Business, Kansas

Merger Benefits for Westar/KCPL Customers

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Westar-KCP&L merger already producing benefits
for Kansas customers, communities

Rate study: Kansas rates more competitive as merger efficiencies realized

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 14, 2019 – When Great Plains Energy (the parent company of KCP&L) and Westar Energy merged in June 2018 to form Evergy, the new company promised multiple benefits to customers. As the company enters the first full calendar year combined, Kansas customers have already seen significant benefits from the merger.

Customer credits: In December of 2018, Westar’s customers began receiving credits on their electric bill. These credits were the result of merger efficiencies and the reduction in federal income tax rates. KCP&L’s Kansas customers are scheduled to receive credits on their bills in the weeks ahead. The company anticipates future bill credits as additional merger savings are achieved.

Electric rates reduced: KCP&L and Westar both completed rate reviews in 2018. As a result of ongoing merger savings and the reduction in federal income taxes, the base price of electricity was reduced for all KCP&L and Westar customers. Westar prices decreased about $50 million and KCP&L $4 million.

Rate increase moratorium: Lower base rates enacted in 2018 will remain stable, as the company has committed to no base rate changes for five years (until December 2023).

Increased community investment: Both KCP&L and Westar have well-established histories of community involvement and charitable giving, which they pledged to maintain. Since the merger was completed, in addition to maintaining the companies’ historic levels of charitable giving, Evergy has made an additional $4 million in investments to support key community development projects in Topeka, Wichita and Pittsburg.

No involuntary layoffs: The company has adhered to its pledge of no involuntary layoffs due to the merger and maintained staffing levels in Topeka and Wichita.

Electric rates study, Kansas prices competitive: Stabilizing prices and maintaining local control were key reasons KCP&L and Westar sought to merge. The companies also promised to publish a study of their electricity prices and how they compared with other utilities as part of the merger agreement.

KCP&L and Westar Energy’s rate study filed today with the Kansas Corporation Commission concludes that the companies’ electricity prices are in line with the national average, are entering a period of rate stability and are well-positioned to meet customers’ needs.

“Prices going forward are expected to be more stable. Our merger brings economies of scale to ongoing operations and future investments. We are ahead of many peers in adoption of renewables, meeting state and federal environmental regulations and investing in infrastructure to ensure reliability and economic growth,” said Chuck Caisley, senior vice president, marketing and public affairs. “For example, Oklahoma’s largest utility just filed a rate request to recover costs in making environmental upgrades similar to those we’ve already completed.”

The study showed that a long-term electricity price advantage Kansas enjoyed eroded in the past decade. The rate study points to four primary factors: plunging natural gas prices; declining industrial use, despite billions of dollars of economic development in Kansas; mandated environmental upgrades and renewable energy investment; and investment to modernize the state’s transmission grid.

While low-cost coal benefitted Kansas through the 1970s into the early 2000s, the shale gas boom coupled with the disproportionate effect of environmental regulations on coal-fueled generation provided advantages to utilities that were more reliant on natural gas-fueled power plants. The cost advantage reached retail customers and wholesale markets alike.

Required investment in developing renewables markets and to meet environmental regulations aligned with a national economic downturn that flattened electricity sales. In times of growing sales, investment has less impact on prices because it is spread over broader sales. While electricity sales were down about 0.7 percent for other study utilities in 2017 compared with 2007, for KCP&L Kansas, they were down 5.5 percent and for Westar Energy, 4.1 percent. Despite these declines, Kansas continued to attract business.

“Kansas is drawing new investment. Since 2010, we’ve attracted more than $4.3 billion in industrial investments including major brands like Mars Chocolate, Cargill, Geico and Spirit Aerosystems,” Caisley said. “Prices are important, but customers also want access to renewable energy, which we can now provide at a competitive price. And customers expect excellent reliability. Without that, nothing else matters.”

Additional information about the study

The study uses 2017 prices available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (the most recent full year available). In 2018, KCP&L and Westar decreased prices and agreed that base prices wouldn’t change for five years. For the study, KCP&L and Westar Energy examined how their prices compare with 35 investor-owned, vertically integrated electric providers. These companies serve more than 11 million customers in 10 Midwestern states. Some other utilities studied are just entering cycles of investment to meet federal environmental mandates and to update transmission infrastructure. Investments that are just beginning to affect their prices.

About KCP&L and Westar Energy:

Serving approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L), KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company and Westar Energy are the electric utilities of Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG). Together we generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.

Investor Contact:

Cody VandeVelde

Director, Investor Relations

Phone: 785-575-8227

[email protected]

 Media Contact:

Gina Penzig

Manager, Media Communications

Phone: 785-575-8089

[email protected]

Media line: 888-613-0003

For more information:

515.18.5163 KS Electric Rate Review Handout_single pages

Fort Scott Community College

HS Junior/Senior Day at FSCC

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Fort Scott Community College invites high school juniors and seniors to Spring Junior/Senior Day on Thursday, March 7th. The event will begin with registration at 9:00 am at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

 

During the event, students and their parents will have the opportunity to visit and experience FSCC. College faculty, staff, and students will be on hand to show potential students what it’s like to be a Greyhound. The event will also include a free lunch and entertainment.

Pre-registration is not required! HOWEVER, those who do will be entered into a drawing to win prizes. Pre-registration will end on March 6th at 5:00 p.m.  This is an event you won’t want to miss! Go Greyhounds!

Click here to Pre-Register 

Location Danny and Willa Ellis Fine Arts Center
2108 South Horton, Fort Scott, Kansas
Date March 7th
Time 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m

 

 

Submitted by Kassie Fugate-Cate

Director of Strategic Communications

& Student Activties

620.223.2700 ext. 5248

[email protected]

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Jan. 15

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: January 15th, 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

         

          10:00 – Kansas Works

 

          10:30 – Justin Meeks (20 min. Exec. Session, Re: Attorney/Client)

 

          11:00 – Jody Hoener – ABC Trails Plan

 

          12:00 – 1:30 – Commissioners gone to lunch

 

          1:30 – Osage Township Trustee Appointment

 

 

         

 

 

 

                   

 

 Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual 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(s) 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

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Business, Fort Scott

DISCOVER LOCAL Magazine Coming To Fort Scott

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Discover Local Magazine Publisher Gary Palmer with Editor Rebekah Houser, who is holding a prototype of the magazine.

Inspired by other area magazines, businessman Gary Palmer is launching a magazine called Discover Local.

The target audience will be primarily tourists, he said. “With an emphasis on local services and retailers.”

“The idea came from other magazines like 417 Magazine, which covers all those in the (telephone) area code 417 (in southwest Missouri),” he said. “It talks about the goings-on in the region with a strong emphasis on entertainment and food and what people can enjoy.”

A view of the prototype of Discover Local Magazine.

“It ties those who would be visiting to those locally that are providing services and opportunities to enjoy. It seems there is a void for something like this.”

“The whole idea behind this,” Palmer said. “I want this magazine to be beneficial to all parties involved. I personally feel that our community has an enormous amount of resources and a willingness to help others. This is just a visual way to pair our resources with those seeking to enjoy our community.”

There will be several local authors contributing to the magazine: Larry Gazzaway, Martha Scott, Jody Hoener and others he said.

And why not publish a magazine? Palmer is the owner of Captured Images, a photography business, and owns his own printer that will be publishing the magazine.

“We will be publishing this right here on Main Street,” Palmer said.

The magazine will have no subscription costs for readers but would be paid for by the advertisements that local businesses purchase.

“There may be a small postage charge if people would like us to mail it to them,” he said.

“The subscriptions for advertisers would be billed quarterly and range from $150 up,” Palmer said. “What is very unique about the magazine is we will be asking our advertisers to subscribe annually.

“An annual subscription will include a feature about the advertiser,” Palmer said. “If Capture Images buys one-half page for the year, for example, it would get a full page article at some point, featuring the business.”

There will be four publications annually.

The magazine would be placed in local hotels and the Tourism/Chamber of Commerce Office.

Captured Images Press is located at 118 S. Main and can be contacted at 223-5375.

“Our community needs something positive,” he said. “I hope this builds momentum.”

 

 

 

 

K-State Extension

Grass to Cash Jan 24

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2019 KOMA Beef Cattle Conference “From Grass To Cash”
Southwind Extension District, Cherokee County Extension and Southeast Area Research and Extension Center are partnering to host this conference
January 24, 2019
Registration is at 10:30 a.m., program starts at 11 am. Located in the Community Building at the SEK Education Center Greenbush
(947 W. 47 Hwy., Girard, KS).
Please RSVP by January 18, 2019 to 620-820-6125 ([email protected]) or 620-820-6127 ([email protected]). Lunch provided.
Topics include:
Feeder Cattle Marketing Outlook
Matching Cows to the Environment
Blood-Borne Diseases of Beef Cow Herd
Optimizing Reproductive Performance
Keys to Profitability for Beef Producers
Fort Scott, Government

City Offices Will Close Jan. 21 For Holiday

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The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, January 21st, 2019 in observance of the Martin Luther King Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, January 19th, 2019 for the Martin Luther King Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Area News

Kansas Female Veterans Sought

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The United States was plunged into World War II on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor. Thousands of Kansas patriots were among the millions who left their civilian jobs and joined the military in response to a presidential call to arms.

Heroic Kansas women were among those sixteen million females who answered the call to work on assembly lines, farms, in shipyards, airplane factories, and other institutions in support of the military overseas.

Rosie the Riveter became the iconic image of World War II’s working women. She was the star of a campaign to recruit females to work in defense industries. American Legion Auxiliary President Karen Hasting announced an initiative to honor their service and share their stories with future generations of Americans.

“The Auxiliary wants to recognize its Kansas Rosies for their inspiring patriotism and service to Kansas and the United States,” Hasting said. “The Department of Kansas American Legion Auxiliary will honor its known Rosie the Riveters during the American Legion’s Mid-winter Forum.

Auxiliary Vice-president Paula Sellens is spearheading the effort to identify Rosies.

“The Auxiliary is issuing a call for Rosies,” Sellens said. “Our known Rosies will be honored in a ceremony in Dodge City, Kansas on February 1, 2019. We’re asking that everyone that knows of a Kansas Rosie, living or deceased, to call me at 620-255-9339 or send information by email to: [email protected].”

Recipes

From Linderhof’s Kitchen . . .

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Swedish Meatballs

 

I’m not Swedish but we do enjoy a few Swedish foods — spritz cookies, Swedish tea cakes, Swedish pancakes and Swedish meatballs.    They’re easy to make and taste best when served on top of noodles and with lingonberries if you can find them (cranberries are a good substitute if you cannot.)

 

Meatballs:

 

1 pound 80% (or leaner) ground beef
½ pound lean ground pork
1 small onion, finely chopped
¾ c. panko bread crumbs
2 T. finely chopped fresh parsley
½ t. Salt
⅛ t. Pepper
1 t.  Worchestershire sauce
1 egg
½  c. milk

 

Gravy:

 

¼ c. butter
¼ c. flour
1 t. Paprika
¼ t. Salt
⅛ t. Pepper
2 c. water
¼ c. sour cream

 

In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until well blended.     Shape into 1 ½ inch balls. Place meatballs in large skillet, cook over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until browned.     Remove meatballs from skillet; cover to keep them warm.

 

In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.     With wire whisk, stir in flour, paprika, salt and pepper; cook, stirring until bubbly.    Slowly add water, stirring constantly until mixture boils and thickents. Add meatballs to gravy.    Cook over medium low heat 8 to 10 minutes or until meatballs are throughly cooked. Stir in sour cream until blended and hot.

 

Martha Meinsen Scott is a Fort Scott foodie who creates from her home, called Linderhof.
Church news, Fort Scott

First Southern Baptist Church Happenings

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The First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, is planning to build a gymnasium to be used for youth programs, meetings, dinners and as a safe shelter for the surrounding area.

There will be a fundraiser in support of this building program  Saturday, Feb. 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It is the First Annual All You Can Eat Pancake Meal with a serving of ground hog (sausage).

Adult tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Children under 7-years-old are free.

The church is hosting a study on the book of Revelation on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m.

“We will be going through it verse by verse, chapter by chapter,” said Leeta Walker, a church member. “It’s in our fellowship hall at the north end of the church.

For more information:

620-223-2986 or fortscottfsbc.com

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes from Dec. 18, 2018

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 18, 2018 Regular Meeting #24

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 18th, 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: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Deb Needleman, Michael Mix, Rachel Pruitt, Chad Brown, Robert Uhler, Jackie Sellers, Kevin Wagner, Rachel Wagner, Cole Wagner, Dave Elliott, Maggie Brenner, Carl Brenner, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Kevin Wagner, Wreaths Across America – City Manager recognized Kevin Wagner, organizer for the Wreaths Across America annual event for the National Cemetery #1. This year there were 5,960 wreaths placed at the cemetery – one on every grave. He thanked him for his tireless efforts in fundraising for the wreaths. He also thanked all the volunteers who helped place the wreaths. What a wonderful memorial for the Veterans.

Kevin Wagner said that there are many, many people who assist with this event. He named several other local cities who assisted with fundraising this year. He also thanked C.F.I. who trucked the wreaths to Fort Scott.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 4th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1229-A totaling $337,877.49.

C. 2019 Cereal Malt Beverage/Public Dance Licenses: (originals in Clerk’s office)

Package Sales:

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall

Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main

Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main

Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main

Queen’s Price Chopper – 2322 S. Main

Consumption on the Premises:

Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt

NPC International, Inc. DBA Pizza Hut #2423 – 1810 S. Main

Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton

Public Dance License:

Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th

Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National

Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main

Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National

Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott

River Room Event Center – 3 West Oak

Memorial Auditorium – 1 E. Third Street

Parker moved the Consent Agenda. Adamson 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:

6:00 p.m. – Budget Amendment Hearing (Need to cancel) – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this public hearing needs to be cancelled. It will be conducted in 2019. She does not believe that an amendment needs to be held on the 2018 budget.

Mitchell moved to cancel the budget amendment hearing that was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CANCEL BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 6:00 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Change of January 1st, 2019 meeting date – City Manager informed the Commission that the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting would be January 1st, 2019 which is a holiday. He met with Staff who recommended canceling the first meeting in January and just having one meeting on January 15th, 2019.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to cancel the meeting on January 1st, 2019 and just have one meeting in January on January 15th, 2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CANCEL THE MEETING ON JANUARY 1ST, 2019 AND JUST HAVE ONE MEETING IN JANUARY ON JANUARY 15TH, 2019.

  1. Consideration of Water Treatment Plant selection of engineering firm and proposal for evaluation of City’s drinking water – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that he came before them a couple of meetings ago to request permission to seek Request for Qualifications to evaluate the City’s drinking water from engineering firms. There were four RFQ’s submitted and an evaluation team consisting of Dr. Randy Nichols, Scott Flater, and himself who reviewed the engineering firms. A scoring system was created and Burns & McDonnell Engineering Firm received the highest score. He recommended the approval of Burns & McDonnell to evaluate the City’s drinking water and enter into a contract with them. The contract proposal is for $50,000 for 2018 and $100,000 for 2019 which is budgeted.

Nichols moved to approve the engineering firm of Burns & McDonnell and approve the contract of $150,000 to evaluate the City’s drinking water. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE ENGINEERING FIRM OF BURNS AND MCDONNELL TO EVALUATE THE CITY’S DRINKING WATER AND THE CONTRACT OF $150,000 FOR SERVICES.

  1. Consideration of updated Standards and Specifications regarding Water, Wastewater and Storm Water infrastructure – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the City was in need of updating their Standards and Specifications for our City owned utilities. When developers are building, standards are needed to ensure that these buildings are built to our standards. K.D.H.E. informed the City that the last standards they had on record were from 1985. Allgeier Martin & Associates created an updated Standards and Specifications for the City of Fort Scott. He asked the Commission to approve and adopt these new standards.

Parker moved to approve and adopt the Standards and Specifications for the City of Fort Scott. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.

  1. Discussion of Old Fort Transportation/Pitt Taxi Transition – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that she was representing the Bourbon County Senior Citizens as she is the Treasurer for this Board. They have been instrumental in providing transportation in this community for years. Pitt Taxi came here a few years ago and were a huge asset for our community. The owners of Pitt Taxi have decided to retire at the end of 2018. They have offered to transfer the three vehicles, computer and phones to Old Fort Transportation for $5,000. The owners of Fort Scott Transportation is Jackie and James Sellers. She asked the Commission for $5,000 for Old Fort Transportation to subsidize the costs of taking over this transportation service. There are currently about 300 to 350 riders which distribute people to 25 different places of employment throughout the City.

Dave Elliott, Peerless Products, was present and informed the Commission that this transportation service helps bring many of their employees to work every morning.

Mitchell moved to approve to allocate $5,000 towards Old Fort Transportation to subsidize the transportation program in our community. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOCATE $5,000 TOWARDS OLD FORT TRANSPORTATION TO SUBSIDIZE THE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IN OUR COMMUNITY.

  1. Consideration of Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3545 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that the water rate increase is before them. This is for a 5% increase which is less than the budgeted 8% increase. The increase was for the payments for the debt on the river intake structure. The project is not as far along so financing costs will be less than projected in the budget. Approval for the 5% increase is recommended.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3545 increasing the water rates by 5% for 2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3545 SETTING NEW WATER RATES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3525 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.04.030.

  1. Consideration of Wastewater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3546 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this Ordinance increases the sewer rate by 3%.

Parker moved to approve Ordinance No. 3546 increasing the sewer rates by 3% for 2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3546 INCREASING THE BASIC MONTHLY CHARGE FOR SANITARY SEWER RATES IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.24.110 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3526.

  1. Consideration of Storm Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3547 – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this Ordinance increases the storm water rate by 3% for 2019.

Parker moved to approve Ordinance No. 3547 increasing the storm water rate by 3% for 2019. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3547 AMENDING THE FORT SCOTT STORMWATER USER CHARGE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3527 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.24.121.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Rachel informed the Commission that in October a contest was held for “If I Was Mayor”. This was open for 7th graders throughout the State of Kansas. This is sponsored by the League of Kansas Municipalities. If selected, the student and the teacher would go to Topeka to be recognized. She would like to see the student be recognized on a local level also. She is getting packets ready for the City Commission to review and select a winner who will have “Lunch with the Mayor”.

Health Care Update – Robert Uhler – Robert reminded the Commission of the three main priorities: EMS, Primary Care, and Emergency Room. At the December 4th meeting, you heard from Dave Bruner regarding the EMS/Ambulance partnership between the City and the County. Both entities have signed contracts with one final step for the County to complete with Mercy which was completed this week with the donation of the assets to the County. He thanked Dave Martin for stepping up in this sensitive time. He also thanked Christi Keating for her direction. He also thanked the County, Mercy and the group from the City that worked together. We are one community with one goal – to have the best healthcare in our community. Our community will have convenient care and primary care provided by CHCSEK. What an impressive organization to have serve us in Fort Scott and Bourbon County. The final priority of our task force is to secure Emergency Room services. We continue to anxiously await a decision by Via Christi but remain optimistic about the future. He thanked the City Commission for their support as we continue on this journey.

B. City Commission:

Nichols – Wished all a Merry Christmas!

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Parker – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Bob Farmer, City Attorney, informed the Commission he was contacted by Kevin Mitchelson, attorney for Ward-Kraft, regarding some old IRB’s the City had with Ward-Kraft back in 1985, 1989 and 1992. These bond issues have all been closed but the City still had their name on the title of their property. He asked the Commission to approve the Quit Claim Deed, a Bill of Sale, and a Release of Lease with the adoption of Resolution No. 48-2018.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution No. 48-2018 releasing the bonds on the Ward-Kraft property. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 48-2018 OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO WARD-KRAFT, INC. – APPROVED QUIT CLAIM DEED, BILL OF SALE, AND RELEASE OF LEASE.

  1. City Manager:

  1. 120 N. National – City Manager said that he was approached by a business owner to purchase the City lot at 120 N. National. The City has no reason to keep this property. He has met with the business owner and negotiated some terms of this property. This will be on the January 15th, 2019 City Commission agenda for approval.

  1. Chamber Coffee – City Manager informed the Commission that the Chamber Coffee will be held at City Hall this Thursday, December 20th, 2018 at 8:00 a.m.

  1. City Manager gave a 2018 highlight of all the departments of the City and their accomplishments.

  1. Certified Public Manager – City Manager informed the Commission that Chad Brown and Larry Gazaway just finished their CPM class and graduated in December. Robert Uhler and Michael Mix will attend this program in 2019.

  1. Health Care 2020 – City Manager said that he is very appreciative of the task force. He will be glad when an Emergency Room is here.

  1. Thank you card – City Manager read a thank you card from Todd & Karin Rogers who had camped at Gunn Park recently. The card stated that they have traveled this country from east to west and they both agreed that the camp ground at Gunn Park was by far a wonderful experience. They thanked Norman Mackley and Diane Clay for their assistance and kindness.

Diane Clay, City Clerk, explained they had to leave their camper at Gunn Park as they had a daughter who gave birth to a baby and needed to return home. Norman took good care and watched over their camper for them until they were able to come back and get it.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:47 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on January 15th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Bourbon County Local News