Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Unofficial Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council Meeting of March 12

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The Regular Council Meeting on March 12, 2024, at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Pond Project, Don George, KDWPT – Mr George was unable to attend.  Since the project is complete, he will get with Clerk Johnson soon to finish up paperwork and take for submission.  He will present a “big check” when paperwork is approved.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Dave Wehry sent an email, due to being unable to attend, regarding under-age, unlicensed drivers of golf carts on city streets.  After discussion, Clerk Johnson will send a reply as directed.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,383.58, Receipts $44,634.56, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $56,818.78, Checking Account Closing Balance $268,423.36. Bank Statement Balance $278,443.08, including Checking Account Interest of $57.98, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $10,019.72, Reconciled Balance $268,423.36.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,222.22, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,006.17, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $365,916.60. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $112.54, and Utility CDs $394.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $506.94.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Street $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00, and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of February $24,960.22, Year-to-Date Net Income $32,944.16.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $15,896.7 (12.9%), Expenditures $18,850.79 (11.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,621.56 (15.2%), Expenditures $4,883.71 (11.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $37,211.40 (25.4%), Expenditures $26,734.81 (15.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $53,528.28 (32.6%), Expenditures $19,242.89 (9.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The March 2024 payables to date in the amount of $39,826.45 were presented.  The invoices from C2, KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received at meeting time.

 

Clerk Johnson gave Council copies of comparable reports from the new software.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of February 13, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and February 27, 2024 Special Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:00PM

 

Doug Coyan called in at 7:16, out at 7:35.  Open meeting resumed at 8:00PM.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview City Clerk applicants on March 29, 2024 at 5:15PM.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that the water valve has been replaced and is working.  He also reported that KCC inspected the gas system on February 27 and no deficiencies were noted.

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan will is back.  He will work spring through fall.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton at a cost not to exceed $5,990.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwat, Bolton

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – has been asked when the public restrooms will be reopened.  April 1 was decided on.

Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the sewer issue at 100 Second St.  Owners have not contacted City about their plan to remedy.

Mayor Jurgensen – need to schedule spring clean-up and citywide yard sale.  Citywide yard sales will be April 20 and spring clean-up will be April 29-May 2 with three dumpsters that will be removed as filled.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – concrete work completed.  Someone did initial the wet concrete.  Someone has volunteered to seed when ground leveled.  It was suggested to also paint hopscotch and/or four square games also.  A portable net, paddles and balls have been donated.  Once court is painted it was suggested to host a Grand Opening.

 

Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen received a verbal quote to break up concrete scale and fill with concrete and millings, then top with 6” of packed rock.  A written quote was received by Clerk Johnson.  Mayor Jurgensen will ask for a written quote instead of verbal quote and we will request at least one more quote from recommended vendors.

It was suggested that we look into the process to sell the weed barn and use the proceeds to offset the cost of refurbishing the warehouse.  Clerk Johnson will contact attorney about the process to sell the property.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:19PM

Fort Scott, Government

List of Upcoming City of Fort Scott Meetings

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Several City of Fort Scott Meetings are planned next week:

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING

When: Tuesday, March 26th

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topic for discussion: – Certificate of Appropriateness for 17 S. Main Street

The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available on YouTube.

For more information:  [email protected] or 620.223.0550

 

CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION

When:  Tuesday, March 26th

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topic for discussion: Lake Lots

The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available on YouTube.

For more information:  [email protected] or 620.223.0550

 

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING – PUBLIC HEARING

When:  Wednesday, March 27th

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topic for discussion: Case No. 1045 – Zoning Change C2 to R2

The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available on YouTube.

For more information:  [email protected] or 620.223.0550

 

 

Submitted by

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Measles Are On The Rise: Vaccines Are Encouraged

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Submitted by Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer

Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination

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Health Alert Network logo.
HAN_badge_HEALTH_ADVISORY_320x125

Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network
March 18, 2024, 12:30 PM ET
CDCHAN-00504

Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention for all international travelers aged ≥6 months and all children aged ≥12 months who do not plan to travel internationally. Measles (rubeola) is highly contagious; one person infected with measles can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom they come in close contact. From January 1 to March 14, 2024, CDC has been notified of 58 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, including seven outbreaks in seven jurisdictions compared to 58 total cases and four outbreaks reported the entire year in 2023. Among the 58 cases reported in 2024, 54 (93%) were linked to international travel. Most cases reported in 2024 have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Many countries, including travel destinations such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, are experiencing measles outbreaks. To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission from importation, all U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations. Healthcare providers should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR. Given currently high population immunity against measles in most U.S. communities, the risk of widescale spread is low. However, pockets of low coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks.

Background
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated persons. Measles typically begins with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2 to 4 days before rash onset. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days (range 7 to 12 days), while rash onset is typically visible around 14 days (range 7 to 21 days) after initial exposure. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. Individuals infected with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterward.

Declines in measles vaccination rates globally have increased the risk of measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the United States. Measles cases continue to be brought into the United States by travelers who are infected while in other countries. As a result, domestic measles outbreaks have been reported in most years, even following the declaration of U.S. measles elimination in 2000. Most importations come from unvaccinated U.S. residents.

Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. MMR vaccines are safe and highly effective, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%) most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity). However, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019–2020 school year to 93.1% in the 2022–2023 school year, leaving approximately 250,000 kindergartners susceptible to measles each year over the last three years. Thirty-six states plus the District of Columbia (DC) had less than 95% MMR coverage among kindergartners during the 2022–2023 school year. Of states with less than 95% MMR coverage, ten reported more than 5% of kindergartners had medical and nonmedical exemptions, highlighting the importance of targeted efforts at increasing vaccine confidence and access.

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers

  • Schools, early childhood education providers, and healthcare providers should work to ensure students are current with MMR vaccine.
    • Children who are not traveling internationally should receive their first dose of MMR at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4 to 6 years.
  • All U.S. residents older than age 6 months without evidence of immunity who are planning to travel internationally should receive MMR vaccine prior to departure.
    • Infants aged 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Infants who receive a dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses of MMR vaccine, the first of which should be administered when the child is age 12 through 15 months and the second at least 28 days later.
    • Children aged 12 months or older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
    • Teenagers and adults without evidence of measles immunity should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
  • At least one of the following is considered evidence of measles immunity for international travelers: 1) birth before 1957, 2) documented administration of two doses of live measles virus vaccine (MMR, MMRV, or other measles-containing vaccine), or 3) laboratory (serologic) proof of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease.
  • Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with fever (≥101°F or 38.3°C) and a generalized maculopapular rash with cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis who has recently been abroad, especially in countries with ongoing outbreaks. When considering measles, then:
    • Isolate: Do not allow patients with suspected measles to remain in the waiting room or other common areas of a healthcare facility; isolate patients with suspected measles immediately, ideally in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) if available, or in a private room with a closed door until an AIIR is available. Healthcare providers should be adequately protected against measles and should adhere to standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspect cases, regardless of their vaccination status. Healthcare providers without evidence of immunity should be excluded from work from day 5 after the first exposure until day 21 following their last exposure. Offer testing outside of facilities to avoid transmission in healthcare settings. Call ahead to ensure immediate isolation for patients referred to hospitals for a higher level of care.
    • Notify: Immediately notify state, tribal, local, or territorial health departments (24-hour Epi On Call contact list) about any suspected case of measles to ensure rapid testing and investigation. States report measles cases to CDC.
    • Test: Follow CDC’s testing recommendations and collect either a nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, and/or urine for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and a blood specimen for serology from all patients with clinical features compatible with measles. RT-PCR is available at many state public health laboratories, through the APHL Vaccine Preventable Disease Reference Centers, and at CDC. Given potential shortages in IgM test kits, providers should be vigilant in contacting their state or local health department for guidance on testing.
    • Manage: In coordination with local or state health departments, provide appropriate measles post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible after exposure to close contacts without evidence of immunity, either with MMR (within 72 hours) or immunoglobulin (within 6 days). The choice of PEP is based on elapsed time from exposure or medical contraindications to vaccination.

Recommendations for Health Departments

Measles is an immediately notifiable disease. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments have the lead in disease investigations and should report measles cases and outbreaks within 24 hours through the state health department to CDC ([email protected]) and through NNDSS.

  • Establish measles case reporting from healthcare facilities, providers, and laboratories to public health authorities.
  • If measles is identified, conduct active surveillance for additional (secondary) cases and facilitate transportation of specimens immediately to confirm diagnosis.
  • Record and report details about cases of measles, including adherence to recommended precautions and facility location(s) of index and secondary cases.
  • Enhance outreach and communications to under-vaccinated communities through trusted messengers.

Recommendations for Parents and International Travelers

  • Even if not traveling, ensure that children receive all recommended doses of MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide better protection (97%) against measles than one dose (93%). Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella.
  • Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally. Before international travel, check your destination and CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health Notice for more travel health advice, including where measles outbreaks have been reported.
  • Parents traveling internationally with children should consult with their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that they are current with their MMR vaccinations at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants aged 6 to 11 months should have one documented dose and children aged 12 months and older should have two documented doses of MMR vaccine before international travel. Depending on where you are going and what activities you plan, other vaccines may be recommended too.
  • After international travel, watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks after returning to the United States. If you or your child gets sick with a rash and a high fever, call your healthcare provider. Tell them you traveled to another country and whether you or your child have received MMR vaccine.

For More Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

Department of Health and Human Services

HAN Message Types

  • Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance about a public health incident.
  • Health Advisory: Provides important information about a public health incident.
  • Health Update: Provides updated information about a public health incident.

###
This message was distributed to state and local health officers, state and local epidemiologists, state and local laboratory directors, public information officers, HAN coordinators, and clinician organizations.
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Bourbon County, Government

City of Uniontown Council Special Meeting Agenda for March 19

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CALL TO ORDER AT _________ by __________________________________________

ROLL CALL:

 ____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ­­____ Mary Pemberton  ____ Bradley Stewart

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 15, 2024

 

Tax Relief passed the Senate and was sent to the House.  All of the bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org.  Here are some highlights.

 

Tax Relief for All Kansans: Property, Sales, and Income tax cuts passed in SB 539 with a bi-partisan vote of 29 to 11.  I voted Yes.  The bill would cut taxes for every Kansas taxpayer.  It will:

  • eliminate state income tax on Social Security (SS)
  • provide property tax relief to homeowners by increasing the K-12 20 mill exemption to $100,000, up from $44,000
  • eliminate the state sales tax on groceries July 1, instead of Jan 1, 2025
  • increase personal exemptions for single filers to $11,000 and $22,000 for married joint filers and increase for inflation each year after – current single exemption is $2250 and $4500 for married
  • increase single filer standard deduction to $4000 and increase all standard deductions (married is currently $8000) for inflation each year after
  • increase dependent exemptions to $3000 up from $2250 and increase each year after for inflation
  • create a single tax bracket at 5.7 that would decrease each year .05 for 5 years
  • decrease the privilege tax to 1.63 for banks and 1.62 for trust companies over two years
  • create a child tax credit program based on household income

Personal Property Taxes would be eliminated on off-road vehicles (including all-terrain vehicle – ATVs), watercraft, golfcarts, motorized bicycles, snowmobiles, and trailers with a gross weight of 15,000 lbs. or less.  The KS County Appraisers Association asked me to help eliminate the taxes because it cost more to collect the tax than what is collected.  The County Treasurers and Clerks I checked with agreed.  Also, constituents had contacted me asking me to help because the taxes on these items are high and the penalties are steep.  SB 484 is a win for the taxpayer and the tax collector.  It passed 29 to 11.

 

Property Tax Freeze for Seniors and Disabled Veterans would be expanded in HB 2465 by subtracting SS from the household income, increasing the household income limit to $80,000, and increasing the home valuation to $595,000.  Currently, only 50% of SS can be subtracted from the household income and it must be below $53,600 with a home valuation of $350,000 or less.  HB 2465 would also open up the filing deadline because most people didn’t know about the program.  (They must not be reading my newsletters )  The filing deadline for the property tax freeze is April 15 each year.  The form is K-40SVR at Kansas Department of Revenue https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr23.pdf.  I worked diligently with other Senators and House Tax Conference Committee members to pass this into law and we are working to expand the program so more people qualify.

 

Sales Tax Exemption For Disabled Veterans would be a new program for veterans.  Any 50% or more disabled veteran would not pay state or local sales tax on personal purchases, excluding vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products.  It would have a limit of $24,000 in purchases.  KDOR reported that most Kansas families spend about that amount on items that have a sales tax.  The original bill was SB 58.   The committee voted to create Senate Substitute for HB 2036.

 

HB 2036, a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, created constitutional questions as stated by lawyers and others.  Instead of risking losing the legislation because of questions on constitutionality, it made more sense to expand the existing program that freezes property taxes for seniors and disabled veterans and implement the sales tax program.  It will help more disabled veterans, because not all own a home.  The state has avoided the question of constitutionality with the property tax freeze program by having all of the property taxes paid and homeowner apply for a rebate.

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

Caryn

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Will Not Meet on March 18

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

 

 

There will not be a Commission meeting held on Monday, March 18.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission on March 19

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION  

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

March 19, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call

Matthew Wells,  Tim VanHoecke,     Melissa Guns,     Dyllon Olson,     Tracy Dancer

III.    Pledge of Allegiance – T. Dancer/Mayor

  1. Invocation – M. Wells/Commissioner
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1356-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates February 28, 2024 – March 12, 2024 – $387,082.32
  5. Approval of Minutes from March 5, 2024, February 6, 2024, and September 19, 2023 – cannot confirm earlier approval.
  6. February Financials

VII.   Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room.  Public Comments are for any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

VIII.   Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting you wish to address the Commission with your topic. You will be scheduled on the official agenda to speak on that topic.

 

  1. Tiger Color Run – Request for Temporary Street Closure – April 26, 2024 – Maple Ridge Park (roadway in Riverfront Park) – 5:00PM – 8:00PM and Temporary Park Closure – April 26, 2024 – 4:00PM – 8:00PM.
  2. Diane Striler – Downtown Ice Rink

 

  1. Old Business 
  2. Approval of Ordinance No. 3762 – AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 2383, ORDINANCE NO. 2384 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2393 WHICH ESTABLISHES THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KASAS, PLANNING COMMISSION, AND ORDIANCE NO. 3497 AMENDING SECTION 2.20.040 MEMBERS APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF THE MEMBER THEREOF AND DEFINING THEIR DUTIES – Recommended by Planning Commission-February 21, 2024, tabled by City Commission-March 5, 2024- Commission Work Session-March 12, 2024.

 

  1. Approval of Ordinance No. 3761 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.04.90 OF ORDINANCE NO. 3486UTLITY TERRAIN VEHICLES (UTV) OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE – tabled March 5, 2024, to change verbiage before approval.
  2. Approval of Ordinance No.3763 to repeal Ordinance No. 3060 Requiring a Public Dance License
  3. Approval to correct the numbering of Charter Ordinance No. 32 to Charter Ordinance No. 35.
  4. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Inc. – tabled from February 20, 2023
  5. Updates on (6) lake lot surveys – J. Dickman
  6. New Business
  7. Public Hearing – Case No. 1043 – Zoning Change from R2-C3 and      Conditional Use Permit – Gary W. Cullor and Sally A. Cullor Revocable Trust    represented by Kevin F. Mitchelson/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm and Fred           Wingert/Advantage Development, LLC. – Recommended by the Planning Commission on February 21, 2024.
  8. Action Items
  9. Consideration to purchase (1) 2024 72” Grasshopper 900D mower under state contract #53340. Item is budgeted for 2024 to replace the Super 104 mower -$21,124.95 – T. Coffman
  10. Consideration to purchase WorkMaster 70 – Tractor for Public Works from R&R Equipment – Sole Vendor – $38,500.00 – T. Coffman
  11. Consideration of CD Reinvestment Bids (2) bids received – Landmark National Bank and UMB Bank – B. Hart
  12. $2,000,000.00 – 12 Months – Settlement Date March 20, 2024 –      

Maturity Date June 20, 2024

  1. $1,000,000.00 – 3 months – Settlement Date March 20, 2024 –

Maturity Date June 20, 2024

  1. Discussion of School Zone Speed Limit Signs on National
  2. Discussion of Downtown Parking Time Limit/Yellow Curb Enforcement
  3. Discussion of Codification of Ordinances for City of Fort Scott – L. Lewis
  4. Discussion of Fireworks for 4th of July
  5. Reports and Comments
  6. City Manager Comments
  7. Engineering Comments
  8. Commissioners Comments
  9. City Attorney Comments

 

 XII.   Executive Session

 XII.    Adjourn

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Agenda for March 18

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March 18, 2024
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
March 18, 2024. The meeting will be held in the meeting room of Cleaver-Burris Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Review of Programs – Agriculture, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on February 19,
2024, and Special Board Meeting conducted on February 29, 2024,
C. Approval of Bills and Claims, 9
D. Ratification of Contracts, 30
1. Tri-Valley Shredding Agreement, 30
2. Osawatomie State Hospital Agreement for Clinical Training, 32
E. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 40
A. First Reading of Policies, 40
1. Purchasing
2. Travel Expenses
3. College Vehicle Use
4. Guidelines for Use of FSCC
Facilities
B. Honorary Degree, 45
C. Graduation Ceremony Attendance, 46
ACTION ITEMS, 47
A. Resolution 2024 – 2: Consideration of Sycamore Grove Apartments Lease Agreement, 47
B. Resolution 2024 – 3: Consideration of Board Member Conflict of Interest Policy, 48
C. Resolution 2024 – 4: Consideration of Board Meeting Rules of Order Policy, 49
D. Resolution 2024 – 5: Consideration of Employee Tuition Scholarship Policy, 50
E. Resolution 2024 – 6: Consideration of Campus Closings Due to Weather Policy, 51
F. Resolution 2024 – 7: Consideration of Tuition and Fees for 2024-25 Academic Year, 52
G. Resolution 2024 – 8: Consideration of Agreement Between FSCC and IDEA, 571
H. Resolution 2024 – 9: Consideration of Culinary Arts Memorandum of Understanding
Between FSCC and Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, 58
I. Resolution 2024 – 10: Consideration of Amended Lease Agreement between FSCC and the City of Frontenac, 60
REPORTS, 66
A. Higher Learning Commission
B. Gordon Parks Museum
C. Foundation
D. Administration
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 74
ADJOURNMENT, 75
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• March 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• April 15, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 20, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 27, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Jason Kegler, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – AGRICULTURE4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on February 19, 2024
and Special Board Meeting conducted on February 29, 2024.
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Bills and Claims Report.
D. RATIFICATION OF CONTRACTS
Attached are contracts for amounts less than the threshold required for Board approval.
E. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

1) Separations
a) Cale Griffiths, Custodian, effective February 29, 2024
b) Lance Coulter, Custodian, effective February 29, 2024
c) Geraldin Alaniz, Iowa MEP, effective February 29, 2024
d) McKinley Ward-LaSalle, Assistant Track/XC Coach, effective February 29, 2024
e) Mary Speyrer, Louisiana MEP, effective February 29, 2024
f) Jolee Carswell, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective March 7, 2024
g) Kristen Havron, Cosmetology Instructor, effective March 8, 2024
h) Celina Moses, Assistant Director to Financial Aid, effective March 20, 2024
i) Jared Keylon, Director of Facilities and Operations, effective March 22,
2024
j) DeeDee Cheney, Athletics Secretary, effective March 31, 2024

2) Transfers
a) Sara Sutton, from Agriculture Instructor/Meats Coach to Vice President of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development, effective July 1, 2024
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp

To view the entire packet:

3.18.24 Consent Agenda(1)

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Minutes of the FSCC Board of Trustees on February 19

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
February 19, 2024

PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members

Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Holt recognized the men’s and women’s track team who took first
and second in the conference respectively, as well as Coach Redrick who was voted men’s coach of the year. The men’s 4×4 team broke the region’s record and will go to Nationals.

Jim Fewins reported past FSCC president Jim Meisner passed away unexpectedly, and his funeral will be at the National Cemetery. More details will be shared when they become available.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Anne Dare asked about migrant education and IDEA at FSCC. Although she said she’s not sure what it is and what it does for FSCC, she is concerned about the balances in those funds as shown on the treasurer’s report. She said she found where IDEA was approved by the Board of Trustees in the
March, 2023. She asked the Board to consider if IDEA is a partnership they want to continue.

REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – VOLLEYBALL: Coach Trisha Hamm and seven volleyball team members introduced themselves. Trisha started as head volleyball coach in the 2022-23 season, improving from 6-22 the first year to 13-16 the second year. The team made it to the playoffs for the first time in three years, hosted their first
tournament in five years, and had a nationally ranked team GPA. The team participated in the welcome back to school at a local elementary school, has served as line judges at high school games, had a Greenbush day, and volunteered at trunk or treat, the spring kids fair, and worked the baseball admissions gate. Coach Hamm said they are always looking for community service opportunities. The team has four returning as sophomores, five committed, two offers are out, and two still to visit and offer, and all but 1 are from Kansas. The group agreed they have created a positive culture in the program. Board members were encouraged to attend games, help with the pancake feed, and help spread the word about their camps.

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote
to approve the consent agenda.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. First Reading of Policies – As part of a plan to consistently work towards updating Board Policy, the following policy revisions were reviewed for feedback. They will be presented for final approval at the next board meeting.
a. Board Member Conflicts of Interest
b. Board Meeting Rules of Order
c. Employee Tuition Scholarship
d. Campus Closings Due to Weather
B. Five Year Financial Plan – Dr. Kegler reported many have asked what FSCC’s plan is to recover from financial concerns. He said many other presidents in the state have shared their financial plan. The financial plan pages are a framework for moving forward. Amounts will remain blank until the Board goes
through a budget workshop to complete it.
C. 2024 – 25 Academic Year Fees – Dr. Kegler said he hoped to have numbers for fee increases, but is still waiting on a couple of outside entities to get back with FSCC on what things will cost. Dr. Kegler
explained student fees will likely increase $5 and most institutions across the state are increasing tuition and fees $2 and $3 respectively, so across the state institutions are seeing a fee increase of $3 – $5. Dr. Kegler said FSCC is anticipating a $5 fee increase this year and potentially tuition increase next year, as6
well as a housing increase of $100 – $200 depending on what rates Great Western Dining provides. The executive team will continue talking about rates.
D. FSCC Athletic Hall of Fame Guidelines – The Board reviewed the current requirements for admission to FSCC Athletic Hall of Fame. Based on the guidelines currently in place, it appears at least one of the students mentioned in a previous meeting is eligible to be nominated. Steve Anthony reiterated his desire
to help with any part of the process.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 1: A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to mapprove an increase in the allowed petty cash amounts from $3,300 to $5,300.
B. Resolution 2024 – 2: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to table the consideration to terminate the current lease with Sycamore Grove Apartments upon completion of the current agreement’s term. Fewins requested additional figures on students, capacity, and fees, in order to make a decision. Ropp requested new board members be given a tour of the housing
options so the board knows what they’re being asked to consider.
C. Resolution 2024 – 3: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the Bank Signee Resolution.

REPORTS:
• HLC – The HLC Committee has continued meeting every other Tuesday, reviewing what has been done for each criterion since 2020. Dr. Kegler reported a digital copy of the progress will be provided to the Board.
Dr. Kegler added the number of employees going to the HLC Conference has been reduced based on feedback. Dr. Kegler, Sonia Gugnani, and Sara Sutton will attend the conference in April in Chicago.
• GORDON PARKS MUSEUM – The Board reviewed a report provided by the Gordon Parks Museum.
Dr. Kegler added he’s received several compliments on the work that Kirk Sharp is doing.
• FOUNDATION – None
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Miami County, Academic Affairs, Finance and Operations, Student Services, and President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 5 minutes beginning at 8:10 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personnel information of non-elected personnel with no action expected to follow. The Board invited Dr. Kegler to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 8:16 pm by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by
unanimous vote to return to open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
8:16 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

Area News, Government, Kansas

John E. Johnson Jr. Escaped From Jo. Co. Department of Corrections

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Escapee John Evans Johnson Jr.
Submitted photo.

Minimum-Custody Offender John Evans Johnson, Jr. Placed on Escape Status from Johnson County Department of Corrections’ Adult Residential Center

~Should be considered dangerous~

GARDNER, Kansas. –

Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been placed on escape status after not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) facility this afternoon.

Johnson, a 49-year-old white male with green eyes, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds. He has a shaved head and nine tattoos across his arms, legs, neck, and back.

He was placed on escape status when he did not return to the residential center following two job interviews.

Johnson has been serving a one-year sentence at the Johnson County Work Release Center since August 3, 2023. He was convicted in Wyandotte County for one count of burglary.

Anyone with information on Johnson should call the KDOC’s Enforcement, Apprehension, and Investigations Division (EAI) at 816-266-2102, the JCDOC at 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at [email protected]

The walk-away is currently being investigated.  New information will be released as it becomes available.

Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who meet certain criteria can be housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration into the community.

A photo of John Evans Johnson, Jr., can be found here.