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Hide-and-Seek By Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
When our children were young, I’d have fun playing hide-and-seek with them in the house. Every time Mariam or Aaron was “it,” they could never find me. I always hid in the bathtub behind the shower curtain; they never thought to look for me there. The kids were in the same room, just a few inches from me, but they never found me because their “seeking” was superficial. They eventually got old enough that we stopped playing this game, and that’s when I told them my secret hiding place.
Do you ever get the feeling God is hiding from you? If you do, it’s probably because you’re focusing on the cares and frustrations of life instead of looking for God in your daily routine. I assure you that God’s not hiding. The Bible tells us that, “I will find the Lord when I seek Him with all my heart and with all my soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29 NKJV).
Feelings are fickle — you can’t trust them. You or someone you know may have said, “Nobody loves or cares about me. I just feel rejected and worthless.” That’s an example of feelings. You may feel that way, but it’s a lie from the devil. Reject the feeling and accept the truth. God loves you as much as He loves Jesus. Is that a new concept to you? It might be new to you, but it’s as old as Jesus’ prayer for believers in the Garden of Gethsemane: “…I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me” (John 17:23 NLT).
God isn’t hiding, He’s right out in the open all the time. Believers who seek Him will find Him. Evidently, this is a daily process and not just something we do once. Jesus said He would not abandon us as orphans, He (Holy Spirit) will come to us. We need to make sure we’re not acting like unbelievers who aren’t even looking for Him and don’t recognize Him when they do see Him.
There’s great reward for seeking God. “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need” (Luke 12:29-31 NLT).
Stuart Hamblen composed a song in 1959 and the lyrics of the refrain are: “How big is God, how big and wide His vast domain; To try and tell, these lips can only start. He‘s big enough to rule His mighty universe; Yet small enough to live within my heart.” On a dark night, we can look up and see the stars and find God. Why? Because the scripture tells us that God has given all the countless stars names (Isaiah 40:26). You can find God every time you comb your hair. Why? Because God has numbered the hairs on your head (Luke 12:7).
The Key: Seek [look for, search, pursue, find] God everyday as if your life depended on it…because it does.
GED Adult Education Classes Offered at FSCC
Fort Scott Community College offers adult education classes to assist students in GED preparation, basic math and reading skills, employment skills, and college preparation and transition. Individuals who have completed the adult education classes will have the opportunity to earn a GED, Basic Computer Skills certificate, and the Kansas Work Ready certificate.
Adult education classes are open to students ages 16 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a Parental Waiver for Compulsory Attendance to attend class; the form can be obtained from the last school district the student attended.
Attendance is mandatory all days of orientation. Class times are Monday through Thursday from 9 am – 12 pm, 1 – 4 pm, and 4 – 7 pm. The adult education center is located in the Student Success Center in Bailey Hall.
Based on the results of your assessment during orientation, staff members will develop an individualized plan to help you achieve your goals. In order to be eligible to take the GED examination, you must have completed all of the adult education class requirements, passed all required exams, and have a valid government issued photo identification card.
The cost for the class is $30 and includes the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam, Northstar Digital Literacy Certification, WorkKeys Employment Skills Test, TABE assessment, and one GED Ready Practice Test. GED testing fees are not included in the class fee. The GED test fees are $33 per subject (Math, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) which can be taken and paid for separately; due when you register for the test.
Upon successful completion of the examination, the student will be issued a diploma by the Kansas State Department of Education.
I am currently trying to build back my face-to-face classroom but I also offer online classes. These classes could be for students lacking a diploma OR for anyone needing to review their basic reading and/or math skills. I have had students take my class to prepare better for college entrance, to qualify for a program such as KansasWorks, or to even just learn how to use a computer and brush up on technology skills. Students CAN enroll in the ABE class if they lack basic skills, even if they have a HS diploma or GED.
I am accepting students that are ready to learn. They would just need to contact me to schedule an appointment to fill out paperwork and take the TABE pre-assessment. If students are not ready to start right away, our next orientation will be in September. If you know someone that is interested, please send them my way.
Thank you!
Aubrey Duft
ABE/GED Instructor at FSCC
(620)223-2700 Ext. 4400
Governor Laura Kelly’s Weekly Newsletter
Welcome to the first edition of The Kelly Administration’s ‘Kansan to Kansan’ Newsletter, a weekly update from the Office of Governor Laura Kelly. If you are not currently subscribed, you can sign up here.
WEEK OF AUGUST 10, 2020
Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Teachers Discuss School Reopenings, Protecting Staff and Students
Watch the Virtual Discussion here
- Kelly told the teachers that she is committed to funding schools and supporting educators both right now and after the pandemic ends. “So that you can do the jobs that you’re trained and hired to do and we can provide the support systems in there to make it possible for you,” she added.
Press
KSHB
KWCH
The Topeka Capital-Journal
State Finance Council Approves $60 Million To Expand High-Speed Internet to Underserved Kansas Communities
- “COVID-19 has made it clear how important access to high-speed internet is for Kansans in rural and urban regions alike. Whether it’s telemedicine, teleworking, or online education capabilities, broadband is a singular tool that can change outcomes for communities. My administration will continue to support investments in our state’s infrastructure like high-speed internet to put us on stronger economic footing as we continue our road to recovery,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
Press
The Topeka Capital-Journal
KSNT
KRSL
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Partnership with Urban Outfitters, Inc., to Create up to 2,000 Jobs and Approximately $350 Million Capital Investment
- “I’m excited to announce our new partnership with URBN and to welcome them to Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is a transformational project for our state, bringing a new, high-profile corporate partner and as many as 2,000 good-paying jobs. This was a true collaboration to generate an economic development success story that will deliver benefits in Wyandotte County and beyond in our state.”
Press
The Kansas City Star
The Topeka Capital-Journal
Kansas Reflector
WIBW
KCTV
Governor Laura Kelly Applauds Kansas State University COVID-19 Response Contribution During Biosecurity Research Institute Tour
- “The Kansas State University Biosecurity Research Institute has a long history of excellence and innovation researching disease spread like what we are currently facing with COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “My conversations with BRI staff served as a reminder of how many of our best and brightest have answered the call to help end the pandemic. While my administration is doing everything in our power to get Kansans back to work and kids back to school safely – the contributions being made by our health community will be instrumental to protecting the people of this state and our economy.”
Press
Kansas Reflector
WIBW
KSN
Governor Laura Kelly Announces 225 New Jobs in Salina
- “Schwan’s has been a staple here in Salina for many years, and they’ve been making nationally-recognized pizza brands for decades,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “From Day One, my administration has prioritized investing in and rebuilding Kansas’ foundation. This venture is a testament to our commitment to creating good jobs for Kansans, especially at this critical time as we work to recover from the economic challenges brought on by COVID-19.”
Press
KAKE
KWCH
WIBW
ICYMI:
Governor Laura Kelly, The Garden City Telegram
Kansas Reflector
The Hutchinson News
The Kansas City Star
The Mercury
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What’s Happening In Fort Scott
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Kansas Leaders Embrace Wind Energy
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Aug. 7
August 7, 2020 Friday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners the County Clerk and the County Counselor present.
Also present were the following; (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were present for the entire meeting), Jim Harris, Michael Hoyt, Hazel Swarts, Anne Dare, Lora Holdridge and Angel Wilson.
The Commissioners held a 2021 budget work session to discuss the 2nd draft of the 2021 budget; the cost of employee benefits was discussed, Lynne said those costs continue to go up.
Lynne said that they need to add $45,033 to the Road & Bridge 2021 budget to help cover the cost of equipment payments and the Juvenile Detention budget needed to be increased to cover the monthly expenses.
Jeff said the money from the medical mall and the money from the PILOT payment had not been budgeted for; Lynne said Terry Sercer said the County shouldn’t count that money until we had the money in hand, he said we didn’t need the budget authority yet, but if we got the money a budget amendment would need to be done.
Jeff questioned if the money budgeted in the contingency fund was necessary since there was a high probability of the County getting the PILOT money, and that money possibly could be used for the contingency fund. Lynne said the County recently spent money out of the contingency fund for the porch and the air conditioner, he said we need money budgeted in the contingency fund, he said having money available in the contingency fund could fund expenses without having to finance and pay financing fees.
Lynne questioned what percentage of money the County should budget for the medical mall, Jeff said he didn’t know a percentage yet. Lynne said the County should receive $407,000 the first year and $365,000 the second year for PILOT money and if the County takes the hospital the County will receive $1,000,000. Lynne said there is a high probability the County will take over the hospital for a medical mall if they get the two large leases signed; Jeff said the County might be able to get out of the medical mall, but he didn’t think that was in the best interest of the community. Michael Hoyt stated that the PILOT and medical mall money should be reported on the budget for transparency reasons. Kendell Mason suggested putting the PILOT money and the medical mall reimbursement money into a separate fund on its own, so that if the County doesn’t get the money the general fund wouldn’t be short on revenue.
Jeff discussed the wind farm; he said pre and post inspection engineering should be done (at a cost of approximately $50,000) to assess the roads, he said Neosho County is missing the pre-inspection report for the wind farm there and is having a difficult time assessing the roads prior to the project.
Justin Meeks said an additional $60,000-$70,000 should be budgeted for EMS purposes.
Lynne asked that Kendell ask Terry Sercer to set up a separate account for the $407,000 PILOT revenue and expenses and a separate account for the $1 million for revenue and $382,000 expenses for the medical mall (it was questioned if the SPARK grant money could be used for the EMS expense; Justin thought that Dave Bruner was applying for the SPARK for the EMS. Jeff questioned if the $40,000 requested for a transport vehicle by the Correctional Center could be paid for through the SPARK grant or could the $40,000 transport vehicle be paid for though the jail sales tax fund; Justin said that decision couldn’t be made yet, since they don’t know how much SPARK money had been asked for yet.
Jeff provided a summary comparison of like counties population, valuation, budget and mill levies; he said counties need an effective tax rate of less than 5%, he said Bourbon County is at 4.97%. He compared the expense for Road & Bridge salaries to other counties; he said Bourbon County is lower than the average. He said that Bourbon County employee benefits are $1.7 million more than the compared counties; he said they needed to look at those expenses to see where Bourbon County is off from the average. Lora Holdridge stated that some of the expenses in the employee benefit fund are required expenses such as work comp, so they aren’t benefits, Michael Hoyt stated that the County has to pay those expenses because you are an employee, Lora said the benefits keep some of the employees here. Lynne questioned if other counties were budgeting employee benefits under the individual departments and not in the employee benefit fund. Jeff questioned if there had been some items budgeted for in prior years, (example vehicle, equipment) that has been continued to be budgeted for each year. Lynne said they like to look at the budget requests and compare to the 2020 budget to see where they need to trim expenses.
Lora Holdridge gave the Commissioners a revised 2021 budget with a grand total of $80,723.
Lynne said they needed the Road & Bridge 1% sales tax on ballot. Road & Bridge moves employees from their main jobs to help out in other areas and when they do that their main jobs suffer. Jeff said they needed to get Bourbon County’s costs in line with the compared counties.
Hazel Swarts questioned where the revenue from the COPS grant was reflected in the budget; Lynne said it wasn’t in the budget, but said the County will have to budget an additional $13,000 for financing an employee for the COPS grant. Hazel said she would like a list of all of the County grants coming into the County and all of the costs for those grants; Lynne said the COPS grant and possibly the Cares grant are the only grants costing the County additional money.
Lynne said the estimated mill levy based on the 2021 draft budget is 67.157. Lynne said the county counselor 2021 budget had gone up due to a different contract proposing the county counselor be paid on a 1099 with no employee benefits except taxes. Hazel Swarts questioned why the County Attorney’s budget had gone up; Lynne said they requested an increase in the County Attorney’s wage. Hazel said her husband was the County Attorney 20 years ago and worked 5 days a week for $35,000 a year with only 1 assistant county attorney; she said the salary has doubled and said the work load is down since her (the current County Attorney) doesn’t work 5 days a week in Bourbon County. Jeff said a municipal court could reduce the County attorney’s workload by 1/3.
Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to talk with Lora Holdridge regarding the parking area, Jeff seconded and all approved. Lora discussed the holes in the road in the parking area behind the building; Lynne said that Jim Harris was calculating how much it would cost to fix the parking lot, Justin said there is a water leak behind the building that is causing the problems, Lora said the City refuses to fix the water leak. Lynne asked Jim to call Chad at the City to see if they would fix this, Jim said he has but would call them again, Jim said he would look at the north and west side of the parking area.
At 11:39, Lynne made a motion to adjourn for lunch and reconvene at 1:00, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Greenbush representative Mike Bodensteiner met with Jody Hoener and the Commissioners to discuss the $2.9 million SPARK grant; Mike said the application process is open until noon August 8th. He said the State wants to approve reimbursements prior to the County approving the reimbursements. Jody said at a local County level the Commissioners will make the initial eligibility determination meeting the needs of health and economic development. Mike presented a graph with data as of yesterday showing the small business and not for profit applications submitted, he said the bulk of the applications were from Fort Scott. He also presented a graph showing 26 applications as of yesterday for the reimbursement of COVID expenses for purchases made between March and July. Mike said the County could either reimburse the full amount of reimbursements at one time or could break up the reimbursements into payments, he said some businesses may not be able to fund the expenses prior to reimbursement; Jody said she wasn’t an advocate of reimbursements, since the businesses are already struggling financially, Jody said the County could pay the vendor for supplies directly verses having the business buy supplies and then get a reimbursement from the County. They said there may be a phase 2 portion of the SPARK funding; which could equal more money to fund other projects.
Jody Hoener presented a memo of understanding for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways grant; Bourbon County is the administrator of the 4 year grant totaling $200,000 (the money is used for Healthy Bourbon County marketing, office supplies and ¼ of Jody Hoener’s payroll and benefits). Healthy Bourbon County increases access to physical activity, healthy food and helped create tobacco free areas; if used, these could ultimately lower the health insurance costs. Michael Hoyt questioned the Pathways grant giving $5,000 to Five Corners to offer healthier choices and said 90% of their sales is sugary drinks he asked if there was any criteria for them to offer the healthier options; Jody said you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink, she said if there is no water how can they have an option, she said they are not telling people what they have to do, but rather just making options available. Jody said the grant is a privately funded grant, she said it is not tax payer funded. Jeff made a motion to authorize Lynne Oharah to sign the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways grant, Nick seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the document.
Nancy Van Etten, Chair of the Fort Scott Lake Advisory Board met with the Commissioners to discuss the sewer district; she said they need a sewer board for the sewer district, she said that board could decide who could join the sewer district. Nancy provided the Commissioners with a formal letter requesting the Commissioners to appoint a Fort Scott lake property owner to the Sewer District #1 board. She said the lake advisory board believes a vested lake property resident/owner is an essential member of the sewer board. She sent a letter to Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft (City of Fort Scott) asking they wait to get approval on any further changes, deviations or additions to the agreement until the Commissioners decide on Sewer District board and meetings have been formalized. Justin said the County is responsible for the bonds, but the City is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the County can’t move forward with a decision without the City. Nancy discussed a lot that now has a RV on it with someone living there; she said if someone is living there they need to hook up to the sewer. Lynne said the County Counselor is working with the City to resolve the issues, he said the County has no ability to enforce the sewer district. Lynne said the County needed to coordinate and negotiate with the City to see how they want to address the issue. Lynne said that Justin Meeks has been given the authority to meet with the City regarding the sewer district. Nancy said the State says the County Commissioners are the sewer board. She said they want sewer availability for the people that live at the lake that want to hook up to the sewer district. Justin Meeks said he would work with the City regarding the sewer district and will provide updates to the Commissioners.
Richard Clark met with the Commissioners regarding 190th on the west end of Fort Scott lake; he presented pictures and said this area on 190th was replaced approximately 3 years ago and said it is now dangerous in areas due to water getting under the road. Jerad Heckman viewed the pictures and said they could fill the deteriorated edge with larger shot rock. He was also concerned about an area on the south end of the west side of the lake that culverts where installed 3 years ago and now the road is deteriorating there; Jerad said that compaction was done there, but the road did settle, he said the road does get seepage there, Jerad said he would view the areas. Mr. Clark said he was concerned if Indian Road was done he didn’t want the taxpayers to have to pay additional money to re-do the work.
The Commissioners continued to work on the 2021 budget; the Commissioners do not want to raise the mill levy. They said they want to budget to give some salaried employees raises in 2021 and address other employee raises in 2022. The Commissioners looked at each departments 2021 budget; they reduced the grand total of the Commissioners budget to $69,900, reduced the grand total of the County Attorney budget to $334,324 and budgeted $77,747 for the Register of Deeds. The Commissioners plan to continue to work on the budget on August 11th.
All of the Commissioners will be present on August 13th at 10:00 for the 2020 Primary Election Canvass.
At 3:50, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
Approved Date August 11, 2020
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda For Aug. 18
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: August 18, 2020
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
9:00 – 9:30 JT Heckman
9:30 – 9:45 Spark Findings & Greenbush
9:45 – 10:00 Ashley Shelton, Employee Insurance
10:00 – 10:05 Mark McCoy, Meeting Management
10:05 – 10:45 Bob Reed, Benchmark
10:45 – 10:50 Michael Hoyt, Spark Phase 2
11:00 – 11:10 David Neville, Executive Session, Non-Elected Personnel
11:15 – 11:25 Lora Holdridge, Road and Bridge (Road Closing)
11:25 – 11:35 Lora Holdridge, Executive Session, Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
11:35 – 11:45 Lora Holdridge, Executive Session, Consultation with an attorney for the body or
agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Survey on K-7 starts Aug. 17
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin a field survey on Monday, Aug. 17, on K-7 in Bourbon County. The 11.4-mile survey corridor is on the existing highway alignment, starting at the Crawford-Bourbon county line and continuing north and east to end .4 miles southwest of U.S. 69.
KDOT expects the survey to be completed by December. Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.
Stan Lloyd and Tuff Hemreck of McClure will manage this survey for KDOT. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.
FS Commission Agenda for August 18
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
AUGUST 18, 2020
6:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Recognition of Jason Eastwood, Police Detective
Recognition of Trey Sharp, Police Officer (6:30 p.m.)
V. SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITIONS:
5 years: (Certificate and Gift)
Scott Flater, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor
Jacob May, Fire Captain, Fort Scott Fire Department
Logan Probasco, Police Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department
Deborah Needleman, Human Resource Director
Roger Rodriguez, Water Treatment Plant Operator I
Brandon Russell, Water Treatment Plant Operator II
Trey Sharp, Police Officer, Fort Scott Police Department
10 years: (Certificate and Gift Card)
Caleb Bell, Police Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department
Jason Eastwood, Police Detective, Fort Scott Police Department
David Martin, City Manager
VI. CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 21st, 2020, August 4th, 2020 and special meeting of August 5th, 2020.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1269-A totaling $319,841.77.
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Request to Pay #12 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $147,877.67 – River Intake Project
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
-
APPEARANCE: Justin Meeks – Resolution for 1% Countywide Sales Tax
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen)
Amy Marsh – Pit Bulls in City Limits
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
6:00 p.m. – 2021 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2021 Budget
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
-
Consideration of Charter Ordinance No. 31 – Sewer/Storm Sewer Ordinance
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Consideration of Bids – Sanitizing Equipment to be used at PD/FD/EMS buildings (purchased through grant received)
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Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation Invoice – June port-a-potties – $2,948.00
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Consideration to allow alcohol at Memorial Hall on September 5th, 2020 for Special Olympics event
- City building in Industrial Park discussion
- Sunday liquor sales Ordinance No. 3564
IX. COMMENTS:
- Director Updates: Susan Bancroft – Golf Cart Lease Discussion
Rachel Pruitt – Airport Expansion Public Hearing
- Commission:
- City Attorney:
- City Manager:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE RECESS IS THE DISCUSSION OF:
The statutory justification for the recess is:
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) – to discuss matters of non-elected personnel;
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) – consultation with the City Attorney on matters that would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship;
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(3) – to discuss employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the public body or agency;
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) – to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships;
K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6) – for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
The Executive Session will be for _________ minutes long and the open meeting will resume at ___________ am/pm.
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
FS Commission Minutes of Special Meeting Aug. 5
Minutes are unapproved until the Aug. 18 meeting
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 5th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. via teleconference by all Commissioners and City Staff calling into a teleconference line. This is due to an outbreak of coronavirus with City Hall staff.
ROLL CALL:
Roll call was taken with Commissioners stating their name and replying present. Commissioners K. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Mitchell presiding. P. Allen was not present via teleconference.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Deane, City Attorney, was connected via teleconference. He reminded the Commissioners to state their name when voting to prevent a violation of Kansas Open Meetings Act.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1268-A totaling $960,076.89.
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Olsson Associates – Engineering – Airport Electric Vault Project – $7,523.15
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Strukel Electric, Inc. – Contractor – Airport Electric Vault Project – $15,949.38
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Schneider Electric – Contractor – Energy Upgrade – $146,821.25
J. Mitchell read to the public all the items on the Consent Agenda. The minutes were moved under Consideration.
Kevin Allen said he would like to wait until all Commissioners were on the line. He stated that he had not received a new agenda. The City Clerk said that she emailed it to him again.
R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
CONSIDERATION:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 21st, 2020.
Lindsey said that she spoke with the City Clerk and the motion that was made at the last meeting regarding a joint meeting with the Lake Advisory Committee. She did not believe she was voting for a meeting with the Lake Advisory Board, the City Commission, and the public. She asked for clarification on this motion.
Jeff Deane, City Attorney, said he would review the video of the meeting and get back with her.
Kevin Allen asked if we would be discussing lake property.
Mayor said this will not be discussed.
Kevin Allen said that the minutes need to be changed from the last meeting before he will approve them.
Lindsey said that he should send his changes to Diane.
This item was tabled until the next regular meeting.
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Consideration of Health Insurance Contribution for employees – Dave Martin, City Manager, asked that the Commission approve to allocate an additional $20.00 towards their health insurance contribution starting October 1st, 2020. This will amount to approximately $24,000. Since increases will not be given this year to employees, this will help with the increase in insurance premium.
K. Allen asked that this be tabled due to budget constraints. This is going to cost $24,000.
Susan said that it has been included in the budget for 2021. She said that she could bring this back to the next meeting. This amount will not all be coming out of the general fund.
Lindsey said that this was brought up during the budget work session.
R. Nichols said that since this has been built into the budget, he would make a motion to approve the $20.00 additional premium towards the employee’s health insurance. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1.
APPROVED HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTION FOR EMPLOYEES TOWARD THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS.
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Consideration of 5-year Capital Plan – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, said that this was discussed during the budget work session. This plan is a moving document and not set in stone. By State Statute 12-1, 117 and 12-1, 118, a 5-year plan has to be approved by the Governing Body. This is a planning tool for setting the budget as well as developing long term improvements and identifying equipment needs.
L. Watts moved to approve the 5-year Capital Plan. R. Nichols seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 3-1.
APPROVED 5 YEAR CAPITAL PLAN.
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Budget discussion and approval to publish 2021 Budget – Susan Bancroft informed the Commission that she had emailed this document to them with their requested changes. These changes were made around our transfers. She spoke with our auditor and the League of Kansas Municipalities on this topic. At the next meeting, a charter ordinance will be brought before them on transfers. They are essentially the same with the exception of taking them from one fund to another.
L. Watts moved to approve to publish the 2021 Budget and hold the public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on August 18th, 2020. R. Nichols seconded.
Kevin said that he would vote no since he can only hear about every third word.
Pete Allen joined the meeting.
R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.
APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE 2021 BUDGET AND TO HOLD THE PUBLIC HEARING ON AUGUST 18TH, 2020 AT 6:00 P.M.
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Pool Closing Date Discussion – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission per the letter from Chasity Ware, Pool Manager, she has requested that the closing date of the pool be Sunday, August 9th, 2020. There are many lifeguards that will be leaving to go back to college.
Randy said that also she said that the volume is down for this year.
R. Nichols moved to close the aquatic center on Sunday, August 9th, 2020. J. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO CLOSE AQUATIC CENTER ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 9TH, 2020.
ADJOURNMENT:
L. Watts moved to adjourn the special meeting at 11:30 a.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 11:30 A. M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on August 18th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY
FS Commission Minutes of Aug. 4
Minutes are unapproved until the Aug. 18 meeting.
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 4th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. via teleconference by all Commissioners and City Staff calling into a teleconference line. This is due to an outbreak of coronavirus with City Hall staff.
ROLL CALL:
Roll call was taken. Commissioners K. Allen and L. Watts were present with Vice-Mayor R. Nichols presiding. P. Allen and J. Mitchell were not present via teleconference.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Deane, City Attorney, was connected via teleconference. He reminded the Commissioners to state their name when voting to prevent a violation of Kansas Open Meetings Act.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 21st, 2020.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1268-A totaling $960,076.89.
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Olsson Associates – Engineering – Airport Electric Vault Project – $2,457.92
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Olsson Associates – Engineering – Airport Electric Vault Project – $7,523.15
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Strukel Electric, Inc. – Contractor – Airport Electric Vault Project – $15,949.38
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Schneider Electric – Contractor – Energy Upgrade – $146,821.25
R. Nichols said that the agenda was altered to just approve the consent agenda and the budget items and pool. The Lake property will not be discussed this evening. Randy read all the agenda items under the Consent Agenda to the public.
Lindsey said that she had a question regarding the July 21st, 2020 minutes and made a motion to remove those minutes from the Consent Agenda.
Jeff Deane said the minutes can be removed and the board can vote on the other items.
Randy Nichols said he would second Lindsey Watts motion to remove the July 21st, 2020 minutes from the Consent Agenda.
Kevin Allen said that he was only hearing about every other word. City Clerk read back the motion to them.
Randy Nichols asked the City Attorney how to proceed. Commissioner Kevin Allen’s call dropped off.
Jeff Deane said that we can hold for a few minutes and wait for him to call back in or adjourn the meeting since there is no longer a quorum. We cannot do anything while we wait. If a quorum cannot be reached, we will need to set a special meeting.
City Clerk texted Kevin Allen and Pete Allen to see if they can call in on a landline.
Susan Bancroft said that she has to have the budget published by Saturday and needs approval for this. She recommended a special meeting tomorrow morning.
Randy informed the public that City Hall has been shut on direction by the Public Health Officer due to an outbreak of City staff with the coronavirus.
City Manager said that the City Clerk will take a poll and see who can call into a special meeting tomorrow.
CONSIDERATION:
- Consideration of Health Insurance Contribution for employees
- Consideration of 5-year Capital Plan
- Budget discussion and approval to publish 2021 Budget
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Pool Closing Date Discussion
ADJOURNMENT:
R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:22 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:22 P.M.
A special meeting is to be held on August 5th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
RECORDED BY: