Category Archives: Government

Government, Submitted

Scott Ranes Celebrates KDOT Service Anniversay

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

Those celebrating 40 years:

  • Larry Thompson, Director of Operations, Topeka

Those celebrating 30 years:

  • Robyn Daniels, Engineering Technician Specialist, Independence
  • Tammi Lower, Applications Developer III, Topeka
  • Robert Schremmer, Equipment Operator, Russell

Those celebrating 20 years:

  • Brad Almond, Engineering Technician Senior, Chanute
  • David Choitz, Equipment Operator Senior, Ellsworth
  • Robert Dressman, Security Analyst II, Topeka
  • William Johnson, Engineering Technician Specialist, Salina
  • John Maddox, Research Analyst V, Topeka
  • Jennifer Meyer, Administrative Specialist, Topeka
  • Scott Ranes, Equipment Operator Senior, Mapleton
  • Robert Rickstrew, Equipment Operator Senior, Wamego
  • Kelly Spiva, Engineering Technician Senior, Chanute

Those celebrating 10 years:

  • Bruce Badders, Equipment Operator Trainee, Osawatomie
  • Kathy Carrico, Senior Administrative Assistant, Severy
  • Kent Davis, Welder, Hutchinson
  • DaVonna Moore, Assistant Bureau Chief, Kansas City
  • Zandra Myrick, Management Analyst II, Topeka
  • Joel Ramsdell, Engineering Technician Senior, Carbondale
  • Michael Thompson, Equipment Operator, McPherson

 

Bourbon County, Government, Submitted

Bourbon County Commission Agenda April 24

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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: April 24th, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris-Consideration of permit for access entrance culvert at 1282 135th Consideration of listing 1989 Ford Model 7600 Tractor to sale on Purple Wave

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

Solid Waste Plan

10:00-10:15-Wage Resolution

10:15-11:00-Bill Martin-Utility payments

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Contract with CrawKan

Update about ROZ program

NRP Review/Meeting updates/data

Executive Session-Attorney/Client relationship

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

1:30-Clint Anderson

2:00-2:15-Cathy Cooper-6th Judicial Districts grants

2:15-2:30-Deferred Comp. Resolution

2:30-Employee Handbook

3:00-Pre-Planning to discuss possible repurpose of old sheriff and correctional administration offices

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

Senator Richard Hilderbrand Week 13 Newsletter

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RICHARD HILDERBRAND

SENATOR, 13TH DISTRICT

Phone: 785-296-7370
Email: [email protected]

Quote of the Week:

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”

– Abraham Lincoln

Education Bill Update

I wanted to give everyone an update on the education bill. On Saturday, the house stripped the contents of SB 423 and put in the contents of their bill HB 2445, with some minor adjustments. The house needed 63 votes to pass it, and

it passed by a vote of 63-56. The Senate needed 21 votes to pass it, and it passed by a vote of 21-19. The Governor has said that he is going to be signing this bill into law.

For the house bill to have $230 million more in spending over the senate bill, I would have hoped for better results for our Southeast Kansas districts. The senate version had

$10 million dollars to use state wide for mental health. The house version cut this dollar amount back and limited it to

6 school districts: Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, Parsons, Garden City, and Central Kansas. Mental Health funding is important for all our school districts, not just for the 6 that were selected. The house bill also has a onetime ex-

pense for the purchase of a database and computers for two school districts. While the final bill will add over $500 mil- lion more to our educational funding. It favors the urban high population areas of our state over our rural districts.

I have concerns that this new bill will not meet the equitable piece of our educational funding. That is why I voted against the concur motion, which would have sent it back to the House and Senate Education Committee.Important Updates

HOUSE LEADERSHIP FAILS TO RUN CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

HCR 5029 passed out of House Judiciary Committee, but failed to be brought above the line for debate in the full House.

A coalition of organizations known as the Kansas Coalition for Fair Funding, have come together to push for passage of the Constitutional Amendment to address the ambiguities in the Kansas Constitution in regards to suitable funding.

The coalition is made up of a variety of entities including the Kansas Contractors Association, Kansas Chamber, Kansas Farm Bureau, American Warrior, Kansas Livestock Association and Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (PMCA).

The House Judiciary Committee amended the bill and then passed it out. The differences in language can be found by reading the amended bill which you can find by clicking here: http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2017_18/measures/documents/hcr5029_01_0000.pdf

The ballot language would read as follows:

“Explanatory statement. The purpose of this amendment is to provide that suitable provision for the financing for public education means that the provision is adequate and equitable. Questions of adequacy of total funding of public education shall be determined by the legislature.

“A vote for this proposition would require suitable provision for the financing of public education to be both adequate and equitable and would reserve the power to establish and resolve any question of the adequacy of the funding to the legislature.

SENATE PASSES FEDERAL WINDFALL TAX REFORM LEGISLATION

Kansas Senate passed S Sub HB 2228, which would allow Kansas taxpayers to keep the windfall instead of government pocketing their hard-earned money. Kansas tax filers will be allowed to itemize deductions for state income tax purposes, even if they do not itemize deductions for federal income tax purposes.

The windfall is estimated to give taxpayers back $137 million of their money in the next fiscal year, $179 million in the subsequent fiscal year, and $187 million the following fiscal year.

S Sub HB 2228 accelerates the restoration of federal itemized deductions for state income purposes to 100 percent for deductions for medical expenses, mortgage interest and property taxes paid.

The bill also increases current Kansas standard deduction amounts by 25.0 percent beginning in tax year 2018

An additional provision of the bill would authorize nonrefundable income tax credits beginning in tax year 2018 for the Eisenhower Foundation.

S Sub HB 2228 also included provision to benefit businesses that employs workers with disabilities. The bill enacts a new nonrefundable income tax credit for tax years 2018-2022 for expenditures on goods and services purchased from qualified vendors or non-profit certified businesses providing a certain level of health insurance benefits and having at least

30.0 percent of their employees be resident Kansans with disabilities.

S Sub HB 2228 also seeks to bring in revenue by taxing international income expected to be returning to the U.S. after federal tax reform.

Important Updates Cont.

The Facts of the Matter

  1. Oops: Kansas lawmakers have $80M error to fix in school finance plan. Charts produced by KSDE show a difference of $79.7 million in general state aid between the approved and intended versions of Senate Bill 423. There will be a move to pass a “technical” correction when the Legislature returns on April 26. (Source)

  2. The Kansas Constitution Has a Strict Even-Year Deadline for Legislative Sessions. Many may be wondering why Saturday night was so dramatic – the reason is embedded in our Kansas Constitution. Article 2, Section 8 of the Kansas Constitution says, “The duration of regular sessions held in even-numbered years shall not exceed ninety calendar days. Such sessions may be extended beyond ninety calendar days by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house.” (Source)

  3. Gannon Case in Eighth Year. The Kansas education system has been subject to lawsuits for decades. Currently, the Gannon v. Kansas case has been active since November of 2010, casting a long shadow over the ability of the Kansas

Legislature to craft meaningful reforms to ensure every child in Kansas receives a suitable education.

ROZ Program

I submitted an amendment to add Crawford County to the state ROZ program. After an objection of germaneness by Senator Vicki Schmidt, it was ruled not germane. I worked with Senator Larry Alley from Cowley county to get the Kansas Income Tax waiver added.

After our initial effort wasn’t allowed an opportunity to be voted on, because of the objection of germaneness. We were able to get the tax income waiver portion added for Crawford and Cowley Counties. It now goes to the Senate and House Conference Committee.

http://www.kansascommerce.com/320/Rural-Opportunity-Zones

Adoption Protection Act Update

After narrowly being defeated 10 days ago, many Kansans are hoping the Kansas House will attempt a second bite at the apple by taking another vote on the Adoption Protection Act. This past week, various circumstances delayed renewed consideration of the legislation, but proponents are working hard to have another debate and vote on the bill when the legislature returns on April 26th.Important Updates Cont.

HARD FACTS:
  • Total tax receipts so far, this fiscal year total $4.8 billion, which is $673.61 million or 16.32 percent above last year

at this time and $314.83 million above estimates for the year (Kansas Department of Revenue).

  • Income tax collections for the fiscal year are $603.95 million above last year and $325.73 million above current expectations (Kansas Department of Revenue)
  • March 2018 tax receipts came in $60.91 million over last March and $39.47 million above current expectations. Individual income tax collections in March were $77.88 million above last year. Sales tax receipts are up for the year by

$38.36 million over last year (Kansas Department of Revenue).

WEEKLY OVERVIEW:

This week was the last week of legislative activity before First Adjournment. Early Sunday morning, the Senate gaveled

out for adjournment and will reconvene on April 26th for Veto Session.

The Senate voted on numerous conference committee reports, a tax reform bill, and a school finance plan.

A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences be- tween the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill. Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk.

When the Senate gavels in on April 26th, we will begin Veto Session and will wrap up any legislative loose ends for the year.

SCHOOL FINANCE:

In the early hours of Sunday morning and after a night of debate, the Senate voted to concur on a school finance plan that

the House sent over earlier that day.

On Saturday morning, the House narrowly passed a school finance deal on a vote of 63-56. The House placed their original K-12 finance plan into a Senate bill and passed it to the Senate to either concur or non-concur on the deal.

The House’s plan would add $500 million to public school funding over the next five years. The funding plan almost doubles the cost of the Senate’s proposed plan that passed earlier that week. Some opponents of the bill believe the plan will make it difficult to earmark other priorities and require a possible tax increase.

The Senate voted 21-19 to concur, sending it to Governor Colyer’s desk for him to sign.

FLOOR ACTION:

SENATE SCHOOL FINANCE PLAN (Sub SB 423): Substitute Senate Bill 423 amends the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act by making appropriations to the Department of Education relating to school finance.

Sub SB 423 would phase in a $275 million increase to education funding. Some major policy provisions included in SB 423 are:

  • Base aid for student excellence will increase from $4,006 to $4,258 in 2018-19, to $4,334 in 2019-20, to $4,412 in 2020-21, to $4,492 in 2021-22, and to $4,574 in 2022-23.
  • Increase special education funding by $24 million in 2018-2019.
  • Expand early childhood funding by increasing state aid for three- and four-year-old at-risk children by

$3,000,000.

  • Allow all students the opportunity to participate in ACT and ACT Work Keys funded by the state.
  • Add $1,760,000 for ABC Early Childhood Program.
  • Provide a pilot program for improvement of mental health services for school districts.
  • Provides that all high school students may take a college class in Comp I at no cost to the student.

mportant Updates Con

CONCURS:

SB 324: Senate Bill 324 amends the vehicle dealers and manufacturers licensing act.

The Senate concurred on House amendments 37-0.

SB 410: Senate Bill 410 updates captive insurance statutes and provides for association and branch captive insurance companies and special purpose insurance companies.

The Senate concurred on House amendments 39-0.

SB 394: Senate Bill 394 ensures transparency in state government contract decisions.

The Senate concurred on House amendments 40-0.

SB 275: Senate Bill 275 relates to mid-term appointments of credit union council members.

The Senate concurred on House amendments 40-0.

SB 263: Senate Bill 263 creates a program to research the use of industrial hemp.

The Senate concurred on House amendments 40-0.

CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS:

The Senate confirmed Dwight Keen to serve on the Kansas Corporation Commission. Keen is a co-owner of Keen Oil Co., a Winfield, Kan., oil and gas production company. He has served as Securities Commissioner of Kansas and board chair for the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in economics from Wichita State University and received a law degree from Kansas University.

Keen was nominated last month by Governor Jeff Colyer and replaces Pat Apple on the three-person commission, after Apple announced in December that he would not seek reappointment.

The Senate confirmed Keen on Saturday April 7th.

NEXT WEEK:

The Senate gaveled out on Sunday April 8th for First Adjournment and will return April 26th for Veto Session.

2018 SESSION DATES AND DEADLINES:

Please be aware of the following dates and deadlines for the 2018 legislative session. As always, each is subject to modification and leadership will keep you updated on any changes which might occur.CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTS

(HB 2470): House Bill 2470 would allow microbreweries within the state of Kansas to contract with other microbreweries for production and packaging of beer and hard cider. The bill amends law related to the sale of alcoholic candy and to the sale of domestic beer in refillable containers. HB 2470 allows licensed microbreweries in the state to produce beer containing up to 15 percent alcohol by weight. The bill also increases the length of time that certain businesses may serve alcohol to 6AM to 2 AM. Current law only allows for the sale of alcohol between 9AM and 2AM.

The Conference Committee Report was adopted by a vote of 27-10. [ I voted against this bill. This bill had several

bills combined into one bill. One of the bills allows alcohol to be served at 6:00 am. This changes the time from 9:oo am to 6:oo am]

(HB 2606): House Bill 2606 amends law related to testing for a class M (motorcycle) driver’s license, online driver’s li– cense renewal, and the length of time a commercial driver’s license is valid.

The Conference Committee Report was adopted by a vote of 38-2. [I voted for this bill.]

(HB 2597): House Bill 2597 would amend law regarding designation of an urban area. The bill amends law when a mayor is considered a member of a governing body. HB 2597 also deals with the compensation, supervision, personnel, and budgeting policies of election commissioners.

The Conference Committee Report was adopted by a vote of 29-10. [I voted for this bill.]

(HB 2542): House Bill 2542 amends statutes for fees collected by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) and performance-based budgeting requirements. HB 2542 also creates the Dyslexia Task Force that will conduct a study of issues and report to the Kansas Legislature by January 30, 2019.

The Conference Committee Report was adopted by a vote of 40-0.

(HB 2583): House Bill 2583 would create the Noxious Weed Act and repeal current Noxious Weed law. The Conference Committee Report was adopted by a vote of 35-5. [I voted against this bill. It would expand the authority of non-elected officials & weaken the control of the legislators.]

(HB 2476): House Bill 2476 would amend the section of the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) related to the unlawful use of names derived from public records. The bill would create an additional exception to the general prohibition in KORA against selling, giving, or receiving any list of names and addresses from public records for sales purposes. The Conference Committee Report was adopted by a vote of 39-1. [I voted for this bill.]

(S Sub for S Sub for HB 2386): Senate Substitute for Senate Substitute for House Bill 2386 would amend law related to licensure, certification, or registration qualifications for employment at adult care homes, hospitals, and home health agencies. S Sub for S Sub for HB 2386 would add all employees of the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs Office to the definition of “safety sensitive positions” found in law.

The Conference Committee Report was adopted by a vote of 40-0.

(S Sub for HB 2600): Senate Substitute for House Bill 2600 would amend the Nuclear Energy Development and Radiation Control Act, provide for the study and investigation of maternal deaths by the Secretary of Health and Environment, and create the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council and the State Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program within the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

The Conference Committee Report was adopted by a vote of 27-12. [I voted against this bill. It had combined sev-

eral bills that would expand the role of unelected officials and the overall scope of government.]

(HB 2482): House Bill 2482 would amend law related to contracts between the State and persons or companies who are actively engaged in a boycott of Israel. The Conference Committee

Report was adopted by a vote of 36-1. [I voted for this bill.]

CLOSING STATEMENT

CLOSING STATEMENT

“It is hard to believe that the 2018 regular session is already behind us! With only eight days left until the 2018 session is complete, we still have a lot of work left to do.”

– Senator Richard Hilderbrand

Food for Thought

Thank you to everyone that took the time to respond to this. The new k-12 funding bill was signed by the Governor

today, 4/17/18, and we still have a lot of important issues to address. As we move forward with addressing these issues, I am looking forward to hearing from you.

You have a total of $1 to spend on the following state expenses. What percentage of that dollar would you spend on each item?

*Administration

*Correctional Institutes

*Courts

*Disabled

*Economic Development

*Elderly

*Foster Care

*Health and Environment

*Higher Education

*K-12 Education

*Law Enforcement

*Legislators

*Medicaid

*Mental Health

*National Guard

*Roads and Infrastructure

*Unemployed(State assistance)

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.

We had the honor of recognizing members of the Pittsburg State University Army ROTC today in the Senate. Thank you, Pan Phyu, Eric Hollingsworth, Autumn Crist, Eathan Jewell, and Brandsson Miller for your service in the Kansas Army National Guard!

Government, Kansas

Efforts To Improve Child Welfare

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DCF Secretary to Announce Efforts to Improve Child Welfare System

Policy, procedure, training changes and new foster care contracts

TOPEKA – Since her appointment as Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary, Gina Meier-Hummel has spent the last four months carefully reviewing the child welfare system and exploring ways to improve foster care services, licensing, training, family preservation services, adoption support and more.

Although her top-to-bottom review continues, with the assistance of national experts, she is pleased to announce an exciting move forward, with new foster care contracts for Kansas’ privatized child welfare system.

The new contracts will be designed to, among other things, streamline services, promote safety and permanency, increase accountability and prioritize keeping families safely together.

As the Request for Proposal is prepared to solicit bids, the Secretary is seeking the public’s suggestions for improvement that should be included in the new contracts. A Request for Information (RFI) process begins today.

For one week, DCF will offer the public the ability to provide suggestions for the new contracts through an online submission form, available at www.dcf.ks.gov.

A public comment meeting is also planned, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at the DCF Administration Building, 555 S. Kansas Ave.

Further details, along with information about recent improvements to the child welfare system, will be announced during a news conference on Monday, April 23, in Topeka.

Government, Kansas

New Kansas Website For Posting of Meetings

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Governor Colyer announces the launch of Kansas Public Square

TOPEKA _ Gov. Jeff Colyer, MD., announced Friday the launch of Kansas Public Square, the state’s new website for posting meetings and minutes, adding a new layer of transparency in state government.

“The framers of our Kansas Constitution had it right when they stated that ‘all political power is inherent to the people,’” Colyer said. “Through the development of Kansas Public Square, we are ensuring our citizens are informed about their government and have the opportunity to speak up and be heard.”

Governor Colyer ordered the creation of a public meeting website with the signing of Executive Order 18-08. All Cabinet agencies, boards, and commissions under the authority of the Governor are required to post notification of all meetings subject to the Kansas Open Meetings Act. The order was one of several signed by Governor Colyer during his first days in office, aimed at improving government transparency and accountability.

Kansas Public Square was developed by the Department of Administration and the Office of Information Technology Services. The site allows for users to see meetings on a daily, weekly and monthly format, searching by the agency, board or commission. Users have the option to download the meeting notice directly to their Outlook, iCal and Google calendars.

The new site is also responsive to users whether on a PC, tablet or mobile device.

“We developed Public Square with the user in mind, incorporating features that will make it easier for citizens and others to be informed about when their government is conducting business,” said John Milburn, Director of Legislative and Public Affairs for the Department of Administration. “The site is intended to complement existing practices for notifying the public about meetings.”

The site can be found at publicsquare.ks.gov.

Area News, Government

New Tourism Sign Coming To Downtown Fort Scott

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Fort Scott Community Development Director Rhonda Dunn shows the deterioration of the planters on Skubitz Plaza that will be demolished and a new tourism sign installed.

An unsightly part of Skubitz Plaza is being redeveloped by the City of Fort Scott to showcase a sign that depicts the city’s history.

The plans were approved by the city commissioners Tuesday evening.

Plans are for all parts to be completed by the Good Ol Days annual celebration, the end of May this year.

Two brick planters on Old Fort Boulevard at the north end of Main Street have been repeatedly hit by vehicles turning right.

The planters that will be taken down are the closest to the camera. They are located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of Main Street in downtown Fort Scott. The new tourism panel will be placed to the east of the planter on the left.

“We’ve repaired it a number of times,” Rhonda Dunn, the city’s community development director said.

“This has been a long-term project for several years,” she said.

Serendipitously, a proposal for a new sign for tourism came along, she said.

“There is no downside to this,” Dunn said. “The broken planter will be gone and a new by-ways sign will go up.”

The new Frontier Military Historic  Byway sign panels will depict the history of Fort Scott and some tourism highlights as well.

Dunn shows the spot where the new tourism sign will be installed, out of the way of traffic.

The place where the western planter is currently will be an open space, the eastern planter will be removed also, then the by-ways sign installed, just slightly to the east.

City workers will remove and salvage brick that can be reused, Dunn said.

To view click on the links below, then click on the image to enlarge:

DOC041818-04182018084306

DOC041818-04182018084318

DOC041818-04182018084443

The Bourbon County Master Gardeners tend to the planters in Fort Scott’s downtown area as a community project.

“The master gardeners will remove plants from the planters, ” Dunn said.

 

Government, Kansas, Submitted

Governor Signs Bill; Calls on Legislature to Fix Error

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TOPEKA –  Governor Colyer today signed Sub. Senate Bill 423, appropriating an increase of more than $500 million in K-12 funding over the next five years, at a ceremony at Seaman High School in Topeka.

The bill, which aims to provide adequate and equitable funding for all Kansas schools, was passed by the legislature moments before they adjourned their regular session in early April.

“Kansas wants to lead the way in education,” said the Governor. “I’m very proud to sign this legislation as it means more money in the classroom, more accountability measures and a focus on student outcomes. Most importantly, it keeps our schools open without raising taxes on hardworking Kansas families.”

The Governor also called on the Legislature to fix the error that inadvertently decreased expenditures to schools by $80 million. “It’s important that we get this right,” said the Governor.

Governor Colyer was joined by several legislators including president of the Seaman School Board, Chairman Fred Patton, and Representative Brenda Dietrich.

The Governor has now signed 57 bills into law this session. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without his signature.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Fire Scene At 6th and National Is Cleared

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A fire this morning at 6th and National Avenue is still under investigation.

The building next to Petes 27, 605 National Ave., Fort Scott was reported on fire early this morning.

The building had furniture, clothing and appliances.

“It’s still under investigation,” Fort Scott Fire Chief Paul Ballou said. “There wasn’t a lot of damage.”

Two fire engines with approximately seven personnel responded to the alarm.

“We’ve cleared the scene,” Ballou said.

Fort Scott, Government

Emergency Siren This A.M. A False Alarm

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Fort Scottians were awakened to an emergency siren sounding at approximately 6:45 a.m. this morning.

It was a false alarm, according to Tracey Reed, communications manager at the Fort Scott Police Department.

“We are not sure what set it off,”  Reed said. “We have had an issue with our federal siren system…it has had to do with batteries. It doesn’t occur often. We’ll have somebody come and check it out.”

“I know people get worried,” Reed said.

There will be siren testing at 1 p.m. today, Reed said.

Fort Scott, Government, Submitted

Fort Scott Commission Agenda For April 17

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FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION Agenda  for 6 p.m. April 17 at city hall, 123 S. Main.

I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor – Community Christian Church
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Recognition of Hair Bow Center
Recognition of Police Officer Kevin Davidson and Shawn Pritchett and Police Corporal Aaron Gibson
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 3rd, 2018.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1213-A totaling $368,247.48.
C. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 202 Scott Avenue
D. Certificate of Appropriateness – Masonry part of 124 E. Wall
E. Certificate of Appropriateness – Removal of north planters at Skubitz Plaza
F. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 2 S. National
G. Approval of Street closures for Prom – April 21, 2018
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
A. APPEARANCE:
Pat Flanagan and Amy Heitman – Niece Products
Tiffany Durham – Fort Scott National Historic Site
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
APRIL 17, 2018
6:00 P.M.
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
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
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
1. Removal of media tower at Fisher Park
2. Consideration of Sanitary Sewer Collection System repairs utilizing the Joplin Tool Box contract
3. 2018 Asphalt Project
4. Chairs at Memorial Hall
5. Workforce Recruitment
IX. COMMENTS:
A. Director Updates:
B. Commission:
C. City Attorney:
D. Director of Finance:
E. City Manager:
1. Meet and Greet – Memorial Hall – Approval of alcohol at event
2. Project List
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 ________________.
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
APRIL 17, 2018
6:00 P.M.
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
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Fort Scott, Government, Submitted

Minutes of the April 3 Fort Scott City Commission

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Minutes of April 3, 2018, Regular Meeting #7

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of April 3, 2018, Regular Meeting #7
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held April 3rd, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson and Nichols were present as President of the Commission Bartelsmeyer presiding. Commissioner Parker and Mayor Mitchell were absent.
INVOCATION: Pastor Allen Pruitt, Associate Pastor, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government and city officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Bobby Duncan, Frank Adamson, Dave Bruner, Kenny Howard, Lindsay Madison, Allen Pruitt, Paul Ballou, Deb Needleman, Janet Braun, Larry Gazaway, Travis Shelton, Robert Nelson, Kathy Ogle, Brenda Ogle, Chad Brown, Sandra Haggard, Gayle Ballard, Diana Morriss, Deb McCoy, Christa Horn, Sutton Horn, Billie Jo Drake, Alan Drake, Clayton Miller, Laura Meeks, Joel Tucker, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Fair Housing Month Proclamation – President of the City Commission, Cindy Bartelsmeyer, read a Proclamation which proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Fort Scott and urged fair housing practices throughout the City
National Safe Digging Month Proclamation – President of the City Commission, Cindy Bartelsmeyer, read a Proclamation which proclaimed the month of April as National Safe Digging Month and urged citizens to call 811 before they dig.
National Service Recognition Day Proclamation – April 3, 2018 – President of the City Commission, Cindy Bartelsmeyer, proclaimed April 3rd, 2018 as National Service Recognition Day and encouraged residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our country; to thank those who serve; and to find ways to give back to their communities.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 20th, 2018.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1212-A totaling $403,509.27.
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C. Resolution 19-2018 & Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1306 E. Wall Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/15/2018 – 6:15 p.m.
Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
A. APPEARANCE:
1. Christa Horn – C.A.S.A. Funding Request – – Mrs. Horn appeared before the Commission and thanked the City for their support in the past years. Bourbon County C.A.S.A. is now in its 28th year of providing advocates for our community’s abused and neglected children. There are currently over 100 children in foster care in Bourbon County. She believes every child in foster care deserves the support and advocacy of a C.A.S.A. volunteer. She thanked all the volunteers with C.A.S.A. who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist children with needs. With the City’s financial support, they can recruit, train and support enough volunteers to care for every child in the foster care system.
President of the Commission Bartelsmeyer presented Christa Horn with a check for $5,000 for C.A.S.A.
Rhonda Dunn – Requests for the closure of streets for Good Ol’ Days event:
Old Fort Blvd. from Wall Street to National Avenue
Main Street from Skubitz Plaza to Third Street
Scott Street from Wall Street to Second Street
Wall Street from National to Scott
First Street from National to Scott Street
Second Street from National to Scott Street
Use of Memorial Hall for Baby Contest and Talent Extravaganza
Heritage Park at the corner of First and Main
Parking lot behind Heritage Park
The parking lot at the corner of Third and Main
The parking lot at Second and Scott
The parking lot at Wall and Scott
The parking lot at Wall and alley between Main and Scott
The Parking lot between Memorial Hall and the Library
The Parking lot between National and Block House (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, May 29th)
The Parking lot between Old Fort Blvd. and H & H Realty Agency (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, May 29th)
Old Fort Blvd – Southside from National to the alley (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, May 29th)
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Skubitz Plaza – No special set up for the event this year, but need Old Fort Blvd closed when tents go up Wednesday on eastbound from Main. All closed Thursday and Friday.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the street closings for Good Ol’ Days. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) –
Bob Farmer, City Attorney, again admonished the City Commission not to respond to Mr. Duncan, who has signed up to speak. There is a liability issue now. He reiterated that City Staff is willing to meet with Mr. Duncan at any time.
Bobby Duncan brought up the City Commission minutes from June of 2015 when the code footprint was addressed. He does not believe it pertains to a historical building. He said that the City issued the mandate for the code footprint. He would like to pursue a fair resolution and wants what is right to be done.
Robert Nelson informed the Commission that last week Westar Energy installed a light at Nelson Park. He thanked the City for the light and said the park is used a lot by young children and their parents.
He also thanked the Police Department for patrolling in that area. They provide safety by their presence and should be commended.
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Nichols moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:20 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. Motion carried.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:20 P.M.
6:00 p.m. Public Hearing – Gilmore & Bell – Resolution approving the issuance by the City of Wichita, Kansas of its Health Care Facilities Revenue Bonds for the purpose of financing and refinancing the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of an existing senior living facility located in the City of Fort Scott, Kansas – Approval of Resolution No. 20-2018 – City Attorney said that the purpose of this resolution is for a bond issue that has been refunded to be refinanced. This is a statewide bond issue with Presbyterian Villages in the state of Kansas. Fort Scott should receive around $200,000 to improve their parking lots and make improvements to their facility. The City has no liability of any kind.
Adamson moved to approve Resolution 20-2018. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
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APPROVED RESOLUTION 20-2018 APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE CITY OF WICHITA, KANSAS OF ITS HEALTH CARE FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING AND REFINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF AN EXISTING SENIOR LIVING FACILITY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
Nichols moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:23 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:23 P.M.
Bartelsmeyer moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:23 p.m. Adamson seconded. Motion carried.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:23 P.M.
6:15 p.m. Vacation of Alley – 16’ platted alley lying between Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11, and Lots 2,4, 5, 6,10 & 12, Block 5, J. W. McMillan’s First Addition to the City of Fort Scott – 1st & McCleverty – Brenda & Kathy Ogle – Myrtle Hull – Approval of Ordinance No. 3532 – Brenda Ogle, resident, informed the Commission that they recently purchased the house next to them. They have been maintaining this property and there has never been an alley there. They would like to have it vacated.
Nichols moved to approve to vacate the alley. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED VACATION OF ALLEY – 16’ PLATTED ALLEY LYING BETWEEN LOTS 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11, AND LOTS 2,4, 5, 6,10 & 12, BLOCK 5, J. W. MCMILLAN’S FIRST ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT
Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:25 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:25 P.M.
CONSIDERATION: None
COMMISSION/STAFF:
A. Director Updates:
Dave Bruner – Smoke Detector Program – Dave shared with the Commission and the audience a brief American Red Cross video for the Sound the Alarm, Save a Life Campaign. He gave statistics of residents who do not have smoke detectors in their homes. There have been three residential fires so far this year and none of these structures had working fire detectors. The Campaign date has been set for May 6th,
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from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They will provide materials for volunteers to either install or replace batteries in resident’s homes who have signed up to have this service done. There will be more to come on this project.
Kenny Howard – Airport Update – Kenny shared photos of the airport and some upgrades that have been completed. New computers and wiring have been installed. The pilot’s lounge has been painted, and also the old bushes in front of the terminal have been removed. He showed a photo of the new courtesy van that was donated to the airport courtesy of Russ Briggs. The airport is very busy. He has sold 30,000 gallons of jet fuel already this year.
Larry Gazaway – Tourism Website Update – Larry shared the new tourism website with the Commission. It is visitfortscott.com. It is a very informative website.
B. City Commission:
Adamson – Thanked Dave Bruner for the smoke detector program he is bringing to Fort Scott.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Nichols – Thanked Christa Horn for all of her hard work with the C.A.S.A. program.
Parker – Not present
Mitchell – Not present
C. City Attorney: Nothing to report
D. Director of Finance: Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that bids were opened on March 28th for the construction of the new golf cart shed at Woodland Hills Golf Course. There were four bids received with the low bid from J.T. Contracting of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $64,997.00. Agricultural Engineering has reviewed the bids and approved the low bid also. There was $73,862.78 budgeted for this project so it came in under budget which is good. He asked for approval for the bid from J.T. Contracting.
Nichols moved to approve the low bid from J.T. Contracting of Fort Scott in the amount of $64,997.00. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED LOW BID FROM J. T. CONTRACTING OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,997.00 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW GOLF CART SHED AT WOODLAND HILLS GOLF COURSE.
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E. City Manager:
1. Highway 69 Meeting – City Manager said that he attended a Highway 69 meeting in Topeka yesterday. Sam Mason was the Vice President of this organization and they asked him to attend. The group met with the Governor who states that the four-lane from Fort Scott to Pittsburg and then to I-44 is still a high priority. There is no talk of a bypass around Fort Scott.
2. Fisher Park – City Manager said that Fort Scott.Biz did an article on Fisher Park. Frank Adamson is very passionate about Fisher Park and improvements that will be made there. The property across the street has been secured. Ag Engineering is designing a parking lot in the south part of the lot. The City is waiting to see how the Title 9 with USD 234 plays out first.
ADJOURNMENT:
Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:00 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on April 17th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
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DIANE K. CLAY
CITY CLERK