These minutes were approved on Jan. 4 and posted on Feb. 7 to the county’s website.
December 28, 2021 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Deputy Clerk present.
Susan Bancroft, Eric Bailey, Justin Meeks, and Jason Silvers was also present.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes, Jim seconded, all approved.
Eric Bailey presented a permit for Gail George for entrances are several locations.
Jim made a motion to approve the permit for Gail George for multiple entrances. Clifton seconded. All approved
Clifton made a motion to open a budget hearing for a budget amendment. Jim seconded. All approved.
Susan Bancroft advised that they will need to do a budget amendment for Road and Bridge Fund, Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund, Landfill Fund, and Sewer District #1. This is to accommodate the revenue that has come in, we are increasing our budget authority. It is just a formality. Jim asked when they might know what the carryover will be. Susan responded that she is close and hopefully by next week she will have a pretty good idea of what the carryover will be. Jim asked Susan is she knew how much money would be transferred back to Road and Bridge from the Windmill. Susan said that it was $407,000 and it would go into its own fund and so will the expenses and that has all been accommodated for. Jim asked Susan if she would want to guess how that happened. Susan stated that she felt that it was just a communication error and felt good about how the issue was fixed.
Clifton made a motion to close the budget amendment hearing. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to approve the budget amendments proposed by Susan. Jim seconded. All approved.
Lynne stated that they have to do budget amendments every year so that there are not budget violations.
At 9:03 am Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA
75-4319(b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property and will include the 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Eric Bailey, and Justin Meeks. The session will last 10 minutes and they will return at 9:13 am. Jim seconded. All approved
Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:13 am with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move the executive session regarding personnel matter ahead of the executive session with Bourbon County REDI. Jim seconded. All approved.
At 9:16 am Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA
75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy and will include the 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks. The session will last 10 minutes and they will return at 9:26 am. Jim seconded. All approved
Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:26 am with no action. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move cereal malt beverage licenses ahead of the executive session with Bourbon County REDI. Jim seconded. All approved.
Ashley presented 2 cereal malt beverages licenses for Sugar Valley Lakes one on premises and one for off premises. Jim made a motion to approve the licenses for Sugar Valley Lakes. Clifton seconded. All approved.
At 9:03 am Clifton made a motion to go into executive session with Bourbon County REDI under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships. The session will include the 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks. The session will be on the second floor of Landmark Bank at 200 S Main and will begin at 9:30 am and last 1 hour ending at 10:30 am.
Jim made a motion to resume normal session at 10:30 am. Clifton seconded. All approved.
At 10:30 am, Jim made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.
These minutes were approved on Dec. 28, 2021 and posted on the county’s website on Feb. 7, 2022
December 21, 2021 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Deputy Clerk present.
Ann Dare, Clint Walker and Rob Harrington were also present.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes, Jim seconded, all approved.
Justin Meeks presented an agreement between KDOT and Bourbon County to fix a bridge. The funding mechanism on this agreement is good for the county. There are some expectations that KDOT has for the county, but I think they are easy to get to. The bridge is located at 160th & Fern, south of Fern about ¼ of a mile. Jim made a motion that we enter agreement with KDOT also the Secretary of Transportation on project # 6C-5152-01 STP-C515(201) for bridge replacement at 160th & Fern. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Dustin Hall reported they have been cleaning up trees from the wind storm last week. We closed the road on Jayhawk from 8am – 2pm yesterday afternoon working with BNSF. They are to help us with the project on 230th. A railroad crossing there needs a tube extended. We opened the bridge up on Wagon Road just west of 205th last Thursday. We also opened up the bridge on Eagle Rd east of 120th. We are blasting today between 11am – 1pm at Thomas Quarry. Also we are going to open the landfill up till noon on December 31st. Jeff Spanger with the windmill company, is opening an office in the O&M building within the next couple of weeks. The buildings at the corner of 3 Highway will be taken out but he will still be available. Lynne stated that on 35th between 35th & 65 Hwy there is a tree that needs to be cut up. Also the corner of 95th & Unity there is a hole in a culvert. Dustin stated they would get that taken care of. Jim asked Dustin to tell whoever did the patch on 230th that they did a good job. Clifton stated that at Soldier & 215th there is a bale of hay plugging a culvert.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda removing the executive session for discussion of the acquisition of real property. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss two nonelected personnel, their job functions, job duties including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker for 10 minutes returning at 9:20am. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:20am with action. Jim seconded. All approved. Jim made a motion to enter an agreement with the City of Fort Scott for IT services and need approval. Clifton seconded. All approved. Lynne Oharah signed the agreement.
Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy dealing with a retirement and action concerning a budget issue based on job performance including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks and Rob Harrington for 15 minutes returning at 9:37am. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 9:37am. No action. Jim seconded. All approved. Justin commented that Joyce Sinn, who helped us during the Covid crisis, has officially announced her retirement from the county. All stated that she will be missed.
