Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

February 23, 2024

 

Turnaround is the halfway point of session. The days before turnaround, leadership schedules bills to be debated and brought to a vote. Thankfully, this year Senate leadership didn’t bring an extreme amount of bills above the line for debate. There were still too many bills to report in this update so below are some highlights. All bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org.

 

Property Rights would be protected from unfounded forfeiture and seizure if SB 458 becomes law. It passed the Senate 36 to 2.  I voted Yes.

 

Eminent Domain allows government to take your property. A majority of senators, myself included, supported legislation that would remove the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks authority to use eminent domain to acquire land, water, or water rights. SB 417 passed 25 to 14.

 

Coal Fired Energy Plants in Kansas have announced closures, all except for one in western Kansas. Thankfully, none have closed.  SB 455 would make it more difficult to close these plants by forcing certain conditions, such as requiring that another energy generating plant be in place before the coal plant could shut-down. I supported the bill that passed 29 to 8.

 

Protecting Patients’ Rights by establishing the Right to Health Freedom Act in SB 391 would limit isolation and allow patients to see their loved ones. It would permit the Secretary of Health and Environment to maintain a list of infectious or contagious diseases. However, they would not have the authority to enact rules and regulations. Local health officers (LHO) could recommend quarantines during a highly contagious or deadly disease outbreak. I voted Yes. The bill passed 23 to 17.

 

Privacy Protection in current law makes it illegal to record or photograph a person who is nude or in a state of undress when the recording device is hidden. SB 420 would make it a crime no matter if the device is hidden or not. It passed unanimously.

 

Military Drivers who qualify under the Even Exchange Program would not have to take a knowledge or a skills test to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if SB 462 becomes law. It passed unanimously.

 

Senate Sub for HB 2247 had several provisions in the bill dealing with the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) and the Kansas Mortgage Business Act (KMBA). The UCCC has only been adopted by 11 states since established in 1952.  Kansas is one of the eleven. By adopting updated UCCC, consumers will see a credit card surcharge on receipts. It has been against the law for businesses to charge this fee. Colorado’s version will limit the surcharge to 2%. Kansas will not have a limit. The bill would allow creditors after 10 days and written notice to collect a late payment and also charge reasonable cost of collection. If you don’t voluntarily pay, it appears a creditor can take possession. They cannot enter “a dwelling” or use “force”. Does that mean they can access your bank account? Another section of the bill would restrict financial examinations from “open records, subpoena and discovery or admissible in evidence in any private civil action” until July 1, 2030. Why?  There are more questions than answers with the bill so I voted No.  It passed 33 to 6.

 

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

Caryn

 

…

Bourbon County, Government

Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on February 13

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The Regular Council Meeting on February 13, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Clerk Johnson reported that Shane Kober requested speed bumps in front of his residence.  After discussion, Council does not wish to put speed bumps on Sherman Street.  Clerk was asked to advise him to follow up with the Sheriff’s department for information on how to proceed.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the January 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $235,479.20, Receipts $85,918.56, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $24,988.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $293,383.58. Bank Statement Balance $293,816.11, including Checking Account Interest of $54.56, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $432.53, Reconciled Balance $293,383.58.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $390,482.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $54.56, and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $54.56.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of January $57,904.38, Year-to-Date Net Income $57,904.38.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $8,044.20 (6.5%), Expenditures $6,943.58 (4.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $2,715.90 (7.3%), Expenditures $2,136.25 (5.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $17,162.10 (11.7%), Expenditures $10,531.03 (5.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $52,382.78 (31.9%), Expenditures $8,403.32 (4.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The February 2024 payables to date in the amount of $36,872.84 were presented.

 

Clerk Johnson explained the new report for current payables and the difference between the two presented.  She asked the council which report they preferred – Claims Report by Department, by Fund was chosen.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of January 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

 

Clerk Johnson reported several notifications of insurance renewal conditional provisions from EMC.

Website hosting price increase of $2.50/month.

Municipal Court Clerks conference is March 1, in Wichita.  She will not attend this year.

CCMFOA Conference is March 20-22, in Manhattan.  She will not attend this year.

CDL storm siren maintenance agreement should renew in March.  She will have a new agreement for action at next meeting.

gWorks was used for accounts payable this month and end of month procedures will be done on gWorks.  She has a training on Thursday for bank reconciliation, deposits, and reports.  She will then get all deposits for the month entered, process penalties, and mail delinquent notices.

Bourbon County Job Fair is February 22.  She asked if they wanted a booth to try to recruit a clerk and maintenance worker.  Not at this time.

She did order a 2024 labor law poster.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – wished to recognize Clerk Johnson and thank her for all her work in the software conversion.

Councilwoman Esslinger – absent

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – the school contacted the City to see if they could stage rock on the right of way for the walking trail project. The rock is being hauled by the county.  He told them yes.  Superintendent Rich stated that there is a gas main just south of the sidewalk by the medical clinic.  Mayor Jurgensen also asked Rich to get fescue and seed the ditches that were worked on Third St.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Rabies Clinic – tentatively scheduled for March 23, 1:30-3:00PM.

 

Mayor Jurgensen asked if the Council wanted to reskin the warehouse and put in the ramp and rollup doors to use as public works building.  We will need to determine specs and request bids for the metal siding/roof, the ramp and rollup doors, and the installation.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:47PM

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 8:22, open meeting resumed at 8:47.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to call a special meeting on February 27, 2024, 6:30PM for the purpose of executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:48PM

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission Meeting on February 5

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February 5, 2024                                                                   Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Teri Hulsey, Jon Lowery,  and Charles Gentry were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-5-24, approval of accounts payable totaling $8,671.45, and approval of December financials. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

There were no public comments.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the culvert approval report for January and the January fuel report. Eric said they are obtaining a DWR permit to replace four culverts near 130th Street and Kansas Road. The culvert gave way last month and is currently down to a one lane road. Eric said they are working with an engineer to determine culvert size and quantity for the location near 225th Street and Tomahawk Road that was discussed at last week’s meeting. Once the engineers have determined the information Eric will then have to obtain a DWR permit for the location. Eric said the Blackberry Transmission line project will begin clearing brush later this month. The majority of the clearing will be on private property, however; there will be some done in the county right-of-way. They worked on getting gravel on the roads last week and will be back out tomorrow after the rain. Eric said they will be having an MSHA refresher course at the Public Works building on Thursday. Nelson said Vance Eden with USD 235 contacted him and had 50 loads of gravel donated for their walking trail project and asked if the county would be able to haul it. Nelson said the school couldn’t pay us but could let us fuel up at their tanks. Justin Meeks said the county would need to obtain a waiver of liability and Eric is going to work on that.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked if the Commissioners were planning on having a meeting on February 19 since the courthouse would be closed for Presidents Day. The Commissioners decided there would not be a meeting held on the 19th.

 

Justin Meeks discussed the healthcare sales tax information that would be placed on a ballot to allow the public to vote on. Justin said Susan has been helping with this and the matter can be on the ballot in April. The wording was discussed with Justin reading examples from Allen County and Vernon County. After discussion of the different wording choices Jim said he would like to move forward and have it cover the worst-case scenario. Clifton said 1.5 million is a long way from starting a hospital but would help to entice an entity. Clifton stated that due to the mile restriction there are only two entities right now who could operate an emergency room in Bourbon County and that is Nevada Regional Medical Center and Via Christi. Jim said they’ve talked for months about subsidizing healthcare and he said somebody has to do it but he isn’t in support of raising real estate taxes. There was lengthy discussion on the wording options for the ballot and Justin asked to work with Charles Gentry on a few ballot options and bring back to the Commissioners. Anne Dare asked if we might be getting the cart before the horse by putting this to a vote and collecting the money and we might never be able to get a license. Clifton said that could potentially be the case but you have to have the carrot to offer as an enticement. Michael Hoyt asked if you could pass a sales tax that has a trigger such as we won’t collect sales tax until we have an emergency room. Clifton said we could use the money for other things in healthcare such as purchasing another ambulance and hiring additional EMT’s. Justin stated we had an ER when many businesses came in and due to their insurance, they need an ER close by.

 

Justin Meeks passed out a letter of support for Bourbon County REDI for the Commissioners to review. Nelson said his opinion is he doesn’t have a problem with either people or organizations and he wasn’t here when it was worked on so he doesn’t know who to support. Clifton said there was some confusion and the state was contacting the wrong organization. Jim said he respects Nelson’s vote but his vote is for Bourbon County REDI to represent Bourbon County at the state. Jim made a motion to accent the letter as written to support Bourbon County REDI and send to different organizations including Department of Commerce, KWORKS, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Patterson Foundation, Pittsburg State Work Force Development and to allow Justin to add additional organizations if needed. Clifton seconded the motion and Nelson abstained. The motion passed 2-1.

 

Justin asked for a 10-minute executive session for attorney client privilege dealing with contracts and possible litigation.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship. The session will include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Rob Harrington and will return at 6:55. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:56 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to have a conversation with another party and write a letter if needed for breach of contract that could cost the county millions. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Jim said he would like to see a quick turn around on this.

 

Jim thanked REDI and Legacy Health for hosting the announcement earlier and welcomed KRI for coming to Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Clifton said some people are scared of mental health and said they will not be dropping people with severe mental issues on the streets and encouraged people to get the facts before they speak. Nelson said since he has been here, he has been impressed with Eric and Dustin and they always have issues that are brought to their attention fixed quickly. Nelson also held a prayer during his Commission comment time.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:02. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                   ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

2-12-2024                         Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for February 26

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

February 26, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes 2/12/2024 and 2/20/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $293,310.56
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $327,719.27
  1. Public Comments
  2. Trevor Jacobs
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Matt Quick, County Appraiser- Property Evaluations
  • Healthcare Sales Tax Ballot Language
  1. Susan Walker, CFO
    1. EMS Outstanding Receivables
    2. Funding for Totaled Vehicle
  2. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Appointment of Non-Lawyer Member to 6th District Judicial Nominating Commission
    2. 2023 Inventory Approval
    3. KCAMP Building Replacement Coverage
    4. Bridges out of Poverty Workshop
    5. Presidential Preference Primary Election
    6. Hay Bids
  3. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

Art, Government, Kansas

Commerce Grants Available for Rural Mural and Public Art Projects

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced a total of $75,000 is available for a new round of Rural Mural and Public Art program funding. The program helps rural communities design engaging new art that improves the local aesthetic – making the community more appealing not only for those who live there but for potential new businesses and residents as well.

Grants up to $7,500 are available for eligible communities, which also is the total amount any one county can receive. The Office of Rural Prosperity program requires a 1:1 match, with 25% being a cash match unless the community has fewer than 1,000 residents. For those communities, matching support can be 100% in-kind services, including volunteer labor, materials and supplies, equipment, etc.

“Murals and creative projects invite new businesses and residents to celebrate Kansas as their home,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our holistic approach to economic development includes dedicating resources that enhance the physical attractiveness of communities, which helps encourage new investment.”

Awards will be given to communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. Murals can beautify community gathering spaces, elevate tourist attractions, and offer a welcoming message for visitors. Communities are encouraged to utilize the 11-week application period to complete community engagement conversations about what the art should reflect.

“Over the past three years, we have supported the creation of more than 75 murals and public art pieces in rural communities across Kansas,” Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon said. “These art pieces support economic growth, instill pride and create community excitement for residents and visitors who have viewed the murals throughout the state.”

Applicant communities should identify their muralist, art location and design concept by May 10, 2024, the application due date. Murals and public art must be completed by December 31, 2024. Click here for more details. There also will be a webinar at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 28. To register, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

Comments Requested on KS Transportation Program

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.  In addition to the project list is Administrative Modification #3 for narrative updates in the STIP.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes March 6. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission For This Evening

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

February 20, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Public Comments
  1. Healthcare Sales Tax Ballot Language
  2. Payroll Clarification for Courthouse Closure
  3. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Elections, Government, Kansas

Kansas election fraud defendant arrested in Florida

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A Florida man is under arrest after being charged with election fraud in Kansas. George Andrews, 30 of Dade City, Florida, was arrested on Feb. 10 for forging signatures on petitions to make “No Labels” an officially recognized political party in Kansas.

“The arrested individual was part of a scheme to defraud Kansas voters by placing their forged signatures on petitions. In Kansas, we take election fraud seriously, and we will prosecute every case where the evidence indicates a crime has been committed beyond a reasonable doubt,” Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said.

The arrest comes following an extensive investigation by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

Andrews is charged with two counts of election perjury and 28 counts of election forgery. He was arrested on Feb. 10 in Dade City, Florida. Pending extradition to Kansas, Andrews will appear in Johnson County District Court.

In 2015, the legislature gave the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State’s Office the authority to prosecute elections crimes in Kansas. When Kobach was Secretary of State, he successfully prosecuted 12 cases of election fraud, including double voting and non-citizen voting. Kobach is the first Kansas Attorney General to exercise the authority to prosecute election crimes.

Andrews should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

February 16, 2024

 

Debate on the Senate floor was intense on a few issues this week.  One of the most contentious was SCR 1737, supporting Texas efforts to stop illegals from entering the U.S.  The ranking Democrat tried to get the Kansas Senate to say they supported the U.S. Senate border bill in an amendment.  When asked what was in the U.S. Senate legislation she didn’t answer the question.  Reports say it was over $118 billion spending, giveaways to foreign countries, and requirements that wouldn’t stop the border crisis.  Thankfully, her amendment failed.  The original SCR passed, supporting legal immigration and making it clear we support Governor Abbott, Texas, and 25 other states working to protect our borders by blocking illegal immigration and illegal drugs from coming across.  It passed 26 to 12.  I voted Yes.  There will be other legislation to fund the Kansas National Guard in these efforts.

 

Kansas Public Employment Retirement System (KPERS) currently allows 15% of the funds to be invested in alternative investments.  SB 23 would have removed the 15% limit.  An amendment to increase the limit to 20% passed during debate.  All it did is make a bad bill a little more palatable to get 21 votes.  We stopped this legislation twice last year but could not stop it this year.  It passed 24 to 13.  One legislator that was a banker said his bank wouldn’t risk putting money in those types of investments, but then he voted for the bill.  Another Senator reminded the body that years ago risky investments cost taxpayers and almost broke KPERS.  Legislation was put in place to block alternative investments so it would not happen again.  In the ‘90s, legislation was passed allowing up to 5% of KPERS money to be in alternative investments.  In 2012 it went to a cap of 15% and now 20% is being considered.  The return on these risky investments has been high so some perceive the risk is low.  A gamble, I’m not willing to take with taxpayer money.

 

KPERS Death Benefits would increase to $6,000 from $4,000 if SB 172 becomes law.  It passed the Senate 25 to 14.  I voted Yes.

 

Tax deferred savings accounts, ABLE (529A for disabled), 529 (for education), and First-Time Home Buyers contributors would be allowed flexibility in taking subtraction modifications from income in the current or previous tax year when filing their state income taxes if SB 360 becomes law.  It passed the Senate unanimously.

 

Internet sites would be required to use age verification software if 25% or more of the content is pornographic.  We couldn’t get a solid answer why 25% was selected.  After a lengthy debate, SB 394 passed the Senate unanimously.

 

Tax Cuts are still a hot topic.  At a coffee, constituents from both parties asked that we support the veto override.  They understand that a political volley is taking place and taxpayers are the ones’ to loose if we cannot override the veto.  If CCR 2284 would become law, over 341,000 low income filers would pay $0 state income tax, and Social Security would be exempt from state income tax.  There are inflation busters on income taxes and homeowners’ property taxes.  Also, the state sales tax on groceries would go to $0 on April 1st.  It isn’t reckless or experimental with over $3 billion in the state coffers and many states have a single rate, including Democrat controlled states like Colorado.  Remember the words of Senator Bob Dole, “The purpose of a tax cut is to leave more money where it belongs: in the hands of the working men and working women who earned it in the first place.”

 

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

Caryn

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Agenda for February 20

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

February 20, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Public Comments
  1. Healthcare Sales Tax Ballot Language
  2. Payroll Clarification for Courthouse Closure
  3. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Government

The Bourbon County Commission: No Meeting on Feb. 19

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

February 19, 2024

 

There will not be a meeting held on Monday, February 19, 2024 due to the courthouse being closed in observance of President’s Day.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Amended Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission on February 20

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The agenda was amended due to an error under the consent agenda for Resolution No. 6-2024. The wrong address was submitted from the Codes Inspector.                                       

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION  

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

February 20, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Call to Order
  2.   Roll Call – M. Guns, M. Wells, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson, T. Dancer

III.    Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda:
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1354-A – $772,929.91
  5. Request to Pay – Invoice #17109 – Project No. 23430 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Earles Engineering and Inspection – Inspection Fees – $10,596.05
  6. Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 W. WALL ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
  7. Consideration of Resolution No. 7-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 110 W. OAK ST. – L. Kruger/Codes

Consideration of Resolution No. 8-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF               HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS         STRUCTURE AT 1801 E. WALL ST. – L. Kruger/Codes

  1. January Financials

 

VII.   Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

VIII.   Appearances:

 

  1. Mary Wyatt – Grant Update requested by M. Guns
  2. Cory Bryars/Care to Share – Temporary Street Closure and Temporary Park Closure for Fort Fest 2024
  3. Diane Striler – Ice Skating Rink
  4. Deb Needleman – Repairs to Senior Citizens’ Building
  5. Kendall Schoenrock – DCF Building Update

 

  1. Old Business: 
  2. Suggested Street Advisory Board Ordinance Changes – D. Olson
  3. SEKLS Library Board Charter Ordinance – M. Wells
  4. New Business:
  5. Public Hearings:
  6. RESOLUTION NO. 9-2024 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR                 REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 922          E. WALL ST. – Codes Department
  7. RESOLUTION NO. 10-2024 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR           REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 515           S. HEYLMAN – Codes Department

 

  1. Action Items:

 

  1. Consideration to purchase (4) Dura Tracker Portable Flow Monitors with sensors and applicable cipher, software and training for Wastewater Collections System – B. Lemke

 

  1. Consideration to purchase Lexipol Policy Writing Service for Police Department – $14,126.40 – J. Pickert

 

  1. Consideration to purchase wide-area batwing mower for Woodland Hills Golf Course – M. Wyatt and D. Fowler

 

  1. Consideration to purchase (3) skid steers for Streets, Wastewater and Water Distribution Departments – T. Coffman

 

  1. Consideration of Change Order No. 4 – Project No. 21-074 – 17th St. and                  Eddy St. Drainage Improvements Phase I – J. Richardson Construction –                 Final Measured Quantities – Decrease of $3,320.00.
  2. Request to Pay – Project No. 21-074 – 17th St. and Eddy St. Drainage                           Improvements Phase I – J. Richardson Construction – FINAL with                            Certificate of Substantial Completion  $14,453.15
  3. Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Gunn Park Shower House and                Restroom – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – Creation of footing for stabilization –                      additional cost of $2,640.00.
  4. Consideration of Quit Claims Deed – William L. Brittain and Michelle M.                      Brittain – B. Farmer
  5. Consideration to renew Arnold Schofield’s term to Design Review Board

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:

         – T. VanHoecke

         – M. Wells

– M. Guns

– D. Olson

– T. Dancer

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

XII.     Adjourn: