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 2027

Danea Esslinger, term expires December 2027

Mary Pemberton, term expires December 2027

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.



2024 MEETING SCHEDULE                                        Utility Hearing Dates

         January 8 (MONDAY)                                                   January 31
         February 13                                                                  February 28
           March 12                                                                      March 27
            April 9                                                                          April 24
            May 14                                                                          May 29
           June 11                                                                         June 26
           July 9                                                                             July 31
          August 13                                                                      August 28
        September 10                                                              September 25
         October 8                                                                      October 30                 November 12                                                                November 27                 December 10                                                                December 26                                                                                                      (THURSDAY)

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CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
FEBRUARY 27, 2024 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Special Council Meeting on February 27, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:30PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.  

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties, benefits, and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:00PM

Clerk Johnson included in session, open meeting resumed at 7:00.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:35PM.

Johnson still included in session. Open meeting resumed at 7:35PM.

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to have Clerk Johnson post City Clerk position with appropriate publications and organizations

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to amend Section 2.9.0 with the statement that full-time employees hired on or after March 1, 2024 will not be eligible for this benefit and add Section 2.11.0 Health Insurance Benefit effective for all new full-time hires on or after March 1, 2024

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:36PM

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
FEBRUARY 13, 2024 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting on February 13, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.  

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS


CITIZENS REQUEST
Clerk Johnson reported that Shane Kober requested speed bumps in front of his residence. After discussion, Council does not wish to put speed bumps on Sherman Street. Clerk was asked to advise him to followup with the Sheriff’s department for information on how to proceed.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the January 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $235,479.20, Receipts $85,918.56, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $24,988.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $293,383.58. Bank Statement Balance $293,816.11, including Checking Account Interest of $54.56, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $432.53, Reconciled Balance $293,383.58. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $390,482.42. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $54.56, and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $54.56. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of January $57,904.38, Year-to-Date Net Income $57,904.38. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $8,044.20 (6.5%), Expenditures $6,943.58 (4.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $2,715.90 (7.3%), Expenditures $2,136.25 (5.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $17,162.10 (11.7%), Expenditures $10,531.03 (5.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $52,382.78 (31.9%), Expenditures $8,403.32 (4.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The February 2024 payables to date in the amount of $36,872.84 were presented.

Clerk Johnson explained the new report for current payables and the difference between the two presented. She asked the council which report they preferred – Claims Report by Department, by Fund was chosen.

CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
Minutes of January 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

Clerk Johnson reported several notifications of insurance renewal conditional provisions from EMC.
Website hosting price increase of $2.50/month.
Municipal Court Clerks conference is March 1, in Wichita. She will not attend this year.
CCMFOA Conference is March 20-22, in Manhattan. She will not attend this year.
CDL storm siren maintenance agreement should renew in March. She will have a new agreement for action at next meeting.
gWorks was used for accounts payable this month and end of month procedures will be done on gWorks. She has a training on Thursday for bank reconciliation, deposits, and reports. She will then get all deposits for the month entered, process penalties, and mail delinquent notices.
Bourbon County Job Fair is February 22. She asked is they wanted a booth to try to recruit a clerk and maintenance worker. Not at this time.
She did order a 2024 labor law poster.

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – wished to recognize Clerk Johnson and thank her for all her work in the software conversion.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – the school contacted the City to see if they could stage rock on the right of way for the walking trail project. The rock is being hauled by the county. He told them yes. Superintendent Rich stated that there is a gas main just south of the sidewalk by the medical clinic. Mayor Jurgensen also asked Rich to get fescue and seed the ditches that were worked on Third St.  

OLD BUSINESS
Rabies Clinic – tentatively scheduled for March 23, 1:30-3:00PM.

Mayor Jurgensen asked if the Council wanted to reskin the warehouse and put in the ramp and rollup doors to use as public works building. We will need to determine specs and request bids for the metal siding/roof, the ramp and rollup doors, and the installation.

NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:47PM

Clerk Johnson called in at 8:22, open meeting resumed at 8:47.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to call a special meeting on February 27, 2024, 6:30PM for the purpose of executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:48PM

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
JANUARY 8, 2024 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting on January 8, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.  

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Oath of Office was administered to newly elected councilmembers by Clerk Johnson.

CITIZENS REQUEST
None

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $243,781.59, Receipts $73,292.55, Transfers Out $19,054.68, Expenditures $62,540.26, Checking Account Closing Balance $235,479.20. Bank Statement Balance $244,368.14, including Checking Account Interest of $53.92, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,888.94, Reconciled Balance $235,479.20. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $332,578.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $923.79, and Utility CDs $1,091.36 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,015.15. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000, to Security Meter Deposit $9.56; from Gas Utility Fund to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000, to Security meter Deposit $19.12; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000 for Total Transfers of $19,054.68. Net Loss for the month of December $8,302.39, Year-to-Date Net Loss $108,072.77. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $124,626.63 (102.0%), Expenditures $119,097.15 (74.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,864.03 (100%), Expenditures $34,036.23 (82.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $137,399.07 (87.7%), Expenditures $163,108.78 (72.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $207,072.57 (138.3%), Expenditures $156,498.76 (84.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $9,525.56 (75.6%). The January 2024 estimated payables to date in the amount of $28,498.47 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
Minutes of December 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Destruction of records for 2013 and prior
Resolution 2024-0108-1 – 2024 GAAP Waiver

DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich requested to shut off water and close public restroom for the winter. After water is shut off, the doors will be locked and signs will be placed on the doors.
He gave an update on the sewer issue at 100 Second St – the issue in on the property owners side of the sewer service. It is recommended that when new line is tapped into main it includes a trace wire (all utilities).
The sewer main in the alley between Hill St and Clay St was backing up. A screen was used when cleaned out to see what was blocking the flow. Screen was full of feminine hygiene products. A request to not flush certain items was put in the January newsletter.
The quote from CAS Constructors, LLC for labor to replace the butterfly water valve at the master meter is $4,720. Valve, actuator, and solenoid have been ordered and still several weeks from delivery.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept quote in the amount of $4,720 from CAS Constructors, LLC to remove existing butterfly valve and replace with new actuated butterfly valve

Mayor Jurgensen asked for a followup on the standing water in the drainage ditch from midway between Third St and Second St to the railroad right-of-way box culvert. Source of water is still undetermined.

Mayor Jurgensen reported that he spoke to owner of 201 Second St about the fallen fence and yard. Tenants have picked up and stacked fallen fence and cleaned up yard. It was also reported that improvements at 404 Washington are continuing.

Clerk Johnson reported the Kansas Health and Environment Labs schedule of fees are projected to increase 35% effective May, 2024.
She gave an update on the finance and utility billing software implementation.
Johnson received information regarding National Flood Insurance Plan training. As Uniontown has not significant flood risk, she will not attend but will pass on information to her replacement.
Also received a notice regarding Information Technology/Operational Technology Essentials Workshop. Council did not feel anyone should attend, but Superintendent Rich could attend if he wanted to.
She received notice of a rate increase from C2 today that will be effective with the January reading. Service fee will increase from $20 to $25/month, usage rate will increase $.23/1000 gallons, a 5.22% overall increase. Johnson presented options for city customer rate increase to be effective with the January readings to reflect the increase from C2.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve Ordinance No. 204 repealing Ordinance No. 195, relating to water rates and amending any previous ordinances for resolutions setting forth water rates for the City of Uniontown, Kansas with inside city limits minimum charge of $27.16 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.74/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000; for customers outside city limits minimum charge of $28.40 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $13.31/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000 to take effect on the January 26, 2024 billing

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – severe weather is forecasted for the weekend. A member update had not been received from KMGA as of meeting, Clerk Johnson will reach out for an update. He also reminded council that dog/cat registrations period is now until March 31. It was asked if we would host a rabies clinic again this year. Clerk Johnson with reach out to Dr Holeman for a late March date.  

OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking project – Grant check has been received and work will begin when weather permits.

Pond Project – contractor is still waiting on county for rock.

NEW BUSINESS
Water Meter Replacement Plan – after discussion, we will start with a few this year and budget in the following years for more to have on hand and replace when needed. Superintendent Rich stated he would need help to remove/replace some of the meters as some of the meters are pretty deep in the well.

Clerk Johnson asked when and where to advertise for the City Clerk position. Mayor Jurgensen asked her to send the clerk’s job description to the council in next month’s packet and put a non-elected personnel executive session for on the agenda to discuss duties and benefits.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:33PM

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
DECEMBER 12, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting on December 12, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 8:00PM, due to schedule conflict with school activity, by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (8:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.  

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Mayor Jurgensen presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing councilmember Josh Hartman

404 Washington repair followup – Mr O’Dell did not appear. Exterior of structure is not completed but has been made safe and secure. Exterior and interior work is continuing.

USD 235, Vance Eden – Mr Eden forgot after the music program. He wanted to address the council about support for a proposed grant project to construct preschool/daycare classrooms, office spaces, and community space for fitness center and computer lab.

CITIZENS REQUEST
None

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:12PM

Meeting resumed at 8:12PM, no action taken.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $393,424.49, Receipts $38,253.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $184,870.35, Checking Account Closing Balance $243,781.59. Bank Statement Balance $252,410.86, including Checking Account Interest of $71.68, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,629.27, Reconciled Balance $243,781.59. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,562.47, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $20,047.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,841.33, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $331,232.47. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $869.87, and Utility CDs $1,049.90 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,919.77. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of November $149,642.90, Year-to-Date Net Loss $99,770.38. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $109,948.84 (90.0%), Expenditures $103,590.71 (64.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,931.68 (92.0%), Expenditures $27,021.56 (65.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $120,906.83 (77.2%), Expenditures $120,058.49 (53.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $170,695.62 (114.0%), Expenditures $142,559.66 (77.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $8,841.12 (75.6%). The December 2023 estimated payables to date in the amount of $69,435.50 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
Minutes of November 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and November 27, 2023 Special Meeting
Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported a sewer issue at 100 Second St. It is unsure whether the leaking line is the city’s or the property owners. Council directed him to determine the ownership of the line and fix if it is the city’s line.
He reported that the labor for the water valve replacement is estimated at $4,720 and estimated to be 12 weeks out.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to table labor for valve replacement until January meeting

Rich asked about a water meter replacement plan. This will be put on the January agenda under new business.

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was not in attendance. Johnson reported that Animal Control Officer is monitoring the dogs at large on Washington Street and taking appropriate action.

Clerk Johnson received a request for donation for SOS (Send Off Seniors) party. Historically the city donates $100.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2024 SOS Party

Johnson asked to not renew Zoom subscription. It has been used twice in the last three years. Council agreed to non-renew as we can always reactivate if needed. She did receive a late notice for renewal of smoothwall and did get it paid and renewed.
She also gave an update from the December 5 KDHE public meeting on the Lead Service Line Inventory being required by EPA and KDHE. KDHE does have grants available for assistance in getting accurate information for the inventory. Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) also has technical assistance available. She will be attending a MAP webinar in January. Some of the testing processes are changing and the acceptable level will be reduced from 15ppb to 10ppb
She provided governing body with a resource pamphlet from League of Kansas Municipalities and asked to not comply with request for Economic Development Survey as city has not expended anything for economic development. Clerk was directed to order a 2024 Governing Body Handbook for new councilmember.
Animal Control Officer Binford wanted to express her appreciation for the gift and council support.
Johnson also thanked the council for allowing her to be City Clerk.

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – again conveyed his appreciation to other governing body members and city staff as his term is ending.
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing  

OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will present $10,000 grant check on December 18. Contractor is planning to begin as soon as weather permits.

Pond Project – contractor has contoured bank and is waiting on County to deliver rock. County rock crusher is broken down at this time. Mayor Jurgensen has given KDWPT biologist Don George an update on progress and discussed with him the weeds growing in the riprap on the west side. It is recommended to not spray with roundup or glyphosate. Mr George would like to view the areas of weeds and make herbicide recommendation.

NEW BUSINESS
2024 CMB off premises renewal-Union Station – 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to renew Union Station’s CMB off premises license for 2024

Procurement Policy – after discussion, policy does not need changed. The wording on the invitation for bid needs to state that bid opening will be (up to 10 days) before council meeting and will be awarded at council meeting.

Financial/Utility Software – Clerk Johnson contacted four companies for quotes – Tyler Technologies, one time fees $60,570, annual fees $20,645; MuniBilling, one time fees $2,390, annual fees $5,208; gWorks, one time fees $1,500, annual fee $2,030; and Edmunds, one time fees $10,000-12,000, annual fees $7,000. She recommended gWorks as they have the lowest quote plus we already use gWorks desktop Utility Billing module. There will be no onboarding/implementation cost for utility billing. All quotes are for cloud-based software.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to purchase gWorks Finance Hub and Utility Billing Hub cloud-based software

Employee Benefits-Health Insurance – Clerk Johnson presented the three options she found. None can be used until we have an employee to insure. Once an employee is hired, she recommends KMIT as the best option for long term health benefits.

Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:59PM

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779
NOVEMBER 27, 2023 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Special Council Meeting on November 27, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.

Discuss ordinance regulating council pay – review and discussion of the draft ordinance presented.  

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt amended Ordinance No. 203, an ordinance establishing compensation for members of the governing body of the city of Uniontown, Kansas.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance, job duties, and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:40PM

Clerk Johnson called in at 7:30PM. Open meeting resumed at 7:40PM. Council asked Clerk Johnson to gather information about health insurance coverages/plans and costs from KMIT, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and Kansas Rural Water Association.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to table insurance benefit discussion until December 12, 2023 meeting

Moved by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM