Category Archives: Government

USD 234 News Release Sept. 20

NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, September 20, 2021 – 12:00 p.m.

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Board of Education Central Office on Monday, September 20, 2021, for a special board meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  Mr. Wood opened the Revenue Neutral Hearing.  Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented information regarding the Revenue Neutral Hearing.  Mr. Wood closed the Revenue Neutral Hearing.

Board members approved the following:

 

·       Resolution 21-07 – To Adopt LOB Percentage

·       Resolution 21-08 – A Resolution expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234 Fort Scott with Respect to Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the Annual Budget for 2021-22

 

The board adjourned.

 

Agenda for FS Commission Meeting on Sept. 21

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

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

    1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 7th, 2021, and special meeting of September 13th, 2021.

    2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1296-A totaling $344,867.81.

    3. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $2,895.01 – River Intake Project Engineering

    4. Request to Pay – Allgeier Martin & Associates – $2,805.46 – Clarifier Painting engineering fees

    5. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – $2,978.50 – August legal fees

    6. Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – September 30th, 2021

    7. Request to Pay – SE Kansas Regional Planning Commission – $3,000 – Administrative fees for Ladder Truck Grant

    8. August financials

  1. Engineering Firm Update:

  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. Public Hearings: None

  1. Old Business:

    1. Consideration of allocation to Bourbon County C.A.S.A. of the 6th Judicial District

  1. Appearances:

Jody Hoener – Prairie Pathways

Kirk Sharp – Gordon Parks Celebration – October 7th to 9th, 2021

  1. Finance Director Update:

  1. Interim City Manager Update:

  1. New Business:

    1. Consideration of Change Order for Below-Grade Project – Owenby Construction and Pay Request #2 – $19,425.00

    2. Discussion of definition of Emergency Purchase in the City’s purchase policy

    3. Discussion of Codes in reference to having a bathroom and kitchen in a residence

    4. Discussion of Buck Run Community Center safety fire lane

    5. Discussion of additional mowing contractor

    6. Discussion of Employee Benefits Program

    7. Discussion of Infrastructure Program

    8. Discussion of sale of Lake properties

    9. Consideration of bid for French drain and sump pump on North National project

XIII. Reports and Comments:

a) Commissioners Reports and Comments:

b) City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

XV. Adjournment:

Updated:  Agenda

 

Updated:  Minutes on 9/7/2021 (Changed verbiage on Kevin Allen invoice to show Discussion was held on the definition of emergency purchase) – Also on Cooper Street changed the turning lane to 23rd Street when I put 20th Street originally)

 

Removed:  Discussion of HR Agreement between City and County (The agreement is not finalized yet – Bob is out of the office this week)

 

Removed:  Tom Havron and Tom Robertson – Discussion of Ty Cullor field (The agreement is not finalized – Bob is out of the office this week)

 

Added:  August financials paperwork

 

Added:  Infrastructure Projects Funding documentation (Susan gave me her paperwork today)

 

Added:  Appearance – Kirk Sharp – Gordon Parks Celebration (Received his request today)

 

Added:  Consideration of Bid – French Drain and sump pump on North National project (City Manager asked that this be added)

Salary Study: Bourbon County Employee’s Wages Less Than Other Counties

The Bourbon County Courthouse.
Bourbon County wages for their employees is less than other counties, according to a study presented at a recent commission meeting.
Bourbon County employees are paid on average $15 per hour compared to other counties at $20 per hour, Sheriff Bill Martin said in an email to fortscott.biz.
Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Submitted photo.

On August 31, Martin went to the commission meeting to discuss salaries for county employees.

Martin,  Bourbon County Undersheriff Ben Cole and Beth Tatarko, Vice-President of the Austin Peters Group, Overland Park https://austinpeters.com ( who was present by telephone), met with the commissioners to discuss a salary study that the  Austin Peters Group had developed, according to the commission minutes.

“I wanted it done to see if our wages were competitive with other deputies’ salaries of equal or same size as us,” Martin said. “The (study) funding was split between the sheriff’s office and the county attorney’s office. Mine came out of the VIN inspection account.”

The salary study compared other counties and cities and a few private employers and reported that the average pay was $20.32 for those entities as compared to $15.56 for non-elected Bourbon County employees.

Tatarko said it would cost an estimated $322,122 to bring the hourly employee’s wages to the average, which didn’t include benefits.

Elected officials, except for the attorney, are less than average as well, according to the minutes.

She said Bourbon County doesn’t have a scale for pay wages and all employees will eventually make the same amount if they do the same job.

Tatarko said Bourbon County does have a more generous benefit package and leave time than others, according to the minutes.

All three county commissioners asked Martin what his recommendations are.

Martin answered that the commission planned to reduce the mill levy by 2.5 mills,  and he suggested leaving the mill levy the same and setting money aside for wages, according to the minutes. However, the commission decided to stay with the reduction of the mill levy.

Commissioner Lynne Oharah suggested having Bourbon County  Financial Director Susan Bancroft review the study and give the commission recommendations.

At the Sept. 2 commission meeting, Bancroft stated she did include a 10-year recap for each Bourbon County department in this year’s budget proposal.

There were major sheriff’s office changes from the time when the jail was built, according to the Sept. 2 minutes. Commodities and contractual items both stayed about the same but there was a shift in personnel services.

The jail was completed in 2017.

Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, October 2017

“Contractual items include meals, health and records management, etc.,” Sheriff Martin said. “Commodities: fuel, office supplies jail repairs/maintenance and outside medical. ”

Bancroft said that contractual for corrections has gone up in 2020 due to the food services industry and having a lot of inmates; depending on how many inmates there are, will determine that cost.

As of last Friday’s tally, the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center jail is holding 45 inmates, with five from other counties.

 

Lynne Oharah

Following a Bourbon County Commission executive session on August 31, Commissioner Clifton Beth said the commission knows this is a problem, and yet, Commissioner Jim Harris said, they hear from business owners that Bourbon County taxes are too high, according to the minutes.

Clifton Beth from Facebook.

Harris said the county needs to grow and if that happens, maybe the commission could take some of those funds from growth to use for the employee’s wages.

Jim Harris.

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 21

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: September 21, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report / Open Mini-Excavator Bids
    • CIC Contract
    • Clifton Beth – Elm Creek Cabins
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
    • Elected Officials Comment
  • Commission Comment

FSCC Minutes of August 23

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
August 23, 2021
Board of Trustees budget work session began at 5:00 pm. Julie Eichenberger reviewed the proposed budget and took
questions from the Board.
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:45 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Don Banwart, representing Scott Township Board of Directors, reported that Scott
Township Rural Fire Department is seeking a location to house two fire trucks that don’t currently have a place to winter.
Mr. Banwart proposed a partnership between FSCC and Scott Township for the north portion of the Crawford Sales
building that was donated to FSCC.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to hold the budget hearing for the
proposed 2021/22 budget on September 20, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall, and that the proper
notice be submitted to the Fort Scott Tribune for publication within the specified time limits in accordance with
K.S.A. 79-2929.
B. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to hold the revenue neutral
hearing for the proposed 2021/22 rate on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. in Cleaver-Burris-
Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College, and that the proper notice be submitted to the Fort Scott
Tribune for publication within the specified time limits in accordance with K.S.A. 79-1460, 79-1801,79-
2024,79-2925c.
C. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote approve renovation of the
weight room at Hill Street to be completed by Tri-State Building for $474,364.
D. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the updated CTEC
Sublease Agreement.
E. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid from Mid-
America Sports Construction to complete the turf field projects as outlined.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus,
Gordon Parks Museum, Student Services, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 7:09
p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
7

FSCC Agenda for Sept. 20

September 20, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
September 20, 2021. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at
5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. KACCT Quarterly Update, 4
BUDGET HEARING, 5
A. Comments from the Chair, 5
B. Open Comments from the Board, 5
C. Approval of Budget Revenue Neutral Rate, 5
D. Review and Adoption of the 2021-22 Year Budget, 5
CONSENT AGENDA, 6
A. Approval of Agenda, 6
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 23, 2021, 7
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 8
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 6
E. Approval of Gordon Parks Museum Board Members, 6
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 56
A. Consideration of KJUMP Symmetry Settlement Agreement, 56
B. Consideration of KJUMP Contract with WoodRiver Energy, 63
C. Approval of Alleyway and Chute Revision, Arnold Arena, 87
D. Discussion and Consideration of COVID Policies, 92
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 93
REPORTS, 95
A. Administrative Updates, 95
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 121
ADJOURNMENT, 122

APPROVAL OF BUDGET REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE
Background: New to the 2021/2022 budget process is an additional approval the revenue neutral
rate (RNR) per K.S.A. 79-1460, 79-1801, 79-2024, 79-2925c.
Beginning with this budget cycle the County Clerk notifies each entity who receives a mill levy of their
revenue neutral rate for mill levy.
For Budget 2022 our revenue neutral rate notification from the County Clerk was 28.055.
For the last nine years, the administrative team at FSCC has taken pride in being able to keep our mill
levy relatively flat. For Fiscal Year 2021, our actual mill levy was 29.322 and for Fiscal Year 2022,
FSCC is budgeting the mill levy at 29.299 making this the tenth year.
Recommendation: Administration recommends that the Board approve the budgeted mill levy of
29.299 for Budget 2022, which slightly exceed the revenue neutral rate of 28.055.

 

To view the entire packet:

9.20.21 Consent Agenda 2

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• September 20, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 15, 2021: Board Meeting
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
• December 13, 2021: Board Meeting
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 7, 2022: In-Service
• January 12, 2022: Spring Semester Begins
• January 17, 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 24, 2022: Board Meeting
• February 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 14 – 18, 2022: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 25, 2022: Aggie Day
• April 15, 2022: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 18, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 10 – 13, 2022: Finals
• May 14, 2022: Graduation
• May 16, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 30, 2022: Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 20, 2022: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bill Meyer
_____ Robert Nelson

Agenda for FS Commission Meeting Sept. 21

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

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

    1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 7th, 2021, and special meeting of September 13th, 2021.

    2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1296-A totaling $344,867.81.

    3. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $2,895.01 – River Intake Project Engineering

    4. Request to Pay – Allgeier Martin & Associates – $2,805.46 – Clarifier Painting engineering fees

    5. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – $2,978.50 – August legal fees

    6. Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – September 30th, 2021

    7. Request to Pay – SE Kansas Regional Planning Commission – $3,000 – Administrative fees for Ladder Truck Grant

    8. August financials

  1. Engineering Firm Update:

  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. Public Hearings: None

  1. Old Business:

    1. Tom Robertson & Tom Havron – Ty Cullor Field Discussion

    2. Consideration of allocation to Bourbon County C.A.S.A. of the 6th Judicial District

  1. Appearances: Jody Hoener – Prairie Pathways

  1. Finance Director Update:

  1. Interim City Manager Update:

  1. New Business:

    1. Consideration of Change Order for Below-Grade Project – Owenby Construction and Pay Request #2 – $19,425.00

    2. Discussion of definition of Emergency Purchase in the City’s purchase policy

    3. Discussion of Codes in reference to having a bathroom and kitchen in a residence

    4. Discussion of Buck Run Community Center safety fire lane

    5. Discussion of additional mowing contractor

    6. Discussion of Employee Benefits Program

    7. Discussion of Infrastructure Program

    8. Discussion of Shared Services Agreement between City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County for Human Resource Services

    9. Discussion of sale of Lake properties

XIII. Reports and Comments:

a) Commissioners Reports and Comments:

b) City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

XV. Adjournment:

Minutes of the FS Commission from Sept. 7

Minutes are unapproved until next Tuesday’s meeting.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of September 7, 2021 Regular Meeting #17

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 7th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Jones presiding.

INVOCATION: Sergeant Bill Downey, Fort Scott Police Department, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jason Pickert, Susan Bancroft, Jimmy Kemmerer, Tim VanHoecke, Brad Matkin, Jesse Pohlmann, Rob Harrington, Jackson Tough, Jason Dickman, Michael Hoyt, Karen Hall, Lyle Brittain, Alison Leach, Fred Smith, Claudia Wheeler, Don Wheeler, Susan McKeen, Bill Downey, Carey Spoon, Tom Havron, Diane Striler, Dean Striler, Jim Kemmerer, Angie Kemmerer, Jennifer LaRoche, Peter Earles, and Michael Mix.

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: None

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes:

Regular meeting of July 20th, 2021

Special meeting minutes of July 16th, 2021 at 11:15 a.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 16th, 2021 at 7:20 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 16th, 2021 at 8:30 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 19th, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 21st, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 22nd, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of July 23rd, 2021 at 8:00 p.m.

Regular meeting of August 3rd, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of August 5th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Special meeting minutes of August 10th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Regular meeting of August 17th, 2021

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1295-A totaling $2,361,232.55.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Signage – Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market – Recommend approval by Design Review Board

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Alterations – 20 S. Scott – Replacement of in-kind and alterations to current structure – Recommend approval by Design Review Board

  1. Request to Pay #1 – Owenby Masonry & Associates – Eagle Block and CDL Building – 14,625.00

L. Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda. R. Nichols seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Public Comment:

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

Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt informed the Commission that the trees have been removed and trimmed at 10th and Highway 69. There is still a cottonwood tree that needs trimmed.

Mr. Hoyt said that he and the Interim City Manager took a field trip together and looked at lights and signage throughout the city.

Mr. Hoyt said that there is a K.D.O.T. zoom meeting on September 8th at 1:30 tomorrow on Southeast Kansas.

Jennifer LaRoche – Mrs. LaRoche asked about the alley behind Common Ground Coffee and the Union Lofts building. She said that she has been patient for three (3) years. She has purchased and renovated three (3) buildings and the alley is still not repaired. She knows there were issues with the bid that was received.

City Manager said that it was too wet to get the bucket truck in that area,

Jason Dickman said that this is ready to send out for bid tomorrow. He will have the bid due date about a month from now.

Engineering Firm Update: Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc., informed the Commission that they have been working on Manhole #148 and that project. He discussed grants that they were working on. He also discussed the below grade project and the schedule for the week. The contractor will be back in on September 13th.

Peter Earles said that he was asked for a printout of the hours that Earles Engineering has had the last six months. He gave each Commissioner a copy of the hours and projects.

Public Hearings:

L. Watts moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:33 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:33 P.M.

6:00 p.m. Neutral Rate and Proposed Tax Rate Public Hearing – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she contacted the State of Kansas, who informed her to go ahead and hold the public hearing. This is part of the budget and states that we will not exceed the neutral rate. This has already been submitted to the County Clerk.

Michael Hoyt spoke in opposition to this neutral rate and proposed tax rate hearing. He said it does not need to be approved and urged the Commission to vote no.

L. Watts moved to approve the Neutral Rate and Proposed Tax Rate for the City of Fort Scott. J. Jones seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved the Neutral Rate and Proposed Tax Rate for the City of Fort Scott.

L. Watts moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:42 p.m. J. Jones seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:42 P.M.

L. Watts moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:43 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:43 P.M.

6:10 p.m. 2022 Budget Public Hearing – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission of key points of interest for the budget. They include a 3% raise for City employees; a contribution of $20.00 per month for employer contribution for City health insurance; a 5% increase for City water, a 3% increase for sewer and 3% for stormwater for 2022. In addition, a monthly $10.00 infrastructure fee will be added to the wastewater utility. This budget will result in a reduction of the mill levy of .738.

There were no comments from the audience.

L. Watts moved to approve the 2022 Budget. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, R Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED 2022 BUDGET.

R. Nichols moved to open the Public Hearing for all the alleged dangerous and unsafe structures. L. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:49 P.M.

Bill Downey, Codes Sergeant, and Lyle Brittain, Codes Technician, updated the Commission on the following properties:

6:15 p.m. Resolution 22-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 114 S. Barbee Street – Lyle informed the Commission that the porch roof is in poor condition, there are no utilities to the structure, it is open to the elements including wildlife, it has missing siding, and is not fit for human occupancy.

There were no comments from the audience.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 22-2021. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 22-2021 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 114 S. BARBEE. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2021 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 23-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 619 S. Ransom Street – Lyle informed the Commission that the kitchen and bathroom are missing from this structure. There are windows boarded up and there are fascia boards missing. There are no utilities to this structure. There are holes in the foundation and is not fit for human occupancy.

Fred Smith, owner, said that this structure is just used for storage. He put a new roof on the structure, and he could put a bathroom in it.

Discussion was held regarding whether the storage building had to have a kitchen and bathroom in it and to bring this back before the Commission at the next meeting.

The Commission agreed to allow him 90 days to have the bathroom installed in this structure.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 23-2021. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 23-2021 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 619 S, RANSOM STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY DECEMBER 10th, 2021 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 24-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 323 S. Hill Street– Lyle informed the Commission that this is a fire property. The windows are broken out and the roof has collapsed. There are no utilities connected to the structure. It is not fit for human occupancy.

There were no comments from the audience.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 24-2021 and allow 14 days to repair or remove the structure. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 24-2021 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 323 S. HILL STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2021 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 25-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 14 S. Margrave Street – Lyle informed the Commission that the roof has collapsed, and the windows are broken. The electrical has been disconnected and is not fit for human occupancy.

There were no comments from the audience.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 25-2021 and allow 14 days to repair or remove the structure. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 25-2021 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 14 S. MARGRAVE STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2021 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 26-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 510 S. Heylman Street – Lyle informed the Commission that the roof has collapsed and the windows are broken. The electrical has been disconnected and is not fit for human occupancy.

There were no comments from the audience.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 26-2021 and allow 14 days to repair or remove the structure. J. Jones seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen abstained. Motion carried 3-1-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 26-2021 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 510 S. HEYLMAN STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2021 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 27-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom Street – Lyle informed the Commission that the roof has holes in it and the siding is in bad condition. There are missing windows. The garage is in poor condition and is not fit for human occupancy.

There were no comments from the audience.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 27-2021 and allow 14 days to repair or remove the structure. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 27-2021 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 611 S. RANSOM STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2021 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 28-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main Street – Lyle informed the Commission that there siding missing and gascia boards missing. The windows are broken, and the back porch is in poor condition. The garage roof is in poor condition and said is not fit for human occupancy.

Jim Kemmerer spoke and said he lives at 324 S. Main and has since 1998. The house is an eyesore and he wants to purchase the property. He does not want to have to pay for all the assessments on the property. He asked the Commission to approve the removal of the structure.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 28-2021 and allow 14 days to repair or remove the structure. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 28-2021 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 316 S. MAIN STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2021 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 29-2021 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main Street – Lyle informed the Commission that the roof has collapsed on the front porch and it is in poor condition. The back half of the house is collapsing and there are holes in the foundation. The windows are boarded up. The garage roof and carport have collapsed. It is not fit for human occupancy.

There were no comments from the audience.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 29-2021 and allow 14 days to repair or remove the structure. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 29-2021 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1517 S. MAIN STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2021 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

L. Watts moved to close the Public Hearings at 7:20 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:20 P.M.

J. Jones moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:28 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:28 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Application for CDBG Funds – Sanitary Sewer System Improvements for the purpose of considering an application for CDBG funds on behalf of the City – Carey Spoon, Grant Administrator, Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, informed the Commission that she has prepared a grant application on behalf of the City. The specific project application to be discussed is for funds under the Sewer category for improvements in an area generally bounded by the Fort Scott City limits. This project proposes to replace approximately 2,261 linear feet of existing undersized lines with new PVC pipe and reconnect the existing services, line approximately 5,874 linear feet of existing lines which have been identified as in very poor condition using CIPP and reconnect existing services. Also, replacement of 16 manholes identified as very poor condition and rehabilitate 10 manholes identified in poor condition. Alternates depending on bid prices means some items may be added, subtracted, or modified. The estimated project cost is $1,125,000 with a maximum grant request of $700,000. Forms needing the Mayor’s signature include the following: Statement of Assurances and Certificates, Resolution No. 30-2021, Resolution No. 31-2021, Disclosure Report, and Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. Also included is the Agreement for Administrative Consulting Services for the 2022 CDBG Grant for Wastewater Collection System Improvement in the amount of $22,000. The City’s share is anticipated to be $250,700.00.

There were no comments from the audience.

K Allen moved to approve the Mayor to sign all the pertinent documents and approve Resolution No. 30-2021 and Resolution No. 31-2021 for the submission of the Sanitary Grant Application to the State of Kansas for the CDBG program. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

approved the Mayor to sign all the pertinent documents and approve Resolution No. 30-2021 and Resolution No. 31-2021 for the submission of the Sanitary Grant Application to the State of Kansas for the CDBG program.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 30-2021 CERTIFYING LEGAL AUTHORITY TO APPLY FOR THE 2022 KANSAS SMALL CITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FROM THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND SUBMIT SUCH AN APPLICATION.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 31-2021 ASSURING THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE THAT FUNDS WILL BE CONTINUALLY PROVIDED FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM TO BE FINANCED WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS.

approved agreement for administrative consulting services for a 2022 kansas small cities commuNity development block grant project for wastewater collection system improvements with southeast kansas regional planning commission in the amount of $22,000.00.

K. Allen moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:33 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:33 P.M.

L. Watts moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:34 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:34 P.M.

6:30 p.m. Performance Public Hearing Notice for CDBG CV Funds for the purpose of evaluating the performance of Grant No. 20-CV-022 which was for Economic Development and Micro Grants – Carey Spoon, Grant Administrator for Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, said a public hearing needed to be held for the purpose of evaluating the performance of Grant No. 20-CV-022 which was for Economic Development and Micro Grants within the City limits of Fort Scott. The completed project assisted four (4) businesses and retained four (4) jobs of which 100% were LMI. This grant was funded from the Kansas Department of Commerce, Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. She asked for the Mayor to approve all pertinent documents to close out this grant.

There were no comments from the audience.

L. Watts moved to approve for the Mayor to sign all pertinent documents and close out this grant. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN ALL PERTINENT DOCUMENTS AND CLOSE OUT GRANT NO. 20-CV-022 WHICH WAS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MICRO GRANTS.

J. Jones moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:35 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:35 P.M.

Old Business:

  1. Resolution 21-2021 for Sale of Lake Fort Scott Property Proceeds – City Manager said that this is the resolution from the sale of the four (4) lots at Lake Fort Scott properties. This would put all proceeds into a Lake Fort Scott fund. He said that the resolution could be approved or amended as they see fit.

R. Nichols said that he was all for restoring the lake, but we need to be able to maintain all of our City facilities.

Discussion was held regarding the maintenance portion of the resolution.

R. Nichols moved to remove the continued maintenance portion in the resolution. There was no second to his motion so it died for lack of a second.

K. Allen moved to approve Resolution No. 21-2021, the Lake Fort Scott Property Proceeds resolution. J. Jones seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 21-2021 ESTABLISHING A RESTRICTED FUND ACCOUNT FOR PROCEEDS FROM REAL ESTATE PROPERTY SALES AT LAKE FORT SCOTT BELONG TO CITY OF FORT SCOTT. THE RESTRICTED FUNDS WILL BE NAMED LAKE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND AND WILL BE USED FOR CONTINUED MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENTS AT LAKE FORT SCOTT.

APPEARANCES:

Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I. – Mr. Harrington appeared before the Commission to discuss the possibility of Bounty County R.E.D.I. providing economic development for the City of Fort Scott. He said that he has assisted with some grants and could provide additional grant writing efforts for the City. He also mentioned working with Jackson Tough to bring in conferences to the City. He said that he had an intergovernmental agreement that he could present before them to sign. He said he could also be the Land Bank Manager for the City.

City Attorney said that he has not reviewed the intergovernmental agreement nor had any of the Commissioners.

R. Nichols said that he would like to see a work session on this subject first.

City Manager said that he will get a work session scheduled on this topic.

Tom Robertson & Tom Havron – Ty Cullor Field Discussion – Tom Havron, Fort Scott Community College Athletic Director, informed the Commission he was appearing before the Commission regarding the lease agreement for Ty Cullor Field. He said that they are wanting to terminate the agreement. They want to put turf on their baseball field. They would like to turn the Ty Cullor Field into a softball field.

Jennifer LaRoche reminded the Commission of LaRoche Stadium and how important it is to have games there and keep people in Fort Scott to buy, stay and eat here. We need to keep the tournaments here and giving up a field would cause people to have to go to Pittsburg, Nevada, or Joplin, which is not good.

Discussion was held to table this topic for two weeks and bring back before the Commission.

C.H. Felt – Closure of street behind V.F.W. Post #1165 for September 11th, 2021 event – Mr. Felt was not present at the meeting. Kevin Allen said that the VFW was having a Poker Run Motorcycle Ride on Saturday, September 11th, 2021. He asked that the City block 18th Street to the south of the VFW for parking for the motorcycles as they are expecting a large group.

L. Watts moved to approve to close 18th Street to the south of the VFW on Saturday, September 11th, 2021. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CLOSE 18TH STREET TO THE SOUTH OF THE V.F.W. ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2021.

Alison Leach – Monarch Habitat for Gunn Park – Ms. Leach, with the Fort Scott Parks Advisory Board, requested permission for a monarch butterfly garden to be located left of the entrance into Gunn Park. She has been in contact with Monarchs on the Move and their Director. She said that fall is the perfect time to create the habitat. They, along with volunteers, will prepare the area and plant the area with clover. Seed bombs will also be planted. She did say the first year would not look pretty or be manicured. In two or more years, it would look more like a habitat area. 2nd Street Park is still being considered for a sunflower field. She would need assistance with Park staff to help remove the poison ivy and asked if they could begin by October 1st, 2021.

R. Nichols moved to approve to proceed with the monarch butterfly habitat at the entrance of Gunn Park and for her to ask the City Manager for any assistance she needs. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

approved to proceed with the monarch butterfly habitat at the entrance of Gunn Park and for her to ask the City Manager for any assistance she needs.

Finance Director Update:

    1. Change of billing for Lake Fort Scott residents from the 15th of each month to the 22nd of each month effective December 2021 billing – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she is asking approval to change the billing date for Lake Fort Scott residents from the 15th of each month to the 22nd of each month to match what the City residents date is. This would be effective with the December billing.

K. Allen moved to approve to change the billing date from the 15th of each month to the 22nd of each month starting in December for Lake Fort Scott residents. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

approved to change the billing date from the 15th of each month to the 22nd of each month starting in December for Lake Fort Scott residents.

    1. K.D.O.T. Cost Share Application Submittal -Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she is preparing to submit the K.D.O.T. Cost Share Application again. It is due September 24th, 2021. She asked the Commission for approval to submit the Horton Street project again. She mentioned that Cooper Street could be submitted, but it is not a designated thoroughfare street. It could be made a throughfare street by resolution.

L. Watts moved to approve to use the Horton Street Project for the Cost Share Application submittal. R. Nichols seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved to use the Horton Street project for submission to the K.D.O.T. application.

Interim City Manager Report and Comments: Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, said that he would give his report later in the meeting.

New Business:

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Alterations to Windows – 6 N. Main – Design Review Board did NOT recommend approval of this submission – Dean and Diane Striler, owners of the 6 N. Main Street building, said that they requested a Certificate of Appropriateness for installation of windows at their building. Dean attended two Design Review Board meetings, where there were not enough members present for a quorum. He was not informed of the September 6th meeting, but was informed the Design Review Board did not recommend approval for their windows. They have spent over $100,000 on windows from a local window company for this building. The Board asked that a rail be placed across the center of the window and outside of the windows. Dean shared photos of the windows and their architectural plans with the Commission.

J. Jones said that he wanted to apologize for the language used by one of the board members at that meeting as he went back and watched it on You Tube.

J. Jones also said that City personnel and realtors need to do a better job in notifying downtown business owners of the process when making additions or alterations to their buildings.

R. Nichols moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the window replacement at 6 North Main Street. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT 6 NORTH MAIN STREET.

  1. Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement

Excavation-Procedure, Section 12.12.080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure – Exception, and Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, informed the Commission they are requesting that there are three sections in our City ordinance that they would like to see repealed. They are Section 12.12.070 – Pavement excavation – procedure; Section 12.12.080 – Unimproved Street – procedure; and 12.12.110 – Replacement of materials – exception. These were adopted back in 1975 by Ordinance 2463, 3489, and 3489. Jason said that these ordinances caused great expense to the 3rd Street project.

R Nichols moved to repeal Sections 12.12.070, Section 12.12.080, and Section 12.12.110 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code. L. Watts seconded. R Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K Allen abstained. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1-1.

Approved to repeal Sections 12.12.070, Section 12.12.080, and Section 12.12.110 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code. These sections are Section 12.12.070 – Pavement excavation – procedure; Section 12.12.080 – Unimproved Street – procedure; and 12.12.110 – Replacement of materials – exception.

  1. Consideration to pay – J R Radell – 3rd Street Ballpark Project – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, informed the Commission that the invoice for J.R. Radell Construction Co., Inc. is before them for review. The amount of the invoice is $57,049.41.

Discussion was held regarding this project and the original invoice and this entire project.

J. Jones said that this invoice was 2 ½ times higher than the original invoice. He said that if we refuse to pay this invoice, the City won’t find anyone to work for them.

Jason Dickman said that the numbers were not out of line due to the work involved.

L. Watts moved to approve the invoice in the amount of $57,049.41 to J.R. Radell Construction Co., Inc. for the 3rd Street Project. R. Nichols seconded. R Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen both abstained. Motion carried 3-2.

approved the invoice in the amount of $57,049.41 to J.R. Radell Construction Co., Inc. for the 3rd Street Project.

K. Allen left the room at 9:36 p.m.

  1. Consideration to pay – Skitch’s Hauling – 3rd Street Ballpark Project Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, informed the Commission that Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. invoice is before them for approval for the 3rd Street project. It is for $5,100.00.

R. Nichols said that he has an issue with this invoice. This was not an emergency purchase and should have been brought before them to approve. He asked that the purchase policy be brought before them at the next meeting so they can review what an emergency purchase is.

L. Watts said that she also has an issue with this invoice. Bourbon County had free clay available to the City and we didn’t take advantage of it She said that the project was stopped by a Commissioner who was down there, which is a huge issue.

J. Jones said that the previous City Manager called and made three telephone calls to local vendors for the clay material and Skitch’s was the cheapest. It was within the City Manager’s approval authority.

L. Watts said the entire Commission should have been notified about this at a special meeting held regarding it. It was not an emergency and says it is legally questionable.

J. Jones moved to approve to pay Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. invoice in the amount of $5,100.00. P. Allen seconded. P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 3-1.

APPROVED INVOICE FROM SKITCH’S HAULING & EXCAVATION, INC. INVOICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,100.00 FOR THE 3RD STREET PROJECT.

K. Allen returned to the room at 9:51 p.m.

  1. Consideration to bid – Sewer CIPP – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, informed the Commission that this project is budgeted with 2021 funds. This is to bid the Cured in Place Pipe Sanitary Sewer Lining Project consisting of approximately 4,432 linear feet of various 10”, 12” and 15” sanitary sewer lines within the City of Fort Scott. The bid date is September 30th, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

R. Nichols moved to approve to go out for bid for the Sanitary Sewer CIPP project. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID FOR THE SANITARY SEWER CIPP PROJECT.

  1. Consideration to bid – River Intake Project – Phase II – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the River Intake Project for Phase II is ready to go out for bid, This project will consist of constructing improvements on the City’s low head dam downstream of the River Intake Facility. This work will include adding a stepped spillway to the dam, drilling a secant pile wall, removing abutments, and grading and other appurtenant items. The bid date is October 5th, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

L. Watts moved to approve to go out for bid for the River Intake Project Phase II. R Nichols second. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID FOR THE RIVER INTAKE PROJECT FOR PHASE II,

  1. Consideration of bid – Cooper Street – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, informed the Commission that this was tabled at the last meeting. He asked how they wished to proceed.

Susan Bancroft said that the City can issue bond and change Cooper Street to a main trafficway or thoroughfare so it would qualify for the bonds. You could also add more streets.

Susan McKeen, property owner on Cooper Street, informed the Commission that the dust on the street is terrible. She also asked if turning lanes with traffic signals could be installed on 23rd Street and that a turning lane needs to be installed on 20th Street to alleviate traffic.

R. Nichols made a motion to table the bids on Cooper Street. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE BIDS ON COOPER STREET.

  1. Consideration of bid – Horton Street- Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, informed the Commission that his recommendation is for them to reject the bids on the Horton Street project since only one bid was received.

J. Jones moved to reject the bid on Horton Street. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO REJECT THE BID ON HORTON STREET.

  1. Consideration of Earles Engineering Proposal – 17th Street & Eddy Drainage Improvements – $28,800 – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, informed the Commission that this is the engineering proposal for the area at 17th and Eddy that runs to 15th and National. The cost for engineering this project is $28,800.00.

J. Jones moved to approve the engineering proposal for 17th and Eddy. L. Watts seconded. P Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED ENGINEERING PROPOSAL FOR 17TH AND EDDY IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,800.00.

  1. Consideration to purchase police cars from Kansas Highway Patrol – Jason Pickert, Captain, Fort Scott Police Department, informed the Commission that the Police Department is budgeted to purchase two marked patrol vehicles this year. After researching options, they discovered the new Dodge Durangos are not an option due to the factory is no longer taking orders after March of this year. The Kansas Highway Patrol sells their fleet 2020 Dodge Durangos with approximately 50,000 miles on them for $29,350, with some equipment included with them. These vehicles also have a warranty up to 100,000 miles. Additional equipment needed for the vehicles would amount to $3,750 for each vehicle. He asked for approval to purchase two (2) 2020 Dodge Durangos from the Kansas Highway Patrol. If approved, they should be available for purchase next month. The vehicles that the new ones would replace would go to Bill Downey in Codes and the other one would go to the second School Resource Officer, if that is awarded.

J. Jones moved to approve to purchase two 2020 Dodge Durangos from the Kansas Highway Patrol in the amount of $58,700. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PURCHASE TWO 2020 DODGE DURANGOS FROM THE KANSAS HIGHWAY PATROL IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,700.

  1. Consideration of allocation to Bourbon County C.A.S.A. of the 6th Judicial District – Susan Bancroft said she received a request from Christa Horn for their annual allocation of funding from the City in the amount of $10,000. She said that C.A.S.A. is in their 31st year in Bourbon County and has assisted many, many neglected and abused children. Susan said that these funds come from the Special Alcohol and Drug Fund.

J. Jones moved to table this allocation until the next meeting. K Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen and J. Jones voted aye. R. Nichols and L. Watts voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE ALLOCATION TO THE BOURBON COUNTY C.A.S.A. UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.

  1. Discussion of removal of military bridge – Susan Bancroft informed the Commission that this bridge has fallen into the Marmaton River. Permits have been received and she asked the Commission how to proceed with the removal of this bridge. She said the City was told that the previous City Manager had awarded this removal to a contractor, but this was not approved by the Commission. She recommended taking R.F.P.’s for the removal of this bridge.

J. Jones moved to accept R.F.P.’s for the removal of the military bridge and bring back before the Commission. R Nichols seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT R.F.P.’S FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE MILITARY BRIDGE AND BRING BACK BEFORE THE COMMISSION.

  1. Approval of $20.00 towards City employee health insurance starting October 1st, 2021 – Susan Bancroft asked that the City contribute $20.00 towards City employee health insurance starting October 1st, 2021.

K. Allen moved to approve the $20.00 towards City employee health insurance starting October 1st, 2021. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED $20.00 TOWARDS THE CITY EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE STARTING OCTOBER 1ST, 2021.

  1. Consideration of appointment of David Stewart to the Lake Advisory Board – Josh Jones said that the Lake Advisory Board has recommended that David Stewart be appointed to their board. This is to replace Don Banwart.

J. Jones moved to appoint David Stewart to the Lake Advisory Board. L. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO APPOINT DAVID STEWART TO THE LAKE ADVISORY BOARD.

  1. Discussion of minimum bid requirements – one single family dwelling per lot – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that the verbiage on the minimum bid requirements for single family dwellings at Lake Fort Scott needs to be clarified.

Discussion was held that it meant one single family home per lot.

J. Jones moved to clarify the verbiage for building specifications at Lake Fort Scott to mean one single family dwelling per lot. L Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CLARIFY THE VERBIAGE FOR BUILDING SPECIFICATIONS AT LAKE FORT SCOTT TO MEAN ONE SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING PER LOT.

  1. Discussion of four Lake Fort Scott properties for sale – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, asked the Commission if they wanted to set a minimum price for the four City lots at Lake Fort Scott.

City Attorney said, that until a contract is signed with the City by the realtor, a price can’t be discussed.

Mark said that he would be willing to work with the realtor on the sale of the properties.

  1. Discussion of First Source Building for sale – Mark McCoy said that the building at First Source is similar to the Lake Fort Scott lots. A contract has not been signed yet.

  1. City Manager Search Update – Brad Matkin, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission of an estimated timeline for the City Manager search. He has already received several applications and the job posting ad will close on October 2nd, 2021. He has created a City Manager Search Panel which will meet on Thursday and discuss the process of interviewing the candidates. Background checks will also be done. The first round of interviews will be done by the City Manager Search Panel the week of October 4th. The second round of interviews will be done the week of October 18th, and the 3rd round of interviews conducted the week of November 1st. They look to make an employment offer the week of November 14th and for the new City Manager to start after the first of the year in January 2022.

Reports and Comments:

Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Nothing to report.

R. Nichols – Nothing to report.

P. Allen – Nothing to report.

K. Allen – Kevin said that he talked to C.H. Felt about the event the V.F.W. is holding on Saturday, September 11th. They are wanting to close 18th Street south of the V.F.W. He asked that someone talk to Marsha’s Deli and inform them of the event.

J. Jones moved to close 18th Street south of the V.F.W. for the event on September 11th, 2021. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CLOSE 18TH STREET SOUTH OF THE V.F.W. FOR THEIR SPECIAL EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2021.

Kevin asked about the second valve at Lake Fort Scott and if it has been installed. He asked if anyone was exercising the current valve at Lake Fort Scott.

He also asked that the water be checked at Lake Fort Scott for any algae.

J. Jones – Asked Public Works to check the ditches in front of Niece Products as they need dug out.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Asked that an Executive Session be held to discuss a claim against the City.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing attorney/client privilege in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) to discuss a claim against the City. The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 11:47 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney, and Human Resource Director.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 11:47 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing attorney/client privilege in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) to discuss a claim against the City. The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 11:59 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney, and Human Resource Director.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 11:59 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

Adjournment:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:59 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 11:59 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

FS Commission Minutes of Sept. 13

Minutes are unapproved until next Tuesday’s meeting.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of September 13th, 2021 Special Meeting #22

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 13th, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, and Pete Allen were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding. R. Nichols and L. Watts were present via telephone.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Cheryl Van Hoecke, Michael Miles, Brad Matkin, Dave Bruner, Susan Bancroft and Michael Hoyt, and Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, was present via telephone.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of change order on ladder fire truck – Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that he has Change Order #2 from Pierce Manufacturing on factory changes to the 2021 Pierce Ascendant 100’ Platform Fire Truck. The amount of the change order is a reduction of $26,541.70, making the final price of the ladder truck at $1,367,412.09.

J. Jones moved to approve Change Order #2 for the new ladder truck in the reduction amount of $26,541.70. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR THE NEW LADDER FIRE TRUCK IN THE REDUCED AMOUNT OF $26,541.70, RESULTING IN A TOTAL FINAL PRICE OF $1,367,412.09.

  1. Consideration of payment for ladder fire truck – Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that he is requesting to pay for the new ladder truck now. The total price of the truck is $1,367,412.09 and the City received a C.D.B.G. grant in the amount of $665,303.00. Approval to pay $702,109.09 was requested. He said that there were a couple of added features to the truck that needed approved also. One was a fitting and the other was a harness for the basket.

P. Allen said that he was voting against this purchase as he believes it was purchased against the will of the people.

J. Jones moved to approve the invoice of $1,367,412.09 with the City part $702,109.09 and the C.D.B.G. part $665,303.00. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved the invoice of $1,367,412.09 for the new fire department ladder truck with the City part $702,109.09 and the C.D.B.G. part $665,303.00.

