The Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board will meet on Saturday, April 10th 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public, but is limited in space due to COVID. To join by teleconference, call the dial-in number: 620-724-9910. When prompted, enter the access code 515698# and when prompted state your full name followed by the pound # key.
The meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
~ KDOL requests proposals for new system ~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced a major step forward in the effort to modernize the state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) system at the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL). The agency issued its request for proposal (RFP) for modernizing the over 40-year-old computer system.
“When I learned that the previous Administration abandoned efforts to modernize the state’s unemployment computer system in 2011, I immediately tasked the agency with reviving its modernization plans,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Unfortunately, the pandemic hit, and the antiquated technology was unable to keep up with the record volume of claims. Today, we are taking a major step in fixing our broken system. We will finish what other Administrations’ failed to do.”
Prior to the pandemic, at Governor Kelly’s direction, KDOL staff traveled to states that had modernized their unemployment systems to learn from them how Kansas could build a system that would more efficiently serve claimants and businesses. In the past year, the agency has dedicated a specialized team to complete and expedite the modernization plan, incorporating the findings and best practices from these states.
“The RFP process is the next major step in our effort to modernize,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “We plan to expedite this process as much as possible, while taking care to engage the business community, workers, and legislators. Over the past year, we have been able to stabilize our underlying systems which were not equipped to handle the volume of pandemic-related claims or the complexity of the new federal programs. The stabilization efforts worked and will help to speed modernization implementation once a vendor is selected,” said Shultz.
When Governor Kelly took office in 2019, one of her top priorities for the Department of Labor was to modernize the agency’s archaic mainframe UI IT system. However, when the state faced record-high unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency was forced to temporarily suspend its modernization efforts in order to focus on stabilizing the decades old system.
Today, the system has largely been stabilized and is paying out legitimate claimants in the traditional state unemployment program and new federal benefit programs. Since March 15, 2020, KDOL has paid out over 4.2 million weekly claims totaling over $2.8 billion between regular unemployment and the federal pandemic programs.
The Kansas Legislature is considering Governor Kelly’s $37.5 million budget request to replace KDOL’s aging system.
“We are on target to modernize this antiquated system,” said Governor Kelly. “While we navigate the procurement process, we also need the legislature to fund this critical upgrade. It will not be cheap—fixing a system that has been neglected for 40-plus years never is—but failing to act is not an option. I will continue working with the legislature to get this critical project done. We owe it to the people of Kansas.”
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Kansas Department of Revenue Announces a Web-Based Written Driver’s License Exam Option
TOPEKA – On Thursday, April 1, 2021, the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles launched KnowTo Drive Online, a web-based version of its driver’s testing exam, powered by Intellectual Technology, Inc. (ITI). The introduction of this testing service adds to the Department’s expanding online services it provides. With KnowTo Drive Online, Kansans have the opportunity to take their written test from the comfort of their home.
“The availability of an online written test has been on our list of customer service enhancements and we are happy to finally announce its arrival,” David Harper, Director of the Division of Vehicles, said. “This testing portal, coupled with our other online services, should greatly decrease the number of customers in the office and considerably reduce the duration of customer visits.”
Kansas is the newest state to offer testing through KnowTo Drive Online. ITI also hosts self-service kiosks in 13 states, which help motor vehicle agencies extend services to grocery stores and other places of convenience.
The KnowTo Drive Online testing portal is available 24/7 on the Division of Vehicles’ website at http://ksrevenue.org/vehicles. Fees are $10 for the first test and $8.50 for any re-test.
If preferred, the Kansas Driver’s License written version of the test will still be available to be taken in the office.
~Governor Kelly signs school bill after all Kansas schools already offer in-person attendance options~
TOPEKA – Serving as a testament to her administration’s efforts to get Kansans back to school, back to work, and back to normal, Governor Laura Kelly signed SB63, and all unified school districts in Kansas will now provide a full-time, in-person attendance option for all students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12.
“Since the pandemic began, my administration has prioritized keeping Kansans healthy, keeping businesses open, and getting kids back into classrooms,” Governor Kelly said. “Among other efforts, we earmarked vaccines specifically for school staff – and all teachers and staff members who wanted a vaccine have now received at least their first dose.
“As we maintain quick and efficient vaccine distribution, COVID-19 case numbers in Kansas continue to drop – and our schools have taken steps to safely and responsibly re-introduce in-person learning. Currently, every school in Kansas is already offering an in-person attendance option for students.”
Governor Kelly also signed the following bills into law:
Senate Bill 37 amends provisions governing agent licensing and renewal licensure requirements in the Uniform Agents Licensing Act and in the Public Adjusters Licensing Act, and also amends a statute governing the examination of applicants for agent licensure.
The bill also provides for an exemption and extension in complying with the continuing education requirements of licensed insurance agents serving on active duty in the National Guard or armed services of the United States for a specified period of time. SB 37 further requires certification by pre-need-only insurance agents that no other insurance business was transacted.
Senate Bill 99 amends law regarding vehicle dealer license requirements and vehicle display shows. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Director of Vehicles, the Kansas Department of Revenue, to issue a temporary display show license to a sponsor of a motor vehicle display show.
House Bill 2014 defines “military surplus vehicle” in the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways and in law regarding vehicle registration. It also authorizes the owner of a military surplus vehicle to register it with an annual fee.
House Bill 2172 amends the Kansas Water Appropriation Act by expanding the opportunity for the establishment of multi-year flex accounts for groundwater water rights to water right holders who did not have water use between 2000 and 2009.
House Bill 2270 places a limit of $100,000 on deposits into the State General fund each fiscal year from moneys from a levy placed on each fire insurance company doing business in Kansas for the purpose of maintaining the Office of State Fire Marshal.
USDA Announces Funding Available to Organizations to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers under Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative
FSA Accepting CFAP 2 Applications Beginning April 5
WASHINGTON, April 5, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the availability of $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDA’s new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, an effort to distribute resources more broadly and to put greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers impacted by the pandemic. Today also marks the reopening of FSA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) signup as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least 60 days to apply or make modifications to existing CFAP 2 applications.
Cooperative Agreements
The cooperative agreements will support participation in programs offered by FSA, including those that are part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Interested organizations must submit proposals by May 5, 2021.
“USDA is committed to making financial assistance available to a broader set of producers, including to socially disadvantaged communities, and we know that we need partners to help make that happen,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “This funding will support grassroots organizations and public institutions as we support their producers. I am excited to see their innovative, results-driven proposals to help us reach our producers, especially those who have not taken full advantage of the available assistance.”
April 2, 2021
Property Tax Transparency – GOOD NEWS FOR PROPERTY TAXPAYERS
Senate Bill 13, stopping automatic property tax increases that result from higher valuations, was signed into law. Local property taxing authorities will have to provide notice of any proposed monetary increase and vote to go forward with the increase only after hearing public comments at an announced meeting. The new law has initial payments for the required notices and software changes, removing any excuse to raise taxes because of an unfunded mandate. It will also allow for normal maintenance on your property without increasing valuations, remove the property tax lid that was not working because of all of the exemptions, and allow county treasurers the option to setup property tax payment plans. It will not stop property tax increases; however, it will allow taxpayers and taxing authorities an opportunity to be heard before increases occur.
I worked diligently for a couple of years on this legislation and other bills to help improve the property tax system. I had meetings in locations away from Topeka where myself and other legislators heard the concerns of property tax paying Kansans from around the State. Senate Bill 13 is the results of those concerns. It’s a victory for Kansas.
Closing Power Plants
Talk about a trojan horse – Senate Substitute for House Bill (S Sub HB) 2072 is definitely one. On the surface the bill looks like it helps utility customers, however, it will eventually result in much higher utility bills and puts us on a path for a similar disaster that occurred in Texas. There were two parts to the bill. First, it allows some natural gas companies to bond the expenses for the extremely high rates during the record-freeze earlier this year and pass the expenses on to customers. Second, it allows utility companies to bond and pass on the expenses of closing plants to retail customers, including closing nuclear or coal plants. Think about it, the current debt and expenses to close the plant will be paid by customers “to the benefit of the bondholders, any assignee, and any other financing parties” until they are paid in full. It literally says that in the bill. It is a trojan horse that looks good but guarantees higher utility bills long-term.
I did what I could to block it. What is even more disappointing, the Chairman of the committee put the language in a house bill and the House concurred on the changes. The bill passed the Senate 33 to 7. I voted no.
Say No To A Veto of SB 50
The Governor is considering a veto of SB 50. Members of her tax study group are putting out messages saying if the bill becomes law Kansas would have to pay back federal money because of Biden’s version of the Cares Act. Twenty-one state Attorney Generals (AG) signed a letter challenging this federal overreach, including our KS AG. Most of the items in SB 50 have been voted on several times since 2018, predating Biden’s legislation. SB 50’s major components are: it addresses state income tax increases that resulted from the 2017 federal tax cuts, it increases the state standard deduction by $500, it provides language for collection of online sales tax (which is already the law), it stops any income tax obligation that results from stolen identity, it lines up the Kansas income tax filing deadline with federal dates while extending corporate filings by 30 days.
Too Many Bills
Over 40 pieces of legislation were worked on the Senate floor last week – too many to cover in this update. All of the legislation is posted online at www.kslegislature.org.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
The City of Fort Scott presents Fort Scott Forward.
The City of Fort Scott presents Fort Scott Forward. Everyone is invited to join us for a monthly check-in. The monthly meeting will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:45AM at the River Room Event Center, 1 W. Oak St. Dave Lipe, proprietor of Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Luther’s BBQ, and the River Room Event Center has donated the use of the space for this event. Coffee and pastries will be provided.
The first Fort Scott Forward event will be held on Tuesday, April 27th at 7:45 AM. The topics to be covered at this meeting will be street improvement objectives, and a budget priorities survey.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed the following three bills into law:
Senate Bill 118 would establish a procedure by which a city or county may assume the powers, responsibilities, and duties of a special district within the city’s corporate boundary or the county’s boundaries.
Senate Bill 64, as amended, would amend the Kansas Private and Out-of-State Postsecondary Education Institution Act (Act) to clarify the State Board of Regents’ (Board) authority over private and out-of-state institutions.
HB 2063, as amended, would revise the benefits for members of the Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (KP&F) who are Tier II members, meaning those
employees hired since July 1, 1989, who are disabled and ultimately die due to a “service-connected” condition, as that term is defined by law. The bill would apply to deaths that occurred on and after January 1, 2017, and would designate these amendments to law as the Michael Wells Memorial Act.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families.
At Federal Emergency Management Agency, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
We are working with stakeholder groups to get their input on ways we can best provide this assistance, and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities. FEMA will begin to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance in April.
Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation.
Fraud Alert: We have received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and we do not contact people prior to them registering for assistance.
Learn More
FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021 through our dedicated call center. More information will be available on this page soon.
To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number
Applications begin on April 12, 2021
844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:
If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
APRIL 6, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
Invocation: Led by: Associate Pastor Allen Pruitt, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
Approval of Agenda:
Proclamations/Recognitions: Introduction of Jon Carpenter, new Law Enforcement Officer Academy Graduate
Consent Agenda:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 16th, 2021 and special meeting minutes of March 23rd, 2021, and March 30th, 2021.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1285-A totaling $887,464.66.
Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc – $12,405.00 – Phase II Dam Improvements – River Intake Project
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
City Manager Reports and Comments:
Director Reports:
Old Business:
Approval of Ordinance amending Assessment of Mowing Costs from $300.00 to $75.00 – Ordinance No. 3576
Discussion of Golf Course Tiered Memberships
Appearances: None
Public Hearing: 6:15 p.m. – Petition for Vacation of the platted 2nd Street East of South Lincoln Street – Approval of Ordinance No. 3577
New Business:
Approval of Ordinance No. 3578 – Ordinance authorizing the levy of a .5% Citywide relation sales tax and related matters
Consideration of Change Order – Mayco Ace CDBG Project
Discussion and presentation of importance of water/sewer rate study – Jason Solomon – Kansas Rural Water Association
Consideration of Wrecker Rotation Policy
Consideration of Dispatch Contract
Consideration of Contract Mowing Bid
Consideration of RFP’s – 10 N. National
Request to pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – February invoice – Port-A-Potties – $968.00
Discussion of City fees
Municipal Court – Raising from $51.00 to $100.00 (Approval of Charter Ordinance if approved)
Aquatic Center – Pool Parties – From $100 to $150 per hour
Buck Run Community Center
Small meeting room – From $15 to $25 for three hours
Large meeting room – From $15 to $35 for three hours
Airport – Hangar Spot Rental – From $70 to $75
Nightly Storage Fee – Single $10 – Twin $20
Discussion &/or consideration of two contracts with Earle’s Engineering:
City Engineering Services
Public Works Project Manager
Discussion &/or consideration to award emergency bid of mill and overlay on National from 14th to Highway 69
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
B. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XIV. Adjournment:
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of March 30th, 2021 Special Meeting #9
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 30th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jason Pickert.
CONSIDERATION:
Interview of Engineering Firms – City Manager said that there were three engineering firms selected to be interviewed. The first interview was with Kaw Valley Engineering. The second interview was with Earle’s Engineering. The third company was with Agricultural Engineering.
K. Allen made a motion to hire and negotiate a contract with Earle’s Engineering as the City’s municipal engineering firm. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO HIRE AND NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH EARLE’S ENGINEERING AS THE CITY’S MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING FIRM.
ADJOURNMENT:
R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:46 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:46 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
City Clerk
