Category Archives: Government

COVID-19, Government, Housing

Rural Foreclosure/Mortgage Help

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Biden Administration Announces Another Foreclosure Moratorium and Mortgage Forbearance Deadline Extension That Will Bring Relief to Rural Residents

USDA Extends Evictions and Foreclosure Moratorium to June 30, 2021 and Provides Additional Guidance for Servicing Loans Impacted by COVID-19

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2021—The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an extension of eviction and foreclosure moratoriums on USDA Single Family Housing Direct and Guaranteed loans through June 30, 2021.

The actions announced today will bring relief to residents in rural America who have housing loans through USDA.

“USDA recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an almost unprecedented housing affordability crisis in the United States. That’s why USDA is taking this important action today to extend relief to the hundreds-of-thousands of individuals and families holding USDA Single Family Housing loans,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson said. “While today’s actions are an important step for them, we need to do more. The Biden Administration is working closely with Congress to pass the American Rescue Plan to take more robust and aggressive actions to bring additional relief to American families and individuals impacted by the pandemic.”

A recent Census Bureau survey showed that 8.2 million homeowners are currently behind on mortgage payments, and of that 8.2 million, 3 million homeowners behind on payments were Black or Hispanic.

This effort underscores a commitment by USDA to bring relief and assistance to farmers, families and communities across the country who are in financial distress due to the coronavirus pandemic

. In January, USDA took action to bring relief to more than 12,000 distressed borrowers of USDA farm loans by temporarily suspending past-due debt collections, foreclosures, non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or wage garnishments, and more. Learn more here.

Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for additional information on USDA’s Rural Development COVID-19 relief efforts, application deadline extensions and more.

USDA Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as additional actions are taken to bring relief and development to rural America.

Homeowners and renters can also visit www.consumerfinance.gov/housing for up-to-date information on their relief options, protections, and key deadlines from USDA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

BACKGROUND:
Foreclosure Moratorium Extension

The actions announced today make it possible for the foreclosure and eviction moratorium announced by USDA, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program (SFHDLP) and the Single
Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) on Jan. 20, 2021, to be extended until June 30, 2021. The moratorium does not apply in cases where USDA or the servicing lender has
documented the property is vacant or abandoned.

Forbearance Options
Lenders may continue to provide impacted borrowers relief by offering forbearance of the borrower guaranteed loan payment for up to 180 days.

In addition, the initial forbearance period
may be extended up to an additional 180 days at the borrower’s request. Lenders may approve the initial 180-day COVID-19 forbearance no later than June 30, 2021

.SFHGLP borrowers that received a COVID-19 forbearance prior to June 30, 2020, may be granted up to two additional
three-month payment forbearances. Lenders should outline potential solutions that may be available at the end of the forbearance period and explain to borrowers that a lump sum payment of the arrearage will not be required.

During the forbearance options outlined above, no accrual of fees, penalties or interest should be charged to the borrower beyond the amounts calculated as if the borrower had made all
contractual payments in a timely fashion.

Post Forbearance Options
Upon completion of the forbearance, the lender shall work with the borrower to determine if they can resume making regular payments and, if so, either offer an affordable repayment plan or term extension to defer any missed payments to the end of the loan.

If the borrower is unable to resume making regular payments, the lender should evaluate the borrower for special relief measures, which include Term Extensions, Capitalization and Term Extensions, and a Mortgage

Recovery Advance.
Questions regarding program policy and this announcement may be directed to the National Office Division at [email protected] or (202) 720-1452.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business
development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

Government, Kansas

Maternal Mortality Annual Report Released

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee (KMMRC) announce the release of the first annual report for maternal mortality including severe maternal morbidity. The report is available on the KMMRC website. The goal of the report is to identify statewide trends in maternal mortality and provide recommendations to prevent maternal mortality and improve the health of Kansas mothers.

The KMMRC is tasked with reviewing all maternal deaths that occur in Kansas. Over the last two years, the KMMRC reviewed cases that occurred during 2016-2018. Approximately one in four maternal deaths that occurred during 2016-2018 were determined by the KMMRC to be pregnancy-related. Twelve (92.3%) of the 13 pregnancy-related deaths were determined to be preventable with seven deaths indicating a good chance of prevention and five deaths indicating some chance. Racial and ethnic minority women were disproportionately affected. The proportion of pregnancy-related deaths that occurred among non-Hispanic Black women, Hispanic women, non-Hispanic women of other races far exceeded their representation among the population of women giving birth in Kansas. Obesity contributed to more than half of the deaths. Substance use disorder contributed to nearly one in four.

The recommendations included in this report focus on five primary categories: women and their families, health care providers, hospitals/facilities, system of care, and community. Each set of recommendations addresses specific areas of concern based on the KMMRC’s findings and proposes actions which, once implemented, are expected to prevent and reduce maternal mortalities.

The key KMMRC recommendations for pregnancy-related deaths are:

  • Screen, provide brief intervention, and referrals for:
    • Comorbidities and chronic illness
    • Intimate partner violence
    • Pregnancy intention
    • Mental health conditions (including postpartum anxiety and depression)
    • Substance use disorders
  • Increased communication and collaboration between providers, including referrals
  • Patient education and empowerment

The KMMRC and the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative (KPQC) function together to improve maternal and perinatal health. Investing in the mother’s health leads to a healthier birth. The KMMRC focuses on reviewing pregnancy-associated deaths to identify gaps in health services and make actionable recommendations to prevent future deaths, improving maternal and perinatal health. The Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative (KPQC) utilizes the KMMRC’s recommendation to implement and support efforts intended to strengthen perinatal systems of care for mothers and infants, creating a culture of safety.

KDHE and the KPQC are planning to launch the Fourth Trimester Initiative, a stakeholder-driven public health quality improvement project to address maternal health needs in the state, especially during the postpartum period (up to 1 year after delivery). The initiative will focus on improving attendance at the postpartum visit as well as appropriate screening, referral, communications, and collaboration amongst a woman’s care team. More information about the KPQC and the Fourth Trimester Initiative can be found at https://kansaspqc.org.

“We appreciate those who have contributed to this report,” said Rachel Sisson, Director for KDHE’s Bureau of Family Health. “Members from the KMMRC contributed their time and expertise to reviewing deaths and information for this report, and we hope it will be useful to providers and communities as we all work together to combat maternal morbidity and mortality.”

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans Offered Starting Today

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces ACA Marketplace Reopens for Kansans to Enroll in Health Insurance for 2021

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the enrollment for 2021 health insurance has re-opened.

Kansas residents have access to a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance plans between February 15, 2021 and May 15, 2021, in addition to Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The Special Enrollment Period was opened by a January executive order signed by President Joe Biden, opening the federal health insurance marketplace for three months starting today.

For all Kansans who are uninsured or underinsured, this is an excellent opportunity to secure coverage as Kansas fights through the pandemic.

“This is an incredible and urgent opportunity for Kansans to ensure they have the health care they need. I strongly encourage every Kansan who can to sign up for insurance,” Governor Kelly said. “I appreciate the Biden Administration’s efforts to expand access to coverage, particularly as Kansans potentially face long-lasting health complications caused by COVID-19.”

All U.S. citizens and nationals are eligible to enroll in health insurance through Marketplaces using the HealthCare.gov platform. Plans of a variety of premiums, deductibles, and services are available. These plans are private insurers made available to the public through the ACA. All Kansans may apply for personal health insurance, as well as for spouses and children. Individuals need a valid social security number or document certifying qualifying immigration status to apply. Kansans can check to see if they are an eligible immigrant here.

Between February 15, 2021 and May 15, 2021, Kansans can apply through the HealthCare.gov marketplace here.

“One thing we’ve learned during the pandemic is that this virus spares no one,” said Wilson County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer McKenney. “This special open enrollment period is a much-needed step in the right direction for the physical and emotional well-being of the people of Kansas. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen health care costs go beyond the cost of getting tested or purchasing necessary medications. Without health care coverage, people have a more difficult time treating their chronic conditions and, thus, become more vulnerable to the effects of this virus.”

Many Kansans might also be eligible for subsidized coverage through the Medicare and KanCare, Kansas‘ Medicaid programs as well. All Kansans are encouraged to take advantage of either this Special Enrollment Period, KanCare, and Medicare to gain access to affordable health coverage.

Fort Scott, Government

City Manager: Buck Run Warming Center

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Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.
The Arctic weather has brought possible outages to the region.
The City of Fort Scott personnel has worked to provide a place for people, should they need it.
“The warming center/station that is being established at the Buck Run Center is a location that we have identified as suitable for emergency warming needs,” Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier said in an email interview. “This location will not include service.”
Buck Run Community Center is located at 735 Scott Avenue.
“That means that, at this time, we do not anticipate serving drinks or food,” he said.  “However there is significant space and we do have 50 cots available for immediate access and additional cots available as needed off-site that can be brought to the location. Additionally, we would provide as many blankets as are needed.”
Frazier noted that even though the Buck Run Community Center is scheduled to close at 9 p.m. this evening, if needed, individuals can contact the Fort Scott Police Department dispatch at 911 non-emergency and a staff member will be available to allow immediate access.
“We have been advised that there will be rolling blackouts,” Frazier said.  “This means that the Southwest Power Pool and its partners which include Evergy, will institute phased outages to manage electricity and utility demand as necessary. If and when this occurs we ask that residents allow 30 minutes to 1 hour BEFORE they consider relocating to Buck Run if they determine that a need to relocate to a warmer location/facility is necessary.”
“In the event of power blackouts the majority of the facility will be without power with the exception of the northernmost basketball court area,” Frazier said.  “This area will serve as the room reserved for heating purposes. Therefore all other operations and uses will be suspended during an electric blackout.”
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

February 13, 2021

 

RELIEF ACT – Slowing Government Growth

Senate Bill (SB) 22, also referred to as the RELIEF Act, would allow Kansas taxpayers to keep more of their hard earned money.  The bill addresses unintended tax increases that resulted from the 2017 federal tax cuts.  The two main items dealing with the federal tax cuts would allow Kansas taxpayers the option to itemize, whether they itemize on their federal return or not and would lower business taxes on offshore earnings brought to Kansas, encouraging businesses to invest in Kansas.  The bill also has provisions making it clear that you would not owe income tax on money that was paid to someone who stole your identity, or on paycheck protection money, and business meals would be 100% deductible.  It also would allow small businesses to expense some deductions, something corporations in Kansas can do.  During debate the bill was amended to remove all income tax on Social Security benefits, and on employment retirement programs (including self-employment), and to increase standard deductions by approximately 20%.  The bill passed on a vote of 24 to 15.  I voted Yes.  The Governor called the bill “irresponsible” and it appears would veto the bill.  It is responsible to decrease the burden of taxpayers, especially with the hardships they face.

 

SB 70 would exclude sales tax on manufacturers coupons and vehicle manufacturer rebates.  Currently, you pay sales tax on money you didn’t spend with these coupons.  The vehicle manufacturer rebates was sunset after three years and SB 70 would remove the sunset.  The bill passed the Senate 26 to 11.  I voted Yes.

 

Expanding Education Options

A unanimous vote sent Senate Bill (SB) 32 to the House for consideration.  The bill would expand the option so all high schools could pay a student’s tuition to take college courses.  It would also waive the cost for foster care students, allowing them to participate even in a school district that requires the student to pay for all or a portion of any college courses.

 

SB 61 was somewhat more controversial.  It passed the Senate on a vote of 23 to 14.  The bill expands the Tax Credit Scholarship Program to include any student (elementary thru high school) qualifying for free and reduced lunches in Kansas the option to participate. Current law only allows participation of students from the 100 lowest preforming elementary schools, which leaves many students out.  The Program allows for donations, capped at $10 million, to provide scholarships for students to attend non-traditional schools, like private schools.  Donors receive a tax credit for their donation.  No government funds are used for the scholarships.  One concern with the bill is the auditing, or lack of, on free and reduced lunches because the federal government requires less than 3% of participants be audited.  That is correct – less than.  It is obvious they do not want accuracy with the lunch program.  It is early in the legislative process and the good in the bill far outweighs the questions.  The legislation would provide an opportunity for students to attend education institutions that would not be an option and might better suit their needs.  I voted Yes on SB 61.

 

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

Caryn

…

Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

City Offers Warming Center At Buck Run

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Buck Run to be used as a community warming center in the event of widespread power outage.

The City of Fort Scott is currently experiencing dangerously cold temperatures that will continue throughout the week. Extreme weather conditions are creating both high demand for electricity and stress on power production.

Beginning on February 15 at 12:15 p.m., Evergy will begin to turn off electricity to blocks of customers for approximately 30 – 60 minutes. Once the period has concluded, power will be restored to the impacted area. The emergency outages will then rotate to another portion of Evergy’s service area. Power will cycle off and on periodically until the reduction is no longer required by the Southwest Power Pool.

If you are impacted by an emergency electricity reduction, you do not need to report your outage. Rather, check Evergy’s outage map and www.evergy.com/outageinfo for more information. All customers should be prepared for the potential for these periodic outages. If you experience an outage that lasts longer than an hour, report your outage at www.evergy.com or call 888-544-4852 or 800-544-4857,for Kansas Central customers.

Regional power management officials are asking all customers to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid potential widespread outages.

In the event of a widespread power outage, the City of Fort Scott has identified Buck Run Community Center as a warming center for the public. This warming center is not staffed to provide services but is a safe place to get warm.

Buck Run Community Center is located at 735 Scott Avenue.

Sign up for local emergency alerts at fscity.org. Please stay safe and stay warm.

Jeremy Frazier

City Manager

Government

Unprecedented Demand For Natural Gas and Propane

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Sen. Marshall Calls on Kansans to Conserve Energy Following Recent Spike in Natural Gas and Propane Prices

 

(Washington, D.C., February 15, 2021) – This morning, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. spoke with Kansas utility officials and community leaders about the recent spike in natural gas and propane prices impacting communities and residents. Prolonged and extreme cold temperatures across much of the Midwest have contributed to unprecedented demand for natural gas and propane, which has pushed prices to more than 100-times their average costs.

 

“I appreciate the dedication of officials in Kansas to ensuring our businesses and residents have the natural gas and propane needed to continue powering their homes and businesses through this cold weather,” said Senator Marshall. “We will be doing all we can at the federal level to confirm no foul play or price gouging has occurred and continue to support our utility companies and community leaders as they work diligently to keep Kansans warm. In the meantime, I urge my fellow Kansans to do everything they can to conserve energy and keep energy costs low.”

 

Background:

The current cold weather impacting much of the Midwest and eastern U.S. has put extreme pressures on the nation’s natural gas and propane supply. Natural gas is the state’s largest energy source, accounting for more than 30 percent of the state’s portfolio. Kansas maintains a robust natural gas storage system, which has been tapped to fill elevated demand. Additionally, freezing conditions have prevented new energy generation in many sectors, putting further pressure on the state’s utility companies. Energy costs are expected to increase in the coming days as demand continues to outpace supply. Utility companies and community leaders are asking all Kansans to do their part to conserve energy and keep their own energy costs low by doing the following:

 

Keep warm, not hot
When possible wear additional layers of clothing, consider turning down your thermostat and check your programmable settings.

Seal leaks around doors and windows
Apply weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to stop air leaks and prevent energy loss. If that is not an option, you can also cover windows with towels, sheets or plastic to help keep the warm air in your house.

Reduce the temperature on your water heater
Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or put it on the “warm” setting. If your home will be vacant for two days or more, set the dial to the pilot position for even more savings.

Close blinds and curtains
This helps keep warm air inside, especially if the sun is not shining.

Change or clean filters
A clean filter on your furnace can lower your energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Dirty filters cost more to use and overwork the equipment.

Hold off on doing chores
Doing laundry and washing dishes can both use natural gas to heat the water and your dryer. If you can, wait until the extreme cold weather passes to complete these activities. If you cannot wait, use the cold setting where possible.

Install foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets
Electrical switches and outlets can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy loss.

 

Government, Kansas

State of Disaster Due to Wind Chill and Stress on Utility Providers

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Governor Laura Kelly Issues State of Disaster Emergency Due to Wind Chill Warnings and Stress on Utility and Natural Gas Providers

TOPEKA – At 4:40 p.m. today, Governor Laura Kelly issued a State of Disaster Emergency due to wind chill warnings and stress on utility and natural gas providers.

The state has experienced bitter winter temperatures and below zero wind chills for more than a week, which has put stress on utility and natural gas providers across the state. The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria.

“As the extreme cold temperatures continue to affect the region, we are urging Kansans to conserve energy in order to help ensure a continued supply of natural gas and electricity and keep their own personal costs down,” Governor Kelly said.

Because of the sub-zero temperatures which causes an increased energy demand and natural gas supply constraints, utilities are currently experiencing wholesale natural gas prices anywhere from 10 to 100 times higher than normal. Those costs will eventually flow through to consumers, and increase monthly natural gas and electric bills.

Customers can keep these costs down by reducing their natural gas and electric usage at this critical time.

Here are some things each household can do to help in the conservation effort and slow down the increases in energy bills due to high usage:

  • Keep warm, not hot. When possible wear additional layers of clothing, consider turning down your thermostat and check your programmable settings.
  • Seal leaks around doors and windows. Apply weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to stop air leaks and prevent energy loss. If that is not an option, you can also cover windows with towels, sheets or plastic to help keep the warm air in your house.
  • Reduce the temperature on your water heater. Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or put it on the “warm” setting. If your home will be vacant for two days or more, set the dial to the pilot position for even more savings.
  • Close blinds and curtains. This helps keep warm air inside, especially if the sun is not shining.
  • Change or clean filters. A clean filter on your furnace can lower your energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. Dirty filters cost more to use and overwork the equipment.
  • Hold off on doing chores. Doing laundry and washing dishes can both use natural gas to heat the water and your dryer. If you can, wait until the extreme cold weather passes to complete these activities. If you cannot wait, use the cold setting where possible.
  • Install foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets. Electrical switches and outlets can account for up to 10 percent of your home’s energy loss.
Government, Kansas

Delivery of Propane During Extreme Weather

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Governor Laura Kelly Lifts Certain Motor Carrier Regulations to Allow Emergency Delivery of Propane During Extreme Weather

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly issued an executive order allowing faster delivery of propane and other essential home heating fuels during the extreme cold weather blanketing the state.

Executive Order #21-03 suspends federal motor carrier regulations contained in Title 49 C.F.R. Parts 390-399 through February 28, 2021. All other applicable state and federal regulations still apply.

“Kansans who heat their homes and businesses with propane or other fuel cannot afford an interruption in service right now,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This order will allow those deliveries to continue during this dangerous weather.”

Among other provisions, the order extends allowable working hours to ensure motor carriers can transport propane through poor weather conditions as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in response efforts.

To view E.O. #21-03, click here.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda For Feb. 16

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
FEBRUARY 16, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Parson Dave Mohler, American Legion Post #25 Chaplain

  1. Approval of Agenda:

  2. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  3. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 2nd, 2021 and special meeting minutes of February 11th, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1282-A totaling $481,476.32.

  1. January financials

  1. Lauber Municipal Law Firm – January Invoice – $16,432.50.

  1. Request to Pay – SAM, LLC – Sanitary Sewer System GPS Data Collection – $9,000.00

  1. Request to Pay – Joplin Roofing Co., Inc – Replacement of Wastewater Treatment Plant roof – $29,368.00.

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. City Manager Reports and Comments:

  1. Director Report: Susan Bancroft – Sick and Vacation Liability Numbers

Review of Purchase Policy

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: None

  1. New Business:

1. Consideration of Golf Cart Lease Agreement

2. Consideration of Charter Ordinance regarding Residency

3. Consideration of Charter Ordinance to replace vacant City Commissioner position

4. Consideration of Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades – Request for Engineering Services

5. Consideration of Water Treatment Plant – Request for Engineering Services

6. Discussion of First Source building -Selling, Renting, Marketing

7. Approval of Bid and documentation for Mayor to sign for Mayco Ace Project – CDBG Grant

8. Approval to apply for the Rural Preservation Grant for Memorial Hall

9. Consideration to accept Request for Qualifications for City Attorney

XII. Reports and Comments:

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XIV. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Feb. 11

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of February 11th, 2021 Special Meeting #4

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 11th, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Michael Mix, Chad Brown, and Michael Hoyt.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Waterline Materials Bid – Chad Brown, Public Works Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken to replace the waterline on Cooper Street from 20th to 23rd Street. There were four bids received with the low bid from Schulte Supply of Independence, Missouri in the amount of $21,226.17. The materials are to be delivered by February 26th, 2021.

Discussion was held regarding the fact that this company is out of Missouri and not from Kansas.

More discussion was held regarding if the low bid was rejected, if they would continue to bid in the future.

Chad said that Schulte Supply does supply a lot of our waterline materials and we have ordered from them in the past.

Susan Bancroft said that we can revisit our purchase policy at the next City Commission meeting regarding our policy on accepting bids.

K. Allen moved to approve the low bid from Schulte Supply of Independence, Missouri in the amount of $21,226.17. R. Nichols seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1.

APPROVED LOW BID FROM SCHULTE SUPPLY OF INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,226.17 FOR WATERLINE MATERIALS ON COOPER STREET.

  1. Consideration of Change Order #1-Sanitary Sewer Cleaning & Video Inspection Services – Michael Mix said that our contract was approved with Pipe Detectives of Jamestown, North Dakota in the amount of $78,215.00 on October 20th, 2020. He believes that Nate Stansberry appeared before the Commission to seek approval of this contract. That was not a grand total amount and the contract was set up with rates. It should have been approved at an amount not to exceed $120,000. The $78,215.00 was an estimate. There is no way to tell how many hours they are going to spend cutting roots out of a line. In addition, when out in the field, there are manholes that are added that weren’t known about. He asked for the full $120,000.00 amount so we can get as much done as possible. The contractor has gone over the $78,215.00 amount now. They are at $89,855.50. This company just checked in with him. He needs to ask for an additional $11,640.50 due to the additional specialty cleaning or approve the not to exceed $120,000.00 amount. Michael pointed out at the bottom of the bid sheet, it stated that “all quantities are estimated and the City reserves the right to change the scope and quantity of pipe cleaned and inspected without modification of quoted price”.

Josh asked if the contract had been changed.

Michael said yes it had. This company found pipe in the ground that they didn’t know was there. They had 51 hours of specialty cleaning. There is no way to tell until they get in the ground what needs cleaned.

Kevin said that he has stopped and talked to this crew and they are good guys. Can the City not clean the roots? Do we have equipment to do this?

Michael said we do not. Our camera cannot get in the line.

Kevin asked about the camera system that was purchased in 2006. We bought a new vacuum truck, a camera system, and software. He asked what happened to this equipment.

Michael said that there was a lot of money put into the old vacuum truck and it was costing a lot in maintenance. We bought a push camera in 2018 or 2019. This camera is limited in length and very small.

Discussion was held if the City located the manholes or if this company charged us to located them.

Josh asked if they had to clean up debris around the manholes and were we charged for that?

Michael said that some of the manholes had to have trees and brush cleaned up to get to, and once they get in the manhole, they cleaned all the roots out.

Kevin asked why we didn’t have the manholes cleaned and ready for this crew so we didn’t have to pay extra for that.

Michael said that he didn’t have a list of the manholes with brush around them. He had never seen some of the manholes.

Josh asked if they charged us $350.00 an hour to cut brush?

Michael said that is the rate. There is a grand total of 51 hours of specialty hours. Two hours of that is removal of really large rocks they had to remove to get the manhole. All the rest is root removal.

Pete said that he has a problem with doing a change order after the work has been done and not before.

Kevin said that the company should have been shut down when they reached the contract price. Now we are on the hook for over $11,000 which we didn’t approve.

Michael said that he should have appeared before them sooner.

Susan said that all of the bidders bid this project the same way. The City budgeted for $120,000 for this project. It was bid on a rate basis. We asked for the best rate.

Josh said that we should have known there would be more specialty work. This is on the City. We should have located every manhole and cleaned them up before this company showed up.

Pete asked if we have seen any results yet from their work.

Michael said that the manhole by Buck Run should not overflow again. There are lots of lines that are clean now that were choaked up with roots. We will see immense results.

Pete asked what equipment we need in order to do this work ourselves.

Michael said that we need some larger saws and an easement machine and a new camera van.

Pete said that the new camera van is in the upcoming budget.

Michael said that he doesn’t have prices on any of this equipment.

Michael said that doesn’t think they billed us for that.

Kevin said that they have. He talked to them. He asked where all the equipment is from 2006?

Michael said the camera van is in bad condition. It is not usable.

Josh made a motion to increase the contract $30,450 or a maximum not to exceed $120,000. He also included that no more cutting trees or brush removal be included in their billings or locating manholes. R. Nichols seconded.

Pete said that this was poorly bid and poorly supervised. He doesn’t feel comfortable and we should stop this project where it is. We could use the additional $30,000 and buy equipment that we can use to do this work.

Josh said that his thoughts are that this work will be vital for our sewers and he would like to see it get completed. He doesn’t want the process slowed because of how we set it up.

Kevin said that they are hard workers and from North Dakota and they are used to cold weather. It’s not the fault of this company. He asked if this will locate every manhole in town.

Michael said that is a separate project. These are the main lines that carry the most flow.

Kevin asked about tabling this until tomorrow and Michael could bring some prices back to them.

Michael said that he needs to give them an answer about when and if to come back on this project.

Jeremy said that according to his figures there is still an extra $305.00.

Michael said that when we get to $120,000 they would have to stop. He said he could try and bring them some figures tomorrow.

Josh made a motion to withdraw his motion to approve the request. Randy seconded to withdraw his motion.

Josh Jones made a motion to table this issue until 1:00 p.m. Pete Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, and J. Jones votes aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 3-1.

APPROVED TO TABLE THIS CHANGE ORDER UNTIL 1:00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH, 2021.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 4:07 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 4:07 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk