Category Archives: Government

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Mosquito Bite Prevention

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Red, Bite and Blue: KDHE Recommends Mosquito Bite Prevention Over Fourth of July Holiday

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends Kansans take preventive measures against mosquito bites over the Fourth of July holiday. Floods throughout the state have caused an increase in mosquito populations. Mosquito surveillance in Reno, Sedgwick and Shawnee counties has shown an increase Culex species mosquitoes which can transmit West Nile virus and other viruses that can affect humans. This species of mosquitoes is most active at dawn and dusk.

“West Nile virus can be spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, but it is not contagious from person to person,” said KDHE Secretary Lee Norman, MD. “Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to swelling of the brain or brain tissue and, in rare cases, death.”

Since 2002 there have been 677 cases and 35 deaths in Kansans from West Nile virus. To date, there have been no cases of West Nile virus reported to KDHE in 2019. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune. Cases are most common from mid-July through late September.

KDHE has developed West Nile virus risk levels to help guide prevention efforts for both communities and individuals. These risk level reports will be posted weekly at; http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm. All six regions of Kansas are currently at moderate risk level.

KDHE recommends the following precautions to protect against West Nile virus:

  • When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
  • Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
  • The elderly or immunocompromised should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn when the Culex species mosquitos are most active.
  • Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

 

West Nile virus in horses can be fatal. The virus can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Approximately 33 percent of horses infected with West Nile virus will die. A West Nile virus vaccine for horses is available and owners are encouraged to vaccinate or booster their animals.

 

KDHE maintains an Arboviral Disease Surveillance web page that is updated weekly: http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/.  For questions about West Nile virus or other Arboviral diseases, contact the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.

 

Government, Kansas

KDR Helps Military Transfer Credentials

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Kansas Dept. of Revenue helps current and discharged military transfer valuable credentials

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue is working in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help military personnel bridge a possible licensing gap with its Military Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Even Exchange Program. The program is open to current Kansas National Guard, Kansas Reserves, or discharged military personnel who have a valid military CDL credential convert over to a civilian CDL.

“We recognize our military men and women with a CDL acquired during their service are valuable to the Kansas workforce,” Department of Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said. “The safety training received during service goes above and beyond the requirements of the civilian CDL and it only makes sense to be part of the Military Even Exchange Program.”

 

“Kansans serving in the military have been some of the most devoted public servants, with a strong sense of commitment to making our communities, state and nation better,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s important that they have employment opportunities to transition to civilian life in a way best for them and their families. Reintegration programs and the Military Even Exchange CDL Program are among ways we can offer that vital assistance.”

 

Kansas is the fifth state to be part of this program. Being ahead of other states makes the program valuable to both veterans and businesses needing highly skilled CDL credentialed drivers.

 

Military personnel discharged with the military credential have up to a year from their discharge date to be eligible for the conversion. If a hazardous materials credential is needed in addition to the CDL, an applicant must take the additional test. All applicants must provide a medical clearance card from an FMCSA certified physician.

For more information about the program, please contact Brian Brunt at 785-213-9157.

Government, Kansas

Been To Lyon State Fishing Lake Recently?

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ZEBRA MUSSELS FOUND IN LYON STATE FISHING LAKE

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Lyon State Fishing Lake in Lyon County. Routine samples collected by KDWPT Aquatic Nuisance Species staff to detect zebra mussels were found to contain zebra mussel larvae (also called veligers). Upon finding the veligers, staff returned to the lake and located an established population of adult zebra mussels. Similar sampling is conducted by KDWPT at more than 100 waterbodies across the state.

 

The 135-acre lake is located 12 miles north and two miles east of Emporia on Rd 270. Lyon State Fishing Lake is owned and operated by KDWPT. The lake and surrounding wildlife area are popular destinations for fishing, hunting, hiking, and a variety of other outdoor-related activities.

 

While the zebra mussel population is currently small, there is no known method to completely rid a lake of this invasive species. The zebra mussels were likely introduced by “hitchhiking” with un-suspecting lake-goers. Adults are able to attach to boats or other equipment and the microscopic zebra mussel veligers may be present in any water originating from an infested lake or stream. Densities as high as 1,000 veligers per gallon have been recorded in Kansas waters.

 

“This is the first new population of zebra mussels found in the state in 18 months, which is the longest period of time between new lake infestations since 2006. While it is unfortunate that zebra mussels have been spread to a new lake, I remain hopeful that these occurrences will be less frequent as more people have become aware of zebra mussels, their impacts, and how to prevent moving them,” said Chris Steffen, aquatic nuisance species coordinator for KDWPT.

 

Lyon State Fishing Lake will be added to the list of ANS-designated waters in Kansas, and notices will be posted at various locations around the waterbody. Live fish may not be transported from ANS-designated waters. The sharp-shelled zebra mussels attach to solid objects, so lake-goers should be careful when handling mussel-encrusted objects and when grabbing an underwater object when they can’t see what their hands may be grasping. Visitors should protect their feet when walking on underwater or shoreline rocks.

 

Zebra mussels are just one of the non-native aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. After using any body of water, people must remember to follow regulations and precautions that will prevent their spread:

  • Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment between uses
  • Use wild-caught bait only in the lake or pool where it was caught
  • Do not move live fish from waters infested with zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species
  • Drain livewells and bilges and remove drain plugs from all vessels prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway.

For more information about aquatic nuisance species in Kansas, report a possible ANS, or see a list of ANS-designated waters, visit ProtectKSWaters.org.

ABOUT ZEBRA MUSSELS

Zebra mussels are dime-sized mollusks with striped, sharp-edged, two-part shells. They can produce huge populations in a short time and do not require a host fish to reproduce. A large female zebra mussel can produce 1 million eggs, and then fertilized eggs develop into microscopic veligers that are invisible to the naked eye. Veligers drift in the water for at least two weeks before they settle out as young mussels which quickly grow to adult size and reproduce within a few months.

After settling, zebra mussels develop byssal threads that attach their shells to submerged hard surfaces such as rocks, piers, and flooded timber. They also attach to pipes, water intake structures, boat hulls, propellers, and submerged parts of outboard motors. As populations increase, they can clog intake pipes and prevent water treatment and electrical generating plants from drawing water. In 2012, two Kansas communities, Council Grove and Osage City, experienced temporary water shortages from zebra mussel infestations before water intake structures could be cleaned up. Removing large numbers of zebra mussels to ensure adequate water flow can be labor-intensive and costly.

Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian seas of western Asia and eastern Europe and   were spread around the world in the ballast water of cargo ships. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River in 1988 and quickly spread throughout the Great Lakes and other rivers including the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas and Hudson. They were first discovered in Kansas in 2003 at El Dorado Reservoir. Despite public education efforts to alert boaters about the dangers of zebra mussels and how to prevent spreading them, the species continues to show up in new lakes every year. Moving water in boats and bait buckets has been identified as a likely vector.

For information about Lyon State Fishing Lake, visit KSOutdoors.com, click on Fishing, then Where to Fish and select the Northeast region.

–30—

 

Editors: the attached image depicts an adult zebra mussel collected from Lyon State Fishing Lake. Credit:

Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

 

 

 

 

 

Ron Kaufman

Director of Information Services

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

1020 S. Kansas Ave., 2nd Fl.

Topeka, KS 66612

 

Phone 785-296-2870

Fax     785-296-6953

Government, Kansas

Tax Receipts Increase

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State closes out FY 2019 $440.5 million ahead of previous year’s total tax receipts

 

TOPEKA – The state is closing out Fiscal Year 2019 (FY) at $7.5 billion, or 2.62% above estimates, for total tax collections. This is a $440.5 million increase in tax revenue, compared to FY2018.

In June, the state collected $781.8 million, or 4.36% above the estimate for total tax receipts.

 

Retail sales tax receipts are 0.45% below monthly estimates, totaling $199.1 million, and are $5.4 million below the same month in 2018. Individual income tax receipts are at $388.0 million, or 12.47% above the estimate of $345.0 million.

 

“The numbers attributed to the growth in individual income tax receipts for the fiscal year are due to a combination of factors including continued growth, federal and Kansas tax law changes, and non-recurring capital-gain transactions,” Secretary Mark Burghart said. “Sales tax has been fairly flat for the year, decreasing by 0.27% compared to the previous fiscal year.”

To view the report:

 

12_June_Revenue_FY19_07-01-19_Final

 

 

Government, Kansas

New Latino Director Appointed

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Governor appoints executive director to Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission

 

Governor Laura Kelly today announced the appointment of Audé Amelia Negrete of Overland Park as executive director of the Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission.

 

The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission serves as a liaison for the Kansas Hispanic and Latino community and the Office of the Governor, with the goal of serving needs of Hispanic and Latino residents in areas of culture, education, employment, health, housing, welfare, and recreation.

 

“Audé’s own life experience and desire to address challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino residents of our state made her an ideal choice to lead this commission,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “She’ll be a valuable contributor, just as she’s been over the years in her successful efforts surrounding social justice and civic engagement.”

 

Born in Mexico City, Negrete was 14 when her family left Mexico for to the United States and Kansas. During her career, she’s been involved in numerous initiatives designed to provide educational, social and economic services for Hispanic and Latino families in Kansas.

 

The seven-member Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission includes four members representing each of the state’s congressional districts, and three at-large members.

 

Negrete will fill the executive director position previously held by Richard Martinez.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda July 2

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 2nd, 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

10:00:10:15-Kansas Statewide Housing Assistance Program

10:15-10:30-Clint Anderson Appraiser’s 2020 Budget

10:30-10:45-SEK Mental Health 2020 Budget

10:45-10:50-Will Wallis-Disaster Update

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

11:00-11:30-Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship

11:30-11:35-Tax Sale Update

COMMISSIONERS WILL BE GONE AT 12 FOR THE REST OF THE DAY!

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual 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(s) 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

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Meeting Minutes of June 18

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of June 18, 2019 Regular Meeting #11

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 18th, 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 Steve Cole, First United Methodist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Rhonda Dunn, Robert Uhler, Rachel Pruitt, Darrell Parker, Bob Duncan, Travis Shelton, Lyle Brittain, Adam Harrison, Randy Ballweber, Janet Braun, Veneita Ballweber, Steve Cole, Pete Allen, Clint Roberts, Larry Gazaway, Tracy Dancer, Jacob May, Clint Lawrence, Pat Wood, Stuart Gulager, Clayton Miller, Kevin Allen, Jason Gorman, Brian Allen, Dave Bruner, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Recognition of Dave Bruner, Certified Fire Protection Specialist – Mayor Parker recognized Dave Bruner as having recently received the certification of Certified Fire Protection Specialist. This credential was created in 1971 for the purpose of documenting competency and offering professional recognition for individuals involved in curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial.

Introduction of Adam Harrison, Codes Enforcement Supervisor – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director/Codes Director, introduced Adam Harrison to the Commission. He is the new Codes Enforcement Supervisor.

Introduction of Lyle Brittain, Codes Enforcement Officer – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director/Codes Director, introduced Lyle Brittain to the Commission. He is the temporary Codes Technician.

Recognition of Randy Ballweber, Codes Enforcement Officer – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director/Codes Director, recognized Randy Ballweber with an outstanding achievement certificate for going above and beyond in running the Codes Department by himself for a period of time.

Recognition of Fort Scott Fire Department Firefighters – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Marshal, recognized Clint Roberts, Jacob May, and Clint Lawrence who put together the 5th Annual Fire Department Benefit Ride with proceeds going towards the Stephanie Lockwood family. They raised over $6,400 through the ride, raffle ticket selling, and the sale of t-shirts. Stephanie Lockwood just returned home yesterday after being hospitalized many months with cancer.

The Commission thanked them for their fundraising efforts for this family.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 4th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1240-A totaling $538,657.58.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 118 E. Wall Street

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 120-122 E. Wall Street

  1. Fireworks Waiver – July 4th, 2019

  1. Parade Permit – Burke Street Parade – July 4th, 2019

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

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

limit per citizen) –

Bob Duncan – Mr. Duncan said that this is not about a code footprint. This is about honesty. Many individuals and businesses like Woods, Mercy, Price Chopper and other stores and ventures have left Fort Scott in recent times out of frustration. These entrepreneurial spirits aren’t bought but they have success with their freedom to exist, nonetheless than by governments. I present irrefutable proof that City staff mislead this Commission in order to gain support against Denise and I. Look up the term gas-lighting some time. Look around town. I see we love our troops and banners showing names and faces. At Beaux Arts Center, in the spring of 2017, I met two combat veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom. I asked, “How did you feel when you got back home?” One replied, “They say thank you for your service but they don’t mean it.” In the spring of 1969, I was rewarded with R & R and went to Hawaii. While walking along a crowded sidewalk, I noticed a young woman approaching from the opposite direction. I moved over to avoid her, but she moved to maintain an intersect course with mine. When face to face, she said, “Good afternoon, God. Baby killer.” Now that’s gas lighting too. I silently stepped around her, not guilty, I just wanted to go back to Danang. I could hardly remember my life in the U.S.A. at that time. Now at the Tigress River in 2005, American men working under my direction became casualties during an attack that was meant for me. Later Samere, a local boy that helped me, was decapitated for having a job with me. Now in Afghanistan in 2010, I received commendation and a medal for significant combat service. Some in Fort Scott have said, “Thank you for your service.” This City Commission and some City staff certainly don’t mean it. Some say there’s no use in voting. They’ll just do what they want anyway. But remember, many have paid with more than service alone for your freedom to vote for change. Thank you.

Pete Allen – Mr. Allen said that he comes tonight as a concerned citizen. He has some questions to ask of the Commission. His first question is: Do you as a Commission think that the City streets in Fort Scott are in good shape? The second question is: We had at the last meeting, or one before, a consideration for the 2019 Asphalt Program that was not advertised. There was never an agenda posted that said that the Asphalt Program was going to be voted on or even presented. He wondered why. He wonders why we waited until June to get the 2019 Street Program going. He wonders why also that we have a total amount of the 2019 street program is $263,553.80 when in the budget that was presented to the citizens, including me, the budget for Street Program was $777,000. My question is what are we doing with the other $500,000 plus dollars? Can we not use that for street improvements in 2019? If not, why not? He has talked to Chad and wanted to tell Chad that he likes him. He has put forth a lot of effort but he’s not an engineer. He is a supervisor. I think a lot of him. I question the intention of the Commission to put the burden of the entire city of Fort Scott and all the citizens of Fort Scott, the burden of making a decision on what we’re going to do on the Street Program into one man’s hands. He presented that, and then you as a Commission, with no questions, no discussions, nothing, just signed off on it at one meeting. Thank you.

City Manager said that he and Chad have a meeting scheduled with Mr. Allen regarding his concerns.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Bids – Electric Vault Building – Airport – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the construction of an electric vault building at the Airport. There was only one bid received from Strukel Electric of Girard, Kansas. It was in the amount of $304,398.50. The engineer’s estimate was $332,085.00. This bid was approved by the F.A.A. also. Approval to accept the bid from Strukel Electric of Girard, Kansas was recommended. This project is funded with K.I.P. funds.

Parker moved to approve the bid from Strukel Electric of Girard, Kansas in the amount of $304,398.50. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BID FROM STRUKEL ELECTRIC OF GIRARD, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $304,398.50 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELECTRIC VAULT BUILDING AT THE FORT SCOTT AIRPORT.

  1. Consideration of amendment to Tobacco Ordinance – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that the Minor in Possession of Tobacco ordinance needed updated due to the electronic cigarettes that teenagers are now using. This ordinance repeals Chapter 9.40 to include any form of electronic cigarettes in addition to regular cigarettes.

Adamson moved to approve Ordinance No. 3548. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3548 REPEALING CHAPTER 9.40 – TOBACCO PRODUCTS – IN THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE ANY FORM OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES.

  1. Discussion of Golden Arrow Property – Greg Schick – Rhonda Dunn, Finance Director, informed the Commission that this is a three year floor fill permit which expires on July 1st, 2019. He is making progress on this property. She recommended a 60 day extension on this flood fill permit from the City. This will allow the State to give him a 60 day extension also. He did ask for a year for this property at 510 and 520 E. Wall, but she does not recommend that.

Nichols moved to recommend a 60 day extension flood fill permit for the property at 510 and 520 E. Wall Street for Golden Arrow property. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO RECOMMEND A 60 DAY EXTENSION FOR THE FLOOD FILL PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY AT 510 AND 520 E. WALL STREET FOR GOLDEN ARROW PROPERTY.

  1. Consideration of street closure for Flicks on the Bricks – Skubitz on Main Street and all traffic south of Main to Wall – Larry Gazaway, Tourism Director, informed the Commission that the CVB is hosting a movie night this Friday night, June 21st, 2019. He asked for approval to shut down Skubitz Plaza at 6:45 p.m. and then it will reopen after the event. A police car and the fire truck will be there for the children to look at. He estimates between 150 to 175 people will be present.

Mitchell moved to approve the street closure on Skubitz Plaza on Main Street on Friday, June 21st, 2019 at 6:45 p.m. and then reopening after the event. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE STREET CLOSURE AT SKUBITZ PLAZA ON MAIN STREET ON FRIDAY, JUNE 21ST, 2019 AT 6:45 P.M. FOR THE FLICKS ON THE BRICKS MOVIE NIGHT EVENT.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Dave Bruner – EMS Update – Dave gave the Commission an update on EMS activity. Robert Leisure, Director, gave him a breakdown of the calls for the previous months.

In March there were 218 calls for service with 90 transfers and 51% going to Via Christi in Pittsburg.

In April there were 184 calls for service with 82 transfers and 56% going to Via Christi. 147 total transports and 37 dry runs which include medical alarms, non-injury accidents and fire standbys.

In May there were 229 calls for service with 93 transfers and 63% going to Via Christi. 181 total transports and 48 dry runs.

As of June 10th, 2019, 64 calls for service with 48 transfers and 15 dry runs.

Total calls of service since March 1st is 695 calls with 292 being transfers.

Estimated projections based on current trends would be 2,500 calls for service with an estimated 1800-2000 transports.

Comparison numbers from Mercy in 2017 were 1,968 requests for service with 1,295 transports. Total transfers 308.

Their number one project they are working on is vehicle maintenance. EMS 5 is now in service.

City Manager said that Via Christi is looking at observation beds in the future.

Rachel Pruitt – Rachel informed the Commission that Ally Turvey, Larry Gazaway, and herself had attended the Rural and Independent Innovators Conference today at Pittsburg State University, sponsored by Block 22. This lets people know about funding sources. We were there to promote Fort Scott. She learned about federal level funding programs and made a contact with Wichita State University.

Rachel said that she is working with Price Chopper to fill this building and getting a lot of national chain interest due to the location on Highway 69.

Downtown development is moving right along.

  1. City Commission:

Adamson – She thanked the firefighters for their fundraising efforts.

Nichols – He also thanked the firefighters for their efforts. He said he appreciated the comments that were made tonight.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

Parker – Informed the board that she met the Lowell Milken Center Fellows today at City Hall as they were welcomed to the City and given a certificate and a key to the City. She thanked the Center for having them here. She also thanked the firefighters and the Codes personnel.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Administrative Changes: City Manager said that effective this week Robert Uhler will be overseeing Codes. Rhonda will be strictly over the Finance Department.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:34 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:34 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on July 2nd, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Agenda For July 2

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JULY 2, 2019

6 pm

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor (To be announced)

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 18th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1241-A totaling $232,719.86.

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Arthur Pearson – Closure of street – 1400 block of State Street – July 30th, 2019 – 9:00 – 12:00

July 4th Crossfit Fun Run – Gunn Park

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

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:15 p.m. Resolution No. 10-2019 – Resolution directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 15 S Crawford

6:15 p.m. Resolution No. 11-2019 – Resolution directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 602 S. Heylman

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of rehabilitation of one clarifier at the Water Treatment Plant and for this project to be let for bid for painting

  1. Consideration of rehabilitation of one clarifier at the Water Treatment Plant and approval of quote from Westech

  1. Approval to obtain pricing to replace the Pumper Engine Fire Truck

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Dave Bruner
  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

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes from June 11, 13, 14, 18

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June 18, 2019                                                 Tuesday 9:00 am

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

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Nancy Van Etten were also present.

Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman with the Road & Bridge department met with the Commissioners.

John Eastwood & Jennifer Durkin met with the Commissioners; Jennifer said her daughter recently had a car wreck on Limestone Road between 255th-260th. She said she had gone off of a low water crossing that didn’t have guardrails. Jim Harris said this isn’t a low water crossing, but rather a low area with a large culvert. Jim said he would view the area and follow State guidelines regarding the area.

Jim Harris discussed the two Freightliner trucks; he said in 2018 they spent $23,000 on one and $10,300 on the other in repairs and in 2019 they have spent $8,000 on one and $12,700 on the other. No decision was made on the trucks.

Jim Harris presented his 2020 budget requests; for Bridge and Culvert he requested $197,284, Special Road Machinery he requested $0 and said it wasn’t a budgeted item, Road & Bridge Sales Tax he requested $1,160,522, for Noxious Weed he requested $149,945, for Landfill he requested $242,753 (Jim said that the Landfill isn’t funded by tax dollars other than employee benefits for the employees there), for Road & Bridge he requested $2,068,944 (with 2 new employees for a ditching crew), for Special Bridge he requested $242,402 (with 3 new employees to work on bridges. Jim said they will have to close bridges if work isn’t done to the bridges.

Jeff Fischer reported that he had heard praises for the work done with patching in Garland as well as work done in Hiattville.  Jeff said he tends to hear more praises than complaints for the Road & Bridge work.

Jeff said he had heard concerns about the road closure on 260th that is scheduled for today; he said the person had concerns about investing a lot of money in building up a road that could possibly be abandoned later on.

The Commissioners said there is work being done on mapping to develop a map that has all County owned roads on it. Nancy Van Etten Suggested setting a date for the map and the work to be done.

Lynne reported brush that was dumped in the little Osage crossing on 95th; Jim said he would view the area.

Jim said they plan to start overlaying on Condensory Road on June 19th. He said they will move the equipment to Mapleton after Condensory Road.

Jeff said he had heard a concern over the right of way on Justice Lane; he said a utility line is located north and south possibly in a County easement. Jim said he would view a right of way map.

Lynne said the Redfield Mayor recently met with the Commissioners regarding the location of the city limits; Jim said they met and the city limits is approximately 100’ on the South edge of Redfield.

Lynne made a motion to approve the Jubilee Fireworks LLC permit for a fireworks stand at 2420 S. Main, Fort Scott, Nick seconded and all approved the permit.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Kendell Mason). No action was taken.

The Commissioners held a road closure hearing for 2,640’ on 260th Street between Deer and Cavalry Road in the Northwest quarter of Section 12, Township 27, and Range 25. The Commissioners, Jim Harris, Jerad Heckman and T&C representative Tim Speer were present for this hearing. Mr. Speer said he would like the road closed so they can put a locked gate on the property (he said they could provide keys to the locked gate), he said T&C owns both sides of the road on the East & West and if closed they would maintain the road. Mr. Speer said there wasn’t much traffic on the road due to the quality of the road. Jim Harris said the maps show this as an open County road. Lynne asked Jim if anyone had requested to maintain the road and keep it open; Jim said yes he had a request to keep the south ½ open. Jeff Fischer said he had concerns about closing any County road, he said he is not in favor of closing any roads. Jeff said he was in favor of maintaining the road and establishing what kind of road it will be (gravel or dirt). Jeff said the restricted access could impact the value of the property for the landowners. Jeff felt that the Coal Company should be obligated to restore the road. The County has had surveying done on this road to determine the right-of-ways. Mr. Speer said the road needs to be maintained, he said it is a dirt road with no gravel and grass growing in the road. Jeff made a motion that the County retain the right of way and reject the road closure and develop a maintenance plan suitable to property owners on both sides of the road, Nick seconded and all were in favor. Mr. Speer asked when they could expect a plan; the Commissioners said they were waiting on survey results and when it’s dry enough they will work on cutting ditches.

There was discussion over donating the previous Noxious Weed building in Uniontown to the City of Uniontown; Justin said he was working on the contract to donate the property.

Bill Martin and Ben Cole met with the Commissioners to discuss the contract with SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center; Justin said the County had not received a contract with guaranteed bed space. The law has changed, making it harder to house a juvenile, but there is no guarantee that the law will stay the same and if the County gets out of the juvenile contract they will not be able to get back in the contract. The Commissioners have worked to bring down the SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center rates. Nick said that the SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center will offer a daily rate of $400+ a day, but without a guarantee that there will be bed space available. Bill Martin recommended that the County get out of the contract since the laws are changing and making it harder to place a juvenile in the facility. Bill said the cost the County is currently paying for the contract to house a few juveniles doesn’t make sense. The Commissioners were all concerned that if the laws change and they have to house more juveniles where they would house them. Nick 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, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). After the session; Nick said that he appreciated Bill Martin’s comments, but made a motion to stay in the contract with the SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center, Jeff seconded and all approved. Nick said he would notify the SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center that the County was going to stay in the contract. Lynne said that the Commissioners had discussed this issue a lot, but couldn’t get a facility that would offer a contract with a guaranteed bed space and said the daily rate was based on availability.

Nick made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Pete Allen met with the Commissioners; he has a house located at 1022 232nd (Marco Estates), he said the County installed a culvert there a few years ago, but it is too high. The Commissioners said they would have Jim Harris view the area.

At 11:30 Nick made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Lynne seconded and all approved.

Judge Ward and Rhonda Cole met with the Commissioners to present the District Court’s requested 2020 budget. Judge Ward said it’s estimated that $35,000 from fees and other revenues will be accrued in the County general fund. Judge Ward requested $268,468 for 2020; in 2019 they received $252,468. Judge Ward said the additional $15,000 is to cover indigent services, interpreter fees, Statewide mandated computer changes and printing and supplies. Judge Ward discussed the 2018 & 2019 (as of 06/18/2019) case loads; 2018 criminal 752 – 2019 criminal 363 cases, 2018 child in need of care 2018 108 cases – 2019 72 cases, civil cases 2018 97 cases – 2019 102 cases.

Jeff Fischer asked Judge Ward if their case load would change if the City of Fort Scott had a municipal court; Judge Ward said it could reduce some of the misdemeanors they receive.

Lynne made a motion that all of the Commissioners attend a Highway 69 Association ribbon cutting on June 24, 2019 at 10:30 at the Cherry Grove Church located at 69 Highway and Birch Road, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Lynne said he was going to forward an email from Kevin Ross with Goldberg Group to the other Commissioners.

Emergency Preparedness Director Will Wallis met with the Commissioners regarding disaster information and flood damage; Will said the State had came here for a meeting, he said representatives from Uniontown, Bronson, Fort Scott and the Marmaton Watershed were present for the meeting. The State went over information regarding the public assistance disaster. The State viewed flood damages to do preliminary damage assessments at Gunn Park, the overlook point at the Riverfront Authority, the overflow at the Fort Scott Lake, 160th south of Fern Road as well as various roads and bridges with damage. Will estimates that there were a minimum of 150 small locations with damage that could receive compensation for the grader operators labor, the grader and lost gravel. Will estimated there were a minimum of 50 sites with medium damages and 5 sites with heavy damages. Will said they did not look at the backed up debris in the waterway. The State took the small, medium and heavy damages and estimated that Bourbon County alone had $366,592.47 worth of damage from the floods. Of the available mitigation money that the County could receive reimbursement for FEMA reimburses for 75% and the State reimburses for 10%. Will said they will look at man hours, bridge reports, road maintenance records and gravel costs to help calculate the cost of damages. Will said that after the initial damage assessment a second State team will come here to calculate damages.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Jody Hoener). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to have an afternoon/evening meeting on July 30th from 1-4 pm and from 5:30 – 7:30, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Nick made a motion to meet from 1-4 pm on June 25th, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

The Commissioners asked David Neville if he knew of any budgeted items that the Commissioners needed to budget for in 2020; David said he felt that the County would need to do repair work to the handicap ramp as well as work to the sidewalk at both the Courthouse and the Driver’s License building.

At 3:53, Lynne made a motion to adjourn and Nick seconded.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/25/2019, Approved Date

 

June 14, 2019                                                           Friday 9:00 am

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

Jody Hoener met with the Commissioners to discuss a letter of recommendation regarding Hemp production. Jeff made a motion to authorize Lynne to sign the letter; Lynne seconded and signed the letter. Lynne said that Kansas regulations allow a two month window to produce hemp; he felt that the County needed to work with the State to expand the two month window.

The letter stated the following:

“The Bourbon County Economic Development has been working with Joe Bisogno of KMC Brands Incorporated, and its subsidiary America’s Hemp Academy, to increase the opportunity for the growing, producing and distribution of industrial hemp in Bourbon County.

It is the Bourbon County Commission’s understanding that KMC Brands Incorporated and America’s Hemp Academy will be seeking a new venture in commercial home building made of industrial hempcrete. The Bourbon County area would serve as a perfect location for such work with its history of agricultural excellence. Additionally, there are no current zoning restrictions that would interfere with such an endeavor.

We appreciate the opportunity to explore this additional revenue stream with a new commodity to further encourage commerce in the region.”

At 11:42, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Lynne seconded and the meeting was adjourned.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/25/2019, Approved Date

 

June 13, 2019                                                           Thursday 10:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Lynne Oharah present and Jeff Fischer by telephone. The County Counselor and the County Clerk were also present.

Lynne made a motion that he sign the donation agreement from Mercy Hospital, Jeff seconded and the motion passed. Lynne signed these documents and then they were emailed to Mercy Hospital. Jeff said that the County appreciated the donation.

The meeting adjourned at 10:10 am.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/25/2019, Approved Date

 

June 11, 2019                                                 Tuesday 1:00 pm

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

Emergency Manager Will Wallis met with the Commissioners regarding the County disaster declaration; he said he had been taking pictures of flood damage. Will said that Redfield, Bronson & Uniontown all had water damage. Will said that one of the watersheds in Bourbon County had over $50,000 worth of damage. Will said Bourbon County needs a minimum of $57,000 worth of damage to qualify for assistance. Will said he had been in contact with some of the Road & Bridge grader operators regarding damage on the roads. Lynne & Jeff told Will of a few areas in the County that they felt needed looked at for damage. He said they will have a meeting today at 2:00 pm in the EOC office to discuss the water damage and educate the public regarding the declaration.

Fort Scott City Commissioner Cheryl Adamson arrived at the Commission meeting to listen.

Jeff 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.

Kendell presented the Bourbon County 2020 budget information to be used for the 2020 budget; the Bourbon County total estimated assessed valuation estimate for the 2020 budget is 107,706,498, in 2019 the estimate was 104,040,342.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker). Justin Meeks said he would be moving his office to an area in the old health department.

Shane discussed the bike trails at Gunn Park; he said he may ask the Road & Bridge department to do some work to the bridge on the trail.

Nancy Van Etten arrived at the meeting.

Jerad Heckman with the Road & Bridge department met with the Commissioners; he said they have been mowing, patching (they are patching in Garland now), working on low water crossings and hauling rock around the County. Lynne discussed a phone call he had from Mark Stewart regarding 15th & Tomahawk; Jerad said they made the road passable, but didn’t put any rock on the road, Jerad said they need to determine if this is a Bourbon County or Allen County road. Jerad said they will start asphalting on Maple & 235th on June 17th.

Bourbon County Attorney, Jacqie Spradling met with the Commissioners to present the Attorney’s 2020 budget, Ben Cole, Bill Martin, Angel Wilson and Lora Holdridge were also present for this meeting. In 2019 the Attorney was approved for $344,324, Jacqie requested $359,324 for 2020. Jacqie estimated that if the City of Fort Scott had a municipal court (which could handle some of the cases that the County does for them) it could reduce the County Attorney’s case load approximately 30%. Bill Martin said a municipal court could also reduce the amount of inmates arrested.

Register of Deeds, Lora Holdridge met with the Commissioners to present the Register of Deed’s 2020 budget. In 2019 the Register of Deeds was approved for $82,447, Lora requested $82,747 for 2020. Lora said she took out the part time employee out of her budget, but left the $15,000 in her budget, in 2020 she requested that $10,000 go towards an increase in her wages and $5,000 go towards an increase in her deputies wages, she asked that the Commissioners consider making this change for 2019 as well since the money is already budgeted.

County Clerk, Kendell Mason presented the 2020 budget for the Election & Clerk department. She requested $101,917 for the Clerk and $86,900 for the Election 2020 budget, which is the same that was allocated in 2019.

Lynne made a motion to give $500 to the Elks for the 2019 fireworks display, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Mark McCoy briefly met with the Commissioners.

Nick made a motion to go into a 35 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 and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).

Lynne made a motion to break for lunch at 4:45 and reconvene at 5:30, Nick seconded and all approved.

After lunch, The Commissioners, the County Counselor, the County Clerk, Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Nancy Van Etten and Josh Jones were at the meeting. Kevin Allen, Jason Gorman and Lora Holdridge were present for a portion of the evening meeting.

Robert Uhler with the City of Fort Scott met with the Commissioners; he gave the Commissioners a copy of the 2018 City of Fort Scott Comprehensive plan.

Nancy Van Etten said she had company coming to visit, she said one of the visitors would need access to the internet during the visit to do work, she asked for possible locations with Wi-Fi. Nancy questioned where the County is regarding the business incubator; Justin said that there is one business there now.

There was a discussion over the future plan for the County; the Commissioners said that Jody Hoener was working on developing a comprehensive plan. Lynne said that the County has limited funding and that they were cautions of their spending. Jeff encouraged people to view the roads and ditches to see the improvements that have been done in recent years.

Kevin Allen discussed potholes at the Fort Scott Lake, Nick said that road was City property; Kevin said the City said that it wasn’t City property. Kevin suggested that the City & County discuss the Lake roads to see who should be fixing those roads. There was a discussion over a milling machine and the milled product. Kevin asked if there was a plan to mill the east side of the Lake; Lynne said that there was no plan at this time to mill that road. Kevin discussed the County and the City working together regarding road work. He said the County and City needs to work towards the same goal.

Lora Holdridge asked when the City and the County would have a public meeting where people could meet to discuss inter-local options; Kevin suggested quarterly round table meetings between the County, Cities, School’s & FSCC, Lynne said that BEDCO has representatives from all of those different entities. Lynne said that the County tried to do a cooperation with the 69 highway project; he said the County receives the access roads off of the highway and that the County asked that the State didn’t pave the road next to the old At&t building on 69 highway and use the pavement on Eagle road instead, but the State paved the road next to the At&t building instead of making it a gravel road.

There was discussion over the City enforcing zoning in the three mile radius to improve the appearances of the main access roads in our County.

There was a discussion over the inter-local cooperation between the City and the County regarding the ambulance service for Bourbon County.

Lora questioned the bridge that was going to be moved to the walking trail; the Commissioners said that bridge was too big and was going to cost too much to move.

At 7:25, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

06/25/2019, Approved Date

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Supports Supreme Court Ruling

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Statement on U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Census citizenship question

 

 

“I support today’s Supreme Court ruling,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The goal is to make sure every person is counted. At stake is federal funding distributed to communities for schools, roads, public safety, parks and other programs, so Kansas cannot afford to be shortchanged in this important process. The Census also determines how many seats states have in the U.S. House, and Kansas deserves fair representation.

“The citizenship question would have done more to deter participation than encourage everyone to be counted,” the governor said. “Our Complete Count Committee is working across Kansas to raise awareness of the Census and address related challenges. If people living in Kansas aren’t counted, it will cost our state and local communities – especially our rural communities – thousands of dollars, per person, every year for the next decade. I want to remind all Kansans of the need to be counted.”

 

 

Government, Kansas

DCF Expands Access to Child Care

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Kansas Department for Children and Families Expands Access to Child Care Program

Policy changes designed to help parents maintain employment

 

In a move to help Kansans find work and stay employed, Governor Laura Kelly today announced a new Kansas Department for Children and Families initiative that will expand access to child care assistance for Kansas families.

 

“Having access to quality child care is essential for parents to maintain employment,” Kelly said. “Those with lower incomes often struggle to afford quality child care. By expanding access to the program, more Kansas families can sustain employment or participate in meaningful training programs.”

 

DCF is making several policy changes to the program that will go into effect July 1. They include:

 

  • Reducing the minimum work hours per week to be eligible from 28 to 20, which will expand child-care access to more working  parents.
  • Expanding the program to participants of the GOALS employment and training program allowing families to access child-care assistance for job search activities. GOALS is specifically for parents who participate in the state’s food assistance program.
  • Using Child Care Development Funds (CCDF) to pay child-care costs for foster children. This new program will provide foster parents the added convenience of using an EBT card to pay for child care.

 

“We know that child-care costs can be an obstacle to employment for many of our low-income families,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “In Topeka for example, affordable child care is 21 percent of a family’s income for those at the top of the eligibility threshold (185% of federal poverty level). Our expectation is that families will actually be able to increase their earnings while having peace of mind knowing their children are being cared for in healthy environments.”

 

DCF estimates more than 3,000 Kansas children will benefit from these policy changes. The agency estimates spending more than $9 million in FY 2020 and nearly $14 million in FY2021 based on current caseload data.

 

“Helping our fellow Kansans find work, stay employed and receive a quality education are universal values,” Kelly said. “This is a first step in repairing the safety net that was pulled from vulnerable Kansans during the previous eight years.”