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Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the City of Fort Scott Special Meeting on November 13

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 Unapproved Minutes of November 13, 2023                                       Special Meeting

 

The special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 13, 2023 at 5:30PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, E. Woellhof, and M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  T. VanHoecke led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Ben Hart/BakerTilly Finance Advisor to the City (by telephone).

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

SESSION #1 – T. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess in to an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In that meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney, Ben Hart/City Financial Advisor (by telephone). They will recess into the City Manager’s office for (25) minutes and will resume the meeting in the Commission room at 5:57PM.  M. Guns seconded.  All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO RECESS IN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN AT 5:57PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

SESSION #2 – T. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess in to an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In that meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney, Ben Hart/City Financial Advisor (by telephone). They will recess into the City Manager’s office for (20) minutes and will resume the meeting in the Commission room at 6:19PM.  K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO RECESS IN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN AT 6:19PM.

        

  1. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

         SESSION #3 – T. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess into an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In that meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, City Attorney, City Manager, and Ben Hart/City Financial Advisor (by telephone). They will recess into the City Manager’s office for (30) minutes and will resume the meeting in the Commission room at 6:50PM.  M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN AT 6:50PM.

 

  1. Wells moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session. T. VanHoecke seconded. T. VanHoecke, E. Woellhof, M. Guns and M. Wells voted aye. K. Harrington was absent for the vote.

 

  1. Harrinton returned to the meeting.

 

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

         SESSION #4 – T. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess into an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In that meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, City Attorney, City Manager, and Ben Hart/City Financial Advisor (by telephone). They will recess into the City Manager’s office for (15) minutes and will resume the meeting in the Commission room at 7:26PM.  K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

         APPROVED TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN AT 7:26PM.

                          

 

 

  1. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

  1. Wells stated that as a result of the sessions this evening, the Commission directs its Counsel to draw up a contract to be voted on at the November 21, 2023 City Commission meeting.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:28PM. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:28PM.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for November 7

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Unapproved Minutes of November 7, 2023                                         Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 7, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, E. Woellhof, and M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  M. Wells led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Diane Striler, Rachel Carpenter, Lindsey McNeil, Kylie Paulsen, Angela Simon, Nate Lyons, Bailey Lyons, Dwight Sprouls, Robert Harrington, Jody Hoener, Darrell Pulliam

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

 

  1. Harrington moved to approve the amended agenda submitted prior to the meeting. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE AMENDED AGENDA

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  • Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1347-A – $736,392.66
  • Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Payment Application No. 2 – $48,978.00
  • Request to Pay – Bennet, Inc. – 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relation Project – Change Order No. 1 – Soil management support from PPB Enviro-Solutions ($22,000.00) and additional requested work for Splash Pad future restroom infrastructure ($40,000.00) – $62,000.00
  • Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 22-306 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Pay Application No. 5 – $105,259.50

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

Diane Striler – request to establish a Common Consumption Ordinance for the City and to be ready for Christmas on the Bricks beginning November 30, 2023.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the City to establish a Common Consumption Area Ordinance for the Downtown Historic District, extending that area to include Holmtown Pub and Riverfront Park, and the exclusion of all federal buildings, the Creativity Museum and the boundary of the median in Skubitz Plaza as indicated on the map submitted for the period of (1) year. K. Harrington seconded. E. Woellhof, M. Guns, T. VanHoecke and K. Harrington voted aye. M. Wells voted nay.

 

APPROVED THE CITY TO ESTABLISH A COMMON CONSUMPTION AREA ORDINANCE FOR THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT, EXTENDING THAT AREA TO INCLUDE HOLMTOWN PUB AND RIVERFRONT PARK, AND THE EXCLUSION OF ALL FEDERAL BUILDINGS, THE CREATIVITY MUSEUM AND THE BOUNDARY OF THE MEDIAN IN SKUBITZ PLAZA AS INDICATED ON THE MAP SUBMITTED FOR THE PERIOD OF (1) YEAR.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

                                                     

Consideration of Demolition Bids (Bid No. 2-2023) – 4 S. National and 10 S. National –

 

  1. Guns moved to accept the bid of $94,396.00 for the demolition of the structures on 4 S. National and 10 S. National. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE BID OF $94,396.00 FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES ON 4 S. NATIONAL AND 10 S. NATIONAL.

 

Consideration of Housing Development – Patrick Wood:  Tabled from 10/17/2023.  P. Wood asked the City for incentives that are required for his grant application for his development of (6) duplexes.

 

  1. Wells moved to approved up to $85,000.00 of in-kind work including water, sewer, demo and associated dump fees, dirt work, site work, waiving of permits, expediting permits from the City and expediting services from the City and will go out for a Zero Dollar IRB Bond for the development. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED UP TO $85,000.00 OF IN-KIND WORK INCLUDING WATER, SEWER, DEMO AND ASSOCIATED DUMP FEES, DIRT WORK, SITE WORK, WAIVING OF PERMITS, EXPEDITING PERMITS FROM THE CITY AND EXPEDITING SERVICES FROM THE CITY AND WILL GO OUT FOR A ZERO DOLLAR IRB BOND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT.

 

APPEARANCES:

 

Rachel Carpenter, Kylie Paulsen and Lindsey McNeil addressed the Commission to increase the awareness of issues in the community, encourage collaboration through all sectors, educate the community on the role of Community Health Workers and resources available through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) and Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) and introduce the implementation the grant program Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE).

 

The agenda’s order of Appearances was amended by request.

 

Bailey Lyons and Meredith Tucker addressed the Commission on behalf of the Splash Pad Committee to request permission to work with the City and Earles Engineering for their upcoming projects in 2024. The Committee received grants from the Timken Foundation ($85,000.00) and Walmart ($20,000.00) to be used for shade structures and construction of an ADA-compliant restroom.

 

  1. Matkin was directed by the Commission to work with the Splash Pad Committee.

 

Rachel French, Bailey Lyons, Angel Simon and Nate Lyons addressed the Commission to request that the City enter into a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with Eighteen65, LLC and provide a financial subsidy of $100,000.00 ($50,000.00) per building at 10 and 12 S. Main to support the renovation and operation of the kitchen incubator program. Jody Hoener (HBCAT) and Robert Harrington (REDI) spoke in support of the project.

 

  1. Guns moved to approve $100,000.00 to Eighteen65 as the physical agent for funds to be used by the Kitchen Collaborative, that an invoice and updates be provided to the Commission. K. Harrington seconded. K. Harrington, M. Guns, T. VanHoecke and M. Wells voted aye.  E. Woellhoff voted nay.

 

APPROVED $100,000.00 TO EIGHTEEN65 AS THE PHYSICAL AGENT FOR FUNDS TO BE USED BY THE KITCHEN COLLABORATIVE, THAT AN INVOICE AND UPDATES BE PROVIDED TO THE COMMISSION.

 

Rachel French – Certificate of Appropriateness for The Christian Learning Center at 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main – Recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023.

 

  1. Harrington moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness submitted and recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023 for 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVE THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS SUBMITTED AND RECOMMENDED BY THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON 11/6/2023.

 

Kendall Schoenrock (not present) – Certificate of Appropriateness for DCF Parking Lot at 4 S. and 10 S. National. The Design Review Board recommended option K-8 to amend the current Lease Agreement he has with the City that would address concerns regarding diagonal parking.

 

  1. Guns moved to approve the amendment to the parking lot lease agreement to reflect option K8 that was recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE PARKING LOT LEASE AGREEMENT TO REFLECT OPTION K8 THAT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON 11/6/2023.

 

  1. Harrington moved to accept the Certificate of Appropriateness for the building plans for the future DCF building to occupy 4 S. and 10 S. Main submitted to and recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE BUILDING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE DCF BUILDING TO OCCUPY 4 S. AND 10 S. MAIN SUBMITTED TO AND RECOMMENDED BY THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON 11/6/2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:  

 

Consideration of Interview Room recording system and case management software – $11,467.00 – J. Pickert requested that the Commission approve the system as it was budgeted.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the purchase of the interview room recording system and case management software for law enforcement for $11,467.00. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF THE INTERVIEW ROOM RECORDING SYSTEM AND CASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR $11,467.00.

 

Consideration of reappointment of Frank Halsey to Parks Advisory Board Recommended by the Parks Advisory Board on 10/26/2023 –

 

  1. Harrington moved to reappoint Frank Halsey, as recommended by the board on 10/26/2023, for another (3) year term on the Park Advisory Board. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO REAPPOINT FRANK HALSEY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD ON 10/26/2023, FOR ANOTHER (3) YEAR TERM ON THE PARK ADVISORY BOARD.

 

Consideration to accept contract with Hofer & Hofer for the Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom –

The Parks Advisory Board recommended to the Commission to approve the proposal/contract with Hofer & Hofer for a shower house ($87,283.00) and restroom facility ($41,900.00) at Gunn Park on 10/26/2023. It was understood by the board and the Commission that the City’s sewer work would not be complete by April and waste would need to be manually removed until the necessary infrastructure could be completed. The money would come from the Parks Fund.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to accept the proposal/contract from Hofer & Hofer for the shower house ($87,283.00) and the restroom for ($41,900.00).
  2. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL/CONTRACT FROM HOFER & HOFER FOR THE SHOWER HOUSE ($87,283.00) AND THE RESTROOM FOR ($41,900.00).

 

Consideration to accept a bid for (22) window replacements for Shelter houses 2 and 6 as recommended by the Parks Advisory Board on 10/26/2023 – Three quotes were supplied: 1) D&J Glass (224 State St) for $12,514.83; 2) Peerless (not stated) and 3) Home Depot for $8976.00.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to table the decision until 11/21/2023. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION UNTIL 11/21/2023.

 

  1. VanHoecke requested that the Agenda order be changed to bring Item K next due to the length of the meeting.

 

Consideration to approve and pay Sprouls Construction – Project 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Change Order No. 1 – Increased cost of foundation piers for $16,000.00 –

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Change Order No. 1 for the Fort Scott Pavilion (Project No. 22-031B) to pay Sprouls Construction $16,000.00. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR THE FORT SCOTT PAVILION (PROJECT NO. 22-031B) TO PAY SPROULS CONSTRUCTION $16,000.00.

 

Consideration of Lake Fort Scott boat ramp bids – One bid from Marberry Concrete was submitted.  K. Harrington confirmed that the Lake Advisory Board was in favor of the repair. B. Matkin confirmed the money would come from the Lake Fund.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to proceed with the proposal from Marberry Concrete for $66,750.00. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PROCEED WITH THE PROPOSAL FROM MARBERRY CONCRETE FOR $66,750.00.

 

  1. Guns left the room.

 

  1. Guns returned to the meeting.

 

E Woellhof left the room.

 

Consideration of City Employee holiday bonus of $150.00 submitted by B. Matkin – Funds to come from the individual departments.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the 2023 city employee holiday bonus for $150.00. M. Guns seconded. M. Guns, T. VanHoecke, K. Harrington, M. Wells voted aye. E. Woellhof not present for the vote.

 

APPROVED THE 2023 CITY EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY BONUS OF $150.00.

 

Consideration of the 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule –

 

  1. Woellhof returned to the meeting.

 

  1. Wells moved to table the decision of the 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule to the 11/21/2023 meeting. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION OF THE 2024 CITY OF FORT SCOTT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE TO THE 11/21/2023 MEETING.

 

Consideration of Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) proposal with Gilmore & Bell – M. Guns motioned to move forward with the creation of Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts and Downtown Second-Story Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts.  E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE CREATION OF REINVESTMENT HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS AND DOWNTOWN SECOND-STORY REINVESTMENT HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS.

 

Consideration of South Industrial Park Waterline Project Inspection Proposal by Earles Engineering & Inspection for $76,383.00 –

 

  1. Harrington moved to approve Earles Engineering & Inspection’s proposal of $76,383.00, to come from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Fund, for the inspection of the South Industrial Park Waterline project. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED EARLES ENGINEERING & INSPECTION’S PROPOSAL OF $76,383.00, TO COME FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUND, FOR THE INSPECTION OF THE SOUTH INDUSTRIAL PARK WATERLINE PROJECT.

 

Consideration to accept the resignation of City Manager Brad Matkin –

  1. VanHoecke moved to table the decision of the 12/19/2023 City Commission meeting. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF CITY MANAGER BRAD MATKIN TO THE 12/19/2023 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

 

Consideration of a Tourism Rubric – T. VanHoecke moved to table the decision on the submitted Tourism Rubric until 11/21/2023 and that Commissioners send their recommendations to the City Manager for consideration.  K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION ON THE SUBMITTED TOURISM RUBRIC UNTIL 11/21/2023 AND THAT COMMISSIONERS SEND THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR CONSIDERATION.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:07PM. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:07PM

 

Next Meeting:

        

WORK SESSION – Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 5:00PM – Small Business Incentive Program

 

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING – Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 6:00PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County, Government

Special Meeting on November 27 for the Uniontown City Council

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A special meeting of the Uniontown City Council will be held at City Hall on November 27 at 6 p.m.

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

 

Discuss ordinance regulating council pay

 

 

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

Government, Kansas

Commerce Program Opens Employment Pathway for Justice-Involved Kansans

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TOPEKA – KANSASWORKS, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, is taking significant strides to empower justice-involved individuals across the state through the Re-entry Specialized Employment Counseling & Training (ReSpECT)WORKS program. This program provides intensive case management and career navigation for eligible individuals released from the prison system in Kansas.

The ReSpECTWORKS program, administered in partnership with the Kansas Department of Corrections, was established in 2021 to help reduce the state’s recidivism rate in Kansas, which is currently at 35 percent.

“This program focuses on providing an opportunity for justice-involved Kansans to secure sustainable, living-wage employment in order to actively participate in society and break the cycle of incarceration,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “In turn, employers that need talent can be rest-assured these candidates have a pool of resources to help them succeed.”

The program currently operates through federal funding that the agency competes for, such as the $4 million Pathway Home grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2021.

Assistance is provided on an as-needed basis and includes:

  • Job preparation, exploration and planning
  • Occupational skills training
  • Rental assistance
  • Transportation and other basic needs-related payments
  • Supplies and work clothes
  • Intensive case management and employment counseling
  • Assistance obtaining state identification
  • Other individualized services

“We know that those who obtain a livable wage job upon release from prison are a third less likely to return,” Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda said. “We are excited about our partnership with KANSASWORKS and the ReSpECTWORKS program, as it provides an added layer of resources to help these individuals succeed once they have returned to the community.”

A unique aspect of ReSpECTWORKS is that participants remain with the same case manager pre- and post-release. Additionally, participants receive 12 months of follow-up upon securing stable employment. The objective of this method is to assist participants by providing comprehensive, personalized service that will help lead them into and retain high-demand, sustainable-wage jobs and decrease the likelihood to re-offend.

To date, the ReSpECTWORKS program has enrolled 360 justice-involved participants and has achieved an employment rate of more than 70 percent.

“Our approach to this program is intentional, and the feedback that we’ve gotten from those enrolled is encouraging,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce Mike Beene said. “All of this is about putting the human element back into the equation, and the ReSpECTWORKS program facilitates that.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce hopes to expand the program and increase the annual number of justice-involved individuals served annually to 120 within the next year.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Capitol Tour
Candice Reinemund of Overland Park

MeLinda Rybnick Lair of Shawnee

John Michael Lair of Shawnee

Tiffany Anderson of Overland Park

Dustin Dick of Topeka

Angela Dick of Topeka

Zachary Buffington of Topeka

Friedrich Maisberger III of Topeka

Diane Kimsey of Topeka

Cherryl Delacruz of Topeka

D’Andre Phillips of Lawrence

Machelle Van Trump of Ellsworth

Gretchen Norris of Olathe

Barbara Norris of Olathe

Leeanna Burton of Manhattan

Brandon Hall of Manhattan

National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
Cassandra Newell of Fairway

NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association
Todd Houseman of Dodge City

Craig Freeman of Wilson

Shelly Hansel of Harper

Kansas AAA Stars of Life
Cindy Betts of Wichita
 
Kansas WIC Providers
Laura Drake of Olathe

Cassandra Florea of Topeka

Clean Fuels Alliance and Kansas Soybean Commission
Bob Haselwood of Berryton

Dennis Gruenbacher of Andale

Dennis Hupe of Perry

Nex-Tech
Jimmy Todd of Lenora

Kansas H-2B Users
W. Curby Hughes of Olathe

Adrian O’Hara of Lenexa

Curtis Stroud of Louisburg

Nick Brummell of Blue Springs

Chris Morris of Overland Park

Nuclear Science Community
Daniel Tapia Takaki of Lawrence

Amrit Gautam of Lawrence

KU Medical Center LEND Students
Emily Wheeler of Olathe

Bertha Guillen of Olathe

Madisen Huscher of Kansas City

Jessie Schulte of Shawnee

Kansas National Guard Legislative Liaison
Keith Marshall of Topeka

State Department CBYX Students in Kansas
Caroline Honscha of Kansas City

Jule Kohorst of Kansas City


 

 

 


Honoring Veterans Day
Celebrating Veterans
Saturday was Veterans Day, an opportunity to honor the brave men and women who served this great nation in our armed forces. I have a deep admiration for the more than 16 million veterans living in the United States and the nearly 200,000 veterans living in Kansas. The care and quality of life of former servicemembers is a top priority of mine. During my time on both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees, I have worked to bring awareness to and address the unique set of challenges our veterans encounter as they transition from military service to civilian life.

Thank you to all the men and women of Kansas and the United States who have served our great nation in the military. Your dedication to and sacrifice for this country will not be forgotten, and I will work to ensure that all veterans receive the care they deserve.

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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Bourbon County, Government

The Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for Oct. 30

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October 30, 2023                                                                                                                 Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Dale Bollinger, Ron Brown, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Patrick Wood, Clint Walker, Jared Pollock, Floyd Feezel, Patty Ropp, Gary Herrin, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 10/23/23. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Dale Bollinger spoke about comments that were in the newspaper regarding the cost of adding additional ambulances to our fleet to accommodate an EMS barn in the western part of Bourbon County. Mr. Bollinger said he felt the totals listed were excessive and doesn’t like the idea of giving a $1,500,000 subsidy to someone without being able to track where and how it is spent and suggested putting the issue on the ballot. Mr. Bollinger also suggested looking at purchasing the dialysis center as he feels the current medical facility building is not feasible for us, talking to Wal-Mart about location for a helipad, and possibly building something smaller with a partnership with Amberwell for their Medicare and Medicaid billing. Clifton said they had looked at the dialysis center and it is currently still under rent and have spoken to Wal-Mart regarding a helipad. Troy Felt spoke about Medicaid expansion and how he feels about subsidizing a healthcare company. Mr. Felt suggested the Commissioners say who the representatives at the state that residents need to contact are and list their phone numbers on our website.  Clint Walker suggested the Commissioners do what he calls public promotion and allay fears by laying our what our plan is. Michael Hoyt encouraged everybody to vote.

 

Ronnie Brown and Jared Pollock with the Bourbon County Conservation District came to get an update on the status of funding for 2024. Currently, $40,000 has been set aside in a contingency fund for the Soil Conservation District. Mr. Pollock said they are state funded as well as county funded and have to list the amount they will receive from the county on paperwork that must be submitted to the state. Mr. Pollock also stated the Conservation District is okay with moving forward with adding a representative from Bourbon County and that the Commissioners can decide whomever they choose. Jim made a motion to move $40,000 from the contingency fund to appropriation for the Soil Conservation District and to allow the County Clerk to sign any documentation needed for 2024. Clifton seconded the motion. Nelson opposed. The motion passed 2-1.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, said that Eagle Road west of the railroad tracks is now complete. A culvert was replaced at 230th Street and Eagle Road and said the road will have to be closed to try to get prep work done for asphalt and that they will post when it will be closed. Jim thanked Eric and the crew for working hard through breakdowns and mother nature to get the work done on Eagle Road. Eric said the two new graders are in at Humbolt and should be here next week. Eric said he will be out of town Wednesday thru Friday this week so to reach out to Dustin Hall if there are any issues. There was discussion held over lowering the speed limit on gravel roads from the current 55 mph. Clifton asked if they changed the speed limit if they would then have to post signs and Justin said yes, signs would have to be placed throughout the county. Eric said he was concerned over the cost of placing signs as it would be approximately $50.00 per sign for the post and the sign not including labor. It was decided to table the discussion of lowering speed limits on gravel roads.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a letter received from the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center requesting a letter of support for a KDOT grant they are applying for. Rebecca Bilderback, Executive Assistant at SEKMHC, stated that transportation services include appointments (psychiatric, therapy, case management, primary care physician, dental) grocery shopping, personal needs shopping, out-of-town specialist appointments, hospitalization admissions and discharges, education group attendance, children’s field trips, and exercise groups. Services that utilize transportation are outpatient mental health, psychiatry, case management for adults and children, chemical abuse services, and crisis services. Clifton made a motion that all three Commissioners sign the letter of support for Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center for their application for a KDOT grant. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer asked for the Commissioner’s decision on voting delegates for the Kansas Workers Risk Cooperative for Counties meeting that will be held during the Kansas Association of Counties meeting in December. It was decided Jim will be the voting delegate and Clifton will be listed as an alternative. Jennifer said 149 voters have taken advantage of early voting at the Courthouse and asked Commissioners to not hold a meeting next Monday as the Clerk’s office will be busy preparing for the General Election the next day. Clifton made a motion to cancel the November 6th Commission meeting. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:41. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:41 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton went over the holidays during the next few months and discussion was held as to which days to hold meetings. Clifton made a motion to cancel the commission meetings on November 20th, December 25th, January 1st, and January 15th. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. If something comes up a special meeting will be called. Clifton addressed comments made during the meeting and said there are multiple people working on the healthcare issue and have been for several years but NDAs are signed so a lot cannot be discussed in public. Clifton also stated CHC has been spoken to in the past, the cost to build a new facility would be 10-20 million dollars, and the dialysis center is still be rented. Nelson said he received a phone call from a citizen expressing their frustration on a bridge we are receiving KDOT funds to repair as he does not feel it needs repaired. Jim stated in general if KDOT feels it is time to replace a bridge then it is time and they are willing to give us a grant to replace the bridge. Clifton said he received a lot of phone calls and emails about an incident that happened in the northeast part of Fort Scott concerning helicopters, machine gun fire, and an explosion. Clifton said he takes it very seriously that citizens, constituents in his district, were interrupted in the middle of the night and he is absolutely looking into it.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:50. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

                                           Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For November 13

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

 

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

November 13, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Payroll Totaling $214,950.58
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $248,178.11
    3. Approval of Minutes from 10/30/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Lora Holdridge-Holiday Dinner
  • Susan Walker, CFO
    1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
    2. Financials
    3. Elected Official’s Longevity
  • Teri Hulsey, EMS Director
  1. Justin Meeks
    1. Tax Sale
    2. Contracts
    3. MOU
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 theattorney-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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education Agenda for November 13

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN

Superintendent

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

November 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President

2.0 Flag Salute

3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

4.1 Board Minutes

  1. 10/09/2023 Regular Board Meeting
  2. 10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting

4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report

4.3 Check Register

4.4 Payroll –October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26

4.5 Activity Fund accounts

4.6 USD 234 Gifts

4.7 FSHS Art Club Fundraising

4.8 FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025

4.9 FSHS Swimming Fundraising

4.10 FSHS Wrestling Fundraising

4.11 FSHS Baseball Fundraising

5.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

5.1 Student Recognition

5.2 Employee Recognition

6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Superintendent’s Report

6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.3 Special Education Director’s Report

6.4 Finance Director’s Report

 

 

7.0 Old Business

 

7.1       Enrollment of Nonresident Students Policy

7.2       Changing Method of Board of Education Method of Elections and Voting Plan (Discussion  

Only)

8.0 New Business

 

8.1       Possible purchase of Property (Discussion Item)

                         Enter Executive Session – Preliminary discussion of the acquisition of property.

 9.0 Public Forum

10.0  Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2 Exit Executive Session

10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.4. Enter Executive Session – Superintendent Evaluation

10.5 Exit Executive Session

11.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda of the Uniontown City Council for Nov. 14

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The Uniontown City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on November 14 at city hall.

 

Attachments:

11-23 Informational items

2023 Financials-October

 

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

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of October 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by ____________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ______.

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Street project –

 

Mural Grant –

 

Placemaking Project –

 

Pond Project –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Council Pay Ordinance –

 

Procurement Policy –

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on October 10

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10, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM 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 Danny Taylor, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Region H Multi-Hazard, Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan – Clerk Johnson communicated with Bourbon County Emergency Management that we adopted resolution to continue in June, 2022, and sent updates to the city’s portion of the plan.  There has been no acknowledgement of the communication.  She will followup.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319-(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, the open meeting to resume at 7:20, include Sally Johnson.

 

Open meeting resumed at 7:20PM.  No action taken.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the September 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $385,053.49, Receipts $46,930.23, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $33,645.50, Checking Account Closing Balance $395,312.22. Bank Statement Balance $404,186.79, including Checking Account Interest of $82.69, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,874.57, Reconciled Balance $395,312.22.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $482,395.77. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $713.64, and Utility CDs $682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,396.21.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of September $10,258.73, Year-to-Date Net Income $51,760.25.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $90,189.41 (73.8%), Expenditures $84,841.97 (53.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $28,217.64 (76.5%), Expenditures $23,385.57 (56.8%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $109,050.40 (69.6%), Expenditures $98,075.55 (43.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $150,127.90 (100.2%), Expenditures $120,383.02 (65.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,100.03 (81.8%), Expenditures $3,713.22 (31.8%).  The October 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $35,838.69 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of September 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich on vacation.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that he hasn’t seen any progress yet on 404 Washington, they have until December 1 to complete exterior.  The dead tree at 505 Wall has been removed.  201 Fulton, 303 Third, 401 Sherman, 201 Franklin, 307 Washington, and 306 Washington grass/weeds were discussed.  Coyan will talk to or send letters as needed.  Clerk Johnson will get contact information for 201 Fulton and 201 Franklin for him.  There are broken limbs hanging in a tree on the easement between 406 and 408 Fulton.

 

Clerk Johnson reported on the KRWA webinar she attended regarding Lead Service Line Inventory and workshop on Alcohol Beverage Control.  She also handed out information on PFAS class action suit and Cybersecurity.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – would like council salary put on agenda next month.  Clerk Johnson is to present a draft ordinance on amount and regulations for council pay.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Electrical in Park – 30AMP outlets have been requested for use for food trucks not during an event.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to set the fee for use of 30AMP outlets at $15

 

Street project – contractor will be in town October 12 to visit with Rich about the project and plan to begin on October 13.  Council asked to have procurement policy on next month’s agenda to review and amended, if needed.

 

Mural Grant – we have received the second payment from grant.

 

Placemaking Project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will be sending us the grant application that has to be filled out online.  Multi-use of the court was discussed.  Specs for the project for bid request was discussed.  Johnson will draw up bid invitation, have reviewed,

and then sent out to area contractors.

 

Pond Project – signed contract has been received.  We can request bids.  They do not have to be sealed bids.  Johnson will order the weed barrier needed.  Weeds coming through current weed barrier was discussed.  Johnson will ask Don George, KDWPT, what herbicide is acceptable.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Messaging System – council reviewed the information on several different systems and will not pursue at this time.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:39PM

Area News, Government, Kansas

2024 KS State Parks Permits/Campsite Reservations Will Go On Sale in December

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Annual Permits, 2024 Campsite Reservations for Kansas State Parks Coming Soon

SHAWNEE – Whether you’ve had your eye on a waterfront cabin, are slowly working through a state park “bucket list,” or simply want to break in that new tent you got as a birthday present – there are three important dates coming up that Kansas State Park visitors won’t want to miss!

Beginning December 1, 2023, the following annual permits for Kansas State Parks will go on sale online, at state park offices and at license vendor locations:

  • Annual Vehicle Permit – $25
  • Annual Vehicle Permit (Senior/Disabled Kansas Resident) – $13.75
  • Unconventional Vehicle Permit – $52.50 (Purchase at state park offices.)
  • Annual Camping Permit – $202.50 (If purchased prior to April 1 or after September 30. $252.50 if purchased between April 1 and September 30. Discount permit, a $10/night discount on camping for the calendar year.)
  • 14-day Camping Permit – $112.50 (Discount permit, a $10/night discount on camping for up to 14 nights; nights do not have to be consecutive.)

Beginning December 8, 2023, at 12 p.m. (NOON) CST, campsite reservations for the prime season (April 1 thru October 31) will open for the following Kansas State Parks:

  • Cedar Bluff, Cheney, Kanopolis, Meade, Milford, Perry, Pomona, Prairie Dog, Sandhills, Tuttle Creek), and (Note: Tuttle Creek River Pond and Riley campground may be reserved online from April 1 thru November 30.)

Beginning December 15, 2023, at 12 p.m. (NOON) CST, campsite reservations for the prime season (April 1 thru October 31) will open for the remaining Kansas State Parks:

  • Clinton, Crawford, Cross Timbers, Eisenhower, El Dorado, Elk City, Fall River, Glen Elder, Hillsdale, Historic Lake Scott, Lovewell, and Wilson.

Parkgoers who want to have the best chances possible of being able to reserve a campsite for a desired date(s) during prime season should:

  1. Familiarize themselves with CampItKS.com or ReserveAmerica.com
  2. Ensure they have a seamless login with an existing complete profile or create a new account for customers brand new to either website.
  3. Download the CampItKS mobile app for access on-the-go
  4. And, mark down the aforementioned launch dates for permit sales and 2024 reservations.

To view a complete list of state parks in Kansas – including maps and lists of amenities – visit ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks.

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