Category Archives: Government

County Commission Agenda Sept. 3

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 3rd, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

9:45-10:00-Landfill Discussion

10:00-10:30-2020 Budget

10:45-11:00-Clint Anderson-Lease to purchase-Property Tax Relief

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

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

1:30-2:00-JodyHoener-Economic Development

2:00-2:30-Tabacco Free Policy

2:30-3:00-Executive Session-Non elected personnel-30 min.

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Aug. 20

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of August 20, 2019 Regular Meeting #15

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 20th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Robert Uhler, Rachel Pruitt, Darrell Parker, Traci Reed, Bobby Reed, Lindsay Watts, Shaun O’Brien, Zach Adams, Eric Jefferson, Steve Hohulin, Richard Clark, Reitha Clark, Devin Tally, Arnold Schofield, Janet Braun, Paul Ballou, Paul Rooks, Chris Anderson, Daymeion Anderson, Ryan Thomas, Alex Schafer, Dalton Carpenter, Clint Roberts, Deb McCoy, Terry Sercer, Ally Turvey, Daren Hutchison, Jacob May, Clayton Miller, Michael Miles, Max Fanning, Travis Shelton, Deb Needleman, Dave Bruner, Michael Mix, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 6th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1244-A totaling $338,300.97.

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

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

  1. Terry Sercer – 2018 Audit PresentationMr. Sercer appeared before the Commission to present the 2018 Audit. He reminded the Commission that this is an unqualified opinion, but the highest level of opinion received. This financial statement presents fairly the aggregate cash and unencumbered cash balance for the City of Fort Scott as of December 31, 2018.

He said that the City did not have any violations with compliance with Kansas Statutes. He stated that the General Fund has a good solid balance. There are no federal or grant violations.

He stated that there was one cash basis violation. In the Convention and Visitor Bureau fund, the expenditures exceeded the budget. If this had been caught, the budget could have been amended before year end, but it was not.

City Manager thanked Rhonda Dunn for the relationship between Terry Sercer and her and how they work together.

Mitchell moved to approve the 2018 Audit. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED 2018 AUDIT.

Zach Adams – Waggoner Group Update – Mr. Adams reminded the Commission that they are a company from Jackson, Mississippi who is working with Bedco and the City to develop a strategic implementation plan to this community. Their approach is that “Great Communities Drive Economic Development”. Their scope of work is to develop a framework or strategy for implementation of the City’s priorities based on: Comprehensive Plan, Stakeholder Input, and Recent plans and studies. This includes the local side and the federal side. They started back in December of 2018 with a kickoff with City leadership and then developed an initial strategic implementation report on July 2019. They went to Washington, D.C. in March of 2019 and sent follow up letters to Senators Moran and Roberts, and Congressman Watkins. A second trip is placed the week of September 23, 2019. They used demographics, looked at top employers and employment rates, recreation and tourism opportunities, reviewed downtown Fort Scott, and held stakeholder interviews. There are nearly 3 million people within a two hour drive to Fort Scott. Their group looked at our community assets which include: Fort Scott National Historic Site, National Cemetery, Lowell Milken Center, Gordon Parks Museum, Historic downtown, Gunn Park, Lake Fort Scott, and LaRoche Baseball Complex. A Strength-Weaknesses- Opportunities-Threats Plan (SWOT) was created. They recommended the following goals: 1) Encourage business growth in infill locations; 2) Promote a vibrant downtown “Main Street” type approach; 3) Improve multi-modal connectivity and accessibility; and 4) Promote Fort Scott as a “Great Community”. A final strategic implementation report will be presented at a later date.

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Bartelsmeyer moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:32 P.M.

  1. 6:00 p.m. – 2020 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2020 Budget – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, updated the Commission on the process and the input into the 2020 budget. Priorities were set including: Streets; Debt Management; Maintain flat mill levy; more existing cash flow; Meet departmental needs, not wants; Economic Development; Building Maintenance; and Health Care. The 2020 budget results include a revenue of $16,518,860. This has decreased $139,000 from 2019. There is a 3% increase in utility rates; increased property valuation; decrease from Mercy ambulance payments; sales tax has not increased from 2018. Expense budget: $17,934.555: increased budget by $300,000 from 2019; street budget increased $350,000 from 2019; operational cuts of approximately $155,000. 2020 Budget results: Reducing and eliminating transfers from General Fund. Utilizing existing cash to meet priorities. The mill levy will remain the same.

She stated she had Terry Sercer, City auditor, review the State budget forms. He identified a discrepancy in the Debt Service Cash from the 2018 audit. The budget needed adjusted to include $340,000 in additional cash in debt service.

She is requesting approval to re-publish the 2020 budget in the local newspaper and to hold a budget public hearing on September 3rd, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Parker moved to approve to publish the 2020 budget public hearing notice and to hold a public hearing on September 3rd, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE 2020 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE AND TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M.

Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:57 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:57 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 123 S. National – Shiney Studio – Replacement of Roof – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the Design Review Board recently met on July 24th, 2019 to review the Certificate of Appropriateness. The Design Review Board voted to not approve the Certificate of Appropriateness due to the fact that they wanted to install a metal roof on this historical building. Kansas State Historical Society Association (SHIPPO) is not in agreeance with this metal roof either. He asked for permission to work with the owners on an acceptable type of roof to install. This will go back before the Design Review Board again and then back before the City Commission as they are just a board of recommendation.

Discussion was held regarding a time frame due to the water leakage in the building.

Nichols moved to not approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Shiney Studio building at 123 S. National and an update be given at the next City Commission meeting on this building. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

RECOMMENDED NOT TO APPROVE THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE SHINEY STUDIO AT 123 S. NATIONAL AVENUE AND FOR AN UPDATE TO BE GIVEN ON THIS BUILDING AT THE NEXT MEETING.

  1. Consideration of approval to purchase Pumper Truck – Fire Dept. – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Chief, informed the Commission that he is seeking approval to purchase a new pumper truck for the Fire Department. The current pumper truck is 27 years old with 3,500 engine hours and 36,000 miles on it. According to NFPA Standards, any apparatus standards that are over 25 years old should be replaced. Items that are now needed is a top mounted panel which the current truck has a side mount. Also a 1,000 gallon tank is needed and the current truck has a 500 gallon tank. A full warranty is also needed. Options were looked at which included rebuilt wrecked trucks, refurbished used trucks, and a body refurbished/chassis change truck. Compared to the costs of a new truck and the fact that there is no warranty on a used truck, the new truck is the recommendation. There were three new trucks looked at which included the E-One Pumper from Springfield which cost $513,000; the Rosenbauer Pumper from Hays, Kansas which cost $491,000; and the Pierce Pumper of Olathe, Kansas which cost $465,000. Their recommendation is the Pierce Pumper truck from Olathe, Kansas in the amount of $465,000. It has the full warranty, the top mount panel, and the 1,000 gallon water tank. His recommendation is for the Pierce Pumper truck from Olathe, Kansas. The ultimate goal is to provide fire safety for this community as well as give the firefighters the best equipment they can have so they can return home to their families also.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Pierce Pumper truck from Olathe, Kansas in the amount of $465,000. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED PIERCE PUMPER TRUCK FROM OLATHE, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $465,000.

  1. Consideration to secure financing for the Pumper Truck – Rhonda Dunn asked for approval to look for sources for funding for this pumper truck. She will contact local banks and other establishments and look for the lowest financing available and bring this back before them at the next meeting. No general obligation bonds will be used.

Mitchell moved to approve to securing financing options for the pumper truck. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SECURE FINANCING OPTIONS FOR THE PUMPER TRUCK AND BRING BACK BEFORE THE COMMISSION AT THEIR NEXT MEETING.

  1. Consideration of street closing – Wreath Ride – August 24th – Allyson Turvey, Tourism Manager, informed the Commission that she was appearing on behalf of Kevin Wagner who had a previous commitment tonight for the Wreath Ride. The ride will be held on Saturday, August 24th. Last year the group raised enough funds to place a wreath on every grave at the National Cemetery which amounted to about 7,000 graves. This year CFI Transports will be bringing 13 semi-trucks to the event along with about 200 motorcycles. They want to move from Buck Run parking lot to Main Street. She asked for approval to close Main Street from 1st to 3rd Street to allow the semi-trucks to park there and all the motorcycles. They will arrive at 8:30 a.m. and depart at 11:30 a.m. for the ride. They will utilitze Memorial Hall also for their luncheon that day. She asked for approval to close Main Street on Saturday, August 24th from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Mitchell moved to close Main Street on Saturday, August 24th from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for the Wreath Ride. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

Approved to close Main Street on Saturday, August 24th from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for the Wreath Ride.

  1. Consideration of approval to rebid Water Treatment Plant clarifier – painting and sand blasting – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that at the last meeting the Commission voted to reject the two bids that were received due to the cost. He is asking approval to rebid this project.

Parker moved to approve to rebid the Water Treatment Plant clarifier painting and sand blasting bid. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

approved to rebid the Water Treatment Plant clarifier painting and sand blasting bid.

  1. Consideration of Resolution of Intent – Purpose of Financing or Refinancing the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping senior living – Presbyterian Manors, Inc. – Rhonda Dunn informed the Commission that this resolution is part of the City of Wichita and a cooperation agreement relating to the Presbyterian Manors. They are issuing Health Care Revenue Bonds at a cost not to exceed $53,000,000 to finance improvements to the Presbyterian Manors facilities. The City can either approve and agree to it, reject it, or take no action. If you take no action, approval is assumed. Her recommendation is to take no action.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: None

  1. City Commission:

Bartelsmeyer Remarked that we did some really great things tonight. She is excited about the economic development opportunities.

Mitchell Remarked that she was approached by someone asking to see if golf carts with lights could be used at night.

City Manager said that he and Travis Shelton will look into this.

Nichols Remarked that it was a good meeting.

Adamson – Said that she agrees with Cindy about the excitement with the Waggoner group.

Parker – Remarked that it is the Commission’s intent to move this town forward.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Lake Fort Scott Advisory Committee – City Manager said that the creation of the Lake Advisory Committee ordinance will come before them at their next meeting. JoLynne Mitchell will be the City’s representative and Jeff Fischer will be the County’s representative. There are people opposed to the proposed condos and people that are not opposed to it. Letters of interest will be accepted after the adoption of the ordinance. Some of the questions that he has heard are about zoning. The County will not do any zoning at the Lake.

ADJOURNMENT:

Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:41 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on September 3rd, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for Sept. 3

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

6:00

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE:

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Ian Johnson, Community Christian Church

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 20th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1245-A totaling $178,037.95.

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

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

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. – 2020 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2020 Budget

6:15 p.m. – Resolution 16-2019 Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 505 S. Ransom Street

6:15 p.m. – Resolution 17-2019 Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1012 S. Crawford Street

6:15 p.m. – Resolution 18-2019 Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 517 S. Clark Street

6:15 p.m. – Resolution 19-2019 Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 706 S. Clark Street

Update on 15 S. Crawford

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Selection of Voting and Alternate Delegates for League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Voting Meeting – 3 voting – 3 alternate

  1. Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee – Creation of Ordinance No. 3550

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt
  1. Commission:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

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

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

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

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

KDOT calls for Transportation Alternatives Program projects

 

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is announcing a call for projects for the 2021 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program.

 

KDOT’s TA Program provides funding for a variety of alternative transportation projects. These include the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities and infrastructure for non-driver access to public transportation, projects that enhance safety and mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders, projects that improve scenic or environmental assets in the state, Safe Routes to School projects and more.

 

“We know how important these projects are to quality of life.” said Julie Lorenz, Secretary of Transportation. “We are hearing from Kansans at recent local consult meetings around the state about how much these projects matter to them for improved safety and mobility.”

 

An estimated $7 million in federal funds are anticipated to be available to award for Federal Fiscal Year 2021. All selected projects will be required to meet a minimum 20 percent local match and cover all non-participating expenses (e.g. right-of-way, utilities, design, etc.).

 

Important Dates:

 

  • TA Program Workshops – KDOT will host two workshops to inform applicants about program requirements and expectations. Space is limited – please RSVP by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, to [email protected] or (785) 296-5186 and indicate which workshop you would like to attend.

o Topeka: Sept. 20 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eisenhower State Office Building, 4th Floor Auditorium, 700 SW Harrison, Topeka, KS 66603.

o Salina: Sept. 27 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kansas Highway Patrol Academy, Classroom 58, 2025 East Iron, Salina, KS 67401.

 

  • Nov. 1 Applications are due and must be postmarked by this date. Please submit one paper copy and one digital copy in PDF format on a USB flash drive, mailed to:

KDOT headquarters/Attn: Jenny Kramer, 700 SW Harrison St. 2nd Floor,

Topeka, KS 66603.

 

  • December 2019 – January 2020 – KDOT staff will conduct site visits.

 

  • Spring 2020 – Project selections and public announcement of awards.

 

For more information, please contact Jenny Kramer at [email protected] or call (785) 296-5186.

Explore the Labors that Created Fort Scott this Labor Day Weekend

 

Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2, 2019, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the Labors leading to the creation of the “Crack Post on the Frontier”. Labor Day weekend activities include Native American dancing, artillery demonstrations, small arms drills, living history demonstrations and a variety of interpretive programs. All programs are free.

Saturday, September 1

10:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
11:00 am – Guided Tour of the Fort
12:00 pm – American Indian Dancing
1:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
3:00 pm – American Indian Dancing
4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

Sunday, September 2

11:00 am – Guided Tour
12:00 pm – Building the Crack Post of the Frontier-Interpretive Program
1:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
2:00 pm – Small Arms Weapons Drill
3:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

Monday, September 3

11:00 am – Guided Tour of the Fort
12:00 pm – Building the Crack Post of the Frontier-Interpretive Program
1:00 pm – Soapsuds Row-Laundress Program
2:00 pm – Securing the Perimeter –Guardhouse Program
3:00 pm – Construction Tour of Fort Scott
4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

All programs are free and open to the public. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am -5 pm daily. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.

 

Revised Bourbon County Commission Agenda Aug. 27

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 27th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

9:45-10:55-Jody Hoener-Executive Session-Economic Development-10 min.

10:00-10:30-Bill Martin

10:30-11:00-Rachel Pruitt-Property Tax Relief

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

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

1:30-2:00-Will Wallis-EMPG Grant Paperwork

Update on Diaster 4449-KS

Signature in Millcreek Watershed District #98 EAP

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

$ Rewarded to Drivers Who Buckle Up

 

Safe Kids Kansas, State Farm and KDOT partner up for safety message

 

Thousands of vehicles will be traveling the Kansas roadways during the Labor Day weekend.  Many families will head out on one last camping trip or getaway as the school year begins.  Safe Kids Kansas, (sponsored in part by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment), State Farm and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) want to encourage families to buckle up and drive safely to protect their most valuable assets, their families.

 

This year, August 25 through September 8, a safety belt awareness campaign called “Bucks for Buckles” is being held in 51 cities across Kansas.  Dollar bills are being distributed by local volunteers to drivers who have all occupants buckled up securely in their vehicle.  Those riding unrestrained will receive educational materials about the effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats in saving lives and reducing injuries.

 

“No one can predict when they will be involved in a motor vehicle crash, yet almost all of us will be involved in an automobile crash in our lifetime.  In 2017, 461 people lost their lives on Kansas roadways and 56 percent of them were unbuckled,” said Cherie Sage, State Director for Safe Kids Kansas.  “The single most effective means of protecting the lives of you and your passengers is wearing seat belts and using appropriate child restraints every time you ride in the vehicle – even short distances.”

 

According to the 2017 KDOT Seat Belt Survey, 88 percent of Kansans surveyed were wearing their seat belts.  This compares to the national average is 90 percent.  Kansas ranked 43rd in belt use in 2017, among 50 states and the District of Columbia.

 

An average of 102 people die each day in motor vehicle crashes nationally; that’s an average of one death every 14 minutes.  “Seat belts are the single most effective device you can use to save your life during a vehicle crash,” said Sage.   “They also reduce your chances of having a serious injury by as much as 50 percent.  It’s such a simple thing, so take your life into your own hand and buckle up.”

 

For more information about safety belt or child safety seat use, call 785-296-1223 or visit www.safekidskansas.org, www.safekids.org and www.facebook.com/safekidskansas.

 

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 13

August 13, 2019                                                        Tuesday 9:00 am

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

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Nancy Van Etten were also present.

Jim Harris was previously asked to get bids on a new dump truck with a trade in of a 2013 Freightliner; Summit quoted $101,082 for a 2020 International, Westfalls & O’dell Truck Sales quoted $126,631 for a 2020 Mack Granite GR64F9, Tri State Truck Center quoted $119,951 for a 2020 Mack Granite GR64F9. No decision was made on purchasing a truck.

Jeff Fischer suggested doing a 4” overlay at the intersections versus doing the concrete (the overlay will be less expensive than concrete) at the Industrial Park. All of the Commissioners decided the overlay would be the best option.

Jim Harris said they would be working on Indian Road today.

Lynne asked Jim to view the road at 125th west of 95th on Range Road.

Nancy Van Etten gave Jim Harris a road report regarding the road on the east side of Fort Scott Lake; she discussed the safety and condition of the road. She said the road conditions deteriorate the further south you go on the road. She discussed the lack of the speed limit signs and the culvert conditions on the lake road. Jeff Fischer said he felt a lot of the issues on the lake road are due to drainage issues. Nancy asked that Jim view Indian Road and give his recommendations on the issues there.

Harold Martin suggested that the fire department could blow out the blocked culverts with high pressure water. Mr. Martin and the Commissioners discussed road maintenance and getting the most for the money, both in the City and the County. He discussed the high tax rates in Bourbon County and the people leaving the area.

Lynne discussed a KDOT grant program to rebuild bridges; Jim said he would review the program.

Jim said due to the wet weather we have had, they are not able to make asphalt chips and are running out of chips. They plan to do a blast at the Blake Quarry.

Jeff discussed using the Paser Road Condition manual when deciding what roads to pave. Jeff said they are trying to get ahead of the deferred maintenance on the roadways. Lynne said the paving program might not exist in the future without the 1 cent sales tax, which will be voted on in 2020.

Larry Howard and Jeremiah Hill met with the Commissioners and Jim Harris; Larry questioned when the 1 ½ mile portion of 245th would get done, Jeff Fischer said this was still in the plans, Jim said they plan to do this after the road at the Industrial Park is completed.

Justin Meeks discussed the cost to maintain paved roads verses gravel roads, he discussed the safety of a deteriorated hard surface road verses a gravel road that could be in a better condition; he suggested that in the future the Commissioners may have to decide what roads to keep as a paved road verses gravel.

Robert Childers met with the Commissioners. He questioned if Ironwood off of 240th is on the schedule for asphalt; Jim said this is not on the schedule. Mr. Childers requested a grader and gravel on this portion of the road. Jim said this is a County road and said he would take care of the road. Mr. Childers reported a crushed culvert in the area; Jim said he would review the culvert. Mr. Childers questioned the 30mph speed limit signs on 240th; the Commissioners said they recommended this speed to slow the traffic down in this area.

Brian Comstock had planned on meeting with the Commissioners (but was unable to meet with them) regarding a fence viewing on Condensory Road between him and the Railroad. Justin said he would review the fence laws regarding railroads.

Robert Uhler with the City of Fort Scott met with the Commissioners; he presented a signed contract between the City and the County for asphalt. Robert discussed the Lake Association meeting that was recently held; he said that public safety on the Lake was a concern. The City plans to enforce water rules, ordered new buoys and signs, Lake patrol will spend more time patrolling the water. He said he would ask Bill Martin to patrol the area more. There is a Lake advisory group forming, Robert asked that one Commissioner set on the board; Lynne made a motion that Jeff Fischer be on this board, Nick seconded and all were in favor. Robert said that some of the Lake residents would like spot zoning at the Lake and asked for shared services for spot zoning and coding; Lynne said there are no codes in the County and said the County couldn’t afford to enforce zoning. Harold Martin suggested that the Lake residents are looking for assistance in protecting the Lake. It was said that initially Lake was to be for single family dwellings. Robert reported that the County had sprayed chemicals in the Lake waterway; he said this can’t happen.

Nick made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Randy Cason with Ascension Via Christi). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Randy Cason with Ascension Via Christi). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Kendell Mason). After the session, Nick made a motion to give Kendell permission to hire a part time employee to fill a vacancy, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Lora Holdridge asked if the Commissioners planned to have a budget meeting including the department heads; the Commissioners said they are still working on the 2020 budget, but are getting closer to finalizing the budget.

At 12:00, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Nick seconded and all approved.

Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune was present at the meeting.

Nancy Van Etten, Geoffrey Clark, Dean and Diane Striler, Tom Graham, Harold Martin, Gary Palmer, Byron and Nancy Maze, Robert Uhler, Billy Webster, Pete Allen, Deb McCoy, Dian Morriss, Jason Gorman and Kevin Allen – Lake Fort Scott residents met with the Commissioners; Nancy Van Etten discussed a recent Lake meeting. She said at that meeting the following issues were discussed; the safety and the condition of the road at 195th Street from Indian Road to the end of where the City of Fort Scott maintains, the speed limit signs, safety and condition of the roads and drainage issues at 195th from the beginning of the County maintenance to the boat ramp at the south end of 195th, they also felt the need for additional sheriff’s presence on the Lake Roads. There was discussion over the lack of building codes and the enforcement of covenants and deed restrictions at the Lake. They requested cooperation between the County and City to study the history of the Lake covenants and what could be done to provide structure and guidance for future Lake growth. A majority of the people attending the Lake meeting were opposed to the proposed condo development at 706 195th Street and Nancy read letters from landowners that were against the condo development. Gary Palmer asked where the jurisdiction lies in regards to the City and County at the Lake; Jeff said the City owns some lots and owns the water and the waterfront and the County owns certain sections of the road there. Some of the Lake residents wanted spot zoning at the Lake; Jeff said the cost of enforcing zoning could be overwhelming expense to the County. Geoffrey Clark said currently someone could build what they wanted at the Lake, but the local residents want to keep the Lake as it is which is single residences and asked that the County think about zoning there. Tom Graham presented a document from 1962 showing that the City’s intention was to have private cabins. Byron Maze said in 2008 Mel Cummins was told by the County that he couldn’t subdivide his property into lots to build 4/5 homes. Nancy Maze said she understood that the County has to consider tax money, but said the County needed to consider the tax money that is already collected from the single family landowners there. Nancy Van Etten said they wanted guidance from the County. It was said that there are deed restrictions on the deeds for the Lake properties. Tom Graham thanked the County for the paving that had been done in the area.

Sunflower Development Group representative Chris Vukas met with the Commissioners and Jody Hoener to discuss the NMTC (New Market Tax Credit) program. He said it is a partnership working to bring the Federal tax credit program locally.   The goal of the program is to create jobs, provide business expansion and to add equity to projects. This is an underutilized tax credit program in Kansas. He went over various projects that have used the NMTC program. He discussed projects that could utilize the program and discussed funding for projects. They are looking for projects to put in applications to prove that Kansas is in need of the program. Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Chris Vukas, Jody Hoener and Justin Meeks). No action was taken. Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Chris Vukas, Jody Hoener and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 4:05, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all were in favor.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

08/20/2019, Approved Date

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda for August 27

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 27th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

10:00-10:30-Bill Martin

10:30-11:00-Rachel Pruitt-Property Tax Relief

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

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

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

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

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

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

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

FS City Offices Are Closed For Labor Day

The City of Fort Scott Administrative Office will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, 2019 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, August 31st, 2019 for the Labor Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Industrial Hemp Regulations Draft Available for Public Input

 

 

MANHATTAN, Kan. —  A draft of regulations for the Commercial Industrial Hemp Program in Kansas is now available for public input on the Kansas Department of Agriculture website. The draft was developed by KDA and will be available for public review by the industrial hemp state advisory board and stakeholders. An Industrial Hemp Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for August 30 to discuss the draft of the commercial regulations.

 

The draft can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/IndustrialHemp, and comments may be submitted there or emailed to [email protected] through September 13. Following this public input stage, all feedback will be considered in revising the regulations prior to beginning the next step in the formal adoption process.

 

As part of the formal adoption process, the regulations will be reviewed by several entities, including the Division of Budget, Department of Administration, the Attorney General, and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations. In addition, they will be subject to a public hearing which will be announced in the Kansas Register 60 days prior to the hearing. The state’s Commercial Industrial Hemp Program plan also must be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA is expected to provide the “Final Rule” on the establishment of a domestic hemp production program in late August 2019.