Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Save Your Tax Refund To Get Ahead

Leave a comment
Joy Miller, K-State Research and Extension Southwind  DistrictFamily Consumer Science, 620-223-3720 or [email protected]

Ever feel like you can’t get ahead?

Saving at tax time may help you get started. Saving throughout the year can be tough. It may feel like every paycheck is spent before you get it. If that’s the case, you’re not alone.

Tax refunds may be the largest check you will receive all year, but used as unplanned bonuses. Refunds are an opportunity to commit saving a portion to improve your financial situation.

Get the Most Value from Your Tax Refund

  • Pay down your debt. Use your refund for some much-needed debt relief. Pay off your credit card balance. If you have an outstanding balance on more than one credit card, try to pay off the smaller, high-interest rate balances first. That will free up more funds to put toward larger balances. You can apply your refund toward other debts, like a car loan or a home equity loan.
  • Save for a rainy day. Why not give yourself an even bigger return on your tax refund by putting the money into a savings account, CD, or retirement fund? Your tax refund will continue to grow if you put it into savings or invest the money. It’s always helpful to have a savings account to draw from when a major car repair bill, medical emergency or other unexpected expense comes along. That way, you don’t have to borrow money and add to your debt-load.
  • Consider your financial goals. Trying to save for a house or car down payment? Hope to contribute to your child’s college tuition? Consider applying your tax refund toward these goals. If you don’t yet have a set of short-term and long-term financial goals, put one together. You’ll be more conscientious about how you spend your refund or any other extra money that comes your way.

Remember, you work hard for your money and you deserve to enjoy a healthy financial lifestyle. Put some thought into how you use your tax refund. Making smart financial decisions is not always easy, but it will definitely benefit you and your family over the long term.

Joy Miller may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720.

Business, Fort Scott

Gordmans Will Open March 20

Leave a comment

STRIKE UP THE SAVINGS AT FORT SCOTT GORDMANS!

SHOPPERS INVITED TO FUN GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION MARCH 20

Retailer to Donate $1,000 to Fort Scott High School

 Home décor retailer Gordmans, a division of Stage Stores, will debut a new department store in Fort Scott with a Grand Opening Celebration beginning with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20.

Gordmans, to be located at 2400 S. Main Street, opens March 21 with its regular hours 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The new Fort Scott store is part of an exciting Gordmans Grand Opening Tour Celebration, which includes 38 brand new Gordmans stores opening this March across the country. In addition, the 67 current Gordmans stores are joining in to celebrate Gordmans’ incredible growth, based on shoppers loving the retailer’s bigger deals and smaller prices every day. As part of the festivities, the new and current Gordmans stores will be offering giveaways and other fun surprises.

Community members are invited to the Fort Scott Gordmans ribbon cutting, joining representatives from the City of Fort Scott and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, before stepping inside the new store to discover the fun finds and exciting deals on home décor and more. Additionally that evening, as part of Gordmans’ commitment to Fort Scott, the retailer will donate $1,000 to Fort Scott High School.

  • Free Gift Plus Shopping Cards: The first 100 guests in line at the Grand Opening Celebration will receive a free gift and an opportunity to win a $50 gift card or $5 shopping card.
  • Rewards Galore: Gordmans guests who enroll in Style Circle Rewards will enjoy incredible payback rewards, double-double points, a birthday gift and more.
  • Gordmans Credit Card Savings: Gordmans’ guests who apply and are approved for a Gordmans credit card will receive 20 percent off their first day’s purchases.

“Gordmans is excited to join the Fort Scott community. At Gordmans we create an exciting place where terrific deals and popular name brands are at every turn,” said Michael Glazer, President and CEO of Stage Stores. “Gordmans is among the best, with trend-right décor, fun accessories and seasonal items — all at values our guests love. We are committed to bringing our guests bigger deals and smaller prices — and with fresh new deliveries arriving weekly, there will always be something new to discover. Gordmans has deals like nowhere else.”

About Stage Stores

Stage Stores, Inc. is a leading retailer of trend-right, name-brand values for apparel, accessories, cosmetics, footwear and home goods. At the end of March 2019, the Company will operate in 42 states through 690 BEALLS, GOODY’S, PALAIS ROYAL, PEEBLES, and STAGE specialty department stores and 105 GORDMANS off-price stores, as well as an e-commerce website at www.stage.com.

Media Contact: Sydney Edens, 402-895-2552 ext. 312, [email protected]

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 19

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 19th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

Consider request from City of Fort Scott to waive landfill fee for the demolition of Stout Building

9:45-10:15-Jeremiah Hill-Hard surface roads

10:30-11:00-Juvenile Placement

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session- Attorney Client Privilege-15 min.

Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel-15 min.

11:45-12:00-Ritters-Valuation notices

12:00-COMMISSIONER’S GONE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment
Caryn Tyson

March 15, 2019

K-12 School Funding, Senate Bill (SB) 142, was a point of controversy on the Senate floor.  The bill is an attempt to satisfy the Kansas Supreme Court in the Gannon lawsuit.  You may ask, “another K-12 funding increase”?  Remember, over one billion dollars has been added to K-12 funding in the past two years.  SB 142 would be another increase of over $90 million.  At first, the plaintiffs agreed to the bill.  Then they decided it wasn’t enough.  They want a $360 million increase, the $90 million plus $270 million more.  According to an article in the Wichita Eagle, John Robb, lead attorney for the school districts, said, “I agree the optics are terrible, but I can’t look the other way on the $270 million for schools because the optics may look bad.”  The optics look terrible and the facts look even worse.

In the past ten years, K-12 funding has increased $1.7 billion!  In the past twenty-five years, the number of full-time students has increased approximately 10%, the number of classroom teachers increased approximately 15%, while the number of managers increased approximate 36%, and other non-teacher positions increased approximately 40%.  We must start looking at how the money is being spent and managed.  Is the money getting to the classroom and the teachers?  With the amount of money we pay for our schools, there should NOT be any teacher paying for supplies.

SB 142 allows the Court to continue appropriating from the bench without concern for our property taxpayers, infrastructure, prisons, and other obligations.  The Kansas Constitution puts sole responsibility of appropriations with the Legislature and I will continue to stand against the Court’s Constitutional overreach.  It was disappointing that more Senators chose to cave to the Court’s overreach.  One Senator said, “this is my final offer”, as he voted Yes.  I’ve heard that before and the schools and Court just keep coming back for more.  The bill passed 32 to 8.  I voted No.

Tax:  SB 22 addresses the state tax increase that is a result of the 2017 the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  Many states, including Kansas, should change their tax laws in order to avoid a state tax increase.  The Senate passed SB 22 and sent it to the House.  The House added additional tax legislation. The Senate voted 24 Yes and 16 No to accept the House changes.  I voted Yes.  The House additions to SB 22 lowered state sales tax on food by 1% and added an internet sales tax that requires out-of-state vendors to pay Kansas sales tax.  SB 22 is now on the Governor’s desk.  If the bill does not become law, individual taxpayers will have an estimated $50 million increase because they may not be able to itemize deductions and businesses will have an estimated $137 million tax increase if they bring overseas money to Kansas.  Several other states have passed legislation avoiding a state tax increase, including our neighbors to the east – Missouri.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

New Medical Providers Coming To Fort Scott

Leave a comment
Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.

New medical providers have been or will be added to the services that Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas will furnish to Fort Scott, according to Krista Postai, Chief Executive Officer.

Postai said the following have recently been added as medical providers at the Fort Scott Clinic.

SURGERY

Allen County Regional Hospital-Ralph W. Hall, DO

 

CARDIOLOGY

Mercy Group- Renae Bateman, APRN

AJ Caine,  MD   (August 2019)

Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)- James L. Marcum, MD

 

CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY

Mercy Medical Group- Pam Darnel, APRN

 

UROLOGY
Ashley Clinic- John J. Robinson, MD

Elias A. Tawil, MD

 

MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE
HCA (Mid Summer 2019)

 

NEUROLOGY
HCA (Mid Summer 2019)

 

PULMONOLOGY
HCA (Mid Summer 2019)

 

ORTHOPEDICS
Freeman- Greg King, APRN

 

Amy Budy

 

Introducing the practice manager of the CHC/SEK at Fort Scott, Amy Budy.

Budy oversees the main clinic and  Walk-In Care.

She is a former administrative assistant at the Mercy Clinic and had worked at Mercy for 19 years performing a variety of job duties including registration supervisor and precert coordinator.

Budy has been married for 19 years to Jeremy, and has a son Dominick 14; daughters, Mackenzie, 11, and Kynleigh. 8 years.

Budy attended Metro Business College, in the Medical Secretary program.

Government, Kansas

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Communication

Leave a comment
March 15, 2019∙ Week Nine
HARD FACTS
·      In January, the unemployment rate increased to 3.4 percent from December’s 3.3 percent. In January 2018, unemployment was at 3.5 percent (Kansas Department of Labor).
·      The Kansas labor force expanded by 1,300 in January. The number of unemployed escalated by 930 (Topeka Capital-Journal).
·      The five-county Topeka and Wichita areas had an unemployment rate in January of 4.1 percent. In Johnson County and four nearby counties, unemployment was at 3.7 percent. The Douglas County and Riley County reports showed an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent (Topeka Capital-Journal).
We had the honor of recognizing the Kansas American Legionnaires at the State Capitol. Thank you Legionnaires Carl and Myra Jowers representing Fort Scott Thompson-Harkey Post 25, for making the trip to Topeka!
Many of us have “learn a new language” on our to-do list. With Mango Languages, you can learn right from your own computer (or smartphone!). This online language learning service https://kslib.info/Mango provided by the State Library is easy to use. Choose from 71 languages such as Spanish, French, Mandarin, Japanese- even Swahili. Mango uses real life situations and conversations to more effectively teach a new language. Mango also includes 19 English as a second language options. Use as a Guest or register to track your progress (and for smartphone use).
If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas. Most people will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step. Questions: [email protected] or 785-296-3296. To see all the State Library’s online resources, visit https://kslib.info/databases.
Congratulations to ArtForms Gallery in Pittsburg for winning the 2019 SBDC PSU Emerging Business award!
Thank you Sue Horner, Janet Lewis, Ruth Miller, and Sylvia Shirley for taking the time to visit with me after the ceremony!
FLOOR ACTION
CEMETERY DISTRICT TERRITORY VALLEY CENTER (SB 155): Senate Bill 155 would de-annex all of Valley Center territory within the Hillside Cemetery District, located in Sedgwick and Harvey counties, from the cemetery district, effective June 30, 2020. After July 1, 2020, any territory annexed by the City of Valley Center located within the Hillside Cemetery District would be excluded from the cemetery district upon annexation. This bill was passed and placed on the Consent Calendar 38-0.
SALE OF PROPERTY IN DOUGLAS COUNTY (SB 173): Senate Bill 173 would authorize the State Board of Regents to sell the Old father Studios in Douglas County on behalf of the University of Kansas. The proceeds from the sale deposited to the restricted use account of the University of Kansas to be used for deferred maintenance. The bill would require the deeds, titles, and conveyances be reviewed and approved by the attorney general. This bill was passed and placed on the Consent Calendar 38-0.
STATE USE LAW EXTENTION (HB 2174): House Bill 2174 extends the sunset date for the State Use Law Committee which is organized within the Department of Administration, from July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2024. This bill was passed and placed on the Consent Calendar 38-0.
TEMPORARY PERMITS FOR THE SELLING AND SERVING OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR (SB 70): Senate Bill 70 modifies and consolidates laws concerning temporary permits to serve liquor for consumption on premises. The bill would codify several Kansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division rules and regulations into statute. The bill would repeal KSA 2018 Supp. 41-347 and KSA2018 Supp. 41-2645 but would retain most of the provisions of these statutes in new law. This bill passed the Senate 38-0.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT DELETING REQUIREMENT FOR ADJUSTMENT OF CENSUS DATA (SCR 1605): Senate Concurrent Resolution1605 removes the census adjustment requirement in the Kansas Constitution for military personnel and students. Currently, the state is required to contact every college student and member of the military who resides in Kansas to determine official residence. The census adjustment will ask ‘what is your permanent residence’, then adjusts the official census numbers accordingly based on that answer. This adjustment is only used for reapportionment of Kansas Senate districts, Kansas House of Representatives districts, and State Board of Education districts. During the 2010 adjustment, approximately 13,000 individuals were subtracted from U.S. Census bureau numbers because they told the State of Kansas, they considered themselves to be a resident of another state.
If SCR1605 does not pass, the Secretary of State’s office anticipates needing $834,000 in state general funds to cover the costs of the adjustment as part of the 2020 Census. In addition to state savings, SCR1605 has the benefit of allowing for expedited redistricting. On average, it takes three to six months after official U.S. Census data is provided to Kansas to complete the adjustment and provide redistricting data to the Kansas Legislature. Historically, Kansas has been among the last states to complete its reapportionment requirements and SCR 1605 provides the Legislature with additional time to complete redistricting. This resolution passed the Senate 40-0.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES-RELATED STATUTES (SB 99): Senate Bill 99 creates the designation of inactive certificate, authorizing the Board to issue an inactive certificate to persons currently certified by the Board who make a written application on a Board form and pay the corresponding fee. Such inactive certificates could only be issued to persons who are not directly providing emergency medical services (EMS) in the state and are not presenting themselves to the public as providing EMS. A holder of an inactive certificate would not be allowed to engage in the practice of EMS. Inactive certificate holders could apply for an active certificate by filing a written application on a form prepared by the Board and by paying the corresponding fee. The Board would have the authority to require additional testing, training, or education as deemed necessary to establish the inactive certificate holder’s ability to engage in the provision of EMS with reasonable skill and safety. This bill passed the Senate 36-2(I voted against this bill. I had some concerns with the state mandating fingerprinting, and then making the EMS personnel pay for it.).
This week I had the opportunity to introduce Dr. Jim Triplett, Erin Kruse, Charlie Beetch, and Cecily Stephens in the Senate. They were in the Capitol representing PSU’s Sustainability program. PSU is the only University in the Kansas regents system that offers this 4-year baccalaureate degree.
HOUSE PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, HUMAN TRAFFICKING OR STALKING (SB 150): Senate Bill 150 creates law prohibiting certain actions from being taken against a tenant, lessee, or applicant for a lease because such person has been or is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking. A tenant or lessee could not be evicted from the premises or found to be in violation of a rental or lease agreement based on or as a direct result of the circumstances, if the tenant or lessee otherwise qualifies for tenancy or occupancy. A tenant or lessee would not be liable for rent for the period after vacating rented or leased premises if the tenant or lessee is in the circumstances and notifies the landlord or property owner in accordance with provisions set forth in the bill. In an action brought against a tenant or lessee under Kansas law seeking recovery of rent, the tenant or lessee would have an affirmative defense and no liability for rent for the period after vacating the premises if, by preponderance of the evidence, the court finds the tenant or lessee was in the circumstances described above and provided the required notice.
An applicant, tenant, or lessee would qualify for the protections of the bill if the applicant, tenant, or lessee provides a statement regarding the circumstances to the landlord or property owner, who could also request the applicant, tenant, or lessee provide additional documentation specified by the bill. Such documentation could include a document signed by the victim and any one of various specified professionals or providers from whom the victim sought assistance, declaring under penalty of perjury the individual believes the qualifying circumstances exist, or a record pertaining to the alleged qualifying circumstances from a court or federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, including a police report. The submission of false information by an applicant, tenant, or lessee would be a basis for denial of tenancy, eviction, or violation of a rental or lease agreement. A landlord or property owner could impose a reasonable termination fee, not to exceed one month’s rent, on a tenant or lessee requesting termination pursuant to the bill before the expiration date of the lease, but only if such fee is contained in the terms of the rental or lease agreement. This bill passed the Senate 40-0(I was a co-sponsor of this bill).
AUTHORIZING A STUDY OF RETAIL RATES OF KANSAS ELECRIC RATES (Sub SB 69): Substitute for Senate Bill 69 authorizes an independent $1 million study of retail rates charged by public utilities. The bill requires the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC), a bipartisan group of House and Senate leaders, to select a firm or organization to perform the study which is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), the state’s utility regulator, would have to cooperate with the organization hired to conduct the study. Sub SB 69 requires the study to be paid for by utility companies.
This legislation was created in response to Kansas having some of the highest utility rates in the region and is intended to provide information to the Legislature in order to protect ratepayers.
The initial phase of the study will examine whether the current rate-setting process influenced utility capital investments, balanced utility profits and public-interest objectives, expenditures in transmission and renewable energy resources, and examine the regional competitiveness of Kansas’ rates.
The second phase will explore how electric public utilities accounted for installation of charging stations for electric vehicles, how investment in transmission infrastructure influenced utility rates and the impact of electric rates on economic development. This bill passed the Senate 38-1(I voted in favor of this bill).
$90 MILLION SCHOOL FUNDING INFLATION PLAN (SB 142): Senate Bill 142 appropriates funds to the K-12 base aid for FY 2020 and FY 2021. The legislation supplements the state’s $525 million, five-year investment that passed last year, with a series of additional $90 million bonuses during the next four years. SB 142 was crafted to comply with the Kansas Supreme Court’s instructions to add an inflation adjustment. This bill passed the Senate 32-8(I voted in favor of this bill).
ALLOWING KANSANS TO BENEFIT FROM FEDERAL TAX REFORM (SB 22): Senate Bill 22 was originally introduced in response to the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017 and the revenue windfall Kansas is expected to receive because of federal tax reform. SB 22 addresses both individual and corporate taxes by decoupling state law from federal tax provisions. The bill will provide individuals with the ability to itemize when using the federal standard deduction on their tax return. SB 22 provides Kansans with the right to deduct interest on their mortgage, property taxes, and health care expenses. The bill also provides incentives for businesses to invest and create jobs in Kansas since it places Kansas on par with surrounding states that have already decoupled from federal law, increasing Kansas’ competitiveness.
If Senate Bill 22 does not get signed into law, businesses are expected to get hit with $137 million in state income taxes and individual taxpayers would pay an extra $50 million to the state.
After SB 22 passed the Senate on a vote of 26-14, it was then sent to the House of Representatives where two amendments were added before it passed the House on a vote of 76-43.
One amendment added by the House provided a one percentage point reduction in the state’s 6.5 percent sales tax on food. The food sales tax reduction is expected to provide a $43 million reduction in sales tax, beginning October 1st. The second amendment was an internet sales tax amendment that requires out-of-state vendors to pay sales tax. Online sales tax is expected to generate about $21 million annually. The Senate voted 24-16 to concur with House amendments(I voted in favor of this bill. I did not like the internet sales tax piece that the House put on this bill, and the fact we were not given a chance to remove it).
We had constituents from Spring River Mental Health and Wellness, as well as from Fort Scott Mental Health at the Capitol promoting mental health awareness in Kansas.
 NEXT WEEK
Monday –
·      Hearing on: SB 175, enacting the public employee right to choose act, providing public employees with the right of relief from the obligation to pay union dues through withholding of their wages – [Senate Commerce Committee; March 18 at 8:30 am]
·      Confirmation hearing on: Julie L. Lorenz, Secretary, Department of Transportation – [Senate Transportation Committee; March 18 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: HB 2279, requiring law enforcement officers to provide information about timing of release from custody when an arrest is made following a domestic violence call – [Senate Judiciary Committee; March 18 at 10:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 211, requiring the attorney general to appoint a Kansas youth suicide prevention coordinator – [Senate Education Committee; March 18 at 1:30 pm]
Tuesday –
·      Hearing on: HB 2103, amending the revised Kansas code for care of children to provide requirements for placement of a child in a qualified residential treatment program – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee; March 19 at 9:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 220, licensure of professional occupations allowing certain persons with criminal or civil records that would otherwise disqualify such persons from licensure to receive a license; add state board of education to exempt agencies – [Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee; March 19 at 10:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 126, exemption from income tax for certain public utilities – [Senate Utilities Committee; March 19 at 1:30 pm]
Wednesday –
·      Confirmation hearing on: David Toland as Secretary of Kansas Department of Commerce – [Senate Commerce Committee; March 20 at 8:30 am]
·      Hearing on: SB 221, allowing clubs and drinking establishments to sell beer and cereal malt beverages for consumption off the licensed premises – [Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee; March 20 at 10:30 am]
·      Hearing on: HB 2038, revoking spousal inheritance rights upon divorce – [Senate Judiciary Committee; March 20 at 10:30 am]
Thursday –
·      Hearing on: HB 2211, allowing judges to waive or reduce driver’s license reinstatement fees – [Senate Judiciary Committee; March 21 at 10:30 am]
Thank You for Engaging
Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.
Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.
K-State Extension

Bermuda Grass can be an alternative pasture grass to fescue

Leave a comment
Chris Petty, K-State Livestock Production and Forage Management, [email protected].

Bermuda Grass, also known as Bermudagrass (one word), a type of pasture grass common in Oklahoma and Arkansas, is becoming popular in in southeast Kansas.

Our climate and rainfall are suitable to some of the hardier varieties.

Additionally, Bermuda grass does not have the endophyte responsible for negative performance in beef cattle that is commonly found in our more widespread fescue varieties.

While this doesn’t make Bermuda grass a cure all pasture grass replacement, it does provide southeast Kansas farmers and ranchers with another option.

If you would like to learn more about the pros and cons of Bermuda grass, you are invited by the K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District to attend an informational program entitled Bermuda Grass Basics, on Tuesday April 2, 2019 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Galesburg Christion Church.

The church is located at 205 Chestnut St, Galesburg, KS.

A ten dollar fee, payable at the door will cover the cost of meals and materials.

The speakers for this program include Dale Helwig, Cherokee County Extension Director, and Keith Martin, former Wildcat Extension District Agriculture Agent. Both Helwig and Martin are knowledgeable in Bermudagrass production and use.

The specific topics of discussion will include Bermuda Grass establishment, fertility, and haying

. For more information or to register to attend this meeting, please call the Southwind Extension District –Fort Scott office at 620-223-3720 or e-mail District Extension agent for Livestock Production and Forage Management Christopher Petty, M.S. at [email protected].

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of March 5

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting #4

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 5th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Martin, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Michael Mix, Paul Ballou, Robert Uhler, Dave Bruner, Chad Brown, Rachel Pruitt, Nick Ruhl, Bill Lemke, Michael Hoyt, Paul Martin, Sherry Beerbower, Travis Parker, Alex Swank, Chilia Swank, Brian L. Allen, Billy Keith, Max Fanning, Jeff Fischer, Jason Gorman, Dale Bollinger, Kevin Allen, Stewart Gulagher, Pat Wood, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 19th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1233-A totaling $286,874.02.

Adamson moved the Consent Agenda. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Parker moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:15 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 5-2019 directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1612 E. Oak Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this house is owned by the Beerbower family and Sherry is here along with her contractor. Rhonda said has given them a list of items that need repaired on this rental house that they own. They need to replace the floors inside, the electrical, drywall, the kitchen, the plumbing and the roof. Some of these items have been repaired. She asked for 30 days to either repair or remove this structure.

Travis Parker, contractor for Sherry Beerbower, said that the weather has prohibited him from working on the roof, but he thinks 30 days is reasonable.

Adamson moved to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or replace this structure. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 5-2019 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1612 E. OAK. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY APRIL 12TH, 2019 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Parker moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:17 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2019 of the governing body of the City of Fort Scott determining the advisability of issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the purpose of financing the acquisition, reconstruction, remodeling, furnishing and equipment of a commercial facility located in said city and authorizing execution of related documents – Rachel Pruitt informed the Commission that this resolution is for a taxable Industrial Revenue Bond for the development of the building at Wall and National belonging to Jennifer LaRoche. This is just a pass through IRB and there is no financing involved. All the debt is with the LLC company. This IRB allows the development to take advantage of construction materials without paying sales tax. This is a $3,000,000 development.

City Attorney said that there is no exposure to the City. This just helps the developer with sales tax assistance.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No. 6-2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 6-2019 OF THE governing body of the City of Fort Scott determining the advisability of issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the purpose of financing the acquisition, reconstruction, remodeling, furnishing and equipment of a commercial facility located in said city and authorizing execution of related documents – JENNI FROM THE BLOCK – WALL AND NATIONAL PROPERTY.

  1. Consideration of Ground Lease Bids for land at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the lease of approximately 101 acres surrounding the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There were four bids received with the high bid from Phil and Joe Wimmer in the amount of $15,500. Approval was recommended.

Parker moved to approve the high bid from Phil & Joe Wimmer in the amount of $15,500 to farm the 101 acres at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE HIGH BID FROM PHIL & JOE WIMMER IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,500.00 TO FARM THE 101 ACRES SURROUNDING THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

  1. Consideration of quote for raw water testing for cryptosporidium – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that EPA has mandated extra testing for cryptosporidium to assist with their regulations in the future. This is a non-funded mandate. There are only four laboratories that provide this service. He received quotes from three of the four laboratories and asked approval from the low quote of $11,680.00 from Analytical Services, Inc. of Williston, Vermont. This is budgeted.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the low quote from Analytical Services, Inc. in the amount of $11,680.00. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOW QUOTE FROM ANALYTICAL SERVICES, INC. OF WILLISTON, VERMONT IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,680.00 FOR CRYPTOSPORIDIUM TESTING.

  1. Consideration of Bids for Leak Noise Correlator – Bill Lemke, Water Distribution Supervisor, informed the Commission that after their approval, bids were taken to purchase a leak noise correlator. This piece of equipment will be used to determine water leaks. There were eight bids received. The two low bids did not meet specifications. He asked approval for the next low bid from Subsurface Instruments from DePere, Illinois in the amount of $22,100. This is a budgeted item.

Adamson moved to approve the bid from Subsurface Instruments in the amount of $22,100. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BID FROM SUBSURFACE INSTRUMENTS OF DEPERE, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,100 FOR THE PURCHASE OF A LEAK NOISE CORRELATOR.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Health Care Update – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that the City is very fortunate that VIA Christi and CHC both stepped in to provide health care in our community. He has heard good things about both health care providers since they have started providing services.

EMS Update – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Chief, informed the Commission that in February there were 166 calls for service with 107 transfers. This included the down time with no emergency room services. EMS is back to doing long distance transfers. The new transit ambulance vehicles are being detailed and will arrive this week. They are renovating the ambulance building and have assistance from some of the inmates. Last week, Bourbon County EMS had their State inspection and all went well. This inspection is good until April 2020.

Waggoner Engineering – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that in October of 2018, Waggoner Engineering partnered with Bedco to develop the Strategic Implementation Plan. The actual project started in December of 2018 with a review of all City planning documents, an in person visit and a working session with each director. In January and February of 2019, the preparation of the written strategic implementation plan began. Next week, Rachel Pruitt, Larry Gazaway, and himself will be going to Washington, D.C. to visit with federal legislators regarding Fort Scott.

Fire Truck Purchase – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission on the debt of the City and gave them each a sheet showing the General Obligation Debt and the time frame for each debt.

Pool/Buck Run ½ cent Sales Tax – Rhonda gave the Commission a break down on the ½ cent sales tax that was approved back in 2011 for the renovation of the aquatic center and Buck Run. The original debt was $3,900,000. The remaining debt is $1,305,000 and this will be paid off in October of 2021. The 10 year project shows tax revenue of $6,871,637; debt total $4,277,708; operating cost $2,318,333; and surplus from project $275,596.

Sales Tax Update – Rhonda shared a break down on sales from 2015 to 2019. The annual sales tax collection has increased more than 7% since 2015. The economy and sales are good which has helped keep the mill levy down over the years.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer said this shows how important it is to buy locally.

EMS Budget – Rhonda said that a public hearing will be held at the March 19th, 2019 meeting to establish the EMS budget. The notice will be published in tomorrow’s paper.

Flag at Skubitz Plaza – Rhonda said that US Cellular had approached the City about putting a cell tower up in the downtown area and they would like to install these though a flag pole. There has been some opposition about the location in Skubitz Plaza. A new location is being determined at this time and it will not be put up in Skubitz Plaza.

  1. City Commission:

Bartelsmeyer – Thanked the audience for attending the meeting tonight.

Adamson – Thanked Diane and the girls in the water office for their assistance when she calls them.

Nichols – Not present.

Mitchell – Not present.

Parker – Thanked the audience also for attending.

C. City Attorney: Bob Farmer read from a prepared letter he gave to the City Commission: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege serving as the Fort Scott City Attorney. It is one of the most rewarding positions of my life. It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this letter to notify you that I am tendering a resignation to be effective March 30, 2019.” He said that he is not leaving his law firm and will still be around to answer questions.

  1. City Manager: Dave said that it has been a privilege to work with Bob Farmer all these years.

ADJOURNMENT: Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:44 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on March 19th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Bourbon County Local News