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Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of Oct. `

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of October 1, 2024                                                              Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held October 1, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Meeting available on City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel. Time stamps according to recording.

 

Meeting called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Caleb Bell/FSPD Lieutenant, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Carey Spoon/Executive Director of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning & Development Consultant, Michael Hoyt.

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and M. Wells said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda – (Time stamp 2:29)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as presented.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda – (Time stamp 3:02)

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1369-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 11, 2024 – September 24, 2024 – $449,830.43

-Approval of Minutes for September 3, 2024, September 9, 2024, September 17, 2024, and September 24, 2024.

-Request to Pay – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Application for Payment No. 3 – $60,439.46

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Public Comments

 

Michael Hoyt – (Time stamp 3:34) – a reminder to the citizens that October 14th will be the last day for voter registration and to request a mail-in ballot for the November 5th election, early voting begins October 21st. He also distributed postcards as a reminder and to explain the item on the ballot regarding the move from (3) to (5) County Commissioner Districts.

 

Appearances

 

Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director – (Time stamp 4:53) addressed the Commission with an update on Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), and the status of the Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoons. Graphs kept from January 2022 until August 2024 were distributed. They illustrated: loads from ADM, charges to ADM, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) average, chemical oxygen demand (COD) average, total suspended solids, pH on load, total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen average, and reuse water sold to ADM. The conditions of the lagoons at the WWTP are healthy. ADM continues to work on their pre-treatment. AMS still has (5) trailers on location and continue to dump the advanced microbes into the lagoon, and once a week agitate the sludge by boat. Measurements of the sludge level are not routinely provided to S. Flater. He stated that in the future, Lagoon #1 will need to be dewatered to remove the inorganic sludge (such as rocks, sand, etc.) which comes mainly from the storm and sanitary sewer systems.

 

  1. Olson would like to see an MOU drawn up with AMS putting terms on paper regarding reimbursement.

 

ACTION: D. Olson will send contact information to S. Flater regarding the previous mechanical dredge of one of the lagoons.

 

  1. Matkin stated that they will be discussing the contract prior to the expiration date of the current contract in December 2024.

 

ACTION: S. Flater will get sludge level numbers from AMS.

 

ACTION: B. Matkin and S. Flater will talk to ADM regarding their previous offer to help the City with the mechanical dredging at their meeting on October 10, 2024.

 

  1. Flater explained that the long-term plan will be created when ADM solves their lagoon issues as they will not want to pay for AMS any longer once that happens.

 

Discussion was had regarding the level limits that are set for the lagoons and the long-term impact of the discontinuation of AMS. ADM has a long-term plan to pipeline the water to Fort Scott instead of hauling, therefore they are working on improving their lagoons and pre-treatment process.

 

Unfinished Business

Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – Requested documents from owner due per September 24, 2024, Special City Commission meeting – (Time stamp 29:58)

  1. Matkin received documents from Jose Montanez by email (on September 30, 2024) and the Commissioners were given printed copies at the table. He was told that they will be starting this week and have a lift at the site. They need to obtain a permit from the Codes Department prior to beginning the work which requires documents that are still missing: certificate of liability for the building, structural engineering report and scope of work. The documents provided are not what was requested by the Commission.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will ask Jose Montanez for a copy of the liability insurance for the building at 118 E. Wall St.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (Time stamp 45:01) and returned at (Time stamp 47:37).

 

Missing pages of the email were printed and distributed to the Commissioners by B. Matkin.

 

Discussion was had regarding the missing documents that needed to be submitted before the permit to begin work could be issued by the Codes Department.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to extend the timeline to the October 15th deadline, still requesting the (2) pieces of documentation – the timeline for the work and the structural engineer’s report (from RetroPros for the work being performed) – laying out his scope of work as indicated from the permanent repair recommendations.

 

Further discussion was had regarding the engineering report that was provided (to date) and the current contractor (RetroPro). It was determined that the report provided was from Thomas Rewert, however he is the engineer that was fired by the building owner.  M. Wells stated that what has been provided is a scope of work by a contractor who has still not provided any structural engineer report and the work listed on the scope, according to that structural engineer report, cannot be performed. He stated that the work being performed must be certified by a structural engineer or it is not guaranteed to be structurally safe, and the buildings will not be reopened.

 

  1. Kruger commented on the lift and scaffolding options.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the meeting at (Time stamp 57:05).

 

  1. Dancer clarified that in the previous meeting the building owner told the Commission that they had fired this gentleman (T. Rewert) and they were going to hire a different contractor now that they had the recommendations to do the work that the structural engineer (T. Rewert) recommended. The building owner stated they were going with Option 2. He stated that the scope of work from RetroPros does not describe Option 2 from the structural engineering report provided.

 

  1. VanHoecke returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 58:43).

 

Further discussion was had regarding the intentions of the Commission in the matter and the options if the deadline is not met.

 

  1. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Tabled from September 17, 2024 – (Time stamp 1:03:24) – J. Dickman explained the work that had been completed according to the request of the Commission at the September 17, 2024 meeting.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at 1:04:36.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the Certificate of Substantial Completion for Project No. 22-031B.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 5 – $8,075.00 – Tabled from September 17, 2024.

 

Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 6 FINAL (Retainage) – $10,397.85 – Tabled from September 17, 2024.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to pay Payment Application No. 5 and Payment Application No. 6 (Final Retainage) for Project No. 22-031B. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

New Business /Public Hearing:

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing at 7:06PM (Time stamp 1:06:08). M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Submission of Application on behalf of the City of Fort Scott to the Kansas Department of Commerce for a CDBG Grant under the Community Centers & Parks Category for improvements at Memorial Hall – C. Spoon/Executive Director of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning & Development

  1. Spoon read the following statement: This project proposes replacing existing windows with new aluminum windows, replace existing steel lintels, restore the damaged brick and cast stone masonry, and mend the masonry and mortar joints. The roof at the northeast corner of the building will also be restored. The estimated total project cost is $751,484.75 with a grant request of $569,000.

 

There were no public comments.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing at 7:08PM (Time stamp 1:08:17).  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:09:20).

 

MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to go forward with the CDBG grant application regarding Commerce for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds under the Community Centers & Parks Category for Memorial Hall.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.’

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

New Business/Action Items:

Consideration to Approve Renewal of the Downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit (existing Ordinance No. 3756) – annual permit expires November 21, 2024 – (Time stamp 1:10:21) – City Clerk explained that the annual permit needs to be renewed at this time. If the Commission wishes to make any changes to the Ordinance, including the boundaries, it must be done and passed before the application can be submitted to the state.

 

Discussion was had regarding options to change the existing boundaries.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will talk to Jill Jaworski/Superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site regarding the inclusion of the Pavilion and Skubitz Plaza in the Common Consumption Area.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table this item until the October 15, 2024, meeting.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Reports and Comments

           

City Manager (Time stamp 1:19:16)

– Received COI from the building owner of 118 E. Wall by email.

– Cape Seal Update

– Weekend Events: Gordon Parks event, Pioneer Harvest Fiesta and Parade, Alumni Rodeo and comedy show

– VanFossen Update

– Horton & 6th St. Project Update

 

City Engineer (Time stamp 1:20:49)

– Horton & 6th St. Project Update

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 1:21:08)

 

  1. VanHoecke (Time stamp 1:22:07)

–  Many exciting things in Fort Scott

–  Request to pray for NC, SC, GA and FL, please help where you can

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:22:47).

 

  1. Wells (Time stamp 1:23:02)

–  Special thank you to Care to Share people for their past event

–  Request to pray for the hurricane victims

 

  1. Salsbury (Time stamp 1:24:20)

–  Spent some extra time in town this week, beautiful both visually and in spirit

and noted the progress we are making

 

  1. Olson (Time stamp 1:24:39)

–  Care to Share Fort Fest was a great event

–  Contractors’ licensing program needs to move forward. Will be putting an Ordinance together and bring before the Commission.

