NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
October 21, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Proclamation – Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Safehouse Crisis Center/Pittsburg
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1394-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of October 1, 2025 – October 14, 2025 – $505,269.63
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of October 7, 2025
- September Financials
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Project 25-12 E. National
Phase I – Invoice 18226 – Preliminary Design 40% – $15,525.00
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Appearances
- Becky Gray/Building Health Inc.’s CareVan
- Casey Brown /Community Engagement Coordinator – SEK-CAP Action Program
- Unfinished Business
- Consideration of donation for FSCC FRAME Grant – Tabled October 7, 2025
- Consideration of Bids – Replacement of A/C Unit above weight room – Buck Run
- New Business
Action Items:
- Consideration to renew Common Consumption License for Downtown Historic District
- Consideration to purchase K-9 vehicle replacement – FSPD – 2022 Ford F150 Supercrew – J. Pickert
- Meeting agenda discussion
- Reports and Comments
XII. Adjourn
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Unapproved minutes
Minutes of October 7, 2025 Regular Meeting
A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Rachel Carpenter/Community Relations Director, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lindsay Hill, Trey Sharp, Shawn O’Brien, Carmen Flater, Michael Hoyt, Phil Jackson, Kaylee Clifton, and Henry Witt.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and OLSON said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the amended agenda. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1393-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 10, 2025 – September 30, 2025– $ 1,165,099.60
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of September 16, 2025, and Special Meeting of September 23, 2025
– Request for Payment – Mainstreet Asphalt Maintenance LLC – Milling of Lees Circle Drive and Crescent Drive – $66,400.00
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. VAN HOECKE seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, and VAN HOECKE voted yes. OLSON and WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
ACTION: DANCER will meet with MATKIN regarding the format changes he is requesting to the Expense Approval Report.
Public Comment
Michael Hoyt stated that he will be available to assist veterans with claims every Wednesday, 10:00AM-2:00PM at HBCAT, 104 N. National. Also, the Kansas City VA now has Fisher House (similar to Ronald McDonald Houses) available to veterans and their families while having procedures done at a hospital.
Appearances
Lindsay Hill/FSCC – FRAME Grant – A request was made for up to $40,000.00 in city infrastructure support for donated land on Block 8, Southside Park Edition, formerly the old RV park site across from the college. The owner of the land will donate (2) lots to the college for the FRAME grant program. The plan for the grant is to build (2) duplexes; (1) this year and (1) next year. MATKIN stated that the city would upgrade water, storm water, sewer system, and add a fire hydrant on those (2) lots. The owner of the land will cover the remaining costs (over $40,000.00) as he plans to continue building the same duplexes on the remaining land. HILL stated that the donated land will be deeded to the college. Once that happens, they seek RFPs for contractors. HILL answered questions.
ACTION: OLSON requested further discussion between the developer and the city manager. VAN HOECEK requested that the developer bring in a list of his work for the Commission to review.
MOTION: OLSON moved to table the FRAME grant until the meeting on the 21st and ideally have the developer come in or meet with the City Manager. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Rachel Carpenter – Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park, South Loop – Haunting of Belltown – October 31, 2025 – 6:00PM through November 1, 2025 – 11:00PM
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the closure requested for the Haunting of Belltown. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD – Acceptance of AFG Grant/Exhaust Removal System and proceed with bid process and project completion. The city received the 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for exhaust removal systems at both fire stations. It is a 95/5 grant. The grant totals $106,571.42, requiring a 5% city match of $5,328.58, bringing the total project cost to $111,900. BRUNER is requesting approval to accept the grant and begin the process towards completing the project
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve acceptance of the AFG grant exhaust removal system and proceed with the bid process and project completion with the City portion of that grant being just over $5,300.00. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD – TUSA Radio Encryption System – Phase I – Assessment
In response to a 2022 FBI mandate requiring the protection of personally identifying information (PII), including dispatch communications, encrypted radio transmissions are being considered. The current radio system has safety and communication issues, especially in certain areas. The cost of phase one of the upgrade is $32,680.00, with Fort Scott responsible for $19,608.00. Discussion was had regarding current operating practices, the share of costs with the County, and the possibility of mitigating costs through grants.
ACTION: Grants may be available to offset the costs, and PICKERT will research grants and compare funding approaches in similar cities.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to table until October 21, 2025. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Trey Sharp/Good Ol Days – Food Trucks
SHARP, representing the Good Ol’ Days committee, raised concerns about the food truck license and vendor fees. He sought confirmation that the proposed exemption for not-for-profit organizations would include Good Ol’ Days. SHARP argued that additional fees, particularly for non-local food trucks, could harm the event. A request was made to exempt major community events such as Care to Share events, the fair, Good Ol’ Days, FortFest, and Pioneer Harvest from the food truck ordinance, with the concern that increasing vendor fees may discourage participation.
Unfinished Business
Consideration of Small Business Grant Applications – Clifton Chiropractic/Kaylee Clifton, Hercules Hobby/Phil Jackson, and H. Witt Fabrication LLC/Henry Witt
The agenda packet included the grant applications, locations, and scoring rubric. Applicants presented their business plans and funding uses.
MATKIN left the meeting 6:43PM and returned 6:44PM
- Clifton Chiropractic (Kaylee Clifton): Requested $6,000.00 for new signage to improve visibility from Hwy 69. She will match 25% of the $8,000 total cost. She has been in practice 10 years, and in Fort Scott since 2019. She currently employs (3) full-time staff including (1) associate doctor. She purchased the building in 2021.
- Hercules Hobbies (Phil Jackson): Requested $10,000.00 to use the grant for arcade games, TVs, and seating to attract families and boost in-store sales tax revenue. Opened a downtown sports card and memorabilia shop in May on Scott Ave. Currently open three days a week, ships 250–300 items weekly but would like to increase in-store traffic to keep sales tax dollars in Fort Scott.
- H. Witt Fabrication (Henry Witt): Requested funds for a $10,000.00 fixture table to increase productivity by 30–40%. Operates a small shop with his wife and plans to develop a product line and grow into manufacturing.
- After Effects Salon: Representative absent; application deferred to next round.
Discussion was had regarding the practicality of small business grants and their benefits to non-business-owning taxpayers. They acknowledged the importance of supporting local business growth for community development, sales tax revenue, and property value improvements. Suggestions included creating a structured process and funding limits for future rounds. DANCER requested review of applicant business plans and financials.
MOTION: DANCER moved to fund the (3) applicants presented this evening, 50% of the requested amount. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Second Amendment to ER Funding Agreement – Approved by Bourbon County Commission September 8, 2025 – Tabled September 16, 2025
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to adopt Land Lease Agreement – Tabled from September 16, 2025
Discussion was had regarding the proposed Land Lease Agreement, addressing questions about lessees paying property taxes, documenting land condition at the end of long-term leases, and maintaining city control over permanent improvements and zoning compliance. The agreement does not replace the property vacation process or restrict land use but raises challenges for financing and title insurance on leased property. Comparisons were made to similar lease practices in Hawaii, and it was clarified that home construction is not prohibited—only restricted on city-owned land. An example use included a water feature near the golf course, and at the end of a 99-year lease, all improvements would revert to city ownership.
MOTION: WELLS moved to accept the Land Lease Agreement and keep this document for use in the future. SALSBURY seconded.
OLSON, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
WELLS left the meeting 7:25PM and returned 7:28PM
Discussion of Food Truck Ordinance – Tabled from September 16, 2025
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to disapprove the food truck ordinance presented. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
ACTION: DANCER and SALSBURY will work together on a draft ordinance.
New Business
Consideration of Bids – Replacement of A/C Unit above weight room – Buck Run
Two bids were received for replacing the Buck Run weight room AC unit: CDL at $21,097.00 and KTK at $16,399.00. KTK’s proposal involved repairing a defective compressor rather than full replacement. Questions were raised about whether the new unit would be a heat pump and its energy rating. The item was tabled pending additional information.
FARMER left the meeting 7:34PM and returned 7:36PM
ACTION: MATKIN will get additional specs for consideration.
MOTION: DANCER moved to table until October 21, 2025, pending additional information. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Commissioners requested that agenda packets be distributed on Wednesdays. MATKIN requested that Commissioners email him questions prior to the meeting to avoid tabling items unnecessarily.
Consideration of Resolution No. 28-2025
KRUGER reported that the house was struck by a car and knocked off its foundation. Owner was paid by insurance but didn’t finish tearing it down.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve Resolution No. 28-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 308 N. Mineral – DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 29-2025
KRUGER reported that letters were sent, but no response was received. The city is mowing the lawn and weed eating. Doors and windows are open.
MATKIN left the meeting 7:45PM and returned 7:46PM
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 29-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1815 E. Oak. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 30-2025
KRUGER reported that interaction with the owner’s mother, who made promises but didn’t follow through. The city is mowing the lawn and weed eating, and a building permit issued in June 2025, but no improvements were made. The building is not currently occupied.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve Resolution No. 30-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1626 E. Pine. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 31-2025
KRUGER reported that he’s had conversations with the owner, who obtained a building permit recently. The back side of the house fell off.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 31-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1403 E. Oak. OLSON seconded. OLSON, DANCER, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of Resolution No. 32-2025
KRUGER reported that the structure is a safety and health hazard. The door fell off the hinges, a
dead cat was found inside and possible drug activity on the property. The house is owned by someone whose house was torn down in the last round of demolitions.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 32-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 505 Couch. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Engineering for Repair to Waterway System – Agricultural Engineering Associates (AEA) – $36,000.00
The commission approved moving forward with Agriculture Engineering Associates for engineering services totaling $36,000 to repair a flood-damaged waterway. FEMA recommended hiring an engineer and will reimburse the city for both the engineering and repair costs. The expense will be paid initially from stormwater funds.
MOTION: WELLS moved to go forward with the engineering for the repair of the water system. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Monthly Fee Adjustment – BakerTilly Municipal Advisors
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the fee adjustment for BakerTilly from $5,000.00 to $5,500.00 per month. SALSBURY seconded. SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, WELLS and DANCER voted yes. OSLON voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of Contract for Real Estate Sale – Shoemaker and City of Fort Scott
MATKIN stated that the intended use is for a city parking lot with the potential for future development. Funds ($15,000.00) to purchase the lot will come from Economic Development.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the contract for real estate sale between Shoemaker and the City of Fort Scott for the discussed property. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Shipping Container Ordinance
SALSBURY drafted ordinance options for consideration. Discussion was had on the use of shipping containers as housing units and storage units in the city’s residential area. KRUGER reminded the Commission that he had previously provided researched information requesting guidance for codes enforcement for the current zoning regulations in place. He receives many complaints and the current verbiage is not specific enough for enforcement purposes.
VAN HOECKE left the meeting 8:11PM and returned 8:13PM.
ACTION: Work Session scheduled for October 21, 2025, at 5:00PM
Cape Seal 2026-2027 Program
MATKIN requested approval to go out for bid on the 2026 Cape Seal Program which will include a specific type, size and source of rock – not KDOT standard. OLSON requested a presentation on the different types of “seals” available for consideration.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve that the City Manager go out for Cape Seal bids for 2026 with the different options available based on the recommendations of City Engineer and the City Manager. DANCER seconded. WELLS, DANCER, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. OLSON voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
ACTION: MATKIN will have a vendor come to a future meeting and provide comparisons and information regarding options of seals.
Discussion of November 4th City Commission Meeting – Election night
MOTION: DANCER moved to reschedule the November 4th City Commission meeting to 6:00PM on November 3rd, Monday. OLSON seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, OLSON, and WELLS voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Discussion of ADM
WELLS wanted to ask the Commission to allow our engineers to have a discussion with ADM about the possibility of receiving and treating their industrial wastewater again due to recoup some of the investments that were made in the sewer treatment plant. He would also like to bring that revenue back. FLATER and DICKMAN contributed to further discussion on the past events, the problems the lagoons experienced, and the possible outcomes of that decision.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved not to reopen talks with ADM to take their industrial waste or have the City Engineer meet with them at this time. OLSON seconded. SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, OLSON and DANCER voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Reports and Comments
City Engineer
– Davis Lift Station Bid – extended with Addendum No. 1 until 10/30/2025
– National Ave. Project – survey complete
– CCLIP on Wall St. – bid in March 2026, Phase I and II timeline discussed, Phase III is signed and pending notification of approval
ACTION: DICKMAN will prepare a presentation on seal options as requested by OLSON.
City Attorney – No comment
City Clerk – No comment
City Manager
– Safety concerns of trains stopping on tracks addressed
– Gordon Parks Celebration
– Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
Commissioner Salsbury – No comment
Commissioner Olson – No comment
Commissioner Dancer
– Moody Building update
– 118 E. Wall update
– ADM handout from April 1 on website
– Work Session for Contractual Services for November 3 at 5:00PM
– Terms for surface level agreement for IT contract
– SEK-CAP donation of $5000.00
Commissioner Wells
– 12th Street traffic lights
– 3rd Street traffic lights
– Salisbury’s job on shipping container ordinances
– Success of Kirk Sharp and Gordon Parks Celebration and mural artist
– Prayers for Fort and all government employees due to furlough and shut down
– MATKIN – AME Church – park dedication and neighborhood clean up
Commissioner Van Hoecke
– Thanks to WELLS for contribution of hanging mural and all involved in Gordon Parks event.
Executive Session #1
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the session will be the (5) Commissioners, City Manager and City Attorney in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting is to resume in the Commission Room at 9:22PM. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
SALSBURY did not return to the open meeting.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Executive Session #2
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In the session will be the (5) Commissioners and the City Manager in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting is to resume in the Commission Room at 9:28PM. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
SALSBURY returned to the open meeting.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:29PM. DANCER seconded.
OCTORBER 7, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:29PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk