Category Archives: Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Nov. 7

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of October 11, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

SOS Donation

Lead and Copper Rule Revision

Public Hearing for trash service, December 13

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project –

 

Placemaking Project –

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ­­­­___________.

 

 

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

 

11-22 Informational Items

2022 Financials – November

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for Oct. 11

Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.

The Regular Council Meeting on October 11, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:02), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), Kyle Knight (Knight’s Tree Service), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Painting is supposed to be finished, electrician should be in next week.  He is trying to get LACO to donate the guttering.  Hopeful to have it finished by next month.  Clerk Johnson asked what times they wanted to have the locks set to unlock/lock – during central standard time, 7am-5pm, during central daylight time, 7am-10pm.  Signage for the doors needs to be ordered.  Council directed clerk to order blue background with braille.

 

Kyle Knight, Knight’s Tree Service, suggested trimming tree canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to get quotes for trimming canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church to a height of 18’ and back from street to main trunk and to be able to start within 10 days, not to exceed $3,500.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

East Coast Trip Fundraiser – a group of junior high students are raising funds to take a trip to Washington DC, Mount Vernon, and Gettysburg in July 2023.  They are asking for donations to defray the cost.  The City of Uniontown historically does not donate tax revenue to fundraisers except the Send Off Seniors after graduation party.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,858.59, Receipts $42,963.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $35,368.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $368,427.21. Bank Statement Balance $369,935.26, including Checking Account Interest of $30.37, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,508.05, Reconciled Balance $368,427.21.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $445,581.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $269.90, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $523.20.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of September $4,568.62, Year-to-Date Net Income $44,683.71.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $86,225.64 (81.8%), Expenditures $82,163.60 (62.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,324.90 (73.7%), Expenditures $28,239.03 (68.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $105,077.39 (75.3%), Expenditures $111,413.74 (45.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $127,710.65 (99.4%), Expenditures $109,019.30 (66.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $7,768.61 (73.1%).  The October 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $33,126.10 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of September 13, 2022, Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Lead and Copper additional sample results have been received.  KDHE has invalidated the first sample results from 601 Fifth St and replaced it with the new sample results.  They will not accept the two additional samples as they are not on our approved site sampling plan.  KDHE is hosting a Public Meeting for Public Water Supply Lead and Copper Rule Implementation.  Clerk Johnson asked if Superintendent Rich and she could attend on October 12, 2022 in Chanute from 1-3PM.  Council gave permission for both to attend.

The east rollup door at the barn will not raise – one of the overhead springs is broken and both springs need replaced.  Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will forward some recommendations for making repairs.

Rich thanked the Council for the vacation time.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is progressing and he feels they should have completed by the end of the month.

 

Clerk Johnson reminded Council that the November regular meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 7PM.  Councilmember Ervin and Kelly will be unable to attend.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to reschedule November regular meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7PM due to possible lack of quorum.

 

Clerk Johnson will post the rescheduled date and put in the newsletter and on the billing cards.

Bourbon County REDI Visioning Session II was rescheduled to October 12, 2022, 5:30PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area.  RSVP by 10/10/22.  Jurgensen, Ervin, Stewart, and maybe Esslinger will attend.  Johnson will post the possible quorum attending and that no city business will be discussed.  She will also RSVP even though date has passed.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – his Midwest Fertilizer email is no longer valid as he has changed jobs.

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – absent

Councilwoman Kelly – has anyone claimed the stray black/white collie mix?  Animal Control Officer has been trying to catch, but unable to get close enough.

Councilman Stewart – has some recommendations for outdoor exercise equipment.

Mayor Jurgensen –USD 235 has some surplus chairs that they are giving away.  He had Rich get all he could for the Community Center, 54.  We will check to see if there is going to be any more available, then decide what to do with the metal folding chairs we currently have.

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Per Don George, KDWPT, we do not have to send out for bids again.  Two quotes were received for the placement of riprap – Eden Landscaping, $20,540, and Mix Contracting, $9,360.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to award contract to Mix Contracting, $9,360

 

Timing of starting will have to be coordinated with Bourbon County Public Works (supplying 4”-6” rock) and Mix Contracting.

 

Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has formed a committee for selecting outdoor exercise equipment and will be meeting soon.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – no other quotes were received for the ADA restroom upgrade at City Hall.  Clerk Johnson will reach out to French Plumbing to see if he is still interested in submitting a quote.

 

Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 31.  Clerk Johnson purchased three bags of mini tootsie pops.  Amber Kelly will distribute on behalf of the City.  Flu Shot Clinic, Monday, October 17 at Community Center.  November 1, KMU will conduct a water training on Lead and Copper Revised Rule and Surface Water Treatment.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM

FS Commission To Meet Nov. 7 To Consider Financial Services Agreement

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7th, 2022.  This meeting will be to consider the agreement of financial services with BakerTilly.

 

This meeting will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room and will be broadcast on the City’s You Tube channel.   This meeting is open to the public.

FS CITY COMMISSION VACANCY


Effective October 31 st , 2022, Shane Walker resigned his position
as City Commissioner on the Fort Scott City Commission. Persons
interested in applying to fill the position vacated by Commissioner
Shane Walker are asked to submit a letter of interest to: City Clerk,
Lisa Lewis at 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 or by email at
[email protected]. Letters of interest must be received by the City
Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11th
, 2022.

Only individuals who reside in the City limits of Fort Scott are eligible to apply. Once the appointment has been made, it will become effective at the next scheduled City Commission meeting and the term will expire in December of 2023.
Any additional information or questions may be obtained by
contacting Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at 620-223-0550

Ignoring vehicle recalls can be risky: Check To Protect

 
TOPEKA – More than 50 million vehicles on the nation’s roadways have unrepaired, open recalls that can lead to costly damages and put occupants at a safety risk. The Kansas Department of Transportation is joining the National Safety Council (NSC) in encouraging vehicle owners to use the Check To Protect program, which allows free repairs through an authorized dealer.

“What you don’t know can hurt you,” said Gary Herman, KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager, Bureau of Transportation Safety. “All car owners should regularly check for safety recalls, especially going into winter in Kansas. Failing vehicle parts can lead to life threatening injuries.”

The NSC warns vehicle owners to not assume recall notices will be sent by mail. Owners of older, used or vehicles not regularly seen for routine maintenance can be difficult to track down.

Checking a recall status should be part of routine vehicle maintenance and done at least twice a year. A vehicle license plate or the vehicle identification number (VIN) is required. VIN numbers are on the driver’s side dashboard or on vehicle registration/insurance documents. Then go to the Check To Protect website, https://checktoprotect.org. Anyone with a recall will be prompted to schedule a free repair at a dealer.

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KDOT Staffing Shortages May Impact Snow/Ice Removal This Winter

Continued KDOT staffing shortages could impact

highway snow, ice removal efforts

The Kansas Department of Transportation is committed to keeping the highways cleared when inclement weather impacts the state, but staffing shortages continue to affect the agency with not enough snowplow operators in many areas. These ongoing shortages could affect KDOT’s ability to clear snow and ice from highways in a timely manner.

“We want motorists to know ahead of time – it’s not a matter of if the highways will be cleared this winter, but when,” said Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “KDOT crews will be proactive by shifting crews and pretreating surfaces whenever possible but having fewer employees could cause delays in removing snow and ice from all the affected roadways.”

The agency is about 24% short of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed in offices across the state. However, all KDOT field offices have made preparations in September and October to be ready for winter – employees participated in regional meetings with several days of hands-on snowfighter training exercises. Salt, sand and other materials are fully stocked, and pre-maintenance work on snowplows and other equipment is complete.

“Our maintenance crews always do their best to serve the public as they work 12-hour shifts in their efforts to clear the highways,” said Secretary Lorenz. “But motorists can help by checking on road conditions and weather forecasts in advance and possibly delaying travel plans. It’s important to plan ahead, stay informed and travel safe.”

Before traveling, check www.KanDrive.org, KDOT’s road condition website – it is updated 24/7 for highway conditions, short-term closures and general traffic alerts, and provides camera views to see current road conditions in that area. KanDrive now has a new App available for download on iOS and Android phones with a hands-free/eye-free feature to announce upcoming traffic events while traveling. The Kansas 511 phone system also has been updated and provides reports on a specific route, in a city or between two cities.

The agency also will deploy all employees who have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to plow snow and hire seasonal employees. KDOT will assist selected applicants in obtaining a CDL upon hiring, which includes providing training. For people interested in working at KDOT, go to the state’s employment website at http://jobs.ks.gov/

Governor: Input on Wildfire Prevention is Needed

Governor Laura Kelly Seeks Public Input on Wildfire Prevention and Response

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly called on Kansans to share their thoughts on how the State of Kansas can better prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires. The Governor’s Wildfire Task Force, established by Governor Kelly this past July, is seeking public input as it takes a comprehensive look at mitigating wildfire threats, reviews how local and state officials respond to such emergencies, and considers how to better support communities impacted by wildfires.

“Wildfires take a devastating toll on Kansas families and businesses, which is why we want to hear directly from the people most impacted by these disasters,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “If you have thoughts on how our state can prevent or better prepare for future disasters, please let the Wildfire Task Force know. Together, we will continue working to protect our first responders, our farmers and ranchers, and our communities.”

The Governor’s Wildfire Task Force was founded in the wake of Kansas experiencing several large-scale wildfires. Over the last five years, the Kansas State Fire Marshal has received reports of an average of 6,000-plus wildland fires each year. Since 2016, the state has experienced three large wildfires that burned over 800,000 acres.

The Task Force is led by Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam and includes bipartisan representatives from local, state, and federal agencies and organizations. The group has met several times since its creation.

“Reducing the fuel load to mitigate the risk of large-scale wildfires is a high priority; it will involve many partners and may look not look the same across the state, as different regions have different needs and challenges,” Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam, Chair of the Task Force, said. “We have been engaged in extended discussions about the critical impact of wildland fires and look forward to input from the public on these issues.”

Public input can be submitted on the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s website: www.agriculture.ks.gov/WildfireTaskForce. Submissions can be made through the end of November.

The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Nov. 1

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date: November 1, 2022

1st DistrictNelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

BEGINNING at 9:00AM.


Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

Approval of Accounts Payable

Ashley Shelton Gas Price Lockin Contract

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer Comment

o Transient Guest Tax

o Opioid Settlement Funds

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

KSA 754319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorneyclient relationship

KSA 754319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employeremployee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

KSA 754319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

KSA 754319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

KSA 754319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

FS City Commission Agenda for Nov. 1

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
November 1st, 2022
6:00 P.M.

I. Roll Call:

J. Jones T. Van Hoecke S. Walker M. Wells K. Harrington

II. Flag Salute:

III. Invocation: Led by: T. VanHoecke

IV. Consent Agenda:

A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of October 18 th, 2022

B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1323-A totaling $259,949.03

C. Request to Pay – L. G. Barcus & Sons – $143,460.92 – River Intake

D. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer – $770.00 – Outside contract work

V. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five
(5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

A. Lake Advisory Board Representative Update

VI. Old Business:

A. Change Order #1 – L.G. Barcus and Sons, Inc. – $19,466.03 – Review of itemized bill requested by Commission and submitted by Donald Lindeman,
Senior Project Manager of HDR.

B. Consideration of agreement with BakerTilly for financial services

VII. Appearances:

VIII. Public Hearing: None

IX. New Business:
A. Consideration for approval of Parade Permit for Fort Scott Christmas Parade on December 1st, 2022, submitted by Lindsay Madison.

B. Consideration for 60-day Time Extension for the City’s Urgent Need project

C. Consideration of Addendum No. 1 – Fort Scott GO Car Wash MEP Plan
Review – Earles Engineering

XII. Reports and Comments:

A. Interim City Manager Comments:

B. Assistant City Manager Comments:

C. Engineering Comments:

D. Commissioners Comments:

E. City Attorney Comments:

XIII. Executive Session If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

J. Jones Executive Session for the personnel matters of non-elected personnel.

IX. Adjournment:

The Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1

The Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1

TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Tuesday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

With energy costs expected to rise this winter, the protections offered by the Cold Weather Rule could be more critical than ever in keeping individuals and families safe and connected. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Midwest households heating with natural gas could see their bills increase by 33%. Those using electric heat could pay 8% more. If the weather is colder than expected, those numbers could be higher.

While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric, natural gas, and water utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.

Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.

Information on what to expect in terms of energy costs this winter is also available on the KCC’s website at https://kcc.ks.gov/kcc-consumer-alert-winter.

FS City Commission Holds Work Session Nov. 1

The Fort Scott City Commission will hold a work session on Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting room.  No action will be taken.

 

Following the Work Session will be the regular City Commission Meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting room.

 

These meetings are open to the public. They will also available on YouTube live and as a recording following the conclusion of the meeting.