February 23, 2023                                                                                                                         Thursday, 9:00 a.m.

 

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the County Clerk present.

 

 

Mark McCoy, Anne Dare, Patty Ropp, Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers, David Klein, Lora Holdridge, George Collinge, and Larry Howard were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting the with flag salute, followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.

 

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the minutes from last week’s meeting, Jim seconded and all approved. Clifton made a motion to approve payroll in the amount of $172,629.06 and accounts payable totaling $121,336.19. Jim seconded, and all approved.

 

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, gave an update on the sidewalk and parking project. Eric said they are pumping water out of the west end of the parking area, then they will pour the gutter and parking. Jim asked if the City of Fort Scott is going to address the water issues since the water runs across the street and pools there. Eric said they are aware of the issue and have looked at the area. Jim suggested one of them meet with the City Manager about the water issue. The old crusher is listed on Purple Wave to sell during their March 21 auction. Purple Wave had some incorrect contact information listed, but Eric has reached out to get that corrected. Eric stated there is interest in the crusher as he has already received a few phone calls about it. The new crusher is on the way to Humboldt for repairs and it is expected it will be down for about three days. All the repairs will be covered under warranty. The Public Works crew is removing overburden at Beth Quarry to prepare for another blast. The ditching machine is currently in Mapleton, and Eric plans to move to each district every few weeks to work on ditches. Eric said the machine is working very well and gets the water moving, but it will take some time to get the hang of it all. Jim asked who the operator is, and Eric said TJ Newman is running the machine and doing a very good job. We had an MSHA inspection last week and had two minimal violations. One was the headlights on the fuel truck, the spring broke on the dimmer switch, but they now have that fixed. Also, there was a paper at the front of the notebook that needed updated and that has been fixed as well. Jim said that was a very good inspection from MSHA. Eric said crews are cleaning up dead trees throughout the county using the lift. Eric said he was contacted by the City of Fort Scott’s codes department about a citywide clean up and was asked if the county would consider waiving MSW fees. Jim said the last time we did this it was very expensive to haul the waste to Allen County and the county ended up paying several thousand dollars. He thinks if we participate, then the city would need to help cover some of the costs. Eric said if there is a cleanup, he thinks it should be county wide and not just for city residents. Eric stated he will come back to the commission after he visits some more with City of Fort Scott. Jim said a resident he spoke to in the Northwest part of the county commended the county for the great job they did fixing the low water crossing. Eric said that Jerry Heckman did the repairs, and he is very good with

 

his blade. Eric said the motor went bad on the skid steer and they are getting numbers on how much they have spent on repairs and will meet with a representative of the company where it was purchased. Clifton made a motion to allow Jim to meet with Eric and the representative to discuss the skid steer.

Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Eric Bailey requested a 7-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the two Commissioners Eric Bailey, Jennifer Hawkins, and Susan Bancroft for 7 minutes and will return at 9:21. Jim seconded, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:21 with no action. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

George Collinge met with the Commission to discuss Eagle Road. George started off by thanking the Commissioners and Eric Bailey for the job they do. Mr. Collinge said he had done some research on Eagle Road, which used to be known as Garland Road, and there was a newspaper article from 1928 stating the road was hard surface from 250th St to the state line. George said the section of the road from 69 Highway to 250th St. has been paved for 50 years, ever since the new highway came in. George stated people base where they buy a house or build a house on the roads they have to travel and that nobody likes having a paved road turned into gravel. Due to safety issues and complaints about the poor condition of Eagle Rd the Commissioners had to make a decision about four years ago. A public meeting was not held it was just decided to tear the pavement up and make it a gravel road, which it had not been for over fifty years. George said the paving on 250th St. has provided an alternate route to town, but that many residents still have to use Eagle Rd. Dust is a big issue now on Eagle Road. George said that when Commissioner Harris ran, he promised to pave Eagle Rd and 250th St. Mr. Collinge suggested paving one mile of the road as a start due to budget constraints and then pave the rest the next year.

Jim said a work session is planned soon, and he is hoping to work with Eric and the other commissioners to be able to pave one mile of the road. Due to the other two districts having the majority of the paving projects last year district three will receive first choice this year. Jim said he has looked for state money, and is working with Eric and the limited budget, but is hopeful they can make something happen and Eagle Road is a high priority for district two. Due to the thickness the road has to be to withstand the heavy grain trucks, Jim estimates it will cost $250,000 per mile to pave Eagle Road. Anne Dare questioned if in the meantime there was something that could be done to keep the dust down on Eagle Road. Jim said they could drag it and put oil down, but Clifton said the problem is we have thousands of miles of gravel road, and we can’t do for one and not for all. The speed of the traffic was discussed, and it was determined there were no posted speed limit signs. Jim asked the residents that were present if they would be ok with a 40 mph speed limit, and they responded yes. Jim made a motion to have Eric Bailey post 40 mph signs on Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 250th St. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Jim said he would let George know when the work session is and would like everybody to come and give their input.

 

 

Lora Holdridge presented a road closure for a stretch of 75th St. near Xenia. Lora handed out several maps and discussed how they are trying to consolidate four maps into one, and that two of the maps are

 

showing 75th St. stopping at Victory Road. Lora said when she first started getting the road records up to date, she went through all the road closures, and this road was not listed as being closed. Bret & Kyle Oswald own both sides of the road and want to show the road closed at Victory Rd. The Oswalds are already paying taxes on the road since it is undriveable, we just need a resolution to make it official.

Clifton said we need to make sure we have a starting point and an ending point of the road we are closing because 75th St. goes all the way to the Crawford County line. Lora is going to provide the Clerk the dimensions and present a resolution next week.

 

 

A short break was taken, and the Commission resumed the meeting at 9:44.

 

 

Jennifer Hawkins presented an invitation that Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, sent to the Commissioners for a meet and greet on March 6 at noon to introduce Dr. Krumsick, the new medical director for EMS. Clifton made amotion to allow all Commissioners to attend, with no county business being conducted. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

The County Clerk presented two cereal malt beverage license renewals for KC Mart at 946 Highway 69. Clifton made a motion to approve permit #214 and #215 for KC Mart and to allow the chairman to sign the permits. Jim seconded, and all approved

 

 

Jim Harris discussed the possibility of placing an overpass south of town and said that one of the proposed locations is on Jayhawk Rd. Due to trains sitting at intersections, emergency personnel are having difficulty getting to the east side of the county. Jim made a motion to allow him permission to work with Bourbon County REDI on applying for a grant for a feasibility study for an overpass on the south side of Fort Scott. Jim said this is not for a grant to build an overpass, this is for the study which is something we have to have before we could even apply for grants to build an overpass. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton said that they received an email from SEKRPC and that a grant might not have to be applied for as the committee has already received a grant that could potentially cover the feasibility study. Rob Harrington stated the Regional Planning Commission has received an $800,000 federal grant to do a large-scale regional feasibility study on road projects in southeast Kansas. This group will come back after they do this study, which could take years since it is for all of southeast Kansas, and our overpass project may not be one they choose. In order to participate in this study, Bourbon County would have to pay $2200 to SEKRPC. Jim said that this would be a good route to go but if this could take three years to get a study then he doesn’t want to do that. Rob said if they started in Bourbon County, it may not take that long but if SEKRPC started in another county it might be a few years before they got to our county. Jim said they could meet with SEKRPC and determine what route they would like to go. Susan Bancroft said meeting with KDOT and BNSF would be good and there is a statute that the railroad would have to pay 5% of a project that closes a railroad crossing.

 

Jim requested a 7-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including both Commissioners and will return at 10:02. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 10:02 with no action. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Bobby Reed presented a letter to the Commissioners on Bill Martin’s behalf regarding the electronic use policy. Bobby asked that the County Clerk date stamp the letter and email a copy to Sheriff Martin.

