Don’t Be Deceived By Lies by Pastor Jimmy Tucker

The Bottom Line

 

Don’t be deceived by lies

We can learn a lot from horses. Have you heard someone say, “He’s got plenty of common horse sense”? If so, you know they’ve given that individual a compliment. Horses are herd animals, which means they always stick together. And there’s always a leader in the herd.

As believers in the Body of Christ (the Church), we need each other. We should stick together to help carry one another’s burdens. And we should follow Jesus and do everything He did. “I [Jesus] tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself. He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does (John 5:19).

The same God that created the horse also created the human. I can see definite similarities in the way a horse and rider relate and the way God and His children relate. A horse and rider must learn to trust each other, and the horse must learn to yield to his master’s commands. We believers need to trust God and yield our will to His. “Not everyone who calls out to Me, ’Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21). Jesus is our example, leader, and trainer and we need to be like Jesus. We should want His thoughts to be our thoughts, and His ways to become our ways.

When a trainer is teaching a horse a certain behavior, he applies and holds pressure to the horse until the animal responds with the appropriate behavior. Have you ever had God apply pressure to you in order to get you to do something? I have. When I yielded to what God was asking me to do, I obtained His peace.

Receiving peace from God when we obey Him changes us from glory to glory. When we like something we want more of it. Since trusting, yielding, and pleasing God results in peace, we should learn to obey Him right away — just like a horse yields to the rider because he wants release (or peace) from the pressure.

Sometimes we get confused and don’t realize where the pressure is coming from. The pressure may seem to be a result of our sin, stubborn pride, or foolish mistakes. This uncomfortable pressure may come to us in the form of depression, anger, anxiety, or guilt.

The devil is a master deceiver who whispers lies to us to try to keep us from seeing the truth. He wants us to focus on the problem instead of trusting Jesus our Savior. Christ Jesus has more than enough grace available for every need. He will help us be victorious even in our most-difficult situations. Absolutely nothing is impossible with God.

The Bottom Line: If you have pressure in your life, use common horse sense. Trust your all-wise and loving Heavenly Father and do what He wants you to do.

Pastor Jimmy Tucker

Diamond Community Church

Why Me, Lord? By Pastor James Collins

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

“Why me?” is the first question we ask when tragedy strikes. “Why me, Lord? Why did my loved one have to die?”

Some of us have the same question when we have a flat tire. “Why me, Lord? My car broke down and it cost $600 to get fixed… $600 that I don’t have. Why me? After all, I am as good as most people. In fact, I’ve been better than most. Why are You treating me this way? Why are You punishing me this way?”

Some of us have the same question when the internet goes out, or when the dishwasher quits working, or when the weed eater string gets tangled, or when the bathroom sink is clogged. “Why me, Lord? Why am I wasting time trying to fix this stupid thing? This is going to cost me more money to get this fixed. Jesus, You know I don’t have any money. By the way, why, at my age, should I still be having financial problems? Why have You denied me opportunities for fame and fortune that You have given to others? Why me, Lord?”

I don’t know about you, but when I find myself starting to think like this, which I often do, it sometimes helps for me to ask the same question about other aspects of my life. “Why me, Lord? What have I done that’s so great that You should have blessed me with a car, internet, a dishwasher, a weed eater, and a home? Why did You give me all these things anyway?”

Sometimes, it helps for me to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why did You permit me to be born in America with all its wealth? I could have been born in a poverty-stricken country like Ethiopia, or Haiti, or Afghanistan. Why was I born in rich America? Why me, Lord? Why did You allow me to have a job when so many, who are just as deserving as I am, are without work?”

Sometimes, it helps for me to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why am I in good health? Others my age have died of heart attacks. Others were crippled by accidents or disease. Others have cancer. Why should I escape sickness and injury when other people who believe in You are either suffering or dead?”

Sometimes, it helps for me to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why have You spared me from the heartaches that assault other families? Others, wonderful people, are seeing their families torn apart, but you have blessed me.”

The point is: Life is about perspective. If you would just stop and remember all the ways the Lord has blessed you, even though you don’t deserve it, I wonder how you could complain about the relatively insignificant things that go wrong in your life from time to time. If you and I could only remember to count our blessings.

Furthermore, if you are a Christian, it helps to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why would You go to a cross and die for me? Jesus, why would You love me so much when I am so unlovable?”

Years ago, the great songwriter, Kris Kristofferson, wrote a song titled, “Why me, Lord?” The song begins with Kristofferson pouring his soul out to God:

Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I’ve known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving You
Or the kindness You’ve shown.

Jesus showed kindness, grace, and love for us by dying for us. Even though, we are sinners, even though we don’t deserve it, even though we are ungrateful, Jesus died for us.

Why? Why me, Lord? Why would You love me? Why would you die for me?

Why me, indeed…

James Collins is the senior pastor at First Southern Baptist Church. For more information on his ministry, go to the website www.fortscottfsbc.com.

Fort Scott Commission Agenda For June 2

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JUNE 2, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: None

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 19th, 2020 and special meeting minutes of May 22nd, 2020 and amended minutes of May 5th, 2020, and amended special meeting minutes of May 14th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1264-A totaling $459,811.91.

  1. Consideration of Fort Scott Housing Authority Appointment – Edna Erie – Resident Commissioner – 4 year term

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: 6:15 p.m. Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 10 N. National Avenue

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Finance Update
  1. Discussion of Pool Opening
  1. Consideration of sale of City property
  1. Consideration of Bids for Curb and Gutter Work – 500 block Andrick

  1. Consideration of Lake Advisory Board Member selection
  1. Consideration of Interlocal Agreement with Bourbon County
  1. Consideration of Financial Policy

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:

K. Allen – Vacancy in Office of City Commissioner

P. Allen –

R. Nichols –

L. Watts –

J. Mitchell –

  1. City Manager: 500 Block Andrick residents

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

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of May 22

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of May 22, 2020 Special Meeting #5

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 22nd, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Randy Nichols, Lindsey Watts were present, and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell was present via teleconference. Pete Allen was absent.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None

CONSIDERATION:

JoLynne Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 8:04 a.m. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

Approval to consider an application to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Commerce for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds under the CDBG-CV category – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that this public hearing is being held to take comments in regards to the City applying for the CDBG-CV grant. This is a similar program to what the City had last month. The biggest difference is that if awarded, the funds will be in the form of a grant and not a forgivable loan. Another differential is this will be allowed for owner operator business. Business owners would count as employees for this round of grants. The maximum we are applying for is $300,000 and the reason for the early morning meeting is that this is a first come, first serve grant. The grant is complete after this public hearing. This grant is for cities under 50,000 in population and will be very competitive.

There were no comments from the public call in line nor did anyone call in with concerns regarding this grant submission.

Randy Nichols moved to approve the submission of the application to the Kansas Department of Commerce for the CDBG-CV grant program. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR THE CDBG-CV GRANT PROGRAM.

Randy Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 8:08 a.m. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 8:08 A.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on June 2nd, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

_____________________________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of May 19

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of May 19, 2020 Regular Meeting #10

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: There was no invocation given.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: There was no audience in attendance other than a very few City staff.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Buddy Poppy Day – May 22nd, 2020 – Mayor Mitchell read a proclamation which proclaims May 22nd, 2020 as Buddy Poppy Day in the City of Fort Scott and urged men and women to wear a buddy poppy as evidence of our gratitude to the men and women of this country who have risked their lives in defense of the freedoms which we continue to enjoy as American citizens.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 5th, 2020, special meeting of May 12th, 2020, special meeting of May 13th, 2020, and special meeting of May 14th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1263-A totaling $291,622.07.

  1. Request to Pay #4 – Schneider Electric – $216,807.84 – Energy Service Project

  1. Request to Pay – Lauber Municipal Law Firm – $17,150.00

  1. Request to Pay – River Intake Engineering – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $10,955.00

  1. Change Order #1 – Home Center Construction – Water Treatment Plant Repairs – Increase of $1,320.00

  1. Request to Pay – Home Center Construction – Water Treatment Plant Repairs – $25,564.50

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – Electric Vault Project – Airport – $2,918.31 – Engineering

  1. Approval of 3RK – Certificate of Pay Request #5 – MIH Housing Grant – $21,150.51.

  1. April financials

Pete Allen questioned the minutes from the May 12th, 2020 special meeting where Olsson Associates was approved to be the engineer on the Horton Street project. He said they are located in Missouri and believes a Kansas company should be supported.