  1. Consideration of donation of current ladder truck – Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that the Fire Department notified the area rural fire departments that the 1993 E-One Hurricane 75’ ladder truck was being replaced and asked if they had any interest. One letter of interest was received by Bourbon County Fire District #3 and the letter stated this fire truck would be stationed in Uniontown.

P. Allen said he was against this because the current ladder truck is worn out.

J. Jones moved to approve to donate the 1993 E-One Hurricane 75’ ladder truck to Bourbon County Fire District #3. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved to donate the 1993 E-One Hurricane 75’ ladder truck to Bourbon County Fire District #3 to be stationed in uniontown, kansas.

  1. Consideration of change order for Eagle Block Building – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he wished to table this topic and go out for local bids to local plumbers to install a sump pump. He said that he would personally contact the local plumbers and have them submit a quote by 12:00 noon on Friday, September 17th, 2021.

Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, said his main concern is timing of the project. The backfill was supposed to begin this week.

Discussion was held about how long to give the local plumbers to submit a bid proposal.

J. Jones moved to approve to table this change order and to solicit local proposals from our local plumbers for the installation of a sump pump at the Eagle Block building location. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. R. Nichols abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

approved to table this change order and to solicit local proposals from our local plumbers for the installation of a sump pump at the Eagle Block building location. the proposal due date is friday, september 17th, 2021, at 12:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:51 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:51 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

U234 Special Meeting: Budget Hearing for 2021-22

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF
BOARD OF EDUCATION
September 15, 2021
A special meeting of the board of education, Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, is hereby called to be held at 12: 15 p.m. on Monday, the twentieth day of September 2021, in the USD 234 Board of Education central office. The purpose of the meeting is a budget hearing and to consider the 2021-22 budget.
By order of the President of the Board of Education of Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas.

September 20,2O2L Special Board Meeting – 12:15 p.m.
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 234
BOARD AGENDA
1. Open the meeting
2. Flag Salute
3. Open Budget Hearing
4. Comments
5. Close budget hearing
5. Consider 2021-22 budget
7. Adjourn
(Action)

Unofficial Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission Meeting, Sept. 14

September 14, 2021 Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Deputy Clerk present.

Susan Bancroft, Ann Dare, Michael Hoyt, Robert Coon, and the sheriff’s department were also present.

Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes, Jim seconded, all approved.

Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to discuss opening the commission room to the public, Clifton seconded, all approved.

Jim asked for Clifton for his opinion.

Clifton said that our numbers are down and everyone has had the chance to get the vaccine that wants it. He said that if people feel comfortable and want to come, they can and if they want to wear a mask, they can but they don’t have to.

Jim made a motion to open the Bourbon County commission meetings back up to the public, Clifton seconded and all approved.

Susan stated that there are four cemetery boards that are required to have revenue neutral rate hearings as well, they are on standby for questions. Their boards have already had hearings and adopted resolutions, but the county needs to formally adopt those resolutions. You will have to have four separate hearings to do it properly.

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add revenue neutral rate hearings for four cemetery boards, Jim seconded and all approved

Lynne stated that the cemetery boards have been invited.

Susan stated that the first one is Barnesville Cemetery and they are going to increase the levy from 2.238 to 2.708.

Lynne stated that public comments are limited to five minutes each.

Michael Hoyt explained that it is an exercise to raise taxes because it is not that we are going to remain revenue neutral it is that we are not going to remain revenue neutral and we are going to collect a dollar more than we did in the previous year. He stated that just like the county is going to collect $42,000.00 more so it is a not revenue neutral rate.

Clifton stated that it is called a revenue neutral hearing and that they cannot change the name of it.

Michael stated that he was only trying to clarify what it is that we are allowing, that we are allowing the taxes to go up and they could go up even more.

Susan stated that they cannot levy more than what is approved.

Michael explained that Senate Bill 13 is to keep valuations from going up due to normal repairs.

Lynne stated that every year we set our mill levy and in our budget hearing we stated that we are raising the mill levy based on the increase in the assessed valuations. He also stated that all Senate Bill 13 does is require you to hold a hearing to be held and next year letters will be sent to every property owner in the state of Kansas if they go over the revenue neutral rate.

Susan stated that Barnesville levied for $2873 previously and are asking to increase to $3119.

Lynne made a motion to close the Barnesville budget hearing for revenue neutral, Jim seconded, all approved.

Clifton made a motion to open the revenue neutral rate hearing for Glendale Cemetery, Jim seconded, all approved

Susan stated that Glendale’s revenue neutral rate is 2.261 and the proposed tax rate is 3.150. Last year they levied for $2442 and this year they are asking for $2780.

Jim made a motion to close the Glendale budget hearing for revenue neutral, Clifton seconded, all approved.

Clifton made a motion to open the revenue neutral rate hearing for Lath Branch Cemetery, Jim seconded, all approved

Susan stated that revenue neutral rate is 0.954 and the proposed tax rate is 1.019. Last year they levied for $2557 and this year they are asking for $2755.

Jim made a motion to close the Lath Branch budget hearing for revenue neutral, Clifton seconded, all approved.

Clifton made a motion to open the revenue neutral rate hearing for Rosedale Cemetery, Jim seconded, all approved

Susan stated that Rosedale’s revenue neutral rate is 0.982 and the proposed tax rate is 1.443. Last year they levied for $5200 this year they are asking for $5500.

Jim made a motion to close the Rosedale’s budget hearing for revenue neutral, Clifton seconded, all approved.

Lynne stated that the resolutions all state the same thing for Barnesville Cemetery, Glendale Cemetery, Lth Branch Cemetery, and Rosedale Cemetery. Lynne said he would read one and then read the resolutions numbers for the others.

Lynne read the Barnesville resolution 01-2021 a resolution of the Barnesville Cemetery, Kansas to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate; Clifton made a motion to adopt the resolution 01-2021, Jim seconded, all approved.

Lynne informed that the next resolution is for Glendale Cemetery and is the same as the previous resolution but with different rates, the resolution number for Glendale Cemetery is 01-21; Clifton made a motion to adopt resolution 01-21, Jim seconded, all approved.

Lynne informed that the next resolution is for Lath Branch Cemetery and is the same as the previous resolution but with different rates, the resolution number Lath Branch Cemetery number is 01-21; Clifton made a motion to adopt resolution 01-21, Jim seconded, all approved.

Lynne informed that the next resolution is for Rosedale Cemetery and is the same as the previous resolution but with different rates, the resolution number Rosedale Cemetery number is 01-21; Clifton made a motion to adopt resolution 01-21, Jim seconded, all approved.

Clifton made a motion to open the budget hearing for the 2022 Bourbon County budget, Jim seconded, all approved.

Susan stated that last year the county levied 64.931 this year we are levying 62.500 the revenue neutral rate is 62.130. The amount of property tax that the county levied for last year was $7,171,700.00 this year the amount of property tax levied this year is $7,127,242.00 which is $44,458.00 less than you levied last year because you were able to capture a little because the assessed value went up. Susan stated that last year the assessed valuation was 110 million and this year it is 114 million; the county cut the amount of property tax that was levied for by $44,458.00 but it is still above the revenue neutral rate.

Public Comment: Ann Dare asked what the combined total for all the cemeteries is? Susan stated she thought $4000. Clifton said it wasn’t that much it was more like $1100. Ann said that wasn’t very much she expected it to be more than that. Susan stated that their assessed valuation isn’t very high. Ann thanked the commissioners for working hard but she would like to some information on the school districts and where their money comes from, is it part of the 7 million? Lynne informed that there are several different separate taxing districts in the county and they have their own budgets and that they levy for in their district. Ann said there is a website that has a pie chart that sections off all the schools and city. Susan said that the city taxes just the city, the county taxes just the county but a school district has an area that is both in the city and the county that they tax on. Ann said then she would need to look at her tax statement to see what district that she is taxed on. She said that if the county and city work hard to decrease their budget but the school district goes way above their revenue neutral rate and budget then a person may not see any savings. Susan said yes it could be a wash. Ann advised to go to the school board meeting on September 20th at noon at the board of education office.

Michael Hoyt: How could the public comment when they weren’t allowed in the meetings for a month and a half and did not have the information to follow along at home. Last year during the work session documents were available. Lynne stated that Susan made the offer that the information was available to the public. Michael said he was not aware of that and if he cares enough to come to a meeting then he should be given the information to follow along without having to ask and last time he did not receive anything. Susan said that was not correct. Michael said that in a previous meeting that Commissioner Oharah caught an error on a page in the budget and Susan said it was right on the next page but no one watching the meetings could see what they were talking about. Also the two individuals that were brave enough to throw their hat is for the county clerk position didn’t even know that their salary was going down, that was sad to witness. Jim asked Michael if the commissioners are concerned with Covid and the number of people in the room should they have just canceled the meetings all together? Michael said no but he should have been able to come in here and get the documents. Clifton said that he was pretty sure that the offer was made for that information to available to the public. Susan said that it was in the detailed budget information that it was available in the clerk’s office. Michael said if he had that information then he would have known that it was available. Susan said that it was published in the paper. Michael expressed that it was said in the previous meeting that there were some discrepancies in the audit that the auditor would meet with the commissioners individually. Clifton said that that doesn’t have anything to do with the budget and would go in public comment. Michael asked how we could have a budget for next year if we don’t have confidence in last years. Susan said she was provided preliminary number in order to complete the audit. Michael asked if the federal audit has any effect on the budget? Susan said no and they are waiting on Terry Sercer for the completed audit.

Jim made a motion to close the 2022 Bourbon County budget hearing, Clifton seconded, all approved.

Eric stated that the sheriff’s department has a van that they are willing to donate to Road and Bridge. Bobby Reed stated that it is a 2009 white van that we had in our capital outlay that we were able to replace this year. It runs and drives and we are glad to donate to another county entity. We want approval from the commission to give them the van. The markings on the vehicle, identifying it as one our vehicles, would need to be removed. Lynne said that because it was already county property that they did not need a motion they could just give it to the other department.

Eric stated that he has culvert permits. Commissioners signed them. Kansas and 145th to the west has a bus stop ahead sign in that area. He spoke with the school and there is currently no school bus route in that area and asked permission to remove the sign. Jim made a motion for the sign to be removed, Clifton seconded and all approved.

Eric stated that he received a letter from the state for the landfill that they are now in compliance with the berms. As far as the beans go we are still out of compliance. We have until August 2022 to have those composted. Half have to be composted by April 1st. Had a meeting with John George, Ag Engineering, last week and he is working to get our permit so we can begin composting and receiving beans back at the landfill again.

Buying bridge inspections time for our bridges. Schwab Eaton has given us a proposal for 139 bridges. We have two fracture critical and they gave us a proposal to do our 30 low water structures that they may have done that for us before but it has been awhile. I make a recommendation that we have this done. There is a place on the form for you to sign if we want to move forward. Total cost is $20,951. Some are due in January, some in February and some in March. Jim made a motion to approve the inspections for bridges. Clifton seconded. All approved.

235th between Poplar and Quail we had a concrete box culvert give way last week. We replaced it the next day and have the road back open.

125th & Wagon, had some paperwork given to me last week, regarding the bridge. The northern 3 foot of it needed to be closed until repairs are made. The concrete guard rail was knocked over a while ago and it bent one of the supports underneath and caused quite a bit of damage. Went ahead and closed the 3 feet down. Still able to get a car or truck across but heavy equipment or farm machinery won’t be able to go through. The paperwork stated that we would have to have an engineer on site when we do the work. I have an engineer, Frank Young, that will be here next Wednesday and we will start repairing the bridge.

The Mac truck that you approved for us to look at and if we saw fit to purchase, it was in Fort Worth and Premier Truck Group took it upon themselves to help us out and brought the truck to Joplin. We’ll be going down late this afternoon or tomorrow. Provided the motor’s not knocking or the transmission has some big problem we’ll purchase the truck.

Windmills, there are four built in Bourbon County, seven in Crawford County. They ran into mother nature last week with the wind. It was too dangerous for their safety protocols and shut down. Was not able to use the top crane. Scheduled to start back up today weather permitting. Of the 70 sites in Bourbon and Crawford County they are completed with their excavation, rebar has been installed and concrete poured for all sites. They will be tearing down the concrete plant in the near future. Jim asked how many pieces are included in the tower. Eric stated 3.

Eric stated that Jim had asked about the cracked sealing. He has a call in to Pro sealing waiting to hear back from them. Jim stated he liked the idea of doing the work ourselves. Eric isn’t sure they will have the time to get to it so he is going to get a price and then we can make the decision once we get it.

Lynne Oharah asked about asphalt going south. Eric stated he hoped to be finished this week. He said they had 1.8 miles left, and are hoping to move on to 125th.

Justin Meeks stated that the discussion regarding the CIC contract would need to be delayed until next week. Our IT person has made phone calls to them and they have not been returned.

Justin also asked that the agenda be amended moving David Neville’s executive session to the end of the meeting. Clifton Beth made a motion to move Mr. Neville to the end of the meeting. Jim seconded. All approved.

Robert Coon talked about bail bondsmen responsibilities. Bourbon County has had some pretty bad people. The sheriff’s department is our first line of defense. I recently went to a CEU class and they had some good, astounding, information actually. Two-thirds of all felonies in the state of Kansas are drug related. Robert had a KBI report that he printed from the internet. Crime in Kansas is through the roof right now. I support our sheriff’s department. If you look up Taco Bell salaries you will see that some of them make those salaries out there. The world is changing, inflation is coming up and all of sudden these wages aren’t so high. Apparently our county is behind. What put me in a position to come talk about this is that I’ve gotten to know some of these deputies through my position. We had a deputy who left from here to go to another county for 3 to 4 dollars an hour more. Go for a ride with a deputy and see what goes on. We’ve got to keep our crime rate down and our community clean. I suggest you look at this jail thing again. I think you need a research team to look into housing inmates from other counties. According to Gov Kelly’s current numbers it would pay $492,000 for us to take 16 inmates at $75. per day for one year. Feeding them is $8.50/day, roughly $50,000 you are going to send down the way. It sounds like it could be a way to make more money and pay these guys. Would the county entertain a research team presenting their findings?

Clifton stated that we can’t stop anyone from doing research. Jim said he would encourage a study be done and bring it back to us. Clifton asked about if the jail would be full with people from Bourbon County. That would cost us more money. You have to look at all sides. Lynne stated the jail was supposed to be 6.85 million dollars when built and end up at 9.2 million. Robert stated that he asked how much more manpower it would take to house 16 additional inmates and he said he was told none.

Kevin Davidson, deputy, thanked the commissioners for the opportunity to speak. All deputies are here minus a couple. We take an oath to protect our community. We know that we are not going to get rich. Five years ago, Sheriff Martin did a survey and we were 26% below average. Sheriff Martin does another survey and we are now at 30% below the minimum pay for like counties. It’s concerning that there’s not a lot talk about it. 3% is .46/hour, $5.52 more per shift because we work 12 hour shifts, $44.16/pay period, that’s every two weeks, $1,148.16 more per year. Every little bit helps. A 30% increase to get us to the minimum of like counties would give us $11,000. more per year. That’s a big difference. Life-altering. I’ve been with the sheriff’s office for going on 8 years and have had 1 raise. The first three years my pay went down $800 due to insurance premiums. Kevin asked the commissioners if they knew of anyone that would work for that. Lynne Oharah said yes. EMTs do that. Kevin asked Lynne to put some of the “fire” that I heard in your voice regarding EMTs and put it toward the sheriff’s department. Lynne said he cares for all employees. Kevin continued stating that some deputy’s take home $600 and some $800 per pay. Not many people do that. We miss holidays, birthdays. We miss out on family time. Why? Because we care about Bourbon County. Our department doesn’t feel like we have your support. We feel like there is a rift between Sheriff Martin and Mr. Oharah. When Mr. Martin comes to speak, I’ve seen Mr. Oharah get his phone out just like this and I’ve seen Mr. Beth do it. If your phone is more important than what we are saying that speaks volumes. I demand your attention fully. Jim Harris said that he admires everything that department does. I believe your department deserves pay raises, but tell me what the solution is. You brought me a problem, tell me how to fix it. Kevin said he doesn’t have all the answers. My responsibility is to protect our county. Your part in this is figuring out the solutions. That’s why you were elected. Jim stated one of our choices is raising taxes. Bill Martin stated that several months ago there was a group that came up here, brokers, different consultants to give you ideas as what to do to save money. One group came up and said that within the first year they could save Bourbon County $100,000. Then after that for the next 5 to 7 years based on the information high risk $1.5 million saved. But when the time came to listen to the plans you guys didn’t give them an opportunity. You decided to stick with the same contract we’ve had for 3 additional years. Clifton stated that the group couldn’t guarantee the savings. Jim stated that any insurance company can make any kind of promise they want to. Susan Bancroft stated that Commissioner Oharah asked her to go back and look at the numbers from 2020 and based on not base pay, but total pay, based on deputies the average they get is $44,000/yr, if you include benefits that would be closer to $56,000/hr. If you take $56,000. and divide it by 2,080 hours, with overtime and straight time, they are right at the market average in this report. Jim stated that he supports the sheriff’s office. I agree they need more money, public works needs more money. I’m not willing to increase property tax and keep businesses from coming to Fort Scott because our taxes are too high. Trey Sharp said that he works over 100 hours per pay not because he wants to but because he has to. Lynne said maybe we need to look at cutting overtime and giving raises. Kevin stated that every time they get overtime they have to keep a running document of the overtime hours and why they worked overtime. He asked if any of the commissioners bothered to look at the overtime report and Lynne said they have never received it. Ben Cole stated they were provided to them a few years ago. Lynne stated that they do not receive them on a weekly basis. Susan Bancroft stated that to reduce overtime more staff will need to be added. The biggest question is where do we find the funds to give raises. Kevin stated there is no way in law enforcement that you can eliminate overtime. Jim Harris stated that he didn’t want to see the overtime sheets because he trusts him to do the right thing. Kevin stated that he wants the commissioners to see the overtime sheets so that they will understand. He said there is a silent evil in Bourbon County called narcotics. No one in this county knows that a week ago we assisted the DA in a task force combined with several agencies to help them intercept 6 lbs of meth headed for Bourbon County. Susan stated that to eliminate overtime more people have to be hired. Nick Trim stated he took a 57% cut to come here. The only way I can afford to do this is because of my previous pay from previous job. Jim asked Bill if he has been asked to meet with the commissioners regarding staffing. Bill stated that he has through budget hearings. Susan said that to be clear if additional staff is added, annual salaries will go down because additional staff will reduce overtime. If base pay is raised $2.00 per hour that would be $45,000 to $50,000 with taxes. Jim requested a work session with Bill and try to figure out staff and overtime. Kevin Davidson said there is a new position open at the Medical Building and wants to know what they are making. My understanding is they are making $21/hr. Susan clarified that it was $19.92/hr. Lynne said that is temporary as we are working on bringing in a new hospital and that position will go with the hospital. Kevin asked if they can understand how that would cause frustration? Kevin asked if he could get each commissioners word that they are going to get with Sheriff Martin and work together to figure out how to fix this. I realize nothing is going to happen overnight.

Lora Holdridge stated she wanted to say something. All you sheriff deputies work really hard and I know you put your life on the line for all of us, but you all chose that. Just like I told Road & Bridge, they work in the rain and snow. You all deserve a lot of money but so do a lot of us inside the courthouse that also hasn’t gotten raises. My deputy and I hardly ever get to take our days off because we only have two people. You can’t run my office with just two people. You guys are not the only ones out there that need help or a raise. You guys are asking them to commit to getting you up to speed. You guys put your life on the line and I am so thankful for that. But you guys make it sound like that you guys are the only ones who put your life on the line. I don’t know who is coming into my office and may get upset. You guys are putting it to the commissioners that you want something done for you and they need to do something for all of us. Bill I have nothing against you at all but you bring your whole department in here to talk about raises knowing budget time that didn’t look good. How often does your undersheriff go out on the road when they’re on vacation? Bill responded a lot. Ben doesn’t turn it in as overtime when he could because he’s trying to help the department and community. Lora asked considering overtime how much does your guys make an hour? Lynne stated $20/hr. Mr. Coon stated that overtime is not benefits. Quit acting like they’re getting paid a ton of money. Quit talking about it. Talk about base pay talk about what really matters.

Mr. Coon then asked Lora if she was an elected official. She said yes. He said she should be ashamed of herself for being in here discussing this. Lora said she doesn’t get any time off. Lora and Mr. Coon were then asked to take their discussion out of the room so that the commission meeting could continue.

Justin Meeks stated that Lora Holdridge’s executive session is actually on my time. I need to go in for that reason. I’ve got actually to help Mr. Hoyt to understand my position on this executive session. I do have one, two, three, four matters that are all attorney client privilege, possible litigation, HR issues that we have to address that have a huge legal background in them. Then, the other three parts are possible litigation. So, I could if you want go in for attorney client privilege for the issues of attorney client privilege and come back out and talk about possible litigation on an HR issue but I really think they are all the same. We learned in our training we can combine those if we clarify what they are. Lynne stated that if we are able to combine them to please do so to save time. Justin stated he would need twenty minutes. Clifton made the motion for executive session with all three commissioners and Justin Meeks. Justin stated there are incidents that have occurred that could lead to litigation and then an employee matter that could potentially lead to litigation returning at 11:28am. Jim seconded and all approved.

Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 11:28am with action. Jim seconded all approved. I have Miss Holdridge in the room we would like to be able to work with Ashley and Miss Holdridge to petition the commission at a near future date to reopen a road. We have been working on this for about a year and a half. I did talk to Kansas Association of Counties about a month ago, our resolution is to reopen the road and at some point we would petition again to close it back down again. I am asking for permission from the commission to get this done. Clifton made a motion to allow County Counselor Meeks to work with Lora Holdridge and Ashley to future petition of road open/closure. Jim seconded all approved. Justin also asked for motion to allow him to work with Jim Harris and Eric Bailey on a issue with one of the roads with a right-of-way from a rail line on two separate roads. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin Meeks, Jim Harris and Eric Bailey to work on a couple of right-of-way areas in dealing with the railroad. Jim seconded all approved.

Justin stated that the publications for the tax sale will start on Saturday or possibly Wednesday of next week. Still projected to have a sale in October. We’ve had a lot of properties either sell or be redeemed so we are doing well in the collection part. This year the tax sale team is doing a great job. Probably will have 3 different sales next year.

Susan Bancroft had no comment.

Bill Martin provided a copy of the MOU for the School Resource Officer. The school board has signed and am asking for Mr. Oharah to sign. I’ll turn it over to Clerk’s office to be stamp filed and I will keep a copy of it. Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne Oharah to sign the MOU for USD 235 for the School Resources Officer. Jim seconded and all approved. Lynne Oharah signed the document. Bill asked for a phone conference with Susan Bancroft, himself and Austin Peters Group.

David Neville asked for a 5 minute executive session. Clifton made a motion for an executive session for non-elected personnel including all three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft and Ashley Shelton and David Neville. Returning back to normal session at 11:45am. Normal session resumed with no action. Jim second all approved. David Neville wanted to discuss his wages. My current wages are $14.50/hr. A study was done 15 years ago stating that the maximum pay for myself should be over $15.00. I would like to request to be moved up to that. Lynne looked at current study that was done and the minimum wage should be $16.29. Lynne stated that the new study wasn’t apples to apples. David requested he would like to be brought up to at least the minimum of the new study. Clifton stated that they have been asked by multiple people today for raises and he is not willing to give one raise without looking at all of them. Lynne stated that the budget has 3% raise in it. Jim stated that he appreciated everything David does and that they would discuss and get back with them.

Jim Harris requested an executive session for non-elected personnel. Clifton seconded and all approved. Session includes all three commissioners and Justin Meeks. Normal session will resume at 12:05pm.

Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action. Jim seconded and all approved.

At 12:05pm, Jim made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

_______________, Approved Date