Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

KS Is Expanding Internet Access

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Governor Kelly Announces $10.7M to Expand Internet Access to Devices and Public Wi-Fi

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that applications will open Thursday, Dec. 12, for a second round of the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. The program will provide $10.7 million to organizations working to expand access to public wi-fi and connected devices.

“Our digital opportunity programs empower Kansans to reach their full potential in work, education, and entrepreneurship,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ADOPT program provides resources for communities to thrive in a digitally connected economy.”

ADOPT is built around two key categories:

  • Equipment Distribution: the maximum individual award is $500,000 and requires 2% match and 1% co-investment
  • Public Wi-Fi: the maximum individual award is capped at $1 million and requires 5% match and 2% co-investment

“The ADOPT program has an immediate impact on Kansans. We are able to remove technological barriers and provide tools necessary to navigate today’s digital environment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through access to devices and public wi-fi, individuals can enhance job skills, participate in telehealth appointments, engage in online learning, and do remote work, furthering their ability to succeed in the future economy.”

The Kansas Office of Broadband Division (KOBD) continues to partner with entities that can procure, distribute, manage, and maintain devices for the Equipment Distribution component of the program. The devices will be provided to individuals who cannot connect to the internet. The program emphasizes long-term loans for computers, laptops, and tablets to ensure sustainable access for qualifying individuals.

The Public Wi-Fi component encourages organizations to form partnerships to deliver solutions in underserved and unserved public spaces, bringing affordable and reliable internet services to areas that lack access.

“KOBD continues to engage with our neighbors while being future-focused on our mission to ensure all Kansans can access digital tools needed to thrive,” Interim Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Joseph Le said. “We have been encouraged by the innovative ideas and partnerships developed in the first round of ADOPT, and we expect this second round to continue to propel Kansas forward.”

KOBD encourages local governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and other organizations to continue collaborating and enhancing Kansas communities through ADOPT. To learn more about the program guidelines and entities eligible to apply, click here.

KOBD will host a webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, to discuss funding priorities and application guidelines. To register, click here.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Courts News Release: Kansas Supreme Court docket for December 10–11

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Kansas Courts News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2, 2024

Contact:

Lisa Taylor

Public Information Director

785-296-4872

[email protected]

Kansas Supreme Court docket for December 10–11

TOPEKA—Cases on the Supreme Court December 10–11, 2024, docket are summarized below and will be heard in the Supreme Court courtroom on the third floor of the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka.

All Supreme Court oral arguments are livestreamed at www.youtube.com/KansasSupremeCourt.

Accommodation

Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the docket should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible:

ADA Coordinator
[email protected]
785-296-2256
TTY at 711

Note to media

 

Reporters who plan to cover oral arguments need to be familiar with Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Judicial Proceedings, which prohibits using electronic recording devices during proceedings. If you plan to be in the courtroom when a case is heard, notify Lisa Taylor at [email protected] by noon the day before it is scheduled. If you want to use a camera, video camera, or audio recording device, it must be approved by the chief justice in advance of the oral argument.

9 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Appeal No. 125,734: Austin Properties, LLC v. City of Shawnee, Kansas

Johnson County: (Petition for Review) Austin Properties, LLC submitted an application to the City of Shawnee to develop a “high-end” multifamily residential development planned on approximately 29 acres near Highway K-7 and Woodsonia Drive. An overwhelming number of neighbors filed a protest petition opposing Austin’s application, thus requiring the City to achieve a three-fourths majority vote to approve Austin’s application. After failing to achieve the majority vote, Austin’s proposal failed to pass. Austin sought judicial review, and the district court upheld the City’s decision. The Court of Appeals held that while there is no doubt about the court’s review, and likely the credibility and reliability of the City’s zoning decisions would benefit from a more complete explanation of its rationale for denying Austin’s application, there was sufficient information in the record to demonstrate the reasonableness of the City’s decision. Issues on review are whether: 1) the Court of Appeals erred in striking the due process provisions from the rezoning statute, K.S.A. 12-757(d), on the ground that they conflict with the adjacent-landowner protest authorization within the same statute, K.S.A. 12-757(f); 2) the Court of Appeals decision conflicts with Wells v. City of Basehor, 97 P.3d 528, and erroneously expands the scope of K.S.A. 12-757(f) beyond allowing landowners to protest the use of adjacent land, to protesting development design plans; and 3) the Court of Appeals established an unachievable evidentiary standard.

10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Appeal No. 125,761: State of Kansas v. Casinroyial Donje Caszarone Collins

Sedgwick County: (Petition for Review) Collins appealed the district court’s order denying his motion to reinstate his appeal finding that no exception applied that would allow Collins to file an appeal out of time. The Court of Appeals found Collins’ arguments to be unpreserved or unpersuasive and affirmed. The issue on review is whether the exceptional circumstances excuse Collins’ filing his notice of appeal late.

Appeal No. 126,130: State of Kansas v. Christopher Shawn Adams

Ellis County: (Petition for Review) If a prosecutor charges a witness with perjury based on their preliminary hearing testimony in a criminal case, may that person then assert a constitutional privilege against self-incrimination when called as a State’s witness in the later jury trial? The district court ruled Stephanie Lang could exercise her right to avoid another perjury charge in that circumstance. The Court of Appeals agreed with the district court that the State’s grant of immunity to Lang under K.S.A. 22-3415 was insufficient to protect her against a second perjury charge and the State could not use Lang’s preliminary hearing testimony and her out-of-court statements presented during the preliminary hearing as evidence in the jury trial, even though she would be unavailable as a witness. The Court of Appeals also held that because the State did not challenge that ruling in bringing this interlocutory appeal, it may be reconsidered in the district court. The issue on review is whether the Court of Appeals erred in finding that the State’s grant of use and derivative use immunity to Lang was insufficient to protect her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination because her immunized testimony, if false, could subject her to the risk of a future charge of perjury.

9 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Case No. 128,062: In The Matter of Alejandro J. Solorio

Disciplinary: Solorio was admitted to the practice of law in 2000. Solorio’s ethics matter involved his representation of two individuals in an immigration matter and his failure to take action on their behalf. The disciplinary administrator recommended that Solorio’s license be suspended for one year. After a 90-day period, the disciplinary administrator recommended the remaining nine months be stayed and Solorio placed on 18 months’ probation. Solorio recommended that he be suspended for six months, with an immediate stay and that he be placed on 18 months’ probation. The hearing panel recommends that Solorio be censured and that the censure be published in the Kansas Reports.

Case No. 128,210: In The Matter of Laine C. Rundus

Disciplinary: Rundus was admitted to the practice of law in 2007. Rundus was charged and convicted of DUI on three different occasions. The Supreme Court temporarily suspended Rundus’ license on April 3, 2024.

The parties entered a summary submission agreement with a jointly recommended suspension of Rundus’ license for one year.

Summary Calendar–No Oral Argument

When a case does not present a new question of law, and oral argument is deemed neither helpful to the court nor essential to a fair hearing of the appeal, it is placed on the summary calendar. These cases are deemed submitted without oral argument.

Appeal No. 125,999: Sarah E. Tharrett, as successor trustee of the Roxine Poznich revocable trust v. David T. Everett

Bourbon County: (Petition for Review, Cross Petition for Review) David T. Everett appeals the district court’s final order granting declaratory relief, which authorized the final distribution of a trust and ordered him to surrender $4,000 in attorney fees from his distribution to the trustee, Sarah E. Tharrett. On appeal, Everett raises several procedural challenges to the proceedings in district court and argues the court abused its discretion in granting Tharrett’s motion for attorney fees. The Court of Appeals stated that the record reflects that Everett, after being sent the final distribution check from the trust, which was calculated in accordance with the district court’s final order, accepted the payment and negotiated the distribution check. The Court of Appeals held that because Everett voluntarily accepted the benefits of the district court’s order, he cannot now take the inconsistent position of appealing from it. Because Everett accepted the district court’s judgment, the Court of Appeals held it lacked jurisdiction over his appeal and dismissed it. The issues on review are whether: 1) the Court of Appeals erred by failing to address Everett’s argument that acquiescence to a void judgment is not possible; 2) the Court of Appeals erred by failing to address Everett’s argument that acquiescence was not properly preserved below; 3) the Court of Appeals erred when it rejected Everett’s self-protection argument; and 4) the Court of Appeals erred when it held that no issue Everett raised was separable from issues he alleged concerning acquiescence.

Appeal No. 126,288: State of Kansas v. Brenton S. Cook

Saline County: (Criminal Appeal) In 2006, a jury convicted Cook of first-degree murder, and he received a hard 25 life sentence. Cook’s convictions were affirmed on appeal and three subsequent motions under K.S.A. 60-1507 were denied. In this motion to correct illegal sentence, he challenges his sentence because his trial violated the merger doctrine, multiplicity, and double jeopardy statutes. The district court immediately denied Cook’s motion. The issue on review is whether the district court erred in immediately denying Cook’s motion to correct an illegal sentence.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

 

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Down From Estimate For November

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November Total Tax Collections at $675.5 Million; 3.6% Below the Estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends November 2024 with total tax collections at $675.5 million. That is $25.4 million, or 3.6%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are up 4.0% from November 2023.

Individual income tax collections were $335.2 million. That is $15.3 million, or 4.4% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections are up 14.9% from November 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $24.5 million. That is $5.9 million, or 19.4% below the estimate, and down 31.1% from November 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $287.3 million, which is $2.0 million, or 0.7% below the estimate, and down $3.7 million, or 1.3%, from November 2023.

Click here to view the November 2024 revenue numbers.

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Fort Scott, Government

Agenda of the Fort Scott City Commission on Dec. 3

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

December 3, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

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

 

VII.      Public Comment

VIII.     Appearances

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 31-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1105 S. STATE– Tabled from November 19, 2024,
  3. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 17 S. Main – Move Sign to New Location – Recommended by Design Review Board on November 12, 2024, and tabled by City Commission on November 19, 2024.

 

  1. New Business

Action Items:

  1. Consideration to Replace Charles Street Lift Station – B. Lemke
  2. Consideration of Verizon Tolling Agreement – B. Farmer
  3. Consideration to set a Budget Hearing on December 17, 2024, for amending the 2024 Budget pertaining to Stormwater Fund No. 719 and Golf Fund No. 219.
  4. Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 34-2024 A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH URBAN AREA BOUNDARY LINES and RESOLUTION NO. 35-2024 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE URBAN FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM– Wyatt
  5. Request to Pay Heck & Wicker – Project No. 6 U-2455-01 – EEI Project No. 24-414 – Payment No. 5 – $450,052.32 – J. Dickman

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. City Manager Comments
  3. Engineering Comments
  4.  Commissioners Comments
  5. City Attorney Comments

 

XII.     Adjourn

Government, Kansas

Kansas Awarded Low-Carbon Construction Materials Support

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Governor Kelly Announces $32M Award to KDOT for Modernizing Construction Materials

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is receiving nearly $32 million to support using low-carbon construction materials in federally aided projects.

The Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program aims to modernize project practices and support the adoption of advanced construction materials across Kansas.

“KDOT’s program will be a model for how states can work with contractors to incorporate advanced materials while delivering projects that strengthen our local economies,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

The program will promote the use of construction materials with lower levels of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions as measured from cradle to gate instead of benchmarks established from current national averages. Those national benchmarks will be replaced by Kansas benchmarks as soon as enough local data becomes available. It will focus on concrete, cement, and asphalt and explore eligible glass and steel materials as the program develops.

“This is significant funding that will drive innovation in construction practices,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “By providing guidance and performance monitoring, KDOT can help contractors integrate cutting-edge materials into their projects and meet evolving industry standards.”

KDOT was one of 39 states awarded funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s discretionary grant program.

“KDOT can help enhance individual projects and pave the way for long-term advancement in the construction industry,” Kansas Transportation Deputy Secretary Greg Schieber said. “Our aim is to create a foundation for growth and continued success.”

Additional information about the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants Program, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, is available by clicking here.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces More than $10M for Crime Victims and Survivors Programs

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that more than $10 million in federal funding will be allocated to community-based organizations and local and state agencies providing services directly to crime victims and survivors. This funding comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant program.

“These services are vital to the well-being of Kansans impacted by crime,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding gives organizations the ability to continue providing the assistance crime victims and survivors deserve as they stabilize their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of safety and security.”

VOCA grants help organizations in delivering essential services, which include court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement and prosecutors. Other services involve crisis counseling offered by sexual assault and mental health centers, forensic interviews conducted by children’s advocacy centers, as well as shelter, transportation, and transitional housing provided by domestic violence programs.

A total of $10,289,285 was awarded to 65 agencies.  

2025 VOCA Grant Awards

County

Organization Name

Grant Award

Allen

Hope Unlimited

$89,696

Barton

Barton County Attorney’s Office

$49,984

Barton

Family Crisis Center

$188,745

Butler

Family Life Center

$34,465

Butler

Sunlight Children’s Services

$91,447

Butler

Tri-County CASA

$9,950

Cloud

North Central Kansas CASA

$18,909

Crawford

Children’s Advocacy Center

$29,366

Crawford

Safehouse Crisis Center

$115,452

Douglas

Child Advocacy Center of Douglas County

$23,545

Douglas

Douglas County CASA

$9,653

Douglas

Douglas County District Attorney’s Office

$58,809

Douglas

The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center

$103,475

Douglas

The Willow Domestic Violence Center

$144,488

Ellis

Options:  Domestic & Sexual Violence Services

$169,028

Finney

Family Crisis Services

$114,043

Finney

Spirit of the Plains CASA

$12,293

Ford

CASA-Children Worth Saving

$22,204

Ford

Crisis Center of Dodge City

$46,904

Ford

Ford County Attorney’s Office

$189,604

Ford

Meadowlark House Child Advocacy Center

$26,157

Geary

CASA of the 8th Judicial District

$15,114

Harvey

CASA:  A Voice for Children

$17,443

Harvey

Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force

$278,923

Harvey

Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center

$23,900

Johnson

CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties

$63,122

Johnson

Johnson County District Attorney’s Office

$128,693

Johnson

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

$179,913

Johnson

Safehome

$476,194

Johnson

Sunflower House

$198,495

Leavenworth

Alliance Against Family Violence

$36,694

Leavenworth

First Judicial District CASA Association

$73,449

Lyon

SOS

$189,996

Reno

BrightHouse

$163,944

Reno

Horizons Mental Health Center Child Advocacy Center

$52,410

Riley

Crisis Center

$64,694

Riley

Kansas State University

$228,054

Riley

Riley County Police Department

$88,166

Riley

Sunflower Children’s Collective

$72,278

Saline

Child Advocacy & Parenting Services

$71,497

Saline

Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas

$360,296

Scott

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

$267,447

Sedgwick

CAC of Sedgwick County

$274,888

Sedgwick

Catholic Charities, Harbor House

$159,780

Sedgwick

City of Wichita Police Department

$114,159

Sedgwick

City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office

$142,937

Sedgwick

ICT SOS

$89,435

Sedgwick

Roots & Wings CASA

$41,990

Sedgwick

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

$73,288

Sedgwick

StepStone

$96,582

Sedgwick

Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center

$225,714

Sedgwick

Wichita Children’s Home

$299,227

Sedgwick

Wichita Family Crisis Center

$249,382

Seward

Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Services

$111,992

Shawnee

City of Topeka Police Department

$70,453

Shawnee

Disability Rights Center of Kansas

$719,634

Shawnee

Kansas Department of Corrections

$856,094

Shawnee

Kansas Legal Services

$794,166

Shawnee

LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center

$15,644

Shawnee

YWCA Center for Safety & Empowerment

$137,366

Wyandotte

Friends of Yates

$254,767

Wyandotte

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault

$428,780

Wyandotte

The Family Conservancy

$103,736

Wyandotte

Unified Gov’t of Wyandotte Co/KS City KS–Police Dept.

$385,332

Wyandotte

ReHope (Restoration House)

$45,000

TOTAL

$10,289,285

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Big Game Hunting Permits Now Available

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Application Period for Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission Big Game Hunting Permits Now Open

 

TOPEKA – Kansas-based chapters of nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife conservation and promoting the hunting and fishing heritage have a special fundraising opportunity thanks to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission. Through the Commission Big Game Permit program, eligible organizations can enter a random drawing for one of seven special big game hunting permits, which may then be sold to fund conservation projects. The drawing will take place at the Commission’s meeting on January 30, 2025. Applicants do not need to be present to win.

Applications are due by Jan. 17, 2025. To submit an application:

  1. Visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/Commission
  2. Click “Commissioner Permits” toward the bottom of the page
  3. Download the file titled, “2025 Commissioner Permit Application fillable.”
  4. Return the completed application by mail or email at the addresses listed on the application

Each year, the program offers up to seven Commission Big Game permits (no more than one elk and one antelope and up to seven deer permits), depending on applicants’ preferences. Deer permits are either-species/either-sex and are valid statewide during any season with the legal equipment for that season; and, they do not count against other big game permits the license holder may obtain.

Winning organizations keep 15 percent of their sale price of the Commission Big Game Permit to support their missions. The remaining 85 percent is held by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks until a mutually agreed upon conservation project is approved. (If Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry is drawn, they may keep 85 percent of their sale price in order to offset donated deer processing fees.) Organizations may not win a Commission Big Game Permit more than once in a three-year period.

For more information, contact Jake George, KDWP Wildlife Division Director, at [email protected].

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Exercise, Fort Scott, Government

Updates at Buck Run Community Center Ongoing

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The Buck Run Community Center has seen some updates in the facility recently.

The renovations were done by employees at the center, Lucas Kelley the Recreation Director, Dustin Fly the Maintenance Supervisor, and Katie Chipman the Office Manager.

“It is all funded by proceeds from our fitness center,” Kelley said. “Total renovations cost us $2,000.
Renovations on the Buck Run Community Center. Submitted photo.
In the concession stand:
“We added new flooring to replace the old stained carpet and
reorganized/simplified our tables and serving machines,” he said.
The lounge area. Submitted photo.
In the lounge area:
“We removed the original unused office and replaced it with a new seating area,” he said.
The front desk area of the Buck Run Community Center. Submitted photo.
The front desk area makeover:
“We gave our front desk a new look using contact paper! This gives our front desk a more modern feel,” Kelley said.
Future projects at Buck Run Community Center include painting in the weight room, gyms,  and meeting room.
“We are also planning on installing 3/8” thick rubber flooring throughout our entire Fitness Center after the first of the year,” he said.
Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.
The Fort Scott Recreation Department is located at 735 S Scott St, Fort Scott.
To contact BRCC phone 620-223-0386 or email [email protected] or view the website at brcc.recdesk.com
Bourbon County, Government

No Bourbon County Commission This Week

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

 

 

There will not be a meeting of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners this week.

 

 

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.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Special Meeting Unapproved Minutes of November 19

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The Special Council Meeting on November 19, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss vacancy of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 8:10PM

 

Councilwoman Esslinger exited executive session at 7:45, back in at 8PM.

 

Meeting resumed at 8:10PM.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to accept resignation of Danea Esslinger as Councilwoman, effective immediately.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to accept resignation of Christina Miller as City Clerk effective 11/18/2024 and to hire Danea Esslinger as City Clerk, with a start date of December 5th or 9th, dependent upon notice to her current employer.

 

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:12PM

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Unapproved Minutes from November 12

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The Regular Council Meeting on November 12, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Restroom toilet issue – Danny Taylor, Taylor Plumbing, has worked on the flush valves for the toilets.  There is not enough water volume or pressure for the valves to work properly.  Suggestions to remedy are to replace current piping from the meter to the valves with larger piping and increase pressure to the valves or replace the toilets with residential toilets.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Failed 2-3 to replace toilets with residential ADA toilets

 

He will return next month with estimated figures for both options.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

none

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the October 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $272,926.87, Receipts $72,792.48, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $36,882.81, Checking Account Closing Balance $305,810.54. Bank Statement Balance $313,061.25, including Checking Account Interest of $60.96, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $7,250.71, Reconciled Balance $305,810.54.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,624.74, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,426.41, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $404,353.31. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $587.65, and Utility CDs $1,443.93 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,031.58.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of October $32,883.67, Year-to-Date Net Income $70,331.34.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $99,922.94 (81.0%), Expenditures $102,002.05 (62.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,153.80 (78.9%), Expenditures $25,731.01 (61.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $100,521.58 (68.6%), Expenditures $93,332.91 (52.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,264.79 (104.9%), Expenditures $160,323.61 (51.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%).  The November 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,002.71 were presented.  The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of October 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

 

Clerk Johnson reminded the council that we had received another quote for the storm siren maintenance in August, but no action was taken.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0-1 (Kelly abstained) to accept the quote from Kelly Electric to inspect semi-annually at $300/inspection for a contract term of five years

 

The 2025-2026 Projected Gas Supply Schedule was presented.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept 2025-2026 Projected Gas Supply Schedule as presented

 

KMGA prepay project – after discussion, Council requested more information.

A KMGA member update was presented.

League of Kansas Municipalities announced a Cyber Liability Insurance Program in partnership with Cowell Insurance Service Inc and Travelers Insurance.  There will be a free webinar November 21, 2-3PM to learn more.

Progress on Warehouse – the roof and outside metal has been removed.  Contractor says will be completed by December 15, 2024.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – asked about check to Bloesser Outdoor Services.  It is in approved payables and will be mailed tomorrow.

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work.  Clerk Johnson sent email request for timeline this morning, no response as of meeting time.  She will reach out again and impress upon them that property owners want to be able to get in their garage before it gets much colder.  He also presented a retirement plaque to Sally Johnson.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that the will begin erecting fence on November 25 or 26.

 

Streets/FEMA – Clerk Johnson requested budgeting quotes from three contractors for the proposed mitigation work.  None were received by noon today.  One contractor did call this morning and will have quote to us later this week.

Sale of property – sale of property closed today and funds received.

 

SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24.  Councilman Ervin wrote the narrative and Clerk Johnson filled in the budget information.  Grant will be awarded in December.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:15

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:15.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:30PM.

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 8:15, out at 8:28.  Open meeting resumed at 8:30PM.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept retirement of Sally Johnson as City Clerk effective 11/15/2024; accept resignation of Charlene Bolinger as City Treasurer effective 11/13/2024; appoint Christina Miller as City Clerk effective 11/18/24; and appoint Sally Johnson as City Treasurer effective 11/18/24

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:32PM