Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda for July 7

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JULY 7, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE:

III. INVOCATION: Pastor

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Payden Blythe, Police Officer

Introduction of Nate Stansberry, City Engineer

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 16th, 2020, special meeting of June 24th, 2020 and June 30th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1266-A totaling $804,125.90.

  1. Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – March port-a-pottie fees – $2,153.00; April $1,911.00; and May $2,153.00 – Totaling $6,217.00.

  1. Request to Pay – Insco Industries – $67,937.35 – Clarifier Painting Project – Water Plant

  1. Request to Pay – Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission – $4,000.00 – Fire Truck Grant

  1. May financials

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Vanessa Poyner – Junior/Senior Prom – Saturday, July 25th, 2020 – Request for Street Closures: West Oak Street from Judson to National for Walk-In event. Request for parking lot behind Brewhaus Brewery for valet parking. Time requested: 2:00 p.m. to midnight – Waivers will be signed for all attendees and social distancing will be enforced.

Frank Halsey – Marmaton Massacre Event

Terry Sercer – 2019 Audit

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS: (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen)

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Pool Discussion – Consideration of fees
  1. Consideration of Financial Policy
  1. Consideration of Work Order #9 – Olsson Associates – Fort Scott Municipal Airport – Environmental Assessment

  1. Consideration of Change Order #10 – River Intake Project – Increase of $24,950.00

  1. Consideration of City Auctioneer Bid
  1. Consideration to pay Ace Pipeline
  1. Discussion of First Source Lease

  1. Consideration to remove some of the tree line near Hole #13 at Woodland Hills Golf Course

  1. Consideration to purchase used fairway mower – Golf Course

  1. Consideration to purchase Cushman Utility Cart for Golf Course and sign a four year lease for 30 gas 2020 golf carts from KGT

  1. Discussion of B.C.E.D.C.I. board activities (Pete Allen)

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  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

Government, Kansas

Kansas Gains In Tax Collections FY2020

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Kansas Sees Substantial Gains in Total Tax Collections Over Projections for June and Close of FY 2020

Tax collections down less than 5.0% compared to June FY 2019 and down less than 6.0% from close of last fiscal year

 

TOPEKA –The State of Kansas saw a better-than-predicted close to Fiscal Year 2020. In June, the state’s total tax collections were up by $135.6 million or 22.3% more than estimated with $744.4 million collected. Compared to the same month last fiscal year, June tax collections were down by 4.8%. For FY 2020, total tax collections were up by $163.7 million or 2.4% more than estimated with collections of $7.0 billion; a 5.7% decrease from last year.

 

“Kansans have faced many challenges since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak – emotionally, physically, and financially,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While these numbers are encouraging, we must continue to make decisions that will keep our state on sound economic footing as we enter the next fiscal year.”

 

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic began to be seen in April as the state was entering its fourth quarter. In addition, tax extensions were announced in March which moves money from FY 2020 to the next fiscal year. Approximately 300,000 individual income tax returns are still to be filed and paid by the July 15, 2020 deadline.

 

Individual income taxes were 13.2% or $41.1 million more than projected with $353.1 million collected. Those numbers are down 9.0% compared to the same month last year. Corporate income tax collections in June were $54.7 million; $33.7 million or 160.4% more than projected. These collections are down 19.4% compared to June of last fiscal year.

 

Retail sales and compensating use tax collections were both more than projected for the month and more than June of last fiscal year. Retail sales tax collections in June were $203.0 million; 21.5% or $36.0 million more than estimated. That’s an increase of 1.9% over last June. Compensating use taxes were $43.4 million; $10.4 million or 31.6% more than projected and an increase of 6.5% over last June. For FY 2020, retail sales tax collections performed 2.3% higher than expected with $2.4 billion collected; an increase of 0.7% over last fiscal year. Compensating use taxes for the fiscal year also performed 4.1% higher than expected with $479.1 million collected; a 10.9% increase from FY 2019.

 

Details found here.

Government, Kansas

Crisis Counseling Funding

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Federal Approval of Crisis Counseling Funding under Kansas’s Major Disaster Declaration

Funding for Mental Health Program Benefiting Individuals Impacted by COVID-19

is an Add-On to the State’s Major Disaster Declaration

 

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a Kansas plan for crisis counseling under the individual assistance category of the Stafford Act.

 

Funding is provided by FEMA’s Crisis Counseling Program Immediate Services Program (ISP). ISP is a program supported by a grant that provides disaster relief assistance offered through specially trained providers and other supports for up to 60 days after a major disaster declaration. Funding was secured through partnership with Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services and Kansas Department of Agriculture.

 

“Kansans have faced challenges and uncertainty since the beginning of this unprecedented health crisis,” Kelly said. “We are developing a program with both virtual and person-to-person support offered with social distancing and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in mind. It is imperative to provide options for support during this time to let people know they are not alone, and help is available for those who need it.”

 

The first round of training was held on June 19 and 22 for providers to help support mental health initiatives designed to benefit Kansans affected by the pandemic. The initial Core Content Training is a two-day training developed by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that covers basic crisis counseling skills and services, data collection and stress management techniques. Over 40 individuals were trained during this session. This opportunity positions Kansas to address the complexities of COVID-19. Collaborating agencies are establishing an approach to provide outreach and services by telephone, virtually and through social media. The program will focus on providing crisis counseling and disaster recovery options, promoting the use or development of healthy coping strategies, connecting survivors with appropriate people and agencies that can assist them, and completing referrals to other disaster recovery programs or mental health providers.

 

Hotlines through this program with trained crisis counseling staff and online support and resources are available now.

 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), provides free 24/7, confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. A chat option is also available online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.

 

Additional support is available for citizens through the following resources:

 

The Kansas Ag Stress Resources website offers a variety of resources geared toward those involved in agriculture including a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-447-1985. This is a service through the Kansas Department of Agriculture found at www.KansasAgStress.org.

 

SAMHSA offers the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990. The Helpline is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week and free resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling and support in dealing with the traumatic effects of a natural or human-caused disaster.

 

With Kansas: Stronger Together as a program motto and brand, this program will also provide toolkits with educational materials and general outreach information for citizens, businesses and providers. Materials are available for the public and encouraged to be used as needed and shared in locations such as grocery stores, churches, businesses, funeral homes, social media, medical clinics or other places where individuals may gather. Some topics addressed include grief and loss, financial stress, coping mechanisms, children and coping, anxiety related to COVID-19, possible suicidal ideation, general resource information, agriculture hardship and other topics.  Information can be found online via Facebook at Kansas: Stronger Together.

 

“As we continue to find ways to proactively battle the ongoing mental health and social effects of this pandemic, I think it’s important we recognize the impact puts us in uncharted territory in that it reaches every corner of our state,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “This funding allows us to implement a program that can also reach every corner of our state and is designed to link those in need to crisis counseling and community supports as well as other resources, strategies and comforts as we face this together.”

 

Kansas will be requesting ongoing crisis counseling assistance from FEMA with a request to extend crisis counseling services to Kansans through the Crisis Counseling Program Regular Services Program. The Regular Services Program (RSP) is a CCP grant program that provides disaster relief assistance for ongoing counseling services and support for up to nine months after a major disaster declaration. A website is currently being developed.

 

For additional resources visit the Kansas: Stronger Together Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Kansas-Stronger-Together). Kansas residents can also dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-CHILDREN to learn about programs and services.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Masks Mandated by Kansas Governor

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Executive Order Mandating Masks in Public Spaces

Simple, Proactive Way to Keep Kansans safe, and Keep Kansas Businesses Open

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order #20-52 requiring that most Kansans must wear a mask while in public spaces, and in places where individuals are unable to maintain social distancing of six feet.

 

Executive Order #20-52 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier.

 

“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”

Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”

 

Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.

 

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.

 

To view EO #20-52, click here.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Executive Orders

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Orders #20-49, #20-50, and #20-51. #20-49 reissues the orders listed below, and #20-50 updates and extends Executive Order 20-38, which provides temporary relief from certain unemployment insurance requirements during the state of disaster emergency. Executive Order #20-51 extends the term of the 2020 Kansas Complete Count Committee until November 1, 2020. Executive Orders #20-49 and #20-50 will remain in force until September 15, 2020, or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires.

 

  • 20-36 – Drivers’ license and vehicle registration and regulation during state of disaster emergency

 

  • 20-37 – Allowing certain deferred tax deadlines and payments during state of disaster emergency

 

  • 20-39 – Extending professional and occupational licenses during state of disaster emergency

 

  • 20-40 – Temporarily allowing notaries and witnesses to act via audio-video communication technology during state of disaster emergency

 

  • 20-41 – Licensure, Certification, and Registration for persons and Licensure of “Adult Care Homes” during state of disaster emergency

 

  • 20-42 – Temporarily suspending certain rules relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages during state of disaster emergency

 

  • 20-43 – Temporary relief from certain restrictions concerning shared work programs during state of disaster emergency

 

Executive Order #20-50 allows a temporary change to Kansas employment security law, stating, “The requirement that Kansans receiving unemployment benefits actively seek work each week is temporarily waived for all claimants to allow Kansans to continue the necessary social distancing practices.”

 

“The ongoing threat of COVID-19 has impacted our way of life and created many new challenges for Kansans and their families,” Governor Kelly said. “As cases continue to rise both in Kansas and across the county, reissuing these orders is a necessary step to keep Kansans healthy while also keeping the state open for business.”

 

Executive Order #20-49 can be found here.

 

Executive Order #20-50 can be found here.

 

Executive Order #20-51 can be found here.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Have a Safe, Healthy Independence Day

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Governor Kelly Encourages Kansans to Have a Safe Independence Day Weekend

 

As Kansans prepare for the July 4th weekend, KDHE has put together the following guide to help you have a safe, healthy Independence Day.

 

“The COVID-19 virus is still very much in our communities and taking basic public health steps will help keep Kansans safe and Kansas open for business,” Governor Kelly said.

 

The guidance below comes from Governor Laura Kelly’s Ad Astra Reopening Plan and reflects the state’s current recommendation to counties to remain in Phase 3 of the plan. Local units of government have full discretion to impose additional or less stringent requirements on activities, businesses, and venues. Individuals should always consult with their local units of government for any additional questions and comply with local restrictions.

 

Independence Day and the Ad Astra COVID-19 Reopening Plan

 

July 4th recommendations from the Ad Astra Plan:
 

Wear a mask, especially when 6-foot social distancing cannot be maintained.

 

Limit gatherings in your home with 45 or fewer individuals, not including those you live with. Stick to outdoor events whenever possible.

 

Sharing isn’t caring. Disinfect surfaces and use disposable or single serve items as much as possible.

 

Maintain mass gathering limits and social distancing at pool parties, restaurants, parks or other social venues.

 

If you are sick, stay home and contact your doctor.

 

For travel, follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines and avoid high-risk travel areas. See KDHE’s website for more details.

 

 

Public Health Guidance for Individuals and Families Celebrating Independence Day

  • General Health Tips
    • If you are sick, stay home and contact your doctor.
    • Continue social distancing whenever possible. The best way to protect yourself and others is to keep 6 feet from others (except for those you live with) especially if you have a medical condition that puts you in a high-risk category.
    • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes into an elbow or tissue. Throw the used tissue away and immediately wash your hands.
    • Masks are strongly encouraged, especially in places where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
    • If you or a loved one is considered high-risk, stay home and avoid parties or gatherings.

 

  • Tips for parties, gatherings, and get-togethers:
    • Socially distance whenever you can. Avoid any instances in which groups of 45 or more people are gathered together and can’t maintain 6 feet.
    • Given that social distancing is still practiced, outdoor activities are strongly encouraged over indoor activities. If engaging in indoor activities, practice strict social distancing and maintain ventilation throughout your home by opening doors or windows.
    • Make sure you have soap, paper towels, disinfecting supplies, and other important cleaning materials ready.
    • Clean high-touch surfaces like tables, door knobs, faucets, etc.
    • Have paper towels, hand sanitizer, and other cleaning items ready in your bathroom for use.
    • To protect their health, high-risk individuals should not attend social gatherings in-person. If the gathering is occurring in a home with a high-risk individual, those individuals should not interact face-to-face with guests. They should join via video chat or other virtual means.
    • Make sure that anyone who is handling food wears gloves. Friends and family should be consistently washing hands.
    • Food and Drink Tips
      • Avoid punchbowls or other communal drink stations. Use individual packaged drinks and chips.
      • Use disposable plates and utensils if unable to constantly clean dishes.
      • Avoid buffets or other self-service food stations. Have individuals with gloves and masks serve food.
      • If guests are bringing dishes, request that they bring them covered.
      • Avoid single source drink containers, like kegs or pitchers.
      • Avoid single source food spreads like, chips and dip.

 

  • Heat Safety Tips
      • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
      • Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors as they absorb the sun’s rays.
      • Slow down, stay indoors. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Postpone outdoor games and activities.
      • Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.

 

  • Fireworks Tips
    • The Kansas Office of the Fire Marshal has provided the following fireworks tips for families:
      • Always ignite outdoors
      • Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
      • Have a water supply nearby
      • Light from a solid, flat and stable platform
      • Light only one firework at a time
      • Make sure fireworks debris is cooled off completely before disposing
      • Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
      • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
      • Use a long-handled lighter
    • Bottle rockets and M80s are illegal in Kansas and extremely dangerous. The use or sale of these banned fireworks is considered a crime under Kansas law. It is also illegal in Kansas to shoot fireworks on or under any vehicle, on any public roadway, within 50 feet of a fireworks stand or where fireworks are stored, and at gas stations or any place liquid gas – including propane – is stored.
    • Always refer to the local ordinances as to whether fireworks are allowed in your area as well as what types. Some cities or counties have restricted dates/times or types of fireworks that may be sold or discharged.

 

  • Travel Guidance:
    • Currently, KDHE does not consider travel within Kansas as a criterion for travel-related quarantine. A local health officer may choose to include this as a criteria so you should be aware of your local isolation and quarantine criteria.
    • However, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) does issue regular mandates on travel-related quarantines for international, domestic travel to other states, and cruise-related travel. People in Kansas are asked to quarantine for a period of 14 days starting from the day they arrive in Kansas after visiting a high-risk location.
    • As of 6/29 KDHE is mandating a 14-day home quarantine for Kansans if you have done any of the following:
      • Traveled to:
        • South Carolina and Florida on or after June 29.
        • Alabama, Arizona, or Arkansas on or after June 17.
        • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
        • International travel on or after March 15.
      • Others needing to continue quarantining:
        • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.

 

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

COVID-19, Government

Farmer/Rancher Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

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USDA Adds Digital Options for Farmers and Ranchers to Apply for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Online portal, e-signature tool enable producers to apply from anywhere

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency will now accept applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) through an online portal, expanding the options available to producers to apply for this program, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the coronavirus pandemic. FSA is also leveraging commercial document storage and e-signature solutions to enable producers to work with local service center staff to complete their applications from home.

 

“We are doing everything we can to serve our customers and make sure agricultural producers impacted by the pandemic can quickly and securely apply for this relief program,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “In addition to working with FSA staff through the phone, email and scheduled in-person appointments, we can now also take applications through the farmers.gov portal, which saves producers and our staff time.”

 

Through the portal, producers with secure USDA login credentials—known as eAuthentication—can certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center. Producers who do not have an eAuthentication account can learn more and begin the enrollment process at farmers.gov/sign-in. Currently, the digital application is only available to sole proprietors or single-member business entities.

 

USDA Service Centers can also work with producers to complete and securely transmit digitally signed applications through two commercially available tools: Box and OneSpan. Producers who are interested in digitally signing their applications should notify their local service centers when calling to discuss the CFAP application process. You can learn more about these solutions at farmers.gov/mydocs.

 

USDA has several other options for producers to complete and submit their CFAP applications. These include:

  1. Downloading the AD-3114 application form from farmers.gov/cfap and manually completing the form to submit to the local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically or by hand delivery to an office drop box. In some limited cases, the office may be open for in-person business by appointment. Visit farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status to check the status of your local office.
  2. Completing the application form using our CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator found at farmers.gov/cfap. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, and then signed and submitted to their local USDA Service Center. 

 

Getting Help from FSA

New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

 

All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can be downloaded from farmers.gov/cfap. For existing FSA customers, these documents are likely already on file.

 

Producers self-certify their records when applying for CFAP, and that documentation is not submitted with the application. However, producers may be asked for their documentation to support the certification of eligible commodities, so they should retain the information used to complete their application.

 

More Information

To find the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364.

 

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

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Government

Dairy Safety Net Program Begins

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USDA Dairy Safety-Net Program Signup to Begin October 12

for the 2021 Coverage Period

Income-over-feed margin for April triggers second payment for 2020

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announces that Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) safety-net signup for 2021 coverage will begin October 12 and will run through December 11, 2020. DMC has already triggered payments for two months for producers who signed up for 2020 coverage.

“If we’ve learned anything in the past six months, it’s to expect the unexpected,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “Nobody would have imagined the significant impact that current, unforeseen circumstances have had on an already fragile dairy market.  It’s during unprecedented times like these that the importance of offering agricultural producers support through the delivery of Farm Bill safety-net programs such as DMC becomes indisputably apparent.”

The April 2020 income over feed cost margin was $6.03 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the second payment of 2020 for dairy producers who purchased the appropriate level of coverage under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. The April margin reflects a more than a $3 drop from the March $9.15 cwt. income over feed cost margin.

As of June 15, FSA has issued more than $100 million in much-needed program benefits to dairy producers who purchased DMC coverage for 2020. 

Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. Over 13,000 operations enrolled in the program for the 2020 calendar year.

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

For more information, visit farmers.gov DMC webpage or contact your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Fort Scott, Government, Uncategorized

Sewer Mapping For Fort Scott Starts This Month

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The City of Fort Scott has hired Midland GIS Solutions to survey and map the City’s sanitary sewer collection network. This generally consists of locating utility features with global positioning system (GPS) equipment.

This work will be ongoing during the months of July-September of 2020.

You may notice employees of Midland GIS Solutions working in your neighborhood. They will occasionally need access into and through private property. The City has easements to perform this type of work and Midland GIS will be as respectful and unobtrusive as possible while completing this project.

As with any major project, there will be some inconveniences at times,but no service will be interrupted while this project is taking place.

If you have any questions or concerns you may contact Midland GIS Solutions at (660) 562-0050 or contact Michael Mix at {620) 215-6319.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Nursing Homes Surveys and Inspections Expediated

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KDADS Contracts with Healthcare Management Solutions to Expedite Meeting Federal and State Survey and Inspection Requirements

TOPEKA –  Secretary Laura Howard announced today the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has entered into a contract with Healthcare Management Solutions (HMS) that will help the agency expedite completion of focused infection control surveys (FICS) in federally certified nursing facilities as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and inspection of all adult care homes in the state as mandated in Kansas House Bill 2016.

On March 4, 2020, CMS called for states to conduct focused surveys in Medicare/Medicaid certified facilities on infection control related to the COVID-19 pandemic. CMS document QSO-20-31-All, released June 1, 2020, requires states to complete 100 percent of FICS by July 31, 2020, to maintain full FY 2021 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocations.

Since the March 4 directive was received from CMS, 57 full-time KDADS surveyors have completed surveys in 169 of the state’s 332 certified, licensed facilities. KDADS has secured a contract with HMS to ensure Kansas facilities receive onsite targeted FICS in the required timeframe while existing and ongoing abuse, neglect and exploitation complaint investigations, required follow-up inspections and responses to identified positive cases of COVID-19 are also conducted.

“We believe partnering with HMS will allow us to better manage the critically important workload our surveyors have been tackling since March,” Secretary Howard said. “They have a good reputation for helping state survey agencies ensure facilities are in compliance and we’re certain they can assist us as we continue working to ensure nursing facility residents receive safe, quality care.”

States that complete 100 percent of their nursing home FICS by the July 31 target date will be able to request their entire FY 2020-FY2023 CARES Act funding allocation (at their discretion) and can also apply for redistributed funding from states that fail to meet CMS performance goals.

In addition to completing the FICS of nursing homes, CMS is also requiring states to implement the following COVID-19 survey activities:

  1. Perform onsite surveys (within 30 days of this memo) of nursing homes with previous COVID-19 outbreaks, defined as:
    • Cumulative confirmed cases/bed capacity at 10% or greater; or
    • Cumulative confirmed plus suspected cases/bed capacity at 20% or greater; or
    • Ten or more deaths reported due to COVID-19.

 

  1. Perform onsite surveys (within three to five days of identification) of any nursing home with 3 or more new COVID-19 suspected and confirmed cases in the since the last National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) COVID-19 report, or 1 confirmed resident case in a facility that was previously COVID-free. State Survey Agencies are encouraged to communicate with their State Healthcare Associated Infection coordinators prior to initiating these surveys.

 

  1. Starting in FY 2021, perform annual Focused Infection Control surveys of 20 percent of nursing homes based on State discretion or additional data that identifies facility and community risks.

 

Under HB 2016, passed during the 2020 Special Legislative Session, KDADS is also required to conduct infection control inspections at all adult care homes licensed by Kansas including those that are state licensed only. State licensed only facilities rely solely on state funding and oversight without federal dollars, to include assisted living facilities, Home Plus, Adult Day Care and Residential Health Care facilities. To be in compliance with the legislative mandate, inspections of these facilities are to be completed within 90 days of the effective date of HB 2016, or about September 30. Again, having HMS surveyors available will also help KDADS balance the demands between state licensed only facilities and federally certified nursing facility survey staff.

HMS employs federally certified nursing facility surveyors and has collaborated through contracts with KDADS and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to provide services in Kansas previously.

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

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Governor Kelly Praises KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today applauded the success of the recent KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair, which involved some 165 employers and 1,497 jobseekers.

 

After the online event from Tuesday, June 23, to Thursday, June 25, participating employers reported strong response from people looking for work statewide.

 

“The economic impact of COVID-19 has led to an enormous need for workforce services in our state, but health and safety concerns mean in-person job fairs can’t happen,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “The virtual job fair was an innovative model to keep Kansans healthy and to keep Kansas open for business.”

 

The success of the virtual job fair demonstrated Kansans’ ability to adapt to challenges in providing a virtual tool to connect jobseekers with a variety of employment opportunities across the state. Employers represented in the June 23 virtual job fair included:

 

  • KanEquip Inc.
  • Foley Equipment
  • Fuller Industries
  • Johns Manville
  • National Beef
  • PKM Steel Service Inc.
  • Salina Regional Health Center
  • Cornejo
  • Russell Stover
  • Reser’s Fine Foods
  • Johnsonville
  • Dillons
  • Glassman Corporation
  • CivicPlus
  • ADT
  • Bombardier Aviation
  • Creekstone Farms
  • Southwest Medical Center
  • Farmers Insurance
  • Goodwill Industries of Kansas
  • Emprise Bank
  • Wichita Public Schools
  • The University of Kansas

 

“In these challenging times, we have to be flexible,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I’m proud of our KANSASWORKS team for its creativity in making sure that Kansans continue to have access to employers in a way that keeps everyone safe.”

 

As concerns for the health and safety of Kansans remain high due to COVID-19, the Department of Commerce will maintain the virtual job fair system for the remainder of 2020. Statewide events will be held on the following dates:

 

  • July 28-30
  • August 25-27
  • September 22-24
  • October 27-29
  • December 8-9

 

As these dates get closer, updates will be provided with employer and jobseeker registration links for each individual virtual fair.

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS Zoning Board Meets July 6

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The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on Monday, July 6th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main. This meeting is to consider a variance for residential property to allow the replacement of a garage with additional square footage for the property at 216 S. Eddy Street.

Please call the City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or email Diane Clay at [email protected] to sign up to speak under the public comment section.

The meetings are still limited to 45 total in number due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however the room will only hold 14 due to the 6’ social distancing rules. Patrons will be let in one at a time at their scheduled time to ensure the public health orders are followed.

The City Commission meeting will still be available on the City’s YouTube channel.