Category Archives: Government

KDOT K-3 bridge survey begins March 15

 

Monday, March 15, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin a field survey at the Little Osage River Bridge on K-3 in Bourbon County. The bridge is approximately two miles south of the Bourbon-Linn county line.

 

The length of the survey is 3,000 feet on the existing highway alignment. Survey findings will be used to design a bridge replacement project. KDOT expects the survey to be finished by April 16.

 

Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property. Joe Bowen will oversee this KDOT survey. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

 

Uniontown City Council Agenda For March 9

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: ___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Charles Wehry

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Personal Service Insurance, Loren & Matt Korte

CITIZENS REQUESTS

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

A. Minutes of February 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting and February 18, 2021 Special Council Meeting

B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent: Bobby Rich

Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan

Dog bite

Clerk Report: Sally Johnson

Citywide yard sale – May or August

Meter Deposit Refund –

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Wehry –

Mayor Jurgensen –

OLD BUSINESS

Whether to pass on gas daily gas prices in February to customers –

Utility Hearings –

NEW BUSINESS

 

03-21 Informational items

2021 Financials – February

Uniontown City Council Unapproved Minutes of Feb. 18

The Special City Council Meeting on February 18, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (by phone), Amber Kelly, and Charles Wehry. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joe George, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

To Discuss and make decisions on the following topics:

KMGA February 17, 2021 invoice – Invoice consisted of usual March 2021 estimate prepayment, January 2021 true up, but also included a Collateral Call to reimburse for the $1,000,000 cash collateral required to secure gas to all of their members through the holiday weekend. Our portion of the collateral call is $6,295. Invoice is due by Monday, February 22, 2021 instead of the usual 30 days.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Wehry, Approved 5-0 to pay the KMGA February 17, 2021 invoice in the amount of $10,178.22 by March 22, 2021

How to pay KMGA March Invoice – Council reviewed the usage to date and the daily indexes to date. Clerk Johnson estimates the bill to be $133,678.47 without the collateral call adjusted back off. She will ask KMGA if the collateral call will be adjusted on the next billing and if we could possibly get a month-to-date or weekly statements/invoices to better understand the true financial impact for the month. Council will look at whether to pass on to customers, how much, and in what manner at the March 9, 2021 regular meeting.

Finalize emergency procedures for this gas/extreme weather emergency. Mayor Jurgensen, Councilman Wehry, Superintendent Rich, and Clerk Johnson met on February 16, 2021 with Will Wallis, Bourbon County Emergency Manager, and Commissioner Lynne Oharah.

Bourbon County Emergency Management has cots, blankets, etc needed to set up a warming station. Clerk Johnson had spoken with Bret Howard, Superintendent USD #235, about using the WBE gym for a warming station in the event of loss of gas. It was verbally agreed on. A calling tree has been set up to notify gas customers in the event of loss of gas.

Superintendent Rich informed that manpower would be an issue if this occurred. All gas meters would have to shut off and when flow was reinstated all meters would have to be turned on, bled, and all pilots lit. This would require several people if to be done in a timely manner and each person would have to have to proper tools to complete the task. It was suggested to compile 4-5 tool kits with all the tools that would be needed.

The emergency procedures for a loss of gas event would be:

  1. Notify Bourbon County Emergency Management and USD 235.
  2. Notify Governing Body to implement calling tree. If no answer, visit the location. If they have special needs or need transportation they are to call City Hall.
  3. Shut off meters.
  4. Help transport citizens to warming station.
  5. End of event, an adult household member must be present to turn on gas, bleed lines, and light pilots.

Council also approved a public statement:

As many of you have heard, with the extreme cold we have recently experienced, gas prices have skyrocketed. At this time the City of Uniontown is able to pay for the gas we supply to you. However, a portion of this may have to be passed on to you. We have an emergency plan if for some reason our gas supplier is unable to supply us. We appreciate all of the conservation efforts you have put forth and ask that you continue to conserve. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:40PM

Uniontown City Council Unapproved Minutes of Feb. 9

The Regular City Council Meeting on February 9, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Charles Wehry. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mark Warren, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Smoothwall firewall & guest internet connections, Mark Warren – Mark started out going over all the technology that has been added. He gave a quick tutorial on the function of the Smoothwall firewall and presented options for allowing access to WIFI by guests.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow guests open WIFI access with acceptance of terms and conditions before connection

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the January Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $401,098.47, Receipts $70,486.17, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $19,809.54, Checking Account Closing Balance $448,749.10. Bank Statement Balance $453,583.25, including Checking Account Interest of $36.11, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $4,834.15, Reconciled Balance $448,749.10. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $26,921.23, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,390.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,221.60, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $516,282.01. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $36.11 and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $36.11. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2021, Beginning Balance $225.33, Receipts $197.23, Expenditures $197.23, Ending Balance $225.33. January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of January $47,650.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $47,650.63. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $8,828.46 (8.8%), Expenditures $6,048.52 (4.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $3,048.49 (8.8%), Expenditures $1,969.31 (4.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $20,260.03 (15.7%), Expenditures $7,280.52 (2.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $33,588.86 (45.6%), Expenditures $6,834.21 (4.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,734.33 (29.0%), Expenditures $0 (0.0%). The February 2021 estimated payables in the amount of $46,224.68 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda including:

  • Minutes of January 19, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

Mark Warren gave an update on the medical clinic. Building is ready. They are looking for a local nurse practitioner. They will be open three days a week to begin.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that the steel basketball backboard was received and installed. Clerk Johnson reported that the backboards were donated by the school. A partial payment by the vandal has been received.

The amount of water kept in the tank was discussed. He will keep the tank at a level to accommodate weather and fire protection.

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that letters regarding the dog bite were sent to the owner of the dog and to the complainant. We have received no response from the Smith Estate regarding the punch list letter from our attorney.

Clerk Johnson stated that the Park Committee would like for their funds to be used for a dedicated pickleball court with a fence at 105 Third St. It was also suggested to consider 210 Sherman St as it already has a cement slab. She will look into measurements for the court and measurements of the lots suggested and the cost of building/fencing a court.

A contract for 2020 financial audit was received from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept contract from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton for 2020 financial audit

Clerk Johnson received an inquiry about citywide yard sale. It was decided to have ours the weekend before or the weekend after Fort Scott has theirs. Citywide cleanup was also discussed. It was decided that due to amount of misuse of the service last year that we will not host a citywide cleanup this year.

The Cornhole project based learning group notified us that the target date to complete the project is April 1. Clerk will send a response to have someone from the group and their project teacher contact Superintendent Rich about placement and timing.

A voting delegate needs to be selected for KRWA.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Wehry, Approved 5-0 to appoint Bobby Rich as KRWA voting delegate

A Notice of Conditional Renewal was received from EMC regarding communicable disease exclusion endorsements on the general liability coverage.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Wehry – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Liquor Sales and Sunday CMB Sales – an ordinance authorizing the retail sale of liquor and an ordinance authorizing Sunday sales of liquor and CMB was presented.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Wehry, Approved 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 190 authorizing the retail sale of alcoholic liquor within the city limits of Uniontown, Bourbon County, Kansas

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to set the biennial occupation tax at $200 on Ordinance No. 190

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 191 authorizing Sunday sales of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverage in the original package within the city limits of Uniontown, Bourbon County, Kansas

Ordinance No. 191 must be published two consecutive weeks on the same day of the week, allow for a 60 day petition period, and, if petitioned, put before the voters before becoming effective. If no petition filed, the ordinance will become effective April 22, 2021.

SPARK funding – Clerk Johnson still has not received a ship date on the service window. The $225.33 left in the project account is for reimbursement of expenditures between March and June of 2020. These funds were transferred to the general fund February.

NEW BUSINESS

Water Rate Increase – a notice of a 5% rate increase from Consolidated RWD #2 was received. Treasurer Bolinger and Clerk Johnson presented some options on passing the increase on to our customers.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept Option B, increase minimum charge 5% (to $25.69 inside city limits, $26.87 outside city limits) and usage charge 5% (to $11.56 inside city limits, $12.10 outside city limits) and adopt Ordinance No. 192 repealing Ordinance No. 188, relating to water rates and amending any previous ordinances or resolutions setting forth water rates for the City of Uniontown, Kansas

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:47PM

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For March 9

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 9, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris 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.

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • SEKRPC
  • Discussion-Does the county want to take hay bids for Elm Creek
  • Health Insurance for 2022
  • Discussion regarding Dispatch
  • Lora Holdridge – Roads
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment

Tax Credits Program Announced

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Applications Are Open For Community Service Tax Credit Program

~ CSP provides tax credits to donors to help nonprofit organizations and public healthcare entities fund major community improvement campaigns ~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that applications are currently being accepted for the Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP).

“The Community Service Tax Program helps local nonprofit and healthcare organizations improve the health and economic wellbeing of their communities by streamlining their fundraising efforts,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This program will encourage local solutions to local problems and improve the quality of life for Kansans now and into the future. Good luck to all that apply to this exciting initiative.”

CSP assists private nonprofit organizations and public healthcare entities in undertaking major capital campaigns for projects involving:

  • Children and family services
  • Non-governmental crime prevention
  • Youth apprenticeship
  • Youth technical training
  • Health care

Under this program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors making contributions towards approved projects. Organizations are chosen through a competitive selection process. The application window is open through April 30, 2021 at kansascommerce.gov/csp.

Proposed projects should be unique or one-time in nature and create a lasting value for charitable organizations. For example, projects might include a capital campaign, major equipment purchase, major renovation, capacity building, etc.

As was the case in 2020, CSP has earmarked $1 million for childcare and early childhood development projects for services to those under the age of 5.

“These tax credits are an incredible opportunity for our state’s nonprofit organizations to create unique, meaningful changes for the people they serve,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Tell us about your initiative, and if it’s a good fit for the CSP program, we’ll provide this significant resource to help make it a reality.”

Applicants may request up to $250,000 in tax credits. Applicant organizations in rural areas (less than 15,000 population) are eligible for a 70 percent credit. Applicant organizations in non-rural areas are eligible for a 50 percent credit.

CSP is administered by the Community Development Division in the Department of Commerce. More information on the program, guidelines, and application process may be found online 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.

About the Community Development Division

Established in 2019, the Community Development Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality-of-life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, visit the Community Development page at the Kansas Commerce website.

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Updated FS Commission Special Meeting March 4

(Updated) The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to interview candidates for the City Attorney position. They will also meet to discuss accepting RFQ’s for City Engineering services.

This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.

USD 234 Press Release

NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, March 1, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, March 1, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – February 19, 2021 – $1,478,744.66

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund accounts

 

Robin Webb, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, led students in a Ready! Set! Read!

presentation.

Reports were given by the following:

 

·       Brenda Hill, KNEA President

·       Dalaina Smith, Academic Director

·       Ted Hessong, Superintendent

·       Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk

 

Board members approved the following:

 

·       Addition of high school courses for the 2021-22 school year

·       Addition of a high school physical education teacher for the 2021-22 school year

·       Addition of a middle school teacher/course for the 2021-22 school year

·       Resolution 20-09 – Intent to nonrenew the contract of an administrator with two or more years employment as administrator in the district

·       Purchase of two buses

 

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Amanda Johnson, Winfield Scott music teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

B.    Resignation of Dane Cummings, high school vocational agriculture teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

C.    Resignation of Brad Cowen, Winfield Scott custodian, effective March 9, 2021

D.    Resignation of Sara Schnichels, preschool paraprofessional, effective March 5, 2021

E.     Transfer of Angie Kemmerer, high school/Eugene Ware gifted teacher, to middle school seventh grade social science teacher for the 2021-22 school year

F.     Transfer of Kayla Pulliam, Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year

G.    Transfer of Elizabeth Rose, middle school paraprofessional, to preschool paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

H.    Transfer of Susan Weddle, Eugene Ware teacher aide, to Winfield Scott teacher aide for the 2021-22 school year

I.      Leave of absence for Jeff Armstrong, high school math teacher, for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Leave of absence for Dixie Jackson, high school paraprofessional

K.    Leave of absence for Joie Moore, high school ticket clerk

L.     Adjustment in the work agreement for Angela Mix, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, from 4 hours per day to 7.5 hours per day for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

M.   Employment of Sydney Cullison as a high school agriculture teacher for the 2021-22 school year

N.    Employment of Jessica Steury as a middle school 8th grade math teacher for the 2021-22 school year

O.    Employment of Laura Howard as a middle school 7th/8th  grade English/Language Arts teacher for the 2021-22 school year

P.     Employment of Tara Wilbert as a middle school 7th grade English/Language Arts teacher for the 2021-22 school year

Q.    Employment of Stephanie Flanner as an elementary behavior specialist for the 2021-22 school year

R.    Employment of Emily Giffin as a Winfield Scott special education teacher for the 2021-22 school year

S.     Employment of Sydney Griffetts as a Eugene Ware third grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year

T.     Employment of Annyssa Davenport as a high school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

U.    Employment of Dillon Duffy as a four-hour middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

V.    Employment of Sabrina Cady as a regular route van driver for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

W.  Employment of Kennedy Meyer and Dane Cummings as high school assistant softball coaches for the 2020-21 school year

 

The board adjourned.

CHC/SEK: COVID-19 Vaccines Will Increase

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas was one of 250 health centers, out of 1,400 health centers in America, that was selected to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine directly from the federal government, according to Krista Postai, President and CEO of CHC/SEK said.

 

“They have a million doses to distribute weekly, so we expect to receive – for the whole 10-county region we serve  – up to 4,000 doses per week,” she said “Which means – I am excited to say – that we should have enough vaccine – along with what the counties are receiving —  to take care of everyone in southeast Kansas over the next few months. We are required to still follow state guidelines on priority groups, but counties do have some flexibility.”

 

CHC staff spent last week building the infrastructure needed to set up a toll-free phone line and appointment schedule.

 

“We have already started calling our patients ( more than 7,500 people) who are 65 and older and getting them an appointment as early as Thursday,” Postai said.

 

“Companies who have been notified by the State of Kansas that their employees are now eligible to be vaccinated should email Dawn McNay at [email protected] with their contact information, employee count and a copy of the letter. She will be working with our outreach teams to take the vaccine to the companies,” Postai said.