| The Bourbon County Commission, Treasurer, Clerk, and Appraiser are providing this statement to inform taxpayers that the most recent tax statement mailed had an error on the USD 234 Recreation levied amount.
USD 234 Recreation published a levy of 2.612. When the abstract was produced the actual levy used was 4.437. The increase in the USD 234 Recreation levy will affect only those residents residing in the USD 234 school district. Why did this happen? Unfortunately, the increase in the levy was due to a clerical error when completing the levy abstract and the timing of notice from the State of Kansas. The budget and levying process involves many units of government at the local and county levels. Senate Bill 13 and Senate Sub for House Bill 2104 changed the way that tax entities in the state of Kansas were required to report budgets for 2022. Generally, County officials have from August 25th to November 1st to work through budgets, assessed valuation changes, mortgages, levied funds and any changes from the taxing entities. With the new law, county officials lost 30 working days as they only had October 1st to November 1st to work through changes of entities exceeding the revenue neutral rate and get a certified approval from the State. Below is a recap of the changes in the law:
Once budgets are forwarded to the county, the county clerk enters each taxing entities levies and budgets to be certified to the State of Kansas. Unfortunately, in order to get tax statements processed, statements were sent to the printers before hearing back from the State of Kansas. Bourbon County received notice of the error on December 6th. At this point in the process, tax statements had already been mailed and unable to be corrected. What does this mean for taxpayers? Bourbon County will collect the taxes at the higher rate and make a distribution to USD 234 Recreation. USD 234 Recreation will hold these funds in their account until the next taxing year. The additional revenue generated will be considered cash carryover and will automatically reduce the amount of taxes levied during the next budgeted year. The amount of taxes levied for the 2023 budget year will result in a levy lower than the adopted levy of 2.612 for 2022. How much will my taxes increase? A house that appraises at $50,000 will see an increase of approximately $10 for the year. A house that appraises at $150,000 will see an increase of approximately $31 for the year.
Contact Information 620.223.3800 County Commissioners: Lynne Oharah – 1st District Jim Harris – 2nd District Clifton Beth – 3rd District County Clerk: Ashley Shelton County Treasurer: Patty Love County Appraiser: Matt Quick |
Category Archives: Government
USD234 Press Release for Dec. 13
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, December 13, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – November 19, 2021 – $1,470,719.34
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. Donation of wrestling mats
G. High School Swim Team fundraising applications
H. Increase in adult meal prices for breakfast and lunch
Jamie Armstrong, outgoing board member, was recognized for her years of service. There were no comments in the public forum section. Brenda Hill, Fort Scott KNEA President, shared information with the board. Principals from each building shared written reports. Ted Hessong, Superintendent, gave a report. In addition, Superintendent Hessong gave an ESSER III update.
Andrea Scott, Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal, gave a presentation on the Fort Scott Preschool Center. Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board approved the following employment items:
A. Resignation of Kaytelynd Keller, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective November 16, 2021
B. Retirement of Alvin Metcalf, Sr., middle school teacher aide and middle school coach, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
C. Resignation of Lacey Graham, bus driver, effective November 3, 2021
D. Retirement of Pamela Milton, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year
E. Resignation of Alexandra VanSickle, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, effective December 16, 2021
F. Resignation of Maggie Johnston, high school paraprofessional, effective November 23, 2021
G. Resignation of Annyssa Davenport, high school paraprofessional, effective December 16, 2021
H. Resignation of Gregg Sweet, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective December 10, 2021
I. Leave of absence request from Caitlin Shrewsbury, Eugene Ware third grade teacher
J. Change in work agreement for Wendy Budd, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from a 7.5-hour day to an 8-hour day for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
K. Employment of Judith Davis as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
L. Employment of Adrianne Wisdom as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
M. Employment of Charlie Hensley as a high school auto tech teacher aide for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
N. Employment of Jennifer Herring as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year; Employment of Jennifer Herring as a 2-hour bus driver for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
O. Employment of Shaunn Pytlowany as a four-hour bus driver for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
P. Resignation of Tyler Bell, high school assistant wrestling coach, for the 2021-22 school year; resignation of Abigail Duffy, high school JV volleyball coach, effective November 8, 2021; resignation of Kelli Davis, high school freshman volleyball coach, effective November 8, 2021
Q. Employment of Brendon Blackburn as a high school assistant wrestling coach for the 2021-22 school year
R. Employment of Tyler Ericson as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year
The board adjourned.
