4-H Week: Oct. 4-10
Southwind District Youth to Celebrate
National 4-H Week: October 4-10
Every year, National 4-H Week sees millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni come together to celebrate the many positive youth development opportunities offered by 4-H. The theme for this year’s National 4-H Week, Opportunity4All, is a campaign that was created by National 4-H Council to rally support for Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program and identify solutions to eliminate the opportunity gap that affects 55 million kids across America.
With so many children struggling to reach their full potential, 4-H believes that young people, in partnership with adults, can play a key role in creating a more promising and equitable future for youth, families and communities across the country. In 4-H, we believe every child should have an equal opportunity to succeed. We believe every child should have the skills they need to make a difference in the world.
Southwind District 4-H will observe National 4-H Week this year by highlighting some of the inspirational 4-H youth in our community who are working tirelessly to support each other and their communities.
“We believe youth perspectives are so important and a solution to eliminating the opportunity gap, because young people come with new ideas and new ways of seeing the world,” explains Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO of National 4-H Council. By encouraging diverse voices and innovative actions, 4-H believes that solutions can be found to address the educational, economic and health issues that have created the opportunity gap.
The Southwind District 4-H members, volunteers, and staff will be celebrating this week with radio spots, news columns, National Spirit Day on the 7th, window displays, and social media posts. Check out Southwind District 4-H on Facebook and YouTube to see our 4-H pride this week! Towards the end of the week is the Kansas 484H project where youth will be demonstrating their skills in 48 hours of community service.
In Southwind District, more than 530 4-H youth and over 100 volunteers from the community are involved in 4H. With over 30 projects offered within Kansas 4-H and the Southwind District, the 4-H program has something for everyone. What other youth organization can young people be a part of that promotes involvement of the entire family? Not to mention all of the life skills that youth learn by attending monthly club meetings.
To learn more about how you can get involved, reach out to Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent at [email protected] or call 620-244-3826. Information can also be found by visiting southwind.ksu.edu or searching Southwind District 4-H on social media.
About 4-H
4-H, the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization, cultivates confident kids who tackle the issues that matter most in their communities right now. In the United States, 4-H programs empower six million young people through the 110 land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension in more than 3,000 local offices serving every county and parish in the country. Outside the United States, independent, country-led 4-H organizations empower one million young people in more than 50 countries. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Learn more about 4-H at southwind.ksu.edu, find us on Facebook at Southwind District 4-H and on YouTube with Southwind District 4-H.
Landscape Improvements Now Will Bring Big Dividends Next Spring
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
Fall and spring are my favorite seasons. Finally, some cooler temperatures have arrived and it is actually feeling more like fall! I encourage you to get outside and enjoy the fall season. It is the perfect time to do some tasks around your landscape that will help next spring.
First, let’s talk lawn weeds. I know, they are probably the last thing on your mind since we are winding down the mowing season. Believe it or not, it is the ideal time to tackle those weeds. Not next spring when you fire the mower up again!
Cool season broadleaf weeds such as henbit, dandelions and chick weed all germinate in the cool moist periods of September and October. They overwinter as small plants, barely visible unless you get down close to the ground to look. Once warm weather arrives in the spring, the plants grow rapidly and flower.
Fall control is ideal for these cool season broadleaf weeds. The weeds are storing food in their roots and will send a leaf applied herbicide to their roots as well. The herbicides will translocate to the roots and will kill the plants from the roots up. These plants are also small and easily controlled right now.
There are several products on the market that are effective on these fall germinating weeds. Herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products that contain 2,4-D, MCCP and Dicamba, sold under the trade names of Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, or Weed-Out, can be used. A product called Weed Free Zone is also an option. It contains the three active ingredients mentioned above plus carfentrazone.
Newly planted lawns should not be treated with any herbicide until the new grass seedlings have been mowed two or three times depending on the product. Read and follow the label directions closely.
Next, let’s talk flower bulbs. Bulbs are a good addition to any landscape or garden because they offer a variety of bloom color, flowering time, plant height, and shape. Now is the time to get those bulbs in the ground!
Bulbs can be planted in a variety of locations including around house foundations, under deciduous shrubs and trees, along borders, in perennial beds, and rock gardens. You can also plant them in containers and even on steep slopes.
When planted along a foundation, bulbs will add color in the early spring if planted in a grouping of twelve or more bulbs. If you have evergreen shrubs planted along a foundation, they will provide a nice background for planting of bulbs. Bulbs will “pop” with color in contrast to the green of the shrubs.
A border of bulbs planted along the edge of the lawn will add a splash of color to the lawn area. Or consider planting low growing bulbs around the edge of a flower bed to add interest. You can add them directly into a perennial bed. The bulbs will bloom in March, April and May before perennials start to grow. Make sure to locate the bulbs so the dying foliage will not be noticed.
Both spring and summer bulbs can be planted in portable containers. The nice thing about container plantings is their versatility.
For spring bulbs, once bloom is past, the container can be moved to a location out of sight while the foliage matures. Summer bulbs will add color all summer long to areas such as a patio or deck.
Keep in mind that planting bulbs of one variety or color in mass will have greater visual impact. This will provide uniform color and texture that is pleasing to the eye. With bulbs such as tulips or daffodils, plant at least twelve bulbs of one variety in a grouping. Smaller bulbs should be planted in groups of fifty to have visual impact.
Take action now to have a beautiful, weed-free, colorful lawn next spring!
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 5
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Oct. 2-4
Click below:
Dollar Tree Is Open
The parking lot of Dollar Tree, on south Hwy.69 in Fort Scott was full on Sunday.
Hours for the newly opened store are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
American Legion Meets This Evening
Just a reminder of Post 25’s general membership meeting on Monday, October 5 at 7 pm in Memorial Hall.
A meet and greet will be held from 6:30 – 7 pm.
Those members who have not yet paid their 2021 Legion dues may do prior to the meeting.
A copy of the current Kansas Legion Sunflower is attached to this email.
Remember that Post 25 is member-driven. Please submit any suggestions to your Post 25 Executive Committee.
For God and Country.
Carl Jowers Post 25 Commander
Horse Blinders for Humans
Keys to the Kingdom by Carolyn Tucker
Once when I was a kid at home and my Dad and I were watching a movie on TV, he said, “The reason I like Westerns is because I like to look at the horses.“ I found myself doing the same thing when I recently watched “The Magnificent Seven.” This great classic starts off with a funeral procession led by two horses pulling the hearse. The horses have blinders on their eyes, so they can only see what’s straight ahead.
Whether you like to think about it or not, you’re on your way to eternity every day. There are many distractions along the journey and we ought to have blinders too. I’m not suggesting you stick your head in the sand like an ostrich, because you need to know what’s going on so you can pray and stand against the evil in the world. But, blinders help you stay focused on what’s important on your trip to eternity.
A blinder is a piece of tack that prevents the horse from seeing to the side. Blinders keep the horse’s eyes focused on what’s ahead, rather than what is at the side or behind. Blinders prevent the horse from becoming distracted and stops him from losing concentration on the direction he is headed. Race horses wear blinders, but trail-riding horses do not. On a trail ride, some horses “see boogers” in the bushes and get spooked. This is when Dad’s advice pays off — I remember him cautioning me to “Never go to sleep ridin’ a horse.“ What he meant was that I needed to pay attention, stay alert, and ride with an expectancy that anything could happen at any time. Be prepared, be sharp, be on the lookout.
The devil would like for you to be “asleep in the saddle.” He’s hoping you don’t know the following scripture: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8,9 NLT). There’s a difference between being scared and being prepared. Your job is to use common sense and wisdom from God’s Word, and use your faith.
Stay focused on keeping the main thing the main thing. Don’t give in to the temptation of following a rabbit trail. If you haven’t already, put on your blinders, because the devil is tossing all the garbage and boogers he can into your path. He hates you. He is not the king of fun; he is the king of stealing, killing, and destroying. Don’t get sidetracked with the cares or nonessentials of life. “But all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things….” (Mark 4:19 NLT). Don’t let your guard down that’s protecting your spiritual heart.
It’s imperative that you keep your priorities straight. In Philippians 1:9,10 Paul says: “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.“
The Key: Blinders are not just for horses. Order yours today.
Obituary of Juanita Lloyd
Juanita Mae Lloyd, age 96, a resident of rural Nevada, Missouri, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2020, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center.
She was born March 9, 1924, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Roy C. Jewell and Bessie Mae Bybee Jewell. She married Emmett Paul Lloyd on September 17, 1945, at Kansas City, Missouri. Together the Lloyds pastored Nazarene churches in Split Log, Missouri, Maryville, Missouri Elk City, Kansas, Marshall, Missouri, Kirkwood, Missouri, Appleton, Wisconsin and Springfield and Warsaw, Missouri.
Juanita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She was an exceptional hostess and enjoyed opening her home to family and friends. In addition to assisting with the ministry, Juanita also worked some outside the home. While in Marshall, Missouri, she worked at Schneider’s Gift Shop and while in Kirkwood she was employed by Lee Creative Research. Later she operated Lloyd Hearing Aid Service in Warsaw, Missouri. Currently, she was a member of the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene.
Survivors include her two daughters, Cheryl Barnett, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Dianna Knisel and husband, Mike, of Denton, Texas; five grandchildren, Jim Ragsdale and wife, Jennifer, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Todd Hall and wife Sabrina, of Denton, Texas, Kimberlee Goins and husband, Paul, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Teri Wright and husband, Josh, of Denton, Texas and Angela Pullen and husband, Greg, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Jacob Ragsdale, Brooke Ashlee Goins, Emily, Avery, Brady, Grayson and Ainsley Pullen, Alexandria and Anberlin Wright, Alexa and Anjolie Hall, Summer Munchin and Tim Goins and a great-great-granddaughter, Aila Goins. Also surviving is a sister, Irene Lowry, of Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett, on December 2, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William C. Jewell.
Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct graveside services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 6th at the Evergreen Cemetery.
Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Oct. 6
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: Oct. 6
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
9:00 – 9:30 Eric Bailey, Road & Bridge
9:30 – 9:45 SPARK
10:00 – 10:15 Bill Martin, CESF Grant-Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding
10:15 – 10:30 KWORCC-Voting Delegate
FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Sept. 28
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 28, 2020 Special Meeting #10
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 28th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor JoLynne Mitchell presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Susan Bancroft, Janice Allen, Seth Simpson, Michael Hoyt, Travis, Rachel Pruitt, and Allyson Turvey.
I. CONSIDERATION:
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Consideration of applicant for Kansas Moderate Housing Grant – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that Ally also assisted with this grant. She and Ally met with Commissioner Lindsey Watts last Friday to review the applications that had been received for this grant. The application was included in the packet, but in addition there were several other documents that were needed. The total application had 200 pages to it.
L. Watts said that the City missed getting it out to the media and to contractors in a proper time. It sounds like the City will be implementing some policies to ensure this does not happen again. This project submitted is a thought-out good project.
Ally said that this is a quick review of our current application. The applicant is required to submit monthly progress reports, final accounting of funds, and annual tenant income from rental developments. Our applicant this year is also the applicant who was awarded last year. They have rehabbed four homes in 2020 and plan to rehab three locations and four homes in 2021.
K. Allen asked when this applicant was notified about the grant program opening.
Ally said from the City’s perspective, they were notified the same time as the other contractors. They have been in constant contact with Kansas Housing since they had the award from the previous year, so it is possible they heard from Kansas Housing about the grant.
K. Allen asked if local contractors could check with Kansas Housing also rather than depending on the City.
Ally said that on the Kansas Housing website, anyone can sign up for their emails and be notified.
K. Allen asked if the City receives those emails.
Ally said that we had not been but are now signed up. We will be better prepared in the future than we were this year.
P. Allen said that he would like to address this situation. He said that we as Commissioners were elected to represent the citizens of Fort Scott, and that is his intention. He’s heard comments from other Commissioners that they were here to represent the City Manager and City Staff. He doesn’t think that is their duty. He’s heard nothing but foul remarks about this situation and how this issue was handled. This issue was known about in July and the first we heard about it, and the first the contractors and citizens heard about it was last Friday. The applications had to be turned in four days. He doesn’t think this is right and the citizens of Fort Scott would approve of. $400,000 in your pocket with no strings or some strings attached and no requirement to pay back would be a dream come true for any contractor. He’s had a contractor call him and ask how can we do this? How can we make this thing appear to be appropriate when it’s not. We had the opportunity last July to put our program together and we didn’t do it because of staff. Staff has failed to do this. We are paying staff a huge sum of money to take care of business for the City of Fort Scott, and he doesn’t feel in this issue that the Staff has done their job. They have failed the citizens and failed the contractors. This should not in any way move forward. It should have been tabled last Friday when we voted on it because no one has enough time. This is a dream come true two years in a row for the same person. He said that is wrong. This should be pulled from the table and it should not be acted on. We should pass and go on to the next year. Next year it should be put on a level playing field. This happened last year and now it has happened again. This is not a good representation for the City of Fort Scott and he’s ashamed of it.
L. Watts said that she agrees that we should have known and moved forward in different ways on this. We were aware of the project last year and knew it was coming up in July. We would have talked about it at the September 15th Commission meeting, but we weren’t able to have that meeting. We had to speak about it at the special meeting. She said she has also talked to contractors in town. She does not agree with putting off the opportunity to possibly help the City of Fort Scott by bringing $400,000 this year. Last year the application was $385,479 we were awarded $249,675. This year the application is for $441,000 and that maximum amount of the application is $400,000. She doesn’t want to turn down an opportunity that would help our City in housing in the amount of $400,000.
K. Allen said that what we are dealing with is perception. When these instances reoccur, the first one, okay. The second one makes people wonder. He asked if this was a grant or a loan.
Ally said it was a grant.
K. Allen again when the City knew about it.
Rachel said that she didn’t know the exact date. It was brought up in Staff meeting on September 9th. We were informed that it needed Commission approval due to the new purchasing policy. It was on the September 15th agenda.
P. Allen asked when the purchasing policy came into effect and if she read it.
Rachel said that she read the purchasing policy.
K. Allen said that the application process was very extensive. They would not have time to put it altogether to be a candidate. He asked if the application the City was turning in was complete.
Ally said she believes it is.
L. Watts said that it was complete in its entirety. She said that we need to work in the future with more developers to put together this application.
K. Allen said that as we went through this last year, this same subject came up. Did we work with any other contractors on this application process?
Ally said that she had a couple other contractors that reached out for information and when she replied, she was told it was too late, and the bank had told them they couldn’t get the documentation they needed.
K. Allen asked if she worked with this contractor that submitted the application?
Ally said yes.
K. Allen asked again if it was complete.
Ally said it was complete.
K. Allen asked Jeff Deane, City Attorney if there were any ramifications towards the City for other contractors not being able to be involved in this process.
Jeff Deane, City Attorney, said that anyone can file a claim. He hasn’t heard anything that there is any evidence to file one. Bidders do have rights to challenge an award.
P. Allen said that most everything we do in this administration is surrounded by controversy. We spent the last couple of months defending ourselves on controversial items. We are not transparent and doing things that we act like we know what we are doing. He said he spoke to a potential developer who told him that he reached out to Ally and she never got back to him.
Ally said that she isn’t sure which developer he is referring to.
P. Allen said that he wasn’t going to say, just that he reached out to her and she didn’t get back to him.
R. Nichols moved to approve the application from R-2 Concrete to be submitted for the Kansas Moderate Housing Grant to the State of Kansas. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.
approved the application from R-2 Concrete to be submitted for the Kansas Moderate Housing Grant to the State of Kansas.
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Consideration to submit KDOT grant for fuel pedestal system at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport – Seth Simpson, Airport Manager, informed the Commission that their current fuel pedestal system at the Airport is a MT3000. This version is no longer made, and parts and technical service is no longer available. He received a quote for a M4000 fuel pedestal system in the amount of $15,000. That does not include installation. He thinks the total would amount to $25,000 or less. This grant requires a 15% match from the City which is a budgeted item.
L. Watts moved to approve the submission of a KDOT grant for a fuel pedestal system at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport. J. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.
approved the submission of a KDOT grant for a fuel pedestal system at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport. this requires a 15% city match.
II. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 11:30 a.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.
ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 11:30 A.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on October 6th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY
CITY CLERK
FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Sept. 21
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 21, 2020 Special Meeting #9
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 21st, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor JoLynne Mitchell presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Patty West, Lynette Westhoff, Travis Shelton, James Charlesworth, Nate Stansberry, Deb Needleman, Michael Hoyt, Rachel Pruitt, and Allyson Turvey.
CONSIDERATION:
I. CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1271-A totaling $428,590.44.
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 113 S. National – Signage and Alterations to building
R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Lindsey Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
II. CONSIDERATION:
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City Insurance Liability Update – James Charlesworth, Charlesworth Consulting, informed the Commission that he was going to give them an update on the City’s insurance. He gave some history on the City’s insurance. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was done in January 2014. Traveler’s was the incumbent insurance carrier with the cost of about $325,000. He received two proposals – one from Traveler’s and one from Midwest Public Risk. Midwest Public Risk was about $70,000 less and that was going to be the recommendation, but they withdrew their proposal at the last minute. The City renewed with Traveler’s for about $360,000. In early 2014, Mr. Martin, your Finance Director at the time, and he visited with Midwest Public Risk at their offices in Independence, Missouri. Due to the savings, the City wanted to meet with them and find out what the issue was. We met with their board president and their board and resolved their issues, which was really unfounded. Because of the savings, we decided to do another RFP for July 1st, 2014 and understood there would be some short term penalties if we left Traveler’s. Midwest Public Risk quoted and Traveler’s offered their same terms and conditions, and then to our surprise, we received a quote from Birkshire Hathaway which was approximately $130,000 less than Traveler’s so the change was made to Birkshire Hathaway effective July 1st, 2014. It is generally accepted practice to shop for insurance every three to five years. In 2017, quotes were received from Birkshire Hathaway, Midwest Public Risk, and KCAMP. The City Commission approved the KCAMP quote of $194,000. If you will remember, the premium was at $360,000 a few years earlier. The City was trending in the right direction. There was a three-year rate stabilization guarantee, so basically depending on the losses, the rate would not fluctuate a lot. From July 1st, 2017 to January 1st, 2018, there was a window to get them on their policy which would begin on January 1st, 2018. Fast forward to today, a RFP was drafted and published in the local newspaper and on the City’s website. Quotes were to be in by the latter part of November so the Commission could review the amount at their first meeting in December. There have been some changes, so he needs some direction from the Commission. KCAMP requires a notice of withdrawal in the amount of 60 days. They aren’t a big insurance company so they need to know who is going to renew so they can establish their rates. We would have to provide them with a notice of withdrawal by the City Commission by November 1st. Most companies will still compete even after receiving a notice of withdrawal. KCAMP notified the City that their notice of withdrawal is non-rescinding, that states they will not participate. They would offer us a renewal by November 1st, and we would either have to accept it or not to accept it. That leaves the City with three options:
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The first option is to proceed as planned. Receive quotes in late November and present them before the City Commission in December with an effective date of January 1st, 2021. KCAMP will not be an option for this and would not offer a renewal.
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The second option would be to forego the RFP for this year, negotiate a renewal with KCAMP, and start earlier in 2021. KCAMP has implied that they will look at a 15% increase in their quote. Right now their cost is a little over $219,000 and they will be looking at a cost of around $250,000.
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The third option is to condense our project. We could get quotes by October 12th, research the quotes, and come back before the Commission at the October 22nd Commission meeting. He has talked to the two local agents that are working with Traveler’s and EMC. Birkshire Hathaway is updating their government policy and will not be participating.
K. Allen said that as a small businessowner, he would like to see the City’s insurance kept local.
R. Nichols asked if KCAMP would continue to cover the City on any outstanding claims if they did not renew their coverage.
James Charlesworth said yes, they would continue to represent the City until the claims were closed.
P. Allen said that he would like to hear from the local agents that are present.
Lynette Westhoff, Billard-Hammer-Hartman said that she appreciated the fact that they could appear before them and they would accept quotes from the local agents. She would be quoting EMC. She has checked with the loss history that the City has, and they have said they would entertain a quote. Three years ago, when she quoted she was about $7,000 less than KCAMP, but her quote came in after the deadline. She thinks they can be competitive. They are local and only a phone call away.
K. Allen asked when James Charlesworth was hired by the City and what the City pays him to evaluate our insurance.
James Charlesworth said he was hired in 2014. He said that he is paid a monthly fee by the City in the amount of $500.00. When a special project is done, there is an upgrade for that. Normally, his fee is from $9,500 to $12,000 if not a retainer client. If a retainer client, it would be around $3,000.
K. Allen said basically it is about $9,000 a year to make sure the City’s insurance is evaluated correctly. We could be saving our citizens about $15,000 by letting our local insurance agents do the job they are supposed to be doing.
James Charlesworth said that they had a past relationship with the former Finance Director. This director was concerned about the City’s insurance and he came in and evaluated it. He said he had a conversation with Deb Needleman that once this project was over, he would no longer be the City’s insurance consultant. He wants to do whatever is best for the City.
City Manager said that he was not aware of this conversation. He asked how it would work if he was no longer evaluating the City’s insurance.
James said that you could use information he has provided on renewals. You can take the bids you get this year and next year, send it back to whoever the successful agent is, and ask that the renewal be compared.
K. Allen said that in visiting with the insurance companies locally, that they are willing to do this absolutely free. He asked Susan Bancroft if she could look at the numbers and see if we were getting a good deal.
Susan said it was more complicated that than. Because of the type of coverage that we need as a City, you need to know quite a bit about the insurance. You just can’t walk in and get a quote because there are big packages that are put together. Mr. Charlesworth gave us assistance in evaluating all of the insurance quotes. He has also stepped in and assisted us with claims in the past. He has brought value to the City.
Deb Needleman said that she and James had talked about the City’s insurance and where we are today is better than where it was before. He has brought a lot of value to the City.
Patty West, Atkins Insurance, said that their company wrote the City’s insurance starting in 1990 through 2013. In 2014, the Commission moved to Birkshire Hathaway. In 2013, their firm paid over $890,000 in claims from the 2013 hailstorm. Birkshire Hathaway was new to the municipality business and they came in and undercut everyone on premiums. She doesn’t know about their claim service. Her daughter was the first claim and that was not good. She was not aware of any problems with risk management and her firm. She said that your local agent can be used with risk management. They have a vested interest in the success of this community. We are on a time crunch and ask that you consider that. There are a limited amount of markets on municipalities because the package is very unique.
K. Allen asked how long we knew this was going to be bid out.
James Charlesworth said that was on him and that it should have been sent out earlier for a quote.
P. Allen asked if there were requirements and specifications sent out with the bid packets to insurance companies.
James said yes there are requirements. He will go through with City staff line by line to make sure everything is covered.
P. Allen asked if an Insurance Advisory Board needed to be created. It would save City staff time.
James said that some cities do and some don’t.
Lynette Westhoff said that it will just add another thing for your City employees to do. With Charlesworth, they are good at comparing things or using a local agent for. You don’t need a separate committee to do this.
James said that he will present your insurance options to you. After that decision is made, he will submit a detailed proposal of what his firm does and you can make a decision on moving forward.
L. Watts moved to approve Option 3 and to use the condensed time frame and to open quotes up to local agencies with a time frame of October 12th, 2020 when quotes are due. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ACCEPT OPTION 3 AND USE THE CONDENSED TIME FRAME AND TO OPEN QUOTES UP TO LOCAL AGENCIES WITH A TIME FRAME OF OCTOBER 12TH, 2020 WHEN QUOTES ARE DUE.
2. Acceptance of Community Development Block Grant No. 20-CR-004 – Mayco Ace Hardware – Approval to accept grant and for Mayor to sign all pertinent documents – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that the City received a letter from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Governor of Kansas notifying us that Mayco Ace Hardware was awarded the 2020 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $224,437.00. This will include repair and replacement of roof, ceilings, windows and doors, ADA accessibility and emergency fire disconnects. She asked for approval for the Mayor to sign all pertinent documents in reference to this project. There are no matching funds from the City for this project.
R. Nichols moved to approve the CDBG Grant No. 20-CR-004 for Mayco Ace Hardware and for the Mayor to sign all pertinent documentation. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen abstained. Motion carried 3-2.
APPROVED THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT NO. 20-CR-004 FOR MAYCO ACE HARDWARE AND FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN ALL PERTINENT DOCUMENTATION. THIS AWARD IS IN THE AMOUNT OF $224,437.00.
3. Kansas Housing Grant Application Opportunity – Allyson Turvey, Community Development/Tourism Manager informed the Commission, that the Kansas Housing Resource Center has opened the Moderate Income Housing program which is a developer’s grant program that does not require any City contribution. The City does have to submit the application. The application process was opened last week and was announced on the City’s Facebook page, the radio, and the Chamber. The due date is this Thursday, September 24th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Applications will begin to be reviewed on Friday. As a City, we can only submit one application. The evaluation guidelines set up are on page 76 and 77 of your packet. There are no specific ratings for the guidelines. She asked for a Resolution of Support for the City from the City Commission to apply for this opportunity.
K. Allen asked when this grant application became available.
Ally said that it was announced at the end of July. That is the City’s fault as we missed the grant opening. We became aware of it early last week and got information out on it as quickly as possible.
K. Allen said that he has had several contractors contact him and are upset about the short time frame to fill out all the paperwork.
Ally said that we missed the opening of the application process.
L. Watts asked if something could be brought to them on how the applications were evaluated.
Ally asked if the Commission was comfortable with City staff reviewing the applications and choosing the applicant to be submitted or if the Commission wanted to be included in this process. A special meeting would need to happen either Friday or Monday as the applications are due on Monday, September 28th.
K. Allen said that he feels the Commission should be a part of this discussion and approval process.
R. Nichols moved that the Resolution of Support for this program be approved. J. Mitchell seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 14-2014 – RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT – THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT INTENDS TO APPLY TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF KANSAS MODERATE INCOME HOUSING TO BE LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
L. Watts asked if City Staff would create a specific spreadsheet for them to determine candidates that would be eligible for approval.
R. Nichols said that City staff knows the guidelines and he believes that City staff should be able to select the best candidate due to the short time frame.
Rachel passed out the guidelines that the State will look at.
City Manager said that the Commission could select a City Commissioner to sit with City staff on this project.
R. Nichols moved, that due to the short time frame, that City Staff select a candidate for this program.
L. Watts said that having a Commissioner sit with City staff to evaluate the applications and they could bring that back to the City Commission or at a special meeting.
R. Nichols withdrew his motion.
K. Allen said that he believes a special meeting needs to be held to announce to the public who the candidate selected is.
Susan said that confidential information will be dealt with and asked the City Attorney if an executive session would need to be held for this.
Jeff Deane said it would depend if it would match up with the motion allowed for executive session.
L. Watts said she didn’t think the whole Commission needed to be a part of this process.
K. Allen said that we need to be a part of this process.
P. Allen said that he agrees that the whole Commission should be a part of it.
L. Watts said that she would be willing to serve as the City Commission representative on this selection process.
R. Nichols moved that a special meeting be held on Monday, September 28th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. to approve the final applicant that has been approved by City Staff and a City Commissioner. L. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED TO HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2020 AT 11:00 A.M. TO APPROVE THE FINAL APPLICANT THAT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY CITY STAFF AND A CITY COMMISSIONER, WHICH HAS BEEN SELECTED AS LINDSEY WATTS.
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Lauber Municipal Law Firm July Billing Statement – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission, that in our June billing for Lauber Municipal Law Firm, there was some confusion. Part of the June billing had not been paid. There is a recap in your packet. Part of June’s bill as well as July’s bill is included in this invoice. This amount is $29,026.50. In June there was $11,187.50 paid. There was $13,363.00 missed from the June billing. The July billing is $15,663.50 totaling $29,026.50. We need to get payment to the Lauber Municipal Law Firm.
K. Allen asked if Jeff was able to put together what the Code of Ethics and Code of Procedures cost the citizens of Fort Scott.
Jeff said that he has not done that. It is difficult to split out.
K. Allen said that he just wants an estimate.
L. Watts said that she has worked with City staff and that is your job as a City Commissioner to do.
K. Allen said that he breaks down invoices for his customers all the time.
Jeff said that he splits his invoices up by topics, for example, KORA/KOMA, litigation, etc.
K. Allen asked for an estimate so he can tell the citizens of Fort Scott what it cost. He asked that the citizens not be charged for his work in doing this.
P. Allen asked if the City had a stamp that the City uses on the date we receive invoices. He doesn’t see a date on this.
Susan said that there were issues with the June invoices and there were issues getting this information back and forth due to a new staff person at Lauber Law Firm.
Pete said that he was advised that the original June bill does not represent this June bill that is here. He asked if he was correct?
Susan said no.
Jeff said no that is not correct.
K. Allen asked that in the future any special projects he works on be billed separately.
Susan said that she questioned some of these expenditures and went back and forth with the law firm on their billing. This invoice is approved by City staff to be paid and she is completely comfortable with the paying of this invoice.
R. Nichols moved to pay Lauber Municipal Law Firm the amount of $29,026.50. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1-1.
APPROVED TO PAY LAUBER MUNICIPAL LAW FIRM THE AMOUNT OF $29,026.50 FOR JUNE AND JULY 2020 INVOICES.
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Consideration of application of Cost Sharing Program through K.D.O.T. – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, that the City has an opportunity to apply for another application through K.D.O.T. Cost Sharing Program. This would be the same application that was applied for previously for the Horton project. It is extremely competitive and there is only $5 million available. The due date is October 1st, 2020. She and Nate have updated the application that they will be submitting.
K. Allen moved to approve to apply for the K.D.O.T. Cost Sharing Program for the Horton Street project. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED TO APPLY FOR THE K.D.O.T. COST SHARING PROGRAM FOR THE HORTON STREET PROJECT.
K. Allen wanted it reflected that he and Pete were late to the last City Commission meeting, due to the fact that they were at the Airport public hearing. It ended at 6:00 p.m. and he arrived at 6:07 p.m. He had worked with the City Manager to get the meeting changed but was unable to. He felt the Airport public hearing was important to attend. He also was disappointed that the You Tube video did not work for the public hearing. He would like in the future where meetings are not scheduled on the same date. He said that the City Manager needed to be present at the public hearing for the Airport also. It should have been at a bigger venue also. He had to set chairs out for people.
L. Watts pointed out that there was confusion with the meetings. The public hearing for the airport had to be published 60 or 90 days beforehand and it could not be changed. The City Commission meeting possibly could have been changed, but was not. The City Commission meeting had to have a quorum when the time was scheduled, and the meeting could not be delayed.
Jeff said that you are not supposed to wait for a meeting to start. He does have a presentation to make at the next regular meeting. This is a special meeting and the topics have to be abided by. We have to be on time.
City Manager said that he talked to the Mayor about this meeting and she didn’t want the date or time to be changed.
III. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 12:29 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.
ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 12:29 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on October 6th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY
CITY CLERK