The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Counselor present, the County Clerk was able to watch the meeting live on YouTube. The meeting was held at the City of Fort Scott Commission room.
Also present were the following; (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Jody Hoener, Susan Bancroft, Anne Dare, Nancy Van Etten, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Kim Simons, Michael Hoyt and Mark Mccoy.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Juliana to speak with the Commissioners (over the phone) regarding Apex energy, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Juliana told the Commissioners that the wind project is on track, she said they have secured the proper financial funding and they will begin building this year. She told the Commissioners that WEC Energy Group had purchased Jayhawk Wind. She said they would oversee the project and IEA would be the general contractor for the project. She said a renewable power purchase agreement has been executed. Jim Harris said he had read on the internet that the power they produce will be sent to Nebraska; Juliana said the energy will go onto the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and the energy will flow to where the demand for it is needed. Jim questioned if Evergy wasn’t a player anymore with the wind project; Juliana said that agreement had been mutually dissolved. Lynne asked who the owner of the substation is for the project; Julian said the substation was an asset of Jayhawk so it is now owned by WEC. There was a brief discussion over the recent controlled power outages due to the weather, Lynne said that outage was controlled by SPP. Justin said the contracts for the windfarm are still valid. Juliana said they would be starting doing grading the end of this month. She said Jeff Spangler is still a contact for this project. Anne Dare discussed who owned the substation; she said Jeff Spangler told her it was owned by Evergy. Juliana said there are two structures; the substation is all of the underground collection cabling that goes to the substation which then goes into the switchyard (the switchyard is owned by Evergy). Anne Dare discussed the new weight restrictions of 20 ton from K47-K7; Lynne said the County has no control over the weight restriction on those State highways. Apex/Jayhawk was not scheduled on the Commission agenda, Anne Dare was disappointed she didn’t know they were going to be speaking today, she asked the Commissioners when they learned they were speaking today; Lynne said he learned yesterday and Clifton said he learned today, Lynne said he received a call from Juliana and an email with the announcement of the selling to WEC.
The Commissioners signed culvert permits for Nick Leighty at 651 160th St., Kyle Brown at 1163 250th St. and Joyce Flanner at 2542 Locust Road.
Eric Bailey said the bridge crew is working in an area east of 215th & Xavier. He said they had finished a project on Maple near the Blythe ranch.
Eric reported damage to signs from an accident on 240th; he said they are putting the signs back up. Eric said the rock crusher is now working and they are working 10 hour days to try and get caught up. Eric said they are working with Buckley Powder to schedule a blast at the Beth Quarry (blast should be in 2-3 weeks).
Eric asked if the north door outside of the Public Works entrance could be unlocked during business hours so that customers could meet with the Public Works office, later in the meeting Jim Harris made a motion to unlock the north door of the Courthouse during business hours, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Eric said the County should receive approximately $5,700 from FEMA for the 2019 flood. He said they are still working on this.
Clifton said he had been asked why the stop signs in front of the FSCC rodeo dorm had been placed there and asked if they were needed; Lynne said the signs were put up to control the speed in the area.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 6 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1)to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss employees seeking medical leave, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:38 am, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Eric Bailey and Susan Bancroft). At 9:38, Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and resume the normal meeting and said no action, Jim seconded and all approved.
The Commissioners discussed unlocking the east doors of the Courthouse; the request to unlock the doors was made because law enforcement had issues getting into the Courthouse on a recent call for help. Lynne said he asked the person letting people in the Courthouse (taking temperatures and handing out masks) if they could control people entering if the doors were unlocked, their response was they couldn’t control them and they would come in without a mask if they chose to. Lynne suggested working with the IT department to allow access by a key fob at the north, west and south entrance. Clifton made a motion that he be allowed to meet with the Sheriff and Police department and he make a decision regarding the northeast door of the Courthouse and that he work with Shane on this issue, Jim seconded, Bobby suggested giving every employee a key fob, Susan suggested placing a lockbox with a keypad and a key inside the building to enter the building, all approved the motion.
Bobby Reed said the Sheriff asked the Commissioners to clarify the stop signs and the speed limit near the college rodeo dorms, he said going one direction on the bridge is 35 mph vs. going the opposite direction which is a different speed.
Bobby previously met with the Commissioners to request that debris from the 4-H building roof be deposited at the Landfill for free; he clarified that the 4-H building is a 501c5, Justin said they are a not for profit organization. Jim made a motion to allow the Fair Board to dump the roof debris from the 4-H building at no charge, Clifton seconded and all approved. Bobby will work with Eric Bailey on the dumping of the debris. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to work with the Fair Board (pro bono) to help them transfer from a 501c5 to a 501c3 if they want to, Jim seconded and all approved.
Justin Meeks told the Commissioners they had bids (Justin did not have the bids at the meeting) to make the restrooms A.D.A. compliant at the Drivers License building; Jim made a motion to accept the low bid to make the restrooms there A.D.A. compliant, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Justin said they are still moving forward with the tax sale.
Justin briefly discussed a Commissioner quorum and ways to avoid a KOMA violation.
Clifton made a motion to allow Jim Harris to visit a micro processing plant on March 12th in Springhill, Lynne seconded and all approved.
Justin said they are still emailing between St. Martens academy and trying to figure out the paperwork on how they joined the sewer district. Susan Bancroft said they are looking at putting a meter on their lift station and said no sewer district map exists. Nancy Van Etten asked Justin if he was still working on an interlocal sewer district agreement; she said there still isn’t an agreement in place on what someone has to pay to connect to the district. Susan said they are still working on this. Nancy asked if the sewer district bonds had been refinance; Lynne said they are still working on refinancing them.
Anne Dare asked when the Courthouse front steps were going to be done; Lynne said they are still working on them, Justin said they were waiting for the weather to dry up to apply a needed product.
Anne told the Commissioners that masking is a mandate and not a law. She asked what the status was regarding the meeting Will Wallis had with the Commissioners regarding the City of Uniontown’s higher gas prices due to the recent cold weather (Uniontown purchased gas in bulk for distribution to their customers and ran out of that gas, but will now be charged a higher rate from the supplier); Lynne said the City of Uniontown is going to discuss this at an upcoming meeting.
Clifton commented that Jayhawk wind is a multi-billion dollar company and said companies don’t let anyone know the decisions they are making until the decision is made. He said the windfarm has no control over how the energy they produce is dispersed; he said their energy is added to the power pool. Jim said he was disappointed that the energy wasn’t staying in this area.
Jim Harris suggested the Commissioners have a work session to discuss a larger rock crusher; this will be discussed again at a later date. Susan said the City has a work session on Tuesday evenings and said this could be incorporated with their work session.
At 10:48, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session at Fort Scott City Hall with all three Commissioners and the County Counselor present, the County Clerk was able to watch the meeting live on YouTube.
Also present were the following (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting); Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Jody Hoener, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Susan Bancroft and Steve Hill.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to meet with Eric Bailey before approving the prior meeting minutes, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Eric Bailey presented a culvert application for Clifton Beth for a location at 2236 215th St, he said Clifton has the culvert and rock and wants the County to install the culvert; Jim Harris said to his knowledge they have never allowed this, after discussion, Jim made a motion to approve the application, Lynne seconded and all approved and signed the application.
Eric said they needed to place an order for culverts and said Bo’s 1 Stop bid was lower than Wellborn Sales; Clifton made a motion to approve the quote for $42,750 from Bo’s 1 Stop, Jim seconded and all approved the motion.
Eric said the crusher is now working again and will be crushing rock soon. They are finishing removing the overburden at the Beth Quarry. Eric said they took the Mack truck for hydraulic valve repairs to be made. He said they are testing the Sterling Truck for issues and are still waiting on quotes for repairs to the trailer that was recently involved in an accident.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to move Jessie Walker up on the agenda, Clifton seconded and all approved. Jessie questioned the road closures the County has been discussing; he asked if the County would be having public meetings when doing the road closures and asked how the landowners would be notified, Lynne said the people involved would be notified by the County Clerk and said if there are any road closings/openings the Commission want to do they will go through the landowners and there will be public hearings. Jessie asked what type of input the Commissioners expected from the public, Lynne said there is a set procedure for road closings/openings and they will go through that procedure. Jessie questioned if closing roads would discourage others from coming to the area to build homes, Jim said if it’s a private road, they will close the road by following procedure. Jessie questioned if the Commissioners have the control over the amount of maintenance a road requires what is the point of closing the road. Justin Meeks said the issue they have been researching is whether a road is closed or not, Jessie questioned the County closing roads that they have been maintaining; Justin said it is not an issue of closing or opening a road, the issue is if they are already opened on closed roads. Justin said just because the County has been maintaining a road does not mean it is an open road. Justin said if a road was legally closed and a landowner wanted to open the road the landowner would have to petition to re-open the road. Justin said they have been reviewing Jessie’s road, but still don’t know if his road is an open or closed road.
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to move the scheduled meeting with Hubert Thomas since Hubert was at the meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved. Hubert said he wanted to inform the Commissioners that the water district was installing a water meter at the Landfill. Hubert questioned if it was true that the County was going to hire an assistant to the road supervisor; Lynne said a motion was made in August of 2020 to hire both a public works director and an assistant. Hubert questioned if our County was so big we needed two people for this job. After a brief discussion Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for a 7 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1)to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy regarding a job performance issue, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:41, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Hubert Thomas, Susan Bancroft and Justin Meeks). Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and resume the meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Lynne had scheduled an executive session regarding non-elected personnel, but made a motion to replace the scheduled executive session with an open discussion regarding personnel and the economic development position, Clifton seconded and all approved. Lynne said it had been quite a journey since Jody Hoener was hired part time in 2018 for economic development. He said her first day on the job is when the hospital announced its closing, the County was then tasked with taking on the ambulance by March 1st and met that goal, he said other issues she has helped with were the windmills coming to Bourbon County, the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, grant funds, BWERK program and dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Lynne said the County had moved economic development to BEDCO; he said BEDCO has a board that includes all cities in Bourbon County, the Chamber and the Commissioners. He said BEDCO has been going through a hiring process for the economic development position. Lynne said he felt it is a sad day since they are coming to an end of an era with the County Economic Development position. Lynne said Jody had done a lot for Bourbon County and presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation. Lynne said they were giving Jody a two week notice due to a reduction in force. Jody said she was excited to be at this point, she said she has applied for the BEDCO economic development position. Clifton told Jody she had done a phenomenal job.
Jody Hoener said she had been the contact regarding the ambulance service; she said Susan Bancroft will now be the contact person. She said the County needed a policy in place regarding taking payments for ambulance service. Lynne asked Susan to make a recommendation to the Commissioners next week regarding OMNI and the collection process.
The Commissioners reviewed and approved some vouchers for payment.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda for a 12 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship regarding possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:05, Clifton seconded the motion and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). At 10:05, Lynne made a motion to come out of the executive session and resume the meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Jim made a motion to amend the agenda to have a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1)to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:16, Clifton seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners). Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and resume the meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Justin Meeks said he had the Commissioners KOMA Zoom training scheduled for March 23rd at 10:30 during the Commission meeting.
Justin discussed the tax sale; he said once the petition is filed all of the back taxes would have to be paid on a property in order for someone to redeem their property. He said the Treasurer had collected over $300,000 in back taxes since the demand letters were sent.
Justin said he would be meeting with the Register of Deeds regarding a road vacation issue.
The Commissioners opened the meeting up for public comment; Anne Dare thanked the Commissioners for having an evening meeting last week and said she would appreciate the Commissioners doing this again.
Clifton thanked the City for allowing the County to use their Commission meeting to hold their Commission meeting since the County Commission room was being used for advance voting.
At 10:21 Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
February 15, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins (via Zoom), Dave Elliott (via Zoom), Kirk Hart (via Zoom), Bill Meyer (via Zoom), and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, and staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer stated that FSCC is “doing a fantastic job with Covid-19.”
He expressed his thanks to all for their work in mitigating the virus on campus.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2021-22
academic calendar.
B. The Board discussed outside groups using the campus for their events. KJCCC is still at 25% capacity for athletic
events. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote that for the safety of
all involved, non-college events and activities hosted by outside organizations will not be allowed on campus
through July 31, 2021. This will include meetings and/or lunches hosted on campus by local civic organizations.
C. The Board discussed graduation ceremonies and selecting a recipient for an honorary associate degree. Board
members are to email ideas for recipients to Chairman Bartelsmeyer.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus,
Student Services, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for thirty minutes beginning at 6:11 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel, with no action expected to follow.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 6:45 by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn
to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 6:50 pm for the purpose of preliminary discussion of the acquisition of
real property with no action expected to follow. At 7:05 pm the Board extended executive session for ten minutes.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 7:16 by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:18
p.m. by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
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The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will be meeting in person again, so the meeting will not be streamed as it has been the past few months.
March 22, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, March 22, 2021. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at FSCC.
Dinner at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on February 15,
2021, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 49
A. Approval of Disposal of Property – Allied Health Manikins, 49
B. Approval of Disposal of Property – CTEC Shed, 50
C. Approval of Disposal of Property – Industrial Bandsaw, 52
D. Consideration of 2021-22 Tuition and Fees, 54
E. Consideration of Student Housing Options, 59
F. Discussion of Board Attendance at Graduation, 60
REPORTS, 61
A. Administrative Updates, 62
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 69
ADJOURNMENT, 70
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UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• March 22, 2021: Board Meeting
• March 26, 2021: Aggie Day
• April 1 – 2, 2021: Good Friday – Campus Closed
• April 19, 2021: Board Meeting
• May 1, 2021: Graduation
• May 17, 2021: Board Meeting
• June 21, 2021: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bill Meyer
_____ Robert Nelson
3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on February
15, 2021.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Jeff Sawyer, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective February 26, 2021
b) Sean Davidson, Assistant Football Coach, effective March 15, 2021
c) Harry Puddefoot, Assistant Golf Coach, effective April 1, 2021
2) Separations
a) John Giffin, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective March 3, 2021
b) Jonathan Allen, Assistant Golf Coach, effective March 8, 2021
c) Brandon McAdams, Welding Instructor, effective February 25, 2021
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Meyer Nelson
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Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) this week announced the launch of the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program to provide rent, utility, and internet assistance to individuals and families financially impacted by COVID-19.
“Keeping Kansans in their homes and businesses – and ensuring they have access to the high-speed internet needed for telehealth, telework, and virtual school – has been a top priority for my administration since day one,” Governor Kelly said. “This program will be critical in ensuring Kansans can stay secure in their homes, stay warm, and maintain access to the internet.”
The program offers tenants up to 12 months of assistance with current or past due household rent and past due residential utility and internet bills. Utilities covered may include electric, gas, water, sewer, trash removal, and home energy costs. Renters can apply for assistance with all, some, or any one of the services offered.
Both tenant and landlord must apply online. If the applicant meets the eligibility criteria, KHRC will make payments on the tenant’s behalf directly to the landlord or service provider(s).
Last year KHRC administered the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP), a nearly $20 million rental assistance initiative to support Kansans financially impacted by COVID. In the roughly 60 days that the program was in statewide operation, it received applications from more than 10,000 tenants and more than 4000 landlords, ultimately serving 21,642 Kansans.
“Home has always been a place of shelter, but during the pandemic it’s become so much more,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “The outpouring of interest we saw in the KEPP program demonstrated the tremendous need COVID has created across our state. We’re so pleased to offer not just rent, but also utility and internet assistance so we can keep Kansans safely housed and connected when they need it most.”
The KERA program will initially serve Kansans across the state, except those living within the Wichita city limits. Wichita residents may apply for assistance through the Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERAP).
To learn more and apply for KERA assistance, visit the KHRC website.
###
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Statewide Rental, Utility Assistance for Families Affected by COVID-19
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) launched the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program on Monday, March 15, providing rent, utility, and internet assistance to individuals and families financially impacted by COVID-19.
“Keeping Kansans in their homes and businesses – and ensuring they have access to the high-speed internet needed for telehealth, telework, and virtual school – has been a top priority for my administration since day one,” Governor Kelly said. “This program will be critical in ensuring Kansans can stay secure in their homes, stay warm, and maintain access to the internet.”
The program offers tenants up to 12 months of assistance with current or past due rent and past due utility and internet bills, including electric, gas, water, sewer, trash removal, and home energy services. Renters can apply for assistance with all, some, or any one of the services offered.
Both tenant and landlord must apply online. If the applicant meets the eligibility criteria, KHRC will make payments on the tenant’s behalf directly to the landlord or service provider(s).
Last year KHRC administered the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP), a nearly $20 million rental assistance initiative to support Kansans financially impacted by COVID. In the roughly 60 days that the program was in statewide operation, it received applications from more than 10,000 tenants and more than 4000 landlords, ultimately serving more than 21,000 Kansans.
“Home has always been a place of shelter, but during the pandemic it’s become so much more,” Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director, said. “The outpouring of interest we saw in the KEPP program demonstrated the tremendous need COVID has created across our state. We’re so pleased to offer not just rent, but also utility and internet assistance so we can keep Kansans safely housed and connected when they need it most.”
The KERA program will initially serve Kansans across the state, except those living within the Wichita city limits. Wichita residents may apply for assistance through the Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERAP).
To learn more and apply for KERA assistance, visit the KHRC website.
About KHRC:
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Expanded Visitation Rules for Nursing Homes During COVID-19
~ KDADS working quickly to ensure Kansas facilities follow expanded CMS guidelines ~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced revised recommendations for nursing facilities to expand visitation in response to significant reductions in COVID-19 infections and transmission resulting from ongoing infection control practices, and high vaccination rates in the nursing home population.
“This updated guidance is great news for Kansans with loved ones in long-term care facilities and proof that our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 are working,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “While this is another step towards our return to normalcy, I encourage all Kansans to follow the guidance, continue to mask up, and receive the vaccine when it is their turn.”
According to Memorandum QSO-20-39-NH-Revised issued March 10, 2021 by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and effective immediately, “… vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Millions of vaccinations have since been administered to nursing home residents and staff, and these vaccines have been shown to help prevent symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (i.e., COVID-19). Therefore, CMS, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is updating its visitation guidance accordingly, but emphasizing the importance of maintaining infection prevention practices, given the continued risk of COVID-19 transmission.”
CMS directs that visitation can be conducted through different means based on a facility’s structure and residents’ needs, such as in resident rooms, dedicated visitation spaces, outdoors, and for circumstances beyond compassionate care situations. Regardless of how visits are conducted, QSO-20-39-NH-Revised outlines certain core principles and best practices consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for nursing homes that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and should still be adhered to at all times.
“Our Survey, Certification and Credentialing Commission has been acutely aware of the need to keep residents and workers in faculties healthy and safe during this pandemic by conducting inspections and investigations and at the same time they have worked very hard to offer and help implement programs that have allowed residents and their loved ones to communicate during the visitation restrictions using technology and other alternative methods,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “This new guidance is welcome news because we all recognize the emotional and physical toll being separated has on our seniors.”
Key revisions outlined in the new CMS memorandum include, but are not limited to:
Outdoor visitation:
While taking a person-centered approach and adhering to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention, outdoor visitation is preferred even when the resident and visitor are fully vaccinated* against COVID-19. Outdoor visits generally pose a lower risk of transmission due to increased space and airflow. *Fully vaccinated refers to a person who is ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine, per the CDC’s Public Health Recommendations for Vaccinated Persons.
Indoor visitation:
Facilities should allow indoor visitation at all times and for all residents (regardless of vaccination status), except for a few circumstances when visitation should be limited due to a high risk of COVID-19 transmission (note: compassionate care visits should be permitted at all times). These scenarios include limiting indoor visitation for:
Unvaccinated residents, if the nursing home’s COVID-19 county positivity rate is >10% and <70% of residents in the facility are fully vaccinated
Residents with confirmed COVID-19 infection, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated until they have met the criteria to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions; or
Residents in quarantine, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met criteria for release from quarantine.
We encourage visitors to become vaccinated when they have the opportunity. While visitor testing and vaccination can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitors should not be required to be tested or vaccinated (or show proof of such) as a condition of visitation. This also applies to representatives of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and protection and advocacy systems.
Compassionate care visits:
Compassionate care visits, and visits required under federal disability rights law, should be allowed at all times, regardless of a resident’s vaccination status, the county’s COVID-19 positivity rate, or an outbreak.
If the resident is fully vaccinated, they can choose to have close contact (including touch) with their visitor while wearing a well-fitting face mask and performing hand-hygiene before and after. Regardless, visitors should physically distance from other residents and staff in the facility.
KDADS recognizes there are other long-term care settings in Kansas not subject to the guidance issued by CMS for certified nursing facilities. Using federal guidelines as a road map, KDADS has issued its Visitation Guidance for Long Term Care Settings for those facilities throughout the state.
To view a graphic detailing updated CMS guidance, please click here.
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.
Speaking in Opposition of H.R. 1
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor in opposition of H.R. 1, the partisan For the People Act, to highlight the drastic impact this legislation would have on federalizing elections, restricting free speech and further dividing the country along party lines.
H.R. 1 is an affront to the United States Constitution. Americans did not vote to give one party free rein to implement an unprecedented power grab, to nationalize elections and strip power from states and localities from now into perpetuity. As a conservative, I believe in individual liberties and in a federal government that exercises restraint, and that state and local units of government are inherently more responsive to the wishes of the citizenry. My adherence to the Constitution instructs deference to state governments to oversee their own elections, and I hope all Americans, including my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, take the time to read and understand H.R. 1 for what it truly is.
Listen to my full remarks by clicking here or below.
Meeting with Kansas Health Officials Regarding Vaccination Efforts Across the State
Visiting the Sedgwick County Vaccination Center
On Monday, I visited the Sedgwick County COVID-19 Vaccination Center where more than 1,500 people received their shots throughout the day. During my visit, many Kansans made a point of telling me how well organized the center is and how pleased they are to receive the vaccine. My time at the center was a personal reminder that the goal of getting vaccinated is to keep people healthy so that they feel comfortable at work, comfortable hugging their grandkids and have the opportunity to go to church in person again—all the things that make up normal Kansas life.
I want to thank the many health care professionals and volunteers who continue to work to ensure the center is run efficiently and the vaccination process is smooth. Thank you to Sedgwick County Commissioners David Dennis, Jim Howell and Pete Meitzner, as well as Sedgwick County Health Director Adrienne Byrne for joining me on the tour.
Learning More about Johnson County’s Vaccine Distribution
On Tuesday, I visited the Johnson County COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic and was pleased to hear reports that no vaccines are going unused. Dr. Sanmi Areola, Director of Johnson County’s Department of Health and Environment, updated me on their vaccination efforts across the Kansas City area. Currently 117,000 residents of Johnson County have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
I also enjoyed speaking with all the Kansans at the clinic who got their vaccine to hear firsthand about their experience. Thank you to Dr. Areola, Johnson County Chairman Ed Eilert, Johnson County Commissioner Mike Ashcraft and Assistant County Manager Joe Connor for joining me on the tour. The efficiency of Johnson County’s distribution is a testament to its leadership, and I again want to reiterate my thanks to all of the health care professionals and volunteers working at this clinic, and across our state, to get shots in the arms of Kansans so we can continue on this path back towards normal.
Expanding the VA’s Vaccination Efforts to Spouses and Caregivers
This week, I introduced the Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize All Veterans and Every Spouse (SAVE LIVES) Act with my colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. This legislation would expand VA’s COVID-19 vaccination authority, enable the VA to vaccinate more veterans than currently allowed and offer vaccines to individuals within a veteran’s circle of care.
Currently, the VA is only able to vaccinate active VA Health Care System enrollees. While the VA will continue to prioritize vaccinating VHA enrolled veterans with its allocation of COVID-19 vaccines, this legislation enables the VA to vaccinate non-enrolled veterans, veteran spouses, caregivers, overseas veterans and others with excess COVID-19 vaccine supply.
Military service is family service. It impacts not only our servicemembers but their spouses, families and support networks, and it is why the VA and this committee aim to care for both veterans and their families. More shots in more arms is our best option for ending this pandemic and returning to normal; expanding the VA’s ability to vaccinate veterans as well as those within their support network further reduces COVID-19 risk to veterans and the general public.
If you are a veteran, you can click here for more information about the VA’s COVID-19 testing and treatment resources. You can also sign up for updates about vaccine availability here.
Improving Care for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Substances During Service
This week, during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing, I called for a framework to improve care for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. The committee heard testimonies from two wounded warriors who shed a harsh light on their experiences, dealing with health consequences from toxic exposures to substances such as Agent Orange and burn pits, as well as the often frustrating process to get care and service from the VA. For too long, veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances during the course of their military service have faced overwhelming barriers to get the VA care and service they deserve—the burden of proof is challenging for veterans, and we must find a way to bridge the gap.
I was encouraged by bipartisan legislation passed out of this committee last Congress to address this issue. As a result of our work, we now have several new laws on the books directing research and covering more of our Vietnam and Korean War veterans. As the lead Republican on SVAC, I will continue to build on that progress this Congress and listen to the needs of veterans to provide them with the care they require.
Restoring Jobs in Kansas City
This week, I was pleased to learn that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will restore 500 positions at USCIS facilities in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area that had been eliminated due to financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic. Restoring these critical jobs at the National Benefits Center in the Kansas City region will help support the local economy and the nation, as these employees work to process immigration applications. Because of the dedication and the invaluable contributions of these employees, the Kansas City Metro Area boasts a diverse business community that has brought countless economic advantages to the region. I’m thankful for the work they do and will continue to work with my Congressional colleagues to get our USICS workforce back to operating at pre-pandemic levels.
Recognizing Women’s History Month
Remembering the Efforts of the “Hello Girls”
March is Women’s History Month, and I was proud to celebrate it this week by introducing legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the women who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I (WWI), also known as the “Hello Girls.” These brave, trail-blazing women are considered some of our nation’s first women veterans.
In 1917, General John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force in Europe during WWI knew that the U.S. had thousands of experienced women telephone operators back home, so he directed the Army to recruit female wire experts who were fluent in English and French to deploy to France to run the telephone equipment on the front lines. Connecting more than 150,000 calls per day, and doing so six times faster than their male counterparts, these female switchboard operators played a crucial role in WWI. Despite their service, it took decades for them to receive veteran status and therefore be recognized as some of our nation’s first women veterans. This Congressional Gold Medal will serve as way to honor the trailblazing Hello Girls and recognize their important contributions to our history.
Supporting Women in the Aviation Workforce
I also I introduced and the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution supporting women in the aviation industry, committing to help increase aviation and STEM job opportunities for women and designating March 8 through March 14, 2021, as “Women of the Aviation Workforce Week.”
The most famous woman in aviation—Amelia Earhart—grew up in Atchison, Kansas. She set flight records, broke barriers and led the way for thousands of women to pursue careers in aviation as engineers, flight crew members, air traffic controllers and pilots. However, women still make up less than eight percent of our pilots and a small percentage of aeronautical engineers in the U.S. To address this disparity, I, along with my colleague Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), established an advisory board at the FAA that aims to support women in aviation and better meet the growing demand for workers in the industry. As more women pursue careers in aviation, I’m proud to join my colleagues in sponsoring this resolution to recognize Women of the Aviation Workforce Week.
Reauthorizing the USADA in Preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
This week, I introduced legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics along with my colleague Senator Blumenthal (D-Conn.). As a member of the Commerce Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the health and safety of amateur athletes, Sen. Blumenthal and I have previously worked to make certain our nation’s athletes are able to pursue the sports they love in a safe and fair manner.
In 2001, Congress recognized USADA as the official anti-doping agency for the Olympics, Paralympics, Pan American and Parapan Games to help combat the use of performance-enhancing drugs and create a fair and level playing field for our athletes. USADA is a non-profit organization and manages the most comprehensive anti-doping program in the country while setting the standard for all other national anti-doping programs abroad. The program consists of in-competition and out-of-competition drug testing, results management processes, drug reference resources and athlete education in order to prevent athlete doping practices.
Since its inception, USADA has modeled integrity and fair competition for the international athletic community and anti-doping agencies around the world. As the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles approaches, I remain committed to making certain USADA has the tools and resources it needs to ensure all American athletes are competing in fair trials leading up to the Games.
Addressing the Trucking Industry’s Driver Shortage with The DRIVE-Safe Act
This week, I introduced the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE-Safe) Act with my colleagues to address the driver shortage in the trucking and logistics industry and enhance safety training and job opportunities for young truckers.
Though 49 states and the District of Columbia allow individuals to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) at age 18, federal law currently prohibits those operators from moving goods from state to state until they are 21.
As we saw during this pandemic, a shortage of truck drivers impacts our ability to move goods across roads and highways to support our economy, including transporting Kansas products. The DRIVE-Safe Act allows young CDL holders that meet rigorous safety standards and performance benchmarks to move goods from state to state, addressing the driver shortage while continuing to deliver commodities across Kansas and the country. Read more about this legislation by clicking here.
Protecting Aviation across Kansas
Securing $8.9 Million in Grants to Support Kansas Airports
This week, I announced $8,903,293 in Department of Transportation grants for 23 Kansas airports to help with expenses related to COVID-19. The grants were made available by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act.
Local airports, whether in small towns or big cities, help bring economic opportunities and critical resources to communities across Kansas. Since the onset of this pandemic, our airports have worked hard to create safe flying opportunities for passengers and crew, and these grants will help Kansas airports with associated costs related to the pandemic, including sanitization services, to continue to ensure a safe experience as folks are passing through.
This week, I visited with leaders from Spirit AeroSystems for a factory tour and discussion on how the company continues to navigate the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic. My legislation, the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act was recently signed into law, and it will create a public-private partnership between the federal government and aviation manufacturers, like Spirit, to protect the aviation manufacturing industry, workforce and supply chain that have been impacted by COVID-19. Kansas’ leading aviation manufacturing industry plays a critical role in commercial and general aviation and within our defense community, and this legislation will help to support this invaluable sector from future workforce reductions and ensure this talented workforce remains intact when demand returns. I would like to thank Tom Gentile and Duane Hawkins for their input throughout the tour.
Visiting with the United States Senate Youth Program
This week I had the opportunity to meet virtually with Sean-Patrick Hurst of Iola and Seth Jarvis of Burlington. These two young men were chosen to represent Kansas as delegates of the 59th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Established in 1962, two individuals are selected to represent their state during their time in Washington, D.C.
The mission of the USSYP program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates a more comprehensive understanding of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundation provides each of the 104 student delegates with a $10,000 college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs during their undergraduate studies. I commend the achievements of these engaged young Kansans. Together, we talked about qualities that create community leaders, and the remarkable leadership that Kansans have shown in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean-Patrick and Seth demonstrated a strong commitment to public service that will serve them and their communities well.
Expanding Access to Allergy Testing
This week, I introduced my bipartisanAllergy Testing Access Act of 2021. This legislation would expand access to allergy testing and ensure proper diagnoses of allergies for patients, including the elderly, young children and individuals in rural communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States and carry an annual cost of $18 billion. Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.
This legislation will remove barriers which inhibit patient access to safe and accurate allergy tests, thereby empowering patients with personal health care information that can help them live healthy, productive lives. Regardless of age or location, people ought to have equal access to allergy testing to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid a potentially life-threatening situation. Allergies can pose a significant threat to one’s health and this sensible legislation creates fairness in coverage and improved accessibility of testing.
Introducing the The Global Trade Accountability Act
I joined two of my Senate colleagues this week in introducing the Global Trade Accountability Act, a bill that would subject unilateral actions by the president to increase trade barriers for congressional approval. The Kansas economy depends on sound trade policies, and imposing undue tariffs or other trade restrictions could have serious ramifications on Kansas agriculture and manufacturing.
The Global Trade Accountability Act would require both chambers of Congress to affirmatively approve of any “unilateral trade actions” by the President before they could take effect, which are defined in this legislation as “any increases in tariffs or duties, tightening of tariff-rate quotas or quantitative restrictions on imports, and other restrictions or prohibitions on imports.” For too long, administrations have been making trade decisions without appropriate input from the legislative branch, and this legislation would reinstate Congress’ constitutional authority over commerce with foreign countries.
Welcoming Millennium Corporation to Wichita
On Friday, I was pleased to announce that Millennium Corporation, a defense contractor and cybersecurity company, will establish a regional Wichita office. Millennium currently supports the cybersecurity needs of the Department of Defense, McConnell Air Force Base’s 177th Squadron “Red Team” and other federal agencies. As a thought leader in the cyberspace and security industry, Millennium is a welcome addition to Wichita’s growing cybersecurity community. Regional businesses continue to be reliable and growing partners for our military through Department of Defense contracts, and with Millennium’s expertise and credentials, it will be a great asset in providing cybersecurity services for our nation.
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.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Will Move To Phase 3 and 4 of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
~ State to begin vaccinating Kansans who qualify in Phase 3 and Phase 4 on March 22, 2021~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the state will move to Phase 3 and 4 of Kansas’ COVID-19 vaccination plan on March 22, 2021. With this move, individuals between ages 16 and 64 with a preexisting medical condition and other non-healthcare workers in critical infrastructure will be eligible for vaccination.
“Thanks to an increased supply in vaccine, Kansas will begin vaccinating individuals who qualify in either Phase 3 or Phase 4 on March 22,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This expedited timeline will allow Kansans to get back to work, back to school, and back to a more normal way of life. I urge all Kansans to do their part by getting vaccinated when it is their turn and continuing to follow the public health guidance, so we can return back to normal.”
Kansans now eligible to be vaccinated include:
• Those aged 16 through 64 with conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including:
o Cancer;
o Down Syndrome;
o Certain heart conditions;
o Type 1 & 2 diabetes;
o Pregnancy;
o Asthma;
o Cystic fibrosis;
o Liver disease;
o Neurological conditions like dementia;
o And other medical risks.
• And other non-health care workers in critical infrastructure who cannot work remotely, including:
o Agricultural and food workers not included in previous phases;
o Workers performing in-person activities indoors;
o Utility workers;
o Social service and government workers not included in previous phases;
o Logistics workers, such as truck transportation workers and couriers;
o Water and wastewater workers;
o Shelter, housing, and finance workers;
o And information technology and communication workers.
This announcement made one week ahead of time, will give counties with vaccination events planned an opportunity to finish vaccinating Kansans in Phases 1 and 2 and will ensure providers have enough time to prepare and notify Kansans who will be eligible in the newly combined Phase 3 and 4. Under this expedited timeline, Kansas is expected to move into the final phase of vaccinations by no later than May 1, 2021.
Additionally, Governor Kelly announced the state will activate more providers to complete vaccinations, including safety-net clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and medical practices. Kansas will also partner with the federal government to set up mass vaccination sites in Kansas to increase the number of vaccinations possible per day.
Kansans who need help identifying if they are eligible should contact their local health department. Kansans can also utilize the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool at KansasVaccine.Gov to locate a provider near them with vaccines available.
To view the updated COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization plan, click here.
To view the updated COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization plan in Spanish, click here.
The Senate and House passed Senate Bill (SB) 13 and sent it to the Governor’s desk. Each year as you pay your taxes, SB 13 will stop automatic property tax increases that are solely due to property valuation increases. It will stop the shell game of who raised your taxes; stop valuation increases as a result of normal maintenance on your property; allow county treasurers the option to setup payment plans on property taxes; and remove that property tax lid that hasn’t worked because of too many exemptions. I started working on this property tax legislation after hearing from many of you. It was a major undertaking. I used methodologies from my management and business experience with some major help from friends across the state. The results will help reign in out-of-control property tax increases and allow property owners to see why their taxes increased. It must be good legislation because many legislators are taking credit for it. That’s always a good sign. The Governor vetoed it last year. Surely, she won’t make that mistake two years in a row.
Freeze Property Tax For Some Seniors
The Senate Tax Committee heard a bill last week that would freeze property tax on low-income seniors and disabled veterans. Currently, the bill would freeze it for anyone over 65 years of age, making less than $50,000 a year, and lives in a house valued less than $350,000 a year. Kansas is taxing people out of their homes and out of the state. We have to find ways to stop the madness.
Unemployment
There are only a couple of weeks left of the regular 2021 session but there is much work to be completed. A major piece of legislation is dealing with the broken unemployment system. The Senate Commerce Committee will have hearings on this legislation all next week. It is an attempt to make the Governor fix the system and to shore up the unemployment funds that have been depleted because the Governor shut down businesses and paid hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent unemployment claims.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Counselor present, the County Clerk was able to watch the meeting live on YouTube. The meeting was held at the City of Fort Scott Commission room.
Also present were the following; (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Jody Hoener, Susan Bancroft, Anne Dare, Nancy Van Etten, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Kim Simons, Michael Hoyt and Mark Mccoy.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Juliana to speak with the Commissioners (over the phone) regarding Apex energy, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Juliana told the Commissioners that the wind project is on track, she said they have secured the proper financial funding and they will begin building this year. She told the Commissioners that WEC Energy Group had purchased Jayhawk Wind. She said they would oversee the project and IEA would be the general contractor for the project. She said a renewable power purchase agreement has been executed. Jim Harris said he had read on the internet that the power they produce will be sent to Nebraska; Juliana said the energy will go onto the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and the energy will flow to where the demand for it is needed. Jim questioned if Evergy wasn’t a player anymore with the wind project; Juliana said that agreement had been mutually dissolved. Lynne asked who the owner of the substation is for the project; Julian said the substation was an asset of Jayhawk so it is now owned by WEC. There was a brief discussion over the recent controlled power outages due to the weather, Lynne said that outage was controlled by SPP. Justin said the contracts for the windfarm are still valid. Juliana said they would be starting doing grading the end of this month. She said Jeff Spangler is still a contact for this project. Anne Dare discussed who owned the substation; she said Jeff Spangler told her it was owned by Evergy. Juliana said there are two structures; the substation is all of the underground collection cabling that goes to the substation which then goes into the switchyard (the switchyard is owned by Evergy). Anne Dare discussed the new weight restrictions of 20 ton from K47-K7; Lynne said the County has no control over the weight restriction on those State highways. Apex/Jayhawk was not scheduled on the Commission agenda, Anne Dare was disappointed she didn’t know they were going to be speaking today, she asked the Commissioners when they learned they were speaking today; Lynne said he learned yesterday and Clifton said he learned today, Lynne said he received a call from Juliana and an email with the announcement of the selling to WEC.
The Commissioners signed culvert permits for Nick Leighty at 651 160th St., Kyle Brown at 1163 250th St. and Joyce Flanner at 2542 Locust Road.
Eric Bailey said the bridge crew is working in an area east of 215th & Xavier. He said they had finished a project on Maple near the Blythe ranch.
Eric reported damage to signs from an accident on 240th; he said they are putting the signs back up. Eric said the rock crusher is now working and they are working 10 hour days to try and get caught up. Eric said they are working with Buckley Powder to schedule a blast at the Beth Quarry (blast should be in 2-3 weeks).
Eric asked if the north door outside of the Public Works entrance could be unlocked during business hours so that customers could meet with the Public Works office, later in the meeting Jim Harris made a motion to unlock the north door of the Courthouse during business hours, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Eric said the County should receive approximately $5,700 from FEMA for the 2019 flood. He said they are still working on this.
Clifton said he had been asked why the stop signs in front of the FSCC rodeo dorm had been placed there and asked if they were needed; Lynne said the signs were put up to control the speed in the area.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 6 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1)to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss employees seeking medical leave, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:38 am, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Eric Bailey and Susan Bancroft). At 9:38, Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and resume the normal meeting and said no action, Jim seconded and all approved.
The Commissioners discussed unlocking the east doors of the Courthouse; the request to unlock the doors was made because law enforcement had issues getting into the Courthouse on a recent call for help. Lynne said he asked the person letting people in the Courthouse (taking temperatures and handing out masks) if they could control people entering if the doors were unlocked, their response was they couldn’t control them and they would come in without a mask if they chose to. Lynne suggested working with the IT department to allow access by a key fob at the north, west and south entrance. Clifton made a motion that he be allowed to meet with the Sheriff and Police department and he make a decision regarding the northeast door of the Courthouse and that he work with Shane on this issue, Jim seconded, Bobby suggested giving every employee a key fob, Susan suggested placing a lockbox with a keypad and a key inside the building to enter the building, all approved the motion.
Bobby Reed said the Sheriff asked the Commissioners to clarify the stop signs and the speed limit near the college rodeo dorms, he said going one direction on the bridge is 35 mph vs. going the opposite direction which is a different speed.
Bobby previously met with the Commissioners to request that debris from the 4-H building roof be deposited at the Landfill for free; he clarified that the 4-H building is a 501c5, Justin said they are a not for profit organization. Jim made a motion to allow the Fair Board to dump the roof debris from the 4-H building at no charge, Clifton seconded and all approved. Bobby will work with Eric Bailey on the dumping of the debris. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to work with the Fair Board (pro bono) to help them transfer from a 501c5 to a 501c3 if they want to, Jim seconded and all approved.
Justin Meeks told the Commissioners they had bids (Justin did not have the bids at the meeting) to make the restrooms A.D.A. compliant at the Drivers License building; Jim made a motion to accept the low bid to make the restrooms there A.D.A. compliant, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Justin said they are still moving forward with the tax sale.
Justin briefly discussed a Commissioner quorum and ways to avoid a KOMA violation.
Clifton made a motion to allow Jim Harris to visit a micro processing plant on March 12th in Springhill, Lynne seconded and all approved.
Justin said they are still emailing between St. Martens academy and trying to figure out the paperwork on how they joined the sewer district. Susan Bancroft said they are looking at putting a meter on their lift station and said no sewer district map exists. Nancy Van Etten asked Justin if he was still working on an interlocal sewer district agreement; she said there still isn’t an agreement in place on what someone has to pay to connect to the district. Susan said they are still working on this. Nancy asked if the sewer district bonds had been refinance; Lynne said they are still working on refinancing them.
Anne Dare asked when the Courthouse front steps were going to be done; Lynne said they are still working on them, Justin said they were waiting for the weather to dry up to apply a needed product.
Anne told the Commissioners that masking is a mandate and not a law. She asked what the status was regarding the meeting Will Wallis had with the Commissioners regarding the City of Uniontown’s higher gas prices due to the recent cold weather (Uniontown purchased gas in bulk for distribution to their customers and ran out of that gas, but will now be charged a higher rate from the supplier); Lynne said the City of Uniontown is going to discuss this at an upcoming meeting.
Clifton commented that Jayhawk wind is a multi-billion dollar company and said companies don’t let anyone know the decisions they are making until the decision is made. He said the windfarm has no control over how the energy they produce is dispersed; he said their energy is added to the power pool. Jim said he was disappointed that the energy wasn’t staying in this area.
Jim Harris suggested the Commissioners have a work session to discuss a larger rock crusher; this will be discussed again at a later date. Susan said the City has a work session on Tuesday evenings and said this could be incorporated with their work session.
At 10:48, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.
