Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Newsletter from State Senator Hilderbrand

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State senator Richard Hilderbrand 13th district

communications from the state capitol

January 18, 2019∙ Week One

HARD FACTS:

The Kansas Constitution, including the Ordinance, Preamble, and Bill of Rights, is available to print in a pocket-sized version from the State Library’s website https://kslib.info/constitution. Just click on the link and follow the instructions. A helpful diagram shows how to fold and where to cut to assemble your pocket-sized constitution. Tip: print double sided and check “flip on the long edge”. A long reach stapler is helpful, but not necessary. There is also a larger sized booklet version. Need help? https://kslib.info/Ask

FLOOR ACTION

Thursday the Senate voted to confirm 17 governor nominated appointments and 2 attorney general nominated appointments.

NEW APPOINTMENTS:

Bowser, Steven – Member, Pool Money Investment Board

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Fertig, Sarah– Medicaid Inspector General

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Hutton, Mark – Regent, State Board of Regents

Confirmed on a vote of 39-0

Schmidt, Allen – Regent, State Board of Regents

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Samaniego, Richard– Crime Victims Compensation Board

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Norris, Eric– State Librarian

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Thomas, Donna Dr. – Member, University of Kansas Hospital Authority

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Copeland, Michael – Member, University of Kansas Hospital Authority

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

REAPPOINTMENTS:

Dillon, David– Member, University of Kansas Hospital Authority

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Feurborn, William– Regent, State Board of Regents

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Graves, Gregory– Member, University of Kansas Hospital Authority

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Lair, Casey– Member, Kansas State Banking Board

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Macke, Carroll– Member, State Civil Service Board

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Melugin, Raymond– Member, State Civil Service Board,

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Neuman, Jack– Member, University of Kansas Hospital Authority

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Schorn, Harold – Member, Kansas Human Rights Commission

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Waller Ryan– Member, Employment Security Board of Review

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Wright, Jerel– Administrator, Department of Credit Unions

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

Wynn, Deryl– Member, University of Kansas Hospital Authority

Confirmed on a vote of 40-0

GOVERNOR KELLY’S INAUGURATION

On Monday, January 14th, Laura Kelly was sworn in as the 48th Governor of the State of Kansas. Governor Kelly enters the Governor’s office after serving 14 years in the Kansas Senate, representing Topeka.

The following state officials were also sworn into office on Monday:

Lynn Rogers, Lieutenant Governor

Derek Schmidt, Attorney General

Scott Schwab, Secretary of State

Vicki Schmidt, Insurance Commissioner

Jake LaTurner, State Treasurer

NEW SENATORS

The Kansas Senate had four new faces Monday. Kevin Braun (R-Kansas City) replaces Steve Fitzgerald after he resigned from the Senate in September. Vic Miller (D-Topeka) took Laura Kelly’s seat in the Senate. Eric Rucker (R-Topeka) took Vicki Schmidt’s seat in the Senate as she is now Insurance Commissioner. Mary Ware (D-Wichita) was chosen to replace Lynn Rogers in the Senate.

Richard Hilderbrand (R-Galena) was also sworn in after winning his special election in November.

STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

On Wednesday, Governor Laura Kelly delivered her first State of the State address. The governor laid out her agenda as she began her first term as governor. Some of her main agenda items include, more money to public education, increased funding to hire more social workers for DCF, and Medicaid expansion.

During her address, Kelly explained she would be proposing a one-year budget with a separate proposal for a two-year education plan.

GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL

Thursday morning, Governor Kelly presented her one-year budget proposal. The $18.4 billion spending plan would be the largest budget in Kansas history, with total spending rising $1.2 billion, or 7.2%.

Kelly’s proposal includes increased spending for areas such as K-12 education, DCF, and Medicaid expansion. Many lawmakers question the number Kelly presented for the cost of expanding Medicaid as many predict it to be well over the budget proposal’s estimate.

Below are some highlights from the governor’s budget proposal:

Kansas K-12 Education Finance

Governor Kelly recommended a $92 million inflation adjustment to state aid for K-12 public schools. This would be a phase in of $364 million over four years. With this increase, the state’s education funding would increase 5.5 percent during the next budget year, to nearly $4.4 billion.

Department for Children and Families

The budget proposed a 14 percent increase in spending on foster care programs. Governor Kelly’s agenda includes the hiring of 55 additional social workers. This would increase the department’s budget 8.7 percent, to $727 million.

Medicaid Expansion

Kelly’s budget included $14 million to initiate Medicaid expansion in Kansas. She explained that an expansion plan would be submitted to the Legislature by the end of the month.

State Employee Salary Increase

The budget provided $22 million for a 2.5 percent salary increase for state employees, excluding the judicial system and legislative branch. An additional $3 million was earmarked to increase wages for officers of the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas Board of Regents

The budget proposal would complete restoration of a 4 percent, or $30 million, cut in 2017 from the Board of Regents. Most of the money was previously restored to universities, but Kelly offered the final $8.9 million to be recovered. This restoration does not include previous cuts from 2008.

Re-amortization of KPERS

Kelly’s budget was built around the re-amortization of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System which essentially refinances the remaining $8.9 billion debt over 30 years. This is meant to provide $160 million in “short-term savings” but will extend the system’s debt until the year 2049. Larry Campbell, Governor Kelly’s budget director, said the debt would become an additional cost of about $7 billion.

Senate Leadership including, President Wagle, Vice President Longbine, Majority Leader Denning, Assistant Majority Leader Petersen, and Majority Whip Bowers, issued the following statement in response:

“Governor Kelly’s budget is simply taking a different path that inevitably spends us right back into the red. She is willing to fund her irresponsible spending agenda at the expense of our Kansas retirees while placing an additional $7 billion burden on our future generations.”

Transfers of Kansas Department of Transportation

$238 million would continue to be drawn annually from KDOT to finance basic government.

NEXT WEEK

Monday –

  • The Legislature will be closed on Monday, January 21st to observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday –

  • Hearing on: SB 9, authorizing the transfer of $115,000,000 from the state general fund to the Kansas public employees retirement fund during fiscal year 2019 – [Senate Ways and Means Committee; January 22 at 10:30 am]

Wednesday –

  • Presentation on: Kansas Department of Revenue, David N. Harper, Director – [Senate Transportation Committee; January 23rd at 8:30 am]
  • Briefing on: Mental Health Task Force Report and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities – [Senate Ways and Means Committee; January 23rd at 10:30 am]
  • Presentation on: Cost of Special Education Funding, LPA – [Senate Education Committee; January 23rd at 1:30 pm]
  • Response to KCC Rate Study, Chuck Caisley, SVP, Marketing and Public Affairs for Evergy – [Senate Utilities Committee; January 23rd at 1:30 pm]

Thursday –

  • Presentation on: Kansas State University programs by Interim Dean/Director Ernie Milton – [Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee; January 24th at 8:30 am]
  • Presentation on: Kansas Highway Patrol, Colonel Mark Bruce, Superintendent – [Senate Transportation Committee; January 24th at 8:30 am]
  • Informational briefing: Local Impact of Federal Farm Bill, Department of Agriculture – [Senate Ways and Means Committee; January 24th at 10:30 am]
  • Presentation on: Mental Health Awareness: KS School Counselor Association, KS School Psychologist Association, KS School Social Worker Association – [Senate Education Committee; January 24th at 1:30 pm]

2019 SESSION DATES AND DEADLINES

Please be aware of the following dates and deadlines for the 2019 legislative session. As always, each is subject to modification and leadership will keep you updated on any changes which might occur.

Monday, January 21 Martin Luther King Day – No Session
Monday, February 4 Last day for members to request bill drafts
Monday, February 11 Last day for non-exempt committees to request bill drafts
Wednesday, February 13 Last day for bill introductions by members
Friday, February 15 Last day for non-exempt committee bill introduction
Monday, February 25 Last day for AM/PM committees to meet
Tuesday, February 26 On floor all day
Wednesday, February 27 On floor all day
Thursday, February 28 Turnaround Day, last day for non-exempt bills in house of origin
March 1-5 No session
Friday, March 22 Last day for non-exempt committee consideration
March 25-26 On floor all day
Wednesday, March 27 On floor all day; Last day to consider non-exempt bills not in originating chamber
March 28-31 No Session
Friday, April 5 Drop dead day; first adjournment
Wednesday, May 1 Veto Session begins
Friday, May 17 Day 90

Thank You for Engaging

Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.

Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Health Department to Move

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This building. at 6th and Horton, will be the new site of the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department.

The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, with a location currently behind the Bourbon County Courthouse, is moving.

More privacy for clients and more room for future health care collaborations are the reasons for the move said Bourbon County Commissioner Jeff Fischer, who is also a member of the SEKMCHD board.

The site chosen is the former Mercy Hospital facility at 6th and Horton.

“We needed more space to provide more services,” Fischer said.

“SEKMCHD began looking at updating their current facility that is a modular office building on the courthouse square two years ago,” said  Fischer. “SEKMCHD considered the Bourbon County Court Annex, the decommissioned jail and other properties on the market two years ago. Late this summer the Cornerstone Bible Church offered their building to SEKMCHD which was purchased in December 2018.”

The SEKMCHD received a building permit on Jan. 17. They will meet as a board on Jan. 22 for further discussions of the project.

“We are aiming for an April 1 date to move,” Fischer said.

“Moving into a structure that is more than twice the size of their existing facility presents some interesting opportunities,” Fischer said. “There are ongoing discussions on how to leverage this space to improve access to healthcare and – or provide other services that complement the mission of county health departments. This may include leveraging the Craw-Kan Fiber Optic Network and support Tele-health studios available to the public.”

“At this point, a building permit has been granted to modify the western side of the building, replacing interior walls and providing the ability to secure the SEKMCHD space from the commons areas that include the waiting room and reception area,” Fischer said. “There are no definite plans on how to best utilize the eastern half.”

“The project consists of replacing and installing approximately 120 linear foot of insulated 2X4 framed walls on a structure that was built by Mercy in 1992 to provide health care services,” Fischer explained. “In addition, the installation of nine doors to create three new office spaces and two examination rooms. The framed walls shall be covered with approximately 240 ft., 50 boards of half-inch sheetrock.”

“The plumbing portion involves replacing sinks and moving an existing sink to facilitate access to the restroom from one of the exam rooms,” he said. “The plumber will also extend a gas line to the vicinity of the generator set placed outside adjacent to the electrical service entry.”

“The electrical portion involves installing wiring for outlets, switches, dedicated circuits for critical equipment,” Fischer said.  “In addition, it involves the installation of communication wiring. The installation of a generator set and appropriate automatic transfer switches will also be furnished.”

The Bourbon County Health Department provides adult and childhood immunizations and physicals, pap exams, birth control, blood lead screening, hemoglobin and blood sugar screening, hearing screening, blood pressure checks, STD screening and treatment, disease investigations, emergency preparedness,  and labs such as CBC, Chem Panel, TSH.
“The costs depends on which service they choose, but we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Kancare Insurance associated with Medicaid- Amerigroup, Etna, and United Healthcare,” said Alice Maffett, the nurse at the SEKMCHD in Bourbon County.

 For more information, contact Alice Maffett, Nurse, Bourbon County,620-223-4464 , or Jeff Fischer, board member, 620.223.6633 or Chardel Hastings, Director SEKMCHD 411 North Washington ~ Iola, 620-365-2191.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Jan. 22

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: January 22nd, 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

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

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

1:30-3:00-CEO of Community Health

Executive Session-15 min.

Government, Kansas

New Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Leader

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Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Welcomes New Leader

 

Topeka, Kansas – Governor Laura Kelly has named Brad Loveless to be Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). His appointment was effective January 14, 2019.

 

Loveless is familiar to many Kansans and to KDWPT staff as a leader in conservation and environmental programs. He comes to the department from a 34-year career with Westar Energy where he was most recently the senior director of environmental conservation and sustainability. Prior to that position, he was director of biology and conservation programs and earlier held environmental management positions at Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation. He is perhaps most well-known as one of the leaders of Westar’s Green Team, an active volunteer group of employees and retirees that has been helping with habitat improvement, environmental access and education, and enhancement of sensitive species for 30 years.

 

“During my career, I have had the pleasure of working closely with KDWPT staff on many occasions,” Loveless said. “They are dedicated and hard-working, and I look forward to helping them manage the state’s natural resources and promote all the wonderful outdoor and travel experiences that Kansas offers.”

 

In 2013, Loveless was awarded the Kansas State Forester’s Award for Community Forestry.  In 2009, he was recognized by the Kansas Wildlife Federation as Wildlife Conservationist of the Year and by the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education as their Strickler Award winner for Environmental Education. He is an avid hunter, angler and beekeeper.

 

Business, Government, Kansas

Nominate Exporter of the Year

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Nominations for Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award: Deadline January 25

 

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce is still accepting nominations for the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award through the 25th of January.

 

Kansas businesses are a global force, with goods and services being sought from Kansas internationally.  The annual Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award proudly celebrates the outstanding Kansas companies that excel in exporting and building relationships with companies around the world. We encourage you to nominate a successful Kansas business for the year 2019’s awards program.

 

Qualifications considered include:

Number and/or percentage increase in jobs due to international activities

Innovations in global marketing

Number of export destinations

Effective use of international distributors

Long-term international strategies and prospects for future growth

Commitment to the state and local community

Foreign language promotional material and general promotional activities

Trade shows and/or international expositions

 

 

Benefits of this award include:

All finalists will be invited to attend the Team Kansas Awards Banquet where top businesses from across the state are recognized and the award-winning company will receive the trophy

The Governor will make a site visit to the award-winning company to honor its management and workforce team

The award-winning company will receive a membership in Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council (KITCC) that selects the award finalists and winner

Recognition of export achievement which can be incorporated into marketing/advertising campaigns

Extended networking opportunities

 

The Nomination Process:

Any Kansas company engaged in exporting is eligible to be nominated for the 2019 Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award. Please visit http://kansascommerce.gov/GovernorsExporteroftheYear to nominate a business. Self-nomination is also welcomed. All nominations must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 25, 2019.

 

Nominations can be emailed to April Chiang at [email protected]

 

Nominations can also be mailed or faxed to:

Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council

c/o Kansas Department of Commerce, April Chiang

1000 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 100

Topeka, KS 66612-1354

Tel:  (785) 296-5473

Fax: (785) 296-3490

 

Information on Kansas Exporting:

Kansas exports totaled $11.25 billion in 2017. Compared with last year’s data, exports increased by $1.07 billion, representing a 10.5 percent surge. A similar trend can be observed on the national level where U.S. exports experienced a 6.6 percent growth.

 

 

Ryan Brinker

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

 

Kansas Department of Commerce

1000 SW Jackson St. Ste. 100

Topeka, KS 66612-1354

Phone: 785-296-4931

Cell: 785-276-9723

Government, Kansas

New Chairman of KCC: Dwight Keen

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Commissioner Dwight D. Keen elected Chairman of Kansas Corporation Commission

Topeka, KS – At today’s annual Kansas Corporation Commission Organizational Meeting, Commissioner Dwight D. Keen was elected to serve as Chairman of the Commission. Keen was appointed to the KCC by Governor Coyler on April 7, 2018 to a four year term, which expires March 15, 2022.

“We will remain dedicated to enhancing the public safety and well-being of Kansans through our commitment to delivering results that advance the public interest,” said Keen in accepting the Chairmanship.

Commissioner Keen has experience in business, law and government. His prior legal, finance and business experience includes serving as a securities attorney with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (presently FINRA) in Washington, D.C.; serving as the Senior Financial Analyst and Counsel to the Director of Corporation Finance for a large money center bank in New York City;  practicing corporate and securities law with two prominent Wichita law firms; and serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association. From 1998 to 2010, Keen was an Adjunct Professor of Business for the Graduate School at Friends University in Wichita where he taught five graduate level business courses.

Commissioner Keen’s prior state government service includes: serving for six years as Kansas Securities Commissioner; serving two terms as a Commissioner on the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs; and serving one four year term as a member of the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals. Keen presently serves as the Kansas representative to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and is a member of NARUC, serving on the Gas Committee.

Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and serve staggered four-year terms. State law provides that no more than two of the three commissioners may belong to the same political party. The Commission acts as an independent regulatory agency with authority to render judgments and decisions on regulated utilities.

The KCC regulates the state’s electric, natural gas, telecommunications, oil and gas, and transportation industries with the responsibility of ensuring safe, adequate, and reliable services at reasonable rates for the citizens of Kansas.

Government, Kansas

National Career Development Poetry and Art Contest

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The Kansas Department of Commerce is extending the deadline to participate in the 53rd NCDA Annual Poetry and Art Contest, an initiative of the National Career Development Association, to February 1, 2019.

 

The contest theme is “Using Careers to Break Barriers, Empower Lives & Achieve Equity.”

The National Career Development Association promotes career development through its annual celebration of National Career Development Month. Every November, career development professionals are encouraged to celebrate with career-related activities including the annual Poetry and Art Contest.

Entries will be judged on how they celebrate and inspire career development with a positive tone while emphasizing the national theme.

 

Please submit any entries to [email protected] by February 1, 2019

Submissions may also be sent by mail to:

Kansas Department of Commerce, Poetry and Art Contest

1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 100, Topeka, Kansas 66612

 

Please include name and eligibility category from the options below.

ELIGIBILITY

Every adult and student enrolled in school is eligible, as well as adult practitioners who are not in school. Contest divisions areas include:

o   Primary – grades K-2

o   Intermediate – grades 3-5

o   Middle – grades 6-8

o   Senior – grades 9-12

o   Adult Student – ages 18 and older, enrolled in school

o   Open Adult – ages 18 and older (student teachers, parents, professionals, etc.)

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR POEMS

Poetic Form: Acceptable poetic forms, e.g. cinquain, free verse, diamante, haiku, limerick, metered, rhyming, blank verse

Size: Submit each poem on a single sheet of paper 8.5″ x 11″ in 12-point font.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ART

Lettering: Simple bold lettering is preferred. Captions are to be used to convey the theme, attract attention, and to achieve goals of clarity, vigor and originality. All lettering will be considered part of the design.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor appoints Lorenz to lead KDOT

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Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed Julie Lorenz to lead the Kansas Department of Transportation as Interim Secretary. She succeeds Richard Carlson, who retired on Jan. 11.

While new to this position, this is her second tour of duty for KDOT, serving as the Director of Public Affairs and Special Assistant from 2003 to 2011. During that time, Lorenz led the development of several efforts at the agency, including the development and eventual legislative passage of the $8.2 billion, 10-year T-WORKS funding program in spring 2010.

“I am honored to be back at KDOT,” Lorenz said. “I’m excited to help develop new opportunities to expand our transportation investments across the state while also working to maintain the existing system. Transportation is a part of everyone’s lives and the work KDOT does is critical to our state.”

Lorenz comes from Burns & McDonnell where she was a Principal specializing in strategic business consulting and planning and policy development for the transportation industry at the national, regional and local levels.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Jan. 15

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: January 15th, 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 – Kansas Works

 

          10:30 – Justin Meeks (20 min. Exec. Session, Re: Attorney/Client)

 

          11:00 – Jody Hoener – ABC Trails Plan

 

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

 

          1:30 – Osage Township Trustee Appointment

 

 

         

 

 

 

                   

 

 Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

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

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

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

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

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

Fort Scott, Government

City Offices Will Close Jan. 21 For Holiday

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The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, January 21st, 2019 in observance of the Martin Luther King Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, January 19th, 2019 for the Martin Luther King Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes from Dec. 18, 2018

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 18, 2018 Regular Meeting #24

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell 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: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Deb Needleman, Michael Mix, Rachel Pruitt, Chad Brown, Robert Uhler, Jackie Sellers, Kevin Wagner, Rachel Wagner, Cole Wagner, Dave Elliott, Maggie Brenner, Carl Brenner, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Kevin Wagner, Wreaths Across America – City Manager recognized Kevin Wagner, organizer for the Wreaths Across America annual event for the National Cemetery #1. This year there were 5,960 wreaths placed at the cemetery – one on every grave. He thanked him for his tireless efforts in fundraising for the wreaths. He also thanked all the volunteers who helped place the wreaths. What a wonderful memorial for the Veterans.

Kevin Wagner said that there are many, many people who assist with this event. He named several other local cities who assisted with fundraising this year. He also thanked C.F.I. who trucked the wreaths to Fort Scott.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 4th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1229-A totaling $337,877.49.

C. 2019 Cereal Malt Beverage/Public Dance Licenses: (originals in Clerk’s office)

Package Sales:

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall

Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main

Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main

Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main

Queen’s Price Chopper – 2322 S. Main

Consumption on the Premises:

Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt

NPC International, Inc. DBA Pizza Hut #2423 – 1810 S. Main

Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton

Public Dance License:

Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th

Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National

Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main

Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National

Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott

River Room Event Center – 3 West Oak

Memorial Auditorium – 1 E. Third Street

Parker moved the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

6:00 p.m. – Budget Amendment Hearing (Need to cancel) – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this public hearing needs to be cancelled. It will be conducted in 2019. She does not believe that an amendment needs to be held on the 2018 budget.

Mitchell moved to cancel the budget amendment hearing that was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CANCEL BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 6:00 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Change of January 1st, 2019 meeting date – City Manager informed the Commission that the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting would be January 1st, 2019 which is a holiday. He met with Staff who recommended canceling the first meeting in January and just having one meeting on January 15th, 2019.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to cancel the meeting on January 1st, 2019 and just have one meeting in January on January 15th, 2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CANCEL THE MEETING ON JANUARY 1ST, 2019 AND JUST HAVE ONE MEETING IN JANUARY ON JANUARY 15TH, 2019.

  1. Consideration of Water Treatment Plant selection of engineering firm and proposal for evaluation of City’s drinking water – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that he came before them a couple of meetings ago to request permission to seek Request for Qualifications to evaluate the City’s drinking water from engineering firms. There were four RFQ’s submitted and an evaluation team consisting of Dr. Randy Nichols, Scott Flater, and himself who reviewed the engineering firms. A scoring system was created and Burns & McDonnell Engineering Firm received the highest score. He recommended the approval of Burns & McDonnell to evaluate the City’s drinking water and enter into a contract with them. The contract proposal is for $50,000 for 2018 and $100,000 for 2019 which is budgeted.

Nichols moved to approve the engineering firm of Burns & McDonnell and approve the contract of $150,000 to evaluate the City’s drinking water. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE ENGINEERING FIRM OF BURNS AND MCDONNELL TO EVALUATE THE CITY’S DRINKING WATER AND THE CONTRACT OF $150,000 FOR SERVICES.

  1. Consideration of updated Standards and Specifications regarding Water, Wastewater and Storm Water infrastructure – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the City was in need of updating their Standards and Specifications for our City owned utilities. When developers are building, standards are needed to ensure that these buildings are built to our standards. K.D.H.E. informed the City that the last standards they had on record were from 1985. Allgeier Martin & Associates created an updated Standards and Specifications for the City of Fort Scott. He asked the Commission to approve and adopt these new standards.

Parker moved to approve and adopt the Standards and Specifications for the City of Fort Scott. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.

  1. Discussion of Old Fort Transportation/Pitt Taxi Transition – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that she was representing the Bourbon County Senior Citizens as she is the Treasurer for this Board. They have been instrumental in providing transportation in this community for years. Pitt Taxi came here a few years ago and were a huge asset for our community. The owners of Pitt Taxi have decided to retire at the end of 2018. They have offered to transfer the three vehicles, computer and phones to Old Fort Transportation for $5,000. The owners of Fort Scott Transportation is Jackie and James Sellers. She asked the Commission for $5,000 for Old Fort Transportation to subsidize the costs of taking over this transportation service. There are currently about 300 to 350 riders which distribute people to 25 different places of employment throughout the City.

Dave Elliott, Peerless Products, was present and informed the Commission that this transportation service helps bring many of their employees to work every morning.

Mitchell moved to approve to allocate $5,000 towards Old Fort Transportation to subsidize the transportation program in our community. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOCATE $5,000 TOWARDS OLD FORT TRANSPORTATION TO SUBSIDIZE THE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IN OUR COMMUNITY.

  1. Consideration of Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3545 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that the water rate increase is before them. This is for a 5% increase which is less than the budgeted 8% increase. The increase was for the payments for the debt on the river intake structure. The project is not as far along so financing costs will be less than projected in the budget. Approval for the 5% increase is recommended.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3545 increasing the water rates by 5% for 2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3545 SETTING NEW WATER RATES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3525 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.04.030.

  1. Consideration of Wastewater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3546 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this Ordinance increases the sewer rate by 3%.

Parker moved to approve Ordinance No. 3546 increasing the sewer rates by 3% for 2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3546 INCREASING THE BASIC MONTHLY CHARGE FOR SANITARY SEWER RATES IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.24.110 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3526.

  1. Consideration of Storm Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3547 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this Ordinance increases the storm water rate by 3% for 2019.

Parker moved to approve Ordinance No. 3547 increasing the storm water rate by 3% for 2019. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3547 AMENDING THE FORT SCOTT STORMWATER USER CHARGE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3527 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.24.121.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Rachel informed the Commission that in October a contest was held for “If I Was Mayor”. This was open for 7th graders throughout the State of Kansas. This is sponsored by the League of Kansas Municipalities. If selected, the student and the teacher would go to Topeka to be recognized. She would like to see the student be recognized on a local level also. She is getting packets ready for the City Commission to review and select a winner who will have “Lunch with the Mayor”.

Health Care Update – Robert Uhler – Robert reminded the Commission of the three main priorities: EMS, Primary Care, and Emergency Room. At the December 4th meeting, you heard from Dave Bruner regarding the EMS/Ambulance partnership between the City and the County. Both entities have signed contracts with one final step for the County to complete with Mercy which was completed this week with the donation of the assets to the County. He thanked Dave Martin for stepping up in this sensitive time. He also thanked Christi Keating for her direction. He also thanked the County, Mercy and the group from the City that worked together. We are one community with one goal – to have the best healthcare in our community. Our community will have convenient care and primary care provided by CHCSEK. What an impressive organization to have serve us in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. The final priority of our task force is to secure Emergency Room services. We continue to anxiously await a decision by Via Christi but remain optimistic about the future. He thanked the City Commission for their support as we continue on this journey.

B. City Commission:

Nichols – Wished all a Merry Christmas!

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Parker – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Bob Farmer, City Attorney, informed the Commission he was contacted by Kevin Mitchelson, attorney for Ward-Kraft, regarding some old IRB’s the City had with Ward-Kraft back in 1985, 1989 and 1992. These bond issues have all been closed but the City still had their name on the title of their property. He asked the Commission to approve the Quit Claim Deed, a Bill of Sale, and a Release of Lease with the adoption of Resolution No. 48-2018.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution No. 48-2018 releasing the bonds on the Ward-Kraft property. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 48-2018 OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO WARD-KRAFT, INC. – APPROVED QUIT CLAIM DEED, BILL OF SALE, AND RELEASE OF LEASE.

  1. City Manager:

  1. 120 N. National – City Manager said that he was approached by a business owner to purchase the City lot at 120 N. National. The City has no reason to keep this property. He has met with the business owner and negotiated some terms of this property. This will be on the January 15th, 2019 City Commission agenda for approval.

  1. Chamber Coffee – City Manager informed the Commission that the Chamber Coffee will be held at City Hall this Thursday, December 20th, 2018 at 8:00 a.m.

  1. City Manager gave a 2018 highlight of all the departments of the City and their accomplishments.

  1. Certified Public Manager – City Manager informed the Commission that Chad Brown and Larry Gazaway just finished their CPM class and graduated in December. Robert Uhler and Michael Mix will attend this program in 2019.

  1. Health Care 2020 – City Manager said that he is very appreciative of the task force. He will be glad when an Emergency Room is here.

  1. Thank you card – City Manager read a thank you card from Todd & Karin Rogers who had camped at Gunn Park recently. The card stated that they have traveled this country from east to west and they both agreed that the camp ground at Gunn Park was by far a wonderful experience. They thanked Norman Mackley and Diane Clay for their assistance and kindness.

Diane Clay, City Clerk, explained they had to leave their camper at Gunn Park as they had a daughter who gave birth to a baby and needed to return home. Norman took good care and watched over their camper for them until they were able to come back and get it.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:47 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on January 15th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Government, Kansas

$115 MILLION IN MISSED KPERS PAYMENTS

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KANSAS SENATOR RICHARD HILDERBRAND COSPONSORS SB 9

TO REPAY $115 MILLION IN MISSED KPERS PAYMENTS

GALENA- Senator Richard Hilderbrand (R-Galena) co-sponsors SB 9 to repay $115 million in missed KPERS payments.

“When someone goes to work for the state of Kansas, they have no choice but to pay into the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System. When things are tough at home and their budgets are tight, they still have to pay into this program. When things got tough for the state and the budgets did not balance, the state skipped paying into this program.

With the state expected to have an ending budget balance of $900 million at the end of this fiscal year, due in part to a $115 million missed KPERS payment. It is time for the state of Kansas to be fiscally responsible and repay our debts, especially when it comes to our hard working employees.

That is why I am proud to co-sponsor SB 9, that was pre-filed yesterday to repay the $115 million payment that was skipped in 2018.”

http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/sb9_00_0000.pdf