Tyson Receives Legislator of the Year Award
Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson recently received Legislator of the Year Award.
Tyson received national recognition as legislator of the year for her leadership and work on Property Tax Transparency, Senate Bill (SB) 13.
Tyson researched and led an effort in Kansas to stop automatic tax increases solely due to property valuation increases. SB 13 is being used as model legislation by other states.
Tyson said she was humbled and honored for the recognition.
She stated, “For years Kansans have been facing continued increases in their property taxes, being left with little to no say, resulting in some opting to leave Kansas rather than continue to pay high taxes. With the passage of SB 13, the shell game of who raised your property taxes will end. Local property taxing authorities will have to vote at a public meeting to raise property taxes in order to collect more money than the previous year.” Tyson went on to thank others, “solutions of this magnitude do not occur in a vacuum. It takes a team of people, many of us who spent time and effort.” Tyson drew upon her business experience to design and implement this system in Kansas.
In addition to Property Tax Transparency, SB 13 prohibits an increase in the appraised value of real property solely as a result of normal repair, replacement, or maintenance of existing structures, equipment, or other improvements on the property, allows County Treasurers to establish property tax payment plans, and removes the ineffective tax lid.
Tyson has math and computer science degrees from Kansas State and an engineering management degree from KU. After graduating K-State she began working in the Information Technology industry and continued working in this field for more than 30 years.
She is in the running for the Kansas State Treasurer position.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Dec. 14
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: December 14, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Lynne Oharah – Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission Representative
- Ashley Shelton – Vacation Carryover
- Justin Meeks – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
- Justin Meeks – Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
- 9:30am – Lawn Care/Snow Removal Bids
- County Counselor Comment
- Finance Director Comment
Publish Budget Hearing
Abstract Process
Vacation Carryover – Covid Time
-
- Public Comment
- Elected Officials Comment
- Commission Comment
12:00 Noon – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships (To be held offsite at 200 S Main, Suite 2)
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 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
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
FS City Special Meeting Dec. 14
There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14th, 2021. It is anticipated the Commission will adjourn into Executive Session at this time.
This meeting will be held at the Landmark National Bank building on the 2nd floor, at 200 S. Main Street. This meeting is open to the public, but the Executive Session is not.
FSCC Agenda for Dec. 13
December 13, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, December 13, 2021. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. KACCT Quarterly Update, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 8, 2021, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 54
A. Discussion of KASB Board Training and Retreat/Worksession, 54
B. Appointment of Public Information Officer, 55
C. Discussion of Open Records Request Policy, 55
D. Appointment of Title IX Coordinator, 56
E. Consideration of Bailey Hall Bids, 57
F. Consideration of Turf Financing COP, 59
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 64
REPORTS, 66
A. Administrative Updates, 67
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 79
ADJOURNMENT, 80
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• December 13, 2021:
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022
• January 7, 2022:
• January 12, 2022:
• January 17, 2022:
• January 24, 2022:
• February 21, 2022:
• March 14 – 18, 2022:
• March 21, 2022:
• March 25, 2022:
• April 12, 2022:
• April 15, 2022:
• April 18, 2022:
• May 6, 2022:
• May 7, 2022:
• May 10 – 13, 2022:
• May 14, 2022:
• May 16, 2022:
• May 30, 2022:
• June 20, 2022:
• July 16, 2022:
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. KACCT QUARTERLY UPDATE
4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on November
8, 2021.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Cara Folsom, Athletic Training Technician, effective January 1, 2022
2) Separations
a) Tyler Nelson, Assistant Football Coach, effective November 9, 2021
b) Shane Stafford, Assistant Football Coach, effective November 16, 2021
c) Jade Johnson, Financial Aid Assistant, effective December 31, 2021
To see the complete package:
12.13.21 Consent Agenda
FSCC Board Minutes of Nov. 8
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
November 8, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Elliot and carried by unanimous vote to approve rescheduling the
notice of sale and close dates for the baseball and softball turf fields to December 13 and January 5.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from Student Services, Student Affairs
Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn
to executive session for 30 minutes beginning at 6:15 pm to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of
corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships as it relates to athletic programming, with action expected
to follow. The Board invited Alysia Johnston and Tom Havron into executive session. At 6:45 the Board extended
executive session by 10 minutes.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 6:55 pm by Nelson, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session.
A motion was made by Elliot, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to add the consideration of continuation
of the football program to the agenda.
A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to discontinue FSCC’s football
program.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:58
p.m. by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
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USD234 Agenda for Dec. 13 Board Meeting
December 13, 2021 Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
Unified School District 234
Board Agenda
1. Open the meeting
2. Consider official agenda
3. Consider consent agenda
4. Recognition of Jamie Armstrong, outgoing board member
5. Public Forum
6. Fort Scott KNEA Report
7. Principals’ Reports
8. Director of Academics’ Report
9. Superintendent’s Report
10. Business Manager’s Report
11. ESSER III Update
12. Fort Scott Preschool Center presentation
13. Board Member comments
14. Executive session – to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel
15. Consider employment
16. Adjourn
KDHE Recommends COVID-19 Booster Dose for Kansans age 16 and Older
KDHE supports CDC and FDA recommendation to expand eligibility to adolescents ages 16 and 17
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will adopt the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new booster recommendation and has authorized all COVID-19 vaccine providers to begin administering Pfizer-BioNTech booster shots to eligible adolescents ages 16 and 17.
“The vaccine is safe, effective and free and remains the best way to protect yourself from serious illness,” Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary said. “With the rise in COVID-19 cases across the state and the rise of the Omicron variant, we encourage all eligible Kansans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot.”
Kansans who are at least 16 years old and have met the 6-month time period following the primary vaccination series for the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or who had their Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago, are now eligible to get the COVID-19 booster dose.
Available data show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic visit Vaccines.gov.
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council Meeting Nov. 9, 2021
Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The Regular Council Meeting on November 9, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Gabby Gire, CHCSEK, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Gabby Gire, Tobacco Program Manager– here to introduce herself and the tobacco program. She is conducting a survey of the county on tobacco issues and starting a coalition to address those issues.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. October written Treasurer report presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $339,187.45, Receipts $71,384.70, Transfers Out $19,026.00, Expenditures $41,331.47, Checking Account Closing Balance $350,214.68. Bank Statement Balance $351,061.91, including Checking Account Interest of $29.58, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $847.23, Reconciled Balance $350,214.68. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $27,009.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,467.30, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,298.34, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $417,990.22. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $312.18 and Utility CDs $242.63 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $554.81. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2021, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $3,523.50, Expenditures $3,327.75, Ending Balance $195.75. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $12,500.00, from Sewer Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00, from Water Utility Fund $750.00, from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $19,026.00. Net Income for the month of October $11,027.23, Year-to-Date Net Loss $50,883.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $93,904.59 (94.1%), Expenditures $93,148.69 (75.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,022.57 (89.3%), Expenditures $30,413.06 (69.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $127,500.65 (98.7%), Expenditures $235,478.85 (71.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $126,203.02 (110.2%), Expenditures $125,758.08 (76.6%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $11,678.90 (78.2%). The November 2021 estimated payables in the amount of $27,107.72 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of October 12, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich informed the council that he picked up the culverts today and they are stored in the warehouse.
The repairs of the bulletin board are almost finished.
Only one quote was received for the shop insulation. He requested quotes from Gage Chiartano, Murphy Roofing, Abernathy Roofing, and Restoration and Waterproofing Contractors Inc. Quote from Gage Chiartano is for $5,000, Abernathy chose not to submit a quote due to travel distance.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to accept quote of $5,000 from Gage Chiartano to insulate the shop ceiling
He reported that KDHE was here last week to inspect the water system. No deficiencies were found and they will be back for the next inspection in three years.
The cost of the gas valves to be replaced have doubled since this time last year. He would like to also remove a service line at 405 Washington, a vacant lot. It has a low cathodic protection reading. Clerk Johnson will contact property owner to see if they want to retain service to that lot.
He reported that CDL Electric did the fall inspection of the storm siren and two batteries and two chargers are bad. CDL has ordered chargers. Rich will get the batteries locally.
He contacted Traveling Trees to price new trees for the park and/or pond. Most of the trees except for oak are $250 to plant a 12’ tree with ball, stake and mulch. Clerk Johnson will contact the school and Park Committee to see if they will contribute either funds or people to water the new trees. Placement of new trees was discussed, leading to a discussion concerning the proposed splashpad.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan gave an update. 201 Washington said they no longer had pets but still receiving sporadic complaints about dogs; 306 Union moved to 104 Washington but dog still running at large; 303 Washington dogs running at large, but no reports of aggressive; Animal Control Officer Binford is relocating stray cats out of town; 202 Third have registered three adult dogs, but haven’t supplied rabies certification; owner of 401 Sherman has moved back in, renter moved to 301 Second #2; 202 Fourth, 201 Fulton, and 204 Fulton are no longer vacant; 306 Washington ditches have been mowed/trimmed; 505 Washington has been mowed.
Clerk Johnson updated Council on the response from insurance agent regarding the Building Code Effectiveness Grading.
A letter requesting a donation to the Send Off Seniors after graduation party was received.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2022 Send Off Seniors after graduation party
Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting a client authorization addendum in order to be compliant with new federal Regulation F, requiring a specific date for the final bill and track payments/adjustments from that date. Option 1 is to allow CBK to send final statement once they receive the file from us. Option 2 we would send final statement and have to notify CBK of the date of the final statement and any payments/adjustments to the final statement balance to date and in the future.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to adopt option 1 of the client authorization addendum for implementation of Regulation F with Collection Bureau of Kansas
She visited with Mr Kite regarding the legal description of the property he is donating to the City – Lot 58 less east 22’, Lot 59, Block 11, Original Town, Uniontown, commonly known as 112 Second St. She will contact the attorney to get the warranty deed drawn up and the title insurance company.
The realtor for HB Salon inquired as to whether that building could be residential. Clerk Johnson sent minimum housing standards ordinance to realtor and to her knowledge there is not an ordinance that does not allow a commercial building to become a residential building.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
HBCAT – Health in All Policies Partner Pledge – after discussion, no action was taken.
Pond Improvement Project – The contractor for the walkway turned in a timeline for getting it fabricated and installed. Should be installed by end of November.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – As of October 31, City has collected $50,527.25 principal and interest and has paid $43,335.51 principal and interest. Unpaid principal is $36,740.36. 57.6% of gas customers have paid their gas surcharge in full.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Some cities chose not to accept ARPA funds. Those funds were then divided up among the cities that did accept funds. We received an additional $119.14. The second payment will go up by that amount also.
FEMA project update – We have received 75% reimbursement from FEMA and 10% reimbursement from KDEM for approved repairs. We have also received $195.75 from FEMA for approved management costs.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to recess into executive session pursuant to the nonelected personnel matters exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance of nonelected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:37PM
Open meeting resumed at 9:37, no action taken
Meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.
Uniontown City Council Agenda for Dec. 14
Uniontown City Council Agenda For Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at city hall.
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
Kandyce Cox – rescue dog
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of November 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Thank you gift for Matt Wells, Bob Hull, Inc
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Low Income Water Assistance Program –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Pond Improvement Project –
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal – Union Station
Water Rate Increase –
The following are attachments for the Dec. 14 meeting:
KDHE Update on the Omicron Variant
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to sequence positive COVID-19 samples and has not yet identified the Omicron variant in Kansas. While there is more to learn about Omicron, the same prevention methods used throughout the pandemic remain the best tools to help stop the spread of the virus and prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. The SARS-CoV-2 Variants tab on the COVID-19 Dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday and includes the total count of Omicron cases in the state. When the first case of the Omicron variant is identified, KDHE will issue a statement—identifying information such as age, location and gender will not be released to protect the individual’s privacy.
What We Know about Omicron
- Reports from South Africa suggest the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta virus.
- More data is needed to understand the severity of infections caused by the Omicron variant.
- Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people are likely to occur. One early study showed that getting a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine may protect against infection with Omicron. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
- Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work on the Omicron variant.
Tools to Protect Yourselves from COVID-19 and the Omicron variant
Get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death and scientists expect they will also prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people aged 5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all adults aged 18 and over.
Wear a mask. Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings in Kansas where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.
Get tested. If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19. COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com to find a free testing location near you.
Social distance. When in public settings, stay at least 6 feet from other people, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.
At home tests are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. These can be used at home, work or anywhere and can provide rapid results.