Governor Laura Kelly’s Weekly Newsletter

 

Welcome to the first edition of The Kelly Administration’s ‘Kansan to Kansan’ Newsletter, a weekly update from the Office of Governor Laura Kelly. If you are not currently subscribed, you can sign up here.

 

WEEK OF AUGUST 10, 2020

Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Teachers Discuss School Reopenings, Protecting Staff and Students

 

 

Watch the Virtual Discussion here

 

  • Kelly told the teachers that she is committed to funding schools and supporting educators both right now and after the pandemic ends. “So that you can do the jobs that you’re trained and hired to do and we can provide the support systems in there to make it possible for you,” she added.

 

Press

 

KSHB

 

KWCH

 

The Topeka Capital-Journal

 

State Finance Council Approves $60 Million To Expand High-Speed Internet to Underserved Kansas Communities

 

Read the press release here

 

  • “COVID-19 has made it clear how important access to high-speed internet is for Kansans in rural and urban regions alike. Whether it’s telemedicine, teleworking, or online education capabilities, broadband is a singular tool that can change outcomes for communities. My administration will continue to support investments in our state’s infrastructure like high-speed internet to put us on stronger economic footing as we continue our road to recovery,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

 

Press

 

The Topeka Capital-Journal

 

KSNT

 

KRSL

 

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Partnership with Urban Outfitters, Inc., to Create up to 2,000 Jobs and Approximately $350 Million Capital Investment

 

 

Read the press release here

 

  • “I’m excited to announce our new partnership with URBN and to welcome them to Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is a transformational project for our state, bringing a new, high-profile corporate partner and as many as 2,000 good-paying jobs. This was a true collaboration to generate an economic development success story that will deliver benefits in Wyandotte County and beyond in our state.”

 

Press

 

The Kansas City Star

 

The Topeka Capital-Journal

 

Kansas Reflector

 

WIBW

 

KCTV

 

Governor Laura Kelly Applauds Kansas State University COVID-19 Response Contribution During Biosecurity Research Institute Tour

 

 

Read the press release here

 

  • “The Kansas State University Biosecurity Research Institute has a long history of excellence and innovation researching disease spread like what we are currently facing with COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “My conversations with BRI staff served as a reminder of how many of our best and brightest have answered the call to help end the pandemic. While my administration is doing everything in our power to get Kansans back to work and kids back to school safely – the contributions being made by our health community will be instrumental to protecting the people of this state and our economy.”

 

Press

 

Kansas Reflector

 

WIBW

 

KSN

 

Governor Laura Kelly Announces 225 New Jobs in Salina

 

 

Read the press release here

 

  • “Schwan’s has been a staple here in Salina for many years, and they’ve been making nationally-recognized pizza brands for decades,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “From Day One, my administration has prioritized investing in and rebuilding Kansas’ foundation. This venture is a testament to our commitment to creating good jobs for Kansans, especially at this critical time as we work to recover from the economic challenges brought on by COVID-19.”

 

Press

 

KAKE

 

KWCH

 

WIBW

 

ICYMI:

 

Governor Laura Kelly, The Garden City Telegram

 

Kansas Reflector

 

The Hutchinson News

 

The Kansas City Star

 

The Mercury

 

 

 

 

What’s Happening In Fort Scott

REMINDER!!!
Applications accepted through August 31st for the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant cycle for 2020!
This year, FSACF will be awarding over $42,000.00 to local not-for-profits for projects to benefit our community. A certain dollar amount of the awards is reserved for projects that benefit our youth. Maximum grant to any one project is $5,000.00.
Applications can be obtained by sending an email  [email protected].
Please use the same email address to submit any questions you might have. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm, August 31st.
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
8/14thru8/20 –Fort Scott Cinema: The Outpost, The Big Lebowski & Field of Dreams! Coming soon: Unhinged, New Mutants, Tenet
8/15 – Mo’s Swap Meet– Every Saturday from
8am – 4pm (3rd & Margrave St)
Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon.
8/15- E3 Baseball 7U/8U Tryouts,LaRoche Baskeball Complex, 9-10:30am
8/14 & 8/15 – Fort Scott Livestock Sale starts as 10am – Sale Barn
8/15 – The Lavender Patch Farm – Even though our summer season has ended, The Lavender Patch will be open one day or two days per month. In August it’ll be on the 15th & 29th from 9:00-1:00. Remember, we are always open by appointment! Our second bloom is starting so there is some lavender to pick if you’d like!
8/15 – Boiler Room Brewhaus – Come in and drink and sing Karaoke night!
8/16 – Boiler Room Brewhaus Brings back Trivia
night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
per team, 5-7 pm
8/19 – Boiler Room Brewhaus Brews & Brushes painting event, 6pm – Sold Out!
8/22 –SMALLVILLE ATHLETICS – FORT GAMES 2020! Competition starts Friday, 8/22 at 5 pm & all Day Saturday 8/23 – Annual Fitness Competition includes:2 Day M/M F/F Partner Competition Divisions Include: Rx, Intermediate, Master’s 35+ & Scaled – Be held at 1905 S. Judson St.
8/29 ~ Cruise Night in Fort Scott starting at 7pm, plus Perry’s Pork Rinds Pop Up Shopfrom 6-8pm
SAVE THE DATE!
9/5 – BOURBON COUNTY TOUR – 8:30am-12pm, Ghost Towns & Early Legends of Northern Bourbon County, carpool tour leaving from the Old Fort Genealogical Library, register today here. Limited to 40 participants.
9/5 -SPECIAL OLYMPICS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT! Sat. starting at 1:30 pm until 5 pm at the Woodland Golf Course to Sign up!
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Mo’s Swap Meet
The Lavender Patch Farm
Real Estate Auction – City of FS
The Boiler Room Brewhaus
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber? Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
FSACF GRANTS ACCEPTED THROUGH 8/31
CLICK IMAGE BELOW FOR DETAILS.
REGISTER FOR FORT GAMES TODAY!
SIGN UP TODAY FOR THE 9/5
BOURBON COUNTY TOUR!

Kansas Leaders Embrace Wind Energy

Cite Benefits to the State and Communities During American Wind Week
Panel during American Wind Week highlights Kansas’ position as a leader in wind energy development, opportunities for the state’s workforce, and the many ways wind is building the future
Topeka, KS – Kansas is once again in the spotlight for its wind energy leadership, as Governor Laura Kelly issued a statewide proclamation announcing this week as American Wind Week. Ranked second in the nation for its share of electricity coming from wind, Kansas wind power has become a driving force in the state’s economy. State and industry leaders had plenty to celebrate during American Wind Week and took part in a virtual panel discussing the many ways wind is helping build the future in Kansas.
“It’s been an exciting time to be a legislator, the last 14 years, during Kansas’ wind energy expansion,” said State Senator Elaine Bowers. “The Wind Energy Program at Cloud County Community College was first of its kind in the United States, with the director even learning hands-on himself at a wind farm on an internship and teaching what he learned as no textbooks existed at that time.”
Wind projects have spurred more than $11.4 billion in capital investments in the state, providing unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion and economic growth.
Randi Tveitaraas Jack, Manager of International Development for the Kansas Department of Commerce, serves as the renewable energy contact for the agency and participated in the American Wind Week panel. Tveitaraas Jack reflected on the growth of the wind industry in Kansas and cited how the energy source has been vital for the attraction of new businesses in the state.
“I’ve been watching the Kansas wind energy industry grow for 30 years,” stated Tveitaraas Jack. “As a leader in wind energy, Kansas offers an ideal location for companies that are committed to meeting corporate sustainability goals by powering their facilities through renewable energy. From what we’ve seen and what we look to in the future, there’s been a significant impact on the Kansas economy and workforce opportunities already. Wind energy continues to offer a bright future for the state.”
Wind projects generate $29 million in revenue for state and local governments, and many communities in Kansas are benefiting from wind energy, including two notable examples in Ford and Pratt Counties.
Joann Knight, Executive Director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, explained how a rural community can rally around the growth of wind projects.
“Dodge City is the world’s largest beef processing community and now we can say also that we are the state’s county that has the most turbines out there and we hope to see that continue to grow,” said Knight. “It’s a natural resource that we’ve really been able to build our community on and build our diversity and our economy. We are very proud of the economy that the wind industry has brought here and really hope to continue to grow that.”
The wind industry supports 6,000 jobs in Kansas, including jobs in the field and at several manufacturing facilities in the state.
“The director of the wind energy program recently told me, ‘Electricity is essential. These jobs are not going away. The wind energy program at CCCC produces these future employees for the industry as fast as we can,’” Senator Bowers explained. “We’re training the best kids right now to do this job. It’s an exciting industry and I’m glad to be right here in the middle of this whole process.”
Farmers also benefit from having wind turbines as a part of their landscape with $36 million in annual land lease payments provided by wind projects in 2019 alone.
“When a wind farm moves into a community, we give a sustainable, consistent payment to a landowner for 25-plus years,” stated Trish Williams, Senior Field Coordinator at Enel Green Power. “There’s hardly any other industry that can claim that. We’re not only investing in a wind farm; we’re investing in our community. We’re investing in our people in Kansas, we’re investing in our kids, we’re investing in our future.”
As competition increases and wind power takes on a larger role in the economy, the need for new investments in transmission and future infrastructure projects has never been greater, explained Chris Weatherford, Director of Project Management for Construction and Engineering at Apex Clean Energy.
“With growing customer demand for clean energy, the existing network is becoming stressed, especially when we look to the regional movement of power,” Weatherford added. “By ensuring the new investments in transmission with these projects we can ensure that states like Kansas, which possess wonderful wind resources, will play a key role in the clean energy future and help deliver a variety of benefits to Kansas and its economy.”
To set up an interview with any of the panelists, please contact Jesse Dougherty at [email protected] or (608) 807-8619.
Boost Kansas has been sharing highlights and other content on Facebook and Twitter. Follow along and join in the conversation by using #AmericanWindWeek and #WindBuildsTheFuture.
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About Boost Kansas
Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com.
About the American Wind Energy Association
AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states. AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. They gather each year at the Western Hemisphere’s most efficient and targeted event for utility-scale renewable companies, the AWEA CLEANPOWER Conference & Exhibition, next in Indianapolis, June 7-10, 2021. An outgrowth of the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, CLEANPOWER is the first trade show focused exclusively on the utility-scale renewable power sector, bringing together all the major developers, utilities, OEMs, suppliers, and buyers under one roof. Visit AWEA’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Aug. 7

August 7, 2020 Friday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners the County Clerk and the County Counselor present.

Also present were the following; (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were present for the entire meeting), Jim Harris, Michael Hoyt, Hazel Swarts, Anne Dare, Lora Holdridge and Angel Wilson.

The Commissioners held a 2021 budget work session to discuss the 2nd draft of the 2021 budget; the cost of employee benefits was discussed, Lynne said those costs continue to go up.

Lynne said that they need to add $45,033 to the Road & Bridge 2021 budget to help cover the cost of equipment payments and the Juvenile Detention budget needed to be increased to cover the monthly expenses.

Jeff said the money from the medical mall and the money from the PILOT payment had not been budgeted for; Lynne said Terry Sercer said the County shouldn’t count that money until we had the money in hand, he said we didn’t need the budget authority yet, but if we got the money a budget amendment would need to be done.

Jeff questioned if the money budgeted in the contingency fund was necessary since there was a high probability of the County getting the PILOT money, and that money possibly could be used for the contingency fund. Lynne said the County recently spent money out of the contingency fund for the porch and the air conditioner, he said we need money budgeted in the contingency fund, he said having money available in the contingency fund could fund expenses without having to finance and pay financing fees.

Lynne questioned what percentage of money the County should budget for the medical mall, Jeff said he didn’t know a percentage yet. Lynne said the County should receive $407,000 the first year and $365,000 the second year for PILOT money and if the County takes the hospital the County will receive $1,000,000. Lynne said there is a high probability the County will take over the hospital for a medical mall if they get the two large leases signed; Jeff said the County might be able to get out of the medical mall, but he didn’t think that was in the best interest of the community. Michael Hoyt stated that the PILOT and medical mall money should be reported on the budget for transparency reasons. Kendell Mason suggested putting the PILOT money and the medical mall reimbursement money into a separate fund on its own, so that if the County doesn’t get the money the general fund wouldn’t be short on revenue.

Jeff discussed the wind farm; he said pre and post inspection engineering should be done (at a cost of approximately $50,000) to assess the roads, he said Neosho County is missing the pre-inspection report for the wind farm there and is having a difficult time assessing the roads prior to the project.

Justin Meeks said an additional $60,000-$70,000 should be budgeted for EMS purposes.

Lynne asked that Kendell ask Terry Sercer to set up a separate account for the $407,000 PILOT revenue and expenses and a separate account for the $1 million for revenue and $382,000 expenses for the medical mall (it was questioned if the SPARK grant money could be used for the EMS expense; Justin thought that Dave Bruner was applying for the SPARK for the EMS. Jeff questioned if the $40,000 requested for a transport vehicle by the Correctional Center could be paid for through the SPARK grant or could the $40,000 transport vehicle be paid for though the jail sales tax fund; Justin said that decision couldn’t be made yet, since they don’t know how much SPARK money had been asked for yet.

Jeff provided a summary comparison of like counties population, valuation, budget and mill levies; he said counties need an effective tax rate of less than 5%, he said Bourbon County is at 4.97%. He compared the expense for Road & Bridge salaries to other counties; he said Bourbon County is lower than the average. He said that Bourbon County employee benefits are $1.7 million more than the compared counties; he said they needed to look at those expenses to see where Bourbon County is off from the average. Lora Holdridge stated that some of the expenses in the employee benefit fund are required expenses such as work comp, so they aren’t benefits, Michael Hoyt stated that the County has to pay those expenses because you are an employee, Lora said the benefits keep some of the employees here. Lynne questioned if other counties were budgeting employee benefits under the individual departments and not in the employee benefit fund. Jeff questioned if there had been some items budgeted for in prior years, (example vehicle, equipment) that has been continued to be budgeted for each year. Lynne said they like to look at the budget requests and compare to the 2020 budget to see where they need to trim expenses.

Lora Holdridge gave the Commissioners a revised 2021 budget with a grand total of $80,723.

Lynne said they needed the Road & Bridge 1% sales tax on ballot. Road & Bridge moves employees from their main jobs to help out in other areas and when they do that their main jobs suffer. Jeff said they needed to get Bourbon County’s costs in line with the compared counties.

Hazel Swarts questioned where the revenue from the COPS grant was reflected in the budget; Lynne said it wasn’t in the budget, but said the County will have to budget an additional $13,000 for financing an employee for the COPS grant. Hazel said she would like a list of all of the County grants coming into the County and all of the costs for those grants; Lynne said the COPS grant and possibly the Cares grant are the only grants costing the County additional money.

Lynne said the estimated mill levy based on the 2021 draft budget is 67.157. Lynne said the county counselor 2021 budget had gone up due to a different contract proposing the county counselor be paid on a 1099 with no employee benefits except taxes. Hazel Swarts questioned why the County Attorney’s budget had gone up; Lynne said they requested an increase in the County Attorney’s wage. Hazel said her husband was the County Attorney 20 years ago and worked 5 days a week for $35,000 a year with only 1 assistant county attorney; she said the salary has doubled and said the work load is down since her (the current County Attorney) doesn’t work 5 days a week in Bourbon County. Jeff said a municipal court could reduce the County attorney’s workload by 1/3.

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to talk with Lora Holdridge regarding the parking area, Jeff seconded and all approved. Lora discussed the holes in the road in the parking area behind the building; Lynne said that Jim Harris was calculating how much it would cost to fix the parking lot, Justin said there is a water leak behind the building that is causing the problems, Lora said the City refuses to fix the water leak. Lynne asked Jim to call Chad at the City to see if they would fix this, Jim said he has but would call them again, Jim said he would look at the north and west side of the parking area.

At 11:39, Lynne made a motion to adjourn for lunch and reconvene at 1:00, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Greenbush representative Mike Bodensteiner met with Jody Hoener and the Commissioners to discuss the $2.9 million SPARK grant; Mike said the application process is open until noon August 8th. He said the State wants to approve reimbursements prior to the County approving the reimbursements. Jody said at a local County level the Commissioners will make the initial eligibility determination meeting the needs of health and economic development. Mike presented a graph with data as of yesterday showing the small business and not for profit applications submitted, he said the bulk of the applications were from Fort Scott. He also presented a graph showing 26 applications as of yesterday for the reimbursement of COVID expenses for purchases made between March and July. Mike said the County could either reimburse the full amount of reimbursements at one time or could break up the reimbursements into payments, he said some businesses may not be able to fund the expenses prior to reimbursement; Jody said she wasn’t an advocate of reimbursements, since the businesses are already struggling financially, Jody said the County could pay the vendor for supplies directly verses having the business buy supplies and then get a reimbursement from the County. They said there may be a phase 2 portion of the SPARK funding; which could equal more money to fund other projects.

Jody Hoener presented a memo of understanding for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways grant; Bourbon County is the administrator of the 4 year grant totaling $200,000 (the money is used for Healthy Bourbon County marketing, office supplies and ¼ of Jody Hoener’s payroll and benefits). Healthy Bourbon County increases access to physical activity, healthy food and helped create tobacco free areas; if used, these could ultimately lower the health insurance costs. Michael Hoyt questioned the Pathways grant giving $5,000 to Five Corners to offer healthier choices and said 90% of their sales is sugary drinks he asked if there was any criteria for them to offer the healthier options; Jody said you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink, she said if there is no water how can they have an option, she said they are not telling people what they have to do, but rather just making options available. Jody said the grant is a privately funded grant, she said it is not tax payer funded. Jeff made a motion to authorize Lynne Oharah to sign the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways grant, Nick seconded and all approved and Lynne signed the document.

Nancy Van Etten, Chair of the Fort Scott Lake Advisory Board met with the Commissioners to discuss the sewer district; she said they need a sewer board for the sewer district, she said that board could decide who could join the sewer district. Nancy provided the Commissioners with a formal letter requesting the Commissioners to appoint a Fort Scott lake property owner to the Sewer District #1 board. She said the lake advisory board believes a vested lake property resident/owner is an essential member of the sewer board. She sent a letter to Justin Meeks and Susan Bancroft (City of Fort Scott) asking they wait to get approval on any further changes, deviations or additions to the agreement until the Commissioners decide on Sewer District board and meetings have been formalized. Justin said the County is responsible for the bonds, but the City is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the County can’t move forward with a decision without the City. Nancy discussed a lot that now has a RV on it with someone living there; she said if someone is living there they need to hook up to the sewer. Lynne said the County Counselor is working with the City to resolve the issues, he said the County has no ability to enforce the sewer district. Lynne said the County needed to coordinate and negotiate with the City to see how they want to address the issue. Lynne said that Justin Meeks has been given the authority to meet with the City regarding the sewer district. Nancy said the State says the County Commissioners are the sewer board. She said they want sewer availability for the people that live at the lake that want to hook up to the sewer district. Justin Meeks said he would work with the City regarding the sewer district and will provide updates to the Commissioners.

Richard Clark met with the Commissioners regarding 190th on the west end of Fort Scott lake; he presented pictures and said this area on 190th was replaced approximately 3 years ago and said it is now dangerous in areas due to water getting under the road. Jerad Heckman viewed the pictures and said they could fill the deteriorated edge with larger shot rock. He was also concerned about an area on the south end of the west side of the lake that culverts where installed 3 years ago and now the road is deteriorating there; Jerad said that compaction was done there, but the road did settle, he said the road does get seepage there, Jerad said he would view the areas. Mr. Clark said he was concerned if Indian Road was done he didn’t want the taxpayers to have to pay additional money to re-do the work.

The Commissioners continued to work on the 2021 budget; the Commissioners do not want to raise the mill levy. They said they want to budget to give some salaried employees raises in 2021 and address other employee raises in 2022. The Commissioners looked at each departments 2021 budget; they reduced the grand total of the Commissioners budget to $69,900, reduced the grand total of the County Attorney budget to $334,324 and budgeted $77,747 for the Register of Deeds. The Commissioners plan to continue to work on the budget on August 11th.

All of the Commissioners will be present on August 13th at 10:00 for the 2020 Primary Election Canvass.

At 3:50, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
Approved Date August 11, 2020

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda For Aug. 18

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 18, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:00 – 9:30 JT Heckman

9:30 – 9:45 Spark Findings & Greenbush

9:45 – 10:00 Ashley Shelton, Employee Insurance

10:00 – 10:05 Mark McCoy, Meeting Management

10:05 – 10:45 Bob Reed, Benchmark

10:45 – 10:50 Michael Hoyt, Spark Phase 2

11:00 – 11:10 David Neville, Executive Session, Non-Elected Personnel

11:15 – 11:25 Lora Holdridge, Road and Bridge (Road Closing)

11:25 – 11:35 Lora Holdridge, Executive Session, Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

11:35 – 11:45 Lora Holdridge, Executive Session, Consultation with an attorney for the body or

agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Survey on K-7 starts Aug. 17

A close up of a map

Description automatically generated

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin a field survey on Monday, Aug. 17, on K-7 in Bourbon County. The 11.4-mile survey corridor is on the existing highway alignment, starting at the Crawford-Bourbon county line and continuing north and east to end .4 miles southwest of U.S. 69.

 

KDOT expects the survey to be completed by December. Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.

 

Stan Lloyd and Tuff Hemreck of McClure will manage this survey for KDOT. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

FS Commission Agenda for August 18

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

AUGUST 18, 2020

6:00 P.M.

 

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Recognition of Jason Eastwood, Police Detective

Recognition of Trey Sharp, Police Officer (6:30 p.m.)

V. SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITIONS:

5 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Scott Flater, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor

Jacob May, Fire Captain, Fort Scott Fire Department

Logan Probasco, Police Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department

Deborah Needleman, Human Resource Director

Roger Rodriguez, Water Treatment Plant Operator I

Brandon Russell, Water Treatment Plant Operator II

Trey Sharp, Police Officer, Fort Scott Police Department

10 years: (Certificate and Gift Card)

Caleb Bell, Police Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department

Jason Eastwood, Police Detective, Fort Scott Police Department

David Martin, City Manager

VI. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 21st, 2020, August 4th, 2020 and special meeting of August 5th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1269-A totaling $319,841.77.

  1. Request to Pay #12 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $147,877.67 – River Intake Project

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Justin Meeks – Resolution for 1% Countywide Sales Tax

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen)

Amy Marsh – Pit Bulls in City Limits

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. – 2021 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2021 Budget

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Charter Ordinance No. 31 – Sewer/Storm Sewer Ordinance

  1. Consideration of Bids – Sanitizing Equipment to be used at PD/FD/EMS buildings (purchased through grant received)

  1. Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation Invoice – June port-a-potties – $2,948.00

  1. Consideration to allow alcohol at Memorial Hall on September 5th, 2020 for Special Olympics event

  1. City building in Industrial Park discussion
  1. Sunday liquor sales Ordinance No. 3564

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Susan Bancroft – Golf Cart Lease Discussion

Rachel Pruitt – Airport Expansion Public Hearing

  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE RECESS IS THE DISCUSSION OF:

The statutory justification for the recess is:

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) – to discuss matters of non-elected personnel;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) – consultation with the City Attorney on matters that would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(3) – to discuss employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the public body or agency;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) – to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6) – for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

The Executive Session will be for _________ minutes long and the open meeting will resume at ___________ am/pm.

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

FS Commission Minutes of Special Meeting Aug. 5

Minutes are unapproved until the Aug. 18 meeting

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 5th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. via teleconference by all Commissioners and City Staff calling into a teleconference line. This is due to an outbreak of coronavirus with City Hall staff.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken with Commissioners stating their name and replying present. Commissioners K. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Mitchell presiding. P. Allen was not present via teleconference.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Deane, City Attorney, was connected via teleconference. He reminded the Commissioners to state their name when voting to prevent a violation of Kansas Open Meetings Act.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1268-A totaling $960,076.89.

  1. Olsson Associates – Engineering – Airport Electric Vault Project – $2,457.92

  1. Olsson Associates – Engineering – Airport Electric Vault Project – $7,523.15

  1. Strukel Electric, Inc. – Contractor – Airport Electric Vault Project – $15,949.38

  1. Schneider Electric – Contractor – Energy Upgrade – $146,821.25

J. Mitchell read to the public all the items on the Consent Agenda. The minutes were moved under Consideration.

Kevin Allen said he would like to wait until all Commissioners were on the line. He stated that he had not received a new agenda. The City Clerk said that she emailed it to him again.

R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 21st, 2020.

Lindsey said that she spoke with the City Clerk and the motion that was made at the last meeting regarding a joint meeting with the Lake Advisory Committee. She did not believe she was voting for a meeting with the Lake Advisory Board, the City Commission, and the public. She asked for clarification on this motion.

Jeff Deane, City Attorney, said he would review the video of the meeting and get back with her.

Kevin Allen asked if we would be discussing lake property.

Mayor said this will not be discussed.

Kevin Allen said that the minutes need to be changed from the last meeting before he will approve them.

Lindsey said that he should send his changes to Diane.

This item was tabled until the next regular meeting.

  1. Consideration of Health Insurance Contribution for employees – Dave Martin, City Manager, asked that the Commission approve to allocate an additional $20.00 towards their health insurance contribution starting October 1st, 2020. This will amount to approximately $24,000. Since increases will not be given this year to employees, this will help with the increase in insurance premium.

K. Allen asked that this be tabled due to budget constraints. This is going to cost $24,000.

Susan said that it has been included in the budget for 2021. She said that she could bring this back to the next meeting. This amount will not all be coming out of the general fund.

Lindsey said that this was brought up during the budget work session.

R. Nichols said that since this has been built into the budget, he would make a motion to approve the $20.00 additional premium towards the employee’s health insurance. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1.

APPROVED HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTION FOR EMPLOYEES TOWARD THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS.

  1. Consideration of 5-year Capital Plan – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, said that this was discussed during the budget work session. This plan is a moving document and not set in stone. By State Statute 12-1, 117 and 12-1, 118, a 5-year plan has to be approved by the Governing Body. This is a planning tool for setting the budget as well as developing long term improvements and identifying equipment needs.

L. Watts moved to approve the 5-year Capital Plan. R. Nichols seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 3-1.

APPROVED 5 YEAR CAPITAL PLAN.

  1. Budget discussion and approval to publish 2021 Budget – Susan Bancroft informed the Commission that she had emailed this document to them with their requested changes. These changes were made around our transfers. She spoke with our auditor and the League of Kansas Municipalities on this topic. At the next meeting, a charter ordinance will be brought before them on transfers. They are essentially the same with the exception of taking them from one fund to another.

L. Watts moved to approve to publish the 2021 Budget and hold the public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on August 18th, 2020. R. Nichols seconded.

Kevin said that he would vote no since he can only hear about every third word.

Pete Allen joined the meeting.

R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE 2021 BUDGET AND TO HOLD THE PUBLIC HEARING ON AUGUST 18TH, 2020 AT 6:00 P.M.

  1. Pool Closing Date Discussion – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission per the letter from Chasity Ware, Pool Manager, she has requested that the closing date of the pool be Sunday, August 9th, 2020. There are many lifeguards that will be leaving to go back to college.

Randy said that also she said that the volume is down for this year.

R. Nichols moved to close the aquatic center on Sunday, August 9th, 2020. J. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CLOSE AQUATIC CENTER ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 9TH, 2020.

ADJOURNMENT:

L. Watts moved to adjourn the special meeting at 11:30 a.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 11:30 A. M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on August 18th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

FS Commission Minutes of Aug. 4

Minutes are unapproved until the Aug. 18 meeting.

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 4th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. via teleconference by all Commissioners and City Staff calling into a teleconference line. This is due to an outbreak of coronavirus with City Hall staff.

ROLL CALL:

Roll call was taken. Commissioners K. Allen and L. Watts were present with Vice-Mayor R. Nichols presiding. P. Allen and J. Mitchell were not present via teleconference.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Deane, City Attorney, was connected via teleconference. He reminded the Commissioners to state their name when voting to prevent a violation of Kansas Open Meetings Act.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 21st, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1268-A totaling $960,076.89.

  1. Olsson Associates – Engineering – Airport Electric Vault Project – $2,457.92

  1. Olsson Associates – Engineering – Airport Electric Vault Project – $7,523.15

  1. Strukel Electric, Inc. – Contractor – Airport Electric Vault Project – $15,949.38

  1. Schneider Electric – Contractor – Energy Upgrade – $146,821.25

R. Nichols said that the agenda was altered to just approve the consent agenda and the budget items and pool. The Lake property will not be discussed this evening. Randy read all the agenda items under the Consent Agenda to the public.

Lindsey said that she had a question regarding the July 21st, 2020 minutes and made a motion to remove those minutes from the Consent Agenda.

Jeff Deane said the minutes can be removed and the board can vote on the other items.

Randy Nichols said he would second Lindsey Watts motion to remove the July 21st, 2020 minutes from the Consent Agenda.

Kevin Allen said that he was only hearing about every other word. City Clerk read back the motion to them.

Randy Nichols asked the City Attorney how to proceed. Commissioner Kevin Allen’s call dropped off.

Jeff Deane said that we can hold for a few minutes and wait for him to call back in or adjourn the meeting since there is no longer a quorum. We cannot do anything while we wait. If a quorum cannot be reached, we will need to set a special meeting.

City Clerk texted Kevin Allen and Pete Allen to see if they can call in on a landline.

Susan Bancroft said that she has to have the budget published by Saturday and needs approval for this. She recommended a special meeting tomorrow morning.

Randy informed the public that City Hall has been shut on direction by the Public Health Officer due to an outbreak of City staff with the coronavirus.

City Manager said that the City Clerk will take a poll and see who can call into a special meeting tomorrow.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Health Insurance Contribution for employees
  1. Consideration of 5-year Capital Plan
  1. Budget discussion and approval to publish 2021 Budget
  1. Pool Closing Date Discussion

ADJOURNMENT:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:22 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:22 P.M.

A special meeting is to be held on August 5th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY, CITY CLERK

FS Commission Minutes of July 21

Minutes are unapproved until the August 18th, 2020 meeting.

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 21st, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: Joel Harney, Community Christian Church said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Josh Jones, Travis Shelton, Michael Bryant, Joel Harney, Sandra Carnes, Michael Hoyt, Nate Stansberry, Hazel Swarts, Lance Anderson, Richard Clark, and Vince Loffredo.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Ryan Coon and Jesse Smith (presented with certificate from the City Commission) – Mayor Mitchell read a letter received from Alan & Mary Davis who received assistance from two employees of Ron’s Tire and Service. The Davis’ were passing through Fort Scott and had vehicle issues. These two individuals assisted them late at night and they appreciated their help.

The Commission gave them a Certificate of Recognition for their efforts and thanked them for assisting this older couple.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 7th, 2020 and amended special meeting minutes of June 30th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1267-A totaling $521,599.42.

  1. Request to Pay #9 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $400,285.97 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay #10 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $136,141.25 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay #11 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $71,607.49 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $53,457.75 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay – Lauber Municipal Law, LLC – (June) – $11,187.50

  1. June financials

Pete Allen questioned the invoices from Crossland Heavy Contractors and why they weren’t stamped by the engineer.

Susan Bancroft said that the invoices are sent to the City by the engineer and he has approved them.

Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Watts seconded. Nichols, Watts, and Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Michael Bryant – First Source Lease – Mr. Bryant said that he was Vice-President of Operations for First Source. As the City is aware, First Source has occupied the building owned by the City in the Industrial Park since 2004. First Source has decided to surrender this lease to the City effective December 16, 2020. It is a business decision on their part. They have 175 employees and some of those travel up to 60 miles. With the COVID situation, they have moved all their employees from work to home and that will be their model going forward. They have no intentions to leave the area. They are in negotiations with a smaller building within the City to house about 30 employees and continue their presence in Fort Scott. There will also be office space there for meetings. They are currently hiring about 50 additional employees to grow their company. He thanked the Commission, the City Manager, and staff for all their assistance over the years.

Kevin Allen asked what the City was going to do with the building? Sell it, advertise it?

City Manager said he was going to bring this issue up to the Commission at their next meeting and get their views on the building on how to proceed with the building. This is a revenue generator to the City.

Mayor Mitchell thanked Michael and First Source for their growth in the City and dedication for all these many years.

Mr. Bryant said that this has been a huge transition for them with the pandemic hitting.

  1. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute

limit per citizen) –

Richard Clark – Mr. Clark said that recently a lake lot sold, a non-frontage lake lot, for just under $70,000. He just found out from seeing some signs that the City is going to sell 17 acres. He thinks the City would do better selling individual lots where it can be platted off and make more money. He didn’t see anything discussed in the minutes or posted in the Tribune and it didn’t get publicized. He thought you were supposed to publish in the Tribune but maybe he missed it. His concern is that he thinks you can make a lot more money selling individual lots than the whole thing. That’s his comment.

Kevin Allen said that a Lake Advisory Board meeting was held the other day and this was one of the items that came up. Selling the 17 acres as a whole could be kind of scary. They discussed things that could happen because we do not have codes in our county. He mentioned selling 17 acres as a whole and wondered if there were any covenants in place. It is all road frontage. He believes we are putting the future of Lake Fort Scott in jeopardy. A lot of the Lake residents were wanting to buy these lots as a whole and then split them up. Some residents wanted storage units put on this property. He said that Nancy Van Etten, Chairperson of the Lake Advisory Committee, was going to write a letter and tell the City their concerns.

City Manager said that this was talked about in April, May, June, and July. It is an odd shaped piece of land and that’s the reason they felt like they needed to sell it as a whole. The last meeting held was to schedule the auction which will be August 15, 2020.

Kevin said that we talked about selling this property, but not what could happen to the property. He asked if the other Commissioners were concerned with this.

City Manager said that he was going to bring this topic up under his time and there are others here to address this issue also.

Kevin said that he would like the City Commission to meet with the Lake Advisory Board Committee to hear their concerns.

Vince Loffredo – He said that he was there to speak on behalf of the property owners who live directly in front of the property that is for sale. They live directly in front of those 17 acres. They are concerned if the property does get divided up and does get sold individually. They moved there for the serenity and the hidden gem that Lake Fort Scott is. The people that he has brought out to this lake personally have invested heavily, not just into the Lake but the community. He brought his father-in-law from Florida to retire in Fort Scott, one of his partners and his mother-in-law to this community. They plan to retire at the lake, so this is not a short-term commitment for them. He is speaking on behalf of homeowners in that area. He brought his son out of athletics from Overland Park to do his athletics here because they like to spend time at the lake. Those lots are not straight lots. They are not interested in having mobile homes or other movable type homes there. He doesn’t want to see storage placed on this lot. They would like to see it kept natural. That keeps it appealing to them. His point is that their current proposal to keep it as one unit is the right proposal. There are a lot of things that could happen if it was split up.

Kevin asked about a proposal to leave it alone and not sell it.

Vince said that he would be all for that.

Kevin said that our county has no restrictions in place. He said that our sewer system has room for 30 more hook-ups. He thinks it needs to be looked at further also before moving forward on it.

Vince said that once more and more people are put on the lake, it isn’t sufficient to hold more boats and stuff. When a lot of the lakes were closed earlier in the season, a lot of people found Lake Fort Scott. They keep coming back because of the niceness of it. He said that he and his wife have both been working from home at the Lake and he knows of several others that have also been working from home.

Kevin said that the City owns a lot of property at the Lake and there are some other options we could look at. We could have nice camping spots and shelters. Those would bring good money. He said that we need to sit back and rethink this.

Deb McCoy – Deb said that she was going to pass on speaking this evening.

Ralph Carlson – Mr. Carlson notified the City Clerk that he did not wish to speak this evening.

Schery Rupprecht – 500 block of Andrick – City Manager said that she will not be here tonight. There will be an update on Andrick Street later in the agenda.

Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt said that he wanted to bring them up to date on a few of the issues that they talked about last time. The recall petition efforts for finding sufficiency for the position has been moved to an out of town, out of area law firm because of blatant obstruction by the City Manager of the City of Fort Scott. That will be dealt with later. Also he has requested through K.O.R.A. a couple of documents that were mentioned in the packet last time and Mr. Deane has chosen to invoke the attorney-client privilege, but he failed to recognize, and he’s here to give them free legal advice, that there is a crime fraud exemption to the attorney-client privilege. If he’s trying to cover up a crime or fraud, and he said he would further and say retaliation, that’s not legal. He said that each one of them as a Commissioner should be aware that he’s sheltering these documents, and unless he’s sheltering these documents from all of you, such as Mr. Nichols has a document that is in question, and Ms. Watts has a document that is in question, if he’s not sharing it with you, then he’s acting as their personal attorney. That is not legal. You might want to ask to see those documents. He said that he was also going to ask that those documents be secure, sequestered, and maintained separately from other documents in the City, so that when we get to a litigation forum we know where to go. He handed Jeff Deane, Dave Martin, and JoLynne Mitchell each an envelope with a written response and told the City Attorney that he didn’t have COVID so they didn’t have to worry about touching them.

City Manager asked Mr. Hoyt to clarify to our attorney what he was supposed to have done.

Mr. Hoyt said that this is his five minutes and if he wanted to talk about it, he could talk about it later.

Mr. Hoyt said moving on. Madam Mayor, there was a Facebook conversation that Mr. Jones is very well aware of and so is the Facebook legal department, conduct way unbecoming to a Mayor. He said he was giving her the opportunity to resign her position as Mayor before it becomes public because it is going to become very public. He said we’re going to discuss how you can praise hate speech, liable slander, and she praises that? He doesn’t even know the people that were contributing…

Mayor Mitchell interrupted him and said that he wasn’t in any position to question…

Mr. Hoyt said that this is his five minutes and if she wanted…

Mayor Mitchell told him to finish it up.

Jeff Deane said that he is correct, and this is his five minutes. Let’s just give him an opportunity to hang himself.

Mr. Hoyt said if she wanted to respond to it, fine. If she thinks he is out of line, fine. Sue him.

Jeff Deane thanked him for the legal advice.

Kevin asked if there were any documents that they need to see that he is speaking about.

Jeff said that the documents that he has asked for in question are covered by attorney-client privilege and you are entitled to see them. They are emails back and forth between Commissioners to him requesting legal advice. He said that he doesn’t have them with him tonight but he can get them to them for a meeting and we can have a closed session to discuss those. He is asking for anything similar to when anyone on the Commission corresponds back and forth to look into a legal matter.

Kevin asked if there was specific emails he is referring to.

Jeff said yes. He picked a couple of them off of the bill. He doesn’t know which ones in particular but there is a K.O.R.A. request for them. He asserted the attorney-client privilege because all communication is strictly prohibited from disclosure under K.O.R.A. We also have a second attorney’s opinion on this, and he asked him to reconsider it. He decided to see if there was any merit to his request, and the second attorney said he was entirely wrong also.

Kevin asked that they be given those documents so they can see them.

Jeff said he would.

City Manager said that those documents would be confidential.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution 13-2020 – Coronavirus Relief Funds – SPARKS Grant – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that Bourbon County recently notified them that there was money coming to the City for COVID relief. It has been called SPARKS funding. She was asked to sit on this committee. One of the items needed to access those funds is to approve Coronavirus Relief Fund Resolution No. 13-2020. She asked approval for this resolution.

Dave said that Susan is the City’s representative on this committee.

Randy Nichols asked if the City was asking for a certain amount to be reimbursed for.

Susan said no. The first round is for reimbursement, so the City has been gathering all our expenses since March 1st, 2020. The second round is for programming that we may have through December 31st that is COVID related.

Nichols moved to approve Resolution 13-2020 – City Coronavirus Relief Fund. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 13-2020 – CITY CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND.

  1. Approval to sell three Police seizure vehicles through Lance Anderson Auction Company – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that the City was awarded three vehicles through the Court system that were seized vehicles. These vehicles are a 1995 Honda Accord, 2005 Mazda 6, and a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The seizure money that is raised will go into a special unbudgeted fund, and these funds are used for the drug dog, etc.

Kevin asked if any of these cars could be used as an unmarked vehicle.

Travis said that these vehicles need to be sold. The mileage is pretty high on the vehicles. There is foul language on the inside of one of the vehicles. These vehicles would be sold through Lance Anderson Auction Company online.

Lance Anderson, auctioneer, said he would do this online auction with a 10% buyer’s fee.

K. Allen moved to approve to sell these three vehicles through Lance Anderson Auction Company online. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SELL THESE THREE VEHICLES THROUGH LANCE ANDERSON AUCTION COMPANY ONLINE.

  1. Approval to sell miscellaneous firearms through sealed bid process to Federal Firearms Licensed Dealers – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that this is similar to the request above. The City has twelve (12) miscellaneous firearms that were recently awarded to the Fort Scott Police Department. These were acquired through drug seizures or through people who were not able to have a gun. Some may have been from family members who have turned a gun into the Police Department that they did not want. These can be sold per K.S.A. 21-6307. He asked to sell these firearms. There are some local firearms dealers who have expressed interest. He wants to sell the entire lot of the firearms and have a sealed bid received.

City Manager said that Lance Anderson does not handle the auctioning of firearms.

Kevin asked Lance how the best way to sell these is.

Lance said that he doesn’t want to get into selling firearms.

Travis said, per Kansas Statute, they have to be sold to a Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer. In the past, we have destroyed the guns. They thought that was a waste, so decided to try to sell these for revenue.

Kevin said that he wanted to verify that their credentials will be checked.

Travis said yes.

L. Watts made a motion to sell these twelve (12) miscellaneous firearms through the Federal Firearms Licensed Dealers. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO SELL TWELVE (12) MISCELLANEOUS FIREARMS THROUGH THE FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSED DEALERS THROUGH SEALED BIDS.

  1. Consideration of US Cellular Ground Lease and for Mayor to sign all pertinent documents – Allyson Turvey, Tourism and Community Development Manager, handed out more information to the Commission on this item. Ally said that this is the first step to make this cell phone tower possible. U.S. Cellular has been working on this project for a couple of years now. It was originally asked to be at Skubitz Plaza, but now they are looking at the City parking lot south of Cheney Witt Funeral Home. They are requesting a ground lease for this space. It is a 1400 square foot plot right at the corner of 3rd and Main Street in the parking lot. This would amount to four parking spots that would be taken up. The site plans show that it will not disrupt any traffic flow in or out of this parking lot. This is a cell tower, but it looks like a flag pole. As part of the specifications, the only thing that can come off of the tower is an American flag. It is an 80’ flagpole that will have basically the cell tower that beams up against the pole itself. You will not be able to tell a cell tower is there. At the bottom is equipment that will need to be put in. It will be surrounded by an 8’ brick wall. To get entry into the tower, they will put two large wrought iron fences. They have looked at our historic downtown and are trying to make it fit into the architecture of the downtown area. This starts with an option lease and that could last up to 18 months. That gives U.S. Cellular their permission to come onto the property and do testing and make sure it is a feasible project for them. During this time frame, they will have to go through zoning, and through the Design Review Board. If approved, the zoning process will be started. This will include the notifying of property owners within a 200’ radius that a Planning Commission meeting will be held to discuss this tower. The Planning Commission could either approve or deny this request. This would then come back to the City Commission for final approval. It would also then go before the Design Review Board for their approval which also comes back before the City Commission for final approval. This is a long process and could take several months to complete. This is the first step in the process. She asked for permission for the Mayor to sign this lease agreement.

City Manager said that this is the first step in this process.

Ally said that there are some positives in this project such as connectivity. This will assist in that. This will also bring in some revenue which will be $750.00 per month which we aren’t receiving now. If approved to be looked at, they will pay the City $500.00 to look at the feasibility of this project.

Mayor Mitchell asked if Cheney Witt has been contacted regarding this project.

Ally said her plan was to visit with them next week about it. They wanted the City Commission’s approval first. She said that the flag that would be put there would be a large flag visible from the highway.

Pete said that this is in the historic district and asked if she realized that.

Ally said that it has to go before the Design Review Board for their recommendation.

Kevin said that he would like to see the revenue from this be put in the Parks budget.

Pete said that there are 20’ access utility easements that will be tied up from Cheney Witt and in front of all those lots.

Ally said that there is an easement that will run between the two rows of parking spaces. They will not affect Cheney Witt parking spaces. In order for them to get into the flag pole, they have to be given an easement to get there.

Lindsey said that that easement in the drawing is a proposed easement.

Pete said that he don’t see how this could fit into historic Fort Scott. He asked if other locations had been looked at.

Ally said that they wanted the downtown area.

Randy asked who would maintain the flag.

Ally said that they will be responsible for the flag.

Randy asked about the contract and this is just an 18 month lease contract.

Ally said that after all the processes have been approved, they will notify us they want to enter into a five year lease agreement.

K. Allen moved to approve the U.S. Cellular Ground Lease for the corner of 3rd and Main Street. L. Watts seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED THE U. S. CELLULAR GROUND LEASE 18 MONTH CONTRACT FOR THE CORNER OF 3RD AND MAIN STREET.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Susan Bancroft – Budget Update – Susan said she didn’t have a budget update this evening but would like to set some budget work sessions. Her suggestion is at least two work sessions – one to review everything and then the next week make any recommended changes. She asked for a budget work session on Thursday, July 23rd, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, July 28th, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Allyson Turvey – CDBG-CV Grant Update – Ally said she had planned to give them an update on the CDBG-CV grant process and have a few applications for them to review. Unfortunately, these funds are federal dollars that have moved to the State that have moved to us, and all of the issues have not been worked out on every level. We have received new requirements and guidelines from the State that are delaying this process. She hopes in two weeks she will have grants for the Commission to approve. She sent out another press release that the City is still accepting applications.

Healthy Bourbon County Pathways Grant – Ally said that the City is a recipient of a Healthy Bourbon County Pathways Grant. This grant is for the purpose of purchasing and installing nine water bottle stations in our parks and trails in Bourbon County. There will be three installed into Gunn Park, two into Riverfront Park, one in the walking trail at Fort Scott Community College, one at Elm Creek, one in Uniontown, and one in Bronson in Bourbon County. It is a grant award of $14,969 through Blue Cross and Blue Shield. We have a company that we are purchasing these water filling stations from and another company that will be installing them. Stoughton will be doing the installation.

B. City Commission:

Randy Nichols Remarked that he was glad to see people wearing their masks. He said that even our President today wore a mask. He said he keeps bringing this up every time, but he has noticed that some restaurants here in town are not having their employees wear masks. He is concerned on the health care issue but also the economic development issue. It is our public responsibility and a patriotic act to wear a mask.

Lindsey Watts – Remarked that there were questions brought up at the last meeting regarding our attorney’s compensation. She did some research as well as with the League of Kansas Municipalities. The compensation paragraph as a whole reads, “The compensation of the City and the attorney in those cities where the City Attorney is not a full time position, the City Attorney is usually retained on an annual or a monthly salary appropriate to their duties required. Additional payment is to be made for the services considered beyond the City Attorney’s normal duties such as litigation and out of City services”. After speaking today with the League and one of their attorney’s, the League understands and said that about half of the cities in Kansas follow the hourly pay scale as we do, or the annual or monthly salary, we are well within our rights as a City. There is no illegal activity whatsoever. They stated that a billable hour contract such as ours is a standard type of contract for legal services and is not improper in any way.

Her next item was that there has been a lot of talk in the community and a lot of talk on Facebook with issues that we have with our City Attorney’s bills. They have started dictating out what they are billing for and unfortunately now is causing another issue that could cause the City more dollars.

Jeff said that the time we spend reviewing our bill to you was at no charge.

Lindsey said she was referring to the breakdown of the bill. It was brought up during the citizen comments tonight that there are emails that was dictated in your bill that is now potentially causing the City more fees with our City Attorney through a K.O.R.A. request.

Jeff said that there is a balance that they have to walk the line between putting enough information in the billing entry which is a public document to let everyone know what is being done and paid for without violating the attorney-client relationship and the individual City representatives so it’s a balance. Every entry he writes he thinks about.

Lindsey thanked him for the work he has done.

Kevin said that he appreciates the itemized statement. He itemizes his statements to his customers also to let them know what they paid for.

Jeff said that he is happy to discuss any billing issues with anyone within the City.

Lindsey said her last item is that in regard to breaking down the City Attorney’s bills, what we are looking at that the citizens have been talking about on social media is that they feel our fees are very high. If you break them down and look at them from December through the month of June, we are spending in our legal counsel’s eyes about 34% of our total budget. These are for issues that are not compliant with a City’s daily duties, so that would fall under K.O.R.A. and K.O.M.A. requests, litigation, and other issues we may have. She spoke with Staff and broke down the bills more, and other issues and our real budget we have spent about 68% on issues that would have been spent in the legal department. We are turned into the Attorney General’s office and any litigation falls back to the City Attorney for him to represent us.

Jeff said that he keeps time in separate groups such as K.O.R.A. requests, litigation, etc. There are things that are not usual but there are things aren’t anticipated. So far all of the violations turned into the Attorney General’s office have all been successful for the City and had no follow-up violations so far. They ask for a lot of information and follow-up documentation.

Jeff said that last month’s bill was 64% of the things that we can’t control.

City Manager said that we are budgeting $200,000 next year for legal fees.

Pete AllenHe asked for the report from Commissioner Nichols on the Bedco meeting that was last held.

Randy said that he came prepared last night, but you weren’t able to finish the meeting. He said that some background on this is that in the fall of 2018, a group went to Wyandotte County to discuss combined City/County government. They apparently have morphed away from that mandate and are now calling themselves a Shared Services Committee. They are certainly a group of active concerned qualified people. There’s just a difference redesigning County/City government and making shared services recommendations in terms of personnel or utilization of resources that this Shared Services Committee brought to Bedco. Another request they brought before the group was a request for a resolution that stated that a resolve of the cities of Bourbon County enter into negotiations for an inter-jurisdictional agreement to provide economic development services for the citizens of Bourbon County and further the task to create a first draft an arrangement is assigned to the Shared Services Committee under the leadership of Mark McCoy. So, the terms that they approached them was the non-binding resolution that was passed by Bedco. Mark and other people on the committee are working on this so there’s really no actionable information at this point. There was no real process, no governance and the only financial portion they brought up or discussed at the meeting was not a cost or efficiency savings for either the County or the City as it is going to cost both of them as much as we are both currently spending. He said that we need to be aware of the circumstances that we are in. The City has had a long history of an Economic Development Director which has been successful for us and continues to be successful. Most of the economic development falls within the City and even if it were given to an outside new bureaucratic structure, it’s still going to have to come back to us to do. That’s part of the history, but another part is consideration of duplication of services. He asked them to remember that we had an economic development person, and there was an offer made to assist the County at quite a bit less than they’re currently spending, but the County decided to hire a part time person. He is starting about processes and not individuals or people. The County decided to add a part time person and then a year later advanced that person to a full time person with their vision that the area needed two economic development entities and structures. We need to keep that in mind and understand where the duplication of processes came from. The Bedco board agreed to the resolution and that’s where they are.

City Manager said that we have done a great job at economic development. He said that he offered to Lynne Oharah and Justin Meeks about partnering with the City and giving us some money so we could have economic development, community development, and tourism. Then their decision was to start with part time. The cost for economic development has not come from the City. He doesn’t understand why now they are wanting to have the one person, where we’ve always had the one person in that department. It would be beneficial if they wanted to give us some money to run that and work with them. The City has always offered to help the County and partner with them on economic development.

Randy said that there are no rules, no definitions, and no real guidance on an update on this item. Each city in Bourbon County and each Commissioner would have to decide what they were going to do within their own structure to accept or not accept this move.

Pete asked if this was still in discussion?

Randy said yes it is still in discussion. He has talked with Mark McCoy and there have been other discussions with COVID and the SPARKS grant and other processes. He has no time frame.

Pete thanked him for his response.

Kevin Allen

Discussion of Sunday Liquor sales – Kevin said that this was mentioned at the last meeting and the history of this same subject from 15 years ago. He said that he feels that we miss out on tax revenue and it hurts local businesses. The City couldn’t sell alcohol on July 4th and it would be nice to keep the revenue in town. He said to get the process started and it passes, it not necessarily passes that we sell alcohol on Sundays and holidays, except for Easter, but it goes to a 30 or 60 day period, where a protest petition can be filed. He asked the City Attorney for clarification.

Josh Jones said that Newton County had passed this. People can get a protest petition started and get 5% of the signatures from the last election and then it would go to a ballot vote. If not, then after so many days, it would be approved.

City Manager said he would work on this with the City Attorney and bring something back before them.

Randy asked if numbers can be put together to bring that back before them also.

Staff was given direction to bring this Ordinance back before the Commission at the next meeting.

Old R & R building – Kevin asked about an update on the old R & R building and where we are at on that. Scott Johnson is the owner and he has been talking to him. Scott knows that he is in over his head. There is another gentleman interested in saving the façade. He will have a sitting area behind the façade. Scott has agreed to sell this building to him. Steve Mason is the other interested party. He is excited to save this building and that someone is interested in it. He asked Dave to work with Steve and Scott on this building to save it.

City Manager said that he has been trying to convince Scott that the City needs to see movement on the building and get it stabilized.

Codes – Demolitions – Kevin said that he has had people come and ask him about demolition of houses. He would like to work with the County on that and get the dump fees offset to assist with the fees. He asked what the budget is.

Susan said that the budget is $60,000 but it has been put on hold until the budget has stabilized. She mentioned that we have kept the pool open and generated about $8,000 but it will probably cost us about $80,000 to open the pool. Where you normally have a deficit of 50%, it’s about 90%. We’ve made cuts in other areas to allow quality of life projects.

Kevin asked what we will lose at the golf course this year.

Susan said about $130,000 and that’s budgeted this year. There are losses in a lot of areas this year.

Street Repairs – Kevin asked for an update on Andrick Street.

City Manager said that the concrete work should be finished by the end of this week and the Street Department will go in next week and finish the grade, and check for final compaction. The following week, if Bourbon County is ready, the asphalt will be laid. Paving should be done in August.

JoLynne said she thought that July 1st was the deadline.

Kevin said that we are waiting on the curb and gutter to finish.

City Hall Whistle – Kevin asked where we are at on the whistle at City Hall.

Street Signs – Kevin would like the street signs straightened at City Hall also.

City Manager said he would get it taken care of.

Executive SessionK.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) – to discuss matters of non-elected personnel

Jeff asked that the City Commission recess into Executive Session. The subject matter of the recess is the discussion of non-elected personnel as requested by Commissioner Kevin Allen. The statutory justification for the recess is K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) – discussion of non-elected personnel. The subject matter is a Facebook post. The executive session will be for 10 minutes and include the City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney, and Chief of Police. The open meeting will resume at 8:35 p.m.

K. Allen moved to go into Executive Session. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Recessed into Executive Session at 8:25 p.m.

R. Nichols moved to return to open meeting at 8:35 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

Resumed open meeting at 8:54 p.m.

JoLynne Mitchell Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Consideration of adoption of Code of Ethics – Ordinance No. 3563 – Jeff said that the ordinance adopting the Code of Ethics. This ordinance will replace Chapter 2.256 of Title 2 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code Book regarding a code of ethics.

R. Nichols moved to approve the adoption of Ordinance No. 3563 – the Code of Ethics. J. Mitchell seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3563 FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 2.56 OF TITLE 2 OF THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AS IT REGARDS A CODE OF ETHICS APPLICABLE TO CITY PERSONNEL.

Jeff introduced Sarah Carnes as a new attorney in their law firm. She has a lot of experience with City government.

D. City Manager:

  1. Lake Fort Scott property auction – Dave said that this property at the Lake is scheduled to be auctioned off on August 15th, 2020. City staff needs direction from the Commission to proceed further or not. Dave said that we would be out about $300 – $400 on advertising that would need paid for.

JoLynne said that she visited with Lance today on this property and other options available.

Lance Anderson said he has heard from both sides – people who want to keep the acreage together and people who want to separate it. He said that the City has three options: 1) You can go forward and auction the 17 acres on August 15th; 2) You can decide to get it platted into smaller lots as historically smaller lots bring more money; and 3) You can do both. You can get it platted. AG Engineering did the original surveying of the property and he talked to them and they are willing to start the plat process. You can sell it separately or in total. If you separate into eight (8) lots, you sell tract one (1) and then hold that bid. You move to the next lot and so forth. All of that is added up, and then you put it together, and then sell as a total lot. You have the option to either buy separately or as a total lot.

City Manager asked if this platting and advertising could be accomplished by August 15th.

Lance said no – possibly by Labor Day weekend.

Discussion was held about the bid and the minimum bid.

Lindsey said that she is uncomfortable with the Commission since we took office in January. We seem to be backtracking and questioning our decisions.

Kevin said that he is not uncomfortable with that. The main discussion was the actual auction and not the property.

Randy said that he listened to the Lake Advisory Board meeting. We know that this is an odd shaped land. We know we need this source of revenue. Our obligation is that we don’t own this land. The citizens of this community own this land. He thinks it is time to move forward and doesn’t see why we need to delay this sale.

Lindsey asked how we could restrict the land.

Lance said that deed restrictions could be put on the land.

Kevin said that we are still in control of this property and can control what happens to this property. He thinks this needs to be discussed with the Lake Advisory Board committee first.

Discussion was held about how much property the City owns at the Lake.

Kevin suggested a joint meeting be set up with the Lake Advisory Board committee, citizens, lake residents, and the City Commission and hear their views.

Randy said that there are different groups wanting different things. Is meeting with these groups going to give us any different views? He doesn’t know that it will change.

Lindsey doesn’t know if the whole Commission needs to meet with the Lake Advisory Board since we have a liaison on this board.

Discussion was held regarding deed restrictions and if they need put on the property.

Kevin Allen made a motion to table the sale of the property at Lake Fort Scott until we can have a meeting can be made with the Lake Advisory Board committee and the public. Pete Allen seconded.

Lindsey stated that she wanted to clarify who “we” is. The purpose of having a Commission liaison is that we are that person for each board. The whole Commission does not have to meet with each advisory board. How would this meeting be handled? Would decisions be made?

Jeff Deane said that that the advisory boards report to the Commission. You have a liaison for that purpose. It is just advice. You don’t have to follow their recommendations.

Lindsey asked if the whole entire Commission needs to meet with the Lake Advisory Board or if Kevin wants to meet with them as the liaison and come back with recommendations?

Kevin said that he has already been the liaison for that group and it obviously didn’t help. He thinks it would be best for the Commission to take the time and meet with them. They can tell you their feelings and the lake residents and any citizens can state their opinions.

Lindsey said that since there are still questions out there and you (Kevin) would like the Advisory Board and residents of Fort Scott to meet, she feels that is part of the liaison’s part to go to that meeting and bring that back to the Commission.

Kevin said he would do that and attend that meeting.

Lindsey asked if he had any suggestions for deed restrictions.

Kevin said that is why he wanted to have a meeting to discuss this type of restrictions. Kevin asked that the City Commission be at this meeting.

All voted aye.

approved to table the sale of the property at Lake Fort Scott until a meeting can be made with the Lake Advisory Board committee, the public and the city commission.

City Manager informed Lance Anderson to postpone the sale of the Lake property at this time.

ADJOURNMENT:

L. Watts moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:39 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on August 4th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

TRANSCRIBED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Obituary of Norman Gates

Norman L. Gates

Norman L. Gates, age 91, formerly of Uniontown, KS, died Thursday, August 13, 2020, at the Franklin House, Ft. Scott, KS. He was born November 2, 1928, in Mapleton, KS, the son of Albert and Grace (Brillhart) Gates. The family later relocated to Uniontown, where Albert ran the local blacksmith/mechanic shop.

Norman graduated from Uniontown High School. After graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy at the age of 18 and served on the U.S.S. America, U.S.S. Roosevelt, U.S.S. Forrestal, U.S.S. Intrepid, U.S.S. Shangri-La and the PBY aircraft, and Naval bases throughout the world.

On June 25th, 1950, he married the love of his life, Wilma Jean Kegerreis. Together they made their home in many different cities including Yokosuka, Japan; Pretty Prairie, KS; Memphis, TN, and several years in Jacksonville, FL during his military career. After attaining the rank of Leading Chief Petty Officer of VA 64 (Black Lancers), he retired from military life and the family moved back to Uniontown in 1966 where he took over his father’s mechanic shop.

Later he accepted a position as a Driver’s License Officer for the State of Kansas attaining the position of Supervising Drivers License Examiner and served in that position for 20 years until retirement.

Norman and Jean had a wide circle of friends and loved to entertain. Most weekends you would find them with friends and family, frequently hosting a card game, dinner, picnic, or some kind of holiday gathering. An annual event was his birthday “Weenie Burn” at the farm every November.

Camping was also a favorite pastime and the family enjoyed trips to Colorado, New York, California, and various other destinations together over the years. They were very involved in many local activities and groups including the Masonic Lodge and Mirza Shrine. Norman loved participating with his friends in all the group activities such as Shriner’s Oriental Band and Funny Cars to name a few. He also served in the Honor Guard at the National Cemetery in Ft. Scott for several years.

Norman was an avid hunter and fisherman and he taught Hunter Safety Classes for many years. He loved teaching young people the proper way to use guns safely and to respect the great outdoors. He received recognition from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Conservation and was awarded The Order of the Buffalo pin for his devoted service. He collected guns all his life and enjoyed showing them off to anyone interested in weaponry.

He loved music and in his later years taught himself to play the harmonica. He often composed original music for family and friends and loved to entertain with originals as well as old standards. He loved to dance, and he and Jean belonged to a square-dance group for several years. He was always willing for one more dance…whether it was on a proper dance floor, out on the deck or just through the kitchen. He was a gifted woodcarver and was always creating some new something.

Norman loved life and people. He never knew a stranger and could find someone to talk to no matter where he went. Kids knew him as the man who always had candy to give and you could always count on him to teach or entertain you with a joke or a good story.

He loved his family and his friends and if you were his friend you WERE family. He shared his passions and love of life with everyone he knew. He will be missed by many but please remember him with a smile. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Franklin House and their wonderful caregivers.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, his parents Albert and Grace Gates, his sister Viola (Gates) Bowers, and his brother Marvin Gates.

He is survived by his children, Linda Kay Gates Morgan (Bill), Overland Park, KS; Norman Dale Gates (Cheryl), Niceville, FL, and Michael Jon Gates (Brandi), Mapleton, KS; eight grandchildren, Andrew Gates (Erin), Christopher Gates (Holly), Ryan Morgan (Miki), Christin McCullough (Zeb), Shane Gates, Lauren Lindiakos (Rick), Jason Gates (Kyli), and Kathryn Morgan; and eighteen great-grandchildren, Lenny, Tyler, Alexandra, Layla, Bryar, Korie, Scarlett, Masen, Lilianna, Austin, Libby, Vivienne, Landon, Breckett, Lexi, Lizbeth, Sophia, and Nikolas.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 18th, in the Mason Cemetery south of Uniontown.

Military honors will be provided by the U. S. Navy Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 Monday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel with Masonic services at 5:00.

Memorials are suggested to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

New Roof On Old St. Andrews Completes Renovation

The former St. Andrews Episcopal Church is getting a new roof.
The former St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 123 S. National Avenue is getting a new roof.
“The building was formerly decommissioned so it is no longer St. Andrews Church,” said owner DandeLyon Vredenburg.
Roofers from Kansas City were hired by owners Vredenburg and her partner, Carl Repp, for the installation of a new roof on the entire sloped portion of the building.
This completes the exterior envelope work they have been working on, she said.
“We have also replaced the flat roof in 2017,” Vredenburg said.   “We have replaced the rotted windows with thermal pane energy-efficient windows.  This… ensures it’s preservation for the long term. We have also completed our planned work on the interior.  This includes two New York loft-style residences and professional offices/workspace. “
The building houses offices and currently is occupied, except for one suite, she said.

“That rents for $250 which includes electronic access, water, garbage, electricity, gas and WiFi,” she said. “There are four businesses that currently lease space from us and run out of that building.”

Vredenburg was asked if the building is for sale.

“The building is not officially on the market but we are always open for interesting business opportunities.,” she said.
Vredenburg and her partner, Repp, stay here when in the area.
“This endeavor has been a labor of love,” Vredenburg said. “Built with our own hands and funded entirely by our own dollars.  This building has offered us and continues to provide a sanctuary when we return to Fort Scott throughout the year from working abroad.”

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