The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report Oct. 18
Bo Co Coalitions Minutes of Oct. 6
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2021
The meeting was called to order at noon by Nancy K. Van Etten, member of the Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Board due to Billie Jo Drake’s absence.
Attendees by Zoom were Elizabeth Billings and Rhonda Hoener.
In person attendees: Megan Rogers, Elizabeth Schafer, David Gillen, Christine Abbott, Jody Hoener (presenter), Patty Simpson, Sandy Haggard, and Allen Schellack.
Announcements: Elizabeth Billings works out of Lawrence, KS, and she is the community outreach partner for United Health Care for eastern KS. Her email is [email protected]; phone is 785-840-5996.
Rhonda Hoener is the Community in Schools representative for USD 235 in Uniontown.
Sandy Haggard is with RSVP and has volunteers at the Beacon and Fort Scott Housing Authority. Her email is [email protected]; phone is 620-432-0422. Contact her if you have volunteer opportunities or interest in volunteering in the community.
Allen Schellack represents Salvation Army and recently received a grant to distribute heaters and blankets for those in need. Allen organizes the Bell Ringers for Christmas time at Wal-Mart. He can help with taxi vouchers, obtaining ID cards and birth certificates. His phone number is 620-223-2212.
Patty Simpson is with the Fort Scott Housing Authority, 620-223-4570, located at 315 Scott Avenue in Fort Scott. She states they have a total of 190 units and have open units now for anyone in need.
Megan Rogers, Safe House Crisis Center and Victim Advocate Outreach Services. Phone is 620-231-8692. October is the National Domestic Violence Awareness month. They have a “Deck Your Door” event going on now to raise money and awareness for the center. You can contact her at the above phone number and her email is [email protected].
Elizabeth Schafer is a CASA volunteer and member of Pioneer Kiwanis. She also helps with Feeding Families at the Methodist Church. They served 280 persons last week. Her email is [email protected].
David Gillen is the director of the Beacon in Fort Scott. His phone number is 620-223-6869. Email is [email protected]. The Beacon is open M-T-W-F from 9-1pm and closed on Thursdays. Beacon helps with food distribution two times/month and with utilities and rent as needed. Food Pantry sign up is October 1st though October 29th. Call in advance for appointments and bring your picture ID, full parental custody documents, and proof of income. It is best to call ahead and know what to bring to verify your need for help. Community Christian Church and Beacon are doing “Adopt a Child” this year and gifts will be given on December 17, 9-1pm. The Elks are doing food baskets this year for adults without children. Additional information is on the Beacon’s Facebook page.
Christine Abbott is the Youth Career Advisor for Southeast Kansas Works and is in Fort Scott once a week on Tuesdays. She has an office space at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office located at 104 N. National Street in Fort Scott. Her phone number is 620-223-2160. Email [email protected]. Christine told us there are currently 67,000 jobs available in Kansas. Young Adult Summit 2021 sponsored by Kansas Works is free to attend. It is Thursday, October 14, 9-3pm at PSU. Bill Cordes is the keynote speaker. Contact Jennifer Graber if you have an interested student or young person who would like to attend (ages 16-24). Her contact information is [email protected]; phone number is 620-794-1271.
Nancy shared information from the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department (SEKMCHD). Holly Fritter’s Healthy Start Home Visitor program has a Mommy and Me presentation on October 20th @ 3:30 pm about Baby Basics. It will be at 524 S. Lowman, Fort Scott. SEKMCHD is providing flu vaccine onsite clinics for businesses and flu vaccines by appointment at the health department. They are keeping up to date on COVID-19 boosters and additional doses; go to www.facebook.com/sekmchd or call 620-223-4464 for information and appointments. Free parenting classes, Parenting the Love and Logic Way will be taught by Jan and Dave Elliot. Call the health department to register. The classes start 10/14.
Program: Jody Hoener, President and CEO of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) presented an interesting and thorough program about the HBCAT’s mission, history, past and current projects, grants awarded, future goals, and the health needs assessment survey. Jody’s email is [email protected] and phone number is 620-215-5725. The web page for HBCAT is https://the-healthy-bourbon-county-action-team.business.site/
HBCAT started in 2016 as a joint effort between Mercy Hospital and the City of Fort Scott with a Pathways to Healthy Kansas grant by BCBS of KS. It was a 4-year grant with a 1 year bonus extension. A BCBS KS Pathways Phase 2 grant for $400,000 was received this year. HCBAT mission is to increase access to physical activities, healthy food, promote commercial tobacco cessation and encourage economic growth in Bourbon County.
