Monthly Archives: August 2018

Area News

U.S. House Race: Comments From the Forum

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From left: Steve Watkins, Steve Fitzgerald, Doug Mays at the podium, Caryn Tyson and Kevin Jones. Five of eight candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives seat spoke at the Candidates Forum on July 31 at Fort Scott High School.

There are eight candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives vacancy to be filled because incumbent Lynn Jenkins is stepping down. Five came to Fort Scott for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce sponsored Candidate Forum at Fort Scott High School.

These are excerpts from remarks given during the 2018 Candidates Forum which was July 31.

Dennis Pyle did not attend but sent a representative to tell the audience he is a  fiscal conservative,  pro-life, pro 2nd Amendment Rights and one who fought against tax hikes and will continue Trump’s agenda.

Kevin Jones is running because of the lack of servant leaders. He served in the military 5.5 years as a Green Beret and will fight for jobs and curb the national debt.

Vernon Fields is an Army veteran, federal law enforcement retiree, a criminologist, and registered nurse. His values are the sanctity of life, limiting government and constitutional rights.

Steve Watkins is a political outsider, engineer, and builder,  who values religious freedom and family values. “If you believe we can do better, I will fight you.”

Doug Mays is a Southeast Kansas native and was Speaker of the  House in Kansas for four years.

Caryn Tyson is a grassroots conservative who owns and operates a ranch in Linn County and has worked at NASA. “We waste money on the government and it needs to stop.”

Steve Fitgerald is a retired military officer, spent years in the Kansas Senate, is pro-life, pro 2nd Amendment and a businessman for 11 years.

Question 1: The Affordable Health Care Act, what is the replacement?

Kevin Jones: The first thing people can do is begin to exercise. The issue is the cost of the act. Create a healthcare open market pool.

Vernon Fields:  Said he has affordable health care as a retired military officer. “I would look at opening that kind of pool up”.

Steve Watkins: A foundation of transparency and competition, with less regulation. His wife is a doctor, which is a heavily regulated market. There is a need to empower healthcare providers to treat it as a service, not a right.

Doug Mays:  When the government takes over something done by private business, “they always mess it up.”  The need is to allow competition on a nationwide basis.

Caryn Tyson: It’s hurting  businesses, “get government out of the room.” The government should not be involved between us and a doctor.  Regulation but options.

Steve Fitgerald: ” We need to end it, not play with it, get rid of it. We don’t need the federal government in insurance.” Health savings accounts should be allowed.

Questions 2: Are you for or against completion of the border wall, how would you fund it?

Vernon Fields: In the military, he saw the border. ” I know we have problems with it.” ” A 14-mile-stretch costs $14 million.”  He would look at other budgets to build the wall.

Steve Watkins: ” I was a combat engineer and build walls, they are not a lethal tool”.

Doug Mays:  The Mexican border wall is more than immigration, it’s about drugs. When the National Guard was at the border, the drugs coming across were less. The border needs to be secured.

Caryn Tyson:  Supports building the wall, and would allow individuals to submit donations to help fund it. Also an issue is cutting government waste, with which she had success at the state level. She is willing to work on legislation to fight for U.S. security.

Fitzgerald: The border wall is needed as part of the overall security.  “There is no reason why this country does not have walls for borders.”

Kevin Jones: Supports building a border wall, because it is a deterrent. “Congress just passed a $1,000 a month for renting cars for each Congressman”. “There are a lot of ways to pay for that wall.”

Question 3: Would you support the president’s use of tariffs as a means to force fairer world trade?

Stever Watkins: On tariffs, he would have to look at each proposal. “Our economy benefits from free trade. The government role is to stay out of the way.”

Doug Mays; Yes, use tariffs to trade more fairly.  “This president will be known as the great negotiator. We don’t need a trade war. Farmers and ranchers especially. No tariffs anywhere, it would be a free market.”

