FORT SCOTT LAND BANK
Board of Trustees Meeting
August 21, 2023, 4 p.m. at City Hall
On The AGENDA
208 N. Crawford
323 W. 2nd
114 S. Barbee
116 N. Caldwell
111 S. Little
602 S. Heylman
102 W. Oak/108 W. Oak
Category Archives: Government
KS Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy Announced
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Food Assistance For Students
Kansas Families to Receive Approximately $7.4M in Food Support Through Pandemic EBT Program
~~DCF to Distribute Both Child Care and Supplemental Benefits for 2023~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced, in collaboration with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), the continuation of the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (P-EBT) for the 2022-2023 school year. The program provides financial assistance to families who receive free or reduced-price school meals or who have children under the age of six and receive regular Food Assistance benefits.
“The P-EBT benefit provides temporary funding to address hunger and put healthy food on the table for Kansas children,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am thankful for our partnership with the Kansas Department of Education, which will ensure we have the data to get these benefits into the hands of families across the state.”
Beginning this week, children under the age of six in a household that received Food Assistance (also known as SNAP) in Kansas between August 2022 and May 11, 2023, have started to receive the child care P-EBT benefit. The amount of the benefit will vary depending on how many months a child received Food Assistance benefits. DCF anticipates distributing approximately $7.4 million for this program.
Additionally, DCF will be providing a supplemental P-EBT benefit for the summer months of 2023. This benefit is for school-aged children who received free or reduced-price school meals during the 2022 -23 school year.
Due to the complexity of gathering the necessary data, DCF will distribute the supplemental benefit in two phases beginning in January 2024.
The first phase includes an auto-issuance of benefits to families who are known to DCF through a direct certification process. The second phase, in February 2024, provides families an opportunity to request the supplemental benefit using an online portal. Additional information about the request process will be shared at a later date.
The supplemental benefit is $120 per child. DCF anticipates distributing $13.6 million for 2023.
“The P-EBT program has been essential for families who are experiencing food insecurity,” said Kansas DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “I am pleased that we are able to work with our partners to ensure families once again have access to high-quality food.”
Recipients can use their P-EBT funds to purchase eligible foods from approved retailers that accept Food Assistance benefits, like grocery stores and online at Aldi, Amazon, or Walmart.
Additional information can be found on the DCF website.
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Correctional Facility Bus Involved in Traffic Accident
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New Kansas Bicycle Map now available
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Jayhawk Road Closed on August 20
Jayhawk Road will be closed from 69 Hwy. to the railroad tracks on Sunday, August 20th from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Submitted by
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Drought Mitigation Announced by KS Governor
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Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of August 1
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 1, 2023 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 25, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, E. Woellhof, M. Guns (via telephone) were present with Mayor M. Wells. K. Harrington was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION: E. Woellhof, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Ben Hart/Finance Director, (via telephone), Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, J. Pickert/Police Chief, D. Bruner/Fire Chief, Rachel Carpenter, Michael Hoyt, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer, and Mark McCoy.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
- Wells moved to approve the agenda with the addition of Consideration to approve Fort Scott joining the Mayoral Alliance Against Hunger to be added as Item E to New Business. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE AGENDA WITH THE ADDITION OF CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE FORT SCOTT JOINING THE MAYORAL ALLIANCE AGAINST HUNGER TO BE ADDED AS ITEM E TO NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $213,912.62
- Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. via Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Project No. 23-409 (22-306) – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 3 – $553,602.60
- Approval of Drinking Establishment City License Renewal – Pizza Republic – 17 S. Main Street – Bret Holder
- Approval of Ordinance No. 3748 – Amending Chapter 10.04 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code to Incorporate Standard Traffic Ordinances for Kansas Cities – 2023 Edition
- Approval of Ordinance No. 3749 – Adding Section 10.05 Regulating Public Offenses Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; Incorporating by Reference the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities, 39th Edition, “With Certain Omissions, Changes, and Additions; Prescribing Additional Regulations; and Providing Certain Penalties.
- VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
- Approval of the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for City of Fort Scott Budget Hearing – T. VanHoecke moved to approve the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for the City of Fort Scott Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing and Budget Hearing. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE DATE OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2023, AT 6:00PM FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING AND BUDGET HEARING.
- Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a representative – TABLED FROM JULY 25, 2023.
- Woellhof moved to table the consideration of the MOU to the August 15, 2023, meeting and have City Attorney review the terms that T. VanHoecke questioned and revise the language. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF THE MOU TO THE AUGUST 15, 2023, MEETING AND HAVE CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW THE TERMS THAT T. VANHOECKE QUESTIONED AND REVISE THE LANGUAGE.
- Selection of date for Certified Local Government Program (CLG) Work Session in August with Katrina Ringler, Commission and Community
- Wells moved to approve the date of Friday, August 11, 2023, at 5:00PM as a Work Session to invite the community to participate in an open discussion with Katrina Ringler about Fort Scott becoming a Certified Local Government as an option to our current Design Review Board process. He requested that the City Clerk post the information packet online for those who were interested in learning more about the program.
APPROVE THE DATE OF FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2023, AT 5:00PM AS A WORK SESSION TO INVITE THE COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION WITH KATRINA RINGLER ABOUT FORT SCOTT BECOMING A CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS AN OPTION TO OUR CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW BOARD PROCESS.
APPEARANCES:
- Rob Hansen – Son of American Legion Car & Motorcycle Show: Squad Commander R. Hansen addressed the Commission to request a temporary street closure for a fundraising event that will be held in the Landmark Bank parking lot. He is requesting to close off the street for safety because it is a family event.
- VanHoecke moved to approve the request for a temporary street closure of 3rd between Main and National on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 8:00AM-1:00PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR A TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE OF 3RD BETWEEN MAIN AND NATIONAL ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023, FROM 8:00AM-1:00PM.
- Matkin stated the City would provide barricades for both ends of the street.
- Mark McCoy and Tayton Majors – Bourbon County REDI: T. Majors addressed the Commission with a Business Retention and Expansion presentation. The PowerPoint presentation is included with these minutes.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Consideration for the purchase of a fire truck: Fire Chief, Dave Bruner gave a presentation on the need for the City to consider purchasing a fire truck to replace the failing 1997 E-One Pumper from Station 2. It was usually the first truck out, however over the past (6) months the reliability of the truck is an issue and has been placed into a backup reserve mode. Bruner stated that a worn apparatus is a threat to the community and the firefighters. He said that the parts become more difficult to get with the age of the truck and repairing it does not change the age of the unit and waiting for a disaster is not safe or productive. He asked the Commission for permission to begin looking for grants and bids on inventory. PowerPoint presentation included with these minutes.
- VanHoecke moved to approve that the FSFD could begin looking for grants and potential inventory for the purchase of a fire truck to replace the 1997 E-One Pumper from Station 2. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THAT THE FSFD COULD BEGIN LOOKING FOR GRANTS AND POTENTIAL INVENTORY FOR THE PURCHASE OF A FIRE TRUCK TO REPLACE THE 1997 E-ONE PUMPER FROM STATION 2.
- Amendment 1 to the Brick Street Policy: M. Wells requested that the Commission approve an amendment to the current Brick Street Policy as follows:
Amendment 1
- Concerning the treatment of manhole covers; it is here by adopted according to the recommendation of the street advisory board to allow up to 12 inches in a square pattern around manholes for bricks to be laid up against. This will protect the manhole covers and allow the bricks a solid surface to rest against.
- Concerning the intersections of brick streets and asphalt streets. It is here by adopted, according to the recommendation of the street advisory board that wherever a brick street abuts against a non-brick street the intersection where the brick streets abut against; May upon the advisement of the Public Works, Director, or the street department Director be done as a concrete intersection. Concrete at intersections where the brick street would abut against shall be done in a minimum of 8 inches of concrete reinforced by a minimum 3/8 rebar on an 8 in.² pattern or according to KDOT specifications.
Be it also adopted that wherever a case shall arise where the brick street is running through the middle of two adjoining asphalt streets, there may at the advisement of the public works Director, or the street department Director, allow for the use of an apron of up to 20 feet that would abut against the brick street that passes through, allowing the brick street, a continuous path, splitting the two concrete aprons, adjoining the asphalt streets. All concrete aprons shall be done at a minimum of 8 inches, with a minimum of 3/8 rebar being placed on 8-inch squares, or according to KDOT specifications.
This will again allow a solid surface for the bricks to abut against.
- Any, and all bricks that may become available because of any concrete apron or intersection, shall be palletized, cleaned, and stored according to the Brick Street policy to later be used on the
repair and maintenance of other brick streets. At no time shall bricks be allowed to be used as full, or underlayment.
- VanHoecke moved to approve Amendment 1 to the Brick Street Policy. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED AMENDMENT 1 TO THE BRICK STREET POLICY.
- Consideration of bids for Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project No. 23-005B: J. Dickman stated that (5) bids were received for the project on July 21, 2023. The lowest bidder was Bennett, Inc. of Lamar, MO with the bid of $232,477.50, substantially complete within 90 days, fully complete in 120 days. J. Dickman stated that he recommends the bid be awarded to Bennett, Inc.
- VanHoecke moved to approve that the bid for the Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project No. 23-005B be awarded to Bennett, Inc. of Lamar, MO at $232,477.50. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THAT THE BID FOR THE EVERGY INFANTRY SUBSTATION SANITARY SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT NO. 23-005B BE AWARDED TO BENNETT, INC. OF LAMAR, MO. AT $232,477.50.
- Wells clarified with J. Dickman that this project is paid for by Evergy and not the City.
- Consideration to set deadlines for City Commission meeting agenda practice and procedure: M. Wells requested that the Commission consider approving a deadline for the good of the Commission to receive the information earlier to have time to make more informed decisions at meetings. This would require an earlier deadline. T. VanHoecke stated that he believed there was a policy already in place.
- Woellhof moved to table the consideration until the August 15, 2023, meeting to confirm if there was an existing policy in place. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION UNTIL THE AUGUST 15, 2023, MEETING TO CONFIRM IF THERE WAS AN EXISTING POLICY IN PLACE.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS:
City Manager: B. Matkin – no comments
City Engineer: J. Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspection
- CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project continues. Currently the crew is working behind City Hall to line manholes.
- 15th and National – 17th and Eddy – trying to get contractor out to clean up and finish. Utilities are moved. Contractor states they are currently booked on other projects.
- M. Wells confirmed with J. Dickman that the South Industrial Park Waterline Extension has a purpose in the future and ties into the loop to increase water pressure to the businesses in the area. Also, the City needs to move forward and complete the access road. J. Dickman stated that he needs to know the measurements to add the additional cost of asphalt to the bid.
City Attorney: B. Farmer
No comment.
COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:
- Harrington: Not in attendance
- Guns:
- Thank you to all volunteers for the Splash Pad
- USD 234 will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in the district for the school year
- August 4th and 5th is Sales Tax Holiday, many local businesses are participating
- Many activities this week including the Champions Forever event at Memorial Hall
- August 10th is the Contractors’ Meeting at City Hall
- August 12th is the Poverty Paradigm at the Middle School brought by CORE Community Bourbon County. She is planning to attend. Tickets are still available.
- Woellhof: No comments other than a correction that the Champions Forever is being held at the High School, not Memorial Hall.
- VanHoecke:
- Hats off to City Crews for the storm clean up again.
- Brush dump is still open
- Congratulations and thank you to all those who worked to get the Splash Pad completed for Fort Scott
- Wells:
- Thank you for the Splash Pad and very thankful for all who worked to get it to its completion, have seen many out there enjoying it
- Thankful for the rain
ADJOURNMENT:
- VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:44PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:44PM.
Respectfully submitted for approval,
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
City of Uniontown Minutes of August 8
Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council
The Regular Council Meeting on August 8, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (8:08), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Amanda Lancaster (Diehl, Banwart, Bolton), Mary Pemberton, Joe George, Betsie Binford (Old Settlers Committee), Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton – Amanda Lancaster gave a presentation of the 2022 financial audit.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2022 financial audit as presented
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton passed on comments she has heard about the City not having 30AMP or 50AMP receptacles in the park for food trucks/vendors. Clerk will reach out to other cities. She will get a quote for installation of 2 receptacles and put on the agenda to discuss further at the next meeting.
Joe George complained about “dirty”, sandy water, but tastes OK. His filter has been very dark. Superintendent Rich will flush the lines as soon as all of C2’s broken lines have been repaired and flushed.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the July 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $399,740.95, Receipts $35,731.67, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $25,392.09, Checking Account Closing Balance $407,054.53. Bank Statement Balance $407,937.32, including Checking Account Interest of $85.04, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $882.79, Reconciled Balance $407,054.53. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,283.27, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,889.95, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,559.71, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $493,787.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $545.35, and Utility CDs $331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $877.30. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of July 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. July Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of July $7,313.58, Year-to-Date Net Income $63,502.56. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $69,373.71 (56.8%), Expenditures $66,903.65 (41.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $21,771.23 (59.1%), Expenditures $17,537.62 (42.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,208.55 (60.1%), Expenditures $68,835.85 (30.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $129,221.13 (86.3%), Expenditures $94,088.90 (50.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,040.03 (81.0%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The August 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $40,651.43 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of July 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and July 18, 2023 Budget Worksession
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 7:53, include Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:10, include Mary Pemberton and Sally Johnson.
Mary Pemberton out at 8:09.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:23, include Sally Johnson.
Open meeting resumed at 8:23, no action from executive session.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the boards holding the electrical receptacles need replaced. Mayor Jurgensen asked that he continue mosquito fogging – this week, skip a week, then next two weeks in a row.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that most property owners had cleaned up after the two storms in July. Locations that need his attention this month are 201 Second St-fence; 301 Second St #1-pile of debris on west side; 405 Hill-debris in backyard and shingles; 102 Franklin-dead tree/grass/weeds; 505 Washington has been mowed; 303 Second-grass; and 505 Wall-vehicle is not properly registered/flat tires. Unfit structure hearing for 404 Washington is September 12. Council asked if there were anymore stray dogs in town; seems to be an influx of stray cats and armadillos.
Clerk Johnson reported on the KMGA Regional Meeting.
She asked to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration cost is $25.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration fee $25
Mayor Jurgensen asked her to contact Bettis Construction for a timeline on starting our street project.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Mural Grant – an update was given. We have received 75% of grant funds and 100% of donations pledged. Mural is finished.
Placemaking Project – One of the suggestions from the community engagement was to add a baby changing station to restroom facilities.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase a baby changing station from AmeraProducts, Inc for the women’s restroom
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will acquire a quote for the concrete slab for the pickleball court. Other amenities for the area were discussed. Clerk Johnson will send an update to Rachel Carpenter, Health Bourbon County Action Team.
NEW BUSINESS
Old Settlers event insurance –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to donate $300 in lieu of portapotties to the Old Settlers Committee
Review and update Capital Improvement Plan – after discussion, remove replace/purchase City maintenance vehicle, as it has been purchased, and purchase/install a chlorination system for the water distribution system, as it is not a priority now, and add refurbish the warehouse into Public Works space. Leave the rest as is.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to transfer the $10,000 in the fund for the chlorinator to refurbish the warehouse
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan as amended
Moved by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 10:10PM
KS Ag Exports=$5 Billion
Governor Kelly Announces Record-Setting Agriculture Exports of Nearly $5.5 Billion
~~Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam Meets with International Ag Leaders to Strengthen Trade~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that agricultural exports reached $5.46 billion in 2022, the highest export total in decades. The Kansas agriculture industry has grown significantly since Governor Kelly took office; in 2019, Kansas had $3.8 billion in exports.
Once again, the top ag export for Kansas was red meat, which made up $2.1 billion or 38.9% of all agriculture exports. Second were cereals (including corn, wheat, and sorghum), and third was oil seed (primarily soybeans), making up 24.5% and 12.5% of total agricultural exports, respectively.
“Once again, we are shattering records to grow our economy and strengthen our ag industry,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “But even with these record exports, we aren’t taking anything for granted – which is why Secretary Beam and I are building relationships with international trading partners to ensure Kansas farmers and ranchers can continue to feed the world.”
Mexico was Kansas’ largest ag importer with $2.17 billion in 2022, Japan was the second largest with $781 million, and Canada was third with $594 million.
Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam met today with his state and provincial agriculture counterparts from Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. as part of the annual Tri-National Accord in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to strengthen relationships with key trading partners. This annual event allows state agricultural leaders to discuss critical issues affecting trade between the three countries, including animal health, rural development, and agriculture technology.
“Kansas is a national leader in agriculture, and the continued growth in agricultural exports shows the significance of the work being done throughout the Kansas ag industry to develop these international markets,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.
Participation in the Tri-National Accord continues KDA’s vision of achieving long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. For more about international marketing programs at KDA, including information about upcoming trade missions, and to see the full report on Kansas’ ag exports in 2022, go to agriculture.ks.gov/
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Prayers for Fallen Fairway Police Officer
Robba and I were heartbroken to hear of the passing of Officer Jonah Oswald. On Monday, Officer Oswald died from injuries after a police shootout in Mission. He was 29 years old and was a 4-year veteran of the Fairway Police Department. Officer Oswald didn’t have to take the call, but he chose to go help his fellow officers and stop criminals. He was a great police officer and a better man. We are praying for his family and the Fairway Police Department.
Bo Co Commission Minutes of August 7
August 7, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Patty Ropp, Michael Hoyt, and Patty Ann Sanborn were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7/31/23. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved.
Michael Hoyt said he ordered 50 copies of the KORA and KOMA handbook for us and the City of Fort Scott. Clifton told him that copies of the documents were printed off for a previous meeting and have been available. Michael asked when budget discussion would take place and asked for a schedule.
Patty Ann Sanborn with SEK, Inc. informed the Commissioners of the SEK Housing Conference that will be held November 14th and 15th in Independence and invited them to join other city and county commissioners as well as economic development personnel. Rural Housing Champions Darcy Wilson will speak during the conference. SEK, Inc. was founded in 1957 and works on CTE, workforce development, and childcare as well. Jim thanked Patty Ann for coming and said he would try to attend because the conference sounds interesting.
Motor grader finance bids were presented to the Commissioners to open. Bids from two lenders were received, two from Murphy Tractor for John Deere Financial and one from City State Bank. Both bids were based upon the proposed financing amount of $604,000. City State Bank bid annual payments of $112,493.18 for seven years with a fixed interest rate of 7.10%. The total amount of the interest would be $183,452.26 making the grand total of payments $787,452.26. John Deere Financial bid annual payments of $108,345.15 for seven years with a fixed interest rate of 5.75%. The total amount of interest would be $154,417.05 making the grand total of payments $758,417.05. John Deere Financial also bid monthly payments of $8751.35 for seven years with a fixed interest rate of 5.75%. The total amount of interest would be $131,114.40 making the grand total of payments $735,114.40. The Commissioners discussed each bid and Eric said he would analyze the bids and come back with a recommendation during his time later in the meeting.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, informed the Commissioners of two meetings that will be held within the next few months. The first meeting is the Southeast Kansas 17 County Officials District Meeting which will be held on September 14th in Columbus. Clifton and Nelson are unable to attend but Jim plans on attending. The Kansas Association of Counties Annual Conference will be held December 5-7 in Wichita and all three Commissioners plan on attending.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, said there have been some internal struggles with policy we have in place. Mr. Meeks stated the handbook was created on liability and there is a substance abuse testing prescreen and random quarterly drug testing no matter the department. Justin said we need a centralized person to handle the drug testing and he handed out a copy of best practices from our insurance provider. Mr. Meeks stated elected officials can go outside of certain policy, for example hiring and firing, but not when it comes to insurance and stated the insurance company can raise our rates or even drop our coverage. Jim asked if HR currently handles the drug testing and Justin confirmed that. Nelson asked what the issue is and Justin stated an elected official wants to be added to the list to be able to do drug screens. Jim said we currently have a centralized person and questioned why we would change that when they have been doing a great job. Clifton stated in his opinion it was petty to not follow the policy we have in place. Jim said he sees no reason to make changes to a policy that is working and stated if elected officials don’t like it, they can come to the Commissioners about it. Jim asked Justin if there were any updates on our handbook. Justin said it can be difficult at times to get everybody on the same page when there are difference of opinions. Jim asked if the Commission would review and approve the handbook once it is complete and Justin said yes that is the procedure. Jim asked when it was last updated and Justin said some 5 years ago and some 8-9 months ago but they hit some roadblocks. Jim said he could meet with elected officials regarding the handbook if it is ok with Clifton and Nelson. Justin presented an agreement for our elevator for the Commission to approve. Mr. Meeks stated this is the same agreement as last time and asked if the Commission would like to table the discussion until they had an opportunity to review. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the elevator agreement with KONE as presented by Justin Meeks. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss nonelected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:05. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:05 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim Harris requested a 15-minute executive session to discuss nonelected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:21. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:21 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
A short break was taken and normal session was resumed at 6:24.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the monthly culvert list for the Commissioner’s approval. Eric said the culvert list and the fuel spreadsheet have been emailed to the Commissioners and they will continue to do that in the future to save paper. Eric said they completed asphalting Williams Street last week. Jim said he drove the road a few times and they did a great job. Eric said they are taking out a rutted section next to the National Cemetery to redo the asphalt before school starts. The crew is still clearing overburden at Thomas Quarry to prepare for another blast. Eric stated they now have four mowers out mowing throughout the county. Clifton suggested there is a place to save money, and Nelson said they would still need to mow intersections. Eric said they picked up the belly dump trailer last week and the new truck will be here this week so they will be able to have two belly dump trailers hauling gravel. Eric discussed the bids stating that there is a savings of $52,337 with the monthly payments option with John Deere Financial versus the annual payment option that City State Bank bid. Eric said he would like to stay local but that is a significant savings. Jim agreed and said it is hard to stay local when they could save the county $53,000. Nelson made a motion to go with John Deere Financial’s monthly payment bid. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they received one Request for Qualifications for the feasibility study for an overpass south of town and that was from Schwab Eaton. Jim explained this was the first step in the process because you can’t apply for grants without a feasibility study. Eric said it is just their qualifications and if we choose them, they will give us a dollar amount to perform the study. Jim asked the other Commissioners if they were ok with Eric contacting Schwab Eaton to get a price to bring back to the meeting next week and they both agreed. Nelson asked Eric if he could get them a price if the county only mowed intersections versus mowing all roads.
Nelson questioned where we were with the money on CD’s. Clifton said he as been told the Treasurer hasn’t done it yet and that we are losing money. Nelson agreed stating we need to get the extra money from the interest. The subject of CD’s will be placed on the agenda for next week so the Treasurer can be present to update the Commissioners. Clifton said there have been a lot of rumors going around that the Via Christi ER is leaving. Clifton said he has been fully aware that another healthcare facility has been talking about buying Via Christi. Clifton said that Legacy and Bourbon County REDI have been working for a long time and have been working with a strategic partner for healthcare in our county and that an announcement will be made in the next couple of weeks that will be a big deal for our community. Clifton stated the rumors about the ER closing is not true and if Via Christi is purchased there is a plan for healthcare in Bourbon County.
Jim thanked Clifton for the days he has spend working on our healthcare. Clifton said Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI deserve a lot of credit because they have done a lot of work that will pay off in the near future.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:38. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Approved 8-14-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
, Approved Date