Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, October 12, for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – September 18, 2020 – $1,391,092.25
D. Financial Report
E. Activity Fund Accounts
There were two comments during the public forum. Following the public forum, it was
approved (4 yes; 3 no) to add an item to the agenda.
It was moved and approved (4 yes; 3 no) that a close mask-wearing contact of a symptomatic, confirmed COVID-19 student or staff member does not have to go into quarantine from school.
Board members heard reports from the following:
· Brenda Hill, KNEA President
· All building principals
· Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics
· Ted Hessong, Superintendent
· Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk
Board members approved the following:
· Roof payment
· Roof Reinspection Agreement
· Agreement of Cooperation and Partnership between USD 234 and No Limits Rehabilitation, Inc.
· Memorandum of Understanding between USD 234 and the Bourbon County Health Department
In addition, the board reviewed the September 21, 2020, Enrollment Count Report.
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting
The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Resignation of Lisa Mathew, high school paraprofessional, effective October 2, 2020
B. Resignation of Glenda Cooper, Winfield Scott cook, effective September 17, 2020
C. Employment of Heather Geiger as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
D. Leave of absence for Lindsay Knopp, Winfield Scott second grade teacher
E. Leave of absence for Codee Weddle, Winfield Scott paraprofessional
F. Employment of Mary Jo Harper as high school Choral Club sponsor for the 2020-21 school year
G. Employment of Brooke Senkevech as a middle school first session intramurals coach for the 2020-21 school year
A local business resource center was brought to fruition because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“The idea of a business resource center being needed became abundantly clear around March or April,” Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Director said. “Businesses were scrambling, trying to maintain or adapt as required, trying to keep their heads above water, all while attempting to navigate the very complex financial relief offered by the (U.S.)Small Business Administration and others. Just raising awareness of the opportunities and making critical connections to financial institutions for relief became a full-time job, let alone helping owners fill out applications.”
Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.
B-WERC Formed
The local program, called the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (B-WERC), was funded through Kansas’ Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas program, which was from money dispursed through the U.S. Cares Act Relief, all of these COVID-19 related measures by the layers of government.
Its purpose is to address current and immediate COVID-19 Pandemic related needs to assist business, encourage economic activity, and address unemployment, according to Hoener.
“I realized that the solution of throwing money at the problem was a very short term fix,” Hoener said. ” Businesses need customers for long term sustainability. The value in an increased online presence was highlighted more than ever during this pandemic. Restaurants were developing online solutions for curbside or delivery services as they were forced to close down. Other retailers were developing online solutions to get their products in the hands of customers. Distance learning, telework, or telehealth became a forced reality.”
Partnerships
“Other partnerships and resources are available through the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Scott Community College,” she said. “The chamber will assist the county in coordinating and promoting. Fort Scott Community College will be offering community classes in B-WERC on social media and other skills. Classes will be hands-on with available laptops for each participant. Telework and distance learning stations will be available for community members who need access to high-speed internet.”
Fort Scott Community College.
“We will provide 20 qualified businesses free website building with expert assistance in value propositions and messaging critical to branding,” Hoener said.
A partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University will assist businesses to obtain needed capital and provide business planning assistance for sustainability, Hoener said.
Pittsburg State University.
“These incredibly valuable services, in addition to marketing or industry reports, will be readily available,” she said. “This unique assistance will give businesses the needed help to build sustainable models.”
Entrepreneurs
“Many times communities who experience high unemployment rate will in turn see high entrepreneurship rates,” Hoener said. “For those (who are) unemployed and have great ideas to start their own business, this will give them the tools and know-how to move forward successfully.”
Job-Seeking
“A job seeking service will also be available onsite through another partner, KansasWorks, two times a week,” she said.
Childcare, An Important Component
“Childcare centers and daycares have high standards to maintain licensures. One requirement is to meet continuing education requirements. Although continued education for staff is clearly a need, it can create a burden on the facilities in scheduling, costs, and human resources. It is estimated there are approximately 15 illegal daycare providers in our county. Through our partner KansasWorks, B-WERC will be implementing a program that will offer to work with the childcare centers and daycares to meet credentialing requirements of continuing education hours. A program will be implemented to incentivize illegal care to become legal. Childcare is critical to keep our workforce working.” Hoener said.
The B-WERC office will be located on the second floor of the old Kress building at 17 S. Main in downtown Fort Scott. The office is expected to be open Nov. 2, according to Hoener.
The street-level floor of the building will house a grocery store.
