Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas, Submitted

Governor Signs Transparency Bills

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Gov. Jeff Colyer Signs Number of Transparency Bills into Law

Includes DCF Transparency Bill and Police Body Cam Legislation

TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer today signed three transparency bills and issued an executive order aimed at increasing government transparency and accountability. By signing House Substitute for SB 336, Senate Substitute for Senate Substitute for HB 2386, HB 2642 and issuing Executive Order 18-13, Colyer seeks to build on a number of transparency bills and executive orders put into law since he took over as governor in January.

“Transparency has been and will continue to be a priority for my administration,” said Gov. Colyer. “These bills, coupled with Executive Order 18-13 are important to me and to Kansans across the state. I appreciate the legislature for passing these critical measures and I look forward to continued work to increase government transparency and accountability for the people we serve.”

The first measure Gov. Colyer signed, House Substitute for Senate Bill 336 amends the statute governing access to information pertaining to children in need of care and child fatalities. With the signing of this law, the Secretary of the Department for Children and Families may now release the age and sex of the child, date of the fatality, and a summary of any previous reports of abuse or neglect involving the child in addition to any DCF recommended services provided to the child.

“This legislation is the cornerstone of the many things we have done to be more open and transparent to the public,” said Gina Meier-Hummel, DCF Secretary. “This measure strikes the correct balance between being sensitive to the need for privacy for families and ensuring that we are being transparent and getting the appropriate information out to the public.”

The second component of House Substitute for Senate Bill 336 changes the disclosure of audio or video recordings made and retained by law enforcement using a body camera or a vehicle camera. Under the previous law, only certain individuals were able to gain access to these recordings.

SB 336 expands the list of people who can request access to the footage to include a spouse, adult child, or parent of the deceased. This bill also adds a provision requiring the agency to allow the access to recordings within 20 days after the request is made.

Kansas Attorney Michael Kuckelman, whose clients struggled under the old law to obtain footage after losing a family member, spoke positively about the bill.

“The important thing about this audio and video is that it helps both families and law enforcement,” said Kuckelman, “There are times where law enforcement is falsely accused and this will demonstrate to the public if there’s a false accusation. If on the other hand, there is wrong doing, this provides an opportunity for a family to bring that to light and make certain that the public knows what is going on in their community.”

Governor Colyer also signed the Senate Substitute for Senate Substitute HB 2386, which requires agencies processing applications for employment that include a license, certification, or registration to list not just the qualifications, but also the specific civil and criminal records that would disqualify an applicant from receiving that license, certification, or registration. Additionally, if an individual has a misdemeanor record that would disqualify them, but has not been convicted of another crime five years preceding the application for licensure, the record cannot be used to disqualify the candidate at the end of the five-year period following the satisfied sentence.

This bill is coupled with executive order 18-13, which takes the bill a step further, by requiring agencies to post offenses that would disqualify a potential applicant prominently on the agency website.

“Executive order 18-13 allows individuals to know what the rules are without having to go searching for it in the fine print,” said Gov. Jeff Colyer.

The governor also signed HB 2642, which clarifies and strengthens campaign and election laws, while also updating the penalties for several violations.

“Some candidates were avoiding campaign finance reports eight days before the election because the penalty was low,” said Rep. Keith Esau. “This bill is an important step towards fixing our campaign finance laws.”

Government, Kansas, Submitted

Governor Signs School Finance Bill Fix

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Governor Jeff Colyer Signs School Finance Bill Fix 

OLATHE- Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today signed House Substitute for Senate Bill 61 during a ceremony at the central office of the Olathe School District. This bill was intended to fix an error made in the school finance bill that the Governor signed last month in Topeka.

“I’m very happy that the House and Senate were able to come together and fix the mistake in the previous legislation,” said the Governor. “This bill gets more money in the classroom and adds accountability measures without raising taxes on hardworking Kansas families and I’m happy to sign it.”

 

Government, Kansas, Submitted

DCF Announces New Communications Director

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Taylor Forrest assumes a leadership role in DCF communications

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce that Public Information Officer Taylor Forrest has been promoted to Communications Director, effective Monday, May 7. Forrest replaces Theresa Freed, who was named Deputy Secretary of Public Affairs for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

“I would like to thank Theresa for the hard work, leadership, and dedication that she has demonstrated at DCF the last five years. I wish her the very best of luck at our sister agency,” said Secretary Meier-Hummel. “I have full faith that Taylor will pick up where Theresa left off and engage the public purposefully to share the important work of our agency.”

Forrest has served as the public information officer for DCF since June 2017. She has a bachelor’s degree in convergent journalism from Southwestern College. Previously, she interned for Senator Jerry Moran and former Congressman, now Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.

Government, Kansas, Submitted

Freed Shifts To KDHE

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KDHE Welcomes Deputy Secretary of Public Affairs

Theresa Freed makes move from DCF to KDHE in a leadership role, continuing State service

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Jeff Andersen is pleased to announce that Theresa Freed will join KDHE today, Monday, May 7, to serve in a newly-created position of Deputy Secretary of Public Affairs. Theresa served as the Communications Director for the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) for five years, and prior to that, served as Public Information Officer for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

“I’m excited to have Theresa heading our Communications and Legislative divisions,” said Secretary Andersen. “She has done tremendous work at DCF, engaging the public and embracing new technology to share the good work of the agency. We look forward to her doing the same and more at KDHE.”

As DCF Communications Director, Freed was instrumental in leading many DCF public relations projects, including the launch and implementation of Foster Kansas Kids, digital signage, and the children’s room redesign. She successfully initiated DCF’s presence on social media and played a key role in the redesign of both the DCF public website and intranet. She worked closely with the agency’s Legislative and Policy division to create and review legislative testimony and supplemental information for lawmakers. Prior to State service, Freed worked for 13 years as a print and television reporter and anchor, honored with numerous journalism awards. She obtained bachelor’s degrees in broadcast journalism and political science from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in mass communications from California State University.

“I have greatly appreciated my time at DCF,” said Freed. “After many years of working at an agency that assists families at some of the most difficult points in their lives, I am now looking forward to helping Kansans in this new capacity. KDHE does amazing work through a wide range of programs and services, and I am excited to share those stories.”

Relevant experience from State service that Freed brings to KDHE includes serving on the initial KanCare Communications Workgroup, supporting the work of the KanCare Ombudsman, leading communications planning on the KEES project related to DCF services, and working closely with the DCF child care program to launch and promote a quality recognition system. She has previously worked in collaboration with KDHE on joint messaging related to child care facility safety and hot car awareness related to children.

Freed will lead the team of communications professionals at KDHE, including Director of Communications Gerald Kratochvil and Public Information Officers Kara Titus and J.C. Reeves. She will also oversee the legislative division, which includes Legislative Liaison Liz Dunn.

Freed and her husband, Larry, reside in their hometown of Topeka, with their two sons.

Government, Kansas, Submitted

Governor Responds to Decision on Lifetime Caps

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Governor Colyer Responds to CMS Decision on Lifetime Caps

TOPEKA- On Monday, Governor Colyer and the State Medicaid Director received a letter from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (“CMS”) announcing they would not approve lifetime caps.

Gov. Colyer issued the following statement:

“As we indicated during the last Bob Bethell KanCare Oversight Committee meeting on April 23, Kansas is no longer pursuing a lifetime limit provision in its 1115 waiver.

“The decision to remove lifetime caps was made after a series of discussions with CMS in which they indicated they would be unable to approve the measure.

“While we will not be moving forward with lifetime caps, we are pleased that the Administration has been supportive of our efforts to include a work requirement in the 1115 waiver. This important provision will help improve outcomes and ensure that Kansans are empowered to achieve self-sufficiency.”

 

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 8

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: May 8, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00- 9:15 George Collinge- Eagle Road project

9:45-10:00 Fence viewing decision between Cutler and Coyan

11: 00- 11:10 Justin Meeks- budget concern and possible action item with County Appraisers office

11:10-11:25 Justin Meeks- Executive Session attorney/client relationship

12:00- 1:30 Commissioners gone to Lunch

1:30- 1:50 Justin Meeks- meeting about old jail/ Data Center

1:50-2:20 Justin Meeks- update on NRP/Meeting times/Resolution

2:30 Employee Handbook

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

Government, Kansas

Governor Ensures Job Seekers Not Asked About Criminal Record

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Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. Issues Executive Order to “Ban the Box” on Executive Branch Employment Applications

 TOPEKA, KS – Governor Jeff Colyer today issued Executive Order 18-12 regarding state employment practices. The order instructs all Executive Branch departments, agencies, boards, and commissions under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Governor to ensure that job applicants are not asked about their criminal record during the initial stage of a state employment application.

“Studies have shown that gainful employment is a major factor in reducing recidivism rate among former offenders,” said Gov. Colyer. “This is simply about treating people as individuals and allowing them to explain their circumstances at a later point in the process”.

The executive order notes that individuals with criminal records often experience obstacles when trying to rejoin society, such as the practice of automatically disqualifying those with criminal records from consideration. The ‘Ban the Box’ initiative, which has been adopted in numerous other states, allows applicants to explain their unique facts and circumstances to potential employers while still allowing employers to inquire about a criminal background in later stages of the process.

The order does not prevent employers from conducting criminal background checks or from excluding such applicants if a law or regulation prohibits those with criminal records from holding that specific position.

Studies show that recidivism rates fall substantially when ex-offenders achieve gainful employment. Many other states have adopted policies revising their state employment practices to lower the barriers to individuals with criminal histories seeking to enter the state workforce, including more than 30 that have adopted some form of “Ban the Box” policy. The national “Ban the Box” initiative has brought renewed attention to the value of discussing applicants’ criminal history later in the hiring process and providing applicants with an opportunity to explain their unique facts and circumstances to potential employers.

Fort Scott, Government

Golf Course Improvement

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Woodland Hills Golf Course is located at 2414 S. Horton.

The city’s Woodland Hills Golf Course is getting some improvement.

A new golf cart shed is being built east of the clubhouse that will house 40 golf carts.

The build began about 10 days ago and is expected to be complete in a few weeks, according to Shannon O’Neil, head golf professional and clubhouse manager.

J.T.  Construction, Fort Scott, is the contractor for the shed.

“It’s built to store 30 golf carts that the city owns (for public use),” O’Neil said. “It will have room to hold up to 40 carts.

The cart shed is beneficial for both security and convenience, O’Neil said.

The cost of the build is approximately $65,000, which is funded basically through donations, City Manager Dave Martin said.

Woodland Hills new addition, a golf cart shed, as seen from the course, at right is the back of the clubhouse.

The golf course is hosting a junior golf camp in June and July on Wednesday mornings taught by O’Neil, who is a Professional Golf Association professional. Registration begins today, May 1.

Contact O’Neil at 620-223-5060.

Bourbon County, Government, Submitted

Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission May 1

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: May 1st, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:30-Road Closure-130th Kansas-Limestone

9:45-11:00-Fence Viewing

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Budget concern and possible action item with County Appraiser’s Office

Executive Session-Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of a corporation

Executive Session-Privileged in the Attorney/Client relationship

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

1:30-2:00-Jim Harris

2:00-2:15-Phillip Heagy-Dogs running loose in the County

2:30-Employee Handbook

2:45-Courthouse Flowers

3:00-Sandy Winters-Executive Session

3:15-Walking trail update and request for assistant from Commissioners

3:30-Update on NRP/Meeting times

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

Government, Kansas, Submitted

DCF Receives Public Suggestions

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Nearly 400 comments made in child welfare contracts Request for Information

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Family (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is now in the process of reviewing 393 suggestions and comments made during a week-long Request for Information (RFI).

On Friday, April 20, the agency announced that it would gather public input on existing foster care contracts, as it prepares to release the bid for new foster care grants (grants will replace contracts, going forward).

During the RFI, which included a public meeting and online submission,  Secretary Hummel received a wide range of opinions from interested parties, such as stakeholders, community and contracted partners, families, foster parents, staff and the general public.

Some of the most common concerns addressed in the feedback have been the high turnover rate of caseworkers, lack of proper oversight of contractors, lack of proper funding for staff, high caseloads, need for more quality training and a lack of collaboration between agencies and organizations.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts; clearly the public cares about this issue and wants the best for Kansas families,” said Secretary Meier-Hummel. “As we begin the process of evaluating the comments and concerns collected, our goal is to take each one into consideration.”

In an ongoing effort to promote transparency and accountability, the Secretary and her staff are responding to each comment made. The comments and responses will be available at a later date on the DCF website.

“We have made it a priority to listen to all parties involved so that we can make informed decisions regarding the well-being of children and families in our state,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “This was just one step in the process of ensuring that we protect the best interest of those we serve.”

Fort Scott, Government, Submitted

Minutes of the Prior Fort Scott Commission Meeting April 17

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING and Agenda Packet

Click below to view the agenda packet, which includes all financials and documents, 151 pages in all,  for the Commission meeting tomorrow, May 1 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main.

5-1-2018 agenda packet

The minutes are as follows:

Minutes of April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting #8

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held April 17th, 2018 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: Marcy Reynolds, Women’s Minister, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government and city officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Rachel Pruitt, Bill Peterson, William Polk, Krista Banwart, Trent Banwart, Michael Mix, Patrick Flanagan, Frank Adamson, Paul Ballou, Deb Needleman, Janet Braun, Marcy Reynolds, Chad Brown, John Hill, Denton Wescoat, Allyson Turvey, Tiffany Durham, Tom Robertson, Shawn Pritchett, Kevin Davidson, Aaron Gibson, Hunter Adamson, Amy Heitman, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Clayton Miller, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Recognition of Hair Bow Center – Mayor Mitchell recognized the HairBow Center as they were named in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. They began their business in 2008 and quickly expanded and built a 6,500 square foot facility in 2010. The City is proud of their many accomplishments.

Recognition of Police Officer Kevin Davidson and Shawn Pritchett and Police Corporal Aaron Gibson – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, recognized Corporal Aaron Gibson as he recently attended the Blue Courage training in Shawnee, Kansas and represented the Fort Scott Police Department very well.

Chief Shelton recognized Police Officers Kevin Davidson and Shawn Pritchett for the excellent job they have done since starting to work for the Fort Scott Police Department. They have had many stops with narcotics cases.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 3rd, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1213-A totaling $368,247.48.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 202 Scott Avenue

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 124 E. Wall

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Removal of north planters at Skubitz Plaza

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 2 S. National

  1. Approval of street closures for Prom – April 21, 2018

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

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

Pat Flanagan and Amy Heitman – Niece Products – Rachel Pruitt introduced Pat Flanagan and Amy Heitman of Niece Products of Fort Scott.

Mr. Flanagan said that he loves Fort Scott. He said that he hired Amy Heitman at their location in Texas as a welder. He asked her to move to Fort Scott as he knew she had a lot to offer. He knew she could assist with a welding grant at Fort Scott Community College. She and her husband moved to Fort Scott in late December.

Amy Heitman stated that she is trying to get more women and more young people interested in the welding program. She is working closely with Fort Scott Community College to further develop their program. She is excited to live in Fort Scott.

Tiffany Durham – Fort Scott National Historic Site – Tiffany appeared before the Commission to inform them of a job opportunity with the Fort this summer. They are looking to hire four (4) high school students from June 18th through August 11th. They will work Tuesday through Saturday with 40 hours per week. They will hire two girls and two boys. The way the jobs are chosen after the applications are received will be on a lottery basis. She said to contact the Fort or go online to fill out an application.

She also requested from the Commission that speed bumps be installed on Old Fort Boulevard. She said that there is a lot of traffic on that street and the vehicles are usually going at a high rate of speed.

City Manager asked the Commission to consider this and it will be brought back before them at the first meeting in May for approval. He has visited with Chad Brown and he said that the speed bumps are not expensive in cost.

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 6:20 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. Motion carried.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:20 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 21-2018 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 310 N. Cleveland – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure has had ongoing issues since 2009. There is someone still living in this house. The garage roof has holes in it. The house needs siding and painting and the back deck is unsafe. There are inoperable vehicles there as well as bags of cans and trash around the property. She recommended giving the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove the structure or go out for demolition.

Bill Peterson said he was the property owner and he has been planning to work on it. He has been sick and his wife is not able to help.

Rhonda said that they were put in contact with the Good Neighbor Action Team some time back.

City Manager asked if they had considered housing through the Housing Authority. He and Rhonda will meet with the property owner and Patty Simpson to discuss housing.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove this structure at 310 N. Cleveland. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 21-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 310 N. CLEVELAND. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY MAY 25TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:26 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:26 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Removal of media tower at Fisher Park – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that the media tower is not used and is a visual concern to patrons. The Recreation Department will pay to move the electrical that is hooked up to the building and the City will remove the building.

Tom Robertson, Buck Run Community Center Director, said that he met with the Recreation Department board and they are also in favor of the removal of this tower. The tower holds a lot of moisture and they are unable to store any items there. There are issues with spectators in the stands being able to see also.

Adamson moved to approve to remove the media tower at Fisher Park. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO REMOVE MEDIA TOWER FROM FISHER PARK.

  1. Consideration of Sanitary Sewer Collection System repairs utilizing the Joplin Tool Box contract – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that he has created a spreadsheet that allows him to prioritize all the sewer lines that have issues. He asked the Commission to approve the 2018-2019 contract with the Joplin Tool Box to utilize them on repairs. He also asked the Commission to allow him to use his entire budget of $275,000 to make repairs to sewers that are in bad need of repair from his prioritized list.

Mitchell moved to approve the contract with the Joplin Tool Box to utilize them on sewer repairs and to allow him to use his full budget of $275,000. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the contract with the Joplin Tool Box FOR 2018-2019 to utilize them on sewer repairs and to allow him to use his full budget of $275,000.

  1. 2018 Asphalt Program – Chad Brown, Public Works Director, informed the Commission that he created a spreadsheet of some of the worst streets in town. This started with Wall Street which is heavily traveled. He received a quote from Killough Construction of Ottawa, Kansas to mill and overlay from Clark Street to Margrave Street in the amount of $49,188.80 and a quote from Vance Brothers of Kansas City, Missouri to apply the glass pave that will reduce rutting in the asphalt surface in the amount of $9,821.74. If these companies can complete this work, that will amount to $108,209.54. The next street that the City would repair is 3rd Street from Clark to Margrave. That is estimated to be around $89,950.00, which the City will do. There are some water issues on that street which will be completed first. If there are any remaining funds left, the other streets on the list will be worked on. He asked approval for the asphalt program for 2018.

Parker moved to approve the 2018 Asphalt Program. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED 2018 ASPHALT PROGRAM.

  1. Chairs at Memorial Hall – Larry Gazaway, Convention & Visitor Bureau Director, informed the Commission that he is marketing Memorial Hall. In order to do this, the chairs really need to be replaced. The current chairs are heavy to move and it takes a lot of effort from City departments. He has found some white plastic chairs and showed a chair to the Commission. He will order clips so the chairs are clipped together and a rack to be easily stacked. He asked to order 300 chairs at an estimated cost of $9,900. He asked to be able to sell the old chairs that are currently there.

Discussion was held if the new chairs could be loaned out to others. It was determined that this was not a good idea.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the purchase of 300 chairs, sell the old chairs currently there, and not to allow the new chairs to be loaned out to anyone. Nichols seconded.

APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF 300 CHAIRS, SELL THE OLD CHAIRS CURRENTLY AT MEMORIAL HALL, AND NOT TO ALLOW THE NEW CHAIRS TO BE LOANED OUT TO ANYONE. COST OF THE NEW CHAIRS IS ESTIMATED TO BE $9,900.

Larry also informed the Commission that Adam and Jennifer LaRoche will be hosting eight (8) Combat Warrior Veterans for a turkey hunt. Three of the eight at the Airport. They will meet up and the Police and Fire Departments, and possibly the Sheriff Department, will have them escorted into town. He is asking people to line National Avenue with signs and flags to welcome these Veterans into our City at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon.

  1. Workforce Recruitment – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that the City has worked with the Chamber to produce flyers promoting all the job openings in the City. There are over 100 open jobs. This has happened for the last two months and it seems like there are still around 100 jobs open. She and her assistant, Allyson Turvey, will be starting an online campaign through social media to promote jobs. A social strategy for facebook and linked in will be used. A Lunch and Learn luncheon session will be held for all Human Resource specialists on April 20th. Allyson has developed a welcome packet that will be distributed to the Human Resource Departments of major employers in Fort Scott along with local realtors. The packet will also be uploaded to the City’s website and facebook page. Rachel informed the Commission that the City has a new facebook page and urged them all to “like” the new page.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn – Rhonda shared with the Commission a demolition list update. She will have this spreadsheet for them at the second meeting of each month.

She said that her department is focusing on grass and weeds. They have several ideas that her department is contemplating. They are having door hangers made that will hang on doors for houses needing attention and door hangers that are positive and thank the homeowner for the great way they keep their yards and houses looking.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Informed the public that this weekend is when the National Historic Site Reenactment will be held.

Bartelsmeyer – Echoed Commissioner Parker’s comments.

Nichols – Nothing to report.

Parker – Thanked the whole team at the City and the way they try to save money and promote the City.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Meet and Greet – Memorial Hall – Approval of alcohol at event – City Manager said that the Bourbon County Action Team is having a Buy and Eat/Meet and Greet event at Memorial Hall on May 3rd, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. He asked the Commission to approve the use of alcohol for this event.

Nichols moved to approve the use of alcohol for the event on May 3rd, 2018 at Memorial Hall. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE USE OF ALCOHOL FOR THE BUY AND EAT/MEET AND GREET EVENT AT MEMORIAL HALL ON MAY 3RD, 2018 FROM 5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.

  1. Home Show – City Manager thanked Tim and Deb McKenney and the radio station for the great job they do in hosting the Home Show. The City officials heard many positive comments in their booth this past weekend.

  1. Project List – City Manager informed the Commission that the Project List was emailed to them earlier this week. This list is to keep them up to date on projects in the City. There were 20 projects completed in the first quarter of 2018. There are 120 total projects. This list will be given out at the second meeting of each month.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:20 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on May 1st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK