Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

City Crews Work to Repair Water Main Break in Northeast Fort Scott

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The Fort Scott Public Water Distribution crew works on a broken water main in northeast Fort Scott on Wednesday in freezing weather. Taken from its Facebook page.

With temperatures hovering in the single digits, the Fort Scott Water Distribution Department had an uncomfortable day yesterday, to say the least.

The department crew of Bill Lemke, supervisor, along with Brady Coffman, Stanley McKeen, Jason McReynolds, and Joseph Reid spent the day repairing a water main break in the middle of the street on North Broadway in the northeast part of town.

Water was spewing upward from the street.

“It was shooting pretty good,” Brad Matkin, spokesman for the City of Fort Scott said. “They had to dig up the road to find the root cause.”

The crew found the 10-inch water main with the hole in it and put a sleeve over the hole, tightened the bolts on the sleeve, then put the gravel back in the hole, Matkin said.

Matkin wasn’t sure of the number of households without water during the repair.

“North Little (Street) and North Broadway (Street) residents were affected,” Matkin said. “All the water is turned back on.”

Matkin said the cause of the water main break was probably the change in temperature or the age of the pipe.

The crew started at the site about 8 a.m. on Feb. 2, following a call to report the water spewing from the street. Matkin wasn’t sure who called in the incident.

They will finish the clean-up today and smooth out the street, he said.

“In the spring, we’ll do a job of patching the site,” Matkin said.

Public Works

Fort Scott Public Works employs about 15 employees, Matkin said.

“The other guys were removing snow and treating ice,” he said. “We did have a tree fall and they had to remove that.”

Fort Scott city crews are working to clear the streets. Taken from the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page.

From a post on the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page last evening:

“Please remember to stay back when coming up on snowplows; with blowing snow and at night it is hard for them to see you if you are too close.
“Also, we understand frustrations because of driveways being covered when our plows are cleaning the roadways and will do our best to limit this but with several inches of snow, this is very hard to control. We want our roadways as safe as possible for our public safety personnel and for our citizens. This is our number one priority. Thank you in advance for understanding and your patience.”

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Draft Minutes of the Jan. 10 Meeting

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The Regular Council Meeting on January 10, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Tyler Travis, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Oath of Office was administered to newly elected officials. President of Council was elected.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0-1 (Ervin abstained) to elect Jess Ervin as President of Council

CITIZENS REQUEST

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the December Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $348,223.56, Receipts $68,673.96, Transfers Out $35,022.42, Expenditures $58,131.60, Checking Account Closing Balance $323,743.50. Bank Statement Balance $335,330.57, including Checking Account Interest of $28.96, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,587.07, Reconciled Balance $323,743.50. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,038.92, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,538.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,323.63, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $400,644.93. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $369.71, and Utility CDs $323.27 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $692.98. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2021, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.00, Capital Improvements $1,000, Capital Improvement-Streets $250, and General Fund $2,000, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, Capital Improvements $1,000, Capital Improvement-Streets $750, Security Meter Deposit $0.14, and General Fund $3,000, from Gas Fund to Capital Improvements $3,000, Capital Improvement-Streets $12,500, Security Meter Deposit $0.28, and General Fund $3,000, from General Fund to Capital Improvements $3,000 and Capital Improvement-Street $2,500, Total Transfers of $35,022.42. Net Loss for the month of December $24,480.06, Year-to-Date Net Loss $77,354.97. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $117,090.65 (117.3%), Expenditures $113,960.87 (92.1%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $37,924.19 (109.1%), Expenditures $39,925.02 (91.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $149,077.20 (115.4%), Expenditures $292,421.16 (88.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $148,684.70 (129.9%), Expenditures $157,586.80 (96.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $13,736.60 (91.9%). The January 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $21,547.42 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of December 14, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  • Resolution 2022-0110-1 – 2022 GAAP Waiver
  • Destruction of records for 2011 and prior

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

The sewer main servicing Tyler Travis’ at 204 Second St sewer line is blocked by roots. Superintendent Rich received some quotes to cut out the roots, from Meyer Specialty, Wichita, at $450/hr and Ace Pipe Cleaning, Kansas City, at $300/hr. Also roots in main near 304 Washington St. Replacing the main with pvc at 204 Second St is out of the question due to the proximity of electric pole in the dig area and property owners garage (excavator will not attempt). It was suggested to look into using ARPA funds to pay for this.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to contract Ace Pipe Cleaning to clean roots out of sewer mains near 204 Second St and also near 304 Washington.

Rich reported that the tractor has been repaired. Councilman Stewart volunteered to haul to/from the mechanic in Colony. Mechanic cost was substantially less than PrairieLand Partners.

Trees have been planted at park and pond.

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan started discussion on ordinances for storage containers, storage/accessory buildings. Mayor Jurgensen spoke to owner of 112B Second St and 103 Fifth St. They will sell 112B Second Street to the City for $1,000. Mayor and owner discussed that 103 Fifth St needs cleaned up. A letter needs to be sent to initiate cleanup. Cleanup completion date was discussed. Discussion concerning the purchase of 112B ensued. This property adjoins the Kite property the City recently acquired.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to purchase Lot 58 less west 8’, Block 11, Original town, Uniontown, Bourbon County, KS commonly known as 112B Second St

Clerk Johnson reminded Council that Local Government Day at the Capitol is January 26, 2022, and to let her know if she needed to register anyone or get lodging for them.

Communities in Schools is hosting “Mental Illness-The Silent Epidemic with Coach Potter” on January 17, 6:30PM at West Bourbon Elementary

Reminded Council of the Health in All Policies Learning Session on January 19, 2022, 5:00-8:00PM at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office.

KRWA Delegate –

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to designate Bobby Rich as Delegate and Josh Hartman as Alternate Delegate for KRWA

She has registered for an ARPA Overview zoom on January 25 through CCMFOA.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – She has been asked by someone on Bronson City County to have someone from Uniontown City Council to attend county commission meeting to have Maple Road resurfaced from Bronson to Uniontown.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to have Amber Kelly attend county commission meetings to get Maple Road resurfaced from Bronson to Uniontown

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Traffic control on several streets – streets and locations were discussed.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase and install five sets of speed bumps and four signs with two sets on Hill St and three sets on Fulton St

Dog/Cat Ordinance and amendments review – after discussion, it was recommended to amend ordinance to include $100 fee per animal for non-compliance of number of animals allowed and animal(s) must be removed from city limits within 30 days or fee assessed again. Clerk Johnson will check with attorney and bring amended ordinance to next meeting.

Wholesale water supply – Councilman Hartman has been in communication with Bourbon County RWD #4 but the length of pipe to connect has not been determined. Councilman Ervin has been in communication with Rob Harrington, Bourbon County REDI, to facilitate a meeting between him, as a representative of City of Uniontown, and City of Fort Scott regarding rates.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to have Jess Ervin represent the City of Uniontown at meeting(s) with the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2 negotiating water rates

Pond Improvement Project – no update. The walkway east rail is welded on the east side and tacked on the west side.

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – Interest rate for 2022 did not change, still 0.25%. Clerk Johnson plans to send yearly statements by the end of January.

American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson will attend another zoom on ARPA on January 19. Final Rule has been released.

NEW BUSINESS

Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen has spoken with County Commissioner Oharah about hiring the county to asphalt some of the streets in town this summer. As of December 31, there is $106,517.50 in the Capital Improvement-Streets fund. We might be able to asphalt about a mile of streets. Communication will continue with County on their willingness to work with us. The damage to the streets by the three different trash companies was discussed. It was suggested to have Clerk Johnson to check into citywide trash hauling to limit the number trash trucks on our streets.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 7:39PM

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Exceed Estimates

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces January Total Tax Collections Continue to Exceed Estimates

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that total tax collections for January were $944.5 million. That is $119.6 million, or 14.5%, more than the monthly estimate. This is also an 18.7% growth over January 2021.

“Over the past three years my administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy, and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansas taxpayers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That relief will come specifically through proposals like axing the state’s sales tax on food. I urge the Legislature to send a clean bill to my desk quickly, so we can get this done for Kansas families.”

Individual income tax collections were $542.2 million. That is $82.2 million, or 17.9%, more than the estimate and 18.4% more than the previous January. Wage withholding remains strong going into 2022 reflecting both improved statewide employment and accompanying wage growth.

Retail sales tax collections were $258.2 million for January. This is $18.2 million, or 7.6%, more than the estimate and 14.9% more than January 2021. Compensating use tax collections also exceeded estimates by 5.2%. Those collections are also 30.2% more than the previous January. Both retailer’s sales tax and compensating use tax collections established new monthly collection records in January 2022.

“Individual income tax, corporate income tax, retailer’s sales tax, and compensating use tax all continue to perform well as the state’s primary revenue sources,” Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said. “Increased holiday spending in December accounts in large part for the record sales and compensating use tax collections in January.”

View the tax receipts here.

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Closings Due to Feb. 2-3 Snowstorm

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In anticipation of the impending winter storm please be aware of the following cancellations:

 

City Brush Dump Site:      Closed Thursday, February 3rd, 2022

 

Gunn Park:   Closed to the Public after 3:30 p.m. today, February 1st, 2022

 

Riverfront Park:  Closed to the Public after 3:30 p.m. today, February 1st, 2022

 

Municipal Court:   No Court held on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022

Government, Kansas

KDOT Asks For Pedestrian and Bicycle Public Transportation Projects

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KDOT announces call for Transportation

Alternatives Program projects
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is announcing a call for projects to be submitted to the Transportation Alternative Program. These include the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities and infrastructure for non-driver access to public transportation, projects that enhance safety and mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders, projects that improve scenic or environmental assets in the state, Safe Routes to School projects and more.

Communities and other organizations interested in applying should start preparing concept forms. This form allows communities to determine eligibility and receive technical assistance prior to submitting a full application. Informational webinars on the process are set for Feb. 4, 7 and 11 – to register, email Jenny Kramer at [email protected].

Project concept forms are due to KDOT by March 4 so review and feedback can take place throughout March. Other key dates for the application process are listed below.

For federal fiscal years 2023 and 2024, project concept forms must be submitted for all proposed TA Program projects before an application will be emailed to project sponsors. This process allows KDOT to provide applicants with technical assistance and feedback on project scopes, eligibilities, cost estimates, appropriateness of TA funding and strength of concept prior to communities submitting an application and competing for funding.

An estimated $18 million in federal funds are anticipated to be available to award for Federal Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. Some flexibility on the cash match requirement is expected with this round based on population size. Awarded communities will be expected to cover all non-participating expenses (e.g., right-of-way, utilities, etc.).

Important dates:

  • Call for TA project concepts released – Feb. 1
  • Informational webinars – 1:30-3 p.m. on 4, 7 and 11. To register, email [email protected]
  • Concept Forms – due by March 4
  • Concept form review and feedback – Throughout March
  • Applications emailed to approved sponsors – by March 31
  • Applications due – May 13
  • Application review – May 16-June 30
  • Awards announced – Summer

For more information, contact Kramer at [email protected] or (785) 296-5186.
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

January 28, 2022

 

The journey of a bill  After a bill is introduced. it is assigned to a committee so that the legislation can be properly vetted.  The chairman can schedule a hearing, allowing people, conferees, to testify.  Legislators can ask questions of conferees, evaluate and propose changes to legislation.  If a majority of committee members vote to advance the legislation, it will then be assigned to the Committee of the Whole.  Committee of the Whole is all of the members of that chamber.  The Majority Leader schedules debate for the Committee of the Whole.  After debate and possible amendments, the Committee of the Whole votes whether to pass the legislation and advance it to final action.  If a bill passes a final action vote, it will advance to the other chamber or it goes to the Governor if it has passed both chambers.  At that point the Governor can sign the bill into law, veto the bill, or do nothing and after 10 days the bill becomes law.

 

The Senate Tax Committee had hearings on two bills where the conferee was a Kansas resident who would like to have sales tax removed on manufacture coupons, Senate Bill (SB) 354, and sales tax removed on delivery charges, shipping and postage, SB 327.  Most people are not aware they pay sales tax on these items.

 

SB 347 is on the fast track to who knows where.  There was a major rush to pass SB 347 out of the Senate Commerce Committee and across the Senate floor.  SB 347 would allow the Secretary of Commerce to give sales, income, and property tax incentives, estimated to be over $1 billion to entice a company, very possibly a foreign company, to come to Kansas.  Proponents say it will bring 4,000 jobs to Kansas.  Good, but what company and what Kansas industries will be impacted by the “new” jobs.  When Kansas was trying to entice NASCAR to come to Kansas everything was up front, legislators knew the business and made the decision eyes-wide-open.  With SB 347, only a few legislators know what company the Governor and Secretary of Commerce are willing to give over $1 billion of taxpayer money.  I was able to get an amendment on that would at least stop the company from getting back more income tax than they paid to the state of Kansas.  I could not support this legislation.  With SB 347, the Secretary of Commerce has the authority to give away billions of dollars and there are no caps or restrictions on the number of companies to receive the tax incentives in the bill.  Disappointingly, the bill passed the Senate 32 to 7.  The House will push the bill through the process in an attempt to put it on the Governor’s desk the first week in February.  Hopefully, the House will be able to kill the current bill or make major changes so that it will be a win for Kansas taxpayers.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Parks Board Committee Opening

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Please see the following Board opening:

This is for the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee:

  • One opening (City resident)

The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott.

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by February 18th, 2022.

Fort Scott, Government

City Board Vacancy: Golf Course Advisory Board

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City Board Vacancy

Please see below the above opening for the Golf Course Advisory Board:

  • One opening (One City resident) on the Golf Course Advisory Board

The function of the Golf Course Advisory Board is to advise the City Commission in all matters referred to them regarding the Woodland Hills Golf Course. They will also independently evaluate all aspects of the operation of the Golf Course and make recommendations to the City Commission and City Manager. They meet on an “as needed” basis.

If you have a desire to serve on this Board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. She will then submit your letter of interest for consideration by the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on any of these boards, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by February 18th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda for Feb. 1

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Minutes are unapproved until the 2/1/2022 meeting.

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

P. Allen J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells K. Allen

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Sergeant Bill Downey, Fort Scott Police Department

  1. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 18th, 2022 and special meeting of January 27th, 2022.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1305-A totaling $241,893.82.

  1. Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion – Union Lofts Alley

  1. Request to Pay #2 – Davis Structure & Development Corporation – $77,775.50 – Clarifier #1 Replacement

  1. Request to Pay – SAM, LLC – $5,889.00 – Manhole Inspections for GIS Mapping System

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer – December legal fees – $1,727.00

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. Old Business:

  1. Wage Study – Approval of Ordinance No. 3601 – Salary Ordinance

  1. Appearances: Alison Leach

Nedra Barr – Spyder Company

Frank Halsey – Kansas NICA Race

Rob Harrington – Neighborhood Revitalization Program

  1. Public Hearing: None

  1. New Business:

  1. Consideration of Resolution authorizing the Redemption and Payment of its Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2015-A (Bourbon County Assisted Living Project), and authorizing the City to Consent to the Assignment of certain documents in connection with its Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2015-B

  2. Discussion of R.F.Q. – City Attorney

  3. Discussion of R.F.Q. – City Engineer

  4. Review Letters of Interest for Land Bank Board

  5. Consideration of 2022 contract with Bourbon County R.E.D.I.

  6. Discussion of docks at Lake Fort Scott

  7. Consideration of demolition bids – 619 S. Ransom

  8. Consideration of survey of land by Bourbon County Landfill

  9. Consideration to purchase an asphalt emulsion storage tank

  10. Consideration to send out for bids – three waterline projects

  11. Consideration of water rate analysis

XII. Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:

  1. Director Reports:

Codes Enforcement – Discussion of City fees

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

D. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

IX. Adjournment:

Government, Kansas

Input for American Rescue Plan Sought

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SPARK Requests Input from Kansans for American Rescue Plan Investment Ideas

TOPEKA – The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee is inviting Kansans to share their investment ideas for the allocation of federal coronavirus relief funds allocated to Kansas through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of March 2021.

“This money offers the opportunity to make strategic investments that will have long-term positive impacts on our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It is vital to the recovery efforts that we have input from Kansans across the state – everyone should have a seat at the table.”

This provides a chance for Kansans to make their voice heard as we rebuild our economy and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The SPARK Executive Committee oversees the development of recommendations for the distribution of ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF), assisted by the four SPARK Advisory Panels: Health & Education, Economic Revitalization, Connectivity, and Efficiency & Modernization. The SPARK Executive Committee then presents recommendations to the State Finance Council to distribute the SFRF allocated to the State of Kansas.

The online submission form for proposing a SPARK investment idea is available here. Currently, SPARK is requesting proposals for program-level investments. The four Advisory Panels may consider these submissions as part of the process to determine investment priorities and make recommendations to the SPARK Executive Committee. Advisory Panels will begin meeting in the coming weeks.

“This is a historic opportunity for Kansans to have direct input in how these funds are utilized to benefit our state long term,” Senate President Masterson said. “I look forward to reviewing the investments ideas that our citizens submit and working with the Advisory Panels to identify the investments that will best position our state moving forward.”

In making decisions, SPARK will adhere to the following guiding principles:

  • Prioritize sustainable programs & investments through one-time use of funds vs. substantial expansion of existing services
  • Combine with / leverage local and agency funds to maximize use of discretionary funds
  • Foster long-term systemic impact for Kansans
  • Consider equitable opportunities and outcomes
  • Enable flexibility within investment strategies
  • Ensure results are measurable to enable tracking & transparency

“The SPARK Executive Committee heard many great investment ideas from the citizens of Kansas at our regional meetings across the state,” House Speaker Ron Ryckman said. “The investment ideas submitted through this form will allow SPARK to further engage with the citizens of Kansas while determining investment priorities.”

Interested parties are instructed to complete the submission form in its entirety. The submission period will close on February 16, 2022.

Once submitted, investment ideas will be available for review by Advisory Panel members. By submitting an investment idea, interested parties acknowledge that SPARK staff may follow up with them for additional details. Submission does not guarantee assignment to or further consideration by an Advisory Panel and that additional information will not be reviewed unless requested.

Interested parties are also encouraged to familiarize themselves on allowable uses of SFRF. An overview of the Treasury Department’s Final Rule summarizing eligibility provisions for using SFRF can be found here, while the entire Final Rule is available here. Please note that not all investment ideas will fit within the allowable uses of SFRF.

An FAQ document on the submission form is available here. If there are any questions on completing the submission form, please contact [email protected].