Caryn Tyson: Fair and free trade is needed. Trump demonstrated he backs up agriculture, but farmers want to sell products for a fair price that covers their cost.

Steve Fitzgerald: Yes, trade more fairly.  Trump is a tough negotiator. The EU is making noises like they are coming to the table.

Kevin Jones:  Pres. Trump has started to do the negotiating. “We don’t want to be taken advantage of.”

Vernon Fields: As long as tariffs continue and are able to support our farmers.

Closing remarks:

Doug Mays: Pro-life, 2nd Amendment supporter.  He knows Southeast Kansas .” I voted for highway bill tax, I hope people will forgive me of that.” Southeast Kansas has been the stepchild of this state. I’d like to see that changed.”

Caryn Tyson: She can stand up to Paul Davis, is a pro-life, 2nd amendment supporter. Her platform is limited government, traditional values, and economic development. Look at her record as representative.

Steve Fitzgerald: “I’d like to help the district with the infrastructure part-especially broadband.  We need someone who has proven credentials.”

Kevin Jones:  “911 changed us. We were going to a pastors retreat.” He then went on to serve in the military, then as a state representative. Jobs, debt and the lawful administration of justice are his focus.

Vernon Fields: Sanctity of life is important, and he elected not to work in hospitals that performed abortions.  His focus is on issues and needs. Choose wisely because that person will represent the state for the future.

Steve Watkins: Although not many endorsements, he stands the best chance of beating Paul Davis. Leadership was proven in his eight years of military service.

Obituary

Obituary of Patricia Lee White

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Patricia Lee White, age 85, a resident of Devon, KS, died Saturday, August 4, 2018, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, MO.

She was born August 27, 1932, in Appleton City, MO, the daughter of Paul, Sr. and Edna Deeds Adamson.

She attended Uniontown schools, having lived most of her life in the Devon area.

She worked as a waitress for many years at various area restaurants, the last 10 years of her career at the Colonial Restaurant in Ft. Scott. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed.

Survivors include two sons, Delwin Mumbower and wife Lolita, Devon, KS, and Jeff Leslie and wife Debra, Girard, KS; a brother, Jack Adamson and wife Mary, Ft. Scott; two sisters, Beatrice Alt, Ft. Scott, and Marilyn Harrington, Paola, KS; 8 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Roscoe Mumbower; a grandson, Shawn Mumbower; and 3 brothers, Paul, Jr., Richard, and Frank Adamson.

Pastor John Warring will conduct funeral services at 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 8th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until service time Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Patricia White Memorial Fund and may be left in the 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.

Fort Scott, Mercy Hospital

Karleigh Arndt: KU Scholar In Rural Health

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Karleigh Arndt, 2016 graduate of Fort Scott High School, has been accepted into the University of Kansas Scholars in Rural Health program which identifies undergraduate students from rural Kansas communities who want to become physicians.

Scholars in Rural Health Program Pairs To-Be Doctor

with Mercy Physician

Karleigh Arndt has dreamed of being a physician in rural Kansas since she was a student at Fort Scott High School (FSHS). Last week she received word that her dream is closer to becoming reality.

Arndt has been accepted into the University of Kansas Scholars in Rural Health program which is designed to identify and encourage undergraduate students from rural Kansas who are interested in building successful careers as physicians in rural areas.

A cornerstone to the scholar’s program is the mentorship with a rural Kansas primary care physician in the student’s home community. During Arndt’s junior and senior years as an undergraduate, she will learn at the side of a Mercy Clinic physician in Fort Scott to gain valuable clinical experience and complete three patient care reports. The program exposes students to the variety of health care services in rural areas, including hospital and office practice.

“I am thrilled to come back to Fort Scott and work with older adult patients,” Arndt said. “When I worked in a nursing facility, I saw the need for older adults to have an advocate in health care.”

“My long-term goal is to be a rural primary care physician who works in conjunction with home health and hospice and serve primarily in a community setting instead of the clinic. By doing so, I hope to be caring for aging patients in their home or other areas of the community where there are specific needs for the geriatric population.”

Arndt, a 2016 FSHS graduate, was one of 15 selected from 42 applicants to be granted early acceptance into KU School of Medicine. With acceptance into the University of Kansas Scholar in Rural Health program, Arndt received the news a year early instead of waiting until after her junior year as is typical for most students who apply to KU School of Medicine.

Arndt, a dual major in Biology and Gerontology at Kansas State University (KSU), will begin her junior year this month.

Growing up in rural Fort Scott, Arndt is in tune with the needs in rural health care and finds it her calling.

“I value everything that rural Kansas has to offer and I am 100 percent sure I want to come back home to practice medicine,” she added. “It’s about caring for people and serving my community.”

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

Fort Scott, Government

Updated Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for Aug. 7

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This is the updated Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for the Aug. 7 meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Community Christian Church Minister

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 17th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1220-A totaling $510,652.55.

  1. Approval of Public Dance License – River Room Events, LLC, 3 W. Oak

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 9 N. Main Street

  1. Resolution 32-2018 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 111 S. Little – Public Hearing Date – 9/18/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

VI. SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITIONS:

5 years: (Certificate only)

Chris Anderson, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Justin Fisher, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Dustin Fowler, Maintenance II, Woodland Hills Golf Course

Christopher Garrett, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Janet Guilfoyle, Accounting Clerk, City Hall

Blynn Hill, IV, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department

Jason McReynolds, Maintenance II, Water Distribution Department

Kenneth Rood, Water Treatment Plant Maintenance

Alex Schafer, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Ronald “Trey” Widder, Police Officer, Fort Scott Police Department

10 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Brian Thurston, Detective, Fort Scott Police Department

Chris Tourtillott, Maintenance II, Parks Department

15 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Mike Embry, Supervisor, Wastewater Treatment Plant

20 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Diane Clay, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk

Chad Brown, Public Works Director

25 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Daren Hutchison, Captain, Fort Scott Fire Department

Shaun West, Captain, Fort Scott Police Department

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. – 2019 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2019 Budget

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the 1st floor

  1. Discussion of 1523 E. Wall Street demolition

  1. Discussion of 1601 E. Wall Street demolition

  1. Discussion of 310 N. Cleveland demolition

  1. Consideration of three year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex

  1. Consideration of Airport Mower Bid

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of 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 or representatives 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

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Government, Kansas

Governor Candidates Speak at Forum

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Shirley Palmer answers questions about Josh Svaty prior to the candidate forum.

There are 12 candidates for governor of Kansas, four spoke at the 2018 Candidates Forum at Fort Scott High School July 31.

The following are excerpts from opening comments  that were given:

One spokesperson, Shirley Palmer, did so for Josh Svaty. When Palmer served as a representative,  she knew Svaty to be articulate, and “making a difference,” she said. He is a Kansas farmer, married with four children. Savty is able to unify Kansas. “Want to make a change…(and are ready) to move this state forward.”

Arden Andersen: He was a vo-ag teacher initially, is a doctor,  and flight doctor, and has served in the military.  “I am tired of a broken health care system, I have answers to solve that system…To make health care available to everyone from the least to the greatest.” Additionally “We need to get more money into the classroom for supplies and paraprofessionals.”

Lynn Rogers: He is running for lieutenant governor with Laura Kelly as governor. He is a senator,  worked for a farm credit business, married with three children and three grandchildren, was on the Wichita School Board for over 16 years. “Services… are not being performed…roads.. and schools are falling apart.” “We are ready to work for you right away.”

Patrick Kucera: He is an entrepreneurial evangelist. Married 28 years with six children.  He is a visionary leader, not a manager.

Ken Selzer: He attended K-State, married 38 years, CPA, business man, Conservative, pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment,  and is the current state insurance commissioner. While in office he reduced the size of the office,  reduced costs to the state, and improved customer service.

Question 1: The Supreme Court has said legislative funding for education is deficient. How would you propose it be financed?

Andersen:  Diversity is needed in the state, other sources, perhaps tourism, getting the economy going. Medical marijuana helps with the opioid crises, he said, as a doctor. There isn’t one thing that will solve all problems. Health care and the prison system need to be overhauled. These are ideas to get more revenue.

Rogers: Legislature did that this year. “We did that through overturning the unfair Brownback tax experiment.” “We had 400,000  people who weren’t paying taxes. We have made it a fairness issue… We balanced the budget this year. As a state, we have begged borrow and stolen from every fund.”

Kucera:  He said entrepreneurs create revenue and an evangelist creates a revival and he is creating a revival of revenue. Wants to redefine what revenue is: not taxation. “I’m the agricultural hemp guy in this race. We are an agricultural economy. I believe that revival of revenue is coming from industrial hemp.”

Selzer: Lean in on costs. Operate more effectively. Make Kansas grow. “We have to think more broadly. That will solve some of our funding problems.”

Question 2: What would you do to improve rural Kansas hospitals?

Rogers: Expand Medicaid, it would cover $1.2 million and create thousands of jobs.  Another idea: Ark  City pays a 1.5 percent sales tax to fund their hospital.

Kucera: “Agricultural, industrial hemp. A plant that can be grown, create jobs, make property tax grow up. That is the answer.”

Selzer: “A natural selection of hospitals…. sometimes yields a better result.” “Some rural hospitals will affiliate with larger hospitals.” “We need to be careful what we do with Medicaid Expansion., it’s incredibly expensive.”

Anderson: Some insurances cost $1,000 to $2,000 per month and with deductibles $5,000-10,000, he said. “you essentially don’t have insurance”. The medical system has to be overhauled and suggested looking at the Australian model.

Question 3: Would you lower the property tax?

Kucera: The state must make more and spend less. The more money you have in your tax, the more the economy will grow. The government should be more entrepreneurial.

Seltzer: Absolutely, we will take a business approach…increase the economy.

Anderson: Pproperty tax is not fair to seniors and lower social economic level.

Rogers: Many weren’t paying taxes, the tax burden was pushed on cities and counties. A county’s biggest expenses are law enforcement and mental health, those costs have been pushed from state to local level and are unfair.

Closing remarks:

Seltzer: He is a successful business man and has a government background. He has improved costs and productivity as the current insurance commissioner. “I have released my tax returns, you need to lead by example.” He has a farm and is connected to rural Kansas.

Anderson:” It’s important to understand there are a number of things we need to overhaul. Health care is the no.1 issue nationwide. It’s important to turn this thing around in three ways: 1) De-privatize, 2) go after drug costs,3) go after radiology and laboratory costs.

Twenty-percent of children have developmental delay in our classrooms, caused by mercury, aluminum, pesticides and industrial chemicals.” We won’t be able to train them…. and who will take care of them when their parents no longer can.”

Rogers: “We will be out in state visiting on a regular basis… Laura Kelley has fought back. Kansas deserves better service. We want to get to work for you as a no-nonsense problem solver.”

Candidate forum attendees were greeted by candidates in the hall of Fort Scott High School.

Kucera:  A change of direction in the state is needed.  Hemp can be converted into 50,000 products. Those will create jobs and farmers will have hope again. He is a visionary leader.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes for July 17

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of July 17, 2018 Regular Meeting #14

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 17th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Commissioner Nichols was absent.

INVOCATION: Pastor James Collins, First Southern Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Denton Wescoat, Deb Needleman, Darrell Parker, Travis Shelton, James Collins, Larry Gazaway, Michael Mix, Dave Bruner, Kenny Howard, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, Chad Brown, Mike Embry, Alek Shelden, Rachel Pruitt, Ken Wheeler, Bill Boge, Shawn Pritchett & Mozzie, Dawna Maloney, John Maloney, Deb McCoy, Jerald Mitchell Randy Page, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Introduction of Drug Dog, Mozzie – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, introduced Officer Shawn Pritchett and his drug dog, Mozzie. Mozzie is a two year old Dutch Shepherd dog. He has already assisted in over 20 drug arrests and is doing a great job. He and Officer Pritchett have really bonded well together.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 3rd, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1219-A totaling $375,841.80.

Parker moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) –

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. Motion carried.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:15 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 31-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 608 S. Broadway Street – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this structure has had issues with codes since 1999. The porch is in bad condition and the roof of the porch is in disrepair. The roof of the porch has a hole in it by the ceiling that is covered by a tarp. The fascia and guttering has damage and the foundation of the structure is cracked and open to the elements. The structure is vacant and belongs to William Wiggans. She asked for this structure to be repaired or removed in a short time period.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution No. 31-2018 authorizing this structure be repaired or removed in 10 days. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 31-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 608 S. BROADWAY STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY AUGUST 3rd, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 32-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1914 E. Wall Street – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that she has no photos to share of this structure but has been in contact with the owner. This is an old 1940’s motor court hotel. The owner is planning to put a new roof on as well as windows to renovate this structure. He has already removed a lot of brush from this structure. She asked that this be delayed for 30 days.

City Attorney recommended continuing the public hearing in 30 days.

Parker moved to approve to continue the public hearing on the structure at 1914 E. Wall for 30 days. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON 1914 E. WALL FOR 30 DAYS.

Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:23 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:23 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Wastewater Facility Inspection Review – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that an inspection was held at the Wastewater Treatment Plant facility on May 18th, 2018 by K.D.H.E. There were no issues or deficiencies found during the inspection. Michael introduced Mike Embry, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor.

Mike Embry thanked his team of employees: Alek Shelden, Randy Page, Bill Boge, John Maloney and Ken Wheeler. He also thanked the City Commission for their support when improvements are needed at the plant.

  1. Change in policy for Septic Haulers in Bourbon County – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that at the last meeting he brought up the issue of the Wastewater Treatment Plant receiving grease and oil from septic haulers. He drafted a letter that he will mail to all septic haulers notifying them that the plant will not accept any grease or oil as the plant cannot process it. He did discuss this issue with personnel at the State. He talked to Terry Lawrence, who is one of the biggest haulers and he was understanding of the change. This change will be effective August 20th, 2018.

Parker moved to approve the change in policy for the septic haulers effective August 20th, 2018. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CHANGE IN POLICY FOR SEPTIC HAULERS EFFECTIVE AUGUST 20TH, 2018.

  1. Consideration of appointment to Fort Scott Public Library Board – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that three letters of interest were received for the open position vacated by Tracy Homan on the Fort Scott Public Library Board. Yvonne Holloway, Amanda Collins, and Maybelle Mertz submitted letters of interest. These letters were sent to the Library Board and they have recommended the appointment of Yvonne Holloway to this position.

Parker moved to approve to appoint Yvonne Holloway to the Fort Scott Public Library Board. Adamson seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

APPROVED TO APPOINT YVONNE HOLLOWAY TO THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD TO REPLACE THE VACATED POSITION OF TRACY HOMAN.

  1. Adoption of 2018 Standard Traffic Ordinance No. 3536 – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, asked the Commission to approve the Standard Traffic Ordinance which allows the City to enforce all traffic stops.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3536 approving the 2018 Standard Traffic Ordinance. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3536 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE 2018 STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.

  1. Approval to solicit bids for a mower at Airport/Lakes – Kenny Howard, Airport/Lake Director informed the Commission he is requesting to go out for bid for a mower with a blower attachment for mowing at the Lakes and the Airport. This will also be used to clean the ramps at the Airport. This will be a 72” mower with a fold up deck with a blower that will blow debris off the runway. As the airport grows, other attachments could be purchased for the mower such as a power broom and a snow blower. The estimated cost is $24,000 and this is a budgeted item.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to solicit bids for a mower at the Airport. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR A MOWER AT THE AIRPORT AND LAKES.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Deb Needleman – Deb gave an update on the Healthy Bourbon County Grant the City was recently awarded. The City received $6,850 and she shared photos of the desk risers, a treadmill, and an elliptical that was purchased with these funds. The desk risers were purchased for City Hall, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Communications Manager at Dispatch. The treadmill is at the Police Department for the dispatchers and the elliptical is at Fire Station #2. In August, a workshop will be held on nutrition that the committee will plan to attend. She shared a graph with the Commission on Physical Activity for City employees.

Larry Gazaway – Larry shared photos of the remodel at the CVB. He gave several updates on the CVB. They have installed Rec Trac, which is a point of sale system. They are installing their own telephone system, which will have a different number than the Chamber. They have installed a door chime with a counter. Since July 1st, they have had 775 people come into the CVB. He is busy marketing Fort Scott. He gave them each a copy of the Southeast Kansas Tourism Guide, where Fort Scott is advertised. They are active on facebook, Instagram, and twitter. He will be attending Tour Kansas on August 7th. He is the President of Tour Kansas. He had a bus tour today with about 30 people. He is marketing the LaRoche Baseball Complex. He is working on a big Veteran’s Day weekend and has invited 217 V.F.W. and American Legion organizations to this event which will be held November 9-11. He shared a photo of a troop banner which will be 30X60 and can be purchased with a Veteran’s photo. They hope to sell enough to hang these all down Main Street and even National if needed. The CVB is marketing that they will book rooms for upcoming events for individuals coming to Fort Scott. The Trolley is being marketed also and tickets printed now. Any organization or restaurant can include a coupon to their establishment if desired to be included in the envelope with the ticket. He gave updates on the Biking Across America event, the Lavender Fest, the Waterways Exhibit and movie nights. There is a Welcome Back to Fort Scott event which will be held on August 11th at the River Room. He also updated the Commission on geo fencing and advertising that can be sent to a smart phone through this.

Dave Bruner – Dave shared two items with the Commission. The first item he showed the Commission was something new that he checked into called Project Breathe. It is a pet oxygen mask. They have three sizes. So many times when a fire occurs, an animal is in the house and they assist with the animals also. He showed how the mask works and how it hooks up with a hose to the oxygen bottle to help resuscitate animals. The next item was the announcement of a grant that the Fire Department received through A.F.G. for the purchase of air packs. The grant is for $104,500 with a City match of $4,976 to purchase 16 air packs and 32 bottles. He thanked Doug Bartlett with the Linn County Fire Department who assisted with the grant application and also Sheriff Martin who assisted also.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Not present.

Parker – Thanked Jon Garrison for his hard work in completing the 2019 Budget documents. She thanked all the departments including the Wastewater guys for their inspection accomplishment. She thanked all departments who help keep spending under control.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Dave gave an update on several projects:

  1. Moving forward with the possible sale of 2nd Street Park to an entity who would still allow the City access to the trails for Gunn Park and Riverfront Park.

  2. Pool – Dave said that this has been a rough year at the pool. He thanked Chasity Ware and the pool assistants and lifeguards. They have had to send kids home this year.

  3. Court – Dave said that staff is looking at Municipal Court and Deb is taking this project on.

  4. Budget – Dave said that the budget is complete and will be on the next agenda for approval.

  5. Airport expansion – Dave said that funding is still being researched for this project.

  6. Tourism – Dave said that all the marketing that the CVB is bringing in is new revenue to the City.

  7. Fire Department – Dave thanked Dave Bruner and Paul Ballou on receiving the Air Pack grant.

  8. Fort Scott Lofts – Dave said that Fort Scott Lofts owner is trying to work out something with the owner of the Stout building.

  9. Comp Plan – Dave said that the Planning Commission wanted to make sure that the City Commission understands that the Comp Plan is a work in progress. It will be moving forward soon.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:58 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on August 7th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda For Aug. 7

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Fort Scott City Commission agenda for August 7 at 6 p.m.at City Hall, 123 S. Main.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Community Christian Church Minister

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 17th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1220-A totaling $510,652.55.

  1. Approval of Public Dance License – River Room Events, LLC, 3 W. Oak

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 9 N. Main Street

  1. Resolution 32-2018 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 111 S. Little – Public Hearing Date – 9/18/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

VI. SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITIONS:

5 years: (Certificate only)

Chris Anderson, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Justin Fisher, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Dustin Fowler, Maintenance II, Woodland Hills Golf Course

Christopher Garrett, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department

Janet Guilfoyle, Accounting Clerk, City Hall

Blynn Hill, IV, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department

Jason McReynolds, Maintenance II, Water Distribution Department

Kenneth Rood, Water Treatment Plant Maintenance

Alex Schafer, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department

Ronald “Trey” Widder, Police Officer, Fort Scott Police Department

10 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Brian Thurston, Detective, Fort Scott Police Department

Chris Tourtillott, Maintenance II, Parks Department

15 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Mike Embry, Supervisor, Wastewater Treatment Plant

20 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Diane Clay, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk

Chad Brown, Public Works Director

25 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Daren Hutchison, Captain, Fort Scott Fire Department

Shaun West, Captain, Fort Scott Police Department

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. – 2019 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2019 Budget

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the 1st floor

  1. Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living at the commercial business at 2149 Highway 54

  1. Discussion of 1523 E. Wall Street demolition

  1. Discussion of 1601 E. Wall Street demolition

  1. Discussion of 310 N. Cleveland demolition

  1. Consideration of three year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex

  1. Consideration for Housing Authority Payment in Lieu of Taxes payment of $30,000 – Patty Simpson

  1. Consideration of Airport Mower Bid

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of 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 or representatives 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

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Uncategorized

Liquor By The Drink: On The November Ballot in Bourbon County

4 Comments
Barbara and Bryan Ritter chat before Bryan spoke at the 2018 Candidate’s Forum July 31, about changing the liquor by the drink law in Bourbon County.

Bryan Ritter, the brewer of Boiler Room Brewhaus Microbrewery, who along with wife, Barbara, run the establishment, lobbied for a change in local law, so they won’t have to have 30 percent of their profit in food sales at the microbrewery.

The question will be put to the public on November 6 in Bourbon County.

This map shows the current counties that allow liquor by the drink in Kansas. Bourbon County is one of the medium-pink shaded counties on this map that require 30 percent of business sales must be from food. The map was provided by the Ritters to FortScott.Biz.

These are the comments Ritter made at the forum:

“As a business owner and a citizen of Bourbon County I’m here today to ask for your support and a yes vote in November,” he said. “By voting yes, you are voting in support of new business and new visitors to our great city and county.”

” My wife and I own and operate the new microbrewery in town, let me quickly tell you about two of our customers.  Jim, who has been traveling to our area for many years, has always stayed in Nevada, once he heard that there was a microbrewery in Fort Scott he now stays at the Sleep Inn.”

“Another customer drove over a 100 miles just to visit our microbrewery,” Ritter told the candidate forum audience. “He suggested that for us to comply with the dated law we should sell a hot dog with every beer. ”

“Over 30% of the counties in Kansas have already done away with this dated law and with your support so will Bourbon County.”

” Let’s change the narrative from ‘here’s your hot dog that comes with a beer’ to ‘here’s your beer would you like a hotdog’?   We make great craft beer and we don’t want to make food,  your yes vote will help support us,  Fort Scott and Bourbon County.”