Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda of Bourbon County Commission Budget Work Session

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: August 24, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM WITH NO PUBLIC.  MEETING WILL BE             AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING ON YOUTUBE.

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • 2022 Budget Work Session

 

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.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Meeting Agenda For August 23

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A budget discussion/workshop and dinner will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the meeting at 5:30.

August 23, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
August 23, 2021. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner and budget discussion at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30
p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER AND BUDGET QUESTION/ANSWER SESSION
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 19, 2021, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 56
A. Approval of Budget Publication and Hearing Date, 56
B. Approval of Budget Revenue Neutral Rate Publication and Hearing Date, 58
C. Consideration of Weight Room Renovation Bid, 60
D. Approval of CTEC Sublease Agreement, 63
E. Consideration of Turf Field Bids, 73
ITEMS FOR REVIEW,104
REPORTS, 107
A. Administrative Updates, 108
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 121
ADJOURNMENT, 122
1
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• August 23, 2021: Board Meeting
• September 6, 2021: Labor Day, Campus Closed
• September 13, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 15, 2021: Board Meeting
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
• December 13, 2021: Board Meeting
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 7, 2022: In-Service
• January 12, 2022: Spring Semester Begins
• January 17, 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 24, 2022: Board Meeting
• February 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 14 – 18, 2022: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 25, 2022: Aggie Day
• April 15, 2022: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 18, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 10 – 13, 2022: Finals
• May 14, 2022: Graduation
• May 16, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 30, 2022: Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 20, 2022: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bill Meyer
_____ Robert Nelson
3

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 19,
2021.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Hunter Reed, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective August 1, 2021
b) DeJuan Sherman, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective
c) Cale Griffiths, Custodian, effective August 9, 2021
d) Juan Gavette, Agriculture Instructor/Livestock Judging Coach, effective
August 23, 2021
2) Separations
a) Blake Davis, Agriculture Instructor/Livestock Judging Coach, effective July
31, 2021
b) Kyle Pugh, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective July 31, 2021
c) Trisha Hamm, Assistant Volleyball Coach, effective July 31, 2021
d) Jacoby Johnson, Academic Student Support Coordinator, effective July 31,
2021
e) Keena Schmidt, KS MEP Quality Control, effective August 31, 2021

To view the entire board packet:
8.23.21 Consent Agenda

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Minutes of July 19

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
July 19, 2021
PRESENT: Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, and Robert Nelson (acting Chair)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff
Acting Chairman Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:32 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 Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Culinary
Memorandum of Understanding between SEKESC (Greenbush) and FSCC.
B. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Kansas State
Department of Education (KSDE) Migrant Education Project State Level Activities Agreement for 2021-22.
C. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to allow the interested party to
recover the fossil pods from the Fort Lincoln School rocks.
D. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the contract with
Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPAs PA to audit financial statements for June 30, 2021.
E. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid from
Dissinger & Reed for Athletic Insurance and Catastrophic Injury Insurance for the 2021-22 year.
F. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of
rubber flooring for the Hound Pound from Abacus Surfaces for $13,176.00. A motion was made by Elliott,
seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of artificial turf for the Hound Pound
from IGS, Inc. for $15,200.00
G. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to rename Garrison
Apartments to FSCC Garrison Hall.
H. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve staff raises that are in
the budget so they can begin to be paid to employees.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus,
Gordon Parks Museum, Student Services, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:40
p.m. by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission: Major Budget Changes

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Josh Jones. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones gave a summary of last night’s budget work session.
“The city presented a proposed budget that includes
1. 3% Raise to employees,
2. 2% reduction in mill levy,
3. $500k improvements to Lake Fort Scott (which will come from the sale of some lake property the city has),
4. $800k added next year for streets (this is from sales tax that was voted on in 2021 but won’t see full funding till 2022),
5. Looked at giving employees potential memberships or reduce rate memberships to city-owned amenities,
6. Looked at giving a bonus to all Public Safety employees,
7. Built-in raises for some areas that had $9 starting wages to $13 to be more competitive in getting more employees and help retention of employees.
“Hopefully this budget will be approved at one of our September meetings,” Jones said.
Government

Kansas Biofuel Projects Announced

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USDA Invests over $5 Million in Biofuel Infrastructure Projects that Include Kansas

Expanding Availability and Infrastructure of Higher-Blend Renewable Fuels in Salina, McPherson and Kansas City, Kansas

TOPEKA, Aug. 19, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $5.19 million to build infrastructure to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels through three projects in Kansas.

USDA is making the awards under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. The funding will help significantly increase the use of biofuels derived from U.S. agricultural products and prioritize climate-smart solutions that will help rural America.

“Investments like these increase energy options for Kansas consumers,” Fischer said. “By expanding the availability of higher-blend biofuels, we’re also expanding an important market for Kansas farmers.”

Today’s announcement includes investments in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin.

The projects involving Kansas include:

  • TA Operating LLC will replace 28 dispensers and two storage tanks at two fueling stations in Salina, Kan. and Gary, Ind. This project is a $190,000 USDA investment and is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 1,104,682 gallons per year. 
  • Three G Energy Inc. will replace four dispensers at a fueling station in McPherson, Kan. This project is a $117,000 USDA investment and is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 894,742 gallons per year. 
  • Magellan Pipeline Company LP will install a 25,000-barrel storage tank, piping, pumps, gauging, manways, tank insertion heater and insulation, and small biodiesel mechanical building at a location in Kansas City, Kan. It also will install a 10,000-barrel storage tank with piping, pumps, gauging, manways tank insertion heater and insulation, and small biodiesel mechanical building at a distribution facility in Brookline, Mo. This project is a $ 4,884,077 USDA investment and is expected to increase the amount of biodiesel sold by 223,661,458 gallons per year. 

