strong revenues. The estimate for November and the remainder of FY 2023 was raised by $773.0 million.

Individual income tax collections were below the estimate for the month by 6.7%, or $21.1 million, with $292.4 million collected.  Those receipts were 1.2% greater than in November 2021. Corporate income tax collections were $78,313, or 0.6%, below the estimate, with $13.2 million collected. That is $482,253 less than last November.

Corporate income tax collections for the first five months of FY 2023 are 7.0% higher than FY 2022 over the same period. FY 2022 was a record year for corporate income tax receipts.

Combined sales and compensating use tax collections at $304.9 million were $8.7 million, or 2.8%, below the estimate but $19.5 million, or 6.8%, more than November 2021, reflecting sustained growth in that revenue source.

“As for major tax sources, it is encouraging to see wage withholding tax payments, which is the principal component of individual income tax receipts, remaining stable and combined sales and compensating use tax receipts showing 6.8% growth over November 2021,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.

Click here to view the November 2022 tax receipts spreadsheet.

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