Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission Meeting of Dec. 6

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of December 6, 2024                                                                       Special Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 11:00AM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on The City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel but audio was not available due to technical difficulties.

 

The meeting was called to order at 11:06AM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke (by phone), Dyllon Olson (by phone), and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer. Kathryn Salsbury was absent.

 

Brad Matkin/City Manager, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineer & Inspection, Inc. (by phone) and Lisa Lewis/City Clerk were present for the meeting.

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the agenda as presented.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All present voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

Public Comment – No comments.

 

Unfinished Business

Consideration of Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 5-REV – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No.  24-414 (Concrete and Dirt Work) $140,130.12

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the requested payment of $140,130.12 to Heck & Wicker for the concrete and dirt work that was completed and approved. D. Olson seconded the motion. All present voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

Adjourn

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:13AM.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All present voted yes.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:13AM.

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved FS City Commission Minutes of December 3

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of December 3, 2024                                                                       Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube – City of Fort Scott Channel.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Caleb Bell/FSPD Lieutenant, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (by telephone), Bill Lemke/Water Collections, Laura Dunfee, Steven Dunfee, Robert Coon

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda (Time stamp 1:45)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Agenda as presented. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All those present voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda (Time stamp 3:00)

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1373-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of November 13, 2024, to November 26, 2024, – $1,118,230.10
  2. Approval of Minutes for November 19, 2024, Regular Meeting

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the Agenda as presented. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Public Comment

Robert Coon – (Time stamp 3:45) – addressed the Commission regarding the status of 118 E. Wall. He is encouraging a decision from the Commission at the next meeting following the inspection from the structural engineer on December 9, 2024. This situation has greatly impacted his business, and he requested a resolution because it has been (1) year since the situation began.

 

Unfinished Business

(Time stamp 11:01)

 Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 31-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1105 S. STATE– Tabled from November 19, 2024.

  1. Kruger stated that the Codes Department has been in contact with the owner as the Commission requested. The owner does not have any interest in repairing the home and wants to sell the property. It is recommended that the unsafe and dangerous structure be removed, and the City seek bids for demolition.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 31-2024 directing the removal of the structure at 1105 S Scott. K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 14:40)

-Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 17 S. Main – Move Sign to New Location – Recommended by Design Review Board on November 12, 2024, and tabled by City Commission on November 19, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness to move the Stutesman Action Realty sign from 120 Wall Street to 17 S. Main. M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

New Business

(Time stamp 16:40)

Consideration to Replace Charles Street Lift Station –  B. Lemke addressed the Commission to request the replacement of the Charles Lift Station due to its current condition. Repairs have been attempted. Parts are not readily available due to the age of the equipment. He has selected an above ground lift station that uses a siphon-style priming system that uses check valves to keep it in place. It is manufactured by Gorman/Rupp and Haynes Equipment is the sole source provider. It was chosen because it has less electro-mechanical parts. He believes it will be cheaper to run, long-term and easier to maintain. The cost of the station is $83,500.00 and will need to be installed by a contractor. He would need to solicit bids for the removal and installation of the lift station. His ask is for approval to purchase the new station and seek bids for removal and installation.

 

Discussion was had regarding sole source and other station options.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the City going out for a “turn-key” lift station at Charles Street. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

ACTION:  B. Lemke will work with Earles Engineering to create a comprehensive bid for all that is needed for the new lift station and return to the Commission.

 

Consideration of Verizon Tolling Agreement – B. Farmer explained that Verizon is actively looking for a new location for the cell tower because the location that was applied for was denied by the City Commission. He stated that Verizon has said that they have the right to appeal the decision in federal court. The agreement for consideration is a “stop the clock” agreement. The City will do nothing other than what is already done, and Verizon will not appeal while they explore the options to move the tower. He understands that the Verizon legal department and the business side have authorized this agreement as well. During this time, Verizon will decide if they will submit another application for a different location and the 150-day deadline no longer applies with the approval of this agreement.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the Tolling Agreement.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 34:17)

Consideration to set a Budget Hearing on December 17, 2024, for amending the 2024 Budget pertaining to Stormwater Fund No. 719 and Golf Fund No. 219. – J. Oliphant explained that this is part of the annual compliance of submitting the budget to the state. BakerTilly reviews the projections to see if any of the funds will expend beyond the budget authority that was submitted last year for 2024. Stormwater and golf are the only (2) funds that appear to be expending more than what was budgeted.  A budget hearing is required to approve an amendment to the budget to bring these (2) funds into compliance. Neither is over budget by a lot. The stormwater fund should have enough revenue in its charges for service to cover the overages and expenditures. The Golf Fund will require a small supplement from the General Fund. This is the first year that the Golf Fund has been independent, so in prior years it would have rolled up with the General Fund to receive its supplement. This is a more transparent way of providing these services.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 35:10).

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 36:58).

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to set a budget hearing for December 17, 2024.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

ACTION:  J. Oliphant will provide a of expenditures of the Stormwater Fund and the Golf Fund to outline the overages prior to the budget hearing.

 

(Time stamp 37:32)

Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 34-2024 A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH URBAN AREA BOUNDARY LINES and RESOLUTION NO. 35-2024 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE URBAN FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM – B. Matkin stated that this is a process that is done every few years in conjunction with the County. It defines the boundaries and the classifications of the roads. There were no changes to the Fort Scott boundaries but there were a few changes to the classification of a few roads due to a traffic study.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve Resolution No. 34-2024 and Resolution No. 35-2024.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 40:41)

Request to Pay Heck & Wicker – Project No. 6 U-2455-01 – EEI Project No. 24-414 – Payment No. 5 – $450,052.32 – J. Dickman presented a request for the Commission to pay for materials (asphalt and fabric), Earle’s Engineering would issue a letter to Heck & Wicker stating that the final product is defective and have requirements for them to profile the roadway and based on KDOT specs and wherever it does not meet the tolerances, they would have to diamond grind at the expense of the contractor, not the City.

 

Discussion was had regarding the City’s dissatisfaction with the surface of Horton Street and specifically the fact that the specs of the contract were not followed and the surface was poured in (1) 3” lift instead of the specified (2) 1 ½” lifts, along with issues with the fabric, milling and a lack of a Change Order.

 

Emery Sapp & Sons sent a statement to B. Matkin regarding possible resolutions. He addressed the Commission and answered questions. (Most of his comments were inaudible for accurate transcription).

 

  1. Farmer stated “The specs are a contract. A written contract cannot be modified by an oral assertion. It cannot be done. Period. End of story. I’m not responsible is not a defense.”

 

Further discussion was had regarding where the communication went wrong and the need for a resolution.

 

 

ACTION:  J. Dickman will check the project report to see if there is any documentation regarding the decision to change from the specs.

 

ACTION:  J. Dickman will try to find which bidder asked for clarification on the bid regarding the 3” lift which required an addendum (Addendum 2) to the bid.

 

  1. Dickman again requested that the Commission pay the pay request. He stated if the Commission wants to go down the road of “defective based on smoothness” then he needs to provide them a letter rejecting the final product, still per spec is paid for, but now they have to fix it.

 

Discussion was had about the pieces of the contract. Article 14 of the contract pertains to the letter J. Dickman would draft to tell Heck & Wicker that the City does not accept the smoothness of this road…the fix is on you and here’s my recommendations.

 

Further discussion was had about diamond grinding as a resolution.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to table the approval of the Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 5 until information is provided from Heck & Wicker, Jason has an opportunity to go through the emails, Jesse can go through his emails to provide the Commission any kind of documentation to back up any of the back and forth and put this on the agenda for the next meeting .  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Reports and Comments: (Time stamp 1:15:13)

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:24PM.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:24PM.

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes from the Dec. 5 Bourbon County Commission Meeting

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December 5, 2024                                                                                                            Thursday 9:00 a.m.

 

 

 

The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

 

Anne Dare, Teri Hulsey, Jean Tucker, Shanda Stewart, Mark McCoy, Jason Silvers, Mike Wunderly, Tim Emerson, and Debra Shepard were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 11/21/2024, approval of accounts payable totaling $350,068.23, approval of payroll totaling $315,166.08, and approval of October financials. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, stated the caterer was available for a holiday dinner on December 17th and asked that we close the courthouse as we have done in the past to allow all employees to attend. Clifton made a motion to close the courthouse on December 17th from 11:00-1:00 for employees to attend a holiday dinner and that more than one Commissioner may be present, however; no county business will be conducted. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, stated they received grants from The Patterson Foundation, The Wal-Mart Foundation, and The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, as well as local donations from Labconco, Neice, Peerless Products, and Mid-Continental and are now able to purchase the PowerLoad cot system for the EMS 1 truck. Jim thanked Teri for all her hard work. Clifton said he received a call from a citizen who is concerned about where they can dispose of their sharps since Walgreens is closing. Clifton asked Teri what we do with ours and if we can accept them from citizens. Teri asked Clifton to let her confirm that they are able to do that she said they had partnered with the police department in the past and had a big box that they were dropped in.

 

Mark McCoy, with Bourbon County REDI, said he has been here three times requesting funding and he is respectfully requesting funding in the amount of $75,000 for services rendered. Mr. McCoy said this is well under the $130,000 that was originally set aside. Jim said he is not sure that we did set aside funds for REDI in 2024 and that he would have to ask the CFO. Jim asked if anybody from REDI is knocking on business doors trying to help businesses and sell properties? Mark said no they are not physically knocking on doors but Rob has showed 2 buildings and that the Valu-Merchandiser’s building is hard to sell as the seller is staying firm. Jim said his next meeting will be on the 19th and asked Mark or Rob to do a presentation of what they have accomplished the last several years. Mark said that they will be here to do that.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, said KCAMP has a Risk Avoidance Grant in the amount of $2000 that they county can apply for. The Sheriff’s Department was able to use $800 earlier this year to purchase fire extinguishers for their vehicles and Jennifer asked permission to work with the courthouse, public works, and EMS to determine who has purchased items that would qualify and to apply for the remaining amount of the Risk Avoidance Grant. The Commissioners agreed to let Jennifer work with other departments and apply for the remaining funds.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to pass out the Emergency Department funding agreement. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton handed out the agreement and said it was basically the same with a few changes including the name has been changed to Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., the date has been changed from October 1 to December 5th, and that payment will be due within 10 days of signing the agreement. Clifton said the City of Fort Scott will still contribute $600,000 and Bourbon County will contribute $500,000. Clifton said there is a clawback stating in the event that the emergency department is not open or operational by 6-1-2025 Freeman will have to pay back the money in monthly payments. Clifton said the agreements states that Bourbon County will let Freeman use the equipment commencing 6-1-2025. Jim asked if part B item 3 should state 6-1-2025 instead of 4-1-2025 and Clifton said yes, and to change it on the agreement he has. The Commission accepted questions from the audience while Brandon read the agreement. Anne Dare asked Clifton to reread the section of the agreement and questioned why the date was changed from 4-1-2025 to 6-1-2025. Clifton said there was no reason given. Pete Owenby asked how much money is wrapped up in the hospital building now. Clifton said 2.5 million dollars plus the building and the land. Jim said you have to look at the building as we only had “x” amount of dollars to keep up the building and that the $2,000,000 came from federal funds and the funds given by Mercy. Clifton said the money was spent on the building and you can look through their expenditures. Jim said some people who originally wanted to tear the building down are happy that we did not because of all the work KRI has done. Clifton said Legacy is the reason KRI is here. Pete asked if we could have put the building up for bid. Clifton said we tried to give the building away to Freeman, KU Med, Saint Lukes, and even Mercy and they didn’t want it. Jim said he was contacted by KRI and he asked Justin Meeks to call Legacy. Clifton said that wasn’t true that he is the one that contacted Legacy and he was shown emails between Legacy and KRI. Shanda Stewart said that people are concerned with the time it has taken to try to close on the deal. Clifton made a motion to accept the emergency department funding agreement and to allow Chairman Harris to sign it. Brandon said it is a good contract that covers Bourbon County. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jim asked to amend the agenda to discuss the moratorium because the vote wasn’t recorded. Clifton seconded and all approved. Jim said he thought we voted on it but there was a lot of noise in the room and it was not recorded. Jim stated the County Counselor said we can rescind and back date to 10-31-2024. Jim made a motion to sign a resolution rescinding the moratorium on solar projects in Bourbon County and termination of prior agreements with Hinton Creek as so voted on 10-31-2024 and the counselor says we can redate this resolution to 10-31-2024. Clifton seconded the motion. Brandon opposed. The vote passed 2-1.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:27. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                  ___________________,Commissioner

                                                                       

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

12-12-2024                    Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

USD 235 Passes Resolution to Hold School Bond Election

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PRESS RELEASE from Vance Eden, superintendent of USD235, Uniontown School District.

 

The USD 235 Board of Education approved a resolution Monday night to place a $1,250,000 bond election before voters during a special election held Tuesday, March 4.  The board of education went back to the drawing board after voters rejected two propositions in the November 2023 election.  This time around, the board of education reduced the scope of work and bond amount by 86 percent.

Following the election, the district surveyed its constituents to better understand its perspectives and priorities.  In that feedback we heard that the cost of the previous bond question was too high, and many patrons felt the scope of work included items that were not truly a need.  With that in mind, we have reduced the work to only include the three most pressing needs.  In doing so, the district is able to present a bond issue to the public that would have a no mill increase to taxpayers.

The scope of work will include 3 projects.  The largest expense will be for the replacement of the two modulars at West Bourbon Elementary School with one permanent structure that will house the preschool and small offices for school psychology and speech therapy services.  The bond will also include the replacement of the antiquated fire alarm system at the high school and will renovate the main entrance at WBE to be ADA accessible, as well as more secure.

The following bond proposal below will appear on the ballot.

Shall the following be adopted?

 

Shall Unified School District No. 235, Bourbon County, Kansas (Uniontown), issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $1,250,000 to pay the costs to construct, furnish and equip:  (a) replacement of the District’s Pre-K facility; (b) ADA and secure entry improvements at West Bourbon Elementary School; (c) fire alarm system improvements at the Uniontown Junior/Senior High School; and (d) all other necessary improvements related thereto (collectively the “Project”); and (e) to pay costs of issuance and interest on said general obligation bonds during construction of the Project; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 10‑101 et seq., K.S.A. 25‑2018(f), K.S.A. 72‑5457, and K.S.A. 72‑5458 et seq.?

 

The special election will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Dec. 12

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

December 12, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 12/5/2024
  1. Public Comments
  2. Pam and John Speer Sr.- Road Issue
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Pinnacle Broadband Letter of Support
  • Real Property Relief Application-494 263rd Terrace
  1. Consideration of Moving Meetings to Mondays
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board of Ed. Minutes for Dec. 9

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

 
 

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, December 09, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 09, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

11-11-24

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – October 18, 2024 – $1,693,896.64

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

MS Band Fundraising

December 2024 KASB Policy Updates

 

Special Education Director, Tonya Barnes, recognized Jannah Farrington for being named the 2024 Coach of the Year for the Southeast Region’s Special Olympics. Jannah is in her 12th year at the district. Jannah along with Rhonda & Damien Perkinson, Stacy & David Brown, Laryn Schnichels, Kristal Castillo, and others worked to build and decorate the Special Olympics Express that won first place in the Fort Scott Christmas Parade. She has been instrumental in expanding the Special Olympics department which includes track & field, bowling, and soon to come basketball.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on enrollment from the start of school until December. He also gave a brief update on the Preschool building and where the district is with the remodeling of the building.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update on the football field turf replacement with the hopes it will be finished ahead of schedule. He explained about a few projects in the buildings that are being done and that we will hear about the financial audit as soon as they have completed it.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on the next CAT AID payment that will be coming later this month. She and others will be starting a new hire orientation in January and following monthly for all new employees to make sure they equipped and ready to work within the district.

 

Mina Query, Principal at Eugene Ware, presented a slideshow for the Board. She presented pictures from the Family Engagement Camping Night that focused on reading. The teachers have been working on interventions that have had a significant impact. She also went over a few reports to show how the students have improved. Students were present from Mrs. Keating’s Enrichment groups. They help with the student store, parent monthly parent letters, and they really enjoy being a part of her group. A couple of members from the Leadership Club were present to explain about their trip to Greenbush to learn about how to become a leader. They also worked with Wreaths Across America to help raise money for fifteen wreaths to be placed at the National Cemetery. Mrs. Query complimented the teachers and staff for working together as a team for the better of the students.

 

KESA Accreditation Plan for information only. Each district is to choose a District Goal and our choice was Structured Literacy. Superintendent Brown explained how the district is working toward that goal.

 

There have been three applicants for the open board seat. The Board decided to have a special meeting in January to interview and choose an applicant.

 

The Board Approved the following items:

  • Pre-Employment Drug Screening
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, INC Grant
  • Kingbird Solar Energy Contribution Agreement
  • School Bus Purchases (71 Passenger & Bus with Lift)
  • Maintenance Truck Purchase

 

The Board tabled the following items:

  • 10 Passenger Van Purchase
  • Towerpoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site

 

There were no comments during public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

December 09, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Button, Tim – Resignation – Bus Driver

Flanner, Kevin – Resignation – Supplemental – Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach – High School

Krull, Michael – Retirement

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Doherty, Andrew – KRI Teacher

Fountain, Justin – 6th Grade Math Teacher – Middle School

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Durkin, Jennifer – Paraprofessional – KRI

Herring, Sean T – Custodian – Middle School

Thorne, Deborah – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Armstrong, Jeff – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School

Feedback, Brennen  – Head Boys Basketball Coach – High School

Larsen, Danny – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School

Martin, Dave – Assistant Swimming Coach – High School

Stepps, Trent – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Multi-Day Fire Was Caused by Illegal Burning.

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The fire on Dec. 8-9 on North Hill Street from the Fort Scott Fire Department’s Facebook page.

Fort Scott Firefighters worked for several days on an old bridge fire near the city’s dog pound on North Hill Street. The fire was located on the north edge of Fort Scott.

The department received a call on December 8 at 12:46 p.m. of a fire on the  400 block of North Hill Street.

The cause of the fire was determined to be illegal burning, according to FSFD Chief Dave Bruner.

The property involved in the fire was the bridge as well as a large debris pile under the bridge.

“We cleared the scene at 3:42 p.m. but spent the evening and next morning monitoring and extinguishing hot spots,” Bruner said.

The access to the fire and terrain around it made it difficult to get in close proximity to the fire, he said.

The initial call involved the Fort Scott Fire Department with five personnel, the Fort Scott Police Department, the Scott Township Fire Department- with four personnel, and the Garland Fire Department with two personnel assisting,

Government, Kansas

KS Commerce Dept. Launches Quality of Life Improvement Grant Program

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Commerce Launches New Quality of Place Grant for Rural Revitalization

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today the launch of the new Towns grant program. This program is an initiative designed to spur quality-of-place improvements in rural Kansas communities that have received no funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce in the past three years. This new opportunity will have $100,000 available for its first round of funding.

The program provides grants that range from $1,000 to $10,000 to support small-scaled projects that will deliver meaningful results in rural communities, with a focus on increasing local capacity, fostering community and youth engagement, and mobilizing volunteers and local investment.

“The Kelly-Toland Administration remains committed to bringing prosperity to all of Kansas, and this program will strategically foster new investments that provide our smaller communities with greater opportunities to flourish,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants will empower local leaders to transform ideas into reality, creating vibrant spaces that attract families, support local businesses, and strengthen the fabric of rural Kansas for future generations.”

Eligible applicants must represent a community with a population of 5,000 or less and that has received no Commerce funding in the preceding three years.

“The Towns grant will provide an opportunity for grassroots, rural leaders to revitalize our small and rural communities,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “By targeting these resources to underserved regions of the state, we can continue ushering in a promising future for every Kansan, no matter their geographic location.”

Applicants must demonstrate investment in the projects by providing a minimum match of 10%, which can come in-kind for communities with populations under 1,000. The matching funds must come from a private source or non-state funded grants.

Awards will be disbursed to a variety of eligible project types across the entire state. Communities with similar needs are encouraged to leverage resource sharing such as grant administration, grant writing and matching funds.

To support potential applicants, Commerce will host a series of informational webinars and workshops. The Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) will host virtual office hours for applicants who might have questions regarding the grant program. Registration for the webinars and office hours, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible communities and project expenses can be found here.

Grant applications open Monday, December 16, and will close February 28, 2025. Awardees will be announced mid-April 2025.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, History

Tourism Grants Awarded to The Artificers and The Lowell Milken Center Today

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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Director Lindsay Madison takes a photo of Kate and Trent Freeman accepting an award from Kansas Tourism on December 9. Taken from the Chamber’s Facebook page.

Kansas Tourism Department Director Bridgett Jobe handed over two grants today in Fort Scott.

“You can see that Fort Scott is going through a renaissance,” Jobe told attendees at the Artificers reception for the award presentation.

The Artificers

Kate and Trent Freeman were awarded the $25,000 grant designed to help local businesses develop new attractions.

“They have had an instrumental role in rehabilitating our downtown area….with an innovative approach to enhance the beauty of this community for years to come,” Bourbon County Economic Development Director Rob Harrington said.

Jobe told reception attendees that the Freeman’s “passion for the community really came through.”

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Taken from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Kansas Tourism presented the LMC with a check to expand attractions.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes also received a $6,300 check from Kansas Tourism Director Bridgett Jobe today.

The grant is to help expand attractions that draw tourists to the community.

The center will use the funds to create a new history panel on an unsung hero in Ukraine who saved 100’s of children from starvation in her Ukrainian town, said Ronda Hassig, spokesperson for LMC.

“The Lowell Milken Center is a treasure,” Jobe, said. “Coming here inspires me to be a better person. It inspires me that it’s here in Kansas.”

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board of Education Agenda for December 9

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

December 09, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                                                      David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            4.1       Board Minutes

  1. 11-11-24

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – October 18, 2024 – $1,693,896.64

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       MS Band Fundraising

4.8       December 2024 KASB Policy Updates

5.0       Employee Recognitions

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report     

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            6.4       Eugene Ware Update & Report                             

 

7.0       Old Business

7.1       KESA Accreditation Plan (Information only)

7.2       Pre-Employment Drug Screening (Action)

7.3       Board Vacancy (Discussion)

8.0       New Business

            8.1       Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, Inc Grant (Action)

            8.2       Kingbird Solar Energy Contribution Agreement (Action)

8.3       TowerPoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site (Action)

            8.4       School Bus Purchase(s) (Action)

8.5       Maintenance Truck Purchase

8.6       10 Passenger Van Purchase

 

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Time ____

 

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item

 

11.0     Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Bourbon County, Government, Jobs

Danae Esslinger Hired As The New Uniontown City Clerk

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Uniontown City Hall. 2023

 

Danea Esslinger is the new Uniontown City Clerk, as of December 5.

Esslinger has been on the Uniontown City Council for 13 years and lived in Uniontown for 29 years.  Both of her children, Breanna and Brenton, graduated from Uniontown High School. She is the daughter of David DeWayne and Deana Fuhrman of Bronson.

 

Danae Esslinger. Submitted photo.

 

She graduated from Garnett High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, with an emphasis in management from Pittsburg State University.

Recently, the council has had difficulty finding a new clerk to replace Sally Johnson who wants to retire from that position.

That’s when Esslinger decided to apply for the job.

At last month’s Uniontown City Council Special meeting, she resigned from her council position and applied for the job.

“I am wanting to do some things that make the city even better,” Esslinger said.

Duties of the Clerk

From a prior interview with Sally Johnson, retiring city clerk, she told of the duties of the Uniontown City Clerk.

“The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances:  receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; maintain city website; other duties as required.”

New Treasurer

Sally Johnson is retiring as Uniontown’s City Clerk.

Sally Johnson is the new treasurer of the council, following the resignation of Charlene Bolinger, which was effective Nov. 13.

This part-time job is to “do bank reconciliation and make sure the clerk is getting things done correctly,” Johnson said.