Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 25, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Approval of Accounts Payable/Payroll
• Jerry Witt – FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member
• Burn Ban Discussion
• Ashley Shelton – Gas Price Lock In
• North Parking/Sidewalk Project
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Financial Report
o KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
o 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
o KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
o KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of
such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
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 open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Category Archives: Government
Joshua Renfro Escapes From Lansing
Minimum-custody resident Joshua W. Renfro walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility
TOPEKA, Kansas. – Minimum-custody resident Joshua W. Renfro was placed on escape status at approximately 9:00 p.m. after it was reported that he walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Sunday, October 23, 2022.
Renfro, a 39-year-old white male, was reported missing when the resident could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.
Renfro is serving a 30-month sentence for a 2020 Violation of an extended protection order conviction in Allen County. Renfro has four prior convictions dating back to 2001.
Renfro is 6 feet 1 inches tall, 175 pounds with Hazel eyes and brown hair. He has tattoos on his torso, neck, hands, arms and legs.
Anyone with information on Stroede can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 913-727-3235 ext. 58224, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.
The walk-away is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867. Serving only males, the facility maintains maximum and medium units totaling 1,920 beds and a 512-bed minimum security unit.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 25
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 25, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Jerry Witt – FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member
• Ashley Shelton – Gas Price Lock In
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Transient Guest Tax
• Susan Bancroft – KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Financial Report
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
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 open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Bank Reconciliation Ending September 30, 2022.22.10.21
Work on K-3 HWY Begins Oct. 24 from Bronson to Blue Mound
The week of Oct. 24 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start a resurfacing project on K-3 between K-31 and U.S. 54 (see map).
Project activity includes a mill and inlay with rock edge wedge. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Weather permitting, the road work will be finished in one month.
KDOT awarded Pearson Construction, LLC, of Wichita the project contract of $2 million. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Area Engineer Troy Howard at (620) 901-6557 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.
Kansas Water Office Releases 2022 Kansas Water Plan
The plan addresses water issues facing stakeholders throughout the state
The Kansas Water Office (KWO) released the finalized 2022 Kansas Water Plan (KWP) this week. This is the first comprehensive water plan for the state of Kansas to be released since 2009 and provides a roadmap for navigating the vast array of water issues throughout the state.
The water plan provides an outline for management, conservation and development of the state’s water resources. To do so, it names five guiding principles – conserve and extend the High Plains Aquifer; secure, protect and restore our Kansas reservoirs; improve the state’s water quality; reduce our vulnerability to extreme events; and increase awareness of Kansas water resources.
The KWP is created by the Kansas Water Office with input from partner agencies and Regional Advisory Committees (RACs). The draft is offered for public comment before being reviewed, finalized and approved by the Kansas Water Authority.
The finalization of the plan leads into the implementation phase, where the Kansas Water Office will work with other state agencies and Regional Advisory Committees across the state to address the principles outlined in the KWP. Implementation is supported by the State Water Plan Fund, a statutory mechanism created to pay for the projects and programs identified in the KWP. This year, two statutory transfers into the fund were fully provided for the first time since 2008.
“The drought conditions throughout the state drive home the importance of having a comprehensive plan,” said KWO Director Connie Owen. “Water is the most valuable resources we have, and we must manage it strategically to ensure a safe and secure supply now and for the future.”
Water Levels Lowered Next Week at Lake Fort Scott During Drought
Drought conditions continue in parts of the nation, including Bourbon County, with no helpful rainfall here since June.
In response to the drought condition, the City of Fort Scott Water Production anticipates releasing water from Lake Fort Scott beginning next week, according to a press release from the City of Fort Scott. This will help to supplement the water already being released from both Cedar Creek and Rock Creek lakes to the Marmaton River.
“The water from Lake Fort Scott goes to Rock Creek, then to the Marmaton River, then to the water treatment plant,” Brad Matkin, assistant city manager said. “The river needs to maintain 10 foot of depth. We have taken water out of Cedar Creek. We are trying to spread it so we don’t put the three reservoirs at levels to damage something.”
The Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant treats an average of 2.6 million gallons of drinking water a day, for not only city residents, but also most of Bourbon County, according to https://www.fscity.org/199/Water-Treatment-Plant.
There is precipitation forecast on Oct. 24 and 25, but just a chance showers, according to the National Weather Service.
It is impossible to know when precipitation will relieve current drought conditions, or how much water will be required from the three available reservoirs, “but several days of rain are needed,” Matkin said.
“There is not an exact date when we are going to start lowering the water in Lake Fort Scott, possibly Oct. 25, we just wanted to give notice,” Matkin said.
Lake Fort Scott residents are encouraged to secure docks as needed in anticipation of possible lowering of lake levels.
“The water release will lower lake levels,” Matkin said. “If lake residents have a floating dock, they need to tie them up.”
It’s important that the City of Fort Scott keeps the Marmaton River at adequate levels so treatment systems can continue to deliver drinking water, according to the press release.
The city is fortunate to have theses water sources and infrastructure available, according to the press release.
The city staff ask for patience and understanding of this process, according to the press release.
“At this time, the water lowering of Lake Fort Scott will not affect city residents,” Matkin said.
Fort Scott supplies water for the majority of Bourbon County, as well as parts of Crawford, Allen, and Vernon Counties, according to the press release.
U235 Special Board Meeting on Oct. 24
Uniontown Unified School District No. 235
SPECIAL MEETING Monday, October 24, 2022, 7:30 p.m. in the UHS Board of Education Room Uniontown, Kansas
UNIONTOWN USD 235 601 Fifth Uniontown, Kansas 66779
TELEPHONE: 620-756-4302 FAX: 620-756-4492
Associate Superintendent Vance Eden
Board of Education Clerk Sherri Hartman Deputy Clerk Charlene Bolinger
Attendance Centers West Bourbon Elementary Uniontown Junior and Senior High School
October 20, 2022
TO: USO 235 Board of Education Members FROM: Sherri Hartman, Clerk of the Board
This letter is to serve as your official notice·of the SPECIAL board meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022, in the Board of Education room.
Board of Education Jason Sutterby, President * Mike Mason, Vice-President * Sally Johnson * Troy Goodridge* Josh Hartman * Brian Stewart * Tyler Martin
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235 UNIONTOWN, KANSAS BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDA
- Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approve the Agenda C Mission Statement.
- Facility Survey Presentation by Shelly Kiblinger
Next regular board meeting date is Monday, November 14, 2022 at 7:30.
KDOT Asks For Comments on Transportation Improvement Plan
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Uniontown City Council Meeting Minutes of Oct. 11
The Regular Council Meeting on October 11, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:02), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), Kyle Knight (Knight’s Tree Service), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Painting is supposed to be finished, electrician should be in next week. He is trying to get LACO to donate the guttering. Hopeful to have it finished by next month. Clerk Johnson asked what times they wanted to have the locks set to unlock/lock – during central standard time, 7am-5pm, during central daylight time, 7am-10pm. Signage for the doors needs to be ordered. Council directed clerk to order blue background with braille.
Kyle Knight, Knight’s Tree Service, suggested trimming tree canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to get quotes for trimming canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church to a height of 18’ and back from street to main trunk and to be able to start within 10 days, not to exceed $3,500.
CITIZENS REQUEST
East Coast Trip Fundraiser – a group of junior high students are raising funds to take a trip to Washington DC, Mount Vernon, and Gettysburg in July 2023. They are asking for donations to defray the cost. The City of Uniontown historically does not donate tax revenue to fundraisers except the Send Off Seniors after graduation party.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,858.59, Receipts $42,963.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $35,368.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $368,427.21. Bank Statement Balance $369,935.26, including Checking Account Interest of $30.37, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,508.05, Reconciled Balance $368,427.21. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $445,581.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $269.90, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $523.20. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of September $4,568.62, Year-to-Date Net Income $44,683.71. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $86,225.64 (81.8%), Expenditures $82,163.60 (62.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,324.90 (73.7%), Expenditures $28,239.03 (68.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $105,077.39 (75.3%), Expenditures $111,413.74 (45.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $127,710.65 (99.4%), Expenditures $109,019.30 (66.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $7,768.61 (73.1%). The October 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $33,126.10 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of September 13, 2022, Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Lead and Copper additional sample results have been received. KDHE has invalidated the first sample results from 601 Fifth St and replaced it with the new sample results. They will not accept the two additional samples as they are not on our approved site sampling plan. KDHE is hosting a Public Meeting for Public Water Supply Lead and Copper Rule Implementation. Clerk Johnson asked if Superintendent Rich and she could attend on October 12, 2022 in Chanute from 1-3PM. Council gave permission for both to attend.
The east rollup door at the barn will not raise – one of the overhead springs is broken and both springs need replaced. Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will forward some recommendations for making repairs.
Rich thanked the Council for the vacation time.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is progressing and he feels they should have completed by the end of the month.
Clerk Johnson reminded Council that the November regular meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 7PM. Councilmember Ervin and Kelly will be unable to attend.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to reschedule November regular meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7PM due to possible lack of quorum.
Clerk Johnson will post the rescheduled date and put in the newsletter and on the billing cards.
Bourbon County REDI Visioning Session II was rescheduled to October 12, 2022, 5:30PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area. RSVP by 10/10/22. Jurgensen, Ervin, Stewart, and maybe Esslinger will attend. Johnson will post the possible quorum attending and that no city business will be discussed. She will also RSVP even though date has passed.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – his Midwest Fertilizer email is no longer valid as he has changed jobs.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – absent
Councilwoman Kelly – has anyone claimed the stray black/white collie mix? Animal Control Officer has been trying to catch, but unable to get close enough.
Councilman Stewart – has some recommendations for outdoor exercise equipment.
Mayor Jurgensen –USD 235 has some surplus chairs that they are giving away. He had Rich get all he could for the Community Center, 54. We will check to see if there is going to be any more available, then decide what to do with the metal folding chairs we currently have.
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Per Don George, KDWPT, we do not have to send out for bids again. Two quotes were received for the placement of riprap – Eden Landscaping, $20,540, and Mix Contracting, $9,360.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to award contract to Mix Contracting, $9,360
Timing of starting will have to be coordinated with Bourbon County Public Works (supplying 4”-6” rock) and Mix Contracting.
Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has formed a committee for selecting outdoor exercise equipment and will be meeting soon.
American Rescue Plan Act update – no other quotes were received for the ADA restroom upgrade at City Hall. Clerk Johnson will reach out to French Plumbing to see if he is still interested in submitting a quote.
Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 31. Clerk Johnson purchased three bags of mini tootsie pops. Amber Kelly will distribute on behalf of the City. Flu Shot Clinic, Monday, October 17 at Community Center. November 1, KMU will conduct a water training on Lead and Copper Revised Rule and Surface Water Treatment.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM
USDA Assists Distressed Farm Loan Borrowers
USDA Provides Payments of nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
Immediate Help for Over 13,000 Distressed USDA Farm Loan Borrowers;
Begins Process to Provide up to $500 Million More for Up to 23,000 Additional Borrowers
WASHINGTON, October 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) whose operations face financial risk.
Today’s announcement kicks off a process to provide assistance to distressed farm loan borrowers using several complementary approaches, with the goal of keeping them farming, removing obstacles that currently prevent many of these borrowers from returning to farming, and improving the way that USDA approaches borrowing and servicing. Through this assistance, USDA is focused on generating long-term stability and success for distressed borrowers.
“Through no fault of their own, our nation’s farmers and ranchers have faced incredibly tough circumstances over the last few years,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The funding included in today’s announcement helps keep our farmers farming and provides a fresh start for producers in challenging positions.”
Work has already started to bring some relief to distressed farmers. As of today, over 13,000 borrowers have already benefited from the resources provided under the Inflation Reduction Act as follows:
- Approximately 11,000 delinquent direct and guaranteed borrowers had their accounts brought current. USDA also paid the next scheduled annual installment for these direct loan borrowers giving them peace of mind in the near term.
- Approximately 2,100 borrowers who had their farms foreclosed on and still had remaining debt have had this debt resolved in order to cease debt collections and garnishment relieving that burden that has made getting a fresh start more difficult.
In addition to the automatic assistance already provided, USDA has also outlined steps to administer up to an additional $500 million in payments to benefit the following distressed borrowers:
- USDA will administer $66 million in separate automatic payments, using COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, to support up to 7,000 direct loan borrowers who used FSA’s disaster-set-aside option during the pandemic to move their scheduled payments to the end of their loans.
- USDA is also initiating two case-by-case processes to provide additional assistance to farm loan borrowers. Under the first new process, FSA will review and assist with delinquencies from 1,600 complex cases, including cases in which borrowers are facing bankruptcy or foreclosure. The second new process will add a new option using existing direct loan servicing criteria to intervene more quickly and help an estimated 14,000 financially distressed borrowers who request assistance to avoid even becoming delinquent.
More details on each of the categories of assistance, including a downloadable fact sheet, are available on the Inflation Reduction Act webpage on farmers.gov.
Similar to other USDA assistance, all of these payments will be reported as income and borrowers are encouraged to consult their tax advisors. USDA also has resources and partnerships with cooperators who can provide additional assistance and help borrowers navigate the process.
The announcement today is only the first step in USDA’s efforts to provide assistance to distressed farm loan borrowers and respond to farmers and to improve the loan servicing efforts at USDA by adding more tools and relaxing unnecessary restrictions. Additional announcements and investments in assistance will be made as USDA institutes these additional changes and improvements.
This effort will ultimately also include adding more tools and relaxing unnecessary restrictions through assistance made possible by Congress through the IRA. Further assistance and changes to the approach will be made in subsequent phases.
Background
USDA provides access to credit to approximately 115,000 producers who cannot obtain sufficient commercial credit through direct and guaranteed farm loans, which do not include farm storage facility loans or marketing assistance loans. With the funds and direction Congress provided in Section 22006 of IRA, USDA is taking action to immediately provide relief to qualifying distressed borrowers whose operations are at financial risk while working on making transformational changes to how USDA goes about loan servicing in the long run so that borrowers are provided the flexibility and opportunities needed to address the inherent risks and unpredictability associated with agricultural operations and remain in good financial standing.
In January 2021, USDA suspended foreclosures and other adverse actions on direct farm loans due to the pandemic and encouraged guaranteed lenders to follow suit. Last week, USDA reiterated this request to guaranteed lenders to provide time for the full set of IRA distressed borrower assistance to be made available before lenders take irreparable actions.
Producers can explore available loan options using the Farm Loan Discovery Tool on farmers.gov (also available in Spanish) or by contacting their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also call the FSA call center at 877-508-8364 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern. USDA has tax-related resources available at farmers.gov/taxes.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
KDOT New Online Tool for Planning
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