Young Entrepreneur: DeLynn Abati

DeLynn Abati holding the cake she used to announce that she would be returning to school and selling cakes to pay for it.  Submitted photos.

This is part of a series that highlights young entrepreneurs, under 30 years of age, in Bourbon County. If you would like to nominate a young entrepreneur, submit to [email protected] the name and email/phone number of the person, along with why you are nominating them and your name.

Delynn Abati, 26, first dabbed in cake creating, that has become her livelihood, when she became engaged.

When my husband and I got engaged, my parents sat us down and gave us a choice: they would give us a set amount of money to pay for our wedding OR we could pay for the wedding ourselves and they would give us a bigger gift on our wedding day,” Abati said.

Tony and Delynn Abati on their wedding day, cutting the cake she made herself for the wedding. Submitted photos.

“We decided we’d give the second option a try,” she said. “As I planned our wedding, I saved money wherever I could, somehow we managed to do that without sacrificing anything we really wanted.”

“I decided I’d use that year to learn how to make my own wedding cake,” she said. “It wasn’t a perfect cake. There are some birthday cakes that I do now that look better than our wedding cake looked, but it was cool to be able to say I did it myself.”

She was married in 2018.

Once the wedding was over, she never stopped making cakes.

Out of that challenge by her parents, came  For Goodness Cakes, offering custom cakes, cupcakes, cake truffles, cake pops, and French Macarons. 

Delynn Drake holds a cupcake, one of several items she creates. Submitted photo.

“I started selling cakes originally, as a way to gain funds to go back to school,” Abati said. “The more cakes I did, however, the more I just wanted to do cakes… So I made a business of it.”

Submitted photos.

The business was technically formed on January 1, 2019.

“I did cakes informally for about six months before I started calling it a business,” Abati said. “I wanted to make sure I had a good chance of at least breaking even before I threw everything I had into this business.”

Abati works from home at her bakery business.

“I work out of my home for now,” she said. “I do not have any plans of moving my operation any time soon but that option is also always in the back of my mind.”

She loves creating and working from home.

“I have always loved creating so it’s great to be able to use my hands to create new things every day,” Abati said.  “The part that I love about owning my own business is that I get to create my own hours. I am a night owl so most days of the week you’ll find me baking in my kitchen or making cake videos in my living room at 2 a.m. People think I’m crazy but I come alive at about 8 p.m. every evening. It’s great to be able to do something I love, at such a peaceful time of day.”

Abati is the only paid employee of her home business.

“It’s just me right now.,” she said. “My husband, Tony Abati; mom, Amy Drake, and mother-in-law, Sandy Abati, are always willing to help and have jumped in several times to help me deliver, set up, or sometimes even finish decorating things. I’m lucky to have them! I couldn’t do it 100% on my own.”

Recently, Abati started offering new products and services.

“Thursday, August 15th, I released a lot of new changes to FGC,” she said. “The most exciting of which, in my opinion, is the fact that I am now offering French Macarons and I am introducing a cake cutting service. The rest of the changes are listed in a Facebook and Instagram post on my page @ForGoodnessCakesFS.”

Abati’s contact info:

Call or text: 6207041315 (texts preferred for orders)

Facebook and Instagram: @ForGoodnessCakesFS

New WS Kindergarten Teacher: Jennifer Tourtillott

Jennifer Tourtillott. Submitted photo.
Jennifer Tourtillott, 39, will teach kindergarten at Winfield Scott Elementary School this year.

This is her sixth year teaching kindergarten, after receiving her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Pittsburg State University.

 

“I taught at a school called St. Andrews, in my hometown of Roswell NM,” she said.

Her family includes two brothers, two sisters and her parents, who are retired educators,  living in Texas.
She is married to Jason and they have two children.
“Jason is a teacher in Uniontown, for 14 years,” she said. ” Our son is Mason and he is going into 3rd grade. Our daughter is Madison and she’s going into kindergarten.”
In her spare time, she creates custom wood furniture with her husband, called Tourtillott Creations
The best part of teaching for her is:
“Giving the children a fun and loving atmosphere.  (Where)They feel safe and enjoy learning,” she said.

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter August 2019

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Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
August 2019

Welcome

We hope you enjoy the Fort Scott Public Library newsletter. You are receiving it because you provided us with your email address for library notifications. If you don’t want to receive future editions, you can unsubscribe using the link in this newsletter, or email the library [email protected], and we will remove your address from the list.
Previous editions of this newsletter are available on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org

Programs and information for Adults

 
 
Adult Summer Reading Challenge
June 1-August 31
Read and Rate Books. Score points. Flyers and instructions are available at both circulation desks and on our website.
Receive a prize after you submit your first book read!

 
Adult Summer Reading Monthly Challenge for August
Summer Reading themed Bingo cards are available on the Adult Summer Reading table upstairs.
Turn in your Bingo at the downstairs desk by August 31st for a prize.

Coloring for Adults

Wednesdays at the Library from 2:00-4:00

We supply coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. You’re welcome to bring your own supplies and projects, if you prefer.

Ongoing Book Sale
We have a shelf and 2 carts of books for sale downstairs ALL the time!
Paperback     $0.25
Hardback    $0.50
Other Items   $1.00 (or as marked)

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. All you need is your library card login. Ask us if you need assistance.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. All you need is a Kansas Library eCard. Ask us if you need assistance.

For Kids

Storytime has Returned!
Join Miss Val for Storytime on Tues. or Wed. at 10 am weekly for a themed children’s program! Storytime features stories, crafts, snacks, singing, and sometimes, special guests, all centered around seasonal themes or ideas from attendees. The program is free and open to all ages! Each event also features a play and coloring table, which families with energetic little ones or special needs children find especially helpful. Join us and see for yourself! Upcoming themes include camping, Ba Ba Black Sheep and other nursery rhymes, and bears. Tell us your child’s theme ideas here.
 
Miss Val is always seeking volunteers to help with programs and prep. Interested? Contact her at [email protected].

 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by stopping in at the library for your first reading log, welcome letter, and other paperwork. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
           

For Families

Celebrate the beginning of a new school year with fellow homeschool families at our 2nd Annual Back to Homeschool Party!
September 30, 2 – 3 pm.
Enjoy snacks & drinks while participating in activities for kids & teens at this free program. Parents will discuss curriculum and schedules for the upcoming year.
WE NEED A HOMESCHOOL PARENT TO LEAD THE DISCUSSION OR ACT AS GUEST SPEAKER. INTERESTED? Email [email protected].
Make something awesome at Maker Monday!
Upcoming meetings: August 26 & September 16, 4 – 5 pm.
Enjoy snacks & water and work as a family at this free program. Kids 2nd grade and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

TAG for Teens & Tweens

Middle & High School Students, come on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. for a free program just for you! Help us shape the program for the upcoming months by suggesting new group names and joining in a vote on September 11. An ongoing reading challenge began last week and will run through the end of next May. Reading prizes and books will be awarded for every 500 pages of reading. The August & September meetings will run as follows:
August 21, 4-6 pm: Games & Snacks Night at the Library
August 28, 4:15-5 pm: Book Club at the Keyhole
September 4, 4-5 pm: Community Service at the Library
September 11, 4:15-5 pm: Arts & Crafts at the Library
September 18, 4-6 pm: Games & Snacks Night at the Library
July 24, 4:15-5 pm: Book Club at the Keyhole
September 25, 4:15-5 pm: Book Club at the Keyhole
Need a ride from public school to TAG? Parents or guardians, call Jo Allen at 223-0800 to arrange bus transportation for your student.

New books–Adult Fiction

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NPR Continues Story on Mercy Hosptal Closing

The following is part of a series from National Public Radio and Sarah Jane Tribble for Kaiser Health News on the closing of Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, December 2018, taken from Facebook.

Nationwide, more than 100 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. The loss of these hospitals has forced a change in the way emergency care is provided, including a greater reliance on air ambulances.

The Bottom Line by Pastor Jimmy Tucker

There’s No Monkey Business in Forgiveness

Recently, my wife and I got to keep our five and three-year-old granddaughters for nearly a week. We enjoyed being able to spend that much time with them. I noticed how easily and quickly they forgave each other after having an “episode.” In just a few short minutes (after throwing what seemed to be a very serious and carnal fit of anger), they forgot all about it and played together like sweet little angels.

When we’ve been hurt by someone, we need to forgive quickly and never hold a grudge. Jesus repeatedly commands us to forgive; so forgiveness must be a lifestyle for the believer. If you think it’s too hard to forgive, just remember what Jesus said as He was dying on the cross: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Jesus experienced the worst hatred and cruelty from mankind, yet He forgave. Jesus is the ultimate example of love.

Forgiveness is a vital part of being a born-again Christian. However, a lack of forgiveness is a major problem among believers. There’s a serious scripture in the Bible that tends to be ignored: “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too“ (Mark 11:25 NLT). Another sobering reference is: “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14,15 NLT). Notice that neither of these scriptures indicate that the person you’re to forgive has asked for forgiveness. So whether the offender asks or not, we are to forgive.

When we refuse to forgive someone, we’re letting Satan outsmart us and keep us in a rebellious position. We can’t receive all the good things God has planned for us when we continue to live in a state of unforgiveness. When we forgive quickly, it’s for our own benefit. When we miss it and sin, we repent and ask God to forgive us. He doesn’t wait a month or two, He forgives immediately. We’re to forgive in the same way. Shake it off, drop it, leave it, let it go, and pray for the person that wronged you.

Unforgiveness acts as a poison in your life, so why would you want to hang on to it? The longer you allow resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness to grow, the more potent these poisons become.

When you forgive, you’re extending mercy. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7 KJV). So if you extend mercy to others, you’ll receive mercy from your heavenly Father. Mercy is something you can’t earn and don’t deserve. Perhaps you’re thinking your offender doesn’t deserve to be forgiven. Just remember that when you withhold forgiveness you’re hurting yourself, not the other person.

The Bottom Line: If you want to receive mercy and have your prayers answered, then forgive anyone you‘re holding a grudge against. Forgiveness is serious business.

Pastor Jimmy Tucker

(620) 223-1483

Diamond Community Church

10:45 a.m. Worship

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes Aug. 6

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of August 6, 2019 Regular Meeting #14

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 6th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: Pastor Matthew Hunt, Faith Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Robert Uhler, Rachel Pruitt, Darrell Parker, Jason Pickert, Clayton Miller, Deb Needleman, Paul Ballou, Devin Tally, Brian Allen, Jenna Campbell, Traci Reed, Derick Burke, Rebecca Howard, Sarah Long, Tom Coffman, Jayme Coffman, Rebecca Todd, Jacky Martini, Hal Martini, Dean Stern, Janice Allen, Amy Drake, DeLynn Abati, Kiran Bailey, Emma Daly, McKenzie Murphy, Tegan Milburn, Berkley Wood, Patrick Wood, Matthew Hunt, Franca Scott, Mesa Jones, Jackie J. Neale, Tracy Dancer, Jason Gorman, John Schwartz, Kathy Schwartz, Mark Tulley, Amber Marsh, Dave Bruner, Shawn O’Brien, Lindsay Watts, Michael Mix, Bobby Duncan, Deb McCoy, Pete Allen, Michael Hoyt, Kevin Allen, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 16th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1243-A totaling $856,754.94.

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

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITIONS:

5 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Nathaniel Arnold, Maintenance II – Fort Scott Municipal Airport

Derick Burke, Evidence Custodian/Police Officer/Records Clerk – Fort Scott Police Department

15 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Jason Pickert, Captain, Fort Scott Police Department

Sarah Long, Lead Communications Technician – Fort Scott Police Department

Michael Trim, School Resource Officer, Fort Scott Police Department

20 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Tom Coffman, Mechanic Supervisor

25 years: (Certificate and Gift)

Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Fort Scott Fire Department

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Amy Drake – Fort Scott High School Dance Team – Mrs. Drake said she is the Fort Scott High School Dance Team coach and asked the Commission’s approval for a fundraiser they would like to do in the near future. She introduced the dance team to the Commission and the audience. The fundraiser is a spray painted tiger paw on driveways. The owner can pay $25.00 and the team will spray paint the tiger paw on their driveway. The paint will last for about two years. She passed around photos of the tiger paw. It will be approximately 3’ X 3’. She has checked with the Codes Department and the City Manager and they both gave their approval. She did ask about businesses and painting on sidewalks.

City Manager asked her to visit with him about if a business wants this done.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the fundraiser of the painting of tiger paws in driveways. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE FUNDRAISER FOR THE FORT SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM TO PAINT TIGER PAWS IN DRIVEWAYS.

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

limit per citizen)

Rebecca Howard – Ms. Howard said that she was an owner at Lake Fort Scott and loves this community. She said she was not here to make enemies. She knows the gentleman that is proposing to build the condos is here also. She just doesn’t want condos next door to them. She doesn’t want nine new tenants going in to them. They had a lake meeting on Saturday and they spoke at length about the safety at the lake. This is a big concern with the lake owners. After the meeting, there was someone going 50 mph in the no wake zone and got close to a pontoon. Tom Graham can’t handle it all. There are lots of dangerous stuff happening. Mr. Uhler was there at the meeting and I know that Randy (Nichols) was at the meeting for a while. There is a lot of traffic on the lake right now with over 100 lake owners. If you increase that by nine more owners, that’s a lot more traffic – like 10%. There are road concerns as well. I spent about three hours today in the Deed’s office and found her original Lake Fort Scott deed from April 6, 1984. It states specifically on that deed that a lot is subject to all City ordinances and codes now adopted or hereafter amended. It specifically states that. She has another original plot when the land was first plotted out for leases and they were intended for cabin sites. Singular. Cabin. That was the original purpose of the lake. For recreation and single family dwellings. It’s never been an issue because no one’s ever tried to make money off of a development. What’s scary is our property values. These guys are locals, but you can get bad developers from who knows where. There are no codes in the county. These people won’t be invested in your community if they are leasing or owning. She isn’t sure of what their plan is because they haven’t heard a plan. She is invested in this community. She’s not sure what their plan is. She said that they have bought all of their furniture from Ruddicks. When they come into town, they stop at Pete’s for ice, stop at Papa Don’s for pizza, they use a local guy to come and spray for bugs, and when they can’t get down here, they have a local guy that mows for them. Her son is going to Pittsburg State and leaves in 11 days. They will be here a lot. That’s how a lot of them are at the lake. They bring money and commerce into the community. If there are nine people that are come and go, are they invested into the community and wanting the lake to be a good recreational place for the community and the lake residents? She thinks their lack of action and she thinks sometimes it is City versus County and no one wants to work on this is detrimental to the community as a whole. We need to take action. She does have some other suggestions that she will share with Randy at a later date. There are some things that you can do as you do have jurisdiction over the water, but her time is up.

City Manager said that she is right about them doing a better job with lake patrol. That came out strong at Saturday’s meeting. He said we will be looking at safety better. He will address this more during his time.

Ms. Howard said that the City needs to protect their own lots that you want to sell. Her neighbor is an original owner and they are selling their property. She doesn’t want to see nine more property owners in a condo there.

Bobby Duncan – He said that he noticed in the agenda that was published online that you are going to appropriate $890,000 dollars. He would like to know from where it is being appropriated, what it is for, and is it going to add to the debt burden of the citizens of Fort Scott and the taxpayers. That’s one thing. The other thing is the frequent use of the executive session creates a feel of non-transparency. He really likes what Skitch is talking about. This is something all of us need to look at. We need to do a better job of letting the people know what is going on.

Mayor Parker said to answer his question about the appropriation ordinances, they are online also and it states what they are spent on.

City Manager said that to talk about executive sessions, we don’t go into executive sessions very often. We make most of our decisions out here. If you look at our record, there are very few executive sessions. He and Skitch have had dialog and he thinks the three minute rule is an issue. That is different than an executive session. This is a business meeting and that’s the reason the rule is out there. These are two different issues. This three minute rule helps get order.

Pete Allen – Mr. Allen said that he don’t want to sound like a broken record, but he wanted to remind the audience and the Commission, that in 1983 and 1987, we the citizens of Fort Scott voted for a street improvement program that would be funded by a 1% sales tax that was voted in that year. The street improvement program was to get 80% of that sales tax and throughout the years, the first four years we had a good street improvement program, but starting in 1988, City officials started taking that money out of the street improvement program and using it for other uses. The street improvement program is down about $25 to $30 million. I think we all agree that we have got to have some funds for a street improvement program. He’s talking about the budget for 2020. We can’t wait. The budget for 2020 using the 1% sales tax and gasoline tax and the money we’re supposed to be using should equal about $1.6 million. In 1983, we had a $400,000 street budget and that included no street improvements. Today, that amounts to about $1 million and that’s what we got in the budget today. We have $1,065,000 in the proposed budget. That is not enough to have any kind of street improvement program. That is basically taking care of maintenance. I built a street here 37 years ago, 4th Street that has never been touched by a crew. No cracks have been filled, no work has been done on that street. At best, it has probably been swept once or twice. We have to take care of what we’re building. We need to learn to take care of it and we’ve forgotten how to do that. We’ve lost all the money that we should have generated for the street improvement program in the past. He said he was issuing a challenge for the City Commission tonight, to do what’s right and put $1.6 million in the budget and do what’s right. You have the power to do that as a Commission and the right. We need to start it in 2020 and not wait.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Budget discussion and approval to publish 2020 Budget – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she is requesting approval to publish the 2020 budget in the local newspaper and to hold a budget public hearing on August 20th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. She updated the Commission on the process and the input into the 2020 budget. Priorities were set including: Streets; Debt Management; Maintain flat mill levy; More existing cash flow; Meet departmental needs, not wants; Economic Development; Building Maintenance; and Health Care. The 2020 budget results include a revenue of $13,637,350. This has increased $400,000 from 2019. There is a 3% increase in utility rates; increased property valuation; decrease from Mercy ambulance payments; sales tax has not increased from 2018. Expense budget: $14,980,833: increased budget by $200,000 from 2019; street budget increased over $350,000 from 2019; operational cuts of approximately $155,000. 2020 Budget results: Reducing and eliminating transfers from General Fund. Utilizing existing cash to meet priorities. The mill levy will remain the same.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to publish the 2020 budget public hearing notice and to hold a public hearing on August 20th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE 2020 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE AND TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON AUGUST 20TH, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M.

  1. Authorization of Mayor to sign HGAC documents – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she is requesting approval for the City to enter into a HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Program. This program is available to local governmental entities and qualifying non-profit corporations. HGAC Buy is a Government to Government procurement service available nationwide. They have been in existence over 30 years. This program is open to all municipalities, cities, counties and state agencies along with other various agencies. There are several cities and counties in Kansas that use this program. They do all the background work on bid procurements. Their products include: fire trucks, police equipment, EMS equipment, public works equipment, parks equipment and etc. This company contracts with various vendors with HGAC pricing. The City would choose the provider and issue a purchase order and the provider goes through HGAC for purchase. This will eliminate the need to create specifications for equipment, do RFP’s for purchases and use their expertise. She asked for approval for the City to enter into an agreement with HGAC. There is no cost to the City to enter into the agreement. In the pricing, there is also a fee for HGAC so that would need to be watched and/or negotiated.

Nichols moved to approve the agreement with HGAC. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH HGAC AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN DOCUMENTS.

  1. Adoption of 2019 Standard Traffic Ordinance No. 3549 – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission to approve the Standard Traffic Ordinance which allows the City to enforce all traffic stops.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3549 approving the 2019 Standard Traffic Ordinance. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3549 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE 2019 STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.

  1. Consideration to reject bids for the Water Treatment Plant Clarifier painting bid – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken recently for the painting of the clarifier at the Water Treatment Plant. Two bids were received, both of which were extremely higher than the engineer’s estimate. The engineer inquired what was going on with the bids and it was discovered all of the painters were very busy. He asked the Commission to reject these two bids and wait around a month or so and rebid this project.

City Manager said that he will come back before the Commission to ask for approval to rebid this again.

Bartelsmeyer moved to reject the bids for the Water Treatment Plant Clarifier painting project. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

approved to reject the bids for the Water Treatment Plant Clarifier painting project.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Rachel informed the Commission that the City received another grant. This grant is in the amount of $1,000 from the Timken Foundation for Manufacturing Day. It is held the first Friday of every October and open to High School students. Each year this event tries to grow and get bigger. This amount will assist with transportation costs for schools and provide for meals for the students. She thanked the Timken Foundation for this grant award.

Robert Uhler – Robert informed the Commission that he has a contract between the City and the County for asphalt for 2019. This agreement is for 1,400 tons of delivered asphalt to the City at $68.00 per ton. This contract begins on August 1st, 2019 and will end on November 1st, 2019 or when the City’s street program is completed.

Nichols moved to enter into the agreement between the City and the County to provide asphalt for 2019. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY AND BOURBON COUNTY FOR THE COUNTY TO PROVIDE ASPHALT FOR 2019 AT A COST OF $68.00 PER TON FOR 1,400 TONS. THIS WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 1ST, 2019 AND END ON NOVEMBER 1ST, 2019 OR WHEN THE CITY’S STREET PROGRAM IS COMPLETED.

Robert also shared photos of the old J.C. Penney’s building and a public safety concern from this past weekend. There were windows that were falling out from above down onto the sidewalks. This building has been a nuisance but it is being fixed. The windows are being boarded up and the costs assessed to the property owner.

  1. City Commission:

Nichols Thanked the Lake group that was here tonight. It was a constructive conversation and good ideas. Your input was appreciated.

Adamson – Remarked that she appreciated the Lake group working with them also.

Mitchell Not present.

Bartelsmeyer Said that she also received a call from a Lake resident today with their concerns. We are hearing you and will try to get something going. She thanked Rhonda for her hard work on the budget. She enjoyed sitting in on the budget sessions and thanked City staff for their input.

Parker – Also thanked Rhonda for her hard work. She thanked the Lake owners for sharing their concerns. If there is a problem, we try to work through it. She also received a call. She thanked the City employees who were recognized with a service award. She thanked them for their many years of service to the City.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Via Christi – Dave said that he had a good conversation with Randy Cason of Via Christi today. They are committed to Fort Scott and the future.

  1. Lake Fort Scott – Dave said that he wanted to assure Ms. Howard that the City is still working on this issue. The City has met with the County and talked with them. The document that you have has been shared with both legal counsels. The County has no zoning and the City has no legal means to go in and enforce codes. We have met with the County. They don’t have to have a codes department and they can share our services and work with the City. We are willing to work with them. It has to start with them. We have offered as a City. He proposed an ordinance be created forming a Lake Advisory Committee with five Lake Residents – one City representative from the Commission and one County Commissioner, along with himself and Robert Uhler. He suggested quarterly meetings at first.

Kevin Allen mentioned adding a resident from the City be also on this committee. There are a lot of people that live in town that fish out there.

City Manager said that we can have seven total with one from the City and County also along with the Lake residents and the elected officials and City and County officials.

City Manager said that he met today with the Chief of Police on safety issues that need addressed. Tickets or warnings will be issued and safety will be focused on.

Bartelsmeyer moved to adopt an ordinance forming a Lake Advisory Committee consisting of five Lake residents, one City resident, one County resident, one City Commissioner, one County Commissioner, the City Manager and the Community Development Director. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

adopt an ordinance forming a Lake Advisory Committee consisting of five Lake residents, one City resident, one County resident, one City Commissioner, one County Commissioner, the City Manager and the Community Development Director

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:55 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on August 20th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for August 20

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

AUGUST 20, 2019

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 6th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1244-A totaling $338,300.97.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Terry Sercer – 2018 Audit Presentation

Zach Adams – Waggoner Group Update

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

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. – 2020 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2020 Budget

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 123 S. National – Shiney Studio – Replacement of Roof

  1. Consideration of approval to purchase Pumper Truck – Fire Dept.

  1. Consideration to secure financing for the Pumper Truck

  1. Consideration of street closing – Wreath Ride – August 24th

  1. Consideration of approval to rebid Water Treatment Plant clarifier – painting and sand blasting

  1. Consideration of Resolution of Intent – Purpose of Financing or Refinancing the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping senior living – Presbyterian Manors, Inc.

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:
  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

A Fish Story by Pastor James Collins

Pastor James Collins

 

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.Matthew 4:19

Last month, I volunteered to take twenty middle school kids to church camp. When I arrived at camp, one of the organizers came up and whispered, “You need to know that some of the boys in your cabin have… behavior challenges.” I later discovered, behavior challenges meant trying to escape the camp, treating me like a human piñata, and setting fire to my sleeping bag. At least I wasn’t in the sleeping bag when they burned it up. Oh well, boys will be boys.

“Fishers of men” was one of the camp lessons. On that day, we took the children fishing. There was one little boy named Caedmon. He came up to me and said, “Pastor James, I have never been fishing. I have never caught a fish. Can you help me?” Thinking it would be easy, I said, “Sure.”

 

Two hours later, Caedmon still hadn’t caught a fish. He had lost his bait about a hundred times, but he had not caught a fish. He was very upset. Through tears he sobbed, “I really wanted to catch a fish.” I determined to make sure he caught one.

We cast out again. I helped him hold his pole. He said, “It feels like I’ve got something.” I helped him reel him in. We had caught a good-sized bundle of moss. As we lifted it from the water, Caedmon was very excited.

“What kind of fish is it?” he asked.

“That’s a legendary mossy fish,” I replied, “It’s very difficult to catch. Good job.”

“Can we have it for supper?”

“Yeah, but this mossy fish is kind of small. Let’s try one more time.”

Caedmon cast the line out again. I said a prayer. As soon as the bobber hit the water, it went under. I jerked the pole and screamed, “Reel him in Caedmon.” He was elated as he wrangled with the fish on the other end of his line. His laughter echoed across the pond.

“What a whopper!” I exclaimed as he held up his catch. It was only a tiny bluegill, but to Caedmon it was a twenty-pound bass.

“Can we have it for supper?” he asked again.

“You bet.” I answered.

That night, the camp cook came to my rescue. We had fish sticks.

If only we got as excited about fishing for men as Caedmon did about fishing for mossy fish and bluegills.

The other day, I saw a bumper sticker on the back of an old pickup truck that read, “Life’s Short: Fish Hard.”

There is much wisdom in that bumper sticker. As Christians, we are “fishers of men.” We have been commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ to share the gospel, and we only have a limited time to do it. Life is passing. How quickly 10, 20, 30 years pass. All too quickly those friends and family members we always wanted to talk to about Jesus Christ are no longer with us.

The point is: Life’s short: Fish hard. As obedient followers of Jesus, we should “fish hard” to bring others to Him.

When was the last time you went fishing? When was the last time you told someone about the love and salvation we have in Christ? Have you reached out to your neighbors with the good news? How about people at work? Friends? Family?

Time is running out. Get busy fishing.

James Collins is senior pastor at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church. He can be reached at (620) 223-2986, or through the website thepointis.net.

Spencer Family Concert Aug. 24

The Spencer Family will be live in concert Saturday, August 24th at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church. The Spencer Family is best known for tight family harmonies, upbeat concerts, soul touching songs, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. You don’t want to miss this performance.

The group, based out of Joplin Missouri, is comprised of Jim and Nicci Spencer and their thirteen children. With their original songs, acoustic arrangements, and a passion to make much of Christ, The Spencers are a family band that will delight your heart and encourage your soul.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see The Spencer Family live in concert at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church next Saturday, August 24th at 7 pm. The church is located at 1818 South Main. The concert is a benefit to raise funds for the construction of the new Family Life Center. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children and are available at the door. For more information, call (620) 223-2986 or go to the website www.spencerfamilymusic.com.

The Beacon Expresses Appreciation for Organization of Community Clothes Closet

The Beacon, located at 525 E. Sixth.

 The Beacon, Inc., including board members, director, and staff, wishes to express its appreciation for the efforts of the owners of the Fort Scott Washateria as they begin to organize the Community Clothes Closet, according to a press release from the helping agency.

The Beacon, Inc. had provided a clothes closet to its clients, as well as to anyone in the community for a small fee, for over thirty years.

Due to staffing and changing needs,” said Director Gary Murrell, “We came to the decision as a board to focus more fully and creatively on funding and maintenance of the food pantry and in providing financial assistance.”

We know that the need for a clothing closet is ongoing, but we had come to a turning point at the Beacon,” said Carol MacArthur, board chairwoman. “We simply had to make changes.”

The organization of this Community Clothes Closet is most certainly an answer to prayer,” said Murrell.

The Beacon, Inc., in existence for almost forty years, began as churches in the community came together to serve the needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

They have provided those struggling in the community as a food pantry and in offering financial assistance, dominantly through the efforts of community-related donations.

Currently, the organization provides food and financial assistance, as well as other services; i.e., books, through a free library of donations, and new, or like-new, clothing, shoes, and bedding from community drives and individuals.

“If an organization does a drive of new things (clothes) perhaps,” MacArthur. “That (donation)is set up with Gary Murrell (the director) beforehand. We always need blankets. If someone has a need for work clothing or boots, we will help as much as we can. And we do meet special needs like that, to get people to work. Our focus is on food and financial assistance. That in itself is a struggle.”

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one exception.

 On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the Beacon is closed during the day and is open instead from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The phone number is 620-223- 6869, and visitors are welcome to visit the facility.

 

Bourbon County Local News