Category Archives: Government

Kansas Youth Suicide Prevention

State Agencies Join Together to Create Youth Suicide Prevention Resource

 

TOPEKA – In support of September as Suicide Prevention Month and National Suicide Prevention Week September 8-14, state agencies, along with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, are releasing a unified resource that outlines actions that all Kansans can take to protect and empower youth.

 

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Kansans age 15 to 24 and it is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 5 to 14 – this is unacceptable,” said Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). “Every one of us has a role to play, whether you’re a friend, parent, community member or school employee. We need to come together to help our youth.”

The resources, which can be found online, identify actions that everyone can take. The agencies involved in its creation include: KDHE, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with the Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

“As we mark National Suicide Prevention Week, I want to commend the work of all the agencies involved in creating the tip sheets as resources for Kansans and look forward to working closely together as we lead a collaborative effort to strengthen the overall Kansas response to youth suicide,” said Gina Meier-Hummel, Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

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Resource Link: http://kdheks.gov/media/download/Suicide_Prevention_Tip_Sheet_2.0.pdf

 

Mann Runs For Congress

Former Lt. Governor Tracey Mann Announces Candidacy for Congress
Mann announces his campaign to bring conservative values
and a voice for Kansas agriculture to Washington 

(SALINA, KS) – Former Lt. Governor and fifth generation Kansan, Tracey Mann, today announced his candidacy for Kansas’ First Congressional District.

“America faces urgent threats to our freedom. While President Trump is doing his best to right the ship, too many Washington politicians want to redefine our founding values and ideals. Socialism is on the rise. Efforts to impose government-run health care, increase taxes, restrict religious freedom and erode the Second Amendment are part of the same agenda. America needs leaders who will stand up to meet this challenge and fight to protect our founding beliefs,” Mann said.

“I was raised by wonderful parents on our family farm where I learned the values of hard work, perseverance and service. I recognize that to whom much is given much is required. When I served as Jerry Moran’s first intern I never imagined I would be the 50th Lt. Governor of Kansas. I believe that every generation of Americans has a responsibility to leave our country better off and stronger than how we found it. This is our moment to step up and serve,” Mann said.

Tracey Mann plans to run on a platform of bringing Kansas values and a voice for Kansas agriculture to Washington. The father of four beautiful children, Tracey is strongly pro-life and pro-Second Amendment. Raised on a family farm in Quinter, Kansas, Tracey learned first-hand the value of hard work and how important it is that Washington stays out of the way of Kansas producers. Tracey supports President Trump’s efforts to build the wall and curb illegal immigration.

“I will fight to restore fiscal discipline in Congress and will support sound agricultural policy. My experience in agriculture and business has taught me that politicians don’t create jobs; risk-takers and entrepreneurs create jobs. In Congress, I will do everything in my power to help job creators succeed. But above all, I will put Kansans and our Kansas values first.”

Tracey Mann served as the 50th Lt. Governor of the great state of Kansas. A fifth generation Kansan, he was born and raised on his family farm just south of Quinter.

He attended Kansas State University where he studied Agricultural Economics and was elected Student Body President. After college, Tracey started a career in commercial real estate.

Tracey has served on the Board of Directors of many Kansas organizations including: Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL), Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and The City Teen Center in Salina.

Tracey and his wife Audrey live in Salina with their 4 children (Quincy, Austin, Whitney and Elise).

Tax Reform Executive Order

Governor Kelly issues Executive Order launching Governor’s Council on Tax Reform

 

 

Governor Laura Kelly today signaled the start of a comprehensive overview of state and local taxes by issuing Executive Order 19-11, which outlines her vision for establishment of a fiscally responsible, fair and sustainable tax structure.

 

The Governor’s Council on Tax Reform will conduct an 18-month, in-depth study, and make specific statutory recommendations to state lawmakers.

 

The first meeting of the full Council is set for Sept. 24-25 at the Statehouse.

 

“While Kansas continues to recover from the tax experiment of the prior administration, there’s a need for tax reform designed with adequacy, equity and stability in mind,” Governor Kelly said. “I expect the bipartisan Council to deliver sound strategies and reforms that reflect my desire to keep the state tax burden as low as possible, benefiting all Kansans.”

 

The governor recommends a return to the “three-legged stool” approach that relies on a sensible balance of income, sales and property tax revenue.

 

The Council will review aspects of state and local finances discussed in the 2019 legislative session as they relate to issues such as: how best to respond to federal tax law changes; the taxation of groceries as part of sales tax revenue; and how to best provide targeted property tax relief. The Council also is charged with determining how much room will be available in future budget projections for tax relief.

 

The governor selected a pair of former legislators she served with in the Kansas Senate to be co-chairs for her bipartisan Council on Tax Reform; Steve Morris, Republican from Hugoton, and Janis Lee, Democrat from Kensington. Morris served 20 years in the Senate, including eight as Senate president. Lee logged 22 years in the Senate, served as ranking Democrat on the Senate’s tax committee and later was a hearing officer for the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals.

 

“Steve and Janis understand how important it is to ensure that our tax code supports public investment in areas such as education, public safety and infrastructure needed to help Kansas prosper,” Kelly said.

 

Other members of the Council appointed by the governor include representatives of the business community, agriculture, economic development and governmental entities.

 

Also invited to participate were the following legislative leaders: Republicans Susan Wagle, Senate president, and Ron Ryckman, House speaker; and Democrats Anthony Hensley, Senate minority leader, and Tom Sawyer, House minority leader.

 

Following the first meeting of the Council Sept. 24-25, subsequent meetings in 2019 are set for Oct. 15-16, Nov. 14 and Dec. 3-4.

 

An interim report by the Council is planned for December 2019, in advance of the 2020 legislative session. A final report is due in December 2020, in advance of the 2021 legislative session.

 

COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

 

Kansas County Treasurers Association: Joe Grisolano, Pittsburg; Crawford County treasurer, former county appraiser and school board member.

 

Kansas Association of School Boards: Shannon Kimball, Lawrence; school board member and president of the Kansas Association of School Boards.

 

Kansas Association of Counties: Anthony Swartzendruber, Hesston, Harvey County administrator

 

Kansas League of Municipalities: Susan Sherman, Olathe, assistant city manager of Olathe.

 

Business, Economic Development or Agricultural Communities (4):

  • Dennis Hays, Kansas City, Kan., former county administrator for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCK, currently principal at Hays and Associates, LLC.
  • Larry Weians, Lenexa, vice president of finance for Sprint
  • Lon Frahm, Colby, CEO of Frahm Farmland, Inc.
  • Carl Brewer, Wichita, retired operations manager at Spirit AeroSystems, former mayor of Wichita

 

Additional members:

  • Duane Goossen, Topeka, former state budget director, secretary of administration, member of the Kansas House
  • Audrey Langworthy, Prairie Village, former state senator who served as chair of the Senate Tax Committee.
  • John Wilson, Lawrence, Kansas Action for Children vice president of advocacy and former Kansas House of Representatives member

 

Agencies (all ex-officio members):

  • Mark Burghart or designee — Secretary of Revenue
  • David Toland or designee — Secretary of Commerce
  • Larry Campbell or designee — state budget director
  • Julie Lorenz or designee — Secretary of Transportation

 

Legislative leaders (invited):

  • Susan Wagle, Wichita, Senate president
  • Ron Ryckman, Olathe, House speaker
  • Anthony Hensley, Topeka, Senate minority leader
  • Tom Sawyer, Wichita, House minority leader

 

National Lifeline Awareness Week September 9-13

 

Topeka – Access to emergency services and community resources is vital to all Kansans. The Lifeline program offers discounts to help eligible low-income families and individuals connect to voice and broadband networks to call for help in an emergency, access health care, find jobs, take classes and connect with family.

As part of National Lifeline Awareness Week, September 9-13, the Kansas Corporation Commission wants to make residents aware of the assistance the program can offer. Under the federal Lifeline Program, low-income consumers can receive up to $9.25 per month off their monthly bill for phone (residential or wireless), broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service.  Some may also be eligible for the state Lifeline program that provides an additional $7.77 monthly discount.

Lifeline serves more than 10 million Americans, nearly 41 thousand in Kansas. Forty-nine companies currently offer Lifeline services in the state. The program has provided discounted phone service for qualifying consumers since 1985. In 2016, the program was expanded to include broadband.

Residents enrolled in any of the following assistance programs are eligible for the Lifeline program: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA), Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Head Start Tribal Programs (only those meeting its income qualifying standard), and the Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.  Those at 135% of the federal poverty level also qualify. Participants must provide three consecutive months of statements as documentation of income, or provide a copy of their tax return for the previous year. Recertification is required each year.

A Lifeline Awareness Week information sheet is attached. More information on program eligibility, enrollment, and annual recertification is available on the KCC’s website: http://kcc.ks.gov/telecommunications/lifeline. For a list of Kansas providers, go to https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/State/StateOption/KS.

 

Lake Advisory Board Forming

Residents are asked to consider serving on a newly forming Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board.

Please see the following Board openings:

This is for the newly formed Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee:

  • One opening (City resident)

  • One opening (County resident)

  • Two openings (west side of Lake) – one full time resident – one part time resident

  • Two openings (east side of Lake) – one full time resident – one part time resident

  • One opening (at large – Lake resident) – preferably a long term resident of the Lake

The function of the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding lake operations, lake safety, fishing, boating, and camping at Lake Fort Scott.

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. These will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by September 12th, 2019.

Kansas Medicaid Expansion

Governor Kelly announces the Governor’s Council on Medicaid Expansion

 

Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the Governor’s Council on Medicaid Expansion. This Council of legislators, policy experts, advocates, stakeholders and community leaders will spearhead the Medicaid expansion efforts in the 2020 legislative session.

 

The members of the Council and their current positions are listed below:

 

Tom Bell – President and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association

Sen. Ed Berger – State Senator, District 34

Rep. Susan Concannon – State Representative, District 107

Denise Cyzman – CEO, Community Care Network of Kansas

Ximena Garcia M.D., Community Health Advocate

Cathy Harding – President and CEO, Wyandotte Health Foundation

Rep. Don Hineman – State Representative, District 118

April Holman – Executive Director, Alliance for a Healthy Kansas

Dave Kerr, former president of the Kansas Senate

Kyle Kessler – Executive Director, Association of Community Mental Health Centers

Sen. Carolyn McGinn – State Senator, District 31

Rep. Monica Murnan – State Representative, District 3

Dr. Lee Norman – Secretary, Kansas Department of Health and Environment

David K. Livingston – CEO, Aetna Better Health of Kansas

Sen. Pat Pettey – State Senator, District 6

Rep. Jason Probst – State Representative, District 102

Jerry Slaughter – Interim Executive Director, Kansas Medical Society

Kevin Sparks – CEO, United Health Community Plan for Kansas

Michael Stephens – President and CEO, Sunflower Health Plan

Sen. Gene Suellentrop – State Senator, District 27

Suzanne Wikle – Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Law and Social Policy

Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore – State Representative, District 36

 

 

KDOT Announces Approved August Bids For Construction/Maintenance

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects in Kansas. The letting took place Aug. 21, 2019, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

District Four — Southeast

 

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑5380‑01 ‑ Various locations in District Four in Miami, Bourbon, Labette, Crawford, Greenwood, Elk, Chautauqua and Montgomery counties, milling, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Ks., $19,780.80.

 

 

District One — Northeast

 

Jefferson ‑ 192‑44 KA‑5324‑01 ‑ Pavement marking on K‑192, pavement marking, 7.7 miles, Century Fence Co., Pewaukee, Wi., $110,638.30.

 

Leavenworth ‑ 92‑52 KA‑5323‑01 ‑ Pavement marking on K‑92, pavement marking, 15.4 miles, Century Fence Co., Pewaukee, Wi., $230,527.46.

 

Leavenworth ‑ 192‑52 KA‑5325‑01 ‑ Pavement marking on K‑192, pavement marking, 8.5 miles, Century Fence Co., Pewaukee, Wi., $122,233.89.

 

Nemaha ‑ 66 TE‑0462‑01 – 6th Street from Main Street to the Sabetha Sports Complex, located north of Lincoln Street, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.5 mile, Bryant & Bryant Construction Inc., Halstead, Ks., $301,231.42.

 

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑5218‑01 ‑ Bridge #026 (over the Missouri River on the Kansas side) on K‑92 in Leavenworth County; bridges #235 and #240 (over the Missouri River) in Wyandotte County located 1.84 miles northeast of K‑5, bridge repair/navigational paint, Comanche Construction Inc., Shawnee Mission, Ks., $422,971.96.

 

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑5379‑01 ‑ Various locations in District One in Jackson, Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Johnson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Jefferson, Douglas, Osage, Riley, Pottawatomie and Marshall counties, milling, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Ks., $40,255.00.

 

District Two — North Central

 

Chase ‑ 177‑9 KA‑3943‑01 ‑ Bridge #025 (over U.S. 50) on K-177 located at the U.S. 50/K‑177 junction, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Ks., $2,286,700.94.

 

Chase ‑ 177‑9 KA‑4430‑01 ‑ Bridge #024 (over Fox Creek) on K-177 located 3.33 miles north of U.S. 50., bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Ks., $1,907,168.13.

 

Chase ‑ 177‑9 KA‑4431‑01 ‑ Bridge #023 (over Fox Creek Drainage) on K-177 located 5.7 miles north of U.S. 50, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Ks., $1,346,389.23.

 

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑5378‑01 ‑ Various locations in District Two in Clay, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Geary, Marion, Republic, Saline and Washington counties, milling, APAC-Kansas Inc Shears Division, Hutchinson, Ks., $35,443.60.

 

District Three — Northwest

 

Osborne ‑ 24‑71 KA‑5294‑01 – U.S. 24, from 0.6 mile east of County Road 515 east to the south U.S. 24/U.S. 281 junction, sealing, 12.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Ks., $1,272,303.50.

 

Russell ‑ 281‑84 KA‑5290‑01 – U.S. 281, from the west K‑18/U.S. 281 junction east to the east K‑18/U.S. 281 junction, sealing, 8.5 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Ks., $269,856.60.

 

 

District Five — South Central

 

Barton ‑ 56‑5 KA‑5289‑01 – U.S. 56, from the east city limits of Pawnee Rock northeast to the south city limits of Great Bend, milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks., $2,146,969.84.

 

Rice ‑ 14‑80 KA‑5286‑01 ‑ K‑14, from the north city limits of Lyons north to the Rice/Ellsworth county line, milling and overlay, 11.3 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc Shears Division, Hutchinson, Ks., 3 $1,877,091.15.

 

Rice ‑ 56‑80 KA‑5287‑01 – U.S. 56, from the Lyons east city limits east to the McPherson/Rice county line, milling and overlay, 14.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc Shears Division, Hutchinson, Ks., $1,935,248.66.

 

Rush ‑ 183‑83 KA‑5288‑01 – U.S. 183, from the Pawnee/Rush county line north to the south city limits of La Crosse, milling and overlay, 12.0 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks., $2,066,584.48.

 

Rush ‑ 04‑83 KA‑5327‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the Rush/Ness county line east to the Rush/Barton county line, crack repair, 36.7 miles, Scodeller Construction Inc., Wixom, Mi., $123,315.77.

 

District Six — Southwest

 

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑5326‑01 ‑ Various locations in District Six in Greeley, Wichita, Finney, Haskell, Seward, Stevens, Morton, Clark and Ford counties, milling, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Ks., $12,928.00.

 

 

 

The following projects were approved from the July 17, 2019, letting.

 

Riley ‑ 24‑81 KA‑4757‑01 – U.S. 24 and Kimball Avenue intersection in Manhattan, intersection improvement, 0.3 mile, Pavers Inc., Salina, Ks., $881,990.47.

 

Mitchell ‑ 62 U‑2330‑01 – Beloit along Bell, Walnut, 15th, and Poplar Streets, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.9 miles, Brummer And Miller Construction, Beloit, Ks., $416,970.55.

 

Chase ‑ 9 C‑4910‑01 – Bridge over Bloody Creek located 3.4 miles south and 5.4 miles east Cottonwood Falls, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, King Construction Company Inc. and Subsidiaries, Hesston, Ks., $435,647.98.

 

Miami ‑ 61 C‑4916‑01 – Bridge on 263rd Street over North Wea Creek located 2 miles north and 4.2 miles west of Louisburg, bridge replacement, Bryan-Ohlmeier Construction Co. Inc., Paola, Ks., $508,074.49.

 

KDOT Cost Share Program

KDOT’s new Cost Share Program now accepting applications

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has launched a new program designed to provide state funding for transportation projects while also leveraging local and private funding. The new Cost Share Program will provide funding to local entities for transportation projects that improve safety, support job retention and growth, improve access or mobility, relieve congestion and help areas across the state improve the transportation system.

 

Up to $50 million will be available in the program for fiscal year 2020. The on-going program, which has at least $11 million available, requires a minimum of 15% non-state cash match.  Additional consideration will be given to project applications that commit more than the minimum required match amount. The funding above the base $11 million comes from a one-time, $50 million State General Fund transfer. A minimum 25% match is required for projects to qualify for the one-time funds.

 

The Cost Share Program is open to all transportation projects including roadway (on and off the state highway system), rail, airport, bicycle/pedestrian and public transit. Funds from the program can only be used for construction.

 

“Creating the Cost Share Program allows us to leverage both state and local dollars to help address important transportation needs across Kansas,” said Kansas Secretary Julie Lorenz. “We look forward to working with Kansas communities to build projects that improve safety and keep the Kansas economy moving.”

 

Funding for the program is part of the $216 million in sales tax authorized by the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to remain in the state highway fund in fiscal year 2020. In addition to the Cost Share Program, those funds are being used to increase highway preservation, help complete delayed T-WORKS projects, improve safety and provide new funding opportunities for cities and counties.

 

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis beginning Sept. 3, 2019, and will be reviewed twice annually, in October and March. To be included in the first review period, applications must be submitted by Oct. 11, 2019. Selection criteria will include consideration of projects that meet program objectives, eligibility categories and requirements. Geographic distribution also will be considered during project selection.

Application and a fact sheet on the Cost Share Program can be found at www.KSDot.org or with the links below:

Application

Fact Sheet

State finishes August $2.9 million above estimate

 

 

TOPEKA – The state’s August collections are slightly above estimates with total tax collections at $497.2 million; $2.9 million or 0.59% more than the estimate. Those collections are also $2.8 million more than the same month in Fiscal Year 2019.

Retail sales tax collections were $205.3 million; up 3.67% from the $198.0 million estimate. Compensating use tax collections came in at $32.6 million; $2.4 million below the estimate.

 

Individual income tax collections were $231.3 million. This is $6.3 million, or 2.78%, more than the estimate and $10.5 million more than August 2018. Corporate income tax collections were $6.6 million; $5.4 million below the estimate.

“We continue to hold steady with the estimates,” Secretary Mark Burghart said. “I’m encouraged by both the improved sales tax collections and the stability of individual tax collections as we have now finished the second month of the fiscal year.”

 

County Commission Agenda Sept. 3

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 3rd, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

9:45-10:00-Landfill Discussion

10:00-10:30-2020 Budget

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

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

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

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

2:00-2:30-Tabacco Free Policy

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

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Aug. 20

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of August 20, 2019 Regular Meeting #15

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

ROLL CALL:

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

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

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

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

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

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

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

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

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

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

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

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

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

APPROVED 2018 AUDIT.

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

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

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

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

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:32 P.M.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:57 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: None

  1. City Commission:

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

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

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

Nichols Remarked that it was a good meeting.

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

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

  1. City Manager:

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

ADJOURNMENT:

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

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:41 P.M.

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

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK