Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Finding Inner Peace

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

 

 

The hustle and bustle of the holidays is here! Some people thrive on the extra hubbub and can’t wait to be a part of the goings-on of the season. On the other hand, some individuals don’t enjoy the season at all. To them, all of that bustle just creates a dizzying array of demands.

Whether we enjoy the added demands or not, a lot of those stresses are based upon expectations we place upon ourselves and those perceived expectations we feel others have of us. It’s no wonder it’s often difficult to experience true ‘peace’ – a term that is a wish for all this time of year.

So, what does peace look like? Think of the “P” as a reminder to spend time with the “people” who mean the most to you. That may include close family and a few special friends. When was the last time you called or wrote a card to your grandparents or a distant family member? A personal handwritten note represents a lot of thought and care for those loved ones. Let’s hope we are able to get back to family traditions with gatherings this season.

Did you know the breath cycle actually begins with an “exhale” (for “E”)? The longer the exhale, the deeper the inhale will be. Deep breathing will often aid in relaxation and reducing stress. So if things begin to get tense at your perfect family gathering, practice your deep breathing – especially before you choose to respond.

Consider “anticipation” for the letter “A”. There is usually a lot of anticipation associated with the holidays. Research has shown that the part of the brain responsible for feeling pleasure is activated when we think about doing something we enjoy or anticipate it. Daydreaming about favorite things is actually good for you. Remember when you were young you probably looked forward to Christmas morning with great anticipation. Now that you are older, find new ways to look forward to the holidays.

Make a list and “check-off” (“C”) items as you finish them. Completing items on a list (be it a written list or one put in your handheld device) brings success. It often reduces the overwhelming feelings that go along with many tasks to be done. Choose one system for tracking and stick with it.

Let go of your “expectations” — the final “E”. The passage of time brings change. Families evolve, babies are born, people pass. Accepting the reality that time changes holiday traditions can help you overcome feelings of stress. Begin to look for exciting new things for the season instead of focusing on days past. Start new traditions while sharing your own treasured holiday memories. It’s okay to miss what was, but do not let your focus on the past steal the joy of the present.

Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Do some preparation to prevent the stress that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, before they seem to take over. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.

For more information and guidance on managing holiday stress, contact a Southwind District Extension Office.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Niece Products, Fort Scott, Receives Rural Development Grant

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United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $833,664 to improve the energy infrastructure in 26 Kansas towns and counties.

 

The specifics on these Kansas projects include:

  • $29,077 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a ventilation and heating system and energy efficient lighting for Niece Products of Fort Scott. The project is estimated to save 118,883,847.9 BTUs per year. This equates to 12.61 percent of their annual energy usage, enough to power 4.5 homes for a year.

 

 

  • $177,464 grant     This Rural Development investment will be used to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels at fueling stations owned by the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Inc., of Horton. This project will increase the amount of ethanol sold by 109,923 gallons per year.

 

  • $15,000 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels for a Hoard Oil fueling station in Courtland. This project will increase the amount of ethanol sold by 14,301 gallons per year.

 

  • $84,002 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels at Skyland Grain, LLC, fueling stations in Preston, Cunningham, and Moscow. This project will increase the amount of ethanol sold by 668,205 gallons per year.

 

  • $4,990 grant         This Rural Development investment will be used to install an 8 kW rooftop solar array on the main building of Red Rock Guest Ranch, an existing bed & breakfast facility in Soldier. This project will realize $1,792.17 per year in savings and will replace 15,584 kWh, equating to 44 percent of annual energy use and enough energy to power one house.

 

  • $30,525 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install an air compressor, HVAC and LED lighting for Hix Corporation of Pittsburg. The project is estimated to save 134,702 kWh per year, equating to 24.67 percent of annual usage. This is enough energy to power 12 homes.

 

  • $32,287 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install solar equipment for The Wrays, LLC, a trucking dealership in Sawyer. The project is estimated to replace 65,580 kWh per year, equating to 149.88 percent of their annual energy usage, enough energy to power six homes.

 

  • $10,247 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of an 18 kW rooftop mounted solar array.  The project is estimated to replace 24,185 kWh per year. This equates to 92.15 percent of its energy usage and is enough energy to power two homes. Arrowhead Animal Clinic P.A., of Wellington, currently has nine employees.

 

  • $45,234 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to make energy efficiency improvements with the purchase and installation of refrigeration equipment, walk-in freezer and LED lighting retrofit in existing freezer cases. Clasen, LLC, operates an existing grocery store in Anthony. This project will realize $12,564 per year in electricity savings and will replace 132,730 kWh, 79.93 percent of annual use, which is enough electricity to power twelve homes.

 

  • $5,044 grant         This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install solar equipment for Duane Seiler, an agricultural producer in Colwich. The project is estimated to replace 9,660 kWh per year, equating to 100 percent of his annual energy usage.

 

  • $6,200 grant         This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 15 kW rooftop solar array for Steven Walker, a beef cattle rancher and farmer in Moline. The project is estimated to replace 18,117 kWh per year, equating to 128.36 percent of his annual energy usage and is enough energy to power one home.

 

  • $24,800 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install solar equipment at Harvest Ag Fabricating, LLC, of Moundridge. The project will replace 73,926 kWh per year, equating to 98.06 percent of their annual energy usage and is enough energy to power six homes.

 

  • $45,979 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install solar equipment for K.C. Pumpkin Patch, LLC, a winery in Olathe. The project is estimated to replace 84,662 kWh per year, equating to 88.78 percent of their annual energy usage and is enough energy to power seven homes.

 

  • $20,000 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 15 kW Bergey wind turbine at 3M Farms, LLC, of Tribune. The system is estimated to produce 51,808 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power four homes.

 

  • $42,286 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install energy efficient freezers for Bob’s Super Saver, Inc., a chain of grocery stores in Emporia. The project is estimated to save 260,587 kWh per year, equating to 8.07 percent of their annual energy usage. This is enough energy to power 24 homes.

 

  • $27,800 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install solar equipment for Bold, LLC, a freight company in Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 73,513 kWh per year, equating to 99.55 percent of their annual energy usage and is enough energy to power six homes.

 

  • $8,074 grant         This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install energy efficient lighting and HVAC at Seirer’s Clothing, a retail clothing store in Lincoln Center. The project is estimated to save 9,869 kWh per year, equating to 49.84 percent of their annual energy usage and is enough energy to power almost one home.

 

  • $10,939 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to assist Iron Clad, LLC, a shared workspace and event rental space in Wamego, to purchase and install a 23.2 kW rooftop mounted solar array. The project is estimated to replace 30,984 kWh per year. This equates to 86.94 percent of its energy usage and is enough energy to power two homes.

 

  • $36,218 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to make energy efficiency improvements with the purchase and installation of refrigeration equipment and LED lighting in existing freezers at Jamboree Foods of Atwood, Inc., a grocery store in Oakley. This project will realize $10,142 per year in savings and will replace 113,696 kWh of energy, equating to 69.56 percent of annual energy use. Enough electricity to power ten homes.

 

  • $19,962 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to assist Jamboree Foods of Norton, Inc. to make energy efficiency improvements with the purchase and installation of refrigeration equipment for an existing grocery store in Hill City. This project will realize $11,658 per year in savings and will replace 79,515 kWh, or 72.6 percent annual usage, which is enough electricity to power seven homes.

 

  • $17,943 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to assist Janece Vathauer, the owner of a grain farming operation in Barnes, to purchase an electric conveyor belt that will replace a diesel auger. The project is estimated to save 6,088 kWh per year. This equates to 87.74 percent electrical savings.

 

  • $9,903 grant         This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 9 kW rooftop solar array for Jones Gillam Renz Architects, Inc., an architectural services firm in Salina. The project is estimated to replace 13,446 kWh per year, equating to 87.36 percent of their annual energy usage, enough electricity to power nearly two homes.

 

  • $14,875 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to assist Kelman Enterprises Inc., an ag producer in Sublette, purchase and install a 15 kW Bergey Wind Turbine. This project will save $3,318 per year and will replace 60,328 kWh, or 85 percent of annual consumption, which is enough electricity to power five homes.

 

  • $20,000 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 15 kW Bergey wind turbine. Mark Cavenee is an ag producer in Tribune. This project will realize $5,296 per year in electricity savings and will replace 54,255 kWh, 97.65 percent of annual usage, which is enough electricity to power five homes.

 

  • $36,889 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to make energy efficiency irrigation improvements for Mull Investments, LP, in Edwards and Kiowa Counties. This project will realize $4,702 per year in electricity savings and will replace 768,257 kWh, 75.9 percent of annual usage.

 

  • $6,831 grant         This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install HVAC, deli case and other energy efficiency items at Mity Mart, a convenience store in Lincoln Center. The project is estimated to save 7,513 kWh per year, equating to 26.49 percent of their annual energy usage and is enough energy to power almost one home.

 

  • $16,220 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to assist Sandhills Development, LLC, a software company in Hutchinson, to purchase and install a 36 kW rooftop mounted solar array. The project is estimated to replace 46,959 kWh per year. This equates to 80.44 percent of its energy usage and is enough energy to power four homes.

 

  • $14,875 grant       This Rural Development investment will be used to assist Thomas L. Lahey, an ag producer in Moscow, to purchase and install a 15 kW Bergey wind turbine. This project will realize $5,224 per year in savings and will replace 59,328 kWh, 100 percent of annual usage, which is enough electricity to power five homes.

 

Please see attached press release for full details.

 

Allen Pickert

Public Affairs Specialist

State office, Rural Development

United States Department of Agriculture

1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100

Topeka, KS 66604

Phone: 785-271-2700     Cell: 785-207-1171

http://www.rd.usda.gov/ks

@RurDev_Kansas

Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff to Honor Senator Bob Dole

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Governor Kelly Orders Flags Lowered Honoring Senator Bob Dole

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, and in coordination with the proclamation signed by President Joe Biden, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff starting immediately until sunset on December 9, 2021 in honor of the passing of Senator Bob Dole.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Dole this morning,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Senator Dole was many things  — a war hero, a father, a husband, a public servant; and to Kansans, a man who embodied everything good and decent about Kansas and about America.

“In public office, Senator Dole was always a voice for Kansas. However, his work in the Senate also had a profound impact on all Americans. Most notably, his efforts to protect Social Security in 1983 and to ensure passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, which transformed the lives of those living with a disability.

“Senator Dole’s legacy goes far beyond the walls of Congress. He was a larger-than-life presence in our nation’s politics and demonstrated a decency, a humility, and a civility that should serve as a model for those of us in public life.

“My thoughts are with his wife, Elizabeth, his family and all those who loved Bob Dole.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Dec. 1

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

December 1, 2021

  1. Welcome: Twelve members representing thirteen agencies attended. Billie Jo shared the following announcements from members who could not attend:
  • Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Coordinator, has openings in her home visitation program.
  • Cinda Reynolds wanted members to know that the American Red Cross is seeking a volunteer to manage the Bourbon County blood drives due to the retirement of Ruth Waring from the position. The next Bourbon County drive will be December 14 and 15.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has some rental units available now and a few more will be available soon. Rent is based on income; a single person can earn up to $36,500 to qualify.
  • Elizabeth Schafer noted that the Pioneer Kiwanis chili feed was a huge success; she thanked everyone who participated.
  • Nancy Van Etten, SEK Multi-County Health Department, announced that COVID boosters and vaccines can be scheduled by calling the Health Department. The department also has Pfizer vaccines for children, as well as, flu and pneumonia shots.
  • Christine Abbot, SEKansasWorks, introduced Ashley Finnie who is the new Adult Career Advisor. Christine continues to be in the Fort Scott office on Mondays; Ashley will be in Fort Scott on Fridays. They will be conducting a food drive for December; donation box will be located at Luther’s; all donations will go to the Beacon. They will collect food items until January 7.
  • Ashley Finnie works with individuals aged 18 and older; she can assist with going back to school, on the job training, child care, transportation, and temporary housing. She now has 62 participating in “on the job” training at the present time.
  • David Gillen, Beacon, was pleased to announce that all 77 families have been adopted for the Christmas season. Beacon and Elks will be working together to provide food baskets to those in need.
  • Megan Rogers, Safehouse shelter advocate, can be reached at 620-231-8251. They are currently collecting Christmas gifts for their clients; instructions for donations can be found on the Safehouse website.
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP, shared that she is seeking someone in Crawford County to write a grant application in order to start an RSVP program in that county. She also is looking for a Bourbon County event/venue to hand out medicine disposal bags.
  • April Jackson, Thrive Allen County and SEK SMP Coalition, is seeking some Bourbon County representation for her coalition that meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. Her coalition has received a sizeable federal grant to work on treatment and recovery services.
  • Tammy Alcantor, Crawford County Health Department, reminded members of the programs she has going in Bourbon County: WIC, Baby and Me Tobacco Free, Teen Pregnancy, and Pre-Natal classes (held in Pittsburg).
  1. Program: Update on Communities in Schools presented by Rhonda Hoener:

After 31 years as teacher and counselor, Rhonda is now the Communities in Schools student support coordinator for USD 235. She gives support in school so the student can become a productive citizen. She works on a multi-tiered system which ranges from speakers and attendance incentives for all students, to specific one-on-one problem solving to provide support for specific obstacles for identified students. Parental consent has to be obtained in order for a student to be on her caseload.

  1. Open Forum: Although Allen Schelleck was not able to attend, Billie Jo reminded members that Allen could still use more volunteers to ring bells for the Salvation Army; all monies raised in the campaign will remain in Bourbon County.
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 5, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
Opinion

Don’t Just Stand There by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

 

I know of only one person who doesn’t like to hear music. As a musician, I find that rather odd. The music of the church has been inspiring and life-changing for me. The songs I heard and sang as a child continue to influence what I believe and do. I woke up one morning with the straightforward lyrics of “We’ll Work till Jesus Comes” in my soul. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to grasp the meaning of this gospel message in song.

After Jesus was resurrected, the time had come for Him to ascend back to heaven. “As they [apostles] were straining their eyes for another glimpse, suddenly two white-robed men were standing there among them, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has gone away to heaven and some day, just as He went, He will return!’” (Acts 1:10,11 TLB). These two verses are extremely relevant to modern believers. Today, we might say: Don’t just stand there, do something!

We can read the Books of Acts through Revelation and find out what the New Testament believers did. In a nutshell, they loved God, loved people, and went about doing good — that‘s what Jesus did (see Acts 10:38). The apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power” (1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT). These Christians were not loafers — they were empowered by the Holy Spirit and stayed busy doing God’s will. In 2021, there’s still work to be done and victories to be won. The gospel message is to be preached and songs of worship are to be sung. The lost, hungry, hurting, and abused need to be loved, fed, helped, and brought to Christ Jesus.

When it comes to work, there’s a fine line of balance in the life of a believer. We are to accomplish the work God has individually assigned to us without burning out. “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:9,10 NLT). When all believers work together in unity, using our unique abilities, we can make a positive difference for the Kingdom of God.

There are no reserved seats on the sidelines for Christians. Yes, there may come a time when your physical work turns into praying and/or financial partnering only. Remember God moves through people who are willing to be used to get the job done. “Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function]” (1 Corinthians 12:27 AMP). For example, if all the hospital employees were doctors, the place would have to shut down. It takes everybody performing their designated role to have excellent results.

Let’s not drag our feet in working for Jesus until He returns. “The Lord of Hosts says, ‘Get on with the job and finish it! You have been listening long enough!’” (Zechariah 8:9 TLB). So what’s the holdup? It’s time to stop questioning the will of God and start carrying it out.

The Key: Let’s take up where Jesus left off and go about doing good.

Opinion

Incentives by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

If you have read my column very often, you probably have noticed how hard I am on the role of government in managing our economy. I believe that governments serve a legitimate role in the business cycle, but too often their actions destroy the incentive for capital investment and productivity.

A case in point is the 10% luxury tax that Congress placed on toys for the rich, such as yachts, furs, jewelry, planes, etc., during the 1990s. The intention seemed noble: get the rich to pay a little extra for their toys in order to benefit the poor. The result? The rich quit buying American toys or bought used toys and fixed them up. Many workers lost their jobs as these luxury toy manufacturers downsized or went out of business altogether. The yacht tax only brought in about $13 million over 18 months, which was enough to keep the Department of Agriculture running for about 2 hours.

Additionally, the government seems to believe that the intellectuals in their ranks know how to run businesses. They don’t. State control is fundamentally bad because it denies people the power to choose and the opportunity to bear responsibility for their own actions. The incentive for excellence is diminished. When one has real capital investment in an enterprise, the focus becomes efficient cost structures, product/service innovation, and the hard work required to make a profit.

Further, without capital investment in new equipment and software, the incentive for innovation is stymied. Without innovation, productivity stagnates and economic competitiveness declines.

The growth rate of American capital investment has been on the decline since 1999. During the decade of the 1990s, capital investment grew annually by 5.2%, on average; during the first decade of this century, the number was a paltry 0.5% per year. The result was a decline in innovation and productivity as measured by our annual Gross Domestic Product numbers.

What has this to do with Bourbon County? Rural America has suffered disproportionately from these trends. The consolidation that has occurred in many industries has closed rural businesses, resulting in population decline, lost property values, and substantial increases in real estate taxes to offset the lost values.

What do we do about this negative trend? We have to look for creative ways to attract capital investment and to push for a limited role of government in our markets. The free market, in which the incentives are in the right place, will always create more productivity, innovation and profit than a heavily regulated/taxed/controlled economy. To quote former United Kingdom Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, when speaking to the rapid rise of the British economy during the 1980s: “…we understood that a system of free enterprise has a universal truth at its heart: to create a genuine market in a state you have to take the state out of the market.” Let’s keep the incentives in the right place in Bourbon County and look for ways to attract capital investment.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda for Dec. 7

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
DECEMBER 7, 2021
4:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols T. Van Hoecke J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Sergeant Bill Downey, Fort Scott Police Department

  1. Approval of Agenda:

  1. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  1. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 16th, 2021, special meetings of November 16th, 2021, November 20th, 2021, November 24th, 2021, and December 3rd, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1300-A totaling $425,303.56.

  1. Request to Pay – Heckert Construction Co., Inc. – $72,095.94 – South National Avenue Overlay

  1. Request to Pay #1 – Rogers & Sons Concrete – Union Lofts Alley Project – $45,666.00.

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. Old Business:

    1. Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587

Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588

Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3589

    1. Consideration of Bids – Demolition of Structures

  • 611 S. Ransom – Structure and Accessory Structure

  • 323 S Hill – Structure

  • 1517 S Main – Structure and Accessory Structure

  • 316 S. Main – Structure and Accessory Structure

  • 114 S. Barbee – Structure

  • 14 S Margrave – Structure

  • 510 S Heylman – Structure

  1. Appearances: None

  1. Public Hearing

Budget Amendment – 5:00 p.m.

Neighborhood Revitalization Public Hearing – 5:00 p.m.

  1. New Business:

    1. Change Order #1 – Union Lofts Alley Project – $15,960.00

    2. Skating at Buck Run Discussion

    3. Water Rate Analysis Discussion

    4. Consideration of renewal of A.D.M. Contract

    5. Repeal of Ordinance Section 13.24.120 – Wastewater Surcharge

    6. Approval of repair of Ozone Generator #2

    7. Consideration of Tree Removal Ordinance amendment

    8. Consideration of Old Military Bridge removal

XII. Reports and Comments:

  1. Human Resource Director Comments:

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

Mayor Jones – Discussion of School Resource Officer agreement with Bourbon County

Discussion of Land Bank

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

IX. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Dec. 3

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 3rd, 2021 Special Meeting #28

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 3rd, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Tim Van Hoecke were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Rachel Thompson, Brad Matkin, Mathew Wells, Travis Shelton, and Mark McCoy.

CONSIDERATION:

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 9:18 a.m. Tim Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, City Attorney, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 9:18 a.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones moved to approve to offer a City Manager contract to a City Manager candidate to be approved after he has reviewed it at next Tuesday’s meeting. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

Discussion was also held regarding the payment of the National Avenue project and what amount the Commission would be willing to pay since the project is not complete. They verbally decided on 50% payment.

Discussed changing the time of the December 7th, 2021 meeting to 4:00 p.m.

Mark McCoy announced that Brad will be in charge while he is out of town next week.

ADJOURNMENT:

K. Allen moved to adjourn the special meeting at 9:25 a.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 9:25 A.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.,

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Nov. 24

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 24th, 2021 Special Meeting #27

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 24th, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Tim Van Hoecke, Margie Brown, Rachel Thompson, Brad Matkin, and Mark McCoy. Matthew Wells and the City Manager candidate were connected via conference call.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Accept resignation of City Commissioner – Lindsey Watts read a resignation letter stating that since you have to be live in the City limits to be a City Commissioner, and she has recently moved to the County, she is resigning as a Fort Scott City Commissioner effective November 24th, 2021. She thanked each and every citizen that voted for her and trusted her to make the right decisions at each meeting. She said that the last two years have been filled with turmoil and challenges, and that we need to make sure and move the City forward together. She stated that she hoped the Commission would take the top vote getter in the latest election and appoint him to take her position effective tonight. She thanked City staff for their work and the Interim City Manager for his efforts in moving the City forward.

The Commissioners all thanked her for her time on the City Commission and all she has contributed.

J. Jones moved to accept the resignation from Lindsey Watts as a City Commissioner effective November 24th, 2021. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT LINDSEY WATTS’ RESIGNATION AS A CITY COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 24TH, 2021.

J. Jones moved to appoint Tim Van Hoecke to fill her position as a City Commissioner effective November 24th, 2021. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO APPOINT TIM VAN HOECKE AS CITY COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 24TH, 2021.

City Clerk, Diane Clay, administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Van Hoecke.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:18 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, Lindsey Watts, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:18 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:33 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:33 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:43 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:43 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:44 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:44 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.,

City Clerk

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