Category Archives: Government

State of the City of Fort Scott

Dave Martin, Fort Scott City Manager

Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin gave the attendees of the Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee an update on the 2018 happenings in the city on Dec. 20.

“We got a lot accomplished in 2018,” Martin said. “We had some things thrown at us, but I think we stepped up to the plate.”

The following, provided by Martin, are the completed projects that were a high priority:

 

Tourism:

The city welcomed more than 5,500 visitors to the new tourism office at the office shared with the Chamber of Commerce, 445 visitor tours on Dolly the Trolley since July, a new lavender festival event, a new Boos and Brews Event,  a new Veteran’s Weekend Celebration, the assumption of operations at the La Roche Complex and a Division 1 World Series proposal, the county law change on 30 percent food requirements allowed for the local microbrewery business.

Emergency services:

The city installed the Nex Gen Att and Hosted ITI at the police and fire department, signed a contract with the county to collaborate on Emergency Medical Services and will provide the Human Resource assistance with the services,  and added a police K-9 unit with no impact to the budget.

Human Resources:

As of December 2018, there are 97 full-time and 29 part-time employees of the City of Fort Scott. There are monthly KMU training sessions and continued education for all departments. The city is working with Craw-Kan Telephone on a phased upgrade to the IT infrastructure.  The city provided a physical activity initiative for its employees and also updated the employee handbook. The city provided an FSA vendor administration transition.

There are four city personnel retirements: Jon Garrison on Sept. 9, Kenny Howard on Dec. 28, Johnny Keating on Jan. 3. 2019, and Shaun West on Dec. 20. There will be a reception for Howard on Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. at city hall and reception for Keating on Jan 3 at 2 p.m. at the fire station.

Promotions this year: Rhonda Dunn to Director of Finance, Jerry Morgan to Streets Supervisor, Jason Pickert to Police Captain, Jacob May and Clint Roberts to Fire Dept. Captain, Alex Schafer, and Clint Lawrence to FSFD Lieutenant Reserves to full-time.

Dav Mohler and Cody McGehee graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

New employees are Robert Uhler, Director of Community Development; Seth Simpson, airport manager; Bill Rost, WWC maintenance.

Those who have taken the Certified Public Manager designation, a program to prepare managers for careers in government: 2001-Dave Martin, 2014-Paul Ballou, 2015-Travis Shelton, 2016-Dave Bruner, and Traci Reed, 2017-Jason Pickert, 2018-Chad Brown and Larry Gazaway, 2019-Robert Uhler and Michael Mix.

Streets and streets:

The city spent $200,000 on streets in 2018.

The 2018 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Program approved six grants in the amount of $12,000 with  owner investment of $24,595.

Water utility:

The city maintained 220 miles of water and sewer lines, including 3,100 water connections, rebuilt pump no. 1 and the Fort Scott Community College booster update,  added pickleball court lighting, generator load bank, and valve leash, PACP Certification, Vactor training from Key Equipment, added GIS map update, announced refusal to accept grease loads, and provided multiple repairs to the sanitary sewer system.

Community Amenities:

There was a new public golf cart shed constructed, expansion of Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative fiber network and updates at Lake Fort Scott.

Finance/Codes:

There were 309 building permits issued for revenue of $8,340.

The number of codes cases resulting in a letter or ticket was 473. There were 27 demolition projects: nine were torn down by the city at a cost of $31,043; ten were torn down by the owner which saved $35,000; four were owner repaired;  four are in process.

The three officers and director have achieved Kansas Certified  Code Enforcement Officer status.

Community Development:

A Fort Scott Landbank was established.

A new direction is being taken by the Food Alliance, with the possibility of a community food bank.

A healthcare task force was formed between the city and Bourbon County.

Economic Development:

Business assistance for relocation, expansion and new businesses was provided by Bourbon County Economic Develpment Council.

A City of Fort Scott Five-Year Comprehensive Plan was approved.

The city reapplied for Kansas Housing Tax Credits to support redevelopment of the Union Building, downtown. This project will add much-needed housing for the workforce.

The city approved nine Downtown Building Improvement Grants totaling $38,904 with an owner investment of $54,898.

The airport revenue increased 75-percent in jet fuel sales from 2017 to 2018.  The airport received $286,522 in Kansas Dept. of Transportation Aviation Grants from the Ks. Airport Improvement Program. Grants were completed for future airport expansion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KDOT requesting comments on Transportation Improvement Program 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 Jan. 2, 2019. 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).

Hilderbrand Files To Prevent Transfers From Highway Fund

KANSAS SENATOR RICHARD HILDERBRAND FILES SCR 1601

TO PREVENT THE TRANSFERS FROM THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND

GALENA- Senator Richard Hilderbrand (R-Galena) pre-files SCR 1601to prevent transfers and limit expenditures from the state highway fund to only those items related to transportation set forth in the amendment.

The state of Kansas has swept $3.35 billion from the state highway fund over the last several years. This last fiscal year the state swept over $290 million. This has left a devastating effect on not only the safety but the long-term economic impact of our great state.

The state of Kansas currently has 25 T-Works projects delayed because of a lack of funding. The total cost to fund those 25 projects would be $553 million. In just two years after this bill becomes law, all 25 of those T-Works projects could be funded.

We must stop robbing from Peter to pay Paul, and bring fiscal accountability back to Kansas!

I will continue to work hard in Topeka to continue infrastructure investments in Southeast Kansas, to encourage growth and allow us to remain competitive throughout the state and entire nation.”

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Dec. 20

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: December 20th, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-Commissioners to have a meeting regarding Economic Development

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

Driver’s License Office Hours Extended Christmas through New Years Eve

Division of Vehicles announces extended holiday hours

 

 

TOPEKA—Driver’s license offices statewide will offer extended hours the week of Christmas and New Years for added customer convenience, the Division of Vehicles announced Tuesday.

 

The hours for the two week holiday schedule beginning December 24 are:

 

December 24 — CLOSED Monday

December 25 — CLOSED Tuesday

December 26 — 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday

December 27 — 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday

December 28 – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday

 

December 31 — 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday

January 1 — CLOSED Tuesday

January 2 — 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday

January 3 – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday

January 4 — 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday

 

Many customers can skip the office entirely and renew their license using the iKan app, available for iOS, Android, and at https://ikan.ks.gov/.

 

Customer seeking Real ID should come in to the office with the required documents that can be found on a checklist at ksrevenue.org/realid.

 

Normal business hours will resume on Monday, January 7, which for most offices statewide is 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. To find hours for specific locations, visit https://www.ksrevenue.org/dovstations.html

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Today, Dec. 18

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

Date: December 18th, 2018

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

9:30-9:45-Travis Clinesmith, Murphy Tractor-John Deere Tractor and Mower

9:45-10:30-Commissioners to consider Road Closing

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

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

1:30-Ambulance Update

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

Help With Mental Health Disabilities

KDADS, Valeo Behavioral Health Care to Kick Off Operation Red File Partnership Dec. 20

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has partnered with Valeo Behavioral Health Care to distribute Operation Red File folders to participants in the mental health center’s psycho-social program. Operation Red File is designed to help seniors and individuals with disabilities keep their critical health information accessible if needed in an emergency.

“We look forward to sharing with all those in Valeo’s program how important it is to keep copies of key medical records at hand in case of an emergency. Operation Red File makes those records instantly recognizable to first responders,” said KDADS Medicare Grants Director Irina Strakhova. “This is life-saving information that provides an extra level of protection for vulnerable Kansans when it is most critical.”

Strakhova, along with other members of the KDADS staff, will introduce Operation Red File at an event scheduled for December 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Valeo Behavioral Health Care, 2401 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka.

Participants in Operation Red File receive a large, red, magnetic folder that they can place on their refrigerator for instant access, where first responders will know to look for it. Participants are encouraged to put copies of their medical information and other critical documents in the folder, such as a clear, current photograph of the participant; a medical form with all current medical information; a medication list that can be updated as needed; and medical coverage information.

First responders and emergency staff can use this information to:

  • Instantly access medical history and medication records in an emergency
  • Avoid delays caused by trying to get information from a confused patient
  • Ensure that the family/responsible party will be notified quickly
  • Have a photograph available in the case of a Silver Alert

Operation Red File, a medical information initiative that is part of the agency’s Senior Medicare Patrol program, inaugurated in Shawnee County in 2016 and has continued to grow statewide. More kick-off events are scheduled in the coming months.

If you or a loved one is interested in Operation Red File, contact Strakhova at 800-432-3535 for more information.

City Offices Closed For Christmas Holiday

The City of Fort Scott Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, December 25th, 2018 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. The offices will reopen on Wednesday, December 26th, 2017.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, December 22nd, 2018 and Tuesday, December 25th, 2018 for the Christmas holiday. It will be open again on Thursday, December 27th, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Minutes of the Fort Scott Commission from Dec. 4

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 4, 2018 Regular Meeting #23

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 4th, 2018 at 4:00 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: Associate Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Brian Rhoades, Rhonda Dunn, Todd Burrus, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Deb Needleman, Michael Mix, Rachel Pruitt, Shaun West, Chad Brown, Robert Uhler, Christy Keating, Justin Meeks, Nick Ruhl, Jeff Fischer, Dave Bruner, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that Shaun West, Captain, will be retiring on December 20th, 2018. There will be a reception at Buck Run Community Center from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. held that day in his honor. Jason Pickert was recently promoted to fill his position as Captain.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 20th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1228-A totaling $420,838.57.

Bartelsmeyer moved the Consent Agenda. Parker 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: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 46-2018 authorizing the financing for the City’s water intake project – Bob Farmer, City Attorney, informed the Commission that this is the first step in financing the River Intake Structure Project.

Todd Burrus, George K. Baum & Company, informed the Commission that he is representing the City as their financial advisor on this project. The permanent financing will be done by U.S.D.A.’s Rural Development Loan Program. The projects will need to be completed first and then the U.S.D.A. will purchase long term bonds issued by the City. The City will need to issue short-term notes to pay for the costs of the project and then the notes will be paid off from proceeds of the long term bonds. Hopefully, a local bank will be interested in purchasing the notes from the City. The first step is approval of the resolution to authorize the improvements for this project.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution No. 46-2018 authorizing the improvements to the City’s river intake structure project. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 46-2018 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CITY’S PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE COSTS THEREOF.

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 47-2018 authorizing the Redemption and Payment of the Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Price Chopper and the sale of property to Super Market Developers, Inc. – Bob Farmer, City Attorney, informed the Commission that the City authorized and issued taxable bonds so the developers could get an advantage on materials. The City issued bonds for this project. This resolution calls for the redemption of the bonds.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No. 47-2018 authorizing the redemption and payment of the bonds for Price Chopper. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 47-2018 OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING THE REDEMPTION AND PAYMENT OF ITS TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2018, (PRICE CHOPPER PROJECT), AND THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO SUPER MARKET DEVELOPERS, INC.

  1. Consideration to set Budget Amendment Hearing date for December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that a public hearing needs to be held to amend the 2019 budget to include and create the new Emergency Medical Service Fund. The public hearing will be held on December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Approval to publish the public hearing was recommended.

Mitchell moved to approve to publish the budget amendment public hearing to be held on December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE BUDGET AMENDMENT PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 18TH, 2018 AT 6:00 P.M.

  1. Consideration of Kansas Gas Service Franchise Ordinance No. 3543 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that the Kansas Gas Service franchise is up for renewal. This new agreement is a ten (10) year agreement with a 5% franchise fee which remained the same as the previous agreement.

Parker moved to approve Ordinance No. 3543 approving the Kansas Gas Service Franchise Agreement. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3543, GRANTING TO KANSAS GAS SERVICE, A DIVISION OF ONE GAS, INC., AND ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, A NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE, PRESCRIBING THE TERMS THEREOF AND RELATING THERETO, PROVIDING DEFINITIONS OF TERMS, PRESCRIBING A FRANCHISE FEE, PROVIDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY, REQUIRING ADVANCE NOTICE OF WORK AND DUTY TO REPAIR, PROVIDING FOR INDEMNIFICATION AND A HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, PROVIDING FOR RULES AND REGULATIONS, PRESCRIBING INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS, RESERVING CERTAIN RIGHTS, PROVIDING FOR REVOCATION AND TERMINATION, PROVIDING FOR AN ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS OF THE FRANCHISE, PROVIDING FOR A REOPENER, PROVIDING FOR NOTICE OF ANNEXATIONS, PRESCRIBING RELEVANT GOVERNING LAW PROVIDING FOR TRANSFER AND ASSIGNMENT OF THE FRANCHISE, PROVIDING FOR POINTS OF CONTACT AND NOTIFICATIONS, PROVIDING FOR AN AGREEMENT TO RENOGOTIATE, AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT WITH OR IN CONFLICT WITH THE TERMS THEREOF.

  1. Consideration of consolidation of natural gas billing to Constellation Energy Resources to include Memorial Hall and the Public Works building in addition to the Airport – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that he is looking to expand our current service provided by Constellation Energy Resources from the Airport to add Memorial Hall and the Public Works building. This will save the City approximately $3,000 annually.

Adamson moved to approve to consolidate Memorial Hall and the Public Works building to Constellation Energy Resources. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ADD MEMORIAL HALL AND THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING TO CONSTELLATION ENERGY RESOURCES ALONG WITH THE AIRPORT SAVING THE CITY APPROXIMATELY $3,000 ANNUALLY.

  1. Consideration to waive the bid process for the repair/restoration of the rock retaining wall north of 206 N. National and approve the low quote from Midland Restoration Company – Chad Brown, Public Works Director, informed the Commission that the rock retaining wall north of 206 N. National has been damaged by storm water runoff and is in bad need of repair and restoration. He received quotes from two local contractors and asked to waive the bid process due to the condition of this retaining wall. The low bid is from Midland Restoration Company, Inc. in the amount of $11,850.00. He asked for approval of this bid.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to waive the bid process and approve the low bid from Midland Restoration Company, Inc. in the amount of $11,850.00 for the retaining wall rock at 206 N. National. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO WAIVE THE BID PROCESS AND APPROVE THE LOW BID FROM MIDLAND RESTORATION COMPANY, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,850.00 FOR THE RETAINING WALL PROJECT AT 206 N. NATIONAL.

  1. Approval of Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service Agreement between the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Marshal, informed the Commission that he first wanted to thank the City Attorney, Justin Meeks, Rhonda Dunn, Christy Keating, and the Bourbon County Commission for their assistance in the development of this agreement. It is a one (1) year agreement and a partnership between Bourbon County and the City. The City will provide ambulance service with the approval of this contract. The City will do all we can to rehire the current EMS Mercy employees.

City Manager said that this could not have been done without the City and County working together on this project. He also said he appreciated Dave Bruner’s leadership. He said that the City will also hire an EMS Director who will report to Dave Bruner. Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, will handle all of the EMS hiring for the County.

Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that the estimated budget is $1,086,000, but this does not include insurance yet so it will raise. Some of the City’s current firefighters who also are employed by Mercy will become Bourbon County employees to assist with overtime. The County will send the City a check for $90,000 each month for the ambulance costs. If there are surplus funds, these will go back to the County; if there is a shortage of funds, the City will be reimbursed. The County will hire a third party to do the ambulance billing. The Bourbon County Commission approved the agreement this morning at their meeting.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services agreement with the County for a one year period beginning January 1st, 2019 until December 31st, 2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BOURBON COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BOURBON COUNTY EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2019 UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST, 2019.

  1. Approval of Christmas bonus for City employees – City Manager asked the Commission if they would consider giving the Christmas bonus to City employees again this year with the exception of the City Attorney and himself. He recommended $100.00 to full time employees, $50.00 to regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. Estimated amount is $9,850.00.

Nichols moved to approve the Christmas bonus. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

Approved the annual Christmas bonus of $100.00 for all full time employees, $50.00 for regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. This bonus will exclude Dave Martin, City Manager, AND Bob Farmer, City Attorney.

  1. Approval of Salary Ordinance No. 3544 – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that the 2019 Salary Ordinance is before them to approve. There are some changes including the addition of the EMS positions and some small changes to the high end of some of the pay ranges.

Parker moved to approve the 2019 Salary Ordinance. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3544 PROVIDING FOR THE SALARIES OF THE APPOINTIVE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 3529.

  1. Consideration to approve Work Order #7 – Revision of Airport Layout Plan – Olsson Associates – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that the City has hit a snag in the environmental assessment at the Airport for the expansion project. The City has completed Phase I and Phase II of the environmental assessment and it was determined that a Phase III is needed. The estimate for Phase III for the cost of an archology survey is around $50,000. Discussions were held with the City’s engineering firm, Olsson Associates, about shifting the runway plans to avoid having to complete a Phase III environmental. She asked approval for Work Order #7 to revise the Airport Layout Plan to a proposed length of 5,500’. The cost for the revision of the layout is $4,000. The F.A.A. supports the 5,500’ length of the runway. The City should know in the first or second quarter of 2019 if the grant was awarded or not.

She reminded them that Kenny Howard is retiring at the end of December and Seth Simpson is replacing him. An Airport Advisory Board meeting will be held on Monday, December 10th, 2018, at 12:00 noon if you would like to come and meet him.

Parker moved to approve the Work Order #7 to revise the Airport Layout Plan with Olsson Associates. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED WORK ORDER #7 WITH OLSSON ASSOCIATES TO REVIEW THE AIRPORT LAYOUT PLAN TO MAKE THE RUNWAY AT 5,500’.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Health Care Update – Robert Uhler – Robert informed the Commission a reminder of our core mission when we started this process 65 days ago. Secure and retain Primary Care, Emergency Room, and EMS service.

Primary Care: CHC/SEK continues to work through the process. In a meeting last week, Krista Postoi, continued her commitment to the community and is working very hard to make things happen in a very quick time frame. It looks like all Fort Scott locations are on tap to transition to CHC on February 1st, 2019.

Emergency Department: Dave Martin has stayed in constant contact with Via Christi officials and it is still moving forward. Via Christi visited with a group of City, County, and community leaders just last week regarding their vision for the future.

EMS Service: Dave Bruner has just updated the Commission on this part. It is a very important lesson on when the City and County work together, great things can happen.

The working group has continued to meet several times a week on healthcare and will continue to meet regularly in the future. The City is very focused on the next 24 days and beyond to see what health care will look like for our great community in the future.

B. City Commission:

Nichols Thanked the City and the County for their efforts to move forward on the ambulance agreement. Kudos to all involved.

Adamson Nothing to report.

Parker – Remarked that it is amazing what we can do when we all work together.

Bartelsmeyer Thanked all who worked on this project.

Mitchell Asked if people would remember to pray for her nephew tomorrow as he was involved in a bad car accident and would be having surgery tomorrow.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. City Employee Christmas Dinner – City Manager reminded the Commission of the City’s Christmas party at Buck Run on December 11th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

  1. Christmas in the Park – City Manager thanked all who worked and volunteered for this event.

  1. KSN-TV Interview – City Manager said that he did a television interview with Jeremiah Cook of KSN TV today and he was amazed at what the City has accomplished since the hospital announced they were closing.

  1. Hospital Task Force – City Manager announced that the Task Force will not go away even though the ambulance contract is approved. We will keep working towards the best model of health care for our community.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:45 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 4:45 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 18th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY, CITY CLERK

Fort Scott Commission Agenda Dec. 18

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

DECEMBER 18, 2018

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Kevin Wagner, Wreaths Across America

V. 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

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. – Budget Amendment Hearing (Need to cancel)

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Change of January 1st, 2019 meeting date

  1. Consideration of Water Treatment Plant selection of engineering firm and proposal for evaluation of City’s drinking water

  1. Consideration of updated Standards and Specifications regarding Water, Wastewater and Storm Water infrastructure

  1. Discussion of Old Fort Transportation/Pitt Taxi Transition

  1. Consideration of Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3545

  1. Consideration of Wastewater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3546

  1. Consideration of Storm Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3547

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:

Health Care Update

  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. City Manager:
      1. CPM

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

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

New Interpretive Signs Greet Kansas Byway Travelers

TOPEKA – Travelers on the 12 scenic or historic byways in Kansas will enjoy their trips even more this year thanks to new or upgraded interpretive signs at 39 locations across the state. Kansas Byways are a collection of routes that highlight the beauty, history and heritage of Kansas; help stimulate the economy through tourism; and promote a positive image of the state.

 

The Kansas Byways program is jointly managed by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), the Kansas Historical Society (KHS) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Nine of the routes are scenic byways (two of which are national scenic byways) and three are historic byways.

 

The latest $1.44 million project included construction of five new kiosks housing interpretive panels, the rehabilitation of 12 existing kiosks and their signs, 26 interpretive signage plazas and 12 Kansas Byway welcome boards which will guide travelers to the byways as they travel the state. In all, 142 panel surfaces were produced.

 

KDOT and KDWPT received a $220,000 National Scenic Byway grant from the FHWA in 2010 to develop the Kansas Byways Interpretive Plan. KDOT and KDWPT evenly split the required 20 percent match of $44,000. Fermata, Inc. of Austin, Tex., was awarded the contract for the plan, which served as the basis for the signage project.

 

In 2014, KDWPT received a two-phase Transportation Alternative Grant from the FHWA which was administered through KDOT for design and construction. RDG Planning and Design, Omaha, Neb., was responsible for the design phase ($235,560). GSR Construction, Inc., Lawrence, served as general contractor ($986,168) for the construction phase. KDWPT paid the required 20 percent match for each phase.

“The project is the result of a huge partnership, and we want to thank our partners in this effort,” said Scott Shields, KDOT Byways Manager. “They include the National Scenic Byway Program, the FHWA, local byway committees, KDOT and KDWPT staff, local Kansas Byway cities and counties and the KHS.”

Members of the local byway committees appreciate the enhancements to their byways.

“The kiosk and new interpretive signage add so much to the history and understanding of the surrounding area for tourists to stop and read,” said Kaye Kuhn, Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway, south central Kansas.

 

Jayne Humphrey Pearce added, “The Western Vistas Historic Byway Steering Committee is delighted that these new features are now available to those exploring our byway.”

For information about exploring the Kansas Byways, visit https://www.travelks.com/ksbyways/.