Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 19

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: November 19, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45 – Jim Harris

9:45-10:00 – Patty Love – Executive Session – Non-elected

10:00-10:30 – Jody Hoener – Property Tax & NRP

10:30-11:00 – David Neville – Elevator Repair

11:00-11:15 – Justin Meeks – Executive Session

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Nov. 5

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 5th, 2019 Regular Meeting #20

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 5th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Mitchell, and Nichols were present with Mayor Parker presiding.

INVOCATION: Pastor Michael Apfel, Trinity Lutheran Church said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Dave Bruner, Travis Shelton, Darrell Parker, Deb McCoy, Tony Krsnich, Patrick Wood, Michael Mix, Lindsey Watts, Burton Harding, Kevin Allen, Jason Gorman, Susan Bancroft, Brian Allen, Rachel Pruitt, Paul Ballou, Robert Uhler, Deb Needleman, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of October 15th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1249-A totaling $391,129.40.

  1. Parade Permit – Veteran’s Day Parade – November 9th, 2019.

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2019 – Support for a Moderate Income Housing Grant with the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.

E. Approval of Change Order #1 – Request Proposals 2 through 6 – River Intake and Dam Project – Credit of $49,350.10.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Brian Allen, President, H.P.A.

City Manager said that the City has an opportunity to transfer ownership of the parking lot at Wall and Scott where the depot is currently located. The depot is owned by H.P.A. and the parking lot is owned by the City. They have a project they have been working on for the last two years. He asked the Commission to give him authority to work with our City Attorney and H.P.A.’s attorney to transfer ownership of this parking lot to H.P.A. with two conditions. The first condition would be with Trader Dave’s to make sure that property which adjoins has a shared driveway so they can get to their doors. The next condition is that they have two years to complete the project or the property will revert back to the City. This contract would come back before the Commission at their next meeting for their approval.

Brian Allen, President, H.P.A., said that they have been working with an investor for some time about a development for the depot. He doesn’t want to open a business without owning the land the business is sitting on. They are excited about the revenue that they will receive from this sale. They will be able to move their artifacts inside the depot to the Old Congregational Church and upgrade the church also and be able to display them. They are also wanting to take some of the proceeds and use for some of the downtown buildings and assist in saving them. He cannot go into any detail at this time about the investor. This is the oldest M.K.&T. structure in the world Mr. Allen said. They also plan to have a clause in their agreement that if the owner decides to close the business after five or ten years, the building will revert back to H.P.A. or have the right of first refusal.

Adamson moved to approve for the City Manager to work with the City Attorney and H.P.A.’s attorney to draw up a contract to transfer ownership of the parking lot at Wall and Scott to H.P.A. with the above stipulations. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY AND THE ATTORNEY FOR H.P.A. TO DRAW UP A CONTRACT TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF THE PARKING LOT AT WALL AND SCOTT TO H.P.A. WITH THESE STIPULATIONS: WORK WITH TRADER DAVE’S BUSINESS TO ALLOW AN ADJOINING DRIVEWAY SO THEY CAN GET TO THEIR BUSINESS; AND ALLOW H.P.A. TO HAVE THIS PROJECT COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS OR THE PROPERTY WILL REVERT BACK TO THE CITY.

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of appointments to Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that he notified all of the individuals who had submitted letters of interest to serve on the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board. There were 21 interested individuals. A meeting was held on October 17th, 2019, and Robert had each of them introduce themselves and give a brief explanation of their interest in serving on the board. All of the attendees then submitted a vote for a representative. The following names were approved to be submitted to the City Commission:

East Side Representatives:

  1. Nancy K. Van Etten

  2. Shane Wood

West Side Representatives:

  1. Tom Brink

  2. Dean Striler

At Large Representative:

  1. Nancy Maze

Other Representatives:

  1. JoLynne Mitchell, City Commissioner

  2. Jeff Fisher, County Commissioner

  3. Don Banwart, City/County Resident

  4. Marci Myers, City/County Resident

Mr. Uhler asked for approval for the above individuals be appointed to the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the above individuals be appointed to the Fort Scott Lake Advisory Board. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS BE APPOINTED TO THE LAKE FORT SCOTT ADVISORY BOARD:

East Side Representatives:

  1. Nancy K. Van Etten

  2. Shane Wood

West Side Representatives:

  1. Tom Brink

  2. Dean Striler

At Large Representative:

  1. Nancy Maze

Other Representatives:

  1. JoLynne Mitchell, City Commissioner

  2. Jeff Fisher, County Commissioner

  3. Don Banwart, City/County Resident

  4. Marci Myers, City/County Resident

  1. Consideration of KCAMP board member appointments – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that the voting and alternate delegates need to be appointed for the KCAMP Board, which is our property and casualty insurance carrier. Her recommendation is JoLynne Mitchell as the voting delegate and Dr. Randy Nichols as the alternate delegate. Approval was recommended.

Mitchell moved to approve the voting and alternate delegates for the KCAMP Board of Directors. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED JOLYNNE MITCHELL AS THE VOTING DELEGATE AND DR. RANDY NICHOLS AS THE ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE KCAMP INSURANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 24-2019 determining the advisability of issuing taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that approval is needed for the approval of Resolution No. 24-2019 for the purpose of providing a sales tax exemption for the Union Lofts Building.

Rachel said that she also wanted to update the Commission that she has submitted our CDBG application for the ladder fire truck. As part of that application process, was to quantify our capital investment for the past five years. She and Susan Bancroft actually documented over $37 million in capital investment over the last five years. Private investment was also included. Over $20 million was spent in the downtown area, which is a staggering amount. A lot of that credit does go to Flint Hills Holding.

This new residential complex, Fort Scott Lofts, will have 25 units in the downtown area and will result in this being an $8 million project.

Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission when Industrial Revenue Bonds are issued, that it is not anything the City is liable for. This helps stimulate growth in the economy here in Fort Scott and will allow the owner assistance with the sales tax exemptions for his labor and materials. That is what this Industrial Revenue Bond is for. This is similar to the last I.R.B. that was approved for Jennifer LaRoche.

Tony Krsnich, Flint Hills Holdings, appeared before the Commission and informed them that this project unfortunately had hit a snag and he apologized for that. He was able to secure additional tax credits at the State and Federal levels. With the assistance of the Industrial Revenue Bonds, that will help them secure a bondable general contractor to stand behind this job. He has received two bids so far and is close to awarding this project. He thanked the Commission for their support with this project.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution No. 24-2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO.24-2019 OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS DETERMINING THE ADVISABILITY OF ISSUING TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, AND EQUIPPING OF A COMMERCIAL FACILITY LOCATED IN SAID CITY; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF RELATED DOCUMENTS – FORT SCOTT LOFTS BUILDING.

  1. Consideration of Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3551 – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this water rate increase is for 3% and was put into the 2020 budget. It will be effective January 1, 2020. Approval was recommended.

Susan said that she is planning to do an analysis of our water rates in 2020 and make sure we are in line with other communities in this area.

Nichols moved to approve Ordinance No. 3551 increasing the water rates by 3% for 2020. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3551 SETTING NEW WATER RATES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3545 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.04.030.

  1. Consideration of Wastewater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3552 – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this sewer rate increase is for 3% and was put into the 2020 budget. It will be effective January 1, 2020. Approval was recommended.

Susan mentioned that the sewer rates at Lake Fort Scott have not been increased since the inception when they were put on. She will be mailing a letter to Bourbon County notifying them of a rate increase and also a public hearing will be held regarding this rate increase at our November 19th, 2019 Commission meeting.

City Manager said that they have discovered there is not a Lake Sewer District Board so one will need to be appointed at some time in the future.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3552 increasing the sewer rates by 3% for 2020. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3552 INCREASING THE BASIC MONTHLY CHARGE FOR SANITARY SEWER RATES IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.24.110 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3546.

  1. Consideration of Storm Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3553 – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this stormwater rate increase is for 3% and was put into the 2020 budget. It will be effective January 1, 2020. Approval was recommended.

Mitchell moved to approve Ordinance No. 3553 increasing the storm water rate by 3% for 2020. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3553 AMENDING THE FORT SCOTT STORMWATER USER CHARGE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3547 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.24.121.

7. Consideration of award of low bid for Water Treatment Plant Clarifier painting and sand blasting – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that this project was rebid in October. He asked for approval for the low bid from Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $75,757.00. This project will not begin until the Spring of 2020 as it is too cold to paint now.

Mitchell moved to approve the low bid from Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $75,757.00 for the Water Clarifier painting project. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOW BID FROM INSCO INDUSTRIES OF SHAWNEE, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,757.00 FOR THE WATER CLARIFIER PAINTING REHAB PROJECT WHICH WILL NOT BEGIN UNTIL SPRING OF 2020.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Robert Uhler – Robert informed the Commission that he wanted to update the Commission on Schneider Electric and the energy audit project. At the November 19th meeting, there will be a proposal presented from Schneider Electric with recommendations of all the City facilities for the Commission to review.

Dave Bruner – Dave gave the Commission an update on EMS training for EMS and Fire employees. Janet Taylor, who is a flight nurse from Kansas City Life Flight and an EMS educator, came here and conducted a wilderness emergency class which was held at Gunn Park. There were 14 different scenarios held to treat and transfer patients. The next upcoming class will be on difficult airways.

Dave also updated the Commission on the Bourbon County EMS call activity. In September there were 236 calls for service with 86 transfers, 56% to Pittsburg, 62 dry runs, 174 total transports, 13 medical alarm lifts, 1 fire standby, 13 event standbys, and 2 mutual aid requests. In October there has been 194 total calls for service, 126 total transports, 68 dry runs, 56 transfers, 54% to Pittsburg, 13 medical alarm lift assists, 10 event standbys, 2 fire standbys, and 1 mutual aid request. The eight-month total is 1,638 calls for service, 1,213 total transports, 618 transfers and 425 dry runs.

Commissioner Adamson asked him for a report on fire department calls. He will bring that to the next meeting.

Dave also informed the Commission that he is working on expanding some of the health care items for our annual health fair for City employees. This will be in accordance with the 1582 guidelines that was addressed at an earlier meeting on firefighter safety. We will begin offering vision, hearing, chest x-ray, ekg’s, chest, lung function test, and stress test. More information will be forthcoming on this. The City currently does a fit for duty for new employees and employees returning to work, employee assistance program, random drug testing, employee wellness incentive program, and employee wellness newsletter. Police, Fire and EMS also have access to a regional critical and stress management team that covers the twelve counties in this area.

  1. City Commission:

Bartelsmeyer Nothing to report.

Mitchell Wished all the candidates running for office good luck tonight.

Nichols Remarked that there has been an issue during this election season with our ordinance and resolution and he has created a new ordinance for the Commissioners to review. He asked them to look this over and get back to Diane Clay, City Clerk, with any changes they would like to see made on this or any comments. He has talked with the League of Kansas Municipalities about this and they have looked at it and is awaiting their feedback. We can look at adopting this at a future meeting.

Adamson – Remarked that she is excited to see good things happening in the downtown area.

Parker – Remarked that she is excited about the $37 million investment in this community. She thanked all the directors for working together to accomplish much.

  1. City Manager:

  1. City Manager remarked that he will be glad when the election is over. He is very proud of his staff and how they have acted. We aren’t telling our story as well as we should and need to work better on this. He feels responsible that there is perception that things weren’t done right. There has been nothing done wrong. We will continue to work the way we have to move this City forward.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:40 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on November 19th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for Nov. 19

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

NOVEMBER 19, 2019

6 p.m.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 5th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1250-A totaling $295,043.24.

  1. Christmas Parade Permit Form- December 3rd, 2019.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 3 W. Oak Signage

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 24 N. National – Addition to building

  1. Resolution No. 25-2019 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 510 S Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 1/7/2020 at 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution No. 27-2019 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 501 S. Osbun Street – Public Hearing Date – 1/7/2020 at 6:15 p.m.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Seth Needham

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. Lake Sewer District Sewer Increase Public Hearing

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2019 authorizing for sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2019-1, of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas – River Intake Project

  1. Approval of financials

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Allyson Turvey

Robert Uhler

  1. Commission:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Design Review Board Meets Nov. 18

The Design Review Board will meet on Monday, November 18th, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for a sign at 3 West Oak Street and a Certificate of Appropriateness for an addition at 24 North National and any others matters to be brought before the Board. This meeting is open to the public.

FSCC Board Agenda for Nov. 18

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, November 18, 2019. The meeting will be held in Cleaver Boileau Agriculture Hall at Fort Scott Community College.

To view the entire package, including financial statements:

11.18.19 Consent Agenda

5:00 p.m. Dinner in the Cleaver Boileau Agriculture Hall at 5:00 p.m. followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

THE AGENDA

5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4 A. Comments from the Chair,

4 B. Security Camera Update and Demonstration CONSENT AGENDA,

5 A. Approval of Agenda,

5 B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on October 21, 2019,

6 C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims,

9 D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5 ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Consideration of COP Refinance Bids B. Approval of Disposal of Property – LaHarpe C. Discussion of Emeritus Staff Policy D. Consideration of City of Fort Scott Tax Relief Program

ITEMS FOR REVIEW A. Letters of Appreciation/Correspondence REPORTS,

63 A. Administrative Updates,

64 EXECUTIVE SESSION,

70 ADJOURNMENT, 71

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:

• November 18, 2019: Board Meeting

• November 25 – 29, 2019: Thanksgiving Break – Campus Closed

• December 10 – 13, 2019: Final Exams

• December 16, 2019: Board Meeting

• December 23 – January 5, 2020: Winter Break – Campus Closed

• January 8 – 10, 2020: In-service

• January 13, 2020: Spring Semester begins

• January 20, 2020: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Campus Closed

• January 27, 2020: Board Meeting

• February 17, 2020: Board Meeting

• March 16, 2020: Board Meeting

• March 23, – 27, 2020: Spring Break – Campus Closed

• April 3, 2020: Aggie Day

• April 10, 2020: Good Friday – Campus Closed

• April 20, 2020: Board Meeting

• May 11 – 14, 2020: Final Exams

• May 15, 2020: Graduation

• May 18, 2020: Board Meeting

• May 25, 2020: Memorial Day – Campus Closed

• June 15, 2020: Board Meeting

Sincerely, John Bartelsmeyer, Chair Alysia Johnston, President

CONSENT AGENDA

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS 1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on October 21, 2019.

C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Separations

a) Amanda Johns, Iowa Regional Migrant Recruiter, effective October 31, 2019

b) Jack Gammon, Assistant Football Coach, effective October 31, 2019

c) Rachel Judy, Nursing Instructor, effective December 13, 2019

FSCC Minutes of the Board of Trustees Of Oct. 21

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE Minutes of the Board of Trustees Training October 21, 2019

PRESENT: Jim Fewins, Bernita Hill, Dana McKenney, Liz Meyer, Robert Nelson

ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members. Vice-Chairman Robert Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Vice-Chairman Nelson stated acknowledged that it was nice to meet in the new Cleaver Boileu Agriculture Hall for the first time. He expressed that he was thrilled with FSCC’s Centennial Celebration and the Gordon Parks Celebration. He added that there is a tremendous number of activities going on at FSCC, mentioning specifically Math Relays, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Alumni Rodeo.

TAX RELIEF PROGRAM PRESENTATION: Rachel Pruitt with the City of Fort Scott provided additional information about the City’s proposed tax relief program. She explained that it is a tax incentive that would be administered locally and added that it would likely not be widely used. She provided a breakdown of how the tax receiving entities divide each tax dollar received and asked the Board to consider approving the program with the 2020 budget.

CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK UPDATE: Coach Philip Redrick provided an update of FSCC’s Cross Country/Track program. He shared that the team consists of 52 students, 48 of which were new recruits. Seven students will attend Regionals in the upcoming week, and the team finished in the top 3 in the conference. CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Hill, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda and addendum provided.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS: A. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by McKenney, and carried by unanimous vote to authorize the calling of the COP sale and the publication of such.
B. Jason Simon, FSCC Director of IT, reviewed technology options for future board agendas and board meetings. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to purchase iPad Airs for Board members, the President, and the Board Clerk, as well as the ability to recommend a board collaboration software or service.
C. A motion was made by McKenney, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 201920 Men’s and Women’s basketball game management for a projected total cost of $4,145.
D. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by McKenney, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of a 2020 Harley Davidson Tri Glide from Bartlesville Cycle Sports, LLC.
E. The Board discussed the draft of the Emeritus Staff Policy. The board will inform Alysia about suggested revisions. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to table the approval of the policy until the next month.
F. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 60 month contract with AwardSpring scholarship software.

ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of appreciation/correspondence.

REPORTS: A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from Miami County Campus, Student Services, Finance and Operations, and the President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Hill, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 10 minutes beginning at 7:40 p.m. for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel with no action expected to follow.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 7:52 p.m. by Hill, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote.

 

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Oct. 21

 

October 21, 2019                                                    Monday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Oharah and Fischer, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.

Jim Harris & Jerad Heckman with Road & Bridge met with the Commissioners; they have been making ice chips, making asphalt for the City of Fort Scott and hauling gravel to the Garland area.  They have been working on Xavier between 85-95th, as well as working near the Phillips property at 205th & Justice Lane.  Jerad reported they had bladed Zinc between Highway 39 & 115th.  They plan to start reclaiming the road North of KOA Campground this week.  They will finish Yale Road this week.

Jim Harris said they will be installing an electronic crossing for USD 235 on October 25th.

Justin Meeks said he would prepare a resolution regarding budgeting for ambulance service.

Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners to discuss the debris removal from the damage after the summer flooding; Will said he had received four bids for debris removal, but is expecting two more bids.  Will asked the Commissioners to decide who should win the bid once he receives all bids.  Justin Meeks will draw up a contract for the debris removal.  Will said they have a burn permit at the Landfill for the debris.  The County will do the burning and burying of the debris.

Jeff discussed a letter from the Kansas Renewable Energy Conference from Governor Laura Kelly; the letter discussed the growth in the renewable energy sector in Kansas.

Gregory Vahrenberg with Raymond James Public Finance met with the Commissioners, also present were Ben Cole, Bobby Reed, Bill Martin, Leslie Herrin (videotaping) and Patty Love.  Bill Martin said a comment was made during budgeting about a decline in the jail sales tax so he asked Mr. Vahrenberg (Mr. Vahrenberg previously worked for Piper Jaffray and did the financial aid feasibility study when the jail was voted on) to do an analysis of the jail sales tax.  Mr. Vahrenberg said in 2015 the voters approved .40% sales tax to be used for the construction of the jail; $6,850,000 was paid for the construction and $1,770,000 for the jail pods.  The additional money collected from the sales tax was to be used to pay additional money on the bonds, refurbish or remodel the old jail space and operations.  The Commissioners asked Mr. Vahrenberg for clarification on the ballot language that was voted on.  Mr. Vahrenberg estimated in 2018 that there would be $8,654 in the annual excess sales and use tax revenue (this amount is expected to increase each year) after the jail series 2015 debt service, the pods 2016 debt service payments and the $200,000 in operating expenses were paid; he estimated the annual excess sales and use tax to grow each year and said that this excess could be a cushion used in years when the sales tax revenue is down.  Mr. Vahrenberg said the sales tax would have to drop dramatically for the County to not be able to make the payments, he said sales tax is tricky to predict and can be deceiving.  He said he didn’t see something that stands out as a concern and said he didn’t see a reason to be alarmed.  Bill questioned when the County should be alarmed; Mr. Vahrenberg said a 25% decrease in tax collection would be a concern.  Currently the County is down approximately 9% in sales tax revenue.  He said $200,000 has been budgeted in operating expense that could be used as a cushion if needed.   Mr. Vahrenberg said there will be years when there will be a growth in sales tax and years where there is a decrease in sales tax.

At 12:05, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:00, Jeff seconded the motion.

Nick Ruhl arrived at the Commission meeting.

The Noxious Weed department sprayed chemicals at the Law Enforcement building and billed them for the chemicals; Bill Martin didn’t feel they should have to pay for the chemicals.  Lynne made a motion to keep the billing the same as it is and bill them for the chemicals, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Jeff made a motion that the Commissioners sign a real estate contract and warranty deed to give the former Noxious Weed building in Uniontown to the City of Uniontown for $0, Nick seconded and all approved and signed the contract and warranty deed.

On 10/30/2019, Jeff plans to attend a moderated conversation meeting regarding wind energy in Hepler and in Fort Scott.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  No action was taken.

At 3:40, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

Lynne Oharah, Chairman

Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

10/29/2019, Approved Date

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Oct. 15

October 15, 2019                                           Tuesday 9:00

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Oharah and Fischer present.  The County Counselor and the County Clerk were also present.

Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Nancy & Kerry Van Etten and Julie Saker each attended a portion of the Commission meeting.

Michael Hoyt met with the Commissioners to clarify his request from the last time he met with the Commissioners; he said he would like for the County to engage Emergency Manager Will Wallis to test or evaluate all EOP plans in place to see if there is room for improvement.  Mr. Hoyt said the USD 234 plan fell apart in two areas on September 3, 2019 when there was an intruder; the 911 system and notifying the parents of students of the incident.  Lynne Oharah said he had a conversation with Will Wallis and asked what the County’s responsibility was for those plans; Will said he was asked to critique USD 234’s plan, he said he did and felt it was a good plan.  Mr. Hoyt said they had an event or incident and said there was no reason why the County leadership couldn’t take control and evaluate the plans.  Lynne said he would discuss this with Will Wallis again.

Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman met with the Commissioners; Jim said they are mowing and crushing.  He said they are making chips at the Beth Quarry.  The County is making 1,400 tons of asphalt for the City of Fort Scott.  He said they did a 23,000 ton blast.  Jim Harris said they will be doing a snow drill this week.

Lynne said there are potholes at the north end of Devon that need filled and said a culvert may be needed; Jim said they would send the pothole patcher to the area.

Jeff made a motion that Kendell send all department heads a memo asking that they watch and control their overtime since we are over budget in employee benefits (taxes and KPERS are based on compensation, and are elevated due to the extra overtime), Lynne seconded the motion.  Jeff said we need to be good stewards of the taxpayer’s money and said if we don’t reduce expenses it will require a reduction in force.

Jeff discussed the work done on Ironwood and the collapsed culvert there; he said the County did an amazing job there; he complimented the work that Jared Lord did.

Jeff discussed Mr. Phillips property on Justin Lane; he said there is water running from a spring or from a runoff, Mr. Phillips asked that ditching be done there.  Jim Harris said he would view the area.

Lynne reported that 125th & Osage going east and west needs gravel.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners Justin Meeks and Jody Hoener).  No action was taken.

Bill Martin, Ben Cole, Bobby Reed and Leslie Herrin (who was videotaping the meeting) met with the Commissioners to discuss a bill the Sheriff’s department received from Noxious Weed.  Bill said he had requested gravel (which they have not received) for an area on the north side of the Sheriff’s building.  Bill said they received a $566 bill from Noxious Weed for chemical spraying done by the Sheriff’s building.  Bill suggested that the bill be written off since the property belongs to the County.  Jim Harris said Noxious Weed has to purchase the chemicals and said if Noxious Weed sprays at the Landfill then the Landfill pays for the chemicals.  Jeff questioned how the bill for spraying is different than the bill for fuel delivered to the Law Enforcement Center for the generator; Bill said the fuel for the generator should be paid out of operations.  Jim Harris said they mow the area, but do not send a bill for mowing.  Lynne said they would discuss the bill for spraying with Nick Ruhl when he returns.  Jim Harris said there is a $506 delinquent bill owed from the Law Enforcement Center to Road & Bridge for fuel that was delivered for the generator; however, it was later stated that the $506 bill had been paid.

Julie Saker briefly met with the Commissioners; she announced that she was planning to run for Sheriff in 2020.

Jody Hoener met with the Commissioners; she discussed the event center, she said she and Rod Markin had attended a work group meeting and did site visits.  She said the next step is to do business (to see if there is a need for the facility) & resident surveys.  Jody said she needed to put out a press release to businesses and residents to identify long term property tax goals. Jody said the average mill levy for Bourbon County is 180.77 (which is the 11th highest in the state of Kansas).  Jody suggested adding value to help reduce the mill levy and to obtain a long term goal (by 2030) of an average mill levy of 158.61.  Lynne made a motion to accept this goal, Jeff seconded and the motion passed.    Jody said that Jim Keller and Steve Buerge had both made contributions towards having the market demand study done.

Jeff Fischer discussed the St. Martins Academy on Indian Road; he said he had met with Daniel Kerr, Mr. Kerr said they did not want regulations or restrictions, but asked that the County place school zone signs (without restricting or reducing the speed limit at this time).  Jim Harris recommended 45 mph since this was the current speed limit in the area.  Jeff said that St. Martins had constructed a bridge and pathway for the students to use to keep them from walking on Indian Road.  Jeff made a motion to direct Jim Harris to install school zone & warning signs with a 45 mph speed limit, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

William Laporte from Hidden Valley met with the Commissioners; he said they have received good service from the Sheriff’s department.  He said recently the club house alarm had gone off, but it was a false alarm;

he said he wanted to contact the Sheriff’s department to notify them of the false alarm so they didn’t make the trip to Hidden Valley, but said he had to call 911 to cancel the call, but said his 911 call went to Linn County.  He questioned if it was true that only 2 deputies were on duty at one time and asked if it was too expensive to add more deputies; Lynne said the tax payers do not want their taxes to go up.  Mr. Laporte asked about Yale Road; Lynne said it would eventually be paved.

Sparky Schroeder met with the Commissioners and Jim Harris; he said the base on 230th is coming apart, Jim Harris said the asphalt came apart but said the base did not.  Jim said they did a good job on the base of the road and said if it fails they will fix it.  Mr. Schroeder said if it’s a blacktop issue, what are they doing to fix; Jim said it is unpredictable in what asphalt will do.

Mike & Judy Wilson met with the Commissioners regarding Unity & 75th Terrace; Mr. Wilson said the gravel had washed off of the road and said the road needs a crown or peak so that the water can run off.  Jim Harris said they would view the road.

Justin Meeks reported that the City of Uniontown had accepted the real estate contract for the Noxious Weed building in Uniontown; he said he would discuss this at the next Commission meeting when Nick was present.

Lynne gave Justin Meeks permission to attend the KAC conference in November, Jeff seconded and the motion passed.

Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale and said that the tax sale is progressing; he said the publication for the tax sale cost $10,000.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded the motion, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  No action was taken.

At 11:23, Lynne made a motion to adjourn and Jeff seconded.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

Lynne Oharah, Chairman

Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

ATTEST:

 

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

10/21/2019, Approved Date

Third meeting for the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform concludes

 

 

The third meeting for the bipartisan Governor’s Council on Tax Reform concluded this afternoon. The group, composed of experts, representatives and stakeholders, is performing an in-depth study of the state’s current tax system. Once their study is complete, the Council will make specific statutory recommendations to state lawmakers on tax reform in Kansas.

 

The one-day meeting began with a budget and consensus revenue estimates update, then moved into a public comment period. The council heard testimony from 11 interested groups and individuals, including the Kansas Association of Realtors, the Kansas Association of School Boards, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, KC Healthy Kids and others.

 

In the afternoon, representatives from the Kansas Department of Revenue gave presentations on Ad Valorem Property Tax and Global Intangible Low-taxed Income (GILTI) provisions under the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

 

Dr. Donna Ginther, professor of economics at the University of Kansas, then offered a history of the three-legged stool approach in Kansas. The three-legged stool refers to a sensible balance of income, sales and property tax revenue.

 

Following Dr. Ginther’s presentation, Council members participated in discussion regarding their initial tax reform policy thoughts and their expectations for December’s meeting.

 

Among other topics discussed by the Council:

 

  • Three co-equal, sturdy legs of tax revenue would cushion Kansas from recessionary pressures, such as the energy recession of the late 1980s.
  • Sales tax on food costs the average rural Kansas grocer close to $18,000 per year.
  • The property tax is the largest, single source of revenue in Kansas, generating $4.93 billion in levied tax from $36.57 billion of taxable value for calendar year 2018.

 

The next meeting of the Council has been set for Dec. 3-4, 2019. An interim report by the Council is planned for December 2019, in advance of the 2020 legislative session. A final report is due in December 2020, in advance of the 2021 legislative session.

 

For more on Governor Kelly’s executive order establishing the Council, its membership and presentation materials:

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/council-on-tax-reform/

 

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 14

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

Date: November 14, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

1:30-1:45 – Property Tax Discussion

2:00-2:15 – Robert Leisure – EMS Update

Multi-Use Event Facility? Give Your Input

Bourbon County
requests your feedback on a possible multi-use event facility
in our county.
Please take either or both
of the following surveys:
Click here for business survey.
Click here for resident survey.
Survey will close Nov. 15th, 2019!
If you have questions on the survey or other input,
please email Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development.
Bourbon County Commission, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance livability and quality of life for its residents and to grow our economic base and resulting job opportunities, has commissioned a feasibility study for a multi-use event facility to be located in the Fort Scott area.
Markin Consulting, a national consulting firm specializing in these types of facilities, is conducting this two-phase study. The first phase is an intense look at the market viability of this type of facility.
We are thankful for Bourbon County stakeholders Jim Keller,
of Keller Ranch, and Steve Buerge, of Buerge Farms and
Buerge Enterprises, Inc. who have made substantial contributions toward the market demand study.
By completing a rigorous cost benefit analysis, we are not only showing to be good stewards of taxpayer resources but we are also planning for the future.
We believe the feasibility study for the multi-use event facility is very important to our business community and are asking business and residents for your help by taking time to complete a very short, on-line survey for this study process.

Bourbon County Local News