Category Archives: Submitted

Fort Scott, Government, Submitted

Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission May 1

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of May 1, 2018 Regular Meeting #9

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 1st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: Pastor James Collins, First Southern Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government and city officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Abbie Houston, Shawn Pritchett, Dave Bruner, Linda Houston, Patience Richwine, Makyn Wade, Taylor Jones, Marissa Allen, Xavier Watkins, Tabitha Harris, Lindsay Madison, Amber Toth, Rita Clary, Julie Saker, David Saker, Dr. Stewart Reeves, Jerald Mitchell, James Collins, Justin Fisher, Amy Fisher, Josie Fisher, Jean Fisher, Deb Needleman, Matt Witt, Cherie Witt, Janet Braun, Denton Wescoat, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Clayton Miller, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

National Nursing Home Week – May 13-19, 2018 – Mayor Mitchell read a Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 13-19, 2018 as National Nursing Home Week in the City of Fort Scott and urged all citizens to support quality of life in nursing facilities by visiting the residents.

Recognition of Employee – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, recognized Justin Fisher, Police Officer who is back to work after being deployed to Iraq back in March 2017. He returned to work on April 4th. She also recognized his wife and two daughters and thanked him for serving our country.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 17th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1214-A totaling $411,857.94.

  1. Resolution 24-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 211 N. Lincoln Street – Public Hearing Date – 6/19/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

Matt & Cherie Witt – Autism Awareness (video presentation) – Matt Witt appeared before the Commission and shared a video with them on Autism Awareness. They have a son who is 7 ½ years old who is autistic. He urged the public to be aware of autism and the individuals who have this.

Amber Toth – Fort Scott Project – Ms. Toth thanked the Commission for letting her two groups present before them. She informed the Commission that all of the groups present their projects and they are voted on and filtered down to the top two groups which get to present to the City Commission.

The first group consisted of Tabitha Harris, Patience Richwine, and Makyn Wade. Braden was absent due to baseball. They presented a project called Fort Scott Street Light Project. Their idea consisted of changing all the street lights in the City to LED lighting which would save the City money.

The second group consisted of Abbie Houston, Taylor Jones, Marissa Allen and Xavier Watkins. Alec Michaud was absent due to baseball. They presented a project called the 12th Street Catwalk Project. Their idea consisted of installing a catwalk at 12th Street which would improve safety in crossing at this location.

The Commission thanked them for their great ideas and hard work.

First Impressions Project – Lindsay Madison & Carla Nemecek – Lindsay Madison informed the Commission that Carla Nemecek was unable to attend the meeting tonight. She asked for the Commission to approve for the Mayor to sign the First Impressions Community Application form to allow the Chamber to organize a three member team to visit and evaluate another community. That community, in turn, would evaluate Fort Scott. Evaluations would include entrances to the City, government, health care, faith culture to name a few. They would then send a final report and photos to the City with recommendations for improvements if needed. The three member team will include Reta Baker, Darcy Smith and the last member is to be determined still. This was done in 2007 and 2012.

Parker moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the First Impressions application. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED MAYOR TO SIGN THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS APPLICATION.

6:00 p.m. Notification of Intent to File Application for Financial Assistance with USDA Rural Development for improvements to the City’s water system – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that the City has talked about this project for the last two to three years. He contacted U.S.D.A. for a low interest loan. Rita Clary, Kansas Rural Water District, has assisted him in filling out the application to U.S.D.A. He said that there is not sufficient revenue in the water utility fund to pay for this project. This project will be done in two phases with phase one being the intake structure and phase two being the dam repair.

Rita Clary, Kansas Rural Water District, informed the Commission that the City needs to apply for funding with U.S.D.A. They have filed an application for financial assistance to improve the City’s water system. This is a $5,038,000 project to be completed in two phases. She believes the interest rate could be 3.75%. U.S.D.A. will give the cheapest rate either at the beginning of the loan or the end of it. Temporary bonds will need to be put in place. She asked for approval for four documents to be signed by the Mayor so the application can be filed.

Jon Garrison said that he has talked to the City’s financial advisor to coordinate temporary notes. The City Commission will have the final approval on all documents and loans. There will be a rate increase in water rates to subsidize this project.

Approval of the following documents is needed:

  1. Approval of the Legal Services Agreement which has been approved by the City Attorney.

  2. Identifying and Reporting USDA Rural Development Assistance to USDA Rural Development Employees, Relatives and Associates which states no one is related to anyone with USDA.

  3. Organization Opinion which states all the City Commissioners and Mayor’s names

  4. City Application which states all the pertinent information for the City such as tax identification number, assessed valuation, total City mill levy, City debt, Sewer and Water Debt, and water information.

Nichols moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the above stated documents. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED AUTHORIZATION FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN ALL THE USDA FORMS FOR THE RIVER INTAKE STRUCTURE PROJECT APPLICATION PROCESS FOR U.S.D.A.

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – Dr. Stewart Reeves – Dr. Reeves appeared and showed photos of the worse street in Fort Scott. It is 11th Street between National and Judson. The water runs into the street and under the bricks and the street has terrible ruts in it.

City Manager said that he and Chad Brown will get with him on this issue.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:18 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. Motion carried.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:18 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 22-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1602 E. Oak Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure is the old Midway Independent Missionary Baptist Church. It was an old school house that was brought into the City from Missouri many years ago. There is no local historic relevance to this structure. Half of the roof was repaired several years ago but no other repairs have been made. Both of the owners are now deceased. She asked for 30 days to either repair or remove this structure.

Commissioners discussed between them if they had to give 30 days or it could be less.

Parker made a motion to allow 10 days for the owner to either repair or remove the structure at 1602 E. Oak. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 22-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1602 E. OAK STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY MAY 15th, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 23-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 504 S. Judson Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this house is owned by a brother and a sister. The brother is headed to prison and the sister just made contact with her. The sister is coming to Fort Scott this coming weekend to clean out the house. The house is open to the elements. She recommended delaying this for 30 days to allow the owner to remove the contents and see if possibly a neighbor might purchase it.

Bartelsmeyer moved to delay any action on this structure for 30 days. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO DELAY ANY ACTION ON THE STRUCTURE AT 504 S. JUDSON STREET FOR 30 DAYS.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 25-2018 – Resolution directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 523 S. Main Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that since this was brought before the Commission last month, the owners have started to make some repairs. She showed photos of windows they had covered. They have a list of required repairs that are needed as well as removal of weeds and painting. She recommended delaying this for 30 days to allow them more time to make the necessary repairs.

Adamson moved to delay this 30 more days to allow the owner to make the necessary repairs to 523 S. Main. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO DELAY ANY ACTION ON THE STRUCTURE AT 523 S. MAIN STREET FOR 30 DAYS.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 15-2018 – Resolution directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 1601 E. Wall Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure had a fire in it several months ago. The owner has told her that he has sold the kitchen equipment and has a bid to demolish the structure. It will be six weeks before the kitchen equipment is moved out of the structure. She recommended giving the owner 60 days to either repair or remove the structure.

Commissioners discussed and decided on a definite time frame to have the structure removed as of July 31st. 2018.

Bartelsmeyer moved to give the owner until July 31st, 2018 to have the kitchen equipment removed and the structure demolished. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 15-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1601 E. WALL STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY JULY 31st, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:28 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:28 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Installation of speed bumps on Old Fort Boulevard – City Manager informed the Commission that the installation of speed bumps at Old Fort Boulevard was discussed at the last meeting. The speed bumps can be purchased at $1,000 each if they desire to do this.

Mitchell moved to install four speed bumps on Old Fort Boulevard. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO INSTALL FOUR SPEED BUMPS AT OLD FORT BOULEVARD.

  1. Consideration of updated Employee Handbook and approval of Ordinance adopting changes – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that the Employee Handbook was rewrote in 2015 and several revisions have been made since then. She has made it more reader friendly and put all the revisions into this new handbook. She recommended approval of the Employee Handbook and the Ordinance authorizing the changes.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3533 REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 3457, ADOPTING EMPLOYEE MANUAL, REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 3475, ADOPTING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS, REPLACING ORDINANCE NO 3479, ADOPTING WEAPONS IN THE WORKPLACE, ORDINANCE NO. 3492, COMPUTER EQUIPMENT POLICY, AND ORDINANCE NO 3493, SHARED LEAVE POLICY AND ADDING SECTION 13:5 – PHYSICAL ACTIVITY POLICY AND ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 3533 – UPDATED EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK.

  1. Consideration of Drug Dog – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that that the Police Department has recognized the need for a Police K-9 dog to be purchased and owned by the City of Fort Scott. Drug arrests are up this year and we feel a narcotics detection dog will assist officers in locating illegal narcotics in our community. He asked the Commission to approve the purchase of a fully trained narcotics detection Police dog, training for the Police Officer and the dog, a kennel to house the dog, an insert for the police car to transport the dog, and a heat alarm system for the Police vehicle. The purchase of these items will be made with drug seizure funds from K-9 Working Dogs International, LLC of Longford, Kansas. This is estimated to cost around $14,000 total. Shawn Pritchett will be the Police Officer with the dog handler as he has had training.

Parker moved to authorize the purchase of the K-9 dog and accessories for the Police Department up to $14,000. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PURCHASE A K-9 DOG FROM K-9 WORKING DOGS INERNATIONAL LLC OF LONGFORD, KANSAS, TRAINING FOR THE OFFICER AND DOG, A KENNEL FOR THE DOG, AN INSERT FOR THE POLICE VEHICLE, AND A HEAT ALARM SYSTEM FOR THE VEHICLE.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: None

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Remarked that it was wonderful to see the community support when the combat veteran warriors came to town last week.

Informed the Commission since she serves on the Fort Scott Housing Authority Board, she has discovered that they have a Residents Committee. This committee raises money and has donated $250.00 for pool passes for children and donated money for 40 wreaths for the Wreaths Across America event in December. She also recognized Dan Meara for serving on this board for over 25 years as he has recently resigned as he moved away.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Nothing to report.

Parker – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Not present.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Beaux Arts Center – City Manager said that Larry Gazaway, Paul Ballou, Rhonda Dunn, Dr. Randy Nichols, Rick Zingre’ and himself met with Mr. & Mrs. Duncan and some individuals they wanted there. They informed them that the City did not shut their building down. It is the City’s responsibility to make sure that historic buildings are safe. They never could get past the code foot print issue. Dave said that he closed the meeting and thanked them for their time and they left. They tried to reach a consensus but could not.

  1. Convention and Visitors Bureau – City Manager said that the renovation to the CVB will start tomorrow. This building is a CVB and the City is willing to partner with the Chamber. Lindsay does a great job with the Chamber and this takes a joint effort.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:27 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on May 15th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government, Submitted

Agenda for Fort Scott City Commission May 15

Leave a comment

The agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission 6 p.m. May 15 at City Hall.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Recognition of New City Employees

Buddy Poppy Day Proclamation – May 25, 2018

Kiwanis Pioneer Club 30th Anniversary Proclamation – May 2018

Recognition of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team who helped with the installation of the bicycle racks for the non-motorized transportation plan:

Shane Walker with Bourbon County

Kyle Parks with Fort Scott High School FFA and AG Dept.

Coby Jones with Peerless

Robby Sharman with Peerless

Frank Halsey with Mid-Continental

Todd Farrell with the City of Fort Scott

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 1st, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1215-A totaling $339,530.18.

  1. Good Ol’ Days Parade Request Form

  1. Cereal Malt Beverage Beer Garden Application – Bourbon County Shrine Club – June 1st & 2nd, 2018 – Skubitz Plaza location

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Alterations to building at 16 N. National

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

Frank Halsey – Marmaton Massacre Festival & Update on new trails

Tina Rockhold – Street Closure – Wine Stroll

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:15 p.m. Resolution 26-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1306 E. Wall Street

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Presentation of 2017 Audit – Terry Sercer

  1. Approval of Resolution 25-2018 approving the form of Supplemental Trust Indenture No. 2 to a certain Trust Indenture entered into by the City in connection with the issuance by the City of its Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2014 (Sleep Inn and Suites Hotel Project)

  1. Resolution 27-2018 adopting and providing for standards for procurement, bidding and contract awards – USDA Rural Development – River Intake Project

  1. Consideration of Hay Bid – Fort Scott Municipal Airport

  1. Approval of proposal for generator maintenance from Generator Services of Independence, Missouri

  1. Consideration of minor alteration for Chamber building – 231 E. Wall

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Government, Kansas, Submitted

First 100 Days of Gov. Colyer

Leave a comment

Governor Jeff Colyer Issues Statement Regarding First 100 Days in Office

“When I became Governor 100 days ago I laid out some very clear goals centered around reform, jobs, and education. I knew that there would be challenges along the way, but the importance of the task and the benefit that could be provided to Kansans made overcoming those challenges worth the effort. In my first 100 days I have assembled a team that is dedicated to making our state government more transparent and efficient, and making Kansas a place that our children see their future. We come into work every day focused on moving Kansas forward, and like I promised in my inaugural address we are keeping surgeons hours working tirelessly for the people. We have seen the creation of new jobs and an influx of new investments by businesses across our state. We have put out the message that Kansas is open for business and companies have listened. We have kept our schools open and for the first time ever we are asking to see measurable results attached to our investment. And we have done all of this while still keeping the promise to not raise taxes. However, the work is not finished yet. We cannot settle and we cannot go backwards. We are going to keep up the momentum of these first 100 days as we continue to grow our state for the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support both now and as we move forward, and I would like to highlight just a few of the things we have been working on to create a brighter future here in Kansas.”

 

  1. Called for Pro-life constitutional amendment if Kansas Supreme Court overrules abortion laws
  2. Took Kansas case preventing taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood to the US Supreme Court
  3. Signed legislation to increase K-12 education investment by $535 million over next five years without requiring a tax increase
  4. Confirmed new Secretary of DCF
  5. Initiated top-to-bottom review of DCF
  6. Replaced leadership team and made other necessary staff changes at DCF
  7. Secured additional funding to locate missing foster kids
  8. Secured additional funding for emergency crisis beds which will help with the problem of foster kids sleeping in offices
  9. Launched Child Support Evaders website, which has already had success
  10. When drafting error existed in school funding bill, signed new bipartisan bill to fix it without controversy
  11. Required outcomes and accountability for schools
  12. Met with education leaders from all over state and conducted multiple tours of KS schools to speak with educators
  13. Encouraged schools to transform themselves with the Kansans Can model
  14. Kansas will provide free ACT tests for every Kansas student
  15. Signed legislation to increase mental health funding for schools
  16. Increased funding for students with disabilities
  17. Called for higher pay for Kansas teachers
  18. Created Governors Education Council
  19. Appointed Diane DeBacker as Director of Business and Education Innovation to sharpen our relationship between workforce development and education
  20. Signed new task force to help school-children with dyslexia
  21. Encouraged more transparency by allowing Kansans to make free KORA requests
  22. Signed transparency EO requiring Cabinet agencies to develop and publish outcomes
  23. Signed transparency bill requiring DCF to report certain info after child deaths
  24. Signed transparency bill regarding police body cam videos
  25. Directed state agencies to be as transparent as possible
  26. Required mandatory annual sexual harassment prevention training for state employees
  27. Successfully advocated for electric utilities to return millions to consumers
  28. Successfully advocated for natural gas utilities to return millions to consumers
  29. Issued executive order to Ban the Box, giving ex-offenders a chance to become productive members of society
  30. Signed bill into law increasing penalties for repeat DUI offenders.
  31. Signed bill allowing for the growing of industrial hemp (with no THC) as new crop
  32. Fought to keep sorghum markets open in China
  33. After years of declines, on May 4 Standard and Poor’s upgraded the credit outlook for Kansas
  34. Appointed Tracey Mann as 50thLt. Governor.
  35. Created a Chief Operating Officer to drive efficiency
  36. Named a new Budget/Chief Financial Officer
  37. Governor and Lt. Governor have visited dozens of Kansas communities in every corner of the state
  38. Confirmed new Secretary of KDHE
  39. Overhauled Governor’s office with new policy and communications teams
  40. Met with President Trump and Vice President Pence in Washington
  41. Secured Kansas’ selection as site for UAV Pilot program
  42. Asked Attorney General to join Texas litigation on DACA
  43. Began process of Re-procurement for Kancare contracts
  44. Requested CMS to approve work requirements for healthy adults on Medicaid
  45. Signed bill to provide full tuition for Kansas National Guardsmen
  46. Deployed 800 Kansas Army Guard to the Middle East. Had opportunity to shake every soldier’s hand before they departed.
  47. Issued disaster declarations on multiple occasions and deployed Blackhawk teams to successfully combat more than 200 wildfires across Kansas.
  48. Refreshed state agencies with many new executives and senior level management
  49. Secured additional money for road construction
  50. Created new Task Force to recommend new road programs
  51. Appointed new Commissioner to KCC
  52. Appointed new judge for Pittsburg, Kansas
  53. Appointed new judge for Topeka, Kansas
  54. Successfully advocated for T-Mobile to agree to keep former Sprint HQ here in Kansas
  55. Launched My Re-employment program
  56. Launched Substance Use Disorder Task Force focusing on opioids and meth
  57. Appointed new Chief Medical Officer with specialty in substance abuse
  58. Sought waiver to increase the number of substance abuse beds in KS
  59. Successfully responded to measles outbreak
  60. Advocated for Kansas’ interests in NAFTA renegotiations with Canadian Ambassador
  61. Launched new statewide broadband initiative
  62. Worked with Attorney General Schmidt on combatting human trafficking
  63. Attended the installation of new KU Chancellor
  64. Signed Nurse Licensure Compact bill
  65. Designated 74 areas across Kansas as Opportunity Zones to encourage development in low-income communities
  66. Broke ground on new Lansing Correctional Facility
  67. Signed new organ transplant bill
  68. Signed bill to encourage Poultry producer investments
  69. Launched website to post notice of all open state-government meetings
  70. Launched iKan app to allow Kansans to renew tags on cell phone
  71. Increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural hospitals
  72. Increased reimbursement rates for nursing homes
  73. Increased funding for Meals on Wheels program
  74. New program for beef traceability
  75. Supported programs for water conservation especially Ogallala aquifer
  76. Represented Kansas at the viewing of the late Billy Graham in the capitol rotunda in Washington.
  77. Signed Anti-swatting Bill into law
  78. Signed bill to help domestic violence victims maintain cell service
  79. Signed legislation providing civil immunity to citizens who damage property while saving pets and children locked in a hot vehicle.
  80. Hosted dinner at Cedar Crest to meet foster kids and families and hear their concerns
  81. Established the Governor’s Community Service Award with Kansas Volunteer Commission to honor service-minded HS students
  82. Honored Governor’s Scholars who graduated in the top 1% of their class
  83. Held a high-tech job fair for those who lost employment due to layoffs
  84. Signed legislation authorizing new Eisenhower statue on capitol grounds
  85. Worked with Trump Administration advocating for Kansas interest in NAFTA renegotiations
  86. Spoke before informal hearing in Washington on the humanitarian crisis in Syria
  87. Signed legislation banning the possession of firearms by people convicted of domestic abuse.
  88. Testified before an informal committee in Washington on the opioid crisis
  89. Spoke at the Invest in America Summit on ways the U.S. can secure foreign investment.
  90. Met with Deputy U.S Transportation Secretary Rosen to discuss President Donald J. Trump’s $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan
  91. Met with Secretary Alexander Acosta to discuss how we can improve and innovate in our workforce development efforts in Kansas.
  92. Met with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke about water issues that are crucial to Kansas, especially our Ogallala aquifer.
  93. Met with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and discussed how the agency can be a collaborative partner with Kansas agriculture, energy, and business.
  94. Met with Secretary Alex Azar and Administrator Verma to discuss pertinent healthcare issues in Kansas.
  95. Met with Secretary Carson to discuss affordable housing issues in Kansas
  96. Took a “Get to Know Your Governor Tour” across Kansas
  97. Addressed Kansas Right to Life at Pro-life Banquet
  98. Met with both Republican and Democratic leadership on first full day as governor,
  99. Met with Israeli Minister of Agriculture to discuss water conservation.
  100. Spoke with consul generals of China, Mexico, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to strengthen trade ties with Kansas.

 

—

Bourbon County, Submitted

Republican Committee Meeting

Leave a comment

During the monthly meeting of the Bourbon County Republican Central Committee Thursday evening at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, several candidates running in the August election spoke to the group about current issues.

Kansas District 12 State Senator Richard Hilderbrand (R) Baxter Springs, District 4, Representative Trevor Jacobs (R), and District 12 State Senator Caryn Tyson (R) spoke during the meeting.  A contender for District 2 Representative currently held by  Adam Lusker (D) also spoke, Ken Collins (R), Mulberry,and also Craig McCullah (R), Topeka, who is running for Secretary of State.

Courtesy photos by Vickie Shead. Marisa and Richard Hilderbrand and Deb Martin.
Larry Shead and Kevin Jones.
Trevor Jacob and Craig McCullah.
Ken Collins, Mulberry.
Caryn Tyson, Parker.
Government, Kansas, Submitted

Seatbelt Enforcement This Month

Leave a comment

Kansas Aims to Save Lives with “Click it. Or ticket.” Enforcement

State, local police target unbuckled travelers

 

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas ranks towards the bottom one-third in seat belt usage among all 50 states. State and local law enforcement are working to improve this ranking by stepping up enforcement to crack down on motorists who aren’t wearing their seat belts as part of the Click it. Or ticket. seat belt enforcement campaign.

 

More than 150 law enforcement agencies across Kansas will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt enforcement as part of the national campaign that runs from May 21 through June 3, concurrent with one of the busiest travel and holiday weekends of the year.

 

“The Click it. Or ticket. campaign is about saving lives. We would be grateful if every occupant we observed was wearing their seat belt” said Ben Gardner, Kansas Highway Patrol Technical Trooper. “Our increased enforcement around Memorial Day serves as a reminder that wearing a seat belt is the easiest thing you can do to save your life.”

 

In 2017, nearly half of the 359 deaths from crashes in Kansas were not buckled. Young adults are dying at disproportionate rates because they are not wearing their seatbelts in Kansas. In Kansas, 56 percent of 18-to-34-year old occupants killed in crashes were not wearing their seat belts in 2017. Male pick-up truck drivers between the ages of 21-34 and drivers in rural areas are among the top unrestrained fatalities.

 

“Seat belts save lives every day. But they only save lives when they are used and there are still many people in Kansas who don’t buckle up,” said Chris Bortz, KDOT Traffic Safety Program Manager. “Our goal is 100 percent compliance. It doesn’t matter where you go, drivers need to buckle up for every ride, every time because a deadly crash can happen to anyone.”

 

In 2017, Kansas seat belt usage was 82 percent, below the national average of 90.1 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. From 2014 to 2016, seat belts saved nearly 41,500 lives across the country.

Government, Kansas, Submitted

Kansas Expands Mental Health Services for Children

Leave a comment

CHIP recipients gain greater access to mental health and substance use services

TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Jeff Andersen is pleased to announce the State of Kansas has received federal approval to strengthen access to mental health and substance use services for participants of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved KDHE’s CHIP Parity State Plan Amendment, which requires that mental health and substance use disorder treatments be considered equally with medical and surgical benefits. Kansas is the third state in the country to receive approval for this amendment.

 

“This Parity Amendment ensures that mental health and substance use disorders are treated no differently than other medical disorders by Medicaid and larger insurance plans,” said KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Greg Lakin. “It provides protection to patients with these types of diagnoses, where, historically, they were often treated differently.”

 

The amendment is part of the mental health regulations put into effect by CMS on Oct. 1, 2017. CHIP provides health care coverage for low-income children living in families with incomes that exceed Medicaid limits. Within CHIP, states are awarded yearly allotments. Kansas provides low-cost health insurance coverage to children who are under the age of 19, do not qualify for Medicaid, have family incomes under 232 percent of the federal poverty level, and are not eligible for State employee health insurance and are not covered by private health insurance.

 

“KDHE worked quickly with CMS to get this amendment approved for CHIP recipients,” said KDHE Medicaid Director Jon Hamdorf. “This is just one of our efforts to expand access to vital services for low-income Kansans.”

 

Government, Kansas, Submitted

Governor Signs Transparency Bills

Leave a comment

Gov. Jeff Colyer Signs Number of Transparency Bills into Law

Includes DCF Transparency Bill and Police Body Cam Legislation

TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer today signed three transparency bills and issued an executive order aimed at increasing government transparency and accountability. By signing House Substitute for SB 336, Senate Substitute for Senate Substitute for HB 2386, HB 2642 and issuing Executive Order 18-13, Colyer seeks to build on a number of transparency bills and executive orders put into law since he took over as governor in January.

“Transparency has been and will continue to be a priority for my administration,” said Gov. Colyer. “These bills, coupled with Executive Order 18-13 are important to me and to Kansans across the state. I appreciate the legislature for passing these critical measures and I look forward to continued work to increase government transparency and accountability for the people we serve.”

The first measure Gov. Colyer signed, House Substitute for Senate Bill 336 amends the statute governing access to information pertaining to children in need of care and child fatalities. With the signing of this law, the Secretary of the Department for Children and Families may now release the age and sex of the child, date of the fatality, and a summary of any previous reports of abuse or neglect involving the child in addition to any DCF recommended services provided to the child.

“This legislation is the cornerstone of the many things we have done to be more open and transparent to the public,” said Gina Meier-Hummel, DCF Secretary. “This measure strikes the correct balance between being sensitive to the need for privacy for families and ensuring that we are being transparent and getting the appropriate information out to the public.”

The second component of House Substitute for Senate Bill 336 changes the disclosure of audio or video recordings made and retained by law enforcement using a body camera or a vehicle camera. Under the previous law, only certain individuals were able to gain access to these recordings.

SB 336 expands the list of people who can request access to the footage to include a spouse, adult child, or parent of the deceased. This bill also adds a provision requiring the agency to allow the access to recordings within 20 days after the request is made.

Kansas Attorney Michael Kuckelman, whose clients struggled under the old law to obtain footage after losing a family member, spoke positively about the bill.

“The important thing about this audio and video is that it helps both families and law enforcement,” said Kuckelman, “There are times where law enforcement is falsely accused and this will demonstrate to the public if there’s a false accusation. If on the other hand, there is wrong doing, this provides an opportunity for a family to bring that to light and make certain that the public knows what is going on in their community.”

Governor Colyer also signed the Senate Substitute for Senate Substitute HB 2386, which requires agencies processing applications for employment that include a license, certification, or registration to list not just the qualifications, but also the specific civil and criminal records that would disqualify an applicant from receiving that license, certification, or registration. Additionally, if an individual has a misdemeanor record that would disqualify them, but has not been convicted of another crime five years preceding the application for licensure, the record cannot be used to disqualify the candidate at the end of the five-year period following the satisfied sentence.

This bill is coupled with executive order 18-13, which takes the bill a step further, by requiring agencies to post offenses that would disqualify a potential applicant prominently on the agency website.

“Executive order 18-13 allows individuals to know what the rules are without having to go searching for it in the fine print,” said Gov. Jeff Colyer.

The governor also signed HB 2642, which clarifies and strengthens campaign and election laws, while also updating the penalties for several violations.

“Some candidates were avoiding campaign finance reports eight days before the election because the penalty was low,” said Rep. Keith Esau. “This bill is an important step towards fixing our campaign finance laws.”