Bourbon County, Government

City of Uniontown Budget Work Session Minutes of July 18

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The Budget Worksession on July 18, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

Budget worksession

 

Council was presented with a 2024 proposed budget.  It was reviewed and amended to have the same mill rate as last year, which will exceed the revenue neutral rate.  It was agreed upon to send notice to County Clerk of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate and set the revenue neutral rate hearing to begin at 6:45PM on September 12, 2023, to be immediately followed by the budget hearing, then the regular council meeting.  Session ended at 7:48PM

 

 

Government

Uniontown City Council Unofficial Minutes of the July 11 Meeting

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The unofficial minutes of the Uniontown City Council for July 11, 2023.

The Uniontown City Council Meeting on July 11, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger (7:02), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dakota Harris, Tim Nuckolls Agency, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Dakota Harris – Tim Nuckolls Agency– Mr Harris gave a presentation of GlobeLife benefits.  Consensus was that we would not add any benefits at this time.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to make the following appointments/designations:

City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk – Sally Johnson; City Treasurer – Charlene Bolinger; Municipal Judge – Patricia Miklos-Boyd; Municipal Prosecutor – Chase Vaughn; City Newspaper – The Fort Scott Tribune; and Official Bank – Union State Bank, Uniontown.

 

Oath of office was administered to Johnson and Bolinger.  Johnson will administer oath to judge and prosecutor at next court session.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the June 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $356,954.32, Receipts $75,670.19, Transfers Out $3,012.77, Expenditures $29,870.79, Checking Account Closing Balance $399,740.95. Bank Statement Balance $402,032.87, including Checking Account Interest of $81.25, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,291.92, Reconciled Balance $399,740.95.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,283.27, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,889.95, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,559.71, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $486,473.88. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $460.31, and Utility CDs $331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $792.26.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  June Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.30); for Total Transfers of $3,012.77.  Net Income for the month of June $42,786.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,188.98.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $58626.68 (48.0%), Expenditures $56,043.66 (35.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $18,250.72 (49.5%), Expenditures $16,134.02 (39.2%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $89,262.73 (57.0%), Expenditures $62,070.25 (27.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $118,401.36 (79.1%), Expenditures $85,279.90 (46.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,967.49 (53.2%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The July 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $24,426.87were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of June 21, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.  Mayor Jurgensen asked him to take 4 sets of barricades to 75th street for the baseball tournament this weekend.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan presented the Statement of Enforcing Officer regarding 404 Washington St.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2023-0711-1 a Resolution fixing a time and place and providing for notice of a hearing before the Governing Body of the City of Uniontown, Kansas, at which the owner, his or her agent, lienholders of record, occupants and other parties in interest of structures located within said city and described herein may appear and show cause why such structure should not be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished as an unsafe or dangerous structure.

 

The sewer issue at 305 Clay has been resolved and the dead tree at 505 Wall will be removed as soon as contractor can remove it.  Councilmember Kelly asked about household items being stored in a carport.  Clerk Johnson has already spoken with the party.

 

Clerk Johnson asked for voting delegate/alternate voting delegate for League of Kansas Municipalities.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to designate Jess Ervin as voting delegate and Amber Kelly as alternate voting delegate

 

Johnson reminded governing body to let her know if any wished to attend the League of Kansas Municipalities Conference in October or the Regional Meeting on July 27 in Pittsburg.

She also reminded them of the Budget Worksession scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 5:30PM.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – asked if the stone post on her property has any historical significance and if it can be removed.  It was suggested she take a picture of the stone and contact the Bourbon County Historical Society to see if there is any historical significance and whether it can be removed.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

KMGA Supply Management – we received an email about the executive directors’ decision to partner with WoodRiver Energy.  Dixie Riedel called on July 6 to explain that the default purchasing method would be a blend of fixed and first-of-month pricing but each member could tailor their portfolio with all fixed, all first-of-month, or a blend.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to use the default purchasing method for our portfolio

 

Johnson will contact Dixie tomorrow with this decision.

 

Mural Grant – an update was given.

 

Placemaking Project – an update on the success of the booth at Independence Day Bash was given.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Fall Cleanup –

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to provide three dumpsters August 28-31, 8am-8pm, until filled.  When full, dumpsters will be removed.

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:24PM

Bourbon County, Fair

Bourbon County Fair Continues

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A view of the Bourbon County Fair on Wednesday afternoon.

Some children enjoying cornhole on Wednesday afternoon.
Some of the grand champions.

How to Kill A Dragon was the featured movie on Wednesday.

Miles Pollack, 8, is a first year 4-Her with his heifer and two steers.

Some art grand champions.

The merchant building has some young business people selling their wares this year.
Businesses set up on Wednesday afternoon at the Bourbon County Fair.
The grand champion booth.
Bourbon County 4-H Families are invited to cool off on July 23 at the Fort Scott Swimming Pool.
Another grand champion.

 

Learn how to write a thank you on July 20.
Junk Drawer Robotics.
Fort Scott Community College

Dr. Jason Kegler: New FSCC President

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At the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees meeting on July 17, Dr. Jason Kegler was approved as the new president.

At the meeting, Alysia Johnston, prior president, was honored by the board for her eight years of service.

Thirty-nine candidates applied for the position when Johnston announced her retirement in April. The field was narrowed down to three, with Kegler being selected.

Dr. Kegler assumes his duties next week as FSCC’s new president with a firm resolve to keep students as the No. 1 priority, according to a FSCC press release.

“One of my goals will be to work directly with the faculty and staff to ensure we maintain the perspective ‘students first,’” he stated in his letter of application and echoed in public forums last week. “… Oftentimes within higher education, we create ‘unintentional roadblocks’ for students. We need to review the student experience with the intention to streamline and simplify the process.”

Kegler, who earned his doctorate of education from Baker University, comes to FSCC from his job as associate vice president for student life at Pittsburg State University, his post since July 2014, according to the press release. He also serves as a deputy for the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.

Kegler was selected from a group of three finalists after a fast-tracked selection process, according to the press release.

“The board took into consideration our interview with Dr. Kegler and survey comments from faculty, staff and community members,” said John Bartelsmeyer, trustee chairman. “We also evaluated his background in the education field and other accomplishments outside the education field.

“Dr. Kegler has the ability to communicate effectively with many various and diverse situations. He is a good listener and has the desire to do the right thing. The board is looking forward to a productive and effective working relationship with Dr. Kegler.”

Kegler, originally from Kansas City and now resides in Fort Scott with his family, has a thorough understanding of the community college system having served as dean of students at Neosho County and director of student life, head women’s basketball coach, and director of admissions/marketing and admissions counselor at Allen County, according to the press release.

“I will just ask for a little ‘space and grace’,” Kegler said of advancing to his first college presidency. “… But I promise you no one will be more passionate about the job.

“Individual characteristics necessary to succeed in the role of president at FSCC include the ability to resolve conflict, communicate vision and treat everyone with respect. Each of these characteristics, I display daily.”

Kegler earned a master’s in organizational leadership from Fort Hays State University in 2009 and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth in 1996. He taught leadership classes at both Allen County and PSU.

He and his wife, Terra, a paraeducator and volleyball coach at Fort Scott High School, have three children, all in the USD 234 system, daughter Raveyn and sons Dierks and Kyron.

“Fort Scott is where my family and I decided to make our home,” he stated. “… We felt Fort Scott provided our family with opportunities and chose the community as the place to establish our future long-term.”

Continue reading Dr. Jason Kegler: New FSCC President →

Bourbon County, Fair, Health Care

Learn About Arthritis and Cancer at FCE Sponsored Event Today at 2 p.m.

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You Are Invited !
The Starlite FCE (Family Consumer Education) Unit
invites you to attend an informal meeting on enjoying life and staying healthy.
Meyers Building
Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, July 19 2:00 pm
Two important areas of health will be addressed.
Arthritis – Learn to establish routine health visits, to assess
symptoms and to defend against this disease.
Cancer – Learn the symptoms and risk factors, how to reduce risk,
and what tests are available for early detection which is the key to
treatment options.
Jackson RN, EMT will be our presenter
Please join us for this informative Health session.
A cold drink and a frozen treat will be available to all participants.
Come in out of the heat to the air conditioned building.

Bourbon County, Fair, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bourbon County Fair Association on July 20

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ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by

Bourbon County

Fair Association

Thursday, July 20th

8am

2102 S. Huntington Blvd

Hubenett Pavilion

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association, Thursday, July 20th at 8 a.m. at the Hubenett Pavilion on Fairgrounds located at 2102 S. Huntington Blvd. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

 

The Bourbon County Fairgrounds is alive year-round with a full schedule of exciting events for all interests! From the signature Bourbon County Fair and Pioneer Harvest Fiesta events to year-round camping in the Fort Scott area to the many other agricultural, college-related, and civic events. They couldn’t do all they do without their wonderful volunteers, donors, merchants, livestock buyers, contestants, 4H and Ag Agents. They also send out a big thank you to the spectators who grace their Fairground events each year and of course the fun-loving people who take advantage of our year-round camping facilities. The full schedule of events may be found on the Fair board website www.bourboncountyfair.com

 

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

 

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
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Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Evergy Will Move Substation Equipment and Poles

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The Fort Scott Substation fire in 2022. Submitted photo.

Following a fire at the Fort Scott Evergy Substation in August 2022 , Evergy is expanding its footprint.

Evergy is an electric utility company that serves eastern Kansas.

The company purchased property near Stanton Street and Old Fort Boulevard in March for the construction of a new substation, according to Kaley Bohlen, Evergy Communications Manager.

Evergy is currently located on Old Fort Blvd. on Skubitz Plaza and will expand their substation to the north and west of the current site.

Stanton Street is behind the current substation to the north and west.

Bohlen said Evergy doesn’t disclose real estate transactions, and are still reviewing options for access to National Avenue.

The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain, according to Bohlen. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.

“The new Infantry Substation will be about 1.75 acres and will replace the former Fort Scott Substation that was damaged by fire last year,” she said. “The new substation will provide additional capacity to enhance electric reliability for the Fort Scott area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid. Automated switching capabilities and grid automation will help improve outage response times.”

“Construction has begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024,” she said. “Once the new substation is operational, we will decommission the current Fort Scott Substation and remove all structures and equipment that are no longer in use. The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.”

 

Government, Kansas

KDADS Reopens Shared Living Program for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

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TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announces the agency has reopened its Shared Living Program, a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) living option for individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

“The process to re-introduce this program to Kansans with IDD has been an important one and we are grateful to and want to acknowledge those who continuously advocated for this program across the state and for those who participated in the creation of the manual,” KDADS Secretary Howard said. “Our team and our partner group has implemented best practices in our state, answered questions, developed tools, and have been vital in this program’s development.”

Shared Living is a nationally recognized model for habilitation or residential services for individuals with IDD. In Shared Living, one to two Participants share a home with a family or single adult’s family (the Contractor). The Contractor lives with the Participant and provides supports to them in accordance with the Participant’s person-centered support plan to include social activities, companionship, teaching, daily living skills, supported employment, night supports and other needs.

“Shared Living provides adults with IDD the opportunity to live in a supportive, family-like environment that promotes independence, social inclusion, and a sense of belonging,” Sunflower Health Plan’s President and CEO, Michael Stephens said. “Sunflower is proud to partner with KDADS and IDD providers to reopen this program.”

Participants in the Shared Living Program have the same rights, responsibilities, and assurances as other Participants receiving HCBS-IDD services in other settings. All services and supports will comply with KDADS licensing, Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO) quality assurance, Managed Care Organization (MCO) reviews, the Person-Centered Support Plan, and other quality assurance reviews.

KDADS has developed the standards for the Shared Living Program in collaboration with a group of licensed residential providers currently providing Shared Living services for Participants on Kansas’ HCBS-IDD Waiver. The Shared Living Manual, effective July 1, 2023, formalizes existing practices and addresses specific issues related to the HCBS-IDD residential requirements and the expansion of the Shared Living Program in Kansas. The Shared Living Manual may be amended based on public comment.

“We are excited to offer this high-quality service option to our Sunflower members and other adults with IDD across Kansas. We appreciate the knowledge and collaboration KDADS and our provider partners offer to inform the future structure of this valuable service model,” Sunflower’s Vice President of Long-term Care and External Relations, Stephanie Rasmussen, said.

KDADS expects the Shared Living Program to:

  • Contribute to the development of individualized, independent daily living routines through encouragement of informed choice, creativity, and enrichment of a Participant’s life.
  • Assist participants in contributing to Kansas as a community.
  • Support quality homes or apartments that are integrated into our communities.
  • Consistently teach new skills with evidenced-based practices.
  • Foster inclusion.
  • Gently and respectfully address inappropriate behavior, with an emphasis on prevention by teaching alternative behaviors through the provision of enriched environments, activities, and choices.
  • Ensure that all behavioral interventions comply with state statutes to ensure the least restrictive environment possible.
  • Increase a Participant’s ability to live in the least restrictive environment.
  • Encourage and support the development of relationships between Participants, participant peers, families, roommates, employees, friends, coworkers, roommates, and other community members.
  • Motivate participants to learn new skills and avoid behaviors that are stigmatizing or harmful.
  • Comply with federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Final Rule and all local, state, federal, and Program requirements.
  • Promote the need for choice, exercising autonomy, and control over one’s own services.
  • Address workforce shortages without compromising quality of services and supports.

The entry timeline for the program is staggered to allow development and implementation to progress efficiently:

  • July 1, 2023 – All Providers currently providing Shared Living Services can continue to do so and expand into other catchment areas. Any Residential Licensed Provider in good standing can begin the process to provide Shared Living Services.
  • January 1, 2024 – New applicants can begin the process to become a Residential Licensed Provider to provide Shared Living Services. New applicants can include any new or existing agency that wishes to be become licensed for Residential Services and offer the Shared Living Program.

Any agency currently providing Shared Living or that would like to become a Shared Living Provider can contact KDADS’ IDD Licensing Manager Aaron Norris.

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Bourbon County Local News