CITY OF
UNIONTOWN
Est. 1858
Ph: 620-756-4742
Fax: 620-756-4681
P.O. BOX 51
206 SHERMAN STREET
UNIONTOWN, KANSAS 66779
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor
Larry Jurgensen, term expires December 2025
Council Members
Jess Ervin, President of Council, term expires December 2025
Amber Kelly, term expires
December 2025
Bradley Stewart, term expires December 2023
Danea Esslinger, term expires December 2023
Josh Hartman, term expires December 2023
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7:00 PM IN THE COMMUNITY CENTER. COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.
MINUTES WILL BE POSTED AFTER APPROVAL BY COUNCIL.
Utility Hearings are held the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. You MUST call the City Clerk to MAKE AN APPOINTMENT with the Utility Hearing Officers.
2023 MEETING SCHEDULE Utility Hearing Dates
January 10 January 25
February 14 February 22
March 14 March 29
April 11 April 26
May 9 May 31
June 13 June 28
July 11 July 26
August 8 August 30
September 12 September 27
October 10 October 25 November 14 November 29 December 13 December 27
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
APRIL 11, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting on April 11, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:05PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Don George (KDWPT), Norman Bockover, Mary Pemberton, Betsie Binford, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism presented the grant reimbursement check to Council for the completion of the Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project and encouraged the council to apply for phase II. He complimented Clerk’s paperwork for the grant. He would like application for phase II completed by the May meeting. Mayor Jurgensen will touch base with county regarding rock and hauling.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to submit an application for 2023 CFAP Grant for Phase II of Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project
CITIZENS REQUEST
Norman Bockover asked about citywide trash service. The Council rescinded Ordinance 199 at the April 6, 2023 Special Meeting and will no longer be pursuing this.
Betsie Binford, Old Settlers’ Committee, requested permission for a street dance as part of this year’s celebration. Council said NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED and asked Clerk Johnson to check with our insurance agent on whether our liability insurance would cover or if the Committee will need an event policy.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow Old Settlers’ Committee to sponsor a street dance for this year’s celebration with no alcohol allowed
Mary Pemberton presented a copy of the proposed mural for the Rural Murals and Public Art Grant.
Mayor Jurgensen informed that the Dale Jackson Memorial Fire Truck for the park should be installed soon.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the March 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $349,967.37, Receipts $52,804.09, Transfers Out $4,666.00, Expenditures $52,703.68, Checking Account Closing Balance $345,40178. Bank Statement Balance $367,965.70, including Checking Account Interest of $78.70, Outstanding Deposits $64.32, Outstanding Checks $22,628.24, Reconciled Balance $345,401.78. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,223.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,499.83, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $431,967.27. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $227.98, and Utility CDs $164.51 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $392.49. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; for Total Transfers of $4,666.00. Net Loss for the month of March $4,565.59, Year-to-Date Net Income $1,849.81. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $58,162.08 (37.1%), Expenditures $39,937.71 (17.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $9,124.88 (24.8%), Expenditures $8,077.26 (19.6%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $29,938.79 (24.5%), Expenditures $28,626.06 (17.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $56,480.34 (37.7%), Expenditures $51,280.83 (27.7%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,093.98 (28.1%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The April 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $20,298.04 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
•
Minutes of March 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and April 6, 2023 Special Council Meeting
Minutes of March 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and April 6, 2023 Special Council Meeting•Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts PayablesDEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich asked what is to be done about the rock post that has fallen in the southeast corner of the park. After discussion of methods to repair, it was decided to put rock in the shop until a method is decided upon.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent. He did submit a letter and it was included in the April newsletter. Citywide cleanup is scheduled for May 1-4. Clerk Johnson reported that someone came in this morning to report that one of the dogs at 108 Second St had her granddaughter trapped in the post office growling at her. Johnson called the dog owner and asked him to please keep his dogs on his property or under his control at all times. He said he is planning to put a kennel in the backyard, but no timeline given.
Clerk Johnson informed the council a letter of resignation was received from Ginger Ervin for her custodian/water sampler position.
The Municipal Services 2023 Budget Workshop dates were discussed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend one of the webinar and Charlene Bolinger to attend the May 25 in person session at Iola, cost of workshop $75/person
She had previously sent CDBG grant information to council. After discussion, it was decided there is not enough time to get a preliminary engineering report or application submitted by May 1.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – A thank you note for the dish planter was received from Sally Johnson on the death of her father.
He would like to extend the culvert at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin to accommodate trash trucks and school bus. He has a culvert but would like for the city to provide the rock.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to provide rock for the culvert extension at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin
He also found someone to haul off the big rock at the railroad right-of-way and north of the pond.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking Project – Clerk Johnson has a zoom meeting with Jody and Rachel, HBCAT, on April 18. Mayor Jurgensen still trying to find time to convene committee.
American Rescue Plan Act update –The remaining $21,153.82 was discussed. It can be used for streets, repairs to the warehouse, a skid steer, or any type of governmental service. Clerk Johnson requested a new quote for materials to reskin and replace/add roll up doors for the warehouse. It was decided to use it for the warehouse. Clerk Johnson attended a webinar last week on submitting this year’s project and expenditure report which is due by April 30.
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – documentation was mailed to KMGA on March 28.
Street repairs/resurfacing – Council directed Clerk Johnson to send out invitation for bids exactly like last year.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss individual nonelected personnel positions and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:41PM
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to continue discussion of individual nonelected personnel positions and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:52PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:52.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow Mayor to seek custodial/water sampler person and increase pay rate to $12/hour
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:53PM
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
APRIL 6, 2023 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Special Council Meeting on April 6, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Jason Thompson and Josh Beck (Green Environmental Services), City Attorney Chase Vaughn, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319-(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties to negotiate the citywide trash service contract, the open meeting to resume at 7:15 PM
Attorney Vaughn was called in at 7:03.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties to negotiate the citywide trash service contract with Attorney Vaughn still in attendance, the open meeting to resume at 7:30 PM
Jason Thompson and Josh Beck, Green Environmental Services, were called into meeting at 7:21. Open meeting resumed at 7:30.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to rescind Ordinance No. 199 an ordinance establishing trash and physical waste service within the city limits of Uniontown, Kansas; exceptions, and no longer pursue citywide trash service
The public hearing scheduled for May 9 will not be held.
Moved by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 7:33PM
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
MARCH 14, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting on March 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:10PM by Mayor Jurgensen due to lack of quorum until then. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (7:49), and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Danny and Linda Nation (4 State Sanitation), Jason Thompson and Josh Beck (Green Environmental Services), Mary Pemberton, Matt Quick (Bourbon County Appraiser), City Attorney Chase Vaughn, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for Citywide trash service – City Attorney Vaughn explained that this hearing was to select a vendor. A proposal was presented by 4 State Sanitation and Green Environmental Services. Review of proposals and discussion ensued.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-1 (Ervin) to accept Green Environmental Services as the vendor to develop citywide trash service
Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick explained the changes to the program effective January 1, 2023 and the City needs to sign a new interlocal agreement to continue participating in the program.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to authorize Mayor to sign Interlocal Agreement to participate in the Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program effective, retroactively, January 1, 2023.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton asked if the Ruritan could have permission to use temporary sidewalk chalk paint on sidewalks in park for summer events and to install a couple permanent tether ball poles near the basketball court.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to allow use of temporary sidewalk chalk paint and install tether ball poles in park
She also would like to have a mural painted on the side of their building at 103 Third St. A grant is available through the Kansas Department of Commerce but would require the city or a 501c3 non-profit to sponsor the grant. She is asking for the City to sponsor the grant. She would fill out the application and submit and do all paperwork for the project.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to sponsor the Kansas Department of Commerce grant application for a mural project at 103 Third St with Mary Pemberton assisting Clerk Johnson with paperwork
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $372,900.60, Receipts $52,647.39, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $62,804.62, Checking Account Closing Balance $349,967.37. Bank Statement Balance $361,106.48, including Checking Account Interest of $71.94, Outstanding Deposits $997.19, Outstanding Checks $12,136.30, Reconciled Balance $349,967.37. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,218.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,494.13, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $436,521.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $149.28, and Utility CDs $153.11 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $302.39. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of February $22,933.23, Year-to-Date Net Income $6,415.40. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $34,307.86 (21.9%), Expenditures $36,475.15 (16.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,771.49 (15.7%), Expenditures $4,272.23 (10.4%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $18,906.33 (15.5%), Expenditures $20,506.69 (12.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $46,670.92 (31.2%), Expenditures $28,433.11 (15.4%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,093.98 (28.1%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The March 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $58,768.71 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
•Minutes of February 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
Minutes of February 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting•Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts PayablesDEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich asked if he should seed the area around the new public restroom. Council said yes
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported an accessory building permit application was received and approved. Certified letters were sent to 404 Washington, 202 Fourth, and 308 Union. One of the letters was not claimed but they have started on compliance. He will follow-up on the one that has not responded. There was discussion on other properties that need attention for debris, brush piles, etc. He will make contact with those property owners. He will write up something for the newsletter.
Clerk Johnson asked the Council to consider implementing a succession plan for City Superintendent and City Clerk positions. Both will be retiring in the next few years. She also requested they consider new software for fund accounting and utility billing that will be compatible with auto read meters and a link on the website to pay online. They will have those discussions at the budget worksession in a couple months.
2023-2024 Insurance renewal quote was presented.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2023-2024 EMC insurance renewal quote of $17,513 and add the public restroom to the property coverage
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project – Don George was here and picked up the final paperwork for submission. It has been submitted and we received an email that it was being processed for payment. Project came in under budget and the amount from KDWPT will be the percentage requested, not the dollar amount of the original application.
Placemaking Project – Clerk Johnson asked if members filled out the community perception survey which is a component of the grant requirements from Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. Mayor Jurgensen is still working on convening a committee to recommend exercise equipment.
American Rescue Plan Act update – the bathroom upgrade is finished and came in under budget. We expended $19,135 of the $40,288.82 of the ARPA funds and the $5,000 grant from Bourbon County REDI. Clerk Johnson would like the can lighting added to the Clerk’s office and Mayor Jurgensen would like mini blinds on the west windows of the community center. The remaining $21,153.82 will be discussed at budget worksession.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to give Clerk permission to have can lighting installed in Clerk’s office and get mini blinds for the west windows of the Community Center
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – legal counsel has approved the ordinance to authorize participation and the participation agreement.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 200 an Ordinance authorizing execution of the Natural Gas Prepay Participation Agreement with the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency and all other necessary documents with respect thereto and providing for the pledge of the revenues of the natural gas utility system of the city to secure such agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign documents
NEW BUSINESS
None
Mayor Jurgensen started a discussion on street repair planning for this year. He will gather and bring more information on milling and asphalt to the next meeting.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:32PM
