Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of March 9

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The Regular City Council Meeting on March 9, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (7:04), Amber Kelly, and Charles Wehry. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Clerk Sally Johnson, Loren Korte, Matt Korte, Katie Towne, Mike Towne, Lynn Oharah, Leah Hall, Derek Hall, Seth Martin, and Bill Griffith.

Mayor Jurgensen moved the Old Business item “Whether to pass on gas daily gas prices in February to customers” to between Consent Agenda and Department Reports to accommodate those in attendance.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Personal Service Insurance, Loren & Matt Korte – Gave a presentation of the proposed renewal of the City’s insurance coverages. There is a nominal increase in overall premium.

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the February Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $448,749.10, Receipts $39,679.74, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $57,121.66, Checking Account Closing Balance $428,281.18. Bank Statement Balance $438,575.77, including Checking Account Interest of $34.16, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $10,294.59, Reconciled Balance $428,281.18. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $26,943.16, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,415.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,238.93, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $495,878.89. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $70.27 and Utility CDs $64.80 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $135.07. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2021, Beginning Balance $225.33, Receipts $0, Expenditures $225.33, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of February $20,467.92, Year-to-Date Net Income $27,182.71. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $16,508.49 (16.5%), Expenditures $16,325.66 (13.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,768.94 (16.6%), Expenditures $3,993.61 (9.2%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $40,828.94 (31.6%), Expenditures $19,879.57 (6.0%); General Fund YTD Revenue $39,038.01 (34.1%), Expenditures $14,918.32 (9.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,734.33 (29.0%), Expenditures $0 (0.0%). The March 2021 estimated payables including estimate gas supply invoice in the amount of $255,046.33 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of February 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting and February 18, 2021 Special Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

Whether to pass on gas daily gas prices in February to customers – The latest estimated invoice amount is $232, 624. The 5-year historical average cost for February is $3,380, leaving an extraordinary amount of $229,244. State legislature passed House Substitute for Senate Bill No. 88 City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program to allow cities to borrow from the State to help pay for the extraordinary costs from the extreme winter weather. Clerk Johnson explained that we would have to use as much of our reserves as possible to qualify for the loan. She has determined reserves available for this bill would be $130,000, leaving $99,244 that would have to be covered by the loan.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to adopt Resolution 2021-0309-1 authorizing the City of Uniontown, Kansas to apply for the City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program for the purpose of obtaining a loan from the State of Kansas to finance extraordinary electric and/or natural gas costs incurred during the extreme winter weather event of February 2021.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 pass Ordinance No. 193 authorizing the execution of a loan agreement between the City of Uniontown, Kansas and the State of Kansas, acting by and through the Kansas State Treasurer for the purpose of obtaining a loan pursuant to the City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program to finance extraordinary electric and /or natural gas costs incurred during the extreme winter weather event of February 2021; establishing a dedicated source of revenue for repayment of such loan; authorizing and approving certain documents in connection therewith; and authorizing certain other actions in connection with the loan agreement.

It was agreed by the council that only the loan with interest should be passed on to the customers. The loan term was agreed to be 60 months. Clerk Johnson had calculated February usage for all customers and estimated monthly payments based on latest estimated figures. She will send a statement to each customer with the full amount due. Payment options will be included. She will also establish an accounts receivable system to track receipts and payments. All payments will be used exclusively for loan repayment.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to send each customer a statement for full amount due. They may pay full amount up front or 60 monthly payments with interest possibly changing every January. Customers will be eligible to pay off at any time without penalty. Statements will be sent at least annually or upon request to City Clerk. City Clerk will establish an accounts receivable system to track receipts and payment. If the customer chooses to close gas account, any balance due will be added to the final bill. If the City is reimbursed from Federal, State, or litigation sources the customers will be reimbursed accordingly.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that the school has a big pile of dirt they will give to the city that could be used to construct a berm on the north end of town to divert water flow into town.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to accept dirt from school

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan addressed a property that needs cleaned up that we are getting nowhere with. The information was submitted to our attorney but a court summons was never issued. It was suggested to send out request for qualifications for an attorney.

He also addressed a reported dog bite. The dog owner was here to explain to Council what they had and are doing to keep their dogs in their control.

Mayor Jurgensen reported that he has been receiving complaints about the camper parked on Second Street near the intersection with Fulton St blocking sightline for the intersection. He also has received complaints about the Bradford pear tree branches impeding two-way traffic on Clay Street and Second Street.

It was also reported that 405 Clay has a big limb hanging down that is blocking sightline.

Clerk Johnson let the Council know that Fort Scott’s citywide yard sales are May 8. Last month it was approved to have either the week before or week after Fort Scott, but it usually rains then.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to hold the Citywide Yard Sales on August 28.

A homeowner has requested his meter deposits be returned to him by check instead of applied to his account. Historically we apply deposits of homeowners back to their account in December after at least a year of on-time payments. His would be applied in December this year. Council directed Clerk Johnson to cut homeowner a check for deposit refund and present amendments to Ordinance No. 159 stating the deposit refund policy.

JBHS LLC notified us this week that the service window has been delivered to his house but not all parts were delivered. He is following up with the company.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Wehry – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Utility Hearings – Mayor Jurgensen wanted to prepare hearing officers that there may be several request hearing this month due to the increased gas usage due to the extreme cold. Hartman and Esslinger are the hearing officers for this month.

NEW BUSINESS

None

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:47PM

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda March 11: Canvassing the March Election

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 11, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

 

10:00 Election Canvass

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas Issues Guidance for Kansans Who Are Vaccinated

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TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance issued Monday for those who have been vaccinated, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is issuing similar guidance in Kansas.

Two weeks after Kansans receive their completed vaccination (two weeks after the second dose for Pfizer and Moderna, two weeks after the single dose for Johnson & Johnson), Kansans may begin to gather in their private homes with other fully vaccinated people, in small groups, without masks or social distancing.

The guidance also allows for vaccinated people to gather in private homes with unvaccinated people so long as the unvaccinated people are from a single household and are at low risk for developing severe disease.

“These changes are an important step in moving forward,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “This will allow grandparents to socialize with families, friends and neighbors to gather.”

While private home guidance has changed for those who are fully vaccinated, public health measures in public still apply to everyone, including those vaccinated.

  • Wear a mask
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • Avoid crowds
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

“Thank you for continuing to keep your fellow Kansans safe,” Dr. Norman said.

Obituary

Obituary of Leverna Garoutte

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Leverna Louise Garoutte

Sept 7, 1946 – Feb. 8, 2021, born in Brooklyn New York she moved at a young age to Wyandanch on Long Island and passed away in her home in Oak Hills, CA.

She is survived by her husband Michael Garoutte and 3 adult children Gregg Higgins and wife Allie Higgins, Gary Higgins and wife Sandy Higgins, Geniece Higgins and spouse Diego Torices, and stepson Jeff Garoutte.

Grand Children: Matthew Higgins, Josh Higgins, Tim (Bethany) Higgins, Isabel Higgins, Claira Higgins, Cade Higgins, Reed Garoutte, Ariel Garoutte, and Great Grandson Milton Garoutte.

 

She was very adventurous. She enjoyed hot air ballooning, traveling to various places including Hawaii, Germany and Austria.  She spent numerous months in her RV in Fort Scott Kansas to be with her family here. She rode dirt bikes, went camping, fishing, bowled in a league, did line dancing and was a proud member of the Spring Valley Lake Red Hat Ladies. Her adventurous spirit rubbed off on those who were lucky enough to know her.

 

She was a gentle lady with strong opinions on most topics and would argue the Yin and Yang of those topics with any and all of us. She loved harder than she fought. She was in constant communication with everyone in her life. Family and friends could never doubt how much she loved them and she lived for that love that was returned.

 

She was a big personality with a big heart who left a lasting impression and she will be sorely missed.
Area News, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Sports

Fort Scott Community College Rodeo March 12-14: YEE HAW!

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The FSCC Rodeo is this weekend. Submitted photo.

The FSCC Spring Rodeo is from March 12-14, at the southern side of the college, located at 2108 S. Horton.

 

There are four hundred contestants from 20 colleges who will participate, said FSCC Assitant Rodeo Coach Caitlyn Wiswell.

 

Caitlyn Wiswell. Photo credit-FSCC.

 

Tickets go on sale on March 10 at 2 p.m. To secure a ticket contact the following number, 913-259-8453. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Schedule of events:

  • Friday, March 12th:
    • 9 am- Slack, $5
    • 7:30 pm- Performance, $10

 

  • Saturday, March 13th:
    • 9 am- Slack, $5
    • 1 pm- Performance, $10
    • 7:30 pm- Performance,$10

 

  • Sunday, March 14th:
    • 1 pm- Short Go, the top ten in each event perform, $10.

 

Limited fan space is available with the FSCC COVID-19 regulations listed below.

Fort Scott Community College will allow spectators to attend athletic events up to 25% fan seating capacity.

 

  • FSCC students must present their student ID in order to attend the games.
  • All fans must wear masks for both indoor and outdoor venues.
  • There shall be no concession allowed.
  • No outside food or drinks allowed.
  • Every effort will be made to ensure a 6-ft area marked off separating the teams and participants from the spectators.
These are among the FSCC Rodeo Sponsors for 2021. Submitted photo.
Government, Kansas

Tax Reform Council: Cautions On Legislation and Recovery Funds

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Governor Laura Kelly’s Council on Tax Reform Discusses Current Legislation & Federal Recovery Funds

TOPEKA – On March 5, Governor Kelly’s Council on Tax Reform discussed the fiscal implications of tax legislation being debated in the Kansas Statehouse and recommended caution regarding how federal COVID-19 recovery funds are earmarked and spent.

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, the last thing Kansas needs is another fiscally irresponsible tax experiment,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration continues to prioritize pragmatic, strategic solutions to reinvest in our state’s foundation and strengthen our economy statewide.”

A Division of Budget presentation showed that Governor Laura Kelly’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget featured a positive ending balance of $600 million. At Senate Minority Leader Sykes’ request, legislative research provided a State General Fund profile that showed what the current “Senate position” would do to the ending balance. This profile includes the significant negative impact of SB 22 as it passed the Senate on February 9th, along with no enactment of Governor Kelly’s recommendations closing sales tax loopholes or Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS) reamortization. Even without the spending that has been added above what was recommended in the Governor’s Budget Report, SB 22 and these other policies would put Kansas in the red ink by more than $100 million by next year. That type of structurally unbalanced budget is similar to what Kansas lawmakers grappled with during the 2012-2017 legislative sessions.

Council Actions and Recommendations

The Council unanimously voted to urge Governor Kelly and the legislature to consider a more prudent long-term fiscal strategy than that which appears to be emerging from the Kansas Senate. A motion was adopted noting that stability and consistency in the budgetary process (as opposed to wild and volatile boom-and-bust cycles) leaves policymakers not having eventually to consider a smorgasbord of unattractive choices that include painful budget cuts, back-filling tax hikes, and additional penny-wise and pound-foolish options that rob from the future.

The Council also adopted several recommendations made by its property tax subcommittee chaired by former Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, including encouraging local units of government to use federal aid under the American Rescue Plan for one-time capital improvements, infrastructure investments, or for debt reduction; supporting the House Taxation Committee version of SB 13 regarding property tax transparency (as opposed to the House Committee of the Whole version, which added K-12 schools to the bill and removed an exemption for relatively small local units); amending SB 23 to provide tax relief for storm-damaged property through a refundable income tax credit as opposed to an expanded abatement authority of county commissions; and opposing SB 72, which makes unnecessary changes to education requirements and qualifications for becoming a county appraiser.

The Council adopted another motion regarding the usage of one-time federal funds from the American Rescue Plan coming directly to the state, specifically suggesting that such monies not be built into agency budgets or provide for permanent ongoing tax cuts, with the exception of a relatively small amount (approximately $46 million) that would be targeted for residential property tax relief by increasing from $20,000 to $40,000 the “homestead” exemption from the mandatory school district general fund levy. The current exemption of $20,000 was set in 1997.

The Governor’s proposal to utilize revenue from a carefully-controlled medical marijuana program to fund the state’s portion of badly needed Medicaid Expansion also was outlined at the meeting. At the direction of Co-Chairs Janis Lee and Steve Morris, the Council will be receiving additional information at its next meeting about the extent to which Medicaid Expansion can prevent additional rural facility closures and reduce long-term social costs – all of which has important implications for the health of the public sector in the future and the resumption of more equitable tax policy. The Council also plans to receive additional information on the American Rescue Plan and potential long-term budget impacts of one-time pandemic era funding and policies.

Area News, Health Care

New Surgeon at Nevada

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NRMC Welcomes General Surgeon

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is proud to welcome John D. Harrington, MD, FACS to its medical staff. Dr. Harrington is a board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Harrington brings more than fifteen years of experience as a general surgeon. He earned his doctoral degree of medicine at Loma Linda University in 2000 and went on to complete his residency in general surgery at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Pheonix, AZ. Since 2018, he provided general surgery at David County Hospital in Bloomfield, IA. Prior to that, he worked for eight years at Gothenburg Health in Gothenburg, NE. In 2019 Dr. Harrington completed a 4 week mini-fellowship in hernia surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

As a general surgeon Dr. Harrington is able to diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of diseases requiring surgical treatment. He provides same-day surgery, endoscopy (upper GI and colonoscopy), and many types of soft tissue and skin surgeries.

“We’ve been leaning really hard on Dr. Dodd for surgery and he has been a gracious team player, putting in lots of hours for many years,” says Steve Branstetter, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “We’re glad to have a second surgeon in place and we believe Dr. Harrington will be an excellent addition to the staff.”

Working alongside Dr. Joseph Dodd, Dr. Harrington’s office will be located in the Professional Practice Clinic on the second floor at the hospital. To schedule a visit with Dr. Harrington, call the NRMC Professional Practice Clinic at (417) 448-2121.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Obituary

Obituary of Dina Wilson

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Dina Wilson, age 74, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at her home following a cancer illness.

She was born February 22, 1947, in Noel, Missouri, the daughter of Everett Hill and LaDora Watson Hill.  She married Robert Wilson on February 6, 1982, at Redfield, Kansas.

Dina never knew a stranger and enjoyed serving the public at the NuGrille, Hills Service Station and Emery’s Truck Plaza.  In earlier years, she enjoyed bowling, crocheting, working on crafts and attending craft shows. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

 

Survivors include her husband, Bob, of the home; two sons, John Gregory and wife, Laura, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and Darin Wilson and wife, Darcy, of Mound City, Kansas and her daughter, Teresa Gregory, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a sister, Joyce Gibson and husband, Ronnie, of Pineville, Missouri and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Sue Blancett and a nephew.

 

There was cremation.  Rev. Steve Cole will conduct a memorial service at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 13th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347 Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Updated Work Session Today

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(Updated) – The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss economic development and potholes on Wall Street. This meeting is open to the public, but no action will be taken.

The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by Old Fort Auto

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Old Fort Auto on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 8am. Chamber members and guests are invited to join us at the Chamber Coffee located at 213 Scott Ave., Downtown Fort Scott.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees can enter into a drawing!

Attendees are strongly encouraged wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

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

Bourbon County Local News