Agenda for Uniontown City Council Meeting on Nov. 12

City of Uniontown will meet for a council  meeting on November 12 at 7 p.m. in City Hall.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of October 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Siren maintenance agreement

2025-2026 Projected Gas Schedule

KMGA prepay project

Progress on warehouse

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball court project –

 

Streets/FEMA –

 

Sale of Property –

 

SEED Grant –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

 

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

Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on October 10

The Regular Council Meeting on October 10, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Christina Miller, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

none

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,284.75, Receipts $26,524.95, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $43,856.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $272,926.87. Bank Statement Balance $277,322.90, including Checking Account Interest of $58.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $4,396.03, Reconciled Balance $272,926.87.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,624.74, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,426.41, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $371,469.64. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $526.69, and Utility CDs $1,443.93 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,970.62.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Loss for the month of September $20,357.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $37,447.67.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $85,303.47 (69.1%), Expenditures $91,153.26 (56.1%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,081.71 (70.6%), Expenditures $22,478.11 (53.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $96,558.19 (65.9%), Expenditures $82,294.82 (46.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $159,408.25 (81.5%), Expenditures $145.554.58 (47.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,120.92 (84.2%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.0%).  The October 2024 payables to date in the amount of $23,176.99 were presented.  The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of September 10, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 18, 2024 Special Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that 405 Hill St sold, utilities will not be turned on until new sewer and/or gas service lines have been installed.  He spoke to owner of 107 S Washington.  They will be demolition the structure.  He requested a “Mow Your Grass” door posting for 406 Fulton.  He also sent a letter to 303 Washington regarding dogs at large.  He will not be checking for ordinance violations through the winter.  He will be back in attendance at the April 2025 meeting.

 

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

 

Clerk Johnson presented a proposal from TextMyGov.  After discussion, Council decided not to take action at this time.

She informed Council of an educational opportunity for the new clerk and provided information about .gov websites and email addresses

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Trunk or Treat will be on October 31.  Council directed Clerk Johnson to provide candy to FFA.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Mary Pemberton reported will try to get fence up in next few weeks.

 

Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen reported that a site inspection was conducted by FEMA on drainage ditch.  Clerk Johnson reported that Janelle Phillips with KDA/DWR was notified of culverts that we wish to increase in size.  No permitting is needed at this time.

An email was received from Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt, that they will be here as soon as they complete work on US 54 late this week or early next week.  The S Washington extension will need prepped before they come.  Quotes were received from Marbery Concrete, Inc ($1,375) and Bloesser Outdoor Services ($750).

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to accept quote from Bloesser Outdoor Services

 

Sale of property – No comments were received.  Union State Bank has offered $1,000 and pay all closing costs to purchase the west 70’ of Lot 56, Block 7, Uniontown.

 

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2024-1008-1 to sell the west 70’ of Lot 56, Block 7, City of Uniontown as is by accepting offer of $1,000 plus all closing costs

 

NEW BUSINESS

SEED Grant – We can apply for a $10,000 to $25,000 grant to make improvements to the library/clerk’s office/park amenities.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to apply for grant.

 

Councilman Ervin will write the grant with the assistance of Clerk Johnson.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to hire Christina Miller to replace Clerk Johnson

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 8:07

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:07.  No action from executive session.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:08PM

 

What Is Next After Election For School District and County Commission Questions

A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

On the November 5 ballot, The Fort Scott School District 234 and the Bourbon County Commission had the following questions about who/how many can serve as representatives of their constituents in their respective entities.

 

USD 234 Question

“Shall the method of election in Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, be changed from the six-member district method of election, under which the school district is not divided into any member districts and all board members are elected at large?

The vote was 3,515 yes and 1,578 no, on November 5.

What’s next?

“We have advertised for an open board position,” said USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown. “We will repost the position for at-large candidates now that it has passed. Next year, when we have four positions open for election, anyone can file for the open positions. Then, voters will see the whole group of candidates and vote for their top four. The four candidates with the most votes then become board members.”

The Bourbon County Commission Question

“Shall the current number of Bourbon County Commissioner Districts set forth in KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d) & (e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?

3,769 voted yes and 2,238 voted no.

According to Kansas Law, this is the process of moving from three to five commissioners:

Sec. 5. K.S.A. 19-204a  reads as follows: 19-204a.  When the voters of a county approve a change in the number of county commissioner districts at an election held under K.S.A. 19-204(c), and amendments thereto, the board of county commissioners, on or before January 1 immediately following such election, shall adopt a resolution dividing the county into the number of districts approved by the voters. If the board of county commissioners fails to adopt such resolution within the time prescribed, the chief judge of the district court of the county, on or before the following January 31, shall order the county divided into the appropriate number of districts, according to https://www.sos.ks.gov/publications/register/Volume-43/Issues/Issue-16/04-18-24-52068.html#:~:text=(c)%20The%20board%20of%20county%20commissioners%20of,of%20the%20county%20are%20entitled%20to%20vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Fort Scott Design Review Advisory Board Meeting

 

 

When: November 12th, 2024

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topic for discussion:

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness for 24 S. National Ave. in Fort Scott submitted for consideration.

 

The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available to watch on YouTube after the meeting is held.

 

Submitted by

Mary Wyatt

Planning, Housing, & Business Development Director

City of Fort Scott

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles by Pat Cook.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 18 OR 19 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals are Nov. 21, Dec. 2-5, and Dec. 10-12 from 6-8 pm. Productions are Dec. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

Support Educational Change on Giving Tuesday

November 4, 2024

Vol. 10

Support Educational Change on Giving Tuesday

Make a Difference By Helping Support Our Educational Mission

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we extend our heartfelt thanks to you—our generous donors—who make it possible for the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes to enrich the lives of students worldwide. Your support empowers us to continue transforming classrooms and communities through student-driven projects that uncover Unsung Heroes and demonstrate the power of individual action to create positive change.

We are dedicated to making a difference by sharing the stories of those who stood against injustice, leaving a lasting impact on our world. Through our museum in historic Fort Scott, Kansas, and our global classroom outreach, we strive to inspire students and educators with the courage, compassion, and conviction of Unsung Heroes.

On Giving Tuesday (December 3, 2024), your support will fuel our mission to empower students and educators to uncover the extraordinary change sparked by ordinary people. Every contribution will help the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes bring these impactful stories to life through transformative, project-based learning.

Together, we are:

  • Bringing Unsung Heroes projects to classrooms worldwide, encouraging students to embrace courage, compassion, and conviction.
  • Engaging over 44,000 schools and reaching more than 3 million students with interdisciplinary education that highlights real-life role models.
  • Providing essential professional development for educators, equipping them to inspire and guide students on their journeys to make a difference.

Join us on Giving Tuesday in shaping a world where every student believes they have the power to create lasting change.

A Year of Milestones: 2024 Highlights

at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

As we approach the end of an extraordinary year, we’re thrilled to share a few standout moments that have shaped 2024 at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. This year, we are on track to set a new all-time record for annual visitors at our museum in Fort Scott, Kansas, a testament to the growing impact of our mission. We also celebrated record-breaking entries in both the Discovery Award and ARTEFFECT student competitions, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication of young changemakers.

Incredibly, our reach now spans all 50 states and 36 countries, as students and educators worldwide engage with the power of Unsung Heroes. Through ongoing professional development and project-based learning strategies, we continue to empower educators and inspire students to create positive change. We also held a number of educational programs throughout the year that enriched our community and surrounding area.

Thank you for being part of a year filled with achievements and the promise of even greater impact in the future!

Giving Tuesday Contributions Ideas

ALL DONATIONS ARE 100% MATCHED

Your contribution helps us:

  • Develop powerful and life-changing Unsung Heroes projects with students, educators and parents.
  • Engage more than 44,000 schools in critical history and interdisciplinary education that highlights positive role models for young people.
  • Provide professional development opportunities and teaching tools for educators across diverse subject areas and grade levels on project-based learning that features Unsung Heroes.
  • Reach over 3 million students and educators with inspiring stories that celebrate courage, compassion and conviction.
  • Create compelling history exhibits for schools, the community and visitors from around the world at our Center in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Consider a Personalized Brick in Unsung Heroes Park!

For just $100, you can create a unique and enduring tribute to honor a hero in your life. By purchasing a brick, you not only create a lasting memorial but also support the Lowell Milken Center’s mission to share the remarkable stories of Unsung Heroes throughout history.

Your purchase is tax-deductible, as the Lowell Milken Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We’ll promptly email you a printable certificate, making it a hassle-free and meaningful gift option.

Secure your brick today by visiting the Lowell Milken Center at 1 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS, or by submitting this form: https://bit.ly/brick_form. For more information, contact LMC at 620-223-1312.

Support our mission by purchasing a book on Unsung Heroes! Every book shares inspiring stories of courage and change—and helps us continue our work to transform classrooms and communities.

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Governor Kelly Announces Commutations, Pardons

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she granted clemency to seven individuals by commuting the sentences of two incarcerated individuals and granting pardons to five individuals, all of whom show strong signs of rehabilitation. The decision to grant the commutations and pardons was made following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.

“Granting commutations and pardons is not something I take lightly,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By vetting numerous applications through a careful and thorough process, it was determined that these individuals have demonstrated their commitment to making amends and positively contributing to society. In cases where a disproportionally harsh sentence is imposed or a miscarriage of justice exists, commutation can be a tool to ensure reasonable action and a fairer sentence. In extraordinary cases where the criminal justice system failed to account for mitigating factors surrounding an individual’s alleged crime throughout the legal process, including sentencing, commutations can give a second chance to individuals experiencing incomprehensible circumstances at the time of their offense.”

Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if the commutations and pardons were warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, harsh sentences, impact of the crime on victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, positive achievements and growth while incarcerated, and the ability to contribute to society following release.

Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency. Below, please find the list of individuals receiving commutations and pardons:

Jose Arellano, pardon

Deshaun Durham, commutation

Stephen Gontz, pardon

Jeffrey Gronewaller, pardon

Lauren Holle, commutation

James Valentine, pardon

Scottie Way, pardon

Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website: https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb

The Governor’s Office encourages victims and survivors to reach out to the Office of Victim Services, which provides confidential support and information to victims, survivors, or witnesses of a crime. Information can be found here or by phone at 866-404-6732.

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DCF Fort Scott Service Center Moves to 10 S. National, Opens on November 12

DCF Moves Fort Scott Service Center to New Building
Building Opens Nov. 12, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Planned for Nov. 19

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is moving its Fort Scott Service Center to a new office building. The new location, 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, will open to the public Nov. 12.

The new building is a modern workspace designed with comfort and convenience in mind for DCF employees and clients.

The central location provides convenient access to residents in Fort Scott and the surrounding area.

About 29 staff members will be based out of this office. DCF is leasing the building through SilverRock Ventures, LLC, based out of
Junction City.

Phone and fax numbers for the Fort Scott Service Center will remain the same and are being transferred to the new location.

DCF will continue doing business at its current location at the Fort Scott Professional Building, 710 W. Eighth St., through
Thursday, Nov. 7.

Both locations will be closed to the public Friday, Nov. 8, as staff complete the move process. Clients can still call the local
phone number, fax, and use the drop box at the Eighth Street location through Friday.

DCF offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The new office will open for business
Tuesday, Nov. 12.

DCF will celebrate the opening of the new location with a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m. The celebration is open to the public and will include remarks from DCF Secretary Laura Howard and a ribbon-cutting followed by refreshments and guided tours. The service center will remain open for business during the event.

“We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of our new Fort Scott Service Center. While our previous office served us
well, this new location puts us back in the heart of downtown Fort Scott and provides additional safety and comfort for
our staff and clients,” Howard said.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
When: Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m.
Where: 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott
What: Remarks from Secretary Laura Howard, ribbon cutting, refreshments and guided tours

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Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on Nov. 7

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

November 7, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/31/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $442,955.86
    3. Approval of Payroll Totaling $306,687.17
  1. Casey Brown-SEKCAP Transportation
  2. Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(6)
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
  4. KWORCC Voting Delegate
  5. Election Update
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

Accounts Payable 11-1-2024d

Payroll 11-1-2024

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser On Nov. 19

 

With November comes cooler weather and thoughts of piping hot comfort food.  The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers stands ready to dish up some warm satisfying fare as they hold their 36th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 19th  at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott.  A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.

This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year.  In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs.  “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins.

“The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.” according to Collins. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church.  Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.

Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.

 

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Bourbon County Local News