Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for October 8 at 7 p.m. at city hall.

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Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for October 8 at 7 p.m. at city hall.

 

10-24 Informational Items(1)

2024 Financials-September(1)

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of September 10, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 18, 2024 Special Meeting minutes
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

405 Hill sold 9/26/24

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

TextMyGov

Education opportunity

.gov website

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

 

Streets/FEMA –

 

Sale of Property –

 

NEW BUSINESS

SEED Grant –

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Uniontown City Council on Sept. 18

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The Special Council Meeting on September 18, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applicants for non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 5:20PM

 

Meeting resumed at 5:20PM.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to hire Angela Hixon as City Clerk, start date of October 7, 2024

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 5:25PM

Government

Uniontown City Minutes of Sept. 10

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The Regular Council Meeting on September 10, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 5:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly (8:25), Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Interview non-elected personnel –

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:00.

 

Open meeting resumed at 7:00.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:20.                       

 

Open meeting resumed at 7:20.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

none

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the August 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $300,920.74, Receipts $40,904.00, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $35,763.99, Checking Account Closing Balance $293,284.75. Bank Statement Balance $293,467.13, including Checking Account Interest of $62.89, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $182.38, Reconciled Balance $293,284.75.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,595.12, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,396.79, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $391,768.28. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $467.79, and Utility CDs $1,384.69 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,852.48.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of August $7,635.99, Year-to-Date Net Income $57,8058.55.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,850.49 (61.5%), Expenditures $81,944.78 (50.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,311.82 (63.1%), Expenditures $20,417.78 (48.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $92,758.76 (63.3%), Expenditures $74,512.96 (42.0%); General Fund YTD Revenue $151,872.36 (77.6%), Expenditures $127,948.07 (41.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,120.92 (84.3%), Expenditures $5,668.41 (56.0%).  The September 2024 payables to date in the amount of $31,728.14 were presented.  The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Rogers and Sons Concrete, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of August 13, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 4, 2024 Special Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that 405 Hill St had complied and 504 Sherman St’s chickens are still getting out.  They were seen in neighbor’s yard before meeting and pictures were taken for the file.  Superintendent Rich received a report that grass/weeds at the culverts were not being trimmed at 303 2nd St.  Coyan will followup.

 

City Superintendent Rich requested to attend the Pipeline Safety Seminar in Manhattan, October 29-30.

 

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend the Pipeline Safety Seminar in Manhattan, October 29-30.

 

He also reported that the public water supply inspection by KDHE has been completed.  It is recommended to have the water tank inspected again, since it has been more than five years since last inspection.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to have Bobby Rich schedule an inspection of the water tank

 

Clerk Johnson reported that a major gas leak was found in a home.  Gas has been shut off and plumber contacted by property owner to repair

Johnson asked if council wanted to have the auditor present the 2023 audit or accept as presented on paper.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2023 audit as presented on paper

 

Johnson also informed the council that cost of internet service for the SCADA will be going up $20/month and City Hall will be going up $10/month on October 1 billing.  One-call tickets will also be going up $0.13 per ticket effective January 1.  She informed that KSGFOA fall conference is in November and KMU is hosting a City Clerk & Finance Professional Management Academy one day a month for five months beginning October 16.  These could be beneficial training opportunities for her replacement.

A request for records was received pertaining to Winter Storm Uri, she will respond as requested.

A FEMA Exploratory Conference Call is scheduled for September 12, 1PM regarding damages from flooding for disaster DR 4800.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – Thanked Sally, Bobby, Colby, and Old Settlers Committee for all their work for Old Settlers Picnic.  The new city limit signs look nice.

Councilwoman Esslinger – Send a Thank You to Old Settlers Committee.

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Received complaints about fishing derby being unorganized and car show impeding parade route during Old Settlers Picnic.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting was held September 1.  A press release was sent to The Fort Scott Tribune, Fort Scott Biz, and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

 

Streets – Superintendent Rich and Clerk Johnson met with Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt on September 4 to go over areas requiring warranty work.  The City will need to prep the area on South Washington that needs extended. Rich reports that the tractor is not the correct equipment to dig it out and pack AB3, he will contact a contractor to complete the prep work.  The cracks will be filled with a rubberized liquid material.  Delich recommend using a cold pour crack sealer to seal cracks in the future.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Sale of property – Mayor Jurgensen was approached about selling a portion of city property.  City attorney recommended publishing the intent to sell.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to publish intent to sell city property after a public comment period that will end October 8, 2024

 

Clerk Johnson will consult with attorney on wording for the intent and publish.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 9:00

 

Open meeting resumed at 9:00.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:01PM

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Against the Law: Taking Political Signs From Another’s Property

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Several of these Harris/Walz signs have been stolen in the county.

Political signs are a form of freedom of speech and going on someone’s property to take them is against the law.

“Carol MacArthur, the Chairwoman of the Democratic Party, informed us that a few signs have gone missing,” said Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert. “The fact that it’s a political sign isn’t relevant. If they steal a bicycle, a garden gnome, or a political sign it’s a theft. Since the value of the property is under $1,500 it’s misdemeanor theft. This would be a misdemeanor theft and a municipal citation would be issued if the subjects were identified.”

MacArthur said there have been some  Kamala Harris signs and some Nancy Boyda signs stolen and some vandalized. The signs are paid for by private citizens.

MacArthur said there are 25 missing Democratic Party signs missing in Fort Scott and three 4-foot by 8-foot signs in the rural part of Bourbon County. “Those three stolen in the county were 4 x 8s. Two other 4 x 8s in the county were vandalized,” she said.

MacArthur said it is disheartening, “but people in town are replacing their signs.”

“The city police are doing a good job of cruising around, and this has slowed down the thefts,” she said.

Fort Scott Police Department is located at 1604 South National and can be reached at 620-223-1700.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Respiratory Season Increase in Fall and Winter

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KDHE Reminds Kansans to be Aware as Respiratory Virus Season Approaches

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) would like to remind Kansans as we approach the respiratory virus season to remain aware of symptoms, preventative measures and when to seek medical treatment.

Every year, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths during the fall and winter virus season.

“We know the risk of contracting and spreading respiratory viruses will increase as we move into the fall and winter months,” KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said. “It is imperative that people follow common-sense preventative measures and consider getting a vaccine, especially if they fall into a high-risk category.”

Getting an immunization is an important preventative measure against respiratory viruses.  Vaccines are available for all three major fall and winter respiratory diseases – flu, COVID-19, and RSV (for groups eligible for RSV immunization). In addition, pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for children younger than five years, adults, 65 years and older, and individuals at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

Kansas will receive approximately $780,000 from the federal government this year to cover about 9,380 COVID-19 doses for uninsured and underinsured adults. These doses will be equitably distributed across Kansas to Local Health Departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and other vaccination locations to help provide vaccine coverage to uninsured and underinsured adults in Kansas.

While anyone can become sick from common respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumococcal disease, some individuals have risk factors that can increase their chances of getting a severe illness.

Groups of people at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses

  • Older adults
  • Young children
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People with disabilities
  • Pregnant and recently pregnant individuals

If you believe you may have a respiratory virus (if you feel sick or tested positive for one) and you have risk factors for severe illness, seek health care right away for testing and/or treatment.

If you test positive for the flu or COVID-19, treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment should be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.

Examples of respiratory virus symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny or stuffy nose, decrease in appetite, sore throat, vomiting, new loss of taste or smell, headache, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, and/or weakness.

Keep in mind:

  • Washing hands and improving airflow in the places where people live and work are important to lowering risk from respiratory viruses.
  • Effective treatments are available for those who get flu or COVID-19 and are recommended for those at higher risk for severe illness. Treatment can reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
  • You should seek emergency care‎ if you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing or chest pain), seek emergency medical care immediately.
  • Everyday actions like masking and physical distancing can provide an additional layer of protection and can protect their family, friends, and coworkers.
  • Tests are available that can quickly detect these respiratory viruses.

For more information on respiratory viruses from KDHE read here.

Read here for more information on respiratory viruses from the CDC.

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Government, Kansas

KS Internet Initiative Applications Announced

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Governor Kelly Announces Applications to Open for $451.7M Internet Initiative

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that applications will open on Oct. 21 for the National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) Internet for All initiative. With the launch of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) will begin taking applications to deploy the $451.7 million allocated to bring high-speed internet to all Kansans.

“My administration is dedicated to making Kansas a top 10 state for broadband by 2030,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our state continues to build on this critical infrastructure, connecting communities and innovators. This historic investment will have a long-lasting impact across Kansas and continue to support our education, health care, and workforce growth.”

The application window will open after the 21-day project review period, allowing eligible applicants to apply for 403 project areas with 52,343 locations needing high-speed internet. Applications will be scored on their cost-effectiveness, consumer affordability, fair labor practices, technology, speed to deployment, and community engagement.

“This program amplifies the Kelly-Toland administration’s commitment to providing universal broadband coverage to every home, business, farm, and community anchor institution in the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through partnerships and community engagement, Kansas is setting the gold standard for the entire country for how to roll out future-proof technologies, improve the lives of its citizens, and stimulate economic growth across every region of the state.”

Key highlights of the BEAD program include:

  • Qualifying program speed of 100/20 megabits per second (Mbps)
  • Requirement of 25% matching funds (with the option to apply for match waiver via NTIA)
  • Consumer affordability

“This is a historic moment for Kansas; we are empowering current and future generations with opportunity through high-speed internet connection,” said Joseph Le, interim director of the Office of Broadband Development. “By leaning into the BEAD process, we continue to unlock and multiply opportunities across the state — and we signal that Kansas is future-ready, right here and right now.” 

Eligible applicants include:

  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Those authorized to provide broadband services in the proposed service areas

The project funding rounds will open on Oct. 21 and close on Dec. 5. The Office of Broadband Development will continue to provide technical assistance webinars and engagement opportunities.

For more information about the program, click here. A technical assistance webinar will be scheduled prior to the launch of the portal.

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Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For the Bo Co Commission Today, September 30

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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

 

September 30, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/16/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $300,038.70
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $386,598.32
  1. Samuel Tran-Solar Issues
  2. 5:45 p.m. Mike Dallman-PVD Compliance Conference Call
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
    2. County Clerk
  • Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Thomas Quarry
  1. Solar Panel Setback Discussion
  2. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  3. Commission Comments
  • 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.

 

Government, Kansas

KS Child Care Licensing, Background Check Fees Are Waived Through 2025

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Governor Kelly Directs Child Care Licensing and Background Check Fees Waived through 2025

~~Excess federal funds to cover fees associated with becoming a licensed
child care provider or renewing an existing license~~

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly announced today the State of Kansas will cover the state licensing, background check, and fingerprinting fees for child care providers seeking initial licensure or licensure renewal through 2025 or until available funds are expended. Fee coverage will assist new child care providers by reducing start-up costs and continuing to support existing providers as they retain their licensure.

“I’m committed to expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care opportunities for Kansas children and families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These funds allow for continued support for child care providers by removing financial barriers.”

Since 2021, the State of Kansas has been covering the initial and renewal licensing fees for child care providers in the state through federal discretionary Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) assistance through federal pandemic relief legislation. Additional funding to extend this coverage is being provided through reallocated Governor Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funding. The funding will be administered through an agreement between the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the agency responsible for child care licensing.

“This additional funding, and Governor Kelly’s commitment to directing it to child care licensing, will go a long way in allowing potential and current child care providers to continue the important work of creating and sustaining quality child care options for Kansas families,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said.

“The Kansas Children’s Cabinet is happy to work collaboratively with KDHE Licensing to support child care providers across Kansas in all license categories by helping to offset the cost of being licensed in good standing,” said Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.

Covering these fees will lower the total start-up cost for child care businesses—costs that often become too large of a barrier to overcome. Additionally, this action will incentivize more unlicensed providers to become licensed, ensuring safer care based on industry best standards. For current providers, the decision to cover these fees is another way the Kelly administration has invested in Kansas’ child care workforce and continues to provide them with critical support.

Local jurisdictions may charge fees unrelated to those imposed by the state. Providers should consult their local health departments or local resource and referral agencies to learn more about applicable local fees in their jurisdiction.

To learn more about becoming a child care provider, please visit https://childcareinkansas.com/providers/.

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Bourbon County, Government

Agenda of the Bourbon County Commission for September 30

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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

 

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

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/16/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $300,038.70
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $386,598.32
  1. Samuel Tran-Solar Issues
  2. 5:45 p.m. Mike Dallman-PVD Compliance Conference Call
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
    2. County Clerk
  • Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
  • Thomas Quarry
  1. Solar Panel Setback Discussion
  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.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the FS City Commission for October 1

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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 1, 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 1369-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 11, 2024 – September 24, 2024 – $449,830.43
  5. Approval of Minutes for September 3, 2024, September 9, 2024, September 17, 2024, and September 24, 2024.
  6. Request to Pay – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th Improvements – Application for Payment No. 3 – $60,439.46

 

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. Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director – ADM Update

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – Requested documents from owner due per September 24, 2024, Special City Commission meeting.
  3. Consideration of Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Tabled from September 17, 2024
  4. 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
  5. 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

 

  1. New Business

Public Hearing:

  1. 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 – M. Wyatt

Action Items:

  1. 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 – L. Lewis
  2. Reports and Comments
  3. City Manager Comments
  4. Engineering Comments
  5.  Commissioners Comments
  6. City Attorney Comments

 

XII.     Adjourn

 

Government

USDA Launches Assistance Network to Support Financially Distressed Farmers and Ranchers 

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Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the launch of the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network, an initiative designed to provide personalized support to financially distressed farmers and ranchers across the nation. Through a series of Cooperative Agreements, this national network will connect distressed borrowers with individualized assistance to help them stabilize and regain financial footing. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) made this announcement today at the Farm Aid Festival in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

 

“I started my off-ranch career as a Farm Advocate, working hand-in-hand with other tireless farmer advocates. Having someone with experiences in ag finance help producers work through financial difficulties can be the difference between them losing the farm or prospering,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network underscores our dedication to farmers and ranchers receiving the tailored support they need. These partnerships also illustrate that USDA acknowledges the importance of these advocates and sees them as part of the solution to ensure program access for all farmers, ranchers, and producers.”

 

Network partners include Farm Aid, Rural Advancement Foundation International, the University of Arkansas, the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Center at Alcorn State University, and the University of Minnesota. Through this initiative, we are collaborating with community-based organizations to better serve financially distressed producers. Network partners will provide farm loan policy training to the community-based organizations so the organizations can work alongside FSA to help producers understand financing available through FSA, ensuring that when they visit an FSA office, the partner organization representative and FSA staff can better assist.

 

FSA, in collaboration with farm support organizations and land-grant institutions, will facilitate this network, which will provide the technical resources and guidance of USDA partners to experts from distressed and underserved communities. The network’s approach includes integrating knowledgeable service providers to deliver one-on-one support to borrowers so they can best make plans and understand options to overcome their financial challenges.

The Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network will address the immediate needs of distressed borrowers and provide comprehensive, wraparound services aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by financially distressed producers. Once stabilized financially, these borrowers will be better positioned to access new opportunities and continue contributing to the agricultural economy. These investments will also build a system of service providers that can better support agricultural communities for years to come.  Investing in a network of agricultural financing service providers to help bridge access to FSA loans is a benefit for rural and agricultural communities.

 

Additional Farm Loan Programs Improvements   

FSA recently announced significant changes to Farm Loan Programs through the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule. These policy changes, to take effect Sept. 25, 2024, are designed to expand opportunities for borrowers to increase profitability and be better prepared to make strategic investments in enhancing or expanding their agricultural operations.

 

FSA also has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate the Farm Loan Program customer-facing business process. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a direct loan application annually, FSA has made several meaningful improvements including:

  • The Loan Assistance Tool that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the direct loan products that may fit their business needs and to understanding the application process.
  • The Online Loan Application, an interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet, and build a farm operating plan.
  • An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local USDA Service Center to pay a loan installment.
  • A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages.
  • A new educational hub with farm loan resources and videos.

 

USDA encourages producers to reach out to their local FSA farm loan staff to ensure they fully understand the wide range of loan making and servicing options available to assist with starting, expanding, or maintaining their agricultural operation. To conduct business with FSA, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.

 

More Information

To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.