Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

State of Kansas Raises Awareness of Stillbirths

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Recently-launched Count the Kicks program seeing early success

 

TOPEKA – More than 200 babies are stillborn each year in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is committed to helping families prevent this tragedy, which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), puts families at greater risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, loss of productivity and makes them four times more likely to get divorced.

Governor Jeff Colyer has designated October as Stillbirth Awareness Month. The annual awareness campaign comes just after the launch of a new initiative in Kansas to prevent stillbirths, called Count the Kicks.

 

“We are partnering with health care providers, midwives and doulas, county health departments, birthing hospitals, community groups and others to ensure that all women know the importance of counting their baby’s movements daily in the third trimester,” said KDHE Secretary Jeff Andersen. “Throughout October KDHE and partners will be honoring Stillbirth Awareness Month by talking about our efforts to prevent loss due to stillbirth with the Count the Kicks campaign.”

 

Count the Kicks is a proven stillbirth prevention public health campaign that empowers expectant parents to track their baby’s movements in the third trimester and has the potential to save 60 babies every year.

The campaign encourages families to contact a physician if they notice a reduction in fetal movement, so medical attention can be sought before it’s too late.

 

The Kansas Count the Kicks campaign was launched in August and has proven to be impactful. More than 100 orders for materials have been submitted; more than 1,000 Kansans have visited the Count the Kicks website; more than 100 Kansans have “liked” Count the Kicks on Facebook; and more than 350 Kansas moms have downloaded the free Count the Kicks app to track movements.

Through KDHE, providers can order FREE Count the Kicks educational materials at www.countthekicks.org and start using these materials in their practices right away. Moms everywhere can download the FREE Count the Kicks app, which is available in the Google Play and iTunes online stores. The app, available in English and Spanish, allows expectant moms to monitor their babies’ movement, record the history, set a daily reminder, count for single babies and twins.

The Kansas Count the Kicks campaign is supported by KDHE with funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under grant number #B04MC31488 and title Maternal and Child Health Services.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Names Three to Kansas Board of Regents

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Topeka – Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. Thursday appointed two new members and reappointed one member to the Kansas Board of Regents. William Feuerborn, Garnett, has been reappointed, and Allen Schmidt, Hays; and Mark Hutton, Wichita will be the newest members of the Board. Each will serve a four-year term, pending Senate confirmation, expiring June 30, 2022.

 

“Our higher education institutions play an important role in educating the next generation, which keeps our workforce and economy strong. The Regents ensure that the future of our state remains bright and prosperous by keeping our higher education system on track to meet these long-term goals,” said Gov. Jeff Colyer. “Bill, Allen, and Mark bring a great amount of experience and talent to the board and I am excited they’ve agreed to serve our great state.”

 

The nine-member Kansas Board of Regents is appointed by the governor.  It is the governing board of the six state universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions (six state universities, one municipal university, 19 community colleges, and six technical colleges).

  • William Feuerborn was born in Garnett, Kansas and has served on the Board of Regents since 2014. He has spent the last forty years in small business development and ranching. He also served as a State Representative in the Kansas legislature from 1994 to 2012. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University.

  • Allen Schmidt is a retired U.S. Army Colonel from Hays, Kansas where he works as the Director for Development Services of Northwest Kansas. Schmidt served as a State Senator in the Kansas legislature from 2011 to 2013. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas, Master’s Degree in Psychology from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Science degree from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA.

  • Mark Hutton is from Wichita, KS where he was the CEO of Hutton Construction Corporation. Hutton served as a State Representative in the Kansas Legislature from 2013 to 2017. He is a graduate of Kansas State University in Manhattan, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

“I’m excited to welcome Allen and Mark to the Board and congratulate Bill on his reappointment,” said KBOR Chair Dennis Mullin. “It’s an honor to serve our fellow Kansans in this capacity. I look forward to working with our newest Regents to support families, businesses and the Kansas economy through our higher education system.”

 

The Board also administers the state’s student financial aid, the Kan-ed network, adult education, GED, career and technical education programs, and the state university retirement plans. In addition, members of the Board are also responsible for approving private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions to operate in Kansas.

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Fort Scott, Government

OverhangingTree Trimming Begins

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The City crews will be trimming trees that are overhanging over the streets throughout the City of Fort Scott.

This is for school buses and the trolley to operate safely down the City streets.

Please be advised that according to City Ordinance 2527, “The City shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove plants, trees and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to ensure the safety or to preserve the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds.”

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

Fort Scott, Government

Mercy Hospital Closing: City Is Working On Solutions

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The recent announcement of Mercy Hospital closing, announced October 1, has stirred up Fort Scottians.

The loss of the hospital that has been a part of the town since 1886 has driven the local government to step in.

During the Chamber of Commerce Quarterly  Downtown Meet and Greet Tuesday morning, Fort Scott City representatives spoke to the group.

“The City (of Fort Scott) is doing everything we can to facilitate the Mercy transition…the physicians will stay on…We are working on solutions,” Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott Economic Economic Director, said.

“Ambulance and emergency room (services) are being worked on,” added Robert Uhler, Fort Scott Community Development Director.

Here is  an excerpt from a later press release Pruitt wrote:

“The City intends to support our residents in every way possible through this transition.  Robert Uhler, Community Development Director; Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director; and Dave Martin, City Manager are actively working on solutions and have been pleased with the outreach of interested parties.  Our citizens work hard and deserve affordable healthcare.  We are confident Fort Scott will overcome this challenge and continue to be a great place to work and raise families.”

To see the full press release send yesterday, click:

City of Fort Scott Responds to Mercy Shut-Down

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Addressing Substance Abuse Disorders In Kansas

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Governor Colyer Organizes Statewide Coordinated Opioid Response

Dr. Greg Lakin to serve as Substance Use Disorder Central Authority

 

TOPEKA – In response to the estimated $30 million dollars in grants being awarded to several state agencies in Kansas from the Federal government for use in battling opioid and substance use disorders, Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today announced his coordinated effort to ensure those funds are targeted toward addressing the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders in Kansas.

 

“The timing couldn’t be better for this funding to reach our state,” said Governor Colyer. “The health of Kansans takes top priority, and with the misuse of opioids threatening the health of many in our state, I am determined that we target these grants specifically toward efforts that will hit the problem head-on and stem the tide of addiction and death from abusing opioids and other harmful substances.”

Governor Colyer has asked state agencies receiving this money to identify specific ways that it can be used toward this effort. Already, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) have identified several specific ways to use these new funds. (See attachments).

 

“Effective treatment is so important to overcoming opioid addiction,” said KDADS Secretary Tim Keck. “We are committed to working with our State and community partners to target our resources to effective programs and services for this and other substance issues.”

 

To keep the effort organized and centralized, Gov. Colyer has designated Dr. Greg Lakin as the State’s Central Authority on Substance Use. This action was one of the recommendations made by the Governor’s Substance Use Disorder Task Force organized by Gov. Colyer earlier this year. In this role, Lakin will be responsible for coordinating relevant State agencies and their response to substance use issues, such as the opioid epidemic. Dr. Lakin currently serves as the State’s Chief Health Officer for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and chaired the Governor’s Substance Use Disorder Task Force this year. He also serves on the Kansas Prescription Drug and Opioid Advisory Committee.

 

“We have an opportunity to help people struggling with addiction,” Dr. Lakin said. “By working together on this issue on a statewide and individual level, we will see successful outcomes. It will take the combined efforts of State agencies, stakeholders and communities. I appreciate the Governor allowing me to lead this crucial effort.”

One of Dr. Lakin’s patients shared her experience about the importance of support and coordinated services. Mandi Sims, Salina, suffered numerous injuries during a motor vehicle accident as a teenager. Following a reconstructive surgery, she was prescribed medication for the pain. She says after only a few weeks, she had developed an addiction that ultimately led to a prison sentence and the removal of her children from her care. While pregnant with her fourth child, she consulted with Dr. Lakin and believes her substance use is now behind her. Her children have since been reintegrated into her home, and she has stable employment.

“He literally saved my life,” Sims said. “I have been through so much because of addiction. I am very grateful to everyone who is dedicated to ending this epidemic. Addiction takes away so much, but with the help and support of well-intentioned and caring health professionals, you can get your life back.”

KDHE indicates that 326 Kansans died of a drug overdose in 2017, 36% involved a prescription opioid drug or substance (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, etc), 23% involved a psychostimulant (e.g., methamphetamine), and 7% involved heroin. Although Kansas is below the national average for fatal opioid overdoses, the opioid crisis is an emerging threat that remains a challenge for the state to address, including the rise in drug overdoses due to psychostimulant drugs. Increases in opioid-related drug misuse and deaths parallel the increase in prescription and illicit opioid availability.

Learn more about substance use disorders in our state, at www.preventoverdoseks.org.

Area News, Bourbon County, Government, Mercy Hospital

County Meets at 10 a.m. Oct. 3 to Discuss Mercy Hospital Closing

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Regular meetings are Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Special meeting date: October 3, 2018 at 10 a.m.

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

10:00 a.m.-Special Commissioners Meeting regarding Mercy Hospital.

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, Opinion

City of Fort Scott Responds to Mercy Shut-Down

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First off, the City would like to recognize the incredible effort by all of the Mercy employees and it’s local leaders.

1886.

That is the year the first Mercy hospital opened and we have been blessed to have their services.  The tireless effort of these employees proves the strong community character of Fort Scott.

What makes Fort Scott a great place is the people. Our people have seen this town thrive, face challenges, and rebound like never before.

Fort Scott continues to see remarkable industry growth with the addition of over 800 jobs within the last 5 years.  Over a 24% increase in the hourly median wage.  In addition to the commercial investment with employer expansions, the residential investment has grown by 45% within the last two years.

Fort Scott is home to generations of families.

People who have been raised here and are returning home to raise their families.

People who have gone to the Community College here and choose Fort Scott as their home.

We have a district-wide student to teacher ratio of 13 to 1.  An aquatic center which opened in 2012.  One of the top 10 best public golf courses in the state.  A 360-acre lake for fishing, boating, and recreation.  Over 7 miles of bike trails within Gunn Park which is home to 7 shelter houses, 2 fishing lakes, playground areas, and a 9 hole Frisbee golf course.  A state of the art baseball facility featuring a 1,200 seat stadium, 2 indoor batting cages, clubhouse with lockers and lounge, turf infield and grass outfield.

Fort Scott has tremendous community pride.  The City intends to support our residents in every way possible through this transition.

Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, and Dave Martin, City Manager are actively working on solutions and have been pleased with the outreach of interested parties.

Our citizens work hard and deserve affordable healthcare.  We are confident Fort Scott will overcome this challenge and continue to be a great place to work and raise families.

 

Respectively –

 

Economic Development

City of Fort Scott

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 2

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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: October 2nd, 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-Letter for Diehl-Banwart

10:30-12:00-Justin Meeks

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

1:30-Robert Coon-No Zoning

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

Land Bank Meeting Oct. 2

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There will be a meeting of the Fort Scott Land Bank held on Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street.

This meeting will be held to continue to discuss the policies of the Land Bank and to review two sample policies.

There will be a majority of the City Commissioners present, but no City Commission business will be conducted.

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Minutes for Sept. 18

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of September 18, 2018 Regular Meeting #18

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 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 and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, Darrell Parker, Tom Robertson, Steve Buerge, Jerry Witt, Robert Uhler, Chad Brown, Lisa Walther, Valetta Cannon, Dominic Cannon, Ashley Cannon, Kaylee Cannon, Roger Carswell, Kim Rutter, Sara Ellis, Olive Ellis, Kerry Pommier, Mila Newman, Ronda Bailey, Gabrielle Studer, Martha Scott, Clara Dunn, Larry Gazaway, Deb Needleman, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Valetta Cannon – Southeast Kansas Library System Excellence Award presentation – Lisa Walther, Library Director, introduced Roger Carswell and Kim Rutter with the Southeast Kansas Library System. Mr. Carswell presented Valetta Cannon with the Excellence Award. Ms. Cannon was nominated by Lisa Walther. A check for $1,000 was presented to the Fort Scott Public Library, and a trophy was given to Ms. Cannon. Her name will also be inscribed on a traveling plaque with other award winners. The City Commission also presented her with a Certificate of Recognition. Ms. Cannon thanked the City and the great community that supports the local library.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

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

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1223-A totaling $406,758.85.

  1. Resolution 35-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 302 S. Lowman Street – Public Hearing Date – 10/16/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 36-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 421 W. 5th Street – Public Hearing Date – 10/16/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 37-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1110 Scott Avenue – Public Hearing Date – 10/16/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 39-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Accessory Structure located in a vacant lot south of 711 S. Barbee Street – Public Hearing Date – 10/16/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

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

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Tom Robertson – October 26th, 2018 – Zombie Run – 5K Race – Gunn Park – Tom Robertson asked for approval to use Gunn Park to host a Zombie 5K Race on Friday, October 26th, 2018. The park would close to the public around 9 p.m. and registration would begin at the top of the park around 10:00 p.m. with the race beginning at 11:00 p.m. All proceeds from this race will go to the Christmas in the Park event to be held the first weekend in December.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Zombie Run 5K Race to be held on October 26th, 2018 at Gunn Park. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO HOLD ZOMBIE RUN 5K RACE ON OCTOBER 26TH, 2018 AT GUNN PARK.

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

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:11 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:11 P.M.

6:00 p.m. – Public Hearing – Vacation of Street – Barbee Street – between 10th & 11th Street between Barbee and Little – Fort Scott Christian Heights c/o Terry Chance and Cecil J. & Cynthia K. Feagins, Jr. – (Jerry Witt) – Approval of Ordinance #3539 – Jerry Witt said that he is on the board for the Christian Heights School and they have requested that this street be vacated. It has never been a street and is on the school property as well as on the Feagins property.
There is a drainage issue which the City is working on. Both property owners signed the petition.

There were no comments from the audience.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the ordinance vacating Barbee Street between 10th & 11th on Barbee and Little. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO 3539 VACATING THE PLATTED STREET ALSO KNOWN AS LINDEN STREET LOCATED SOUTH OF 10TH STREET BETWEEN LOTS 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 & 16, BLOCK 1, PLEASANT VIEW ADDITION AND LOTS 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 & 12, BLOCK 2, PLEASANT VIEW ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AT BARBEE STREET BETWEEN 10TH AND 11TH STREET BETWEEN BARBEE AND LITTLE STREETS – FORT SCOTT CHRISTIAN HEIGHTS C/O TERRY CHANCE AND CECIL J. & CYNTHIA K. FEAGINS, JR.

Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:15 P.M.

Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:15 P.M.

6:15 p.m. – Resolution 38-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 111 S. Little Street – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that there was a fire at this structure approximately two years ago. This structure belongs to James Marshall and he is cooperating with the City. He has asked for time to remove his personal belongings from the structure. She asked for a time frame of two weeks for him to either repair or remove this structure.

Bartelsmeyer moved to give two weeks to repair or remove this structure at 111 S. Little. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 38-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 111 S. LITTLE STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY OCTOBER 5TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Rhonda gave an update on 1601 E. Wall Street and that since no progress has been made, demolition bids will be sent out.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Riverfront Grant submittal update – Jerry Witt, Chairperson, Riverfront Committee, informed the Commission that there is a lot going on at the Riverfront. The new overlook structure is almost complete. Mercy Hospice has a memorial space made with bricks and has seating at this location also.

Last Monday, a grant was submitted to K.D.O.T. in the amount of $1,364,400 for the relocation of the Long Shoals Bridge. There is K.D.O.T. funding available and the deadline for submission of the grant was Monday, September 10th. The City Manager signed the grant application. He thanked the City for their help in submitting this grant.

He has also applied for a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks grant for a children’s play area. It would consist of a natural play area in the middle of the park. He should know if the City was awarded this soon.

City Manager said that he did sign the grant application due to the time frame it needed for submittal. He reminded the Commission that the Riverfront Committee is responsible for raising the matching funds for this grant.

Parker moved to approve the submittal of the Long Shoals Bridge Relocation Grant to K.D.O.T. signed by the City Manager. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE SUBMITTAL OF THE LONG SHOALS BRIDGE RELOCATION GRANT TO K.D.O.T. SIGNED BY THE CITY MANAGER.

  1. Comprehensive Plan update – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that due to the hard work of the Planning Commission, Commissioner Parker, Allyson Turvey, and Rhonda Dunn the Comprehensive Plan is complete. A public hearing will need to be held for the formal adoption of this plan.

Parker moved to approve to hold a public hearing to adopt the new Comprehensive Plan. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW THE NEW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.

  1. Consideration of Bids – Waterway Mowing – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that the City has a lot of waterways to maintain. She had two waterways bid out recently where they need to be cleaned out badly so the water can flow properly. There were five bids received. This was bid in two sections with one area at 7th and National and the other area on 23rd Street to Highway 69. The low bid is from SMM Holdings which is Kenneth and Steve Mason. This is a new company just getting started. She asked for approval for the bid at 7th and National in the amount of $2,975. She would like to see how they perform the work at this location first before awarding the other location. They are the low bid for the 23rd Street location also. She asked for approval for the location at 7th & National in the amount of $2,975 to SMM Holdings.

Nichols moved to award the 7th & National waterway bid to SMM Holdings in the amount of $2,975.00. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

AWARDED THE 7TH AND NATIONAL WATERWAY BID TO SMM HOLDINGS OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,975.00.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn – Ms. Dunn informed the Commission that she has a great team of employees that are reporting to her. Tyler, the City’s software company, will be here on October 16-18 for training for her and any employees that need additional training. She is reviewing every invoice paid by the City and looking for ways to save money. The Codes Department is also doing well, although she is not in the same building with them now.

Rachel Pruitt – Thanked Steve Buerge and Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. for their assistance and all they do for the City. The City’s Comprehensive Plan is nearing completion, and the next step is to strategize on implementation.  BEDCO has recommended contracting with experts for further guidance and direction. 

Steve Buerge said that he spent all day recently with City officials and with an engineering firm called Waggoner & Associates of Mississippi. With over 40 years of experience, Waggoner and Associates manage comprehensive infrastructure, economic development, and housing programs that improve quality of life.  Their services will offer perspective on capital funding, implementation, and program management strategies as well as the implementation which will help transform our community. Bedco has hired this firm and will be paying for them to assist Bedco and the City.

Dave Martin said that he is proud to announce that the new Community Development Director for the City is Robert Uhler. The job was posted and they interviewed three individuals. Robert has experience in lobbying and working with state and federal officials. Robert started last Monday.

Robert Uhler said that he appreciates the opportunity to work for the City of Fort Scott. They choose to live here and love Fort Scott. He thanked the City for their vote of confidence.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Welcomed Robert Uhler to the City team.

Nichols – Thanked Jerry Witt for his help with Riverfront Park. He also thanked Steve Buerge and Bedco. He is excited about this project with Waggoner & Associates. He is glad to see that Rhonda is looking for ways to save money with the City’s finances.

Parker – Echoed Commissioner Nichol’s comments.

Mitchell – Welcomed Robert Uhler also. Thanked Steve Buerge for the amazing job he does with Bedco.

C. City Attorney: Informed the Commission and public to go by the City’s golf course. It has never looked better than it does right now. The new cart shed is completed and the old cart shed has been demolished. It looks amazing.

City Attorney asked for a 10-minute executive session with just the City Commission present to discuss non-elected personnel. There is no action anticipated.

  1. City Manager: Nothing to report.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Nichols moved to move into Executive Session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel to include City Commission and City Attorney. There is no action anticipated. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:50 P.M.

Rachel Pruitt announced that there will be a liquor by the drink informative meeting on Saturday, September 22nd, at the Elks Lodge. Tickets for dinner are $20.00 each which will be used for marketing materials.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:01 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:01 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on October 2nd, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK