Category Archives: Government
Why KDOT uses beet juice, how it works
When KDOT crews treat highways for ice, especially when it is the coldest, motorists might notice darker trails on the pavement instead of the usual white trails left by brine.
It’s beet juice. It tends to leave a brownish or grayish residue.
Here’s why KDOT sometimes mixes beet juice with brine (saltwater) that it applies to roadways to melt ice or to slow its formation.
–The properties of beet juice, when mixed with brine, allow the melting agent to be effective at lower temperatures. Based on the level of concentration, beet juice mixed with brine can help control ice when it is as cold as around 0 degrees.
Beet juice also allows brine and salt to adhere to pavement longer.
On bridges, which tend to get icy, beet juice bonds to the salt crystals in brine and helps the brine stick to a bridge deck longer, says Jim Frye, Field Maintenance Manager/Emergency Coordinator with KDOT.
Another beet-juice benefit, says District Five District Engineer Brent Terstriep, is that when beet juice is added to brine, the combination makes ice-fighting more efficient because crews don’t have to drive out as often to apply brine.
Frye gave this additional explanation of how beet juice works and how it has been used:
–As moisture on pavement starts to freeze, the juice slows the process so that the liquid remains slushy longer. That gives crews more time to clear highways before the liquid turns to solid ice.
–One problem with spreading salt or spraying salt brine on a highway is that it will bounce away or scatter with traffic or the wind. “When the beet juice is added to the salt or salt brine, with its sticky texture, it will hold the salt or salt crystals on the highway longer, allowing it to work in our favor,” Frye said.
KDOT began experimenting with the beet juice it uses now during the winter of 2015 in northwestern Kansas. Since then, KDOT has made beet juice available at more than 20 locations across Kansas.
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Juvenile Justice Reforms
Annual Report on under Juvenile Justice Reforms Senate Bill 367 released
The Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee (JJOC), established under 2016 Senate Bill 367 (SB367) to oversee the implementation of reforms intended to improve the state’s juvenile justice system, has released its 2019 annual report.
The report presented annually by the JJOC to the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is an assessment of the progress made in implementation of juvenile justice reform efforts. The report is also made available to the public at https://www.doc.ks.gov/juvenile-services/committee/2019-annual-report/view
“I would like to thank the JJOC for their continued stewardship of this essential work to implement these juvenile justice reforms,” Acting Secretary Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Department of Corrections, said. “Courts, local juvenile justice agencies, defense attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement, educators, service providers, child welfare and KDOC have been steadfast in their work to ensure that Kansas improves the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system, and this report reflects successes in that effort.”
Three years into reform of the juvenile justice system, Kansas has established statewide standards to reduce disparate outcomes, prohibited out-of-home placement for lower-level youth, focused intensive system resources on the highest-risk young people and provided for sustaining effective practices through a process of oversight and reinvestment in evidence-based services in the community.
“Of the many improvements to our state’s juvenile justice system, I am most encouraged to see the continuum of resources that now focus on serving kids and their families in the community, instead of removing them from the home and hoping the family can change,” Deputy Secretary Hope Cooper said. “The system is improving as a result, as is reflected in the JJOC’s annual report.”
Several factors motivated state officials to craft the SB367 juvenile justice reforms. They recognized that filling beds in out-of-home placements with lower-risk children was out of step with research showing that residential commitments generally fail to reduce — and can even increase — the likelihood of re-offending. Limiting out-of-home placement to only those youth posing an immediate risk of harm to others or themselves would help focus intensive system responses and resources on the children who need them most and assist in breaking the cycle of incarceration. And reinvesting resources in evidence-based programs would better serve children, families and communities, and ensure more consistent practices, across the state.
The Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) has three members on the 21-person JJOC, which is made up of representatives from the legislative, judicial and executive branches of state government and local officials.
New FSCC Trustee: Bill Meyer
Bill Meyer, Fort Scott, was selected to finish a Fort Scott Community College Trustee open position, following the recent death of his wife, Liz.
“Bill was selected due to his expressed interest in fulfilling the commitment his wife Liz made to provide the best opportunities possible for students, FSCC employees, and the community,” Alysia Johnston, FSCC president said. “There are three years left on a four-year term.”
He was sworn in at the Dec. 16 Board of Trustees meeting at the college.
“I wanted to continue the work that Liz was doing on the board,” Meyer said. “I have a fairly long history with the college and wanted to help move the college forward.”
In the recent past, both the Meyers worked at FSCC.
“Liz was the director of the nursing program, I was the college registrar,” he said. “We both retired from employment in 2007.”
Some of the challenges the college faces are maintaining an adequate funding stream, meeting the academic and technical needs of students in the future, and maintaining and improving the support for the college by Fort Scott and Bourbon County, Meyer said.
Meyer has three daughters: Kay Meyer, Elizabeth Paulson and Sarah Ettore.
His hometown is Washington D.C.
Fort Scott City Offices Closed Jan. 1
The City of Fort Scott Administrative offices will be closed on Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 in observance of the New Year’s Day Holiday. The regular offices will reopen on Thursday, January 2nd, 2020.
FSNHS New Park Ranger: Laura Abbott
Laura Abbott, 36, started at Fort Scott National Historic Site on September 20, 2019.
Her hometown is Lake Crystal, MN.
Abbott began her career because it was an opportunity to showcase history.
“When I finished college, with a degree in history, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life,” she said. “I randomly came across an opportunity to intern for the National Park Service in California, and because I had nothing else to do, I took it. As someone who hadn’t visited parks growing up, I wasn’t very familiar with the NPS, but once I realized that I would be able to use my love of history every day, I was hooked. It’s been such an incredible privilege to work for the NPS and share my passion with visitors.”
“My title is park ranger,” she said. ” My responsibilities include conducting interpretive programs and historic weapons demonstrations at the fort and working as the volunteer coordinator.”
Abbott’s first job with the National Park Service was in 2008 when she worked as an unpaid military history intern in San Francisco.
“In 2010, when I moved to Washington, D.C. to attend graduate school, I got a job as a park guide on the National Mall and have worked for the NPS ever since,” she said.
” I have worked at Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco, Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, and the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C.,” she said.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is unique, Abbott believes.
“I think what’s most unique about the park is that the story it tells really can’t be found anywhere else in the NPS,” she said. ” It’s a story that is not very familiar to many people. The Mexican War and Bleeding Kansas are usually footnotes in history, so to have a park where these events actually occurred is pretty special.”
FSNHS park visitor center, park store, and historic structures will be open daily from 8:30 am–4:30 pm through March 31, 2020, it’s winter hours.
Check out FSNHS website
Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Requests Public Comment
KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2020-2023 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Jan. 1, 2020. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-2252.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Office of Public Affairs, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
Paul Ballou Retires
Paul Ballou, Fort Scott ‘s Fire Chief, is retiring Jan. 3, 2020.
In addition to fire chief, Ballou was also made assistant city manager last year by Dave Martin, Fort Scott’s City Manager. He oversees the city’s dispatch division and occasionally helped the city’s code enforcement department, he said.
He started as a rural firefighter in May 1990 before coming to work for the City of Fort Scott’s Fire Department.
Outside of city duties, Ballou has been married to his wife Cheryl, for 41 years and they have two children and four grandchildren, he said.
“That’s one of the reasons I decided to retire,” Ballou said. “My grandkids are becoming real active in sports and plays. I spent the summer traveling with my oldest granddaughter, Maddie Ballou, in 8th grade, for softball. My oldest grandson, Able Chaplin, 4th grade, is into basketball and was in a play this year. My youngest granddaughter, Myah Chaplin, kindergarten, is into t-ball, dance and cheerleading. My youngest grandson, Dylan Ballou, has started t-ball.”
“My wife has a lot of stuff for me to do around the house,” Ballou said. “She’ll keep me busy for a while.”
Ballou said he had no concrete plans following retirement.
“Paul has been a servant leader to the community,” said Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin. “He has done a great job…working in all areas…of inspiring the community. He is very astute and willing to listen.”
“He will be sorely missed in the future,” Martin said.
City Admin Offices Closed Dec. 24-25
The City of Fort Scott Administrative Offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th, 2019 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. The offices will reopen on Thursday, December 26th, 2019.
The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 for the Christmas holiday. It will be open again on Thursday, December 26th, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Evelyn Wilson New KS Supreme Court Judge
Governor appoints Judge Evelyn Z. Wilson to fill vacancy on the Supreme Court of Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Judge Evelyn Z. Wilson to the Kansas Supreme Court. Wilson will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Lee Johnson.
“Judge Wilson stood out from the field of candidates for her experience, her character and her commitment to Kansas,” Governor Kelly said.
“As Governor, there are few decisions I will make that are as important as appointing a Supreme Court justice,” the Governor said. “Supreme Court justices must be experienced in many areas of the law, they must be talented legal thinkers and they must be ready for the administrative duties justices perform as they oversee the rest of the judicial branch.
“Finding someone with the highest level of integrity and knowledge is difficult enough, but justices on the Kansas Supreme Court also must possess qualities reflecting values that make Kansas unique.
“Judge Wilson brings something quintessentially Kansan to our highest court.
“In a state with a rural tradition and a diversifying economy, she knows the struggles of both the family farmer and the corporate board of directors. And in a time of immense challenges in our criminal justice system, she has spent the last 15 years tackling those issues on the front lines while being a respected leader in the judicial branch.”
Wilson currently is Chief Judge for the 3rd Judicial District, Shawnee County, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the court in addition to carrying a full caseload. She served Shawnee County as a District Judge from 2004 until her appointment as Chief Judge in 2014.
Her prior experience includes over a decade of private practice civil litigation experience, including time as a managing partner, and time as an adjunct professor at Washburn University School of Law. Wilson is active in the legal community as a member of the Kansas Bar Foundation, Kansas District Judges Association, Kansas Women Attorneys Association and Topeka Bar Association.
Wilson also is active in the community; she is a member of First Lutheran Church in Topeka, and helped spearhead the development of the Shawnee County Crisis Intervention Team.
A native Kansan, Wilson was born in Smith Center, and graduated as valedictorian of Smith Center High School. She graduated from Bethany College in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in business and from Washburn University School of Law in 1985.
“I am humbled and honored by the trust Governor Kelly and the Supreme Court Nominating Commission have put in me,” Wilson said. “Our courts must ensure that the law is followed in every case and that we honor and respect the legal rights of each person in our courts. I pledge to work every day to meet that solemn responsibility.
“I look forward to this new challenge and to working with six brilliant and dedicated Supreme Court colleagues to address the difficult and important legal issues that affect our state.”
Kansas Supreme Court Justices are appointed through a merit-based nomination process. When there is a vacancy on the court, the Supreme Court Nominating Commission submits the names of three nominees to the Governor, and the Governor then has 60 days to make the appointment.
To be eligible, a nominee must be at least 30 years old and admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years, whether as a lawyer, judge or full-time teacher at an accredited law school.
Every justice must stand for a retention vote in the general election following their initial appointment. If retained by voters at that time, they then face retention votes every six years for as long as they serve on the bench.
Abby Schauer: New FSNHS Ranger
Abby Schauer, 23, is a new permanent park guide at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
She is from Spencer, Iowa and was hired on August 4, 2019.
Family vacations inspired Schauer to pursue a career with the National Park Service.
“Every year, my family would go on vacation to national parks across the country, mainly Rocky Mountain National Park,” she said. “These vacations were something that I looked forward to every year and countless memories were made during these trips.”
Hiking trails, completing Junior Ranger books, attending ranger programs, camping in a little pop-up camper, looking for wildlife every evening, or skipping rocks on a pristine mountain lake, these are the memories that inspired her.
“I enjoyed every single moment in these amazing places,” she said. “So, when deciding what I wanted to do for a career, I chose to pursue a path with the NPS so I could help to preserve and protect these places that have so much meaning and to help people experience their parks and make memories just like I had the chance of doing.”
She is passionate about National Parks and feels honored to take part in protecting them so that both this and future generations can learn, enjoy, and be inspired by them, she said.
Her main duties at FSNHS include guiding tours, working in the visitor center, working with school groups, helping to plan and execute special events, and is in charge of the park’s living history clothing.
Her priority is to help people learn about and connect with Fort Scott National Historic Site, she said.
Schauer has served at five national parks.
“I began my career with the NPS as an Interpretive Intern at Mount Rushmore National Memorial during the summer of 2017,” she said. “I completed my last year of college after that internship and then started working seasonal jobs around the country.”
Following her time at Mt. Rushmore, she became a fee collector at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, then Tumacacori National Historical Park in southern Arizona where she completed an interpretation and education internship, and then worked at Grand Canyon National Park as an Interpretation Park Ranger.
Schauer believes each park contributes to the American story.
” Fort Scott tells several stories that are not well known but were pivotal in the development of the United States,” she said. ” Not only does Fort Scott offer the opportunity to learn about these important stories, but the facility offers a look into the past with the impressive original and reconstructed buildings on site.”
FSNHS park visitor center, park store, and historic structures will be open daily from 8:30 am–4:30 pm through March 31, 2020.
Check out FSNHS website
FS Commission Minutes of Dec. 3
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 3rd, 2019 Regular Meeting #22
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 3rd, 2019 at 5:00 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: Michael Mix – Public Utilities Director said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Dave Bruner, Travis Shelton, Michael Hoyt, Chad Brown, Michael Mix, Pete Allen, Kevin Allen, Josh Jones, Jeff Deane, Peter Hinkle, Drew Sebilius, Bret Shogren, Mitch Walter, Devin Tally, Susan Bancroft, Paul Ballou, Robert Uhler, Deb Needleman, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 19th, 2019
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1251-A totaling 216,872.18.
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Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #1 – $51,062.50 – River Intake Structure Project
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Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #2 – $62,206.80 – River Intake Structure Project
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Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #3 – $308,966.02 – River Intake Structure Project
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Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #4 – $71,059.43 – River Intake Structure Project
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt passed out to the Commissioners a small booklet of the Constitution of the United States.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration of Employee Christmas Bonus – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, asked the Commission if they would consider giving the Christmas bonus to City employees again this year with the exception of the City Attorney and City Manager. She recommended $100.00 to full time employees, $50.00 to regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. This has been budgeted.
Mitchell moved to approve the Christmas bonus. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
Approved the annual Christmas bonus of $100.00 for all full time employees, $50.00 for regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. This bonus will exclude Dave Martin, City Manager, ANd the City Attorney.
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Consideration of Lake Sewer District Sewer Increase – Dave Martin, City Manager, remarked that the last meeting the lake sewer rates were discussed about increasing from $15.77 to $22.79 which is the 2020 rate which will match the City’s rate. According to the service agreement with the County, this is a County led project. Susan researched this and the County should be the entity to form a sewer board. The County was notified back in July of 2019 that this increase needed to occur. The Commission has every right to approve this increase according to the agreement. Susan Bancroft reached out to Stuart Porter, who is with Schaub-Eaton, the engineer for this project, and those rates were only supposed to be at that level for one year. The City will continue to work with the County.
Nichols moved to approve the lake sewer increase from $15.77 to $22.79 for 2020. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED LAKE SEWER INCREASE FROM $15.77 TO $22.79 FOR 2020 FOR LAKE RESIDENTS.
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Debt Service Structure Presentation – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, shared with the Commission the City’s debt and where we are. Over the next seven years, most of our debt will be paid off. Susan went over the various funds of the city. 23% of our debt is the Aquatic Center and Buck Run improvements which will retire in 2021. 36% of our debt is from water utility improvements. Our debt limit is $15 million based on our assessed valuation. $13.1 million is exempt because it is utility debt. The City has $13.9 million of debt capacity. The City is in good financial condition.
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Approval to publish Budget Amendment for the December 17th, 2019 meeting – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that a budget amendment hearing needs to be held at our next meeting in December.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to publish the budget amendment hearing notice and to hold the public hearing at the December 17th, 2019 meeting. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
approved to publish the budget amendment hearing notice and to hold the public hearing at the December 17th, 2019 meeting.
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Approval of low bid for financing the River Intake Project – General Obligation Temporary Notes – Bret Shogren, of Stifel Public Finance, informed the Commission that on November 19th, 2019 you adopted a resolution scheduling a sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes for December 3rd, 2019. The notice to bid was sent out and published in your local newspaper. Moody’s was also sent this information and a conference call was held with City officials to issue a credit rating. Moody’s issued a 1 rating for the temporary notes which is the highest rating you can receive. There were six bids received with the lowest bid from Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Company in the amount of $1.492177%. He asked for the Commission to adopt the Resolution directing the sale of the temporary notes and accepting the low bid.
Approval of Resolution 29-2019 authorizing and directing the issuance, sale, and delivery of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2019-1 of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; providing for the levy and collection of an annual tax, if necessary, for the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on said notes as they become due; making certain covenants and agreements to provide for the payment and security thereof; and authorizing other documents and actions connected therewith. – $4,925,000 – River Intake Project
Mitchell moved to approve the low bid from Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Company in the amount of 1.492177% and approve Resolution No 29-2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
Approved Resolution 29-2019 authorizing and directing the issuance, sale, and delivery of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2019-1 of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; providing for the levy and collection of an annual tax, if necessary, for the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on said notes as they become due; making certain covenants and agreements to provide for the payment and security thereof; and authorizing other documents and actions connected therewith. – $4,925,000 – River Intake Project
approved low bid from hutchinson, shockey, erley & Company in the amount of 1.492177%.
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Consideration of approval of Energy Services Contract with Schneider Electric – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that Peter Hinkle and Drew Sebilius are here this evening from Schneider Electric. Several months ago, a Request for Qualifications was sent out and the Commission selected Schneider Electric. In May of 2019, this firm did an audit of all City facilities. Tonight, it is scheduled for approval of their contract and the financing to actually conduct the work.
Mr. Hinkle informed the Commission that to update them, they have been in business since 1836. This will help address building needs of all your facilities. He asked approval for the contract and the financing and then they would begin ordering materials for updates. A change of lighting to LED would be implemented. Mechanical improvements will also be implemented through updating heat and air conditioning units. Infiltration issues and window replacement will be implemented. The total scope of this project is $1,534,077. Savings to the City over 20 years is estimated to be $2,153,229. The interest rate for the lease purchase agreement for the equipment is 3.50%. There were five banks that submitted bids for this project. This is a 20-year lease agreement. A press release will be issued regarding this project and updates will be given throughout the process. Approval of the ordinance and resolution is needed.
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3554 authorizing the City of Fort Scott, Kansas to enter into a lease purchase transaction, the proceeds of which will be used to pay the costs of acquiring certain equipment for use in the City; and to approve the execution of certain documents in connection therewith.
Parker moved to approve the ordinance to enter into a lease purchase agreement for the energy savings project. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
Approved Ordinance No. 3554 authorizing the City of Fort Scott, Kansas to enter into a lease purchase transaction, the proceeds of which will be used to pay the costs of acquiring certain equipment for use in the City; and to approve the execution of certain documents in connection therewith. $1,534,077 – ENERGY SAVINGS EQUIPMENT LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
Approval of Resolution 28-2019 – Authorizing the City to enter into an Energy Savings Contract for the acquisition and installation of certain energy savings improvements in the city.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No 28-2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
Approved Resolution 28-2019 – Authorizing the City to enter into an Energy Savings Contract for the acquisition and installation of certain energy savings improvements in the city – SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
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Consideration of architectural services from Zingre’ & Associates for repairs to the Water Treatment Plant facility – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that a fire occurred at the Water Treatment Plant at 910 Burke Street on October 24th, 2019 in the early morning hours. He asked for approval for the contract with Zingre’ & Associates to assist with the bidding process and specifications to repair this structure due to the fire.
Susan Bancroft said that this cost will be reimbursed through the insurance.
Nichols moved to approve Zingre’ & Associates architectural contract in the amount of $7,776.00 to repair the Water Treatment Plant facility. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ZINGRE’ & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTURAL CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,776.00 TO REPAIR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT FACILITY.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates:
Dave Bruner – Dave updated the Commission on fire calls for 2019 versus 2018. There are about 300 calls less for the fire department than the previous year. This is due to the fact that the Fire Scott ambulance is now a third out vehicle due to the two ambulances now.
There were 48 fire calls this year compared to 44 calls last year. The calls are 80% EMS related. He said that on Thanksgiving Day the Fire Department crew delivered a baby as they arrived before EMS did.
Robert Uhler – Robert asked the Commission to extend the time frame for the flood plain for 501 E. Wall which is the Greg Schick property. He asked for an extension of 60 days for him to complete his work.
Bartelsmeyer moved to allow an additional 60 day extension for the property at 501 E. Wall belonging to Greg Schick and if more time is needed, then Mr. Schick should come and request it in person. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
EXTENDED KDHE FLOOD PLAIN APPROVAL FOR AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS AND IF MORE TIME IS NEEDED, MR. GREG SCHICK WILL NEED TO SHOW UP IN PERSON.
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City Commission:
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Mitchell – Asked that everyone remember our Sheriff Bill Martin in their thoughts and prayers while he is being hospitalized.
Nichols – Nothing to report.
Adamson – Nothing to report.
Parker – Nothing to report.
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City Manager:
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Attorney – City Manager said Burton Harding, our current City Attorney still has an active law practice. The City needs someone to focus more on our complex needs at this time. Recently, at the League of Kansas Municipalities annual meeting, a contact was made with Lauber Municipal Law Firm. They are a group of attorneys that City staff met with and feel confident that they can assist us. Burton will stay on until the end of the year. Jeff Deane is present tonight from Lauber Municipal Law Firm. He practices in Kansas as well as his partner, Joseph Lauber. He asked approval for Ordinance No. 3555 setting the City Attorney.
Mr. Deane said that they are exclusively municipal law. They do no other kind of law. He said they are available at a moment’s notice. There are six of them in this firm and he and Joe Lauber deal specifically with Kansas law. He has been in practice since 1998. They are excited to work with the City of Fort Scott.
Mitchell moved to approve Lauber Municipal Law Firm as the City’s new attorney effective immediately and to approve Ordinance No. 3555. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3555 TO HIRE A CITY ATTORNEY AND SET HIS SALARY WHICH WILL REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 2707 AND ORDINANCE NO 2757 PREVIOUSLY SETTING SAID CITY ATTORNEY’S SALRY FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:48 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:48 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 17th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY
CITY CLERK