Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

Member Sought For Lake Advisory Board

Leave a comment

This is for the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee:

  • One opening (Lake Fort Scott resident – west side of Lake Fort Scott)

The function of the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding lake operations, lake safety, fishing, boating, and camping at Lake Fort Scott.

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by October 30th, 2020.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Establishes Broadband Development Office

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Establishes Office of Broadband Development, Announces Nearly $50 Million in Grants for Broadband Access Expansion

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Order #20-67 to establish the Office of Broadband Development and announced the distribution of nearly $50 million in Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) funds to underserved communities across Kansas.

 

By expanding access to broadband, Governor Kelly’s administration will support economic development opportunities, increase access to health care and education, and promote network affordability for Kansans statewide.

 

“Broadband access has been an overlooked problem in Kansas and across the country for years, particularly in our rural and vulnerable communities,” Governor Kelly said. “Today’s announcements mark a significant step forward in my administration’s commitment to achieving the universal broadband coverage that will make our state’s communities competitive economically, healthier, and improve educational access.”

 

The Office of Broadband Development will be housed in the Kansas Department of Commerce and led by Stanley Adams, current Director of Broadband Initiatives for the Department of Commerce.

 

“Broadband is one of our state’s greatest economic development tools,” Stanley Adams, Director of the Office of Broadband Development, said. “With the Office of Broadband Development, we will take on the critical work of helping unserved and underserved communities with technical assistance and funding expertise necessary to get them online.”

 

“With an enhanced focus from the Office of Broadband Development, we will greatly improve critical access to business, education, and healthcare connectivity needed statewide,” Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Broadband truly is a critical building block to a brighter future. With today’s announcement from Governor Kelly, the moment has come to further power the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that are hallmarks of our great state.”

 

The Office of Broadband Development will:

 

  • Evaluate and report annually on the extent, quality, and affordability of broadband offerings in Kansas;
  • Develop strategies to facilitate construction of broadband infrastructure necessary to achieve functionally universal broadband access for Kansas homes and businesses;
  • And develop and advocate for policies that make high-quality broadband service more accessible, affordable, and reliable in underserved and vulnerable communities.

 

Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers joined in the announcement Thursday to highlight its importance for Kansas’ rural and agricultural communities.

 

“Ag technology is continuously changing to allow farmers and producers to increase efficiency and output,” Lt. Governor Rogers said. “Without broadband, Kansas’ hardworking farmers – and our rural communities as a whole – are being left behind. I am very excited to partner with the Office of Broadband Development and the Departments of Commerce and Transportation to strengthen our broadband infrastructure in every corner of our state.”

 

E.O. #20-67 is effective immediately and shall remain in force until rescinded.

 

Governor Kelly also announced Thursday that 67 projects were awarded a share of nearly $50 million for broadband infrastructure improvements. The projects are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act and are part of the connectivity program approved by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce and the State Finance Council.

 

“Kansans are best served when state government partners with communities and businesses to offer more options and solve problems. Today’s announcement will allow us to do all those things,” Julie Lorenz, KDOT Secretary and Office of Recovery Executive Director, said. “I want to thank our SPARK taskforce, legislators, and Kansans – without their input and support this would not have been possible.”

 

View Executive Order No. 20-67 here.

 

View the complete list of CERG awardees here.

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting Oct. 9

Leave a comment

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9th, 2020. This meeting will be held to consider an extension of the bid date for the City’s property insurance which is currently out for bid. It is anticipated the City Commission will adjourn in Executive Session after this item to discuss non-elected personnel.

This meeting will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room. This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

Leave a comment

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove Aruba. Aruba was previously added September 24; however, its rates have decreased over the last two weeks.

 

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together 500 or more persons in a single room or space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs and festivals. Mass gatherings does not include normal operations of airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 500 or more persons may be in transit. It also does not include typical office environments, schools, restaurants, factories or retail/grocery stores where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes.

 

“If you are choosing to travel or attend mass gathering events, please know that there are inherent risks,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Be sure to wear masks, practice social distancing and use proper hand hygiene. And, if you’re not feeling well, stay home!”

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Bourbon County, Elections, Fort Scott, Government

Bourbon County Cities Need 1-percent Sales Tax Proposed on Nov. 3

10 Comments
Graphic provided by Susan Bancroft.

 

Bronson, Fort Scott, Fulton, Mapleton, Redfield and Uniontown all benefit from the upcoming proposed 1-percent sales tax that will be on the Nov. 3 Bourbon County Ballot.

In fact, if the proposal fails to renew (the sales tax has been in place for years), cities will have to make hard decisions concerning services they can provide their communities, according to authorities.

Several community officials have responded with what the possible impact on their communities will be.

“If a no vote prevails, each entity receiving this sales tax would have troubling decisions that would set our communities back even further,” Fort Scott’s Financial Director Susan Bancroft said.  “Some communities may be forced to raise property taxes to cover lost revenue and some may face having to make the decision to unincorporate.”

“Citizens may ask why a sales tax rather than a property tax,” Bancroft said. ” Local residents and nonresident consumers buying in Bourbon County share in the revenue generated from a sales tax. Essentially, visiting consumers help financially support improvements in our communities versus a property tax solely coming from Bourbon County residents.’

“Currently, The City of Fort Scott generates roughly $750,000 per year from the 1% sales tax,” Bancroft said. “Approximately 67% ($500,000) of the sales tax is used for the street department for operations and basic maintenance to our city streets.”

“Additionally, 20% of the sales tax supports any capital improvements needed for parks, public safety, recreational facilities and public buildings,” she said. “The remaining 13% of the sales tax supports general fund operations for things such as: public parks, municipal airport, Woodland Hills Golf Course, aquatic center, Buck Run Community Center and public safety.”

 

FS Commission Recent Change: 90% Will Go To Streets

“At the October 6th commission meeting, the (Fort Scott)City Commission made a bold decision to change their current allocations of the 1% countywide sales tax to the street department,” Bancroft said.  “The current 67% will increase to 90%, and will be dedicated to the street department for operations and maintenance if the sales tax passes on November 3rd.  The remaining 10% will be used to continue to fund public parks, public buildings, recreational facilities, and public safety.”

Graphic provided by Susan Bancroft.

 

Bronson, Fulton, Mapleton, Redfield and Uniontown use the portion of their sales tax to support general operations and are a significant part of their budgets, Bancroft said.

Bancroft broke down the following percentages  for how much the countywide sales tax generates in each entity as a percentage of total revenue received:

  • Bourbon County 35%
  • Bronson 18%
  • Fort Scott 11%
  • Mapleton 29%
  • Redfield 27%
  • Uniontown 14%

“I encourage the citizens of Bourbon County to research the facts to understand the impact this vote could make on our county. The proposed sales tax is not a new sales tax. This sales tax is simply renewing the current sales tax in place, and for all entities, it is to support the day to day activities that keep our communities running.” Bancroft stated.

 

Bronson

“The City of Bronson relies on the countywide sales tax to supplement our general fund to reduce the burden on property taxpayers,”  according to Bronson City Clerk Ellen Harper.  “Our general fund pays, in full or in part, expenses for general operations of the city wages, liability insurance, street maintenance, community center, library and parks. We would lose over $25,000 a year, which may not seem like much, but for a small city it would be detrimental to our finances. An estimated loss of 18% revenue would mean an approximate increase of 43 mills if it were to be added to property taxes. We couldn’t put that kind of burden on our citizens. So many services and benefits would have to be cut.”

 

Uniontown

“The City of Uniontown receives approximately $22,000 annually from this tax,” Uniontown City Clerk Sally Johnson said.  “These funds are deposited to the general fund to help fund our public services to our community.  These funds have not been earmarked for specific projects but have been used to fund a portion of patch material for city streets, culverts, ditch repairs, street lighting, signal light at Hwy. 3 intersection, help maintain the community center and much more.  The City of Uniontown would like for citizens to consider renewing this tax so we can continue to provide services to our community.”

 

Fort Scott

Fort Scott’s Finance Director Bancroft states “The City of Fort Scott depends heavily on the countywide sales tax. If the sales tax does not pass, the impact will be greater than the $750,000 generally generated from the sales tax. The $750,000 of sales tax will be lost revenue and an additional $500,000 will need to be cut from other areas to continue to supply the same essential operations and maintenance in the street department. This equates to 1.2 million dollars that would need to be cut if the countywide sales tax does not pass. Areas that would be affected are public safety, parks, economic development, recreational facilities, aquatic center and staffing.”

Susan Bancroft is the  Fort Scott Finance Director. Submitted photo.

 

Fulton

 

“Without the allocation of funds to the City of Fulton that are obtained through this sales tax, we would be cutting our yearly general fund in half,” Misty Adams, Mayor of Fulton said. “This would not be operable for our small town. The loss of revenue would be a huge loss and devastation for our small town and many other small rural communities. We would be operating in the red by year-end and be seeking assistance from our county commissioners.  Without the passing of the 1% sale tax, we residents would see an increase in our property taxes and for some, this would create a financial hardship. Many small rural towns are housed by retirees who are budgeting their monthly expenses and are on fixed income, so increase in expenses is not what we are looking to do.”

 

The sales tax will appear on the  Bourbon County November 3, 2020 ballot, as follows (taken from the county’s website):

Shall the following be adopted?

Shall Bourbon County, Kansas, levy (renew) a one percent countywide retailers’ sales tax to take effect on July 1, 2021, and expire on June 30, 2031, with the allocated shares pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-192 to be used as follows: (1) to Bourbon County, for the purpose of maintenance and construction of hard surface roads, and (2) to each city located in Bourbon County, for the purpose of providing funding for public services?

To vote in favor of any question submitted upon the ballot, darken

the oval to the left of the word “YES”; to vote against it, darken

the oval to the left of the word “NO”.

 

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Halloween Guidelines In A Pandemic

Leave a comment

KS Dept. of Health and Environment Guidance for Celebrating Halloween, September 2020

This document outlines guidance and considerations for celebrating Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic. As typical Halloween celebrations do not allow for minimizing contact with non-household members, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives. Refer also to any specific city or county guidance in your community which may be more restrictive than what is outlined below.

Halloween Activities Not Recommended

• Gatherings, events, or parties with non-household members
• Carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions
• Door to door trick or treating – It is very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors, ensure everyone (trick or treaters and residents of homes being visited) are properly wearing face coverings, and because food sharing is risky.
• “Trunk or treating” – It is difficult to avoid crowding and sharing food at such events.
• Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19.

Recommended

• Online parties or contests (e.g., costume contests, pumpkin carving)
• Car parades
o Drive by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate vehicles and drive by judges that are appropriately physically distanced
o Drive through events where individuals remain in vehicles and drive through an area with Halloween displays
o Drive in events where individuals receive a treat bag (with commercially packaged, non-perishable treats) or take away item from an organizer while the participants remain in their vehicle
• Halloween movie nights at drive in theaters
• Halloween themed meals at outdoor restaurants, complying with restaurant protocol
• Halloween themed art installations at an outdoor museum, complying with museum protocol
• Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween themed decorations

Personal Protection Measures

Regardless of how you celebrate, there are important recommendations for how to keep yourself and your household members safe.

• Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home and around others who are not part of your household.
• Avoid confined spaces, including indoor spaces that don’t allow for easy distancing of at least 6-feet between you and others.
• Practice physical distancing – place at least 6-feet between yourself and other people who are not part of your household.
• Practice routine hand hygiene – wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean frequently touched items regularly.
Safer Trick or Treating and “Trunk or Treating”
Although KDHE does not recommend trick or treating or “Trunk or Treat” events as ways to celebrate Halloween, there are some recommendations and guidance to consider if you make these choices for yourself or members of your household.
• Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home.
o Incorporate face coverings into costumes.
o Face coverings should not be worn by children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing, and anyone who is otherwise unable to remove their cloth face covering without assistance.
• Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use at regular intervals while outside your home.
• Consider carrying sanitizing wipes to disinfect candy or other items accepted from homes. Or, sanitize items individually when you get home before consumption. Remember to also examine treats for choking hazards or tampering before eating them.
• Accept only commercially packaged, non-perishable items.
• Practice physical distancing.
o Always leave at least 6-feet of space between yourself and people not in your household.
o Do not crowd sidewalks, driveways, or porches.
o Wait until a porch or doorway is empty before approaching a home.
o Move aside on sidewalks and driveways to allow space between yourself and other trick or treaters.
o Keep a safe distance from cars – do not walk in the street.
• For “Trunk or Treat” events, follow all guidelines above while also considering:
o Maintain at least 6-feet of distance between yourself and other attendees as you walk around.
o Wait for others to depart a car/trunk before approaching. Do not congregate at a car/trunk with other attendees unless they are members of your household.

Guidance for Homes Accepting Trick or Treaters

• When answering the door or coming into contact with trick or treaters, correctly wear a cloth face covering.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at regular intervals; hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be substituted if soap and water are not available.
• Regularly clean and sanitize frequently touched items such as door handles, door bells, and door knockers. Consider having sanitizing wipes by the door for quick access between trick or treaters.
• Distribute only commercially produced, non-perishable items to trick or treaters.
• Do not use “grab bowls”, where trick or treaters reach into a communal bowl to retrieve candy.
• Practice one-way trick or treating
o Consider spacing items 6-feet apart on your porch, in your yard or on a table in your driveway with a sign advising trick or treaters to “Take 1”. Watch from a safe distance and replenish items as needed.
o Alternatively, make individual goodie bags for trick or treaters to pick up as they walk by. If your home has a fence, consider hanging individual goodie bags on the fence for trick or treaters to take as they walk by.

• For “Trunk or Treat” events, also consider:
o Participating cars should be parked at least 6-feet apart.
o Make individual goodie bags and place them in your trunk so they are not touching. Maintain a distance of at least 6-feet from other attendees and replenish bags or items as needed.
o Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use at regular intervals.
o Sanitize high-touch areas at regular intervals. Consider having sanitizing wipes on hand.
Halloween Parties
Although KDHE does not recommend hosting or attending parties as a way to celebrate Halloween, there are some recommendations and guidance to consider if you make this choice for yourself or members of your household.
• Remind potential guests who are sick or waiting on results of a COVID-19 test to stay home.
• Host activities with only people from your local area as much as possible.
• Correctly wear a cloth face covering around others who are not part of your household.
• Practice routine hand hygiene – wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Consider only hosting or attending parties hosted in large, outdoor spaces that allow for physical distancing of at least 6-feet between attendees. If an event must be hosted indoors, make sure the space is well-ventilated (for example, open windows and doors).
• Maintain at least 6-feet between yourself and people who are not members of your household, especially when cloth face coverings are removed for eating and drinking.

• When setting up tables and chairs, create individual seating areas of various sizes spaced 6-feet apart to be utilized by individual family or household units. Encourage guests to sit only with those who are members of their household, especially for eating and drinking when cloth face coverings will be removed.
• Avoid activities that require guests to be in close contact or to share items, such as games or food.
• Encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
• Limit people going in and out of areas where food is being prepared, such as kitchens or grills.
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between use when feasible.

General Halloween Health and Safety Tips

In addition to modifications to Halloween activities to reduce the spread of COVID-19, remember the following general Halloween health and safety tips to keep you and members of your household safe.
• Avoid trick or treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
• Hold a flashlight while trick or treating to help you see and others see you.
• Walk, don’t run, from house to house.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks whenever possible.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Avoid walking in streets and roadways. If there is no sidewalk, walk along the far edge of the road facing traffic in order to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting costumes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Eat only commercially produced, non-perishable treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Do not enter homes unless you are with a trusted adult.
• Only visit well-lit homes.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Never walk near candles or luminaries. Wear flame-resistant costumes.
References
1. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Guidance for Celebrating Halloween. Retrieved September 2020 from http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/community/GuidanceHalloween.pdf.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Halloween Health and Safety Tips. Retrieved September 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/index.htm.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Personal and Social Activities. Retrieved September 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html#gatherings.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Holiday Celebrations. Retrieved September 2020 from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.

Government, Kansas

Energy Efficiency Education Program Offered K-12

Leave a comment
The Kansas Corporation Commission promotes a new K-12 education program as the state observes Energy Efficiency Day on October 7
Wednesday, October 7 is Kansas Energy Efficiency Day. Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation joining hundreds of state and local governments in a national day of awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency.
In conjunction with Energy Efficiency Day, the Kansas Corporation Commission is promoting a new K-12 education program that teaches students the necessary data collecting and analytical skills to help their schools lower energy costs.
Nationwide, schools spend billions of dollars each year on energy. It is the second largest budget item after personnel costs. The new K-12 Benchmarking program offers teachers an all-inclusive energy efficiency curriculum that includes professional equipment and guidance from energy experts – all at no cost to the school. The curriculum meets Next Generation Science Standards and can be adapted for students of various grade levels.
The KCC is collaborating with Kansas State University Engineering Extension to implement the program. Funding is provided by a U.S. Department of Energy grant.
Participating schools will form an energy team to benchmark and understand the school’s energy use. The next step is to conduct an energy efficiency treasure hunt using professional energy auditing equipment to look for ways to reduce energy loss and save money. Those findings lead to an energy efficiency campaign within the school followed by measuring cost reductions.
More information, including a video explaining the program, is available on the KCC’s website at https://kcc.ks.gov/energy-education/teachers.
 
Area News, Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Bourbon County: 14 Active COVID-19 Cases

Leave a comment

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

October 5, 2020

Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases.

Allen County

Current Active Cases 25
Total Hospitalizations 5-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 71
Total Cases Since Testing 97
Deaths 1

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 83
Total Cases Since Testing 86
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 14
Total Hospitalizations 10- 0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 195
Total Cases Since Testing 212
Deaths 3

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 21
Total Cases Since Testing 24
Deaths 0
Advertisements, Elections, Government, Kansas

Ad: Bill Meyer For KS Representative District 4

Leave a comment
Bill Meyer. Submitted photo.

Bill Meyer for Kansas House of Representatives
District 4

If you want a Representative who stands for:

Maintaining full funding for our public schools;

Expanding Medicaid to cover 150,000 near-poor Kansans while bringing $700 million per year into the Kansas economy;

Expanding broadband internet into our rural areas as the # 1 necessity for attracting new business and keeping the ones we have, enabling our farmers and ranchers to access current market conditions, providing opportunities for offsite virtual learning, and expanding telemedicine into medically underserved areas;

Respecting and listening to the opinions of others;

 

Vote for Bill Meyer on November 3

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Oct. 6

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: Oct. 6

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

9:00 – 9:30 Eric Bailey, Road & Bridge

9:30 – 9:45 SPARK

10:00 – 10:15 Bill Martin, CESF Grant-Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding

10:15 – 10:30 KWORCC-Voting Delegate

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Sept. 28

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of September 28, 2020 Special Meeting #10

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 28th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor JoLynne Mitchell presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Susan Bancroft, Janice Allen, Seth Simpson, Michael Hoyt, Travis, Rachel Pruitt, and Allyson Turvey.

I. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of applicant for Kansas Moderate Housing Grant – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that Ally also assisted with this grant. She and Ally met with Commissioner Lindsey Watts last Friday to review the applications that had been received for this grant. The application was included in the packet, but in addition there were several other documents that were needed. The total application had 200 pages to it.

L. Watts said that the City missed getting it out to the media and to contractors in a proper time. It sounds like the City will be implementing some policies to ensure this does not happen again. This project submitted is a thought-out good project.

Ally said that this is a quick review of our current application. The applicant is required to submit monthly progress reports, final accounting of funds, and annual tenant income from rental developments. Our applicant this year is also the applicant who was awarded last year. They have rehabbed four homes in 2020 and plan to rehab three locations and four homes in 2021.

K. Allen asked when this applicant was notified about the grant program opening.

Ally said from the City’s perspective, they were notified the same time as the other contractors. They have been in constant contact with Kansas Housing since they had the award from the previous year, so it is possible they heard from Kansas Housing about the grant.

K. Allen asked if local contractors could check with Kansas Housing also rather than depending on the City.

Ally said that on the Kansas Housing website, anyone can sign up for their emails and be notified.

K. Allen asked if the City receives those emails.

Ally said that we had not been but are now signed up. We will be better prepared in the future than we were this year.

P. Allen said that he would like to address this situation. He said that we as Commissioners were elected to represent the citizens of Fort Scott, and that is his intention. He’s heard comments from other Commissioners that they were here to represent the City Manager and City Staff. He doesn’t think that is their duty. He’s heard nothing but foul remarks about this situation and how this issue was handled. This issue was known about in July and the first we heard about it, and the first the contractors and citizens heard about it was last Friday. The applications had to be turned in four days. He doesn’t think this is right and the citizens of Fort Scott would approve of. $400,000 in your pocket with no strings or some strings attached and no requirement to pay back would be a dream come true for any contractor. He’s had a contractor call him and ask how can we do this? How can we make this thing appear to be appropriate when it’s not. We had the opportunity last July to put our program together and we didn’t do it because of staff. Staff has failed to do this. We are paying staff a huge sum of money to take care of business for the City of Fort Scott, and he doesn’t feel in this issue that the Staff has done their job. They have failed the citizens and failed the contractors. This should not in any way move forward. It should have been tabled last Friday when we voted on it because no one has enough time. This is a dream come true two years in a row for the same person. He said that is wrong. This should be pulled from the table and it should not be acted on. We should pass and go on to the next year. Next year it should be put on a level playing field. This happened last year and now it has happened again. This is not a good representation for the City of Fort Scott and he’s ashamed of it.

L. Watts said that she agrees that we should have known and moved forward in different ways on this. We were aware of the project last year and knew it was coming up in July. We would have talked about it at the September 15th Commission meeting, but we weren’t able to have that meeting. We had to speak about it at the special meeting. She said she has also talked to contractors in town. She does not agree with putting off the opportunity to possibly help the City of Fort Scott by bringing $400,000 this year. Last year the application was $385,479 we were awarded $249,675. This year the application is for $441,000 and that maximum amount of the application is $400,000. She doesn’t want to turn down an opportunity that would help our City in housing in the amount of $400,000.

K. Allen said that what we are dealing with is perception. When these instances reoccur, the first one, okay. The second one makes people wonder. He asked if this was a grant or a loan.

Ally said it was a grant.

K. Allen again when the City knew about it.

Rachel said that she didn’t know the exact date. It was brought up in Staff meeting on September 9th. We were informed that it needed Commission approval due to the new purchasing policy. It was on the September 15th agenda.

P. Allen asked when the purchasing policy came into effect and if she read it.

Rachel said that she read the purchasing policy.

K. Allen said that the application process was very extensive. They would not have time to put it altogether to be a candidate. He asked if the application the City was turning in was complete.

Ally said she believes it is.

L. Watts said that it was complete in its entirety. She said that we need to work in the future with more developers to put together this application.

K. Allen said that as we went through this last year, this same subject came up. Did we work with any other contractors on this application process?

Ally said that she had a couple other contractors that reached out for information and when she replied, she was told it was too late, and the bank had told them they couldn’t get the documentation they needed.

K. Allen asked if she worked with this contractor that submitted the application?

Ally said yes.

K. Allen asked again if it was complete.

Ally said it was complete.

K. Allen asked Jeff Deane, City Attorney if there were any ramifications towards the City for other contractors not being able to be involved in this process.

Jeff Deane, City Attorney, said that anyone can file a claim. He hasn’t heard anything that there is any evidence to file one. Bidders do have rights to challenge an award.

P. Allen said that most everything we do in this administration is surrounded by controversy. We spent the last couple of months defending ourselves on controversial items. We are not transparent and doing things that we act like we know what we are doing. He said he spoke to a potential developer who told him that he reached out to Ally and she never got back to him.

Ally said that she isn’t sure which developer he is referring to.

P. Allen said that he wasn’t going to say, just that he reached out to her and she didn’t get back to him.

R. Nichols moved to approve the application from R-2 Concrete to be submitted for the Kansas Moderate Housing Grant to the State of Kansas. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

approved the application from R-2 Concrete to be submitted for the Kansas Moderate Housing Grant to the State of Kansas.

  1. Consideration to submit KDOT grant for fuel pedestal system at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport – Seth Simpson, Airport Manager, informed the Commission that their current fuel pedestal system at the Airport is a MT3000. This version is no longer made, and parts and technical service is no longer available. He received a quote for a M4000 fuel pedestal system in the amount of $15,000. That does not include installation. He thinks the total would amount to $25,000 or less. This grant requires a 15% match from the City which is a budgeted item.

L. Watts moved to approve the submission of a KDOT grant for a fuel pedestal system at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport. J. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

approved the submission of a KDOT grant for a fuel pedestal system at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport. this requires a 15% city match.

II. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 11:30 a.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 11:30 A.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on October 6th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Sept. 21

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of September 21, 2020 Special Meeting #9

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 21st, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor JoLynne Mitchell presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Patty West, Lynette Westhoff, Travis Shelton, James Charlesworth, Nate Stansberry, Deb Needleman, Michael Hoyt, Rachel Pruitt, and Allyson Turvey.

CONSIDERATION:

I. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1271-A totaling $428,590.44.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 113 S. National – Signage and Alterations to building

R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Lindsey Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

II. CONSIDERATION:

  1. City Insurance Liability Update – James Charlesworth, Charlesworth Consulting, informed the Commission that he was going to give them an update on the City’s insurance. He gave some history on the City’s insurance. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was done in January 2014. Traveler’s was the incumbent insurance carrier with the cost of about $325,000. He received two proposals – one from Traveler’s and one from Midwest Public Risk. Midwest Public Risk was about $70,000 less and that was going to be the recommendation, but they withdrew their proposal at the last minute. The City renewed with Traveler’s for about $360,000. In early 2014, Mr. Martin, your Finance Director at the time, and he visited with Midwest Public Risk at their offices in Independence, Missouri. Due to the savings, the City wanted to meet with them and find out what the issue was. We met with their board president and their board and resolved their issues, which was really unfounded. Because of the savings, we decided to do another RFP for July 1st, 2014 and understood there would be some short term penalties if we left Traveler’s. Midwest Public Risk quoted and Traveler’s offered their same terms and conditions, and then to our surprise, we received a quote from Birkshire Hathaway which was approximately $130,000 less than Traveler’s so the change was made to Birkshire Hathaway effective July 1st, 2014. It is generally accepted practice to shop for insurance every three to five years. In 2017, quotes were received from Birkshire Hathaway, Midwest Public Risk, and KCAMP. The City Commission approved the KCAMP quote of $194,000. If you will remember, the premium was at $360,000 a few years earlier. The City was trending in the right direction. There was a three-year rate stabilization guarantee, so basically depending on the losses, the rate would not fluctuate a lot. From July 1st, 2017 to January 1st, 2018, there was a window to get them on their policy which would begin on January 1st, 2018. Fast forward to today, a RFP was drafted and published in the local newspaper and on the City’s website. Quotes were to be in by the latter part of November so the Commission could review the amount at their first meeting in December. There have been some changes, so he needs some direction from the Commission. KCAMP requires a notice of withdrawal in the amount of 60 days. They aren’t a big insurance company so they need to know who is going to renew so they can establish their rates. We would have to provide them with a notice of withdrawal by the City Commission by November 1st. Most companies will still compete even after receiving a notice of withdrawal. KCAMP notified the City that their notice of withdrawal is non-rescinding, that states they will not participate. They would offer us a renewal by November 1st, and we would either have to accept it or not to accept it. That leaves the City with three options:

  1. The first option is to proceed as planned. Receive quotes in late November and present them before the City Commission in December with an effective date of January 1st, 2021. KCAMP will not be an option for this and would not offer a renewal.

  1. The second option would be to forego the RFP for this year, negotiate a renewal with KCAMP, and start earlier in 2021. KCAMP has implied that they will look at a 15% increase in their quote. Right now their cost is a little over $219,000 and they will be looking at a cost of around $250,000.

  1. The third option is to condense our project. We could get quotes by October 12th, research the quotes, and come back before the Commission at the October 22nd Commission meeting. He has talked to the two local agents that are working with Traveler’s and EMC. Birkshire Hathaway is updating their government policy and will not be participating.

K. Allen said that as a small businessowner, he would like to see the City’s insurance kept local.

R. Nichols asked if KCAMP would continue to cover the City on any outstanding claims if they did not renew their coverage.

James Charlesworth said yes, they would continue to represent the City until the claims were closed.

P. Allen said that he would like to hear from the local agents that are present.

Lynette Westhoff, Billard-Hammer-Hartman said that she appreciated the fact that they could appear before them and they would accept quotes from the local agents. She would be quoting EMC. She has checked with the loss history that the City has, and they have said they would entertain a quote. Three years ago, when she quoted she was about $7,000 less than KCAMP, but her quote came in after the deadline. She thinks they can be competitive. They are local and only a phone call away.

K. Allen asked when James Charlesworth was hired by the City and what the City pays him to evaluate our insurance.

James Charlesworth said he was hired in 2014. He said that he is paid a monthly fee by the City in the amount of $500.00. When a special project is done, there is an upgrade for that. Normally, his fee is from $9,500 to $12,000 if not a retainer client. If a retainer client, it would be around $3,000.

K. Allen said basically it is about $9,000 a year to make sure the City’s insurance is evaluated correctly. We could be saving our citizens about $15,000 by letting our local insurance agents do the job they are supposed to be doing.

James Charlesworth said that they had a past relationship with the former Finance Director. This director was concerned about the City’s insurance and he came in and evaluated it. He said he had a conversation with Deb Needleman that once this project was over, he would no longer be the City’s insurance consultant. He wants to do whatever is best for the City.

City Manager said that he was not aware of this conversation. He asked how it would work if he was no longer evaluating the City’s insurance.

James said that you could use information he has provided on renewals. You can take the bids you get this year and next year, send it back to whoever the successful agent is, and ask that the renewal be compared.

K. Allen said that in visiting with the insurance companies locally, that they are willing to do this absolutely free. He asked Susan Bancroft if she could look at the numbers and see if we were getting a good deal.

Susan said it was more complicated that than. Because of the type of coverage that we need as a City, you need to know quite a bit about the insurance. You just can’t walk in and get a quote because there are big packages that are put together. Mr. Charlesworth gave us assistance in evaluating all of the insurance quotes. He has also stepped in and assisted us with claims in the past. He has brought value to the City.

Deb Needleman said that she and James had talked about the City’s insurance and where we are today is better than where it was before. He has brought a lot of value to the City.

Patty West, Atkins Insurance, said that their company wrote the City’s insurance starting in 1990 through 2013. In 2014, the Commission moved to Birkshire Hathaway. In 2013, their firm paid over $890,000 in claims from the 2013 hailstorm. Birkshire Hathaway was new to the municipality business and they came in and undercut everyone on premiums. She doesn’t know about their claim service. Her daughter was the first claim and that was not good. She was not aware of any problems with risk management and her firm. She said that your local agent can be used with risk management. They have a vested interest in the success of this community. We are on a time crunch and ask that you consider that. There are a limited amount of markets on municipalities because the package is very unique.

K. Allen asked how long we knew this was going to be bid out.

James Charlesworth said that was on him and that it should have been sent out earlier for a quote.

P. Allen asked if there were requirements and specifications sent out with the bid packets to insurance companies.

James said yes there are requirements. He will go through with City staff line by line to make sure everything is covered.

P. Allen asked if an Insurance Advisory Board needed to be created. It would save City staff time.

James said that some cities do and some don’t.

Lynette Westhoff said that it will just add another thing for your City employees to do. With Charlesworth, they are good at comparing things or using a local agent for. You don’t need a separate committee to do this.

James said that he will present your insurance options to you. After that decision is made, he will submit a detailed proposal of what his firm does and you can make a decision on moving forward.

L. Watts moved to approve Option 3 and to use the condensed time frame and to open quotes up to local agencies with a time frame of October 12th, 2020 when quotes are due. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT OPTION 3 AND USE THE CONDENSED TIME FRAME AND TO OPEN QUOTES UP TO LOCAL AGENCIES WITH A TIME FRAME OF OCTOBER 12TH, 2020 WHEN QUOTES ARE DUE.

2. Acceptance of Community Development Block Grant No. 20-CR-004 – Mayco Ace Hardware – Approval to accept grant and for Mayor to sign all pertinent documents – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that the City received a letter from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Governor of Kansas notifying us that Mayco Ace Hardware was awarded the 2020 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $224,437.00. This will include repair and replacement of roof, ceilings, windows and doors, ADA accessibility and emergency fire disconnects. She asked for approval for the Mayor to sign all pertinent documents in reference to this project. There are no matching funds from the City for this project.

R. Nichols moved to approve the CDBG Grant No. 20-CR-004 for Mayco Ace Hardware and for the Mayor to sign all pertinent documentation. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen abstained. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT NO. 20-CR-004 FOR MAYCO ACE HARDWARE AND FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN ALL PERTINENT DOCUMENTATION. THIS AWARD IS IN THE AMOUNT OF $224,437.00.

3. Kansas Housing Grant Application Opportunity – Allyson Turvey, Community Development/Tourism Manager informed the Commission, that the Kansas Housing Resource Center has opened the Moderate Income Housing program which is a developer’s grant program that does not require any City contribution. The City does have to submit the application. The application process was opened last week and was announced on the City’s Facebook page, the radio, and the Chamber. The due date is this Thursday, September 24th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Applications will begin to be reviewed on Friday. As a City, we can only submit one application. The evaluation guidelines set up are on page 76 and 77 of your packet. There are no specific ratings for the guidelines. She asked for a Resolution of Support for the City from the City Commission to apply for this opportunity.

K. Allen asked when this grant application became available.

Ally said that it was announced at the end of July. That is the City’s fault as we missed the grant opening. We became aware of it early last week and got information out on it as quickly as possible.

K. Allen said that he has had several contractors contact him and are upset about the short time frame to fill out all the paperwork.

Ally said that we missed the opening of the application process.

L. Watts asked if something could be brought to them on how the applications were evaluated.

Ally asked if the Commission was comfortable with City staff reviewing the applications and choosing the applicant to be submitted or if the Commission wanted to be included in this process. A special meeting would need to happen either Friday or Monday as the applications are due on Monday, September 28th.

K. Allen said that he feels the Commission should be a part of this discussion and approval process.

R. Nichols moved that the Resolution of Support for this program be approved. J. Mitchell seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 14-2014 – RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT – THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT INTENDS TO APPLY TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF KANSAS MODERATE INCOME HOUSING TO BE LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

L. Watts asked if City Staff would create a specific spreadsheet for them to determine candidates that would be eligible for approval.

R. Nichols said that City staff knows the guidelines and he believes that City staff should be able to select the best candidate due to the short time frame.

Rachel passed out the guidelines that the State will look at.

City Manager said that the Commission could select a City Commissioner to sit with City staff on this project.

R. Nichols moved, that due to the short time frame, that City Staff select a candidate for this program.

L. Watts said that having a Commissioner sit with City staff to evaluate the applications and they could bring that back to the City Commission or at a special meeting.

R. Nichols withdrew his motion.

K. Allen said that he believes a special meeting needs to be held to announce to the public who the candidate selected is.

Susan said that confidential information will be dealt with and asked the City Attorney if an executive session would need to be held for this.

Jeff Deane said it would depend if it would match up with the motion allowed for executive session.

L. Watts said she didn’t think the whole Commission needed to be a part of this process.

K. Allen said that we need to be a part of this process.

P. Allen said that he agrees that the whole Commission should be a part of it.

L. Watts said that she would be willing to serve as the City Commission representative on this selection process.

R. Nichols moved that a special meeting be held on Monday, September 28th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. to approve the final applicant that has been approved by City Staff and a City Commissioner. L. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2020 AT 11:00 A.M. TO APPROVE THE FINAL APPLICANT THAT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY CITY STAFF AND A CITY COMMISSIONER, WHICH HAS BEEN SELECTED AS LINDSEY WATTS.

  1. Lauber Municipal Law Firm July Billing Statement – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission, that in our June billing for Lauber Municipal Law Firm, there was some confusion. Part of the June billing had not been paid. There is a recap in your packet. Part of June’s bill as well as July’s bill is included in this invoice. This amount is $29,026.50. In June there was $11,187.50 paid. There was $13,363.00 missed from the June billing. The July billing is $15,663.50 totaling $29,026.50. We need to get payment to the Lauber Municipal Law Firm.

K. Allen asked if Jeff was able to put together what the Code of Ethics and Code of Procedures cost the citizens of Fort Scott.

Jeff said that he has not done that. It is difficult to split out.

K. Allen said that he just wants an estimate.

L. Watts said that she has worked with City staff and that is your job as a City Commissioner to do.

K. Allen said that he breaks down invoices for his customers all the time.

Jeff said that he splits his invoices up by topics, for example, KORA/KOMA, litigation, etc.

K. Allen asked for an estimate so he can tell the citizens of Fort Scott what it cost. He asked that the citizens not be charged for his work in doing this.

P. Allen asked if the City had a stamp that the City uses on the date we receive invoices. He doesn’t see a date on this.

Susan said that there were issues with the June invoices and there were issues getting this information back and forth due to a new staff person at Lauber Law Firm.

Pete said that he was advised that the original June bill does not represent this June bill that is here. He asked if he was correct?

Susan said no.

Jeff said no that is not correct.

K. Allen asked that in the future any special projects he works on be billed separately.

Susan said that she questioned some of these expenditures and went back and forth with the law firm on their billing. This invoice is approved by City staff to be paid and she is completely comfortable with the paying of this invoice.

R. Nichols moved to pay Lauber Municipal Law Firm the amount of $29,026.50. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1-1.

APPROVED TO PAY LAUBER MUNICIPAL LAW FIRM THE AMOUNT OF $29,026.50 FOR JUNE AND JULY 2020 INVOICES.

  1. Consideration of application of Cost Sharing Program through K.D.O.T. – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, that the City has an opportunity to apply for another application through K.D.O.T. Cost Sharing Program. This would be the same application that was applied for previously for the Horton project. It is extremely competitive and there is only $5 million available. The due date is October 1st, 2020. She and Nate have updated the application that they will be submitting.

K. Allen moved to approve to apply for the K.D.O.T. Cost Sharing Program for the Horton Street project. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO APPLY FOR THE K.D.O.T. COST SHARING PROGRAM FOR THE HORTON STREET PROJECT.

K. Allen wanted it reflected that he and Pete were late to the last City Commission meeting, due to the fact that they were at the Airport public hearing. It ended at 6:00 p.m. and he arrived at 6:07 p.m. He had worked with the City Manager to get the meeting changed but was unable to. He felt the Airport public hearing was important to attend. He also was disappointed that the You Tube video did not work for the public hearing. He would like in the future where meetings are not scheduled on the same date. He said that the City Manager needed to be present at the public hearing for the Airport also. It should have been at a bigger venue also. He had to set chairs out for people.

L. Watts pointed out that there was confusion with the meetings. The public hearing for the airport had to be published 60 or 90 days beforehand and it could not be changed. The City Commission meeting possibly could have been changed, but was not. The City Commission meeting had to have a quorum when the time was scheduled, and the meeting could not be delayed.

Jeff said that you are not supposed to wait for a meeting to start. He does have a presentation to make at the next regular meeting. This is a special meeting and the topics have to be abided by. We have to be on time.

City Manager said that he talked to the Mayor about this meeting and she didn’t want the date or time to be changed.

III. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 12:29 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 12:29 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on October 6th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK