Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of May 7

May 7, 2019                                                              Tuesday 9:00 am

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

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

Jim Harris said they had postponed the blast at the Blake Quarry until next week due to the rain. Jim said his goal is to begin the asphalt season on May 20th. He said they are installing culverts and patching; Jim said once the overlaying season starts they will be done patching for a while due to staffing.

Jeff questioned using the milled portion of the roads as chips; Jim said it would cost $300,000 to adjust the asphalt plant to do this and said it wasn’t economical to do this.

Jim said KDOT has been using haul roads south of Fort Scott; KDOT will be doing repair work to the haul roads in the next few weeks.

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

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, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman). No action was taken.

Jody Hoener and Robert Uhler met with the Commissioners to discuss wellness; Jody said State Farm has a $25,000 grant available for safety, education or community development. Jody said she planned to apply for the grant to be used for the ABC Trail plan. She said June 5th is the deadline to apply and only 1,000 grant applications will be accepted. Those 1,000 will be narrowed down to 200 and then the community votes on the winning applicant. Jody asked if the County is awarded the grant if the County could be the fiscal agent for the grant money; Jeff made a motion to allow Bourbon County to be the fiscal agent if awarded the State Farm grant, Lynne seconded and all approved.

Jody said there will be a County department head meeting on May 9th; Nick and Lynne agreed to give Jeff permission to share data at the meeting regarding wages, and the benchmarking that has been done with other counties.

Jeff Fischer said the work at the Health Department is nearing completion; he said the sheetrock is finished, he said they are painting now.

Justin Meeks discussed the OMNI EMS billing; in April OMNI collected $70,905.13. The Commissioners originally hoped the ambulance would pay for itself, but the current amount collected does not support this. The Commissioners plan to budget money for future ambulance equipment expenses.

Bill Martin and Ben Cole met with the Commissioners, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman regarding a stop sign that was recently placed at 218th & north National by Max’s Weigh Station. Bill said his request was not for a stop sign at this area, he said he was contracted by a citizen regarding a 30 mph speed limit sign going north and no sign going south (he said since it isn’t posted going south the speed limit would be 55mph since it is a County road). Bill said he discussed posting a speed limit sign there with Jim Harris, he said he later approached Jim Harris and Nick Ruhl regarding posting a 30 mph speed limit sign going south, (he said he did not request a stop sign). Lynne said that Jim’s request was for a speed limit sign; Lynne said a motion was originally made for a speed limit sign, but was cancelled and then a motion was made for a stop sign to slow traffic.

Lynne questioned the posted speed limit off of 54 Hwy going north on 125th verses the posted speed limit going south on 125th.

Larry Sharp with KCAMP met with the Commissioners and discussed services they offer and the usage report of these services for Bourbon County. KCAMP offers Attorney assist, Kansas legal based jail guidelines, KCAMP online University, on-site training and seminars, risk avoidance grants, roads scholar tuition reimbursement program and ThinkHR.

Jeff made a motion to adopt (and gave Lynne permission to sign) a proclamation declaring May 6th – May 12th, 2019 as National Nurses Week in Bourbon County, Nick seconded and all approved.

Justin Meeks met with the Commissioners, Jody Hoener, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman to discuss an interlocal agreement between the City and the County regarding road work; Justin said the law allows this and said it would be a contract between the entities and would be an agreement to exchange services or equipment. Justin said they would like to have the ability to meet with city officials regarding this.

Lynne made a motion that all three Commissioners attend lunch with a Cat representative today, Nick seconded and all approved.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 17 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.

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.

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

At 12:02, Lynne made a motion to adjourn so the Commissioners can attend lunch as well as travel to Forsythe Missouri to view a crusher, 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

05/14/2019, Approved Date

Update on 69 Hwy. Expansion

Kansas Department of Transportation work on 69 Hwy. as seen from Eagle Road earlier in the expansion project.

The U.S.Hwy 69 expansion in Bourbon County is nearing completion.

“The four lanes should be completed within the next two to three weeks,”  Priscilla Peterson, Public Affairs Manager, Southeast Kansas Department of Transportation said. “Although both north- and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane to allow the contractor to finish work on the median and shoulders.”

It is projected that the four-lane section will be open to unrestricted traffic by mid to late June, she said.

“A ribbon cutting is in the works for late June, although we don’t yet have an exact date,” Peterson said.

Local KDOT Engineer Celebrates 40 Years

KDOT employees celebrate service anniversaries

The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state years-of-service anniversaries in June. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.

 

Those celebrating 40 years:

  • Pamela Fleck, Engineering Technician Specialist, Topeka
  • John Hrenak Jr., Professional Civil Engineer II, Fort Scott
  • Raymond McIntosh, Engineering Technician, Pratt
  • Randy West, District Engineer, Ellsworth

 

Those celebrating 30 years:

  • Bret Calvin, Engineering Technician Specialist, Latham
  • Ritchie Farrell, Engineering Technician Senior, Concordia
  • Ronald Hornick, Engineering Technician Specialist, Lenexa
  • Jean Istas, Construction Engineer, Aurora

 

Those celebrating 20 years:

  • Gregory Delaney, Equipment Operator Senior, Coldwater
  • Jason Flax, Network Service Technician III, Hill City
  • Brian Holloway, Equipment Operator Senior, Osborne
  • Sherri Perry, Legal Assistant, Meriden
  • Amy Pope, Field Engineer, Olathe

Those celebrating 10 years:

  • Aaron Burd, Engineering Technician Midpoint, Salina
  • Colby Farlow, Bridge Team Leader, Lawrence
  • Thomas Hussa, Road Squad Leader, Lawrence
  • Mervin Lare, Stormwater Compliance Engineer, Lincolnville
  • Emilie Metheny, Engineering Associate III, Topeka
  • Levi Miller, Equipment Mechanic Senior, Harveyville

 

 

Kansas Water Authority RAC Membership Drive Drawing to a Close

 

Only Two Weeks Left to Apply to be a Vital Voice for Kansas Water Resources

 

The Kansas Water Office is currently accepting applications from those who would like to participate as a member of one of the 14 Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) which are established by the Kansas Water Authority (KWA). Interested individuals are encouraged to apply soon as the deadline is only two weeks away.

 

These committees play a key role in advising the KWA on implementation of each region’s water supply priorities as part of the Kansas Water Vision and the Kansas water planning process as a whole. They help identify and provide input on other emerging water resource related issues and concerns. The committee selection process will ensure all of the water users and interests within the region are represented.

 

Kansans can have a definite lasting impact on the future of water resources through RAC membership. Interested persons can apply at www.kwo.ks.gov. The application deadline is May 31, 2019.

 

 

Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101) requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.

 

# # #

 

As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.

 

The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation.

 

 

Want To Serve Your Community?

The vote here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National.

Those citizens who desire to serve their communities by serving in local government bodies must file at the Bourbon County Courthouse by June 3 and pay the filing fee or start a petition to get a certain amount of qualified votes to support you. The fees and petition votes vary per community.

The following information is provided by Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason.

 

NOTICE OF THE 2019 BOURBON COUNTY ELECTION AND POSITIONS UP FOR ELECTION

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First Class City of

THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT

3 City Commission Members

2 of the positions are for 4 year terms

1 position is for a 2 year term

Filing fee of $20

Or

A petition signed by not less than 25 qualified electors of Fort Scott

&

A State filing fee of $50.

Filing deadline is noon June 3rd, 2019.

Filing location is with the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 6, 2019.

The General Election will be on November 5, 2019.

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Third class city of

BRONSON

3 Council Members

All 4 year terms

Filing fee of $20

Or

A petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Bronson for Bronson.

Filing location is with the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file, then there will be a Primary on August 6, 2019.

The General Election will be on November 5, 2019.

*****************************************************************************

Third class city of

FULTON

Mayor

&

5 Council Members

Filing fee of $20

Or

A petition signed by no less than 5 qualified electors of Fulton for Fulton.

(Fulton-all positions are 2 year terms.)

Filing deadline is noon June 3rd, 2019.

Filing location is with the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor & more than 15 qualified candidates file for council then there will be a Primary on August 6, 2019.

The General Election will be on November 5, 2019.

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Third class cities of

UNIONTOWN & REDFIELD

3 Council Members

All 4 year terms

Filing fee of $20

Or

A petition signed by no less than 18 (10% of qualified electors registered in Uniontown) qualified electors of Uniontown for Uniontown.

A petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Redfield for Redfield.

Filing deadline is noon June 3rd, 2019.

Filing location is with the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on August 6, 2019.

The General Election will be November 5, 2019.

*****************************************************************************

Third class city of

Mapleton

3 Council Members

All 4 year terms

Filing fee of $20

Or

A petition signed by no less than 2 qualified electors of Mapleton for Mapleton.

Filing deadline is noon June 3rd, 2019.

Filing location is with the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on

August 6, 2019.

The General Election will be November 5, 2019

*****************************************************************************

THE SOUTHWIND EXTENSION DISTRICT

2 POSITIONS

Both positions are for 4 year terms

Filing fee of $20

Not able to file by petition.

Filing deadline is noon June 3rd, 2019.

Filing location is with the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.

The General Election will be November 5, 2019.

*****************************************************************************

FORT SCOTT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #234

Position #1

Position #2

Position #3

Position At Large

All positions are for 4 year terms.

Filing fee of $20

Or

A petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #234 District.

Filing deadline is noon June 3rd, 2019.

Filing location is with the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 6, 2019.

The General Election will be November 5, 2019.

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UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #235

Position #1

Position #2

Position #3

Position At Large

All positions are for 4 year terms.

Filing fee of $20

Or

A petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the    position for the USD #235 District.

Filing deadline is noon June 3rd, 2019.

Filing location is with the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.

If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 6, 2019.

The General Election will be November 5, 2019.

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

3 Positions on the Board of Trustees

Filing fee of $20

Not able to file by petition.

Filing deadline is noon June 3rd, 2019

Filing location is with the Bourbon County Clerk, 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.

If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 6, 2019.

The General Election will be November 5, 2019.

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Any person wishing to file for any office must be a qualified elector of the corresponding City or School District.

If filing by petition, the petition has to be turned in within 180 days after the first signature was collected, but not later than noon June 3rd, 2019.

 

/s/ Kendell Mason

BOURBON COUNTY ELECTION OFFICER

 

Flags Lowered May 15 For Peace Officers

Governor directs flags to be lowered in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day

 

In recognition of the National Peace Officers Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 15, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on May 15. President Donald J. Trump also issued a flag directive honoring National Peace Officers Memorial Day. 

 

“Each year we recognize law enforcement officers for putting service above self to protect fellow Kansans,” Kelly said. “I have a deep appreciation for these officers and their families – and on behalf of the State of Kansas, thank them for their commitment.” 

 

H.J. Res. 730, P.L. 87-726 designates May 15 of each year as National Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of federal, state and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda May 14

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: May 14th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:10-10:10-Jim Harris

9:15-9:30-Receipt Coding

9:30-9:45-Hay Bids

9:45-10:00-Fish Food Bids

10:00-10:30-SEK Multi County Health Dept.- Becky Johnson-2020 Budget

10:30-11:00-EMS Update- Dave Bruner and Robert Leisure

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

11:00-11:15-Executive Session-Attorney Client Privilege

11:15-11:20-Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

11:20-11:25-Tax Sale

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

1:30-2:00-Will Wallis-Resolution Adoption

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

Want To Serve On the Fort Scott City Commission?

The terms of three members of the Fort Scott City Commission will expire in January 2020.

Individuals interested in becoming a candidate for the Fort Scott City Commission election are asked to contact the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office located in the Bourbon County Courthouse at 210 S. National in Fort Scott, Kansas, or by phone at 620-223-3800.

The deadline to file as a candidate is 12:00 Noon on Monday, June 3rd, 2019.

Qualified candidates must be registered voters and residents of the City of Fort Scott at the time of the election. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5th, 2019.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected].

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

 

May 10, 2019

Veto Session, which is a time to finish up business, was a bit of a four day roller coaster.  Promises made, some kept and others – well it is what gives politics a negative connotation.

Budget:  Spending that was approved in Senate Bill (SB) 26 is approximately $7.7 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, an increase of $600 million.  Since 2013 State expenditures have increased over $3 billion.  That is a 19% increase in less than 7 years.  There were some good things in the budget but I could not support this out-of-control spending.  The vote was 26 Yes to 14 No.

Tax:  House Bill (HB) 2033 was another attempt to pass legislation that would address the state income tax increases that occurred as a result of the 2017 federal income tax changes by allowing Kansas taxpayers the option to itemize and defining tax rates for money earned offshore and brought to Kansas.  Since the Governor vetoed the last attempt, the bill included other items to “sweeten” the deal.  Finney County would be approved for a sales tax increase, sales tax on food would be lowered by 1%, vendors would be required to collect on-line sales tax, and small business owner would be able to expense items at a rate similar to corporate expensing laws.  Similar, because corporate expensing law would be changed to restrict the deduction to 100% of the purchase price.  Currently, corporations can expense at a value greater than the purchase price.  HB 2033 would allow small businesses and corporations to only deduct 100% of the item.  The bill passed 27 to 13.  I voted Yes.

Transportation:  Several transportation topics were covered in SB 63.  The bill would allow a city to adopt an ordinance to allow Uber or similar company drivers to display a lighted sign so that a ride is easily identified.  Crimes have been committed when people got into cars they thought was their ride but it wasn’t.  The bill would allow All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Utility-Task Vehicles (UTV) to cross federal or state highways.  The bill would also authorize transparent material that blocks the sun’s ultraviolet rays on a vehicle’s windshield.  The Senate position would have had no restrictions but the House wanted a doctor’s signed statement saying there is a medical need for the material.  The House position was upheld so that if a person installs the material and is issued a citation, they have 60 days to produce a doctor’s statement.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously.

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

Caryn

Gov. Kelly’s First Legislative Session

Governor Kelly highlights progress to rebuild Kansas
Outlines successes of first legislative session of her administration

Highlighting the significant progress made to rebuild Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly outlined the major accomplishments of her first legislative session as governor during a press conference this morning.

 

“We came into quite a mess in January. We’ve worked tirelessly to rebuild our state, so we can efficiently and effectively deliver the services Kansans expect,” Kelly said. “A lot of progress has been made, but we still have work to do.”

 

Kelly highlighted funding for public schools as her most notable accomplishment. The passage of bipartisan legislation resulted in $90 million more for schools, in addition to the $800 million added over the last two years. These investments have the potential to put an end to the cycle of litigation around this issue.

 

“As I’ve said, I will be the education governor Kansas deserves,” Kelly said. “This legislation represents a significant investment in the future of our students and our state.”

 

The governor also noted the steps taken to repair Kansas’ foster care system. The Legislature endorsed the governor’s budget proposal to align Kansas guidelines with the Family First Prevention Services Act, allowing the state to draw down millions in federal funds to help families before they need support from the foster care system.

 

“I’m pleased that the Legislature approved funding for 42 new social workers, so we can reduce caseloads and better serve vulnerable children and their families,” Kelly said.

 

Kelly also began the process of reducing transfers from the “Bank of KDOT,” the money from the state’s highway transportation program. Previously, this fund was used by the Legislature in past years to pay for programs unrelated to the transportation needs of the state.

 

“The State Highway Fund is one of Kansas’ most important job-creating tools,” Kelly said. “After years of fiscal crisis, we are finally using the state’s infrastructure dollars to fund infrastructure projects, instead of paying for failed tax policy.”

 

The governor also established the Office of Rural Prosperity during this first legislative session.

 

“Those are just a few of many highlights from this legislative session,” Kelly said. “And to top it all off, as promised, we accomplished all of this without a tax increase.”

 

The governor also noted key areas of concern during the press conference. She emphasized the importance of continued fiscal restraint, the corrections emergency left to address, and the disappointing lack of a Medicaid expansion vote.

 

“Because of Senate leadership, thousands of Kansans will go without healthcare for yet another year,” Kelly said. “For some, a year without healthcare can very well mean the difference between life and death. I want Kansans to know they have a champion in the Governor’s office who will keep fighting alongside them until we win this fight – no matter how long it takes.”