Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Feb. 9

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: February 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
  • Bobby Reed – Bourbon County Fair Association
  • Cereal Malt Beverage License
  • Corrected Fence Viewing from 1990
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment
Government, Kansas

Application For Paycheck Protection Program Reopens

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Governor Kelly announces the Federal Paycheck Protection Program Reopens Applications for Forgivable Loans

TOPEKA – With the launch of 2021 Coronavirus relief programs, Governor Kelly today announced Kansans can begin submitting applications to the 2021 Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for forgivable loans to small businesses.

“Kansas small businesses have been among those hardest hit by COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Paycheck Protection Program is integral to keeping our state on the path to recovery. This is a good step forward, but we know the need for relief is great – and I will continue to push for additional stimulus funding to support Kansas’ economic recovery.”

Led by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department, the PPP is a federally administered program providing loans to small businesses to cover payroll expenses. The SBA began accepting applications through Community Financial Institutions on January 11 and through all other financial institutions on January 19, with applications accepted through March 31.

“In the past year, the Paycheck Protection Program offered federal support to tens of thousands of Kansas small businesses, but we understand that the need is still great,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “This program exists to put federal dollars in the hands of small business owners who need them most. I would encourage Kansas small business owners to apply for this program to get more resources as our state continues to grow and recover from this enormous challenge.”

During the 2020 distribution of PPP money, 54,000 small businesses in Kansas received $5 billion in funding. The 2021 PPP aims to make the program more attractive for small businesses and target the worst impacted industries through the following changes:

  • Forgiveness has been simplified for borrowers of $150 thousand or less, with self-certification option to attest funds are spent appropriately
  • Hospitality businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are eligible for an increased loan total (3.5x monthly payroll)
  • Eligible expenses paid for with forgiven PPP loans may now be deducted on taxes for 2020 and 2021 & employers are now eligible for the Employee Retention Tax Credit even after taking PPP funds (reverses earlier guidance from IRS)
  • Employers no longer must deduct Economic Injury Disaster Loans from their PPP loan total (EIDL program was refunded with an additional $40B too)
  • Additional categories are now eligible as non-payroll expenses (up to 40% of total loan amount), with operational expenses (including software, cloud services, accounting services, etc.), supplier costs, damage from social unrest, and worker protection expenses
  • Additional groups are eligible for loans, including 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, and direct marketing organizations

Under the new program, $234 billion are available with $12 billion earmarked for businesses in low-income & minority communities, as well as $15 billion in grants dedicated to live entertainment venues. Through Community Financial Institutions, the SBA hopes to encourage greater access to PPP funds. Businesses that have not received PPP funds previously are eligible for loans up to $10 million if they have 500 or fewer employees. Businesses that received PPP funds during the first round are eligible for up to $2 million in funding if they have 300 or fewer employees.

Information on where and how to apply can be found here.

Additional Resources:

  • Information on Community Financial Institutions can be found here.
  • Further general information on loans can be found here.
  • Further questions can be directed to the Kansas Department of Commerce here.
Government, Kansas

Flags Half-staff For COVID-19 Deaths

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff to Honor 4,101 Kansans Who Lost their Lives to COVID-19

TOPEKA – Kansas surpassed 4,000 Kansas deaths due to COVID-19. In honor of the lives lost and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state Saturday, February 6, 2021, from sunup to sundown.

“It is with great sadness that I am once again ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the Kansans who have lost their lives to COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration remains committed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and vaccinating Kansans as quickly and efficiently as possible. In the meantime, I know Kansans will do their part to protect their loved ones by following the public health guidance.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tax Issues Considered

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Governor Laura Kelly’s Council on Tax Reform Cautioned Radical Tax Policy Changes Could Harm COVID-19 Recovery

~ Subcommittee appointed to evaluate Property Tax and provide suggestions for reform ~

TOPEKA – On Friday, January 29, the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform heard input from state and national policy experts who provided broad and enhanced perspectives on many of the top tax issues already under consideration in the 2021 Kansas Legislature.

On the issue of allowing itemization of state income deductions even for taxpayers claiming the newly expanded federal standard deduction, Dr. Donna Ginther, the Council’s Chief Academic Advisor, presented data suggesting that this proposal would benefit less than seven percent of all income tax filers, with much of the benefit accruing to high income earners.

To that point, if itemization legislation being heard in the statehouse passed, only 1% of Kansas tax filers in the lowest tax bracket, $0.01-$25,000, would benefit. For the top 18% of taxpayers, the benefit increases especially for those earning $100,000 to $250,000. For taxpayers making $250,000 or more that benefit is minimal as many of those taxpayers already itemize. In total, the itemization legislation in the Kansas Senate would only benefit an additional 6.6% of Kanas taxpayers.

“Any tax proposal that we consider during the 2021 session must preserve our fiscal foundation and provide relief for Kansas families and small businesses who have borne the economic brunt of the pandemic,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “After nearly a decade of disastrous tax policy, the last thing Kansas needs is a return to Brownback-style tax cuts undermining our COVID-19 recovery efforts.”

The Council discussed an alternative option, which was originally suggested by the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants, that would expand individual income tax deductions at a similar cost to the state by simply increasing existing Kansas standard deduction amounts – a proposal that would provide tax benefit to more than 90% of all Kansas tax filers.

Budget Director Adam Proffitt outlined the Governor’s Budget proposal, which includes two sales tax equity issues recommended by the Council that are designed to level the playing field for many Kansas small businesses. Those two pieces of legislation ensure that marketplace facilitators collect and remit compensating use taxes which are already due and owed to the state. The second broadens the tax base and updates tax code as the delivery of entertainment has changed with technology.

Council Co-Chairs Janis Lee and Steve Morris announced the creation of a special subcommittee on property taxation to be chaired by Former Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley. The subcommittee will work with state and local officials to further evaluate property tax legislation currently in the statehouse and other property tax reform issues.

Other Members of that group include Former House Majority Leader Don Hineman; Susan Sherman, Olathe Assistant City Manager; and Chris Courtwright, Former Principal Economist for the Kansas Legislative Research Department. In addition, there will be representation from League of Kansas Municipalities; Kansas Association of Counties; Kansas County Clerks and Election Officials Association; Kansas County Appraisers Association, and Kansas Department of Revenue’s Property Valuation Division.

Handouts and additional information about the Council’s January 29 meeting:

https://governor.kansas.gov/tax-reform-council-agenda-and-handouts-january-29-2021/

View the Council’s report here.

Government

USDA Extends General Signup for Conservation Reserve Program

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Biden Administration Considers Changes to Bolster Effectiveness of Program and Recommits to Making CRP a Cornerstone of Conservation Programming

 

WASHINGTON, February 5, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General Signup period, which had previously been announced as ending on Feb. 12, 2021.  USDA will continue to accept offers as it takes this opportunity for the incoming Administration to evaluate ways to increase enrollment.  Under the previous Administration, incentives and rental payment rates were reduced resulting in an enrollment shortfall of over 4 million acres. The program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for 10 to 15 years for land devoted to conservation purposes, as well as other types of payments.

 

Before the General CRP signup period ends, producers will have the opportunity to adjust or resubmit their offers to take advantage of planned improvements to the program.

 

“The Conservation Reserve Program provides a tremendous opportunity to address climate change both by retiring marginal cropland and by restoring grasslands, wetlands, and forests,” said Robert Bonnie, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary. “CRP has a 35-year track record of success beyond just climate benefits, by providing income to producers, improving water quality, reducing erosion, and supporting wildlife habitat and the hunting and fishing opportunities that go along with it.  By extending this signup period, we’ll have time to evaluate and implement changes to get this neglected program back on track.”

 

As one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States, CRP provides both economic and conservation benefits by taking land out of agricultural production.  Program successes include:

 

  • Sequestering in soils and plants over 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), or about the same amount that the entire state of Delaware emits annually.
  • Preventing more than 2 billion tons of soil from being blown away by wind erosion over the life of currently enrolled acres.
  • Reducing phosphorous reaching streams by almost 85 million pounds, nitrogen by nearly 450 million pounds, and sediment by over 160 million tons in 2020 alone.
  • Creating more than 2.3 million acres of restored wetlands while protecting more than 177,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, enough to go around the world seven times.
  • Establishing over a half million acres of dedicated pollinator habitat and nearly 15 million more acres of diverse plantings that provide forage for pollinators.
  • Increasing populations of ducks and other game birds, prairie chickens, and such grassland songbirds as Baird’s Sparrow. CRP in the Northern Great Plains supports an estimated 8.6% of the grassland bird population.
  • Increasing habitat that supports economic opportunities, such as job creation, related to hunting and fishing activities.

 

This signup for CRP gives producers an opportunity to enroll land for the first time or re-enroll land under existing contracts that will be expiring Sept. 30, 2021.  All interested producers, including those on Indian reservations and with trust lands, are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for more information.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will continue to work with our producers by phone, email, and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

UK Variant identified in Kansas

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A note from Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Dept. Administrator, on this recent development.

“I recommend we continue to follow the mitigation path we’ve been on and continue to wear masks, even after being vaccinated.”

TOPEKA – A CDC Emerging Variant, which has been found in 33 U.S. states, was identified in Kansas yesterday afternoon.

A Kansas resident in Ellis County was found to have the United Kingdom, or UK, variant known as B.1.1.7.

A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as if others may have been exposed.

No further details are being released concerning the patient, including demographics.

The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing (WGS) conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

“This finding does not change our public health recommendations. We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions: follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, wearing masks, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to, once the supply is sufficient,” Dr. Norman, KDHE Secretary, said.

This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December 2020.

Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Government, Kansas

Kansas New Eco Devo Strategy Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Comprehensive ‘Framework for Growth’ Economic Development Strategy

~Framework for Growth is the first comprehensive economic development strategy produced by the State of Kansas in over 30 years~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today unveiled Kansas’ new, comprehensive economic development strategic plan, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. The Kansas Framework for Growth is an aggressive strategy to align our state’s strengths with emerging trends across the global economy, while guiding economic development at state and local levels into the future.

“Our economic development progress over the past two years has been significant, but an effective strategy does more than focus on the here and now – we must plan for the future and set the stage for sustained growth and prosperity,” Governor Kelly said. “The Framework for Growth is a bold plan to address current and future trends in our state, while we continue to promote job growth and new capital investment in communities of every size all across Kansas.”

The Framework for Growth was created through data analysis and with input from Kansans statewide. Business and community leaders were engaged to offer suggestions and determine priorities for the Kansas economy, and through a virtual survey and town hall meetings across the state, thousands of Kansans came together to help create the final plan.

“At the end of the day, the Framework for Growth is about keeping our kids and families in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “For too long we’ve exported our greatest asset – our educated young people – at a loss, sending them to states where they can find better economic opportunities. That’s unacceptable, and we can and must do better. The Framework for Growth provides a path forward, leveraging our assets – high-quality workers, top-notch K-12 and higher ed, excellent infrastructure and a business-friendly climate – to dramatically accelerate our rate of economic growth in this decade. Ultimately that’s how we make sure our grandchildren can grow, prosper and raise their own kids in Kansas.”

The Framework for Growth outlines specific approaches to help develop the state’s number one asset – its people. By focusing on talent and innovation, the Framework aims to build resiliency in the Kansas workforce and unlock the potential for new ideas to cultivate and develop into tomorrow’s prosperous businesses.

Some key initiatives outlined within Framework for Growth include a renewed emphasis on the following, among many others:

  • Talent development and retention
  • Harnessing the state’s colleges and universities for job and business creation
  • Innovation as a driver of new business opportunity
  • Community assets and regional approaches to economic development
  • Policies to support long-term growth.

“I know from my experiences as Governor, and later as Archivist of the United States – leading the National Archives Records Administration at the federal level – there is tremendous value in looking big-picture, long range, at where we are and where we want to be,” former Kansas Governor John Carlin said. “With everyone pulling in the same direction, you can accomplish some amazing things. I have no doubt that, if the Framework for Growth is bought-into and implemented, it can do great things here in Kansas.”

“It’s time for us to build another common approach and lay out our goals to grow the state.” former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden said. “This plan does not belong to one administration; it is the Kansas plan for growth. As former Governors, John and I are proud to join with the current Governor in making the case for this shared vision for our state’s future.”

“By emphasizing innovation across our core industries as a driver of economic development, the Framework demonstrates forward-thinking vision for Kansas,” Andrew Nave, Executive Vice President of the Greater Wichita Partnership, said. “Our region fully supports the Framework and its guiding principles as the right course for Kansas.”

“Reinforcing and expanding on commitments to businesses and manufacturers as catalysts for growth – while seizing opportunities to attract and retain talent as a way to bolster the workforce – is a welcome and appropriate strategy in positioning our state’s economy for growth now and for years to come,” Mark Chalfant, CEO of Fuller Industries, said. “We’re glad to see our state taking bold action to grow and succeed well into the future.”

“I’m pleased to see the Framework’s people-first approach, which we very much embrace in rural Kansas, and the emphasis on building and strengthening our communities statewide,” Director of Greeley County Community Development Christy Hopkins said. “This plan indicates that our state understands the value of quality of life in overall economic development in places rural, urban and suburban. The Framework’s commitment to strengthening people and communities of all sizes is both refreshing and critical to our state’s future.”

“To ensure the continued strength and vitality of the Kansas economy, we need to craft policies and programs that anticipate our long-term needs,” said Blake Schreck, President and CEO of the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce and President of Team Kansas. “We need to be creative and aggressive in our economic development efforts, and I believe this Framework gives us clear direction on how we can build a dynamic economy for our state that serves us not only today, but well into the future.”

“I’m pleased to see our state implementing this creative new approach to economic development,” Joann Knight, Economic Development Director for Dodge City, said. “Workforce and housing are major priorities in Western Kansas, and I’m glad to know that the Kelly administration sees these concerns as major priorities. I look forward to the implementation of the Framework for Growth, and I know its lasting effects will be hugely positive for our city, our region and our state.”

“Making talent retention and talent growth central to the Framework is absolutely the right and necessary move,” Matt Pavarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, said. “We’ve benefitted from so many young professional minds creating new opportunities, and we understand that keeping and creating the next generation of leaders in Kansas is essential for our state’s economic future. We look forward to the focus on this economic development blueprint the Framework delivers.”

Creation of the Framework for Growth began in late 2019, but the new challenges brought about through the COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need to rethink our approach resulting in a strategic plan with the flexibility to respond to our ever-changing economic conditions.

Through the Framework for Growth, Kansas will be one of the first states in the nation to take a comprehensive look at the new normal beyond COVID-19 and develop a wholistic strategy to guide state-level economic development policy.

The full report can be seen electronically 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.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

English COVID-19 Variant identified in Kansas

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UK Variant identified in Kansas

TOPEKA – A CDC Emerging Variant, which has been found in 33 U.S. states, was identified in Kansas this afternoon.

A Kansas resident in Ellis County was found to have the United Kingdom, or UK, variant known as B.1.1.7.

A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as if others may have been exposed. No further details are being released concerning the patient, including demographics.

The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing (WGS) conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

“This finding does not change our public health recommendations. We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions: follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, wearing masks, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to, once the supply is sufficient,” Dr. Norman, KDHE Secretary, said.

This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December 2020. Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Fort Scott, Government

Land Bank Moves Forward In Fort Scott

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Allyson Turvey. Submitted photo. She was selected by the new city manager to become the Fort Scott Land Bank Manager.

At a Feb. 1 meeting, the newly formed Fort Scott Land Bank voted on the acquisition of 10 N. National Ave.

“This first acquisition marks a historic step for the Fort Scott Land Bank,” City Manager Jeremy Frazier said.  ” It is important to note that this could not have been possible without the visionary leadership of the city commission and the hard work of many key employees such as Community Development Manager Allison Turvey and many others.”

Frazier’s first official day on the job as city manager was Feb. 1.

Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

 

“The city would also like to express its appreciation to the principal owners of J&S Properties and Earth Always for allowing the Fort Scott Land Bank to acquire this property,” he said. ” When asked why the acquisition was allowed to proceed, the owner noted that first, he felt that this would be the best way to preserve the historic building on behalf of the community of Fort Scott, its residents, and the downtown business community. Second, he expressed that he had great faith and optimism in the current city commission and myself to make the best use of this acquisition in a way that would benefit and improve the community.”

 

The owner donated the property.

 

“His generosity has breathed life into the Fort Scott Land Bank which was once only a plan and now is reality,” Frazier said.  Thank you J&S Properties and Earth Always. We have high hopes for this building and its location in the future.”

 

 

The Fort Scott Land Bank is an independent instrument of the city with the responsibility to efficiently buy, hold, manage,  and transform surplus city properties and other underutilized or distressed properties to turn these properties into productive use, according to Allyson Turvey, the newly appointed manager.

 

The Land Bank Board is comprised of Joshua Jones, Mayor of Fort Scott; Kevin Allen, City Commissioner, Pete Allen, City Commissioner; Randy Nichols, City Commissioner; Lindsey Watts, City Commissioner; Jim Harris, Bourbon County Commissioner;
Gregg Motley, Bourbon County Economic Development Board, Inc. Director; Turvey, LandBank Manager, and  Susan Bancroft, LandBank Treasurer

 

“At our next meeting  (Feb. 9)I will be giving a presentation on the processes and objectives of the Land Bank,” Turvey said.  “We will also be discussing priorities for acquisition of property.”

 

Turvey provided the following on the Fort Scott Land Bank:

 

The Fort Scott Land Bank focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties into productive use.

 

Vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties are often grouped together as “problem properties” because they destabilize neighborhoods, create fire and safety hazards, drive down property values, and drain local tax dollars.

 

The Fort Scott Land Bank was created to strategically
acquire problem properties, eliminate the liabilities, and transfer the properties to new, responsible owners in a transparent manner that results in outcomes consistent with community-based plans.

These opportunities are a collection of parcels owned by the Fort Scott Land Bank.

Every transfer of property from the Fort Scott Land Bank will be accompanied by a development agreement, outlining the final use of the property as well as accompanying timelines. The purchase price
for Land Bank properties will be negotiated based on the cost to acquire the property as well as the details in the development agreement. The Fort Scott Land Bank Board of Trustees will approve the final agreement and purchase offer.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas “Find My Vaccine”Tool

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Find My Vaccine Tool

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the launch of the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool, designed to help Kansans locate sites that are administering vaccines in their communities. The tool is available now on https://kansasvaccine.gov, Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website. Kansans in vaccine phase 1 and 2 are recommended to use this tool as a resource for finding providers who are or will be offering the vaccine.

“The ‘find my vaccine’ mapping tool allows any Kansan, regardless of where they live, to find the closest vaccine provider to their community,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The national shortage continues to be the biggest obstacle to delivering vaccines, and that means, many of our enrolled providers do not yet have sufficient vaccines to offer to the general public. But we know it’s better to be ahead of the curve and have this platform ready to go before supply has caught up, so that every Kansan is familiar with the tool and so we can be prepared as more providers are activated.”

The Kansas Find My Vaccine tool allows Kansans to:

  1. Look up nearby COVID-19 vaccine locations
  2. Identify which locations have recently received vaccine doses
  3. Access contact information for each location to confirm eligibility and availability

The tool includes locations that are participating in administering COVID-19 vaccines and have provided their information to share with the general public. As federal supply increases, Find My Vaccine will evolve to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort by listing more providers and linking to details and scheduling opportunities as they become available. As the vaccine supply continues to grow, the State asks all enrolled providers who intend to vaccinate the general public to provide their information for Kansans to see in Find My Vaccine. Further information on how to provide information can be found here.

Vaccines are being delivered to all 105 Kansas counties on a weekly basis, but not all providers may be listed on the map at this time. If you do not see an active location in your area – and you are in Phase 1 or 2 – ask your local health department how to access the vaccine.  Weekly vaccine allocations for each county are available on the KS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.

About ‘Find My Vaccine’ Tool

Find My Vaccine allows eligible Kansans to look up their current location and find nearby COVID-19 vaccination locations, see which locations have received doses, and access contact information. To access “Find My Vaccine” and for more information, please visit https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Minutes of Jan. 26

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January 26, 2021                                  Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the deputy County Clerk-Doretta Neville present.

 

Also present were the following, (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting): Mark McCoy, Michael Hoyt, Nancy Van Etten, Anne Dare, Susan Bancroft and Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker.

 

Jim Harris made a motion to approve a utility construction permit for Heartland Rural Electric for work to be done at 242 Terrace & Xavier for 975’ on the North side of the road, Clifton seconded and all approved and signed the permit.

 

Jim made a motion to approve a culvert permit for Brad Wright at 1175 275th, Clifton seconded and all approved and signed the permit.

 

The Commissions plan to set a 2021 asphalt work session at a later date.

 

Eric Bailey reported that heavy rain had caused road issues near Uniontown.  He said they are putting brine on the road today for forecasted bad weather.

 

Eric reported that the guardrail is back up at 215th & Range Road.  He said the work is being finished on the shelter at Elm Creek on the rock at the North end.

 

Eric said he has been working with Chad at the City of Fort Scott regarding the potholes behind the Courthouse; he said they are working on a cost estimate for patching and for curb and gutter.

 

He said the side arm mower is ready to mow at the Fort Scott Lake.

 

They are waiting on the turbo for the crusher and hope to have it fixed later this week.  Eric said they sold $3,080 worth of scrap metal at the Landfill.  Eric asked what the plans were for the beams at the Landfill; they planned to build compost with them.  Eric asked if they wanted to sell them, the Commissioners said yes and told him to set a price for them.  Eric said the air compressor may be out of dump truck #146, he said it is at Foley for repairs.  Eric said they are waiting on two estimates on the truck and trailer that were involved in an accident.  Jim questioned Eric on what he wanted to do regarding the Sterling truck that needs $18,000 repairs, Eric said he would review this.

 

Alan Drake requested rock and a grader for Evergreen Cemetery; all of the Commissioners were in agreement to this.  Eric reported that Lath Branch is also needing rock and grading work done.

 

Eric and the Commissioners briefly discussed the 2020 bridge inspection manual; Eric said they have a crew of two employees and they plan to start working on bridges that need immediate attention.  He said they repaired a bridge at 85th & Xavier for $3,700.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss a job description and job duties, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:36, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Eric Bailey and Susan Bancroft).  At 9:36, Clifton made a motion to come out of executive session and said no action, Jim seconded and all approved.  Lynne asked that an executive session be placed on the agenda next week for personnel matters.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to remove the executive session that Jim Harris had scheduled, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 07-21 for the refinancing of the jail bonds, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jim Harris said when he was campaigning, it was suggested to have different times and dates of the Commission meetings so the public could attend, it was discussed to possibly have Wednesday afternoon meetings once a month, the Commissioners will discuss this again next week.

 

Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners to discuss the new Covid strain; he said it is more contagious and just as deadly if not more, he said people may need double mask for protection, (he said he has plenty of masks and gloves).  He said he and Bill Martin sought after a State grant of approximately $100,000 – he said the County purchases supplies and provides a receipt to the State for reimbursement.  Will recommended a department head meeting to have a refresher course on protection from the virus, to discuss double masks, to suggest department heads create a plan for employee vacations (travel restrictions), to discuss if employees can work from home, (if they have equipment/internet).  He said the Commissioners may have to consider another closure or partial closure of the Courthouse and said employees may need to work from home if so.  The Commissioners were in favor of a department head meeting for a refresher course.  Will said they are having an exercise Thursday on administering the Covid vaccine, he invited Clifton to attend the exercise, but Clifton said he wasn’t sure if he could attend.  Clifton said his opinion was that the new variant of the Covid virus is more contagious, he said if people are wearing the right mask there should be no reason to double mask, he said the department heads should be following the CDC, State and Federal guidelines regarding travel restrictions.  Clifton suggested that Will talk with CHC and the Health Department to offer assistance regarding the distribution of the vaccine.

 

Clifton made a motion for Lynne to attend a SEK Works meeting on Thursday, Jim seconded and all approved.  The Commissioners plan to discuss renewing the Chief Elected official for SEK Works again on February 2nd.

 

The Commissioners were in agreement to pay the $1,100 annual dues for the League of Municipalities.

 

Lynne said the Assistant County Attorney had resigned and said the County Attorney has been trying to fill the position, they have found someone, but that person can’t start until March 1st, so the County Attorney wants to hire a 1099 Assistant County Attorney from now until March 1st @ $100/hour and said the new employee hired March 1st will make $80,000 annually, which is $15,000 more than they were paying.  Clifton made a motion to allow them to hire a 1099 person between now and March 1st, Jim seconded the motion, Jim questioned how the County Attorney working only part time affected other employees; Justin said the County Attorney couldn’t do both the County Attorney and the Assistant County Attorney duties.  Lynne said the Attorney has the money in their budget to make these changes.  All approved the motion.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss the job performance for a specific employee, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:37, (the session included the Commissioners and Susan Bancroft), Jim seconded and all approved.  At 10:37, Clifton made a motion to come out of executive session and back into open session, no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss applications for a new hire, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:02, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Shane Walker and Susan Bancroft).  At 11:02, Clifton made a motion to come out of executive session and back into open session and to add this to the agenda again next week, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks said he had met with the Hidden Valley Lake board regarding the 74 parcels there and the tax sale; he discussed the cost/benefit analysis of selling those properties at a tax sale and setting a minimum bid amount on tax sale properties.  Jim made a motion to have Justin and Lynne reach out to legislatures to find a solution regarding a tax sale for Hidden Valley Lake properties, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to give Appraiser Clint Anderson permission to hire a 3rd party consultant for the appraisal of commercial property, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Justin suggested scheduling KOMA training on a Tuesday afternoon; the Commissioners were ok with this.  Lynne made a motion to approve a consent order for KOMA training, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin briefly discussed the ongoing Opioid lawsuit; he said some businesses involved in the lawsuit had filed for bankruptcy.

 

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to discuss potential litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 11:25, Clifton seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  At 11:25, Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and back into open session and said no action, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne opened the meeting up for public comment; Anne Dare told the Commissioners that changing the meeting day and time is a good start, she questioned if Wednesday interfered with church activities, she questioned if the Commissioners would continue to conduct business first and then allow public comment, she also said the Commissioners should consider the location for the meetings and questioned if YouTube would still be available for broadcasting meetings.  Anne suggested that Justin should have scheduled Hidden Valley Lakes on the agenda in case anyone from that area would have wanted to be a part of the conversation.  Nancy Van Etten asked about Resolution 07-21; Lynne said this was to refinance the jail bonds and said they needed to attach a resolution to the refinancing documents, Nancy asked if resolutions were published prior to adoption; Lynne said no, but they are kept on file.  Nancy said she felt it was good that Will Wallis was having an exercise; she said she would like to see the public health office give a public update more often.

 

Frank Miller met with the Commissioners regarding his dump bill; he said he would like to pay every two weeks until he gets caught up, Lynne told him to talk to Susan Bancroft and Jennifer in public works about this.

 

Jim Harris commended Lynne, Clifton and Jeff Fischer for the work they did to refinance the jail bonds and save over $300,000.

 

Lynne said he would attend a meeting tonight for juvenile detention, but said Clifton will attend future meetings.

 

Lynne made a motion to appoint Jim Harris to the Landbank, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

At 11:37, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

 

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

February 2, 2021, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Jan. 19

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January 19, 2021                                            Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the Deputy County Clerk Doretta Neville present.

 

Also present were the following; (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Anne Dare, Mark McCoy and Nancy Van Etten.

 

The Commissioners signed the prior meeting minutes.

 

Road & Bridge Director Eric Bailey said they treated the roads in the N.E. part of the County on Friday due to inclement weather.

 

Eric Bailey discussed a bridge at 85Th & Xavier; he said it had prior damage, they cleaned out the channel, filled in the damage and capped the concrete and the bridge is now open.

 

Eric reported there a several telephone poles at the Landfill; he said some have treated ends and asked the Commissioners to consider selling them.  Jim Harris said to sell them for $15/each, first come-first serve.

 

Eric said any new road cut permits or culvert permits will be given to the Road & Bridge secretary.

 

Eric suggested having a work session to discuss the 2021 asphalt program; Jim received permission from the other Commissioners to meet with Eric to review what work had been done over the past 10 years, Lynne suggested scheduling a work session after Jim met with Eric.

 

Eric said he is gearing up for the bridge and culvert crew and asked the Commissioners about advertising for a supervisor position since he had internal candidates interested in the position.  Jim said to ask the County Counselors opinion, but said the handbook said positions will be advertised in the newspaper; Justin suggested advertising the position.

 

Eric said they are replacing a guardrail (from a hit and run accident) on 215th, North of Range Road,   he said this road is shut down today for the repairs.

 

Eric said there was an issue with parts ordered for the crusher, but said the crusher should be running in two weeks.

 

Eric said they have hired someone to repair the rock that fell off of a header at Elm Creek.

 

Jim asked the other Commissioners opinion on the County using the side arm mower at the park at the Fort Scott Lake; all of the Commissioners were in agreement to this.

 

Jody Hoener met with the Commissioners; she suggested that the County use Kansas Works to help fill vacant job positions.

 

Jody said the County received $132,000 in CDBG grant funds to disperse, she said they have granted out $102,000, she said the County had one year to disperse all of the funds, she said at some point the Commissioners may want to increase the $14,000 parameters previously set.  Clifton made a motion to allow Lynne to sign the request for payments of the CDBG funds, Jim asked if there was any accountability on how the funds were spent, and Jody said yes they have to provide receipts for the grant funds, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Jody discussed the NRP program; she said the NRP program includes all of the cities and said the program is an incentive to increase the overall value to help lower property taxes. She said the goal in 2020 was to get 20 new applications, but said they received 29.

 

Jody said they had a feasibility study done for a multi-use facility; she said there is a possible interested developer which could have a $2 million impact on our community.

 

Jody said they are working on grants for Bwerc; she said they received a $5,500 anonymous donation to remain in the space.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve paying the 2021 Chamber of Commerce dues, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve paying the 2021 NACO dues, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve paying the 2021 Kansas League of Municipalities dues, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve paying the 2021 KAC dues, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve Resolution 08-21; a resolution approving wage increases for the County Counselor (now a 1099 contract laborer), the Appraiser and the Elm Creek caretaker, Clifton seconded and all approved and signed the resolution.  Jim questioned how much time the caretaker would spend doing windfarm work since he also operates a mower.

 

Lynne made a motion to approve Resolution 09-21; a resolution certifying the January 5, 2021 election results, Clifton seconded and all approved and signed resolution.

 

Clifton made a motion to appoint County Commissioner Jim Harris to the Lake Advisory board, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, the subject will be healthcare in Bourbon County, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:57 am, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners).  At 9:57, Clifton made a motion to go back into open session and said that no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

 

Justin Meeks reported that the 2nd part of the bond for Phoenix Coal Company would be released shortly; Justin said he believed the roads had been reclaimed as best as they could.

 

Justin said opened/closed roads are a 100 year old problem in Bourbon County; Lynne said Lora Holdridge had been working through road closing/opening documents.  Justin suggested having a work session with residents to help make decisions on opening or closing roads low maintenance roads.  Lynne said the County has a map designating low maintenance roads.

 

Justin said all of the demand letters had been sent regarding the tax sale for property from 2016 and back.  He said he would get the cases for the tax sale filed in the next few months.  Justin said he is still an advocate for the Landbank and said they were still working on this.

 

Justin said he is working on an issue from a taxpayer where their taxes went up due to a change in valuation.

 

The Commissioners and Justin discussed roads and bridges in the County; Justin said the bridge on old 69 Highway needs repairs and said it wouldn’t be around much longer.  He suggested getting citizens opinion when it comes to making a decision on what to do about the bridge.  Justin expressed a concern over the safety of some of the roads and bridges.

 

Justin said the City/County had a good meeting recently about shared services.

 

The Commissioners allowed public comment; Anne Dare asked that the Commissioners apply for KDOT and Federal funds for the roads and bridges in the County.  She questioned how much the KAC dues were and suggested that the Commissioners consider having something in writing on what the different organizations that the County belongs to does for the County.  She also suggested that the different departments and boards do reports to keep the community involve in what they have been doing/spending.  Nancy Van Etten questioned what Lynne was discussing at the City meeting about the sewer board; Lynne said they were going to discuss possibly refinancing the sewer district bond.  Mark McCoy discussed shared services between the County/City; he commended the County for working with the City to save money.  He said sharing a finance manager with the City is a start in the right direction.  Mark said he was the chairman of the shared services committee.  He said that Bourbon County economic development is working to hire an economic development director. Mark said he is on the BEDCO board; he said it is a board of 13 volunteer members.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow for Commissioner comments, Jim seconded and all approved.  Clifton responded to the public comments; he said they needed to hire the right person for the economic development director, he told Anne Dare that they were heading in the direction of getting reports of what is spent.  Jim said when he was campaigning he heard the term transparency; he said he felt all of the Commissioners were going to be transparent.  Lynne said the Commissioners get a monthly detailed report of what is spent, but thought the finance director would provide easier to read reports. Lynne said the economic development director position would be a challenging job, but said it would be beneficial to the entire county.

 

Lora Holdridge met with the Commissioners regarding the west parking lot; she said several months ago it was discussed about the City fixing this, she said there is a water leak there and said cars bottom out when entering/exiting the parking lot due to damage there.  Jim Harris said the City was going to fix this last September, Lynne said there are also bricks missing out of the street on the northwest end of the block.  The Commissioners asked Lynne to call Eric Bailey and have him work with the City on getting the lot fixed.

 

Greg Vahrenberg with Raymond and James met over the phone with the Commissioners regarding refinancing the 2015 jail bonds; he said Gilmore and Bell had drafted the legal documents and said Standard and Poor’s gave the County an “A” rating, he said they considered giving better than an “A” rating, but didn’t due to the current pandemic.  They originally thought refinancing the bonds for the years of 2024-2035 would save $251,000, but a lower interest rate was locked in and the County should have an estimated savings of $367,699.  He said there is no penalty for paying the bonds off early.  Clifton made a motion to approve the refinancing documents, (Resolution 07-21), Jim seconded and all approved.  Jeff made a motion to allow Lynne to sign the documents, Clifton seconded and all approved and all signed the documents.  Greg said he would send an updated analysis for the sewer district bonds.

 

At 11:42, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

 

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

January 26, 2021, Approved Date