Currently, KU is helping HBCAT with their partners CHC/SEK and Ascension Via Christi, to assess and evaluate the health and wellness opportunities for Bourbon County through a survey with the deadline of survey being October 31, 2021. Use this web link to complete the survey: https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=FKEN3PP9AT The survey is very important to meeting the needs of our county and will help HBCAT and other organizations to apply for grants.
Current projects include tobacco free program with USD 234 high school to address vaping and tobacco use and developing an evidenced based and/or promising practice strategy together, implementing smoke free housing policy in Uniontown multi-unit housing to accomplish a smoke free healthy environment, working with City of Fort Scott and Land Bank to address neighborhood disparities, and building relationships with communities throughout the county to address social determinants of health and economic growth.
HCBAT received a $560,140 Patterson Family Foundation Grant and money from this grant will be used to employ a program coordinator (Rachel Carpenter), help to build wealth and employment opportunities for all community members, develop creative placemaking projects on the eastside and downtown areas of Fort Scott and Uniontown, provide grants to low income/minority/or woman owned startup businesses, food based businesses, and grants for farmers and ranchers to increase food production throughout the year.
The focus of the BSBS KS Pathways Action Plan for 2022 are directed towards food related projects with school districts, K-State Extension, grocery stores, food pantries and community centers. In year three, the focus will be on storytelling and higher education projects with FSCC.
HBCAT publishes a newsletter every month. Send Jody a request If you would like to receive the newsletter. Her email is [email protected]. If you need help with grant writing, Jody and her team are wiling to help you. HBCAT program, “The Center for Economic Growth” is partially funded through USDA Rural Development The partners are PSU Small Business Development Center, KANSASWORKS, FSCC, and The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. They provide quarterly education workshops for women entrepreneurs. The yearlong series is called, “Dare to Dream.” Thirty five women attended the first meeting and the second she is expecting sixty-two women to attend.
Finally, Jody shared one of the best ways to keep up to date on the work of the HBCAT is by Facebook. This site is kept up to date and easy to access: https://www.facebook.com/HealthyBBCo.
Open Forum: The group discussed the benefits and drawbacks of changing the general membership meeting time. The consensus is to change our meeting time to 1:00 pm beginning in January. Also, the group discussed finding a location to meet with reliable internet connection where we can continue to have face-to-face and Zoom meetings. Jody offered the use of HBCAT headquarters stating there is room for a group, access to good internet, and hardware available to handle Zoom meetings. Group consensus is to try the HCBAT location offered by Jody for next month’s meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm. The next General Membership meeting will be November 3, 2021, at 12 Noon, HBCAT headquarters located at 104 N. National. This is at the north end of Luther’s BBQ building. There is parking on the street and across the street near the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Minutes submitted by
Nancy K. Van Etten, Board member
Some Legislators Asking Governor to Lower Number of Mandates
GROUP OF SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES PETITION GOVERNOR IN CALLING FOR A SPECIAL SESSION TO SAVE KANSANS FROM MANDATES
On Oct.15, 2021, 19 Legislators from across the state of Kansas petitioned Governor Kelly, according to Kansas statute, in calling for a special session to help save Kansans from unnecessary mandates.
“Kansans are hurting and it’s time the legislature steps in to pass a bill to protect the people from vaccine mandates, mask mandates and other egregious overreach from government, businesses, organizations & schools” says Ellinwood Senator Alicia Straub, the bearer of the petitions to the governor’s office today.
Kansans are losing their jobs at an alarming rate having to choose between moral principle or unjust overreach from private companies as well as government agencies alike.
Although Biden has not formally come out with an executive order requiring such, companies are already intruding on Kansans personal liberties.
“It’s a sad day when our own Republican leadership sends out emails discouraging Republican lawmakers from signing on to a constitutional petition that would help save the people’s jobs. Our intent in bringing this petition is to unite and stand with the people of our state according to the oath that we took to protect and defend. My loyalty isn’t with any party, it’s with Liberty to do my job as the Representative from District 4,” Representative Trevor Jacobs, Fort Scott, said.
The petition calls for an October 18th, 2021 start date. Although the petition falls short of the 2/3 required for the Governor to call a special session, the group hopes that Kelly will also realize her duty to defend and protect regardless of political lines and choose to move forward on her own accord with a special session.
The first special session was called in 1874 due to a grasshopper plague and has occurred 23 times since. The organizers of this petition believe that according to the historical account of the seriousness of previous special sessions, this is also one of those precarious times in history.
Special sessions can only occur one of 2 ways. If the Governor calls for it or if 2/3 of the Legislature petition the Governor to call for it. Today, marks the first time in history that members of the Legislature have petitioned the Governor to step in.
While the organizers of this petition are disappointed that more Legislators didn’t sign the petition, they are hopeful that this line in the sand sparks citizens from across Kansas to pay attention. “We need to do our jobs. It’s as simple as that. The federal government is out of control. It’s time that we have courage and remind them that we give the Feds their power, not the other way around,” Representative Tatum Lee, Ness City said.
A bill that Dr. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Senator has crafted is ready to be heard should this special session convene. The Patriots Freedom Bill would protect Kansans personal health freedoms.
The only physician in the group, Steffen, added in, “While I am a big proponent of smaller government, when a government or business steals a person’s individual rights by forcing them into a medical procedure that is experimental and unproven, I’m going to stand up and say NO.”
The signers of the petition include the following:
Senators
District 1: Dennis Pyle
District 10: Mike Thompson
District 12: Caryn Tyson
District 13: Richard Hildebrand
District 15: Virgil Peck
District 24: J.R. Claeys
District 33: Alicia Straub
District 34: Mark Steffen
House of Representatives
District 1: Michael Houser
District 4: Trevor Jacobs
District 38: Timothy Johnson
District 41: Pat Proctor
District 62: Randy Garber
District 73: Les Mason
District 80: Bill Rhiley
DIstrict 82: Jesse Burris
District 113: Brett Fairchild
District 114: Michael Murphy
District 117: Tatum Lee
Biscuits Without Any Gravy
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
I’ve eaten biscuits with chicken gravy, sausage gravy, quail gravy, bacon gravy, squirrel gravy, and chocolate gravy. My Mom was one of the best gravy makers in Cedar County. Gravy is basically a food group all by itself. Do you know some people won’t even eat certain food without gravy on it? As a new bride, one of the first things I learned was that my husband wouldn’t eat mashed potatoes without gravy. It’s like there was a hidden gravy clause in our marriage vows. I hadn’t the foggiest idea how important gravy was to him when we got married! So, in order to save our marriage, I quickly learned from Betty Crocker how to make gravy.
“Ain’t Gonna Give Up on God” was written by Chaz Bosarge and Phil Johnson; pianist/vocalist Gordon Mote recorded it. From start to finish, this song really butters my biscuit. Here we go: “Been busted and bruised, battered and torn. Walked through the desert weary and worn. I’ve had me some biscuits without any gravy. But in every situation the hand of God fed me. So I ain’t gonna give up, ain’t gonna give up on God.”
I’m gonna stick with God and live for Him all the days of my life. The Lord says, “Don’t be afraid…I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up — the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:1-3 TLB). God will not forget to help you. He’ll give you hidden treasures in the darkest night. And even when you don’t see it, God is working above the storm clouds.
We tend to be in a hurry when we ask for God’s help. But He doesn’t work on the same timetable as we do. The Bible says a thousand years and a day are the same in heaven. I can’t wrap my head around that, so I just accept it as truth and keep stirring the gravy. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8,9 NLT). It’s comforting to know God’s thoughts and ways aren’t like mine. It would be hard to place my faith, hope, and trust in someone as goofy as me.
Our trust and confidence in God builds up over time and experience. Believers are to hang in there and not give up or get tired of waiting on God to act. He is our only true and trusted source. “…For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help. …He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries” (Isaiah 30:18,19 NLT). So we’re blessed when we wait in faith — I like that!
Looks to me like it’s a win-win whether we’re waiting or receiving our full-blown request. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV). Don’t believe a word the devil whispers when he says you’ll never have gravy on your biscuits again.
The Key: When you’re lookin’ up just to see bottom, God’ll pour gravy on your biscuits.
The Hidden Enemy of Rural America by Gregg Motley
The growth of government regulations has proceeded at a vigorous pace over the last several decades, and is accelerating.
From 1970 to 2017, the number of words in the Code of Federal Regulations nearly tripled from 35 million to over 103 million, according to a 2019 article published on Forbes.com, authored by Adam A. Millsap.
His study showed that a 10% increase in regulation increases consumer prices by 1%.
This excess hurts all of us, but the burden falls disproportionately on the poor and rural Americans.
Estimates are that the national poverty rate is 2.5% higher because of government regulations.
For example, a 2013 article on Meatonomics.com, written by David Simon, noted that a Big Mac cost a consumer $4.56 that year.
The price includes the costs that McDonald’s incurs to comply with laws enforced by the EPA, OSHA, EEOC, USDA, IRS, and FDA, just to name a few.
The author points out that the price tag to produce the sandwich costs the consumer even more in the form of additional taxes required to pay for government expenses such as animal cruelty enforcement, environmental clean-up of farms, meat and dairy subsidies, and health care costs borne by the government due to unhealthy eating.
The final tab for you and me? $12.00 per Big Mac, including the cost of the sandwich and the taxes you have paid for the privilege.
Another example, my bank employer is a Kansas public company with over $1 billion in assets managed. We are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act passed in 2002 in response to the Enron scandal which requires the generation of a substantial number of internal reports. The law is extremely complex and the penalties for non-compliance are substantial; so much so, we are required to undergo an independent audit just to make sure we are in compliance with this one law. The internal cost to comply is hard to discern, but we do know that we spend $220,000 annually on the external audit alone.
The result of this additional cost of regulation requires a business to grow revenue or watch profits go away. In banking, the number of charters has gone down 73% since 1970, and the shrinkage has occurred disproportionately in rural counties. Why is Western Insurance gone? The primary culprit is the cost of increased regulation that required consolidation in the industry.
Some amount of regulation is necessary for public safety, but we have created a huge bureaucracy whose incentive is to advocate for more laws to enforce in order to perpetuate their own existence.
Politicians love the chance to make their mark on what they perceive as the public good.
Case in point is the proposed law to require banks to provide confidential financial information to the IRS on their customers on a regular basis. Can we trust the government to do the right thing with this information and protect its confidentiality?
For the sake of the poor and rural America, we have to hold our politicians accountable to defeating this hidden enemy of rural America by decreasing regulations.
Fall Is Perfect Time to Improve Garden Soil
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
Nothing is more important to success in the garden good soil. Time spent fertilizing, watering and tending to plants is necessary, but this time is almost a waste if the soil you’re working with is not in good condition. Fall is an excellent time to step back and analyze how well your garden performed during the summer, and to make improvements to the soil.
Soil is formed when rock is broken down by climate and vegetation over a period of time. Soil is nothing more than weathered rock fragments and decaying remains of plants and animals.
Most soils have three distinct layers – surface, subsoil and bottom. The surface layer is a coarse layer containing more organic matter than the other soil layers and the layer that people pay the greatest attention to. This layer is the most fertile and has the greatest concentration of plant roots. Plants obtain much of their nutrients and water from the surface soil.
The subsoil layer is finer and firmer than the surface soil and serves as support for the surface layer. The subsoil layer is a storage space for water and nutrients for plants, a temperature regulator of the soil and supplies air for the roots of plants. The bottom layer is decomposed rock. It is not hard like rock, but may show the form or structure of the original rocks.
Soil texture refers to the proportional amount of sand, silt and clay in a soil. Texture and soil structure affect the moisture holding capacity of soil, permeability, capacity to hold and furnish nutrients, tillage operations and erosion.
Our soils in the southeastern part of Kansas have a high clay content to it. The clay in the soil is what makes the soil stick to your shoes when the soil is wet. Many refer to our soil as “gumbo.”
One way to address a heavy clay soil and to improve the soil texture is to add organic matter. Organic matter includes such items as manure, leaves, and grass clippings that have been composted. Earthworms, insects, bacteria and fungi use the organic matter as food, breaking it down into humus. Through this process, materials are made available for use by growing plants. In a heavy clay soil, the organic matter allows water to move more freely and loosens the tight clay, which makes the soil easier to work.
Organic material can be direct applied to gardens and flowerbeds this time of year and allowed to compost directly in the soil. Add two to four inches of organic material and till into the soil. If the soil is dry, apply water to begin the decomposition process. After about two weeks you can repeat the process with another application of organic material. The organic material will decompose over the winter and soil will be ready for spring planting.
Sand is sometimes suggested as an amendment material for clay soils. However, there is a good reason to be cautious about using sand. For sand to be effective at breaking up a clay soil, sand grains must touch one another so there is pore space between grains that can hold air and water. If the grains don’t touch, the clay fills in the void between sand particles leaving no room for pores. This is the same principle used to make concrete and the result is somewhat the same. In other words – do not use sand!
Before doing any amendments to the soil, I recommend doing a soil test. Soil testing can be done through the Extension office for $13. For more information on how to take a soil sample, please give me a call.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
No Meeting On Oct. 19 for Bourbon County Commission
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: October 19, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
THERE WILL BE NO COMMISSION MEETING AS COMMISSIONERS WILL BE ATTENDING
KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES CONFERENCE
FSCC Trustee Minutes of Sept. 20
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
September 20, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart (via Zoom), Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
KACCT Update: Kirk Hart gave a summary from the recent KACCT Quarterly Meeting that took place on August 27 and
28.
BUDGET HEARING:
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD: None
APPROVAL OF RNR: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
budgeted mill levy of 29.299 for Budget 2022, which slightly exceeds the revenue neutral rate of 28.055.
APPROVAL OF THE BUDGET: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the 2022-23 budget as presented.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KJUMP
Symmetry Settlement Agreement for a reimbursement of $16,348.70.
B. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KJUMP contract with WoodRiver Energy for natural gas transport.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the quotes from Ash Hollow Fabrication & Fence for the revision to the alleyway and chute on the south end of Arnold Arena for$13,913.00
D. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to continue following the
COVID protocol that has been in place since August 11, 2021.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus, Gordon Parks Museum, Public Relations, Student Services, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
Board member Jim Fewins commended the facilities crew who have worked on Garrison Apartments saying they have done a tremendous job!
Board member Robert Nelson reminded attendees of the upcoming Gordon Parks Celebration in October. He said the committee has worked very hard preparing the celebration. “They’re doing a great job!”
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:59
p.m. by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
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Agenda for FSCC Trustees Meeting Oct. 18
October 18, 2021
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, October 18, 2021. 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 5:00 followed by regular board meeting 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. Perkins Recognition, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on September 20, 2021, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 60
A. Consideration of Baseball and Softball Turf Financing Bids, 60
B. Consideration of Weight Room Equipment Bids, 67
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 74
REPORTS, 78
A. Administrative Updates, 78
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 88
ADJOURNMENT, 89
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• October 18, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 15, 2021: Board Meeting
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
1
• December 13, 2021: Board Meeting
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 7, 2022: In-Service
• January 12, 2022: Spring Semester Begins
• January 17, 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 24, 2022: Board Meeting
• February 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 14 – 18, 2022: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 25, 2022: Aggie Day
• April 15, 2022: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 18, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 10 – 13, 2022: Finals
• May 14, 2022: Graduation
• May 16, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 30, 2022: Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 20, 2022: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. PERKINS RECOGNITION
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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
September 20, 2021.
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) Conor Chadwell, Head Athletic Trainer, effective September 23, 2021
b) Tonya Umphenour, Cosmetology Instructor, effective October 4, 2021
c) Veronica Snow, CAMP Academic Student Support Coordinator, effective October 18, 2021
d) Deborah Stedman, Resident Hall Housekeeper, effective October 18, 2021
2) Separations
a) Courtney Goucher, Cosmetology Instructor, effective September 20, 2021
3) Transfer
a) Santos Manrique, HEP Instructional Coordinator, effective October 1, 2021 (retaining associate dean responsibilities)
To view the entire trustee packet:
FS City Meeting Minutes of Oct. 5
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of October 5, 2021 Regular Meeting #19
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held October 5th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Jones presiding.
INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Tim Van Hoecke, Brad Matkin, Jesse Pohlmann, Rachel Thompson, Jackson Tough, Jason Dickman, Michael Hoyt, Rob Harrington, Sarah Pulliam, Donna Pulliam, Paul Rooks, Jim Kemmerer, Allen Schellack, Mike Hixon, Lori Hixon, James Birket, Janice Allen, and Max Fanning.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Mayor Jones asked that the waiver of assessment be added for 11 N. Holbrook to the first spot under New Business.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 21st, 2021.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1297-A totaling $273,975.30.
C. Request to Pay #3 – Mayco Ace CDBG Project – $32,830.00.
Discussion was held from Kevin Allen and Pete Allen on several expenses on the Expense Report. City Manager will get answers to them.
L. Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda. R. Nichols seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
Michael Hoyt – Re-read Kansas Statute 12-825 and applicable portion for the City of Fort Scott in regards to waterworks, fuel, power and lighting. He said that the revenue derived from the sale and the consumption of water should not be paid out or disbursed except for the purpose of operating, renewing, or extending the plant or distribution system for which the revenue was derived. The payment of interest on outstanding bond issues issued for construction or payment of salaries of employees. It has nothing to do with the transfer of monies. He said our budget has been submitted to the State.
He said that he has received a $1,500 grant to start a G.E.D. program at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center. They have to be a resident in the jail at least 60 days and be released into Bourbon County. He informed the County of this grant this morning also.
Lori Hixon – Ms. Hixon said that she lives at 612 S. Wilson and has operated a daycare at that location for over 23 years. She has an issue with teenagers speeding down the alley. She talked to the parents of the teenagers who informed her she needed to watch her children she oversees better.
Travis said that there are no speed limits in alleys other than what is reasonable and prudent.
City Attorney said that we don’t need an ordinance, but the Commission can designate an area for whatever speed limit they desire.
K. Allen made a motion to designate all alleyways in the City of Fort Scott to have a speed limit of 10 mph. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO DESIGNATE ALL ALLEYWAYs IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT TO HAVE A SPEED LIMIT OF 10 MPH.
Engineering Firm Update: Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. had no update at this time.
Public Hearings: None
Old Business:
-
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Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587
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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
Pete said that he had an issue with the repeal of these ordinances as we have nothing else in place currently to take its place.
Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc., said that they are updating the specifications for fill for the City, but they are not completed yet.
Discussion was held to hold off on the repeal of these ordinances until the new plans are approved and in place.
K. Allen moved to table this issue until the October 19th, 2021 meeting. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE THREE ORDINANCES TO BE REPEALED UNTIL THE OCTOBER 19TH, 2021 MEETING.
APPEARANCES: Sarah Pulliam, 316 S Main – Dangerous and Unsafe Structure – Ms. Pulliam appeared before the Commission and asked for an extension to renovate her house. She doesn’t want it torn down. She has received a proposal to have work completed on it. It is for about $25,000.
Josh mentioned that this structure is on the upcoming tax sale.
Lyle Brittain, Codes Technician, said that the City has $7,500 in mowing assessments since 2017.
Ms. Pulliam said that she has been working lots of hours and saved money to pay the taxes and she asked for the mowing assessments to be waived. She said she had a contractor hired to mow but found out he hasn’t been mowing.
Jim Kemmerer, neighbor, informed the Commission that she has not done a great job of taking care of her property. He urged the Commission to move ahead with the demolition of the property.
City Attorney stated that is why the public hearings on these structures are so important.
Mr. Brittain said that since 2017, there have been several letters issued for property maintenance at this structure. There was a total of 14 letters since 2017, cited in Municipal Court 5 times, and a total of mowing assessments of $7,500.
Mayor Jones told her to bring in proof of funding from her bank to the October 19th, 2021 meeting. By then, the City will have received the bids for demolition.
Finance Director Update: Not present.
New Business:
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Discussion of 11 N. Holbrook and waiving of Mowing Assessments – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he was contacted by Diane Striler, realtor, who has a buyer for this property. He spoke to Justin Meeks, County Counselor, and the County has agreed to waive the back taxes on this property. The City has about $300.00 in mowing assessments that need waived.
L. Watts moved to approve to waive the mowing assessments for the property at 11 N. Holbrook Street. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO WAIVE THE MOWING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY AT 11 N. HOLBROOK STREET.
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Consideration of Airport Engineering – Taxiway Rehabilitation – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that this item needs tabled so the City Attorney can review this contract.
K. Allen moved to table the Airport Engineering agreement until the October 19th, 2021 meeting so the City Attorney can review the agreement. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE AIRPORT ENGINEERING AGREEMENT UNTIL THE OCTOBER 19TH, 2021 MEETING SO THE CITY ATTORNEY CAN REVIEW THE AGREEMENT.
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Consideration of Engineering Quote – Cooper Avenue Reconstruction Addendum No. 1 – 20th to 23rd Street – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that this was the engineering proposal for Cooper Street.
Discussion was held regarding design and inspection engineering.
K. Allen moved to table this issue until a later date. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
TABLED THE ENGINEERING QUOTE FOR THE COOPER AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION ADDENDUM #1 FROM 20TH TO 23RD STREET.
Jason Dickman also informed the Commission that the Cooper Street bids need rejected. The 60 days bid period is almost up.
L. Watts moved to reject the Cooper Avenue Reconstruction bids. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO REJECT THE COOPER AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION BIDS.
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Consideration of Bids – Union Lofts Alley Project – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that there were two bids received for this project. The low bid is from Rogers & Sons Concrete of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $128,770.00. The other bid was from Heck & Wicker, Inc. of Parsons, Kansas in the amount of $177,478.50. He recommended approval for the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 and for the City Manager to sign the Notice to Proceed.
R. Nichols moved to approve the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 for the Union Lofts Alley project. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
approved the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 for the Union Lofts Alley project.
Kevin Allen left the room at 7:19 p.m.
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Consideration to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – August – $2,970.00
L. Watts moved to approve the invoice for Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation in the amount of $2,970.00. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
approveD the invoice for skitch’s hauling & exvacation in the amount of $2,970.00 for port-a-potty services for august.
Kevin Allen returned to the room at 7:21 p.m.
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Consideration of recommendation from Golf Course Advisory Board to appoint Bradford Demo to replace Ben Cole on the Board, and Mark Lewis to replace Jeffrey Sweetser on the Board.
R. Nichols moved to approve to appoint Bradford Demo and Mark Lewis to the Golf Course Advisory Board. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO APPOINT BRADFORD DEMO AND MARK LEWIS TO THE GOLF COURSE ADVISORY BOARD.
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Approval of Standard Traffic Ordinance No. 3590 – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that the Standard Traffic Ordinance book is updated annually. This enables the Police Officers to write citations.
L. Watts moved to approve Ordinance Number 3590, the Standard Traffic Ordinance. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NUMBER 3590 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.
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Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding – Human Resource Director Shared Service – City Attorney asked that this agreement be tabled at this time as he talked with Justin Meeks, County Attorney, and changes are needed. The County will not adopt this agreement until December.
K. Allen moved to table the Memorandum of Understanding for the Human Resource Director Shared Service at this time. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR SHARED SERVICE AT THIS TIME.
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Consideration of Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Contract – Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Director, informed the Commission that that agreement is through December of 2021 and in the amount of $20,000 to be paid in equal monthly installments on the 15th day of each month beginning in September 15th, 2021 through December 31st, 2021. A new agreement will be presented later for 2022. This agreement will provide grant applications, grant administration, and other economic development activities as needed by the City.
K. Allen moved to approve the Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Contract with the City of Fort Scott through December 31, 2021. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE BOURBON COUNTY R.E.D.I. CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2021 IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 TO BE PAID IN EQUAL MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS ON THE 15TH OF EACH MONTH.
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Discussion of Land Bank changes – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that changes need to be made to the Land Bank ordinance. The current ordinance names the City Commission as the Board members as well as Jim Harris, Bourbon County Commissioner, and Greg Motley. He knows other cities that have realtors, bankers, and contractors on their board.
He asked for approval to schedule a meeting with the Land Bank board and discuss this change with them. The Commission approved to hold a meeting with the Board.
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Discussion of creation of loitering ordinance – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he is looking at a loitering or vagrancy ordinance for the City. There are people now sleeping on the park benches and in the downtown park and we have no ordinance to prevent this. He would like the City Commission to adopt this.
Chief Shelton said that there is no State Statute for loitering. He mentioned that it will be difficult to enforce.
Discussion was held to have an ordinance to present at the next meeting for them to review.
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Discussion of purchase of potential rock crusher and other miscellaneous equipment – Kevin Allen said that he asked that this be placed on the agenda for discussion. The County is looking to purchase a bigger rock crusher. He would like to see a meeting scheduled with the County Commission and discuss this item in the near future.
Interim City Manager will get a meeting scheduled.
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Discussion of Ty Cullor field agreement -Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, asked the Commission to table this topic at this time.
K. Allen moved to table the Ty Cullor field agreement at this time. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE TY CULLOR FIELD AGREEMENT AT THIS TIME.
Reports and Comments:
Interim City Manager Report and Comments: Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he will be implementing a new daily reporting process to the Directors at the staff meeting tomorrow. If they work out in the field, they will fill in their activities for the day and he can see where resources were used. He mentioned that Commissioner Pete Allen asked him for asphalt numbers for the National project. There have been 614 tons of asphalt used for this project, Mark said that he, Jesse, and Jason Dickman will walk the project on Thursday. Mark said that the Gordon Parks Celebration is this coming weekend and the City has a table. He also mentioned the lake lots for sale. They did have a redraw for lots. The south lots are not staked yet.
Discussion was held to see if AG Engineering has been paid yet. That could not be determined as the Finance Director was not there.
Commissioner Reports and Comments:
L. Watts – Nothing to report.
K. Allen – Kevin said he had several items to bring up:
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Asked about the traffic counters on 3rd & National Avenue
Mark gave him figures from the traffic counters. The westbound lane had 5,795 which is an average of 725 per day. The eastbound lane had 1,943 which is an average of 243 per day. The northbound lane had 16,218, which is an average of 2,027 per day. The southbound lane had 18,431 which is an average of 2,304 per day.
Randy Nichols reminded the Commission of the pedestrian traffic at that location. There is Feeding Families in His Name every Wednesday night, and with the City Hall move to the Courthouse, there could be more pedestrian traffic. He said it would be a mistake to remove the stop signs going east and west.
Lindsey Watts agreed and said that with the attendance of church and the location of the Courthouse, she would not approve to remove the stop signs.
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Kevin asked about the Lake Fort Scott valve and if it was being exercised. He asked if the 2nd valve has been installed?
Mark said that the valve has not been exercised. We are waiting on the City’s engineering firm on the design of the 2nd valve.
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Kevin asked if water testing was being done at the lake.
Mark said no.
Josh recommended getting with Don George to conduct this testing.
Kevin would like to see it tested from May through September.
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Street Patching Trailer – He said that he would like to see a trailer set up with all of their tools with a port-a-pot on the front of the trailer so they can do their jobs all day and then put the trailer in at night.
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Parks – He said that Parks and the Golf Course also need a small trailer to assist them.
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Inmate Program – Kevin said that he would like to have a report at the next meeting on this program.
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Vaping Issue – He would like to see what resources are available to the schools for this issue.
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Possible sale of airport land – He said there is a new concept of pilots building hangars with living quarters in them and then they go to fly-ins all over. He said that he has heard that pilots love to fly over the lake.
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Dump fees – He said that he discovered the City owns 13.8 acres at the County landfill. The City could create a C & D landfill and wondered if they would trade out land for services.
Mark said that this would be a good work session topic with the County.
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Rural Water District – He would like to see Mark meet with the Rural Water District Board and water leaks. He thinks if there is a leak in the County that the City should give them credit.
Mark said that he and Susan will look over the contract with Rural Water.
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First Source Building – He asked if the building was being marketed and on a website somewhere.
Mark said that it has been assigned to a realtor.
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He thanked whoever sprayed weeds on the east side of Lake Fort Scott.
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Asked about the road by El Charro – 25th Street.
City Clerk said she believes we are waiting on easements to be signed.
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Street lights – He said that there are a lot of street lights out. He wanted to bring it to the public’s attention that the poles have a number on them and they can be called into Evergy and reported.
P. Allen – Pete read sections of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan and stressed how important this plan was. We need to be proactive with this plan and not reactive.
R. Nichols – Randy said that he agrees with Pete about the Comprehensive Plan and moving forward.
Randy thanked T-Mobile for coming to town today and presenting the City with a $50,000 grant for improvements to Skubitz Plaza. He thanked Rachel Pruitt, Ally Turvey, and Larry Gazaway who wrote the grant for this project.
J. Jones – Josh asked about the School Resource Officer position and if it had been announced yet.
Travis said we should know any day.
Neighborhood Revitalization Program – Josh said that this will be coming before the City for approval as the current program has expired.
City Attorney Report and Comments: None
Executive Session:
J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 8:55 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Manager.
J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
Adjournment:
J. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:56 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
FS Commission Agenda For Oct. 19
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
OCTOBER 19th, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
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Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
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Invocation: Led by: Pastor from Community Christian Church
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Approval of Agenda:
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Proclamations/Recognitions: Molly Berry Foster Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution 110th Anniversary
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Consent Agenda:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of October 5th, 2021.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1298-A totaling $1,736,577.53.
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Request to Pay #1 – Davis Structure & Development Corporation – $12,379.50 – Water Clarifier Repainting #1 Project
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Request to Pay – HDR Engineering – $8,970.75 – River Intake Project
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Street Closing Request – Community Christian Church – October 31st, 2021 – Annual Falloween Event
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – City Engineer – $4,000.00
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – Building Inspection – 3,582.00
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – WWTP Engineering – $7,296.80
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – 17th & Eddy Street Drainage Engineering – $11,520.00
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – Public Works Director -$595.00
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September financials
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Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
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Old Business:
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Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587
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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
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Appearances:
Sarah Pulliam, 316 S Main – Dangerous and Unsafe Structure
Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I.
Frank Adamson, Grant Requests
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New Business:
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Consideration of Airport Engineering – Taxiway Rehabilitation
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Consideration to apply for K.D.O.T. grant application – Electric Gate
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Consideration of 3rd, 6th, 12th and 25th Street Intersections with K.D.O.T. – K.D.O.T. Project 69-6 KA 5563-01 – Approval of Resolution Relating to Benefits Obtainable under the Federal and State Aid Program – Approval of Agreement for Traffic Signal Project between the City of Fort Scott and K.D.O.T
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Consideration of Fort Scott Dam Improvements Bid -River Intake Project
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Consideration of C.I.P.P. Sanitary Lining Bid
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Consideration of Above Grade Bid – Hammon’s Building
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Consideration of Above Grade Bid – Sharky’s Building.
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Discussion of creation of Loitering Ordinance
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Discussion of Ty Cullor field agreement
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Consideration to accept T-Mobile grant – $50,000
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Consideration to accept Timkin grant for Fire Department – $10,500
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Consideration of payment of Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. Invoices
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Port-a-Potties – September $2,640.00
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Port-a-Potties – September – Airport Fly-In – $250.00
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Port-a-Potties – September – Marmaton Massacre – $325.00
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Consideration of Bids – Demolition of Structures
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611 S. Ransom – Structure and Accessory Structure
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323 S Hill – Structure
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1517 S Main – Structure and Accessory Structure
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316 S. Main – Structure and Accessory Structure
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114 S. Barbee – Structure
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14 S Margrave – Structure
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510 S Heylman – Structure
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Health in All Policies Pledge
XI. Reports and Comments:
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Interim City Manager Reports and Comments
* City/County Luncheon – October 26th, 2021 – 12:00 p.m.
* Discussion of 512 S. Judson – Historical Register
* Consideration of Land Bank Meeting – Wednesday, October 20th – 4 pm
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
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Executive Session for attorney/client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2)
XIII. Adjournment: