Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 4

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 4th, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

10:00-12:00-Jail Update Meeting at the Jail

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

Openings on Library Board

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Two openings (Must be a City resident) for the Fort Scott Library Board.

The function of the Fort Scott Library Board is to review requests in reference to the library. This Board meets monthly at 5:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. She will then submit your letter of interest for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by September 14th, 2018.

Government, Kansas

Protect Your Dog from Harmful Algae

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Harmful algae bloom.

 

TOPEKA –  Officials with the Kansas Departments of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) and Health and Environment (KDHE) want dog owners to be aware how dangerous harmful algae blooms (HABs) can be to their dogs.

A HAB is an abnormally high population of blue-green algae in a body of water. Whether you hunt with your dog near water or just take it out for a walk, there are things you can do to protect your four-legged partner.

HABs can occur in lakes, ponds, wetlands, creeks or drainage areas, generally coinciding with warm water temperatures and often flourishing in nutrient-laden waters.

Dogs can become seriously ill or die if they swim in, drink or retrieve a bird from water affected by a HAB.

They can even be sickened if they lick their fur after exposure or eat dried algae along the shore or floating in the water.

A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red.

There may also be a very strong musty odor or the smell of sewage or petroleum.

This season, if the water appears or smells suspicious or if there are decaying algae on the shore, do not let your furry friend drink, swim or retrieve birds in the water.

Blue-green algae are really a type of bacteria called “cyanobacteria,” which occurs naturally in all waters around the globe.

Under the right conditions, the algae can rapidly increase (bloom) and produce toxins. Although HABs typically begin in May, they can occur through October or later.

Algae can wash up on shorelines and in marshy areas and even after they are dead and dry, toxins that were produced can persist for long periods.

Dogs will still be at risk if they drink the HAB-affected water, walk on, roll in, eat decaying algae along the shore or retrieve a bird with algae on its feathers.

Just a small amount of blue-green algae can sicken or kill a dog.

The signs of illness in dogs usually occur within 30 minutes of exposure and include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, convulsions, difficulty breathing and general weakness.

If you suspect your dog has ingested algae or has any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

People may also become ill after contact with algae-produced toxins. Symptoms vary, depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

If you or your dog come into contact with algae, immediately rinse the contact area with clean, fresh water.  If you or your dog show signs of illness, call your physician or veterinarian.

KDWPT and KDHE offer the following tips to help prevent HAB poisoning in dogs:

·         Carry potable water for yourself and your dog when hunting or going for walks along the shore.

·         Train dogs to come to you for a drink of water.

·         Rinse off your dog with potable water as quickly as possible if your dog swims in a HAB or walks through dried algae.

·         Do not let dogs eat dried algae along the shoreline. A bluish color along the shore indicates dying, toxic blue-green algae.

·         Do not let your dog lick their paws if they have walked through dried algae and remember that waterfowl in HAB-affected water may have toxic cells on their feathers.

 

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential HAB.

When a HAB occurs, KDHE, in cooperation with KDWPT and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

KDHE does not sample private bodies of water such as farm ponds or livestock watering tanks but has recommendations on what to look for, how to field test and who to contact for additional assistance on KDHE’s HAB website.

 

For the most up-to-date list of waters currently affected by HABs, or to report a suspected HAB not currently listed, visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness. Hunters and the public can also get current HAB-related lake conditions by calling 1-855-HAB-LAKE (1-855-422-5253).

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for August 28

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 28th, 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

10:00-10:15-Bill Martin-Overtime

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-30 min.

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-30 min.

NRP-5 min.

1:30-4:30-Commissioner to work on 2019 Budget

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

Government, Kansas

Bats In The House?

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Increase in Questions about Bats and Rabies, State Agencies Offer Guidance

Safety tips provided for coming in contact with bats and other animals

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Departments of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) have had an increase in the number of calls recently from residents who have questions about bats in their homes. Experts from the State agencies encourage Kansans to be aware of the rabies risk associated with exposure to bats.

 

“Although only 3 percent of about 1,000 bats tested over the last five years were positive for rabies in Kansas, they remain an important cause of human rabies cases in the United States,” said Dr. Ingrid Garrison, State Public Health Veterinarian at KDHE. “Contact with bats is a concern because their teeth are so tiny that a bite may not be felt or even leave a noticeable mark. That is why it is important to speak with someone who can evaluate your situation for potential exposure to rabies,” said Dr. Garrison.

 

Rabies is a fatal viral disease in mammals, including people. Infection with the rabies virus can occur from a bite by a rabid animal or when saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with the eyes, inside the mouth, or a fresh, open wound. In Kansas, skunks are the animal that most commonly tests positive for rabies.

 

“We see an increase in bat activity, usually in July and August, as baby bats learn to fly,” said Samantha Pounds, an ecologist with KDWPT. “Of the more than 1,000 species of bats around the world, 15 have been found in Kansas. Bats play a vital role in the Kansas ecosystem by consuming millions of insects each year, including agricultural pests and mosquitoes. They can eat one-half of their body weight in insects each night. However, some bats may also be infected with rabies. We want people to be aware of bats, but not afraid of them,” said Pounds.

 

It is best to exclude bats from your home in the early spring or fall when they are not roosting (giving birth and raising young). Young bats that are not able to fly can get trapped inside, which can lead to an upset mother bat or foul-smelling dead bat. Bats often enter homes through unsealed cracks, gaps or small holes, so filling in these entry points is one way to keep bats out of a home. Another method is to use an exclusion tube or small piece of mesh to create a one-way exit for bats living in an attic. Professional help to exclude or capture bats may be available in your area.

 

KDHE asks that you call your health care provider or local health department if you have had any contact with a bat if a bat is found in the room of a sleeping person, unattended child, or anyone who is unable to tell you about the encounter. If possible, the bat should be captured safely and not released. Tips for safely capturing a bat can be found on the Bat Conservation International website at www.batcon.org. If the bat is not available for rabies testing, the person who was exposed to the bat should seek medical care and receive rabies prevention shots.

KDHE and KDWPT offer the following tips about bats and other animals regarding rabies for your safety:

  • If you wake up in a room with a bat present, regardless if there is evidence of a bite or scratch, seek advice from your health care provider or local health department. If possible, trap the bat for testing. Do not release the bat.
  • If bitten by any animal, seek medical attention and report the bite to your local health department or animal control department immediately.
  • If your animal is bitten, contact your veterinarian for advice.
  • Do not handle or feed wild animals. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; it is both unsafe and illegal.
  • Do not try to nurse sick or injured wild animals back to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
  • Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
  • Have your veterinarian vaccinate all dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and valuable livestock (cattle and sheep) against rabies.

For more information on bats and rabies visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/education/index.html. For more information on excluding or removing of bats: http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-in-buildings/faq.

 

A list of companies that are registered with the Kansas Nuisance Wildlife Damage Control Program (NADC Permit Holders) can be found on the KDWP&T website at https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Damage-Control or by calling 620-672-5911. These companies may charge a fee for their services. For more information on rabies in Kansas: https://keap.kdhe.state.ks.us/Ephtm/PortalPages/ContentData?CID=109.

Government, Kansas

$142 million in Obamacare Fees Ordered Returned to Kansas

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TOPEKA – A federal court in Texas ruled yesterday that money collected as part of Obamacare, known as the Health Insurance Provider fee, be returned to the states by the Federal government. Kansas and five other states were part of this legal action, in which $142-million was ordered to be returned to the state of Kansas.

“This is just another example of the monumental failure of Obamacare and the expensive toll it has taken on our state,” said Governor Jeff Colyer, “This fee has been illegally collected for far too long, and I am grateful to Attorney General Derek Schmidt for going to bat for Kansas and ensuring that a legal remedy was made for returning millions of dollars that should have never been taken from taxpayers in the first place.”

Attorney General Schmidt said in a statement earlier today that an appeal is likely, so the funds should not be counted just yet, but he feels confident in the strength of the case should it be appealed.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda August 21

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 21st, 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

9:45-10:00-Bobby Reed-Budget figures

10:00-10:30-Don Doherty-Insurance Quote

10:30-10:45-Commissioners to discuss Health Insurance

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-15 min.

Handbook-10 min.

NRP-5 min.

1:30-4:30-Commissioner to work on 2019 Budget

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

Tree/Brush Dump Site Open Aug. 20-24 For Storm Debris

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE

August 20, 2018


The City’s tree and brush dump site will be open from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 20th through Friday, August 24th, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday hours will return to normal hours which are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and normal hours will resume the following week. Residents are encouraged to take their tree damage from the recent storm to the brush dump.

If you have questions, call City Hall at 223-0550.

The site is located on North Hill Street, off of Wall Street, past the city’s animal shelter.

Government, Kansas

Nominations For Kansas Health Champion Awards Accepted Until Sept. 30

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Nominations Now Being Accepted for Kansas Health Champion Awards

Exceptional efforts to promote health and fitness in Kansas to be recognized

 

TOPEKA – The Governor’s Council on Fitness is now accepting nominations for its annual Kansas Health Champion Awards. Awards are given to individuals and organizations that make an exceptional effort to model, encourage and promote health and fitness in Kansas. Award recipients will be recognized at the Community Health Promotion Summit on Jan. 24, in Manhattan, Kan. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 30.

 

“The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is proud to partner in this important initiative to improve the health and wellness of Kansans,” said KDHE State Health Officer, Dr. Greg Lakin. “Many people and organizations throughout the state have made healthy living a priority, and it’s important that we recognize their efforts that impact others”.

 

Nominees would be expected to have demonstrated:

  • Work that goes above and beyond what is expected to model, encourage and promote fitness
  • Far-reaching impact
  • Sustainable influence or activity

 

“In addition to promoting effective models for increasing physical activity, nutrition and tobacco-free living for replication by organizations and communities around the state, the awards also allow us the opportunity to honor the outstanding work of one individual and one organization this year,” said Marlou Wegener, Manager of Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

Eligible nominees might include an outstanding volunteer, a school, a local community, a newspaper or individual reporter, a local or State policy maker, or an employer, among others.

 

For more information and to submit a nomination, go to getactivekansas.org, and click on the nomination form link. If you have questions about the nomination process, contact Jennifer Church at 785-296-6801.

The Governor’s Council on Fitness advises the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices and prevention of tobacco use.

Area News, Government

Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center Opens at Farlington Lake

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Aquatic Wildlife Propagation Center Opens

 

Farlington – The future for some of Kansas’ most imperiled aquatic species got brighter Thursday, August 16, with the grand opening of the Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center (KABC) at the Farlington Fish Hatchery in southeast Kansas. More than 60 people attended the opening ceremony for the facility, which culminated more than 10 years of planning and work.

 

The KABC is operated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). It is part of a program to propagate imperiled aquatic wildlife for reintroduction into areas where they have had serious population declines due to human activities and other factors. It will also be a holding facility for animals in immediate peril due to a decline in the quality of their habitat. In the next few months, KABC staff will work to propagate common, non-imperiled animals to develop procedures and get the rearing systems up and running. Once the systems are ready, KABC staff will begin propagating a few select species that have been determined by KDWPT to be important to restoring existing populations.

 

Robin Jennison, KDWPT Secretary, told a crowd at the event the facility could have a quick impact by raising and releasing aquatic animals currently on a threatened or endangered species list. Jennison said the center will play a huge role in the recovery of species in future disaster areas, such as where a chemical spill has impacted miles of a particular stream. As well as a place to take survivors of the disaster, the center could also propagate replacement animals far faster than the species could reproduce naturally. KABC will also participate in research projects pertaining to such aquatic animals.

 

Dan Mosier, KABC manager, said building the facility required the collaboration of various state and federal agencies. KDWPT, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) contributed to the $853,000 construction cost. KDHE provided more than half, largely with funds collected from mitigation agreements with corporations responsible for past ecological disasters. Such funding will help support the center in the future, too.

 

“KDHE is proud to partner with the KDWPT on this crucial aquatic biodiversity facility. This facility will allow for critical research and production work with species that are in need of conservation,” said Leo Henning, KDHE director of the division of environment.

 

Mosier said KABC is currently working on a research project concerning alligator snapping turtles with a Missouri university.

 

The Farlington Fish Hatchery is located at 101 Hatchery Rd., Farlington, which is below the Crawford State Fishing Lake Dam in Crawford County. The KABC will not be open to the public, but tours may be given by prior arrangement by calling 620-362-4166.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Prior Minutes

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING, Minutes of August 7, 2018, Regular Meeting #15

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 7th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Nichols, and Parker were present with President of the Commission Bartelsmeyer presiding. Mayor Mitchell was absent.

INVOCATION: Jerry Witt, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Kaylea Manwiller, Mike Embry, Trey Widder, Shaun West, Madeline Prachyl, Chris Anderson, Ryan Thomas, Julie Anderson, Brian Thurston, Kenny Rood, Jared Leek, Brita Rygmyr, Robert Shaw, Blynn Hill, Barbara Woodward, Justin Fisher, Amy Fisher, Josie Fisher, Jean Fisher, Janet Guilfoyle, Jerry Witt, Michael Mix, Alex Schafer, Daren Hutchison, Shelby Hutchison, Chris Garrett, Dustin Fowler, Pat Lyons, Deb Needleman, Darrell Parker, Travis Shelton, Kenny Howard, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, Rachel Pruitt, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 17th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1220-A totaling $510,652.55.

  1. Approval of Public Dance License – River Room Events, LLC, 3 W. Oak

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 9 N. Main Street

  1. Resolution 32-2018 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 111 S. Little – Public Hearing Date – 9/18/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

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

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITIONS:

5 years: (Certificate only)

Chris Anderson, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Justin Fisher, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Dustin Fowler, Maintenance II, Woodland Hills Golf Course

Christopher Garrett, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Janet Guilfoyle, Accounting Clerk, City Hall

Blynn Hill, IV, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department

Jason McReynolds, Maintenance II, Water Distribution Department

Kenneth Rood, Water Treatment Plant Maintenance

Alex Schafer, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Ronald “Trey” Widder, Police Officer, Fort Scott Police Department

10 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Brian Thurston, Detective, Fort Scott Police Department

Chris Tourtillott, Maintenance II, Parks Department

15 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Mike Embry, Supervisor, Wastewater Treatment Plant

20 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Diane Clay, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk

Chad Brown, Public Works Director

25 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Daren Hutchison, Captain, Fort Scott Fire Department

Shaun West, Captain, Fort Scott Police Department

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

limit per citizen) –

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Adamson moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:08 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:08 P.M.

6:00 p.m. – 2019 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2019 Budget – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that a work session was held three weeks ago on the budget. He informed the Commissioners that this budget has no mill levy increase. This budget does reflect a 5% utility rate increase in 2019 and 5% the next year for the River Intake project. He asked for any comments or questions.

There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

Nichols moved to approve the 2019 Budget. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED 2019 BUDGET.

Parker moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:10 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:10 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the 1st floor – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that this is a critical decision for the downtown. The Planning Commission met on this and determined they want to look at each situation and not change the ordinance. As a Commission, you can do the following: 1) Vote yes; 2) Vote no; 3) Put off for another two weeks if you’re not ready to make a decision.

Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission did meet on this issue on July 12th, 2018. Currently, in the downtown district, residential living is only allowed on the 2nd floor of the building. Jerry Witt came before the Board to request a Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the first floor of the building he owns in the downtown historic district. The Design Review Board met and recommended his designs be approved for the City Commission.

Jerry Witt said that he has a love for downtown. He said years ago he lived at the Carriage House downtown while his house was being constructed. He spent between $6-10,000 on the canopy on the building already. His costs for renovating this building will be between $150,000 to $200,000. He had a renter in this building and bought the building next to it so his renter would have a place to go.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer asked when people walked by and looked in what they would see.

Mr. Witt said they would see an office area. The living quarters are all behind the office area.

Jared Leek said he was appearing on behalf of some of the other downtown business owners who are in opposition to this Conditional Use Permit. He referenced Norm Conard, Barb Trimber, Pat Lyons, and Brita Rygmyr. He stated that he owns six properties downtown. He had researched and shared several articles regarding what happens when residential living is allowed in a downtown area. He shared the numbers of visitors in regards to the National Historic Site, the Lowell Milken Center, and the Liberty Theatre and the fact that foot traffic has increased astronomically in the downtown area. He believes the downtown buildings should be used for retail only and named several types of businesses that want to locate downtown. He did say that he is happy to see the upstairs of the downtown buildings filled with residential living.

A discussion was held between the Commissioners about placing requirements on the Conditional Use Permit.

City Attorney said that special requirements can be placed on the Conditional Use Permit such as stating the residence cannot be rented, Jerry or Judy Witt must reside there, the permit will expire when the Witt’s leave the residence, and office space must be at the front of the store. He said that the permit can be drafted and brought before them for final approval.

Commissioner Parker stated that when this building is refurbished and made historic looking again, it will be great. She doesn’t want to see any building end up like the Stout building.

Jared Leek asked the Commission to take into consideration the people that own businesses in the downtown area.

Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, remarked that there are residents living on the first floor of the Western Building apartments.

Brita Rygmyr, owner of Papa Don’s Pizza, said that her business does not profit from people living in the downtown area. They walk their dogs in the downtown area and don’t always pick up the waste. Parking is an issue in the downtown area especially with the elderly people coming to her business.

Cheryl Adamson made a motion to table this issue for two weeks to allow more discussion regarding this Conditional Use Permit. The motion died for lack of a second.

Parker moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Jerry & Judy Witt at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the first floor and to see the permit in writing at the next meeting with the following stipulations: 1) The building cannot be rented. 2) The Witt’s have to live there. 3) The C.U.P. will expire when the Witt’s leave the residence. 4) The front of the building will be office space. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

approved the Conditional Use Permit for Jerry & Judy Witt at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the first floor and to see the permit in writing at the next meeting with the following stipulations: 1) The building cannot be rented. 2) The Witt’s have to live there. 3) The C.U.P. will expire when the Witt’s leave the residence. 4) The front of the building will be office space.

  1. Discussion of 1523 E. Wall Street demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the owner of this building has completed all the required repairs to this structure. She asked that the Commission rescind the demolition bids.

Bartelsmeyer moved to rescind the demolition bids for 1523 E. Wall Street. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO RESCIND DEMOLITION BIDS FOR 1523 E. WALL STREET.

  1. Discussion of 1601 E. Wall Street demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this is the old Sugarfoot and Peaches restaurant which had a fire. The owner has had some health issues recently. He has an arrangement with a local contractor to demolish this structure.

A discussion was held on the amount of time this structure has been in this condition.

Nichols moved to give him until August 21st, 2018 to have the structure removed. If not, the City will demolish it with the bids received. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GIVE OWNER UNTIL 8/21/2018 TO HAVE STRUCTURE AT 1601 E. WALL STREET REMOVED; IF NOT REMOVED BY THAT DATE, THE CITY WILL REMOVE WITH DEMOLITION BID THAT WAS RECEIVED.

  1. Discussion of 310 N. Cleveland demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that she has been working with the Good Neighbor Action Team and the Next Steps program for this property owner. They are going to apply for a USDA grant to improve their property. He is trying to get a job also. Rhonda asked for approval to reject the bids as the City has no idea what is inside the house. She said that there is no electricity or water to the house and they are sleeping outside and keeping food in coolers.

Commissioner Adamson stated she wished they would consider public housing.

City Attorney said that a person has a right to live where they want to. He said that this could end up going to District Court to get a court order to have them removed by the Sheriff’s Department.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to rescind the demolition bids and proceed forward with the court order to have them removed from the house. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

approved to rescind the demolition bids and proceed forward with the court order to have them removed from the house at 310 n. cleveland street.

  1. Consideration of three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that he is appearing on behalf of Larry Gazaway who is in Des Moines, Iowa at a conference. He is seeking approval of a three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber optic internet into the following areas at the LaRoche Baseball Complex: grandstand, bleachers, stands on both sides, grassy fan areas and concession areas. In exchange for this, the City will provide outfield signage, main gate upper arch signage, backstop signage, smaller 6” X 12” Wifi powered CKT signs placed in fan accessible areas, login page, and authorization to publicize the partnership. They will provide wireless network support from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Parker moved to approve the three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

approved the three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex.

  1. Consideration of Airport Mower Bid – Kenny Howard, Airport/Lakes Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the purchase of a zero turn mower for the Airport and the Lakes. There were three bids received: Blue Valley Trailers, Fort Scott for a Grasshopper 900D mower in the amount of $21,612.55; Heritage Tractor of Pittsburg, Kansas for a John Deere mower for $19,500; and Legacy Farm & Lawn of Nevada, Missouri for a John Deere in the amount of $16,470 and $28,995. The bid from Blue Valley Trailers for the Grasshopper mower is the only bid that met the bid specifications. He asked for approval for the mower from Blue Valley Trailer in the amount of $21,612.55.

Adamson moved to approve the bid from Blue Valley Trailer in the amount of $21,612.55 for the mower. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BID FROM BLUE VALLEY TRAILER IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,612.55 FOR THE GRASSHOPPER MOWER FOR THE AIRPORT/LAKES.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn – Ms. Dunn stated that the Design Review Board met last week and put together some fencing guidelines for the downtown historic district. This will be on the August 21st, 2018 Commission agenda for your consideration.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Remarked that it was a tough decision tonight but felt like it was the right thing to do.

Nichols – Remarked that tonight was a tough meeting. He welcomed Commissioner Bartelsmeyer’s granddaughter to the meeting.

Parker – Remarked that she was proud of the service awards for the City employees and that we have good, competent employees that work for us.

Mitchell – Not present.

C. City Attorney: Asked for a 20 minute Executive Session to discuss the potential acquisition of real estate to include the City Commission, City Attorney, City Manager, Director of Economic Development, Director of Finance, and Community Development Director. There is no action anticipated.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Vacation – Dave reminded the Commission that he is on vacation next week. Diane will have a contact number for him in case of an emergency.

  1. Sam Mason – Dave said that in the first part of September it will be a year since Commissioner Sam Mason passed away. He went and saw Lora Mason recently and she is doing well.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Nichols moved to move into Executive Session for 20 minutes to discuss the potential acquisition of real estate to include the City Commission, City Attorney, City Manager, Director of Economic Development, Director of Finance, and Community Development Director. There is no action anticipated. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:22 P.M.

Bartlesmeyer moved to enter into another 10 minute Executive Session to discuss the potential acquisition of real estate. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:42 P.M.

Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn from the Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:50 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT:

Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:51 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on August 21st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK