The Bourbon County Democrats will hold a social meeting on Sunday, July 18th from 2-4 p.m. at Fort Scott Community College in the Administration Building’s Heritage Room.
The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a special meeting to discuss the move of City Hall to the Courthouse and the H.R. Shared Services.
The Work Session to discuss the 2022 budget will begin at 6:00 p.m. This meeting is open to the public, but no action will be taken.
The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
~Claimants who do not participate in the program may be disqualified from receiving benefits under the new state law~
TOPEKA – On May 13, 2021, the Kansas Legislature passed a law that requires individuals currently receiving unemployment benefits through the Kansas Department of Labor to complete the two-step program requirement called “My Reemployment Plan” (MRP).
Claimants who do not participate in the program may be disqualified from receiving benefits under the new state law. The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) encourages individuals who received notice of their participation in the program to complete the requirements immediately in order to prevent a disruption in their benefits.
Claimants were notified by KANSASWORKS on or after June 23 and have 7 days from the notification to get into compliance per the new law. KDOL will begin to deny benefits for the individuals who are out of compliance on Friday, July 16 at 12:00 pm CT. KANSASWORKS will continue to notify additional claimants as they become eligible.
The program, developed in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Labor and KANSASWORKS Workforce System, requires claimants who have received three (3) continuous weeks of unemployment to complete the following two steps:
Once a claimant fulfills the requirements of MRP, they will not have to complete them again unless notified.
Claimants will already have an account on KANSASWORKS.com. If a claimant is having trouble with their username or password, they can use the Forgot Password or Username located here.
Failure to complete all items within seven (7) days of receiving KANSASWORKS’ instructions may result in denial of unemployment insurance benefits. Should this happen, claimants will receive a disqualification email and/or letter from the Kansas Department of Labor.
Claimants who do not comply may have their benefits continued or reinstated upon completing compliance of the My Reemployment Plan’s two steps. If claimants have questions regarding the My Reemployment Plan, they should contact KANSASWORKS through the following four resources:
|
|
|
|
“Expanding and modernizing our highways will enhance accessibility and road safety to recruit new businesses and families to every Kansas community. Since day one, we’ve honored our commitment to ending the practice of using infrastructure dollars for projects they were never meant for – instead using these dollars to fix our roads, bridges, and expand broadband access. These 24 projects are further proof that good stewardship of these funds is benefitting our communities, taxpayers, and businesses.”
 |
“Supporting working parents in our workforce is not only the right thing to do – it’s good for our economy. We’re committed to recruiting and keeping talented Kansans in our state and creating a supportive environment for our families.”
 |
“Showing developers the surplus of shovel-ready sites in Kansas is another strategic tool we can use to attract new businesses, new investments, and new jobs to our state. My administration is pleased to partner with Sunflower Electric to draw in new business investment and maintain our state’s record-breaking economic success.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Monday, June 28, 2021
County Budget Public Hearing
6:00pm @ The River Room
All three Commissioners were present along with the Deputy Clerk Doretta Neville and Finance Director, Susan Bancroft.
Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Donald Coffman, Quita Coffman, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Robert Harrington, Josh Jones, Jason E. Silvers, Jared & Heather Lord, Eric W Bailey, Michael Hoyt, Deb Martin, Angel Wilson, Just Meeks, Stana Parsons. There were a few others who did not sign in.
Susan Bancroft welcomed everyone and began with an intro with handouts that gave statistics on property tax levied for 2019 broken down by Department. Along with how Bourbon County ranks compared to other counties of similar size.
Susan went on to say that this meeting is being held to give the community the opportunity to voice their opinion. This is your time to voice what you would like to see done. She stated if the attendees were not comfortable with speaking their thoughts out loud, there was paper provided to write down their thoughts. We will take those back with us and study them.
Lynne Oharah stated that 2015 was a tough year. We were $450,000.00 in the hole. Three hundred thousand of that was in healthcare costs. A few years later we were able to lower mills. Legislature has recently changed the law stating that if we want to raise the budget in 2022 we have to have a public hearing. Lynne went on to explain that the General fund encompasses Treasurers, Clerk, Attorney, and Register of Deeds. Appraisers and Road & Bridge are independent budgets. They will submit budgets and the Commissioners and Susan Bancroft will review. Our goal is to lower the mill levy.
Jim Harris reiterated that the goal is that the mill levy go down. We want departments to do more for less. We are asking every department to look at their budgets. Services cost money, roads cost money.
