Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas, Schools, Submitted

Governor Colyer Releases Statement on School Finance Legislation

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“In the last two weeks, I have had many productive meetings with education stakeholders and legislators, listening to their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.  I am confident that we can reach an agreement on a solution that ends the school finance litigation and serves the best interests of our children and the state of Kansas.

I applaud the work of the Kansas Senate this week to address the equity fixes required by the Kansas Supreme Court.  I also appreciate the hard work of the House’s K-12 Education Budget Committee.

Last month, I shared with Kansans a framework for responding to the school finance ruling:

  1. We must keep our schools open.
  2. We need a definitive solution that ends the school finance lawsuits for good.
  3. Increased funding should be accomplished using a phased-in approach that will give schools time to plan and spend most effectively.
  4. We need to ensure the investment is sustainable without increasing the tax burden on Kansas families.
  5. Lastly, and I think most importantly, we must insist on accountability and improved outcomes.

As I have said before, I will support any effort that meets these objectives, keeps our schools open, and ends the cycle of litigation once and for all.

As legislators go home this evening for Easter weekend, I am calling on the legislature to send a school finance bill to my desk before they leave Topeka again.  Let’s get this done.”

Fort Scott, Government

Work On South Main Street Resumes April 2

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From the City of Fort Scott Government website:

Beginning on Monday, April 2, 2018 (weather permitting) Heckert Asphalt Company, in conjunction with LaForge and Budd Construction Company, will resume work on South Main Street beginning just south of 23rd Street and ending just north of the South National exchange.

With this work, there will be lane closures and possible flaggers at certain intersections while crews perform grinding work to the asphalt surface. During this time you may experience delays in travel and limited access to certain locations along this route. This work is expected to take one week to complete. Avoid this route if at all possible.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Bourbon County, Government, Submitted

Agenda For Bourbon County Commission March 27

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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: March 27, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00- 9:15 Jim Harris- Discussion of Kansas Junkyard and Salvage Control

9:15-9:30 Jim Harris- Discussion of the 5 yr. Solid Waste Plan Resolution # 11-18

9:30-9:35 Jim Harris- Discussion of pothole patching machine

9:35-9:45 Jim Harris- Consideration of KDOT request for a haul road

10:00-11:00 Justin Meeks- Opioid discussion

11:00-11:30 Rachel Pruitt- Microbrewery

11:30 Justin Meeks

12:00- 1:00 Commissioners gone to Lunch

1:30-1:45 Justin Meeks- Tax Sale

2:30 Employee Handbook

Justifications for Executive Session:

-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

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

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

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

-Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

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

Government, Kansas, Submitted

Kansas Prevention Collaborative Grants

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The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) on Friday announced the release of new Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the Kansas Prevention Collaborative-Community Initiative (KPCCI).

Communities across Kansas are eligible to apply for one-year planning-phase grants that will help assess community prevention needs, build local capacity and plan prevention efforts. Communities that have previously completed a KPCCI planning-grant cycle will be eligible to apply for a three-year implementation-phase grant, which will support their prevention efforts and build their capacity to apply for federal Drug-Free Communities funding.

Grantees will use these funds to address the problems of underage drinking and produce sustainable system changes in their communities.

The grant initiative is designed to allow communities to address local alcohol and other drug use concerns, but also to explore how behavioral health concerns, such as suicide, problem gambling, and depression, can impact youth and adult drug use. Communities will utilize the Strategic Prevention Framework model designed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to assess their local needs, build capacity and create a plan during this planning phase.

KDADS Secretary Tim Keck recognized the importance of addressing substance abuse concerns locally and in an integrated fashion, “KDADS remains committed to supporting prevention efforts at the local level in Kansas. We lose too many of our youth to behavioral health problems tied to substance use, problem gambling and suicidal behavior.”

“These Community Initiative grants are one part of our statewide prevention system. KDADS’ Behavioral Health Services Commission works with partners to provide training, technical assistance, communication, support, and evaluation services to communities across the state. We encourage communities to get involved with behavioral health prevention efforts and become part of the Kansas Prevention Collaborative,” said Andy Brown, Prevention Program Manager at KDADS.

The communities awarded new KPCCI planning grants will receive $15,000 in prevention funding and be supported in their planning efforts by KDADS and its partners in the Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC). New KPCCI implementation grant recipients will receive $185,000 in prevention funding over three years. Total awards for all KPCCI grantee cohorts next year will be $602,000.

About the Kansas Prevention Collaborative

The Kansas Prevention Collaborative was created in 2015 in an effort to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. A partnership of several different states, educational and provider agencies, the KPC’s goal is to expand prevention efforts to be more inclusive of mental health promotion, suicide prevention and problem gambling education and awareness, as well as to increase the availability of resources to adequately fund local-level prevention and promotion strategic plans. For more information, see https://www.kdads.ks.gov/commissions/behavioral-health/consumers-and-families/services-and-programs/kpc.

The KPC’s website can be viewed here: http://kansaspreventioncollaborative.org.

