Special Meeting Today Oct. 4 of the Bourbon County Commission at 10 a.m.
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
A special meeting will be held on
October 4, 2024 10:00 a.m.
I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(4)
IV. 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
Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for October 8 at 7 p.m. at city hall.
Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for October 8 at 7 p.m. at 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
- Minutes of September 10, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 18, 2024 Special Meeting minutes
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
405 Hill sold 9/26/24
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
TextMyGov
Education opportunity
.gov website
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 –
NEW BUSINESS
SEED Grant –
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Uniontown City Council on Sept. 18
The Special Council Meeting on September 18, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applicants for non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 5:20PM
Meeting resumed at 5:20PM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to hire Angela Hixon as City Clerk, start date of October 7, 2024
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 5:25PM
Uniontown City Minutes of Sept. 10
The Regular Council Meeting on September 10, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 5:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly (8:25), 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, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Interview non-elected personnel –
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 interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:00.
Open meeting resumed at 7:00.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:20.
Open meeting resumed at 7:20.
CITIZENS REQUEST
none
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the August 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $300,920.74, Receipts $40,904.00, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $35,763.99, Checking Account Closing Balance $293,284.75. Bank Statement Balance $293,467.13, including Checking Account Interest of $62.89, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $182.38, Reconciled Balance $293,284.75. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,595.12, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,396.79, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $391,768.28. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $467.79, and Utility CDs $1,384.69 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,852.48. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of August $7,635.99, Year-to-Date Net Income $57,8058.55. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,850.49 (61.5%), Expenditures $81,944.78 (50.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,311.82 (63.1%), Expenditures $20,417.78 (48.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $92,758.76 (63.3%), Expenditures $74,512.96 (42.0%); General Fund YTD Revenue $151,872.36 (77.6%), Expenditures $127,948.07 (41.3%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,120.92 (84.3%), Expenditures $5,668.41 (56.0%). The September 2024 payables to date in the amount of $31,728.14 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Rogers and Sons Concrete, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of August 13, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and September 4, 2024 Special Meeting
- Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan reported that 405 Hill St had complied and 504 Sherman St’s chickens are still getting out. They were seen in neighbor’s yard before meeting and pictures were taken for the file. Superintendent Rich received a report that grass/weeds at the culverts were not being trimmed at 303 2nd St. Coyan will followup.
City Superintendent Rich requested to attend the Pipeline Safety Seminar in Manhattan, October 29-30.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend the Pipeline Safety Seminar in Manhattan, October 29-30.
He also reported that the public water supply inspection by KDHE has been completed. It is recommended to have the water tank inspected again, since it has been more than five years since last inspection.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to have Bobby Rich schedule an inspection of the water tank
Clerk Johnson reported that a major gas leak was found in a home. Gas has been shut off and plumber contacted by property owner to repair
Johnson asked if council wanted to have the auditor present the 2023 audit or accept as presented on paper.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2023 audit as presented on paper
Johnson also informed the council that cost of internet service for the SCADA will be going up $20/month and City Hall will be going up $10/month on October 1 billing. One-call tickets will also be going up $0.13 per ticket effective January 1. She informed that KSGFOA fall conference is in November and KMU is hosting a City Clerk & Finance Professional Management Academy one day a month for five months beginning October 16. These could be beneficial training opportunities for her replacement.
A request for records was received pertaining to Winter Storm Uri, she will respond as requested.
A FEMA Exploratory Conference Call is scheduled for September 12, 1PM regarding damages from flooding for disaster DR 4800.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – Thanked Sally, Bobby, Colby, and Old Settlers Committee for all their work for Old Settlers Picnic. The new city limit signs look nice.
Councilwoman Esslinger – Send a Thank You to Old Settlers Committee.
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – Received complaints about fishing derby being unorganized and car show impeding parade route during Old Settlers Picnic.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting was held September 1. A press release was sent to The Fort Scott Tribune, Fort Scott Biz, and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
Streets – Superintendent Rich and Clerk Johnson met with Bill Delich, Bettis Asphalt on September 4 to go over areas requiring warranty work. The City will need to prep the area on South Washington that needs extended. Rich reports that the tractor is not the correct equipment to dig it out and pack AB3, he will contact a contractor to complete the prep work. The cracks will be filled with a rubberized liquid material. Delich recommend using a cold pour crack sealer to seal cracks in the future.
NEW BUSINESS
Sale of property – Mayor Jurgensen was approached about selling a portion of city property. City attorney recommended publishing the intent to sell.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to publish intent to sell city property after a public comment period that will end October 8, 2024
Clerk Johnson will consult with attorney on wording for the intent and publish.
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 applicants of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 9:00
Open meeting resumed at 9:00.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:01PM
Obituary of Gary Wise
Gary Keith Wise, age 87, resident of Nevada, MO died Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center, Nevada, MO. He was born September 7, 1937, in Fort Scott, KS the son of Alvin Elmer Wise and Audrey C. O’Dell Wise.
Gary graduated from FSHS. He served in the U. S. Army Signal Corp from 1960 until 1962. Gary worked on the farm with his father growing up and throughout his working life. He was employed by Whiteside’s IGA both East and West stores for 30 years. Gary later drove the transportation bus for Bourbon County Senior Citizens for several years. He married Judy Alexander on January 4, 2005, in Fort Scott. He enjoyed driving country roads checking on all the local crops and tinkering with all things mechanical, especially lawn mowers.
Survivors include his wife Judy of the home; a daughter, Linda Moore (Lynn), Dallas, TX; a son, Mark Wise (Candida), Wichita, KS; 4 grandchildren, Jason Brown, Jordan Brown, Commora Wise, and Tristen Wise; 2 great grandchildren; a step-daughter, Deana Amicone (Greg), Eldorado Springs, MO; and 2 step-sons, Troy Shankel (Linda), and Matthew Shankel, all of Nevada, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a step-son, Todd Shankel.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 12:30 PM Tuesday, October 8th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 12:30 prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Bourbon County Senior Citizens and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Tri-Valley Fall Fundraiser Plant Sale Is October 5
Tri-Valley Developmental Services Horticultural Program is having a fundraiser this Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at the greenhouse in the back of the TVDS Service building at 4305 Campbell Dr., Fort Scott.
” We use funds raised to improve and upgrade our Horticultural Program,” said Austin Bolinger the program’s horticulture specialist.
“We add to and upgrade our American Disability Act garden, buy new equipment, install new plants and trees, and take groups of individuals on outings to places such as botanical gardens.”
“We add to and upgrade our American Disability Act garden, buy new equipment, install new plants and trees, and take groups of individuals on outings to places such as botanical gardens.”
The program will be selling mums, winter pansies, ornamental cabbage, pumpkins, and houseplants, he said.
The work on the plants in the program is a group effort, Bolinger said. “I lead most of the work for fundraising sales. Individuals who are interested in working in the horticultural program will help fill pots, and water, and assist at our sales, as well as growing plants for their homes.”
“We grow our plants from small plugs to full-grown plants over a few months. The gourds and pumpkins in the garden have been grown by individuals receiving services from Tri-Valley. Our amazing ADA garden is a therapy garden that we plant in the spring and enjoy through autumn and is fully taken care of by individuals we serve here at Tri-Valley with guidance from myself.”
Tri-Valley Developmental Services is located at 4305 Campbell Dr.
Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 3
Fort Scott Broadcasting Celebrates 70 Years On The Air
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Gordon Parks Museum 21st Annual Celebration Starts Today
| Sending on behalf of Chamber member Gordon Parks Museum… |
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| Gordon Parks Museum invites you to take part in the 21st Annual Celebration
This weekend ~ October 3rd-5th! |
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Friday highlight this year! The Celebration Dance Party featuring “The Full Flava Kings” The Full Flava Kings, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, are one of the best party bands in the region. Come celebrate and dance the night away at The Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St. See the flyer below for additional details! Click here to order tickets. |
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| A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members! |
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Obituary of Jaqueline Gunsaullus
Jaqueline Delores Gunsaullus, age 87, a resident of Chanute, KS, passed away Saturday,
September 28, 2024. She was born July 29, 1937, in Salina, KS, the daughter of Les and Dorothy Stucker Culp.
Jackie graduated from Fort Scott High School and attended Fort Scott Community College for one year.
Jackie married Jack Gunsaullus in 1956. He preceded her in death in 2003. Jackie worked as a clerk for the Bourbon County Treasurer’s office for many years. In her younger years, she enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes at First United Methodist Church, playing in a bowling league, reading and spending time with her children.
Later in life, Jackie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, taking care of her beloved pets, and keeping in touch with friends and family. She was always an avid KC Royals and Chiefs fan, loved watching Days of Our Lives and watching a good movie.
Survivors include her son Steve Gunsaullus (Chanute, KS) and daughter and son-in-law, Debraand Rodney Perkins (Chanute, KS), and 6 grandchildren, Angie Hall, Tabetha Lane, Amanda Harper, Brandy Cruse, Chadley Cruse, and Tatum Cruse and many great and great-greatgrandchildren. Jackie was preceded in death by her father and mother, Les and Dorothy, herhusband, Jack, daughter, Nancy Hembree, daughter, Donna Gunsaullus, and granddaughter,Danielle Cruse.
There was cremation. Private burial will take place later in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Donations, gifts and memorials are suggested to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility in Iola, KS and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft.Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at
Against the Law: Taking Political Signs From Another’s Property
Political signs are a form of freedom of speech and going on someone’s property to take them is against the law.
“Carol MacArthur, the Chairwoman of the Democratic Party, informed us that a few signs have gone missing,” said Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert. “The fact that it’s a political sign isn’t relevant. If they steal a bicycle, a garden gnome, or a political sign it’s a theft. Since the value of the property is under $1,500 it’s misdemeanor theft. This would be a misdemeanor theft and a municipal citation would be issued if the subjects were identified.”
MacArthur said there have been some Kamala Harris signs and some Nancy Boyda signs stolen and some vandalized. The signs are paid for by private citizens.
MacArthur said there are 25 missing Democratic Party signs missing in Fort Scott and three 4-foot by 8-foot signs in the rural part of Bourbon County. “Those three stolen in the county were 4 x 8s. Two other 4 x 8s in the county were vandalized,” she said.
MacArthur said it is disheartening, “but people in town are replacing their signs.”
“The city police are doing a good job of cruising around, and this has slowed down the thefts,” she said.
Fort Scott Police Department is located at 1604 South National and can be reached at 620-223-1700.