Justin stated that he has a resolution, that will need a resolution number, regarding the opioid litigation that was started many moons ago. There is a settlement participation form. Also, a release with the AG’s office and resolution authorization form that I need approved today. We are getting close to a settlement. Derek Schmidt’s office is taking over the litigation. Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne Oharah to sign the settlement participation form. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne Oharah to sign the KS Opioids Memorandum of Understanding between The Attorney General, the League of KS Municipalities and Kansas Association of Counties. This form outlines the distribution, if any. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne Oharah to sign the agreement to Release and Assign Claims between Bourbon County and Derek Schmidt. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to accept the resolution of Bourbon County to join the statewide litigation regarding the opioid epidemic be adopted this 21st day of December 2021. Jim seconded. All approved.
Justin updated on the tax sale and contract with Noble. He hopes to have a draft of the contract for the commissioners to review after the first of the year. As of this date, the special assessments haven’t been waived. Some of the opening bids may be shocking but can’t go lower than that. If land doesn’t go in the sale they will revert to the landbank. Lynne stated that Matt Quick was on the radio this morning and did reiterate that there is an NRP program.
Anne asked for an update on the SRO situation. Jim stated that they are still in early discussions.
At 10:00am, Jim made a motion to adjourn. Clifton seconded. All approved.
These minutes were approved on Dec. 21, 2021 and posted on the county’s website on Feb. 7, 2022.
December 14, 2021 Tuesday at 9 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Lynne, Jim, Clifton, the County Counselor and the County Clerk.
Also present for the meeting were, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were present for the entire meeting) Clint Walker
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from December 7, 2021. Jim seconded. All approved.
Eric presented a permit for Oscar and Mary Gonzales at 727 240th. Jim made a motion to approve a culvert at 727 240th Street. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Eric stated the last week of July he asked commissioners to lower speed limit to 35 mph on 130th from Arrowhead to 39 and then on Cavalry from 7 to 130th for the construction of the bridge. We talked of revisiting the speed limit when bridge work was done. It is now complete. Clifton made a motion to remove the 35 mph signs and replace with the original speed limit. Jim seconded. All approved.
Landfill compost permit process is nearly finished. We started on the pad for the compost this week. Should have all paperwork in place by the end of the year.
Kansas Dept of Agriculture needs a little more information, detailed plans, for Elm Creek. He will try to finalize that by the end of the year. Once we have all permits we’ll get Wildlife & Parks to see about draining to get the level down. We will be doing a lot of the work ourselves and try to meet the match of the grant.
Local roads safety program grant plan. We sent in our match of the money so they should be getting started on it soon.
Thomas quarry will be tentative to do a blast next Tuesday. Removed overburden to do this blast. They are drilling today in preparation.
Had several holes show up on a bridge on Wagon Rd west of 205th. We removed the bridge decking. Hoping by the end of the week to have it opened back up. Eagle Rd east of 130th we got filled in underneath the bridge. Should have that bridge back up and running soon.
Windmills are still reclaiming intersections. They have done a good job in keeping the roads in good shape.
Lynne reported a resident on Soldier Rd, east of 62nd, asked that a whistle be cleaned out so that the landowner can mow the ditch.
Jim requested to have the roadwork session as early as possible next year. Two areas need ditched and if we have a dry spring that would allow you to get started early. Also, Jim said he would like for Eric to discuss with them any equipment purchases he is planning. Eric stated he is planning to look at getting a truck but with the price of used trucks being so high he is thinking we may want to look at new. He said that the wait is about a year for a new one. Jim suggested he check with Lester from Anderson County as he relayed to Jim that they were going in another direction and that might help Eric. Jim suggested they think about buying a crusher.
Eric mentioned that the Purple Wave sale ends on January 11, 2021.
Lynne requested that Rob Harrington be appointed as representative for Bourbon County to the SE Kansas Regional Planning Committee. Jim made a motion to appoint Rob Harrington as representative of Bourbon County to the SE Kansas Regional Planning Commission. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Ashley Shelton stated that the employees that have been here two full years will have to have all of their vacation used by December 31st. The problem we run into is they accrue a day of vacation on the second pay in December and they have to have it used by the end of the year. If you have very many new employees in one department it’s difficult for everyone to get that day in. Ashley recommended that there be an extension to give employees time to get that day of vacation in. Clifton made a motion regarding the accrued day on the second pay in December could be carried over in 2022 but has to be used by April 1, 2022. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a suggestion, that now that Susan Bancroft is with us, to look at accrual rates and HR as a whole and make changes to the pay and vacation policies. Susan stated that she would like to set up an employee counsel that pulls in all these different facets of Bourbon County and talk through what the issues have been in the past and how do we move forward.
Ashley also asked about the covid sick time that is still out there. It was a one-time thing and the county commission voted to extend but there was no end date put on that. If someone used it then it is no longer available to them. Clifton made a motion that the covid time be ended on December 31st. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Susan to form an employee committee to discuss benefits package, handbook and employee related information. Jim seconded. All approved.
Ashley stated that mowing/snow removal bids were to be opened at 9:30am. A bid from G & G mowing in Schell City, MO was $575.00 per cut for a total of $15,525.00 for the year including picking up trash, edge all curbing, weed eat, blow off clippings. They have $2,000,000.00 liability insurance. The bid is for mowing only. They did not submit for snow removal. The second bid was from Randy Phillips Lawn Care from Fort Scott, KS. Lawn service per service $600.00. Randy Phillips Lawn Care also gave a bid for snow removal of $700.00 per incident. Jim made a motion to table the bids for two weeks. Clifton seconded. All approved.
Justin requested executive session for 20 minutes. Clifton made a motion for executive session 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personal matters of an individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft and Rob Harrington for 15 minutes returning at 9:47am. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session. No action. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion for executive session 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personal matters of an individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks and Rob Harrington for 15 minutes returning at 10:02am. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session. Jim seconded. All approved. No action.
Clifton made a motion for executive session 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 for 15 minutes returning at 10:23am including 3 commissioners and Justin Meeks.. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session. Jim seconded. All approved. With Action. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin Meeks to work with Noble Health on the lease contracts and possible assumption of the building and the contract relating to that assumption. Jim seconded. All approved.
Justin gave an update on the tax sale. There are 79 parcels. There are another 108 parcels for the next sale. January 13, 2022 is the date of the scheduled tax sale at the Courthouse in the Main Lobby area. Parcels that don’t sell will go to the landbank.
Susan stated that she needed to request a special meeting on December 28th. We need to amend the budget. The funds affected are Road and Bridge Fund, Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund, Landfill and Sewer District #1. The Jayhawk Wind Generation money was put into the Road and Bridge fund which made it appear that they had more money than they did. They were making decisions based off of that. Luckily, sales tax is up and we have the money to cover the expenses. That is no fault of Public Works. We will make adjustments at the end of the year. We’ll move the Jayhawk Wind money out of there.
Susan stated that we will do a press release dependent on the decision that the commission makes. The most recent tax statements that went out had a clerical error on them. Municipalities set their levy and send that information to the clerk. The clerk enters the information into what is called an abstract. During that time that she is working on all that information Matt is doing stuff in his office with mortgages, etc. Then there are errors that they work through and it could be a month’s time. With the new Revenue Neutral Rate timeframe they basically lost 30 days of work time because it pushed everybody’s dates back. Budgets used to be due August 25th and they are now due August 1st if you are exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate. The clerk really can’t start until after October 1st. We have to get information to the printers. Patty always sets that up. We had a place held for November 15th but with the election and everything going on we didn’t meet that deadline. We got it to them by the 15th but we lost our place in line. Tax statements were printed a little bit later than normal. It’s a perfect storm in all of this. By the time Ashley got information from the state it was December 6th. We had to go ahead and print tax statements. At that point we realized there was an error and so with the error anybody within the USD 234 Recreation Levy. The levy was entered incorrectly. They had levied 2.6 mils and the levy that was entered was 4.4 mils. We’ve talked to people at the state, people at the software company and you as a commission have two options. We can go ahead and levy at the higher rate and those tax dollars will sit until the next fiscal year. So in 2023 when we do levies basically your levy will drop by the amount of tax that has already been collected. The second option would be to collect the tax and then do a refund in January which would be very time consuming because it is probably the biggest taxing entity in Bourbon County. The cost of getting out new statements, the cost of running checks to refund people would be an additional cost. For someone that has a $50,000.00 home they would pay $10.00 more this year and then the next year they would see a reduction of $10.00. For someone with a $150,000.00 home they would pay $31.00. Of course, commercial properties will be hit a little bit harder because they are at a higher percentage. Clifton stated that it is partly due to the unrealistic timeframe set by the state. Susan stated that the software doesn’t have any type of warning of a jump in mils. It leaves room for human error. Ashley stated that she talked with the software company and in the future there is a way to print a report and can be reviewed by more than one set of eyes. This information was not known to her prior to the error but has now put this in place to keep this from happening in the future. Clifton wants to point out that 30 days loss was due to the State of Kansas. Clifton feels that the Revenue Neutral Rate has been very confusing to everyone. Susan stated that next year the budget would have to be ready by June 1st. You have to do projections 6 months ahead of what could potentially happen. Clifton made a motion to continue with the recreation levy as it is. Jim seconded. All approved. Susan stated that this will be a violation in our audit and it will be on the county as it was a county error. Clifton wanted to reiterate that this process has been challenging and people need to reach out to their state representatives and let them know that this process is confusing.
Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property with the session including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Eric Bailey and Justin Meeks returning at 10:57am. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 10:57am. No action. Jim seconded. All approved.
A gentleman stated that he lives in Northwest Bourbon County on 3 Highway and own some property from 65 and 3 junction. The road is in terrible shape. The commissioners referred him to Eric Bailey who took the gentleman to look at a map and figure out a plan to help.
Clint Walker stated that he was pleasantly surprised that this commission has not been inundated with requests for covid money. Other counties in the area have.
Lynne made comment that there is a benefit this Friday evening for the Nelson Blythe family and encouraged all to attend. Jim made a motion to let the public know that all three commissioners may attend the Blythe benefit this Friday at the Liberty Theatre from 6pm – 9pm but no business will be conducted. Clifton seconded. All approved.
A gentleman stepped up and stated that a ditch at 1384 Wagon Road needs to be dug out. Lynne stated he would let Eric know.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships with the session including 3 commissioners, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks, City commissioners and Noble Health representative at 12 noon at 200 S Main, Suite 2 for 30 minutes. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 12:30pm. No action. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to go back into executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships for 29 minutes resuming normal session at 1:00pm. Jim seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 1:00pm. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jim seconded. All approved.
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will gather at 4 p.m. before the regularly scheduled monthly meeting on February 21 for a board training session provided by Kansas Association of School Boards.
No action will be taken during this training time, but it is open to the public.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met in the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, February 14, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – January 20, 2022 – $1,629,877.81
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. Fundraiser application
G. Extended trip application
H. Sale of old middle school uniforms, bottoms, and warm-ups
The board recognized teachers who received U-Benefit Grants from OFG Financial, Security Benefit, and KNEA. Brenda Hill, Fort Scott KNEA President, presented the grant awards to Sydney Cullison, Jennifer Hartman, Jamie Rogers, Becky Tinker, and Trisha Whitehead.
Kellye Barrows, Vice-President, presented a report on the Summit on Professional Learning Community at Work in Phoenix, AZ. Written reports were shared by principals. In addition, the board heard reports from Dalaina Smith, Academics Director; Ted Hessong, Superintendent; and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk.
The board approved contracts for Provision of Educational Services – Low Incidence and Audiology and a Memorandum of Understanding with Communities in Schools.
The board approved Gary Billionis, board member, to sit in on legal mediation claims.
Superintendent Hessong gave an ESSER III update.
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations. The board returned to open meeting and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board approved the following employment items:
A. Resignation of Shelly Sanborn, middle school special education teacher, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
B. Resignation of Eileen Strakel, Eugene Ware cook, effective February 11, 2022
C. Leave of absence request from Elizabeth Rose, preschool paraprofessional
D. Employment of Cole Claypool as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
E. Employment of Dylan Goucher as a Eugene Ware/Fort Scott Preschool Center custodian for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
F. Employment of Angie Kemmerer for middle school PDC chairperson
G. Employment of Angie Bin as the high school fine arts team leader for the 2021-22 school year
H. Employment of administrators for the 2022-23 school year
I. Employment of district directors for the 2022-23 school year
J. Employment of Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, for the 2022-23 school year with a change in title from Business Manager to School Finance Director/Board Clerk
K. Stipend for Bryce Daly, Technology Coordinator/Technician, to video board meetings
L. Employment of Katren Rienbolt and Josh Hudiburg as high school assistant track coaches for the 2021-22 school year
M. Retirement of Debbie West, high school secretary, effective June 30, 2022
N. Termination of Brooke Senkevech, Eugene Ware paraprofessional and middle school intramural coach, effective February 14, 2022
O. Employment of Connie Harper as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
KDHE Awarded State Partnerships Improving Nutrition and Equity Program Grant
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is pleased to announce that the Community Health Promotion (CHP) team has received the State Partnerships Improving Nutrition & Equity (SPINE) Program Grant from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD).
CHP was awarded $144,274 to support the one-year grant project. This grant project aims to implement sustainable and equitable policy, systems, and environmental actions to address food and nutrition security across the life span.
“Even though Kansas is known for its food production, access to nutritious food is still a challenge for many Kansans,” said Courtney Koenig, Physical Activity and Nutrition Program Manager at KDHE. “We are excited for this grant opportunity and look forward to getting started on the work to improve nutritious food access in Kansas.”
For this year-long program, the CHP team will partner with the Kansas Food Action Network and focus their efforts on community engagement, assessment and creating a food policy council in the Southwest Kansas region.
Health equity is foundational to the SPINE program and will be integrated throughout the planning, action, and evaluation stages, in addition to considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health equity can be defined as “when everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, has a fair and just opportunity to experience their highest level of health and wellness. This requires eliminating barriers like poverty and repairing injustices in all systems that can impact the ability to experience health and wellness. Such systems include education, criminal justice, health and transportation.” (Modified from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, “What is Health Equity?” and Colorado Department of Health and Environment)
Nine states were selected to receive the grant, including Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Oregon and Oklahoma.
Do you know you pay sales tax charges on postage and shipping in Kansas? Hopefully, not for long. The Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 327 unanimously, exempting shipping and postage charges from sales tax if the charges are listed separately on a receipt or invoice. It just makes sense, and I was glad to lead this effort. Hopefully, the House will pass it as well.
The Senate Tax Committee passed SB 339, removing all sales tax on food. While working the bill in Committee a couple of amendments were added, removing sales tax on commercial electric, gas, and other utilities (homeowners don’t pay this sales tax), and removing sales tax on theater tickets. It looks like the bill will have a few more amendments when worked on the floor. One of the amendments will be regarding funding to KDOT. Currently, KDOT gets 16.55% of sales tax collected. Since sales tax collection will decrease, KDOT would like the percentage to increase proportionally.
Economic Development – Giving away almost everything, including the kitchen sink
The Governor and the Kansas Secretary of Commerce brought a bill, SB 347, to the legislature for economic development with one company in mind. I opposed the Governor’s efforts to pick winners and losers in business. Instead we should pass tax cuts that help existing businesses and make Kansas a more appealing state for all businesses to come.
SB 347 could have Kansas writing a check to the company for an obscene amount of money – the current estimate is over $60 million a year for 10 years if the company makes a $4 billion investment. I asked, “what would qualify as an investment?” Can you believe the Secretary of Commerce gets to decide? The bill has payroll, income tax, and sales tax incentives and is being touted as the $1 billion giveaway. We have also heard the state and local governments will be giving away possible buildings, land, and abating property taxes.
There have been comments about the secrecy and not knowing the company. As a legislator under these circumstances, I did not sign a non-disclosure. Anyone who did, was told the company name.
SB 347 goes against what I have been fighting for – transparency and to stop the government from picking winners and losers. It has been reported the company is a foreign company, possibly Panasonic to make batteries for electric vehicles. Disappointingly, the bill passed the legislature and was signed into law. My hope is that it doesn’t turn out like the Wisconsin Foxconn “debacle”.
Veto Override Redistricting Map
The legislature voted to override the Governor veto of SB 355, the U.S. Congress redistricting map. Lawsuits have already been filed, likely more to follow – as the minority party has planned all along.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Visit kansasvaccine.gov for information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations in Kansas, including availability and FAQs.
To find providers offering COVID-19 vaccinations, use KDHE’s Find My Vaccine map tool. Enter your zip code or address to find the providers nearest you.
Vaccines for Veterans
For information on how to get your COVID-19 vaccine at VA, click here.
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Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
The Blood Shortage is Severe, and It’s Affecting Kansans
There is no substitute – no alternative – our nation can turn to in the absence of blood donations. The only answer is each of us stepping up to donate, helping to end this crisis and contributing to saving the lives of those in our own communities.
Donation centers provide specific guidance on the blood donation process and safety measures taken within their centers. Locations for blood donation can be found at the following organization websites:
I’ve heard from medical professionals in Rooks County about the tough decisions rural Kansas providers are having to make – including cancelling surgeries and blood transfusions, and possibly not delivering babies because bleeding complications may require blood that these facilities don’t have. This shortage is severe, and it is affecting Kansas health care providers and their ability to care for patients. Kansans pull together in times of need, and I encourage anyone who is able to donate.
Addressing America’s Rising Crime
This week, I spoke during a press conference on rising crime in America. We are a country based on the rule of law. Our families must feel safe and secure in our homes, in our schools, in our communities, and in our churches and synagogues.
Now is the time to prioritize investments in solutions that will have a lasting impact on our law enforcement personnel; solutions that allow them to meet the challenging situations they face when they put on their uniforms. As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce Justice and Science which funds law enforcement programs, I will continue to advocate for protecting our communities by advocating for our nation’s law enforcement. Watch my remarks by clicking here or below.
Modernizing the Violence Against Women Act
This week, I also joined Senator Ernst in introducing the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes VAWA through 2027, preserves advancements made in previous reauthorizations and includes a number of additional improvements to the current law.
Domestic violence brings fear, hopelessness, pain and depression into the lives of every victim. We must not only work to end this type of crime but also care for those who have become victims. This legislation will help give a voice to victims of domestic violence, provide new resources to combat these crimes in rural communities and expand programs to support sexual harassment victims. Read more about this bill’s key provisions by clicking here.
Speaking with the Kansas Fraternal Order of Police
On Tuesday, I met virtually with Kansas Fraternal Order of Police leaders Matt Blassingame and Casey Slaughter to discuss their priorities as crime continues to rise across the country. With over 3,100 Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) members in Kansas, including police officers, deputies, troopers and investigators of all ranks. Our country can only function when we feel safe and secure, and our law enforcement personnel are vital to carrying out that task. Police officers face unknown challenges when they put on their uniforms every day, and I am committed to making sure they have the resources they need to carry out their duties.
Meeting with Kansas Community College Leaders
Johnson County Community College
I was pleased to share a conversation with Johnson County Community College (JCCC) President Dr. Andy Bowne and Trustees Greg Musil, Dawn Rattan and Joy Koesten, in my Washington, D.C. office this week. We discussed the college’s legislative priorities, including the JOBS Act, legislation of which I am an original cosponsor, that would establish Pell grant-eligibility for short-term job training programs, and our shared support for increased Pell grant funding in the FY2022 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations subcommittee bill. The JCCC delegation also expressed their appreciation for federal pandemic relief funding, much of which was distributed to students to provide financial assistance during uncertain times and avoid coursework disruption. I was impressed to hear of the college’s on-campus mental health offerings for students, and I thank the college for its attention to the needs of student veterans. Thanks to President Bowne and Trustees Musil, Koesten and Rattan for visiting my office and for our productive conversation.
Kansas City Kansas Community College
I also met with Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) President Dr. Greg Mosier and Trustee Brad Isnard. President Mosier and Trustee Isnard provided me an update on the state-of-the-art Community Education, Health and Wellness Center they are building in the heart of downtown Kansas City. The center will help address the needs of the downtown community and Eastern Wyandotte County by providing services such as English as a Second Language (ESL), General Education Diploma (GED) and offering vocational training to students around the metro Kansas City area, among numerous other services. I enjoyed meeting with President Mosier and Trustee Isnard, and I look forward to working with them and the rest of KCKCC leadership to advance our shared priority of making certain all Kansans have the resources and tools to thrive.
Colby Community College
I was also pleased to meet with Dr. Seth Carter, President of Colby Community College, and Trustee Arlen Leiker, in my office in Washington, D.C. where we discussed the importance of Pell grants and the challenges posed by the pandemic over the past two years. I was encouraged to hear that even with the challenges of COVID-19, Colby Community College saw positive enrollment growth, and I was impressed to learn that the college has the highest community college graduation rate in Kansas. I thank President Carter and Trustee Leiker for visiting with me and providing me with an informative update.
Kansas Independent Colleges
Additionally, I met with leaders from McPherson College and Ottawa University this week to discuss Kansas Independent College legislative priorities, including our shared support for increased Pell grant funding in the FY2022 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations subcommittee bill. President Schneider of McPherson College and Chancellor Tsutsui of Ottawa University shared the positive impact federal pandemic relief funding had on their institutions and student bodies. I thank both President Schneider and Chancellor Tsutsui for sharing their insight on the higher education landscape in Kansas with me and for their commitment to providing quality higher education opportunities for students from Kansas and around the country.
Discussing the Future of Kansas State University
Hearing from University Deans
I met with Kansas State University deans and leaders this week to discuss the university’s vision for its future and the future of Kansas. The bulk of our discussion focused on how K-State can become an engine of economic prosperity for the entire state of Kansas. In December of last year, K-State announced its Economic Prosperity Plan, a 10-year plan which focuses on leveraging key strengths of the university into new jobs, investments and economic development in the state. I conversed with the deans on how the individual initiatives in their respective colleges and departments fit into the economic prosperity plan and ways that I can support their efforts. The university set a 10-year goal for the plan at 3,000 direct jobs and $3 billion in direct investment to Kansas. This plan includes close collaboration with the USDA’s National Bio Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), including educating and training the future NBAF workforce. By educating future leaders in our communities, entrepreneurs and the skilled workforce necessary to attract and retain businesses, Kansas’ institutions of higher education are vital for a strong future for our state. I appreciate hearing from the deans at K-State and learning more about how the university intends to be a leader in driving economic growth for Kansas.
Discussing My Name, Image and Likeness Legislation with Athletic Director Gene Taylor
On Tuesday, I spoke with K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor. We further discussed my Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021 and how it empowers athletes – of all sports – to establish greater control of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). My legislation would create a national standard of guidelines to make certain student athletes can benefit from the use of their NIL without hurting their eligibility to compete as a student athlete while at the same time protecting the existing model of college athletics that has afforded so many young athletes an opportunity to pursue an education. I was also able to visit with K-State football player Logan Long and hear from him about his experiences as a student athlete.
I have made it clear to Athletic Director Taylor and other athletic director across Kansas that I will support athletes throughout their academic careers, both from an educational and athletic perspective. I thank him for meeting with me, and I was pleased to receive an update from AD Taylor regarding K-State’s athletic successes.
Advocating for Veterans
Underscoring Bipartisan Action to Deliver for Toxic-Exposed Veterans
As leaders of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Tester and I have been dedicated to identifying a path forward for outstanding toxic exposure issues and remain committed to following through on the country’s promise to provide timely care and benefits to all generation of exposed veterans. This week, we published a joint op-ed in the Military Times emphasizing additional bipartisan efforts to be announced in the coming weeks, aimed at creating a fair and transparent process for VA to establish new presumptive conditions and delivering long-overdue benefits to millions of toxic-exposed veterans across the country.
Decade after decade, American men and women have deployed to countries across the globe in the defense of our freedom. Thousands of them were exposed to harmful toxins during that service that resulted in life-altering health conditions. And far too many of them face yet another battle here at home when seeking the care and the benefits they desperately need. Our veterans deserve better, and they are tired of waiting for solutions. That is why we, as the leaders of the Senate VA Committee, have introduced the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act—bipartisan legislation that will offer every post-9/11 veteran suffering from effects of toxic exposures access to timely and high-quality care through the VA.
Read our full op-ed in the Military Times by clicking here.
Participating in the Concerned Veterans For America Rountable
Making certain that veterans have access to quality and timely health care is a one of my top priorities as Ranking Member of the Senate VA Committee. This week, I joined Concerned Veterans of America to discuss this issue and why it is so important for the VA to implement the MISSION Act correctly. The MISSION Act allows veterans to receive primary and specialty care through the VA in the comfort of their community. This is a major benefit for veterans across Kansas, especially for rural veterans, because it allows them to see their preferred provider in a convenient location. Unfortunately, the VA has not been implementing the MISSION Act as aggressively as Congress intended. This has forced veterans to endure long wait times and drive long distances to receive their VA care.
CVA and I discussed how my legislation, the Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served (GHAPS) Act, will address gaps in veteran health care to make certain the VA is serving rural and underserved veterans. I will continue to advocate for community care in an effort to provide veterans with the health care they have earned as a result of their service.
Meeting with Servicemembers Impacted by Water Contamination
This week, I met with an Active Duty Army Officer and a Navy military spouse, both mothers and advocates for their children and other families who have experienced health consequences due to exposure to contaminated water at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. During our meeting, I heard their experience as result of this fuel spill and the Department of Defense’s (DOD) failure to take immediate action. I am committed to pushing DOD to find a solution for these families and to best secure the health and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans after they leave service.
Questioning FCC Commissioner Nominee Gigi Sohn
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates communications in the U.S. and works to solve critical communications-related issues, including broadband deployment to unserved areas. On Wednesday, as a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I questioned Gigi Sohn, President Biden’s nominee to be a Commissioner on the FCC, about rate regulation, overbuilding existing broadband networks and net neutrality. In 2017, the FCC, led by Chairman Ajit Pai, a Parsons native, reversed the Obama-era net neutrality order, reverting to a light-touch regulatory approach that has historically allowed online innovation to thrive. Ms. Sohn has stated her support for the FCC taking action to reimpose net neutrality rules despite a Congressional working group being formed to examine legislative solutions to the question of net neutrality. I do not believe the FCC should preempt a legislative solution from Congress on this critical issue. I will continue to carefully evaluate Ms. Sohn’s policy beliefs and experience in advance of a vote on her nomination to the FCC.
Recognizing the Coffeyville Red Ravens’ Championship Victory
Last April, the Coffeyville Red Ravens brought home their first national championship trophy in nearly six decades. As an underdog in the national tournament with a number 10 ranking, this accomplishment is a result of hard work, determination and grit. Last week, the resolution I introduced with Congressman LaTurner passed the Senate.
This week, I was pleased to recognize and congratulate the men’s basketball team’s NJCAA Division I championship on the Senate Floor. Watch my remarks by clicking here or below.
Discussing Challenges with National Rural Health Association
On Wednesday, I spoke with Kansas Hospital Association and representatives of the National Rural Health Association. There are no shortage of challenges facing rural health care in Kansas, including issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and those that existed prior to it. The nation is facing a severe health care workforce shortage, which puts a heavy responsibility on the shoulders of our doctors and nurses currently serving. As Congress continues to allocate resources towards our rural health care workforce, we must also ensure there are residency slots available in rural regions for new health care professionals that do not come at expense to the health care facility. We also spoke about the need to protect the Medicare sequestration moratorium throughout the public health emergency as well as the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which currently has several cases working its way through the courts. Thank you for Audrey Dunkel and Landon Fulmer for organizing the meeting and the willingness of everyone on the call to serve in rural Kansas.
Meeting with Greg Jordan of KSBDC
On Thursday, I was pleased to be able to speak with Plainville-native Greg Jordan while he was in Washington, D.C. Greg is the Director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC), which assists Kansans who would like to start their own business by providing small business classes and connections to federal and state resources. The KSBDC, which is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with the Kansas Department of Commerce and Fort Hays State University, assisted hundreds of small businesses start last year and has created or retained over thousands of jobs in the last decade. It was great to speak with Greg during his time in D.C., and I am thankful for the work that he and the KSBDC do for our state.
Supporting STEM Education
On Tuesday, I met with the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers to consider ways to lower health care costs through employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) programs. ESI is the most common type of health coverage in the country – with over 181 million Americans depending on it. Americans deserve access to more affordable health care, and strengthening ESI can reduce costs for employers and lower premiums for employees. We also discussed potential frameworks for pandemic risk insurance to protect businesses from unforeseen events. I appreciate the work the CIAB does to expand health care coverage for employees and support businesses.
Meeting with Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers
On Tuesday, I met with the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers to consider ways to lower health care costs through employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) programs. ESI is the most common type of health coverage in the country – with over 181 million Americans depending on it. Americans deserve access to more affordable health care, and strengthening ESI can reduce costs for employers and lower premiums for employees. We also discussed potential frameworks for pandemic risk insurance to protect businesses from unforeseen events. I appreciate the work the CIAB does to expand health care coverage for employees and support businesses.
Kansas Realtors Virtual Address
I addressed the Kansas Realtors Association virtually on Thursday at their annual conference in Topeka where they met with state legislature members. As prices for home-building supplies and labor continue to climb, low- and moderate-income Americans are being priced out of homeownership. Owning a home is the foremost way to create generational wealth, and we need to pursue responsible reforms that allow the private market to grow the supply of affordable housing. While housing is primarily a local issue, the federal government does have tools to encourage affordable housing. Legislation I’ve cosponsored would expand more development of affordable housing, promote the rehabilitation of homes in low-income neighborhoods, and provide incentives for development in rural areas.
Speaking with Federal Leaders
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
On Monday, I spoke with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. We discussed the Fed’s efforts to rein in the soaring inflation that’s hurting Kansans. Chairman Powell and the Federal Reserve Board must work towards a solution that lowers consumer prices while still promoting economic growth. I also emphasized the importance of maintaining the Fed’s credibility by upholding its political independence and adhering to its statutory authority instead of wading into partisan social issues.
Federal Aviation Administrator Steve Dickson
This week, I spoke with the Federal Aviation Administrator Steve Dickson. The FAA has been experiencing significant delays in issuing regulations, guidance and policy in a timely manner which has been negatively impacting Kansas’ aviation businesses. We were able to discuss the impact this is having on the industry back home, and I encouraged the agency to address the backlog in an expeditious manner. During our conversation, I was also able to invite him to be my guest in Kansas to see our aviation capabilities, and I look forward to hosting him in our state soon.
Chief of Space Operations General John Raymond
I also spoke with General John “Jay” Raymond, the Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force. Our call focused on the importance of providing the Department of Defense with a full budget so our newest military branch can grow and succeed and how improved missile tracking and missile warning systems rank among the top priorities for U.S. defensive capabilities. I will continue to work with General Raymond to provide our servicemembers with the resources and technology they need to defend our assets and interests in space.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Governor’s Office Directs Agencies to Apply State Law When Complying with Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Federal CMS COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
~~Compliance Ensures Continuation of Federal Funding, Affects Six State Facilities, 11.2% State Employees~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today directed affected state agencies to apply Kansas law when complying with the United States Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule requiring staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The directive requires agencies complying with the CMS rule to follow Kansas state laws regarding medical and religious exemptions, documentation, and self-attestation regarding vaccination status.
“I’ve consistently opposed federal COVID-19 vaccine requirements because the responsibility was given to the states from the beginning to make these decisions,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “However, in order to protect the millions of dollars in funding Kansas receives and to prevent Kansans’ tax dollars from going to other states, we must comply with the federal vaccine requirement.
“It’s absolutely critical that any policy implemented in response to the federal ruling must follow our state laws which protect medical and religious exemptions, and prevent intrusive requests from employers,” Governor Kelly said.
In January 2022, the United States Supreme Court upheld the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) COVID-19 vaccine requirement. For nearly all Kansas state employees, there will be no vaccine requirement. 11.2% of state employees work in the state’s six CMS-funded facilities that are subject to the United States Supreme Court ruling.
The Governor’s directive requires that any agency policy implementing the CMS rule should not conflict with provisions of Kansas state law, including but not limited to the 2021 Special Session House Bill 2001 and 2021 Regular Session Senate Bill 159.
The directive requires the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Commission on Veteran Affairs Office, and any other state agency impacted by the CMS Interim Final rule to affirm state laws when complying with the federal CMS guidance, including but not limited to:
Medical exemptions: Facilities must grant an exemption to the federal COVID-19 vaccine requirement if the employee submits a written waiver request stating that complying with the condition would endanger the life or health of the employee or an individual who resides with the employee, as evidenced by an accompanying written statement signed by a physician.
Religious exemptions: Facilities must grant an exemption to the federal COVID-19 vaccine requirement if the employee submits a written waiver request stating that complying with the requirement would violate the religious beliefs of the employee. Facilities can’t inquire into the sincerity of the request.
Documentation: Facilities must not require employees to provide documentation of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Facilities may request such documentation but must make it clear that providing documentation is not a condition of employment and that no adverse action will be taken if the employee does not provide it.
Self-Attestation: Facilities can implement a verbal self-attestation of COVID-19 vaccination status policy from any employee who does not provide documentation and does not request an exemption from the vaccination requirement. The facility, not the individual, will be responsible for documenting the individual’s self-attested vaccination status.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: February 15, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment
Sen. Moran: If you know an American who needs evacuation assistance from Ukraine, please contact my office immediately
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) is offering help to Kansans seeking evacuation assistance from Ukraine.
“Due to increased threats of Russian military action in Ukraine, the administration is encouraging Americans to leave the country immediately,” said Sen. Moran. “My staff and I have been in contact with the State Department and stand ready to assist Americans that need help leaving Ukraine. If you still know someone who is needing evacuation assistance from Ukraine, please contact my office immediately.”
To request assistance, contact Sen. Moran’s office at [email protected].
To better communicate with Americans in Ukraine, the U.S. Department of State has launched a Crisis Intake form here for U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the State Department and U.S. Embassy.
