Category Archives: Government

Agenda For U234 Board Meeting May 9

USD 234 Board Meeting Agenda

May 9, 2022 – 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Open the meeting
  2. Flag Salute
  3. Open budget hearing
  4. Comments
  5. Close budget hearing
  6. Consider official agenda
  7. Consider consent agenda
  8. Public Forum
  9. HTK Architects
  10. Principals’ Reports
  11. Academic Director’s Report
  12. Superintendent’s Report
  13. Finance Director’s Report
  14. Consider budget adoption
  15. Summer Maintenance Projects
  16. KESA Update
  17. ESSER III Update
  18. Consider high school science curriculum recommendation
  19. Consider summer camps
  20. Consider 2022-23 lunch fees
  21. Consider 2022-23 fees
  22. Board Member Comments
  23. Executive session – to discuss employee-employer negotiations for the 2022-23 school year
  24. Executive session – to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel
  25. Consider Resolution 21-13 – Intent to Nonrenew a Teacher’s Contract
  26. Consider employment
  27. Executive session – to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel
  28. Adjourn

 

 

Tourism on the Rise in Fort Scott

Jackson Tough. Submitted.

Tourism is the act of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and pleasure, while using commercial services, according to Britannica Dictionary.

Local tourism is looking healthy as evidenced by the transient guest tax from 2015 through 2022, which just completed its first quarter, JacksonTough, Fort Scott’s Public Relations and Tourism Director said.

“Transient guest tax is probably the most common form of raising funds to promote tourism in a given community,” Tough said. “It’s simply a tax on hotel/motel rooms that visitors pay when they stay in Fort Scott.”

“Residents do not pay into the tourism tax unless they happen to stay in a hotel/motel in Fort Scott,” he said. “Advertising funds are primarily used for promotion of Fort Scott; from print ads, brochure distribution, website maintenance, materials to target motorcoach tours and conferences, social media ad placement, among others.”

The City of Fort Scott has had several tourism directors through the years whose job it is to promote events and attractions

Tough started last June as the newest public relations and tourism director.

Earlier this year, his office was moved from city hall to the Bourbon County Regional Economical Development Inc. office on the second floor of the Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main, he said. He is still an employee of the city but the move allows he and the REDI Executive Director Rob Harrington to work more closely.

Because tourism is also a form of economic development the city commission and the REDI board agreed that it would be smart for the two entities to work side by side, Tough said.

“Like Rob’s job is to help existing businesses increase and to facilitate new business, my job is to help grow existing tourism as well as promote for new events and tourism attractions to Fort Scott,” Tough said.

“I’m very excited about the direction we’re headed in, Harrington said. “Jackson and I work well together. He has his own economic development experience when he was in broadcast marketing and management and also through the chamber of commerce. He has put together a solid plan for marketing Fort Scott tourism into the future.”

 

The NICA race at Gunn Park in April 2022. Submitted photo.

“Even though tourism is on the rise there’s always room for improvement,” Tough said. “We are constantly researching opportunities. Whether it’s the possibility of more motor sports, expansion of rodeo events, adding disc golf or baseball tournaments.”

“There has been discussion of combining and incorporating Gordon Parks, Company D – 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment and other little known and under told stories of progressive African American leaders and events from the Fort Scott area,” Tough said. “It’s an inspirational story that should be told about our area.

“Advertising funds are primarily used for promotion of Fort Scott; from print ads, brochure distribution, website maintenance, materials to target motorcoach tours and conferences, social media ad placement, among others.”

The Fort Scott Mud Run in April 2022. Submitted.

To view the prior story on the mud run:

Watch Fun in the Mud April 23-24 at Bo Co Fairgrounds

“We recently hosted two new events to Fort Scott,” Tough said. “The first annual Fort Scott Mud Run at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds drew approximately 500 visitors to town last month. The first annual National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) youth race at Gunn Park, also in April,  brought approximately 400 visitors to Fort Scott.”

This month Bourbon County hosted with Crawford and Cherokee counties the 2022 Big Kansas Road Trip which features three Kansas counties each year.

The three counties cooperated to invite folks from across Kansas to explore the area.

“It’s been a fantastic event to be a part of!” Tough said.

These Are Events The Fort Scott Tourism Office Works With

  •  FSCC Rodeo each March,
  •   National Historic Site Spring Civil War Encampment in April,
  • Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Swap Meet and Town-Wide Sale each May,
  •  Good Ol’ Days Celebration in June,
  •   Lavender Fest  in June,
  • Marmaton Massacre/Tri-Yak-A-Thon in September,
  • Pioneer Harvest Fiesta,  and the Gordon Parks Celebration in October,
  • Veterans Day Events (Monuments & Memorials, Military Mixer, etc.) in November,
  • National Historic Site Candlelight Tours in December.

“We also promote Dolly the Trolley, the U.S.National Cemetery #1, our Historic Downtown District, as well as other events/attractions” Tough said.

“Fort Scott Tourism is continuing to build a strong brand, expand our social media reach, and target consumers that fit our primary visitor demographics,” Tough said. “Brand awareness is critical to building a relationship with travelers. We will continue to utilize creative concepts that deliver…measurable results. A unique proposition targeted to prospective travelers can create consumer engagement.”

 

For more information about Fort Scott tourism click www.VisitFortScott.com to discover more events, attractions, excellent eateries, cozy accommodations and more.

Bo Co Commission Meets Monday

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701


Date: May 9, 2022

1st DistrictLynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 9TH AT 9AM IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Jim Harris Executive Session KSA 754319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

Uniontown City Council Minutes of April 12

The Regular Council Meeting on April 12, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association asked for permission to hold the all school reunion in the city park the evening of Saturday, September 3, 2022.  They will provide insurance certificate.  They request that the ban on alcoholic beverages in the park be lifted for that evening and want to know if there are any other limitations.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second  by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Uniontown Alumni Association to host all school reunion in the city park on September 3, 2022, allow alcohol consumption from 5PM to Midnight, and no glass containers allowed

 

Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked the council to recess to view the location for the proposed public restrooms.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to recess for 10 minutes to view 112 Second St

 

Meeting resumed at 7:19.  Mr George asked for action to designate the location for the project.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to allow preliminary planning for construction of an ADA public restroom at northeast corner of 112 Second St

 

Discussion followed regarding funding for the public restroom, pickleball court, and outdoor equipment.  This project qualifies for the placemaking pathway we pledged.  Contact REDI for best time to submit an application for 2022 funding.  ARPA funds could also be used for this.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger was absent. March written Treasurer’s Report and 1st Quarter Report were presented.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $338,643.12, Receipts $52,765.73, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $23,883.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $364,499.67. Bank Statement Balance $364,938.99, including Checking Account Interest of $29.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $439.32, Reconciled Balance $364,499.67.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,475.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $85.61, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $160.45.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of March $25,856.55, Year-to-Date Net Income $40,756.17.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $27,812.18 (26.4%), Expenditures $25,333.54 (19.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $8,633.12 (24.2%), Expenditures $11,942.48 (29.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $54,144.38 (38.8%), Expenditures $28,296.04 (11.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $49,170.41 (38.3%), Expenditures $29,562.90 (17.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,814.86 (26.5%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%).  The April 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $29,474.19 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of March 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that the storage building at 112 Second St has been removed, two gas main valves have been replaced, and the speed bumps/signs have been installed.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 104 Fulton has been cleaned up by new owner. An issue of trash in a trailer and debris in the back yard at 202 Fourth St was addressed and trailer has been removed.  103 Fifth is being cleaned up by new owner.  He has contacted our attorney twice in the last two months to get something resolved with the Smith Estate with no response back.  301 Second St #1 has a lot of clutter and debris.  Clerk Johnson will contact the attorney to try to speed things up.  It was suggested to schedule a worksession to continue discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste.  It will be scheduled at next meeting.  Councilmember Ervin asked him to go by 301 Second St and address the collection of clutter/debris.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the financial audit contract with minimal increase in cost but less than anticipated in the budget.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept the financial audit engagement letter with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton

 

Loren Korte was here with the insurance renewal and went over changes with Clerk Johnson.  Overall increase in premiums is 6.74% but less than anticipated in the budget.  He will present to council if needed.  Council concurred it was not needed.

Rabies clinic was April 9 with a good turnout.  Thirteen dogs and seven cats were registered at the clinic.  Clerk Johnson presented a list of animals registered last year that are not yet registered this year, a list of new residents that need a reminder that dogs and cats are required to be registered, and a list of those that have registered but not provided proper rabies documentation.  She will go over this list with Animal Control Officer Binford to get citations issued.

Kansas Municipal Utilities conference in April 27-29 in Wichita which also includes the KMGA Board of Directors meeting and an afternoon of sessions on gas.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Bobby Rich and/or Sally Johnson to attend the KMU conference in Wichita, April 27-29, if they choose

 

KMGA will be hosting regional meetings this year.  The one for our area will be in Humboldt on July 14.  Will put on the agenda again in June.  Clerk Johnson also presented a market update from KMGA.

Midwest Assistance Program would like to assist communities in the application process for USDA community facility project grants and/or loans.  Clerk Johnson will contact them for more information about what is available and what would be the city’s obligation.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – thanked councilmembers and employees that attended the county commission meeting last month.  Asked if fish food has been received.  Clerk Johnson has ordered but it has not been shipped yet, she will follow-up.  He had a request to change elected officials pay to monthly whether attend regular meeting or not which led to a discussion on protocol for elected officials censure or removal.  Clerk Johnson will have the attorney draft an ordinance addressing elected officials pay and protocols.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply – table until next month.

 

Pond Improvement Project – Invitations to bid should be sent/published next month and the liner needs to be ordered due to shipping times.

 

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – this does not need to be discussed monthly, put on the agenda quarterly for updates.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – The annual report has been submitted. There was some discussion about using the funds for the public restrooms, pickleball court, and outdoor exercise equipment.  We will add discussion of the funds to the worksession we schedule next month.

 

Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen was thanked for asking county commissioners for a commitment to help us on our streets this year at the March 22 commission meeting.  Table further discussion until next month.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00PM

 

Meeting resumed at 9:00PM.  No action was taken

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at

The Uniontown City Council Agenda For May 10

The Uniontown City Council Agenda for May 10

Council members:

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Appoint City Clerk, City Treasurer, Court Clerk, Municipal Judge, Prosecutor, official newspaper, bank and administer oath of office

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of April 12, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KCC Inspection

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

Shipping/Storage Containers, Accessory/Storage Buildings, Fences regulations, Solid Waste – set worksession date

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Financial Audit

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply –

 

Pond Improvement Project –

 

American Rescue Plan Act update– set worksession date

 

Street Repair –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by ________________, Second by _____________________, Approved ________ to recess into executive session pursuant to the nonelected personnel matters exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance evaluations of nonelected personnel, the open meeting to resume at____________.

2022 Financials – April 

 

 

 

Newly Created Position at KDOT Filled

Alexander named KDOT Transportation Electrification Manager

Tami Alexander has been named the Transportation Electrification Manager for the Kansas Department of Transportation. The position was recently created to help the agency focus on strategic planning for electric transportation and to administer federal program funds. Alexander started her new role on May 2.

Alexander previously worked for Metropolitan Energy Center, a nonprofit organization, as their Senior Program Coordinator and served as the Central Kansas Clean Cities Coordinator. She was responsible for programs within the transportation department on alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicle deployments and also educated the public and governments on electric vehicles (EV) and EV charging equipment.

“I am passionate about promoting the economic and environmental benefits of alternative fuels and vehicles and working with rural and urban communities to help them plan and implement projects that support their goals,” she said.

Alexander has bachelor’s degrees in mathematics-statistics and geology and a master’s in environmental science, all from Wichita State University. She is a Kansas native and lives in Wichita with her husband and their three children.

Tami Alexander

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

 

April 30, 2022

 

The legislature began the 2022 veto session on April 25.  It has been an unusual year and the schedule confirms this since the legislature will return May 23 and the final day of session will not be until June.  The last day is usually in mid-May.  The delayed schedule is a response to the Congressional map being challenged in court.

 

Sales Tax on Groceries, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2106, passed the Senate unanimously and the House with super-majority.  January 1, 2023, the state sales tax on groceries will decrease from 6.5% to 4%, in 2024 it will decrease to 2%, and in 2025 it will be 0%.  The Governor’s plan never cut “sales tax on food”.  It was sales tax on groceries.  Groceries are to be defined as non-prepared foods with a few quirky items.

 

My updates do tend to focus on tax.  As the Senate Tax Chairman, I have worked diligently to lower taxes in Kansas.  Someone in the Capital commented to me that we wouldn’t have passed any tax legislation this year if I would not have been working on it.  We have had some major wins this year, including lowering property tax for homeowners.  (Hopefully, local governments will not take the savings from you by increasing local taxes.)  The Governor took credit for it even though she never worked on it.

The legislature passed a budget that puts over $750 million in reserve.  That money should be returned to the taxpayers – Kansans need it with inflation and skyrocketing prices.  Let’s cut more taxes by passing CCR 2597.  It would remove income tax on Social Security, increase the standard deduction based on inflation, and implement other common-sense tax solutions for Kansans.

Fairness in Women’s Sports, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 160, would have ensured participation in women’s sports is for biological women.  For a second year, the Governor vetoed the legislation.  The Senate had the votes for an override.  However, the House fell three votes short of an override.  I supported the legislation and the override.  It will be interesting to see how much impact this has on 2022 elections.

The Parents’ Bill of Rights, CCR 58, would have been a first step for addressing Critical Race Theory (CRT), age-appropriate material, and transparency for parents of students attending elementary or secondary school in this state.  The Governor vetoed the legislation.  The Senate overrode the veto but the House fell short by 12 votes.  I had introduced a bill banning CRT and the teaching of inaccurate history.  Due to social pressure the bill didn’t even get a hearing.  The Parents’ Bill of Rights was the only legislation to pass out of committee this year.

The Governor vetoed Welfare Reform CCR 2448, requiring able-bodied adults without dependents to complete an employment and training program in order to receive food assistance.  The House and Senate were able to override this veto.  I voted Yes.

A Constitutional Amendment will be on the November 2022 ballot, allowing voters to decide if the Kansas Constitution should be amended to require County Sheriffs to be elected, except for Riley County.

More legislation that passed can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.  I’ll include more items in a later update.

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

Caryn

USD234 Superintendent Search Update

 

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

April 29, 2022

 

Message for Stakeholders:

 

On behalf of the board, we would like to update our stakeholders and staff on the Superintendent Search process, specifically the opportunities for input and feedback on candidates.

 

The first opportunity was with the online survey, there was an amazing response – thank you. The next opportunity for feedback will occur during the candidate interview process.

 

There will be two “meet and greet” receptions open to all staff and community members during the candidate’s visit and tour of our district.

On each day of finalist interviews, scheduled for May 10, 11 and/or 12, the district will host public receptions at 4:00 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. It is our hope that providing two times on each day will allow staff and community to select the time that best fits their personal and work schedules.

 

KASB will collect feedback from each of these events and provide the data to the board for consideration. More specific information regarding location and specific dates will be shared as soon as the board determines the number of finalists for interviews.

 

The USD 234 Board of Education wants to use the opportunities provided through the search process to engage the voices of our staff and patrons in helping us identify the best course forward for our district.

Submitted by

USD 234 Fort Scott Board of Education

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 3

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: May 3, 2022

1st DistrictLynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

Eric Bailey Road and Bridge Report

Justin Meeks, County Counselor Comment

Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment

Public Comment

Elected Officials Comment

Commission Comment