Government, Kansas

Gov. Kelly Releases Tax Cut Plan

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Releases Tax Cut Plan to Save Kansans More Than $500M Over Next Three Years

~~ Calls on Bipartisan Legislators to Join Her in ‘Axing Your Taxes’ ~~

ROELAND PARK – Governor Laura Kelly today released her three-part ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan to save Kansans more than $500 million over the next three years. The comprehensive plan delivers on major campaign promises, including a push to immediately ‘axe the tax’ on groceries and eliminate the state sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products; create an annual state sales tax holiday for school supplies; and cut taxes on social security for retirees.

“I’m pleased to introduce a plan that axes taxes for Kansas families and retirees in a way that keeps our state’s economy and budget strong,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By cutting taxes on groceries and diapers, school supplies, and social security, this plan will put money back in Kansans’ pockets and create real savings for those who need it most.”

Last spring, Governor Kelly signed the “Axe the Food Tax” bill to gradually eliminate the 6.5% state sales tax on groceries, which is one of the highest in the country, starting January 1, 2023. If passed, the first part of her ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan would supersede the gradual reduction and immediately zero-out the tax – as well as the state sales tax on other essentials like diapers and feminine hygiene products, which were not included in the 2022 bill. View the bill draft here.

The second part of the ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan would create a three-day zero percent sales tax holiday on school supplies, personal computers, instructional materials, and art supplies, every August. The holiday would provide relief to families and teachers gearing up for back to school and keep Kansas retailers competitive to surrounding states. View the bill draft here.

Right now, Kansans earning less than $75,000 annually do not pay state income tax on social security income. But once they earn a dollar more – including through investments and life insurance policies – the entirety of their social security income is subject to state income tax. The third part of Governor Kelly’s ‘Axing Your Taxes’ plan would smooth out that cliff so no Kansan making under $100,000 pays full taxes on social security. View the bill draft here.

These tax cuts are possible through Governor Kelly’s fiscal responsibility and leadership during her first term as governor.

“I am calling on legislators of both parties to support these bills and provide practical financial relief to families and retirees across our great state,” she said.

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Minutes of Dec. 13

Leave a comment

Unapproved minutes

The Regular Council Meeting on December 13, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by President of Council Ervin.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joshua Bales and Jason Thompson-Green Environmental Services, Linda and Danny Nation-4 States Sanitation, Raymond “Skeet” George, Joe George, Mary Pemberton, City Attorney Jacob Manbeck, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Hearing for city trash service – Attorney Manbeck opened the hearing.  There was discussion with the vendor representatives about services they can offer and current private residential rates.  There were no comments from the citizens in attendance.  Over the next three months the City will finalize the planning of the proposed trash service.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George requested a recess for the Council to walk to the restroom to view progress.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to recess for 5 minutes to view the progress

 

Open meeting resumed at 7:26PM.

 

Mr George would like to have guttering put on the building, LACO will donate if there is a sign acknowledging the donation.  A list of entities/individuals that donated time and service to the construction will be given to Clerk Johnson to send thank you notes.  Clerk Johnson will research a sign for the building that acknowledges the building provided by Uniontown Ruritan and those who donated time/service to the project.  Total cost of the facility is upwards of $50,000.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow signs acknowledging those responsible for the construction of the restroom building

 

Councilman Ervin asked to have the custodial job description amended to include the cleaning of the new restroom facilities.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance on non-elected personnel, open meeting to resume at 7:30PM

 

Open meeting resumed at 7:30PM.  Council presented bonuses to staff.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,706.17, Receipts $37,281.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $33,573.47, Checking Account Closing Balance $354,638.51. Bank Statement Balance $356,257.28, including Checking Account Interest of $49.96, Outstanding Deposits $216.27, Outstanding Checks $1,835.04, Reconciled Balance $354,638.51.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,159.60, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,668.01, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,436.60, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $431,902.72. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $361.40, and Utility CDs $362.78 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $724.18.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of November $9,067.66, Year-to-Date Net Income $30,895.01.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $108,458.97 (102.9%), Expenditures $100,869.46 (77.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,090.30 (89.9%), Expenditures $32,458.78 (79.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $113,457.96 (81.3%), Expenditures $144,157.30 (58.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $140,825.06 (109.6%), Expenditures $133,508.49 (80.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (111.8%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%).  The December 2022 estimated payables, including end of year transfers, in the amount of $51,747.08 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of November 7, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported the KDHE inspected the wastewater and water systems.

Black Hills was here last week for leak survey, no leaks found.

He spoke to someone about the tree limbs overhanging on Second Street between Hill and Clay Streets.  They were supposed to trim but haven’t.  He will talk to them again.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is about 80% complete.

There was a complaint about the possibility of someone living in a RV at 401 Sherman.  A letter was sent and owner responded that no one is living in it, he is working on it at night.  He will remove from the property in the near future.  Clerk Johnson also reported on a noise complaint.  She spoke with the person being complained about and has since been informed that the issue has been resolved.

 

Clerk Johnson and Councilman Ervin reported on the KMGA Prepay Gas Supply Project.  After discussion, Council asked to have KMGA representative give a presentation with more details about the project.  Clerk Johnson will contact them to set up a meeting.  The December KMGA member update was discussed.

She reminded Council of upcoming League of Kansas Municipalities events and trainings.

Kansas Municipal Utilities has scheduled a Special Meeting of the KMU Membership to consider amendments to the bylaws to change status from 501(c)4, for profit, to 501(c)3, non-profit.  A voting delegate had not been named since 2014.

 

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

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to designate Larry Jurgensen as KMU alternate delegate

 

This is the last year she and her husband will be decorating the park.  She asked that the holiday decorations not be stored in the shop attic area any longer.  It is too difficult to put them up and take them down from there.  It was agreed they could be stored in the warehouse. It was suggested to put on the October 2023 agenda to solicit volunteers or set a workday to put the decorations out.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – thanked Frankie & Sally Johnson for their years of volunteering to decorate the park for Christmas.

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – absent

 

OLD BUSINESS

Due to Mayor Jurgensen not in attendance,

 

Motion by Hartman, Second be Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to table discussion on the School Pond Project and Placemaking Project until January 2023 meeting.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – three sealed bids for remodel of existing City Hall restrooms into one ADA compliant unisex restroom.  Bid 1 – Terry Nading, $26,130.56; Bid 2 – French’s Plumbing, $26,575.00; Bid 3 – Karlskint & Marsh Const, $27,630.00.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to award to Terry Nading in the amount of $26,130.56

 

Clerk Johnson will call Nading in the morning to inform of the award.  She will mail a formal notice of award and set up contract signing and notice to proceed before the first of the year.

 

NEW BUSINESS

CMB License Renewal for 2023 – Union Station

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to approve 2023 CMB License for Union Station

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(4), in order to discuss confidential financial information and include Sally Johnson, the open meeting to resume at 8:55PM

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:55PM with no action from session.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:57PM

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for Bourbon County Commission Dec. 20 Amended

Leave a comment

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: December 20, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 6:00PM.
BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING BEGINNING AT 6:00PM.
• Flag Salute
• Renewal of Cereal Malt Beverage Permit – Hidden Valley, 93 Hackberry Rd
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda Bourbon County Commission Meets at 6 p.m. on Dec. 20

Leave a comment

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: December 20, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 6:00PM.
BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING BEGINNING AT 6:00PM WITH COMMISSION MEETING TO
FOLLOW
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Ashley Shelton – KAC Renewal
• Ashley Shelton – Renewal of Cereal Malt Beverage Permit – Hidden Valley, 93 Hackberry Rd
• Lora Holdridge – PT Employee to FT Request
• Tiana McElroy – Report from Investigation
• Tiana McElroy – Response Letter
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
o Bank Bids
o Handbook – Section 2
o Broker Selection
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
o Executive Session (3 sessions) KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment


Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Attachments:

DBB Letter

Handbook Section 2

Assured Partners Timeline

Tiana McElroy – Agenda Request Form

Lora Holdridge – Agenda Request Form

Bourbon County, Business

Sixty-four Years as Partners in Life, Business and Ministry

1 Comment
Helen and Chub Bolling. Submitted photo.

Sixty-four years as husband and wife. And 64 years as business and ministry partners, that’s Helen and Raymond (Chub) Bolling’s story.

Last week they celebrated their anniversary.

Chub and Helen met in high school at Bronson, KS and were attracted to each other at age 15 and 17.

Chub said he felt the Lord pointed her out to him.

They married December 14, 1958,and “she’s been taking care of me since,” Chub said.

Chub and Helen Bolling on their wedding day, December 14, 1958. Submitted photo.

They purchased the Bronson Locker in 1966.

“My husband’s father had a slaughter house,” Helen said. “We bought the town’s (meat)locker from Oscar Burris.”

In their business journey they sold the locker and were completely out of the business for 10 years, Helen said, then bought it back.

Helen and Chub Bolling stand in front of some meat in their business, the Bronson Locker. Submitted photo.

For 40 years of marriage they worked at both the locker and as pastors at Fulton United Methodist Church and Elsmore United Methodist, then 26 years at Paint Creek Church of the Brethren, south of Uniontown. Today their grandson, Seth Bolling, pastors that church.

Together they raised three children, Amber Ericson,  Micheal and Mitchel Bolling; and now have six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

What advice does this seasoned couple give couples starting out in marriage?

“I know one thing, you have a lot of ups and downs and you just have to work through them,” Helen said. “Remember your wedding vows and stay with them.”

Couples must be mindful of the words they say to each other, Chub said.

“When tough times come, you’ve got to see them through.” he said. “Plan on that. That’s our marriage.”

They have a little farm with livestock that Chub takes care of everyday, but he and Helen help out at the locker to “keep things moving” in the busy times, he said.

The Bronson Locker. Submitted photo.

The Bronson Locker has several family members working together.

From left: Tom Bradbury, who worked at the locker for over 30 years but is not family, then Chub Bolling, Tyler Ericson (Ethan’s wife), Helen Bolling, then Amber Ericson with Ethan’s two children, Julian and Jamison, Mike Bolling, Ethan Ericson, Garrett and Mandie Ericson.

Their grandson, Garrett Ericson and wife, Mandie, are going to purchase the locker when Helen and Chub decide to fully retire, possibly in a year, Helen said. Garrett and Mandie manage the business now.

The business has expanded from 4 to 14 employees through the years, and many of them are family members.

Beside Garrett and Mandie, Amber and her other son, Ethan, and his wife, Tyler, work there. Micheal Bolling is the butcher. Then there is nephew Jim Kuns and  Randall, Robert and Jessie Kuns and Mandie’s mom, Mary Ridge who all work there.

Son, Mitch and family have businesses in Allen county.

Mitch and Sharon Bolling  own the Bollings Meat Market with co-owner Cara Thomas.
Mitch owns the Moran Locker.
Mitch, Seth and Austin Bolling manage the Moran Locker.

 

In addition, Amber and some of the women of the family opened a furniture/antique store just down the street in downtown Bronson, called THRAMS.

THRAMS Antiques, 504 Clay Street, Bronson. March 2022.

THRAMS Antiques, A Picker Family

“Bourbon County has been very good to us,” Chub said.

 

 

Housing

Homeowners in need of assistance encouraged to apply now 

Leave a comment
Only 25 percent of Kansas Homeowner Assistance Funds remain

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), a federally funded, temporary emergency program to support homeowners experiencing hardship during the COVID pandemic, has dispersed 75 percent of program funds. Since the program launched in April 2022, KHAF has provided $34,946,068 to 3,151 households. With a quarter of funds still available, homeowners in need of assistance are encouraged to apply now while funding remains.

“I was stressed and overwhelmed when I got behind on my mortgage payments,” said one KHAF applicant. “With so much going on in my life, I was hesitant to get started applying. However, I learned that the application process was much easier than I thought. My advice to others is to apply now; don’t wait. If you need help, you can always call a KHAF customer service representative.”

KHAF was established with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help qualifying Kansas homeowners get current on their mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. Eligible homeowners at least 30 days past-due on mortgage and/or property taxes can receive payment assistance for mortgages, utility bills, property taxes, and other charges associated with delinquency.

 

For more information and to apply, visit the Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF) webpage. For questions, contact KHAF customer service at 855-307-5423.

 

###

The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

 

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

611 S Kansas Ave., Suite 300 | Topeka, KS 66603

[email protected]
Facebook  Twitter  YouTube
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation | 611 S. Kansas, Suite 300, Topeka, KS 66603
Bourbon County

Starlite FCE Minutes December 16,2022

Leave a comment

The December meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager building at the Bourbon County Fair ground.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  Vice President Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  Twelve members were in attendance.  They reported that they had volunteered for sixty-eight hours and had recycled twenty pounds.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report and Karen Peery reported that the Bourbon County Council had met and discussed the Fall Meeting for next year, Bourbon County will be hosting it in Bronson.  It was also reported that the Spring Area meeting will be held in Humboldt next year.

 

New Business consisted of Glenda updating the club on the FCE newsletter articles and Wreaths across America.  Claudia Wheeler informed the club that Wreaths across America may offer a two for one offer early in the year and suggested that we approve to take advantage of the offer if they have it again next year.  Claudia Wheeler moved that we preapprove money to purchase two wreaths for the price of one, Betty Johnson seconded the motion, motion approved.  Claudia also passed around the address for Walter Reid Army Medical Center so that we could send Christmas cards to veterans in the hospital.  Glenda Milled asked for volunteers to fill out the program books for the coming year.  Karen Peery, Joyce Allen and Terri Williams volunteered.  It was also discussed where to meet next year.  Presbyterian Village will be available to meet in the community room.  Del Parks moved that we start meeting at the Presbyterian Village next year, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried.  Deb Lust, moved that the meeting be adjourned, Claudia Wheeler seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

Before the meeting the members put together thirty-nine gift bags for the Tri-Valley clients.  The bags contained mugs filled with Chex mix, two pairs of socks and gloves, popcorn and hot chocolate mix packets, and a variety of candy.  The members also enjoyed a delicious carry in dinner before the meeting. During the dinner a collection was taken up to be presented to Preferred Living.

 

After the meeting the club enjoyed a white elephant exchange and a couple of Christmas games prepared by Glenda Miller.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

 

Opinion

Dressed to the Nines by Carolyn Tucker

Leave a comment

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

Dressed to the Nines

 

“She looks like she just stepped out of a bandbox.“ Where I come from, that’s a nice compliment. My Mom’s favorite piece of attire was shoes, and so is mine. She taught me the importance of coordinating the appropriate shoes with the style of clothing. She told me, “Shoes make or break the outfit.” About 30 years ago, when the physicians started dressing casual, I was a bit shocked. Being trained by my mother on how to put an outfit together, it was distressing to see the doctor look like my friendly next-door farmer. Because of the relaxed-clothing style, my confidence in his medical skills plummeted to the cellar! I realized I needed to quickly adapt my opinion regarding a physician’s attire. Now I just look at his shoes and that makes everything alright.

 

God’s Word tells believers how to be properly dressed in order to defeat the devil in the combat zone. “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm“ (Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT).

 

The military issues tactical gear for the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. The Bible teaches us about warfare in the natural world and in the spiritual realm. I’m  always impressed with the description of David’s three elite warriors in the Old Testament: “Josheb-Basshebeth…fought with his spear against eight hundred men and killed them all in one battle. Eleazar…stood his ground and fought the Philistines until his hand was so cramped that he could not let go of his sword. The Lord won a great victory that day. The Philistines had gathered at Lehi, where there was a field of peas. The Israelites fled from the Philistines, but Shammah stood his ground in the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. The Lord won a great victory that day” (2 Samuel 23:8-11 GNT). These mighty men would have been defenseless without their weapons.

 

When we leave the house, we wear the appropriate clothing and footwear for the activity  we will be carrying out. In fact, we wouldn’t leave home without it. As Christians, God has outfitted us with the spiritual equipment of a fully-armed soldier that we’re to put on everyday. “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17 NLT).

 

Christ followers must make the daily decision to live by faith equipped and empowered to stand firm and defeat the enemy. God has properly outfitted His soldiers to fight victoriously. Even though the devil does his dead-level best to dress us down, he’s a defeated foe because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

 

The Key: Be sure to wear all of God’s armor when you fight in the pea patch.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Dec. 20

Leave a comment

Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: December 20, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 6:00PM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Approval of Accounts Payable
• Ashley Shelton – KAC Renewal
• Ashley Shelton – Renewal of Cereal Malt Beverage Permit – Hidden Valley, 93 Hackberry Rd
• Lora Holdridge – PT Employee to FT Request
• Tiana McElroy – Report from Investigation
• Tiana McElroy – Response Letter
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer
o Bank Bids
o Handbook – Section 2
o Broker Selection
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
o Executive Session (3 sessions) KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Fort Scott, Government

Minutes of FS City Commission Special Meeting Dec. 12

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
FORT SCOTT, KANSAS 66701
NOVEMBER 7, 2022, AT 12:00 PM
1
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 12, 2022
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 12th,
2022, at 5:15 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street,
Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners: Josh Jones, Tim VanHoecke, Matthew Wells, Edwin Woellhof
and Kathryn Harrington, Mayor
FLAG SALUTE
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Hancock, Interim City Manager, Brad
Matkin, Assistant City Manager, Rob Harrington, Bourbon County REDI, Emily
Diebolt, Grants Manager of Bourbon County REDI, Tammy Helm, Editor of The
Fort Scott Tribune, Jessica Allison, and Lisa Lewis, City Clerk.
CONSIDERATION:
1. Approval of Grant for Memorial Hall Work
M. Wells stated that he called for a special Commission meeting to approve a
Grant found by Rob Harrington and Emily Diebolt of Bourbon County REDI.
The Grant would include funds for remodeling the Genealogy Department,
removing the mold, repairing the steps at the front of the building, sealing up
the exterior of the building and installing more energy efficient windows.
Rob Harrington addressed the Commission stating that Bourbon County REDI
just recently found this grant through the National Parks Service and spoke of
the need to repair Memorial Hall. He stated that the total to do the basement,
steps, exterior and new windows would be $881,220.00 and the grant is a
50/50 match. $440,610.00 will be requested from the federal government. The
remaining $440,610.00 that the City is responsible for could come from cash
In-Kind Donation (materials or services). The grant allows for up to 25% (federal
portion and cost share) to use for Administrative costs. R. Harrington stated
that Bourbon County REDI would waive that 25% ($220,305.00) which would
be used toward the In-Kind donation which would make the City’s portion
$220,305.00. He stated that the City has already budgeted $125,000.00
bringing the City’s portion down to $95,305.00 to each the total match needed
to repair all the items previously stated. He stated that a 10% contingency was
added to the total in the event of price increases. The grant is awarded in July;
therefore, some items would have to be held off until the award is announced.
He also discussed the option of not including the contingency.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
FORT SCOTT, KANSAS 66701
NOVEMBER 7, 2022, AT 12:00 PM
2
R. Harrington stated that what he is asking the Commission to act upon is to
allow Bourbon County REDI to move forward with the grant application with
the understanding that the City will pay the match not to exceed $700,000.00
R. Harrington said that with this grant, not all money is needed when the
application is submitted, only a plan is needed of how the money will be
obtained.
T. VanHoeck asked if the Commission would be going out for bids for this
project.
R. Harrington stated that following federal procurement regulations were
included in this grant process which requires going out for bids.
Discussion was had about In-Kind Donations and prevailing wage rate.
J. Hancock asked R. Harrington to look check other grants to see if the others
were comparable to the 25% Administrative Fee, which seemed high to him.
R. Harrington stated that he agreed it was high, but the purpose was to be able
to put it toward the match for the City.
R. Harrington said the grant application is due on December 20th, 2022, and
that is why he is asking for the Commission to act tonight.
M. Wells motioned to allow Bourbon County REDI to apply for the National
Parks Grant to make the repairs to Memorial Hall and allow for the
contingencies but not to exceed $700,000.00. J. Jones seconded the motion.
All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ALLOW BOURBON COUNTY REDI TO APPLY FOR THE
NATIONAL PARKS GRANT TO MAKE THE REPAIRS TO MEMORIAL HALL
AND ALLOW FOR THE CONTINGENCIES BUT NOT TO EXCEED
$700,000.00.
ADJOURNMENT:
J. Jones motioned to adjourn the meeting at 5:33 PM. M. Wells seconded. All
voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:33 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Lewis
City Clerk

Bourbon County Local News