Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 25

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June 25, 2019                                                           Tuesday 1:00 pm

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

Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.   Steve Hill was present for a portion of the meeting.

Kelly Stone – an intern with the City of Fort Scott was present for a portion of the meeting.

Nick made a motion to approve a budgeted transfer of $200,000 total for the 1st two quarters of 2019 from Road & Bridge Sales Tax to Road & Bridge, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Jim Harris reported that they are overlaying with the recently purchased paver on Condensory, 235th (Frank Young suggested not overlaying the bridge on 235th, but to patch the bridge) and Franklin. He said the paver machine is doing a great job. Nick thanked Jim’s employees for the good work they are doing.

Lynne reported to Jim Harris a request from Joe George for a field entrance ½ mile west of a little south of Paint Creek.

Jim reported that one of the Freightliner trucks has been in the shop approximately 10 days of the last 3 weeks; he said so far in 2019 the County has spent $10,000-$12,000 on repairs for this truck. The truck is used to haul asphalt and gravel and has a snow plow. Jim said that the City of Fort Scott has loaned him a truck and a driver to help since this truck is down; Jim said he had loaned the City the excavator.

Jeff discussed Justice Lane; he said that years ago the County dumped some fill in the area; a resident in the area wants the right-of-way maintained. Jeff discussed a possible drainage issue near a driveway entrance on Justice Lane. Jeff questioned if cost sharing regarding trimming and treating could be done with the utility companies using the right-of-ways.

Jeff Fischer discussed the areas that he wants overlaid this year; he said he based his decision on traffic count and the condition of the road. He suggested a surface thick enough to restore the surface for chip sealed condition.

  1. Industrial Park – patch and overlay on Liberty Bell Road past Value Merchandiser and then up to 69 Highway.
  2. The Horton Extension – overlaying south on 215th from the City limits to Indian Road.
  3. Ironwood Road
  4. Two miles on Jefferson Highway from Indian Road going south to the tracks.

Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director met with the Commissioners; she said that Peerless Products had bought a building for expansion in Nevada, Missouri. Jody said that she didn’t feel that Peerless had any intention of moving outside of Fort Scott.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Jody Hoener). No action was taken.

Jody reported that she had sent invitations to the cities in Bourbon County to inform them of the strategic plan and the 5 & 10 year goals. She said she had met with Bronson; their top three issues were businesses, housing and the roads. Jody said a representative from Fulton questioned how to get spraying done for mosquitos; Lynne suggested asking Uniontown who they use to spray them.

Nick made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to go into a 15 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.

Jeff made a motion to have only a morning Commission meeting from 9-12 on July 2nd, Nick seconded and all approved.

Justin Meeks reviewed the Kansas Association of Counties legislative update and discussed KORA and KOMA guidelines with the Commissioners.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Dave Bruner). No action was taken.

Dave Bruner gave an EMS update; he said as of 6/24/2019 for June they have had 143 calls for service, 104 of those were transports, 61 were transfers (40 of those transfers were to Via Christi) and 39 dry runs. Dave said so far the maintenance the maintenance costs for the EMS vehicles was $9,363.79.

Lynne made a motion to approve the fireworks permit for Cathy Ramirez for 840 N. Main, Mapleton, KS, Nick seconded and all approved.

At 3:45, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

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

07/02/2019, Approved Date

 

Government, Kansas

Facilitator Selected For Criminal Justice Reform

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Governor appoints facilitator to the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission

 

Today Governor Laura Kelly announced Reggie Robinson as the facilitator for the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission.

 

“Reggie has a distinct and esteemed background that will contribute greatly to this position,” Kelly said. “Kansas needs comprehensive criminal justice reform, and Reggie will be integral to this effort.”

 

Robinson, a Lawrence resident, currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs at the University of Kansas. Previously, Robinson served as the director of the School of Public Affairs and Administration from July 2014 – August 2017. He was a professor of law and Director for the Center of Law and Government at Washburn University. Robinson was a White House Fellow and Special Assistant to Attorney General Janet Reno in 1993. He served as Deputy Associate Attorney General of the U.S. from 1996 – 1997, and Acting Director for Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime from 1997 – 1998.

 

Robinson received his undergraduate and graduate law degrees from the University of Kansas. He also served in the U.S. Army as an active duty field artillery officer.

 

The Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission was created as part of HB 2290, which passed during the 2019 legislative session. The governor appoints one criminal defense attorney or public defender, one member representative of the faith-based community, and one facilitator to provide administrative assistance to develop a project plan and assist the Commission in its duties. This facilitator is not a member of the Commission.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Notice of City Commission of Fort Scott Budget Work Sessions

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Thursday, July 11th, 2019 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Thursday July 11th, 2019 – 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday, July 12th, 2019 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Friday, July 12th, 2019 – 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

There will be a work session of the Fort Scott City Commission held on Thursday, July 11th, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then again from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 12th, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. This work session will be held to discuss the 2020 budget. No action will be taken at this work session. This meeting is open to the public.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda July 9

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 9th, 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-KAC

10:00-10:15-John Hill, City State Bank-3 Sheriff’s Vehicles

10:30-10:45-Tony Hanks-EMS

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

11:00-11:20-Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship

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

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Mosquito Bite Prevention

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Red, Bite and Blue: KDHE Recommends Mosquito Bite Prevention Over Fourth of July Holiday

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends Kansans take preventive measures against mosquito bites over the Fourth of July holiday. Floods throughout the state have caused an increase in mosquito populations. Mosquito surveillance in Reno, Sedgwick and Shawnee counties has shown an increase Culex species mosquitoes which can transmit West Nile virus and other viruses that can affect humans. This species of mosquitoes is most active at dawn and dusk.

“West Nile virus can be spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, but it is not contagious from person to person,” said KDHE Secretary Lee Norman, MD. “Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to swelling of the brain or brain tissue and, in rare cases, death.”

Since 2002 there have been 677 cases and 35 deaths in Kansans from West Nile virus. To date, there have been no cases of West Nile virus reported to KDHE in 2019. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune. Cases are most common from mid-July through late September.

KDHE has developed West Nile virus risk levels to help guide prevention efforts for both communities and individuals. These risk level reports will be posted weekly at; http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm. All six regions of Kansas are currently at moderate risk level.

KDHE recommends the following precautions to protect against West Nile virus:

  • When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
  • Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
  • The elderly or immunocompromised should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn when the Culex species mosquitos are most active.
  • Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

 

West Nile virus in horses can be fatal. The virus can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Approximately 33 percent of horses infected with West Nile virus will die. A West Nile virus vaccine for horses is available and owners are encouraged to vaccinate or booster their animals.

 

KDHE maintains an Arboviral Disease Surveillance web page that is updated weekly: http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/.  For questions about West Nile virus or other Arboviral diseases, contact the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.

 

Government, Kansas

KDR Helps Military Transfer Credentials

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Kansas Dept. of Revenue helps current and discharged military transfer valuable credentials

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue is working in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help military personnel bridge a possible licensing gap with its Military Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Even Exchange Program. The program is open to current Kansas National Guard, Kansas Reserves, or discharged military personnel who have a valid military CDL credential convert over to a civilian CDL.

“We recognize our military men and women with a CDL acquired during their service are valuable to the Kansas workforce,” Department of Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said. “The safety training received during service goes above and beyond the requirements of the civilian CDL and it only makes sense to be part of the Military Even Exchange Program.”

 

“Kansans serving in the military have been some of the most devoted public servants, with a strong sense of commitment to making our communities, state and nation better,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s important that they have employment opportunities to transition to civilian life in a way best for them and their families. Reintegration programs and the Military Even Exchange CDL Program are among ways we can offer that vital assistance.”

 

Kansas is the fifth state to be part of this program. Being ahead of other states makes the program valuable to both veterans and businesses needing highly skilled CDL credentialed drivers.

 

Military personnel discharged with the military credential have up to a year from their discharge date to be eligible for the conversion. If a hazardous materials credential is needed in addition to the CDL, an applicant must take the additional test. All applicants must provide a medical clearance card from an FMCSA certified physician.

For more information about the program, please contact Brian Brunt at 785-213-9157.

Government, Kansas

Been To Lyon State Fishing Lake Recently?

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ZEBRA MUSSELS FOUND IN LYON STATE FISHING LAKE

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Lyon State Fishing Lake in Lyon County. Routine samples collected by KDWPT Aquatic Nuisance Species staff to detect zebra mussels were found to contain zebra mussel larvae (also called veligers). Upon finding the veligers, staff returned to the lake and located an established population of adult zebra mussels. Similar sampling is conducted by KDWPT at more than 100 waterbodies across the state.

 

The 135-acre lake is located 12 miles north and two miles east of Emporia on Rd 270. Lyon State Fishing Lake is owned and operated by KDWPT. The lake and surrounding wildlife area are popular destinations for fishing, hunting, hiking, and a variety of other outdoor-related activities.

 

While the zebra mussel population is currently small, there is no known method to completely rid a lake of this invasive species. The zebra mussels were likely introduced by “hitchhiking” with un-suspecting lake-goers. Adults are able to attach to boats or other equipment and the microscopic zebra mussel veligers may be present in any water originating from an infested lake or stream. Densities as high as 1,000 veligers per gallon have been recorded in Kansas waters.

 

“This is the first new population of zebra mussels found in the state in 18 months, which is the longest period of time between new lake infestations since 2006. While it is unfortunate that zebra mussels have been spread to a new lake, I remain hopeful that these occurrences will be less frequent as more people have become aware of zebra mussels, their impacts, and how to prevent moving them,” said Chris Steffen, aquatic nuisance species coordinator for KDWPT.

 

Lyon State Fishing Lake will be added to the list of ANS-designated waters in Kansas, and notices will be posted at various locations around the waterbody. Live fish may not be transported from ANS-designated waters. The sharp-shelled zebra mussels attach to solid objects, so lake-goers should be careful when handling mussel-encrusted objects and when grabbing an underwater object when they can’t see what their hands may be grasping. Visitors should protect their feet when walking on underwater or shoreline rocks.

 

Zebra mussels are just one of the non-native aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. After using any body of water, people must remember to follow regulations and precautions that will prevent their spread:

  • Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment between uses
  • Use wild-caught bait only in the lake or pool where it was caught
  • Do not move live fish from waters infested with zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species
  • Drain livewells and bilges and remove drain plugs from all vessels prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway.

For more information about aquatic nuisance species in Kansas, report a possible ANS, or see a list of ANS-designated waters, visit ProtectKSWaters.org.

ABOUT ZEBRA MUSSELS

Zebra mussels are dime-sized mollusks with striped, sharp-edged, two-part shells. They can produce huge populations in a short time and do not require a host fish to reproduce. A large female zebra mussel can produce 1 million eggs, and then fertilized eggs develop into microscopic veligers that are invisible to the naked eye. Veligers drift in the water for at least two weeks before they settle out as young mussels which quickly grow to adult size and reproduce within a few months.

After settling, zebra mussels develop byssal threads that attach their shells to submerged hard surfaces such as rocks, piers, and flooded timber. They also attach to pipes, water intake structures, boat hulls, propellers, and submerged parts of outboard motors. As populations increase, they can clog intake pipes and prevent water treatment and electrical generating plants from drawing water. In 2012, two Kansas communities, Council Grove and Osage City, experienced temporary water shortages from zebra mussel infestations before water intake structures could be cleaned up. Removing large numbers of zebra mussels to ensure adequate water flow can be labor-intensive and costly.

Zebra mussels are native to the Black and Caspian seas of western Asia and eastern Europe and   were spread around the world in the ballast water of cargo ships. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River in 1988 and quickly spread throughout the Great Lakes and other rivers including the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas and Hudson. They were first discovered in Kansas in 2003 at El Dorado Reservoir. Despite public education efforts to alert boaters about the dangers of zebra mussels and how to prevent spreading them, the species continues to show up in new lakes every year. Moving water in boats and bait buckets has been identified as a likely vector.

For information about Lyon State Fishing Lake, visit KSOutdoors.com, click on Fishing, then Where to Fish and select the Northeast region.

–30—

 

Editors: the attached image depicts an adult zebra mussel collected from Lyon State Fishing Lake. Credit:

Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

 

 

 

 

 

Ron Kaufman

Director of Information Services

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

1020 S. Kansas Ave., 2nd Fl.

Topeka, KS 66612

 

Phone 785-296-2870

Fax     785-296-6953

Government, Kansas

Tax Receipts Increase

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State closes out FY 2019 $440.5 million ahead of previous year’s total tax receipts

 

TOPEKA – The state is closing out Fiscal Year 2019 (FY) at $7.5 billion, or 2.62% above estimates, for total tax collections. This is a $440.5 million increase in tax revenue, compared to FY2018.

In June, the state collected $781.8 million, or 4.36% above the estimate for total tax receipts.

 

Retail sales tax receipts are 0.45% below monthly estimates, totaling $199.1 million, and are $5.4 million below the same month in 2018. Individual income tax receipts are at $388.0 million, or 12.47% above the estimate of $345.0 million.

 

“The numbers attributed to the growth in individual income tax receipts for the fiscal year are due to a combination of factors including continued growth, federal and Kansas tax law changes, and non-recurring capital-gain transactions,” Secretary Mark Burghart said. “Sales tax has been fairly flat for the year, decreasing by 0.27% compared to the previous fiscal year.”

To view the report:

 

12_June_Revenue_FY19_07-01-19_Final

 

 

Government, Kansas

New Latino Director Appointed

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Governor appoints executive director to Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission

 

Governor Laura Kelly today announced the appointment of Audé Amelia Negrete of Overland Park as executive director of the Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission.

 

The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission serves as a liaison for the Kansas Hispanic and Latino community and the Office of the Governor, with the goal of serving needs of Hispanic and Latino residents in areas of culture, education, employment, health, housing, welfare, and recreation.

 

“Audé’s own life experience and desire to address challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino residents of our state made her an ideal choice to lead this commission,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “She’ll be a valuable contributor, just as she’s been over the years in her successful efforts surrounding social justice and civic engagement.”

 

Born in Mexico City, Negrete was 14 when her family left Mexico for to the United States and Kansas. During her career, she’s been involved in numerous initiatives designed to provide educational, social and economic services for Hispanic and Latino families in Kansas.

 

The seven-member Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission includes four members representing each of the state’s congressional districts, and three at-large members.

 

Negrete will fill the executive director position previously held by Richard Martinez.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda July 2

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 2nd, 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

10:00:10:15-Kansas Statewide Housing Assistance Program

10:15-10:30-Clint Anderson Appraiser’s 2020 Budget

10:30-10:45-SEK Mental Health 2020 Budget

10:45-10:50-Will Wallis-Disaster Update

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

11:00-11:30-Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship

11:30-11:35-Tax Sale Update

COMMISSIONERS WILL BE GONE AT 12 FOR THE REST OF THE DAY!

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