April 5, 2022Tuesday at 6 pm The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioner Harris, Commissioner Oharah and the County Clerk. They were present for the entire meeting. Commissioner Beth was present for a portion of the meeting. Also present for the meeting were, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were present for the entire meeting) Matt Quick, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, Deanne Weir, Charlotte Ernest, Debra Matt, Earl Capp, Vicki Capp, Kim LaPorte, David Scharenberg, Dan Laughlin, Steven Hall, Jan Laughlin, Ronald Burton, Jarad Lord, Donald Coffman, Clint Walker, Mike Hueston, Alyssa Firley, William Peters, Nadine Leach, Butch Leach, Fred Larson, Woodrow Brown, and Brandon Whisenhunt. Jim thanked everyone for coming. Lynne made a motion to approve the previous weeks minutes as well as the work session. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Eric Bailey presented a permit for Josh Query at 2504 Limestone Rd for an entry culvert. Lynne made a motion to approve the permit. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Eric reported that they were able to get Elm Creek burned. He said that they have started crushing at Thomas Quarry. Eric said that Schwab Eaton had been in town looking at the low water crossings and are finishing up and they should have that report back in about a month. Eric asked the commissioners if they were still planning to have a hard surface meeting next week. They all agreed that they wanted to have a meeting next week following the regular commission meeting. Eric reported that IEA is finishing up on the punch list regarding the windmill project and should be turning the roads back over soon. Hay bids were opened. Jim made a motion to approve the highest bid for each property which are as follows: Elm Creek–Joe Tirri $3357.00 Native Road–Steve Sinn $251.00 Tower–Steve Sinn $25.00 Lynne seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under 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, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room and will be for 7 minutes returning at 6:18 pm and will include Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not present) and Justin Meeks. Jim seconded and Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to return to normal session at 6:18 pm with no action. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved.
Lynne Made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at 6:26 pm. Included will be Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not present), Justin Meeks, and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:26 pm with action. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to allow Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft to work together on a partnership regarding Elm Creek. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in this room at 6:34 pm. The session will be for 5 minutes and include Commissioners Harris and Oharah (Commissioner Beth was not present) Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Lynne made a motion to resume normal session at 6:34 pm. Jim seconded. Jim and Lynne approved. Commissioner Beth joined the meeting. Justin said that they are asking the commissioners to change the title for Shane Walker to Chief Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial Officer. He said there is no change in pay, only the title, and it is to encompass all of their job titles into one. Jim made a motion to change Shane Walkers title to Chief Information Officer and Susan Bancroft to Chief Financial Officer. Clifton seconded. All approved. Susan Bancroft said that she has a letter from I AM REHAB requesting to renew their contract for another year which would take it through May of 2023. Clifton asked when the contract for Via Christi renews. Susan said she believed that it was in August. Lynne made a motion to renew the contract for I AM REHAB for another year. Clifton seconded. All approved. Susan said that they need to elect one of the commissioners as a voting delegate for the KAC. She said that they are wanting to add an HR group to the organization and one of them would need to complete to voting form. Clifton made a motion to allow Jim as the voting delegate for KAC. Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan said that based on the appraisal of the medical building done during the feasibility study, that it appraised for much more than they anticipated and that the amount of insurance needs to be increased to at least $7 million in coverage on the building itself. Clifton made a motion to increase the amount of coverage on the medical building to $7 million. Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan asked if they would be interested in doing a joint KOMA training with the City of Fort Scott. Clifton said that he and Lynne had already been through the training and are not interested in doing it again at this time. Jim said he would possibly participate depending on his schedule.
Public Comment: Vicki Capp asked what the plan is for Yale Road? Are they going to fix it and repave it or turn it into gravel and leave it gravel? Eric said that the base on Yale Road is failing and it would have to be taken back to gravel and the base needs to be rebuilt before it would be able to be repaved. That is the plan for it, but at this time, nothing has been decided and they are having a meeting next week to address the plan for hard surface roads. Vicki asked if the one cent sales tax was still in place to help maintain the road? Susan said that it is still in place but is for all roads. Jim explained that when the sales tax was passed that it was enough to maintain what was already paved. Then they added more miles of paved roads and it is hard to keep up with it all and find money to maintain it all. There are roads in every part of the county that need attention. David Scharenberg asked if all three of the commissioners supported repaving Yale Road. Lynne said that has always been his plan was to repave it. Jim said that each district should see 1/3 of the sales tax money and he would support what Lynne wanted to do with the 1/3 he receives for his district. Clifton said he had roads in his district that are bad too and need repaired and they would do the best they could with what they have. There was more discussion regarding the road conditions in the northwestern part of the county. Ronald Burton asked about the county helping with Union Street on the edge of Mapleton. Justin said they cannot do that because it is the city limits and that would be competing with the private sector. He asked if he could close it to through traffic when it gets too bad? Justin said yes since it was in the city limits. He asked if he annexed it out of the city then would the county maintain it? Justin answered that then it would be a county road and they would be responsible for maintaining it. Mike Hueston asked if the commission could recap the presentation that was given by Nobel since they were unable to attend that meeting. Clifton talked about the highlights of the information given by Noble. Hueston asked about the condition of the ambulance wearing out and need replaced. Clifton said that this something they will have to evaluate and get a plan in place. He said that the county has purchased one new ambulance but the others were given by Mercy and they cannot give them or sell them for a certain timeframe. Commissioners Comments: Lynne said that they are working on getting a cell tower up in that area and getting internet for everyone in that area. He said that he wanted to keep taxes the same and not have to increase them. He thanked everyone for coming. Clifton thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. Jim thanked everyone for coming and was glad they had a good turnout. He said that they are planning to keep having meetings at outside locations and since they had a good turnout would be back at Mapleton again. He said that they are going to work hard to keep taxes from raising. Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Jim Harris, Chairman (ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner (ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
Senate Passes Resolution Congratulating Jayhawks on NCAA Basketball Championship
On Monday, the Jayhawks defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 72-69 to secure their fourth NCAA men’s basketball Division I championship title. On Wednesday, the Senate passed the resolution I introduced recognizing the team on their victory.
Congratulations to Coach Bill Self and the entire team on winning this year’s tournament. Watching the biggest comeback in the history of the championship game was nerve-racking, and it was an incredible feat of teamwork, heart and perseverance. Coach Self and his team have secured a special place within Kansas’ rich basketball legacy with this well-earned win and a season in which Kansas won the Big 12 conference and became the NCAA’s all-time winningest program.
Remarks on the Senate Floor
Only a team that sees the glass half full could come back after being down by 16 points and clinch the victory. This speaks to the Kansas Men’s Basketball Team’s perseverance and belief in themselves. It’s moments like these that Kansans remember forever, and I share the excitement of all Jayhawk fans. Watch my remarks here or below.
Supporting Veterans
Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act
I am working to create a fair, transparent and responsive process for toxic-exposed veterans beginning with the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act. This legislation is the quickest way to make certain sick veterans who are suffering from the effects of toxic substances are immediately eligible for life-saving health care.
For six weeks this bill has sat in the House of Representatives rather than being sent to the President’s desk to start making an impact for sick veterans. When our men and women suffer the consequences of military service, it is our responsibility to see they receive the health care and benefits which they earned. It is the right thing to do and the cost of going to war. Watch my remarks here or below.
Veteran Dental Care Roundtable
I was pleased to take part in a roundtable this week with Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, my colleagues, the VA Office of Dentistry and key stakeholders from VSO and oral health communities. VA’s Office of Dentistry needs to be able to reach the right veterans, with the right care and through the right provider. In caring for veterans’ dental needs, it is important that VA has adequate capacity in treatment rooms and skilled staff. Given recent trends in patient pool growth and lagging department capabilities, I look forward to working with VA and my colleagues to make certain that veterans with dental needs stemming from military service have access to a VA that is able to meet those needs.
RESPECT Act
On Thursday, I introduced the Reinforcing Enhanced Support through Promoting Equity for Caregivers Today (RESPECT) Act. This legislation will improve the VA’s current process of evaluating and assessing veterans with unseen conditions and injuries who are dependent on a caregiver. Our nation’s veterans who require a caregiver due to a mental health condition or brain injury deserve an evaluation and assessment process equivalent to veterans who have physical health conditions. To this point, the RESPECT Act will make certain that mental health professionals and neurological specialists participate in the evaluation and assessment process for veterans. I look forward to continued work with the VA on improving how we care for our nation’s veterans, who should be of the utmost importance to all of us.
Highlighting Need for American Energy Independence
This week, I spoke with several of my Republican colleagues about the importance of supporting American energy independence, producing homegrown energy and protecting the United States’ national security through domestic production.
We have homegrown solutions to our energy challenges, and this administration is refusing to accept or pursue any of them. Common sense tells us to look for ways to lower gas prices and be self-reliant for oil and gas—then let’s produce our own energy. Instead, every policy from this administration discourages and decreases that opportunity. Watch my remarks here or below.
Commerce Hearing
This week, as a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, I attended a hearing regarding the oil and gas industry and the significant increase in prices that Americans are experiencing at the gas pump. President Biden, in a quest to reduce America’s use of fossil fuels and satisfy environmental extremists, has taken a number of steps that have a detrimental impact on the price of gas. In his first year in office, President Biden sought to constrain the oil and gas sector’s access to capital, blocked construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, proposed new regulations and increased taxes on oil and gas producers and blocked new drilling leases on federal lands and waters. These actions led to the average price for a gallon of gas increasing by nearly a dollar a month before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Common sense tells us to produce more oil here in the United States, which has the capability to meet the oil production needs of Americans, and where our oil production and refining capabilities are the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly in the world. Instead, President Biden has looked to other countries, including America’s adversaries in Venezuela and Iran, for an increase in oil output during a national security crisis. President Biden has stubbornly refused to reverse course and take the necessary steps to unleash America’s energy industry. We must embrace an all-of-the-above strategy to increase energy production where our domestic oil and gas producers play a significant role.
Visiting NBAF
I toured the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) this weekend to receive an update on the construction and commissioning of the state-of-the-art facility. Once completed, which is expected this year, it will replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center located in New York. The mission of NBAF will be to protect U.S. livestock from foreign animal diseases, including zoonotic diseases that can pose significant threats to human health. It will be the first biocontainment facility in the U.S. where research can be done with BSL-4 agents
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Agriculture, I will continue to work to provide full funding for the facility. NBAF is the largest federal investment to ever occur in Kansas and will be a critical asset for both our state and America’s national security. Thank you to Mr. Tim Barr, Dr. Alfonso Clavijo and the staff at NBAF for providing me the tour and update.
Speaking with Secretary Wormuth and General McConville
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Chief of Staff of the Army James McConville joined me on a call this week to discuss the crisis in Ukraine as well as Army stationing, military construction and budget priorities for this year. In our discussion I advocated for the best funding possible for our active duty, national guard and reserve soldiers so they can accomplish any mission thrown at them, at home or abroad.
As the crisis in Ukraine continues, it remains imperative to me that we deliver lethal aid as quickly as possible to the Ukrainian Army to help them fight for their freedom. The thug Vladmir Putin has wreaked havoc on Ukraine and his actions threaten to destabilize Europe. I voiced my concerns about Ukraine to Secretary of the Army Wormuth and General McConville, and I was thankful to have the opportunity to urge them to provide much needed support to Ukraine.
I was also pleased to discuss Secretary Wormuth’s visit to Fort Leavenworth, where she met students from the Command and General Staff College and learned more about the Combined Arms Center. Fort Leavenworth remains the intellectual center of our Army and continues to prepare leaders to face the challenges of modern warfare. I also shared the unique attributes of Fort Riley with the Secretary and CSA. The Army continues to consider several strategic stationing decisions to better balance the force to respond to global threats. In responding to global threats—including the crisis in Ukraine—the Army often considers the capabilities of Fort Riley and the First Infantry Division. In my conversation, I reminded them that Fort Riley would benefit greatly from the construction of new enlisted barracks. This construction would serve as a key step in welcoming another Brigade Combat Team back to Fort Riley. We also discussed the possibility of welcoming an aerial defense “iron dome” battery to Fort Riley. This sixty person unit would enhance our Army’s defense against enemy missiles and bolster the capabilities of the First Infantry Division as they conduct their rotational deployments. Finally, we discussed the possibility of establishing a National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Fort Riley. These centers are the gold standard for treating traumatic brain injuries and other mental health issues for active duty military members and veterans. As the ranking member of Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I remain committed to delivering the very best health care opportunities for those that have served our country.
Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Members of the U.S. Travel Association
On Wednesday, I met with Kansans who are members of the U.S. Travel Association. We covered a wide array of topics including the urgent need to create policies in response to COVID-19 to address the uneven recovery across industry sectors and communities nationwide, workforce and labor issues, as well as tax incentives to spur businesses’ travel demands.
Prior to COVID-19, Kansas’ travel and tourism industry was a significant economic driver and the eighth largest workforce in our state. However, due to historic declines in travel in 2020 and 2021, travel spending in Kansas is now 14 percent below 2019 levels. We must create commonsense solutions to remedy the travel and tourism industry so that Americans across the country have the ability to explore every corner of Kansas and experience our special way of life. It was great to catch up with Natalie, Julie, Jim and Kevin and hear about how about they are working to ensure Kansas will rebound. I will continue to advocate on their behalf and champion the travel and tourism industry in Kansas.
Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason
On Tuesday, I met with Fort Hays State University President Dr. Tisa Mason in Washington, D.C. We discussed the university’s initiatives to meet the higher education and workforce needs of Kansas. I appreciated the update and opportunity to speak with her while she was in town, and I thank Dr. Mason for all she does to advance FHSU’s mission and goals.
National Skills Coalition
I met with Jamie Hall of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina and Renee Duxler of the Salina Chamber of Commerce to discuss the ongoing efforts to increase Salina’s skilled workforce and how that workforce development legislation can support those efforts. In particular, we discussed our shared support of the JOBS Act, of which I am a cosponsor, legislation that would that would establish Pell grant-eligibility for short-term job training programs. We also discussed how the shortage of quality, affordable housing impedes workforce and economic development in Salina. I thank both Jamie and Renee for visiting with me on ways we can work together to improve workforce development and bolster the economic standing of Salina and north-central Kansas.
Mike Jennings of HF Sinclair
I was pleased to meet with Mike Jennings, CEO of HF Sinclair, this week in Washington, D.C. HF Sinclair is an independent energy company that produces and markets products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel and other specialty products. HF Sinclair owns and operates multiple refineries in the U.S., including a refinery in El Dorado which employs 600 Kansans. During our meeting, we discussed how the Biden administration’s energy policies are stifling oil and gas exploration and production, and Mike provided me with an update on operations at their El Dorado refinery and other assets in Kansas. I appreciate Mike updating me on their operations in Kansas.
National Stripper Well Association
I met with members of the National Stripper Well Association this week, where we discussed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed methane regulation, the proposed listing of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act and the Biden administration’s hostility towards oil and gas producers. Kansas is home to many stripper wells which provide much of our state’s crude oil production, and I appreciate the Kansas members of National Stripper Well Association for sharing their federal priorities with me. The oil and gas industry has long been a vital contributor to Kansas’ economy, and I will continue to work to stop misguided policies emanating from Washington which hinder Kansas and American oil and gas production.
Meeting with American Academy of Ophthalmology
I met with Dr. William Clifford in Washington, D.C. this week along with several ophthalmologists finishing their residency at the University of Kansas Health System. We discussed the need to reduce barriers to care by streamlining current prior authorization and step therapy protocols, which would better allow patients to access the eye care they need in a timely manner. With the staffing shortages facing the health care workforce, it is especially important for specialists like ophthalmologists to work in or near Kansas’ rural communities. I also shared my concerns with the scope of practice regulations the Department of Veterans Affairs is considering when it comes to ophthalmology. VA should allow ophthalmologists and health care specialists to adhere to scope of practice laws in the state where each VA facility is located, rather than limit the ability of well-trained health care professionals to care for veterans to the fullest extent possible. I’m grateful to Dr. Clifford for taking the time to advocate for access to care and to the residents for accompanying him and sharing with me how I can best support them in their work.
Kansas Representatives of America’s Beer and Beverage Distributors
On Tuesday, I was pleased to meet with a group of Kansas representatives of America’s Beer and Beverage Distributors to discuss their interests and challenges they are facing, including the importance of state regulation of alcohol, the importance of the “three-tier” distribution system for alcoholic beverages and labor shortages, particularly in the trucking industry. Many sectors are facing significant shortfalls when it comes to labor availability, but the trucking industry has faced a long-term driver shortage that impacts many areas of the economy due to the importance of trucking to American supply chains. I have sponsored two bills to help alleviate this issue, the DRIVE-Safe Act, which has been signed into law establishes an apprenticeship program to allow for the legal operation of a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce by CDL holders under the age of 21, and the Women in Trucking Workforce Act, which has also been signed into law and supports women in the trucking industry. I will continue to work with America’s Beer and Beverage Distributors on the trucker shortage and other challenges facing the industry.
Overland Park Police Department
On Monday, before heading back to Washington, D.C., I met with Chief Frank Donchez, of Overland Park Police Department to discuss their work to protect the Overland Park community, including license plate recognition technology. License plate recognition is a vital tool for law enforcement to combat violent crime, and it allows agencies to more quickly and effectively communicate, identify and apprehend a stolen vehicle or the car from an amber alert. I look forward to working with Chief Donchez, and law enforcement leaders across the state, in the future to bring these vital public safety tools back to Kansas. Thank you to Chief Donchez and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog for their time this week.
Kansas City Building Trades
I visited with representatives from the Kansas City Building Trade Council this week where we discussed infrastructure projects and energy production in Kansas. I appreciate the Kansas City Building Trades Council for taking the time to visit with me and educate me on their federal priorities.
Protecting Life
This week, I joined several Republican colleagues in sending a bicameral letter to Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Robert Contee and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland after learning of gruesome reports of five babies whose lives were taken through late-term abortion in Washington, D.C. last week.
Instead of ensuring that the horrific deaths of these children were properly investigated, Metropolitan Police made the assumption that each child died as the result of a legal abortion. It is our understanding that Metropolitan Police made this assumption without conducting any medical evaluations. We also understand from press reports that the D.C. medical examiner does not plan to perform autopsies on the children. This is completely unacceptable. Read the full letter here.
Meeting with PNC Bank
I met with representatives from PNC Bank on Tuesday to hear about their expansion throughout Kansas. We discussed ways to grow access to financial services, the role that local banks play in our communities as well as important issues surrounding fintech and consumer data protection. I appreciate their commitment to providing Kansans with access to the banking services that support our families and local businesses.
Addressing the Salina Chamber
On Friday evening, I was in Salina for the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet where I was able to speak with members in attendance and introduce the guest speaker, Jay Leno. Mr. Leno invests in Kansas by way of scholarships he sponsors at McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration Department, the only place in the United States that offers a four-year degree in Automotive Restoration. I appreciated him traveling to Kansas to be with this group of business leaders as they continue to work to promote the Salina community, improve the quality of life Salina citizens enjoy and foster the economic health of local businesses. Thank you to Eric Brown, Chamber CEO, and his team for the opportunity to address their members and spend the evening with them in Salina.
