Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of March 5

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting #4

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

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Martin, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Michael Mix, Paul Ballou, Robert Uhler, Dave Bruner, Chad Brown, Rachel Pruitt, Nick Ruhl, Bill Lemke, Michael Hoyt, Paul Martin, Sherry Beerbower, Travis Parker, Alex Swank, Chilia Swank, Brian L. Allen, Billy Keith, Max Fanning, Jeff Fischer, Jason Gorman, Dale Bollinger, Kevin Allen, Stewart Gulagher, Pat Wood, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 19th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1233-A totaling $286,874.02.

Adamson moved the Consent Agenda. Bartelsmeyer 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) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Parker moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:15 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 5-2019 directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1612 E. Oak Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this house is owned by the Beerbower family and Sherry is here along with her contractor. Rhonda said has given them a list of items that need repaired on this rental house that they own. They need to replace the floors inside, the electrical, drywall, the kitchen, the plumbing and the roof. Some of these items have been repaired. She asked for 30 days to either repair or remove this structure.

Travis Parker, contractor for Sherry Beerbower, said that the weather has prohibited him from working on the roof, but he thinks 30 days is reasonable.

Adamson moved to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or replace this structure. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 5-2019 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1612 E. OAK. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY APRIL 12TH, 2019 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Parker moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:17 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2019 of the governing body of the City of Fort Scott determining the advisability of issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the purpose of financing the acquisition, reconstruction, remodeling, furnishing and equipment of a commercial facility located in said city and authorizing execution of related documents – Rachel Pruitt informed the Commission that this resolution is for a taxable Industrial Revenue Bond for the development of the building at Wall and National belonging to Jennifer LaRoche. This is just a pass through IRB and there is no financing involved. All the debt is with the LLC company. This IRB allows the development to take advantage of construction materials without paying sales tax. This is a $3,000,000 development.

City Attorney said that there is no exposure to the City. This just helps the developer with sales tax assistance.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No. 6-2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 6-2019 OF THE governing body of the City of Fort Scott determining the advisability of issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the purpose of financing the acquisition, reconstruction, remodeling, furnishing and equipment of a commercial facility located in said city and authorizing execution of related documents – JENNI FROM THE BLOCK – WALL AND NATIONAL PROPERTY.

  1. Consideration of Ground Lease Bids for land at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the lease of approximately 101 acres surrounding the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There were four bids received with the high bid from Phil and Joe Wimmer in the amount of $15,500. Approval was recommended.

Parker moved to approve the high bid from Phil & Joe Wimmer in the amount of $15,500 to farm the 101 acres at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE HIGH BID FROM PHIL & JOE WIMMER IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,500.00 TO FARM THE 101 ACRES SURROUNDING THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

  1. Consideration of quote for raw water testing for cryptosporidium – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that EPA has mandated extra testing for cryptosporidium to assist with their regulations in the future. This is a non-funded mandate. There are only four laboratories that provide this service. He received quotes from three of the four laboratories and asked approval from the low quote of $11,680.00 from Analytical Services, Inc. of Williston, Vermont. This is budgeted.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the low quote from Analytical Services, Inc. in the amount of $11,680.00. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOW QUOTE FROM ANALYTICAL SERVICES, INC. OF WILLISTON, VERMONT IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,680.00 FOR CRYPTOSPORIDIUM TESTING.

  1. Consideration of Bids for Leak Noise Correlator – Bill Lemke, Water Distribution Supervisor, informed the Commission that after their approval, bids were taken to purchase a leak noise correlator. This piece of equipment will be used to determine water leaks. There were eight bids received. The two low bids did not meet specifications. He asked approval for the next low bid from Subsurface Instruments from DePere, Illinois in the amount of $22,100. This is a budgeted item.

Adamson moved to approve the bid from Subsurface Instruments in the amount of $22,100. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BID FROM SUBSURFACE INSTRUMENTS OF DEPERE, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,100 FOR THE PURCHASE OF A LEAK NOISE CORRELATOR.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Health Care Update – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that the City is very fortunate that VIA Christi and CHC both stepped in to provide health care in our community. He has heard good things about both health care providers since they have started providing services.

EMS Update – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Chief, informed the Commission that in February there were 166 calls for service with 107 transfers. This included the down time with no emergency room services. EMS is back to doing long distance transfers. The new transit ambulance vehicles are being detailed and will arrive this week. They are renovating the ambulance building and have assistance from some of the inmates. Last week, Bourbon County EMS had their State inspection and all went well. This inspection is good until April 2020.

Waggoner Engineering – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that in October of 2018, Waggoner Engineering partnered with Bedco to develop the Strategic Implementation Plan. The actual project started in December of 2018 with a review of all City planning documents, an in person visit and a working session with each director. In January and February of 2019, the preparation of the written strategic implementation plan began. Next week, Rachel Pruitt, Larry Gazaway, and himself will be going to Washington, D.C. to visit with federal legislators regarding Fort Scott.

Fire Truck Purchase – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission on the debt of the City and gave them each a sheet showing the General Obligation Debt and the time frame for each debt.

Pool/Buck Run ½ cent Sales Tax – Rhonda gave the Commission a break down on the ½ cent sales tax that was approved back in 2011 for the renovation of the aquatic center and Buck Run. The original debt was $3,900,000. The remaining debt is $1,305,000 and this will be paid off in October of 2021. The 10 year project shows tax revenue of $6,871,637; debt total $4,277,708; operating cost $2,318,333; and surplus from project $275,596.

Sales Tax Update – Rhonda shared a break down on sales from 2015 to 2019. The annual sales tax collection has increased more than 7% since 2015. The economy and sales are good which has helped keep the mill levy down over the years.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer said this shows how important it is to buy locally.

EMS Budget – Rhonda said that a public hearing will be held at the March 19th, 2019 meeting to establish the EMS budget. The notice will be published in tomorrow’s paper.

Flag at Skubitz Plaza – Rhonda said that US Cellular had approached the City about putting a cell tower up in the downtown area and they would like to install these though a flag pole. There has been some opposition about the location in Skubitz Plaza. A new location is being determined at this time and it will not be put up in Skubitz Plaza.

  1. City Commission:

Bartelsmeyer Thanked the audience for attending the meeting tonight.

Adamson – Thanked Diane and the girls in the water office for their assistance when she calls them.

Nichols Not present.

Mitchell Not present.

Parker – Thanked the audience also for attending.

C. City Attorney: Bob Farmer read from a prepared letter he gave to the City Commission: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege serving as the Fort Scott City Attorney. It is one of the most rewarding positions of my life. It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this letter to notify you that I am tendering a resignation to be effective March 30, 2019.” He said that he is not leaving his law firm and will still be around to answer questions.

  1. City Manager: Dave said that it has been a privilege to work with Bob Farmer all these years.

ADJOURNMENT: Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:44 P.M.

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

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for March 19

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

MARCH 19, 2019

6:00

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: To be Announced

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Triple AAA Award

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

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

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1234-A totaling $340,436.350.

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Bert Lewis – 2019 Prom – Street Closing and Parking Lot Request- April 13, 2019

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

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. Budget Amendment Public Hearing

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the 1st floor at the property at 18-20-22 South Main Street

  1. Consideration of Engineering Firm to conduct energy audit

  1. Request of installation of street light at 1st & Goodlander

  1. Consideration of amendment of Cereal Malt Beverage Ordinance to change from 3.2 to 6.0

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:

Health Care Update – Dave Martin

EMS Update – Dave Bruner

Legislative Report – Robert Uhler

Fire Truck/Finance Discussion – Rhonda and Rachel

  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

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

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

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

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

IX. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Horton Hospital Closes: Governor Sends Help

Governor comments on Horton Community Hospital closure, sends agency assistance

Following the closure Tuesday of Horton Community Hospital, Governor Laura Kelly extended assistance from her administration and highlighted the critical importance of community hospitals in rural Kansas.

“I’m concerned for the community of Horton as they face the serious loss of their local hospital,” Kelly said. “This is becoming a far too frequent occurrence in our state. Local hospitals are key to the health of Kansas families and are often one of the largest employers in a small town. Elected leaders must work together to do more to support our local hospitals.”

Three rural hospitals have closed in the last three months. Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott closed on December 31st. Oswego Community Hospital closed in February. And Horton Community Hospital closed its doors Tuesday.

“I’ve directed our agencies to coordinate support for hospital staff during this challenging time,” Kelly said. “A closure of a hospital has ripple effects through the community and region. Our KANSASWORKS team will be in Horton Thursday to assist hospital staff with filing for unemployment benefits, as well as job applications and re-employment services.”

The Governor’s Office, Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Department of Labor are working to provide support to employees of the hospital, ensure unemployment benefits applications are streamlined, and re-employment opportunities are available.

In response to Tuesday’s closure, KANSASWORKS will be hosting Rapid Response Informational Meetings Thursday in Horton in conjunction with the Community Outreach Event at the Horton Public Library.

Efforts to assist affected hospital employees will include Rapid Response Informational Meetings at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday at the Horton Public Library, 809 1st Ave E. No registration is required. Information will be shared about KANSASWORKS, Workforce Center employment and training services and how to file unemployment insurance benefits.

Also, the KANSASWORKS Mobile Workforce Center will be at the Horton Public Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to provide additional re-employment services. Workforce Center staff will be available to help with registering on KANSASWORKS.com, creating a resumé, job search assistance and filling out job applications.

The Rapid Response team was also sent to Oswego following the closure of its hospital last month.

Any questions about KANSASWORKS should be directed to the Department of Commerce:

Senator Caryn Tyson’s Weekly Communication March 12

The halfway point in the 2019 legislative session is officially passed so all of the work in the eighth week of session was in committees. 

Kansas Toll Roads, 236 miles of highway, are managed by the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA).  In 2015 there was a push to get rid of the tolls.  It was not successful but a law was passed requiring the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and KTA to “achieve the maximum coordination in planning, development and operation of the highway systems in this state”.  I supported that legislation and it has helped create efficiencies according to the Interim Secretary of KDOT.  The KS turnpike was built from 1954 to 1956 and has been collecting tolls ever since.  The initial $160 million bond was paid off in 1994.  Since then KTA has issued over $200 million in bonds and over $140 million in interest.  Estimates are it will not be paid off until 2040. 

A bill brought to the Senate Transportation Committee would allow some roads in Kansas to be funded by tolls.  The Interim Secretary of KDOT stressed that local input would be a factor as to where toll roads would be implemented.  The KTA collects over $100 million a year in tolls to support the turnpike.  Are toll roads the answer to supporting Kansas highway infrastructure?  I understand the need for safe infrastructure and it being one of the main functions of government.  My record demonstrates this by voting NO on bills that took money from KDOT projects.  The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, i.e. the Interstate Highway, did not allow tolls except in some cases.  Tolls are allowed on the KS turnpike because it was established before and grandfathered into the Interstate.    

Kansas Taxes, Exemptions, and Credits were discussed in the Senate Tax Committee.  Kansas taxpayers paid over $15.2 billion to support state and local governments in 2018.  The largest portion of this was property tax at $4.9 billion.  Less than 2% of property taxes in Kansas fund state government.  The rest, over $4.8 billion, funds local governments and schools.  Sales and use tax  was more than $4.4 billion and income tax was over $3.8 billion.  The rest came from other taxes such as vehicle registration, liquor, beer, cigarette, tobacco, transient guest, and other taxes.  The $15.2 billion is an increase from $13.3 billion in 2015.  Almost a $2 billion increase in three years!  This is not sustainable. 

Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) SB 9, requiring a missed state payment into KPERS be paid, was signed into law by the Governor.  Research reported the delay of payment cost around $24,000 a day, for a total payment plus interest of $115 million.  The Governor let the bill sit on her desk 9 days before signing it on the 10th day.  Can you imagine letting a bill sit on your desk knowing it was costing almost $24,000 a day?  The practice of delayed payments started in previous administrations.  I do not support this practice under ANY administration. 

 

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

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter March 8

March 8, 2019∙ Week Eight
HARD FACTS
·      Kansas received $377.7 million in General Fund Receipts for February, $34.3 million over the estimate. General fund receipts for the fiscal year are down $5 million (Kansas Department of Revenue).
·      The U.S. economy added 20,000 jobs in February, far below analysts’ prediction of 180,000 jobs (The Hill).
Kansas Talking Books Week is March 4-8
The Kansas Talking Books program, a division of the State Library of Kansas, provides library materials in a specialized format to any Kansas resident with a visual or physical impairment that makes reading difficult. This no-charge service includes fiction and nonfiction in braille or audio format, magazines in braille or audio, plus descriptive videos. A simple application is available at https://kslib.info/talking-books. A signature from a certifying authority such as a medical doctor, optometrist, or librarian is needed. If you or someone you know would like information, please visit the Kansas Talking Books website https://kslib.info/talking-books or call 620-341-6280 or 1-800-362-0699.
GOVERNOR KELLY CABINET APPOINTMENTS
On day 37 of a 90-day session, Governor Kelly finally submitted four of her acting Cabinet secretaries for Senate confirmation. The Senate read in the Cabinet secretaries on Wednesday to send to committees for screening and consideration. Once committees have held hearings on the appointment, they will then be forwarded to the full Senate for a vote.
Current Appointments submitted include:
Commerce Secretary – David Toland
Transportation Secretary – Julie Lorenz
Secretary of Health and Environment – Lee Norman
Secretary of Revenue – Mark Burghart
SENATE BILL 22 PASSES THE HOUSE
On Friday, the Kansas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 22 with a vote of 76-43. Senate Bill 22 originally passed the Senate and was created in response to federal tax reform. The legislation was created to return the unexpected windfall from the Trump tax cuts back to taxpayers while allowing Kansans to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses through decoupling with federal law. The bill also provides Kansas businesses with the full benefits of federal tax breaks on foreign income, allowing Kansas to remain competitive with neighboring states who have already done this.
The House added two amendments to Senate Bill 22. They included a 1 percentage point reduction in the state’s 6.5 percent sales tax on food. The House also included an internet sales tax amendment that would require out-of-state online retailers to pay sales tax which they have not been required to do in the past.
The Senate will have the opportunity to concur with the House’s adjustments or engage in compromises during conference committees.
GOVERNOR KELLY SIGNS SENATE BILL 9 INTO LAW
On Friday morning, Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 9 into law. Senate Bill 9 allocates $115 million from the state general fund to the school group of the Kansas Public Retirement System (KPERS). The $115 million pays back a previously missed KPERS payment, bringing the funding ratio to the highest point it has been in 25 years. The school group of KPERS has had the lowest funding ratio, at 61.6 percent, well below the total KPERS funding ratio which is 68.4 percent. I was proud to have been a co-sponsor for this bill.
Senate Bill 9 passed both the Senate and House unanimously.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF E-CIGARETTE USE
The Kansas Health Institute recently published an issue brief on the dangers of e-cigarette use. The Rising Use of E-Cigarettes in the U.S. and Kansas Sparks Concern: Federal, State, and Local Regulatory Actions, highlights the increased use of e-cigarettes among teenagers and adults as well as regulatory actions at the federal, state, and local levels.
Electronic cigarettes, commonly known as e-cigarettes, are battery-powered devices that provide nicotine and other additives to the user in the form of aerosol. This usage is referred as “vaping,” and entered the market in 2007.
A 2018 report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) concluded there is substantial evidence that e-cigarettes usage increases the risk of using conventional cigarettes among youth and young adults. Evidence has shown that most e-cigarette products contain and emit numerous potentially toxic substances and short-term exposure can cause health issues.
 NEXT WEEK
Monday –
·      Hearing on: HB 2006, requiring the department of commerce to create a database of economic development incentive program information – [Senate Commerce Committee; March 11 at 8:30 am]
Tuesday –
·      Hearing on: SB 189, providing for an increase in registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles – [Senate Transportation Committee; March 12 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 174, exempting all social security benefits from Kansas income tax – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; March 12 at 9:30 am]
·      Confirmation hearing on: Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary, Kansas Department of Health & Environment – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee; March 12 at 9:30 am]
Wednesday –
·      Hearing on: HB 2167, establishing a system for the transfer of certain deer hunting permits to nonresidents – [Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee; March 13 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 218, requiring a duly ordained minister of religion to report certain abuse and neglect of children – [Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee; March 13 at 10:30 am]
Thursday –
·      Hearing on: SB 113, providing for the legal use of medical cannabis – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee; March 14 at 9:30 am]
Thank You for Engaging
Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.
Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda March 12

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 12th, 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

10:00-10:30-Peer review regarding HVAC system at Law Enforcement Facility

10:30-11:00-Jody Hoener-Executive Session

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session- Attorney Client Privilege-15 min.

Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel-25 min.

Tax Sale-15 min.

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

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

Work Continues On 69 Hwy.

Workers were busy on Wednesday morning at the Cavalry Road intersection with U.S. 69, south of Fort Scott.

Starting tomorrow, March 8, two more side road intersections with U.S. 69 Hwy. will be closed for reconstruction south of Fort Scott.

This is part of the expanding to four-lanes project of the  national highway in Bourbon County.

On Friday, weather permitting, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close the Fern Road and Deer Road intersections on the west side of the U.S. 69. The two intersections will be reconstructed during the month-long closures, according to Priscilla Petersen, Public Affairs Manager for the Southeast District Office of the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Fern Road where it intersects with U.S. Hwy. 69, will be closed for a month of reconstruction.

Birch Road won’t be reopened until late May 2019, Petersen said. “The U.S. 69 southbound lanes are closed beyond the Birch Road intersection, and the placement of traffic control devices plus the temporary crossover between the new and existing lanes creates line-of-sight and visibility issues for drivers.”

Birch Road at the intersection with U.S. 69 on March 6.

“The Bourbon County U.S. 69 expansion project should be open to four-lane unrestricted traffic by late May or early June, conditions permitting,” Petersen said.

Next in line for expansion is the 11 miles in Crawford County of Hwy. 69.

“The U.S. 69 expansion projects in Crawford County are the six-mile Arma Connection Expressway and the five-mile Crawford County expansion,” Petersen said. “The Arma Connection is tentatively scheduled to be let in the fall of 2019, with construction starting in the winter of 2019 or early in 2020. The Crawford County Expansion is tentatively scheduled to let in the fall of 2020, with construction beginning in winter 2020 or early in 2021. Both projects would likely cover two construction seasons.”

Koss Construction of Topeka is the primary contractor on the U.S. 69 project, which has a construction cost of $21.8 million. Persons with questions may contact Darrin Petrowsky at KDOT-Iola, (620) 365-2161, or Priscilla Petersen at KDOT-Chanute, (620) 902-6433.

Legislative Update Coffee March 9

Join us this Saturday, March 9th for a
Legislative Update Coffee
with
Kansas Senators
and
Click the links on the legislators’ names above to view the committees on which they serve and their voting records.
The Legislative Update Coffee will be held at The Empress Event Center,
7 N. Main St., Fort Scott,
from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
State legislators Senators Richard HilderbrandandCaryn Tyson will give an update on the current session as well as address any issues or questions presented from the audience.
If you have a particular item you would like to have addressed and plan to attend, you may email the Chamber at [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 7th.
Coffee, juice & light refreshments will be served. Tell your friends – all are welcome!
Thank you to our sponsors:
Bourbon County Democrats
Bourbon County Republicans

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

 

March 1, 2019

Turnaround is the halfway point in the legislative session.  It is a point when bills die that have not passed the originating chamber or have not been in an exempt committee.  The Senate exempt committees are Federal & State Affairs, Tax, and Ways & Means.  Generally, there is a major push to work as many bills as possible before the turnaround.  My first year in the legislature we worked long hours for several days, including 24 hours the last day before turnaround. This year was much different.  We worked several bills and then Senate leadership decided to take off the last day before turnaround.  Needless to say, it was disappointing.  While I appreciate the meticulous pace in working legislation, we could have worked another day on the floor and completed more of the State’s business.

Taking an approved Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Course will qualify most drivers for a reduction in their motor vehicle insurance.  Some insurance companies offer as much as a 10% discount.  The course must be completed every three years.  Currently, an online course takes four hours to complete, while an in-person course takes eight hours to complete.  Senate Bill (SB) 94 would make a course four hours, regardless if online or in-person.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously.

KS Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) requested SB 49 that would remove the cap on cabin rentals owned and operated by KDWPT.  I did not support removing the cap and raised the question – should state government be in the business of competing with private sector lodging accommodations? The bill passed the Senate with 29 Yes and 11 No votes.

Eudora Community Library District  Act, SB 50, would allow the city of Eudora and the local township to continue to be a library district.  Eudora was a class 3 city that formed a library district with the local township.  However, Eudora became a class 2 city because of an increase in population, which forced a change in the library district.  This may not seem like important legislation but it is because most library districts are taxing authorities.  Statewide, Kansas libraries collect approximately $114 million a year in property taxes.  The new Eudora Library Board would first be appointed, not allowing voters an opportunity to select their representation.  While I support libraries, I am a stronger advocate for elected representation.  The bill passed  Yes 27 to No 12.  I voted No.

Law enforcement must obey the rules of the road as we do.  SB 34 would give law enforcement some leeway when the rules impede law-enforcement action.  The bill passed the Senate 34 Yes to 4 No.  I voted Yes.

Advance Ballot Signatures: SB 130 would require county election officers try to contact each voter who submits an advance ballot that is not signed or the signature does not match the signature on file, allowing the voter an opportunity to correct it before final canvass.  While I have concern as to the logistics, especially in larger counties, we need to make every attempt that all legal ballots are counted.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously.

There were many more bills debated and passed, too many to list here.  Many legislators support transparent government, myself included.  As a result of this effort committee meetings and daily sessions are available online.  Legislation and the meetings can be found at www.kslegislature.org.

 

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

Caryn

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda March 5

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 5th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:10-Wellness

9:15-10:15-Jim Harris

10:30-11:00-Bill Martin-Juvenile Placement

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session- Attorney Client Privilege-15 min.

Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel-30 min.

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

1:30-Christi Keating-Update on EMS

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Communications

March 1, 2019∙ Week Seven
HARD FACTS
·      Kansas has spent $184 million in efforts to entice businesses to leave Jackson County, Missouri for Johnson or Wyandotte County. This is compared to Missouri’s $154 million spent to bring companies to Missouri from Johnson or Wyandotte County in the ongoing border war. (Kansas City Star).
·      Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research determined that there are about 1,800 tech companies in Kansas, employing around 37,000 people. About 1,300 of those companies are considered tech creators, meaning they create hardware, software, or a tech process. 300 tech companies are located in Wichita with 270 being tech creators (Wichita Eagle).
Small business owners and would-be entrepreneurs will be interested in the Small Business Reference Center provided by the State Library of Kansas. It’s a vast resource that provides industry specific data, sample business plans, marketing guides, business start-up kits, and Nolo legal guides. Business Basics covers starting a business, managing employees and more. This Center includes more than 400 full text magazines with articles that can be printed, saved or emailed and 450 full-text reference books.
If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas. Most people will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step.  Questions: [email protected] or 785-296-3296.
FLOOR ACTION
REGISTERING FLEET VEHICLES (SB 97): Senate Bill 97 authorizes the registration of certain rental vehicles in fleets and the issuance of permanent license plates to reflect that registration. Qualification for the registration would require a person to submit the registrations electronically for more than 250 motor vehicles subject to an excise tax on the gross receipts received from rental or lease for a period not exceeding 28 days (rental vehicle excise tax). This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
COMPANY SIGNS IN VEHICLES (SB 63): Senate Bill 63 authorizes the governing body of a city to adopt an ordinance to allow a driver for a transportation network company, when the driver is logged on to the transportation network company’s digital network, to equip the vehicle with a device capable of displaying a light visible from directly in front of the center of the vehicle. The lighting device can display steady light and can be any color except red. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
REMEDIATION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM (HB 2001): House Bill 2001 extends the sunset on the Kansas Remediation Linked Deposit Loan Program, the Kansas Remediation Reimbursement Program, and the Kansas Agricultural Remediation Fund from July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2030. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
UNCLAIMED LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS ACT (SB 67): Senate Bill 67 establishes the Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act (Act). The bill would require an insurer to compare its insureds ‘in-force policies, contracts, and retained asset accounts against a DMF, on at least a semi-annual basis, by using the full DMF once and then using the DMF update files for future comparisons to identify potential matches of its insureds. The bill would require insurers, for group life insurance, to confirm the possible death of an insured when the insurers maintain at least the Social Security number or name and date of birth, beneficiary designation information, coverage eligibility, benefit amount, and premium payment status of those covered under a policy or certificate. This bill passed the Senate 39-0(I passed on this vote, because of it having a direct impact on my business).
SERVICE-CONNECTED DEFINITION IN POLICE AND FIREMEN’S RETIREMENT SYSTEM (SB 15): Senate Bill 15 revises the definition for “service-connected” as that term is used to determine death and disability benefits in the Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System. Under current law, service-connected causes for death and disability benefits include heart disease, lung or respiratory disease, and cancer. The bill would add bloodborne pathogens. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
UPDATING THE STATE BANKING CODE (SB 82): Senate Bill 82 amends provisions of the State Banking Code relating to certificate of existence, voting rights for conversion to a state charter, and the method of delivery for certain notices.
  • Certificate of Existence – specify no party may infer a financial institution relying on a certificate of existence has knowledge of the terms of an entity’s documentation solely because the financial institution holds a copy of all or part of the entity’s documentation.
  • Conversion to a State Charter Voting Rights – authorize any national bank, federal savings association, or federal savings bank to become a state bank upon the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the institution’s voting interests of members The bill would require the submission of a transcript of minutes from the meeting if two-thirds of the voting interests of members approve of the proposed conversion to a state bank.
  • Method of Delivery for Certain Notices – authorize notice by certified mail or electronically pursuant to the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act to all stakeholders at least five days in advance of a meeting to vote on the issuance of preferred stock. The bill also authorizes a safe deposit lessor to provide notice by certified mail or electronically pursuant to the Act to the lessee when a safe deposit box lease is being terminated.
This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACT (SB 90): Senate Bill 90 would allow financial institutions to claim the Center for Entrepreneurship tax credit beginning in tax year 2019, which would be applied to the privilege tax owed. The maximum amount of tax credits that any taxpayer could claim would be increased from $50,000 to $100,000. The total amount of tax credits that could be claimed for all taxpayers would remain capped at $2.0 million per fiscal year. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
KANSAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION LICENSING (SB 60): Senate Bill 60 modifies statutes related to licensing of real-estate brokers and the Kansas Real Estate Commission. The bill reduces real estate broker’s licenses time from five years to three years preceding the date of application for the license for which an applicant for a broker’s license may satisfy the requirement of two years’ experience as a resident salesperson or a licensee in another state. It also increases the pre-license education course from 24 hours to 30 hours, and no more than 45 hours, and renames the course the “Kansas Real Estate Fundamentals Course.” It also creates a new course titled “Kansas Real Estate Management Course,” which would be 30 to 45 hours in length and would be required for original broker’s license applicants beginning January 1,2020. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
REGULATING ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHT OR BENEFITS TO A RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR (SB 78): Senate Bill 78 creates law within the Kansas Consumer Protection Act regarding a post-loss assignment of rights or benefits to a residential contractor under a property and casualty insurance policy insuring residential real estate. The bill would state an assignment may authorize a residential contractor to be named as a co-payee for the payment of benefits under a property and casualty insurance policy covering residential real estate. Such assignment would be required to include a statement that the residential contractor has made no assurances that the claimed loss will be fully covered by an insurance contract as well as a specified notice in capitalized, 14-point type. The residential contractor would be required to provide the assignment to the insurer of the residential real estate within three days of the signing of the assignment, and the assignment would have to provide that, in addition to any other right to revoke, the named insured has the right to cancel the assignment within five business days after execution. This bill passed the Senate 38-1(I passed on this vote, because of it having a direct impact on my business).
AT-RISK PROGRAMS (SB 16): Senate Bill 16 requires, on and after July 1, 2019, the best practices identified and approved by KSBE for at-risk programs and instruction of students receiving at-risk program services to include, but not be limited to, programs and services provided by state-based national nonprofit organizations that focus on students who are identified as at-risk or who face other identifiable barriers to success; provide peer-reviewed, evidence-based instruction and support services to such students inside and outside the school setting; and show proven and consistent effectiveness through outcomes data, including, but not limited to, school attendance, academic progress, graduation rates, pursuit of postsecondary education, or career advancement. The bill would also specify Jobs for America’s Graduates and Boys and Girls Club as programs eligible to receive state appropriations for providing individualized support to students enrolled in unified school districts and assisting with student achievement goals. This bill passed the Senate 39-1(I voted against this bill, because I think that this is something that should be decided on the local level).
MINIMUM SCHOOL SAFETY DRILLS EACH YEAR (SB 128): Senate Bill 128 requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt rules and regulations requiring administrators of public and private schools and educational institutions, except community colleges, colleges, and universities, to conduct at least four fire drills, two tornado drills (one in September and one in March), and three crisis drills each school year. The bill would require the three crisis drills to be conducted at some time during school hours, aside from the regular dismissal at the close of the day’s session. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT PREVENTION COURSE (SB 94): Senate Bill 94 would require a motor vehicle accident avoidance course associated with required reduction in motor vehicle insurance premium charges to be at least four hours in duration. The bill would require the course utilize a nationally recognized driver training curriculum or a curriculum approved by a state or federal agency, rather than a course approved by the National Safety Council or a governmental agency such as the State Board of Education.This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
POLICE AUDIBLE AND VISUAL SIGNALS (SB 62): Senate Bill 62 authorizes the violation of certain rules of the road in the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways by the driver of a police vehicle who has reason to believe vehicle operation while using lights and audible signals could impede a law enforcement action under circumstances specified by the bill. This bill passed the Senate 34-4(I voted in favor of this bill).
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES (SB 68) Senate Bill 68 make changes to law relating to valid contract franchise ordinances and their application to wireless service providers and wireless infrastructure providers. The bill would allow a city to govern a wireless services provider’s or wireless infrastructure provider’s use of the public right-of-way using any combination of a master license agreement, permitting requirement, or municipal ordinance or code. The bill would require such governance to be consistent with federal and state law. The bill also would allow a city to assess a wireless services provider or a wireless infrastructure provider a fixed right-of-way access fee for each small cell facility that a provider deploys that requires the use of the city’s right-of-way. The fee could not be based on such a provider’s gross receipts derived from services provided within a city’s corporate limits. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
KANSAS STATE GRAPE (SB 53): Senate Bill 53 designates the official Kansas red Winegrape as Chambourcy, and the official Kansas white Winegrape as Vignola’s. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
POSTSECONDARY TECHNICAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY (SB 71): Senate Bill 71 reauthorizes the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority (TEA) by repealing the statute specifying sunset date of June 30, 2019. The bill would also require the TEA to make an annual report to the Legislature on the performance of its functions and duties. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
DATE FOR TAKING OFFCE (SB 105): Senate Bill 105 authorizes a city to determine the start date of a regular term of office for a city officer by resolution of the city. In law regarding city elections, the bill would require the start date be on or after December 1 following certification of the election and no later than the second Monday in January following certification of the election. If the city does not establish an alternative date, the bill would specify such term would begin on the second Monday in January. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
EMPLOYMENT FOR BLIND OR DISABLED INDIVIDUALS (HB 2044) House Bill 2044 authorizes a new income tax credit for tax years 2019 through 2023 equivalent to 15.0 percent of expenditures on goods and services purchased from qualified vendors or non-profit certified businesses, as those terms would be defined by the bill, that provide a certain level of health insurance benefits and have at least30.0 percent of their employees be resident Kansans with disabilities. The amount of the credit would be capped at $500,000 per each qualified vendor each tax year, and the total amount of cumulative credits allowed for the life of the program would be capped at $5.0 million. The tax credits would be nonrefundable, but unused credits could be carried forward for up to four years and applied against the liability of future tax years. This bill passed the Senate 37-1(I voted in favor of this bill).
AO-K TO WORK PROGRAM (SB 199): Senate Bill 199 creates the AO-K to work program that allows certain adults to earn high school equivalency credentials through the participation of career pathway oriented postsecondary classes. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH PROBLEM SEXUAL BEHAVIOR (SB 77): Senate Bill 77 requires the Department for Children and Families (DCF) to offer services to children with problem sexual behavior and their families. This bill passed the Senate 38-0.
REQUIRING THE NOTIFICATION OF MISSING FOSTER CARE CHILDREN (SB 162): Senate Bill 162 requires the notification to the governor and legislature whenever a child goes missing in foster care. The Department for Children and Families (DCF) would be required to notify the governor and legislature as well as the newspaper of the county wherever the child went missing. The bill also requires DCF to issue a fine of $500 to the contractor for each day the contractor fails to report the missing child. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
STATE CABIN RENTAL FEES (SB 49): Senate Bill 49 authorizes the Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism to establish fees for the public use of cabins owned or operated by the department and for camping permits at state parks. SB 49 eliminates current law that requires the department to obtain approval from the Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism Commission to establish fees for the use of cabins by the public. The bill also eliminates current caps on fees for cabin rentals. This bill passed the Senate 29-11(I voted against this bill. This bill deletes the fee caps, and oversight for the Secretary of KDWPT. I do not believe that we should give any unelected bureaucrat the ability to raise fees without any oversight. This bill also gives the state an unfair advantage over private business) .
KANSAS CEREAL MALT BEVERAGE ACT (HB 2035): House Bill 2035 provides uniformity in the issuance of citations for violations of the Kansas Cereal Malt Beverage Act by ABC. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
ALLOWING CERTAIN PODIATRISTS TO PERFORM SURGERY (SB 61): Senate Bill 61 adds podiatrists who completed a two-year post-doctoral surgical residency program prior to July 1, 2007, in reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery to the podiatrists who may perform surgery on the ankle, as long as they are board-certified or in the process of being certified. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
AMENDING THE CRIME OF COUNTERFEITING (SB 134): Senate Bill 134 amends the crime of counterfeiting currency. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
REMOVING A RESTRICTION IN UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (SB 27): Senate Bill 27 repeals the provision in Kansas Employment Security Law (commonly referred to as unemployment insurance or UI) that prohibits professional employer organizations from including a client company’s owners and officers in the same UI quarterly report as that company’s employees. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS (SB 193): Senate Bill 193 provides for licensure by reciprocity for social workers at baccalaureate, master’s, and specialist clinical levels and amends the requirement for licensure by reciprocity for other professions regulated by the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. SB 193 allows applicants who are deficient in the qualifications or in the quality of educational experience required for licensure, to obtain provisional licenses to allow the applicants time to fulfill remedial or other requirements prescribed by the Board. The bill also amends the licensure requirements for a specialist clinical social worker by reducing the number of hours of postgraduate supervised professional experience required. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
ADDRESSING ISSUES WITH SIGNATURES ON ADVANCE BALLOTS (Sub SB 130): Substitute for Senate Bill 130 amends law concerning advance ballots and associated signature requirements. The bill requires county election officers to try to contact each voter who submitted an advance voting ballot without a signature or with a signature that does not match the signature on file and allow the voter to correct the deficiency before the final county canvass. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
CHANGES TO MUNICIPAL OFFICE ELECTIONS (SB 131): Senate Bill 131 amends law concerning the filing date for municipal offices and the date certain newly elected township officers take the oath of office. SB 131 changes the filing deadline for a candidate in a municipal election where a primary election is not authorized or required by law from September 1 prior to the general election in odd-numbered years to the day before the primary election date in both odd- and even-numbered years. The bill also changes the date a newly elected trustee, clerk, or treasurer of any township must take the oath of office, from within 20 days after being notified of such election to on or before the second Monday in January when the term of office begins. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS (SB 7): Senate Bill 7 amends current law regarding the timing of appointing a replacement school board member, timing of elections of officers of a local board of education, the date local school district board officials take office, and the timing of an election to change the method of election or voting plan for school board members. SB 7 also requires the first meeting of the Board of Education to be on or after the second Monday in January or at a later meeting if so determined by the Board at the first meeting, rather than in July. This bill passed the Senate 37-2(I voted against this bill, because I think that this is something that should be decided on the local level).
EUDORA COMMUNITY LIBRARY DISTRICT ACT (SB 59): Senate Bill 59 allows the city of Eudora to continue to be part of a library district previously established by the City of Eudora and Eudora Township. This bill passed the Senate 27-12(I voted against this bill. It gives an unelected board the ability to assess taxes. Plus the city of Eudora already collects a tax for this same issue. This is the definition of taxation without representation.)
NEXT WEEK
NEXT WEEK
Monday –
·      NO SESSION
Tuesday –
·      NO SESSION
Wednesday –
·      Hearing on: SB 200, increasing retirement benefit cap and decreasing employee contribution rate for members of the Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System in certain circumstances – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; March 6 at 9:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 150, enacting housing protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or stalking – [Senate Judiciary Committee; March 6 at 10:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 142, appropriations for the department of education for FY 2020 and FY 2021 in response to litigation; increasing BASE aid for certain school years – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance; March 6 at 1:30 pm]
Thursday –
·      Hearing on: SB 192, authorizing the secretary of transportation to designate toll projects on new and existing highways and changing the requirement to fully fund toll projects solely through toll revenue – [Senate Transportation Committee; March 7 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 197, reducing the sales tax rate on food and food ingredients – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; March 7 at 9:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 206, authorizing the state fire marshal to have law enforcement powers and to investigate fire deaths – [Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee; March 7 at 10:30 am]
Thank You for Engaging
Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.
Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.

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