Bobby asked that any questions be directed to Bill upon his return.

 

 

Clint Walker stated he received wage information and asked if Justin Meeks, the County Counselor, also works as the Assistant County Attorney. Jim said that is correct.

 

 

Michael Hoyt questioned an accounts payable entry for Amazon Capital Services, asking why we would set up reserve account under an Amazon credit card. Jennifer clarified that the charge is for an Amazon invoice and is paid out of the computer reserve fund the county has. Michael asked when we could get the work session for the roads set, and Eric Bailey stated he is currently waiting on one other person to meet with him so that he can get information on chip and seal. Eric said after that he will be able to bring pricing to the Commission so that they can accurately determine how much work can be done with their limited budget. Mr. Hoyt asked Eric to look at the bridge on Poplar Road over Wolverine Creek stating it is dangerous and that you can see through the bottom of it. Michael said that he thinks Poplar Road from 69 Highway to 235th Street should be paved as it is a major exit road. Mr. Hoyt had previously discussed going off the road during a winter storm and said he measured the drop off and it was 10 feet and feels that a guardrail needs to be placed there. Jim asked the location, and it is on 235th Street between Osage Road and Poplar Road.

 

 

Anne Dare discussed the commission agenda form and questioned the payroll amounts from 2-14-23 and 2-23-23 and why one was $30,000 less. Jim said he would have to do some research to determine why there was that much of a difference. Anne also said she hopes that anybody who uses a credit card for purchases does so using our tax-exempt status as a government entity. Anne questioned how much money the county has unnecessarily paid in sales tax.

 

 

Michael Hoyt asked if all the deputies have credit cards is 5 Corners billed seperately for their fuel? The Commissioners said that would be question for the Sheriff.

 

 

The Commissioners took a 10-minute break and returned at 10:19.

 

Michael Hoyt stated he is helping the Veteran Services Coordinator in LaHarpe, who is having health issues, and he will help with claims or paperwork at no charge. Mr. Hoyt said he would be willing to help any Bourbon County residents as well.

 

 

Clifton amended the agenda to add two executive sessions. Jim seconded, and all approved.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures including both Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker and will return at 10:29.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 10:29 with no action. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Justin Meeks requested a 5-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion for an executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 10:36. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 10:36 with no action. Jim seconded, and all approved.

 

 

Lora Holdridge asked to amend the agenda for an executive session.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for an executive session. Jim seconded, and all approved.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including both Commissioners and Lora Holdridge and will return at 10:44. Jim seconded, and all approved.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 10:44 with no action. Jim seconded, and all approved.

 

Clifton stated that every employee of the county, including elected officials and their employees, when they walk in the door, they just own their clothes they are wearing. The computers are owned by the people of Bourbon County, the vehicles are owned by the people of Bourbon County and are not their personal property. The Appraiser’s vehicles are not his they are owned by Bourbon County. The dozer and road grader in road and bridge are not owned by road and bridge but by Bourbon County. The Sheriff’s vehicles are not the property of the Sheriff’s department, they are the property of the county.

We have people in our organization that seem to think the equipment is theirs, it is not nor is the money they are given theirs. It is the people of Bourbon County’s, it is all the taxpayer’s money, not just elected official’s money. He said the general public should be furious and that his comments are not made to the general public but directed internally.

 

 

Jim said that the computers in all elected official’s offices belong to the county, to the tax payers. For us to spend money on an outside attorney from the Sheriff’s department to tell us that we’re not in charge of their employees is ridiculous. We are in charge of that computer, we’re responsible for the programs, that’s what our IT department does.

 

 

Clifton made amotion to adjourn at 10:49. Jim seconded, and all approved.

 

 

Approved 3-2-2023

February 14, 2023                                                                                                 Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.

 

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

 

Jason Silvers, Mark McCoy, and Clint Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting the with flag salute, followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.

 

Nelson Blythe made a motion to approve the minutes from last week’s meeting. Clifton Beth seconded, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes payroll totaling $206,351.07 and accounts payable totaling $85,342.63. Jim seconded, and all approved.

 

Jim commended the crew working on the parking and sidewalk project saying the concrete looks great. Jim asked Eric if they are keeping a running total on how much the project is costing us to share with the public how much the county saved by performing the work ourselves. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated they are keeping track in their PubWorks software and will be able to provide a detailed report of the project. Eric said they still have two pours left to complete the project, but they are going to be painting lines on a section that is finished to get more parking opened up. The MSHA refresher course was completed last week and the training date for all new hires to complete MSHA certification is now March 13. The drum is in for the crusher, and we will be moving the crusher to Humboldt to have the repairs performed there where they have a crane and all the needed equipment and tools. Purple Wave was here yesterday to take pictures and video of our old crusher to post on an upcoming sale in March. Public Works will also be selling two truck beds on Purple Wave. Eric asked for approval to go ahead and go out for bid for a belly dump trailer which is what the proceeds from the items sold on Purple Wave will purchase. Jim said he has been in support of another belly dump to use during asphalting to get gravel on the roads while the dump trucks are tied up hauling asphalt. Jim made a motion to allow Eric to go out for a bid on a belly dump trailer using cash from the Purple Wave sales. Nelson seconded and all approved. Eric said that he has been visiting with different companies about asphalt oil and currently the prices are down $75-$100 per ton. Diesel fuel is down about $1.00 per gallon which will drop our cost to produce asphalt. Eric said he has another meeting today to find out about the price of sand. Dates were discussed for setting up a roads program meeting and it was suggested to add it to the agenda to once Eric has a complete list of prices.

 

Susan Bancroft, Chief Financial Officer, presented a 2022 payroll recap. Susan said she plans on doing annual year end reports and including payroll reports to show where you might see fluctuation in numbers indicating turnover. The reports also show overtime by department. Susan explained that some of the overtime is built in due to the way some of the shifts runs. EMS is now fully staffed and you will see the overtime numbers go down due to that. Susan said she can provide these reports quarterly so that the Commissioners can see the numbers as they are happening. The reports that were provided today are strictly payroll, they do not include benefits but Susan plans on creating a report to show benefits in the future. One of the reports provided a breakdown of how many employees each department had for every pay period in the year which showed the amount of turnover. A gross earnings by department report was included and Clifton and Jim questioned why the Clerk and Treasurer’s offices were up dramatically in December. Susan stated that the increase flagged for KPERS and she had to give an explanation as to the increase and those two departments gave their employees bonuses at the end of the year. Susan said she is working this week to close out the end of year and will be able to provide reports showing how each department’s budget ended up for 2022.

 

Susan presented a request for a letter of support for a moderate income apartment project in Fort Scott. The project is for 16 apartments in what is known as the Van Fossen building but more people know it as the JCPenney building. This project is a partnership between the City of Fort Scott and the developer and all that Bourbon County is asked to do is provide a letter of support for their grant. Clifton stated he is not in favor because they are asking us to do something without knowing anything about the project. Jim asked if the developer gave a presentation to the City of Fort Scott. Nelson asked if this was federal or state grant and Susan said the state administers it but they are federal dollars. Jim said that someone will get the grant dollars, so if it is not this project another community will receive the money. Mark McCoy suggested that the developer come and do a presentation or at least provide a letter detailing all the information we are requesting. Nelson asked if there was a deadline and Susan stated they have not provided her with one. Clifton said he is not going to vote on something and approve something the same day it is provided to him with no information given. Jim said he would like someone to do a presentation or answer questions about the project.

 

Jennifer Hawkins announced she will be attending some training classes so she can become a certified County Clerk. Jennifer said she has not been able to hire anybody for her office yet and will have to close Thursday, February 16 to attend a class. One of the classes is only offered once a year and it is March 6-10, but she is hopeful that she will have additional staff hired by then.

 

Clifton made a motion to move the Commission meetings to Thursdays. Clifton stated that the County Counselor is now unavailable on Tuesdays, and this would allow the Clerk and CFO more time to prepare for the meetings. Jim said he was in support of moving the meetings to Thursdays but for the first six months he would not be at some of the meetings due to prior commitments but could join via phone. Nelson questioned when the first Thursday meeting would be and Clifton said next week. Nelson said he would miss next week’s meeting regardless of the day it is held as he will be out of town at training. Nelson seconded the motion to move meetings to Thursdays, and all approved.

 

Mark McCoy said that on April 5 Fort Scott High School will be hosting a business day where different industries and government entities will be there with tables set up, and he thinks the county should have a booth to give students an opportunity to see what we offer. Clifton stated it is the FSHS Career Fair and it will be 8-12 on April 5 and this is a collaboration with Uniontown High School so we could potentially reach 600 students. Susan Bancroft said she had planned on having a table there with pamphlets about different jobs at the county and would welcome anybody else who like to join her. Jim said he could join her if it was ok with the other commissioners and Clifton and Nelson agreed to this.

 

There will be a meeting of the Republican Party on Thursday, February 23, at 6 p.m. at the Empress Event Center for elected and appointed officials as well as the committee people. Nelson made a motion to allow the Commissioners to attend the meeting with no county business being conducted. Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Mark McCoy talked about Kiwanis 110^th Pancake Feed that will be held next Tuesday with all the proceeds going to provide scholarships to local high school students. Last year the Kiwanis provided eight scholarships to students. Mark also announced the Knights of Columbus fish fry that will take place on Friday evenings with proceeds going to rebuild the church.

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:37. Nelson seconded and all approved.

 

Approved 2-23-2023

 

February 7, 2023 Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.

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

Clint Walker, Mark McCoy, Patty Ropp, Anne Dare, Deb McCoy, and Michael Hoyt were present for
some or all of the meeting.

Jim Harris opened the meeting the with flag salute, followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.

Nelson Blythe made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from last
week’s meeting, accounts payable totaling $417,079.46, and miscellaneous disbursement checks from 1-
1-2023 to 2-3-2023 totaling $432.993.95. Clifton Beth seconded, and all approved.

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, handed out January’s fuel report to all the Commissioners. The report
for all new culvert applications for January was signed. Eric gave an update on the sidewalk and parking
project on the north side of the courthouse. The sidewalk was poured yesterday, and half the curb is
done as well. They are hoping to get half of the parking poured this week, and have the project
completed next week. MSHA renewal training will be held tomorrow, 2-8-2023, at the Shirley Yeager
building. New hire MSHA training will take place next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. A piece broke
on the drum on the rock crusher, but it is under warranty and the new part is being shipped and will
hopefully be here the end of the week. Eric updated Commissioner Blythe that he met with John Stokes
and the area by the cemetery in Bronson has been taken care of. Eric asked the Commissioners to start
thinking of a time to hold a work session for roads and asked that they meet sooner rather than later as
the oil prices are currently down. Jim asked Eric to study the motor grader plan to budget for
replacements before several graders go down at the same time. Eric stated he had worked with Susan at
the end of last year to create a 10-year plan for the Public Works equipment.

Matt Quick presented a variance for the sanitation code for Marco Estates. Marco Estates was
developed in 1968 and was platted at that time so most lots there are not a full acre. Currently there is a
one-acre requirement to install a septic system. Matt said that the variance reads that the one-acre
requirement is waived but all other codes must be followed. Jim asked if there was an address listed and
Matt stated they just listed Marco Estates as there are several lots there to be developed. Clifton Beth
made a motion to accept the variance of Sanitation Code 2-7.1 as presented by Matt Quick. Nelson
Blythe seconded and all approved.

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a letter from the Kansas Department of Agriculture to submit
water levels for Elm Creek Lake. This is a yearly Water Use Report that can be submitted online to avoid
a $20.00 filing fee now charged for using the paper form. Jim explained that this is not a new report that
they have filled it out for years and he recommended allowing Eric to submit online to avoid paying
$20.00. A Public Notice from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment was presented for all
Water Pollution Control Permit renewals within the state. If the public would like to look at the
documents, they are available in the Clerk’s Office until 2-18-23. Jim stated that the farm in Bourbon
County is just a renewal there will not be any additional animals. The Clerk’s Office received a letter
from a Trustee member of the Pawnee Township stating she would have to step down due to health
issues and asked the Commissioners appoint her replacement. The Pawnee Township met and
recommended Rachel Wagner to fill the vacancy. Clifton Beth moved to appoint Rachel Wagner to the
vacant Pawnee Township position. Nelson seconded and all approved. Clifton also made a motion to

allow Eric Bailey to submit the 2022 Kansas Department of Agriculture Water Use Report online to avoid
paying $20.00 for submitting the paper form. Nelson seconded and all approved. Jennifer stated she had
been trying to find out what boards the Commissioners were on, but there wasn’t a folder containing
this information, so she had been combing through prior years Commission minutes and presented a list
to the Commissioners of what was found. The Commissioners received a letter from Tri-Valley
requesting a vacant position on their board be filled. Nelson asked how often the board meets and said
he would be interested in finding this information out before a replacement is appointed. The
Commissioners asked that more research be done to find out to find out when the various boards meet
and what their obligations are and will discuss this matter later. Jennifer asked that the agenda be
amended to allow her to talk about budgets. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to discuss
budgets with the County Clerk. Nelson seconded and all approved. Jennifer said she received an email
from the Department of Administration stating that 27 of the budgets that were due to them by
December 1, 2022 were incomplete, incorrect, or not submitted at all. Jennifer sated she received her
appointment from the Governor and was sworn in yesterday so she can now act in the full capacity of
County Clerk. Jim asked if there are any fines that the county might receive from the budgets being
turned in late and Jennifer replied she did not know, but is going to reach out to the Department of
Administration and work with them to get the budgets corrected.

Clint Walker questioned if the money used for the new Sheriff’s vehicles that were discussed last week is
coming from the Sales Tax fund. Jim stated yes, it is from the Sales Tax fund and that by using that
money instead of financing the county could save 2.5% in interest fees. Mr. Walker said he had
requested information about job descriptions and that they have not been updated since 1999 and he
recommended the county updated them. Jim said we are in the process of updating our handbook.
Michael Hoyt said he had a few questions about the accounts payable and asked the Clerk about
reoccurring amounts listed throughout the report for the same vendor. After looking through the report
it was determined that since the report was broken down by fund the entire amount was listed by the
vendor's name but under that showed the amount being charged to the specific fund. Some bills in
Public Works are split between multiple funds and it was agreed that the report was confusing. Jennifer
said she would review report options to find a better report to send out in the future. Mr. Hoyt spoke
about majority rule and said he felt that resolution 06-23 stating unanimous consensus of the board to
terminate employment was not democracy. Justin Meeks said that he reviewed the resolution and had
the KAC attorney review it and they approved it as well. Justin said that everything besides termination
of an employee takes a 2-1 vote and he feels confident in the way resolution was reviewed by other
counsel as the resolution was even sent to the Attorney General’s office.

Nelson had a question for the County Clerk about the miscellaneous disbursement check report that was
sent out specifically what the checks written to Baty Otto Coronado were. These checks were written by
the Treasurer’s office for forfeitures done by the Sheriff’s department. Michael Hoyt asked about a
$22,000 check written to Fort Scott Union Lofts and Susan Bancroft told him it was an NRP refund. Jim
said he appreciated the work the County Clerk has been doing and the assistance the CFO and COO have
provided and all the long hours that have been worked.

Jim Harris asked for a 10 -minute executive session. Clifton made a motion for an executive session
under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy to include the three Commissioners and will return at 9:45. Nelson seconded the motion,
and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:45 with no action. Nelson
seconded and all approved.
Michael Hoyt asked if he could talk about the recent housing meeting. Clifton made a motion to amend
the agenda to allow public comment again. Nelson seconded and all approved. Michael said he asked
the question if it was easier to obtain grants for low-income housing and he was told yes. He went on to
say that we need to change our feeling of what low-income housing is and that many object to
behaviors that they perceive to happen in low-income housing. Clifton said he would agree with that.
Michael suggested transitional housing where if you are low income, you would pay the income-based
rent for the first five years. The next five years part of that rent could go to equity where they could
share in the appreciation. The next ten years they could go out and get a mortgage and pay us back
what we paid to build that house. Nelson asked who Michael was referring to when he said we, meaning
Bourbon County? Michael said he was just referring to the fact that is easier to get grants for low-
income housing and that the rest would have to get approval for in the grant process. Mr. Hoyt said we
need to dispel this feeling that everybody in certain housing projects are drug users or sellers and that
most of them are 80- and 90-year-olds that are living on social security that can’t afford a house. Clifton
said he agrees it is a perceived behavior because working in what he’s done for 10 years he’s been in a
lot of these houses. Clifton said we as a society are not doing anything to dig people out of poverty. Jim
said he attended another housing meeting last week that had government officials, relators, and
bankers and our next step is to meet with developers and contractors because the gap is the problem.
The bankers are recommending getting a few houses built and, on the market, to help boost the
comparables.

Lora Holdridge asked the Commissioners if Jennifer could have microphone at her desk because it was
hard to hear her.

Mark McCoy, as representative for Regional Economic Development, asked for a 10-minute executive
session to discuss trade secrets to include the three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Rob Harrington, and
Mark McCoy. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session, Nelson seconded
the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to go into executive under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to
discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and
individual proprietorships to include the three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Rob Harrington, and Mark
McCoy and will return at 10:08. Nelson seconded and all approved. Clifton made a motion to return to
normal session at 10:08 with no action. Nelson seconded and all approved.

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:09. Nelson seconded and all approved.

The Uniontown City Council will meet March 14 at city hall at 7 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Hearing for Citywide trash service –

 

 

Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes of February 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Grass seed around public restroom

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Chamber of Commerce Job Fair 2023

2023-2024 Insurance Renewal Quote

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project –

 

 

Placemaking Project –

 

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 Attachments:

2023 Financials – February

03-23 Informational items

The Regular Council Meeting on February 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:03PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Amber Kelly.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mary Pemberton, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick – did not show up for meeting.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend.  Project is completed.  Water was shut off and lines drained in December.  Water will be turned back on and they will be unlocked next week.  Clerk Johnson is working on getting sign and thank you notes completed.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pemberton, on behalf of Uniontown Ruritan Club – club is planning family fun activities in the park for the summer – movies, music, etc.  They will notify City Clerk of dates for the newsletter/webpage.  It was suggested to contact Safe Valley Outfitters for assistance with the activities.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the January 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $343,551.97, Receipts $71,352.08, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $38,977.45, Checking Account Closing Balance $372,900.60. Bank Statement Balance $391,883.92, including Checking Account Interest of $77.34, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $18,983.32, Reconciled Balance $372,900.60.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,165.36, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,793.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,442.36, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $459,301.58. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $77.34, and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $77.34.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of January $29,348.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $29,348.63.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $15,262.38 (9.7%), Expenditures $23,271.00 (10.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $2,932.49 (8%), Expenditures $1,402.00 (3.4%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $9,698.93 (7.9%), Expenditures $8,508.83 (5.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,368.30 (25.6%), Expenditures $8,821.62 (4.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,063.98 (27.7%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The February 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $71,778.12 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

• Minutes of January 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
• Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system in January went well, no violations noted.

KRWA Annual Conference, March 28-30, Wichita, $180 plus lodging, meals

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend KRWA Annual Conference, March 28—30, 2023, in Wichita

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported a dumpster is again at Smith Estate.  Any progress will depend on the weather.

Safe Valley Outfitters has indicated that they would like to give back to the community.  It was suggested to have Ruritan reach out to them to help with the summer fun nights planned.

Ongoing noise complaint issue in 400 block of Sherman Street was further investigated.  Surrounding neighbors were interviewed with no complaints about the loud bass.

Complaints have been received regarding 404 Washington Street; another letter will be sent requesting a timeline for renovation.

A complaint was also noted regarding trailer full of debris in front of house at 202 Fourth Street-a letter will be sent to owner.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the 2023-2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to approve the 2023-2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements as presented

 

KRWA voting delegate needs appointed, usually Bobby Rich because he attends the conference.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to appoint Bobby Rich as KRWA voting delegate and Brad Stewart as alternate delegate

 

A workshop on benefit-cost analysis will be presented April 19-20 in Manhattan by Kansas Department of Agriculture, Cooperating Technical Partnership with FEMA.

 

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to send Sally Johnson to the BCA Workshop in Manhattan, April 19-20

 

There was a request for a rabies clinic again this year.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to host a rabies clinic in March or April, preferably in March but whatever date vet has available

 

City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association Spring Conference is March 22-24 in Manhattan.  Clerk Johnson would prefer not going this year.

OJA Court Clerks Conference is March 3, Wichita.  OJA will reimburse attendee, not the city.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend OJA Court Clerks Conference, March 3, Wichita

 

Kansas Government Finance Officers Association – Clerk Johnson would like to join membership and attend their Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita.  She would prefer to attend this instead of CCMFOA.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to join KSGFOA and attend Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita

 

Utility Hearings date this month is February 22.  Clerk Johnson would like to change date for this month only to last day of the month, February 28.  Hearing officers for February are Brad Stewart and Jess Ervin.

Lead service line inventory surveys were sent out with January billings, several have been returned.

Homestead Websites is raising their fee another $2.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Citywide Trash Service – the next public hearing will be March 14.  Council should select a vendor for the service at the hearing.  Notice of hearing has been sent to vendors and been published in the paper.

Spring citywide cleanup was discussed.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for May 1-5 with three dumpsters, picked up when filled

 

School Pond Project – Don George, KDWPT, wants to inspect and review paperwork.  Clerk Johnson will contact Bourbon County Public Works for cost of rock and hauling for their in-kind portion of the cost of the project.

 

Placemaking Project – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is conducting their community perception survey around our placemaking project.  Survey can be accessed online through their website or facebook page.  Survey closes February 28.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Materials have been delivered and contractor plans to begin February 20 when we are closed for Presidents’ Day.  Clerk Johnson will unlock for them.

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – council is perceptive to participating at 30% load.  Clerk Johnson will send contracts/agreements to attorney for review and contact KMGA for deadline for participating.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to participate in the KMGA/MMGA Prepay Project at 30% load contingent upon attorney approval of contract/agreements

 

NEW BUSINESS

City Attorney – Bob Johnson, Johnson-Schowengerdt, has been our attorney of records for several years.  He has been assigning our work to attorney Jacob Manbeck.  Jacob Manbeck was appointed as prosecutor for municipal court in May 2022.  Mr Manbeck has left Johnson-Schowengerdt and started his own firm.  After discussion, Council directed Clerk to contact both attorneys to request quote of fee schedule for services, including prosecutor.  Council will review fee schedules and determine attorney of record and prosecutor at next meeting.

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:26PM

Agenda 3-10-23

3-10-23 APLT22

Payroll 3-10-23