There will be an emergency meeting today, Feb. 7 at 9 a.m. at the Bourbon County Commission room at the courthouse.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the weather conditions.
Category Archives: Government
Governor Kelly: Focus on Ending Finance Litigation
Governor calls on legislature to exercise fiscal restraint, focus on ending school finance litigation
On a day when the Kansas Senate is debating a tax cut bill reminiscent of the Brownback tax experiment, Governor Laura Kelly encouraged the legislature to remember the priorities of working families and focus on funding education and ending the school finance litigation once and for all.
“I was elected to rebuild this state, and I take that responsibility very seriously,” said Kelly. “It is time to put the priorities of Kansas families first and fund our schools. With a Supreme Court deadline fast approaching, the legislature should be focusing on education, not another irresponsible tax plan.”
Since the session began, the governor has introduced a bill to address the Kansas Supreme Court ruling and fix inflation in the school funding formula. Kelly also proposed a structurally balanced budget that begins to repair the mismanagement of state agencies and the severe damage done to the state’s finances by the failed tax experiment.
“In the last month, my administration has offered clear direction and priorities for the future of Kansas,” said Kelly. “We are listening to the people of Kansas and focusing on the priorities critical to improving the lives of Kansas families and children. I encourage the legislature to do the same.”
LaTurner Seeks to Recover U.S. Savings Bonds
State Treasurer Jake LaTurner Continues Fight in Washington, D.C. to Recover United States Savings Bonds
Washington, D.C. — Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner and attorneys representing his office will appear before the U.S. Court of Federal Appeals located at 717 Madison Place NW in Washington, D.C. at 10:00 a.m. (EST) Thursday, February 7th to continue his fight to recover the proceeds of lost, abandoned, unclaimed, and/or stolen United States Savings Bonds for Kansas citizens.
“The men and women of the Greatest Generation purchased these bonds during a time when people put trust in their government’s pursuit of the greater good. Their sacrifices helped finance the war against Hitler, build the interstate highway system, and put a man on the moon,” said LaTurner. “Now it is time for that same government to honor its commitments and repay its debt to those who built it.”
The Court of Federal Claims, in a strongly worded opinion, ruled on August 8, 2017 that Kansas was entitled to the information from the United States Treasury on the bonds sold in Kansas. This information would give the State Treasurer’s Office the tools they need for researching the rightful owners of these bonds and connecting them with their unclaimed money. The United States Treasury has appealed that ruling. The ruling was a first of its kind with respect to U.S. savings bonds and a positive first step in the fight to return the bonds proceeds to Kansas and other states as well.
It is estimated that there are $26-billion in matured but unclaimed bonds nation-wide with more than $200-million belonging to Kansans. In many cases, bonds remain unclaimed because the rightful owners or heirs are unaware they exist. J. Brett Milbourn, lead attorney on the Kansas State Treasurer’s appeal of this case believes the best vehicle for returning this money exists at the state, rather than the federal level.
“State Treasurers around the country already have a number of resources at their disposal to reunite citizens with their missing or unclaimed property,” said Milbourn. “Although the U.S. Department of the Treasury has a responsibility to notify and pay these mature bonds, the government has no plan – nor any real incentive — for keeping the promises it made when these patriots loaned it the money.”
In addition to Kansas, South Dakota, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana, Arkansas and Florida have cases pending in the Court of Federal Claims seeking the same relief. A total of 20 states have followed Kansas’ lead and passed laws to allow the Unclaimed Property Administrator of the state to seek recovery of lost, stolen, or abandoned bonds.
On September 7, 2018, 20 senators, including Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary Steven Mnuchin urging him to work with Kansas and other states to resolve their claims and help the states reunite original bond owners with their proceeds of unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds.
This Week In the Kansas Legislature
From Senator Richard Hilderbrand’s weekly newsletter, here is what is happening in the Kansas Legislature:
Monday –
- Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment: Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – [Senate Education Committee; February 4 at 1:30 pm]
Tuesday –
- Hearing on: SB 27, removing a restriction, for purposes of employment security law, on leasing of certain employees by client lessees of lessor employing units – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
- Hearing on SB 40, removing expired warning provision for approach of an emergency vehicle traffic violation – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
- Hearing on SB 41, clarifying that a violation of the statute requiring seat belt use is a traffic infraction – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
- Presentation by: Roger Werholtz, Kansas Department of Corrections – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 5 at 10:30 am]
Wednesday –
- Hearing on: SB 15, amending the definition of “service-connected” in the Kansas police and firemen’s retirement system – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; February 6 at 9:30 am]
- Hearing on: SB 45, enhancing penalties for offenses causing death or serious bodily injury to public sector employees – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 6 at 10:30 am]
- Hearing on: SB 44, appropriations for the department of education for FY 2019, 2020, and 2021; increasing BASE aid for certain school years; continuing 20 mill statewide levy for schools and exempting certain portion of property used for residential purposes from such levy – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance; February 6 at 1:30 pm]
Thursday –
- Briefing on: Property taxes by the Kansas Department of Revenue – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; February 7 at 9:30 am]
- Hearing on: SB 16, authorizing school districts to expand at-risk education funds on evidence-based learning programs – [Senate Education Committee; February 7 at 1:30 pm]
Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter
State senator Richard Hilderbrand 13th district
communications from the state capitol
February 1, 2019∙ Week One
HARD FACTS:
- Senate Bill 9 would credit $115 million to the public school unit within KPERS, which has an unfunded liability of more than $6 billion and retains the system’s lowest actuarial funded ratio at 61.6% (Topeka Capital-Journal).
- Kansas Sales Tax 8th Highest in Nation. Kansas has the eighth highest state and local average sales tax rate, per a new study from the Tax Foundation. It revealed that Kansans pay an average of 8.67 percent in sales taxes on retail purchases within the state.
- The 1859 Kansas Constitution Makes No Mention of Abortion. A case currently before the Kansas Supreme Court is worrying many pro-life Kansans, because a lower court ruled that there is an independent right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution, which was crafted in 1859. In examining the historic document, we can find no mention of that right. In fact, Article 1 of the Kansas Bill of Rights says, “1. Equal rights. All men are possessed of equal an inalienable natural rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Early Learning Resources from the State Library
BookFlix is an online resource from the State Library of Kansas for children in grades PreK-3 that pairs video storybooks with related nonfiction e-books. Imagine Curious George paired with a nonfiction book about monkeys. The read-along storybook highlights each word as it is read. This option can be turned off. Related games reinforce early learning reading skills. BookFlix requires Flash.
Britannica E-Stax (PreK-6) features nonfiction books that can be read online or downloaded to any Internet enabled device.
Both are available at no charge through the State Library’s web site http://kslib.info/storytime . 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. Adobe Flash is needed to view the animation and hear the narration. Questions: [email protected] or 785-296-3296.
STOP THE TAX INCREASE BILL
The Senate Select Committee on Federal Tax Code Implementation approved Senate Bill 22 on Thursday with a party-line vote of 7-2. The bill which would allow Kansans to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses, was created in response to President Trump’s historical tax cuts of 2017.
The bill is expected to deliver millions from the unexpected tax windfall back to individuals and businesses in Kansas. Numerous proponents of the legislation stressed the point that inaction or failure to pass the bill, would result in a tax increase for Kansans with the possibility of Kansas-based companies leaving the state to find more affordable options. The windfall directly linked to the Trump tax cuts belongs to Kansas taxpayers, not government and Senate Bill 22 would allow Kansans to fully benefit from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
The Kansas Senate is expected to debate SB 22 next week.
KANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
This week, the Senate recognized the 2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Whitney Morgan of Wyandotte High School. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is nominated to represent Kansas in the National Teacher of the Year program.
Whitney was joined by seven other teachers who were winners of the regional competition administered by the Kansas Department of Education.
Kansas Teacher of The Year:
- Whitney Morgan, Kansas City USD 500
Regional Finalists:
- Jennifer S. Brown, Geary County USD 475
- Megan Clark, De Soto USD 232
- Signe A. Cook, Great Bend USD 428
- Nicole L. Corn, Lawrence USD 497
- Lan T. Huynh, Wichita USD 259
- Sharon L. Kuchinski, Leavenworth USD 453
- Tim “T.J.” Warsnak, Halstead-Bentley USD 440
NEXT WEEK
Monday –
- Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment: Kansas Department of Education, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – [Senate Education Committee; February 4 at 1:30 pm]
Tuesday –
- Hearing on: SB 27, removing a restriction, for purposes of employment security law, on leasing of certain employees by client lessees of lessor employing units – [Senate Commerce Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
- Hearing on SB 40, removing expired warning provision for approach of an emergency vehicle traffic violation – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
- Hearing on SB 41, clarifying that a violation of the statute requiring seat belt use is a traffic infraction – [Senate Transportation Committee; February 5 at 8:30 am]
- Presentation by: Roger Werholtz, Kansas Department of Corrections – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 5 at 10:30 am]
Wednesday –
- Hearing on: SB 15, amending the definition of “service-connected” in the Kansas police and firemen’s retirement system – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; February 6 at 9:30 am]
- Hearing on: SB 45, enhancing penalties for offenses causing death or serious bodily injury to public sector employees – [Senate Judiciary Committee; February 6 at 10:30 am]
- Hearing on: SB 44, appropriations for the department of education for FY 2019, 2020, and 2021; increasing BASE aid for certain school years; continuing 20 mill statewide levy for schools and exempting certain portion of property used for residential purposes from such levy – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance; February 6 at 1:30 pm]
Thursday –
- Briefing on: Property taxes by the Kansas Department of Revenue – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee; February 7 at 9:30 am]
- Hearing on: SB 16, authorizing school districts to expand at-risk education funds on evidence-based learning programs – [Senate Education Committee; February 7 at 1:30 pm]
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.
KCC approves settlement agreement in Kansas Gas Service rate case
Topeka- This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a partial unanimous settlement agreement negotiated between KCC staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), Kansas Gas Service (KGS) and other intervenors pertaining to the utility’s application to increase rates.
Under the settlement agreement, residential customers will see an increase of $2.40 per month (4.23 percent) on average. That includes an increase in the customer charge from $16.70 to $18.70 per month. The new rates take effect February 6, 2019. The company’s original proposal called for a monthly residential increase of $5.67 or 10 percent. In its application, KGS requested to increase base rates by $45.6 million. The settlement approved today will result in an annual increase of $21.5 million.
One issue yet to be decided is whether KGS will be allowed to keep the tax savings it has accrued since the Federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act took effect. In December 2017, the KCC issued an order requiring investor owned utilities to accrue those savings in an interest bearing regulatory account allowing time to study the economic impacts of the new lower tax rates and where appropriate, pass cost savings on to consumers. KGS asked to retain the accrued savings of $17.9 million to offset its cost of service. Both KCC staff and CURB voiced opposition to the request at an evidentiary hearing in December. The Commission will issue a decision on the tax savings issue on or before February 25.
Today’s order can be viewed on the Commission’s website at: http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=296a4df7-658b-4d87-b9a6-fde3a18331ff
Energy Conference Oct. 3-4
2019 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference will Take Place this October
Topeka, Kan. – The 2019 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference is looking for speakers.
The conference is an annual event featuring the latest trends and developments in the renewable energy industry sector within Kansas and across the U.S. This is an opportunity for innovative speakers to educate about changing trends and new advancements in their industry. Attendees will include industry experts, wind and solar developers, manufacturers, utilities, community leaders, and related business representatives.
Topics of Interest:
• Wind
• Community/public sector initiatives
• Solar
• Transportation
• Biofuels
• Energy Storage
• Energy Efficiency
• Green Energy
• Economic Impact
• Transmission
The event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn, Manhattan on October 3-4.
Those wishing to be speakers must submit their topic of choice by March 1, 2019.
Questions should be directed to:
Jeanna Lee
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Feb. 5
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: February 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 Wellness Update
9:15-10:00-Jim Harris
10:30-Employee Questionnaire
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch.
2019-2020 Kansas Transportation Maps Available
Whether you want to find the closest airport, discover new places of interest or travel along a Scenic Byway, the new 2019-2020 Kansas Official State Transportation Map has it all.
The map, published by the Kansas Department of Transportation, highlights numerous tourist and scenic locations, including state parks and lakes, as well as the recreation areas across the state.
City/county indexes and a distance map allow motorists to pick the best route to their destination. Visitor resources, helpful phone numbers/websites and locations of museums and hospitals are also provided.
On the back of the map are inset maps of Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka and 13 other cities. There is also road condition information and details on how to get roadside assistance.
Maps will be available at various travel information centers, attractions and other locations across the state. They can also be requested on the KDOT website at http://www.ksdot.org/maps.asp.
Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission Jan. 15
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of January 15, 2019 Regular Meeting #1
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 15th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.
INVOCATION: Pastor Norman Tillotson, First Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Arnold Schofield, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Deb Needleman, Rachel Pruitt, Pastor Norman Tillotson, Seth Simpson, Jennifer LaRoche, Billy Keith, Mark McCoy, Chad Brown, Jody Hoener, Frank Adamson, Kevin Allen, Lindsay Madison, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Alpha Money and Randy Ballweber – Codes Certification – (Rescheduled to February 5th, 2019 meeting)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 18th, 2018.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1230-A totaling $581,238.41.
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Resolution 1-2019 designating the official City newspaper.
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Resolution 2-2019 designating the official City depositories for public funds
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 7 South National Avenue and 6 East Wall
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 10-12 East Wall Street
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 124 E. Wall Street
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Resolution 3-2019 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1612 E. Oak – Public Hearing Date – 3/5/2019 at 6:15 p.m.
Commissioner Parker asked about Item G, the Certificate of Appropriateness for 124 E. Wall. She reviewed the information in the packet and asked if this outdoor addition needed approval from SHIPO. She asked if more detailed drawings were needed from the property owner.
Arnold Schofield, Chairman, Design Review Board, was present and said that SHIPO is more concerned with alterations to the exterior and interior, and outside features are left to the local government officials to approve. The original photos submitted were not to the Board’s liking, but Rachel added the dimensions to the photos as she was also at the meeting and then showed them to the Board, and this was ultimately approved.
A discussion was also held about the outside park area and if the property owner was responsible for any liability. Jody Hoener said that she has talked to her insurance carrier already on this. It is a private playground area.
Bartlesmeyer moved the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
REORGANIZATION OF CITY COMMISSION AND ELECTION OF MAYOR, COMMISSION PRESIDENT, B.C.E.D.C.I. REPRESENTATIVE, AND FORT SCOTT HOUSING AUTHORITY DELEGATE.
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Election of Mayor
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Commissioners thanked JoLynne Mitchel for the great job she did serving as Mayor the last two and a half years.
Bartelsmeyer moved to appoint Jeanie Parker as Mayor of the City of Fort Scott. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPOINTED JEANIE PARKER AS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.
City Clerk, Diane Clay, administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Mayor, Jeanie Parker.
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Election of Commission President
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Nichols moved to appoint Cindy Bartelsmeyer as President of the Fort Scott City Commission. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPOINTED CINDY BARTELSMEYER AS PRESIDENT OF THE FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION.
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Election of Bourbon County Economic Development Council Inc. Representative
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Bartelsmeyer moved to appoint Dr. Randy Nichols as the City’s representative on the Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPOINTED DR. RANDY NICHOLS AS THE CITY’S REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE BOURBON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, INC.
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Election of Fort Scott Housing Authority Delegate
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Mitchell moved to appoint Cheryl Adamson as the City’s representative on the Fort Scott Housing Authority Board. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPOINTED CHERYL ADAMSON AS THE CITY’S REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE FORT SCOTT HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: Mark McCoy – Discussion on Visioning Committee – Mr. McCoy appeared before the Commission to discuss the idea of a joint City/County form of government. There is one county in the State of Kansas that has this form of government and that is in Wyandotte County. He asked for the Commission to consider putting a task force together to research this option.
City Manager said that City staff has been looking at this. We have to do what is best for the citizens of Fort Scott. He asked the Commission to consider supporting the visioning committee.
Adamson moved to approve to support the visioning committee and their research. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO SUPPORT THE VISIONING COMMITTEE AND THEIR RESEARCH INTO A JOINT CITY/COUNTY FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONSIDERATION:
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Airport Electric Vault Upgrade – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, introduced Seth Simpson, Airport Manager, to the Commission. She informed the Commission that there is $150,000 in F.A.A. entitlement funds that need to be spent or they will expire. They would like to upgrade the electrical at the airport.
Seth Simpson informed them that a new structure will be built on the east side of the outside of the hangar. The structure will house all the electrical for the airport. LED lights will be installed which will be more energy efficient.
Rachel informed the Commission that she and Seth are meeting with the F.A.A. tomorrow afternoon. The grants have not been awarded yet.
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Consideration to Solicit Bids – Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (16) – Paul Ballou, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that the Fire Department received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to replace the self-contained breathing apparatuses that are currently used by the Fire Department personnel during firefighting and hazardous environments. This grant was awarded in July of 2018. He asked for approval to solicit bids for 16 self-contained breathing apparatuses which the grant will pay for.
Mitchell moved to approve to solicit bids for 16 self-contained breathing apparatuses. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR 16 SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUSES.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates:
Deb Needleman – KCAMP – Deb informed the Commission that the City’s insurance group, KCAMP, has a Risk Avoidance Grant program. She applied for a grant and the City was awarded $2,000. This amount was used to purchase light bars for the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief’s vehicles. She will apply again next year.
Frank Adamson – City Manager asked Frank Adamson to update the Commission on the Fisher Park project.
Frank said he started working on this project about three years ago. This project is to install a parking lot on the west side of Main Street to alleviate parking on Main Street when games are held. He has raised about $8,400. He has visited with AG Engineering who has estimated it will cost about $8,500 to design the parking lot. There will be some opposition due to the house that is located to the north side of the proposed area.
City Manager asked the Commission to discuss the proposed area with AG Engineering to see if it is feasible for a parking lot.
Nichols moved to allow the City Manager and Frank Adamson to visit with AG Engineering to see if the proposed area is feasible for a parking lot. Mitchell seconded. Bartelsmeyer, Mitchell, Nichols, and Parker voted aye. Adamson abstained. Motion carried.
Approved to allow the City Manager and Frank Adamson to visit with AG Engineering to see if the proposed area is feasible for a parking lot.
Rachel Pruitt – Rachel said she had several updates to give:
Price Chopper Incentives – Rachel informed the Commission that with the closure of Price Chopper, she wanted to point out that no taxpayer dollars are affected by the closing. Price Chopper had performance-based tax incentives with the CID and the TIF. She knew there had been several comments about how much taxpayer dollars were invested and there were none.
Fort Scott Lofts – Rachel shared photos of the floor plan for the Union Block building which will house Fort Scott Lofts. They plan to have nine units on the 1st floor. This will go through the Planning Commission process as they will need a Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the first floor of the building.
County Survey – Rachel said she just received, this afternoon, a copy of a survey that the County plans to send out. It is called the Bourbon County Business Retention and Expansion Survey. It is sponsored by Bourbon County, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and Live Local. It is a 13 page questionnaire. The City was not aware of this survey and she was told that the County Commission approved the survey today. There are specific City questions on this questionnaire and she would have liked for the City to be involved since there are specific City questions.
City Manager said that the City is not involved in this survey and if the County is going to do one, the City should have been asked about it. The City knows what our goals are: Lower taxes, Healthcare, and Streets. That is the City’s mission. The City should have seen this questionnaire first. He checked with the Chamber’s president and he had not seen this questionnaire either.
Commissioner Bartelsmeyer said that this questionnaire is not confidential due to the questions asked.
Commissioner Nichols said that he sits on one of the boards that is sponsoring this and had no idea about it.
City Manager stated that the City is not involved in it and does not support it.
Thanks – Rachel thanked the City Commissioners for serving on the board. They all do a great job!
B. City Commission:
Nichols – Congratulated Jeanie Parker on becoming Mayor and thanked JoLynne for serving as Mayor.
Adamson – Remarked that it was a pleasure to have JoLynne as Mayor.
Mitchell – Congratulated Jeanie Parker on becoming Mayor. She thanked Rachel for all her hard work.
Bartelsmeyer – She also expressed her congratulations to Jeanie Parker and thanked JoLynne for the great job she did while being Mayor.
Parker – Thanked JoLynne for her terms as Mayor and stated this will be a challenge but she will do her best as Mayor.
C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.
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City Manager:
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City Manager thanked JoLynne for the great job she did while she was Mayor. She always handled herself in a good manner.
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Flag Pole at Skubitz Plaza – City Manager said that there was a letter to the editor in Saturday’s newspaper regarding the flag pole at Skubitz Plaza. This will have to go through the Design Review Board, and ultimately, the City Commission before any approval is given. It is still in the design stage and could take quite some time. The City will discuss any problems with this when more information is available.
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Tourism – City Manager thanked Larry Gazaway for the great job he is doing traveling to trade shows and marketing Fort Scott and the LaRoche Baseball Complex. He appreciates his hard work.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:16 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:16 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on February 5th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY
Fort Scott City Commision Agenda for Feb. 5
Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission for Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at city hall, 123 S. Main.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER
II. FLAG SALUTE:
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Matthew Hunt, Faith Church
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Alpha Money and Randy Ballweber – Codes Certification
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 15th, 2019.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1231-A totaling $589,319.33.
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Approval of 2019 Cereal Malt Beverage License – Package Sales – GW2 DBA Cash Saver, 911 E. 6th Street
VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: Jerry Witt, Riverfront lighting
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen) –
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: None
VII. CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration of Resolution 3-2019 declaring it necessary to acquire Fire Fighting Equipment for use by the Fire Department of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas and to issue General Obligation Bonds of said City to pay the costs thereof; and providing for the giving of notice of intention to acquire said equipment and to issue said General Obligation Bonds
- Consideration of appointments to Golf Course Advisory Board
- Approval of 2019 ADM Contract
- Approval to purchase sewer push camera
- Approval to solicit bids for water leak correlator
- Consideration of new life insurance benefit offering
VIII. COMMENTS:
- Director Updates:
- Commission:
- 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:
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Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
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Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
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Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
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Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
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Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
Angel Investor Tax Credit Applications Open for 2019
Topeka, Kan. – Applications are now being accepted for companies seeking investment through the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) program for 2019. The program offers Kansas income tax credits to qualified individuals who provide seed-capital financing for emerging Kansas businesses engaged in development, implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services.
The KAITC Program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and designed to bring together accredited angel investors with qualified Kansas companies seeking seed and early stage investment. The purpose of the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit act is to facilitate:
o The availability of equity investment in businesses in the early stages of commercial development.
o Assist in the creation and expansion of Kansas businesses, which are job and wealth creating enterprises.
Applications for certification will be accepted only for Kansas businesses in the seed and early stage rounds of financing.
Companies must meet the following criteria to be certified as a Qualified Kansas Business:
o The business has a reasonable chance of success and potential to create measurable employment within Kansas.
o In the most recent tax year of the business, annual gross revenue was less than $5,000,000.
o Businesses that are not Bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than five years; bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than 10 years.
o The business has an innovative and proprietary technology, product, or service.
o The existing owners of the business have made a substantial financial and time commitment to the business.
o The securities to be issued and purchased are qualified securities.
o The company agrees to adequate reporting of business information to the Kansas Department of Commerce.
o The ability of investors in the business to receive tax credits for cash investments in qualified securities of the business is beneficial, because funding otherwise available for the business is not available on commercially reasonable terms.
o Each applicant must sign a Qualified Company Agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Certification of companies must meet mandates established by Kansas statute to allow accredited Angel Investors to receive the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit. This year, the application fee has been reduced from $750 to $500.
Applications for companies seeking investment are accepted from February 1st, 2019 through August 31st, 2019.