Clifton Beth stated that in my own household things cost more today than 5 years ago. Same for the county. Gas costs county the same as everyone else. Maybe we get a little break because we buy in bulk. Our workers don’t get paid enough. They deserve raises. It all costs money.
Jim Harris stated that Susan Bancroft is the first of shared services between the city and the county.
Lynne Oharah stated I worked with Jim for 6 years. He had a flat budget. We did more with less. Eric Bailey is the same way. He is losing key employees to retirement. He asked if we could raise salaries. He’s doing away with positions to give pay raises. Our roads and ditches are in poor shape. Mother Nature is not always good to us. We’ve had a lot of rain. This year was the first year we could add to the budget for ditches/roads. I’m proud of Commissioner Budget. It hasn’t gone up in the last few years. If we travel we don’t charge mileage.
Jim Harris stated Economic Development is very important. There is growth in recreation… ball fields and parks. We need to think outside the box to grow. It isn’t just about jobs. He also stated that they are having trouble finding people to work the Road & Bridge jobs. People are able to make more money right now staying home.
Michael Hoyt stated that he resented the statement that people are staying home because they want to. The dollars are your fault. You should have programs for backhoe operators, equipment operators, etc. One idea would be to connect with the college and have a 6 week program to learn how to operator big equipment.
Jim Harris clarified his former remark that there are people staying home during the pandemic and made more money.
Lynne Oharah stated that this year we were able to incorporate BEDCO and BWERC. I am excited about Economic Development for the city and county. We are highly reliant on hunting. Our largest business for Bourbon County is ranching. We don’t have any place in the county to buy farming equipment or grain for planting. We want to provide those services here.
Michael Hoyt stated that sales tax is why we don’t have any major business.
Lynne Oharah stated that we need new housing and buildings.
Susan Bancroft stated that the shortage of housing is in the city as well as the county. When someone is thinking of coming to Bourbon County/Fort Scott they look at housing, food and recreation. An aggressive housing market is very important.
Clint Walker stated that we have healthcare issues. People that come for medical care, eat in restaurants, shop in stores. If we lose medical facilities we lose a lot of money.
Lynne Oharah stated that Rob Harrington is trying to bring a hospital back to Fort Scott. It will be a game changer if we can make it happen.
Clifton Beth stated that we need not just healthcare but sustainable healthcare. Hospitals don’t operate for free. Even if it is a non-profit they have to make money. The feasibility study will show if we can sustain a hospital or not. The study could come back negative. An Emergency Room is crucial. A typical hospital is an ER, Surgery, Med/Surg Beds, and Obstetrics. Some of these bring in very little money.
Stana Parsons stated that Mercy had some very good therapy programs. A full-service hospital.
Clifton Beth stated that he sees us possibly having a smaller scale hospital. We can’t be a critical access hospital. There is a critical access hospital in Girard. My hope is we can do something like that. Possibly we could have limited surgeries and other more serious health issues would have to be shipped. ER is crucial.
Michael Hoyt asked if we are sure this grant money that we are looking at will fit the definition of healthcare?
Susan Bancroft stated we are still looking into that. We haven’t received final word at this point.
Lynne Oharah stated that the Mercy building was donated with funds. The grant money will be added to make a hospital happen if possible.
Jim Harris asked the crowd, “as citizens what changes do you want to see?
Lynne Oharah stated that shared services started a couple of years ago. We will save at the city level and county level. We aren’t paying double for services. Two audits in a row with disparities. This is the reason we went with a Finance Director. We are also going to add a full-time HR Director. We want to tighten things up. The city offices will be moving to the courthouse. That will save money. We are looking at other possibilities as well.
Susan Bancroft stated that the city was having spacing issues and by moving to the courthouse the issue is solved. It also solves issues on the IT side. In one week we’ve seen savings.
Deb Martin stated that she thinks government is too big. It can’t be sustained. We have to learn to say no to some things. We aren’t Kansas City. We just have too much government locally and nationally.
Jim Harris stated that we have some bridges that are in need of repair or will be shut down. Road and Bridge is under staffed. Noxious weed is in line with the state. Public Safety, Law Enforcement, General Fund goes up. That’s why we are here to ask what you want to see.
Susan Bancroft stated that as she works on budgets this year she refers to statutes for guidance.
Don Coffman stated that some of the inmates could to be trained to help on Road and Bridge crew. They can cut weeds. We used to do that when I worked at the city and some of them were very good help.
Lynne Oharah stated that an in depth study was done and Public Works were lower than most counties. Departments have cut down employees such as Register of Deeds and Road & Bridge. We don’t have the equipment to do everything we need to do.
Jim Harris stated that we are doing more with less. We are offering more services for less. Road & Bridge was down $400,000.00 during my term as Director.
Susan Bancroft stated that we are looking at insurances. Possibly some room for savings.
Don Coffman extended a thank you to the commissioners. He stated he felt they were doing a good job.
Michael Hoyt stated no county needs 7 attorneys. And the County Attorney budget needs to be adjusted so that we don’t end up with mediocre service.
Justin Meeks stated that a data study for wages shows the average county attorney makes $75,000.00. Salaries are much different here. Some of our workers are 30-40% lower than average. Our wages are low for professional positions.
Anne Dare asked about combined services.
Justin Meeks stated that the city will open a municipal court. We are highly taxed and under valuated. You have to have one or the other to get change. From 2015 to now we are down 215 people in the county. That’s a lot of sales taxes gone. We are desperate for smaller government.
Lynne Oharah stated that we use county counselor a lot for contracts. He has kept us out of trouble more than once.
Jim Harris stated that he would like to have work sessions with each department and try to reduce if we can. We need growth. Rob Harrington will help us with that.
Rob Harrington stated that growth is a way to help our tax situation. Thinking outside the box is how we’re going to solve the problem. We need healthcare and better housing. We are connected as a community. Sometimes we attack each other for things through social media or the newspaper. People we are trying to attract can go on these venues and see what we are saying and doing. We have to look at what is best for our community as a whole. We have to work together with all of us rowing in the same direction. We want people to come here and stay here.
Clifton Beth clarified that we will not be spending tax dollars to bring a hospital in.
Jim Harris stated that we have to hear from you all. We work for you. We’ll listen and try to make things better.
Anne Dare stated that with the hospital project, the housing situation and business here that need support. Is there anything on the horizon to help them?
Rob Harrington stated that he has reached out to several developers, there is grant money for housing and the land bank will help. Workforce development is the #1 problem in America. Covid has played a part. In the 1970’s we began having both parents in the household working. Birth rates are down which leaves a shortage of workers. Welfare also plays into it. We have to be creative. We have to work on quality housing more than low income housing right now. We have to convince the person that lives in KC to come here. We are seeing urban and rural areas growing. We will get some of these people. People are trying to get away from crime. West coast people have been drawn to the Midwest. We need to create a county that draws people. We need a hospital.
Michael Hoyt asked about incentivizing people to live here as many drive here to work.
Clifton Beth stated that our situation is not unique. It’s happening nation-wide.
Rob Harrington stated that a housing study costing $10,000.00 to $12,000.00 is very important. What type of housing we need and where the housing needs to be. Some incentives for building housing could be property tax abatement, electrical rebates, sewer rebates, hook-up fee rebates, etc.
Jim Harris stated that most drive ways in SE Fort Scott are better than the rural roads in Missouri.
Clint Walker stated that he saw an article in the Allen County Newspaper. There are two prisoners, on work release, that are working in Iola. Because they have jobs they are planning to move to Iola when they are released.
Michael Hoyt stated there was a disparity of premiums paid and claims paid.
Clifton Beth stated that he is a fan of self-insurance but with an older population in the workforce, there is a risk. Will I agree to self-insurance? Maybe not.
Jim Harris stated that we have good insurance now and we don’t want to lose it.
Stana Parsons asked how long after the feasibility study will we see action.
Rob Harrington stated that the study would take into consideration demographics, medical dollars leaving town, how many people come to or leave town to work, the population increase/decrease. The study will belong to the county once completed. We will be able to use the document to study and figure out the best way to attract individuals and companies.
Clifton Beth stated there are multiple grants available. Some grants require studies to be done in order to qualify.
Rob Harrington stated that the grants we are looking at are related to healthcare and we wouldn’t have to use all money for hospital. There are multi health avenues we can go after with the funds.
Josh Jones stated that he believes sharing services with the county is a good thing. Hopefully at budget time we will see savings.
Clifton Beth stated that there are a lot of things that we as commissioners can’t do. There are also things we have to do. We receive a lot of complaints about executive sessions. We don’t want to do that but the law dictates that we do this. Changes won’t happen overnight. We don’t pay our employees enough. The majority of counties don’t.
Jim Harris stated that he is excited about things we are doing. Tell your neighbors to get involved. If you want changes, let us know.
Lynne Oharah stated that your input is very important. Help us to know how to budget and save.
Clifton Beth stated that as citizens, you have 3 active commissioners. There is action at the city. Pretty positive things for the county and the city. I think this county can really grow.
Anne Dare asked what types of properties are not on the tax roll.
Susan Bancroft stated that churches, not for profits, NRP’s (but are eventually added back), government, parks, cemeteries, ball fields are not on tax roll.
Jim Harris stated that one of the towns in the county had a ball tournament which resulted in $206,000.00 in revenue for the county.
Lynne Oharah stated that there are little leagues in a lot of little towns that bring in revenue.
Susan Bancroft thanked everyone for coming.
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
July 6, 2021, Approved Date
June 29, 2021 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.
Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Harley & Beverly Fuhrman, Rob Harrington, Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Mark McCoy, Anne Dare and Susan Bancroft.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous 2 meetings, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.
The Commissioners held a road opening hearing for Harley & Beverly Fuhrman for an area at 45th & Unique; Jim reported that the road had been closed in 1896. Mrs. Fuhrman said that one owner in the area only has access to their property by this closed road and said the road used to be graded 20-30 years ago. She said that utility companies need access to the road and felt there was a need to open the road. Eric Bailey said he had driven the road and said it could be maintained, but said it is currently a low maintenance road, he said they would have to haul in rock to the road. Lynne said they would need to have the area surveyed and, it was stated that if the Commissioners opened the road they would have to try and acquire fences and the right of way in the area. The Commissioners are going to consider this again on July 6, 2021.
Eric Bailey presented a permit for R&B Towing; he said they moved a house in April and said there was no damage.
Jim made a motion to allow public works to install a culvert at 1255 Maple at no cost for the Rural Fire District, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Eric said the rain had halted the asphalting; he said they did 7-7 ½ lane miles of a leveling coat last week.
Eric said the road had failed in an area of 75-95th & Yale; Jim said it was time to reclaim the road and do it right.
Eric said they did dust control in the areas of 60th & Birch and 115th & Cavalry. They also milled an area at 35th & Soldier.
Eric said the recent rain has washed out several roads; he is documenting the repair expenses in case it’s needed later for possibly later.
Jim said he would like to see Eric get aggressive in ditching, even if he has to hire part time help.
Eric said they did side mowing in an area of 75th & Soldier Road for a cattle trailer to get down the road. They removed dirt off of the shoulders at an area of 2485 & Locust Road and put a new culvert in at that address as well. They replaced an existing culvert at 855 245th. They are getting ready to blast at the Blake Quarry. Eric said the belt broke on the crusher. The permits were renewed for the Landfill. Ag Engineering will be at the Landfill this week to survey for the berms there. The Bureau of Waste Management will view the Landfill to see if there is an area for soybean disposal; Jim said the berms used to be there, but thought they were pushed away with the C&D removal.
Eric reported that he had 2 employees with health issues needing access to donated vacation time; Jim made a motion to allow Eric to move forward with the donated pool time for the 2 employees and that the department heads meet for this issue, Clifton 2nd and all approved.
Lynne made a motion to allow all of the Commissioners to attend a Road & Bridge retirement luncheon for Jimmy Wiggans and Harry Sayers on Thursday at 11:30, Jim seconded and all approved.
Windmill update: Eric said the weather has delayed their work, but said they are cleaning ditches.
Eric Bailey, Susan Bancroft and Dustin Hall presented the 2022 Road & Bridge budget requests; the requests were as follows: Bridge and Culvert $204,000, Noxious Weed $168,000, Road & Bridge $2,188,826, Road & Bridge Sales Tax $1,172,725, Special Bridge $196,000, Special Road Machinery $542,221 and Landfill $200,000. Susan said she was concerned with the Landfill fund; she said it isn’t generating enough revenue to cover the cost of operating the Landfill.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move the discussion of the internet access to the County Counselors scheduled time, Jim seconded and all approved.
Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge presented her 2022 budget; she requested a total of $93,208.24. She budgeted to start training her intern to work part-time at 20 hours a week.
Angel Wilson presented the County Attorney’s budget; she requested a total of $336,666.
Bobby Reed presented the Bourbon County Fair Board 2022 budget; he requested $10,000.
Judge Ward and Rhonda Cole presented the 2022 budget for District Court; they requested a total of $315,010.00.
Justin Meeks and Rob Harrington met with the Commissioners to discuss the NRP tax rebate program; Justin requested that the Commissioners hand the reins over to the Bourbon County Ready to do the promoting part of this program, he said the administrative process will still be the same. Clifton made a motion to allow Bourbon County Ready to work with NRP for marketing and promoting the program, Jim seconded and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda for an executive session, Jim seconded and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to have a 7-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships concerning a hospital tenant, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:12, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Rob Herrington). Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with action, Jim seconded and all approved. Lynne made a motion to allow Rob and Clifton to negotiate a contract with a tenant at Mercy, Jim seconded and all approved.
Justin Meeks (regarding the donation of Mercy Hospital) said he had talked to the title Company and the commitment was emailed this morning; Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne to sign the donation agreement and closing documents and accept the donation, Jim seconded – Clifton added as long as the legal matters are in order, Michael Hoyt questioned the helipad, Justin said Mercy has a control of the helipad for 5 years, all approved the motion.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy regarding job duties, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:37, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Kendell Mason, Susan Bancroft and a non-elected personnel). At 10:37, Clifton made a motion to return to the normal session with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session for KSA 75-4310(b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures, dealing with law enforcement and infrastructure, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:49, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Shane Walker and Susan Bancroft). At 10:49, Clifton made a motion to resume the meeting with action, Jim seconded and all approved. Lynne made a motion to allow $200,000 of the ARPA funding to be spent on broadband and public safety, Jim seconded and all approved. Lynne made a motion to give Rob Harrington permission to apply for grants for broadband activity, Jim seconded, Clifton said that according to KS. Gov there is extra money available for broadcast, all approved the motion. Jim made a motion to give Shane Walker the authority to spend the funds, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Susan Bancroft met with the Commissioners; she said OMNI had contacted her regarding the $300,000 for the EMS outstanding collections.
Susan suggested having a budget work session; the 2022 budget work session will be held on July 13th at 1:00 pm.
Susan said that the Health Department had requested to receive some of the ARPA funding.
Public Comment: Anne Dare (regarding the budget process) said she trusted the Commissioners will look at each department and said with less pay and benefits the budget looks a little better; Clifton said the less we have the less services there will be.
Clifton made a motion that the Commissioners be able to attend a conference in KC regarding information on sports fields, Jim seconded and all approved.
Commissioner Comment: Lynne said he appreciated Josh Jones being on the radio with him to discuss shared services and co-locating; he said this is not consolidation, he said consolidation takes a vote by the people. He said by doing shared services they are trying to save taxpayer money.
County Treasurer Patty Love presented the 2022 budget request; she requested a total of $166,296.50, she said 3 years ago her department staff was decreased by one person, but said she is understaffed, her budget request asked for an additional person and raises for her staff. She said the majority of her staff is paid from the motor vehicle fund.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to have an executive session, Jim seconded and all approved. Clifton made a motion to have a 10-minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss job duties and job performance, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:17, Jim seconded and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume the regular meeting with no action, Jim seconded and all approved.
At 11:17, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
July 6, 2021, Approved Date
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 13, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.
Call to Order
1:00pm 2022 Budget Work Sesson
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
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
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an op
Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.
Active Advisories
Warning
Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison County
Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County
Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County
Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County
Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County
Big Hill Lake, Labette County (upgrade 7/9)
Marion Reservoir, Marion County
Webster Reservoir, Rooks County
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County
Watch
Mission Lake Horton, Brown County
Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County
Milford Lake Zones A and B, Geary County
Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County (new)
Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County
South Lake, Johnson County
Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour”, Labette County (new)
Linn Valley Lake, Linn County (new)
Marion County Lake, Marion County
Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County
Overbook City Lake, Osage County
Agra City Lake, Phillips County (downgrade 7/9)
Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County
Advisories Lifted 7/9/21
Perry Zone C, Jefferson County
Pomona Reservoir, Osage County
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.
Signs of a possible bloom include if there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
June 21, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid from
Philadelphia for property/casualty/auto/and excess liability insurance for $186,829.
B. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2021-22
meeting dates as provided and specifying July 19, 2021 for the July meeting date.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Memorandum
of Agreement with FSCAPE.
D. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KASB Worker’s
Compensation Member Participation Premium Agreement and Loyalty Credit Program Agreement.
E. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the amended lease
with Mercy for student housing
F. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the continuation of
the proposed agreement between IA DOE and FSCC for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. The budget will not
exceed $848,237 for the fiscal year, and FSCC will retain 8% administrative allowanced as fiscal agent.
G. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to table the discussion of the
Fort Lincoln School rock fossils so the origin of the rocks could be determined prior to taking any action on
allowing recovery of the fossils within the rocks.
H. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the apartment
flooring quote from SEK Floors for $38,357.20.
I. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the apartment
painting quote from H2 Painting for $24,000.00.
J. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid from Lenovo
to purchase laptops for the CAMP students.
K. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the list of
memberships and dues for 2021-22 as presented.
L. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Alysia Johnston as
FSCC’s delegate to the CTEC Board of Directors.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
6
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus,
Gordon Parks Museum, Student Services, Athletics, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
Chairman Bartelsmeyer thanked Board members for their contributions to the functions of FSCC’s Board of
Trustees. Jim Fewins noted that the presentation at Liberty Theater sponsored by the Gordon Parks Center was
great.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 7:37
p.m. by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
~Kelly Administration’s Bipartisan Transportation Plan to Improve Accessibility, Safety, and Spur New Business Growth~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that eight Expansion and Modernization highway projects in eastern Kansas – totaling more than $297 million investments – have been committed to construction as part of the Kelly Administration’s bipartisan transportation plan.
“These eight highway improvement projects will enhance accessibility and road safety to recruit new businesses and families to eastern Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Since day one, we’ve honored our commitment to ending the practice of using infrastructure dollars for projects they were never meant for – and instead use these dollars to directly fix our roads, bridges, and expand broadband access. Today’s announcement is further proof that our commitment to good stewardship of these funds is benefitting our communities, taxpayers, and businesses.”
These are the first IKE highway modernization and expansion projects KDOT is committing to construction. Previously, these projects were in the IKE development pipeline.
The largest project featured at this event is the replacement of Topeka’s Polk-Quincy Viaduct and expanding I-70 to six lanes from MacVicar Avenue to Topeka Boulevard. Work will remove a sharp curve on the viaduct while also making improvements for motorists traveling through or entering the downtown area.
Others include a diverging diamond interchange at U.S. 40/K-10 near Lawrence, sections of K-7 widening and shoulders in Crawford and Bourbon counties and sections of passing lanes on U.S. 400 in Greenwood, Neosho and Cherokee counties.
“This week we are announcing projects totally nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars as part of the Kelly Administration’s transportation plan,” said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. “This significant investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure proves that by listening to Kansans and working with communities, we can complete more projects and identify better ways to deliver them.”
The projects announced today in Topeka are currently scheduled to be let in 2023, except for Polk-Quincy, which will let in 2024.
As promised, one phase of all T-WORKS projects will be let to construction before construction begins on the IKE projects. KDOT will host Local Consult meetings this fall to identify additional regional priorities to be added to the development pipeline and continue working on those projects placed in development in May 2020.
The below photos from the event are available for media use:
https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LCM_2762.jpg
https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LCM_2496.jpg
https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LCM_2491.jpg
https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LCM_3146.jpg
https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LCM_3186.jpg
The Street Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, July 8th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street. This meeting is open to the public.
This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
~Claimants who do not participate in the program may have their benefits suspended under the new state law~
TOPEKA – On May 13, 2021, the Kansas Legislature passed House Bill 2196, which includes an enhanced My Reemployment Plan (MRP) program designed to help unemployed Kansans reenter the workforce.
Claimants who do not participate in the program may have their benefits suspended under the new state law. The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) encourages individuals who received notice of their participation in the program to complete the requirements immediately in order to prevent a disruption in their benefits.
The program, developed in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC), KDOL and KANSASWORKS Workforce System, connects unemployment recipients with workforce service professionals in their area.
The program began June 1, 2021 and requires claimants who have received three (3) continuous weeks of unemployment to complete the following actions:
KDC has notified a group of claimants included in MRP and will continue to notify additional claimants as they become eligible. Failure to complete all items within seven (7) days of receiving KDC’s instructions may result in denial of unemployment insurance benefits. Claimants who do not comply may have their benefits continued or reinstated upon showing compliance to KDC or good cause to KDOL.
To assist claimants who are receiving benefits the following services will be provided from KANSASWORKS, free of charge, personalized job search assistance, including:
Any questions regarding this program should be directed to the KANSASWORKS.com Live Chat. For additional support, contact your local Workforce Center at 877-509-6757.
