Kansas Education Enrichment Program Provides Back-to-School Assistance for Families in all
105 Kansas Counties
~~Students Can Receive $1,000 for Educational Goods and Services~~
TOPEKA – As Kansas students prepare to head back to school this month, Governor Laura Kelly announced that families in all 105 counties across Kansas have applied for the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP). She is encouraging more qualifying parents and guardians to take advantage of the one-time award of $1,000 per child to cover educational goods and services, including school supplies, tutoring, music lessons, and academic camps.
“The KEEP program is providing Kansas families the support they need to encourage their child’s learning over the summer and long after, whether that’s through new books, tutoring, or school supplies,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all who qualify to join the other families who have applied and to take advantage of this resource.”
In June, Governor Kelly expanded eligibility for KEEP to students with household incomes of less than 300% of federal poverty guidelines. The Kansas Office of Recovery partners with Merit to implement KEEP.
“As students head back to school, Merit is pleased to help facilitate the diverse and enriching educational experiences Kansas children will receive through KEEP,” said Tomer Kagan, CEO, Merit. “Merit’s online education marketplace connects parents and guardians with educational goods and services provided by approved service providers.”
Parents can spend their student’s program funds on a variety of academic enrichment opportunities such as:
The purchase of curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices
Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
Tutoring
Language classes
Musical instruments and lessons
The funds are not eligible for private school tuition.
Students in a current foster care placement are also eligible regardless of household income. More information on how families can apply for and receive funds is available on the KEEP program website: www.keep.ks.gov.
CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training, October 6, 9-3, Olathe, $25
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Mural Grant –
Placemaking Project –
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _____, to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
The Budget Worksession on July 18, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Budget worksession
Council was presented with a 2024 proposed budget. It was reviewed and amended to have the same mill rate as last year, which will exceed the revenue neutral rate. It was agreed upon to send notice to County Clerk of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate and set the revenue neutral rate hearing to begin at 6:45PM on September 12, 2023, to be immediately followed by the budget hearing, then the regular council meeting. Session ended at 7:48PM
Road users traveling U.S. 69 in Crawford County will see newly installed yellow “Safety Corridor – Increased Enforcement” signage. These warning signs bring attention to heightened law enforcement efforts as part of a Safety Corridor Pilot Program launched in Summer 2023. The Safety Corridor Pilot Program is a five-year initiative aimed at reducing fatal and serious injury crashes on four selected highway corridors in Kansas. The Program entails a comprehensive set of strategies in enforcement, education, engineering, and emergency response.
The U.S. 69 Safety Corridor extends from the U.S. 400 junction north through Frontenac and Pittsburg to the U.S. 160 junction. Crash reports indicate 98 total crashes occurred along the U.S. 69 corridor route over a five-year timeframe (2016-2021), including 4 fatalities and 19 serious injuries. The Kansas Department of Transportation installed signage to alert motorists of increased enforcement of risky driving behaviors associated with crash risk.
“U.S. 69 was selected for this pilot safety initiative based on a history of fatal and serious injury crashes and crash reports noting a reoccurring pattern of risky driving behaviors,” said Southeast District Engineer Wayne Gudmonson. “The goal is to help travelers get home safely by bringing attention to the importance of obeying traffic laws, wearing seat belts and advancing a culture of safe driving behaviors.”
The Safety Corridor Pilot Program will run until 2028. Secondary educational messages in schools and businesses along the four corridors will be distributed beginning this month. For more information on the Safety Corridor Pilot Program, visit the program website at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burTrafficSaf/safetycorridor.asp.
Friday, August 11 at 5 p.m at city hall, the Fort Scott City Commission will discuss the idea of Fort Scott considering the option of applying to the Certified Local Government Program as presented to the Design Review Board and the City Commission by Mayor Matthew Wells.
The Certified Local government (CLG) program is designed to promote the preservation of prehistoric and historic sites and districts by establishing a partnership between the local government on behalf of the State of Kansas and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a division of the Kansas Historical Society.
Katrina Ringler, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, and Director of Cultural Resources Division of the Kansas Historical Society will be present at the meeting to answer questions.
Please share with anyone who might be interested in learning more about this program and participate in the discussion of this proposal for the City.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 1 is available for public viewing and comment. The BEAD 5-Year Action Plan, along with Volume 1 and Volume 2, will identify served, unserved, and underserved locations across the state and map out a plan to expand access to high-speed internet.
The BEAD program, established by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, has allocated more than $451 million to Kansas for the development of broadband networks.
“Universal internet access is essential, and BEAD is a catalyst to a more connected and prosperous Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “From remote work to telehealth and other critical services, my administration is committed to ensuring every Kansan has the opportunity to thrive in the digital economy.”
Residents, community organizations, businesses, and local authorities from across the state are encouraged to participate in the public comment period for Volume 1 of the Initial Proposal. The document adheres to National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) guidelines and includes a description of each requirement and attachments.
Volume 1 includes:
Existing broadband efforts
Identification of unserved and underserved Kansans
List of community anchor institutions
“It’s essential to have opportunities for meaningful public comment and connection with the Office of Broadband Development if we are to achieve the goal of universal service,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Kansas is on the path to a more digitally accessible future, and participation in the public comment period will play a crucial role in shaping the success of the BEAD program.”
These strategic planning documents aim to bring robust broadband connectivity to every corner of Kansas, bolstering economic growth, education, health care, and public safety.
“This historic investment will make bold strides toward closing the digital divide and empowering Kansas communities,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “Input from Kansans is needed to ensure everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy enhanced broadband access, creating greater opportunities for all residents.”
Public comments on Volume 1 can be submitted online here until August 30.
Learn more about the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Plan here.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections for July 2023 were $681.0 million. That is $13.9 million, or 2.1%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up $94.7 million, or 16.2%, from July 2022.
“We are starting this fiscal year on strong financial footing, thanks to my administration’s laser-sharp focus on attracting businesses and growing the state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The numbers are clear: we must put money back in the hands of working Kansans through responsible tax cuts.”
Individual income tax collections were $313.7 million. That is $3.7 million, or 1.2%, more than the estimate, and a $13.2 million, or 4.4%, growth from July 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $44.7 million. That’s $4.7 million, or 11.9%, more than the estimate and up 22.2% from July 2022.
“It is important to note that wage withholding, the largest component of the $313.7 million in individual income tax receipts, is 13.4% more than in July 2022. Kansas wage income continues to be strong as the state moves into Fiscal Year 2024,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $315.3 million, which is $12.3 million, or 4.1%, more than the estimate and up 38.8% from July 2022.
Passing the National Defense Authorization Act This week, the Senate passed crucial investments to our military and national defense in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Passing NDAA is one of Congress’ most important tasks to make certain our military is equipped and ready to defend the nation. This year’s legislation includes critical investments for our nation’s weapons stockpile and cutting-edge cybersecurity technology. Just as importantly, NDAA includes a pay raise to our all-volunteer force and resources to help improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families.
I also worked to include several of my priorities in NDAA that enable surviving military spouses to retain certain benefits upon remarriage and provisions for analyzing and expanding TRICARE benefits. Additionally I worked to expand hearing aid coverage for dependents of retired servicemembers and authorized substantial investments in Fort Riley and Forbes Field.
The successful passage of these amendments and the overall Senate version of the NDAA underscores our capacity to unite for our nation’s greater good. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to reconcile the Senate and House versions of NDAA and passing final legislation in both chambers.
Op-Ed with Secretary Pompeo: America wins if we help Ukraine defeat Russia This week I wrote an op-ed with former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding why America benefits from helping Ukraine defeat Putin.
Kansas’ favorite son, General and later President Dwight D. Eisenhower, remarked after the end of World War II that, “history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.” “Ike” recognized that the freedom we enjoy today is both a unique privilege and hard-won inheritance.
Allowing the war in Ukraine to fester will only prolong and deepen the instability already wrought, and it puts at greater risk the 100,000 U.S. servicemembers defending NATO’s borders – including those from Fort Riley. It is in our interests to help Ukraine degrade Russia’s warfighting capabilities, thereby reducing this threat to our servicemembers.
To achieve success, the United States must lead, alongside its NATO allies and partners in Europe. This should not, and will not, require American troops to fight in Ukraine. Instead, it requires providing the Ukrainians with the weapons they need to win the war on their own. Only by doing this will Russia be forced to conclude that further efforts to compel Ukraine to surrender will fail.
Ukraine’s battle for freedom and security is a noble one that we are right to support in the same spirit as those who came before us.
You can read my op-ed with Secretary Pompeo in the Fox News here.
U.S. Military Academy Board of Visitors This week I attended the West Point Board of Visitor’s meeting at the United States Military Academy. The West Point Board of Visitors serves as an advisory committee that meets regularly and inquires about the ongoing work and issues at West Point. We discussed the recent storm damage at West Point and issues with recruiting to the academy, which is experiencing a lower number of applications from qualified cadets than the other academies.
As a United States Senator, one of my important responsibilities is nominating outstanding candidates to our nation’s prestigious service academies, including West Point. I take this role very seriously as these young men and women, who aspire to serve our nation, represent our future military leadership. It is crucial that we provide them with the opportunities necessary to prepare them for the challenges they will face.
In my endeavor to find the best and brightest, I make it a point to make sure that deserving candidates from all Kansas communities are not disadvantaged simply because they often lack access to advanced placement classes in their high schools. I firmly believe that talent and determination can be found in every corner of our state and country, and I want to help ensure these prospective leaders are not overlooked.
The task of training the next generation of officers is integral to ensuring our military remains ready and capable to defend against any threats to our nation. I take this responsibility to heart, and I will continue to leverage my roles in Congress to safeguard our nation’s security. Our military’s readiness, and indeed our nation’s future, relies heavily on these young individuals who are willing to serve, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to support their success.
SVAC Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA’s) Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, and Under Secretary for Benefits, Josh Jacobs, testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee about VA’s efforts to implement the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act of 2022. The PACT Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022, almost one year ago, to help veterans who were exposed to toxins like Agent Orange in Vietnam or burn pit smoke in Iraq and Afghanistan connect with VA health care and benefits. It also provides benefits for the surviving family members of toxic-exposed veterans, requires research to help VA better identify and treat veterans who may be experiencing negative health effects as a result of their toxic exposure, and includes recruitment and retention incentives and expanded leasing authorities to improve VA’s workforce and create new and improved VA medical facilities. As the lead Republican on the Senate Veteran’s Affairs Committee, I will keep working to make certain that the PACT Act it is working for veterans and their families.
I encourage every Kansas veteran to visit the website here or call 800-698-2411 to see if you are eligible for health care or benefits due to the PACT Act. Importantly, if you are a veteran who thinks that you experienced a toxic-exposure during your time in the military and are experiencing negative health effects as a result, I encourage you to file a claim for service-connection through the Veterans Benefits Administration as soon as possible. There is no deadline to apply for benefits under the PACT Act. However, if you file a claim – or submit your intent to file a claim – by August 9th and it is granted, your benefits will be backdated to August 10, 2022. Additionally, if you are a post-9/11 combat veteran who separated from the military more than a decade ago and has not yet enrolled in the VA health care system, you could be eligible to enroll due to the PACT Act until September 30th.
Astronomy Award Presented by AURA Last week, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) presented the Champions for Astronomy Award to Senator Shaheen and I, Chair and Vice Chair of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee on Appropriations with jurisdiction over NASA. AURA is a consortium of 49 US institutions and three international affiliates that operate world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. Since the James Webb Space Telescope’s launch in 2021, the photographs it has provided have increased our understanding of our solar system, allowing us the ability to look to distant worlds and understand the origins of our universe. I was proud to support the completion of this incredible project that is a symbol of America’s ingenuity.
The Role of Policy in Reducing Global Hunger I had the opportunity to speak about the important role our Kansas farmers play in combatting global hunger this week during a World Food Program USA event. As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I know first-hand that food stability is essential to political stability. I’m honored to carry on the meaningful work of late Senator Bob Dole to expand our nation’s efforts to provide food to the most vulnerable populations around the world.
During the event I discussed why combating threats of hunger is not only the morally right thing to do, but is also the smart thing to do. Food security is national security: Food assistance provided by the United States leads to greater stability in regions of the world important to America’s strategic interests. When parents have access to food, they can provide a better future for their children. And when hunger no longer impedes a child’s ability to learn, they can remain and thrive in school, leading them down a path to greater opportunities.
I also discussed the consequences of Putin terminating the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Ukraine and Russia account for more than a quarter of the world’s wheat. The Black Sea Grain Initiative was a critical lifeline to those most in need worldwide and especially to those in hunger-stricken nations throughout Africa, Afghanistan and Yemen. The collapse of the Initiative is catastrophic for the world and could send global commodity and food prices much higher than we’ve ever seen. We must make certain the world knows Putin is the one responsible for the spiking food costs. Putin must not succeed in using propaganda to portray the West as the reason why people in grain-importing countries can’t afford to put food on the table. Many of these countries have been neutral so far; this is an opportunity to convince their leaders this war does impact them and Putin’s the reason for it.
Thank you to WFPUSA for inviting me to participate and for their leadership in combatting global hunger.
Providing Afghan Refugees a Pathway to Legal Residency Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to address my fellow Senators on an issue of paramount importance: the fate of our Afghan allies as we approach the second anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Many of these brave individuals, who escaped to the U.S., now face a daunting reality as their initial parole statuses near expiration.
The Administration’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan created an environment of uncertainty and a potential threat to our national security. Currently, Afghan nationals who escaped the United States only received screening in the chaos at the Kabul airport. If Congress does not act, the necessary vetting for these individuals will not happen. I worked with my colleagues to strengthen the vetting language in the Afghan Adjustment Act – creating a directive process that will ensure a more efficient legal pathway to citizenship exists for those Afghans who risked their lives to help U.S. personnel in Afghanistan while also flagging those whose presence in the United States is a threat to our national security.
The Afghan Adjustment Act is a bipartisan solution to ensure our national security is not threatened and provide Afghan refugees with the certainty they need to start their new lives here in the U.S.
The legislation has received the endorsement of veteran organizations including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Veterans for Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Veterans for American Ideals, With Honor Action and the Association of Wartime Allies.
Floor Speech on the Federal Reserve This week, I spoke on the Senate floor about the need for an independent review of the Silicon Valley Bank failure. Americans’ confidence in our financial system and its regulators was shaken this year, and hiring an outside investigative group to conduct a review of the Fed’s response would restore public confidence. This comprehensive review must be done by a party uninvolved in the failure of Silicon Valley Bank or the federal response to ensure the outcome is impartial. Meaningful oversight requires objectivity and transparency.
Americans deserve insight into the reasoning and conversations of regulators, White House officials and bank management involved in the response. As federal bank regulators put out stricter capital requirements this week in response to recent turmoil, it is crucial they take into account the trickle-down effect to small and mid-size institutions. A wholistic and independent review of the SVB collapse is the only way to get a non-partisan assessment allowing Americans to regain trust in our banking system and its regulators.
Meeting With Kansans D.C. American Legion Boys/Girls Nation On Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet with young Kansans visiting D.C. who are participating in the American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation, both selective, educational programs for high school juniors. Through these respective programs, high school students learn about government, public service and civic responsibility and have opportunities to exercise leadership skills and participate in the political process. These young men and women were each elected by their peers from these respective programs to represent Kansas in Washington. While in the nation’s capital, they receive valuable educational and leadership experience as they learn about the structure and function of the federal government.
We also discussed the importance of prioritizing education, and the value of their involvement in American Legion’s youth programs. Visiting with our future leaders is always a highlight for me, and I know these young people will go on to do great things for our state and country in the future. Thank you to Kathrine Edwards and Jacqueline Goodman of Leavenworth, Adiel Garcia II from Olathe, and Creytin Jace Saner of Olathe for meeting with me.
Pittsburg State University President Dan Shipp & KBI Director Tony Mattivi
This week, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Dan Shipp, President of Pittsburg State University, and Tony Mattivi, Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The purpose of our meeting was to discuss the collaborative efforts being created not only for the students and faculty of Pittsburg State University and the KBI, but also for Kansas as a whole. I was glad to learn about the hard work undertaken by Dr. Dan Shipp and his team at Pittsburg State University, focusing on the growth and development of the Pittsburg community. Equally promising was the commitment shown by KBI Director Tony Mattivi and his team in further supporting local law enforcement efforts. I am confident that both parties will continue to collaborate, seeking innovative solutions to address the challenges our communities face today.
Brewers Association
On Wednesday, I met with Philip Bradley of the Kansas Craft Brewers Guild to discuss the priorities of the Brewers Association, which represents craft breweries across the country. The 67 craft breweries in Kansas produce nearly 43,000 barrels of beer per year and provide over 3,500 well-paying jobs to the community, driving significant economic activity in Kansas. I appreciated the opportunity to hear about the state of craft brewing in Kansas and will continue to advocate for their priorities in Washington.
National FFA State Office Summit
On Wednesday I met with the Kansas FFA state officer team during their visit to our nation’s capital. I enjoyed the opportunity to hear about the positive growth of FFA chapters in our state. It was great hearing from students about their passions, goals and future career paths. These young men and women are dedicated to educating students, inspiring communities, and shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow’s agriculture industry. Thank you to Kai Cox, Long Island; Karli Neher, Pfeifer; Christian Pena, Sublette; Payton Ryba, Cheney and Sage Toews, Canton.
Kansas Association of Wheat Growers
I met with members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers on Wednesday afternoon to discuss their priorities for the Farm Bill along with other issues that they see affecting Kansas farmers. They reiterated to me the importance of adequate crop insurance, especially when conditions in Kansas change so quickly as we’ve seen this year with some farmers experiencing crop loss caused by both drought and flooding. We also talked about the potential benefits of redefining wheat to be listed as a harvestable cover crop. Thank you to Shayna DeGroot of Manhattan, Kyler Millershaski of Lakin, and Chris Tanner of Norton.
The Thomas Family
This week I had the opportunity to meet up with Anthony and Carla Thomas, along with their children Leah, Landon and Liam during their trip to Washington D.C. It was great to speak with the Thomas family on local Hays events that have been happening this summer.
Community Visit in Otis On my drive to Hays on Friday, I stopped in Otis to visit with residents and community leaders at Otis & Bison, Otis City Hall, Agency One Insurance Services, Messer Gasses, Bison State Bank and Rush County Farm Bureau. It was great to speak with members of the community and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about how I can assist them in Washington, D.C.
Now Accepting 2023 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2028. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 1, 2023. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the County Clerk present.
Bonnie Smith, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, and Mark McCoy were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7/17/23. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
During the public comments section Bonnie Smith questioned why there were only three Commissioners and not five as Butler County, where she previously lived, has. Justin said it is how patrons formed it and to have 5 Commissioners it would have to be voted on. Bonnie said she received wonderful care by our EMTs when she needed it, but asked if EMS had to take patients to the emergency room in Fort Scott, or if they could take them elsewhere. Clifton suggested she talk to Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, and said it was his understanding they had to take to the closest appropriate emergency room.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, Eric said it has taken longer than expected with mother nature and equipment issues, but they are pushing through and will finish the asphalting project on Soldier Road soon. Eric said that on some of the projects they may work at night due to the high traffic counts on the roads. Jim said when he was at the fair residents said Hammond looks good. Eric stated they are clearing overburden at Thomas quarry preparing for the next blast. Jim asked if Eric had received any update on the dump truck, and Eric said they received money from the insurance company, but that they didn’t total it. Eric said they are going to Sikeston, MO to pick up the new belly dump trailer and that the wet kit is now done on the new truck for the landfill. Jim said he saw mowers out and appreciates that. Eric said they plan on getting the road behind Ellis Park paved before school starts. Jim asked if they have enough tractors to mow intersections for the buses, and Dustin replied they are down one and they have one at the landfill to turn the beans but that they try to mow in the area with that tractor. Jim said it is amazing what mowing one pass does for safety.
At 5:45 the public opening of bids for a motor grader, mini excavator, and trailer for public works was held. The Commissioners opened the bid envelopes starting with all the bids for motor graders. Murphy Tractor bid $344,000 for a John Deere 620GP motor grader with a 5 year/10,000-hour DPF assurance and an 84 month/7,000-hour comprehensive extended warranty. Foley Equipment bid $288,344.59 for a 120-14J motor grader with an 84 month/7,000-hour Premier CAT warranty. State Tractor and Equipment bid $265,000 for a SANY SY SMG200C-8 motor grader with a 7 year/7,000-hour warranty that includes TTM. The Commissioners allowed each company’s representative to speak about their product for 5-minutes and answer any questions. Travis Clinesmith with Murphy Tractor spoke about bringing a motor grader for a demonstration and said the graders would be serviced in Humboldt and that the machinery is built in Davenport, IA. Dustin Daniels with Foley Equipment spoke about the grader he bid, but did not bring for a demonstration. Jim asked where the 120 graders were manufactured and Mr. Daniels replied in Little Rock, AR and Brazil. Justin Vasquez with State Tractor and Equipment stated that and travel time and mileage incurred from having their company come to our facility is also covered under warranty. Jim asked where the graders were made and Mr. Vasquez stated they are made in China, but any parts come from Georgia and if they don’t already have what is needed in stock, they can have it the next day. Jim thanked them all and asked Clifton, Eric, and Dustin if they wanted to discuss the bids tonight. Dustin said he would like to see the Caterpillar 120 grader in person. Jim said the sales representative could have brought one for a demonstration since the other two companies did. Jim made a motion to buy the John Deere grader. Clifton asked if he had to second the motion to have discussion. The motion died due to lack of a second. Clifton asked Eric what the grader operators thought. Eric stated they didn’t have a CAT to try out but they like the CAT graders we have now, they thought it would take a bit to get used to the John Deere controls and they didn’t like the seat in the SANY. Justin Vasquez with State Tractor and Equipment said they do have a new seat for the motor grader, they just didn’t have it installed in the machine that was brought down for the demo. Dustin Hall said they have two graders paid off and plan on using roughly $84,000 from the crusher sale as a down payment. Jim stated they haven’t purchased a motor grader since 2017. Clifton questioned the delivery date on each of the graders. The SANY grader can be here in two weeks, the John Deere in five months, and the CAT in 2-4 weeks. Jim made a motion to buy the John Deere 620 motor grader for $344,000 and Clifton seconded the motion. Both Commissioners in attended approved.
The mini excavator bids were opened with R&R Equipment bidding a New Holland E57C with cab for $76,500. The bid did not state what type of warranty the machine had. State tractor and Equipment bid $75,500 for a SANY SY-60 mini excavator with a 5 year/5,000-hour warranty which includes travel time and mileage. Jim asked Eric and Dustin how they like the mini excavator and Dustin replied they like it. Clifton asked if they have been satisfied with the SANY they currently own. Eric said they like what they have and explained that the excavator bid is smaller than what they currently have but that is needed for cleaning out bridges. Clifton made a motion to buy the SANY SY-60 excavator from State Tractor and Equipment for $75,500. Jim seconded the motion, and both Commissioners approved. Clifton asked when the machine would be available and the representative said they could have it by the end of the week.
The trailer bids were opened and both were from Murphy Tractor. One bid was for a 2024 Felling FT-45-2 LP for $37,408.00 and the other was for a 2023 Eager Beaver 20 XPT flat deck trailer for $49,100.00. Both bids were for pick up in Humboldt, KS. Clifton asked what they would be using the trailer for. Dustin replied to haul a mini excavator and skid steer at the same time for the culvert crew and this would allow their current trailer to be used by the bridge crew. Jim asked why one trailer was $12,000 more with Travis Clinesmith stating the Eager Beaver trailer is heavy duty. The lead time for the Felling trailer is 76 weeks and 12-14 weeks for the Eager Beaver trailer. Jim made a motion to buy the Eager Beaver trailer for $49,100.00 and Clifton seconded the motion. Both Commissioners in attendance approved.
A short break was taken with Commissioners returning to normal session at 6:30.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a Real Property Relief application for a free-standing apartment unit at 216 W. Well Street that was recently destroyed by fire. Clifton made a motion to approve the application for Robinson Apartments at 216 W. Wall St. unit #4 and abate the taxes at 50% due to the fire occurring in May. Jim seconded the motion. Both Commissioners in attendance approved. Jennifer asked the agenda be amended to add June financials and the second quarter report that were finished this afternoon. Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add June financials and the quarterly report right after the real property relief application. Jim seconded the motion and both approved. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the quarterly report. Jim seconded the motion and both Commissioners in attendance approved. Clifton made am motion to approve June 2023 financials. Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
Clifton made amotion to amend the agenda to update his requested executive session to 75-4319(b)(2). Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under 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 for contracts. The executive session will be for 7 minutes and include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:42. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:42 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will be for 5 minutes and include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:48. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:48 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:49. Jim seconded the motion and both approved.
_(1).png "FY2024_National_Defense_Authorization_Act_(NDAA)_(1).png")
.png "Fox_News_Op-Ed__(6).png")
