Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of Dec. 14

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These are the draft minutes of the Uniontown City Council

The Regular Council Meeting on December 14, 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, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Kandyce Cox, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

CITIZENS REQUEST

Kandyce Cox requested permission to have a fourth adult dog. After some discussion, the council declined her request. Clerk Johnson will send her a copy of the ordinance limiting the number of adult dogs per household.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger was absent. November written Treasurer report presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $350,214.68, Receipts $29,230.09, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $28,195.21, Checking Account Closing Balance $348,223.56. Bank Statement Balance $349,966.93, including Checking Account Interest of $28.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,743.37, Reconciled Balance $348,223.56. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $27,033.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,493.63, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,317.91, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $416,068.30. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $340.75 and Utility CDs $311.83 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $652.58. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2021, Beginning Balance $195.75, Receipts $0, Expenditures $195.75, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of November $1,991.12, Year-to-Date Net Loss $52,874.91. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $103,267.64 (103.5%), Expenditures $98,167.62 (79.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,763.44 (97.2%), Expenditures $32,681.90 (74.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $134,210.29 (103.9%), Expenditures $248,727.85 (75.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $132,245.25 (115.5%), Expenditures $134,793.23 (82.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $12,368.20 (82.8%). The December 2021 estimated payables, including End of Year transfers, in the amount of $67,987.50 were presented.

Mayor Jurgensen handed out gift cards to employees in attendance and will personally deliver to those not in attendance.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of November 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reminded the Council they approved giving a gift to Matt Wells, Bob Hull, Inc for all the assistance he has volunteered, but they never specified what type of gift or monetary value.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to gift Matt Wells with a $200 Visa gift card

He reported the tractor has an engine noise in the area of the water pump. It also “hesitates” when put in gear after it is first started or restarted. PrairieLand Partners estimated $1,600 for water pump repairs. He also talked to Ol’ Boys Tire and Auto but they decided they didn’t want to work on it. It was suggested to check with FSCC John Deere program and Councilman Stewart offered to contact a mechanic they use.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allocated up to $3,000 for tractor repairs out the city streets and special highway funds

Rich gave the Council a list of trees available from Travis Russell, Traveling Trees. Two Autumn Blaze Maples and two Autumn Fantasy Maples were decided upon with one of each to be planted at the pond and in the park. Clerk Johnson will contact the school district about the location for planting at the pond.

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan gave an update. 205 Washington now has utilities on; 104 Fulton does not have utilities on; a letter was sent to 210 Sherman to remove or replace the awning; 103 Third St wants to replace the sidewalk in front; 201 Fulton, 204 Fulton, 103 Sherman, new owners; 401 Sherman building permit for privacy fence behind house. Storage containers and buildings (306 Washington, 402 Washington, 302 Sherman) were discussed and what requires a building permit and what doesn’t. Clerk Johnson was directed to check with other cities to see what they have regarding storage containers, storage sheds, and fences.

Clerk Johnson has received complaints about traffic on Hill St. One citizen suggested speed bumps or all way stop signs at Fourth and Hill.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to table discussion until January 10, 2021 meeting

She asked the Council if they wanted to participate in the Low Income Water Assistance Program through Kansas Department of Children and Families.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to participate in the Low Income Water Assistance Program through Kansas Department of Children and Families

An update on natural gas winter pricing was given to all.

An email was received today regarding submitting Statement of Substantial Interest annually. She will check to see into statutes and check with the County Clerk.

A discussion was had concerning the January meeting conflicting with the School Board meeting.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to change meeting time for the January 10, 2021 meeting to 5:30PM

Mayor Jurgensen has been researching splashpads and outdoor exercise equipment. Three designs for recirculating splashpads were received from RainDeck and distributed to all. The Council will continue discussion on splashpads and outdoor exercise equipment at the February 8, 2021 meeting. Ruritan did receive $10,000 grant from Bourbon County REDI for the splashpad project. Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Placemaking pathway could be used for the splashpad and there is $10,000-$17,000 allocated for Uniontown.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – Thanked Frankie & Sally Johnson for the lights in the park.

Councilwoman Esslinger – Lights around town look nice, especially Clay and Hill Streets.

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – Wants to review dog ordinances at next meeting. Thank you to BBCO Sheriff deputies monitoring traffic on Fifth St.

Councilman Stewart – Inspected fishing dock walkway, it appears the east railing has only been spot welded. Rich will inspect and contact vendor if needed.

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Pond Improvement Project – The contractor installed the walkway and has been paid in full. Bourbon County Public Works has brought rock for the riprap. Some is north of the pond and the rest is on the railroad right-of-way.

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – Two closed accounts have been finaled, but not paid. If not paid by January 10, they will be submitted to Collection Bureau of Kansas for collection. She was asked if she had received an update on the Attorney General’s investigation of pricing during the February extreme weather event. She has not but will check into.

American Rescue Plan Act update – US Treasury has opened the portal for NEUs report submitting.

NEW BUSINESS

CMB License Renewal – Union Station – application and fees for off-premises consumption received.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to approve the 2022 off premises consumption CMB license renewal for Union Station

Water Rate Increase – notification of a 7.5% increase ($0.55/1000 gallons) was received from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2. Discussion ensued about the possibility of finding an alternate supplier.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 195 – inside city limits a minimum charge of $25.81 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.11 per 1000 gallons after the first 1,000 gallons and outside city limits a minimum charge of $26.99 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.65 per 1,000 gallons after the first 1,000 gallons

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:35PM

Art, Business, Fort Scott

Kids Art Camp Offered Next Week

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Judy Earp. Submitted photo.

Judy Earp lived 40 years in California and moved to Fort Scott in December 2019 because she fell in love with a Victorian home here.

She originally was from Lamar, MO, and looked there and in Nevada for just the right home to accommodate all of her Victorian furniture in her decision to return to the Mid-West.

When Earp found the house at 702 S. National Avenue, she found a space for an art studio.

“My art studio is in the basement,” she said.

During her California years, in her free time (she was a computer programmer and also sold real estate), she took art classes of all sorts, at Monterrey Peninsula Community College.

“The labs and all the equipment were fantastic (for all the art classes she took),” she said.

She started offering painting classes in Fort Scott in 2020 and found that the play area just outside her studio was perfect for the kid’s art classes she wanted to instruct.

The children need breaks sometimes, she said, and the space is perfect for that.

Next week she is offering a Winter Art Party for children ages five and up.

“Our next camp is from December 27 through December 31,” she said. “It has a winter theme. The cost is $125 for the entire week. I also offer two art parties for the kids on No School Days, one for USD 234 and one for St. Mary’s. These take place at my studio at 702 S. National. The cost is $25.”

No School Days are when students are not in class for one day, for teacher in-service, etc.

“My main goal is to share the joy of creating art with people of all ages and that we should all have fun while doing so,” Earp said.

“I offer different art events geared for different age groups,” she said. “During the summer and winter and spring breaks, I offer an art camp that is a week-long and we create five  different paintings, all with a common theme.”

She also provides private art parties.

“Paint and Sip Parties are adult, also private parties,” she said. “I do women’s church groups.”

This past summer Earp offered a beach week, a red, white, and blue week and a farm week.

Judy Earp’s students during beach week in 2021. Submitted photo.

“I offer family-friendly art parties also, with paintings that are suitable for all ages,” she said. “We just had one at Papa Don’s this past Saturday. The cost is also $25.”

Students of the Family Paint and Pizza Art Party on Dec. 18, at Papa Don’s Pizza. Submitted photo.

“I also offer Paint & Sip Parties,” she said. “I will have two in January at Dry Wood Creek Cafe. We will be painting a Highland Cow. Both parties sold out within a few hours.”

Submitted photo.

“All parties include everything you need to complete and take home a painting,” she said.  “I draw the picture on the canvas for you, supply the paint, brushes, easels and aprons. I also guide the artists every step of the way.”

Judy Howser and a friend show their art from a Fall Pathway Art Party in September. Submitted photo.

The best way for people to know immediately when a new class, camp or party is offered is to Like and follow Happy Snappy Art on Facebook, she said.

Fort Scott

Laugh Olympics Registration

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce on behalf of
Chamber members Fort Scott Recreation Commission
and the City of Fort Scott
Fort Scott Recreation Commission presents the “Splash Pad” project
Laugh Olympics… calling teams to register and participate!
Featuring the following categories:
Texas Hold’em * Pool * Trivia
Pickleball * Disc Golf * Corn Hole
Swim Relays/Belly Flop Diving
Volleyball * 2-man Scramble Golf
All proceeds collected will go
towards the Splash Pad project.
See all the details below!
Gather your co-workers, friends, & family & register by January 5th.
Dear Fort Scott Corporations/Businesses/Community Leaders:
The Fort Scott Recreation Commission/City of Fort Scott is hosting the 2022 “Splash Pad” Laugh Olympics and would like to encourage you to participate. The Olympics is set to be held beginning in January and running into September. 9 Events, in 9 months, one Saturday per month. The cost to enter is $100 per team, and each individual will also be asked to donate $5 per event toward the cause. All proceeds collected will go toward the “Splash Pad” project.
Splash Pad Laugh Olympics generates an enjoyable spirit through competition, but most of all promote unity and provides fun & entertainment for everyone while raising money for a wonderful project that will allow another amenity in our great community!
Below are general guidelines, a description of events, and a link for registration forms and participation waiver forms.
General Guidelines
-Team Captian or Coach
It is important for you to have a team captain or coach. The transmission of information between the organizers and your team will be much easier using this format.
-Registration Information
Team Entry Fee – $100 per team Event fees – $5 per person per event
All proceeds will go toward the “Splash Pad” project
Deadline
Participant waivers, as well as team registration forms, are due byJanuary 5th, 2022
Please click here for Team Registration and Waiver Forms
Please call 620-223-0386 or
email [email protected] for additional information
Volunteers
Volunteers are welcome as a part of the Splash Pad Olympics to aid us in the organization and coordination of the event. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer with a particular event, call Buck Run Community Center at 620-223-0386.
Thank you to the Chamber Booster Members below for their premium support of the Chamber & Community!
Government, Kansas

Kansas Tax Rebate Proposed

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Proposal to Provide $250 Tax Rebate to Kansas Resident Taxpayers

~Governor Kelly proposes a one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas resident tax filers who filed a tax return in calendar year 2021~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a new proposal for a one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas residents who filed a tax return in the 2021 calendar year.

“Since 2019, my administration has carefully worked to get Kansas’ budget back on track after years of mismanagement,” Governor Kelly said. “Thanks to our fiscal responsibility and record economic development success, we can return money to taxpayers and give every Kansas resident who filed taxes in 2021 a $250 rebate. These are significant savings for every family to be delivered by summer of 2022.”

Governor Kelly is calling for a one-time rebate in the form of a non-taxable direct payment of $250 for every Kansas resident tax filer. Resident tax filers who filed as married and filing jointly will be eligible for a $500 direct payment. All other filing types will be eligible for a $250 direct payment.

Under the Governor’s plan, Kansas will return approximately $445 million to over 1.2 million Kansas resident taxpayers. Additionally, as a one-time payment, this will have no impact on the state’s ongoing ability to collect revenues that fund critical services. The proposal will be paid for with Kansas’ current budget surplus and is intended to provide relief to tax filers who are Kansas residents.

Fort Scott, Government

Updated Agenda for FS Commission Meeting Dec. 21

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
DECEMBER 21, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
I. Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols T. Van Hoecke J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: Bill Downey, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions: None
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of December 7th, 2021 and special meeting minutes of December 7th, 2021, and December 14th, 2021.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1302-A totaling $417,420.09.
C. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – November legal fees – $3,269.00
D. Request to Pay – Pay Estimate #5 – $18,750.85 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco
Ace Project
E. Change Request #3 – Mayco Ace Project – Decrease of $25,277.00
F. Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion for Mayco Ace Project
G. Approval of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission administrative fee –
$4,000.00
H. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – River Intake Project – $6,238.87
I. Request to Pay – K & G Striping – $6,932.00 – Restriping on Wall Street
$6,000.00 – Restriping Double Yellow on Wall
(Credit) ($6,214.08) – Work not completed on National
J. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc. – $4,000.00 – City Engineer (Nov invoice)
$4,000.00 – City Engineer (Dec invoice)
$ 278.50 – Building Inspection (Nov)
$2,742.75 – Building Inspection (Dec)
$8,640.00 – 17th & Eddy Drainage (Nov)
$5,760.00 – 17th & Eddy Drainage (Dec)
$9,900.00 – Ft Scott WWTP (Nov)
$2,000.00 – Ft Scott WWTP (Dec)
$1,650.00 – Re-Route Old Faithful (Nov)
$1,650.00 – Re-Route Old Faithful (Dec)
K. November financials
L. Approval of Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses and Public Dance (originals on file in the
Clerk’s office)
2022 Package Sales:
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main
Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall
Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main
Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main
Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main
G & W 2, L.L.C., 911 E. 6th Street
Consumption on the Premises:
Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt
Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton
2022 Public Dance License:
Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th
Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National
Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main
Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National
Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott
Memorial Auditorium – 1 E. Third Street
VII. Appearances: Fort Scott High School Speech & Communication students
VIII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
IX. Old Business:
a. Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587
Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure
Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588
Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of
Ordinance No. 3589
Replacing with Clay Brick Pavers, Pavement Replacement, and Trench and
Backfill for Utilities sections
b. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott Improvements – Doug Guns
c. Discussion of the structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Bill Downey
d. Discussion of School Resource Officer
e. Discussion of Landfill
f. Discussion of ARPA funds
g. Selling of Lake Property
III. Public Hearing None
IV. New Business:
a. Ordinance adopting the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and designating a Revitalization Area in the City of Fort Scott, Kansas and approval of
Ordinance No. 3600 and approval of Interlocal Agreement – Rob Harrington
b. Discussion of Tourism – Rob Harrington
c. Consideration of Land Bank Ordinance No. 3599 – Amending Board of
Trustees and appointments – Rob Harrington
d. Land Bank discussion – Rob Harrington
e. Change Order #1 – Union Lofts Alley Project – $25,955.00 – Rogers & Sons
f. Consideration to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – Port-a-Potties – November – $3,210.00
g. Consideration of IT Shared Services with Bourbon County and approval of Memorandum of Understanding -Mark McCoy
h. Discussion of Brick Street and Alley policy – Pete Allen
i. Discussion of demolition of structures – Tim Van Hoecke
j. Discussion of the update to Codes procedures and policies – Bill Downey
k. Discussion of Airport Land Lease
XI. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow the script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
XIII. Adjournment:

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Fink’s Pool Company: All Things Swimming Pool

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Submitted photo. Brady, Emily, and Wesley Fink.
Brady and Emily Fink started a new business, Fink’s Pool Company, last month to provide swimming pool service, cleaning, and maintenance for Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.

The business also provides new construction of swimming pools.

“We realized there is a large demand for this business in our area and even further,” Emily said.
“We are currently the only two (employees) as we don’t have employees yet,” she said. “Brady and I will be tag-teaming most stuff in the field (service and new construction) while I also do most of the communication with customers and anything on the phone or social media.”
“Brady was a helicopter mechanic for four years when he served in the U.S. Navy at North Island Naval Base (California),” Emily said. “He then was a plumber for three years and for the past year he has been working and learning under The Pool Guy out of Nevada (MO).”
He is a 2012 graduate of Fort Scott High School.
Even though winter is not usually the season when people think about their swimming pools, the Fink’s wanted to get the word out for people to start planning.
They will be offering service, repair, and new construction in the southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri areas starting in 2022.
For more information call or text 620.215.0306.
A new pool cover that the  Fink’s placed on a property this fall., which requires drilling concrete and placement. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Local News