Category Archives: Government

Ascension Via Christi, Business, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care, Legacy Health Foundation, Mercy Hospital

Mental Health Center to Move Into the Former Mercy Building

1 Comment
401 Woodland Hills Blvd. May 2023.

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center in Fort Scott has recently signed an agreement with Legacy  Health LLC for the center to move into the former Mercy Hospital Building at 401 Woodland Hills.

The building was recently vacated by Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas who moved to another Fort Scott building.

The former Mercy Clinic Suites C and D, at 401 Woodland Hills, will be renovated by the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Clinic and move in will be thereafter.

“We don’t have an official date for the move as we need to secure a contractor for some renovations but are hoping this summer,” said Holly Jerome, SEKMHC’s director of marketing and human resources said. “Once a move date has been set, we will be notifying clients and the community.”

“We are certainly not new to Fort Scott,” said Jerome. “We were established in 1961! But due to our growth after becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Healthcare Clinic ( in 2022) we are outgrowing our current building which is located at 212 State Street.”

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Fort Scott.

“We will continue offering our current and expanded services,” Jerome said. “This new space will allow us to continue adding to our team!”

“SEKMHC is one of the first five community mental health centers to earn certification,” CEO Nathan Fawson said in a press release https://fortscott.biz/news/legacy-health-partners-with-southeast-kansas-mental-health-to-expand-services. “The CCBHC model of care concentrates on the overall health of a client, not just their mental health. We have expanded our care to integrate holistic care approaches, connect people with care coordination, and increase accessibility to services throughout our six–county catchment area. Looking into the future, we are striving to provide each client with a much more individualized experience by assisting clients in recovery–oriented ways in their homes, in our communities, or via telehealth whenever possible. We know that recovery is possible when you treat the person, not just their mental health challenge.”–

According to its website https://www.sekmhc.org/ the services  they provide to the community are:

  • Substance use and addictions counseling
  • Clinical therapy and counseling
  • Community support and groups
  • Crisis intervention
  • Psychiatric and medication management
    They have locations in:
  • Allen County
  • Anderson County
  • Bourbon County
  • Linn County
  • Neosho County
  • Woodson County

Last year they served over 4,000 clients, according to its website. The staff provide school based therapy and case management in 12 school districts. They have 15 team members in the crisis department and 10 in the psychiatry department.

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is in transition to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), according to its website. A CCBHC provides comprehensive behavioral health services, while also focusing on physical health and whole person wellness.

What the transition means is, the following is added:

  • Patient navigation services
  • Comprehensive behavioral health screening at intake
  • Primary health screening including gathering health metrics (height, weight, and blood pressure)
  • Primary health resources and referral

What won’t change is:

  • Access to counseling and therapy
  • Access to crisis services
  • Access to medical services and psychiatry
  • Community-based services for adults and children
  • Services and programs previously provided, unless otherwise noted

Upcoming Community Self-Care Event:

A Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Self-Care Fair will be held on May 23, from 5-8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.

For more information:

https://www.sekmhc.org/selfcarefair/

For questions about the self-care fair, contact: Dawne Burchett at 620-496-8702 or Vicki Wright at 620-212-9391.

About Legacy Health

Legacy Health has a mission to bring development and healthcare to rural communities through sustainable and proactive approaches, according to the Legacy Health press release. Legacy believes that for a project to be successful, it is necessary to understand the needs of the community and the people.

Legacy Health LLC was registered on  June 7,  2022 as a Limited Liability Company – CA company type incorporated at 269 WEST BONITA CLAREMONT, CA 91711. according to /https://ca.ltddir.com/companies/legacy-health-llc/

Troy Schell is the Legacy Health Chairman of the Board, according to the press release.

Chief Clinical Officer is Jennifer Massey and  she is the contact person at [email protected]

Chief Strategy Officer is  Merrill Eisenhower.

 

Locally, Matthew Wells is Legacy Healthcare Foundation Director of Plant Operations at the 401 Woodland Hills site. His duties are technical and equipment maintenance. Wells recently helped the building receive joint hospital accreditation, which is necessary because of the patient care given in the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department that is also housed in the facility, he said.

The Legacy Health Foundation received the building from the Bourbon County Commission in November 2022. In addition to the building, the commission gave Legacy Health Foundation  $2 million dollars from funds received from Mercy Hospital and American Rescue Plan Act Funds to develop the property, according to a prior story.

