Author: Clerk

in Government

City Declares State of Emergency

PLEASE BE ADVISED, THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. FRANCIS, KANSAS, have declared a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19 this 19th day of March, 2020.

BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL access to City Hall will be restricted immediately and until further notice. All City employees will be expected to report to work as normal and work normal business hours. City Hall will be locked during business hours and anyone who needs to enter the City Office will need to call 785-332-3142. If the business cannot be completed over the phone the citizen will be asked health screening questions. A person must answer “no” to all health screening questions to be admitted to the City Office, and such person must be admitted the same day as answering the screening questions. The doors to City Hall will be locked and the City Clerk will give access to the building if it is necessary.

This is being done in an overabundance of caution to ensure the safety of the citizens and employees of the City of St. Francis.

in Government

Utility Payments and Social Distancing

In response to the “social distancing” directives from federal and state authorities that are designed to slow the spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, the City of St. Francis is asking utility customers to use the following services to pay utility bills:

Electronic payments can be made using your credit card, debit card, or checking account by contacting City Hall at 332-3142.   We will be happy to assist you!  

You can also visit our website and initiate an online payment from there:

www.stfranciskansas.com   click on “PAY MY BILL” at the top and then click “Pay My Bill Online”.  This will take you to the Payment Service Network site where you can either create an account or select quick pay.  The Business ID is RT23848.  You will need your account number from your bill.  If the account number is not recognized, try omitting leading zeros.   

At this time the service fees normally associated with online transactions will not be charged to the Customer.  

You can also mail checks to: 
City of St. Francis
PO Box 517
St. Francis, KS  67756
(Please allow sufficient time for payments to be received by the 15th of the month)

Customers can also use the drop box on the West side of City Hall. If paying with case, please put your payment and payment stub in an envelope and write your name and phone number on the outside. Any amount enclosed over the amount due will be applied as a credit to your next bill. If you have any concerns regarding payments in cash, please give us a call.

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe. If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call! 332-3142

in Education

Covid -19 Coronavirus Prevención y tratamiento

Prevención

En la actualidad no existe una vacuna para prevenir la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). La mejor forma de prevenir la enfermedad es evitar la exposición a este virus. Sin embargo, como recordatorio, los CDC siempre recomiendan medidas preventivas cotidianas para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de enfermedades respiratorias. Estas medidas incluyen:

  • Evitar el contacto cercano con personas enfermas.
  • Evitar tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca.
  • Quedarse en casa si está enfermo.
  • Cubrirse la nariz y la boca con un pañuelo desechable al toser o estornudar y luego botarlo a la basura.
  • Limpiar y desinfectar los objetos y las superficies que se tocan frecuentemente, usando un producto común de limpieza de uso doméstico en rociador o toallita.
  • Seguir las recomendaciones de los CDC sobre el uso de mascarillas.
    • Los CDC no han hecho recomendaciones para que las personas que no están enfermas usen mascarillas para protegerse de enfermedades respiratorias, incluso del COVID-19.
  • Lávese las manos frecuentemente con agua y jabón por al menos 20 segundos, especialmente después de ir al baño, antes de comer, y después de sonarse la nariz, toser o estornudar.
    • Si no cuenta con agua ni jabón, use un desinfectante de manos que contenga al menos un 60 % de alcohol. Lávese las manos siempre con agua y jabón si están visiblemente sucias.

Para obtener información sobre la higiene de las manos, consulte el sitio web de los CDC sobre el lavado de las manos.

Para obtener información específica para el área de atención médica, consulte el sitio web de los CDC sobre la higiene de las manos en entornos de atención médica (en inglés).

Estos son hábitos cotidianos que pueden ayudar a prevenir la propagación de varios virus. Los CDC tienen directrices específicas para los viajeros (en inglés).

Información para viajeros

Tratamiento

No hay un tratamiento antiviral específico que se recomiende para el COVID-19. Las personas con el COVID-19 deben recibir cuidados de apoyo para ayudar a aliviar los síntomas. En los casos graves, el tratamiento debe incluir atención médica para apoyar el funcionamiento de los órganos vitales.

Las personas que creen que podrían haber estado expuestas al COVID-19 deben comunicarse con su proveedor de atención médica de inmediato.

Vea la Guía interina para profesionales de atención médica (en inglés) para obtener información sobre las personas que están bajo investigación.

Información para profesionales de la salud

in Education

COVID-19 How To Protect Yourself

Covid-19   How to Protect Yourself

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

Know How it Spreads

Illustration: woman sneezing on man
  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Take steps to protect yourself

Illustration: washing hands with soap and water

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Illustration: Woman quarantined to her home

Avoid close contact

Take steps to protect others

man in bed

Stay home if you’re sick

woman covering their mouth when coughing

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
man wearing a mask

Wear a facemask if you are sick

  • If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
cleaning a counter

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

  • Diluting your household bleach.
    To make a bleach solution, mix:
    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
      OR
    • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

  • Alcohol solutions.
    Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
  • Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
    Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

Complete disinfection guidance

 For more information:  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

in Education

COVID-19 Information for Public Health

Title: COVID-19 Information for Public Health
By: TABETHA KETZNER, Health Department Administrator

Category: Education, Health & Wellness

Article: COVID-19 Information for Public Health

The Cheyenne County Health Department works closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to monitor people at risk for infection. At this time, the people with highest risk for COVID-19 are those traveling from China or people who have had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. As of February 26, 15 COVID-19 cases have been identified in the United States (12 travelers from China, 2 close contacts of travel-associated cases, and 1 case with no known exposure). All cases, including the one with no known exposure, have been identified through public health screening and monitoring systems. An additional 42 cases in the U.S. were repatriated from Wuhan, China or from the Diamond Princess Cruise ship.

If an individual is identified at risk for COVID-19 but is not currently ill, the individual would be required to remain at home for 14 days. They would be asked to watch for COVID-19 symptoms (fever of 100.4⁰F or greater, cough, shortness of breath) and take their temperature daily. The individual would need to contact the health department and their healthcare provider to receive laboratory testing. At that time, the health department would work with the individual to identify any close contacts at risk for disease exposure. All of their close contacts would be required to remain at home for 14 days after last exposure or until laboratory test results are negative.

The Cheyenne County Health Department is working closely with Emergency Management and community partners to keep our kids and community safe while making sure we are ready to respond if needed.

Health Department: 785-332-2381

Sandy Barber, RN
Tiffany Ochsner, RN
Candi Douthit, RN
Tabetha Ketzner, Administrator

in Government

Ordinance No. 621

AN ORDINANCE OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ST. FRANCIS, KANSAS IMPOSING A ONE PERCENT (1.0%) CITY-WIDE SALES TAX FOR GENERAL PURPOSES.

            WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 2019-4, the governing body of the City of St. Francis, Kansas (the “City”), authorized and provided for a special election in the City for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the City the question of imposing, under K.S.A. 12-187 et seq. (the “Act”), a one percent (1.0%) City-wide sales tax (the “Sales Tax”) for City infrastructure improvements, including streets and payments on bonds issued to finance such improvements (the “Sales Tax Proposition”), with collection of such Sales Tax to commence on April 1, 2020; and 

            WHEREAS, a special question election was held in the City on October 8, 2019, at which time there was submitted to the qualified electors of the City the Sales Tax Proposition, and a majority of the qualified electors of the City voting on this proposition voted in favor thereof; and

            WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act and the results of the aforementioned special election, the governing body of the City deems it necessary and advisable to authorize the levy of the Sales Tax, which Sales Tax will be a general purpose sales tax under the Act.

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ST. FRANCIS, KANSAS:

            SECTION 1.  The levy of the Sales Tax is hereby authorized, with collection of the Sales Tax to commence on April 1, 2020.

            SECTION 2.  The City Clerk, upon passage of this Ordinance, shall provide a certified copy of the same to the State Director of Taxation pursuant to K.S.A. 12-189.

            SECTION 3.  This Ordinance shall be effective upon passage by the governing body, approval and execution by the Mayor and publication once in the official City newspaper.

            PASSED by the governing body of the City of St. Francis, Kansas on November 25, 2019, and APPROVED and SIGNED by the Mayor.

                                                                                                Scott Schultz, Mayor

(SEAL)

ATTEST:

            Lila L. Whitmore, City Clerk

in Community

City of St. Francis Snow Routes

The City of St. Francis Snow Routes are as follows:

  • College Street from Highway 36 to North Street
  • Benton Street from Highway 36 to North Street
  • River Street from Highway 36 to Jackson Street
  • First Street from Quincy Street to Adams Street
  • Quincy Street from Highway 36 to Washington Street
  • Adams Street from First Street to Spencer Street
  • Washington Street from College to Valley (6:00 pm to 7:00 am)

Signs are installed along streets designated as emergency snow routes. If you have questions, please call the Police Department 332-3385, City Hall 332-3142, or the Power Plant 332-3031.

For more information regarding Emergency Snow Routes, reference City Code Chapter 13 Article 5. https://stfranciskansas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/CHAPTER_13_STREETS_AND_SIDEWALKS.pdf

in Community

Weatherization Assistance Program Offered by North Central Regional Planning Commission

The North Central Regional Planning Commission operates a Weatherization Assistance Program that helps reduce energy costs for low-income households (see maximum income guidelines below) by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. The 41 counties in the NCRPC service area include: Barton, Cheyenne, Clay, Cloud, Decatur, Dickinson, Ellis, Ellsworth, Geary, Gove, Graham, Greeley, Jewell, Lane, Lincoln, Logan, Marshall, Mitchell, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Pottawatomie, Rawlins, Republic, Riley, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Saline, Scott, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego, Wabaunsee, Wallace, Washington, and Wichita. Funding for this program is provided by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Weatherization Program is based solely on income; verification is required (i.e. paystubs, unemployment, public assistance documents). All weatherization work is done at no cost to the individual resident. If the dwelling is a rental unit, the landlord must sign a landlord release form before any materials will be installed. Homes weatherized since September 30, 1994 are not eligible.

What Weatherization Includes

Weatherization of a home consists of the following:

  • A pre-inspection to determine the amount of work necessary to weatherize the home, in addition to checking heating appliances for safety and efficiency.
  • Furnaces found to be unsafe will be repaired, if possible, or replaced.
  • Infiltration work such as patching foundation, caulking and weatherstripping windows and exterior doors; sealing or replacing broken glass.
  • Wall and attic insulation will be considered. This is dependent upon the condition of wiring, roof condition, the amount of existing insulation, type of wall construction and siding.
  • Gable or roof vents will be installed, as required.
  • A final inspection will be conducted to determine if all the work has been completed.

2019 Weatherization Maximum Income Guidelines

Family Size Income Maximum
1 $24,980
2 $33,820
3 $42,660
4 $51,500
5 $60,340
6 $69,180
7 $78,020
8 $86,860
9 $95,700

How to Apply

To apply for household weatherization call the NCRPC at (800) 432-0303 to receive an application by mail. 

in Community, Education

Small Business Workshops To Be Offered

Interested in Starting a Business or New To The Business World?

The Cheyenne County Development Corporation in conjunction with the Kansas Small Business Development Center from Fort Hays State University are offering two introductory business workshops on Thursday, June 27, 2019:

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.      Idea to Enterprise

An introduction to starting a business for entrepreneurs and anyone thinking about launching a new business. This workshop covers the 5 phases of starting a business and what it takes to make this important step. Also covered are some of the top 20 reasons that startups fail and how to prevent it.

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.      3M (Money, Marketing, Management)

An introduction to the basics of money, marketing, and management for entrepreneurs and anyone looking for a refresher! Learn about sources of funding and what good credit looks like. Understand the importance of marketing and why it is relevant. Dive into a better understanding of managing a business.

These No-Cost presentations are delivered by Rick Feltenberger, Regional Director of the Kansas SBDC at Fort Hays State University. Rick is a serial entrepreneur and Fortune 500 executive with rich experience and deep background in starting, funding, and operating businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Pre-registration is required in order to have proper space for everyone.

Register at director@ccdcks.com prior to June 20, 2019 with name, address, phone number, e-mail, and the workshop(s) you wish to attend.

The seminars will be held in St. Francis and you will be notified of the location on or before June 24, 2019.

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