Background:

Today’s announcement marks the one-year anniversary of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. To date, USDA has invested $66.4 million for projects that are expected to increase biofuels sales by 1.2 billion gallons annually.

 

Through this program, USDA helps transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities offer higher ethanol and biodiesel blends to customers by sharing the costs to install fuel pumps, equipment and infrastructure. For more information on the program, visit www.rd.usda.gov/hbiip. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For August 25

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Wednesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: August 25, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM WITH NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE (PUBLIC 

ATTENDANCE VIA YOUTUBE)

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
    • Health Insurance Contract
    • SEKAAA – Appoint Representative to the Board
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
    • Elected Officials 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.

Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff to Honor Firefighter

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor Firefighter Josh Schwindt

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be flown at half-staff at all state grounds, buildings, and facilities on August 20, 2021 in honor of Morton County firefighter Josh Schwindt, who was fatally electrocuted while searching for survivors of a rollover accident on August 16, 2021.

“Today, I directed flags be flown at half-staff to honor Morton County firefighter Josh Schwindt,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My condolences are with his family, loved ones, and fellow Morton County firefighters during their time of loss. Josh’s commitment to protecting his community and his service to our state will not be forgotten.”

Josh Schwindt will be interred during services held on August 20, 2021.

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

Government

Funds To Help With Organic Certification for Producers

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USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2021 – Organic producers and handlers can now apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification. Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) are due Nov. 1, 2021.  

“USDA is here to help all producers, including those who grow our nation’s organic food and fiber. Many farmers have told us that cost was a barrier to their ability to get an organic certification,” said Zach Ducheneaux, administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “By assisting with the costs, this program can help organic farmers get their certification along with the benefits that come with it.” 

 

OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible producers include any certified producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent during the 2021 and any subsequent program year. Producers can be reimbursed for expenses made between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021 including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, travel expenses for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments and postage. 

 

For 2021, OCCSP will reimburse 50% of a certified operation’s allowable certification costs, up to a maximum of $500 for each of the following categories (or “scopes”):  

·       crops  

·       wild crops  

·       livestock  

·       processing/handling  

·       State organic program fees. 

 

Organic farmers and ranchers may apply through an FSA county office or a participating state agency.  

This funding will be complemented by an additional $20 million for organic and transitioning producers through the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. More information on that funding will be available in the coming weeks.

 

More Information 

To learn more about organic certification cost share, please visit the OCCSP webpage, visit usda.gov/organic, or contact your local USDA Service Center. 

 

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 http://www.usda.gov. 

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Starts Class Action Lawsuit Against Hulu and Netflix

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Fort Scott City Hall.

The City of Fort Scott recently authorized a class action lawsuit, Fort Scott Versus Hulu and Netflix, for failing to pay a video franchise fee under KSA12-2022, according to a contingency agreement provided by the city. The document had no date on it, but agrees the law firm cover the expenses of the lawsuit and will receive 33% of any amounts recovered as their lawyer fees.

“No case has been filed, only hiring an attorney to move forward,” said Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer.

Michael  Fleming, with Kapke Willerth, LLC, a law firm from Lee’s Summit, MO, and former Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier signed the document.
Fleming is the attorney representing Fort Scott, he said in an email interview.
 Fleming responded to the following questions:

What is the purpose of this lawsuit?

“To recover money owed by Netflix and Hulu for failing to pay the franchise fee in the past and to ensure that it is paid in the future.”

What benefit will it be to the people of Fort Scott?

“Pay for the use of public right of way and property easements within the city, offset city operating costs, and offset additional personal property taxes.”

Is there a timeline?

“Not yet. At some point, a judge will issue a scheduling order and pick a trial setting. Until then, the timeline remains up in the air.”

To view the document:

DOC081221-08122021075122(1)

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS Commission Agenda

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The Fort Scott Commission agenda packet has been updated.

 

Items changed is the American Wrecking Service (Item C under Consent) amount – $81,675.00.

 

Added the invoice for Nuss & Farmer (Item G under Consent) amount – $1,825.50.

 

Added Old Business – Resolution No. 21-2021 – Sale of Lake Fort Scott Property Proceeds

 

Removed one item under Item B – Skitch’s Hauling – Hauling of Clay – New Business

 

Added Item G – Below Grade Restoration – Eagle Block Bldg

 

Removed Fire Department Update – Item J – under New Business

Government, Kansas

KS Flags At Half-Staff For Vern Miller

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor Former Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be flown at half-staff at all state grounds, buildings, and facilities on August 17, 2021 in honor of former Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller. Attorney General Miller will be interred during services held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.

“As Attorney General, District Attorney, Sheriff, or Marshal, Vern Miller was one of Kansas’ great law enforcement officers,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “His commitment to enforcing the law fairly and standing up for all Kansans defined law enforcement like few before or after. I know that Vern’s legacy will live on through his impact and service to our state.”

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