The store owner, BAJA Investments, LLC, was also a recipient of the SPARK grant program. To see the story on that, click below:
Bourbon County Website Building and Marketing Grants Program Parameters
The grants will be scored and consequently awarded on a first come first serve basis to those that are eligible, according to Hoener. Applications will remain open until October 31, 2020. The grant will be awarded until 20 qualified businesses have been awarded.
Who Is Eligible
For businesses located within Bourbon County, priority will be given to those businesses with a physical location.
The business must currently have minimal (basic) to no online or website presence.
Grants are for businesses who have experienced business disruptions as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic and will benefit from an increased online presence through any or all of the following:
Increased foot traffic
Encouraging tourism activities
Enhance or enable online scheduling (i.e. curbside, delivery, hair appointments)
Enhance or enable online sales
Raise awareness of critical structures in the community (i.e. Food Access, Child Care, etc.)
The applicant must be willing to spend a minimum of 5-10 hours over the next several months working with The Bureau of Small Projects staff.
Non-profits are not eligible under this program
The County reserves the right to request additional documentation
How to Apply
Applications are online at Bourboncountyks.org/spark
Once an application is submitted, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce President, Lindsay Madison, and Bourbon County Economic Development Director will review, Hoener said. The application will be scored to determine if the application meets minimum standards to qualify. A follow-up email will be sent to the applicant’s business.
Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Submitted photo.
An application will only be considered once it is fully completed with all requested documentation required to support the requested funding.
Parameters
Grants applications will be open until October 31st.
Grants are awarded on a first come first serve basis to those who are eligible.
Grant Scoring Algorithm:
Grant Purpose: Website Building and Marketing Services for Business Impacted by the COVID 19 Pandemic
Points
Current Online Presence
Facebook Only
5
No Facebook or Website
5
A basic, static, webpage only
5
A dynamic web page currently exists
0
How Would an Online Presence Benefit the Applicant? (Check all that apply)
Increased foot traffic
5
Encourage tourism activities
5
Enhance or enable online scheduling
5
Enhance or enable online sales
5
Raise awareness of a public need such as food or childcare
5
Business Activities and Impact (Check all the Apply)
The business is a childcare center or daycare
5
Business sales a product that can be legally sold online
5
The business provides a service that scheduling can be done online
5
The business is located in Downtown Historic District
5
The Business encourages overnight stays
5
***Minimum score of 5 from each of the three categories is required to be determined eligible
Process
A complete application must be submitted online.
Additional Information may be requested for clarification.
Economic Development Director and Chamber President will score the application and make the final determination of eligibility.
Economic Development Director will send congratulatory and introductory emails to The Bureau of Small Projects and the business contact.
The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, October 19th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a Conditional Use Permit for a telecommunications tower to be located north of the Water Treatment Plant located at 910 Burke Street.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
Bill Meyer for Kansas House of Representatives
District 4
If you want a Representative who stands for:
Maintaining full funding for our public schools;
Expanding Medicaid to cover 150,000 low-income Kansans while bringing $700 million per year into the Kansas economy;
Expanding broadband internet into our rural areas as the # 1 necessity for attracting new business and keeping the ones we have, enabling our farmers and ranchers to access current market conditions, providing opportunities for offsite virtual learning, and expanding telemedicine into medically underserved areas;
Respecting and listening to the opinions of others;
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.
Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.
The following is a statement from Jody Hoener, the Bourbon County Economic Director, in regards to recent activities of the Bourbon County Economic Development Corporation.
“Currently, there are three economic developers in our community. The City of Fort Scott employs two, with community and economic development directors, and Bourbon County employs me as the county-wide economic development director.
“Consolidating services between the City of Fort Scott and the County has been discussed in depth with departments like public works, human resources, and economic development.
A group of community members researched potential cost savings in addition to best practices as modeled by similar communities.
A recommendation was presented to BEDCO to develop a private/public partnership in order to consolidate economic development to one director, under a single entity, with broad representation from each of the six cities, the county, and taxing entities.
Bourbon County has committed to funding this position. I believe it is the hope that all entities, including the City of Fort Scott, will see the benefit in this model and participate likewise.
While I am fully aware that my current position will be eliminated, and have no preconceived notion that I will be gainfully employed in the new position, I fully support the decisions made by the county commissioners and BEDCO Board. I have been encouraged to apply for the new position, along with other incumbents in Bourbon County, once it is posted.
The move is in the best interest of the entire community and is one step in the right direction toward building a better business climate.
The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott.
If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by October 30th, 2020.
This is for the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee:
One opening (Lake Fort Scott resident – west side of Lake Fort Scott)
The function of the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding lake operations, lake safety, fishing, boating, and camping at Lake Fort Scott.
If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by October 30th, 2020.
Governor Laura Kelly Establishes Office of Broadband Development, Announces Nearly $50 Million in Grants for Broadband Access Expansion
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Order #20-67 to establish the Office of Broadband Development and announced the distribution of nearly $50 million in Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) funds to underserved communities across Kansas.
By expanding access to broadband, Governor Kelly’s administration will support economic development opportunities, increase access to health care and education, and promote network affordability for Kansans statewide.
“Broadband access has been an overlooked problem in Kansas and across the country for years, particularly in our rural and vulnerable communities,” Governor Kelly said. “Today’s announcements mark a significant step forward in my administration’s commitment to achieving the universal broadband coverage that will make our state’s communities competitive economically, healthier, and improve educational access.”
The Office of Broadband Development will be housed in the Kansas Department of Commerce and led by Stanley Adams, current Director of Broadband Initiatives for the Department of Commerce.
“Broadband is one of our state’s greatest economic development tools,” Stanley Adams, Director of the Office of Broadband Development, said. “With the Office of Broadband Development, we will take on the critical work of helping unserved and underserved communities with technical assistance and funding expertise necessary to get them online.”
“With an enhanced focus from the Office of Broadband Development, we will greatly improve critical access to business, education, and healthcare connectivity needed statewide,” Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Broadband truly is a critical building block to a brighter future. With today’s announcement from Governor Kelly, the moment has come to further power the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that are hallmarks of our great state.”
The Office of Broadband Development will:
Evaluate and report annually on the extent, quality, and affordability of broadband offerings in Kansas;
Develop strategies to facilitate construction of broadband infrastructure necessary to achieve functionally universal broadband access for Kansas homes and businesses;
And develop and advocate for policies that make high-quality broadband service more accessible, affordable, and reliable in underserved and vulnerable communities.
Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers joined in the announcement Thursday to highlight its importance for Kansas’ rural and agricultural communities.
“Ag technology is continuously changing to allow farmers and producers to increase efficiency and output,” Lt. Governor Rogers said. “Without broadband, Kansas’ hardworking farmers – and our rural communities as a whole – are being left behind. I am very excited to partner with the Office of Broadband Development and the Departments of Commerce and Transportation to strengthen our broadband infrastructure in every corner of our state.”
E.O. #20-67 is effective immediately and shall remain in force until rescinded.
Governor Kelly also announced Thursday that 67 projects were awarded a share of nearly $50 million for broadband infrastructure improvements. The projects are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act and are part of the connectivity program approved by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce and the State Finance Council.
“Kansans are best served when state government partners with communities and businesses to offer more options and solve problems. Today’s announcement will allow us to do all those things,” Julie Lorenz, KDOT Secretary and Office of Recovery Executive Director, said. “I want to thank our SPARK taskforce, legislators, and Kansans – without their input and support this would not have been possible.”
There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9th, 2020. This meeting will be held to consider an extension of the bid date for the City’s property insurance which is currently out for bid. It is anticipated the City Commission will adjourn in Executive Session after this item to discuss non-elected personnel.
This meeting will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room. This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove Aruba. Aruba was previously added September 24; however, its rates have decreased over the last two weeks.
A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:
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.
Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together 500 or more persons in a single room or space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs and festivals. Mass gatherings does not include normal operations of airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 500 or more persons may be in transit. It also does not include typical office environments, schools, restaurants, factories or retail/grocery stores where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes.
“If you are choosing to travel or attend mass gathering events, please know that there are inherent risks,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Be sure to wear masks, practice social distancing and use proper hand hygiene. And, if you’re not feeling well, stay home!”
Bronson, Fort Scott, Fulton, Mapleton, Redfield and Uniontown all benefit from the upcoming proposed 1-percent sales tax that will be on the Nov. 3 Bourbon County Ballot.
In fact, if the proposal fails to renew (the sales tax has been in place for years), cities will have to make hard decisions concerning services they can provide their communities, according to authorities.
Several community officials have responded with what the possible impact on their communities will be.
“If a no vote prevails, each entity receiving this sales tax would have troubling decisions that would set our communities back even further,” Fort Scott’s Financial Director Susan Bancroft said. “Some communities may be forced to raise property taxes to cover lost revenue and some may face having to make the decision to unincorporate.”
“Citizens may ask why a sales tax rather than a property tax,” Bancroft said. ” Local residents and nonresident consumers buying in Bourbon County share in the revenue generated from a sales tax. Essentially, visiting consumers help financially support improvements in our communities versus a property tax solely coming from Bourbon County residents.’
“Currently, The City of Fort Scott generates roughly $750,000 per year from the 1% sales tax,” Bancroft said. “Approximately 67% ($500,000) of the sales tax is used for the street department for operations and basic maintenance to our city streets.”
“Additionally, 20% of the sales tax supports any capital improvements needed for parks, public safety, recreational facilities and public buildings,” she said. “The remaining 13% of the sales tax supports general fund operations for things such as: public parks, municipal airport, Woodland Hills Golf Course, aquatic center, Buck Run Community Center and public safety.”
FS Commission Recent Change: 90% Will Go To Streets
“At the October 6th commission meeting, the (Fort Scott)City Commission made a bold decision to change their current allocations of the 1% countywide sales tax to the street department,” Bancroft said. “The current 67% will increase to 90%, and will be dedicated to the street department for operations and maintenance if the sales tax passes on November 3rd. The remaining 10% will be used to continue to fund public parks, public buildings, recreational facilities, and public safety.”
Graphic provided by Susan Bancroft.
Bronson, Fulton, Mapleton, Redfield and Uniontown use the portion of their sales tax to support general operations and are a significant part of their budgets, Bancroft said.
Bancroft broke down the following percentages for how much the countywide sales tax generates in each entity as a percentage of total revenue received:
Bourbon County 35%
Bronson 18%
Fort Scott 11%
Mapleton 29%
Redfield 27%
Uniontown 14%
“I encourage the citizens of Bourbon County to research the facts to understand the impact this vote could make on our county. The proposed sales tax is not a new sales tax. This sales tax is simply renewing the current sales tax in place, and for all entities, it is to support the day to day activities that keep our communities running.” Bancroft stated.
Bronson
“The City of Bronson relies on the countywide sales tax to supplement our general fund to reduce the burden on property taxpayers,” according to Bronson City Clerk Ellen Harper. “Our general fund pays, in full or in part, expenses for general operations of the city wages, liability insurance, street maintenance, community center, library and parks. We would lose over $25,000 a year, which may not seem like much, but for a small city it would be detrimental to our finances. An estimated loss of 18% revenue would mean an approximate increase of 43 mills if it were to be added to property taxes. We couldn’t put that kind of burden on our citizens. So many services and benefits would have to be cut.”
Uniontown
“The City of Uniontown receives approximately $22,000 annually from this tax,” Uniontown City Clerk Sally Johnson said. “These funds are deposited to the general fund to help fund our public services to our community. These funds have not been earmarked for specific projects but have been used to fund a portion of patch material for city streets, culverts, ditch repairs, street lighting, signal light at Hwy. 3 intersection, help maintain the community center and much more. The City of Uniontown would like for citizens to consider renewing this tax so we can continue to provide services to our community.”
Fort Scott
Fort Scott’s Finance Director Bancroft states “The City of Fort Scott depends heavily on the countywide sales tax. If the sales tax does not pass, the impact will be greater than the $750,000 generally generated from the sales tax. The $750,000 of sales tax will be lost revenue and an additional $500,000 will need to be cut from other areas to continue to supply the same essential operations and maintenance in the street department. This equates to 1.2 million dollars that would need to be cut if the countywide sales tax does not pass. Areas that would be affected are public safety, parks, economic development, recreational facilities, aquatic center and staffing.”
Susan Bancroft is the Fort Scott Finance Director. Submitted photo.
Fulton
“Without the allocation of funds to the City of Fulton that are obtained through this sales tax, we would be cutting our yearly general fund in half,” Misty Adams, Mayor of Fulton said. “This would not be operable for our small town. The loss of revenue would be a huge loss and devastation for our small town and many other small rural communities. We would be operating in the red by year-end and be seeking assistance from our county commissioners. Without the passing of the 1% sale tax, we residents would see an increase in our property taxes and for some, this would create a financial hardship. Many small rural towns are housed by retirees who are budgeting their monthly expenses and are on fixed income, so increase in expenses is not what we are looking to do.”
The sales tax will appear on the Bourbon County November 3, 2020 ballot, as follows (taken from the county’s website):
Shall the following be adopted?
Shall Bourbon County, Kansas, levy (renew) a one percent countywide retailers’ sales tax to take effect on July 1, 2021, and expire on June 30, 2031, with the allocated shares pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-192 to be used as follows: (1) to Bourbon County, for the purpose of maintenance and construction of hard surface roads, and (2) to each city located in Bourbon County, for the purpose of providing funding for public services?
To vote in favor of any question submitted upon the ballot, darken
the oval to the left of the word “YES”; to vote against it, darken
