Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Recognizing Companies/Individuals For Positive Community Impact

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Nominations Now Open for 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on their communities and the Kansas economy.

This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held Thursday, October 3, at the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The number of outstanding business success stories across Kansas continues to grow — and we’re looking forward to recognizing more impressive companies and businesspeople who invest in their communities and in our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The To The Stars awardees exemplify the spirit and determination necessary to succeed in business and make a lasting impact. We all know companies and individuals that have gone above and beyond, and I encourage everyone to nominate them for this notable honor.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

  • AgriBusiness– Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
  • Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
  • Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
  • Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
  • Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
  • Under 30 Entrepreneurs – Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success
  • Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

The Department of Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.

“As our state’s economy keeps growing, it’s only appropriate that we celebrate and thank the Kansas businesses that continue to support their communities and drive our state’s unprecedented economic success,” Commerce Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “We look forward to recognizing another year of outstanding businesses and hard-working Kansans, and we hope to see you in Great Bend.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here.

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.

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Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Government, Youth

Upgrades on Fort Scott’s East Side Are In the Works

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Third Street Park is east of Hwy. 69. This is the lower level with the ballpark. The upper level has playground equipment, a pavilion and bathrooms.

 

Upgrades to Third Street Park, Nelson Park and the Ellis Park Soccer Field are in the works by the City of Fort Scott.
“The City of Fort Scott is working on upgrades to the 3rd Street Park bathrooms, ” Mary Wyatt, Fort Scott’s Planning, Housing, and Community Development Director, said. “I’ve ordered new bathroom doors, Ron Hurd Construction is going to be framing in the new doors, Stoughton’s Plumbing will be drilling sink holes into the concrete in both bathrooms and installing sinks, we (the City of Fort Scott)are installing motion lights, security cameras, and automatic locks for the bathroom doors. Evergy (the electric utility)  has made a donation of a 35-foot pole to the project and CrawKan (Telephone Cooperative)  has also been involved in the technology aspect of this project.”
Mary Wyatt. Submitted photo.
Third Street Park is located at 600 E 3rd St., a few blocks east of Hwy. 69.
Volunteers John Crain and Josh Jones painted the bathroom at Third Street Park during the beginning of the upgrades last year.  Submitted photo.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team received a grant to install new playground equipment and new concrete stairs that have added better access in the multi-level park in 2023.

Rachel Carpenter. Submitted photo.

“Through funding from Patterson Family Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, HBCAT started the Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods placemaking projects,” according to Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT Director in a prior interview.

This playground equipment was installed last year at Third Street Park.

A Building Up Our Neighborhoods Placemaking project through HBCAT repaired the bathrooms and existing structures, including the basketball goal.

To view the prior story:

“HBCAT initially started the 3rd Street Park project in 2023 and had new playground equipment and fall protection installed, the City of Fort Scott promised assistance on the project in the form of upgrading the bathrooms,” Wyatt said.  “The City of Fort Scott has paid for the bathroom doors and security equipment and will be paying Stoughton’s Plumbing for their services and Jeff Allen for electrical work and CrawKan for the technology work, Ron Hurd Construction has volunteered to donate their time to frame in the new bathroom doors, and Evergy donated a bare 35-foot pole.”
John Crain and Josh Jones paint the bathroom at Third Street Park, in this 2023 photo. Submitted photo.
“The HBCAT 3rd Street Park project was paid for by a grant that HBCAT applied for and were awarded, but the bathrooms portion of the project is paid for by the City of Fort Scott,” Wyatt noted.
The bathroom completion timeline is the end of May.
“There are a lot of moving parts and coordinating of individuals and businesses to make it all come together, but it is my goal to have the bathrooms completed and opened to the public by Memorial Day weekend,” she said.
Wyatt has been working on other projects for youth.
Nelson Park is at Grant and Elm Street in Fort Scott.
“I am also currently working on a project to make upgrades to Nelson Park, I’ve recently attended several Community Development and Grant Writing workshops and have found many resources that could lead to grant funding opportunities to fund the Nelson Park project,” she said. Nelson Park can be accessed from East Wall Street, turning north on Grant Street
“A few months ago, I completed a project that brought flashing school zone speed limit signs to both Margrave Street on the east side of Fort Scott as well as on National Avenue on the west side of Fort Scott and also just received additional flashing school zone signs that will be placed on Horton Street. The cost of the flashing school zone signs were split between the USD234 school district and the City of Fort Scott.”
Ellis Park is located at !12th and Williams Street in Fort Scott. This is a view of the soccer field on Williams Street.
“I am also currently looking into a project that could hopefully help resurface the Ellis Park soccer field this summer,” she said. Ellis Park is near the Fort Scott Middle School, on Twelveth Street.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Honor Members At Annual Awards Banquet

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Left to right: Jericho Jones, Casey Gomez, Regen Wells, Junie Fisher, Cooper George, Lexi Hill, Alyssa Popp, Lizzy Moore, Milo Donnelly, Angie Bin. Submitted photo.

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 honored members at the annual Golden Thespie Awards Banquet on Apr. 29. The banquet followed original one-act play performances written by the three Drama classes at FSHS.

Honors opened with the President’s Speech & Introduction of New Officers by senior Lexi Hill. New officers include: President – junior Cooper George, Vice President – junior Kaiden Clary, Secretary – junior Emi King, Historian – junior Milo Donnelly, Publicity Chair – sophomore Junie Fisher, State Thespian Representatives – sophomores Chris Newman and Emma Bin, and State State Thespian Representatives in Training – freshmen Ava Johnson and Allie Wards.

The troupe inducted official International Thespian Society Members: seniors Jericho Jones, Lexi Hill, and Casey Gomez; and juniors Emi King, Mykael Lewis, Kaiden Clary, and Cooper George.

 

The following were recognized for competing in the KS State Thespian Festival Thespy Events: Vocal solos – seniors Casey Gomez and Jericho Jones, junior Emma Guns, and sophomores Junie Fisher and Levi Fairchild; Monologues – seniors Regen Wells and Jaedyn Lewis, juniors Emi King and Alyssa Popp, sophomores Chris Newman and Grace Walker; Group acting – seniors Jesse Dinneen and Natalie Woods along with sophomore Peighton Head; Duet acting – juniors Mykael Lewis and Kaiden Clary; Stage Management – junior Cooper George; and Lighting – senior Lexi Hill. Special Recognition went to Wells (qualifying for the third year in a row) and Fisher who qualified to compete at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University June 23-28.

 

The troupe was presented the Gold Honor Troupe Award from the KS Thespians and the following State Improv Troupe Finalists were recognized: seniors Regen Wells, Lexi Hill, and Jaedyn Lewis; junior Mykael Lewis, and sophomore Chris Newman.

Senior members of International Thespian Society were presented with a medal to wear at graduation. Lexi Hill was honored for receiving the Kansas Thespian Society Technical Theatre Scholarship and Independence Community College Technical Theatre Scholarship. Kassandra Farr, Natalie Woods, Lizzy Moore were recognized for Fort Scott Community College Theatre Scholarships.

 

Senior 4-Year Drama Class Students were presented with lifetime alumni tickets to theatre productions at FSHS. They include: Jesse Dinneen, Lexi Hill, Natalie Woods, Josiah Eisenbrandt, Casey Gomez, Jericho Jones, and Jaedyn Lewis.

 

Every year the troupe votes on the Golden Thespies. These are special trophies presented for outstanding achievement during the year. The Best Newcomer trophy went to junior Milo Donnelly with freshmen Ava Johnson and Allie Wards also as nominees. Most Involved was junior Alyssa Popp with junior Mykael Lewis and sophomore Chris Newman also nominated. Drama Mama went to senior Lizzy Moore with senior Lexi Hill and junior Emi King as nominees. Drama Papa was awarded to junior Cooper George with seniors Jesse Dinneen and Josiah Eisenbrandt nominated.  The Designer of the Year trophy went to senior Lexi Hill, also nominated: senior Natalie Woods and sophomore Chris Newman. Technician of the Year went to junior Cooper George, juniors Emi King and Alyssa Popp also nominated. Actor of the Year was awarded to senior Casey Gomez with juniors Kaiden Clary and Mykael Lewis nominated. The Actress of the Year trophy was won by senior Regen Wells with senior Jaedyn Lewis and Junior Emma Guns nominated. The Singer of the Year trophy went to sophomore Junie Fisher with nominations also to senior Jericho Jones and sophomore Levi Fairchild. The top award of the evening went to theTriple Threat senior Jericho Jones. Seniors Casey Gomez and Regen Wells were nominated as well. Jones also has his name engraved on the perpetual Triple Threat plaque.

The evening closed with a tribute slideshow to the Thespian Seniors. Upcoming events include the Improv Comedy Show on May 12 at 7 p.m. at the high school auditorium and Tiger Drama Camp – Sleeping Beauty – held May 28-June 10 weekdays 12:30-4:30 p.m., with performances June 10 & 11 at 7 p.m.

FSHS is also proud to announce the production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. as the fall all-school musical for 2024. Thespians is led by Troupe Director Angie Bin

 

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Establishes Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition

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Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Work Group and Task Force Combine to Establish Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition

TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) are taking steps to gather professionals, as well as individuals with lived experience, to update the state’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia state plan.

In response to this public health care crisis, in May 2019, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 19-08, establishing the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force. Task Force members divided into committees that studied, researched and documented the following topics for the plan: Public Awareness, Access to Care, Family Caregivers, Training and Workforce, Safety and Legal, Research and Data, Dementia Care and Rural.

In 2024, KDHE received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to engage members of the 2018 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and 2019 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force in establishing a Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition to address Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD).

“This coalition is the perfect opportunity to continue our partnerships across the state in addressing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their effects on Kansans and their families,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “The hard work and dedication of the individuals in these groups have provided the foundation that will allow us to continue educating and discussing these important topics as we move forward in supporting the individuals affected by these impactful diagnoses.”

In addition to expanding the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and Task Force into a state-level Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Coalition and updating the state plan to include related disease and actions from the CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative, the program will begin educating the public on brain health and ADRD issues and the broad spectrum of actions needed to fully address ADRD across Kansas.

“Our goal is to improve access to dementia care and quality of life and build strong communities for those living with Alzhemier’s disease or other forms of dementia through strengthened partnerships and policies,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “By engaging and educating the public and focusing on action plans to promote dementia-friendly resources, we can elevate and address issues in dementia care.”

Coalition meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, virtually, from 1 to 3 p.m. The next one is scheduled for May 14. To participate contact Tyra Quintin or Amy Hampton.

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Government, Kansas

Vivint Home Security Will Pay State of Kansas For Pressuring Consumers

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Home security company will pay state $500K, Kobach says

TOPEKA – (May 3, 2024) -A Utah company will pay the state of Kansas $500,000 after agreeing to a consent judgement with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, Attorney General Kris Kobach said. The allegations in the petition filed in Shawnee County District Court included that the company, Vivint, used deceptive business practices to pressure Kansas consumers into long-term contracts.

“Protecting Kansas consumers is our highest priority. Door-to-door transactions are an easy way for suppliers to take advantage of consumers through high-pressure sales tactics. We encourage every consumer solicited through a door-to-door transaction of any kind to thoroughly read and take the time to understand the contract before signing,” said Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz.

In addition to the monetary payment, Vivint agreed to change a number of its business practices including not allowing its employees to fill in customers’ names on electronic forms, allowing consumers to cancel their month-to-month services by phone or email, and providing customers with a copy of their extension or renewal agreements within three business days.

Attorney General Kobach encourages consumers who have questions about door-to-door sales or any consumer protection matter to call the Kansas Attorney General’s Public Protection Division at (800)432-2310 or email [email protected].

Read the consent judgment here.

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Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission This Afternoon

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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

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

 

May 6, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/29/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $409,734.00
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,320.88
  1. Public Comments
  2. Lynne Oharah-Unique Road West of 95th Street
  3. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey-Public Works
  • Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Commission Comments
  1. 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 the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

May 3, 2024

 

Veto Session is over and so is the 2024 session.  The House was able to override the Governor’s veto of CCR 2036, but it failed in the Senate by one vote.  There were two Senators who voted for the CCR but voted No on the override.  They turned around and voted for the next tax package – CCR 37, which was similar to CCR 2036.  It is the mega-tax relief package that would exempt Social Security from state income tax; take the grocery state sales tax to zero July 1, 2024 instead of Jan 1, 2025; provide some property tax relief; lower income taxes for all taxpayers; lower the privilege tax; and remove the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction (LAVTR) language.  The difference is the tax brackets.  The top bracket would be 5.57, instead 5.55 and the other bracket would be 5.2 instead of 5.15.  It is around a $3 million fiscal note from the Governor’s proposed legislation.  The Governor is considering a special session costing $84,600 a day for what one accountant called, “a rounding difference”.  Keep in mind, over $4 billion is in the state coffers.  It makes no sense not to let this legislation become law.

 

Legislative Post Audit Committee had the Ford and Chase County Clerks answer questions regarding a previous audit on elections.  Ford County sealed all of the election material and didn’t cooperate with the audit staff.  After questioning, the Committee decided to request audits of Ford County for this year’s primary and general elections.  Chase County had sealed election material also but had worked with audit staff during the audit.  The Committee also asked that the election material be unsealed so that they can be audited.  A copy of the audit is posted at https://www.kslpa.org/audit-report-library/reviewing-kansass-rocedures-for-election-security-part-2/

 

Lies are rampant in the Capitol.  First, I was not blocking any tax relief, especially for veterans.  In fact, I have been and will continue to lead the charge on tax relief.  Some legislators told me, “we wouldn’t have any tax relief if it weren’t for you.”  Remember Property Tax Relief in CCR 2096 that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago?

  • Expand the property tax freeze for seniors and disabled veterans so more people qualify
  • Eliminate personal property taxes on items not used for business purposes, such as off-road ATVs, 15,000 lbs. trailers, motorized wheelchairs, bicycles, scooters, watercraft, and golfcarts
  • Veterans’ Valor property tax relief program providing for totally disabled and unemployable
  • Provide the current year and a four-year lookback on property valuation notices
  • Allow payment under protest and appealing valuation in the same year if new evidence is provided
  • Stop government competing with business property tax exemption
  • Clarify 1031 exchange, build-to-suit, or sale/leaseback are not used establishing fair-market value

The House sent the CCR back to conference committee and a state representative has put out “fake news” that I am blocking or won’t attend a conference committee.  CCR 2096 is a House Bill so I cannot call a conference.  I have been working diligently to find a solution that leadership, Senate and House members will support.  The House called a conference and we made changes to the legislation.  One of the changes was to add a childcare tax credit to the package.  It would help families keep more of their hard-earned money.  Both chambers passed the legislation, so it up to the Governor if these provisions become law.

 

Again, Tom Petty’s words say it well, “I won’t back down.  Well I know what’s right; I got just one life; In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around; But I’ll stand my ground; And I won’t back down.”

 

I have worked diligently to pass tax relief for disabled veterans and all Kansans.  I will not back down in my support for the Kansas taxpayers.

 

Good News! The legislature overrode CCR 2098 with several sales tax provisions.  It creates new program for disabled veterans (50% or more), exempts custom meat processing services, and exempts manufacturer coupons from sales tax and other provisions.  The CCR is posted at  https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2098/

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For the Bo Co Commission, May 6

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Attachments:

Accounts Payable 5-3-2024

Payroll 5-3-2024

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

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

 

May 6, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/29/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $409,734.00
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,320.88
  1. Public Comments
  2. Lynne Oharah-Unique Road West of 95th Street
  3. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey-Public Works
  • Commission Comments
  • 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 the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission on May 7

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

May 7, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call

Matthew Wells,    Tim VanHoecke,     Melissa Guns,     Dyllon Olson,     Tracy Dancer

III.    Pledge of Allegiance – T. Dancer/Mayor

  1. Invocation – M. Wells/Commissioner
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1359-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – April 10, 2024 – April 30, 2024 – $1,752,949.24

 

  1. Approval of Minutes for April 16, 2024.

 

  1. RESOLUTION NO. 14-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGE DUNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE (AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-25-010-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, LOT 8 BLK 132 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [314 S. EDDY], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 – Tabled from April 2, 2024.

 

  1. RESOLUTION NO. 15-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE (AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-27-002-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, S 25’ LOT 4 BLK 130 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [306 S. LOWMAN], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 – Tabled from April 2, 2024.

 

VII.   Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the          entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and                      limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

VIII.    Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting           you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

  1. Dave Bruner/Fire Chief and Jason Pickert/Police Chief – City flooding updates
  2. Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director – Wastewater Treatment Plant update

 

 

  1. Old Business
  2. RESOLUTION NO. 12-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR        REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND    ACCESSORY STRUCTURE – KNOWN AS [110 W. OAK], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 –        Tabled from April 2, 2024 – Owner to return with requested information for the Commission.     Removed from April 16, 2024, agenda – L. Kruger
  3. RESOLUTION NO. 13-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR        REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND    ACCESSORY STRUCTURE – PARCEL #006-119-29-0-10-12-00900-0-01 LEGALLY            DESCRIBED AS CAMERONS ADD-SUB DIV ORIG BLK 5, LOTS 27 & 28 BLK 3                                                   IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE   KNOWN AS [1801 E. WALL], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 – Tabled from April 2, 2024.                         Received Title Search – N. Nation and L. Kruger
  4. Consideration of donation to BBGo Transportation Service – $4,500.00
  5. Consideration of Proposal for Construction Observation for Horton Street & 6th     Street Improvement Project (180 calendar days) – Earles Engineering & Inspection –                  J. Dickman
  6. New Business
  7. Consideration to Purchase Time Clocks, License and Setup to be split between          departments – Tyler Technologies – $13,514 – P. Coyan
  8.  Consideration to Approve Construction a Public Safety Training Area – D. Bruner      and M. Miles
  9. Consideration of Letter of Interest for (1) Library Board Vacancy – Chelsey      McAllister – Recommended by Library Board to begin May 11, 2024 – (1) vacancy still under consideration – M. Wells
  10.  Consideration to Approve Resignation of Carol MacArthur from Planning             Commission and Advertise for Replacement Candidate – Reappointed March 5, 2024.
  11.  Consideration to Implement Deposit for Memorial Hall Usage – B. Matkin
  12. Reports and Comments
  13. City Manager Comments
  14.  Engineering Comments
  15.   Commissioners Comments
  16.  City Attorney Comments

 

XII.      Executive Session

XIII.     Adjourn

 

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission on April 16

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of April 16, 2024                                        Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held April 16, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).

 

Roll Call

Meeting called to order at 6:02PM (Time stamp: 2:27). Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and M. Wells 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/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Payton Coyan/City HR Director, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (by phone), Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Diane Striler, Cory Bryars, Scott Dennis, Kristen Dennis, Casey Brown/SEK-CAP, Scott Christiansen/SEK-CAP, Jamey M. Whitney/SEK-CAP, Cherri Walrod/Core Community, Kellie Kemp, Brandi Meeks, Don Tucker, Jean Tucker, and Bailey Lyons.

 

Proclamation – The Fort Scott City Commission declared April 27, 2024 “Spencer Lee Day” with a Memorial Proclamation read by Mayor Tracy Dancer and accepted by Kellie Kemp.

 

Approval of Agenda

The City Clerk requested (2) amendments to the Agenda: 1) Removal of Item 1 – Old Business – Resolution No. 12-2024/Repair or Removal of a Dangerous Structure known as 110 W. Oak (requested by L. Kruger/Codes);  2) Addition of Item 5 – New Business – Action Items – Consideration of Agreement No. 208-22 for Project No. U 2455-01 – Cost Share Program.

 

  1. VanHoecke asked for clarification regarding Resolution No. 121-2024 – Resolution to Repair or Remove a Dangerous Structure known as 110 W. St. being removed from the agenda under Public Hearing. B. Matkin stated that the Codes Department is not present due to training out of town and the item will be returned on an upcoming agenda. He also spoke with the property owner.

 

MOTION:   M. Wells moved to approve the agenda with the requested amendments. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consent Agenda

 

–  Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1358-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – March 27, 2024 – April 9, 2024 – $464,041.39

–  Approval of Minutes from April 2, 2024, and March 26, 2024, Special Meeting.

 

–  Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 1 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom – Current Amount Due – $58,065.30

 

–  Request to Pay – Environmental Process Equipment Company (EPEC) – Cell #2 -Phase 2 Aeration Upgrade – Final Retainage – 10% of Total – $82,661.80 –S. Flater

 

–  Request to Pay – Ray Lindsey Company – 55% Due With Shipment (per contract) –    Invoice #2024084 – Supply and Removal of Smith & Loveless Grit Equipment – $333,856.05 – S. Flater

 

–  Request to Pay – Schneider Electric – Invoice #0001010681 – Client Service Contract – April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 – $12,543.00.

 

–  March Financials

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

Public Comment – No Public Comments.

 

 

Appearances

 

–  Payton Coyan  (Time stamp – 12:01) – Temporary Street Closure – Luau Event – May 18, 2024 – 10:00AM to 11:00PM – North National to Oak – Market Street, North National to Old Fort Blvd. to North Main and Old Fort Blvd (alley entrance).

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the request for Temporary Street Closures on May 18, 2024.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Coyan recognized the sponsors of the Luau Event as well as those who donated.

 

–  Cherri Walrod – Core Community Bourbon County (Time stamp 15:24) appeared before the Commission to update them on the Core Community successes over the past year and invited everyone to the first graduation of those who completed the program so far.

 

  1. Matkin requested that the Chair recognize the addition of a Public Comment from Bailey Lyons and that she be allowed to speak at this time because she had to leave.

 

–  Bailey Lyons and John Crain – Downtown Chamber Division (Time stamp 26:35)  appeared before the Commission to remind everyone regarding the Earth Day Downtown Cleanup on April 24th from 4:00PM – 6:00PM and explain what will be done during the project.    She also acknowledged the Elks Club who provided a grant that funded most of the project, Good Neighbor Action Team and Bourbon County Arts Council and the City of Fort Scott.

 

–  Scott Christiansen/Transportation Director, Jamey Whitney/CEO and Casey Brown/Community Engagement Coordinator – BB Go Transportation– Southeast Kansas Community Action Program, Inc. (SEK-CAP) (Time stamp 33:01) appeared before the Commission to present the transportation services, in conjunction with the Bourbon County Action Team, they provide to citizens of Bourbon County. They are asking that the City consider making a donation to the company in order to continue services as well as expand in the future.

 

–  Diane Striler and Cory Bryars – Downtown Community Ice Rink (Time stamp 45:41) appeared before the Commission for consideration of the MOU they wrote to acquire a synthetic ice rink for the City of Fort Scott.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the MOU in its current state.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  M. Wells and M. Guns voted yes.  D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted no.

 

MOTION FAILED BY 2-3 VOTE.

 

ACTION:  T. VanHoecke requested that the City Clerk provide the MOU in its current state on the City website with the minutes of the meeting.

 

 

 

 

Old Business

 

REQUEST TO VACATE OLD FORD STREET – Scott and Kristen Dennis – Property described as: 60’ x 150’ OF FORD STREET LOCATED BETWEEN LOTS 7-12, BLOCK 3, TALLMAN 1ST ADDITION, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 60’ X 150’ OF FORD STREET IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS. Tabled from 4/2/2024 for further information. (Time stamp 59:32)

 

  1. Wells stated that the further information was provided and the clarity was instead of 60’ by 120’ it is actually 60’ by 150’ square feet. Instead of it being 7,500 square feet, the Commission is being asked to vacate 9,000 square feet.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the meeting at 7:06PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke returned to the meeting at 7:08PM.

 

  1. Farmer recommended for consideration to get the land surveyed and the City could issue a Quit Claim Deed.

 

MOTION:   D. Olson moved to vacate a 60’ by 150’ of Old Ford Street.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  M. Guns and D. Olson voted yes. M. Wells, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted no.

 

MOTION FAILED BY 2-3 VOTE.

 

ACTION:  M. Wells directed that the City get the house “plotted” as a first step and then continue to figure out a path forward at another date.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to have the City take responsibility and pay for the survey to be completed.  D. Olson seconded the motion.

 

  1. Dennis stated that he had planned to put a porch on the back of the house.

 

  1. VanHoecke requested to add to the motion on the table that the footprint of the house plus thirty (30) feet beyond. . . (statement not completed).

 

Further discussion was had about the amount of property to be included in the deed.

 

  1. VanHoecke struck his addition to motion made by M. Guns.

 

  1. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin stated that Norm Nation from the Codes Department would reach out to S. Dennis regarding the survey.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting at 7:19PM.

 

Discussion of Event Sponsorship Grant Program (Tourism Grant) – B. Matkin explained the program and the pay out options once approved through the rubric.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting at 7:21PM.

 

Discussion was had about the administration of the rubric and amount limits.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve that the maximum grant amount be $5,000.00 and that the rubric and evaluation sheet done by City staff be a line item in future agendas that are included in the Commissioners’ Agenda Packets.            M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

New Business

 

  1. Public Hearings

 

  1. CASE NO. 1045 – Zoning Change C2 to R2 – Requested by Jason Marbery – Intended use is to build four (4) duplexes – Recommended by Planning Commission March 27, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing at 7:28PM (Time stamp 1:27:11)  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Jason Marberry was not present.  There was no one present to be heard at the public hearing.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing at 7:29 (Time stamp 1:29:27).  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the zoning change request from C2 to R2 as recommended by the Planning Commission for Case No. 1045.  M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

  1. Action Items

 

Consideration of Purchase – Two (2) New Teledyne Ozone Analyzers (Teledyne API M465H) – $15,120.00 – S. Flater

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the purchase of the two (2) Teledyne Ozone Analyzers.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Flater updated the Commission on the Water Plant with the following items:

 

–  April 2, 2024 – No. 3 High Service Pump installed; pump No. 2 next year may need to be rebuilt next year.

 

–  Phase II of the Aeration for lagoon system (WWTP) completed and running well.

 

–  Grit Removal System (WWTP) – old system removed by Ray Lindsay Co., new system anticipated to be up and running by May.

 

–   ADM averaging twenty (20) drop-off loads per week.

 

–  pH average is between seven (7) and eight (8) – (7) is neutral. There was a meeting last week with City staff and ADM to talk about the present and the future.

 

–   Laboratory testing coming back in good shape for the past couple of months. There are items being watched but they are not compliance issues.

 

– ADM is working on an aeration system for their lagoons which has been beneficial to the quality of loads we receive. They are still working on being within contract limits.

 

–   AMS is still here, ADM is paying the bill for AMS to be here and inject microbes into the lagoon systems. There are currently (5) trailers on site and each trailer injects microbes into the lagoons twice a day.

 

– Current agreement is for AMS to be here until the end of June. There was discussion of reducing trailers from five (5) to three (3) by that time.

 

–   All observations indicate a healthy system.

 

 

Consideration of Addendum No. 2 – Wastewater Evaluation and Design Contract – Project No. 21-303 – Additional Consultant Services from Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. to Finalize Plans and Bidding for the Davis Lift Station overflow pump and force main – $18,000.00 –  J. Dickman

 

–  J. Dickman reported the state required the City to mitigate the overflow that tends to happen during heavy rains at the Davis Lift Station.  Earles Engineering has been working on designing a pump to get the overflow into a force main and direct it into Cell No. 2 at the lagoons.

 

–   Survey was done, plans laid out, last step is sizing the pump properly.

 

–   Part of the original scope of that work from 2021 included an evaluation of the entire WWTP based on KDHE’s recommendations, this contract did not make it all the way through complete design, so the current charge is to get past the preliminaries, out to bid and to the finish line.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to accept Addendum No. 2.  of the Wastewater Evaluation and Design Contract – Project No. 21-303.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

Consideration of Inspection Proposal – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Project No. 22-049 – Horton & 6th Streets – KDOT Cost Share Project – J. Dickman

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin requested that J. Dickman amend the document to delete “City of Pittsburg” and replace it with “City of Fort Scott”.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table the Consideration of Inspection Proposal for Project No. 22-049 until the meeting of May 7, 2024.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Bids – Project No. 22-049 – Horton & 6th Streets – KDOT Cost Share Project – J. Dickman

–   Three (3) bids were received opened on April 11, 2024: Heck and Wicker were the low bidder (within 10% of the Engineer’s estimate).

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at 7:48 PM.

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting at 7:49 PM

 

Discussion was had about salvaging bricks according to the Brick Policy within the bids and the budget for this project.

 

  1. Oliphant/BakerTilly did not have any additional comments to add.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the bid of Heck and Wicker, Inc. minus line 44 of the bid.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

Consideration of Agreement No. 208-22, Project No. U 2455-01 – Agreement between the Secretary of Transportation (KDOT) and the City of Fort Scott – J. Dickman

  1. Dickman explained that this document is the Cost Share Agreement with KDOT for the Horton and 6th Street Project that was originally executed in 2022.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve Cost Share Agreement No. 208-22.  M. Guns seconded the motion.

 

  1. Matkin asked if the name of the LPA/City Manager on page 15 of 17 be changed from Kelley Zellner to Brad Matkin. J. Dickman did not believe it mattered but would verify. M. Wells stated that it was possibly due to the time the agreement was drawn up.

 

ACTION:  J. Dickman will make sure that the Cost Share Coordinator has all updated information.

 

  1. Olson called to vote. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

Reports and Comments

 

City Manager (Time stamp 2:00:15) – B. Matkin

  • Wyatt/Planning, Housing and Community Development Director went to a grant writing conference and couldn’t appear. She asked B. Matkin to address some current issues with the Land Bank.
  • Olson stated that at April 15, 2024, Land Bank meeting, they voted to recommend: 1) changing membership to have no professional requirements; 2) all positions are three (3) year terms;   3) remove the wording “the main support comes from Bourbon County REDI” from Ordinance No. 3599;  3) appointments to the board would be from date of appointment.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin requested that Ordinance No. 3599 be changed and brought to the next meeting for consideration to approve the Land Bank’s recommendations of the April 15, 2024, meeting.

 

–   Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom Update: the inside is mostly        completed and will be ready for usage once the water is hooked up.

 

–   An agreement was signed for $12,000.00 for citywide fireworks for July 6,             2024, behind FSCC.

 

–    Reminder for Work Session scheduled for Tuesday, April 25th at 6:00PM           regarding RHIDs with Garth Herrmann from Gilmore Bell.

 

–     Water leak and line repair at St. Mary’s Street and Eddy Street will probably require another week of work.

 

–     25th Street Update: (2) more concrete pours to complete the job in the next           few days.  Thank you to Peerless for letting everyone go through their parking lot during the project.

 

City Engineer (Time stamp 2:04:51) – J. Dickman

  • Compiling a list of active projects for budgeting purposes
  • Meeting with KDOT and City staff for Phase III planning and submission of the Wall Street CCLIP Project
  • 25th Street testing – all passing

 

Commissioners Comments

 

  1. Olson (Time stamp 2:05:51) – No comments.

 

 

  1. Wells (Time stamp 2:05:55)

–  Clarification from statement made at last meeting regarding the Ground Lease by the WWTP, his research found that the damage to the bottom land was not caused by the farmer, it was caused by the equipment the City used to rip the ground up. There is a good plan of action moving forward, but he wanted to apologize for stating that it was the farmer’s responsibility.

 

–  Asked for verification that the City has already approved to move forward with the RHID package. It was stated that they did approve to move forward but have not established districts. He asked that the Commission be proactive in moving this project forward because there are developers who have projects that can be completed once it is approved.  B. Matkin stated as a reminder that this is a slow process.

 

–  Status of 3rd Street Park restrooms – B. Matkin stated it is in process with Wi-Fi lock system.  He will check with B. Lemke for an update.

 

–  Asked if the leak on Eddy was due to heavy truck traffic that was allowed to go through for construction.  B. Matkin stated that was not the cause, it had been leaking for months and is not all on Eddy; it goes west into the alley.

 

–  Reminder of Civil War event at the Fort this weekend.

 

–   Anyone available to help with Clean-Up Day, April 22, 4-6PM.

 

 

  1. Guns (Time stamp 2:11:04) – No comments.

 

 

  1. VanHoecke (Time stamp 2:11:10)

      – Thank you to all who supported the Mary Queen of Angels Church School fundraiser. The amount raised at the event was $110,000.00 for the school.

 

–  Spots are still available for the upcoming REDI On the Green Golf Tournament on Friday, April 19th. Funding from that goes to local scholarships.

 

 

  1. Dancer (Time stamp 2:12:14)

      –  Reminder to citizens to get their golf cart permits for the year at City Hall.

–  Incident with UTV on National Ave. was clarified. It is owned by the Sheriff’s

Department and they were assisting the City Police Department on a call.

 

 

 

 

  1. VanHoecke stated he is still seeing underage operators of the UTV and golf carts on the streets and crossing US 69 Hwy, all possibilities of someone getting hurt.

 

 

City Attorney (Time stamp 2:14:30) – No comments.

 

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:14PM (Time stamp 8:14:35)  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

 

APRIL 16, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:14PM.

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Respectfully submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Meeting at 1 p.m. Today Is Canceled

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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

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

May 2, 2024 1:00 p.m.

 

The special meeting scheduled for 1:00 pm today has been cancelled.

 

 

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 the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Are Above Estimate

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Governor Kelly Announces April Total Tax Collections Nearly 8.0% Above the Estimate

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that total tax collections for April were $1.42 billion. That is $101 million, or 7.7%, more than the monthly estimate. Total tax collections are up 9.6% from April 2023.

“These revenue numbers underscore how important it is to provide responsible tax relief now,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I remain committed to cutting taxes in a fiscally responsible, comprehensive manner that doesn’t jeopardize the progress we’ve made.”

“The overage for April is largely due to the fact that we are processing 63,000 more ‘balance due’ checks from taxpayers this year than we were at the same time last year,” Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said. “A combination of two additional processing days and recently upgraded check remittance technology at the Department of Revenue have allowed payments to be processed faster and much more efficiently.

Secretary Burghart went on to say, “the spike in processed payments for April is really just a carrying forward of payments that would normally be processed in May. As a result, individual income tax receipts for May will likely be lower than the estimate.”

Individual income tax collections were $740.3 million in April 2024. That is $91.0 million, or 14.0%, more than the estimate, and up 24.7% from April 2023.

Corporate income tax collections were $338.2 million last month, which is $6.3 million, or 1.9%, more than estimates. It does, however, reflect a 4.5% drop from corporate income tax collections at this same time last year.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $295.1 million, which is $3.1 million, or 1.1% more than the estimate but down $13.5 million, or 4.4%, from April 2023.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating group met on April 19 to revise estimates for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

Click here to view the April 2024 revenue numbers.

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