The most recent magazine from the Kansas Water Office is below.
This issue gives flooding updates for the state.
https://www.kwo.ks.gov/docs/default-source/waterfront/waterfront_spring_2019.pdf?sfvrsn=52978514_0
Category Archives: Government
Governor announces Council on Tax Reform co-chairs
Honoring her promise to pursue commonsense, bipartisan reform of the Kansas tax code, Governor Laura Kelly today announced the appointment of two former state senators to serve as co-chairs of the new Governor’s Council on Tax Reform.
Kelly selected Steve Morris of Hugoton and Janis Lee of Kensington to lead the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform, charged with thorough review of the state’s tax code and recommendations for a more fiscally responsible and fair tax structure.
Morris, a moderate Republican, served 20 years in the Kansas Senate, including eight years as Senate president. During Lee’s 22 years in the state Senate, she was a longtime ranking Democrat on the Senate Tax Committee. She also is a former chief hearing officer for the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals.
Kelly served with Morris and Lee in the state Senate, and said their experience and bipartisan approach would be instrumental as the new Council on Tax Reform moves forward in pursuit of sound tax policy.
“The people of Kansas elected me to bring fiscally conservative and responsible principles back to our government,” Kelly said. “To that end, I expect the Council on Tax Reform to thoughtfully evaluate tax policy and recommend prudent, sustainable changes for the future.
“I know Steve and Janis share my desire to keep the state tax burden as low as possible. They also 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.
“While it’s necessary to proceed with caution due to economic uncertainty, it’s also time to begin the conversation on tax reform that’s beneficial for families and businesses alike,” the governor said. “We can and should build a sensible tax system that benefits Kansans who need it most, and ultimately all Kansans.”
Kelly plans to issue an executive order establishing and announcing the full membership of the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform, and detailing the full scope of work involved in the coming weeks.
KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2019-2022 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 July 3. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Bureau 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).
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 18
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 18th, 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 – Commissioners to consider a road closing on 260th Street
10:15 – Donation of the Noxious Weed Building in Uniontown
10:30 – Juvenile Detention
11:00 – 11:45 – Justin Meeks
11:00 – 11:25 Executive session to discuss non-elected personnel
12:00 – 1:30 – Commissioners gone to lunch
1:30 – District Court 2019 budget – Judge Ward, Judge Harth & Rhonda Cole
Fort Scott Commission Minutes of June 4
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of June 4, 2019 Regular Meeting #10
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 4th, 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 Norman Tillotson, First Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Rhonda Dunn, Robert Uhler, Rachel Pruitt, Darrell Parker, Deb Needleman, Norman Tillotson, Deb McCoy, Dianna Morris, Brian Allen, James Wood, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None were present.
Introduction of Tiana McElroy, City Prosecutor
Introduction of Adam Harrison, Codes Enforcement Supervisor
Introduction of Lyle Brittain, Codes Enforcement Officer
Recognition of Randy Ballweber, Codes Enforcement Officer
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 21st, 2019 and special meeting of May 28th, 2019.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1239-A totaling $273,183.61.
Mitchell moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
-
APPEARANCE: James Wood – Closure of alley for events at Holmtown Pub – Mr. Wood thanked JoLynne Mitchell, Dave Martin, Mike Embry, Michael Mix, and Chad Brown. They had an issue behind their building last week and they reacted very quickly and found a solution. They have two upcoming events the next two weekends. They are fundraisers. They would like to utilize the north side of their building weather permitting. He asked to close Pine Street from National to the alley to utilize this area for the events. He asked for it to be closed from 12:00 noon on June 8th through the evening and also on June 15th.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to close Pine Street from National to the alley on June 8th and June 15th, 2019 for their two upcoming events. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO CLOSE PINE STREET FROM NATIONAL TO THE ALLEY ON JUNE 8TH AND JUNE 15TH, 2019 FOR TWO UPCOMING EVENTS FOR HOLMTOWN PUB.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONSIDERATION:
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City Surplus Auction Update – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, gave the Commission an update on the City’s surplus auction that was held on May 10th, 2019. The total of the auction was $14,738.50. The auctioneer, Lance Anderson’s commission was 15% which totaled $2,210.78, advertising was $437.16; amounting to a net proceed of $12,090.56. Part of this went to the general fund and then a part of it went to the Police forfeiture fund as there was a vehicle that was seized and sold from the Police Department. She thanked Chad Brown and Tom Coffman and all the departments for their hard work.
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Consideration to approve extension of the Flood Fill Permit for Golden Arrow Corporation – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she has a request from Golden Arrow Corporation, which is Greg Schick, for the property at 520 E. Wall. He has requested from the State and now from the City for a one year extension of his permit. Rhonda told him that she would not make a recommendation for a one year extension. We need to find a timeline to complete this project. We have waited three years. He is working on it. The property has changed and some of the building materials are gone. He is working with AG Engineering on compacting the fill. He is raising the property 12” from the flood plain. The permit expires on July 1st, 2019. The Commission can condemn this after this date if so desired. She has asked him to come up with a plan on this property.
Commissioner Adamson asked about the vehicles that are being placed there.
Rhonda said that she has spoken with him about the vehicles. He does own the old Red Barn property also. She has talked with the State and he does not have any kind of permit to place the vehicles there. He is asking the County for a permit to move materials west of the Red Barn. He prepares these vehicles for the scrap yard and brings a big truck in and hauls them off.
Rhonda asked them to look at this property in the next two weeks.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt appeared on behalf of Lindsay Madison, Chamber of Commerce, regarding the First Impressions invitation. You are all invited to hear the results tomorrow night at the Empress at 6:00 p.m. The group was here a year ago and will present their thoughts at this event.
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City Commission:
Adamson – Remarked that all the changes for Good Ol’ Days were good – the crowds were great.
Nichols – Thanked all involved in the Good Ol’ Days for their hard work.
Bartelsmeyer – Thanked all the City staff for their hard work this past weekend for Good Ol’ Days.
Mitchell – Said she heard positive feedback on the weekend’s events.
Parker – Thanked all the staff for their efforts and hard work to put on this event.
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City Manager: Nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:21 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:21 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on June 18th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DEB NEEDLEMAN
Fort Scott Commission Agenda for June 18
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
JUNE 18, 2019
6 p.m.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Steve Cole, First United Methodist Church
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Recognition of Dave Bruner, Certified Fire Protection Specialist
Introduction of Adam Harrison, Codes Enforcement Supervisor
Introduction of Lyle Brittain, Codes Enforcement Officer
Recognition of Randy Ballweber, Codes Enforcement Officer
Recognition of Fort Scott Fire Department firefighters
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 4th, 2019.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1240-A totaling $538,657.58.
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 118 E. Wall Street
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 120-122 E. Wall Street
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Fireworks Waiver – July 4th, 2019
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Parade Permit – Burke Street Parade – July 4th, 2019
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
-
APPEARANCE:
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
- Consideration of Bids – Electric Vault Building – Airport
- Consideration of amendment to Tobacco Ordinance
- Discussion of Golden Arrow Property – Greg Schick
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Consideration of street closure for Flicks on the Bricks – Skubitz on Main Street and all traffic south of Main to Wall
IX. COMMENTS:
- Director Updates: Dave Bruner – EMS Update
- Commission:
- City Manager:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO
(see below justification)
DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN
MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.
Justifications for Executive Sessions:
-
Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
-
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
-
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
-
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
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Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
Reimbursement Being Sought From Feds For Flooding Damage
Governor Laura Kelly sent a request this month to President Donald Trump to ask for a presidential declaration for public assistance for 63 counties in Kansas following recent months of record rainfall and severe weather causing flooding, flash flooding and tornadoes beginning April 28, according to a press release from the governor.
Bourbon County was one of the counties listed in the request.
“The county declared on the 23 of May,” Will Wallis, Bourbon County’s Emergency Management Director said. “It was orchestrated by the commission with their signatures and mine. It will help the county as far as reimbursement funds to public roads and bridges.”
The federal public assistance program helps pay for the restoration of public infrastructure and associated costs caused by flooding and tornado damage, according to the press release.
“It will pay us back for qualified roads, bridges, culverts, low water crossings and bridges but only if each one of them qualifies,” Wallis said.
“The (federal) government pays back 75% the state (government)10%,” he said. “This is a bare minimum. If we can get mitigation funds involved, it could be more.”
” We start preliminary damage assessments tomorrow (June 14) that will determine if we have met our county threshold which is $57, 000 dollars,” Wallis said. “We are very sure we will meet the threshold without any problems.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s damage assessment includes the following types of damage: debris needing removed, the number of roads closed, the number of bridges unusable, the number of miles of roads damaged and public building, vehicles and equipment damaged, among others.
In addition, damage to recreation areas are assessed as follows: debris removal, damage to parks and facilities at parks.
An impact statement is included in the assessment: for essential services affected (EMS, law enforcement, fire departments), farmers unable to get in their fields, health and safety issues such as hazardous materials, contaminated water supply, etc.
For the full assessment document click below:
Damage Assessment Questionnaire
William Wallis, the Bourbon County Emergency Manager, KCEM, can be reached at
or in person at 210 South National, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
or by phone: Office # 620-223-3800 ext. 124 or Cell # 620-224-8165
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting at 11:30 a.m. June 14
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 14th, 2019
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
11:30-Signing of a Hemp Letter
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Fort Scott Airport Advisory Board Meets June 19
The Airport Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at the City Commission meeting room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public.
USDA Research Agency Relocating to K.C. Region From D.C.
Governor applauds USDA relocation announcement
Gov. Laura Kelly applauded today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to relocate major research agencies from Washington, D.C., to the Kansas City region, along with nearly 600 high-paying federal jobs.
“This is a significant win for Kansas and Missouri,” Kelly said.
The USDA’s Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced its plan to relocate to the Kansas City region after a competitive bidding process. The USDA received 136 proposals from 35 different states.
Kansas and Missouri submitted a joint proposal to the USDA. A decision on whether to locate on the Kansas or Missouri side of the Kansas City area is expected to be made in July.
“The decision today to move the USDA agencies to the Kansas City area is proof of the value of collaboration between our two states and our congressional delegation. When we all work together, we can accomplish a lot,” Kelly said. “While we’ll work hard to make sure the final location is on our side of the river, we know the new location on either side will meet the needs of the USDA and benefit Kansas and Missouri.”
The move will put USDA employees closer to farmers and other agricultural interests such as the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, the single largest concentration of animal health ventures in the world. The move from Washington to a lower-cost site also would save taxpayer dollars.
Kelly praised the USDA decision.
“We offered an ideal location for the USDA operations,” she said. “The new facilities will be strategically located close to a top agricultural research institution in Kansas State University. The quality of life we offer also was a strong consideration and selling point.
“The move will meet the needs of the USDA and benefit Kansas and Missouri. I thank Secretary Perdue, our team at the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas City Area Development Council for its hard in work in making this possible.”
Secretary of Commerce David Toland agreed.
“We’re thrilled that USDA has selected the Kansas City region, and we’re confident that our state’s numerous advantages will put Kansas over the top when USDA makes its final selection,” Toland said. “Kansas is on the cutting edge in the bioscience and agriculture industries with a cluster of prominent industry leaders located within our state. When it comes to research, technology and innovation, Kansas is the clear choice.”
“The size, scale and diversity of agriculture in this region makes Kansas City a perfect fit for these USDA agencies,” Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said. “In addition, the quality of life here in the heart of the country will be a perfect fit for the employees of these agencies and their families. We look forward to welcoming them.”
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture conducts research into food conservation, nutrition, and ways to enhance to the nation’s food supply. The Economic Research Service analyzes the farm economy, food safety and global trade, among other topics.
The ERS jobs pay an average of $120,000 per year, and NIFA jobs between $110,000 and $190,000.
Proposals from Indiana and North Carolina were among the other finalists seeking the USDA research agencies.
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting June 13
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: June 13th, 2019
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
10:00-Mercy Contract
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
Action Urged For Veterans Of Vietnam War
Readers are asked to notify their government representatives about supporting an act to ensure benefits for illnesses associated with Agent Orange, which was used during the Vietnam War.
“Disability benefits are increased in increments,” according to Carl Jowers, American Legion Post 25 Commander. “Approval of this bill could lead to military personnel who handled Agent Orange chemicals on Guam or stateside to become eligible for Agent Orange disability benefits next.”
Background:
The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, which would ensure veterans who served in the offshore waters of Vietnam during the Vietnam War are never denied benefits for illnesses associated with Agent Orange exposure. H.R. 299 would also expand much needed benefits for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in Thailand and the Korean DMZ, as well as continue research on Gulf War illnesses.
This important bill now awaits consideration by the Senate, which failed to pass it last Congress.
Take Action:
Do not stand by as veterans suffer. Contact your Senators to demand they pass H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. The Senate must not delay while Blue Water Navy veterans sicken and die from diseases related to Agent Orange exposure.
Please show your support on social media:
On Facebook (copy and paste): I STAND with the VFW and call on the Senate to pass H.R. 299, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. Thousands of veterans who honorably served our country and now suffer from the wounds of war have waited too long for benefits they deserve! https://bit.ly/2QctydE