Tonight (2/18/2025), the City Commission meeting is cancelled and rescheduled to MONDAY, (2/24/2025) along with the scheduled work session on storage containers.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH – 5:00 TO 6:00 – WORK SESSION (Storage Containers) immediately followed by the REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING beginning at 6:00PM.
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
The week was slow on the Senate floor in Topeka, but President Trump kept things moving in D.C. Next week things will pick up because it is turnaround. It is the half-way point in session. House bills that were never in an exempt committee will die if they do not pass the House by turnaround. In the Senate, bills that aren’t exempt don’t die, but no more action can be taken on them until next year. For a bill to be exempt it must have been in the Tax, Federal & State Affairs, or Ways and Means committee in the Senate. The House exempt committees are Tax, Federal & State Affairs, or Appropriations. During the week of turnaround, both chambers will be working diligently to pass bills that are non-exempt.
More Election protection is the intent of Senate Bill (SB) 5. It would block wasteful spending by the United States government used to influence elections, such as targeted voter registration. This money has been sometimes referred to as “Bidenbucks”. A couple of years ago, I offered an amendment that blocked third party money that was trying to influence elections procedures, it was referred to as Zuckerbucks. You might remember Mark Zucherburg made donations to election offices trying to influence election procedures. Kansas law now blocks these types of donations from individuals or companies, SB 5 would block federal money trying to influence election results. Federal money provided for election security would still be allowed. It passed on a bipartisan vote 33 to 6. I voted Yes.
Move Over for stopped vehicles displaying hazard warning signal and proceed with caution or you can be fined if SB 5 becomes law. SB 8 passed the Senate unanimously and is on its way to the House.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent
agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. TRUSTEE EMERITUS: Ronda shared the Trustee Emeritus possibility as shared by Robert Nelson. The
board agreed that if it starts there needs to be criteria and guidelines and also identify who is in charge of
keeping it up and going. Fewins questioned if any other community colleges have a similar recognition.
Board members will further research the topic and bring ideas back to the next meeting for discussion.
REPORTS:
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Student Services,
Foundation, Finance and Operations, and the Interim President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 7:00 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow. The board invited Sonia Gugnani and Sara Sutton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 7:15 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 7:16 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow. The board invited Sonia Gugnani and Sara Sutton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 7:31 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 7:35 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 7:50 pm.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:50 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk7
To view the complete packet: 2.17.25 Consent Agenda
Fort Scott Community College 2108 S. Horton
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, February 17, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and diversity that provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
Comments from the Chair, 4
Comments from the Public, 4
FSCC Basketball Program Update, 4
Approval of Agenda, 5
Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 27, 2025, 6
Approval of Bills and Claims, 13
Approval of Personnel Actions, 4
Purchase Order Board Approval, 37
Trustee Emeritus, 37
Civility Policy, 38
Recruitment Code of Conduct, 40
Disposition of Surplus Property, 42
Review of Mission Statement, Core Values, and Vision Statement, 43
Scheduled Policy Review and Approval, 45
Consideration of Vector Training Solution, 48
Approval of 2025-26 Academic Calendar and 2024-25 Academic Calendar Revision, 76
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Bourbon County REDI, 79
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
February 17, 2025 Board Meeting
March 24, 2025 (Changed from March 17 due Board Meeting to spring break)
March 17 – 21, 2025 Campus Closed – Spring Break
March 28, 2025 Aggie Day
April 18, 2025 Campus Closed – Good Friday
April 21, 2025 Board Meeting
May 19, 2025 Board Meeting
May 26, 2025 Campus Closed -Memorial Day
June 16, 2025 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Sara Sutton, Interim President
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
February 18, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
III. Invocation
VII. Appearances
VIII. Unfinished Business
Public Hearing:
Action Items:
TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she has ordered state offices in Shawnee County to re-open on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Governor Kelly previously ordered state offices in Shawnee County closed on Wednesday due to safety concerns regarding potentially hazardous conditions resulting from the winter storm.
“Thanks to the hard work of crews, roadway conditions have improved, and state offices will return to normal operations on Thursday,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Please exercise caution when traveling and continue to give crews the necessary space as they keep working to clear roadways.”
All non-essential state employees in Executive Branch agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction who work in Shawnee County are required to report to work as normal.
For continuously updated road information, go to www.KanDrive.gov and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 – for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).
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The work session for 02.12.25 for the Bourbon County Commission has been rescheduled for 02.19.25 at 5:30 in the Commission room due to adverse weather.
Submitted by
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 7, 2025
Property Taxes are high, and most people would agree the system is not always accurate or fair, so the Senate acted by passing a constitutional amendment, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1603, to limit taxable valuation increases of real property to a maximum of 3% a year, unless certain triggers occur. Local governments often rely on skyrocketing valuations to collect more property taxes. SCR 1603 would limit the tax value of real properties so local governments would have to vote to raise the mill levy, providing more transparency to property tax increases.
The SCR would have to pass the House and then voters would decide to amend the Kansas Constitution and limit taxable valuation increases each year or not. It passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote 28 to 11. I voted yes.
Election ends on election day, SB 4, would require all ballots to be returned by 7 p.m. on election, not three days later. It passed the Senate 29 to 10. I voted yes.
Rank choice voting, where you can rate the candidates on the ballot by selecting your first choice, your second choice, your third chose and so on, would be banned in Kansas if SB 6 becomes law. It is a voting system in which the candidates are ranked when you vote. It’s difficult to count and can delay election results. SB 6 passed 29 to 10. I voted yes to ban this election system in Kansas.
Budgets can be used for political volley. It’s disappointing but it does happen. To correct this, the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 14 so that if a budget is not passed into law by June 30th, then the state government would not shut down because the previous year’s budget would be adopted. It passed the Senate 31 to 8. I supported this effort.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday vetoed Senate Bill 63.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 63:
“Right now, the Legislature should be focused on ways to help Kansans cope with rising prices. That is the most important issue for Kansans. That is where my focus is.
“Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value. As I’ve said before, it is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind. This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and health care workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue.
“It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans’ private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans’ lives.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 63.”
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TOPEKA – Due to safety concerns regarding winter weather conditions resulting from the approaching winter storm, Governor Laura Kelly has issued a Declaration of Inclement Weather for Shawnee County, ordering state office buildings in Shawnee County to be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
The declaration takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. A reassessment of weather conditions will be made on Wednesday to determine if the declaration will be extended further.
“In anticipation of a winter storm impacting state operations, we are closing state office buildings in Shawnee County on Wednesday,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As I have done in the past, I urge all Kansans to exercise increased caution when driving and to take measures to make sure their families are prepared for potentially hazardous winter storm conditions by making an emergency plan and a home emergency kit.”
This declaration applies to all non-essential state employees in the Executive Branch agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction who work in Shawnee County. Appointing authorities in offices located outside Shawnee County have the option to declare Inclement Weather for those counties.
During the period of Inclement Weather, essential employees are required to report to work as normal. Benefits-eligible non-essential employees should record Inclement Weather Leave during the period of Inclement Weather. Remote work is not being required.
For continuously updated road information, go to www.KanDrive.org and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 – for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).
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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that it will be responsible for administering the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) across Kansas. The YRBS is a vital tool that gathers data on the health behaviors of high school students in Kansas. It provides essential insights into the challenges facing today’s youth and paves the way for programs and policies that promote their well-being.
First completed in 1990, the YRBS is a nationwide survey conducted every two years. Its purpose is to monitor specific behaviors that can significantly impact the health and safety of adolescents in Kansas.
“By understanding these behaviors, KDHE can work with school and community leaders to develop targeted interventions and programs to address the unique needs of Kansas youth,” said Grace Harvey, YRBS School Survey Coordinator, “Taking on the administration of the YRBS reflects our commitment to supporting Kansas youth and addressing the factors that impact their health and safety.”
For years, the YRBS in Kansas was overseen by the Kansas State Department of Education. Now, KDHE is honored to continue this critical work. This transition will enable KDHE to directly integrate survey findings into the state’s public health initiatives, ensuring a seamless connection between data and action.
The YRBS captures data on a variety of topics, including:
The YRBS is currently conducted in 50 randomly selected high schools across the state, with students in grades 9-12 anonymously participating. To protect privacy, no personal identifiers are collected, and participation is voluntary. KDHE will work directly with the participating schools to get active parental consent from each participating student. Schools will work closely with a designated YRBS coordinator to ensure the process is smooth and minimally disruptive. Each survey takes just one class period to complete.
KDHE is looking forward to leading this important initiative and is committed to using the YRBS insights to improve the lives of Kansas youth. By working collaboratively with schools, parents and community partners, we can turn data into meaningful action, fostering a healthier and brighter future for the next generation.
To learn more, visit the KDHE website.
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PRATT – Seven lucky conservation organizations are set to receive Commission Big Game Hunting Permits after their applications were drawn by Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners during the January 30th public meeting. The Commission Big Game Hunting Permit program allows Kansas-based non-profit organizations that focus on wildlife conservation and promoting the hunting and fishing heritage to apply for one of seven permits. The permits can then be sold by the winning group to raise funds for conservation projects in Kansas. The winning organizations typically raffle or auction the permit to the highest bidder and keep 15 percent of the sale price to support their missions. The remaining 85 percent is held by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) until a mutually agreed upon conservation project is approved.
“Last year, proceeds from Commission permits supported the Habitat Specialist program which is one of our key conservation partnerships with Pheasants Forever,” said Wes Sowards, assistant director of the wildlife division at KDWP. “Habitat specialists work across the state to manage wildlife habitat on both private and public land with a special emphasis on conservation objectives in the State Wildlife Action Plan.”
“These habitat specialists are the true heroes in our eyes,” said Bob Hix, a regional representative from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “The Kansas Pheasants Forever habitat team and the local chapters are committed to doing even more habitat work for all wildlife in Kansas.”
Other projects supported by the Commissioner permit proceeds have included wetland improvement at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and special youth hunt programs.
“Ducks Unlimited is honored to receive these Commission permits which have been part of an ongoing and hugely successful partnership between DU and KDWP,” said Matt Hough, Kansas conservation programs manager for Ducks Unlimited. “Proceeds from these permits will be put to great use for priority projects of both organizations for the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl habitat that also provide public benefits to the people of Kansas.”
Based on applicant preference, seven deer permits were awarded to the following conservation groups for 2025:
Ducks Unlimited Wyandotte Chapter
Mike Bulk
785-294-1280
[email protected]
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Kansas Chapter
Marshal Loftus
816-489-1023
[email protected]
Kansas Bowhunters Association
Jamie Howarter
[email protected]
Ducks Unlimited Kansas University Chapter
Mike Bulk
785-294-1280
[email protected]
Pheasants Forever Stanton County Chapter
Bob Hix
303-588-1542
[email protected]
Pheasants Forever Osborne Chapter
Bob Hix
303-588-1542
[email protected]
National Wild Turkey Foundation Salty Spurs Chapter
Nate Watson
505-401-6474
[email protected]
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the representatives listed to learn when and where each of these permits will be auctioned or raffled in the future.
Complete rules for the Commission Big Game Permits can be found at ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/
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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers, Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.com.
The seven-member, non-partisan Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission serves in an advisory capacity in formulating policies and plans for KDWP. The commission facilitates public hearings on rules and regulations proposed by the Secretary of KDWP, ultimately voting to approve, modify, or reject those proposed rules and regulations. The Commission Big Game Permits are authorized by K.S.A. 32-970.
