Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Community Conversation: Nursing Program Resumed Enrollment, 4-Day Class Week Initiated

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Fort Scott Community College President Dr. Jason Kegler held another Community Conversation on March 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the college.

These public discourses are to allow the public to have some knowledge of the challenges facing the college.

He referred to a recent  FSCC Trustees board meeting where it was announced that the college is in much better shape and no longer at risk of not making payroll through June 30th.

At a recent employee meeting, he used the analogy of “just bobbing with our heads above the water,” Kegler said.

There are still definite challenges, but they can see the surface better than they could in the past, he said.

The audience at the March 27 Community Conversation led by FSCC President Dr. Jason Kegler.

Nursing

A recent update was given to the Kansas Board of Nursing after FSCC voluntarily ceased admitting new nursing students.

Vickie Laderer, Sonia Gugnani, and Darcus Kottwitz requested to the Kansas Board of Nursing that FSCC begin readmitting students for the fall 2024 semester, and was approved.

“This means one of our long-standing programs is no longer on hiatus,” Kegler said. .He said this represents a huge positive direction from being on ‘life support’ and ‘in trouble’ in December.

Dr. Kegler pointed out that FSCC’s nursing program used to be better than Pitt State University, but FSCC has lost the overall standard of excellence. He said there are still pockets of excellence, but the college needs to get back to having excellence across the board.

An audience member asked if the nursing program would be in a new location. Dr. Kegler said they hope to have them back in the lower level of the Hedges administration building. He said if anyone wants to help paint, there will be some opportunity to help.

Anne Dare asked if students had said they wanted to come to nursing but have been put on hold. Dr. Kegler said he wasn’t aware that had happened. He said they are working on a plan to make sure it is communicated to students that they will be accepting nursing students again.

FSCC Is Here To Stay

Dr. Kegler said he doesn’t want the local community wondering if the college is going to be here in the future. “We are going to be here,” he said.

An audience member asked if current students needed to enroll in another college as a backup. The president said he has no reason to believe a student would need to have a backup enrollment. He pointed out that FSCC has gone through one of the toughest times and has done so without laying people off.

“We have a long way to go before we truly need to be concerned about whether our doors are going to be open for students the following semester,” he said.

Dr. Kegler suggested that if people didn’t get a chance to attend the last board meeting, they should go to the YouTube channel and watch the agricultural presentation that highlighted the programs associated with the agricultural department.

FSCC President Jason Kegler speaks to the audience at the Community Conversation on March 27.

 

Four-day School Week

The college is switching to a four-day school week because students are asking for it. Several high schools are also going to four-day school weeks, and students from those schools are very interested in the flexibility that type of schedule allows. The college will still be open on Fridays, but the majority of courses will be Monday through Thursday.

An audience member said that the 4-day week was important for students because it allows them to take on more work responsibilities to help pay for college.

Softball Question

An audience member asked if softball would still be running this fall and accepting scholarships. He said it should continue to be fully functional in the fall.

FSCC’s Image

Dr. Kegler asked what the community thinks of when they think of the image of FSCC.

Some of the things that were mentioned:

  • Affordability for large families
  • A good stepping stone to a 4-year degree.
  • FSCC used to represent a lot of community involvement
  • The building we are meeting in used to be a lawn, but it is providing a lot of value to the community now.

Audience members mentioned that they would be very interested in taking some adult education classes and suggestions were made to gather survey information to see what people were interested in.

Jerry Witt mentioned that the community doesn’t know the faculty like they used to and there might be opportunities to “sell the faculty” so the community knows more about them.

Rodeo Team Member in Top Third In the Nation

Dr. Kegler said FSCC has a bronc or bull rider in the top third of the nation.  “He was recently injured but his time is good enough that he should qualify for the national finals,” he said.

Future Students and Community Involvement

Aggie Day had 1,250 potential students visiting the college, he said.

Dr. Kegler said that in August the school is hosting a move-in day and asked if the community would come in to help greet the students, hand out water, and make people welcome.

He asked what it would take to get the community involved in the college.

Someone asked about a public relations person to let the alumni know what is happening at the college. Dr. Kegler said there were some other priorities first but that it was a good idea.

Dr. Kegler said the college would need help mowing, cleaning the residence halls, and painting and suggested that people interested in helping should contact the college.

He asked alumni why they attended here. Some of the answers:

  • Because it was close.
  • Dual credit when they were in Fort Scott.
  • They were paying for their own college and it was a good investment.
  • Their dad made them come because they were going to quit after going to Pitt State.

There was some discussion about how the community could be more informed about what was happening at the college. An audience member suggested that the community could be more active in seeking information about the college. Dr. Kegler said it was a two-way street. The college should try to do a better job of putting information out there, and the community can do a better job of seeking out information about what is happening.

Dr. Kegler said Dick Hedges used to come to work at the college, then run home and put on overalls and go drink coffee with members of the community at the sale barn. Dr. Kegler said he doesn’t drink coffee, but that type of relationship is what the college needs to be building with the community.

He asked if people would like to continue these conversations after the one planned for April. One person suggested continuing and another suggested taking a break.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Niece Products of Kansas, Inc. Awarded Energy Efficient Improvement Grant from U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

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Niece of Ks. Inc., 3904 Liberty Bell Road.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced $1,809,677 in investments in renewable energy and efficiency projects to lower costs, generate new income and create jobs for Kansas farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.

“USDA is committed to ensuring rural Kansas is benefitting from the clean energy economy,” Davis said. “These investments will expand access to renewable energy while creating good-paying jobs and saving Kansas communities and businesses money.”

The details of the Kansas projects are:

  • A $189,554 grant will help purchase and install 45.6 kW and 107.5 kW solar arrays for Concrete Service Co. Inc. in Barton and Ellis counties. This project will generate 225,623 kWh per year, enough to power 20 homes and save $19,628 per year.
  • A $39,532 grant will help purchase and install energy efficient improvements including new HVAC systems, resized ducting, heaters, and a waste oil heater for Niece Products of Kansas Inc in Fort Scott. The project is expected to save 1,943,100 cubic feet of natural gas, 1,160 gallons of diesel, and 85,293 kWh of electricity, the energy equivalent of powering 65 homes. The project is expected to save the company $41,037 per year in fuel, gas, and electricity costs.
  • A $62,027 grant will help purchase and install a 34 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Route 66 Hardware of Baxter Springs. The project is expected to generate 45,594 kWh per year, enough to power four homes and save the company $6,233 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $181,925 grant will help purchase and install three rooftop solar photovoltaic renewable energy systems, an 83 kW and two 17 kW systems, for American Bank at their Baxter Springs and Galena locations. The project is expected to replace 174,829 kWh per year, enough to power 16 homes and save the company $28,369 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $219,284 grant will help purchase and install two solar photovoltaic renewable energy systems, a 72.80 kW system and an 84.24 kW system, for US Assets Recovery LLC of Galena. The project is expected to generate 216,915 kWh per year, enough to power 20 homes. The project is expected to save the company $35,220 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $9,360 grant will help purchase and install a 6.24 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Brian Jordan’s commercial property management business in Galena. The project is expected to replace 8,395 kWh per year and save the company $1,352 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $16,380 grant will help purchase and install a 10.92 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Liberty Hall LLC of Galena. The project is expected to replace 17,009 kWh per year and save the company $2,450 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $20,659 grant will help purchase and install a 14.08 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Clark Repair of Baldwin City. The project is expected to replace 20,697 kWh per year, enough to power two homes and save the company $2,621 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $51,250 grant will help purchase and install a 41 kW solar array for Hi-Plain Farm Equipment Inc. of Dodge City. This project will generate 55,068 kWh per year, enough to power five homes and save $3,870 per year.
  • A $156,183 grant will help purchase and install a 137.16 kW solar array for Blake Koehn, an ag producer in Grant County. This project will produce 250,279 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 23 homes.
  • A $21,734 grant will help purchase and install a 15.96 kW solar array for Rick’s Auto Repair LLC in Gray County. This project will generate 27,415 kWh per year, enough electricity to power two homes.
  • A $22,028 grant will help purchase and install a 114.72 kW solar array for Country Feeds Co. in Gray County. This project will produce 184,860 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 17 homes.
  • A $70,565 grant will help purchase and install a 60.48 kW solar array for Nichols Ironworks LLC in Haskell County. This project will produce 89,498 kWh per year, enough electricity to power eight homes.
  • A $46,966 grant will help purchase and install three solar photovoltaic renewable energy system rated at 6.32 kW, 10.66 kW, and 15.40 kW for RVH Properties LLC of Dennis. The project is expected to replace 71,585 kWh per year, enough to power seven homes and save the company $5,599 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $60,494 grant will help purchase and install a 34.1 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Summit Center LLC of Emporia. The project is expected to replace 54,287 kWh per year, enough to power five homes and save the company $7,744 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $68,957 grant will help purchase and install a 59.2 kW solar array for Rusty Feather LLC of Canton. The project is estimated to replace 74,896 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
  • A $12,187 grant will help purchase and install a 7.5 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Ports Farms LLC of Chanute. The project is expected to replace 10,030 kWh per year, enough to power one home. The project is expected to save the company $1,522 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $106,850 grant will help purchase and install an 81 kW and 40 kW solar arrays for Fusion Bank of Pratt and Larned. The project is estimated to replace 180,047 kWh per year, enough energy to power 16 homes.
  • A $110,625 grant help purchase and install an 80 kW and 31 kW solar arrays for Mix-America Redi-Mix Inc. of Hutchinson and Lyons. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.
  • A $61,745 grant will help purchase and install a 40 kW solar array for Hutchinson Transportation Company Inc. of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.
  • A $56,540 grant will help purchase and install a 47 kW solar array for Custer County Concrete Inc. of Great Bend. The project is estimated to replace 54,199 kWh per year, enough energy to power five homes.
  • A $67,717 grant will help purchase and install a 75 kW solar array for Doug Bradley Trucking Inc. of Salina. The project is estimated to replace 97,201 kWh per year, enough energy to power nine homes.
  • A $78,250 grant will help purchase and install a 25 kW wind turbine for St. Francis Feed Yard LLC in Sherman County. This project will generate 123,965 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 11 homes and save $8,895 per year.
  • A $34,750 grant will help purchase and install a 21.4 kW solar array for Ricky Totten, an agricultural producer in Oxford. The project is estimated to replace 29,494 kWh per year, enough energy to power two homes.
Government, Kansas

Victim assistance grant opportunities open for application

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TOPEKA – (March 27, 2024) – Six grant programs serving victims of crime across Kansas are open for application, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today.

More than $2.5 million in grant funds were awarded last year from six state programs through the Office of the Attorney General. Funds are used to assist local and state crime victim assistance organizations across Kansas in providing direct services to crime victims, as well as in developing prevention programs to address violence.

Grant opportunities are open in the following programs:

Child Exchange and Visitation Center Program (CEVC) – This fund seeks to provide supervised child exchange and visitation to children and families at risk due to circumstances relating to domestic or family violence.

Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Fund (HTVAF) – This fund was established by the Legislature in 2013 (K.S.A. 75-758) to provide training regarding human trafficking for law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas, and to support the care, treatment and other services for victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of a child.

Child Abuse and Neglect (CVAF-CA) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting child victims.

Crime Victims Assistance Fund (CVAF) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting crime victims and establishing and maintaining new programs providing services to the victims of crimes.

State Protection from Abuse Fund (PFA) – This fund seeks to provide temporary emergency shelter for adult victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and their dependent children, counseling and assistance to those victims and their children, or educational services directed at reducing the incidence of domestic violence or sexual assault and diminishing its impact on victims.

Child Advocacy Center Fund (CAC): This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of Child Advocacy Centers.

More detailed information on the application process for each of the grant programs can be found at www.ag.ks.gov/grants. Applications will be accepted through the Grant Management System located on the website. All applications are due on May 3, 2024.

Awards will be made this summer. These grant programs are administered by the attorney general’s Victim Services Division and the Victim Rights Coordinator.

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CONTACT: Danedri Herbert – (913) 706-6394 I [email protected]
Government, Kansas

Texting and Driving Is Illegal and The Main Cause of Vehicle Crashes

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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month:

Texting while driving is illegal
The Drive To Zero Coalition, along with the Kansas Department of Transportation, urges drivers to always put safety first and ditch distractions, as inattention is the main cause of motor vehicle crashes.

Preliminary 2023 data for Kansas shows 102 people died and more than 450 people were injured in crashes due to distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which takes place in April, focuses on raising awareness and educating motorists to increase safety on roadways. During April, Kansas motorists will hear and see more distracted driving safety messages. Increased law enforcement will remind drivers any distraction, including texting, is unsafe, unnecessary and illegal.

“Distracted driving for any reason is dangerous and puts others at risk,” said Gary Herman, KDOT Behavior Safety Manager. “As soon as your eyes leave the road and your hands leave the steering wheel, focus on driving is gone. This results in no time to safely react to traffic hazards.”

Herman said distractions include eating, sipping a beverage, turning attention to a child in the backseat and texting.

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows drivers ages 18-34 represent the most distracted drivers, namely due to cell phone use. In addition, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports mental distractions can last up to 27 seconds after using voice commands on cars, changing music or using phones.

Drivers are encouraged to develop safe driving habits and:

  • Put the phone away and out of reach.
  • Activate the phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature.
  • Avoid adjusting the radio, handling food and other items that take your hands off the wheel.
  • Have passengers oversee navigation information and all phones.
  • If needed, pull over at a safe location to handle things.

For more information about the distracted driving, go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/book/countermeasures-that-work/distracted-driving.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Uniontown City Council

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The Special Council Meeting on March 25, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin (5:31), Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order discuss offer of position of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 6:05PM

 

Johnson in at 5:41, out at 5:42.  Open meeting resumed at 6:05.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to authorize Mayor Jurgensen to hire a City Clerk at $15/hour with benefits as specified in employee policy manual

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 6:08PM

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the City of Fort Scott Meeting on March 19

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of March 19, 2024                                                                Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 19, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).

 

Roll Call

Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

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

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly, Ben Hart/City Finance Director-BakerTilly (via Teams Meeting), Tom Coffman/Public Works Director, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Michael Hoyt, J. D. Collins/R&R Equipment, Diane Striler, Cory Bryars, Kate Freeman, Deb Needleman, Gary Cullor, Kevin Mitchelson/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm, Dakota Lapping/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm, Fred Wingert/Advantage Development LLC, and Lindsay Madison.

 

Approval of Agenda

 

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

 

APPROVED AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

 

Consent Agenda

 

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1356-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates February 28, 2024 – March 12, 2024 – $387,082.32

– Approval of Minutes from September 19, 2023, February 6, 2024, and

March 5, 2024

– February Financials

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.               M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

 

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

 

Public Comment   No Public Comments.

 

Appearances

 

Joe Wimmer (Time stamp 5:55) – Tiger Color Run – Request for Temporary Street Closure – April 26, 2024 – Maple Ridge Park (roadway in Riverfront Park) – 5:00PM – 8:00PM and Temporary Park Closure – April 26, 2024 – 4:00PM – 8:00PM.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the applications.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED THE REQUEST FROM USD234 FOR A TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE ON APRIL 26, 2024, OF MAPLE RIDGE PARK (ROADWAY IN RIVERFRONT PARK) FROM 5:00PM TO 8:00PM AND THE TEMPORARY CLOSUURE OF RIVERFRONT PARK ON APRIL 26, 2024, FROM 4:00PM – 8:00PM FOR THE ANNUAL TIGER COLOR RUN.

 

Diane Striler and Cory Bryars (Time stamp – 7:17) – appeared before the Commission to provide the requested financial outline of the costs to own and operate the proposed Downtown Ice-Skating Rink from the March 5, 2024, Appearance.  (The written is proposal available in the March 19, 2024, Agenda Packet on www.fscity.org).  They presented three (3) potential scenarios for City involvement in the Community Ice Rink categorized as Most Involvement, Less Involvement and Least Involvement.

 

Discussion was had about the possibility of alternative locations, fundraising and other costs involved.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to have the City take ownership of the skating rink (the option of Most Involvement) with the location to be determined at another time.

 

  1. Wells amended his motion to the option of Less Involvement (City owned and other operate) in the Fort Scott Pavilion. M. Guns seconded the motion.

 

  1. Wells and M. Guns voted yes. T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted no.

 

MOTION DEFEATED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

 

 

Old Business 

 

Approval of Ordinance No. 3762 – AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 2383, ORDINANCE NO. 2384 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2393 WHICH ESTABLISHES THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, PLANNING COMMISSION, AND ORDINANCE NO. 3497 AMENDING SECTION 2.20.040 MEMBERS APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF THE MEMBER THEREOF AND DEFINING THEIR DUTIES – Recommended by Planning Commission – February 21, 2024, tabled by City Commission – March 5, 2024- Commission Work Session – March 12, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3762 – an ordinance repealing and replacing Ordinance No. 2383, Ordinance No. 2384 and Ordinance No. 2393 which establishes the City of Fort Scott, Kansas, Planning Commission, and Ordinance No. 3497 amending Section 2.20.040 Members Appointment and Terms of the Member thereof and defining their duties.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3762.

 

  1. Matkin requested the introduction of J. Oliphant/BakerTilly.

 

  1. Hart introduced J. Oliphant to the Commission. She will be instrumental in the preparation of the 2025 budget for the City.

 

Approval of Ordinance No. 3761 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.04.90 OF ORDINANCE NO. 3486 UTLITY TERRAIN VEHICLES (UTV) OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE – tabled March 5, 2024, to change verbiage before approval.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3761 as it has been changed.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3761.

 

Approval of Ordinance No. 3763 to repeal Ordinance No. 3060 Requiring a Public Dance License.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve Ordinance No. 3763 to repeal Ordinance No. 3060.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.

 

  1. Olson, T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3763 TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 3060.

 

Approval to correct the numbering of Charter Ordinance No. 32 to Charter Ordinance No. 35.

 

  1. Lewis stated that it was discovered there was a Charter Ordinance No. 32, Charter Ordinance No. 33 and Charter Ordinance No. 34 already recorded. This document would need to be renumbered to Charter Ordinance No. 35.

 

  1. Oliphant left the meeting (Time stamp 42:43).

 

  1. Wells requested that the Mayor recognize M. Hoyt. M. Hoyt stated that he could verify that this information was correct, and none of the previous (Charter Ordinance No. 32, 33, or 34) were challenged.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the correct numbering of the Charter Ordinance from No. 32 to Charter Ordinance No. 35.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO CORRECT THE NUMBERING OF CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 32 TO CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 35.

 

Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Inc. – tabled from February 20, 2024.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin was directed to reach out to the petitioner to verify all information provided to the City Commission in their request before the MOU is drafted by the City Attorney and placed on a future agenda.

 

  1. Wells added four (4) items for consideration in drafting the agreement in addition to the $1,000.00 a month from the ARPA Funds to the Senior Citizens Center as previously discussed: 1) a partnership with SEKAAA to set up a meal site for senior citizens who do not take meals home; 2) partnership with SEKAAA for better signage for the building; 3) continued improvement of the main area enabling the availability of more programs; 4) addition of a City Representative to the Senior Citizen Board.

 

 

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Inc. until the items in the correspondence can be addressed (by direction of B. Matkin to reach out to the petitioner) and including the additional items presented by M. Wells.  M. Wells seconded the motion.

 

Deb Needleman/Treasurer of the Bourbon County Senior Citizens board was recognized by the Mayor and addressed the Commission regarding the funding concerns.

 

  1. VanHoecke, M. Guns, M. Wells and T. Dancer voted yes. D. Olson voted no.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF AN MOU WITH THE CITY AND BOURBON COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS, INC.

 

Updates on six (6) lake lot surveys – J. Dickman distributed copies of the lake lot survey to the City Commission. These are to be filed with the County.

 

Discussion was had about the lots and the encroachment tract on the survey and options to be considered moving forward.

 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

 

New Business

 

Public Hearing – Case No. 1043 – Zoning Change from R2-C3 and Conditional Use Permit – Gary W. Cullor and Sally A. Cullor Revocable Trust represented by Kevin F. Mitchelson/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm and Fred Wingert/Advantage Development, LLC. – Recommended by the Planning Commission on February 21, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:05PM (Time stamp 1:05:50).  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:05PM.

 

  1. Mitchelson provided the case brought before the Planning Commission. The parcel is 2.6 acres currently zoned as residential (R2). The first request is approval to rezone the parcel to (C3) for commercial development. The second request is the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.  The details are as follows:  1) F. Wingert is the developer under contract with the Cullors (contingent on rezoning) and plans to place an eight (8) unit self-storage building on the property; 2) no houses

 

will be directly affected; 3) there are commercial uses of the neighboring property; 4) there were no objections before the Planning Commission Public Hearing on February 21, 2024;  5) they are aware of the flood plain, but it is not an issue for this project;  6) the boundaries of the property have been verified;  7) access to the units will be through Scott Street;  8) the City has given proper Public Notice according to Code and Statutes; 9) F. Wingert has had conversations with the neighbors and addressed their concerns;  10) there has been no objection to the project; 11) it received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission. Therefore, they are before the City Commission requesting approval of the rezoning request and approval of the conditional use permit.

 

There were no public objections presented at this hearing on March 19, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:12PM (Time stamp 1:11:50).  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:12PM.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve the request to change the zoning of the parcel from R2 to C3 and approve the Conditional Use Permit for Case No. 1043.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED THE REQUEST TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF THE PARCEL FROM R2 TO C3 AND APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR CASE NO. 1043.

 

Consideration to purchase (1) 2024 72” Grasshopper 900D mower under state contract #53340. Item is budgeted for 2024 to replace the Super 104 mower -$21,124.95 – T. Coffman

 

  1. Hart verified that this purchase was in the budget.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the purchase of the 2024, 72” Grasshopper 900D as presented.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE 2024, 72” GRASSHOPPER 900D AS PRESENTED.

 

Consideration to purchase WorkMaster 70 – Tractor for the Golf Course and Fort Scott Lake from R&R Equipment – Sole Vendor – $38,500.00 – T. Coffman

 

  1. VanHoecke stated the purchase was in the 2024 budget.

 

 

  1. Guns asked the purpose of the purchase was being split 50% from the Lake Fund and 50% from the General Fund and not a split with the Golf Course Fund.

 

  1. Hart verified that it was budgeted for the golf course but the Golf Course Fund does not have the cash at this point, however the Golf Course Fund was split from the General Fund. The Golf Fund was only allocated $40,000.00.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve the purchase of the WorkMaster 70 from R&R Equipment for the price of $38,500.00.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 1:17:54)

 

  1. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE WORKMASTER 70 FROM R&R EQUIPMENT FOR THE PRICE OF $38,500.00.

 

Consideration of CD Reinvestment Bids – (2) bids received – Landmark National Bank and UMB Bank  for a $2,000,000.00 – 12 Months – Settlement Date March 20, 2024 – Maturity Date June 20, 2024 AND $1,000,000.00 – 3 months – Settlement Date March 20, 2024 –  Maturity Date June 20, 2024.

 

  1. Hart stated that UMB Bank outbid Landmark National Bank. On the $2,000,000.00 (12-month CD) – UMB Bank bid 4.76%; Landmark Bank bid 4.71%. On the $1,000,000.00 (3-month CD) – UMB Bank bid 5.14%; Landmark Bank bid 5.11%. The staff recommended awarding the bid to the higher interest rate.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the UMB Bank proposal.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED THE UMB BANK PROPOSAL FOR A $2,000,000.00 INVESTMENT ON A 12-MONTH CD AT 4.76% AND A $1,000,000.00 INVESTMENT ON A 3-MONTH CD AT 5.14%.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:20:00)

 

Discussion of School Zone Speed Limit Signs on National Ave. – T. Dancer addressed the current placement of the new lighted School Zone signs and made some suggestions for where they might be more helpful due to where students actually cross National Ave.

 

 

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin was directed to work with Chief J. Pickert to move the flashing signs to better locations within the school crossing zone on National Ave.  B. Matkin stated that it will take some time to do that as other projects are already scheduled and lights are on order for Eugene Ware school crossing zone but probably will not arrive until next year.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the meeting (Time stamp 1:23:49)

 

Discussion of Downtown Parking Time Limit/Yellow Curb Enforcement – B. Matkin informed the Commission that beginning April 2, 2024, the City will start enforcing the 2-hour parking on Main Street from 3rd Street to Skubitz Plaza. Signs are up and they will be adding more. B. Matkin will talk further with the City Attorney regarding parking on Wall Street, which is an area of concern.

 

  1. VanHoecke returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:25:30)

 

  1. Farmer stated that the Chief of Police does have the authority to put up signage as needed. B. Matkin stated they do have a plan for enforcement that will be put in place and will include truck routes.

 

  1. Dancer addressed the Yellow Curb Enforcement.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin stated that he will work on this issue with Chief J. Pickert and be ready for April 2nd on this issue as well.

 

  1. Wells addressed the intersection of 3rd and National Ave. where there was a stop sign removed but the white line remains and people are stopping because it is the law. The sign should either be reinstalled, or the white line removed.

 

  1. Dancer addressed a parking space indicated by paint in the entrance of the City lot at the corner of 1st Street and National Ave.

 

  1. Wells provided an example of a town that used parking meters to help with parking and streetscape in their downtown area. The monies collected by the meters were put into a fund just for streetscape and sidewalk improvement including benches, landscape, etc. in the downtown area. He stated that he is presenting it as an option to consider at some point.

 

Discussion of Codification of Ordinances for City of Fort Scott – L. Lewis presented the options and recommendations offered by CivicPlus and Municode

 

(our current service providers) to begin the process of getting the City’s ordinances in order, current and user friendly.

 

ACTION:  L. Lewis was directed to continue moving toward a goal and bring back prices for the options available.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting (Time stamp 1:34:05)

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:37:50)

 

Discussion of Fireworks for 4th of July – B. Matkin stated that the Elks Lodge was the previous display provider for the City but did not do it last year. Another group took care of last year’s display but are not able to do it again this year. He stated that he spoke with B. Hart regarding what other cities do for firework festivities. Most cities budget funding for the 4th of July (and Christmas); Fort Scott currently does not. To cover this year, he would be requesting up to (no more than) $15,000.00 since it is not in the 2024 budget.

 

  1. Hart stated that the interest earnings from investments are going to be far above what is budgeted; he would recommend putting that in the General Fund and then taking that as part of a decision package for the 2025 budget to continue to pay for the future.

 

  1. Wells requested $15,000.00 for fireworks for Christmas. B. Matkin stated that the City may also need a new tree. Decisions to come.

 

ACTION:  T. VanHoecke directed B. Matkin to go out for bids, with a request for extensive detail in their bids, for firework service for the City on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

 

Reports and Comments

 

City Manager (Time stamp 1:52:37) – No comments

 

City Engineer (Time stamp 1:52:43) – J. Dickman stated that the Horton Street Project is out for bid and due April 11, 2024. Possible addendum to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissioners Comments

 

  1. Olson (Time stamp 1:53:34) – Land Bank expired seats

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin to follow up with M. Wyatt regarding last time vacancies were advertised and status of the sitting Board.

 

  1. VanHoecke (Time stamp 1:54:58) – Striping on National Ave. (middle and crosswalks) is faded and barely visible at night, 25th Street improvement looks great, hope everyone took advantage of their Constitutional right and voted.

 

  1. Wells (Time stamp 1:55:44) – compliments to Street Crews on their work completion and the City appreciates all that they do.

 

  1. Guns (Time stamp 1:56:20) – officially announced that she will be stepping down within the next two months as the family will be moving out of state for a job relocation.

 

  1. Dancer (Time stamp 1:58:00) – proposed considering an appropriate road to rename in honor of the late Senator Bob Marshall.

 

City Attorney – (Time stamp 1:59:30) – No comments

 

Adjourn

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00PM (Time stamp 1:59:44).  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MARCH 19, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:00PM.

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Respectfully submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Government, Kansas

Amended Update Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

March 22, 2024

 

 

The Budget is so full of pork, you’d think it’s a bacon factory.  It increases spending 13.9%, over $1.2 billion, in just one year.  There are some good things in SB 514 – the budget, but the waste far outweighs the good.  The final budget bill will be put together in conference committee.  Maybe this year, waste will get trimmed.  The SB 514 passed 24 to 14.  I voted No.

 

Tax Relief for a second time this session passed the Senate.  The first time was CCR 2284 that was vetoed.  The second time was SB 539 that passed with a bipartisan veto proof majority.  It would provide property, income, and sales tax relief for Kansas taxpayers, but the House buried it in committee.  They introduced a tax bill of their own, HB 2844, Monday, held a hearing on it Wednesday.  Thursday they gutted SB 300 and put the contents of HB 2844 in SB 300, what is referred to as a ‘gut-n-go’.  They passed it out of House Tax.  It’s difficult to say what will happen, but what we do know is that this bill moves to the left and is a smaller tax cut for Kansans.  There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so I am working for maximum tax relief.  Kansans need it, especially with cost of food, fuel, and other necessities.

 

County On License Plate would be required on a majority of license plates and would authorize First City of Kansas (Leavenworth) distinctive license plates.  HB 2498 passed unanimously.

 

Occupational Licensing would be expedited, and fees waived for military service members and spouses residing or planning to reside in Kansas.  HB 2745 passed unanimously.

 

Kansas Commission On Veterans Affairs Office would be reestablished as the Kansas Office of Veterans Services.  The Veterans Claims Assistance Program would be updated to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.  HB 2760 passed 40 to 0.

 

Peer Support Counseling is with peers of similar experience.  It would by expanded allowing law enforcement, emergency services, or the Kansas National Guard to utilize more resources for peer support and extend privilege to discussing a critical incident.  HB 2557 passed 36 to 4.  I voted Yes.

 

Silver Alert for a missing person would be expanded to include anyone over 18 diagnosed with an intellectual disability.  Currently, silver alert is for elderly who are missing.  SB 371 passed unanimously.

 

Ignition Interlock Devices are required for a person convicted of DUI.  Currently, they pay a monthly fee for the device and the manufacture pays a fee to the Highway Patrol.  SB 493 would establish another fee fund that would be paid by the convicted person to the Highway Patrol for administering the program.  This increased cost will not be a deterrent from drunk driving.  “I don’t think that you shall see, a fee that doesn’t tax you or me.”  It passed 28 to 12.  I voted No.

 

Kansas Credit Unions would be able to operate outside the state.  A suspended board member may apply for review that has to occur within 60 days.  It would allow the Credit Union Administrator to collect civil penalties.  There are several other provisions in the HB 2561 that passed 40 to 0.

 

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

Caryn

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

1 Comment

March 22, 2024

 

 

The Budget is so full of pork, you’d think it’s a bacon factory.  It increases spending 13.9%, over $1.2 billion, in just one year.  There are some good things in SB 514 – the budget, but the waste far outweighs the good.  The final budget bill will be put together in conference committee.  Maybe this year, waste will get trimmed.  The SB 514 passed 24 to 14.  I voted No.

 

Tax Relief for a second time this session passed the Senate.  The first time was CCR 2284 that was vetoed.  The second time was SB 539 that passed with a bipartisan veto proof majority.  It would provide property, income, and sales tax relief for Kansas taxpayers, but the House buried it in committee.  They introduced a tax bill of their own, HB 2844, Monday, held a hearing on it Wednesday and put the contents of HB 2844 in a shell, SB 330 which is a Commerce bill.  They passed it out of House Tax on Thursday.  It’s difficult to say what will happen, but what we do know is that this bill moves to the left and is a smaller tax cut for Kansans.  There is over $3 billion in the state coffers so I am working for maximum tax relief.  Kansans need it, especially with cost of food, fuel, and other necessities.

 

County On License Plate would be required on a majority of license plates and would authorize First City of Kansas (Leavenworth) distinctive license plates.  HB 2498 passed unanimously.

 

Occupational Licensing would be expedited, and fees waived for military service members and spouses residing or planning to reside in Kansas.  HB 2745 passed unanimously.

 

Kansas Commission On Veterans Affairs Office would be reestablished as the Kansas Office of Veterans Services.  The Veterans Claims Assistance Program would be updated to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.  HB 2760 passed 40 to 0.

 

Peer Support Counseling is with peers of similar experience.  It would by expanded allowing law enforcement, emergency services, or the Kansas National Guard to utilize more resources for peer support and extend privilege to discussing a critical incident.  HB 2557 passed 36 to 4.  I voted Yes.

 

Silver Alert for a missing person would be expanded to include anyone over 18 diagnosed with an intellectual disability.  Currently, silver alert is for elderly who are missing.  SB 371 passed unanimously.

 

Ignition Interlock Devices are required for a person convicted of DUI.  Currently, they pay a monthly fee for the device and the manufacture pays a fee to the Highway Patrol.  SB 493 would establish another fee fund that would be paid by the convicted person to the Highway Patrol for administering the program.  This increased cost will not be a deterrent from drunk driving.  “I don’t think that you shall see, a fee that doesn’t tax you or me.”  It passed 28 to 12.  I voted No.

 

Kansas Credit Unions would be able to operate outside the state.  A suspended board member may apply for review that has to occur within 60 days.  It would allow the Credit Union Administrator to collect civil penalties.  There are several other provisions in the HB 2561 that passed 40 to 0.

 

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

Caryn

Bourbon County, Government

Light towers to be replaced on U.S. 69/54 in Bourbon County

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Wednesday, April 3, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a project to install new light towers on the U.S. 69 and U.S. 54 interchange north of Fort Scott. The highway shoulders will be closed at the work zone with minimal effects to traffic.

 

KDOT awarded the construction contract of $396,512 to Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by late May.

 

Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

Government, Kansas

Bird Flu Identified in Two Kansas Diary Operations

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HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA– APHIS), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two commercial dairy operations. These are the first cases of HPAI in commercial dairy operations in Kansas. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that indicate mammal-to-mammal transmission, indicating that the risk to the public remains low.

At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. The pasteurization process of heating milk to a high temperature ensures milk and dairy products can be safely consumed, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In line with long-standing policy, the CDC does not recommend consuming unpasteurized milk or raw milk. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Dairies are also required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply chain.

We continue to encourage all dairy producers to closely monitor their herd and contact their local veterinarian immediately if cattle appear infected. Symptoms are mostly restricted to late-stage lactating cows and include a drop in milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency. We encourage dairy producers to minimize wildlife access to their dairy cattle’s water and feed sources.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment works to protect and improve the health of all Kansans. The agency has been notified of the findings and will monitor the situation as they did for HPAI when it was found in the poultry industry.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve while promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection and food safety to the best of our ability.

HPAI Detection in Kansas Dairy Herds

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Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Special Meeting Agenda for March 26

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
March 26, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Invocation
V. Approval of Agenda
VI. 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.
VII. New Business
A. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom Project – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – 1) Furnish and install new TruLog siding and fascia to the exterior walls of the shower house – 2) Work will add six (6) weeks additional time to the completion date from approve of change order –1$13,500.00
VIII. Adjourn

Fort Scott-Change Order No. 2_240320_103751