 

Government, Kansas, Submitted

Sen. Hilderbrand’s Newsletter March 16

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State senator Richard Hilderbrand 13th district

communications from the state capitol

March 16, 2018 ∙ Week Ten

Quote of the Week:
“I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”
― James Madison

HARD FACTS:

  • According to the State General Fund Profile for FY 2016-2022, Kansas will have a $300.7 million deficit. This does not include additional funding to K-12 education and continues to transfer sales tax from the State Highway Fund. (Kansas Legislative Research Department) http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/SGF-Receipts.html.
  • Four of the five metropolitan areas reported positive job growth since December 2017 with Kansas City reporting the largest gain of 800 jobs (Kansas Department of Labor) https://klic.dol.ks.gov/gsipub/index.asp?docid=472.

Explora is an online resource available from the State Library’s web site: http://kslib.info/students. Click on the grade appropriate icon for assistance with Middle School or High School homework or class assignments. Explora delivers high-quality articles from reputable publishers with no pop-ups or ads. Reading level indicators allow selection of material that matches students’ reading abilities. Broad topic overviews provide students with a starting point for their research.

If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas.  Most people will be automatically recognized as inside Kansas and will not need this step.   Questions: [email protected] or 785-296-3296.

FLOOR ACTION:

MOTORCYCLE APPROVED SAFTEY TRAINING CURRICULUM (SUB HB 2194): Substitute for House Bill 2194 would exempt applicants for Class M (motorcycle) driver’s licenses who have completed curriculum recognized by the Kansas Department of Education and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation from completing further written and driving testing by the Division of Vehicles. The bill would require an applicant who completes a motorcycle safety curriculum to provide a copy of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation completion form to the Division of Vehicles prior to receiving a Class M license. The bill would also clarify the driving examination required for licensure shall be administered by the Division of Vehicles, the U.S. Department of Defense, or as part of a recognized curriculum. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.

ALCOHOLIC CANDY (HB 2476): House Bill 2476 defines “alcoholic candy” as any candy or other confectionery product with an alcohol content greater than 1.0 percent alcohol by volume. Alcoholic candy would be subject to regulation by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Kansas Department of Revenue, and retailers would be required to have a liquor license to sell such products. The bill also would increase an exemption for the alcohol allowed in confectionery products under current law regarding adulterated foods from less than 0.5 percent to not more than 1.0 percent.

The bill would also allow licensed microbrewers in the State to produce beer containing up to 15.0 percent alcohol by weight. Current law prohibits microbrewers from producing beer with more than 10.0 percent alcohol by weight. A microbrewery licensee would be allowed to sell beer manufactured by the licensee in refillable and sealable containers to consumers for off-premises consumption if containers do not contain less than 32 fluid ounces or more than 64 fluid ounces of beer. Licensees would be required to affix labels to all containers sold, which would include the licensee’s name and the name and type of beer in such container. This bill passed the Senate 38-2. (I voted against this bill. This bill will contradict federal law that only allows up to 0.5 percent of alcohol in confectionery products. Without making the necessary changes to protect the vendors in our state, this could leave them vulnerable to prosecution by the federal government.)

EMERGENCY OR CATASTROPHE (HB 2469): House Bill 2469 prohibits local units of government from imposing restrictions or enforcing local licensing or registration ordinances on insurance claims’ handling operations during any catastrophic event threatening life or property. The bill would require insurers to notify the city or county prior to establishing a claims handling operation. Under the bill, a political subdivision would not be prohibited from exercising its police power when necessary to preserve public health and welfare, including, but not limited to, enforcing its building, zoning, and fire safety codes. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.

OFFENDER’S CRIMINAL HISTORY CLASSIFICATION (HB 2567): House Bill 2567 modifies a statute governing determination of criminal history to replace references to “another state” with “the convicting jurisdiction,” clarify the comparable offense to be used for comparison for misdemeanor crimes in another jurisdiction is the offense under the Kansas Criminal Code in effect on the date the current crime of conviction was committed and standardize terminology.

The bill also would add a provision that if a crime is not classified as either a felony or misdemeanor in the convicting jurisdiction, the comparable offense under the Kansas Criminal Code in effect on the date the current crime of conviction was committed shall be used to classify the out-of-state crime as either a felony or misdemeanor. If Kansas does not have such comparable offense, the out-of-state crime would not be used in classifying the offender’s criminal history. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.

TRIBAL REGALIA AND OBJECTS OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AT PUBLIC EVENTS (HB 2498): House Bill 2498 would prohibit state agencies and municipalities from prohibiting any individual from wearing tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at an event held or sponsored by a state agency or municipality, including, but not limited to, an award ceremony, a graduation ceremony, or a meeting of a governing body. Kansas Legislature declares the purpose of the bill is to help further the State’s recognition of the distinct and unique cultural heritage of Native Americans and the State’s commitment to preserving Native Americans’ cultural integrity. On the effective date of the bill, the Secretary of State would have to send a copy of the bill to each tribal government on the four reservations in Kansas on the effective date of the bill. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.

CHANGING LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES (SB 428): Senate Bill 428 changes the licensure requirements for a child care facility operating in a public recreation center or school. A public recreation center means any building used by a political or taxing subdivision of the state, and does not include child care facilities located in an individual’s residence. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.

CAMPUS FREE SPEECH PROTECTION ACT (SB 340): Senate Bill 340, the Campus Free Speech Protection Act, forbids public universities from creating free-speech zones, requiring students from adopting certain beliefs, and prevents schools from banning speakers based on the content of their speech.

SB 340 was introduced to protect all students’ First Amendment rights and helps to prevent unfair treatment due to students’ individual beliefs. Censorship on college campuses has been an issue throughout the nation in recent years, growing even more common since the 2016 election. The implementation of free-speech zones act as restrictive measures where students are only allowed to express their beliefs or host tabling in designated areas on campus. Legislators argued during debate that as state institutions, students should be allowed to exercise their First Amendment rights throughout the entire campus. This bill failed 20-20 (21 votes are needed to pass). (I voted for this bill. It is very disappointing to know that we were not able to guarantee freedom of speech on our college campuses.)

CLARIFYING JUVENILE OFFENDER REVIEW REQUIREMENTS (HB 2454): House Bill 2454 would amend the statute in the Revised Kansas Juvenile Justice Code governing detention hearings to expand the permitted use of two-way electronic audio-visual communication between the juvenile and the judge. The bill would further amend law related to detention review hearing by adding a provision stating that hearings are not required for a juvenile offender that is held in detention awaiting case disposition. If a juvenile is being held in detention, HB 2454 would require sentencing to take place within 45 days after the juvenile has been adjudicated. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.

PROHIBITING GUN OWNERSHIP TO THOSE CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (HB 2145): House Bill 2145 would prohibit gun ownership to those convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense within the last five years. HB 2145 would also amend state law by adding throwing star with intent to harm as a crime. Before this amendment, an individual could be held accountable for simply possessing a throwing star. This amendment clarifies that individuals can only be held accountable if they possess a throwing star and have an intent to harm another person. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.

FIREARM RECIPROCITY (HB 2042): House Bill 2042 allows for the recognition of out-of-state concealed carry permits. HB 2042 requires individuals with out-of-state concealed carry permits to abide by Kansas law while in the state. This bill passed the Senate 25-15 (I voted for this bill)

  • During the debate over the attempt to raise the age for purchasing a rifle to 21, Senator Barbara Bollier tried to make the argument that the brain development of 18-20 year-olds made it inappropriate for them to have a rifle, even though they can vote and serve in the military. Sen. Masterson responded, “We’re getting way off topic talking about cerebral cortexes.”
  • In that same portion of the debate, Sen. Richard Hilderbrand argued that it was inappropriate to not allow those 18-20 to carry a rifle, because they can vote and serve in the military. Sen. Holland countered that we restrict the right of such individuals to drink. However, Sen. Hilderbrand pointed out that there is a right to bear arms in the Second Amendment, but there is no right to drink anywhere in the Constitution. This time, Sen. Bollier attempted to claim there was a “Constitutional right to alcohol” in the Twenty-first Amendment, but that is incorrect. The Twenty-first Amendment merely repealed the federal prohibition on the sale, transportation, and manufacture of intoxicating liquors. In fact, Section 2 of that amendment essentially provides states complete control over alcohol laws. We’ve seen that play out here in Kansas, where alcohol laws were strict and have since been somewhat loosened.


GOV. COLYER’S EXECUTIVE ORDER ON DROUGHT AND WILDFIRE HAZARDS:

On Monday, Governor Jeff Colyer signed an executive order covering all 105 counties in Kansas on the hazard of severe drought and wildfires. He placed 28 counties in emergency status, 29 in warning status, and 48 in watch status. The executive order comes after several wildfires took place over the past week. The most severe region in the state includes Hamilton, Barton, Rice, Reno, Sedgwick, and Sumner counties. The least threatened areas include counties on the Nebraska line and Northeast Kansas along the Missouri border.

INDIA DAY AT THE STATEHOUSE:

India Day at the Kansas Capitol was held on Wednesday March 14th. The event was sponsored by Governor Colyer, Senate President Wagle, Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman, and Senator Rob Olson. The event promoted Indian culture and recognized prominent Indian decision makers from across the state. There were numerous tables in the Capitol rotunda that showcased different regions, religions, arts, and culture of India.

NEXT WEEK:

MONDAY-

  • Hearing on: (opponents) HB 2583, relating to the control and eradication of noxious weeds in the state of Kansas — [Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, March 19 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2674, establishing Kansas telemedicine act — [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, March 19 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: Sub HB 2556, establishing the state interoperability advisory committee — [Senate Ways and Means Committee, March 19 at 10:30 am]
  • Presentation on: Overview of Study-Dr. Lori Taylor and Jason Willis — [Joint Meeting with Senate Select Committee on Education Finance & House K-12 Education Budget, March 19 at 12 pm in 346-S]

TUESDAY-

  • Hearing on: SB 444, decreasing the sales and use tax rate on food and food ingredients — [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, March 20 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2604, secretary of state; posting precinct level election results; certain offices — [Senate Ethics, Elections and Local Government, March 20 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2642, elections; corrupt political advertising — [Senate Ethics, Elections and Local Government, March 20 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing continuation on: Proponents SB 401, creating the adoption protection act — [Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, March 20 at 10:30 am, Room Change: 346-S]
  • Hearing on: SB 431, creating the extreme risk protective order act — [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 20 at 10:30 am, Room Change: 144-S]
  • Hearing on: HB 2566, making the criminal penalty for possession of THC equal to the criminal penalty of possession of marijuana — [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 20 at 10:30 am, Room Change: 144-S]
  • Informational hearing on: HB 2701, establishing the statewide broadband expansion task force — [Senate Utilities Committee, March 20 at 1:30 pm]
  • Hearing on: SB 422, requiring a minimum local option budget and requiring local school boards to notify the state board of education of their intent to increase local option budget authority — [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance, March 20 at 1:00 pm in 144-S]

WEDNESDAY-

  • Hearing on: HB 2416, income tax credit for certain purchases of goods and services by a taxpayer from qualified vendors that provide employment to the individuals who are blind or severely disabled — [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, March 21 at 9:30 am]
  • Informational hearing on: SB 49, elections; registration; election day registration — [Senate Ethics, Elections and Local Government, March 21 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2496, enacting the nurse licensure compact — [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, March 21 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: Opponents SB 401, creating the adoption protection act — [Senate Federal and State Affairs, March 21 at 10:30 am, Room Change: 346-S]
  • Hearing on: HB 2648, including federal law enforcement officers in assault and battery against a law enforcement officer — [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 21 at 10:30am, Room Change: 144-S]
  • Hearing on: Senate “simplified transportation formula” — [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance, March 21 at 1:30 pm in 144-S]

THURSDAY-

  • Hearing on: SB 376, increasing the rates of taxation of cigarettes and tobacco products; establishing the cigarette and tobacco product cessation fund — [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, March 22 at 9:30 am]
  • Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment and ACT – for all High School — [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance, March 22 at 1:00 pm in 144-S]

Below are links to make it easy for constituents to follow the Kansas Legislature:

Website – www.kslegislature.org. It is great for looking up bills, calendars, journals, as well as, the roster in each Chamber.

YouTube of Legislature – http://bit.ly/2CZj9O0 Did you know the legislature is now streaming its proceedings? The YouTube page has an archive of the sessions thus far – including the State of the State and the State of the Judiciary.

Committee Streaming – http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/ The Kansas Legislature is also streaming committees, with every committee room equipped with audio streaming technology.

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.

Bourbon County, Government, Submitted

The Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission March 20

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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: March 20, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00- 9:15 Jim Harris- Discussion of truck

9:15-9:30 Jim Harris- Discussion of Right-Of-Way East Hwy 54

9:30-9:45 Jim Harris- Chemical Bids

9:45 -10:00 Fire Department 3 and Fire Department 4 Consolidation

10:30-10:45 Justin Meeks- Opioid meeting discussion

11:00-12:00 Justin Meeks

12:00 Commissioners gone to lunch

2:00 Fair Housing Month

2:30 Employee Handbook

Justifications for Executive Session:

-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

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

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

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

-Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

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

Fort Scott, Government, Submitted

FS Commission Agenda/Minutes for March 20

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The agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission, 6 p.m. March 20 at city hall, 123 S. Main.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Dave Martin, City Manager

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 6th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1211-A totaling $284,110.34.

  1. Resolution No. 12-2018 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1602 E. Oak – Public Hearing Date – 5/1/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution No. 13-2018 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 504 S. Judson – Public Hearing Date – 5/1/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Alterations to 22 & 22 ½ N. Main Street

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

Mike Trim – School Resource Officer

Jackie Sellers – Senior Citizens/Taxi update

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

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:15 p.m. Resolution 14-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1523 E. Wall Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 15-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1601 E. Wall Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 16-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 13 N. Holbrook Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 17-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 523 S. Main Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 18-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 108 W. Oak Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 19-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 309 S. Lowman Street

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Presentation of 2018 Comprehensive Plan – Diana Endicott, Chairperson, Fort Scott Planning Commission

  1. Supplemental Agreement for Construction Engineering on the South Main (Highway 69) Widening Project and 18th/23rd Street Intersection Project

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  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

IX. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

The following are theMinutes of March 6, 2018 Regular Meeting #5

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 6th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: Allen Schellack, Chaplain, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government and city officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Tim Harper, Rachel Pruitt, Clayton Miller, Frank Adamson, Paul Ballou, Rhonda Dunn, Deb Needleman, Darrell Parker, Terry Hughes, Susan Galemore, Janet Braun, Rose Good, Tom Robertson, Allen Schellack, Deb McCoy, Diana Morriss, Allyson Turvey, Jody Hoener, Roy Hoener, Jerald Mitchell, Tim Harloff, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Flood Safety Awareness Week Proclamation – March 4-10, 2018 – Mayor Mitchell read a proclamation which proclaims March 4-10, 2018 as Flood Safety Awareness Week in the City of Fort Scott.

Introduction of new City employees – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, introduced Allyson Turvey as a new City employee. Ally started in April 2017 in a shared position with the Chamber and Tourism. She is now full time with the City and assists the Economic Development Director and Community Development Director as well as the Tourism Director.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 20th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1210-A totaling $561,766.74.

  1. Approval of Archer Daniels Midland Amended Agreement – purchase of treated wastewater from City of Fort Scott

  1. Resolution No. 11-2018 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 310 N. Cleveland – Public Hearing Date – 4/17/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

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

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

limit per citizen) –

Terry Hughes – Mr. Hughes appeared before the Commission and told them he lives at 3rd and Hill Street and needs some Fort Scott bricks. He needs about 900 bricks to finish his project he is working on. He is pouring a pad by the alley and will install the bricks in there.

City Manager asked the Commission to let himself and Chad Brown work together with Mr. Hughes and see what the City can do.

Diana Morriss – Ms. Morriss stated she didn’t appear at the last meeting due to the weather. She expressed her concerns in a letter to the Commission last week about the closing of the Beaux Arts Center. She asked the Commission to be fair and just and when errors are made to correct them.

City Attorney said that the City did not make any mistakes. The City of Fort Scott did not do anything administratively to shut down this building. The owners did that themselves. The City is willing to sit down and talk with them. There were no errors made. The owners need to come and talk to the City.

Deb McCoy – Ms. McCoy said she is here with the same concerns. She would like to see this issue moved forward in a positive way. This closure has affected many people’s plans for this year.

City Attorney said that the City is anxious to resolve this situation and is waiting on the owners of the building to meet with them.

Rose Good – Ms. Good said that she is also concerned about the Beaux Arts Center. She moved here 17 years ago and she would like to commend Rhonda Dunn on the good job she is doing in cleaning up the City. She is glad that the codes are being enforced no matter who you are. We need to make sure that we are the best looking town we can be and keep moving forward. She commended Dave Martin as the City looks better since he became City Manager than it has for years before.

City Manager said that he is still waiting to meet with the Duncan’s. He has reached out to Bobby Duncan but has not heard anything. He does not know what else the City can do.

Mayor Mitchell said the Commission would like the building to remain open but the owners need to meet with the City officials.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Parker moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. Motion carried.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:15 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 10-2018 directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 1234 E. Elm Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure is in bad need of repair. It has been on the dangerous and unsafe status since 2010. It sold in 2014 to Jerrod Cowlishaw at a tax sale. This structure has no electricity or water to it. She recommended giving the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove this structure.

Discussion was held if less than 30 days can be given and the City Attorney advised it is up to the Commission.

Mitchell moved to give the property owner 10 days to either repair or remove this structure. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 10-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1234 E. ELM STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY MARCH 21st, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:19 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:19 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Fitness Bids – Buck Run Community Center – Tom Robertson, Buck Run Community Center Director, informed the Commission that bids were received on February 14th, 2018 for the purchase of two new treadmill machines for the fitness room at Buck Run. He asked the Commission to approve the bid from Mid-States Fitness Equipment of Wichita, Kansas totaling $9,300. There were other bids that were less, but they did not meet the bid specifications.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the bid from Mid-States Fitness Equipment of Wichita, Kansas in the amount of $9,300. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BID FROM MID-STATES FITNESS EQUIPMENT OF WICHITA, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,300.00 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW TREADMILLS AT BUCK RUN COMMUNITY CENTER.

  1. Consideration of 124 E. Wall Bids – CDBG Grant and Approval of Project – Susan Galemore, Grant Administrator for Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, informed the Commission that this project was recently rebid a second time. There were three bids received with the low bid from Hofer & Hofer of Humboldt, Kansas in the amount of $150,084. This amount is still about $50,000 over the projected budget for the project as the grant amount is $95,000.

Jon Garrison prepared a spreadsheet which reflects the grant in the amount of $95,000, the City of Fort Scott contribution of $30,000, and the Economic Development Grant in the amount of $3,000. The owner’s contribution is $49,759.00 total. The total project is $177,759.00.

Jody Hoener thanked the City for all their assistance with this project.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the low bid from Hofer & Hofer of Humboldt, Kansas in the amount of $150,084 with the payments approved as shown. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOW BID FROM HOFER & HOFER OF HUMBOLDT, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,084 FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE BUILDING AT 124 E. WALL STREET.

  1. Consideration of Tourism Center Upgrade Bids – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that the upgrade of the tourism center was recently rebid after specifications were drawn up by AG Engineering. There were three bids received: Buildet, LLC of Nevada, Missouri in the amount of $13,800; Great Expectations of Fort Scott in the amount of $15,169.71; and JBHS, LLC of Uniontown, KS in the amount of $19,885.11. City Manager recommended the Commission approved the local bid from Great Expectations. It is 9% higher or $1,367.71 more than the low bid. This amount will be split between the CVB, Economic Development and Community Development budgets.

Mitchell moved to approve the local bid in the amount of $15,169.71 from Great Expectations of Fort Scott for the upgrade at the Tourism Center. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOCAL BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,169.71 FROM GREAT EXPECTATIONS OF FORT SCOTT FOR THE UPGRADE AT THE TOURISM CENTER.

  1. Consideration of Memorial Hall Rental Contract – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that she has had no contact from the buyer who was interested in purchasing Memorial Hall a couple of years ago. She has not heard from him since the fall of 2017. Discussions were held between staff about making Memorial Hall a revenue generator. The building houses the Codes Department still. She said that Larry Gazaway looked at over ten different facility contracts. He came up with a contract for individuals or organizations who would like to rent the facility. It has been approved by the City Attorney. She said that for profit events will be treated differently than not for profit events. She stated that with the revenue that is made from the renting of the building that upgrades will be done to the building such as painting and updating of the windows.

Bartlesmeyer moved to approve the Memorial Hall Rental Contract. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED MEMORIAL HALL RENTAL CONTRACT.

  1. Consideration of Ground Lease Bids for land at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the lease of approximately 104 acres at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There were four bids received with the high bid from J.W. Endicott in the amount of $15,000. Approval was recommended.

Parker moved to approve the high bid from J. W. Endicott in the amount of $15,000 to farm the 104 acres at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE HIGH BID FROM J. W. ENDICOTT IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000.00 TO FARM THE 104 ACRES AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn – Rhonda gave the Commission an update on the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and the Food Alliance Board. She also updated the Commission on the PedNet program, which is focusing on sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycling, and trails.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Not present

Parker – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Thanked the individuals who spoke tonight for their comments.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager: Nothing to report.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:46 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:46 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on March 20th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

For the full agenda packet, click here, then click on the image.

3-20-2018 agenda packet

Bourbon County, Government, Submitted

Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission March 13

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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: March 13, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00- 9:15 Jim Harris- Asphalt Tanker Trailer

9:15-9:45 Jim Harris-Preliminary discussion relating to acquisition of real property

9:45-10:15 KDOT Annual update

10:15-10:30 Executive Session – personnel matters of non-elected personnel

10:30-10:35 Justin- discuss Opioid Meeting in Independence, Ks. on March 19, 2018@ 10am

10:35-10:40 Justin- Executive Session Consultation deemed privileged attorney-client relationship/

possible litigation

10:40-10:45 Justin-Executive Session Consultation deemed privileged attorney-client/relationship/

Personnel matter of individual non-elected personnel

10:45-11:00 Justin- Executive Session Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

11:00-11:30 William Wallis/Shane Walker- emergency operations plan for Bourbon County

Courthouse/emergency drills

11:30-11:45 Justin -regarding business in Fort Scott needing to change a law for Bourbon County

11:45-12:00 Justin- regarding direction from Commissioners/ Visioning Committee

12:00- 1:00 Commissioners gone to Lunch

2:00-2:30 Pathways Bourbon County

2:45 Employee Handbook

Justifications for Executive Session:

Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

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

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

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

Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

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

Area News, Government

Legislators Answer Questions

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From left: Kansas District 12 State Senator Richard Hilderbrand (R), and District 4, Representative Trevor Jacobs (R) listen as District 12 State Senator Caryn Tyson (R) gives remarks at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coffee. At right is event moderator Mark McCoy. Not pictured is District 2 Representative Adam Lusker (D), who was late to the event.

Legislators gave answers to questions posed to them at Mercy Hospital’s Catherine Cafe Saturday morning during a legislative coffee sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Richard Hilderbrand, Representative Trevor Jacobs, Representative Adam Lusker and Senator Caryn Tyson sat as a panel and received questions from the moderator,Chamber Member Mark McCoy and also questions from the audience.

Richard Hilderbrand is the Kansas District 13 Senator from Galena. He can be reached at 785-296-7370 or [email protected].

State Senator Richard Hilderbrand converses with the audience following the legislative coffee Saturday.

The following are excerpts from Hilderbrand’s answers to questions posed to the legislators on current issues.

On education, Senator Hilderbrand clarified in a later interview ” My position on restoring Higher Ed. funding is we need to prioritize all of our commitments that have been cut, and not to add any other new items to fund. We need to work on restoring cuts before adding anything new.”

Support of bill lowering the sexual consent age to 11 years of age:  “Absolutely not.”

School safety:  “It’s a heart issue, no law will fix hate.”

Community college funding:  “I haven’t heard anything at the state level.”

Poultry operations: “There were no existing statutes, so this puts some in place for rights….and kept local control.”

KanCare: “When they budgeted it was only for the initial cost….not maintaining…now they have to come back and raise fees.”

Convention of states: “I would not support that.”

Transportation: “For 2019, the finishing of Fort Scott to Pittsburg Highway 69 seems to be the mood.”

Parting remarks: “It’s important to have this interaction with constituents. If there are any issues, contact us.”

Trevor Jacobs is the District 4 Representative from Fort Scott. He can be reached at 785-296-7616 or [email protected].

State Representative Trevor Jacobs listens to constituents following the legislative coffee Saturday morning at Mercy Hospital.

The following are excerpts from Jacobs answers to questions posed to the legislators.

Education funding: “No more expansion of higher education.”

Support of bill lowering the sexual consent age to 11 years of age: “I would not.”

School safety:  “One of the 10 Commandments is ‘Thou shalt not kill’.  We need to address the root of the problem. We need a revolution of family and education.”

Property tax: “I’m not into raising taxes.”

Marijuana decriminalization: “I’m not in favor..we have enough problems.”

Convention of states: No

Transportation:  (Rep. Jacobs in a later interview stated)”I am on the House Transportation Committee. I was never told any date, it doesn’t look like Hwy. 69 is budgeted.”

Parting remarks: “I was able to introduce a Choose Life (car) license plate. Lord willing, they will pass, to show life is valuable.”

Rep. Adam Lusker speaks with a constituent following the legislative coffee Saturday morning.

District 2  Representative Adam Lusker (D) resides in Frontenac and can be reached at 785-296-7698 or [email protected].

The following are excerpts from Luskers’s answers to questions posed to the legislators.

Lusker was late to the coffee event, therefore did not answer some of the questions, explaining he misunderstood the begin time.

KanCare: “KanCare is problematic.”

DCF: “Deals with tough situations.”

Marijuana decriminalization:  “There is no legislation on either side for recreational marijuana. CDB oil passed for epilepsy but never came to fruition. We are a long way from legalizing in Kansas.”

Convention of states: “I would be opposed to a convention of states.”

Transportation: “Highway 69 in late 2019 will be completed. There is a $50-55 million budget. It will be on the front burner of the next transportation incentives for Bourbon County.

Parting remarks:”It’s a pleasure to serve you. I don’t align with these individuals (legislative colleagues)  on a lot of issues, but they are very good people. We work together for the best of Kansas.”

Senator Caryn Tyson listens to a constituent following the legislative coffee sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Caryn Tyson (R) represents Kansas District 4. She resides in Parker and can be reached at 785-296-6838 or [email protected].

Tyson said she is also running for U.S. Congress to replace Lynn Jenkins, who is retiring.

The following are excerpts from Tyson’s answers following questions posed to the legislators.

Education: “Over 60 percent of the state budget goes to k-12 and higher education…We have obligations for education but have other obligations. Schools can we do it better, can we do it smarter? We need to ask, is it a need or want.”

Support of bill lowering the sexual consent age to 11 years of age: “I would not vote to support that bill.”

School safety: “The hall talk is teachers to take training.”

Community college funding: “We have demonstrated our priority…60 percent of our budget is in education.”

Poultry operations: “The whole community should have input on their coming in.”

KanCare: “The legislature did not decide on that, the administration did. KanCare was pushed into the State of Kansas without legislation. We have to make sure our contracts are understood.”

DCF: “There are a lot of problems. (However) We have a new secretary.”

Marijuana decriminalization: “The issue is dosage control. There is no way to control. Kansas has lessened the laws for marijuana.

Convention of states: “It (the U.S. Constitution) is not a perfect document. Women wouldn’t be able to vote without constitutional amendments.”

Transportation: “Highway 69 will be completed.”

Parting remarks: “We are a citizen legislature. When we make decisions we need to know who we are impacting.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For County Commission Meeting March 6

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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: March 6, 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

9:45- 10:00 Carla Nemecek – Extension Office

10:00- 10:30 Opioid Crisis

10:45- 11:00 Executive Session for personnel matters

11: 00- 11:15 Justin Meeks- letter to employees regarding smoking

11:15 -11:30 Justin Meeks- letter to Kansas Land Trust

12:00- 1:00 Commissioners gone to Lunch

1:30- 2:00 Jacqie Spradling – JV Detention Center

2:00-2:15 Justin Meeks – Executive Session attorney/client relationship possible litigation

2:15-2:45 Economic Development

2:45 Employee Handbook

Justifications for Executive Session:

Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

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

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

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

Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

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

Area News, Government, Submitted

Kansas District 13 Senator Richard Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter

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State senator Richard Hilderbrand 13th district

communications from the state capitol

March 2, 2018 ∙ Week Eight

Quote of the Week:
“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand;

the spines of others are often stiffened.”

– Billy Graham

HARD FACTS:

PRESENATION ON K-12 EDUCATION FUNDING:

On Friday February 23rd, Dr. Lori L. Taylor gave a preliminary presentation to a joint session of the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives on the methods, data, and analysis plan for her research on K-12 education funding in Kansas.

Dr. Taylor was hired by the Legislature in December to act as an expert witness and to investigate whether Kansas’ K-12 funding is adequate. This comes after the Kansas Supreme Court declared the current funding level is not enough and gave the legislature an April 30th deadline to create a new funding system.

Taylor, a native Kansan, holds a BA in economics and a BS in business administration from the University of Kansas and received her PhD in economics from the University of Rochester.

She is currently a professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and works as the Director for Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy. Taylor’s research is focused in school finance and she has consulted for numerous state legislatures and state and federal agencies on the topic.

During Friday’s presentation, Taylor outlined her study’s objective to estimate the level of spending required to produce a given outcome within a given educational environment. Taylor explained that she is looking at many different factors of school finance such as differences in spending, student outcomes, student needs, labor costs, geographical differences, and many other variables. One major variable Taylor will investigate in her research is student achievement relative to spending per pupil.

Taylor is expected to deliver her results to the Legislature by March 15th, a few weeks before the court mandated deadline.

I had the opportunity to attend the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce First Friday Legislative update on March 2nd, at the Kansas Crossing Casino, and on Saturday March 3rd, I had the opportunity to attend the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Update at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott.

TASK FORCE ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

On Thursday, Governor Jeff Colyer issued an executive order creating a task force addressing substance use disorder. The objective of the task force is to gather information regarding substance abuse in Kansas, particularly regarding the growing number of opioid and heroin overdoses in the state along with methamphetamine addiction. The task force will work to find useful resources and initiatives to fight drug abuse. It will also examine practices for prevention and treatment along with recovery options for at-risk individuals through early detection and education.

Since 2012, more than 1,500 Kansans have died from opioid or heroin overdoses and more than 100 Kansas residents continue to die each year. In 2016, drug poisoning was the cause of death to more than 300 people in Kansas, with 95 deaths caused by methamphetamine alone. The task force acknowledges that substance abuse is an illness which not only impacts the lives of those addicted but also their families and surrounding communities.

The task force will be chaired by Dr. Greg Lakin, Chief Medical Officer at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Membership will be comprised of heads from numerous state agencies, legislators, and professionals in industries such as education, law enforcement, hospitals, and more.

AVIATION DAY:

The Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation along with the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE) held their 4th annual Aviation Day event Thursday.

The day began with an economic development training event for city officials on how to best harness state and local resources to boost the aviation industry. During the Aviation Day event, legislators, manufacturers, suppliers, and aviation organizations gathered to discuss industry growth and opportunities and addressed development potentials for Kansas economic stakeholders.

The Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education highlighted industry development opportunities throughout the day, spreading awareness regarding STEM and aviation education through KCAE.

NEXT WEEK:

Monday-

    • Consideration of agency budget: Department of Education – [Senate Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education, March 5 at 11:30 am]
    • Presentation on: High Enrollment Weighting: KSDE, Dale Dennis, Deputy Commissioner, Legislative Research Department & Revisor of Statutes – [Senate Education Committee, March 5 at 1:30 pm]

Tuesday-

  • Hearing on: HB 2511, Making commercial driver’s licenses renewable every five years – [Senate Transportation Committee, March 6 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 400, tax lid exemption when taxing entity abolished and duties assumed by a city or county – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, March 6 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2088, allow use of certified drug abuse treatment program for drug severity level 4 crimes – [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 6 at 10:30 am]
  • Presentation on: FutureMaker Mobile STEM Lab – update on Hands on Experience – [Senate Education Committee, March 6 at 1:30 pm]

Wednesday-

  • Hearing on: HB 2486, allowing golf carts to be driven on certain streets at night – [Senate Transportation Committee, March 7 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 415, depositing all state sales tax revenues from sales on the Kansas state fairgrounds into the state fair capital improvements fund – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, March 7 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2501, establishing the health occupations credentialing fee fund – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, March 7 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2600, increasing the fees assessed by KDHE for certain radiation protection services – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, March 7 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2458, adding violations of the act for obtaining a guardian or conservator, or both, to the crimes of mistreatment of a dependent adult and mistreatment of an elder person, changing the felony loss thresholds and adding the crimes to the inherently dangerous felony list – [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 7 at 10:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2479, allowing criminal cases to be stayed during state appeal of writ of habeas corpus relief – [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 7 at 10:30 am]
  • Hearing on SB 378, creating the crime of counterfeiting currency – [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 7 at 10:30 am]
  • Discussion on: Joint Senate Select Committee on Education Finance & House K-12 Education Budget Committee- Dr. Jesse Levin, Peer Review of the LPA and Augenblick Studies (Skype Presentation) – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance and House K-12 Education Budget Committee, March 7 at 1:00 pm]

Thursday-

  • Hearing on: SB 367, sales taxation; treatment of coupons; certain cash rebates on sales or leases of new motor vehicles – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, March 8 at 9:30 am]
  • Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment – KBOR, Dr. Blake Flanders, President & CEO – [Senate Education Committee, March 8 at 1:30 pm]

Below are links to make it easy for constituents to follow the Kansas Legislature:

Website – www.kslegislature.org. It is great for looking up bills, calendars, journals, as well as, the roster in each Chamber.

YouTube of Legislature – http://bit.ly/2CZj9O0 Did you know the legislature is now streaming its proceedings? The YouTube page has an archive of the sessions thus far – including the State of the State and the State of the Judiciary.

Committee Streaming – http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/ The Kansas Legislature is also streaming committees, with every committee room equipped with audio streaming technology.

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