 

  1. Dancer (Time stamp 1:26:27)

–  Thank you to the organizations hosting events that make our town great

–  Moving school zone speed limit signs North of 8th St. and South of 12th St.

–  Follow up of annexation report requested of City Attorney

–  Lake property storage encroachments

–  Lake shore easement encroachments

–  IT Infrastructure for the City – IT Equipment Purchase Moratorium suggested pending the acceptable report of equipment currently in use and a diagram of our current IT infrastructure.

 

Discussion was had about IT concerns and the moratorium.

 

ACTION:  IT Department to provide answers to the questions T. Dancer has submitted prior to the invitation to appear at the next meeting, October 15, 2024, for an update.

 

City Attorney (Time stamp 1:39:28)

– Teresa Davenport and Cory Bryars did an exceptional job with the Care to Share event

 

Executive Session

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved for the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of a legal matter pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 8:00PM after recessing in the City Manager’s office. In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Manager and the City Attorney. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to come out of Executive Session.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. M. Wells, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. K. Salsbury was not at the table to vote.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  moved for the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of a legal matter pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 8:11PM.  In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Manager and the City Attorney. D. Olson seconded the motion. M. Wells, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. K. Salsbury was not at the table to vote.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to come out of Executive Session.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:11PM. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:11PM (Time stamp 2:11:14).

 

WORK SESSION, REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024, BEGINNING AT 5:00PM AT CITY HALL

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the FS City Commission for Oct. 15

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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

October 15, 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 1370-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 25, 2024 – October 8, 2024 – $ 734,821.86
  5. Approval of Minutes for October 1, 2024.
  6. September Financials

 

VII.    Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

VIII.     Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting             

              you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

 

  1. Kathy Dancer – Alley Repairs in Downtown Fort Scott

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – Requested documents from owner due per October 1, 2024, extension approved until October 15, 2024.
  3. Consideration to Approve Renewal of the Downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit (existing Ordinance No. 3756) – annual permit expires November 21, 2024 – Tabled from October 1, 2024.

 

  1. New Business

 

Public Hearing:

  1. Consideration to Approve Ordinance No. 3771 – Floodplain Management Ordinance – Pursuant to 44 CFR Sect. 60.3(d) – Regulatory Floodway Identified, K.S.A. 12-766 and K.A.R. 5-44-1 through 5-44-7 – Wyatt, N. Nation, B. Allen

 

  1. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 28-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1721 E. Wall
  2. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 29-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 323 W. Wall
  3. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 30-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1619 E. Pine
  4. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 31-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1105 E. Scott
  5. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 32-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 S. Lowman
  6. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 33-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 418 S. Couch

 

Action Items:

  1. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 27-2024 – Operation Greenlight for Veterans – that in observance of Operation Green Light, the City of Fort Scott, Kansas encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4th through the 11th, 2024 – Submitted by Michael Hoyt
  2. Consideration to Approve Healthcare MOU
  3. Consideration to Approve Federal-Aid Fund Exchange Master Agreement
  4. Consideration to Appoint Ann Rawlins to the Fort Scott Planning Commission – Recommended by the Planning Commission on October 2, 2024, to fill the vacant seat of the (7) member Commission.
  5. Consideration of MOU Between City of Fort Scott and Old Fort Genealogical Society (OFGS) for Usage of the Eastern Side, Lower Level of Memorial Hall
  6. Consideration of a Change Order on Project No. 6 U-2455-01 Horton St. & 6th Project – Replace/Repair Inlet and Manholes – J. Dickman
  7. Reports and Comments
  8. City Manager Comments
  9. Engineering Comments
  10.  Commissioners Comments
  11. City Attorney Comments

 

XII.      Adjourn

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for Oct. 4

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October 4, 2024                                                                                                                Friday, 10:00 a.m.

 

 

The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session for a special meeting with  Commissioners Harris and Whisenhunt and the Deputy County Clerk and County Clerk present.

 

 

Anne Dare, Brian Allen, and Becky Whisenhunt were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

 

Jim led the flag salute.

 

 

Jim made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include both Commissioners and will return at 10:05. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jim made a motion to resume normal session at 10:05 with action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Brandon made a motion for Chairman Jim Harris to take over the dealings with Freeman Hospital business and the equipment side of things. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Jim stated to the citizens of Bourbon County we will work hard and we’re going to get this wrapped up pretty quickly. Jim stated Freeman has been in contact with him and that Commissioner Beth has worked his tail off and he has a lot of personal things going on while Jim is retired and has more time. Jim stated he has put a circle team together which includes the City Manager, a City Commissioner, the COO at KRI, Dr. Nichols, Justin Meeks, Bob Farmer, and himself and we together we will get this done. Jim said he appreciates Brandon’s support.

 

 

Jim asked the audience members if there were any questions. Anne Dare asked if there is any update from Monday regarding the equipment lists? Jim said Commissioner Beth might have it in his possession and he will know later today, however; they received a verbal commitment from Mercy to release that equipment back to Bourbon County and withdraw their concerns. Jim said they have that commitment coming in writing. Jim said he has spoken with Mr. Denning and he has also spoken to professional movers to move the equipment from Pittsburg back to the medical building. Jim said they are in contact with the proper people to make sure the machines are erased properly as there is previous patient information that must be erased. Jim said he is happy with the team he has put in place and now with Brandon’s help they are going to move forward and get this done pretty quickly. Jim said he wants to thank Commissioner Beth publicly for everything he’s done an outstanding job but just had some personal things come up. Jim said he is honored to take this over with Brandon’s support. Jim stated they will get this done and asked the Bourbon County citizens to be patient a little longer. Anne asked if Jim could name which City Commissioner is on the team. Jim said he is not sure yet which City Commissioner will be working with him regarding this. Anne also asked if there is a representative from Freeman working with them? Jim said he will be working with Paula Baker and Renee Denton from Freeman and will meet with them on Monday. Anne asked about the equipment list that Jim is still waiting on and he told her he has a list from Dr. Nichols and Mr. Denning of the three pieces that are missing. Jim said they know where the equipment is and are working with Mercy to get it collected. Jim said Freeman needs to know that we’re getting this equipment moved back here quickly, in place, and tested so that KRI can finish their testing and licensure with the state. Anne asked if there is any timeline for Freeman to open the ER as they initially said April 2025. Jim said he does not know if that has changed as he has not been included in the meetings but he may know more next week. Jim said going forward he will be at every meeting and will report back to the citizens what he knows and what he is able to share. Jim feels the equipment should be moved back to the medical building this week or early next week. Brandon said the memory part of the portable x-ray machine, cat scan, and ultrasound machines is what was missing and that was pulled due to HIPPA since it contained patient information. Brandon said once it is back a team of technicians will come in and inspect the equipment and will be able to tell if anything is not working properly. Anne asked if there is going to be any extra expense expected from the county for the equipment. Jim said there could be $15,000 to $20,000 in expense for getting the technicians in to inspect and test the equipment. Jim said there is currently $72,000 in the Commission Contingency fund and that is where we will pay any expense we incur with the equipment. Jim said it is our equipment until we sign it over to KRI or Freeman and it is our responsibility to ensure it works. Anne asked what Legacy’s role is in all of this? Jim said he has been told Legacy is very cooperative and working with KRI. Jim thinks there was some miscommunication because last week Legacy was talking to KRI’s CEO not their COO. Anne asked if Legacy and KRI are talking about KRI purchasing the building. Jim stated that was true and he was told the tax abatement just recently happened. Brandon agreed and said the state just sent the county the information three weeks ago. Jim said he talked to the County Treasurer and everything is in order on the tax roll and she has contacted KRI as well as Legacy at his request to show the clean slate on their taxes. Jim said that can be turned into the deed company to get a clean title to transfer the building. Jim said he is happy how things are going well. Anne said it is encouraging to finally be able to hear updates. Anne said she is aware that there are things that cannot be shared but that it is a little difficult to continue to hear that there are multiple meetings with no updates. Jim said he is meeting with them on Monday with an action plan. Jim said we need to get the emergency room here as well as the 10-bed hospital here for the citizens and KRI. Anne said she appreciates Jim and Brandon’s efforts. Jim said he appreciates Brandon’s support this morning and it is time to get this done. Jim said he will know later if the date the ER will be operational is moved back and will let everyone know. Jim said their goal right now is to make sure KRI is fully functional with an ER and 10-bed hospital. Brandon said he thinks this is the right move as Jim has been behind the ER project since day one trying to get it pushed forward and that is not to take anything away from Clifton with what he has done on it. Brandon said Clifton and Jim have worked very hard on this and he is glad that we can move forward and get everybody the emergency room and 10-bed hospital that they wanted.

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:16. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                  ___________________,Commissioner

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

10-7-2024                                      Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for Sept. 30

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September 30, 2024                                                                                                        Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

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

 

 

Mike Wunderly, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Kyle Parks, Sheena Parks, Monte Carriker, Pete Owenby, Leroy Kruger, Samuel Tran, Kay Tran, Tim Emerson, Anne Dare, Brad K. Blythe, Mary Pemberton, Vance Eden, Jason Silvers, Deb Martin, Brent M. Smith, Bobby Bobzien, Kaety Bowers, and Dave Bowers were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 9/16/2024 approval of accounts payable totaling $386,598.32, and payroll totaling $300,038.70. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

TJ Denning, COO of Kansas Renewal Institute, stated he was present to answer any questions the Commissioners have and to tell them the position KRI is in with trying to get the ER open. Mr. Denning said he has had no update on the equipment donated to Bourbon County, that there is a list of equipment that isn’t there, and a list of things that have to be fixed in order for Freeman to come in. Clifton said he talked to Freeman this morning. Jim said the County Counselor told him that they think a lot of things were resolved this morning but they can’t talk about it publicly just yet. Mr. Denning stated he needed to be in the loop on that as he is doing the licensure process and signing contracts for service agreements. Mr. Denning questioned where they are on the building stating they are ready to take ownership and that he knows the tax abatement came through from the state for Legacy but he hasn’t heard anything back. Mr. Denning said he needs some answers to be able to carry on with their business and to make things happen. Mr. Denning stated they have invested a ton of money into the facility and are constantly going through inspections for CMS and  the fire marshal for a building that isn’t in their name yet. Jim said it is possible that one of the Commissioners can have some discussion with Legacy and go forward and get him some formation. Mr. Denning stated that would be great and asked what he can do to help as he has come in and tried to build partnerships and be an open book. Mr. Denning said he is from Nevada, MO and is very passionate about rural communities and helping communities out. Mr. Denning said he needs this information to make sure they are established and here for a long time to help. Jim said he will work hard to get the information that Mr. Denning needs and thanked him personally as a citizen as well as a Commissioner for what he has done for us here in Bourbon County. Brandon asked how soon we can get Mr. Denning the information he needs. Jim appointed Clifton to talk to Legacy right away and get Mr. Denning information. Mr. Denning asked how soon he can get the information as he has to have the drawings between Freeman and himself signed and sent into CMS by the end of this week. Clifton said he doesn’t have a problem reaching out to them but they are a private company. Jim said he wants them to be successful and they will try to help them out.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move Samuel Tran before the PVD conference call. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Samuel Tran said about a month ago he came in and voiced his concerns regarding solar in Bourbon County. Mr. Tran said he voted no on the setbacks as a committee member and thought the vote was premature and they needed additional information in order to make an objective decision. Mr. Tran stated he is for setbacks but feels 50 feet is not enough especially if it is close to anything storing flammable agriculture products. Mr. Tran said he has found during his research that when there is a battery energy storage system fire that the fire departments evacuate residents up to ½ mile away due to the hazardous gas and potential toxins. Mr. Tran said he is concerned there would be the introduction of water contamination from the fire extinguishing process into our streams, rivers, ponds, and watersheds and therefore it is his recommendation to the Commission to implement a 500-foot setback from all residential sites, outbuildings, streams, rivers, ponds, and watersheds until the solar companies can present a comprehensive plan to mitigate fire and prevent contaminated water from entering out water system. Mr. Tran said he believes that need for zoning or special use permits is clear. Mr. Tran said many believe that zoning would be an infringement on property rights and that these measures would protect all property owners and put them all on the same footing. Mr. Tran said he feels that the tax dollar numbers of 94 million in property tax payment sounds very enticing but he feels it is merely corporate gaslighting numbers regaled for the benefit of the uninformed to sway public sentiment while the true nature of the message was to affect the success of a new generation. Mr. Tran said during his research he found 100 companies that went bankrupt in 2023 and stated these are not the companies who built the projects but the ones who bought the contract and who would be responsible for paying the taxes. Mr. Tran urged residents to become informed regardless of how you feel about solar and to ask questions, look information up, educate yourself and become engaged to get the word out because you can make a difference. Mr. Tran asked how much money the county received from the windmill project each year and how much of that money went to the school districts? Jim said it is close to $399,000 a year and that roughly half went to salaries and the other half went to lower property taxes. Mr. Tran asked if either school district has received money from them and Jim said no but they are hopefully changing that because he believes they should get some money.

 

 

At 5:45 Mike Dallman, Property Manager for the Property Valuation Division of the Kansas Department of Revenue, called in to go over the compliance report for Bourbon County. Mr. Dallman said that we are not in compliance this year as our residential properties are not where they are supposed to be. Mr. Dallman stated the reason for the call is by statute he must talk to the Board of County Commissioners of any county not in compliance. Mr. Dallman went over the scorecard and stated there were 10 counties out of compliance this year. Mr. Dallman said the residential market has increased dramatically since COVID and that some counties have raised 20-30% to get their properties where they should be. Matt Quick, County Appraiser, said he does not want to raise the property values like that and that once you get behind it is hard to get caught up.

 

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented a utility permit for a company putting in a call tower at 205th Street and Osage Road. Jim asked if the roads in question were gravel and Eric stated the are. Clifton made a motion to sign the permit for Kevin Sargent of ADB Companies on behalf of MCI. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Brandon asked Eric if the company is going to cut across the road and Eric said they will just be installing in the county right-of-way.

 

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked the Commissioners if they want to hold a meeting on October 14th since the courthouse will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. After discussion it was decided to hold a meeting on October 15th at 9:00. Jennifer said the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration information is October 15th. Jennifer explained that anybody who will turn 18 on or before November 5th can fill out a voter registration card and will be put in an underage status and the system will automatically roll them into active registered status on their birthday. Early voting will begin on October 21st in the Commission room. Early voting hours will be 10/21/24-10/25/24 form 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m., from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on 10/26/24, 10/28/24-11/1/24 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on 11/2/24, and 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on 11/4/24. Regular polling sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on 11/5/24.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-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 Eric Bailey and will return at 6:40. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:40 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Jim said he received notification from the Thomas family that they want to stop the lease on the Thomas Quarry. Jim said it is a 90-day notification to get the equipment out and that they stated it was not as beneficial as the family thought it would be. Brandon asked what it would do to our public works department and Clifton said it would hurt it. Clifton said we own 300 acres at Elm Creek and if we drill on our own land this could eliminate losing the quarry leases. Eric said that they have lost two good quarries and it would be beneficial to have one the county owned. Eric said he would not know the quality of rock at Elm Creek without drilling but he can do that if the Commissioners want him to. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to core the property at Elm Creek to see if the rock is good. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Brandon said you don’t know until you look at it but that people love that lake and if we mess with it, they will be mad.

 

 

Jim said he as heard setbacks of 50 feet to 4600 feet but it is time for the Commission to decide on a number. Jim said they can’t make the solar companies do the setbacks they can only ask. Brandon said he thinks 1800 feet while Clifton suggested 300 feet. Clifton said the solar setback committee recommended 50 feet and that if we ask for something ridiculous, they could end up putting it in at 25 feet. Clifton stated to ask for something reasonable but more than 50 feet. Jim said his job is to represent all property owner rights and he agrees with what Clifton said about asking for a reasonable distance. Jim said that 300 feet is a football field and you won’t see the panels if trees are planted as well. Jim said he feels the company he has talked to would be receptive to a reasonable setback. After discussion it was decided to ask for 400 feet setback from a residence. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to visit with NextEra about setbacks and the donation agreement. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Jim asked for a 7-minute executive session regarding nonelected personnel.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-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 will return at 7:09. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 7:09 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 3-minute executive session under KSA 75-419 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners and will return at 7:13. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 7:13 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Brandon asked residents to be patient and stated he thinks we are getting stuff figured out.

 

Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:14. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                  ___________________,Commissioner

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

10-7-2024                        Approved Date

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Promotional Specialties International Donation Requests Are Not Legitimate

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Becky Johnson, Submitted photo.
Notice from Becky Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Department Administrator/ Local Health Officer:
If you or your business have been contacted by Promotional Specialties International requesting donations on behalf of the SEK Multi-County Health Department or “Bourbon County Health Department”, please be aware that this is not a legitimate request. They have falsely claimed that we are seeking sponsorships for t-shirts, which is not the case. This group has previously engaged in similar activities, successfully obtaining funds from several businesses under the pretense of supporting our local health department. We strongly advise against making any donations to this organization.
Numerous complaints are noted in the Better Business Bureau for the same issues in other states.

Thank you!

Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Lisa Dillon: New FS Housing and Community Development Coordinator

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Lisa Dillon, The City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator
Lisa Dillon started as the new City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator on September 23.
Her wages will be split over a couple of different funds including economic development, FS City Manager Brad Matkin said.
“I graduated from high school in 1986 and later attended Fort Scott Community College.  I have gained valuable insights into community development and social issues with prior employment and volunteering ventures with different communities through the years,” Dillon said.
She has experience in real estate, residential lending, and community programs that assisted families.
The following was provided by Matkin about the roles that Dillon and her department head, Mary Wyatt, play.

Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department

The Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department plays a vital role in shaping the future growth and sustainability of a community. It focuses on urban planning, housing initiatives, and business development strategies, ensuring they are integrated to create a vibrant and resilient community. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that foster economic growth, improve public infrastructure, enhance housing options, and strengthen community ties.

Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development: Mary Wyatt

  • Oversee the Housing and Community Development Coordinator, Tourism and Public Relations Coordinator, Codes Department, and Woodland Hills Golf Course.
  • Work closely with the Kansas Department of Commerce on promoting Fort Scott to entice businesses to come to our community.
  • Ensure the City of Fort Scott is competitive regionally attracting prospective companies to the City.
  • Work with the area Chamber of Commerce to strengthen relationships with existing businesses.
  • In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and local realtors, develops, and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community.
  • Provide education to possible new businesses for grants, funding, and locations.
  • Report to the commission quarterly on findings, wins, and expectations of the Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department.
  • Develop short- and long-range economic development plans.
  • Lead efforts to attract new businesses to the City of Fort Scott or Bourbon County.
  • Develop incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
  • Represent the City of Fort Scott at regional and national economic development conferences and trade shows.
  • Study and monitor the up-to-date market statistics and demographics for existing businesses, labor shed, and market data for businesses interested in relocating or locating in Fort Scott.

Housing and Community Development Manager: Lisa Dillon

  • City liaison for the City of Fort Scott Land Bank
  • Educate investors on housing incentives
  • Legislative liaison working with Kansas League of Municipalities to influence state and federal legislation.
  • Develop, implement, and manage housing and community development programs.
  • Oversee the administration of grants and funding for housing and community development projects.
  • Ensure that all housing and development projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Collaborate with the Codes Department to provide support and assistance
  • Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to regulatory bodies.
  • Continued education in housing, codes, and community development regulations.
  • Identify and secure funding sources for housing and community development
  • Report quarterly on housing developments and community activities to the City Commission
  • Help the Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development with incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
  • Promote the development of affordable housing and improve existing housing stock with the assistance of the Codes department.
  • Work with the City of Fort Scott’s bond counselor to promote and execute the city’s RHID program.
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment

 

Her office is located at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street Fort Scott, and her phone number is 620.223.0550.
Fort Scott City Hall.
Government, Kansas

Virtual meeting launched as part of water local consult outreach

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A virtual, on-demand meeting is now available for Kansans wanting to provide input on water issues in the state. The virtual meeting is part of a second round of local consult meetings to gather input on strategies to implement the 2022 Kansas Water Plan. The virtual meeting mirrors the content from the eight in-person meetings held across the state in September. The recent in-person and new virtual meeting build on the first round of local consult meetings held this summer, as well as Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) meetings.

The virtual meeting is available at: https://burnsmcd.mysocialpinpoint.com/kansas-water-planning. The content is offered on demand, so people can participate at any time they’d like.

Through the virtual meeting, Kansans will have the opportunity to provide feedback on:

  • Updated investment scenarios based on feedback heard in round one;
  • What criteria are most important as investment strategies are evaluated to achieve the Plan’s long-term goals around aquifers, reservoirs and water quality;
  • Setting objectives and identifying what Kansans think are reasonable actions to achieve them; and
  • Preferred revenue sources to meet the objectives.

Interim results of the survey, along with a summary of input gathered at the in-person meetings in September, will be shared with the Kansas Water Authority on October 16. The survey will remain open until November 8 and then a final summary of results will be developed and shared.

More information about the Water Plan implementation effort and materials from both the first and second rounds of local consult meetings are available online at: https://www.kwo.ks.gov/news-events/kwa-strategic-planning.

The local consult meetings are being held by the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Agriculture, and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Questions can be emailed to: [email protected].

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Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Special Meeting, Oct. 10

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The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 11:30 am in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building to conduct business needing to be addressed prior to the regular board meeting.

 Submitted by

Juley McDaniel

Director of Human Resources

Fort Scott Community College

2108 S. Horton

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Oct. 7

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R&B 9.27.24

Accounts Payable 10-4-2024

Payroll 10-4-2024

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

 

October 7, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/30/2024 and 10/4/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $289,779.42
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $558,232.10
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
    2. County Clerk
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Harris Will Lead Action Team to Move Forward With Freeman Health System

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The empty emergency department at the former Mercy Hospital.
At a special Bourbon County Commission this morning the Commissioners decided that Commission Chairman Jim Harris will form an action team to expedite Freeman Health System’s intentions to open an Emergency Department and 10 bed-hospital at the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
“It’s time to get this accomplished,” Harris said in an interview. “I want to thank Commissioner Clifton Beth for his help on this the last few years.”
Jim Harris, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.
Beth had been the commissioner who had been working on the healthcare issues as a leadman,  “but he is stepping out for some personal reasons,” Harris said. “I am retired and with an action team to assist, we will take this to the finish line.”
On this newly formed healthcare action team are Harris, Dr. Randy Nichols, T.J. Denning (K.R.I. Chief Operating Officer),  Fort Scott Mayor Terry Dancer, Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer, and Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks.
“On Monday at 2 p.m. all the team members are going to meet at Freeman (Health Care System) in Joplin (MO),” he said.
“On Tuesday we will meet with the people who have the Fort Scott Emergency Room equipment, either Mercy or Via Christi. It was removed and stored in Pittsburg and Mercy has agreed to give it back. Our job is to bring it back.”
“We will then get technicians to see what is working and what is not,” he said. “Once we know it’s working we will probably have a Memorandum of Understanding  to give to Freeman.”
“Kansas Renewal Institute can then move forward with their planning, final inspection and then we will have a green light to open the ER and small hospital, which is vital to K.R.I. and the people of Bourbon County,” he said.
“I want to thank Commissioner Beth for his work on this and thank Freeman Health System, this is a God-send and a blessing to Bourbon County,” Harris said. “And I want to thank Mercy for their help and assistance with the equipment.”
Bourbon County, Government

Special Meeting Today Oct. 4 of the Bourbon County Commission at 10 a.m.

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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

A special meeting will be held on
October 4, 2024 10:00 a.m.

I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
IV. Adjourn Meeting

Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual
proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting