Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for Fort Scott City Commission On August 1

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

August 1, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells
  3.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: 

III.    Approval of Agenda:

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $213,912.62
  4. 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
  5. Approval of Drinking Establishment City License Renewal – Pizza Republic – 17 S. Main Street – Bret Holder
  6. 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
  7. 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.

 

  1.    Public Comment:

Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission’s discretion.

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Approval of the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for City of Fort Scott Budget Hearing – B. Hart
  2. Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a representative – TABLED FROM JULY 25, 2023
  3. Selection of date for Certified Local Government Program (CLG) Work Session in August with Katrina Ringler, Commission and Community

 

VII.    Appearances:

  1. Rob Hansen – Son of American Legion Car & Motorcycle Show:  Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Temporary Street Closure of 3rd Street between Main and National – 8:00AM – 1:00PM

 

VIII.   Public Hearing:  None

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Consideration for purchase of fire truck – D. Bruner
  3. Amendment 1 to Brick Street Policy – M. Wells
  4. Consideration of bids for Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project – J. Dickman
  5. Consideration to set deadlines for City Commission meeting agenda practice and procedure

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke –
  6. Harrington –
  7. Woellhof –
  8. Guns –
  9. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

 

XII.     Adjournment:

Government, Jobs, Kansas

KS Office of Apprenticeship Launches Initiative

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MeadowLARK Grant Program to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities in Kansas

~~Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Receives More Than $6M to Modernize and Expand State’s Registered Apprenticeships~~  

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship has launched the MeadowLARK — Leading Apprenticeship Results in Kansas — Initiative to expand the state’s Registered Apprenticeship opportunities further.

“MeadowLARK is an important tool that will be used to grow the state’s skilled workforce in rural and urban communities across multiple industries – further advancing Kansas’ economic growth,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By continuing to work together, we are fostering a brighter, more resilient, and more prosperous future for all who call the Sunflower State home.”

Funding for MeadowLARK was delivered through a State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which provides targeted support to state Registered Apprenticeship Programs. A total of $6,331,847 was awarded to Kansas.

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship will utilize these funds to continue revolutionizing apprenticeship in Kansas. MeadowLARK will also greatly expand the office’s efforts by developing Multi-Employer Intermediaries focusing on high-demand, high-wage occupations to meet industry needs.

“Since it was established last year, the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship is making huge strides to expand the highest quality earn-and-learn opportunities across our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through the MeadowLARK funding, the office will continue bringing together businesses, industries, labor, workforce boards, higher education systems, state departments, and other stakeholders, with one objective: Making Kansas a top 25 apprenticeship state by 2025.”

“MeadowLARK represents the latest and most significant opportunity for us to revolutionize how we develop and engage the workforce system and Multi-Employer Intermediaries.,” Shonda Anderson, Director of Apprenticeship and Internship for the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, said. “With this model, we’re able to create easier pathways for businesses to grow their own workforce.”

In addition to modernization, MeadowLARK will invest nearly $5.7 million over the next three years to advance integration efforts with local Workforce Boards across Kansas and establish Statewide and Regional Multi-Employer Intermediaries.

The Statewide Multi-Employer Intermediaries include:

Statewide Multi-Employer Intermediaries convene and ease the development of Registered Apprenticeship programs for specific employers.

“This Registered Apprenticeship program is a critical step toward addressing the teacher shortage here in Kansas,” Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson said. “These additional grant funds will help ease the financial hurdle many aspiring educators face on their way to earning a college degree and enable us to expand the program.”

Local Workforce Boards such as Kansas WorkforceONE will convene opportunities for populations with barriers to employment.

“Kansas WorkforceONE is excited about the opportunities that the MeadowLARK grant will provide us,” said Deb Scheibler, Executive Director at Kansas WorkforceONE. “We can use this to expand Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities across central and western Kansas for some of our most vulnerable populations.”

The Regional Multi-Employer Intermediaries include:

For more information about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, click here.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Directs Agencies to Update Emergency Plans

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Governor Kelly Directs State Agencies to Update Continuity of Operations Plans

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that she has signed Executive Order 23-03, directing all executive branch state agencies to update their Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP). Having updated plans is vital in the event of natural or other emergencies that impact state agencies or degrade their ability to deliver services.

“These plans are essential to our preparedness for emergencies, so Kansans have peace of mind and confidence in our continuity of government,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These plans serve as a guide for our agencies to coordinate and manage their essential functions and services during disruptions of normal operations.”

Agency COOPs will address essential functions, critical facilities, order of succession, delegation of authority, communications, testing, training, and exercises, among other topics. State agencies are also directed to update COOP annually and provide those updates to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.

In her order, Governor Kelly encouraged other statewide elected officials, independent boards and commissions, the Regents Universities, and the Judicial and Legislative Branches to implement Continuity of Operations planning and to be part of state continuity preparedness discussions.

Executive Order 23-03 provides a deadline of December 31, 2023, for agencies to update their COOP.

A copy of Executive Order 23-03 can be found here.

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Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bo Co Commission on July 24

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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

Nelson Blythe

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

 

July 24, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Minutes from 7/17/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. 5:45 Public Opening of Motor Grader, Mini Excavator, and Trailer Bids
  • Drew Talbot-Via Christi
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, Real Property Relief Application
  1. Clifton Beth Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(3)
  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.

 

Government

Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission Meeting on July 25

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

July 25, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells
  3.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  Led by M. Wells

III.    Approval of Agenda:

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 11, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1339-A — $717,956.29
  4. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 2022 CDBG       Sanitary Sewer Project – Inspection Services –
  5.   May 31, 2023 – Invoice #16604 –  $17,063.90
  6.           July 5, 2023 – Invoice #16678 –    $16,602.75
  7. Request to Pay – Ray Lindsey Co. – Grit Removal System $151,752.76
  8. Request to Pay – Haynes for WWTP Booster Station –     $27,800.00
  9. July Financials

 

  1.    Public Comment:

 

Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission’s discretion.

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Approval of Contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton to audit financial statement of the City for the year ended December 31, 2022 – $18,150.00 – presented by Terence Sercer, CPA
  2. Consideration of parking lease agreement for DCF building – B. Farmer
  3. Consideration to accept responsibility of Splash Pad – J. Jones and B. Lyons

 

 

 

 VII.   Appearances:

  1. IT Service Proposal for City of Fort Scott – Shawn Latimer – PCnet
  2. HBCAT:  Downtown Arch Project – seeking approval from the                           City Commission
  3. HBCAT:  Amendment to MOU – 3rd Street Park and Downtown Arch Project
  4. Cory Bryars:  Care to Share Event
  5. Dakota Rusk and Austin Alfaro:  Rumble on the Bricks – Temporary Street Closure on Old Fort Blvd (includes all of Skubitz Plaza)

 

VIII.   Public Hearing:  Petition to Vacate East 21st Street – Marvin A. Lewis – Norman        Nation to present petition

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Consideration of bids for Evergy Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project for Infantry Substation – J. Dickman
  3. Consideration to Eliminate Inactive Accounts – B. Hart

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke –
  6. Harrington –
  7. Woellhof –
  8. Guns –
  9. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

 

XII.     Adjournment:

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Virtual Job Fair to Showcase Hundreds of Available State Positions

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TOPEKA – Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. This virtual fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, will focus on employment opportunities available within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are almost 800 vacancies across the state.

“The Department of Commerce alone has 28 openings, and we want to fill these positions with skilled and professional candidates looking to secure good-paying careers with great benefits,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All of our agency jobs offer opportunities for individuals to make a true difference in the lives of individuals and communities by serving our great state.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

To register for the July 26 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click here.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Bourbon County, Government

City of Uniontown Budget Work Session Minutes of July 18

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The Budget Worksession on July 18, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Budget worksession

 

Council was presented with a 2024 proposed budget.  It was reviewed and amended to have the same mill rate as last year, which will exceed the revenue neutral rate.  It was agreed upon to send notice to County Clerk of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate and set the revenue neutral rate hearing to begin at 6:45PM on September 12, 2023, to be immediately followed by the budget hearing, then the regular council meeting.  Session ended at 7:48PM

 

 

Government

Uniontown City Council Unofficial Minutes of the July 11 Meeting

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The unofficial minutes of the Uniontown City Council for July 11, 2023.

The Uniontown City Council Meeting on July 11, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger (7:02), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dakota Harris, Tim Nuckolls Agency, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Dakota Harris – Tim Nuckolls Agency– Mr Harris gave a presentation of GlobeLife benefits.  Consensus was that we would not add any benefits at this time.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to make the following appointments/designations:

City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk – Sally Johnson; City Treasurer – Charlene Bolinger; Municipal Judge – Patricia Miklos-Boyd; Municipal Prosecutor – Chase Vaughn; City Newspaper – The Fort Scott Tribune; and Official Bank – Union State Bank, Uniontown.

 

Oath of office was administered to Johnson and Bolinger.  Johnson will administer oath to judge and prosecutor at next court session.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the June 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $356,954.32, Receipts $75,670.19, Transfers Out $3,012.77, Expenditures $29,870.79, Checking Account Closing Balance $399,740.95. Bank Statement Balance $402,032.87, including Checking Account Interest of $81.25, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,291.92, Reconciled Balance $399,740.95.  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 $486,473.88. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $460.31, and Utility CDs $331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $792.26.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  June Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.30); for Total Transfers of $3,012.77.  Net Income for the month of June $42,786.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,188.98.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $58626.68 (48.0%), Expenditures $56,043.66 (35.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $18,250.72 (49.5%), Expenditures $16,134.02 (39.2%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $89,262.73 (57.0%), Expenditures $62,070.25 (27.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $118,401.36 (79.1%), Expenditures $85,279.90 (46.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,967.49 (53.2%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The July 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $24,426.87were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of June 21, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.  Mayor Jurgensen asked him to take 4 sets of barricades to 75th street for the baseball tournament this weekend.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan presented the Statement of Enforcing Officer regarding 404 Washington St.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2023-0711-1 a Resolution fixing a time and place and providing for notice of a hearing before the Governing Body of the City of Uniontown, Kansas, at which the owner, his or her agent, lienholders of record, occupants and other parties in interest of structures located within said city and described herein may appear and show cause why such structure should not be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished as an unsafe or dangerous structure.

 

The sewer issue at 305 Clay has been resolved and the dead tree at 505 Wall will be removed as soon as contractor can remove it.  Councilmember Kelly asked about household items being stored in a carport.  Clerk Johnson has already spoken with the party.

 

Clerk Johnson asked for voting delegate/alternate voting delegate for League of Kansas Municipalities.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to designate Jess Ervin as voting delegate and Amber Kelly as alternate voting delegate

 

Johnson reminded governing body to let her know if any wished to attend the League of Kansas Municipalities Conference in October or the Regional Meeting on July 27 in Pittsburg.

She also reminded them of the Budget Worksession scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 5:30PM.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – asked if the stone post on her property has any historical significance and if it can be removed.  It was suggested she take a picture of the stone and contact the Bourbon County Historical Society to see if there is any historical significance and whether it can be removed.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

KMGA Supply Management – we received an email about the executive directors’ decision to partner with WoodRiver Energy.  Dixie Riedel called on July 6 to explain that the default purchasing method would be a blend of fixed and first-of-month pricing but each member could tailor their portfolio with all fixed, all first-of-month, or a blend.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to use the default purchasing method for our portfolio

 

Johnson will contact Dixie tomorrow with this decision.

 

Mural Grant – an update was given.

 

Placemaking Project – an update on the success of the booth at Independence Day Bash was given.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Fall Cleanup –

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to provide three dumpsters August 28-31, 8am-8pm, until filled.  When full, dumpsters will be removed.

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:24PM

Government, Kansas

KDADS Reopens Shared Living Program for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

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TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announces the agency has reopened its Shared Living Program, a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) living option for individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

“The process to re-introduce this program to Kansans with IDD has been an important one and we are grateful to and want to acknowledge those who continuously advocated for this program across the state and for those who participated in the creation of the manual,” KDADS Secretary Howard said. “Our team and our partner group has implemented best practices in our state, answered questions, developed tools, and have been vital in this program’s development.”

Shared Living is a nationally recognized model for habilitation or residential services for individuals with IDD. In Shared Living, one to two Participants share a home with a family or single adult’s family (the Contractor). The Contractor lives with the Participant and provides supports to them in accordance with the Participant’s person-centered support plan to include social activities, companionship, teaching, daily living skills, supported employment, night supports and other needs.

“Shared Living provides adults with IDD the opportunity to live in a supportive, family-like environment that promotes independence, social inclusion, and a sense of belonging,” Sunflower Health Plan’s President and CEO, Michael Stephens said. “Sunflower is proud to partner with KDADS and IDD providers to reopen this program.”

Participants in the Shared Living Program have the same rights, responsibilities, and assurances as other Participants receiving HCBS-IDD services in other settings. All services and supports will comply with KDADS licensing, Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO) quality assurance, Managed Care Organization (MCO) reviews, the Person-Centered Support Plan, and other quality assurance reviews.

KDADS has developed the standards for the Shared Living Program in collaboration with a group of licensed residential providers currently providing Shared Living services for Participants on Kansas’ HCBS-IDD Waiver. The Shared Living Manual, effective July 1, 2023, formalizes existing practices and addresses specific issues related to the HCBS-IDD residential requirements and the expansion of the Shared Living Program in Kansas. The Shared Living Manual may be amended based on public comment.

“We are excited to offer this high-quality service option to our Sunflower members and other adults with IDD across Kansas. We appreciate the knowledge and collaboration KDADS and our provider partners offer to inform the future structure of this valuable service model,” Sunflower’s Vice President of Long-term Care and External Relations, Stephanie Rasmussen, said.

KDADS expects the Shared Living Program to:

  • Contribute to the development of individualized, independent daily living routines through encouragement of informed choice, creativity, and enrichment of a Participant’s life.
  • Assist participants in contributing to Kansas as a community.
  • Support quality homes or apartments that are integrated into our communities.
  • Consistently teach new skills with evidenced-based practices.
  • Foster inclusion.
  • Gently and respectfully address inappropriate behavior, with an emphasis on prevention by teaching alternative behaviors through the provision of enriched environments, activities, and choices.
  • Ensure that all behavioral interventions comply with state statutes to ensure the least restrictive environment possible.
  • Increase a Participant’s ability to live in the least restrictive environment.
  • Encourage and support the development of relationships between Participants, participant peers, families, roommates, employees, friends, coworkers, roommates, and other community members.
  • Motivate participants to learn new skills and avoid behaviors that are stigmatizing or harmful.
  • Comply with federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Final Rule and all local, state, federal, and Program requirements.
  • Promote the need for choice, exercising autonomy, and control over one’s own services.
  • Address workforce shortages without compromising quality of services and supports.

The entry timeline for the program is staggered to allow development and implementation to progress efficiently:

  • July 1, 2023 – All Providers currently providing Shared Living Services can continue to do so and expand into other catchment areas. Any Residential Licensed Provider in good standing can begin the process to provide Shared Living Services.
  • January 1, 2024 – New applicants can begin the process to become a Residential Licensed Provider to provide Shared Living Services. New applicants can include any new or existing agency that wishes to be become licensed for Residential Services and offer the Shared Living Program.

Any agency currently providing Shared Living or that would like to become a Shared Living Provider can contact KDADS’ IDD Licensing Manager Aaron Norris.

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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Ed. Press Release of Meeting on July 17

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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, July 17, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda with removal of 8.1 Roof Payment and 9.7 MOU with SEK Mental Health.

 

The board reorganized. David Stewart was elected as President of the Board and James Wood was elected as Vice-President of the Board.

 

The board approved the consent agenda as follows:

FSHS activity funds – City State Bank,

FSMS activity funds – Union State Bank

Eugene Ware Elementary activity funds – UMB Bank,

Winfield Scott Elementary activity funds – UMB Bank

USD 234 District – Landmark National Bank, UMB Bank, and KMIP

  • Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune
  • Officers for the 2023-24 school year

KASB Governmental Relations Network Representative – Board President

Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws/Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child Welfare Agencies/District Foster Care Liaison/Freedom of Information Officer – Destry Brown

Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button

Clerk/KPERS Representative/KERMP Designated Representative of Member – Gina Shelton

Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson

LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/504 Coordinator – Dalaina Smith

Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Alex Specht

Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris

Eugene Ware Elementary School Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd

Winfield Scott Elementary School Attendance Officer – Christopher Garzone

  • Recreation Commission Board Member Term

Tammy Hill 4 years June 30, 2026

Susan Marbery 4 years June 30, 2025

Stewart Gulager 3 years June 30, 2025

Mike Chipman 3 years June 30, 2024

Adam Lancaster 3 years June 30, 2024

10 cents per page for employees

10 cents per page for alumni

15 cents per page for non-employees

20 cents per page for color copies

  • Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate, for information only – As of 07/01/23 – 65.5 cents
  • 2023-24 School Fees

 

Superintendent Brown congratulated and thanked Connie Billionis for the work she had provided to USD 234 during her 42 years of service with the district. Mrs. Billionis retired this year.

 

Classified Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Katie Chipman as the Classified Tiger Team Member of the Month.

  • Chipman is a Paraprofessional at Fort Scott Middle School. She worked at Summer School in June and was willing to do whatever was needed. Ms. Chipman has been with USD 234 for a total of 7 years including subbing and full-time work.

 

Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Nichole Regan as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.

  • Regan is a Special Education Teacher at Fort Scott High School. Mrs. Regan coordinated Extended School Year this summer for all of our Special Education kids. She organized the teachers, paraprofessionals, and activities. Mrs. Regan has taught for USD 234 for 9 years.

Superintendent Destry Brown shared a video where Fort Scott High School was recognized at the June 15th Kansas Board of Regents meeting as an All-Star High School for their work with high school seniors.

Superintendent Destry Brown provided an update to the board on the Safe & Secure Grant awarded to USD 234. This grant will be used to purchase protective film for the high school, additional cameras, and walkie-talkies for communication purposes. Mr. Brown also reported on the award of the Mental Health Intervention Team Program Grant, which will be used to provide a social worker who will help coordinate services between families and providers. Mr. Brown shared the good news that all kids will eat free this school year at USD 234.

 

Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, updated the board on USD 234’s accreditation being fully approved by the state. Mrs. Smith shared information on two PLC professional development workshops that staff will attend in July, one focusing on educator wellness and the other on the PLC programming. Mrs. Smith shared an update on the internally developed mentoring program which is being put in place instead of using an outside provider and also discussed the new teacher orientation to be held the second week of August.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the board on the USD 234 Job Fair that was held. Twenty-two people attended the event. Mrs. Barnes noted that several interviews have already taken place and it is anticipated that the district will be fully staffed at the start of the school year. Mrs. Barnes welcomed Candace Jobe as the Special Education Administrative Assistant and discussed the formation of a Special Education leadership team for 2023-24 that will rotate year to year to provide input.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the 403(b) Match Plan, including participation numbers of 92%, final cash balances for 2022-23, remaining ESSER balance, and the Household Economic Survey. Mrs. Shelton explained how that survey is tied to the funding USD 234 receives in the areas of Title, At-Risk, and in the form of ERATE discounts. Mrs. Shelton encouraged all families to help the district by completing the survey so that there is not a loss in other funding for programs.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Happy Kids Lease Agreement for the 2023-24 School Year
  • Timeline for Budget Adoption including dates for Special Board Meetings
    • Budget Presentation – 08/07/23 – 5:30 p.m.
    • Revenue Neutral Hearing – 08/28/23 – 5:30 p.m.
    • Budget Hearing – 08/28/23 – 5:45 p.m.
  • Certifying to the County Clerk intent to not be Revenue Neutral and related declarations
  • Purchase of FSHS Social Studies AP and Dual Credit Resources
  • Purchase of FSHS MAP Assessment and Professional Development
  • Contribution of $10,000 to Core Communities
  • Facility Use Permit for FLAG Church
  • Personnel Report following
  • Increase to the Substitute Pay Schedule

 

During the public forum section, Superintendent Brown thanked Dan Koppa, Brian Pool, and Stephen Mitchell for their help in moving food items due to the loss of power after the storm on Friday night.

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

July 17, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Fields, Kelly – Resignation – Fort Scott High School English Teacher as of June 28, 2023
  • Hall, Laeci – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional as of June 30, 2023
  • Harris, Shelby – Resignation – Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher as of June 29, 2023
  • Harney, Joel – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Assistant Boys Basketball

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS:

For the 2023-24 school year:

Classified:

  • Crank, Matt – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
  • Hemphill-Witham, Cynthia – Fort Scott Preschool Center Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
  • Schnichels, Laryn – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
  • Tally, Lisa – Fort Scott Middle School At-Risk Instructional Aide – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

  • Forkner, Julie – Fort Scott Preschool Center Intervention Teacher for part-time
  • Furry, Frances – Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

  • Barrows, James – Fort Scott Middle School Football Coach
  • Griffetts, Christopher – Fort Scott High School Art Show
  • Hall, Laeci – Fort Scott High School Assistant Volleyball Coach
  • Schnichels, Laryn – Fort Scott Middle School Gym Supervisor
  • Stepps, Abby – Fort Scott Middle School Summer Conditioning
Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Special and Regular Meeting Minutes of July 10

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The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioner and the County Clerk present in person for a special meeting.

 

Rob Harrington, Troy Schell, and Juan Banos were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting at 4:00 with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships. The executive session will include the three Commissioners, Rob Harrington, Troy Schell, and Juan Banos and they will return at 4:16. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume session at 4:16 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:17. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

 

 

 

July 10, 2023                                                                                                          Monday, 4:30 p.m.

 

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

 

Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Eric Bailey, Dustin Hall, Patty Ropp, Teri Hulsey, Michael Hoyt, Mary Pemberton, Jason Silvers, James Malveaux, Hanna Malveaux, and Anne Dare were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim opened the meeting at 4:30 starting out with a budget work session allocated for the first two hours of the meeting.

 

Susan Bancroft, CFO, handed out budget summaries and highlights for each department and informed everyone that this is the first attempt to take all the requests and plug in the numbers to see where we stand. Susan said the numbers presented would bring all courthouse employees to at least $15 an hour and 40 hours per week. The requested increases for all departments would equal a 6.761 mill rate increase if all were approved. Susan said a concern in the general fund is over the years the cash reserves have been used to stay revenue neutral but that this will hurt us in the future as we will not start off 2025 with two months of operating expenses. The Register of Deeds office requested wage increases for her employees and a $10,000 increase for performing duties relating to road records. The Appraiser’s office is needing a transfer of $50,000 from their equipment reserve fund for a cash basis reserve for carry over. The Treasurer’s Office will be increasing wages, so there will not be as much of a transfer from the motor vehicle fund to the general fund at the end of the year. The Election fund is requesting $10,000 more due to a Presidential Primary Election that is now required for March 2024. The Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center requested $2,700 more for 2024 and Tri-Valley requested an increase of $10,000. The Conservation District also asked for an increase of $10,000 with the Multi-County Health Department asking for an additional $5,000. Public Safety requested an increase of $267,063 for the 2024 budget. EMS is requesting an increase of $172,374.20 to bring all employees to $15.00/hour and add one more paramedic to help with lowering overtime.  The Public Works department is asking for the same amount as last year with only a slight increase for fuel which equals a .023 mill increase across all their funds. There was discussion held over how to lower the requested mills. Jim said he is in favor of getting employees raised to $15.00/hour. Nelson said he is looking at cutting non-department payments first. The amount EMS requested was discussed and Susan said she feels it was due to budgeting too low in 2023 and reminded the Commissioners that was the first year Bourbon County had the entire EMS budget as it was originally shared services with the city. Susan told the Commissioners to keep in mind during their budgeting process that if they are planning any bonds in the future the lower cash on hand will affect the bond rating. A decision will have to be made at the next meeting if the Commission plan to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate as the Clerk has to have that information by July 20th. Clifton made a motion to close the budget session and open the regularly scheduled Commission meeting at 6:30. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to move Justin Meeks’ executive session before the consent agenda. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Justin said he is requesting a 5-minute executive session for attorney client privilege for possible litigation. Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) to include the three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and they will return at 6:37. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:37 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to add financials to the consent agenda. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda in its entirety. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from 6/26/23, 6/28/23, and 7/3/23 as well as the approval of payroll totaling $216,424.52, approval of accounts payable totaling $392,442.81, and approval of April and May financials.

 

Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, reported they have asphalted to the railroad tracks on Soldier Road and are now headed back to Valley Road. Dustin told Clifton the washout he reported on Xavier Road will be fixed tomorrow. Dustin said they now have three mowers fixed, but they are down three people. Dustin stated the dealership where we purchased our last truck contacted them with a 2016 Mack CXU613 for $89,270. Dustin said they plan to use some of the proceeds for selling the rock crusher to pay for the truck. This truck will replace a smaller truck that does not have the horsepower needed, but can be sold at auction with the proceeds to go back into the special machinery fund. Jim said that was a very good price. Jim reported he has received two phone calls about mowing. Nelson said he has received another call questioning the status of the dust control. Dustin estimated it would be the week after next before they could apply dust control as their oil truck is currently tied up with the asphalt project. Dustin plans to spray the dust control after the crew finishes paving to Valley Road and before they start the next location. Eric asked if the city agreed to pay for half of Williams Street to be paved since half is located in the city limits. Jim said yes, he spoke to Brad Matkin and the City of Fort Scott will pay for half of the cost. Jim made a motion to allow Public Works to purchase the 2016 Mack CXU613 for $89,270 using rock crusher proceeds. Nelson seconded the motion and questioned the dire need of the truck. Jim asked if the rock crusher proceeds could be moved to the general fund and Susan stated she thinks only if they close out the machinery fund. Nelson questioned how much we received for selling the rock crusher. Dustin stated we received $353,000. Dustin asked why the Commission would take money from us, who are doing our jobs and trying to keep costs down, to give to others who aren’t trying to stay in budget. Dustin said they are trying to update equipment that hasn’t been done in years. The truck they are replacing is a 2006 and they try to get good used vehicles not spend $150,000 on a new truck. All the Commissioners approved Jim’s motion to purchase the 2016 Mack.

 

James Malveaux came to talk to the Commission about a ditching issue he has. Jim explained if he is going to talk about a non-elected identifiable individual then they need to go into executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel to protect their privacy. The session will be for 10-minutes and include the three Commissioners, Eric Bailey, Dustin Hall, James Malveaux, and Hanna Malveaux returning at 7:00. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 7:00 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Jennifer Hawkins presented a Real Property Relief application for a home that was destroyed by fire at 11 N. Barbee. The Commissioners decided to waive 50% of the taxes due to the fire happening in June. Nelson made a motion to approve the real property relief application for 11 N. Barbee at 50%. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to remove his two items from the agenda. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clint Walker stated if we are going to have all Bourbon County departments tighten their belts then he feels the Sheriff’s Department needs to use gas cards at the Public Works Department to save 85 cents per gallon. Mr. Walker also said if they want two new deputies, you give them a budget it’s up to them to do it. Clint discussed the County Attorney giving herself a pay raise and still asking for more this year. Clint said the Register of Deeds could save money by saying we don’t have to maintain roads. Mr. Walker said as a nation we spend little on mental health and that Tri-Valley provides a valuable service to Bourbon County.

 

Michael Hoyt stated SEK Area Agency on Aging and Meals on wheels go into a dispute on who offers what and questioned if they know what we expect of them. Michael said that Meals on Wheels is currently providing a box of frozen meals but not hot meals. Michael questioned the number of $19,000 per employee for benefits and asked how many brackets we offer. Susan explained the employee and family options and that one employee may not be taking the insurance but they still figure the $19,000 because they may leave and the person who replaces them may take the insurance.

 

Anne Dare said she has a problem with our health insurance, that her husband has to pay for insurance and stated taxpayers have to pay for Bourbon County employee’s insurance. Nelson said that was a good point but urged her to look at what others are making versus what Bourbon County employees make. Anne asked if there would be any public release made for the special meeting that as held at 4:00. Clifton said there was no action. Anne said she wants every department to show they are making the best decisions. Jim said there has been discussion on paying more per hour and less for benefits and said Susan is working on things to make it better.

Michael Hoyt asked about the company that offered stop loss. Clifton said we are having someone work on our health insurance and we are looking at other options but nothing can change for a year unless we choose to do a buyout. Clifton said regarding paying for employees’ insurance we have to pay 95% with the Affordable Care Act. Jim said there are some who really appreciate our insurance. Clifton explained that we have an extremely unhealthy pool of employees.

 

Clifton responded to Clint’s comments about the County Attorney and said you can vote or run against her. Clifton also said that we can’t make the Sheriff buy gas at the county barn. Clifton said that Meals on Wheels and the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging can show what they get out of the money we give them and that Meals on Wheels can’t get people to cook for them and suggested volunteering for them. Clifton said in his opinion they are doing they best they can with what they get.

 

Jim said he has seen outbreaks during public comments and suggests changing the public comments section to what the city and school do. Jim said he wants public comments to stay, just no arguments. Jim asked the other Commissioners if they want to think about it. Clifton said we don’t have to allow public comments and being interrupted is disrespectful as this is our business meeting. Clifton said he agrees with Jim. Nelson said he likes public comments and bantering. Anne Dare said there is a resolution that Lynne made during the windmill time about public comments. Jim made a motion to move the public comments to the first item on the agenda right after the consent agenda with a signup sheet where you put the topic and have 5 minutes to speak. The sheets will go to the Commission and during the public comments section we will call your name and your topic and listen to you. Clifton seconded the motion and said he is open for trying it and that the public is welcome to get on the agenda. Nelson said he wants anybody who wanders in to be able to speak. Clifton said he doesn’t disagree but he’s seen it get worse because the public think they can do or say anything. Jim’s motion passed 2-1 with Nelson opposing.

 

Jim asked Patty Love what we have to do to get the budget reports out by the 15th of the month. Susan said due to reconciling they will always be a month behind. Patty said she had some trouble with April and Susan fixed it for her and now May is done, so Jennifer was able to send out budget reports. Susan said the vouchers have to be approved or it won’t be accurate. Jim said Eric has to know numbers to be able to do asphalt.

 

Michael Hoyt asked if since the public comment section is moved to the beginning if he has additional input can he raise his hand and get acknowledged? Clifton said yes if we choose to, we can. Clifton said this is our business meeting and he is done with nonsense, stating he was elected to do a job.

 

 

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:44. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

                                                         

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

                             , Approved Date