To view the prior story:

https://fortscott.biz/news/bourbon-county-transfers-mercy-building-to-legacy-health-foundation

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for April 11

Leave a comment

Uniontown City Council Agenda for April 11

2023 Financials-April

04112023 Regular Meeting(1)

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Loren Korte – Personal Service Insurance –

 

Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of April 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Mural Grant

Old Settlers’ insurance

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Project –

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –

 

Street repairs/resurfacing –

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education Agenda for May 8

Leave a comment

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

MAY 8, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  Danny Brown, 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. 04/10/2023 Regular Meeting

            4.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – April 12, 2023 – $392,678.35 and April 20, 2023 – $1,583,397.57

            4.5       Activity Fund accounts

            4.6       Extended Trip Application

            4.7       Point of Interest

  1. FSHS Graduation 8:00 PM – May 13th – FSHS Stadium – board members be there at 7:45 p.m. at the FSHS Commons
  2. Employee Luncheon & Recognition – May 17th – FSHS Commons – at 12:00 p.m.

                       

5.0       Recognitions

 

5.1       Student Recognition

5.2       Employee Recognition

5.3       Board Member Acknowledgements

 

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

 

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.3       Finance Director’s Report

 

7.0       Old Business

 

8.0       New Business

 

8.1       Roof Payment (Action Item)

8.2       Science Textbook Adoption (Action Item)

8.3       Greenbush Education Service Center Invoices (Action Item)

8.4       Greenbush Education Service Center Virtual Academy MOU & Assurances (Action Item)

8.5       School Photography Proposals (Action Item)

8.6       Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program (Action Item)

8.7       Discussion of Interest of Idle Funds (Action Item)

8.8       Greenbush Participation & Hedging Authorization for 2023-24 (Action Item)

           

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Negotiations

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Action Item)

10.2     Exit Executive Session

 

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

11.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

11.2     Exit Executive Session

11.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

11.4     Approval of Personnel Report – Reemployment Classified & Supplemental Personnel                     2023-24 (Action Item)

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting

                       

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Agenda for May 8

Leave a comment

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

Accounts Payable 5-5-2023

Payroll 5-5-2023

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse

210 S National Avenue

May 8, 2023, 5:30 PM

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 5/1/2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $210,758.69
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $321,662.17
  1. Department Updates
    1. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
  2. 5:45 Public Hearing for Adoption of 5-Year Solid Waste Plan
  3. Resignation of Mark McCoy-SEK Multi-County Health Department Board
  • Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds-Fort Scott Lake
  • Susan Bancroft, CFO-Discussion of Budget Meeting Dates
  1. Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Discussion of Ambulance Purchase
  2. Public Comments
  3. Commission Comments
  • Meeting Adjourn

 

 

 

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, Kansas

KDOT hosts May 10 webinar on grant applications for Safe Streets and Roads

Leave a comment

KDOT hosts May 10 webinar on applications

for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting a webinar at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, to discuss the Kansas Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Match Pilot Program.

Cities, counties, metropolitan planning organizations and federally recognized Tribal governments can apply for the grant, which provide an opportunity to leverage federal and state funding to create safety plans or safety projects on roads not operated or maintained by KDOT. For information and to ask questions, representatives from these groups are encouraged to register for the webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FV8PVVkiTeShXcnYFhtLtw

This will be the only webinar regarding the application process for the U.S. DOT SS4A discretionary grant and the Kansas SS4A Match Pilot Program funding. This program supports the Kansas Drive to Zero Coalition’s goal of reducing fatal and serious injury crashes on public roadways through safety action plan development, refinement and implementation.

Last year, the Kansas SS4A Match Pilot Program provided $1 million in funding for 12 SS4A recipients to develop Safety Action Plans. This year, the Kansas program is expanding cost share to include Planning and Demonstration Grants as well as Implementation Grants.

Links and other information needed for the application process will be available on KDOT’s website at – https://www.ksdot.gov/ss4a/programinformation.asp

Important dates:

  • May 10 – KDOT SS4A Webinar (will be recorded/posted on website)
  • May 29 – Notify KDOT of intent to apply through survey (posted on website by May 13)
  • June 16 – U.S. DOT deadline to submit technical questions
  • June 30 – KDOT issues letters of support to applicants
  • July 10 at 4 p.m. CST – U.S. DOT and KDOT applications due

###
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment
Caryn Tyson

 

April 28, 2023

 

Property Tax Relief for seniors in need and disabled veterans by expanding the property tax freeze that passed last year, is in CCR 8 along with several other provisions.  The Senate passed it with a bi-partisan vote of 26 to 13.  Hopefully, it will became law.  It’s in the Governor’s hands.

 

Record Number of Vetoes and veto overrides is being reported.  The legislature didn’t attempt to override all of the vetoes, but of the ones they did, 12 were overridden.

 

The Governor worked to get a Republican Senator and an Independent (former Republican) Senator to vote against the veto override on CCR 169.  Apparently, they were seen coming out of her office on the day of the vote.  These are two legislators who originally voted YES on CCR 169.  It contained tax cuts on Social Security, an accelerated food state sales tax cut, some property tax relief for homeowners, an income tax cut by increasing the standard deduction, and a single income tax rate of 5.15%.  It would have accelerated the corporate tax cuts in 2024 and 2025 to 2024. The Republican who flipped, said the bill was too rich for corporations, but these are cuts they are going to get anyway.

 

The state budget increased over $1 billion this year, $1.5 billion was given to a handful of companies over the last two years, over $1.5 billion has been put in a rainy day fund, and yet the Governor and a few legislators blocked tax reductions for all Kansans.  Some say it was because of the single income tax rate policy at 5.15%.  A Democrat said the last day of session, “Don’t worry, you’ll get it next year because it is an election year.”  My heart sunk.  It shouldn’t matter if it is an election year.  We should pass it because it is good policy, no matter what year.

 

The successful veto overrides include:  HB 2313 Born-Alive Infant Protection, HB 2264 Women’s Right to Know about Abortion Drug Reversal, HB 2350 Making Human Smuggling a Crime, HB 2138 Requiring Separate Accommodations by Biological Sex on Overnight School Trips, HB 2094 Work or Training Requirement for Able Bodied Adults to Receive Food Benefits, SB 228 Modernizing County Jail Statutes (reimbursement for mental health detainees), and SB 180 Women’s Bill of Rights.  Bills that failed to secure 2/3 majority for an override: HB 2344 Loosening Overly Burdensome Daycare Regulations, HB 2236 Parents Bill of Rights, SB 169 Tax Reductions, SB 206  Ballots Due by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, and SB 26 Child Mutilation Prevention Act.

 

Session has ended.  Many of us were surprised when leadership ran the Sine Die resolution, ending the 2023 session April 28th.  Usually it is a few weeks after the last day of veto session, not on the last day of veto session.  As I was walking out of the building many people commented they had no idea that day was going to be Sine Die.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 24

1 Comment

April 24, 2023                                                                                                                         Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

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

 

Jason Silvers, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Deb McCoy, Michael Hoyt, and Mary Pemberton were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

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

 

Jim welcomed everyone to the night meeting and said he hopes the night meetings will allow more people to attend.

 

Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from last week. Nelson Blythe seconded, and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, gave an update on the milling project on Soldier Road and 245th Street stating it is done and they are ready for overlay. Eric told Nelson they don’t have any update on a timeline for milling Yale Road, but that he would let him and the public know when they have a time frame. Eric said they have been waiting on bolts for the engine for the laydown machine and were given a July time frame last week: however, the bolts got here today, and the machine should be ready next week. Jim said that is great news and that Mr. Foley might have had something to do with that. Eric said the KDHE district office inspected the landfill and we passed with flying colors. KDHE recommended having a sign at the front saying what materials are to be placed in MSW and C&D and then a sign at each drop off area within the landfill. Eric said kudos to all at the landfill they have worked very hard to get the landfill cleaned up. Eric stated the landfill is very busy due to more out of state and out of county businesses starting to use our facility. Jim commended the landfill personnel stating they do a great job. Eric said the state was also pleased with the bean pad and the progress we are making on it. Eric said it had been a busy Monday with Dustin Hall attending the KDOT meeting in Chanute for bicycle trails and sidewalks and Chad Brown overseeing the blast at the Beth Quarry. There were some technical difficulties with the blast company’s truck, but they will be back tomorrow to finish up. Eric said they have been patching on 215th Street and Hackberry Road as well. Michael Hoyt said he would still like to look at the bridge on Poplar Road and will get with Eric to set up a time to meet.

 

Sheriff Bill Martin presented retirement paperwork for K-9 Mozzi who will be purchased by Deputy Pritchett. Jim said it is great that Deputy Pritchett will give the dog a home. Nelson made a motion to transfer ownership of K-9 Mozzi from Bourbon County to Deputy Pritchett and to allow Chairman Harris to sign the agreement. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Mary Pemberton said she was here three months ago asking for the classification of a certain employee to determine if they were a Bourbon County employee or a contract worker. Mary stated she was told the person in question was an employee, but they were being paid as a 1099 worker. Mary asked if this individual was still working under the same contract as last year, and Jim stated yes. Mary questioned why the individual was paid with a 1099 instead of a W2 since she was informed they were an employee. Clifton stated he does not recall stating this person was an employee who would receive a W2. Mary stated this person is an employee who receives vacation and extra benefits. Justin Meeks clarified that he receives no vacation or benefits and that he even buys his own ink and paper. Justin said he would love to be an employee and receive vacation and benefits. Clifton stated that would cost the county $20,000 more per year to make him an employee. Justin stated he and Clifton had both contacted outside counsel who agreed with his status of 1099 contract employment. Mary said the contract previously read vacation time and professional development. Justin stated in the contract it says he can miss up to four meetings per year and that he is allocated $750.00 per year for professional development meetings. Justin said this should be discussed in an executive session because he is protected under certain guidelines, and he recently clarified this with the EOC. Jim said this conversation is over and told Mary if she would like to continue the conversation they could do so in executive session. Jim stated that he would not allow individuals to be identified in open session and would shut the meeting down if that were to continue to happen. Nelson asked Mary if she would like to go into executive session and she declined.

 

Michael Hoyt said he would like documents that are presented in meetings to be distributed to the individuals attending. Mr. Hoyt stated he would like to be read in especially during the budget process and gave an example of a budget calendar that was handed to the Commissioners last week but not to those sitting in attendance. Clifton stated that worksheet was not for the public but was a blank worksheet for department heads to fill out for the budget process. Nelson stated that if documents can be legally shared with the public during the meetings we should do so. Mr. Hoyt said last week Matthew Wells came to the Commission for a 25% buy in for a project that the City of Fort Scott is willing to allocate 75% of the funding for whether that is from a grant, city funds, loan, or fundraising and says he feels that should have been a “no-brainer”. Nelson said he totally disagrees and does want to spend $37,500 of taxpayer dollars on what is basically a giant sunblock. Jim said there is no problem with looking at the presentation for a few weeks. Mr. Hoyt said he had a problem with Jim “keeping score” referring to a comment Jim made last week about waiting for an opportunity to speak of a former city commissioner not wanting to help fund the Meals on Wheels program. Michael said we want forward thinking not revenge governance. Jim said he was offended that the city commissioner would not help feed the elderly and that he wanted the public to know that. Jim stated that it is not revenge governance that is Michael’s opinion only, not fact.

 

Clint Walker said he had been in government for many years and that if he finds something he doesn’t like he is going to come in and let his commissioner know his thoughts. Clint said that people can talk about not liking a regulation, but that if you don’t like it to do something about it.

 

Anne Dare said, in her opinion, she appreciates the commissioners moving forward serving the underprivileged and unnoticed. Anne stated she appreciates the commissioners holding off and reviewing the documents Matthew Wells presented. Anne also said there are a lot of great projects happening in our community and a majority have worked hard fundraising and that is what she thinks should happen with the farmer’s market pavilion.

 

Jim clarified his earlier comment of he would shut the meeting down stating he alone does not have the authority to shut the meeting, but that he would make a motion to end the meeting and that his motion would need a second to end the meeting.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include the three commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:17. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:17 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

Clifton stated he has contacted more than one attorney and that Bourbon County is paying our employees and 1099 contractors correctly under the guidelines of the State of Kansas and federal government.

 

Nelson said he is not an accountant or IRS agent, but we are not intentionally doing anything illegal and that we are always trying to rectify things that might have been done wrong previously.

 

Jim said that going forward he will be stricter for anyone who identifies any personnel stating that this is not a helpful meeting, but harassment. Jim also said they commission could put a time limit on or end public comment.

 

Mary Pemberton said that you can ask the IRS directly if a person is 1099 eligible or a W2 employee and that it doesn’t cost anything. Clifton stated he is going to go with the attorney’s advice. Nelson said he has no problem contacting the IRS.

 

Jim asked the other commissioners what they thought about having the public submit what they are going to talk about. Nelson said a lot of time someone will say something during the meeting and that would spark a public comment so that it might be hard to submit in advance. Michael said the city has a rule that you can’t speak about something that is on the agenda without it being discussed first. Michael stated if you want to silence the people that is a very treacherous road to go down. Jim agreed and said he wants public comments, but that we all need to follow the rules.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:24. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.

 

 

Approved 5-1-2023

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

_______________, Approved Date

 

 

Government, Kansas

State of Kansas’ Total Tax Collections $1.3B in April

Leave a comment

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue announced today that total tax collections for April 2023 were $1.3 billion. That is 2.3%, or $30.1 million, below the estimate. Total collections are down 14.7% from April 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $593.5 million. That is $76.0 million, or 11.4%, below the estimate, and 41.7%, or 425.3 million, below what was collected in April 2022. Part of the decrease in the individual income tax receipts is attributable to having two fewer processing days after the April 18 due date than in April 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $354.2 million. That is $50.2 million, or 16.5%, more than the month’s estimate and 150.4% more than in April 2022.

“The lower individual income tax receipts and higher corporate income tax receipts reflect the impact of the SALT Parity Act, which allows owners of pass-through entities to elect to have the pass-through income taxed at the entity level rather than at the entity owner level,” Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said.

Combined sales and compensating use tax receipts were $308.6 million, which is $2.2 million, or 0.7%, below the estimate, and down $1.4 million, or 0.4%, from April 2022.  The continued impact of reducing the food sales tax can be seen in the year-over-year decrease in the combined sales and compensating use tax collections.

Click here to see the April 2023 receipts.

###

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 1

Leave a comment

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
1 st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
May 1, 2023, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute and Prayer
III. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes from 4/24/2023
IV. Department Updates
a. Eric Bailey, Public Works Director
V. Don George-Elm Creek Grant Extension
VI. Real Property Relief Application-Magee
VII. Jim Harris-Discussion of Feasibility Study for Overpass
VIII. Public Comments
IX. Commission Comments
X. Meeting Adjourn


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

Unapproved Minutes of the April 18 Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission

Leave a comment

These minutes are unapproved, until the meeting.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of April 18, 2023                                                                        Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held April 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke (via Microsoft Teams), K. Harrington, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION:  M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Ben Hart/BakerTilly, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Police Chief Jason Pickert, Scott Flater/Director of Water Utilities, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Rob Harrington/REDI, Jesse Hazen, Rachel Carpenter/Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), Jody Hoener/HBCAT, Bill Michaud, Mark McCoy/REDI, Peyton Coyne/REDI, Jared Keylon/FSCC Director of Facilities and Operations

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

  1. Jones moved to approve the agenda as submitted for April 18, 2023. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED AGENDA AS SUBMITTED FOR APRIL 18, 2023.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 4, 2023
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1334-A totaling $664,633.78
  3. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $18,851.35
  4. Invoice 16438 – System Designs Phase Addenda Phase II – $3,400.00 Phase III –

$4,187.50

  1. Invoice 16440 – Bidding $450.00
  2. Invoice 16441 – Cooper Street Inspection Shane Redfern – $291.00 Amanda Simpson –

$145.50 Miles – $74.75

  1. Invoice 16442 – South Horton Street and West 6th Street Preliminary Design 82% –

$1,380.00

  1. Invoice 16443 – City Engineer – Monthly Fee – $4,243.60
  2. Invoice 16444 – US-54 CCLIP – Phase I – Survey 30% – $3,600.00
  3. Invoice 16445 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project I Jason Dickman – $885.00 Shane

Redfern – $194.00

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  None

 

OLD BUSINESS:

  1. Consideration of Body Cam Purchase for Police Department – Police Chief J. Pickert
  2. Pickert presented a proposal to purchase an update for body cameras for the Police Department. Three (3) quotes were presented to the Commission from Axon Enterprises, Kustom Signal and Motorola Solutions. Chief Pickert recommended the approval of an agreement with Motorola Solutions.

 

Discussion was had about the funding for this update. This will not be a one-time purchase. There will be an annual fee for services. M. Wells requested that the money from the seizure of the land sale be added to one of the funds to help pay for the recurring annual services. B. Hart agreed.

 

  1. Jones moved to accept Chief J. Pickert’s recommendation to purchase the body cameras from Motorola Solutions for an initial purchase amount of $38,733.34 and the amount of $25,452.00 for years (2) through (5) for body worn cameras, dash cameras and evidence software needs as stated in the submitted proposal. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHIEF J. PICKERT’S RECOMMENDATION TO PURCHASE THE BODY CAMERAS FROM MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS FOR AN INITIAL PURCHASE AMOUNT OF $38,733.34 AND THE AMOUNT OF $25,452.00 FOR YEARS (2) THROUGH (5) FOR BODY WORN CAMERAS, DASH CAMERAS AND EVIDENCE SOFTWARE NEEDS AS STATED IN THE SUBMITTED PROPOSAL.

 

  1. Consideration of bid for Fort Scott Pavilion – J. Dickman:
  2. Dickman stated that (3) renderings of color options were submitted as requested for consideration by the Commission. He said that Sprouls Construction agreed to a proposal from the Pavilion Committee to purchase the project materials and hold them for a reasonable amount of time for the construction if the bid is approved.

 

  1. Wells stated the cost of steel is due to increase 8% to 10% by the end of the week and another increase is predicted in (30) to (40) days. He also said that the Fort Scott Pavilion Committee asked him to bring the consideration to the Commission to approve the purchase of the materials while fundraising continues for the remainder of the funds needed for construction.

 

  1. VanHoecke asked M. Wells if anyone had verified that the T-Mobile Grant was still viable. R. Harrington stated that he had reached out to the grant contact but had not received a response.

 

Discussion was had about the funding and acceptable timing of completion for the Pavilion.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the Fort Scott Pavilion bid for the 70’ x 150’ metal structure for the amount of $191,357.00 from Sprouls Construction. Sprouls agreed to purchase the materials at the current price of $119,412.00 with funds to be bridged from the General Fund. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE FORT SCOTT PAVILION BID FOR THE 70’ X 150’ METAL STRUCTURE FOR THE AMOUNT OF $191,357.00 FROM SPROULS CONSTRUCTION. SPROULS AGREED TO PURCHASE THE MATERIALS AT THE CURRENT PRICE OF $119,412.00 WITH FUNDS TO BE BRIDGED FROM THE GENERAL FUND.

 

Further discussion was had on the full site map and presenting the Pavilion Committee’s color choice to the Design Review Board for consideration.

 

  1. Consideration of WWTP Reuse Water Booster Pump System – B. Matkin:
  2. Flater submitted a request to replace the existing reuse water booster system at WWTP. Three (3) proposals were submitted: Haynes Equipment using Grundfos pumps for $27,800.00, Letts Van Kirk using Wilo pumps for an estimated $26,500.00, and Fluid Equipment using Xylem/Goulds pumps for $41,684.99. S. Flater recommended the Hayes Equipment/Grundfos system proposal.

 

  1. Jones asked why this request did not go out for bids. He stated that the purchasing policy stated that anything over $10,000.00 must go out for bid and not just (3) quotes submitted.

 

  1. Dickman stated that was considered, but this was considered an equipment replacement.

 

Further discussion was had on the City’s Purchasing Policy.

 

  1. Harrington moved to accept the proposal from Haynes Equipment for the Grundfos pumps for the amount of $27,800.00 for the reuse water booster pump system for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL FROM HAYNES EQUIPMENT FOR THE GRUNDFOS PUMPS FOR THE AMOUNT OF $27,800.00 FOR THE REUSE WATER BOOSTER PUMP SYSTEM FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

 

APPEARANCES: 

1 & 2.  Jesse Hazen – Request for Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – Riverfront Car & Bike Show – June 3, 2023 – 9:00AM – 5:00PM and Request for Temporary Street Closure – N. National Ave. between Linker St. and Maple St. – June 3, 2023 – 8:00AM – 3:00PM:  M. Wells had concerns about the road closure being the truck route used for the Sale Barn at the requested time. An alternate plan was agreed upon.

 

  1. Jones moved to temporarily close Riverfront Park on June 3, 2023, from 9:00AM – 5:00PM and North Riverfront Road and South Riverfront Road for June 3, 2023, from 8:00AM-3:00PM. K. Harrington seconded.

 

Jesse Hazen will keep B. Matkin posted on his needs for City assistance.

 

All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE DOWN RIVERFRONT PARK ON JUNE 3, 2023, FROM 9:00AM – 5:00PM AND NORTH RIVERFRONT ROAD AND SOUTH RIVERFRONT ROAD FOR JUNE 3, 2023, FROM 8:00AM-3:00PM.

 

  1. FSCC Project:   Jared Keylon presented a (3) Phase Project for the Pond Restoration that Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is undertaking in the near future. They are asking for the City’s cooperation for Phase I with in-kind donation with the use of heavy equipment and an operator.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the City’s in-kind donation of the use of appropriate equipment, an operator and the possibility of fuel if needed, at the discretion of the City Manager, at a time to be determined later. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CITY’S IN-KIND DONATION OF THE USE OF APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT, AN OPERATOR AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL IF NEEDED, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CITY MANAGER, AT A TIME TO BE DETERMINED LATER.

 

  1. Rachel Carpenter – HBCAT’s 3rd Street Park Project: R. Carpenter, Director of the Center for Economic Growth at HBCAT addressed the Commission to present their proposal for their program Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods and Creating Placemaking Projects. She presented this proposal to the Parks Advisory Board on April 6th, 2023, and they approved to recommend her proposal to the City Commission. She stated that they are requesting $10,000.00 for routine maintenance at 3rd Street Park which includes: replacement of the pavilion’s concrete floor, plumbing for the bathroom, security cameras and surfacing of the playground.

 

  1. Woellhof moved to contribute $10,000.00 from the Park Fund to the HBCAT 3rd Street Park Project to be used for routine maintenance as outlined in their proposal to the Commission and recommended by the Parks Advisory Board. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO CONTRIBUTE $10,000.00 FROM THE PARK FUND TO THE HBCAT 3RD STREET PARK PROJECT TO BE USED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AS OUTLINED IN THEIR PROPOSAL TO THE COMMISSION AND RECOMMENDED BY THE PARKS ADVISORY BOARD.

 

PUBLIC HEARING: None

 

NEW BUSINESS:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 2-2023 – Designating the Official Depositories for the Public Funds of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas: B. Hart stated that every year the City must create a resolution to designate the official depositories for the public funds. Usually, it is done at the beginning of the year, but the City had gone out for bids for banking services which delayed the adoption of this resolution. The Commission accepted the bid from Landmark Bank.
  2. Jones moved to approve Resolution No. 2-2023 that designates the City State Bank, UMB Bank, Landmark National Bank, The Liberty Savings Association, and the Union State Bank, all of Fort Scott, Kansas, and the Kansas Municipal Investment Pool of Topeka, Kansas as the official depositories of the public funds. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 2-2023 THAT DESIGNATES THE CITY STATE BANK, UMB BANK, LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK, THE LIBERTY SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AND THE UNION STATE BANK, ALL OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, AND THE KANSAS MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT POOL OF TOPEKA, KANSAS AS THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES OF THE PUBLIC FUNDS.

 

  1. Approval of EPEC Aquionics UV Units, Power, and Control Panels: – S. Flater addressed the Commission to present the replacement of the Aquionics UV Disinfection System from the EPEC quote number 04122301 dated April 12, 2023, for the amount of $360,698.00 for the WWTP.

 

Discussion was had on the current system’s condition and urgency of replacement.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to accept EPEC’s proposal for the Aquionics UV Units for the price of $360,698.00. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT EPEC’S PROPOSAL FOR THE AQUIONICS UV UNITS FOR THE PRICE OF $360,698.00.

 

  1. Consideration of Gunn Park Bathroom and Shower House Bids: B. Matkin

One (1) bid was received from Hofer & Hofer & Associates, Inc. for $295,689.00. The breakdown is as follows:  bathroom only $115,075.00, shower house only $157,014.00 and removal of existing structures $23,600.00.  J. Dickman spoke to the difference between the engineer’s estimate and the bid price.

 

Discussion was had on options to bring the cost more in line with the estimate.

 

  1. Jones moved to reject the bid from Hofer & Hofer & Associates, Inc. based on the price. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO REJECT THE BID FROM HOFER & HOFER & ASSOCIATES, INC. BASED ON THE PRICE.

 

  1. Consideration of Investing $2 million of City funds into Certificates of Deposits (CDs): B. Hart stated that the approval of the banking contract last month will allow for idle fund cash interest of approximately (3%) to be invested. He stated that Devin Tally would push out a term sheet to the banks and bid out a CD in the amount of $(2) million over a (6) month period and get interest rates back for comparison and then for consideration by the Commission. B. Hart suggested that the bid be held until after the Federal Reserve meeting on May 3rd to see if the interest rate changes.

 

  1. Jones motioned to begin the process to go out for bids for Certificates of Deposit in the amount of $(2) million. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TO GO OUT FOR BIDS FOR CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $(2) MILLION.

 

  1. Core Community Discussion: Bill Michaud presented the program to the City Commission and explained its benefits to the community. Jody Hoener answered questions regarding the need in the community.

 

Discussion was had regarding a donation from the City to the Core Community.

 

  1. Jones moved to allocate $15,000.00 to the Core Community program within (30) days in advance of its start time. T. VanHoecke seconded. E. Woellhof, K. Harrington, J. Jones, and T. VanHoecke voted aye. M. Wells voted nay.

 

APPROVED TO ALLOCATE $15,000.00 TO THE CORE COMMUNITY PROGRAM WITHIN (30) DAYS IN ADVANCE OF ITS START TIME.

 

  1. REDI Discussion: R. Harrington/Director of REDI, Peyton Coyne/Secretary and Treasurer of REDI and M. McCoy/Chairman-President of REDI responded to a request from J. Jones to update the Commission on REDI in the past (6) months.

 

Discussion was had about what can be brought out publicly and what REDI has been accomplished the current staff and contract of REDI, and grants that have been written by REDI. Comments were also shared regarding the future of REDI and further discussion.

 

  1. McCoy requested that REDI be put on the agenda for the second Commission meeting of the month if requested.

 

  1. Discussion of Upcoming Vacancy for City Commissioner J. Jones: J. Jones would like for the Commission to consider drafting an ordinance for a special circumstance to allow a (4th) candidate on this year’s election ballot, for the upcoming vacancy, that would be filled by the process of Ordinance No. 3618.

 

Discussion was had about the special circumstance in timing of the vacancy and the existing ordinance.

 

  1. Jones moved to have an ordinance drafted for the citizens to elect (4) Commissioners on the ballot instead of (3) and that elected person would fill the vacancy terminating in December of 2025.

 

Further discussion was had regarding options for filling the vacancy.

 

  1. Wells seconded. J. Jones and M. Wells voted aye. T. VanHoecke, E. Woellhof and K. Harrington voted nay.

 

MOTION FAILED

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

City Manager:  B. Matkin

  1. Memorial Hall steps update – sealant being applied
  2. Cooper Street update – phase II (up to 20th St.) to open by Friday.
  3. KDHE Grant received for picnic tables for the Aquatic Center
  4. NICA Race this weekend in Gunn Park
  5. Comedy show success, Civil War Encampment, Artificers event and Pizza Republic event kept the downtown busy this weekend.
  6. Letter to all businesses regarding enforcement of (2) hour parking

 

Engineering:  J. Dickman

  1. Memorial Hall steps progress looking good
  2. WWTP Phase I Aeration is operating
  3. Horton and 6th St. project – meeting with Evergy on May 1st regarding relocations

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. VanHoecke:
  2. Many thanks to City crews and Mid-Continental for Cooper St. and Memorial Hall steps
  3. Congratulations to J. Jones and the committee for the comedy show success
  4. Beginning of street striping with striping machine
  5. Codes Enforcement meeting – process is under review
  6. Gov. Kelly signed a bill exempting streaming services from franchise taxes
  7. Visit from EPA – report forthcoming from City Manager
  8. Enterprise Rental Cars and leasing fleet vehicles – meeting on April 25th at 11:30AM

 

  1. Woellhof:
  2. Strategic Planning Work Session – Scheduled for Monday, May 8th at 6:00PM and May 15th at 6:00PM for Advisory Boards Work Session.
  3. Final decision about running for Commissioner on May 2nd Commission meeting

 

  1. Harrington:
  2. Busy downtown past weekend great to see, but events need to be publicized more.
  3. May 16th is the last day of school

 

  1. Jones:
  2. Staff shortage for Aquatic Center – approximately (13) positions open
  3. Consideration of using Lake fund money to fast-track Memorial Hall repairs

 

 

  1. Wells:
  2. Thank you to all the amazing and talented volunteers at the Fort Scott Encampment –

very excited to see event participation returning to pre-COVID involvement.

  1. Structure on Margrave – still in the right of way. B. Matkin stated the issue is being

addressed through the Codes Department.

  1. Unsafe Structure on Osbun – cannot be demolished yet because it is a crime scene that

is still under investigation.

  1. Municipal Grant Writing educational opportunity – any other Commissioner’s

interested in attending in Lawrence, KS.  Registration deadline is May 5th.

  1. Thankful for all those who are working for the best outcome for the City.

 

City Attorney Comments:

  1. Commended former City Commissioner Pete Allen for his Letter to the Editor regarding Earles Engineering

.

Executive Session: None

 

Adjournment:

  1. Harrington moved to adjourn at 8:46PM. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:46P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted for approval,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk