Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

Uniontown Homecoming Candidates Announced

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Pictured are the Uniontown High School 2023 Homecoming Candidates: front row, left to right:  Destiny Lucas, Emiley Greenway, Genesis Walker. Back row, left to right: Kane Shepard, Rylan Lee, Jett Harvey.
The Uniontown Eagles will host Chetopa High School on Friday, January 27 for the Winter Homecoming basketball games. The UHS King and Queen Coronation will take place prior to the boys’ varsity competition.
Submitted by  Rebecca Sutterby
West Bourbon Elementary Secretary
and UHS Student Council Advisor

Obituary

Obituary of Dorothy Taylor

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Dorothy Taylor, 77, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at her home. She was born October 27, 1945, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Charles James Alfred Bloesser and Nellie Ida (Brundige) Bloesser. She married Marvin Lee Taylor, Sr. on November 26, 1966, at the Redfield Methodist Church in Redfield, Kansas. He preceded her in death on August 5, 2022.

 

Dorothy graduated from Nevada High School in 1963, and was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Fort Scott.

 

Dorothy is survived by her children, Marvin Lee Taylor, Jr., of Dallas, Texas, Evan Randall “Randy” Taylor (Kayla Mitchell), of Fort Scott; two sisters, Lorraine Schnarre, of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Carol Arnold, of Nixa, Missouri; and four grandchildren, Dayton Lee Taylor (Lauren), of Manhattan, Kansas, Kyle Mitchell, Courtney Shelton, and Jackson Marlow, all of Fort Scott.

In addition to her husband Marvin, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Alva Bloesser and Henry Bloesser; and two sisters, Leah Stubblefield, and Connie Shoemaker.

 

Rev. Joel Crippen and Rev. James Collins will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the First Southern Baptist Church, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends 6:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening January 24, 2023, at the funeral home.

Funeral Services will be livestreamed on Facebook Live via the Konantz-Cheney Facebook page for anyone unable to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Southern Baptist Church, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda For Fort Scott City Commission on Jan. 24

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JANUARY 24, 2023
6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
J. Jones T. Van Hoecke E. Woellhof K. Harrington M. Wells
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: T. VanHoecke
V. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 10, 2023.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1328-A totaling $1,010,092.41
C. Request to Pay – HDR – $13,328.46
D. Request to Pay – Baker Tilly – $7,898.91 – Fees for December 2022 –
Interim Management Services – City Manager and Lodging Fees.
E. AMS – $516,498.33 – first ½ of sludge removal at Wastewater Plant
F. Marbery Concrete – $33,720.00 – Lake Fort Scott Dam work
G. AG Engineering – $2,000.00 – Lake Fort Scott Dam engineering
H. Tyler Technologies – $53,925.19 – Yearly software service
I. Nuss and Farmer – $8,000 (December and January fees)
J. BBCO Redi – $5,100 (December and January fees)
K. Hawkins Inc. – $11,431.78 Water Treatment chemicals
L. Kansas 911 Council – $36,600 (call handling phone package for dispatch)
M. KMIT – $82,535 (Workman’s Comp Insurance, yearly)
VI. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five
(5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

VII. Old Business:
A. Update on Costs to Move Existing Docks at Lake Fort Scott – Doug
B. Dave’s Demolition retracted bid awarded for 523 S. Heylman (BID #48-
2022). Consideration to go out for bids again.
C. Consideration to go out for demolition bids on 1107 W. 6 th St.
D. Update on Brick Street Policy – Tabled to 1/24/23 meeting, Bob Farmer
to Review.
1. Update by Bob Farmer – requested by Commission
2. Traffic Counts – M. Wells
3. Brick Specifications – J. Dickman
E. Update on Splash Pad location before the Commission votes.
1. Photo of Location – J. Jones
VIII. Appearances: Justin Pergont to address the Commission regarding the Van Fossen Apartment Project.
IX. Public Hearing: None
X. New Business:
A. Consideration of Crosswalk and Signage to be painted on the alley road way exiting onto Wall St. from the Common Ground drive through. – Presented by Thomas Russell and Jennifer LaRoche
B. Consideration to Increase Airport Hangar Rates – Seth Simpson
C. Consideration of AFG Grant – $80,000.00 (95%-5% Split) – Dave Bruner
D. Consideration of Cost for Lake Fort Scott Boat Ramp – $2,740.00 (Not to
Exceed $3,500.00)
E. Consideration to go out for bid for Gunn Park RV Bathroom Renovation
F. Consideration to go out for bid on Fort Scott Pavilion
G. Consideration of advertising for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for US-54 City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP) seeking qualified consulting firms for pre-construction engineering and project management.
H. Consideration of Memorial Hall Steps Restoration Bid – award winner

XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
J. Jones –
T. VanHoecke –
E. Woellhof –
K. Harrington –
M. Wells –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
XIV. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for Jan. 10

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1-10-2023 minutes
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of January 10, 2023 Regular Meeting
1
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of January 10th, 2023 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 10 th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S.
Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, M. Wells, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor K. Harrington.
FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION: M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Hancock, Brad Matkin, Interim City Manager, Travis Shelton, Police Chief, Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, Jason Dickman, City Engineer, Ben Hart, Interim Finance Director, Bob Farmer, City Attorney, Kevin Allen and Michael Clancy.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: J. Jones motioned to approve the January 10th, 2023, amended agenda. J. Hancock asked if J. Jones wanted to remove Item I from the Consent Agenda. J. Jones amended his motion to approve the January 10th, 2023, amended agenda excluding Item I on the Consent Agenda: Resolution No. 2-2023 – Designating the Official Depositories for the Public Funds of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE JANUARY 10TH , 2023, AMENDED AGENDA EXCLUDING ITEM I. RESOLUTION NO. 2-2023 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 20, 2022.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1327-A totaling $519,425.14
C. Request to Pay – BakerTilly – $9,775.78 – Jeff Hancock – Services and
Expenses for November 2022, Expenses for October 2022.
D. Request to Pay – BakerTilly – $5,104.04 –- Interim Financial Management
for November 2022.
E. Request to Pay – EPEC – $459,666.73
1. Cell 1 Aeration Upgrade – $424,088.60 – 65% of Total
2. Baffle Curtain – $35,578.13 – Installation

Continue reading Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for Jan. 10 →

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

January 20th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, something for all ages!

January Special at Hedgehog.INK! Buy 2 Get 1 Free on any action, detective, mystery, Christian, or fiction. See flyer below for more info!

February Special at Hedgehog.INK! Buy 2 Get 1 Free Romance Books!

1/20 ~ Chili/Soup Luncheon in Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church, 3rd & National, fundraiser for their ASP Mission Trip, 11:30am-1pm, they will be serving Chili, Potato Soup, and Chicken Noodle soup with pie/cake for dessert.

1/21 ~ Wreaths Across America Wreath Retirement, 9am, National Cemetery No. 1, all are invited to help pick up the wreaths.

1/21 ~ Customer Appreciation Day @ Domino’s Fort Scott, $3.99 large one-topping pizzas, carryout only, click here for FB event,

10:30am-4pm.

1/21 ~ FSCC Women’s & Men’s Basketball at Home, Women’s 2pm, Men’s 4pm

1/21 ~ Bourbon County Conservation District 77th Annual Meeting & Dinner, 5:30pm, Fort Scott High School Commons Area. Click here for info.

1/21 ~ Jeff Leeson Comedy Tour, Memorial Hall, fundraiser for the Splash Pad, doors open click here for details. Tickets available for purchase on Eventbrite or in person at the Chamber, Bourbon County Cars or

Lyons Realty Group.

1/22 ~ Simmer Pot Class at Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall. This is a building class that is $15/person with everything provided including wine and snacks. Click here for more info.

1/24 ~ FSHS Girls Wrestling Fort Scott Mixer, 4:30pm

1/25 ~ Public Q & A hosted by the Bourbon County Commission at Empress Event Center, 6pm, to discuss the most recent housing study put together by Bourbon County REDI.

1/26 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by The River Room Event Center, 3 W. Oak St.

1/26 ~ FSHS V/JV/G Wrestling Home Dual vs. Frontenac, 6pm

1/27 ~ FSHS Basketball at Home vs. Independence – Homecoming Game, V/JV/F games start at 4:30pm

1/28 ~ Paint & Pizza at Papa Don’s, 11am, $25, click here for info.

1/28 ~ Commercial Real Estate Auction, 10 S. National Ave, live & on-line bidding available, starting at 1pm. Click here for more info.

1/28 ~ Author Talk and Book Signing at Hedgehog.INK!, 1:30-2:30pm see flyer below for more info!

1/28 ~ The Beauty Lounge 1-year Anniversary Event & New Location, 1-5pm, click here for FB event.

1/28 ~ FSCC Women’s & Men’s Basketball at Home, Women’s 2pm, Men’s 4pm

1/28 ~ Grand Opening Gala at The Artificers, Ribbon Cutting 5:30pm, Gala 6-9pm.

1/28 ~ Live music at Pizza Republic by Bourbon County Revival, 8pm, click here.

1/26 ~ FSHS V/JV/G Wrestling Home Dual vs. Burlington, 6pm

2/1 ~ FSCC Women’s & Men’s Basketball at Home, Women’s 5:30pm, Men’s 7:30pm

2/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Communities in Schools @ FSMS, 1105 E 12th St, 8am (enter through south doors & Coffee will be held in the Community Room)

2/2 ~ Community Involvement Fair hosted by Fort Scott Forward, 5-6:30pm, Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby.

2/3 ~ FSHS Basketball at Home vs. Parsons, V/JV/F games start at 4:30pm

2/3 ~ First Saturday Story Time @ Hedgehog.INK! Book Store, 10:30am.

2/4-5 ~ FS Youth Basketball Tourn, 3rd-6th grade boys and girls. Contact 620-423-6656 to sign up.

2/6-7 ~ SEK Day on the Hill-Breakfast with Legislators, click here for more info.

2/3 ~ FSHS Basketball at Home vs. Chanute, V/JV/F games start at 4:30pm

2/8 ~ Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship event, Unique Challenges of a Small Business, 5-7pm, HBCAT office, FREE but click here to RSVP.

2/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall St., 8am

Save the Date!

2/10-11 ~ Love Local Chocolate Crawl, Downtown & Around, Shopping & Tasting Event.

2/11 ~ The Beauty Lounge Paint & Sip Galentine’s Event, 2:30pm, click here for FB event.

2/11 ~ Cupid’s Corner at Buck Run Community Center, pre-school thru 5th grade, $1.00 for each participant. Click here for more info.

2/17-18 ~ Prairie Troubadour Symposium, most events held at The River Room, click here.

2/21 ~ Kiwanis Drive-thru Pancake Feed, tickets are $5, 11am-1:30pm and 4-6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church.

2/25 ~ Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Annual Frostbite Event, ksrockspark.com.

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

January Special at Hedgehog.INK! Book Store, Downtown Fort Scott

Sunshine Boutique Simmer Pot Building Class!

Purchase tickets TODAY for the Jeff Leeson Comedy Tour, click image below for Eventbrite!

Fundraiser for the new Splash Pad in Fort Scott.

Author Talk and Book Signing!

Save the Date for The Artificers Grand Opening

Ribbon Cutting & Gala Event!

The Chamber is now taking registrations for the 2023 class of LEAD Bourbon County! Click here for the registration form.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
…
Business, Fort Scott, Health Care

New Chiropractic Practice Opens on February 1

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Dr. Vyhlidal’s office is located at 304 E. 23rd, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

Dr. Megan Vyhlidal, 26,  is opening a chiropractic office on Feb. 1 at 304 W. 23rd. It will be a satellite practice of Riggs Chiropractic, in Pittsburg.

The pronunciation of her name is Vil-Li-Doll, she said.

She currently works at Pittsburg Riggs Chiropractic.

“We are excited to be in Fort Scott to help promote overall wellness in the community,” Vyhlidal said.

Dr. Megan Vyhlidal. Submitted photo.
Dr. Megan Vyhidal. Submitted photo.

Vyhlidal is a 2014 graduate of Pittsburg High School. She then earned a biology degree from Pittsburg State University in 2018 and graduated with a degree from Cleveland University in Kansas City in April 2022.

“I worked as an assistant at Riggs Chiropractic while going to P.S.U. for two years then in February 2022 I returned back as a intern, then in April 2022 started as a doctor,” she said.

“I was sitting in a class at P.S.U. and an admissions rep from Cleveland University talked to us,” she said. “I started exploring more and fell in love with it, and here we are.”

The hours of operation starting Feb. 1:

7 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday, 7 a.m to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday,  12:30  6 p.m. Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. to noon on Friday.

Contact her at [email protected] or by phone 620.224.2280.

She has hired an assistant, Kalyn Turner.

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Homecoming Candidates Announced

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Pictured are front row are the Little’s: Gracie Bowman and Shaun Ball.
2nd Row: Lillian Collins, Kinsley Davis, Ella McElroy, Kerigan Reynolds  (Not pictured Emily DeGruson)
3rd row: Jeremy Bower, Kaden Conner, MArquinn Johnson, Kristian Paronto, and Caden Young.
Homecoming is next week with Pep Assembly on Friday, January  27. Coronation will be between the Girls and Boys girls game Friday evening, with the Homecoming Winter Formal Dance on Saturday night from 7 to 10 PM in the High School Commons area.
Submitted by Bert Lewis who is the Student Council Sponsor, Senior & Junior Class Sponsor, Key Club Sponsor, Ed Rising Sponsor,  and Scholars’ Bowl Coach at Fort Scott High School
 
Opinion

Sounds Desperate to Me by Patty LaRoche

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Oh my gosh!  I can buy Instagram followers.  I guess that everything really is for sale for a price. But Instagram followers?  Yes. While I was trying to get some navigational directions on how to create a post, that ad actually popped up.  I had been told by my agent that publishers probably wouldn’t give my book their time if I did not have several thousand Instagram followers. His daughter, a writer, had over a million. Getting ten on only merit seemed to be a challenge, but for a few bucks, I could impress the people I needed to impress by purchasing their names.

Then I thought, how sad!  Even people who have nothing meaningful to share can buy bragging rights to a huge number of followers.  Which potentially could get their book published faster.  I considered it for about a one-Mississippi moment.                                                                         But even I wasn’t that desperate.  I mean, as a writer of a Christian book, it probably wouldn’t be too spiritual to cheat to impress someone, right? How could I expect God to bless my writing if I had to resort to deceiving the publishing community by pretending to have thousands of friends who delighted in my postings?

The desire to be a hot shot is a major theme in my book. For much of my life, I tried to measure up to those who were prettier, funnier, brighter, holier. I’m not alone, for as I talk to my friends, most of them (and I do mean “most”) either had tried to become what they thought made them fit in or had just accepted they didn’t measure up.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is a thief of joy.”  If we desire to honor God, we will accept that He created us the way He wanted.  Psalm 139 reminds us that He “knit us together” in our mother’s womb. He stamped a one-of-a-kind DNA marking in our cells.  David seemed to know that, for in his Psalm he continues. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Notice that David does not desire to be taller or a better warrior or a more revered king.  Instead, he writes this: Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.              

I wonder how often we, like David, thank God for how He designed us versus how many times He hears us complain about how we wish we were gifted differently.  Maybe if we had a voice like Celine Dion or a ministry like Francis Chan or a body like just about anybody else who is thinner or taller, we would be satisfied. Instead, we should credit God for creating us with (what we see as) a few imperfections, recognizing that maybe, just maybe, if we had that voice or that ministry or that body, we would become arrogant and prideful and forget about Him.

Certainly worth considering.

As of today, I have 537 Instagram followers.  Not the million I need, but better than the five I once had.  And every day, I remind myself that if I had those impressive numbers, I might think I’m pretty hot stuff.  This way, I know that I’m not.

Bourbon County, Housing

Program Sign-Up to Help Low Income Homes with Energy Costs

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SPECIAL SIGN UP DAY FOR LIEAP JANUARY 25TH

 

 

Persons wishing to sign up for the 2023 LIEAP Program are encouraged to attend a special sign up day Wednesday, January 25th from 11 am to 2 pm, at Bourbon County Senior Citizen’s Center, 26 N. Main, Fort Scott, KS.

 

A representative from Evergy will be available to assist in the sign up process  and determining eligibility.

 

LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one time per year benefit.

 

The one time assistance payment is determined by household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, and source of heat.

 

Individuals must bring:

  • All proof of income for the past 30 days
  • Utility account numbers for Evergy & KS Gas Service
  • Security #’s for everyone in household

 

Persons eligible:

  • An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs.
  • Applicants must show a recent history of payments toward the purchase of the primary heating energy.
  • Must meet income guidelines.

 

Those who cannot attend the special sign up on January 25th can still apply on the DCF website, www.dcf.gov by clicking “Apply for Services” or in person at the DCF Office and be eligible according to the guidelines by 5 pm, March 31st.

 

Government

Caryn Tyson Newsletter Jan. 19

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And they’re off!  The Kansas Legislature 2023 session began 1/9/23 with new House members and new Senators taking an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Constitution.  It is a good reminder for us all.

Committee Work:  Kansas operates on a two-year bill cycle.  Bills that did not become law last year died and so we start over in odd years.  There have been several bill introductions which include those I requested, such as removing state income tax on Social Security and increasing standard deductions based on inflation (much like the federal income tax code).  This session appears to be lining up to help the people of Kansas.

Property Tax Relief:  During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law.  One change is a first step in a property tax freeze for low income seniors and disabled veterans.  There are restrictions on property taxes in the KS Constitution and so the program is a rebate program administered by the KS D:epartment of Revenue (KDOR).

Applications for property tax relief can be found at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf.  To qualify for the ‘freeze’ a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000.  A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled.  Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to KDOR for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze.  Applications must be submitted by April 18, 2023.  The legislature will take another look at the program this year to allow more seniors to qualify.

Another property tax cut was a slight decrease for all homeowners on the K-12 20 mil obligation.  That reduction increases every year based on inflation.  There is no application required for this reduction.

To help small storefront businesses shutdown or negatively impacted by the Governor’s shutdown during COVID, the legislature established a program to provide some property tax relief.  Details of the program can be found at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxnotices/notice22-04.pdf.  Applications can be found by going to the KDOR website www.ksrevenue.gov and scrolling down to the application link Kansas Department of Revenue Home Page www.ksrevenue.gov Official Website of the Kansas Department of Revenue (https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/Misc/PropTaxAssistance/StoreFront).

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council for Jan. 10

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The Regular Council Meeting on January 10, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dixie Riedel and Kay Forsen (Kansas Municipal Gas Agency), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – gave a presentation of the proposed project and fielded questions.  We would have a contract with KMGA to participate in a project with Minnesota Municipal Gas Agency.  MMGA would be the entity to actually prepay.  If we would choose to participate, we would choose the amount (10%-60%) of our proposed daily usage to pledge to this project.  The discount seen in the last six months has been $0.25-$0.40/unit.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend.  He sent a thank you to the Council for their support of the project with a list of donors and costs for the project.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $354,638.51, Receipts $56,191.05, Transfers Out $19,026.68, Expenditures $48,250.91, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,551.97. Bank Statement Balance $355,533.60, including Checking Account Interest of $76.87, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,981.63, Reconciled Balance $343,551.97.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,165.36, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,793.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,442.36, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $429,952.95. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $438.27, and Utility CDs $374.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $812.57.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Security Meter Deposits $0.23, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Security Meter Deposits $0.45, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $3,000.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement $3,000.00 for Total Transfers of $19,026.68.  Net Loss for the month of December $11,086.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,808.47.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $123,315.52 (116.9%), Expenditures $116,473.53 (89.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,274.50 (101.6%), Expenditures $39,133.62 (95.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $133,607.21 (95.7%), Expenditures $172,946.27 (70.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $155,336.20 (109.6%), Expenditures $146,843.96 (88.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (120.9%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%).  The January 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $39,253.89 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of December 13, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  • Resolution 2023-0110-1 – 2023 GAAP Waiver
  • Destruction of records for 2012 and prior

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system will by January 17-18.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported little change on Smith Estate demolition over holidays.  The park looked really good over holidays!

Mayor Jurgensen addressed the ongoing neighbor feud.  Discussion ensued.

 

Clerk Johnson was absent due to family emergency.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Received an invitation to attend Governor’s inauguration.

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Mayor Jurgensen visited with Bourbon County Public Works Director on the rock and he said the county can’t give us the size rock we’re wanting.  Discussion ensued.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 accept the size of rock presented unless they can make bigger

 

Placemaking Project – Mayor Jurgensen has reviewed the catalogs and called companies for pricing.   He’s going to try to get the committee together soon.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Doug Coyan indicated materials would probably be delivered around February 1.  Discussion ensued regarding timeline of project.  He also stated that concrete cost is skyrocketing.  Discussion ensued.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss nonelected employees performances and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:20PM

Open meeting resumed at 8:20PM.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to increase the City Superintendent and City Clerk wage rate $1.00/hour and the Maintenance Helper wage rate $1.50/hour, effective January 1, 2023

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to a

Bourbon County Local News