Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Buildings Scheduled for Demolition in Fort Scott: A Long Process

5 Comments

 

Downtown Fort Scott, looking north on Main Street, city hall is on the right.

 

On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several blighted buildings.

The purpose and goal of the Fort Scott Codes Department is to enforce all codes, ordinances, and regulations adopted by the City of Fort Scott to ensure the safety and aesthetic value of all properties and establish a standard of property maintenance, according to the city’s website.

The city has a process to allow extended time for property owners to repair the buildings.

Properties in a state of deterioration are turned into the city by community members for the most part, said Leroy Kruger, who works in the codes department.

This begins a process that starts with a letter to the property owner asking them to repair the house up to city codes and to give the codes department a phone call, within 30 days of receiving the letter.

“If we haven’t heard from them, we send out a condemnation letter,” Kruger said.

“We give 30 more days, if we haven’t heard from them, we turn it over to the city commissioners, and they vote on it,” he said.

“The next step is to advertise (in the Fort Scott Tribune) that we are going to tear it down. Then we have a public meeting,” Kruger said.

“Homeowners or any interested parties get another letter to come and speak to the commission,” he said.

“If no one shows up, the next step is to tear it down.”

“We try to get three bids submitted to the commission (for demolition) and they decide who gets the bid.” he said.

Once torn down to ground level, if the owners want to sell the property, a special assessment fee is given them to recoup the cost of the demolition.

“There’s quite a few blighted properties in Fort Scott,” Kruger said. “We have to stay in a budget for the year. Usually, there are two to three properties at a time.”

At the September 3 Fort Scott City Commission Meeting six properties were submitted.

“If these six go through, we’ve done 10 or 11 properties this year. I think the six have eaten up our budget,” Kruger said.

The codes department office is located in City Hall at 123 S. Main Street and can by reached by calling 620.223.0550.

Norm Nation is the supervisor and lead codes inspector.

 

On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several buildings. Here are the addresses and photos of the buildings taken from Google Street View.

1721 E. Wall

323 W. Wall

1619 E. Pine

1105 Scott Ave

402 S. Lowman Street

418 Couch St.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for September 17

Leave a comment

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

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

September 17, 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 1368-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 28, 2024 – September 10, 2024 – $1,023,007.21
  5. Approval of Minutes for September 3, 2024, Regular Meeting and September 9, 2024, Special Meeting.
  6. Request to Pay – Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) – Invoice No. 0010 FINAL (July, August and September) – $10,000.00
  7. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection – KDOT Project No. 6 KA-6898-01 Project No. 23-015A – Payment No. 4 – Invoice No. 17453 – Payroll – $8,142.58
  8. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection – KDOT Project No. 6 KA-6898-01 Project No. 23-015A – Payment No. 5 – Invoice No. 17538 – Design – $26,490.05
  9. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection – 24-414 Horton St. & 6th Improvements – Invoice No. 17532 – Payroll – $37,510.35
  10. August Financials

 

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

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

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

  1. Matthew Wells/Bourbon County Community Theatre – Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – October 26, 2024, 6:00PM – 9:00PM – ‘Voices From The Grave’

 

  1. Kathy Brennon/Executive Director/Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging – Meals on Wheels

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Consideration of Building at 118 E. Wall – Continued from September 9, 2024, Special City Commission Meeting – waiting on requested documents from owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. New Business

Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 12 N. Main St. – Alteration to Existing Structure – Design Review Board meeting on September 13, 2024.
  2. Consideration to Go Out For Bids for External IT Services
  3. Consideration of Bids for Reinvestment of $1,000,000.00 from Wastewater Fund for six (6)-Month CD – Four (4) bids received: Citizens Bank, City State Bank, Landmark National Bank and UMB Bank.
  4. Consideration of Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. and Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Dickman
  5. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. and Sprouls Construction – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 5 – $8,075.00
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. and Sprouls Construction – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 6 FINAL (Retainage) – $10,397.85
  7. Request to Schedule a Special Meeting (September 23, 2024) to Consider RFPs for Consultant to Airport Projects within the Next Five (5) Years.

 

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

 

XII.     Adjourn

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For September 16

Leave a comment

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

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

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Aug 2024 Financial Reports

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 16, 2024 4:45 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  1. Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/9/2024
    2. Approval of August Financials
  2. Susan Walker, CFO-Insurance
  3. 5:30 p.m.-RNR and Budget Public Hearings Begin
  • Public Comments
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Tri-Valley Agreement
  1. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  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.

 

Government, Kansas

Nominate a Kansas Health Champion

Leave a comment

Kansas Governor’s Council on Wellness 2025 Health Champion Nomination Form

Health Champions Awards Nominations are officially out.  

Please consider nominating:

  1. Yourself
  2. Your Colleague
  3. Your Friend
  4. Your Community Health Worker
  5. A small business is making a big difference (those restaurants and food retailers are the real heroes in getting local produce in their market).
  6. A partner organization that deserves to be awarded

Here is the link!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HKSNRRC

 

Food, Government, Kansas, Youth

KDA Extends Summer Youth Food Program

Leave a comment

DCF Announces Application Deadline Extension for Summer EBT Program

Application deadline is now 5 p.m. on October 15

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is extending the application deadline for the 2024 Summer EBT program, a new federal program designed to help eligible families offset some of the costs of buying food for their school-aged children during the summer.

Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks in other states, is a partnership between DCF, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, and the Kansas Department of Education. The program provides families a one-time installment of $120 per each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries over the summer. Applications will be accepted through the DCF online self-service portal, dcfapp.kees.ks.gov, until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Families will need to use their existing account through the DCF self-service portal or create an account to apply.

Since July 2024, about 117,200 students have received the one-time $120 Summer EBT benefit through an auto-issuance, and DCF has received more than 2,000 applications. For families with children receiving food assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and/or foster care benefits, the Summer EBT benefit was automatically added to existing households’ Kansas Benefits Cards (also known as an EBT card) or loaded onto a Kansas Benefits Card and mailed to the home. DCF estimates there could be more than 100,000 children who did not automatically receive the benefit but may be eligible.

Eligibility:

Children may be eligible for the program if:

  • The child attended a Kansas school offering the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, and the household income met the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals at any point during the 2023-24 school year.

Or

  • the school-aged child (7-17 years old) received food assistance, TANF, and/or foster care benefits at any point during the 2023-24 school year. (Summer EBT benefits were auto-issued to these households in July 2024.)

“While Summer EBT is intended to help offset the cost of food during summer break when kids don’t have access to the free or reduced-price meals they get at school, even with children already back in class the program can still provide families with a little extra help in putting food on their tables,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “We hope that by extending the application deadline, more families with eligible children will have the opportunity to apply for this year’s Summer EBT benefit.”

Application:

Families with children who did not receive the Summer EBT benefit by the end of July 2024 should apply through the online self-service portal, dcfapp.kees.ks.gov. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2024.

Learn more about the Summer EBT program at dcf.ks.gov.

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Sept. 3

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of September 3, 2024                                                                      Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 3, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Meeting available on City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel. Time stamps according to recording.

 

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

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Police Chief, , Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Devin Tally/City Finance Manager, Ben Hart/Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC, Jessica Oliphant/Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC, Garth Herrmann, Esq./Gilmore & Bell, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Cory Bryars, Don Tucker, Jean Tucker, Richard Clark, Dana Davis, Janet Davis, Diane Striler, Colleen Quick, Lindsay Madison, David Lipe, Roger Harris, John Schwartz, Kathy Schwartz, Kevin Allen and Bob Talbot.

 

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

 

Approval of Agenda – (Time stamp 2:49)

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

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda – (Time stamp 2:56)

Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1367-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 15, 2024 – August 2024 – $1,831,904.90

 

Approval of Minutes for August 6, 2024, Regular Meeting – August 20, 2024, Regular Meeting.

 

Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc. – Invoice No. 17444 – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – $33,805.45

 

Request to Pay – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Payment No. 2 – $282,995.42

 

Request to Pay – Olsson – Project #021-06610 Fort Scott KS Rehabilitate Runway and Taxiway – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-021 (Design) AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-023 (Construction) Summary No. 17 – Professional Services rendered through May 4, 2024 – Invoice No. 497880 – $5,735.07

 

 

 

 

Request to Pay – Olsson – Project #021-06610 Fort Scott KS Rehabilitate Runway and Taxiway – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-021 (Design) AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-023 (Construction) Summary No. 18 – Professional Services rendered through June 8, 2024 – Invoice No. 501825-Final – $16,815.60

 

Request to Pay – Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. – Project #021-06610 Fort Scott KS Rehabilitate Runway 18/36 and Taxiways (Asphalt Overlay) – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-023 (Construction) – Invoice No. 4 – Work Completed through May 3, 2024 – $154,949.84

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve all Items A through G in toto for the Consent Agenda.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Cory Bryars – (Time stamp 5:27) – addressed the Commission to remind everyone about the upcoming Fort Fest 24 at Riverfront Park.

 

James Wood/Owner of Holmtown Pub – (Time stamp 7:13) – (Cory Bryars spoke in his absence) – 206 N. National – Temporary Street Closure –September 9, 2024 – 4:00PM to 9:00PM – Pine Street from National to alley Special Event: ‘Straight Outta Clarksdale’.

 

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

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Diane Striler – Update on Downtown Ice Rink MOU – (Time stamp 9:49) – appeared before the Commission to present the updated MOU which named the (2) parties of the Memorandum of Understanding to be between the City of Fort Scott and the Fort Scott Area Chamber Committee and the timeline will be from the week of Thanksgiving through the first weekend of January.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the MOU for the Fort Scott Downtown Seasonal Skating Rink.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration to Approve Ordinance No. 3770 – Land Bank Board of Trustees – Appointment – Terms – Dissolution – Tabled from August 20, 2024 – D. Olson

 

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve Ordinance No. 3770 reducing the number of board members to five (5).  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Update of 118 E. Wall – (Time stamp 20:58) – L. Kruger addressed the Commission to request a Special Commission Meeting to accommodate the owner of 118 E. Wall. The Special Commission Meeting will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, 6:00PM at City Hall.

 

A discussion was had regarding the status of the situation, the Commission’s intentions for the meeting and the potential outcome.

 

  1. Famer requested to move Item H up in the agenda.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to amend the agenda and bring Item H and Item K to the next order of business.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2024 – RHID – Housing Needs Resolution – A RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS AS TO THE NEED FOR HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY FOR FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AND SETTING FORTH THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF REAL PROPERTY PROPOSED TO BE DESIGNATED AS ONE OR MORE REINVESTMENT HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS WITHIN THE CITY–(Time stamp 34:05) – G. Herrmann appeared before the Commission to present the resolution requested for a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District of three (3) tracts of land.

 

Discussion was had about including the second story downtown district and others who have expressed interest in the RHID.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve Resolution No. 25-2024 as presented.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

 

Consideration to research legal requirements and estimated legal costs for the City of Fort Scott to annex southward from the currently southernmost City limits along Jayhawk Road and eastward to envelop the Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Lake Fort Scott, and City-owned land adjacent to Lake Fort Scott – (Time stamp 45:26) – It was explained that this agenda item is intended to research the legal requirements and costs to annex properties, squaring the boundaries of the City, and the potential tax income. No action was to be taken at this meeting.

ACTION:  B. Farmer is directed to research the topic for consideration.

 

Several residents wished to address the Commission regarding annexation.

 

  1. Allen – (Time stamp 50:25) stated that the City needs to address current problems in the City before moving toward annexation.

 

Unidentified Citizen No. 1 – (Time stamp 52:07) – stated the land description for the item should be west/westward and not east/eastward. The correction was accepted by the Mayor.

 

Unidentified Citizen No. 2 – (Time stamp 52:21) – questioned the reason for annexation, agreement that the lake is primarily the drinking water resource and concerns about the lack of enforcement at the lake.

 

Dana Davis – (Time stamp 59:47) – addressed the Commission regarding lost revenue due to lack of boat permit enforcement especially to non-residents.

 

Harold Martin – (Time stamp 1:05:30) – addressed the Commission regarding the dissolution of the Lake Advisory Board and his previous appearances.

 

Consideration of Proposed Change of Zoning Regulations – Article 20: Supplemental District Regulations – Section 7: Accessory Uses – Storage Containers – (Time stamp 1:10:41) – L. Kruger was directed by B. Matkin to research what other cities do regarding the use of Connex boxes due to popularity. He provided the information to the Commission. He stated that the wording of the current zoning regulation needs to be amended in order to enforce the regulation.

 

ACTION:  L. Kruger and B. Matkin were directed to research enforceable ordinances regarding this type of storage with one coming from Kansas City.

 

 

 

  1. Madison – (Time stamp 1:22:48) – asked for clarification regarding this type of storage in the historic district. She is concerned about the ones she currently sees downtown.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting (Time stamp 1:24:15)

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 19-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 1721 E. Wall – (Time stamp 1:22:34)

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 19-2024.

  1. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 20-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 323 W. Wall – (Time stamp 1:25:56)

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:26:36).

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 20-2024.  D. Olson seconded the motion. K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 21-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 1619 E. Pine – (Time stamp 1:27:10)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 21-2024.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 22-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 1105 Scott  (Time stamp 1:28:14)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 22-2024.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  D. Olson, T. VanHoecke, and T. Dancer voted yes.           M. Wells and K. Salsbury voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 402 S. Lowman (Time stamp 1:29:57)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 23-2024.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 24-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 418 S. Couch – (Time stamp 1:31:34)

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve Resolution No. 24-2024.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion. K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Project No. 22049 Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Contract No. 6 U-2455-01 – Heck & Wicker, Inc.-Additional Inlet Protection, Concrete Pipe Encasement, Sanitary Sewer Service, Extra Pothole Work at 8th & Horton, Tree Removal at 7th & Horton– $4,810.00 (Time stamp 1:34:25)- J. Dickman

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve Change Order No. 1 for Project No. 6 U-2455-01 for $4,810.00.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Brick Street Policy Revisions Discussion – (Time stamp 1:36:20) – B. Matkin explained that the proposal to concrete the intersections of the brick streets was not in the current policy and would need to be amended if approved.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the meeting (Time stamp 1:36:43)

 

  1. Wells explained the benefit to concreting the intersections and how it would be completed.

 

  1. VanHoecke returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:38:08)

 

Further discussion was had about the proposed amendment to the policy.

 

 

 

(Time stamp 1:45:11) – B. Talbott was recognized to address the Commission to suggest an aerator for the rearing pond at the lake to conserve water.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will provide the list of questionable intersections for the Commission’s consideration.  M. Wells stated that according to Item B of Amendment No. 1 of the Brick Street Policy, the intersection is allowed if it is deemed necessary.

Public Hearing:  2025 Budget Hearing

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing at 7:50PM (Time stamp 1:50:50). M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2024 – A RESOLUTION TO EXCEED THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE – Discussion was had regarding the decision.

 

There were no public comments.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing at 8:09PM (Time stamp 2:09:15).  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Wells left the meeting at Time stamp 2:11:23 and returned at 2:12:44.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 26-2024 – A Resolution to Exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate at 44.208 mills.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion. K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells and D. Olson voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting at Time stamp 2:19:58 and returned at 2:22:12

 

PUBLIC HEARING:  Consideration to Adopt the 2025 Budget – B. Hart

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing at 8:23PM (Time stamp 2:23:16). M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

There were no public comments.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing at 8:24PM (Time stamp 2:24:50). M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adopt the 2025 Budget as presented by Baker Tilly (Time stamp 2:2510). K. Salsbury seconded the motion.

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

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

City Manager Comments – (Time stamp 2:26:19)

  • Memorial Hall repairs
  • IT Support options
  • Dispatch concerns
  • Cape Seal pre-construction meeting

 

Engineering Comments – (Time stamp 2:32:17)

  • Horton Street Project update
  • CCLIP next phase

 

Commissioners Comments

  1. Wells – (Time stamp 2:34:35) – Budget comments

 

  1. VanHoecke – (Time stamp 2:36:26) – Budget comments

 

  1. Olson – (Time stamp 2:38:44) – No comment

 

  1. Salsbury – (Time stamp 2:38:46) – Budget comments, lake lot encroachments

 

  1. Dancer – (Time stamp 2:44:57) – Meeting take aways and suggestions for future discussions for Commission.

 

Special Meeting set for Monday, September 9, 2024, at 6:00PM for the purpose of discussing 118 E. Wall Street building status.

 

 

 

 

 

City Attorney Comments – (Time stamp 2:50:14) – No comment

 

MOTION: – T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50PM – (Time stamp 2:50:43) – D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

SEPTEMBER 3, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:50PM.

 

 

 

 

NEXT MEETING:  MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024, 6:00PM AT CITY HALL

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda for Sept. 9

Leave a comment

 

 

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 9, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8/26/2024 and 8/30/2024
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $292,060.51
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $568,222.20
    4. Approval of July Financials
  1. Public Comments
  2. David Saker/Casey Johnson/Greg Post/Greg Schick-Towing Policy
  3. Work Session Regarding Solar Panel Setbacks
  • Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  • Commission Comments
  1. 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

Phone/Internet Services Assistance

Leave a comment

Lifeline helps low-income Kansans stay connected

TOPEKA – Phone and internet services are vital to accessing healthcare and community services, finding employment, and calling for help in an emergency. However, the cost to stay connected is out of reach for many Kansans.

In observance of Lifeline Awareness Week, September 8-14, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in creating awareness of the Lifeline program and encourages those in need of assistance to apply.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts of up to $17.02 per month to help pay for residential or wireless phone service, internet, or a bundled phone and internet plan. Subscribers living on tribal lands qualify for additional discounts. Currently, nearly 8 million Americans, including 23,000 in Kansas, are enrolled in the program.

Eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) or participation in certain assistance programs such as:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
  • Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Head Start Tribal Programs (income based)
  • The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the KCC’s website or by calling 800-662-0027.

###

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government

Fort Scott National Historic Site Welcomes 200 New Citizens

Leave a comment

Special Naturalization Ceremony

 

Fort Scott, Kan. – Friday, September 20, 2024, Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) and the U.S. District Court, Kansas District, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony of 202 new citizens from 57 countries. Check-in for new citizens begins at 9 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the proceedings on the historic fort Parade Ground.

The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School Orchestra, with welcoming remarks by Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski and Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin. A keynote address will be made by Angela Bates, founder, past president, and current executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society and Museum.

There will be seating for the applicants, but additional seating will be limited. Friends, family, guests, and the public are highly encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall.

Fort Scott is the story of the growth of our nation, and its fight for freedom. On the same parade ground that the very first African Americans were brought into the Northern Armies to openly fight for their freedom and a better life, these new citizens are starting down their own path of freedom and a better life.

September 17 to 23, the nation observes Constitution Week. The commemoration honors both the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, (Constitution Day), an observance that began in 1940 as “I Am an American Day,” and Citizenship Day that began in 1952 based on a law signed by President Harry Truman,

Each year, USCIS celebrates the connection between the Constitution and citizenship by reflecting on what it means to be a citizen of the United States and holding special naturalization ceremonies across the country.

We encourage new citizens and guests to share their naturalization ceremony experiences and photos through social media, using the hashtags #NewUSCitizen #ConstitutionWeek, #FortScottNPS, and #FindYourPark.

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

Fort Scott National Historic Site
1 Old Fort Blvd.
Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701

 

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo, Naturalization Ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site.