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Continue reading Freedom Farm: Next Generation of Family Farms
There are many dreams yet to happen.
Continue reading Freedom Farm: Next Generation of Family Farms
April 16, 2021 Friday 8:30 am (Special Meeting)
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special Commission meeting, all three of the Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were present.
Also present were the following, Anne Dare and Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship for possible litigation, the subject to be discussed is BWERKS, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 8:44 am, Clifton seconded and all approved (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). At 8:44 am, Lynne made a motion to return to the Commission room and resume the normal meeting; he said the results of the session were a motion to give Counselor Meeks permission to contact Mr. Reynolds on a BWERKS issue, Clifton seconded and all approved. Lynne made a motion to seek outside counsel to handle any actual or ongoing issues concerning BWERKS, Jim seconded and all approved.
Lynne said that there was a BEDCO meeting last night and BWERKS was on the agenda; he said that BEDCO has been modeled after Thrive Allen County and that the board had voted to incorporate BWERKS into their operation. Lynne said this was proposed by him to transfer BWERKS over to BEDCO. He said that BEDCO will run BWERKS now and after 12/31/2021 they will need to meet again to transfer the BWERKS assets over to BEDCO.
At 8:47, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
April 20, 2021, Approved Date
April 13, 2021 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.
Also present were the following, (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting); Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker, Susan Bancroft, Bill Martin, Ben Cole, Mark McCoy, Anne Dare, Kim Simons and Mary Pemberton.
Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous Commission meeting, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.
Lynne made a motion to approve a culvert permit for Dale Bollinger on Grand Road, Jim seconded and all approved.
Eric Bailey reported they had hauled off scrap metal from the Landfill last week. He said he is getting some interest in the telephone poles there.
Eric said they were doing pothole patching last week on Maple as well as in the Garland area, he said they will be doing this on Maple west of 3 Highway today.
Eric discussed the low water crossing at 60th & Grand; he said they replaced the metal tube, they are putting rebar in and poured the footing and slab there.
After repairs were made, they are crushing at the Beth Quarry again today.
Eric said the bridge west of the 7 & 39 junction is closing this week and KDOT has planned alternate routes; Eric said the County is surveying the roads in case there is excessive traffic on the County roads and damage occurs.
Windmills – Eric said the company is working on 3 & 39 Highway on the South and West side capping the roads, he said they are 20+% complete. Eric said there was a dust issue this morning and said water was being put down on the roads and they were getting the trucks to slow down. He said on 20th North of 39 Highway they are seeing some rutting. The company has been cleaning dirt and mud off of the roads.
Eric said he has located some trucks on Purple Wave to replace the one that was wrecked; the Commissioners questioned the kind, miles, year of the trucks, Eric said he would find out the data.
Jim said the County did a great job working on a ditch he reported; Jim said he has been emailing or texting road issues to Eric and said Eric is doing a good job fixing the problems.
Eric said they have been ditching @ 105th & Quail Road.
Lynne reported water going through the road in an area of Unity ½ mile west of 105th.
Lynne said he would like to set up a group of individuals to work with him and others including Rene’ Ludwick to identify activities for under privileged kids; Clifton thought it was important to involve Tom Robertson from Buck Run in this and Jim suggested involving the school counselors in this. Jim said he had his blessing to pursue this.
Lynne said he would be working with SEK Regional Planning Commission regarding the CDBG grant.
Jim Harris said the Consolidate Rural Water District #2 had contacted him requesting assistance with a grant, Jim made a motion for Lynne to contact BEDCO for help with the application process and said they were in support of the grant application for Rural Water District #2, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Lynne discussed the approximate $90,000 bill for the repairs to the front steps of the Courthouse; Lynne asked if they wanted to pay this out of General or out of the 1 cent jail sales tax, Justin verified that they could use the jail sales tax for this expense. Clifton suggested if they have other money in the General fund to use they should use it instead of using the jail sales tax money. Clifton made a motion to pay the bill out of the General fund, Jim seconded and all approved.
Lynne said he had received phone calls regarding the SEK Multi County Health Department; he said the other 3 counties that are a part of the SEK Multi County Health Department are staying with the SEK Multi County Health Department and said if Bourbon County didn’t stay they wouldn’t be able to do this since rely on the money from Bourbon County’s participation. Jim said he didn’t think Bourbon County wanted to abandon the Health Department, but questioned if anyone had ever done a study to do a stand-alone health department on our own? Clifton suggested this cost would be well over $200,000. Clifton said CHC had been working to try to provide this service to us, Jim said a lot of people use the Multi County Health Department for health services and said he didn’t want to cut any services for the residents. Lynne recommended that Bourbon County continue with SEK Multi County Health Department as it is and said the contract with them comes up in May. Clifton asked if the County was going to allow CHC to do a presentation, Lynne said they can, he suggested that Clifton contact CHC and to schedule them for a presentation on next week’s agenda.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b) (2) for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship regarding possible litigation, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 9:40, Jim seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). At 9:40, Lynne made a motion to come out of executive session and resume the normal meeting, Clifton seconded and all approved. Lynne made a motion that they have a special meeting on Friday, April 16th at 8:30 am regarding BWERKS, Jim seconded and all approved.
Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale, he said they have filed 50 petitions in the last two days. He said they may need to have more than one tax sale this year and said once the petition is filed the owner would have to pay all of the back taxes to redeem their property.
Public Comment: Anne Dare said a patron had contacted her and questioned if the Commissioners had ever considered using online sources for HR issues; she said this would be an unbiased person. Anne gave the Commissioners a report from KOAM regarding American jobs plan, she said they rated each state and Kansas received a grade of “C”. She question who Rene’ Ludwick was; Lynne said she is from here and does social work. Anne said she contacted the SEK Multi County Health Department and asked them for a total number of people who had been vaccinated against COVID in Bourbon County; she said they couldn’t answer this since others are also offering the vaccine in Bourbon County, she said someone should know this number. Clifton said people giving this vaccine would report to KDHE and said KDHE is responsible for giving this number out.
Susan Bancroft said the appraiser had extra money left in the 2020 budget and asked that it be moved to the appraiser capital outlay fund; Jim made a motion to allow the appraiser to work with Susan to move the $20,000 from the 2020 appraiser budget to the capital outlay fund, Clifton seconded and all approved.
Susan said she is getting close to having the County ready for the 2020 audit.
Bill Martin requested a place be put on the agenda to allow elected officials to come before the Commission board. Bill asked if the County could use a teleconference call instead of coming in to see the Commissioners, Lynne said they would have Shane Walker set this option up. Bill discussed the HR position that has been discussed; he said he has heard the comment of paying 60-80,000 for an HR person; he said he would be sending some of his staff to HR training and suggested paying them additional money for the added extra HR jobs. Bill said he has over 100 HR directors – referring to the other Sheriff’s in the State that rely on each other with HR issues. Lynne asked that a place for elected officials to meet with the Commissioners be placed on each agenda prior to the County Counselor Comment. Susan said that CrawKan can provide the County with an option to have conference calls for the Commission meeting and said that KCAMP offers a lot of HR resources. She said it requires extensive training to get certified in HR.
Mary Pemberton said she would like the Commissioners to expand on an issue previously discussed; she said it was stated that the only way to reduce the mill levy is to increase the valuation. She discussed the past increases in the valuation and said at times they have kept the same mill levy, meaning that peoples taxes are increasing, even though the mill levy wasn’t increased. Mary said she would send data to the Commissioners about this. Mary said when the PILOT money was previously discussed it was told it would reduce the mill levy, she said she has heard the Commissioners say (when discussing how to pay for something) they could use the PILOT money. She encouraged the Commissioners to use the PILOT money to help lower taxes.
Bill Martin suggested asking the EMS, Sheriff and Emergency Management what equipment they needed to make their job more efficient and then use the PILOT money for this. Bill said it would cost $50,000 to replace the aging video equipment in his department. Jim said they are getting close to starting the budgeting process and said their goal is to lower the mill levy.
Commissioner Comment: Jim said last week it was requested that he contact KDHE regarding the old landfill site. He said the wells on this land must be tested until 2039. Lynne questioned if the land could be built on, Jim thought it could and said the owner would have to do drilling, Clifton asked who was responsible for the testing, the County or the new owner, Jim said KDHE said if the County sold the land they would transfer the testing to the new owner. Jim said he would contact KDHE for more details.
Jim made a motion to suspend the meeting until 10:30, Clifton seconded and all approved.
The Commissioners attended a KOMA ZOOM video training with the Kansas Attorney General’s office. Phillip Michael presented the following data… “Kansas Open Meetings Act
K.S.A. 75-4317 et seq.
KOMA issues/concerns
Executive sessions
Improper motions for executive sessions
Calling an executive session for one reason/subject, then discussing
different subject matter in session
Inclusion of non-Commission/Council members in executive sessions
Extending an executive session without reconvening the open meeting,
making a motion and voting
Failure to return to open meeting at the stated time/place after
executive session
Revealing information discussed in executive session
Serial communications
Majority of membership of public body gathered together without notice
Failure to provide notice of meetings
History of open meetings
K.S.A. 19-218 – Every board of county commissioners “shall sit
with open doors, and all persons conducting in an orderly
manner may attend their meetings. . . .”
First adopted in 1868; last amended in 1923
KOMA adopted in 1972; provides rules that allow members of
the public to observe the nearly 4,000 units of government in
Kansas making decisions
Policy, construction, purpose
K.S.A. 75-4317(a) – Meetings shall be open to the public
because “a representative government is dependent upon an
informed electorate. . . .”
Law enacted for the “public benefit,” so construed broadly in
favor of the public to give effect to its specific purpose of
openness. State ex rel. Murray v. Palmgren, 231 Kan. 524,
Syl. ¶ 4 (1982)
KOMA interpreted liberally and exceptions applied narrowly to
carry out purpose
Who is subject to KOMA?
All legislative and administrative bodies and agencies of the
state and political and taxing subdivisions thereof, and other
subordinate groups thereof receiving or expending and
supported in whole or in part by public funds
K.S.A. 75-4318(a)
“Subordinate groups” – not defined; if created by a covered
entity or the group has become an extension of a covered
entity, most likely covered
Who is subject to KOMA?
State bodies
State Legislature, its committees and subcommittees unless the rules
state otherwise
State administrative bodies, boards and commissions
State Board of Regents
Supreme Court nominating commission
Local Governments
Cities, counties and townships
School districts
Fire districts
District judicial nominating commission
Who is not subject to KOMA?
Any administrative body when exercising a “quasi-judicial”
function – K.S.A. 75-4318(g)(1)
Hearings conducted under the Kansas Administrative Procedures
Act (KAPA) – K.S.A. 77-523(f); K.S.A. 75-4318(g)
Judiciary
Private organizations
Staff meetings of a covered entity
What is a meeting?
Any gathering or assembly in person, through the use of a
telephone, or any other medium for interactive
communication
By a majority of the membership of a public body or agency
subject to the act
For the purpose of discussing the business or affairs of the
public body or agency
K.S.A. 75-4317a
Gathering or assembly
May conduct meetings by telephone or other medium
(conference call, video, skype, go to meeting, WebEx) if comply
with all KOMA requirements
Informal discussions before, after or during a recess of a public
meeting may be subject to the KOMA
Name of the gathering is irrelevant
Majority of the membership
Next whole number greater than one-half the total number of
members
Can be different than a quorum
Discussion
Binding action or voting not necessary
Meeting includes all gatherings at all stages of the decision
making process
Social gatherings
Retreats and meetings held in private
Educational conference/seminar
Tip – when traveling to such meetings, advise members of
public body to avoid discussing business or affairs
Notice
KOMA does not require notice of meetings to be published in a newspaper or
on a website
Must request notice of meetings
No formalities to requesting notice – can be verbal or written
A request is valid for one fiscal year
Must notify of expiration before terminating notice
Presiding officer has duty to provide notice, but duty may be delegated
Provide date/time/location where public body will meet to person requesting
notice a “reasonable time” before meeting
Group request for notice – provide to designated individual
K.S.A. 75-4318(b)
Example
Six member city council plus mayor
Mayor and four council members attended a Town Hall meeting
Mayor and four council members discussed city business
including concerns over utility increases, a new parking lot and
rumors
No notice to those who requested notice of all city council
meetings
Violation?
Example
Yes, a KOMA violation occurred
Met the definition of a meeting
Failed to provide notice of the date, time and place of the
meeting
Penalty
Obtain at least one hour of KOMA training
Individually pay the cost of obtaining training
Not engage in any further violations
Penalties
Civil penalty up to $500 for each violation paid by each
individual member of the public body who knowingly violates
Require completion of AG approved training
Order to cease and desist from further violation
Comply with the KOMA
Reasonable expenses, investigative costs and attorney fees
“Serial communications”
Interactive communications outside of a noticed meeting may be a meeting
under KOMA if:
Collectively involve a majority of the membership of the public body or
agency
Share a common topic of discussion
Are intended by any or all participants to reach an agreement on a
matter that requires binding action to be taken by the public body or
agency
K.S.A. 75-4318(f)
Emails, calling trees, use of an agent (staff member)
Tip – DO NOT REPLY ALL, DO NOT FORWARD
Meeting conduct
KOMA does not address meeting procedures
Agenda
Not required to create
Any agenda must include topics planned for discussion (if
known) but may be amended during a meeting unless a
statute or rule prohibits an amendment
Must make agenda available to any person requesting the
agenda
Agenda does not have to be mailed out in advance of meeting
– may simply place the agenda in a public place
Meeting conduct
Use of cameras, photographic lights and recording devices
Public may record meeting as long as not disruptive
Use subject to reasonable rules to ensure orderly conduct of
the meeting
No public right to speak, but only to listen and observe
Location of meeting – is it accessible to the public?
No secret ballots
Minutes – only required to record motion to go into executive
session, but bylaws, ordinances, policies, etc., may require
minutes to be kept
K.A.R. 16-20-1
Compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act during an
emergency declaration.
Applies to the use of electronic medium of communication to
conduct an open meeting
When the public body is meeting electronically only
When the public body is meeting in person, but the public is
not allowed to attend the meeting in person
What does a public body need to do to comply with the KOMA
Executive sessions
Permits discussion of certain enumerated matters outside of
public view
An open meeting must be convened first and then recess into
executive session
The KOMA does not allow an executive session to be extended
or ended early
No binding actions may be taken in an executive session, but a
consensus is allowed
If a consensus is achieved, an open and formal vote must be
taken in open session
Example
City Council held a special meeting. During the special meeting,
the council recessed into executive session. While in executive
session, the council reached a consensus to terminate the
employment of a City employee.
While in executive session, the council told the employee they
were terminated and to collect their belongings and leave.
Thereafter, the council resumed its public meeting, but failed to
hold a public vote to terminate the city employee’s
appointment.
Violation?
Example
Yes, a KOMA violation occurred
Yes, the council took binding action during its executive
session
Penalty
Obtain at least one hour of KOMA training
Not engage in any further violations
Executive sessions
Must be a formal motion seconded and carried; Complete
motion recorded in the minutes
Each executive session requires a complete motion recorded in
the minutes
Parts of the motion for executive session:
Statement of the subject(s) to be discussed (without
revealing confidential information)
Justification (from the statute)
Time/place open meeting will resume
K.S.A. 75-4319
Who may attend?
Only members of the public body
Mere observers may not attend
Staff, agents or other non-public body individuals have no right
to attend
Public body may invite individuals who will:
Aid the discussion
Provide information on a permissible topic or participate in
the discussion
Executive sessions
Commonly used justifications:
Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
Consultation with the public body’s attorney
Employer – Employee negotiations
Data relating to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorship (economic
development)
Matters affecting a student, patient or resident of a public institution
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Security measures
K.S.A. 75-4319
Executive sessions
Justification allowed:
Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
To protect the privacy interests of the employee
Does not include independent contractors, appointments to
boards or committees, or public officers
May discuss applicants for employment
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1)
Executive sessions
Justification allowed:
Consultation with the body’s attorney
The attorney must be present
The communication must be privileged
No third parties may be present (breaks privilege)
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2)
Executive sessions
Justification allowed:
Employer-Employee negotiations
For the purpose of formal negotiations – not general
employee meetings or discussions
School boards have special rules
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(3)
Executive sessions
Justification allowed:
Data relating to the financial affairs or trade secrets of
corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorship
Called the economic development exception
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4)
Executive sessions
Justification allowed:
Matters affecting a student, patient or resident of a public
institution.
With this justification, any hearing must be open if
requested by the person involved
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(5)
Executive sessions
Justification allowed:
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real
property
Acquisition only – not sale
Remember – no binding action in executive sessions
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6)
Executive sessions
Justification allowed:
Security Measures
Open discussion would jeopardize security measures that
protect infrastructure and the public; includes intelligence
information, tactical plans, resource deployment and
vulnerability assessments
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(13)
After the training, Justin said he would collect any questions the Commissioners had and send it to the Attorney General’s office for answers.
At 11:24, Jim made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
April 20, 2021, Approved Date
The April meeting of Starlite FCE was held April 15th at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance and Club Collect was led by Joyce Allen. Fourteen members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for twenty-seven hours and had recycled 550 pounds of cardboard.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report and Karen Peery gave the Council report. She reported that there were nine applicants for the FCE scholarship and that it had been awarded to Sadie Marchiano. Upcoming events include Wallet Wisdom April 22nd and Aging with Attitude April 29-30.
Glenda read and presented cards form Tri-Valley thanking us for the Easter Party.
Doris Ericson read a Thank you letter form Clarice Russell and Betty Johnson thanked the club for the Easter Basket they received. Megan Brillhart asked the club for suggestion on how to make the outside commons area at Presbyterian Village prettier. Deb Lust suggested that the Masters Gardner’s might be able to help with the project. Megan also announced that they were letting visitors come between 9-5 and encouraged us to come and visit.
Jackie Warren updated the club about the Open Class for the County Fair.
Glenda Miller updated the members of the benefits available with our FCE insurance, and informed us about the Fraud alerts.
Leanna Taylor moved that the meeting be adjourned, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.
After the meeting Karen Peery presented a lesson called “Button, Button, who’s got the button.” Karen had made several crafts using button and displayed a variety of antique buttons as well as presenting the history of buttons. Karen had each member try to guess the number of buttons in a jar. Believe or not someone guessed it right on the button and won a jar of lotion that Karen had made.
Refreshment of button sugar cookies, a variety of other cookies, mints, nuts and tea were provided by Leanna and Karen
Prepared by
Terri Williams
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed 26 pieces of bipartisan legislation into law.
“Today, I signed 26 bipartisan bills that will help everyone from Kansas veterans, to businesses, to farmers, to our infrastructure and our environment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is the kind of success that can be achieved when we work together – not as Republicans or Democrats – but as Kansans. I want to thank my colleagues in the legislature, on both sides of the aisle, for their efforts.”
HB 2021 authorizes the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA), on and after July 1, 2021, to issue bonds, not to exceed $10.5 million, for the purpose of financing the construction of a state veterans home facility located in northeast Kansas, including, but not limited to, in Douglas, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Shawnee, and Wyandotte counties.
Senate Sub. for HB 2074 enacts the Technology-enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Act (Act), which will be part of and supplemental to Chapter 9 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated (the Kansas Banking Code). On July 1, 2022, the bill requires the State Bank Commissioner issue a charter to The Beneficient Company and establish a fidfin fiduciary institution pilot program with an economic growth zone designated in Harvey County. The bill also establishes an income and privilege tax credit beginning in tax year 2021 for trust banks in an amount equal to such fiduciary financial institution’s qualified charitable distributions during such taxable year if the trust bank maintained such fiduciary financial institution’s principal office in an economic growth zone.
Senate Sub. for HB 2102 updates the Kansas Egg Law regarding repackaged eggs.
HB 2114 creates the Kansas Senior Care Task Force, creates and amends law regarding elder and dependent adult abuse multidisciplinary teams, and amends law regarding abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of adults.
HB 2143 modifies law related to sales tax.
Senate Sub. for HB 2201 modifies certain provisions related to the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (Eisenhower Program).
HB 2203 establishes the Asbestos Remediation Fund (Fund). The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Environment (Secretary) to remit all moneys received from the following sources to the State Treasurer, to be credited to the Fund:
The bill requires moneys in the Fund to be expended only for the purpose of administering the Act, including funding of a technical and environmental compliance assistance program.
HB 2243 makes several changes to law governing the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS or the Retirement System) pertaining to a study performed by the KPERS Board of Trustees, authorization of the allotment for the KPERS Death and Disability Program and a moratorium on payments in FY 2021 by all employers, provisions in the Kansas Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) Act relating to participating members’ election and extension of their DROP periods, and administration of certain KPERS benefits and the application of certain federal Internal Revenue Code provisions on the Retirement System (“guidepost” section).
HB 2244 amends the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act (Act) to transfer registration and regulation of industrial hemp processors from the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) to the State Fire Marshal (Fire Marshal). The bill also amends law regarding the disposal of industrial hemp; the definition of “hemp products”; marketing, selling, or distributing hemp products unlawfully without registration or licensure; and an exception for transportation of industrial hemp between producers and processors.
HB 2254 increases the monetary cap on irrevocable prearranged funeral agreements, contracts, or plans, on and after July 1, 2021, to $10,000, which will increase in an amount equal to the average percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index each year. The bill also amends the documentation a licensed crematory operator or crematory operator in charge is required to receive, prior to the cremation of any dead human body, to only a completed and executed coroner’s permit to cremate, if required under the Uniform Vital Statistics Act (Act).
HB 2390 reviews, amends, and adds exceptions to the Kansas Opens Records Act (KORA) and creates and amends law regarding the filing of fraudulent liens.
HB 2391 amends law related to the Office of the Secretary of State. The bill revises and updates certain provisions pertaining to business and other related filings and repeals obsolete laws.
HB 2405 authorizes the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA) to issue bonds, in one or more series, in an amount not to exceed $500.0 million, plus all amounts required to pay the costs of issuance. Proceeds from those bonds must be applied to the unfunded actuarial pension liability (UAL) of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). The interest rate of those bonds may not exceed 4.3 percent. Bonds may not be issued without approval of the State Finance Council, which may give approval while the Legislature is in session. The bonds issued and interest owed would be an obligation of KDFA and not KPERS. The bonds issued would not be considered a debt or obligation of the State for purposes of the Kansas Constitution. The Department of Administration and the KDFA would be permitted to enter into contracts to implement the payment arrangements after the bonds are issued.
HB 2408 authorizes and directs the Executive Director of the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS), on behalf of the KSHS, to convey by quitclaim deed a 9.86 acre parcel of land in Doniphan County to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.
House Sub. for SB 26 updates statutes related to the regulatory authority of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) with regard to motor carriers.
SB 36 amends procedures related to certain vehicle identification number (VIN) checks and transfer of ownership of certain salvage vehicles; prohibits a motor vehicle from being towed out of Kansas without the consent of the driver or owner of the vehicle; and makes technical changes, including changes to remove outdated language.
SB 38 establishes a pesticide waste disposal program and adds and amends law regarding the roles of the Division of Conservation (Division) within the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the State Conservation Commission (Commission).
SB 67 creates law regarding the right-of-way for funeral processions and for certain vehicles involved in utility repairs.
SB 95 amends a requirement regarding odometer readings upon assignment of a vehicle title and amends the definitions for “all-terrain vehicle” (ATV) and “recreational offhighway vehicle” (ROV).
SB 103 amends the Kansas Power of Attorney Act (Act) to state a power of attorney executed on or after July 1, 2021, is deemed sufficient if in substantial compliance with the form set forth by the Judicial Council, and the bill directs the Judicial Council to develop such form. The bill states the amendments made by the bill shall apply prospectively and shall not affect the validity of a power of attorney executed prior to July 1, 2021.
SB 106 enacts the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) and repeals the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (ULONA), as well as other current laws regarding notaries. Throughout RULONA, some provisions from ULONA and other current law are continued, reorganized, or updated without substantive changes. The bill also updates references to ULONA in other areas of statute. This summary sets forth the RULONA structure and notes provisions containing substantive changes or additions to ULONA and other current law provisions.
SB 107 enacts the Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act [UFIPA] and repeals the Uniform Principal and Income Act (1997) [UPIA]. Throughout the UFIPA, some provisions from UPIA are continued, reorganized, or updated without substantive changes. The bill also amends one statute within the Kansas Uniform Trust Code (UTC). This brief summarizes the UFIPA structure and notes provisions containing substantive changes or additions to UPIA provisions.
SB 122 amends various sections within the Kansas Rules of Evidence (Rules).
SB 142 requires an operator of any watercraft vessel to require every person on such vessel age 12 or younger to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while aboard or being towed by a vessel unless the person is below decks or in an enclosed cabin. The bill requires the Secretary of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to promulgate rules and regulations regarding required personal flotation devices. Currently, regulation of personal flotation devices is set in statute.
SB 143 updates and rearranges definitions regarding grain and grain warehouses, clarifies when applications for licenses should be made, removes a reference regarding an independent public accountant, clarifies the fee for a functional unit license, increases the caps for storage fees, and increases the allowable examination period for grain warehouses.
SB 178 amends provisions in the Kansas Banking Code governing organization and supervision to permit a national bank, federal savings association, or federal savings bank to convert to a state trust company. The bill also permits a trust company to convert its charter to one of the above-named financial institutions.
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan measure to help keep veterans and their families living and working in Kansas.
House Bill 2066, the Occupational License Reciprocity bill, provides License Reciprocity – recognition of a license gained in one state by another, in this case Kansas – to military spouses and all Kansans. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kelly in a public ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
“This bill is a win-win for our veterans and military families and our continued economic recovery following COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By providing Occupational Licensing Reciprocity, this bipartisan legislation will benefit our state’s military community, help our employers who rely on licensing for hiring, and spur economic growth statewide.”
HB 2066 expands the existing law to make it easier for military spouses from other states to use their professional licenses in Kansas by expediting key elements of the licensing process.
Occupational Licensing has grown rapidly in the U.S., with nearly 25% of all Americans relying on a license for employment. As each state has developed its own set of guidelines for each license, transferability of licensing has become expensive and time consuming unless a reciprocity program is in place.
“Our state’s Framework for Growth is clear: Kansas is facing a significant working-age population decline,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Transferable occupational licensing and eased requirements on license reciprocity for military spouses represent a creative approach to making sure our state is able to accommodate as many professionals as possible. Kansas veterans are unmatched in their conviction and professionalism, and we should do everything we can to keep them and their families in our state. Thank you to Representative Croft, our other partners in the Legislature and Governor Kelly for making this happen.”
To read HB 2066, click here.
Ralph Carlson, Coordinator of the Concerts
“The Friday Night Concerts in the Park began after the Heritage Park Pavilion concept came out of the Community Visioning process back in 2007,” said Madison. “That’s when multiple key projects were conceived such as Riverfront Park, the Aquatic Center, Youth Activities Team, and the Good Neighbor Action Team. A large number of community members met several times during that period for ‘Community Conversations’ through a facilitated process with Public Square Communities and one outcome was to have a gathering park in Downtown Fort Scott where live music would be played often along with other events and activities.”
“Cheryl Adamson was on the team,” Carlson said of the original committee for concerts in the park. “Darlene and Jim Shoemaker were involved and it became my job to get the talent and coordinate the show. There were others, including the Manns.”
“Dean and Becky Mann, formerly of Fort Scott, were instrumental in designing and raising the funds needed for the pavilion and park area which included electricity and outlets needed for music equipment, benches, flower beds maintained by the Bourbon County Garden Club, and a beautiful clock donated by Bartelsmeyer Jewelry,” Madison said. “Many community members donated to the cost of the pavilion and those donors are recognized on plaques in the park area at 1st and Main in Downtown Fort Scott.”
“The Concerts have fallen under sponsorship of the Chamber since they began I believe, as the Chamber helps with organizing and promotion, and has helped with some equipment and other expenses needed in the past,” Madison said.
FORT SCOTT EDUCATOR NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL HISTORY DAY® TEACHER OF THE YEAR
WASHINGTON, D.C. and FORT SCOTT, KANSAS–Mrs. Angie Kemmerer, a teacher at Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School in Fort Scott, Kansas, was nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award in the senior division of the National History Day (NHD) National Contest. The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students.
Each of the 58 National History Day affiliates may nominate one high school teacher for this award, and Mrs. Kemmerer is the senior division nominee from Kansas. Every nominee for the $10,000 award is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest. All nominees will receive $500 as a result of their nominations.
“The nominees for the Behring Award have shown a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, National History Day Executive Director. “These educators are leading examples for their peers and invaluable resources for their students. I congratulate Mrs. Kemmerer on her well-deserved nomination.”
The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians, and announced on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony to be held virtually due to COVID-19. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history, and help them make exciting discoveries about the past.
About National History Day® (NHD):
NHD is a non-profit organization based in College Park, Maryland, that seeks to improve the teaching and learning of history. The National History Day Contest was established in 1974 and currently engages more than half a million students every year in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. Students present their research as a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. Projects compete first at the local and affiliate levels, where the top entries are invited to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park. NHD is sponsored in part by, HISTORY®, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Park Service, Southwest Airlines, the Crown Family Foundation, The Better Angels Society, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library and the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation. For more information, visit nhd.org.
About Kansas History Day
Kansas History Day Foundation’s mission is the promotion of interest among elementary and secondary school students in history and historical research by providing the students an opportunity to compete and display publicly the results of their historical research and by rewarding them for their efforts and interests. Kansas students have a long history of success in History Day at all levels, including the national level. KHDF’s aim is to make sure that all Kansas students have the opportunity to continue this successful and winning tradition. Please visit our website for more information, kansashistoryday.org.
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Fort Scott High School To Host Talent Show and Pageant
The annual FSHS Talent Show and Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant is this Saturday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium.
The event features singers, actors, dancers, musicians, and comedy. The first-place winner receives $50, second place earns $40, and third place takes home $30.
This year’s emcees are junior Thespian President Christina King and junior Thespian Secretary Jenna Stockstill. Judges include high school teachers William Hall, Reyna Valenzuela, and Sara Jackman.
The Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant features senior males from various high school sports and activities escorted by a senior female. They model their “sports attire” as they perform a short talent and then model their evening gowns. The contestants compete for the title based on audience response.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited and the $6 tickets must be purchased at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com. Masks are required.
Her duties have included ‘just about everything!” she said. “I always said, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to be an accountant, teacher, or do social work, and being a city clerk you do all that and more.”
“It’s not just sending out utility bills and answering the phone,” Harper said. “There are so many different aspects to the job. You work with the governing body, keep records, ordinances, accounting, utilities, human resources, reporting, court records, take citizen’s complaints -that’s a tough one-and anything else necessary to serve the community. I’ve learned that with the government you never learn everything and what you do, they change it. You have to do the best you can and accept you can’t please everyone.”
“Working in public service is challenging and sometimes you deal with adverse situations,” she said. “I enjoy meeting people and being part of helping the community on a local level, but I’ve also met many great people through the state agencies I’ve worked with and colleagues from other cities throughout the state. We have some great state organizations to help us grow personally and professionally and just be there to help each other out.”
Harper pursued her career because she needed a job, but it became so much more, she said.
“This was close to home while raising our children, but it became so much more,” Harper said. “I grew up here and I care about the community.”
Fort Scott City Clerk Diane Clay sent the news tip of Harper retiring.
” We both attended the Wichita State University City Clerk School and graduated together in 2003,” Clay said. “We have attended numerous city clerk functions and trainings together as well as many court clerk trainings. We have traveled together to many trainings and I enjoy her company.”