There will be a City Commission Work Session on Monday, Jan.13th at 5:00PM. The session will begin at City Hall and may move to 118 E Wall for the Commissioners to view the building with the owner.
Category Archives: Government
Agenda for the Bo Co Commission On Jan. 13
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
David Beerbower
2nd District Commissioner
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
January 13, 2025 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- 5:30 Flood Plain Management Public Hearing
- Organization of the Board
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/30/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $679,618.29
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $294,2023.75
- Public Comments
- Cory Bryars-Care to Share
- Lora Holdridge-Cemeteries
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- County Clerk
- Hidden Valley Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses
- 2025 Resolutions
- County Counselor Candidates
- Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Shane Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
USD 235 Agenda for Jan. 13 Meeting and Minutes of Dec. 9 Meeting
FSCC Trustees Will Meet January 13 for a Special Meeting
The FSCC Board of Trustees will hold a brief special board meeting at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 13 in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building to approve personnel actions needing addressed before the regularly scheduled meeting on January 28. Immediately following adjournment of the special meeting, the Board will stay until approximately 5:00 pm for a board retreat/training. No action will be taken during this training time.
Juley McDaniel
Director of Human Resources
Fort Scott Community College
USD 234 Agenda for Jan. 13
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
January 13, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC
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
- 12-09-24
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – December 20, 2024 – $1,735,450.74
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
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 Fort Scott Middle School Presentation
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Maintenance Truck Purchase – Final Approval (Action)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Hinton Creek Solar Contribution Agreement (Action)
8.2 Resolution 24-08 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2025 (Action)
8.3 Resolution 24-09 To Establish Election of School Board Officers (Action)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Time ____
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
USDA Invests in Kansas Domestic Biofuels Projects to Lower Costs and Increase American Energy Security
TOPEKA, Jan. 10, 2025 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Director for Kansas Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that Rural Development is funding five projects to expand access to domestic biofuels. The $2,262,500 investment is made through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) and biofuel construction projects will happen in four Kansas communities.
“By expanding access to homegrown biofuels, we are making long-lasting investments that will create new market opportunities and revenue streams for Kansas producers” Davis said.
Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes projects in 41 other states and 3 territories. The details of the Kansas projects are:
- A $78,750 grant will help TT Station LLC install three E15 dispensers at one fueling station in Wichita. This project is estimated to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 76,767 gallons per year.
- A $540,000 grant will help Prairie Eagle LLC install twelve E15 dispensers, and twelve E85 dispensers at four fueling stations in Wichita. This project is estimated to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 524,272 gallons per year.
- A $159,000 grant will help Mo’s LLC install two E15 dispensers and one ethanol storage tank at one fueling station in Linn. This project is estimated to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 152,557 gallons per year.
- A $953,750 grant will help CC of Hays Inc. install sixteen E15 dispensers, sixteen E85 dispensers, seven B20 dispensers, two ethanol storage tanks, and two biodiesel storage tanks at two fueling stations in Wilson and Hays. This project is estimated to increase the amount of biofuel sold by 2,129,805 gallons per year.
- A $531,000 grant will help Cervs LLC install six E15 dispensers, six E85 dispensers, and one ethanol storage tank at one fueling station in Hays. This project is estimated to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 589,973 gallons per year.
Background
The HBIIP program provides grants to fueling station and distribution facility owners—including marine, rail, and home heating oil facilities—to expand access to domestic biofuels, a clean and affordable source of energy. These investments help business owners install and upgrade infrastructure such as fuel pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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Kansas Fish Consumption Advisories For 2025
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) (collectively, “Kansas”) is issuing fish consumption advisories for 2025. The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic species, that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.
Definitions/Servings:
Bottom-feeding fish: buffalo, carp, catfish, sturgeon and suckers
Shellfish: mussels, clams and crayfish
Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):
- Adults and children age 13 and older = 8 ounces
- Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces
- Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces
Statewide Mercury Advisories for Fish:
There are many health benefits associated with going outside and catching and consuming fish; however, all fish contain some amount of mercury. Consumption of mercury-rich fish can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing children. As a result, anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to children, including store-bought fish, should carefully consider the type and amount of fish eaten. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children 17 or younger) should follow the guidelines presented below for eating Kansas-caught fish.
Fishing and Eating Guidelines:
- Eat smaller portions – a fillet about the size of your palm.
- Eat fish species with less mercury (see “Preferred Choice Fish” chart below).
- If you don’t know what type or size of fish you’ve eaten, wait at least one week before eating fish again.
- When fishing, keep fish shorter than your forearm (fingertips to elbow) or less than 20 inches, as regulations allow. Visit Fishing Regulations / Fishing / KDWP – KDWP (ksoutdoors.com) for more information.
| Preferred Choice Fish | Servings |
| Blue and Channel Catfish
Common Carp Crappies White Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped Bass Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye Bullhead Catfish Drum Sunfish (Bluegill, Green, Redear, etc.) |
1 or 2 per week |
| Second Choice Fish | Servings |
| Buffalo (Black, Bigmouth, Smallmouth)
Flathead Catfish Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted) |
1 or 2 per month |
Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep fish larger than 20 inches to:
- Preferred Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per week
- Second Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per month
For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas-caught fish, contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, store-bought fish, and other types of seafood, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA website.
Waterbody-Specific Advisories for All Consumers:
Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 2 servings per month from the following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):
- Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County).
Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following locations because of PCBs:
- Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County).
- K-96 Lake in Wichita (Sedgwick County).
Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following location because of arsenic:
- Mill Creek from Madison Road east of Morrowville to confluence with Little Blue River (Washington County).
Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:
- Antioch Park Lake South in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County); all fish due to pesticides: dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs).
- Arkalon Park Lakes in Liberal (Seward County); Kansas recommends not eating any aquatic life because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater.
- Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties); bottom-feeding fish due to PCBs.
- Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties); bottom-feeding fish due to PCBs.
- Mill Creek from Washington (below 18th Road) downstream to confluence of Little Blue River (Washington County); shellfish due to arsenic.
- Shoal Creek from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
- Spring River from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
Waterbodies Affected by Harmful Algae Blooms:
To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms suggest the fish are safe to eat. However, please take the following precautions:
- Avoid skin contact with water.
- Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment.
- Rinse fish with clean water.
- Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.
- Eat only skinless fillets.
- Do not eat shellfish.
General Advice for Reducing Exposure to Chemicals in Fish:
- Keep smaller fish to eat (regulations permitting) and let the big ones go.
- Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets.
- Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away.
- Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas.
- Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention ponds.
Other information from KDHE, KDWP, EPA and the American Heart Association
To view the advisories online – and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program – Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program | KDHE, KS.
For information about fishing in Kansas – including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and forecasts – Fishing in Kansas | KDWP.
For information about the health benefits and risks of including fish in your diet, visit Eating fish twice a week reduces heart, stroke risk | American Heart Association.
For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits, visit EPA Guidance for Developing Fish Advisories | US EPA.
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Uniontown City Council Meets January 14 at 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing –
SEK Multi-County Health Department, Hannah Geneva –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of December 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KRWA Conference on 3/25-27/2025
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
gWorks issues –
Website Hosting
Rabies Clinic?
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Warehouse project –electric proposal
SEED Grant – formally announce winners on January 17, if you want to know if we are awarded, be here at 10AM.
Park electric –
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission Meeting on Jan. 7
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of January 7, 2025 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 not streamed live on YouTube due to technical difficulties, but a version is now available.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury (via teleconference) were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Jason Pickert/FSPD Chief of Police, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via teleconference).
- Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and M. Wells said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda (Time stamp 3:20)
MOTION: VANHOECKE moved to approve the Agenda with the addition of Item K/New Business/Action Items – Consideration of City Liaison to REDI. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Appointment of Mayor of Fort Scott 2025 (Time stamp 4:59)
MOTION: DANCER moved to nominate VANHOECKE for Mayor. SALSBURY seconded.
SALSBURY, VANHOECKE, DANCER – YES WELLS, OLSON – NO
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
Discussion was had regarding the nomination process in the Code of Procedures for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott.
FARMER stated that action was already approved on appointing the Mayor. Further discussion led to the agreement to continue with the process stated in the Code of Procedures.
MOTION: OLSON moved to nominate WELLS for Mayor. WELLS seconded.
WELLS, OLSON – YES SALSBURY, VANHOECKE, DANCER – NO
MOTION FAILED 2-3
MOTION: WELLS moved to nominate OLSON for Mayor. OLSON seconded.
WELLS, OLSON – YES SALSBURY, VANHOECKE, DANCER – NO
MOTION FAILED 2-3
It was determined that the majority of votes in the motion for VANHOECKE resulted in a majority. TIMOTHY J. VANHOECKE is appointed Mayor.
Appointment of President of the City Commission of Fort Scott (Time stamp 14:23)
MOTION: WELLS moved to nominate OLSON for President. VANHOECKE seconded.
WELLS, OLSON, SALSBURY, VANHOECKE – YES DANCER – NO
MOTION CARRIED 4-1
MOTION: OLSON moved to nominate WELLS for President. WELLS seconded.
OLSON, DANCER, WELLS – YES SALSBURY, VANHOECKE – NO
MOTION CARRIED 3-2
MOTION: VANHOECKE moved to nominate SALSBURY for President. OLSON seconded.
WELLS, DANCER, OLSON, VANHOECKE – YES SALSBURY – ABSTAINED
MOTION CARRIED 4-0
Code of Ethics – Ordinance No. 3780 (Time stamp 17:49)
MOTION: WELLS moved to table the consideration of the Code of Ethics Ordinance No. 3780 until the changes agreed upon last year could be executed into the new document. DANCER seconded the motion.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
ACTION: FARMER will execute the document and provide to all Commissioners prior to the January 21, 2025, meeting.
Code of Procedures for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott (Time stamp 19:14)
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the Code of Procedures as presented.
WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Appointment of Commission Representative of the Fort Scott Land Bank (Time stamp 20:38)
MOTION: DANCER moved to nominate WELLS. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Appointment of Commission Representative of the Fort Scott Housing Authority (Time stamp 21:43)
MOTION: WELLS moved to nominate VANHOECKE. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Appointment of Commission Representative of the Fort Scott Public Library (Time stamp 22:32)
WELLS expressed willingness to continue in the role.
MOTION: DANCER moved to nominate WELLS. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Appointment of Commission Representative to Healthy in All Practices Commission
(Time stamp 23:58)
Salsbury is current representative and stated schedule conflict with their meeting time.
MOTION: DANCER moved to table the item until January 21, 2025.
OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Appointment of Commissioner Liaison to the Street Advisory Board (Time stamp 25:34)
MOTION: OLSON moved to appoint WELLS. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration to Appoint or Remove Commission Representative to REDI (Time stamp 30:41)
Discussion about having a city liaison for properties within REDI such as importance of monitoring properties for city projects. DANCER is interested and will check his calendar for availability before volunteering for the position. VANHOECKE believed the need to resolve the issue since there was an existing appointment. FAMER confirmed.
MOTION: WELLS moved to table the consideration until the January 21, 2025, meeting. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Approval of Consent Agenda (Time stamp 31:02)
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1375-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of December 11. 2024 – January 2, 2025, – $581,356.50
– Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 17678 – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Payroll – $28,686.16
– Approval of Renewed Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License for 2025 Consumption on the Premises – Outpost 13 West LLC – 13 W. Oak
– Consideration of Pay Request No. 6 – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No. 24-414 Horton Street & 6th Street Improvements – $126,029.60
– Approval of Resolution No. 1-2025 – A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
– Approval of Resolution No. 2-2025 – A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITIORES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
– Approval of Resolution No. 3-2025 – A RESOLUTION FOR EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A.
MATKIN questioned Pay Request #6 to Earles Engineering ($126,029.60). DICKMAN confirmed that the invoice did not include the overlay.
Discussion of Resolution No. 3-2025. WELLS has an issue with the Exemption from Generally Accepted Accounting Practices Under K.S.A. 1120A.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Consent Agenda minus the approval of the Exemption from GAAP. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
MOTION: DANCER moved to table consideration of Resolution No. 3-2025 until January 21, 2025, for further discussion with the auditor. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Status of 323 W. Wall (Time stamp 35:38)
KRUGER stated the condition has worsened, more roof damage and debris present.
Discussion was had on contacting the owner and potential buyers. KRUGER stated that the owner has no money or plans to address the building. Homeowner is concerned about losing the property due to taxes.
WELLS stated that three contractors showed interest, but follow-up was not completed.
Discussion was had on the Land Bank’s role on properties and structures. Current property owner owes the city approximately $12,000 to $13,000 in back taxes. WELLS stated that grants and tax credits
may be available to facilitate property transfer and that the owner may consider giving property to a contractor willing to restore it.
WELLS stated that two contractors have been approached regarding property restoration. One contractor expressed interest but has too many current projects.
ACTION: WELLS stated that he would be willing to take the lead on contacting interested parties and report back with updates on contractor interest by the next meeting in January.
Reporting of Demolition Award – 1105 S. Scott (Time stamp 43:50)
Demo for 1105 S. Scott has been awarded by the City Manager to Dave’s Demo for $3,500.00. There were (2) other bids: Foxwell Holdings at $5,000.00 and Skitch’s Inc. at $6,427.00. The winner is ready to begin demolition.
Reports and Comments
City Manager Comments: (Time stamp 44:33)
– Joint work session – City Commissioners and County Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6:00PM at Memorial Hall.
– Public Works Crew commended for handling recent storm issues.
– Work Session for 118 E Wall postponed to Monday, January 13, 2025.
– Dance Party scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025, 7:00PM-10:00PM at Memorial Hall. Cover charge of $5.00 to attend.
Engineer Comments: (Time stamp 48:09)
– Horton Street & 6th Street Project Update – need to review Substantial Completion Date
Commissioner Comments
OLSON (Time stamp 49:30)
WELLS (Time stamp 50:48)
SALSBURY (Time stamp 52:16)
DANCER (Time stamp 53:39)
VANHOECKE (Time stamp 59:02)
City Attorney Comments (Time stamp 59:50)
Requested a call for an Executive Session
MOTION: OLSON moved to amend the agenda to allow for the Executive Session. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: WELLS moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of legal matters pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the meeting will be the (5) Commissioners (SALSBURY via phone), City
Attorney, City Manager and City Engineer. The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 7:20PM. OLSON seconded.
MOTION: WELLS moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:20PM. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
MOTION: DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:21PM. OLSON seconded.
JANUARY 7, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:21PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Unapproved Minutes of the Dec. 11 Uniontown City Council Meeting
The Regular Council Meeting on December 11, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Savannah Pritchett, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Appoint and administer Oath of Office Savannah Pritchett as council member to fill vacant position.
Administer Oath of Office to Danea Esslinger, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.
KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – Dixie unable to attend due to meeting date change. Council to review Slide Show
Presentation and email questions to Clerk to forward to Dixie before the January meeting.
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing – Cost estimates not completed yet, table until January meeting.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson was absent but a written report was presented for the November 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $305,810.54, Receipts $32,360.86, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $34,792.15, Checking Account Closing Balance $290,603.25. Bank Statement Balance $302,036.21, including Checking Account Interest of $63.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,432.96, Reconciled Balance $290.603.25. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,813.87, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,652.34, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,625.68, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $389,695.14. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $651.22, and Utility CDs $1,993.05 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,644.27. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvements-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvements-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of November $15,207.29, Year-to-Date Net Income $55,124.05. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $111,087.83 (90.0%), Expenditures $114,731.66 (70.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,108.71 (86.9%), Expenditures $28378.65 (67.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $104,804.74 (71.5%), Expenditures $109,096.85 (61.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,995.81 (105.3%), Expenditures $176,750.57 (57.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%). The December 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,405.87 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, council pay and payroll have not been received/completed by meeting time.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and November 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting.
- Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that Bill Griffith would like rock or something on the railroad right-of-way where county cleaned out ditch. Mayor Jurgensen suggested to try 5 to 6 inches of milling.
Clerk Esslinger informed the council that gWorks is not working as promised.
She asked the council if can waive the penalty for utility billings this month due to slow US Postal delivery. We received several calls that billings had not been received by the 10th.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to inform unpaid accounts of waiving of penalty due to slow postal delivery, and inform them of amount due; penalty will be applied if not paid January 10th.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Pritchett– nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – there is a need a for additional electrical outlets for Christmas lights in the Park. Discussion followed, and Council directed Superintendent Rich to get quotes for additional electrical outlets.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – brought up items covered in other sections.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that they will put in the poles for the fence soon, but will wait for Spring to put up the fence.
Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work. Clerk Esslinger stated that Bettis will be here when they can. FEMA have the information and is still working on it.
Warehouse project – Superintendent Rich stated that the warehouse skin is about completed. Mayor Jurgensen let Council know that Evergy is coming soon to advise us where the electricity line will be put that will be for the warehouse. Discussion followed. Getting electrical bids for the inside of the warehouse building was discussed. The sale of the Weed Barn was also discussed as the proceeds will be earmarked for the warehouse.
SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24. Grant will be awarded in December, and Clerk Esslinger has not heard back yet.
NEW BUSINESS
CMB 2025 License renewal – Discussion followed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to allow the CMB 2025 License renewal
Sunday CMB hours of sales- Discussion followed.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to approve Ordinance No. 205 amending the start time to sell CMB to 9AM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:19PM.
Open meeting resumed at 8:19.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:32PM.
Superintendent Rich called in at 8:20, out at 8:32. Open meeting resumed at 8:32.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:07PM.
Open meeting resumed at 9:07.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to convert unallocated benefit stipend to an hourly rate of $2.88 effective 1/1/2025 and add $1.00/hr merit increase effective immediately for City Superintendent.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:20PM.
Kansas Receives Transforming Maternal Health Funding Grant
Governor Kelly Announces $17M
to Transform Maternal Health
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Wednesday that Kansas has been selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as one of 15 states to participate in its Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model program, which includes a $17 million grant award over the next 10 years. The goal of the TMaH Model is to improve maternal and child health care for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members.
“It is a tremendous honor for Kansas to be selected for this important program,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding provides the resources necessary for us to continue to grow and increase access to maternal health care to underserved Kansans throughout the state.”
The TMaH selection will enhance the work the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has initiated through its Kansas Medicaid and Maternal and Child Health programs to improve maternal health outcomes for members.
“We have made great strides towards improving maternal health in Kansas through Medicaid and our Maternal Child Health Program,” said KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek. “This grant positions us to take on the important work outlined in the pillars of the TMaH Model.”
The TMaH model will support KDHE in the development of a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. The goal of the model is to reduce disparities in access and treatment, a key focus of the KanCare 3.0 contracts which took effect Jan. 1, 2025.
“The TMaH Model provides Kansas Medicaid with the funding and support necessary to improve maternal and child health outcomes,” said Christine Osterlund, KDHE Deputy Secretary of Agency Integration and Kansas Medicaid Director. “Through stakeholder input and support, especially from our partners at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Kansas submitted a strong and ultimately successful grant application with a clear vision for the program.”
The model is centered on three pillars, which include access to care, infrastructure and workforce capacity, quality improvement and safety, and whole-person care delivery.
The grant will allow KDHE to build upon its work in the following:
- Hospital Engagement for Birthing-Friendly Designation: KDHE, in collaboration with the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative, the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee, and other partners, is recruiting and educating facilities to achieve CMS’s birthing-friendly designation status. TMaH will align with these key public health initiatives to further address barriers and increase quality services and patient safety.
- Whole-Person Care: KDHE’s Kansas Connecting Communities and Maternal Anti-Violence Innovation and Sharing programs will be pivotal in enhancing the patient education and universal screening components of the TMaH model. These programs offer provider consultation, training, and technical assistance for perinatal mental health, substance use, and intimate partner violence. Resources will be scaled to ensure the behavioral health and social determinants of the health needs of all patients.
- Telehealth and Telemonitoring Prioritization: TMaH will enhance telehealth services to overcome geographic barriers, improving access to specialists and reducing travel. KDHE will implement robust telemonitoring for hypertension and gestational diabetes and collaborate on a State Plan Amendment to expand covered services under Medicaid.
- Home Visiting Program Expansion: The TMaH payment model will make home visiting sustainable by addressing funding gaps. KDHE’s strength-based approach improves outcomes in pregnancy, parenting, and early childhood health while TMaH funding expands reach and quality.
The funding will support Kansas’ efforts to address disparities among underserved populations at higher risk for poor maternal outcomes. More information on the program is available at CMS TMaH Model.
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City Hall Is Closed Today
City Hall in Fort Scott will be closed on Monday.
Submitted by
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott