Category Archives: Government

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Nursing Home Visitation Rules Expanded

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Expanded Visitation Rules for Nursing Homes During COVID-19

~ KDADS working quickly to ensure Kansas facilities follow expanded CMS guidelines ~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced revised recommendations for nursing facilities to expand visitation in response to significant reductions in COVID-19 infections and transmission resulting from ongoing infection control practices, and high vaccination rates in the nursing home population.

“This updated guidance is great news for Kansans with loved ones in long-term care facilities and proof that our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 are working,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “While this is another step towards our return to normalcy, I encourage all Kansans to follow the guidance, continue to mask up, and receive the vaccine when it is their turn.”

According to Memorandum QSO-20-39-NH-Revised issued March 10, 2021 by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and effective immediately, “… vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Millions of vaccinations have since been administered to nursing home residents and staff, and these vaccines have been shown to help prevent symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (i.e., COVID-19). Therefore, CMS, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is updating its visitation guidance accordingly, but emphasizing the importance of maintaining infection prevention practices, given the continued risk of COVID-19 transmission.”

CMS directs that visitation can be conducted through different means based on a facility’s structure and residents’ needs, such as in resident rooms, dedicated visitation spaces, outdoors, and for circumstances beyond compassionate care situations. Regardless of how visits are conducted, QSO-20-39-NH-Revised  outlines certain core principles and best practices consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for nursing homes that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and should still be adhered to at all times.

“Our Survey, Certification and Credentialing Commission has been acutely aware of the need to keep residents and workers in faculties healthy and safe during this pandemic by conducting inspections and investigations and at the same time they have worked very hard to offer and help implement programs that have allowed residents and their loved ones to communicate during the visitation restrictions using technology and other alternative methods,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “This new guidance is welcome news because we all recognize the emotional and physical toll being separated has on our seniors.”

Key revisions outlined in the new CMS memorandum include, but are not limited to:

  • Outdoor visitation:
    • While taking a person-centered approach and adhering to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention, outdoor visitation is preferred even when the resident and visitor are fully vaccinated* against COVID-19. Outdoor visits generally pose a lower risk of transmission due to increased space and airflow. *Fully vaccinated refers to a person who is ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine, per the CDC’s Public Health Recommendations for Vaccinated Persons.
  • Indoor visitation:
    • Facilities should allow indoor visitation at all times and for all residents (regardless of vaccination status), except for a few circumstances when visitation should be limited due to a high risk of COVID-19 transmission (note: compassionate care visits should be permitted at all times). These scenarios include limiting indoor visitation for:
      • Unvaccinated residents, if the nursing home’s COVID-19 county positivity rate is >10% and <70% of residents in the facility are fully vaccinated
      • Residents with confirmed COVID-19 infection, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated until they have met the criteria to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions; or
      • Residents in quarantine, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met criteria for release from quarantine.
    • Indoor visitation during an outbreak:
    • Visitor testing and vaccination:
      • We encourage visitors to become vaccinated when they have the opportunity. While visitor testing and vaccination can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitors should not be required to be tested or vaccinated (or show proof of such) as a condition of visitation. This also applies to representatives of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and protection and advocacy systems.
    • Compassionate care visits:
      • Compassionate care visits, and visits required under federal disability rights law, should be allowed at all times, regardless of a resident’s vaccination status, the county’s COVID-19 positivity rate, or an outbreak.
      • If the resident is fully vaccinated, they can choose to have close contact (including touch) with their visitor while wearing a well-fitting face mask and performing hand-hygiene before and after. Regardless, visitors should physically distance from other residents and staff in the facility.

KDADS recognizes there are other long-term care settings in Kansas not subject to the guidance issued by CMS for certified nursing facilities. Using federal guidelines as a road map, KDADS has issued its Visitation Guidance for Long Term Care Settings for those facilities throughout the state.

To view a graphic detailing updated CMS guidance, please click here.

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Weekly Newsletter

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Hello,

Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

 

Speaking in Opposition of H.R. 1

This week, I spoke on the Senate floor in opposition of H.R. 1, the partisan For the People Act, to highlight the drastic impact this legislation would have on federalizing elections, restricting free speech and further dividing the country along party lines.

H.R. 1 is an affront to the United States Constitution. Americans did not vote to give one party free rein to implement an unprecedented power grab, to nationalize elections and strip power from states and localities from now into perpetuity. As a conservative, I believe in individual liberties and in a federal government that exercises restraint, and that state and local units of government are inherently more responsive to the wishes of the citizenry. My adherence to the Constitution instructs deference to state governments to oversee their own elections, and I hope all Americans, including my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, take the time to read and understand H.R. 1 for what it truly is.

Listen to my full remarks by clicking here or below.

 

 

Meeting with Kansas Health Officials Regarding Vaccination Efforts Across the State

Visiting the Sedgwick County Vaccination Center
On Monday, I visited the Sedgwick County COVID-19 Vaccination Center where more than 1,500 people received their shots throughout the day. During my visit, many Kansans made a point of telling me how well organized the center is and how pleased they are to receive the vaccine. My time at the center was a personal reminder that the goal of getting vaccinated is to keep people healthy so that they feel comfortable at work, comfortable hugging their grandkids and have the opportunity to go to church in person again—all the things that make up normal Kansas life.

I want to thank the many health care professionals and volunteers who continue to work to ensure the center is run efficiently and the vaccination process is smooth. Thank you to Sedgwick County Commissioners David Dennis, Jim Howell and Pete Meitzner, as well as Sedgwick County Health Director Adrienne Byrne for joining me on the tour.

 

 

Learning More about Johnson County’s Vaccine Distribution
On Tuesday, I visited the Johnson County COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic and was pleased to hear reports that no vaccines are going unused. Dr. Sanmi Areola, Director of Johnson County’s Department of Health and Environment, updated me on their vaccination efforts across the Kansas City area. Currently 117,000 residents of Johnson County have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

I also enjoyed speaking with all the Kansans at the clinic who got their vaccine to hear firsthand about their experience. Thank you to Dr. Areola, Johnson County Chairman Ed Eilert, Johnson County Commissioner Mike Ashcraft and Assistant County Manager Joe Connor for joining me on the tour. The efficiency of Johnson County’s distribution is a testament to its leadership, and I again want to reiterate my thanks to all of the health care professionals and volunteers working at this clinic, and across our state, to get shots in the arms of Kansans so we can continue on this path back towards normal.

 

 

 

Expanding the VA’s Vaccination Efforts to Spouses and Caregivers

This week, I introduced the Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize All Veterans and Every Spouse (SAVE LIVES) Act with my colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. This legislation would expand VA’s COVID-19 vaccination authority, enable the VA to vaccinate more veterans than currently allowed and offer vaccines to individuals within a veteran’s circle of care.

Currently, the VA is only able to vaccinate active VA Health Care System enrollees. While the VA will continue to prioritize vaccinating VHA enrolled veterans with its allocation of COVID-19 vaccines, this legislation enables the VA to vaccinate non-enrolled veterans, veteran spouses, caregivers, overseas veterans and others with excess COVID-19 vaccine supply.

Military service is family service. It impacts not only our servicemembers but their spouses, families and support networks, and it is why the VA and this committee aim to care for both veterans and their families. More shots in more arms is our best option for ending this pandemic and returning to normal; expanding the VA’s ability to vaccinate veterans as well as those within their support network further reduces COVID-19 risk to veterans and the general public.

 

If you are a veteran, you can click here for more information about the VA’s COVID-19 testing and treatment resources. You can also sign up for updates about vaccine availability here.

 

Improving Care for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Substances During Service

This week, during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing, I called for a framework to improve care for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. The committee heard testimonies from two wounded warriors who shed a harsh light on their experiences, dealing with health consequences from toxic exposures to substances such as Agent Orange and burn pits, as well as the often frustrating process to get care and service from the VA. For too long, veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances during the course of their military service have faced overwhelming barriers to get the VA care and service they deserve—the burden of proof is challenging for veterans, and we must find a way to bridge the gap.

I was encouraged by bipartisan legislation passed out of this committee last Congress to address this issue. As a result of our work, we now have several new laws on the books directing research and covering more of our Vietnam and Korean War veterans. As the lead Republican on SVAC, I will continue to build on that progress this Congress and listen to the needs of veterans to provide them with the care they require.

 

 

Restoring Jobs in Kansas City

This week, I was pleased to learn that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will restore 500 positions at USCIS facilities in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area that had been eliminated due to financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic. Restoring these critical jobs at the National Benefits Center in the Kansas City region will help support the local economy and the nation, as these employees work to process immigration applications. Because of the dedication and the invaluable contributions of these employees, the Kansas City Metro Area boasts a diverse business community that has brought countless economic advantages to the region. I’m thankful for the work they do and will continue to work with my Congressional colleagues to get our USICS workforce back to operating at pre-pandemic levels.

 

Recognizing Women’s History Month  

Remembering the Efforts of the “Hello Girls”
March is Women’s History Month, and I was proud to celebrate it this week by introducing legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the women who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I (WWI), also known as the “Hello Girls.” These brave, trail-blazing women are considered some of our nation’s first women veterans.

In 1917, General John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force in Europe during WWI knew that the U.S. had thousands of experienced women telephone operators back home, so he directed the Army to recruit female wire experts who were fluent in English and French to deploy to France to run the telephone equipment on the front lines. Connecting more than 150,000 calls per day, and doing so six times faster than their male counterparts, these female switchboard operators played a crucial role in WWI. Despite their service, it took decades for them to receive veteran status and therefore be recognized as some of our nation’s first women veterans. This Congressional Gold Medal will serve as way to honor the trailblazing Hello Girls and recognize their important contributions to our history.

 

 

 

Supporting Women in the Aviation Workforce
I also I introduced and the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution supporting women in the aviation industry, committing to help increase aviation and STEM job opportunities for women and designating March 8 through March 14, 2021, as “Women of the Aviation Workforce Week.”

The most famous woman in aviation—Amelia Earhart—grew up in Atchison, Kansas. She set flight records, broke barriers and led the way for thousands of women to pursue careers in aviation as engineers, flight crew members, air traffic controllers and pilots. However, women still make up less than eight percent of our pilots and a small percentage of aeronautical engineers in the U.S. To address this disparity, I, along with my colleague Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), established an advisory board at the FAA that aims to support women in aviation and better meet the growing demand for workers in the industry. As more women pursue careers in aviation, I’m proud to join my colleagues in sponsoring this resolution to recognize Women of the Aviation Workforce Week.

 

Reauthorizing the USADA in Preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles

This week, I introduced legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics along with my colleague Senator Blumenthal (D-Conn.). As a member of the Commerce Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the health and safety of amateur athletes, Sen. Blumenthal and I have previously worked to make certain our nation’s athletes are able to pursue the sports they love in a safe and fair manner.

In 2001, Congress recognized USADA as the official anti-doping agency for the Olympics, Paralympics, Pan American and Parapan Games to help combat the use of performance-enhancing drugs and create a fair and level playing field for our athletes. USADA is a non-profit organization and manages the most comprehensive anti-doping program in the country while setting the standard for all other national anti-doping programs abroad. The program consists of in-competition and out-of-competition drug testing, results management processes, drug reference resources and athlete education in order to prevent athlete doping practices.

Since its inception, USADA has modeled integrity and fair competition for the international athletic community and anti-doping agencies around the world. As the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles approaches, I remain committed to making certain USADA has the tools and resources it needs to ensure all American athletes are competing in fair trials leading up to the Games.

 

Addressing the Trucking Industry’s Driver Shortage with The DRIVE-Safe Act

This week, I introduced the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE-Safe) Act with my colleagues to address the driver shortage in the trucking and logistics industry and enhance safety training and job opportunities for young truckers.

Though 49 states and the District of Columbia allow individuals to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) at age 18, federal law currently prohibits those operators from moving goods from state to state until they are 21.

As we saw during this pandemic, a shortage of truck drivers impacts our ability to move goods across roads and highways to support our economy, including transporting Kansas products. The DRIVE-Safe Act allows young CDL holders that meet rigorous safety standards and performance benchmarks to move goods from state to state, addressing the driver shortage while continuing to deliver commodities across Kansas and the country. Read more about this legislation by clicking here.

 

 

 

Protecting Aviation across Kansas

Securing $8.9 Million in Grants to Support Kansas Airports

This week, I announced $8,903,293 in Department of Transportation grants for 23 Kansas airports to help with expenses related to COVID-19. The grants were made available by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act.

Local airports, whether in small towns or big cities, help bring economic opportunities and critical resources to communities across Kansas. Since the onset of this pandemic, our airports have worked hard to create safe flying opportunities for passengers and crew, and these grants will help Kansas airports with associated costs related to the pandemic, including sanitization services, to continue to ensure a safe experience as folks are passing through.

 

Click here to view the full list.

 

Touring Spirit AeroSystems

This week, I visited with leaders from Spirit AeroSystems for a factory tour and discussion on how the company continues to navigate the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic. My legislation, the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act was recently signed into law, and it will create a public-private partnership between the federal government and aviation manufacturers, like Spirit, to protect the aviation manufacturing industry, workforce and supply chain that have been impacted by COVID-19. Kansas’ leading aviation manufacturing industry plays a critical role in commercial and general aviation and within our defense community, and this legislation will help to support this invaluable sector from future workforce reductions and ensure this talented workforce remains intact when demand returns. I would like to thank Tom Gentile and Duane Hawkins for their input throughout the tour.

 

Visiting with the United States Senate Youth Program

This week I had the opportunity to meet virtually with Sean-Patrick Hurst of Iola and Seth Jarvis of Burlington. These two young men were chosen to represent Kansas as delegates of the 59th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Established in 1962, two individuals are selected to represent their state during their time in Washington, D.C.

The mission of the USSYP program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates a more comprehensive understanding of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundation provides each of the 104 student delegates with a $10,000 college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs during their undergraduate studies. I commend the achievements of these engaged young Kansans. Together, we talked about qualities that create community leaders, and the remarkable leadership that Kansans have shown in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean-Patrick and Seth demonstrated a strong commitment to public service that will serve them and their communities well.

 

 

 

Expanding Access to Allergy Testing

This week, I introduced my bipartisan Allergy Testing Access Act of 2021. This legislation would expand access to allergy testing and ensure proper diagnoses of allergies for patients, including the elderly, young children and individuals in rural communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States and carry an annual cost of $18 billion. Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.

This legislation will remove barriers which inhibit patient access to safe and accurate allergy tests, thereby empowering patients with personal health care information that can help them live healthy, productive lives. Regardless of age or location, people ought to have equal access to allergy testing to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid a potentially life-threatening situation. Allergies can pose a significant threat to one’s health and this sensible legislation creates fairness in coverage and improved accessibility of testing.

 

 

 

Introducing the The Global Trade Accountability Act

I joined two of my Senate colleagues this week in introducing the Global Trade Accountability Act, a bill that would subject unilateral actions by the president to increase trade barriers for congressional approval. The Kansas economy depends on sound trade policies, and imposing undue tariffs or other trade restrictions could have serious ramifications on Kansas agriculture and manufacturing.

The Global Trade Accountability Act would require both chambers of Congress to affirmatively approve of any “unilateral trade actions” by the President before they could take effect, which are defined in this legislation as “any increases in tariffs or duties, tightening of tariff-rate quotas or quantitative restrictions on imports, and other restrictions or prohibitions on imports.” For too long, administrations have been making trade decisions without appropriate input from the legislative branch, and this legislation would reinstate Congress’ constitutional authority over commerce with foreign countries.

 

Welcoming Millennium Corporation to Wichita

On Friday, I was pleased to announce that Millennium Corporation, a defense contractor and cybersecurity company, will establish a regional Wichita office. Millennium currently supports the cybersecurity needs of the Department of Defense, McConnell Air Force Base’s 177th Squadron “Red Team” and other federal agencies. As a thought leader in the cyberspace and security industry, Millennium is a welcome addition to Wichita’s growing cybersecurity community. Regional businesses continue to be reliable and growing partners for our military through Department of Defense contracts, and with Millennium’s expertise and credentials, it will be a great asset in providing cybersecurity services for our nation.

 

 

 

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

 

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.

 

Very truly yours,
Jerry

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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401		 Manhattan
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Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789		 Olathe
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P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
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Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025		 Wichita
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Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259		 Pittsburg
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Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
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Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building | Room 521 | Washington, D.C. 20501
Phone: (202) 224-6521 | Fax: (202) 228-6966

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas Moves To Phase 3-4 For COVID-19 Vaccination

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Will Move To Phase 3 and 4 of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

~ State to begin vaccinating Kansans who qualify in Phase 3 and Phase 4 on March 22, 2021~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the state will move to Phase 3 and 4 of Kansas’ COVID-19 vaccination plan on March 22, 2021. With this move, individuals between ages 16 and 64 with a preexisting medical condition and other non-healthcare workers in critical infrastructure will be eligible for vaccination.

“Thanks to an increased supply in vaccine, Kansas will begin vaccinating individuals who qualify in either Phase 3 or Phase 4 on March 22,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This expedited timeline will allow Kansans to get back to work, back to school, and back to a more normal way of life. I urge all Kansans to do their part by getting vaccinated when it is their turn and continuing to follow the public health guidance, so we can return back to normal.”

Kansans now eligible to be vaccinated include:

• Those aged 16 through 64 with conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including:
o Cancer;
o Down Syndrome;
o Certain heart conditions;
o Type 1 & 2 diabetes;
o Pregnancy;
o Asthma;
o Cystic fibrosis;
o Liver disease;
o Neurological conditions like dementia;
o And other medical risks.

• And other non-health care workers in critical infrastructure who cannot work remotely, including:
o Agricultural and food workers not included in previous phases;
o Workers performing in-person activities indoors;
o Utility workers;
o Social service and government workers not included in previous phases;
o Logistics workers, such as truck transportation workers and couriers;
o Water and wastewater workers;
o Shelter, housing, and finance workers;
o And information technology and communication workers.

This announcement made one week ahead of time, will give counties with vaccination events planned an opportunity to finish vaccinating Kansans in Phases 1 and 2 and will ensure providers have enough time to prepare and notify Kansans who will be eligible in the newly combined Phase 3 and 4. Under this expedited timeline, Kansas is expected to move into the final phase of vaccinations by no later than May 1, 2021.

Additionally, Governor Kelly announced the state will activate more providers to complete vaccinations, including safety-net clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and medical practices. Kansas will also partner with the federal government to set up mass vaccination sites in Kansas to increase the number of vaccinations possible per day.

Kansans who need help identifying if they are eligible should contact their local health department. Kansans can also utilize the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool at KansasVaccine.Gov to locate a provider near them with vaccines available.

To view the updated COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization plan, click here.

To view the updated COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization plan in Spanish, click here.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For March 16 Updated Location

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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: March 16, 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 CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • Clint Anderson – Position Opening in Appraisers Office
  • Shane Walker, Dave Bruner, Traci Reed – Moving Dispatch into Old Jail Area
  • Lynne Oharah – Opening Courthouse
  • Lynne Oharah – Blue Cross Blue Shield Grant Money
  • Lynne Oharah – Eliminating Hiring Freeze
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 12, 2021

 

Property Tax Liberation

The Senate and House passed Senate Bill (SB) 13 and sent it to the Governor’s desk.  Each year as you pay your taxes, SB 13 will stop automatic property tax increases that are solely due to property valuation increases. It will stop the shell game of who raised your taxes; stop valuation increases as a result of normal maintenance on your property; allow county treasurers the option to setup payment plans on property taxes; and remove that property tax lid that hasn’t worked because of too many exemptions.  I started working on this property tax legislation after hearing from many of you.  It was a major undertaking.  I used methodologies from my management and business experience with some major help from friends across the state.  The results will help reign in out-of-control property tax increases and allow property owners to see why their taxes increased.  It must be good legislation because many legislators are taking credit for it.  That’s always a good sign.  The Governor vetoed it last year.  Surely, she won’t make that mistake two years in a row.

 

Freeze Property Tax For Some Seniors

The Senate Tax Committee heard a bill last week that would freeze property tax on low-income seniors and disabled veterans.  Currently, the bill would freeze it for anyone over 65 years of age, making less than $50,000 a year, and lives in a house valued less than $350,000 a year.  Kansas is taxing people out of their homes and out of the state.  We have to find ways to stop the madness.

 

Unemployment

There are only a couple of weeks left of the regular 2021 session but there is much work to be completed.  A major piece of legislation is dealing with the broken unemployment system.  The Senate Commerce Committee will have hearings on this legislation all next week.  It is an attempt to make the Governor fix the system and to shore up the unemployment funds that have been depleted because the Governor shut down businesses and paid hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent unemployment claims.

 

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

Caryn

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 2

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March 2, 2021                                                           Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Counselor present, the County Clerk was able to watch the meeting live on YouTube.  The meeting was held at the City of Fort Scott Commission room.

 

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, Jody Hoener, Susan Bancroft, Anne Dare, Nancy Van Etten, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Kim Simons, Michael Hoyt and Mark Mccoy.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Juliana to speak with the Commissioners (over the phone) regarding Apex energy, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Juliana told the Commissioners that the wind project is on track, she said they have secured the proper financial funding and they will begin building this year.  She told the Commissioners that WEC Energy Group had purchased Jayhawk Wind.  She said they would oversee the project and IEA would be the general contractor for the project.  She said a renewable power purchase agreement has been executed.  Jim Harris said he had read on the internet that the power they produce will be sent to Nebraska; Juliana said the energy will go onto the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and the energy will flow to where the demand for it is needed.  Jim questioned if Evergy wasn’t a player anymore with the wind project; Juliana said that agreement had been mutually dissolved.  Lynne asked who the owner of the substation is for the project; Julian said the substation was an asset of Jayhawk so it is now owned by WEC.  There was a brief discussion over the recent controlled power outages due to the weather, Lynne said that outage was controlled by SPP.  Justin said the contracts for the windfarm are still valid.  Juliana said they would be starting doing grading the end of this month. She said Jeff Spangler is still a contact for this project.  Anne Dare discussed who owned the substation; she said Jeff Spangler told her it was owned by Evergy.  Juliana said there are two structures; the substation is all of the underground collection cabling that goes to the substation which then goes into the switchyard (the switchyard is owned by Evergy).  Anne Dare discussed the new weight restrictions of 20 ton from K47-K7; Lynne said the County has no control over the weight restriction on those State highways.  Apex/Jayhawk was not scheduled on the Commission agenda, Anne Dare was disappointed she didn’t know they were going to be speaking today, she asked the Commissioners when they learned they were speaking today; Lynne said he learned yesterday and Clifton said he learned today, Lynne said he received a call from Juliana and an email with the announcement of the selling to WEC.

 

The Commissioners signed culvert permits for Nick Leighty at 651 160th St., Kyle Brown at 1163 250th St. and Joyce Flanner at 2542 Locust Road.

 

Eric Bailey said the bridge crew is working in an area east of 215th & Xavier.  He said they had finished a project on Maple near the Blythe ranch.

 

Eric reported damage to signs from an accident on 240th; he said they are putting the signs back up. Eric said the rock crusher is now working and they are working 10 hour days to try and get caught up.  Eric said they are working with Buckley Powder to schedule a blast at the Beth Quarry (blast should be in 2-3 weeks).

 

Eric asked if the north door outside of the Public Works entrance could be unlocked during business hours so that customers could meet with the Public Works office, later in the meeting Jim Harris made a motion to unlock the north door of the Courthouse during business hours, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Eric said the County should receive approximately $5,700 from FEMA for the 2019 flood.  He said they are still working on this.

 

Clifton said he had been asked why the stop signs in front of the FSCC rodeo dorm had been placed there and asked if they were needed; Lynne said the signs were put up to control the speed in the area.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 6 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(1)to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to discuss employees seeking medical leave, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:38 am, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Eric Bailey and Susan Bancroft).  At 9:38, Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and resume the normal meeting and said no action, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

The Commissioners discussed unlocking the east doors of the Courthouse; the request to unlock the doors was made because law enforcement had issues getting into the Courthouse on a recent call for help.  Lynne said he asked the person letting people in the Courthouse (taking temperatures and handing out masks) if they could control people entering if the doors were unlocked, their response was they couldn’t control them and they would come in without a mask if they chose to.  Lynne suggested working with the IT department to allow access by a key fob at the north, west and south entrance.   Clifton made a motion that he be allowed to meet with the Sheriff and Police department and he make a decision regarding the northeast door of the Courthouse and that he work with Shane on this issue, Jim seconded, Bobby suggested giving every employee a key fob, Susan suggested placing a lockbox with a keypad and a key inside the building to enter the building, all approved the motion.

 

Bobby Reed said the Sheriff asked the Commissioners to clarify the stop signs and the speed limit near the college rodeo dorms, he said going one direction on the bridge is 35 mph vs. going the opposite direction which is a different speed.

 

Bobby previously met with the Commissioners to request that debris from the 4-H building roof be deposited at the Landfill for free; he clarified that the 4-H building is a 501c5, Justin said they are a not for profit organization.  Jim made a motion to allow the Fair Board to dump the roof debris from the 4-H building at no charge, Clifton seconded and all approved. Bobby will work with Eric Bailey on the dumping of the debris.  Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to work with the Fair Board (pro bono) to help them transfer from a 501c5 to a 501c3 if they want to, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks told the Commissioners they had bids (Justin did not have the bids at the meeting) to make the restrooms A.D.A. compliant at the Drivers License building; Jim made a motion to accept the low bid to make the restrooms there A.D.A. compliant, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Justin said they are still moving forward with the tax sale.

 

Justin briefly discussed a Commissioner quorum and ways to avoid a KOMA violation.

 

Clifton made a motion to allow Jim Harris to visit a micro processing plant on March 12th in Springhill, Lynne seconded and all approved.

 

Justin said they are still emailing between St. Martens academy and trying to figure out the paperwork on how they joined the sewer district.  Susan Bancroft said they are looking at putting a meter on their lift station and said no sewer district map exists.   Nancy Van Etten asked Justin if he was still working on an interlocal sewer district agreement; she said there still isn’t an agreement in place on what someone has to pay to connect to the district.  Susan said they are still working on this.  Nancy asked if the sewer district bonds had been refinance; Lynne said they are still working on refinancing them.

 

Anne Dare asked when the Courthouse front steps were going to be done; Lynne said they are still working on them, Justin said they were waiting for the weather to dry up to apply a needed product.

 

Anne told the Commissioners that masking is a mandate and not a law.  She asked what the status was regarding the meeting Will Wallis had with the Commissioners regarding the City of Uniontown’s higher gas prices due to the recent cold weather (Uniontown purchased gas in bulk for distribution to their customers and ran out of that gas, but will now be charged a higher rate from the supplier); Lynne said the City of Uniontown is going to discuss this at an upcoming meeting.

 

Clifton commented that Jayhawk wind is a multi-billion dollar company and said companies don’t let anyone know the decisions they are making until the decision is made.  He said the windfarm has no control over how the energy they produce is dispersed; he said their energy is added to the power pool.  Jim said he was disappointed that the energy wasn’t staying in this area.

 

Jim Harris suggested the Commissioners have a work session to discuss a larger rock crusher; this will be discussed again at a later date.  Susan said the City has a work session on Tuesday evenings and said this could be incorporated with their work session.

 

At 10:48, 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

March 9, 2021, Approved Date

Government, Kansas

American Rescue Plan Programs For Kansas

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces American Rescue Plan Programs for Kansas

TOPEKA – On Thursday, March 11th, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP), providing $1.9 trillion in economic stimulus to assist in the long-term recovery from the economic and public health impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The American Rescue Plan will provide critical relief to Kansas families and businesses who have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “While I disagreed on the allocation formula, these funds will allow us to make targeted and strategic investments in childcare, broadband, education, and our business communities to aid our recovery from COVID-19.”

The ARP aims to move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, return children to school, vaccinate the population, provide direct assistance to families, and stimulate economic growth.

As a part of the American Rescue Plan, the state of Kansas will be eligible for a variety of funding. Below are some of the programs and initiatives available to Kansas; many more will be made available through strategic coordination and investment:  

  • Direct aid to Kansans in the form of $1,400 checks per person for incomes up to $75,000
  • Extension of unemployment benefits
    • The ARP extends benefits from March 14 to September 6
    • Enhanced benefits will stay at $300/week
  • Provide direct housing and nutrition assistance
    • Emergency rental assistance, utility assistance, and homeowners support
    • Key investments in food security, including extending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Women Infants and Children (WI) benefits, and Pandemic-EBT programs
  • Strengthen support for farm communities, growers, and producers
    • Investments in infrastructure that support food safety
    • Debt relief for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
  • Expand access to safe and reliable child care through Child Care and Development Block Grant
  • Expand the Child Tax Credit and an improved Earned Income Tax Credit

The federal government will release more information and guidance in the coming weeks regarding funding for Kansas.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Minutes of March 4

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of March 4th, 2021 Special Meeting #7

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 4th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Michael Hoyt, Jeff Deane, Bob Farmer, and Justin Meeks

CONSIDERATION:

  1. City Attorney Interviews

Jeff Deane, Bob Farmer, and Justin Meeks submitted letters of interest for City Attorney. Tiana McElroy withdrew her letter of interest.

The following questions were asked and answered by the candidates:

  1. Tell us about yourself and why you want to serve as City Attorney for the City of Fort Scott.

  2. How responsive can you be to emergency situations as emergencies regularly arise for local units of government?

  3. What do you perceive to be the City Attorney’s role in dealing with the Council? City Manager?

  4. What do you do when an individual commissioner’s actions may be in violation of local, state, and federal law?

  5. How soon could you start or desire to start if offered the position?

  6. How accessible and what avenues would you be accessible to the Commission and City Manager (in person? By phone?

  7. Can you explain what services would be provided based within your salary’s terms?

  1. Consideration of accepting RFQ’s for City Engineering services – Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that the City has been searching for a City Engineer position. We have not received any applications to this date. He asked the City Commission to consider to seek RFQ’s for engineering firms. The RFQ would be due on March 16, 2021.

R. Nichols moved to approve to solicit RFQ’s for engineering firms. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR CITY ENGINEERING FIRMS WITH A DUE DATE OF MARCH 16, 2021 AT 11:00 A.M.

L. Watts moved to recess the open meeting at 4:45 p.m. due to the withdrawal of one of the candidates. J. Jones seconded.

SUSPENDED THE OPEN MEETING AT 4:45 P.M. DUE TO THE WITHDRAWAL OF ONE OF THE CANDIDATES. THE OPEN MEETING WILL RESUME WHEN THE NEXT CANDIDATE ARRIVES.

J. Jones to resume the open meeting at 5:15 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

RESUMED OPEN MEETING AT 5:15 P.M.

J. Jones moved to suspend the open meeting until 5:55 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

SUSPENDED OPEN MEETING UNTIL 5:55 P.M.

J. Jones moved to resume the open meeting at 5:57 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

RESUMED OPEN MEETING UNTIL 5:57 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT:

L. Watts moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:22 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:22 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of March 2

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Minutes are unapproved until that meeting.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of March 2nd, 2021 Regular Meeting #5

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 2nd, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners P. Allen, K. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Jones presiding.

INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Russell Lingerfelt, Rachel Pruitt, Paul Rooks, Michael Hoyt, Janice Allen, Anne Rawlins, Bill Martin, Traci Reed, Bobby Reed, Susan Bancroft, Devin Tally, Max Fanning, Sarah Long, Lou Howard, Kyah Goldsby, Linda Shinkle, and Liz Brittain.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: L. Watts moved to add Susan Bancroft to the Director update section. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADDED SUSAN BANCROFT TO THE DIRECTOR UPDATE SECTION.

APPROVED AGENDA.

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 16th, 2021 and special meeting minutes of February 12th, 2021 and February 23rd, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1283-A totaling $335,746.84.

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc – $6,455.27 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay – Bourbon County Clerk – $8,047.48 – Charter Ordinance No. 31 Election costs

Discussion was held regarding the engineering fees on HDR Engineering.

Susan informed the Commission that these costs were approved by U.S.D.A. for the project.

Discussion was also held on the invoice from the Bourbon County Clerk for the special election.

P. Allen asked about the charge for ink pens and masks.

Susan said that the County Clerk refused to use our pens. They had everything they had asked for and wrapped in cellophane. The pens did say City of Fort Scott and the Clerk felt that could be swaying a voter’s way to vote. She talked to Jeremy and he said since we are wanting to work with the County, to move on and not pursue this.

Jeremy said that they did discuss this and he felt that with the direction we are trying to build with the County that he didn’t want to ruin any savings on ink pens.

Josh said that he was informed they were given free masks also and charged us for that.

Susan said that there is an invoice for the masks. She answered all of her questions. We can use the pens as giveaways at the Home Show and give them away up front when they come to pay utility bills.

L. Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda. R. Nichols seconded. K. Allen, J. Jones, R. Nichols, and L. Watts voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion) – None

City Manager Report and Comments: Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that he started meetings with Public Works and Public Utilities this last week. They will meet every Wednesday. He is excited to see how the vote will turn out today. He said that Ally is close to coming to them with a recommendation for software for the Codes Department. They are closing to having another person in the Codes Department. Jeremy said that Cooper Street will start this next week. He also said that 25th Street is close to being resolved. He said that he has been visiting with local organizations. He is building relationships with City staff.

Director Reports: Susan Bancroft: Susan informed the Commission that the City will begin their annual meter changeout program soon. There will be a purchase of $75,000 in meters soon to change out old meters. This is a budgeted item with a sole source vendor.

She said the other item is that she sent them an email about the amount of outstanding late utility payments that the City currently has. According to City Ordinance No. 3403, customer are required to pay their bill within 10 days of the due date. In the event the bill is not paid within the required due date and grace period, the City reserves the right to add a 10% penalty and disconnect the water/sewer service. Once a utility has been disconnected for non-payment, it will not be reconnected until all past-due bills for water/sewer services are paid in full. In addition, there is a $50.00 reconnection fee. She is proposing to send out a letter to all individuals in arrears that their account must be paid in full by April 15th, 2021 or their services will be disconnected for non-payment. In the past, there have been some that have been allowed to use a payment plan, but this has not worked out well for us. We have about 29 that could be shut off today and tell them that payment plans will not be accepted any longer. It is important for our water utility to be aggressive. We have about 900 accounts that are inactive and we don’t have enough information to send to the Kansas Setoff Program for collection.

Discussion was held how there no shutoffs during the COVID period.

Susan said that they could not shut off for almost a year period due to COVID. We need to follow our ordinance.

City Manager said that this is our business to run and we have costs associated with it. It costs the City to produce water and we are losing out on other opportunities due to lack of payment. He strongly encouraged them to follow the City ordinance.

Kevin brought up the Rural Water District and how they don’t have any way with their board for assistance when they have a leak. He asked if the City could work with them on this issue.

City Manager said that favorable treatment should not be shown from one person to another. We need to adhere to our policy.

Susan said that there is actually 67 on the list who owe over $200.00 in arrears which is a two or three month bill.

City Manager asked if there more than owed more than that amount.

Susan said yes. There is one that owes over $1,900. The house has a leak, and the landlord will not fix it.

Josh said he has some rental houses with water in his name as they can’t get water turned on in their name due to outstanding bills.

The Commission asked her what her recommendation was.

Susan said to send the letter out. She also said that she had some older ordinances she wanted to bring before them at a later date that need updating.

Old Business: None

Appearances: None

New Business:

  1. Resolution No. 5-2021 – Resolution in reference to the levying of a 1% Countywide Sales Tax allocation – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance informed the Commission that on October 6th, 2020, the City Commission approved the allocation on how you would use the 1% Countywide Sales Tax. It was approved at that meeting that 90% of the sales tax proceeds would be directly applied to pay for streets and highways operations and maintenance, and 10% would be applied to pay for public services.

Pete said that isn’t how he remembered it. He said the 90% would go for street improvements.

Susan said that is not how it was presented. If you did that you would not be able to pay for the employees.

Pete said that isn’t how he believed it was.

Susan said that before that vote you were transferring $500,000 out of the general fund into the street and highway fund. Those dollars paid for maintenance, people and any kind of commodities and supplies. She increased that by $87,000 for this year since it was half a year and that was to go towards more support for the street fund. If you meant something different, you would have to cut massive funds out of your budget in other areas.

Josh said that he remembered this and the approval of hiring two more additional street employees.

Susan said that was correct.

Pete said that he thinks we need to go back and look at this again.

R. Nichols moved to table this to the next meeting. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED RESOLUTION NO. 5-2021 UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.

  1. Consideration of Bids – Brush Blasting & Pool Repainting – Aquatic Center – Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that bids were received for the brush blasting and repainting of the Aquatic Center. There were four (4) bids received with the low bid from Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $32,750.

Discussion was held regarding how much linear foot and crack repair linear feet there was that would need repaired.

Dave informed the Commission that there is approximately 95 linear feet of joint repair which Insco Industries quoted at $5.50 per linear foot and the 80 to 85 foot crack repair possibly. He said that the amount should not exceed $35,000.00. This work would be done by May 1st, 2021. This is budgeted for 2021.

K. Allen moved to approve the bid with Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas at a cost not to exceed $35,000. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE BID WITH INSCO INDUSTRIES OF SHAWNEE, KANSAS AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $35,000 FOR THE BRUSH BLASTING AND REPAINTING OF THE AQUATIC CENTER.

  1. Consideration of move of Dispatch Center to 207 S. Judson (old Correctional facility) – Traci Reed, Dispatch Supervisor, informed the Commission that the City has been given the opportunity to move the 911 Dispatch Center to the previous Bourbon County jail location at 207 S. Judson Street. This move is very beneficial due to providing structural protection as well as security. The building that they are currently in houses the Police Department, Fire Department and Dispatch. At one time it also housed the Bourbon County EMS as well. They have outgrown the Hawkins Public Safety facility due to the ever-changing demands on public safety. For many years, the safety of our Dispatch has been of the upmost concern in the current building they are in if faced with a natural disaster such as a tornado. If that would occur, the Dispatch employees would have to physically leave their stations to take cover. Dispatch should never have to do this. They are the first line of protection in this community as well as the county. They should be located in a secure location and accessibility to Dispatch should be limited. The City has a 911 fund that has money distributed quarterly. Those dollars are not budgeted. There has been an amount that has accumulated over the years that can be used to update this new location and would take care of moving equipment. This would be a joint effort with the City and the County on the renovations. Traci said that they would be going from being in 365 square feet to 820 square feet.

Commissioners all agreed that this move is needed.

Susan said that this is a great way to spend those 911 funds. The phone system needs updated. The estimated cost is $86,220 for this move.

Pete asked about the new 988 number and if that will impact Dispatch.

City Manager said that they will get more information on this number.

City Manager asked Traci to introduce her dispatchers to the Commission that were present.

L. Watts moved to approve to relocate Dispatch to 207 S. Judson which is the old Correctional facility. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO RELOCATE DISPATCH TO 207 S JUDSON AND USE 911 FUNDING FOR THIS MOVE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $86,220 .

(Kevin Allen left the room at 7:05 p.m.)

  1. Consideration to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc – $616.00 – January invoice – Josh Jones said that Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation invoice for January is before them for approval. It is for $616.00.

J. Jones moved to approve the January invoice for Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation in the amount of $616.00. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED JANUARY INVOICE FOR SKITCH’S HAULING & EXCAVATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $616.00.

(K. Allen returned to the room at 7:08 p.m.)

  1. Discussion of electric scooter company, Bird, establishing services in Fort Scott – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that she has an exciting new proposal to bring to them tonight. We were approached by an electric scooter company called Bird. This company was started in 2017 and was based out of Los Angeles. She has reached out to some other communities where they are located. Pittsburg adopted an ordinance on undocked vehicles that she would recommend that we look at. There is no local funds needed. She asked for approval to move forward to find a partner for this operation. The local partner would be charged with picking up the scooters, charging the scooters and in charge of the local operation. This company has learned to get approval from the cities they want to locate in first. They are in 24 rural communities currently.

Josh said that his daughter is a student at Pitt State and that they utilize them a lot.

R. Nichols moved to authorize her to move forward with this electric scooter company locating in Fort Scott. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen both abstained. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED TO AUTHORIZE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE ELECTRIC SCOOTER COMPANY, BIRD, LOCATING IN FORT SCOTT.

  1. Discussion of Potential Cost Sharing Joint Venture between the City and Bourbon County for the joint purchase of materials and equipment – City Manager informed the Commission that the City has an opportunity to partner with the County and explore a potential cost sharing relationship for the joint purchase of materials and equipment necessary to perform street and infrastructure improvements. The City could potentially save up to 40% in costs. He asked the Commission to take advantage of this opportunity and pursue this. This possible joint purchase of equipment and materials would be through an 80/20 split, whereby the County would be responsible for 80% and the City 20% of the costs. It would be beneficial to both parties.

The Commission all agreed this would be very beneficial to both entities.

K. Allen moved to approve to enter into this cost sharing joint venture between the City and the County for joint purchase of material and equipment. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ENTER INTO THIS COST SHARING JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE COUNTY FOR JOINT PURCHASE OF MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

R. Nichols – Thanked the new City Manager for his updates and all he has accomplished since he has been here.

P. Allen – Pete mentioned that he and Jeremy and Susan have talked about several items and one of those is the 2012 Stormwater Master Plan. We are seriously behind on implementing this plan. We do not have a stormwater utility set up nor any ordinances. If someone is in violation of this act, we can’t enforce it. He would like the Staff to pursue the stormwater ordinance and set up a separate utility for this and not have it tied to the sanitary sewer utility. It should stand on its own. He would like to make that a priority.

He asked that we ask as a Commission in the near future look at the Stormwater Master Plan and get that program started. We have the user charge fee that could get it started. He said that the E.P.A. has lots of grants and promotes them. We installed a bunch of catch basins but those need inspected now.

Kevin referenced the area in the 1700 block of Eddy Street and all the water that collects there and gets into their houses.

City Manager said that we can possibly get this in the budget for this next year.

Chad said that we have a stormwater utility employee getting ready to start also.

L. Watts – Nothing to report.

K. Allen – Kevin thanked the Public Works crews for all their assistance in unthawing people’s meters. He said that he knows that with the holes that have been created there have been issues with cold patch in filling the holes, and that the City is going to get some hot mix which will work better.

Kevin said that he is excited about the sales tax vote today. He hopes the public will trust them and let them show that we will prove ourselves.

Kevin said that we took down the stop sign at 1st and National and people are adjusting. He mentioned taking down the stop signs at 2nd and 3rd on National. He travels it also and he doesn’t know of any accidents that have occurred there. He referred to the accident at 12th and the bypass last week.

Josh asked Chad about installing a solar flashing light in the area of 12th and the bypass.

Kevin mentioned that there are some trees in that area that need removed. He doesn’t know if it is State property or City property.

Kevin said that the pedestrian crosswalks need to be repainted also and that way people will stop for pedestrians.

Kevin made a motion to remove the stop signs at 2nd and National to the north and south bound traffic. Pete Allen seconded.

Josh asked if there was anything we could do to alert traffic. He mentioned installing flags on the stop signs that are remaining.

Chad said he would look into it.

City Manager asked if a motion should be made to draft an ordinance to remove the stop sign?

Jeff Deane said that he will check into that.

Kevin amended his motion to draft an ordinance to remove the stop sign at 2nd and National to north and south bound traffic and bring back in two weeks for approval. Pete Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO HAVE THE CITY ATTORNEY DRAFT AN ORDINANCE TO REMOVE THE STOP SIGN AT 2ND AND NATIONAL TO NORTH AND SOUTH BOUND TRAFFIC AND BRING TO THE NEXT MEETING.

Chad said that he had some quick numbers to share. We have 91 total calls for service for no water. Forty-seven of those were frozen meters and fifteen meters needed replaced that were frozen and broke. There were nine complete frozen services and thirty-five calls for residents where their service line was broken.

Pete said that Ryan Coon went above and beyond and assisted in unthawing the generator at Buck Run Community Center. He also helped with the College Booster Station and North National generators.

Chad said that he thanked him and tried to get him to send the City a bill, but he didn’t want to. He just wanted to assist.

J. Jones – Josh asked about the cameras for the park and where we are on that.

Josh said that he would like to see the local plumbers called and asked about the 20 p.s.i versus the 12 p.s.i. on the gas permit test.

Josh said that he would like to see a free golf and pool day offered to those in our community.

Josh said the County just posted the unofficial results of the sales tax election and it passed 315 votes to 205 votes with provisional votes to be counted still.

Pete asked Josh since he is our Bedco representative if he could give us an update on what is going on.

Josh said that he went to a meeting a couple of weeks ago. There are two sub-committes of Bedco. One sub-committee was responsible for hiring a Bedco director and they should have an offer ready for someone very soon.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 8:09 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, City Manager, and City Attorney.

K. Allen moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 8:09 p.m. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 8:20 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, City Manager, and City Attorney.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 8:20 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Nothing to report.

Josh said that we sent out for Request for Qualifications for a City Attorney. We received four RFQ’s.

Kevin said they were straight forward as far as pricing and gave their names:

Tiana McElroy $40,000 a year and she will perform City Attorney and City Prosecutor duties both

Bob Farmer $4,000 a month with unlimited hours.

Jeff Deane $175.00/an hour and $75.00 for paralegal work

Justin Meeks $78,000 a year and $75.00 for anything over 20 hours a week and then $100.00 an hour.

Josh said that there was confusion on who hires the City Attorney.

City Manager said that the City Attorney is an employee of the City Manager, but reports to the City Manager and City Commission.

Jeff Deane said that the City Attorney reports to both the City Manager and City Commission.

Discussion was held who would hire a City Attorney.

Jeff Deane said that the City Commission approves all contracts, and the City Attorney is a contract employee, so it is approved by the Commission.

Commission decided to have a special meeting on Thursday March 4th, 2021 and interview candidates if they are available.

The City Clerk will contact the candidates and get the meeting scheduled if they are available.

Adjournment:

K. Allen moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:38 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, MMC

City Clerk

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 16

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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: March 16, 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
  • Clint Anderson – Position Opening in Appraisers Office
  • Shane Walker, Dave Bruner, Traci Reed – Moving Dispatch into Old Jail Area
  • Lynne Oharah – Opening Courthouse
  • Lynne Oharah – Blue Cross Blue Shield Grant Money
  • Lynne Oharah – Eliminating Hiring Freeze
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

          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 security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include two states – New York and New Jersey. Two countries have also been added – State of Palestine and Estonia while one has been removed, Seychelles. Several countries remain on the list including Mayotte, Czechia, San Marino, Montenegro and Seychelles.

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

  • Traveled on or after March 12 to New Jersey or New York.
  • Traveled on or after March 12 to State of Palestine or Estonia.
  • Traveled on or after Feb. 26 to the countries of Mayotte, Czechia, San Marino or Montenegro.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their web page.

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

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Government, Kansas

Hemp Advisory Board Teleconference March 19

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Board will meet at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021, via teleconference. The advisory board will discuss changes and modifications for the Kansas Commercial Industrial Hemp Program rules and regulations based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s final rule on the establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program.

The meeting is open to the public. Individuals who want to call in to the meeting should contact Braden Hoch, industrial hemp supervisor of the plant protection and weed control program, at [email protected].

Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting.

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WHO:            Industrial Hemp Advisory Board, Kansas Department of Agriculture

WHAT:          Scheduled board meeting

WHEN:          2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021

WHERE:       Via teleconference

KDA Industrial Hemp Advisory Board to Meet March 19H