This is an updated Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees agenda that includes an additional action item for John Deere laptops.
Eddy Street At Clairmont Closed Sept. 20-27
The City of Fort Scott Water Distribution Department in conjunction with J. Richardson Company will be closing the intersection of Eddy Street at Clairmont. This will begin on Tuesday, September 20th through September 27th. 17th and Eddy will also be closed periodically for daytime closures.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 620-223-0550 and ask for Water Distribution.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 19
Bo Co Dems Serve Breakfast at Farmers Market Sept. 24
The Bourbon County Democrats are serving biscuits and gravy at the Farmers Market this Saturday, September 24th from 8 – noon. Please come for a full helping, a half order, or just a biscuit and home made jelly!
For information, text 620 215 1505
Submitted by
Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
Please like us on Facebook
“Uniontown 4-H Members Win State”
Uniontown 4-H Club
September Report
by Marley Sutton
Weeks of preparation and hard work paid off for several Uniontown 4-H Club members on August 21st in Manhattan, Kansas. The Southwind 4-H Intermediate Meat Evaluation team was named the state winner at the awards ceremony held on the campus of Kansas State University. Although they competed underneath the umbrella of the Southwind 4-H district, all of the team members hailed from the Uniontown 4-H Club!
Leading the way was Hailey Shadden and Kendyl Bloesser as they tied for the High Individual honors at the contest. Shadden was named the High Individual after utilizing tie breakers. Also ranking in the top ten individually were Makinlee Bloesser (5th) and Marley Sutton (7th).
Uniontown 4-H also had several members participate in the Kansas State Fair this past week. Austin Maycumber competed in photography judging and his team ended up ranking 8th in the state. Marley and McKinley Sutton exhibited hogs at the event with their biggest success coming in the market hog show where McKinley’s barrow was named the Reserve Champion Berkshire Market Hog. Seth Shadden received a purple ribbon on his Small Engine Display and Hailey Shadden received a blue on her Forestry Notebook and a red ribbon on her food project. Kendyl and MaKinlee Bloesser both participated in foods and received red ribbons on their entries. Makiah Woods received a purple ribbon on her garment entry.
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Hayward Tucker
Nose to the Grindstone
Most of us have heard the following expressions: “He‘s not afraid of hard work.” “Put some elbow grease on it.” “You‘re burnin‘ daylight.” “If you don‘t work, you don‘t eat.“ “Make hay while the sun shines.” “If you choose a career you love, you’ll never work a
day in your life.“
Work is a big part of life and, if we want to amount to anything, we
have to work in some fashion. It may not be punching a time clock on the production line, or working in the office 9 to 5, driving a big rig, or pushing cattle, but we all have some type of work to accomplish. Honestly, there’s no paycheck for a lot of the work we do — just the satisfaction of a job well done. Anybody can start a chore, but you have to put your nose to the grindstone to finish it with excellence.
In the Bible, we refer to Nehemiah as the weeping prophet, for when he was told that the remnant of Jews were in great trouble and shame, the wall of Jerusalem was broken down and the gates burned, he sat down and wept and mourned for days. He knew his people were defenseless against their enemies with no wall for protection. King Artaxerxes sent Nehemiah to Jerusalem as Governor of Judah and also Chief Construction Officer.
Nehemiah maintained a close relationship with God, and God gave him wisdom on how to accomplish the huge task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.
After Nehemiah inspected the wall, he called the men together and basically told them, “Don’t be afraid, trust God and work like crazy.“ Before the construction began, the scripture tells us, “the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6 ESV). A stouthearted
decision must be made before we start something or there’s a strong possibility we won’t stick with it when the going gets tough.
Nehemiah and the people prayed and partnered with God, therefore, He set a guard as a protection against their enemies day and night. Nehemiah writes, “I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people,
‘Do not be afraid of them [enemies]. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.’ When our enemies heard that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such
a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out“ (Nehemiah 4:13-18,21 ESV). This formidable half-warrior/half-worker team was committed to build with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other.
There are times when a believer’s job is to pray, trust, and wait. But the building of Jerusalem’s wall was not one of those times to kick back and see what God would do.
This was a time for God to see His people use their elbow grease. If they were determined to work, then He would take care of them. This construction was no walk in the park, but it was possible with God’s favor on His valiant crew. He protected them as they labored, and everyone had a part to play in this huge project which was completed in just 52 days.
The Key: Put your nose to the grindstone and God will protect it from getting skinned.
Why is Bourbon County Shrinking?
Since I began writing this column in April of 2021, the most common question I get is, “Why are we shrinking?” Many people are quick the lay the blame on any number of local factors, but in my first column, I cited ten primary reasons from my research over the years, which are listed below:
- Rapid industrialization during and after WWII
Small town America led the nation’s growth until 1941, when we ramped up the war effort. Factories were built in large cities near a concentration of the supply of labor, and urbanism began.
- Change in tax policies to promote manufacturing
With the need to build our war machine came tax incentives from Washington in the form of tax credits and accelerated depreciation to benefit primarily these large city manufacturers; this began the great tax transfer from small town earners to large city companies. Additionally, the Federal Government is the largest employer in Kansas City. How many Federal workers do you know who live in Bourbon County?
- Agricultural efficiencies and the drop of ag employment
Most of us are aware that it takes far fewer agricultural workers to produce a crop and manage a herd. Ag employment per acre has dropped precipitously over the last 75 years.
- Rapid transportation: planes, trains and automobiles
Our mobile society makes it much easier for our young people to seek employment is faraway places, primarily big cities near transportation centers.
- Global competition created the need for economy of scale
Due to technology, the world is much smaller now, making it easier for companies to go nationwide/global. To create efficiencies, industries have consolidated, as evidenced by the over 15,000 banks 40 years ago, condensed to 4,519 at yearend 2020.
- Increase in regulation
New government regulations, such as the Patriot Act, have dramatically increased the cost of doing business, crowding out mom and pop companies in small towns.
- Advent of “Big Box” retailers
Wal-Mart. Need I say more?
- Access to technology/online shopping
The Internet has revolutionized the world, and retail has paid the price. This has disproportionately impacted small town America.
- Loss of desire for community
We are devolving from a relationship culture to an entertainment culture. Give me experiences! There is nothing to do here! We are becoming human doings, instead of human beings.
- Entertainment culture
Who are our highest paid citizens? It is those who entertain us, who seldom live in small towns. In a capitalist society, money flows toward what we value.
There are more, but these are megatrends that have strangled small towns, through no fault of their own. Other than the energy sector areas, the trends are impacting small towns universally and disproportionally.
In many ways, we are a victim circumstances we cannot control. We can put our best foot forward and distinguish ourselves from other small towns around us who suffer the same fate. There is no quit in me in an effort to preserve the lifestyle I grew up with
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 20
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: September 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 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Susan Bancroft – Road Closure
• Bill Martin – Vehicles
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• 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.
FSCC Agenda For Sept. 19
September 19, 2022
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
September 19, 2022. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Regular board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 29, 2022, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 53
A. Approval of Workforce Development Vehicle Purchase, 53
B. Consideration of Heavy Equipment Simulator Bids, 54
REPORTS, 55
A. Administrative Updates, 55
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 69
ADJOURNMENT
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 29,
2022.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Michael Clark, CDL Examiner/Mechanic, effective September 12, 2022
b) Cali Griffin, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective September 13, 2022
c) Tommy Myers, CTEC Director, effective October 4, 2022
2) Separations
a) Kennda Major, HEP Database Manager, effective September 14, 2022
To view the entire packet:
FSCC Minutes of August 19
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of Budget Worksession and Board of Trustees Meeting
August 29, 2022
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and the press
BUDGET WORKSESSION: Julie Eichenberger presented explanation on how the proposed budget was created
and answered questions from the board regarding the proposed budget.
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the budget hearing to order at 5:30 p.m in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting
was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
BUDGET HEARING
A. Comments from the Board – Expressed appreciation for the hard work that went in to putting the
budget together.
B. Comments from the Public – None
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by a 5 – 1 vote to approve the
revenue neutral rate resolution as presented. Holt voted in opposition.
D. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by a 5 – 1 vote to adopt the 2022-
23 year budget as presented. Holt voted in opposition.
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: Ralph Beacham presented an update of FSCC’s strategic plan.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Carolyn Sinn and Luke Demko summarized the process of taking inventory of football memorabilia on campus.
A motion was by made by Elliott, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to revise the list of items by removing the large national championship trophy, provide the new list and a copy of the loan agreement to Legacy Group for them to decide what items from the list they would like on loan.
B. A motion was by made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revisions to the FSCAPE Negotiated Agreement as presented for the 2022-23 academic year.
C. A motion was by made by Holt, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 15- passenger van lease with Merchant’s Fleet for $840 per month per van for a monthly total of $2,520.00
D. A motion was by made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid from Kirkland Welding Supply for $51,156.00.
E. A motion was by made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Ruddick’s
Furniture as the supplier for Bailey Hall furniture needs.6
Sept. 15 Special Meeting of the FS City Commission
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 15, 2022 Special Meeting #15
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 15th, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Brad Matkin, Anne Dare, Rob Harrington, Braley Harrington, Dave Bruner, and representing the press Tammy Helm, Editor, Fort Scott Tribune.
- Accept resignation of City Commissioner – City Clerk read the following letter from Josh Jones: “It has been a privilege to serve Fort Scott for the last two years as Mayor/City Commissioner. I have had the honor to get to know some of the best employees Fort Scott has. I haven’t always made the right decisions, but I truly felt like the decisions I made were for the betterment of Fort Scott. My house outside of the City limits will be complete in 4-5 months, however, I feel like it is best to resign as City Commissioner effective immediately as I feel the direction of the current Commission is moving in a direction that differs from my views. It would be better suited for me to resign early and let a more motivated commissioner come on board. Josh Jones”.
- Van Hoecke said that he would like to say that he appreciates all that Josh has done for the City. He enjoyed the time he worked with him as Commissioner. He said that they not always saw eye to eye on issues, whether one on one or on social media, but his greatest concern was for the citizens of Fort Scott. He thanked him for his commitment to the City and the plans that he has for the future and wishes him the best.
- Wells said that he knows Josh will continue to work for the betterment of the community. He won’t give up and he appreciates that about him. He felt the decisions he made were best on behalf of the citizens. He thanked Josh for all that he did.
- Walker also thanked Josh. He said that he put in a lot of hours doing City business.
Katie said that he would ask questions and help steer them in the right direction. Katie said that he spent a lot of time preparing for the meetings.
- Harrington moved to accept the resignation of Josh Jones as City Commissioner effective immediately. S. Walker seconded. T. Van Hoecke and S. Walker voted yes. M. Wells and K. Harrington voted no. The City Attorney then had to make the deciding vote.
City Attorney said that he has given us a letter stating that he quit. The Ordinance says that you have 10 days to replace him. It’s hard to replace him if you don’t accept his resignation. You need to be able to move forward and make decisions as a board.
Bob Farmer said that for the good of the City he will vote to accept the resignation of Josh Jones. Motion carried 3-2.
APPROVED THE RESIGNATION OF JOSH JONES AS CITY COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
City Clerk said that she drafted a Letter of Interest for them to review. Letters of interest would be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26th, 2022. She asked for approval to post this notice.
- Van Hoecke moved to publish the letter of interest to the press. S. Walker seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and K. Harrington voted aye. M. Wells voted no. Motion carried 3-1.
APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE LETTER OF INTEREST TO THE PRESS.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
- Van Hoecke moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) and for attorney/client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 5:55 p.m. This will include the City Commissioners and City Attorney. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
- Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 5:55 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT:
- Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:55 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, MMC, City Clerk
Sept. 14 Special Meeting of the FS City Commission
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 14, 2022 Special Meeting #14
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 14th, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Brad Matkin, Devin Tally, Susan Bancroft, Michael Hoyt, Dave Bruner, and representing the press Tammy Helm, Editor, Fort Scott Tribune.
PUBLIC HEARING:
- Wells moved to open the Public Hearing at 5:01 p.m. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:01 P.M.
Consideration of adoption of 2023 Budget: Mayor Harrington asked Susan Bancroft if any changes had been made since their last budget work session.
Susan said no changes have been made.
Mayor Harrington asked for any public comments.
Michael Hoyt reminded the Commission of Kansas State Statute 12-825b which states that any city of the first, second, or third class water funds should stay in that fund. He believes it should not be transferred to any other fund. He also asked about the Municipal Court budget. He questioned what charges the Municipal Court is expanding to and why they were not addressed. He questioned why the full time County Attorney is also the City Prosecutor and the fact that she is double dipping. He said there is a $24,000 increase in expenditures.
Susan said that the increase is for court appointed attorneys.
City Clerk informed him that there are offenses where pleas cannot be taken with an attorney or a court appointed attorney. Those charges are assessed back to the defendant.
- Wells questioned the debt service.
Susan explained the debt service to the Commission. She also said that water funds can be transferred, but not sewer funds. There have been no transfers last year, nor will there be this year.
- Van Hoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 5:16 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:16 P.M.
- Walker moved to approve the 2023 Budget. T. Van Hoecke seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye. J. Jones voted no. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED 2023 BUDGET.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
- Harrington moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) until 5:49 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Attorney, and Susan Bancroft, Financial Services Analyst. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
- Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 5:49 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT:
- Wells moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:49 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:49 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, MMC
City Clerk