Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of Nov. 7

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Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.

The Regular Council Meeting on November 7, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend but gave an update to Mayor Jurgensen and Clerk Johnson.  Heaters should be installed soon, if not already; waiting on part for one toilet and screws for the partition panels.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger was absent.  October 2022 Treasurer’s Report was presented on paper with no questions from Council.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $368,427.21, Receipts $32,640.05, Transfers Out $5,026.00, Expenditures $32,335.09, Checking Account Closing Balance $363,706.17. Bank Statement Balance $364,335.65, including Checking Account Interest of $41.54, Outstanding Deposits $21.54, Outstanding Checks $651.02, Reconciled Balance $363,706.17.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,133.18, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,411.91, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $440,872.52. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $311.44, and Utility CDs $264.92 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $576.36.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchased-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00; from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, Total Transfers of $5,026.00.  Net Loss for the month of October $4,721.04, Year-to-Date Net Income $39,962.67.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $98,498.80 (93.4%), Expenditures $92,104.18 (70.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,253.15 (81.9%), Expenditures $30,141.03 (73.5%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $109,306.66 (78.3%), Expenditures $122,843.57 (50.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $133670.01 (104.0%), Expenditures $120,426.86 (72.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,6614.33 (111.8%), Expenditures $10,049.736 (94.6%).  The November 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $42,463.90 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of October 11, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported the KDHE will be here to inspect the wastewater lagoons on November 16.

The springs on the rollup door at the barn have been replaced and has ordered two hinges with rollers and weatherstrip for the door.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent but Clerk Johnson reported a building permit for an addition was approved.

 

Clerk Johnson reported that a request for donation for SOS was received.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to SOS for the after graduation party

 

She presented a letter from KDHE and a copy of a survey by another city regarding the Lead and Copper Rule Revision.  She asked if the Council wanted her to adapt the survey and send the letter and survey out with November bills or wait until after the first of the year.  Council consensus was to wait until after first of year.

The public hearing for citywide trash service will be December 13.  She has been in contact with the attorney to make sure the wording of the notice is correct and will publish by the end of the week.

Our burn site was inspected in October and everything was in order.

KMEA is conducting a survey of cities on whether they would be interested in pursuing a grant to install electric vehicle charging station(s).  Council said no.

KMGA is wanting an assigned primary contact that will be available 24/7.  Mayor Jurgensen was appointed that contact.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – Clerk Johnson gave her an update on the black/white collie she asked about last month.  It was picked up and redeemed and has been properly registered along with another dog in the household.

Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the canopy trimming.  It was completed while Bobby was gone to seminar.  Clerk Johnson inspected and approved.  Rich and Jurgensen reported that complaint had been received about branches over Second Street between Hill and Clay Streets.  Rich will contact property owner about trimming.

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Mix Contracting has completed the dirt work and waiting for the rock to be delivered by the County.  They will not deliver until they are finished with asphalt.

 

Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has been working out of town and has not yet scheduled the committee meeting to review exercise equipment but will continue to work on getting it scheduled.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – two sealed bids were received last week and another contractor will be here tomorrow with his sub-contractors to view the site and prepare a bid for the ADA unisex bathroom at City Hall.  All bids will be opened at the December 13 meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:42PM

 

Open meeting resumed at 7:42PM with no action from session.  Councilman Ervin asked Clerk Johnson what she found out about SB24 which will require the city to allow propane tanks in city limits.  According to League of Kansas Municipalities and our attorney, SB24 supersedes our ordinance banning propane tanks.  Kansas Corporation Commission recommends an ordinance that regulates propane tanks with the same safety requirements as the gas system.  Johnson will consult with the attorney to get an ordinance drafted.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:50PM

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Unveiling Party on Dec. 8 at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Office

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Unveiling Party!
The Unveiling Party will kick off the voting campaign on selecting a name for the park! You can attend the party, vote and share your input. The voting campaign will last until January 31st. There will be an option to keep the name the same!
We want to give people who haven’t had a say so in the past a chance to be part of the decision making process—a place to voice how they would like to see things in their neighborhood playgrounds and parks!
There will be food, cotton candy, and prizes!
Join us on December 8th, at 6pm
104 N National
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Christmas Lights Contest With Prizes

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CHAMBER ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS LIGHT CONTEST SPONSORED BY NIECE PRODUCTS

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages businesses, residents and neighborhoods to “Deck the Fort” and make the community merry and bright for the holidays.  Niece Products is sponsoring a Christmas Light Contest with cash prizes for the winners including:

Residential: 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50
Top Business: $100
Top Neighborhood: $100

 

Other contest details:

  • Lights should be in place by December 15th and judging will take place between the 15th and 17th.
  • Properties within a 1 mile radius of city limits will be considered for contest
  • Those wanting to ensure their property is judged should call or email the Chamber with their address, name and phone number. Otherwise, no registration necessary and the judges will do their best to seek out lights in the area.
  • Lighting and decorations must be visible from street view

The Chamber encourages everyone to get in the spirit with lights this season.  For more information contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or by email at [email protected].

Obituary

Obituary of Sam LaFerrara

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Sam LaFerrara, age 98, a resident of Fort Scott, KS. Died Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at the Horton House in Fort Scott. He was born July 22, 1924, in East Moline IL. to Pete and Lena LaFerrara of Sicily Italy, the first American born in his family. He joined and served during WWII. He was a crane operator with John Deere for 30 years before retiring to Arkansas. In his retirement years he kept a large garden every summer and enjoyed raising goats. Sam was a lifetime member of the VFW and recently joined the Elks.

 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Joey, sisters, Rosie and Mary; as well as two wives, Rusty in 1992 and Diane in 2011. He is survived by his daughter Sandra(Don) of Fort Scott, stepson Gary Troutman(Alyce) of Vilonia, AR., grandsons Connor and Jimi; brothers, Georgie and Bennie, sisters Angeline and Irma; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

 

There was cremation. Rev. Chuck Russel will conduct graveside services at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at the U. S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the V.F.W. or the Elks 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 cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Bids and Dibs: Largest Resale Boutique In Kansas

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December 2022. Bids and Dibs, a  resale boutique. Submitted photo.
A local consignment store is celebrating 10 years serving the community, and has acquired some recognition.
In conjunction with the anniversary, they are hosting the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.
To learn more about the special deals/discounts:
Angela Simon. Submitted photo.

Angela Simon opened Bids and Dibs on December 3, 2012 inside 19 S. National Ave.

Opening day of Bids and Dibs in December 2012 at 19 S. National Avenue. Submitted photo.
On Halloween day 2018, Jason and  Angela Simon purchased 108 S. Scott Ave.
Bids and Dibs opened its doors at the Scott Avenue building in January 2019.
“Bids and Dibs started as a local online auction platform,” Simon said. “That original business model evolved into full-service resale. Our services include: transparent consignment- where every consignor has access to their account online and their account balances never expire. Balances can be used as cash or credit at anytime.”
Bids and Dibs offers full consignment services, outright buys, and estate liquidation services to the community.
“Outright buys are where people can bring items in for sale and receive a cash offer based on brand, condition and current needs of the store. “
“Customized Estate liquidation… (is another) service,” she said. “No two situations are the same. People will contract with us to help them downsize the family home, moving out of town, or cleaning out the personal effects of a loved one that has passed. This service is especially popular with families that live outside the Bourbon county area who need to downsize or clear out things for a loved one who can no longer do it for themselves.”
Bids & Dibs, Inc. employs on average 10-14 people at any given time.
“We have plans to add an additional two full-time employees during 2023 to handle the expansion of our online sales,” Simon said.
Employees of Bids and Dibs. Submitted photo.

Upgrading Technology in January 2023

“When we started 10 years ago we purchased the best consignment software in the industry,” she said.  “Unfortunately that company did not keep pace with available technologies and we have now outgrown that point-of-sale service. In January 2023, we will be upgrading our systems to a cloud based service that will allow our consignors 24-hour access to their accounts that update instantaneously.”
“We have always offered online access to consignors, but our current system needs to be backed up and restarted before it shows current reliable data to the consignor. It is not always possible for us to do that as frequently as some users would like.”
“Our new system will allow them to watch in live time as we process and sell their items. It will also grant us the ability to add inventory offsite. That feature will make processing estates much faster. It will also allow multiple family members to follow along in the process. This is very valuable tool to families who live outside the local area. “
“Even in the most tight knit of families, contentions can arise when you’re dealing with estate items. Our service helps families work through these issues by being a neutral and transparent third party.”
Distinction in Business
Bids and Dibs received the small business of the year award from the Fort Scott area Chamber of Commerce in 2019.
“Besides the local Chamber, we are members of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores (NARTS) and NextLevel Resale. Due in large part to the resources and mentorship these groups provide, Bids & Dibs has become the largest resale boutique in Kansas that offers consignment, outright buys and estate liquidation.”
“Bids & Dibs will start leaning into this distinction in our marketing efforts for 2023 and beyond. Resale has became one of the largest growing industries in the world. The popularity of buying sustainably in North America has made destinations out of resale stores. Our marketing goal is to bring more outside dollars into the Bourbon County community, thus putting more money directly into the pockets of our consignors.”
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Budget Hearing For Amending 2022 Budget is Dec. 20

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NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING FOR AMENDING THE 2022 BUDGET. THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS WILL MEET ON THE DAY OF 12/20/2022 AT 6 PM AT CITY HALL 123 S. MAIN ST, FORT SCOTT KS 66701 FOR THE PURPOSE OF HEARING AND ANSWERING OBJECTIONS OF TAXPAYERS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED AMENDED USE OF FUNDS.

budget amendment hearing 2022

DETAILED BUDGET INFORMATION IS AVAIBLABLE AT CITY HALL 123 S. MAIN ST., FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THIS HEARING.

Bourbon County

Wreaths Across America Ceremony Dec. 17

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Wreaths Across America for the Fort Scott National Cemetery has announced that the 2022 goal has been met.  Location Coordinator Diann Tucker says this was made possible by many individuals, groups and businesses who donated  and sponsored the nearly 7000 wreaths.  This event receives greatly appreciated local community support, as well as support from across the country to honor our military laid to rest in Fort Scott.    It is a huge effort and we thank each of you for your participation.

 

A convoy escort is planned for the CFI Wreaths Across America truck.  The CFI drivers for Wreaths Across America are veterans who volunteer and donate their time for delivery for this occasion.  Anyone interested in participating in the escort should meet on the parking lot of the FSCC Harley Davidson School at 274 N. Industrial Drive, Pittsburg, Kansas (on the north end of Pittsburg) about 8:15 AM on December 17.  There will be a Crawford County sheriff escort to the Bourbon County line when the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department will lead the Wreaths Across America truck escort on to its destination at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Motorcycle and private automobile escorts are welcome.

 

A brief ceremony followed by laying of remembrance wreaths is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, beginning at 11 AM at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  There will be some limited transportation available within the gates of the cemetery for anyone needing assistance.  The public is encouraged to come and help in this recognition of our military and the Wreaths Across America mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach”.  We encourage everyone to be a part of the wreath placement.  No registration is required for volunteers.

Business, Fort Scott

Bids and Dibs 10th Anniversary Celebration Kick Off Dec. 8 At Chamber Coffee

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Bids and Dibs will kick off its 10th anniversary celebration on Thursday December 8th at 8 AM by hosting a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Open House.
There will be refreshments and a full coffee and hot cocoa bar.
“We will also have a drawing for several door prizes to be given away that morning,” owner Angela Simon said. “The celebration will continue December 8 through the 10th.”
“The first 50 customers in-store all three of those days will receive a scratch off ticket with discounts up to 30% off,” she said. “Consignors will receive an extra 10% off when they use their account credit to pay. All Customers will receive a free gift with every purchase and an entry to win a filled, giant Christmas Stocking valued at over $100!”
The shop will be open Christmas Eve day from 8 AM to noon.
“We will re-open the day after Christmas on the 26th for our annual half price sale,” Simon said. “Everything in the store is 50% off nothing is held back. That sale runs for two days the 26th through the 27th.”
“After the year end sales are finished we will close until the second week of January to implement our new consignment system,” she said. “We will start the 2023 consignment year then. Please watch for updates on our policies and procedures.”

Bourbon County Local News