Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

The Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for Oct. 2

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

OCTOBER 2, 2018

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Post Chaplin, Retired Army Chaplin, James Collins, Pastor, First Southern Baptist Church

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Presentation of Certificate of Support to the City of Fort Scott from the American Legion

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 18th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1224-A totaling $284,542.13.

  1. Resolution 40-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 14 S. Margrave – Public Hearing Date – 11/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – October 18th, 2018

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

Penny Pollock Barnes – Tri-Yak-A-Thon – Gunn Park

Chris Sather – Tigers on the Move Event at Riverfront Trails – 10/12/2018 – 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Bob Guilfoyle, Craig, Zach – Craw-Kan – Buildout plans for Fort Scott

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

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Discussion of 523 S. Main Street
  1. Masonry Repairs – Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant
  1. Use of Riverfront Park

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Economic Development update

Rhonda Dunn – US Cellular Tower & Flag Pole

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

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

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

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

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

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Government, Kansas

Westar Rate Decrease

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Governor Colyer Responds to Westar Rate Decrease

 

Topeka – Governor Jeff Colyer M.D. thanked the Kansas Corporation Commission today for their unanimous decision to order pass along savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) bill to Westar electric customers.

 

Earlier this year, Governor Colyer sent a letter to Kansas utility companies urging them to ensure that ratepayers saw a decrease in their utility bills from the tax cuts given to utility companies by the Federal Government. The settlement was unanimously approved today by the Kansas Corporation Commission for Westar customers to receive a reduction to their electric rates of $66 million dollars annually. That is the equivalent of approximately $3.80 per month for the average residential customer. In addition, Westar has agreed to provide a one-time credit of $50 million to customers representing the tax savings received by the company since the beginning of 2018 due to the TCJA.

 

“I am pleased that Westar and the KCC have settled on a rate decrease that passes savings on to our hard-working Kansans,” said Governor Colyer. “This action will allow businesses and families to stretch their dollars further thanks to actual savings on their monthly utility bills.”

Kansas City Power and Light, Kansas Gas Service, and other utility companies also have rate cases currently before the KCC that will consider the impact of the tax cuts to customer rates. An order regarding these companies’ utility rates will be issued by the KCC over the next several months.

Government, Kansas

Personal Income in Kansas Continues to Rise

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TOPEKA, KS –Governor Jeff Colyer M.D. on Wednesday highlighted a report that shows Kansas personal income rose significantly in the second quarter.

The report, released yesterday from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, showed Kansas wages increased by 4.7 percent, leading the seven states Plains Region.  Earnings increased by 6 percent in Kansas industries such as agriculture and professional business services. This increase puts Kansas at the 10th fastest income growth in the nation during the second quarter.

“It’s great to see Kansans taking home bigger paychecks as our economy continues to improve,” said Governor Colyer, “We have been hard at work in Kansas trying to attract higher value jobs to our state in order to grow our economy, and we are delighted to see earnings on the rise as a result of businesses investing more in our state.”

The full report can be found at the following link:

www.bea.gov/data/income-saving/personal-income-by-state

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Courthouse North Wing Transformed

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The north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, on the right in this photo, has been reconfigured to house the county clerk, treasurer and commission offices. Additionally, at the back of the wing, Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative has leased a space for their business operations.

The public will be using a different door to get to the Bourbon County Commission, Treasurer and Clerk offices at 210 S. National.

The Bourbon County Courthouse personnel moved the offices late last week from the second floor to the north wing, the space of the former Sheriff’s Office and jail.

The Sheriff’s office and jail moved to a new facility at 293 E. 20th Street, earlier this year

The Bourbon County Commission room, September 2018.

The commission room is on the north side of the courthouse door as one enters in the north wing, There is room for the public to attend meetings comfortably now and space is more handicapped accessible on the ground floor.

The Bourbon County Clerk’s Office. Whitney Ball man’s the desk Monday. The office is located on the south side of the hall as one enters the doors on the north wing of the courthouse.
The Bourbon County Treasurer’s Office employees wait on the public in the new office on Monday. This office is located on the north side of the hall as one enters the doors on the north wing of the courthouse.
The north door of the courthouse is now for the Public Works Department.

To enter the county public works office, use the north door on the 2nd Street side.

The driver’s license office will be moving to the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office at Second and Judson Streets, behind the courthouse, pictured here.

The county attorney will move from the office building at 108 2nd Street to the 2nd floor of the courthouse on October 9.

The last day the driver’s license will be in its current location on the second floor of the courthouse, is Oct. 26, according to Shane Walker, Bourbon County Information Services Director.

On November 1, the driver’s license office will be open for business at 108 2nd Street, Walker said.

The Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative space is seen at the back of the Judson Street side of the courthouse. The county commission has leased Craw-Kan two cells from the former jail at the courthouse for its business operation in Bourbon County.

“We’ve leased them two cells in the former jail in exchange for internet and phone services for life,” Walker said. “That will save the county $250,000 over the next 10-12 years. We currently have internet from them and will be switching to their phone service in the next month.”

“The other cells of the former jail are empty,” Walker said, “There are some future plans ahead for them.”

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission Sept. 25

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The north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse has been reconfigured to house the county clerk, treasurer and commission offices.

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor of the North Wing (new location) County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 25th, 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-Cathy Cooper-6th Judicial

10:00-10:15-Rosary Rally

10:15-10:30-Terry Sercer-2017 Audit

10:45-11:00-Health Insurance

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

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

2:30-3:00-Will Wallis

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

Bourbon County, Government

Jody Hoener Hired as Bourbon County Economic Development Director

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Economic growth is a priority for Bourbon County Commission
and they are aggressively seeking to address the high mill levy, low county valuation, and population decline by a renewed focus on Economic Development.

Bourbon County Commissioners have officially taken action to address the dismal population and per capita valuation forecast with the creation of an Economic Development Director position, and the hiring of Jody Hoener for that position.

The most recent Kansas Association of Research Report shows Bourbon County’s valuation per capita ranking at a low 102 out of 105 Kansas counties. According to data from Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development Business and Research, Bourbon County is expected to see a 16% decline in population by 2044. County officials realize that should statistics continue to trend in this direction, countywide services will need to be cut, a tight labor market will dissolve, current businesses will be challenged to remain viable, and prospects of new business will be dim.

There is hope for Bourbon County’s community services, quality of life, and economic vitality.

Under the leadership of a new economic development director, the county will address county valuation and population decline. The strategy will build upon the county’s strengths and implementation of strategic planning, programs and policies that have proven to encourage economic growth, workforce development, and improve quality of life.

By increasing the county population and creating new valuation, the mill levy and taxes can be lowered without cutting services.

Justin Meeks, County Counselor states, “The research and discussions the commission has had over the past three years have led to this opportunity to possibly grow Bourbon County population and attract new residential and commercial construction within our County.”

Hoener, the new hire as the Economic Development Director, brings to the position established relationships and connections as well as experience working with state and federal regulations, grant programs such as the Community Development Block Grant, and tax incentives such as the Neighborhood Revitalization Program.

She is a community leader with a substantial background in evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental work to encourage economic growth, quality of life, and improved health outcomes.

“We are here to work tirelessly on our community’s quality of life, economic growth, and culture of health. A healthy community is a community where we have access to recreation, healthcare, education, sustainable food systems, livable wages; the housing that meets our specific needs and is a place where we feel safe.”

Lynne O’Harah shared his enthusiasm, “We welcome Jody to the Bourbon County family and look forward to the opportunities to lower taxes while seeing economic growth.”

Hoener’s salary is $35,000 a year.

Justin Meeks added, “We cannot keep relying on an increase in Mills to keep our quality of life. That’s why we are very excited to have Jody be part of this chance to see what we can do to make plans for not just tomorrow but the future of Bourbon County.”

Under Jody’s direct leadership, Bourbon County was selected as one of the first eight Pathways communities in 2016 and awarded a $500,000 grant.

Building relationships with many community stakeholders through the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant, the Bourbon County initiative has gained regional and statewide recognition as a leader in population health and community development.

Area News, Government

New Employee Profile: Uniontown Post Office

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Remick Paulsen, Uniontown Post Office Clerk, 2018

Remick Paulsen, 22, is the new U.S. Postal Service Clerk at Uniontown.

This is an employee profile to let the community better know her.

Experience: First job in the postal service

Education: Graduated from Paola High School in 2014, Fort Scott Community College in 2016 and earned a bachelor of science degree in agricultural business from Kansas State University in 2018.

Why did you choose this as your career?

“I enjoy working with people. I feel like you get the small town feel working in a post office, and it’s a career.

Paulsen also works in the Fort Scott Post Office as needed.

The Uniontown Post Office is located at 106 2nd Street.

Hours of the office are 7 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 to 9 a.m. The phone number is 620-756-4377.

The Uniontown mail delivery includes Uniontown, Mapleton, and Redfield, she said.

Karen Saker, the longtime Uniontown Postmistress, retired at the end of August 2018.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

New Employee Profile: Fort Scott Community Development Director

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Robert Uhler became the City of Fort Scott Community Development Director Sept. 10.

This is an employee profile to allow the community to know him better.

Age: 49

Family: Married to Laurie Uhler, two grown children, one granddaughter.

What will be your duties in this position?

“Community Development is all about creating a positive quality of life in our community. Everything from infrastructure to parks, sidewalks, trails, to the historic downtown structures/district. I will also be participating in the zoning process and procedures. Housing is one of the very important issues that we need to deal with as a community.”

Experience:

“Over 20 years in the construction building industry, spending the last eight years as the executive vice-president of a non-profit serving independently owned building material suppliers.”

Education:

Baker University, US Chamber Foundation – Institute of Organizational Management, Certified Association Executive, Univ. Texas – Arlington, Specialist in Safety and Health.

Community involvement:

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene Treasurer, Project 17  – (17 SE KS Counties) Board Member, US Chamber Foundation Northeast Regent Member.

Hobbies: Golfing, outdoor sports, music – playing drums.

 

“I just love this community and anything that I can do to help our community grow, and prosper, I’m excited about doing.”

 

Fort Scott, Government

Robert Uhler: Fort Scott’s New Community Development Director

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Robert Uhler Community Development Director. Submitted photo.

A shifting in personnel and a new face have been added to the City of Fort Scott.

Robert Uhler has been hired as Community Development Director.

Uhler will be helping with housing development, grant writing and representing the city in Topeka and Washington D.C. with elected officials, City Manager Dave Martin said in an interview.

Dave Martin. Submitted photo.

“Robert will be bringing outside money in to help us accomplish what’s needed in the community,” Martin said.

According to the city’s minutes dated Sept. 4, 2018, Rhonda Dunn will move from Community Development Director to Finance Director/Codes Director.

Rhonda Dunn

“Rhonda was doing two big jobs (Community Development and Codes Director),” Martin said in an interview. “With Jon Garrison retiring (this month), I was able to move some resources around.”

Community Development will be partnering with Economic Development to move the city forward, Martin said.

Other changes:

“Marlene Braker had the title of assistant to the finance director,” according to the minutes. “This position is not needed so her title will change to the financial analyst.”

Marlene Braker. Submitted photo.

“Paul Ballou has been promoted to Fort Scott’s Assistant City Manager/Fire Chief. He will be the second in command when the City Manager is unavailable,” according to the minutes.

Paul Ballou. Submitted photo.

Airport Director Kenny Howard is retiring effective December 31 and this position is posted on the city’s website. The new airport director will now report to Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, according to the minutes.

Retiring Airport Director Kenny Howard with Rachel Pruitt, Economic Director for the city.

Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, will begin overseeing the Information Technology position and taking over the city’s liability insurance which Kenny Howard has overseen, according to the minutes.

Deb Needleman. Submitted photo.

Dave Martin will supervise Larry Gazaway now and the new Community Development Director, according to the city’s minutes.

Larry Gazaway

Government

U.S. Naturalization Ceremony Sept. 21 At The Fort

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New citizens take an oath of allegiance to the United States in September 2017 at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

On a typically bright and sunny September day, U.S. immigrants from near and far come annually to Fort Scott for the final step in becoming citizens.

In 2018, the naturalization ceremony is at 10:30 a.m this Friday, Sept. 21 on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, according to a press release provided by FSNHS.

The Fort is located just off North Main Street in downtown Fort Scott.

In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall, according to the press release.

The ceremony is one of listening to patriotic music, listening to both local and government dignitaries, newly naturalized citizens being introduced one-by-one to those attending the event, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States, and receiving a certificate of citizenship.

Fort Scottian Jane Njeri Lifer smiles following the naturalization ceremony in September 2017. In her hand is the certificate of naturalization.

The United States District Court for the District of Kansas will hold the special naturalization ceremony, with the Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas,  presiding, according to the press release.

The ceremony will feature musical performances from the Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir, and an address from Robert L. Farmer, Attorney at Law, according to the information provided.

The Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir performed “America” at last year’s naturalization ceremony.

The Pittsburg State University Army ROTC will present the colors.

The new citizens will be invited to register to vote and enjoy a lunch provided by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, following the ceremony.

Also following the ceremony, there are usually small groups of people taking photos to commemorate the event.

Approximately 100 applicants will be naturalized at the ceremony, which is open to the public.

“We encourage the people to learn more about Fort Scott, the Fort and their American culture,” Carl Brenner, chief of interpretation and resource management at the Fort, said.

The Fort can be reached at 620- 223-0310.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Ballot Educational Event

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REMINDER OF EVENT THIS SATURDAY!
See information below. It is requested you purchase your tickets by Wednesday either from the Chamber, from Bill Brittain 620-224-8657, or online here.
YOU ARE INVITED!
On the November election ballot for residents of Bourbon County there will be a question to pass what is called “Liquor by the Drink”.
A “YES” vote simply means that existing and future establishments will not be bound by the current requirement in Bourbon County that 30% of annual sales need to be from the sales of food.  Repeal of this requirement has already been passed in many counties in Kansas as the art of craft beer is growing and makers desire to focus on their craft and not be in the food/restaurant business.
Following is how the question will read on the ballot:
“Shall sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink in Bourbon County, Kansas, be allowed in public places without a requirement that any portion of their gross sales be from the sales of food?”
This passing will benefit a number of businesses and organizations in Bourbon County to not have the food sales requirement.
You are invited to a Ballot Educational Event
to hear why so you can be informed when you go to the polls.
Enjoy a fun evening and filet dinner for only $20
featuring Guest Speaker Bryan Ritter of
The Boiler Room Brewhaus.
You may purchase filet dinner tickets at the Elks Lodge, Boiler Room Brewhaus, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, or click below to purchase online ($2 credit card processing fee per ticket applies).
Dinner is limited to 100 tickets, get yours today!
Filets are from The Butcher Block ~ yum ~ don’t miss out!
Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission Sept. 18

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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 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

10:00-10:30-Terry Sercer-2017 Audit

10:30-11:00-Don Doherty

11:00-11:15-Dewayne Allen-Drywood Township

11:15-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-10 min.

Economic Development-30 min.

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

1:30-2:00-Judge Harth-Executive Session-30 min.

2:00-4:30-Commissioners are packing to move to 1st floor.

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