Visiting Great Plains Manufacturing
On Friday, I visited the Great Plains Construction Equipment (CE) Facility to tour progress on renovations to the building that will house the manufacturing of Kubota construction equipment. This facility is an incredible asset to the economy of Saline County, the surrounding region and state as it will bring jobs of various skilled areas to the community as well as be an economic driver for other businesses. I am pleased to see Great Plains Manufacturing continue to grow their footprint in Salina and further expand.
Troop 74 Pancake Feed
Stopped by First Presbyterian in Manhattan on Saturday morning for some Troop 74 pancakes!
International Roma Day
Friday was International Roma Day. I extend my best wishes to Romani-Americans in Kansas and around the country as we recognize and celebrate the heritage of Europe’s largest ethnic minority. The United States will continue to support the human rights of the Romanis and uphold their unique culture.
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
The legislature finished the 2022 regular session and will begin the 2022 veto session on April 25. There were several pieces of legislation passed by the legislature. Let’s hope the Governor doesn’t veto them.
Fairness in Women’s Sports, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 160, is to ensure participation in women’s sports is for biological women. The Senate vote was 25 to 13. The Senate would need 27 votes for a veto override. I voted Yes and will vote Yes on a veto override. Last year the Governor vetoed the legislation and there were not enough votes for an override.
Election Security was addressed in three CCRs, 2138, 2056, and 2252. CCR 2138 had several provisions like requiring watermarked paper for ballots starting in 2024, cleaning up voter rolls, and language for election audits in even-numbered years of four counties, different each election – one with a population greater than 90,000; one with a population between 20,000 and 90,000; and two under 20,000. It passed the Senate 28 to 8. CCR 2056 would limit the county election offices use of drop boxes to one for every 30,000 voters. There are currently no restrictions on these drop boxes, so this is an improvement. Twenty-seven Senators voted Yes and 12 voted No. CCR 2252 would block the Governor or Secretary of State from altering election law without approval by the legislature. It passed 27 to 12. I voted Yes on all three CCRs.
I’ve seen press releases that Mississippi passed a law to block Zuckerberg and other money from influencing elections. Last year, I introduced several amendments to protect our elections and they became law, including stopping Zuckerberg and other money being used in Kansas elections. It took a veto-override of 2/3 legislators to become law, but election security prevailed.
Redistricting map for the State Board of Education (name of the map: Apple 7) board members passed 31 to 8, Senate Bill (SB) 557. I voted Yes. The U.S. Congress map that passed the legislature early in session, has been challenged in court. We should hear the results of the court case before April 25. The Kansas Senate map (Liberty 3) and Kansas House map (Free State 3F) were put in CCR 563, along with Apple 7. The maps could have been drawn several different ways. As with most legislation, there was good and bad. The negative outweighed the positive on CCR 563 for Senate District 12 and other districts so I was a No vote. It passed 29 to 11.
Banned: Sanctuary Cities and Counties that restrict law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities and allow the use of municipal identification cards to satisfy proof of identity, including for voter identity, will be banned when House Bill (HB) 2717 becomes law. It passed the Senate 29 to 10 and the House 84 to 38. I voted Yes.
A proposed 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. Some counties were attempting to appoint a Sheriff like they have been doing in Riley County for years. A majority of legislators teamed with local Sheriffs to pass HCR 5022 allowing voters to decide. I was a part of that team and voted Yes supporting the Sheriffs. It passed the Senate 39 to 1.
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.
March 29, 2022Tuesday 9:00 am The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present. Also present for all or some of the meeting were Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Don Coffman, Matt Crystal, Drew Solomon, Tom Booser, Merrill Atwater, Dr. Randy Nichols, and Mark McCoy. Eric Bailey presented permits for Joe Kerr at Indian Rd and 195thfor an entrance culvert. The second permit is for Craw-Kan to install fiber lines in the southwest part of the county. Clifton made a motion to approve the permits at Indian Rd & 195thand also for Craw-Kan in the southwest area of the county. Lynne seconded. All approved. Eric said that he received a phone call this morning regarding a utility company cutting Maple Rd. at approximately 190thor 195thhe has not seen it yet. He was not aware of this and is going to work with them to get the appropriate permits. Eric said that he does not think that cutting the road was the best option but he was not aware of the project prior to them cutting the road. Eric asked that if a utility company contacts a commissioner, then please refer them to his department so they can look at all options and get appropriate permits. Jim said that he had a conversation several months ago with a utility company but he said that he told them to contact Eric. Eric said that due to the road safety plan grant received last year, TranSystems Company is in town gathering data. Eric said that if you see vehicles with lights driving around gathering data but those vehicles should be clearly marked. Eric discussed the placement of a stop sign in Bronson in the area of 25th& Bay St at the far west part of the curve. He provided maps and of the location and it was discussed as to what the best placement would be. Jim made a motion to place a stop sign at the intersection of Bay and the curve between 25th& Bay. This would stop the westbound traffic on Bay Street and the sign would be placed on northwest corner of the intersection.Clifton seconded.All approved. Eric said that Dustin had worked diligently to find a dump truck and it paid off because they were able to find a 2008 Sterling in Tulsa for $60,000.00 and it has the plow attachments that they will be able to put the county plow on it. Eric said that they finished at 267thand Arrowhead with the 36” culvert replacement so that isn’t so narrow now. He said that they are scheduled to burn at Elm Creek Lake on Friday, weather permitting. Eric gave an update on the windmills saying that they are still working on the punch list that he submitted and everything is going good on finishing up. Jim Harris asked if Eric had received information on federal funding for the year yet. Eric said yes, but that it had been postponed. Lynne asked about the ditching on Wagon Rd that he had received a call on. Eric said that it is on the list and they are working as fast as they can but they also need to look at fixing cross tubes if the ditching is going to really help anything.
Millie Lipscomb,with the Elk’s Lodge, said that with costs rising on everything, that she was requesting a donation from the county of $750 instead of $500 that has been donated by the county the last few years. Clifton made a motion to donate $750 to the Elk’s Lodge for their fireworks display this year. Lynne seconded. All approved. Ashley presented the contract with Hamlin Energy to help secure the best price for a gas supplier since Pro Solutions is going out of business. She said that they will look and price as well as monitor bills and recommend locking in a price or changing suppliers. She also said that the contact is not for a specific time frame that it can be revoked at anytime with a written letter from the county. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the contract with Hamlin Energy. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add mowing at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to move county counselor comments to the end of the agenda. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton said he had been asked if the bids received were apples to apple and he said that they are not. Justin Meeks recommended rejecting all bids and rebidding it.He said that he thinks that we should rebid with better specs. Jim agreed. Clifton made a motion to reject the bids for mowing and rebid it with more detailed specs and to be due back by nextTuesday’smeeting. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships. The session will last for 30 minutes returning to the commission room at 9:57 am and will include the 3 commissioners, Noble Health representatives (Drew Solomon, Tom Boozer, and Marrill Atwater), Josh Jones, Shane Walker, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:57 am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to move the executive session for personnel matters to next week’s meeting. Lynne seconded. All approved. Susan reminded everyone that the meeting next week on March 5thwill be held at the Mapleton Community Center at 6 pm and asked what the commission wanted to do about future meetings in outside areas of the community. Jim said that he would like to see one held at Garland and Hiatville. Lynne said he would like to see a night meeting held here at the courthouse as well and Jim agreed. Lynne also said that if you are going to have meetings at those locations you should probably have one at Fulton, Hammond and even Devon. Jim said he would be in favor of trying that and
proceed based on attendance. Jim recommended that once we have been to several remote locations for meetings, that they continue with a remote location meeting once per quarter and an evening meeting at the courthouse every 4-6 weeks possibly. Susan said that she would work on a schedule.Susan handed out a capital improvements document to help department heads to understand what needs to be taken into consideration when looking at capital projects.This also includes personnel.If a department needed to add personnel they would have to justify the reason for requesting. Noble Health Presentation–Drew Solomon gave an update on the feasibility study.It is substantially complete.There are a few items that need to be done.A lot of good findings.Tom Booser will provide additional information.Tom is the coordinator of the research.All of rural Kansas has a demographic trend happening.Every year 25 families leave this county.Right now 19% of the population of Bourbon County is 65+. In 20 years 40% of the population will be 65+.This region is the least healthy in the entire state.Kansas used to rank 9thin terms of health and has declined to 29thout of the 50 states.Through community meetings and surveys the consensus is that we need more healthcare.Data shows there is a very significant trend in this county. There was substantial migration for healthcare from this area prior to the hospital closing.Eleven million dollars per year for healthcare leaves Bourbon County for care outside of this county. If this is going to be a sustainable hospital it must control the out migration.It must find a way to build trust in the community and attract people back.In this community, in this region, these hospitals carry twice the uncompensated care burden as most rural hospitals.As the population ages, you can see from a financial standpoint, your coverage may exceed, in terms of income from a hospital, 40% of revenue.Medicare pays less than private insurers.Medicare typically pays less than the cost to deliver the care.The current model of this hospital the cost to deliver the care is higher than what the reimbursement is.Every time you see a patient you lose money.The only way a hospital can fix that is from a high percentage of private insured patients. If you have a large Medicare/Medicaid population and you can control payments you have a very stable model.This is why so many hospitals get some level of tax subsidy because there is a structural mismatch between costs and revenue.The only way to surmount this, going forward, is to do something different than you’re doing right now or what has been done in the past. This is a structural problem and you have to change the approach. Part of that is collaboration.Rural hospitals should collaborate more.This is going to require transformation.A completely different way of behaving in regard to healthcare. There has to be some sort of community leadership to get people to understand that using healthcare in the region keeps it sustainable.In this region, workforce could be the main component of whether a hospital is viable or not.There is a nursing school in Pittsburg that graduates about 120 students per year.On average, those students owe $25,000 which could be about 15 to 20% of your pay every month to pay off that loan.What if there were help for these candidate nurses so they wouldn’t have that debt.This requires community activism and some original thoughts.The former hospital operated in a certain model allowing surgery and other things like that. There is a merging model called a rural emergency hospital that could be an option
for this hospital.It is emerging legislation that is not done.There is no assurance that this hospital would qualify for it but is at least an option to look at.It provides some sustainability for rural hospitals and may provide an option for this community. It is set to go into law in January 2023 so we will know how this plays out as this hospital comes.On the building itself, we believe could be supported by the operations.It can be a platform for other services for the community.You have a very large hospital, maybe not all of it is used for healthcare.Recommendations for viability–we believe moving the hospital into a non-profit 501(c)(3) status, given the appraisal on the hospital, is the appropriate way to go forward.We’ll need a tax exempt bond to support the building.Collaboration with other hospitals is needed. You have to reduce migration out on healthcare services.This is critical.We think given the space in the hospital, there is the potential for behavioral health unit.This behavioral health unit would house patients outside of Bourbon County and provide revenue for the hospital and provide the services needed.There is a high need for this.The structure and the size of the facility enables this and should happen.In the basement of the hospital, the idea to serve families with a daycare and headstart program.There is space to do it.That enables people who consider having careers and working in the hospital to have a way to care for their children while they work. The rest of the community can use it as well.The disconnect between people using services outside the region and staying put is based on the trust that people have in a hospital.You have to rebuild the trust of the community to use the hospital and to believe they get the best care there.If the $11,000,000.00, that leaves the county for healthcare, if just 30 to 40% were to remain in the community that is the difference between a viable and not viable hospital.The large burden of uncompensated care there has to be a way to mitigate that.Get people enrolled in Medicaid that can be and things such as that.Coordinate services with other hospitals in the region.Every hospital in the region loses money.Work with the business community to contract directly with them to provide healthcare in this town for the people who work here.If we can do that then you have a sustainable basis for a hospital going forward.It doesn’t fall on just hospital management it is a community project.Drew Solomon stated that the market rate value of the building is $19.6 million.The appraisal brings to light that there is a significant asset there.Clifton asked when the study would be complete and receive the report. Drew stated 4 to 6 weeks should see it completely finished.Rob Harrington thanked Noble Health for their work on this project. Public Comment–Donald Coffman asked if a new stop sign was being put out in Bronson that hadn’t been there before.Jim stated that they would be.Donald asked if a “stop ahead” sign should be placed before the stop sign to let people know it’s there.Jim confirmed Eric would be putting one out as well as the stop sign.Clint Walker talked about the loss of over $1,000,000 by not expanding Medicare.Clint also stated they Allen County subsidizes their hospital at $2,000,000 per year and their ambulance service $1,000,000 per year. Elected Official Comment–Bill Martin brought to the commission’s attention a Kansas Supreme Court case that affects the sheriff’s office.Bill suggested thatthe
commissioner’s get with thecounty counselor to go over the case. Justin stated there were comments in a previous meeting about the commissioners controlling elected officials employees.Some statutes say that commissioners are responsible for policy except elected officials.You guys have no control over the hiring and firing of elected official’s employees.If there is a policy in the handbook and the elected official doesn’t want to follow it they don’t have to. Commission Comments–Lynne wants to see commission meeting at Devon, and one at Lake Fort Scott.Jim stated he wants to go off-site once per quarter and have a night meeting every 5thor 6thmeeting depending on participation. Jim stated that he is not in favor of raising the mill levy.Lynne stated that department heads with a surplus should use that money for raises for their departments. Clifton made a motion for an executive session 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for possible litigation for 5 minutes, including 3 commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker returning at 10:58am.Lynne seconded.All approved.Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:58am with action. Lynne seconded.All approved.Lynne made a motion to allow Justin to handle litigation situation that has arisen.Clifton seconded.All approved. Clifton made a motion for an executive session 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for possible litigation for 7 minutes including Justin, Susan Bancroft and 3 commissioners returning at 11:06am.Lynne seconded.All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:06am with no action.Lynne seconded.All approved. At 11:07 Clifton made a motion to adjourn. Lynne seconded.All approved. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS (ss) Jim Harris, Chairman (ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Tuesdaysstarting at 9:00 Date: April 12, 2022 1stDistrict–Lynne OharahMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM Call to Order •Flag Salute •Approval of Minutes from previous meeting •EricBailey–Road and BridgeReport •Lora Holdridge–Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy •Tri–Valley Agreement for Services •County Counselor Comment •SusanBancroft, Finance DirectorComment oExecutive Session–KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy •Public Comment •Elected Officials Comment •CommissionComment
It was an intense time in the 2022 regular session of the Kansas Legislature, ending on April Fool’s Day. It turned out the joke was on legislators who had worked diligently just to be shut down. Friday around 1:30 am, the House Majority Leader made a motion to adjourn until April 25th at 11 am. – leaving several items to be addressed in Veto Session, including removing state sales tax on food, K-12 funding, and other issues. The Senate President and Senate Majority Leader worked diligently to complete our work in regular session and not leave work to be finished in Veto Session. I applaud their efforts.
You may have heard the quote, “Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.” Well, that is what I did the last couple of weeks to get tax relief for Kansans. I worked diligently to find solutions and to pass legislation to help Kansans this year and for years to come. As chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I was able to develop and work to pass tax cuts – including property tax relief for homeowners and cutting state sales tax on food. It was great to work with the chairman of the House Tax Committee and other conferees to produce Conference Committee Reports (CCRs) 2239, 2597, and 2106.
To give you some background on conference committees, tax bills that passed either chamber could be worked in a Tax Conference Committee. It was difficult this year because the House did not debate one tax bill on the House floor, even though the House Tax Committee debated and worked bills. Conference committees are about negotiating to find common ground with the other chamber on bills that have passed both chambers in different forms. It’s difficult to negotiate when the House hasn’t voted on these items. However, the House was willing to accept many Senate positions as we negotiated tax relief policy for Kansans.
The first product of the Tax Conference Committee was CCR 2239. It passed the Senate unanimously, the House 103 to 10. Here is a sampling of items that will become law:
a property tax freeze via an income tax rebate for low-income seniors and veterans 50% or more disabled
up to $250 tax credit each year for teachers who purchased school supplies with their own money
over $40 million in property tax relief – presently there is a $20,000 exemption on the valuation of the 20 mil of property taxes for K-12, this legislation would increase the exemption to $40,000 and increase it each year based on valuation and inflation increases – it hasn’t been increased since 1997
removing state sales tax on delivery and postage costs
exempting sales tax on fencing materials for agriculture
allowing county commissioners an option to abate property taxes on property destroyed by a natural disaster
creating a tax credit program for donors to technical and community colleges, capped at $5 million a year
making the sales tax exemption on vehicle manufacturer rebates permanent
doubling the personal income tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans from $2250 to $4500
provides an option for Kansas taxpayers on State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction who are limited by the federal $10,000 cap
The House would not accept this good tax policy unless a provision to create a taxing authority in Shawnee County for the Zoo, Gage Park, and Discovery Center was included. The Senate accepted the offer since it would be voted on by the people of Shawnee County. We didn’t want to lose all the good Senate tax positions and good tax policy for Kansans.
The other two tax CCRs, 2106 and 2597, are still in play and will hopefully be passed in Veto Session. CCR 2106 would remove state sales tax on groceries within three years. Starting January 1, it would decrease from 6.5% to 4%, in 2024 it would drop to 2%, and in 2025 it would go to 0%. Groceries means that prepared foods would not be included. Beginning January 1st would provide time for vendors to implement the sales tax reduction. You may think it is simple to implement, but an example is rotisserie chicken at the grocery store is cooked and ready to eat, so you would think it is prepared food and not exempt. However, according to the Department of Revenue, it would be exempt unless utensils to eat the chicken were provided. It would have been simpler to remove state sales tax from all edible items, but many legislators would not support that effort.
Another tax bill negotiated but delayed until Veto Session was CCR 2597. It had several tax cuts to help Kansans. There are too many to name, but a few items included are:
gradually removing all state income tax on Social Security
decreasing income tax on retirement accounts
increasing standard deductions using the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) formula for inflation
removing state sales tax on commercial electric and other utilities, matching the residential exemption
up to $5,000 property tax relief for businesses shut down by the Governor during COVID-19
I will be working with others to get this legislation passed during Veto Session.
Fairness in Women’s Sports, CCR 160, is to ensure participation in women’s sports is for biological women. The Fairness legislation passed both chambers last week and was sent to the Governor. The CCR passed the House and Senate. The Senate vote was 25 to 13. The Senate would need 27 votes for a veto override. I voted Yes and will vote Yes on a veto override. Last year the Governor vetoed the legislation and there were not enough votes for an override.
Election Security was addressed in three CCRs, 2138, 2056, and 2252 which passed to the Governor’s desk. CCR 2138 had several provisions like requiring watermarked paper for ballots starting in 2024, cleaning up voter rolls, language for election audits in even-numbered years of four counties – one with a population greater than 90,000; one with a population between 20,000 and 90,000; and two under 20,000. It passed the Senate 28 to 8. CCR 2056 would limit the county election offices use of drop boxes to one for every 30,000 voters. Twenty-seven Senators voted Yes and 12 voted No. CCR 2252 would block the Governor or Secretary of State from altering election law without approval by the legislature. It passed 27 to 12. I voted Yes on all three CCRs.
I’ve seen press releases that Mississippi passed a law to block Zuckerberg and other money from influencing elections. Last year, I had several amendments to protect our elections that became law, including stopping Zuckerberg and other money being used in Kansas elections. It took a veto-override of 2/3 legislators to become law, but election security prevailed.
There are many more pieces of legislation that have passed. It 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.
The minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
Council Meeting on March 8, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:05), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, Arlie Bess, Mauriel Whisenhunt, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, gave an explanation of the Placemaking Pathway. Adding outdoor exercise equipment, public restrooms, pickleball court, etc would be projects that could be partially funded with a pathway grant; however, in order to qualify for a grant a pledge would have to be signed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 3-2 (Esslinger, Stewart) to sign the Pathways to a Healthy Community Pledge Placemaking Package with Sally Johnson as contact person and submit to Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
CITIZENS REQUEST
Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked about the Ruritan funding a public bathroom in or near the park. He presented a sketch and ideas were discussed. He asked that the City apply for a REDI grant for the project. He will work with an engineer to get some cost estimates.
Arlie Bess – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on storage containers. He has two and wanted to know if he would have to get rid of them. Discussions are preliminary but if an ordinance was passed, his containers would be grandfathered in.
Mauriel Whisenhunt – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on citywide trash service. She has a house and a business, would she have to pay for two trash service fees? Discussions are preliminary, but that is a good question and will be considered in future discussions.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the February Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $361,861.00, Receipts $50,364.54, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $60,806.42, Checking Account Closing Balance $338,643.12. Bank Statement Balance $353,490.41, including Checking Account Interest of $27.26, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $14,847.29, Reconciled Balance $338,643.12. 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 $415,619.39. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $55.71, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $130.55. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500, Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of February $23,217.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $14,899.62. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $17,272.29 (16.4%), Expenditures $18,274.04 (14.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,470.50 (15.3%), Expenditures $8,504.42 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $29,400.22 (21.1%), Expenditures $19,466.90 (7.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,577.30 (30.0%), Expenditures $22,785.51 (13.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,784.86 (26.1%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%). The March 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $22,828.49 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Minutes of February 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
Superintendent Rich asked for permission to get a dumpster to remove the storage building at 112 Second St and to clean up those two lots.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow Bobby Rich to get what is needed to remove the storage building and clean up the lots at 112 Second St
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent so discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste was tabled until next month.
Clerk Johnson informed the Council that KDHE is soliciting for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects to fund.
The legal bills for the transfer of 105 Third St have been received. She asked for clarification of what was to be billed to the buyer and what was the City’s responsibility. The amount to bill to the buyer is $76.
She reminded the Council that League of Kansas Municipalities’ Governing Body Institute & Mayors Conference is April 29-30 at Manhattan
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – asked about spring citywide cleanup. After discussion
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for April 25-29 with dumpsters picked up when filled and the number of dumpsters to be determined by current cost
Councilwoman Kelly – was approached about someone wanting to purchase a corner lot to put an RV on to live in until something could be built. They were encouraged to attend a council meeting to present their request. The City does not allow people to live in RVs.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – wants another rabies clinic. Clerk Johnson will contact Marmaton Valley Vet Clinic to get one scheduled. If after March 31, those attending will not be charged a late fee for registration.
OLD BUSINESS
Wholesale water supply – Rate ordinances were acquired from City of Fort Scott for 2013 to present. Rate ordinances for the same period were requested from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2 but not received yet. Councilman Ervin has worked up some figures but forgot to bring them. The discussion will continue next month.
Pond Improvement Project – USD 235 asked if we were still planning to use the rock piled north of the pond and were told yes. The rest of the project will be completed in the summer. Clerk Johnson was reminded to order fish food.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – A couple more have paid in full. We may be able to pay an additional $10,000 back in a couple more months.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson stated that the first report required by Treasury is due April 30, 2022. She is attending webinars on compliance and how to complete required documentation.
Street Repair – Increases in oil prices may increase the cost of asphalt. We may not be able to complete as much as we initially thought. Discussion will continue next month. The Bourbon County Commission will hold their March 22, 2022 commission meeting at Uniontown Community Center. If the councilmembers plan to attend a notice will have to be posted, that they may be there but not to conduct city business. Public Works Director Bailey has contacted Councilmember Kelly to attend the next commission meeting to discuss the resurfacing of Maple Road from Uniontown to Bronson.
NEW BUSINESS
Special Event CMB License-Union Station – they are the weigh-in location for the fishing tournament and would like to be able to allow anglers to consume on premises during the tournament, May 28, from 6AM to 11:59PM.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to approve the Special Event CMB License for Union Station for May 28, 2022, 6AM to 11:59PM
City Sewer at Union Station – they asked if it was a possibility. After discussion, the Council consensus is not at this time.
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 performance and applicants of non-elected personnel positions, the open meeting to resume at 8:45
Johnson called in at 8:43, out at 8:44. Meeting resumed at 8:45.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0-1 (Ervin abstain) to hire Ginger Ervin for cleaning/water sampling position, cleaning will be $10/hour, water sampling will be $3/sample
Governor Laura Kelly Announces $13.2 Million Awarded for Public Transit Projects Across Kansas
SALINA – Governor Laura Kelly, joined by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Nuria Fernandez and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, announced $13.2 million will go toward 48 public transit projects across the state.
“A strong, safe public transportation system is critical to our state’s economy and quality of life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Projects like wheelchair accessible busses, upgraded bus facilities, and route and parking lot enhancements will ensure Kansans have access to adequate, safe, and well-maintained public transportation.”
That money will go to 26 transit agencies as part of the Access, Innovation, and Collaboration (AIC) Public Transit Program.
The announcement took place at the OCCK, Inc., Transportation complex in Salina in an expanded bus facility funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation and an FTA grant, with support from the City of Salina and OCCK. The 16,000 square-foot expansion was completed in November 2021.
“This work reflects the tremendous partnership between all levels of government,” FTA Administrator Fernandezsaid. “In addition to funding new bus facilities and improving transit service, the grants support the purchase of low- or no-emission buses. That work throughout Kansas will accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation system, and help keep our skies blue, our water clean and our climate more predictable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Both urban and rural transit providers receive support from the AIC program, which will improve transit access and services for Kansans. The projects have a total cost of about $17M, with the AIC program providing about $13M ($2M state, $11M federal) of the funds.
In the first two years of the AIC program, KDOT will have awarded $21 million in funding for a total project cost of $26 million.
“The AIC Public Transit Program combines state and federal resources that will enhance access to transit, invest in emerging technologies and form collaborations with public and private transportation providers,” Secretary Lorenz said. “I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve established to improve transportation services and options for Kansans.”
Project types include constructing bus maintenance facilities to aid in fleet management, upgraded transit accessibility following the Americans with Disabilities Act, advanced technologies, and expanded low emissions transit operations.
A map of AIC Transit projects can be found here.
Below, is a list of the AIC Kansas 2022 Selected Projects:
Access, Innovation and CollaborationKansas 2022 Selected Projects
Project Sponsor
Project Title
Award
Butler County Department on Aging
Technology Upgrade
$1,552
Community Health Center (CHC) – Southeast Kansas (SEK) in Crawford County
Regional Transportation Facility for SEK
$1,043,802
City of Liberal
Transit Program Signage
$172,800
City of Wilson
Bus Facility
$40,000
Clay County Task Force
New Bus for Clay County
$63,000
COF Training Services, Inc. in Franklin County
2021 Bus Replacement
$51,746
Coffey County Transportation
Bus and Bus Facility Improvements
$25,600
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. (DSNWK) in Ellis County
8-Passenger Bus w/ 4-Wheelchair Capacity
$71,702
Building & Equipment Updates
$87,412
Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency (FHATA) – serving Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary counties
Safety & Security Upgrades to FHATA Facility
$20,000
Covered Bus Parking Lot at the FHATA Facility
$57,750
Junction City Regional Transit Facility
$900,000
K-18 Connector Expansion
$370,980
Junction City Fixed Route Bridge Funding
$157,500
Real Time Passenger Information Devices
$9,600
Microtransit Study
$54,000
Zero Emissions Vehicle Study
$20,000
Futures Unlimited – Sumner County
Transportation Facility Renovation
$221,060
Hetlinger Developmental Services – Lyon County
Three-Stall Bus Barn
$81,865
Johnson County Transit
EV Micro Transit Service
$374,526
Technology Improvements for RideKC
$382,500
Lawrence Transit
Equitable & Accessible Bus Stops
$122,040
Multimodal Transfer Facility Elements
$1,624,000
Microtransit Pilot
$124,000
Zero-Emissions Transition Plan
$120,000
Technology, Accessibility and Branding Enhancements
$676,448
Lyon County Transportation (LCAT)
Security Camera Expansion
$12,000
Leavenworth County
Secure Parking Area for Transit Vehicles
$525,000
Morris County
Public Transportation Facility
$507,465
Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging – Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington counties
Clean Technology Expansion
$234,509
OCCK, Inc. – Saline, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Cloud, Ottawa, Republic, Mitchel, Jewell and Lincoln counties
Mobility Hubs & Stop Improvement
$84,600
Second Floor Renovation
$270,316
81 Connection Expansion (Saturdays)
$54,812
CityGo+ – Microtransit Pilot in Salina
$250,400
Fixed Route Enhancements – Software & Bus Equipment
$570,769
Osage County
New Vehicles
$222,400
Rooks County
Bus Garage Project
$620,928
Sedgwick County Department on Aging
Vehicle Camera Systems
$32,000
Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP) – Crawford and Neosho counties
Innovative Scheduling
$103,437
Solomon Valley Transportation – Jewell, Mitchell and Osborne counties
Building Project
$1,484,290
The Guidance Center – Leavenworth
Transit Technology Implementation
$25,747
Unified Government Transit
Bus Facility Modernization
$431,778
Fleet Modernization
$271,440
Paratransit Software Enhancements
$16,560
Accident Incident Management System
$15,300
Micro Transit Expansion
$394,144
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Pilot Program
The City of Fort Scott Street Department will be closing Cooper Street from East National Avenue to 20th Street starting Thursday, April 7th, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. until further notice to repair the street.
Should you have any questions, call City Hall at 620-223-0550.
We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience during this time.
It was an intense week in the Kansas Legislature, ending on April Fool’s Day. It turned out the joke was on legislators who had worked diligently just to be shut down. Friday around 1:30 am, the House Majority Leader made a motion to adjourn until April 25th at 11 am. – leaving several items to be addressed in Veto Session, including removing state sales tax on food, K-12 funding, and other issues. The Senate President worked diligently to complete our work in regular session and not leave it to do in Veto Session. I applaud his efforts and did what I could to support taxpayers in producing some great tax relief for Kansans.
Tax bills that passed either chamber could be worked in the Tax Conference Committee. It was difficult this year because the House did not debate one tax bill on the House floor. Conference committees are about negotiating to find common ground with the other chamber on bills that have passed both chambers in different forms. It’s difficult to negotiate when the House hasn’t voted on these items. However, the House was willing to accept a majority of Senate positions and we negotiated some tax relief policy for Kansans.
There were three tax Conference Committee Reports (CCRs) negotiated. The first, CCR 2239, had several provisions: a property tax freeze via an income tax rebate for low-income seniors and disabled veterans; up to $250 tax credit for teachers who purchased school supplies with their own money; over $40 million in property tax relief – presently there is a $20,000 exemption on the valuation of the 20 mil of property taxes for K-12, this legislation would increase the exemption to $40,000 and increase it each year based on inflation – it hasn’t been increased since 1997; removing state sales tax on delivery and postage costs; exempting sales tax on fencing materials for agriculture; allowing county commissioners an option to abate property taxes on property destroyed by a natural disaster; creating a tax credit program for donors to technical and community colleges, capped at $5 million a year; making the sales tax exemption on vehicle manufacturer rebates permanent; and many other tax provisions. The House would not accept all of this good tax policy unless a provision to create a taxing authority in Shawnee County for the Zoo, Gage Park, and Discovery Center was included. The Senate accepted the offer since it would be voted on by the people of Shawnee County. We didn’t want to lose all of the good Senate tax positions and good tax policy for Kansans. It passed the Senate unanimously and the House 103 to 10. Hopefully, the Governor will not veto the CCR. If she does, it appears we have the votes to override a veto.
The other two tax CCRs, 2106 and 2597, are still in play and will hopefully be passed in Veto Session. CCR 2106 would remove state sales tax on groceries within three years. Starting January 1, it would decrease from 6.5% to 4%, in 2024 it would drop to 2%, and in 2025 it would go to 0%. Groceries means that prepared foods would not be included. Beginning January 1st would provide time for vendors to implement the sales tax reduction. You may think it is simple to implement, but an example is rotisserie chicken at the grocery store is cooked and ready to eat, so you would think it is prepared food and not exempt. However, according to the Department of Revenue, it would be exempt unless utensils to eat the chicken were provided. It would have been simpler to remove state sales tax from all edible items, but a majority of legislators would not support that effort. Another tax bill negotiated but delayed until veto session was CCR 2597. It had several tax cuts to help Kansans. There are too many to name but a few items included are: gradually removing all state income tax on Social Security and decreasing it on other retirement accounts, increasing standard deductions, and removing state sales tax on commercial electric and other utilities, matching the residential exemption.
As chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I was able to develop and work with others to pass tax cuts – including property tax relief for homeowners. There is still work to do in lowering income taxes and removing sales tax on food.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
