The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, May 25th, 2020 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 26th, 2020.
The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 for the Memorial Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Allen County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 0 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Anderson County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 1 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 1 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 5 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 6 |
| Deaths | 1 |
Woodson County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 6 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 6 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.
TOPEKA, Kansas – A Lansing Correctional Facility resident who died Saturday, May 16, had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the fourth resident death related to COVID-19.
The resident was a male over the age of 60 with underlying medical conditions who tested positive for the virus on April 29 and was transferred to the hospital on May 1. The official manner of death for all COVID-19 deaths is natural causes.
The individual was serving a sentence for charges including aggravated robbery and first-degree murder. He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since December 1989 and his earliest possible release date was set for Oct. 1, 2020. For the privacy of his family and due to confidentiality laws, the KDOC will not release his name nor his underlying medical conditions. His family has been notified.
The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867 during the presidency of Andrew Johnson and is the oldest and largest state correctional facility in Kansas. Serving only males, the facility capacity is 2,432 residents.
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus. For information on the KDOC’s response to COVID-19, visit https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-coronavirus-updates.
On Wednesday, May 20, Governor Laura Kelly will visit the White House for a meeting with President Trump.
In addition to discussing the state’s phased reopening and statewide testing strategy, topics of discussion will include protecting America’s food supply chain, supporting Kansas’ farmers, and partnering to ensure the health and safety of food supply workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I look forward to the discussion with President Trump on ways we can continue to work with the federal government on our response and recovery efforts,” Governor Kelly said. “Our continued emphasis is on protecting Kansans’ health and well-being, and helping the state recover from a public health crisis that has exacted a painful financial toll on many. The economic damage will be long lasting, and will require collaboration at every level. I look forward to discussing how the President and I will continue partnering together in our recovery.”
Uniontown City Hall will reopen to the public on May 18. The office has been closed because of the COVID 19 Pandemic, according to City Clerk Sally Johnson.
People are asked to used the south door in the alley to enter the office. Wearing a mask and social distancing will be maintained.
The community center and library will remain closed until phase three of the reopening of the state.
The playground on the square will reopen as soon as disinfectant arrives and as soon as the signage is posted, Johnson said.
“Use the equipment at your own risk, ” Johnson said. “Bring your own sanitizer and use before and after using the equipment.”
Governor Kelly announces executive order extending relief to motor carriers during COVID-19 pandemic
Governor Laura Kelly today issued a new executive order as part of her administration’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Order #20-33 will extend temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations until rescinded, on June 15, 2020, or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier. It is an extension of measures put in place by Executive Order #20-22.
“The executive order issued today will continue to ease the burden on the workers who are critical to our state’s response capabilities,” Kelly said.
The order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response effort.
To view E.O. #20-33, click here.
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USDA Announces Cooperative Agreements for Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction
WASHINGTON, May 11 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $900,000 for local governments to host a Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR) pilot project for fiscal year (FY) 2020. The cooperative agreements will support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. The agreements are offered through USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.
“Food waste shouldn’t end up in landfills when options like food recovery and composting are available,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. “Such options not only benefit communities and the environment, they can also provide farmers and urban gardeners with exceptional, nutrient dense planting material.”
“We are tapping into the creativity of communities across the nation to rethink the lifecycle of food in ways that minimize waste and maximize use.” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach. “We look forward to highlighting the innovative practices of selected pilot projects.”
Key Dates
USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until midnight June 26, 2020.
Projects should span two years with a start date of October 1, 2020 and completion date of September 29, 2022.
Details
Cooperative agreements support projects led by local governments that: 1) generate compost; 2) increase access to compost for agricultural producers; 3) reduce reliance on, and limit the use of, fertilizer; 4) improve soil quality; 5) encourage waste management and permaculture business development; 6) increase rainwater absorption; 7) reduce municipal food waste; and 8) divert food waste from landfills. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide assistance for conservation related activities.
Priority will be given to projects that anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits; incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to farmers, including community gardeners; integrate other food waste strategies, including food recovery efforts; and collaborate with multiple partners.
Webinar
A webinar, which will be held on June 4, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, will provide an overview of the cooperative agreements’ purpose, project types, eligibility and basic requirements for submitting an application. Information on how to register and participate in the webinar, or listen to the recording, will be posted at farmers.gov/urban.
More Information
Comments can be sent to [email protected] within 90 days, with the subject line “Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Project.”
Questions about this cooperative agreement opportunity can be sent to [email protected].
The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It includes representatives from many USDA agencies, including Farm Service Agency and Agricultural Marketing Service, and is led by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Its mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices, including community composting and food waste reduction. More information is available at farmers.gov/urban.
Additional resources that may be of interest to urban agriculture entities include AMS grants to improve domestic and international opportunities for U.S. growers and producers and FSA loans.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Governor Kelly signs new Executive Order as part of ongoing COVID-19 response effort
Governor Laura Kelly yesterday signed Executive Order #20-32 as part of her administrations comprehensive, ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order provides temporary relief from certain restrictions concerning shared work programs.
Shared Work is an alternative for employers faced with a reduction in workforce and allows an employer to divide the available work or hours of work among a specified group of affected employees in lieu of a layoff. Shared Work allows the employees to receive a portion of their unemployment insurance benefits while working reduced hours for their employers.
Executive Order #20-32 expands flexibility for Kansas employers, so they can take advantage of the existing federal programs.
“We want Kansas employers to be able to keep as many people on payroll as they can, and decrease the need for unemployment.,” Kelly said. “This is all about providing further support to people facing financial hardship and employers dealing with tough decisions right now.”
The order waives a provision in the law that prohibited a contributing negative account employer (an employer that has paid more in unemployment benefits to its employees than it has contributed to its unemployment insurance account with the state) to participate in a shared work plan.
Under the federal “CARES” Act, the federal government will reimburse 100% of any state unemployment insurance benefits paid through a “short-time” or “shared work” unemployment program, through the end of 2020.
Executive Order #20-32 can be found here.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 14th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, Lindsey Watts, and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None
CONSIDERATION:
Approval to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission, that she and Chad created a spreadsheet and a handout for the Commission to review for the two proposed projects. The totals including sidewalks/trails, bicycle paths, crosswalks/striping, utility additions if needed, signage, and curb and gutter: Horton Street – 6th Street to Lakin – Total costs $569,322.20 – If including 6th Street also with the Horton project $858,955.40; National Avenue – 13th to 18th – $89,032.20.
Kevin Allen said that he went on Horton and agrees that 6th to 10th on Horton needs replaced. He believes that from there on south is good.
Chad said that utilities will also be updated from 6th to Lakin on Horton.
Lindsey said that part of the reason for this street is the sidewalk area towards the college and the downtown area.
Kevin said that there are 27 businesses on National that would like that street upgraded. He asked if this could be added to the Horton project.
Susan said that KDOT will not combine two different projects. KDOT was involved in our Highway 69 Corridor Plan and they would like to see us utilize that plan.
Discussion was held regarding the curve at 18th and National and if they wanted to do that improvement.
Susan said that KDOT would like in the future to design a road behind the business to keep traffic flowing on Highway 69. This project would include land acquisition and was estimated at $2.2 million. She informed them where the proposed improvement would be on 18th which would be called Judson Street. Part of that area the City owns but part of it would include land acquisition. There is access management and geo-metric grants that we could apply for with this project next year.
Pete Allen said that the City has done no planning. He said he made Staff aware of this program in January and now it is May, and nothing has been done. He compared this to a shot-gun wedding. He said that the chances of the City getting a grant was 20%. He said last year there were 22 grants issued by KDOT. He said that there is a summer grant program available. He said that this should be tabled. It needs to be well thought out and have the Street Advisory Committee meet. There is no common goal in his opinion. He said he does not know where Horton Street comes into play with our projects. He asked Commissioner Watts where she lived.
Lindsey Watts said that she has heard that there have been discussions on Horton Street for many weeks. She reminded him that he and Kevin were both in discussions on this.
Mayor Mitchell asked that we all calm down and be respectful to each other.
Lindsey Watts said that City staff has provided lots of information to them. Cost estimates for the three projects have been gone over numerous times.
Pete Allen made a motion to table this grant knowing full well that as of May 18th we can apply for summer grants, that a thorough study is conducted, the Street Advisory Board Committee is involved, the community involved, and figure out a plan that is best for all members of the committee and not just a select few.
Randy Nichols asked if there was any reason to get the City’s name in the que for this current grant cycle.
Susan said yes.
Randy said that the implications of where we live have nothing to do with this grant submission and the implications of that is really ugly.
Pete said that he thinks it is coincidental maybe but all three of you live right off of Horton Street.
Mayor Mitchell said that Pete’s motion died for lack of a second.
Kevin asked if it will hurt our chances for another grant if we don’t go for this grant.
Susan said no. She said that she does not feel that project this was thrown together. Statistics were brought back to the Commission. The Horton project was very thought out and it was in our 2020 plan. That was not a fair statement. We are trying to get funding to help cover the costs. National could still be accomplished with our capital outlay dollars.
Kevin said that he hasn’t been as heavily involved in these discussions as Pete has. He said he would appreciate being treated as his own person and as his own individual. He believes we should go for the grant. He may differ on what we go for, but we should move ahead.
Susan said that we have always been told by KDOT they had to be shovel ready and she asked that specific question and they said no. That’s why this project was brought before them. The other two grants – access management and geo-metric will have to be engineered before submission.
Pete said that he was told yesterday that the grant will only cover asphalt. It will cover sidewalks also.
Susan said that it will cover sidewalks also and said that yesterday.
Pete asked if we would spend all of our capital improvement funds on this one project.
Susan said that she would suggest going out for temporary notes and bond this $600,000 for ten years.
Kevin says that he feels like we should go for the grant, but he feels like the National project should be looked at.
Lindsey said that her opinion differs due to the work that City staff has brought to them. This is a far larger project that we will have to put far less City dollars into.
Lindsey Watts made a motion to approve Horton from 6th Street to Lakin Street and also from 6th Street from Judson to Horton. She also added if City Staff deems to add the sidewalks down to the Community College or even the Golf Course to be included in this project to be submitted for the KDOT Cost Share Grant. Randy Nichols seconded. Randy Nichols, Lindsey Watts, and JoLynne Mitchell voted aye. Pete Allen voted no. Kevin Allen abstained. Motion carried.
approved Horton from 6th Street to Lakin Street and also from 6th Street from Judson to Horton. She also added if City Staff deems to add the sidewalks down to the Community College or even the Golf Course to be included in this project to be submitted for the KDOT Cost Share Grant
City Manager said that Staff has worked hard on this project. The City still won’t know what we have to spend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be a year of planning, but we may not be able to complete due to funding.
Approval to use Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission that Olsson Associates is familiar with our community. They would only be needed if technical questions were needed to be answered in submitting this application.
JoLynne Mitchell made the motion to approve Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for submission of the KDOT Cost Share Grant. Lindsey Watts seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen abstained. Motion carried.
approved Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for submission of the KDOT Cost Share Grant.
ADJOURNMENT:
R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 10:38 a.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.
ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 10:38 A.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
_____________________________________
DIANE K. CLAY
CITY CLERK
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 13th, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Lindsey Watts and President of the City Commission Randy Nichols presiding. Mayor JoLynne Mitchell was absent.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None
CONSIDERATION:
Approval to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission, that she, Chad, and Dave Martin met with Pete Allen and Randy Nichols yesterday regarding the three different projects that could possibly be submitted for this grant. Those projects are Horton – 6th Street to 23rd Street; Wall Street – West to Highway 69; and National – 13th Street to Highway 69. Susan went over the scoring basis for the grant which will be used when K.D.O.T. is looking to award grants. They are as follows: The project should: Support Economic Growth; Aid in the retention or recruitment of business; Add value to a KDOT project; Improve safety; Improve access or mobility; Improve condition or relieve congestion; Bicycle/Pedestrian; Investments that provide benefits and are not eligible for other KDOT programs; Entity of business involved in the project – private investment; Regional significance; Impact to State highway; Impact to local road system; and Other KDOT funding available. She referenced the Highway 69 Corridor Study which was completed in 2010. Susan said that she and Dave talked to Darin Petrowsky of K.D.O.T. in regard to these projects. There is additional KDOT funding that would assist with Wall Street. There is funding in the City’s capital improvement program to pay for the overlay on National.
Chad Brown, Public Works Director, informed the Commission that he put some numbers together on the three projects. The cost of milling and asphalt on National would be approximately $89,000. That is with a 2” overlay from 13th Street to Highway 69. The cost on Horton Street from 6th Street up to the City’s golf course would be about $1.5 million which would include 8” of asphalt. Wall Street would be approximately $500,000 for improvements.
Susan reminded them that this grant is just for asphalt resurfacing and storm or sewer improvements is not included. These costs include sidewalks also.
Discussion was held regarding the three proposed projects, the costs, the Highway 69 Corridor Study Plan, if 6th Street could be included with Horton Street, and the availability of additional funding in the fall through KDOT.
Pete said he talked to some of the Street Advisory Board members and they all wanted the National Avenue project.
Randy Nichols moved to approve the Horton Street project to be submitted for the KDOT Cost Share Grant Program. Lindsey Watts seconded. Kevin Allen and Pete Allen voted no. R. Nichols and L. Watts voted aye. Tied 2-2.
Discussion was held whether the Mayor was available to call in. City Manager called the Mayor, but she had only been able to listen in on the last 20 minutes of the meeting, so she could not vote.
Discussion was held to meet again tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. and see if the Mayor can be present for this meeting. Susan will also contact KDOT for additional answers to some of their questions. Chad will get additional costs on these projects also.
Approval to use Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission that this will be discussed tomorrow.
ADJOURNMENT:
Kevin Allen moved to adjourn the special meeting at 11:24 a.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.
ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 11:24 A.M.
The next Special meeting is to be held on May 14th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
RECORDED BY:
_____________________________________
DIANE K. CLAY, CITY CLERK
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 12th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, Lindsey Watts and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell were present.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None
CONSIDERATION:
Approval of Resolution of Support from the Governing Body to apply for CDBG Grant – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission, that there was a program that was announced yesterday by the Governor. It will become effective today at 1:00 p.m. What we can apply for is additional monies for the CDBG program and this one is actually CDBG-CV for the COVID-19. This is an economic development grant and similar to what we did the first time, but with more procedures and requirements to be determined. The one requirement that will stay the same is the low to moderate income requirements. This is for local businesses to help retain jobs for low to moderate income employees. It is for households and their workforce must be above 51%. That was a requirement of the first round. They must have at least one full time equivalent job. An owner can qualify to be the full time equivalent. More information will be available after the 1:00 p.m. conference call today on this program. There has been $9 million given from the State for the C.A.R.E.S. Act. These will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.
City Manager said that more information can be given at next week’s City Commission meeting.
Rachel said that she is seeking approval of Resolution No. 12-2020 seeking support from the Governing Body to apply for the CDBG Grant.
Nichols moved to approve Resolution No. 12-2020 approving the Resolution of Support from the Governing Body to apply for the CDBG-CV Grant. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen did not vote. Motion carried.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 12-2020 APPROVING THE RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNING BODY TO APPLY FOR THE CDBG-CV GRANT.
Approval to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission, that yesterday she had the opportunity to be on a conference call with K.D.O.T. regarding one of their programs which is the Cost Sharing Program. She directly asked if the projects had to be shovel ready. Their response was they did not have to be shovel ready. She talked with Chad Brown, Public Works Director, regarding projects that were planned for next year. One of those projects is Horton Street from 6th Street to 23rd Street. Sidewalks and a bicycle path were also being planning for that street. This is a 85/15 grant. This program is about promoting safety, improving access and mobility, and relieving congestion. This project would take local traffic off the main highway. Projects funded by other KDOT programs are not eligible as there is other funding available for those.
Chad Brown, said that KDOT used to have the KLINK program, but is now called the City Connecting Link Improvement Program. It includes three categories: 1) surface preservation; 2) pavement restoration; and 3) geo-metric improvements. One of these programs is more suitable for Wall Street than Horton Street.
Discussion was held on main traffic streets in the City and prioritizing them. Discussed was Wall Street, National, and Horton Streets.
Discussion was held regarding the project and the urgency in applying for this grant.
Pete Allen moved to table this discussion until Wednesday, May 13th, 2020. Kevin Allen seconded. All voted aye.
TABLED DISCUSSION ON THE K.D.O.T. COST SHARE PROGRAM UNTIL WEDNESDAY, MAY 13th, 2020.
Approval to use Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission that this will be discussed tomorrow.
ADJOURNMENT:
R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 10:41 a.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.
ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 10:41 A.M.
The next Special meeting is to be held on May 13th, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.
RECORDED BY:
_____________________________________
DIANE K. CLAY
CITY CLERK