Susan Bancroft informed him that was approved just in case we needed their services on the submission for the KDOT Cost Share application. They ended up not being used in the process.

Pete said that he wanted to go on record that he does not think we should spend money in Missouri when we are located in Kansas.

Pete also questioned the minutes from the May 14th, 2020 special meeting where it stated that all utilities from 6th Street to Lakin would be updated and what that meant.

Chad said that any City owned utility in that area will be replaced at that time.

Pete is concerned with the total price that is recorded and if it includes sidewalks and everything.

Chad said that the $569,322.20 cost is just for the asphalt and milling only. Nothing else is figured in those numbers.

Susan said that she can get him a final number from the grant. The utility portion that was submitted for the application is $1.3 million.

Diane Clay, City Clerk, said that she can amend the minutes to reflect what the application states.

Pete also had a question on the May 5th, 2020 minutes on page 9 where we approved to go out for bid in the 500 block of Andrick. The minutes show that we approved to go out for bid for sidewalks and concrete overlay and that is not correct. We approved to go out for bids on the curb and gutter. It is an asphalt project.

City Clerk said she will amend those minutes also.

R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent agenda with the corrections to the May 5th, 2020 Commission minutes and May 14th, 2020 special meeting minutes. Lindsey Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA WITH CORRECTIONS TO THE MAY 5TH, 2020 COMMISSION MINUTES AND MAY 14TH, 2020 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Bourbon County Healthy Action Team Grant – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, appeared before the Commission on behalf of the Bourbon County Healthy Action Team. He and Dr. Nichols both serve on this committee. The City has received a grant in the amount of $13,680.00. The funds will be used to purchase and install water bottle filling stations at parks and trails throughout Bourbon County. The total of nine (9) stations will be purchased. They will be located at Gunn Park, Riverfront Park, Fort Scott Community College, and a couple in the county at Elm Creek Lake, Uniontown, and Bronson. He asked for approval to accept this grant.

Kevin Allen moved to accept the Bourbon County Action Team Grant in the amount of $13,680.00. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BOURBON COUNTY ACTION TEAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,680.00.

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

limit per citizen) – Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

JoLynne Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:13 p.m. Randy Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:13 P.M.

6:00 p.m. Public Hearing – 2020 Budget Amendment – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she is seeking approval to amend the 2020 budget. There are four funds which need amended:

2020 Adopted 2020 Proposed

Special Alcohol & Drugs $12,850 $47,679

Special Parks & Recreation $12,580 $37,617

E911 $135,500 $140,333

Storm Water Utility $189,493 $979,375

There were no comments from the public call-in number regarding the budget amendment.

Lindsey asked about the large increase in the Storm Water Utility fund.

Susan said that in 2016 there were funds in a rate stabilization fund. That fund was from years ago that had built up cash reserves. There was a resolution that was passed that said that those dollars were to be used for capital projects for utilities. In 2016, my predecessor collapsed that fund and put it into the storm drain fund. These funds have set there since 2016. This will allow the use of expenditures by increasing the budget authority for this fund which will help pay for capital outlay projects for this year.

JoLynne Mitchell moved to amend the 2020 budget. Randy Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED 2020 BUDGET AMENDMENT.

Lindsey Watts moved to close the public hearing at 6:17 p.m. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:17 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of purchase of 100’ Ladder Fire Truck – Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that the City of Fort Scott was awarded a Community Improvement Grant in the amount of $665,303.00 in January of 2020. This grant was awarded to provide matching funding for a 100’ aerial platform apparatus. Bids were sent out to purchase this fire truck and were opened on April 22nd, 2020. There were three bids received as follows:

Jon’s Mid-America Fire Apparatus/KME in the amount of $1,250,807.00. This bid was disqualified due to the CDBG grant specifications and did not meet bid specifications.

The next bid was from Hays Fire & Rescue in the amount of $1,149,963.00 and with discounts came to $1,128,579.00. This bid which did not meet bid specifications in regards to the wheel base and the large diameter hose bed.

The last bid was from Conrad Fire Equipment, Inc in the amount of $1,418,693.46 with a pre-pay discount amounting to $1,354,178.21. This bid meets all the specifications listed. The remainder of the amount from the grant will be paid for by a lease purchase for 10 years.

Chief Bruner informed the Commission that in discussions with Conrad Fire on this truck there were options to reduce the costs further. These options include changing the color scheme to all red and not two toned; reduced the monitors on the platform from two to one and changed the brand to a different model; and changed from a Velocity cab to an Arrow cab and removed two seats to make it a four seat truck instead of a six seat truck. These reductions brought the total price down to $1,335,827.20.

Michael Miles shared a power point with the Commissioners regarding the three different fire trucks. The City’s portion after the grant is $670,524.20.

Susan Galemore, Grant Administrator, Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, was also present via telephone to answer any questions they had regarding the bid process.

Kevin Allen said that he would like a couple of weeks to think about the bids and allow the public to give some input.

Randy Nichols moved to approve the bid from Conrad Fire Equipment for the Pierce apparatus in the amount of $1,335,827.20. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1-1.

approved the bid from Conrad Fire Equipment for the Pierce apparatus in the amount of $1,335,827.20, WITH THE GRANT ALLOCATING FOR $665,303.00 AND THE CITY PORTION $670,524.20.

  1. 2020 Capital Outlay Program – Chad Brown, Michael Mix, and Susan Bancroft all addressed the Commission regarding this item. This documentation is attached to the minutes. Approval of this program was requested. This includes changing Cooper Street to an Arterial Street from East National to 23rd Street and approval of all the projects.

Michael thanked his Water Plant Crew of Scott Flater, Todd Bond, Roger Rodriguez, Brandon Russell, Kathy Michael, Bill Rost, Bill Lemke, and Aaron Ashley for assisting with a valve issue at the Water Plant this weekend. He also thanked Phil Pavey, a certified diver, who was willing to dive in the bottom of the clarifier pit. He thanked Darren Crays who fabricated a metal plate, and Jason Solomon from Kansas Rural Water Association for their assistance in opening this valve.

This 2020 Capital Outlay Program was explained in depth to the Commission by Susan Bancroft, Chad Brown, and Michael Mix.

Kevin Allen asked for two more weeks to look this information over.

R. Nichols moved to approve the 2020 Capital Outlay Program and to reclassify Cooper Street as an Arterial Street. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

Kevin Allen made a motion to reconsider the vote to allow more discussion. Pete Allen seconded. K. Allen and P. Allen voted aye. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted no. Motion denied 3-2.

APPROVED 2020 CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM AND TO RECLASSIFY COOPER STREET AS AN ARTERIAL STREET.

  1. Consideration of CIPP Sewer Rehabilitation Proposal – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that as part of the 2020 Capital Outlay Program it included the lining of sanitary sewer gravity mains of 1.4 miles within the City of Fort Scott. He has a proposal from Insituform out of Independence, Missouri using their cooperative purchasing contract. The proposed estimated cost of this project is $190,315.82. The City Attorney prepared this contract between the City and Insituform. Approval to enter into a cooperative purchasing contract with Insituform was requested.

Discussion was held regarding why this wasn’t bid out. Michael said that our project is very small and we can piggyback off of their contract. There are only three companies in this area that provide this service.

R. Nichols moved to approve the cooperative purchase contract with Insituform out of Independence, Missouri in the amount of $190,315.82. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1-1.

approved the cooperative purchase contract with Insituform out of Independence, Missouri in the amount of $190,315.82.

  1. Consideration of Ozone cooling system – Dave Martin, City Manager, asked the Commission to remove this item from the agenda at this time.

  1. Repeal of Free Water/Sewer Service for residents in 500 block of Andrick Street – Jeff Deane, City Attorney, informed the Commission that he investigated the motion that was made at the previous meeting to provide free water and sewer for the residents in the 500 block of Andrick Street. He has discovered that Kansas Statutes prohibit free use of City water services in K.S.A. 13-2412 which states:

KSA 13-2412 – “Free use of water and discrimination unlawful. No person, firm, corporation, or association, nor any city department, shall be allowed free use of water, nor shall there be discrimination among water users of like classes as to rates, and rebates in rates shall never be allowed to any person, firm or corporation or city department except as an inducement to prompt payment of water rates”.

Discussion was held how to legally give people breaks when they have a water leak.

Kevin Allen asked if there has ever been a program in the past when free water has been given as an incentive.

Susan said she will research it.

Lindsey Watts moved to repeal the motion to provide free water and sewer service in the 500 block of Andrick for a one year period. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

approved to repeal the motion made at the may 5th, 2020 to provide free water and sewer service in the 500 block of Andrick for a one year period as it is illegal.

Lindsey asked that City staff review something we could provide for these residents that is not illegal.

  1. Consideration of sale of City property – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that he is asking approval to receive sealed bid for two parcels of land that the City currently owns. One piece of property is located at 120 N. National and the other piece of property is located on the east side of Lake Fort Scott. He has contacted Phil Hammons, local broker, who has given the City a minimum bid amount for each property. These two parcels will be listed for 30 days per Kansas Statute before the sealed bids will be received.

Discussion was held regarding sealed bid versus a real estate agent versus a live auctioneer.

Robert said that per Kansas Statute 75-6602, a City can sell property at a fixed price, a negotiated price, advertise for sealed bids or a public auction. Sealed bids is the lowest cost to the City. This is the way the previous Economic Development Director sold property.

Kevin said that he needed more time to think about this.

Robert said that the broker’s opinion will be available to the public. He said that he brought this item before them about a month ago. He was wanting to move forward on it.

More discussion was held regarding a public auction for this property and if it would bring more money.

City Attorney said it sounds like you are requesting City staff to come back with alternatives between sealed bids and costs associated with the other options.

Kevin Allen moved to table this item for two weeks and for City staff to come back with alternatives between sealed bids and costs associated with the other options. Lindsey Watts seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

TABLED THE SALE OF CITY PROPERTY FOR TWO WEEKS AND FOR CITY STAFF TO COME BACK WITH ALTERNATIVES BETWEEN SEALED BIDS AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH OTHER OPTIONS.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Robert Uhler – Robert said that he had two items to bring up.

  1. Lake Advisory Board – He said that the Lake Advisory Board met last Saturday and the minutes are in front of them. They were scheduled to meet quarterly but they would like to meet every other month. Their next meeting is scheduled for July.

  1. Resignation – Robert said that effective May 22nd, 2020 he will no longer work for the City of Fort Scott. He has tendered his resignation. He feels the environment here is not up to his liking. He said he appreciates Dave Martin as a leader, and he has helped him through some trying times.

Randy Nichols said that the City will miss him and his involvement with Smart Growth America and his legislative expertise and wished him the best.

Susan Bancroft – Financial Policy Update – Susan said that back in January she talked about looking at the City’s financial policies. She also worked with Deb McCoy on this policy and they reviewed other cities policies together. Susan developed this new financial policy. She did take some of this information from other cities and used some of their information for our document. A lot of the items in this document we are doing, but it was not in black and white. There are some recommendations on the procurement policy on page 16 and the numbers have changed. The travel policy on page 49 has also changed. She and Deb Needleman have looked at other cities and their policies in regards to travel and this is more in line. The ultimate decision will be the City’s Commission.

B. City Commission:

Lindsey Watts – Lindsey said that some of the items that she has brought up over the past few weeks have been about procedural issues. She said that our parliamentary procedure is lacking. We are a governing body that should be respected and respect each other. She has spoke with the Mayor and City Attorney and he is working on some procedures and code of ethics for the City Commission. This will give us some parameters on how to run our meetings. This will come before them at the next meeting.

Randy Nichols He said that he is excited to move forward with the plans for this year. The Street Advisory Board came up a couple of years ago and was delayed. This is a steppingstone as a more unified Commission. They may well be part of an infrastructure board also as streets, storm water, and sanitary sewer interact with each other. He hopes that a policy can be developed which interfaces all those projects together and gives us some idea of a financial commitment and a detailed way to budget and move forward.

He also remarked about the Horton Street project that was voted on last week. Those decisions were made on the facts presented. The street was deteriorating, there was an urgency to get it repaired, it was in our 2021 budget to get it repaired, and identified by City staff to have it repaired, and it is unlikely that another KDOT grant would be available for this street. The other streets have potential for KDOT grants. That’s why he voted for it. It had nothing to do with location or housing or other parameters. He thinks the right decision was made and he hopes the community understands that it was the best way to leverage the dollars that we had. When the 1% sales tax comes up on the ballot this fall, it is critical that this is passed so more projects can be completed.

Kevin Allen Kevin said that he has taken some pictures he wanted to share with his fellow Commissioners. He showed pictures of the following:

500 block of Andrick – Barricades were down – sandbags not by barricades – gravel washed out – did not clean up job very well – section of bricks that need salvaged – gravel in resident’s yards and barricades in yards.

City Hall sewer drain – concrete is torn up – located by back door of City Hall – this is a liability issue – this could be repaired with a steel plate and concrete bolts

1800 block of Wall Street – big humps across Wall Street that need cut out and patched

Wall Street – East of Aunt Toadies – Big sink hole that needs crack filled and made smooth – this is a liability issue – This is highway 54.

He said that we need to have a crew out there fixing these streets right now.

Pete AllenNothing to report.

JoLynne Mitchell JoLynne said that she wanted to reiterate that the Horton Street project is for everybody. Some of us may live closer but that’s not the reason why we voted for it. That was the direction and the project that made sense for City dollars.

She asked the City Attorney to visit about proper etiquette and guidelines for our City Commission meetings.

Jeff Deane, City Attorney, said that most cities use Roberts Rules of Order, but that is for larger cities. Smaller cities have rules to help the meeting flow. The Rosenberg Rules of Order are simplified, and the League has a Code of Procedures for meetings also. He is tailoring these for our use and will put together a draft for us to review. The document will have a cheat sheet and have the motion out there for the Commission to use. He will have these documents available and send them out to review.

City Attorney said that there was another KOMA complaint filed against the City. He has received an extension from the Attorney General’s office. He will bring this before them at the next meeting and bring this information to them.

Lindsey remarked that it is important for Commissioners not to Reply All when receiving emails when other Commissioners are copied on this also. This is a K.O.M.A. violation.

C. City Manager:

  1. City Engineer Candidate – Dave announced that we have had one candidate apply. He came to Fort Scott and met with City Staff. An offer has been made to him and we are waiting to hear if he accepts.

  1. Inmate Assistance – Dave said that he and Kevin met with the Sheriff’s Department about assistance with City street projects. They will be available after the COVID-19 restriction lifts.

  1. Grinder Pump Issue – Lake Fort Scott – Dave said the lake residents don’t want to move forward with a utility for their own grinder pumps.

Kevin said that they need to divulge into the contract before they move forward.

Dave said that the lake owner is responsible for the grinder and it is a 40 year term. The sewer district can pick who does the work on the sewer pumps.

  1. Lake Fort Scott empty lots- Dave said that Kevin asked for documentation that the district approved people who had empty lots and didn’t have to have grinder pumps put in. He left that documentation on Kevin’s table.

  1. He said that he talked to Jared Dauben.

  1. Signs on Highway 54 – Dave said that he has talked with KDOT about signage.

Kevin said that he talked to an older couple recently with a trailer issue and they had no idea there was any retail located on south highway 69. He asked to get signage on 54 east and west pointing out gas stations, restaurants, etc.

Dave said that this is funded by KDOT and he is getting information on this.

  1. Rural Water District – Dave said that he is waiting for Rural Water District to get back with them after their board meeting to discuss when they have water leaks in the county and how they are handled.

ADJOURNMENT:

Randy Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m. Kevin Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:52 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on June 2nd, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of May 14 Amended

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING (AMENDED)

Minutes of May 14, 2020 Special Meeting #4

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 14th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, Lindsey Watts, and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Approval to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission, that she and Chad created a spreadsheet and a handout for the Commission to review for the two proposed projects. The costs for asphalt: Horton Street – 6th Street to Lakin – Total costs $569,322.20 – If including 6th Street also with the Horton project $858,955.40; National Avenue – 13th to 18th – $89,032.20.

Kevin Allen said that he went on Horton and agrees that 6th to 10th on Horton needs replaced. He believes that from there on south is good.

Chad said that utilities will also be updated from 6th to Lakin on Horton.

Lindsey said that part of the reason for this street is the sidewalk area towards the college and the downtown area.

Kevin said that there are 27 businesses on National that would like that street upgraded. He asked if this could be added to the Horton project.

Susan said that KDOT will not combine two different projects. KDOT was involved in our Highway 69 Corridor Plan and they would like to see us utilize that plan.

Discussion was held regarding the curve at 18th and National and if they wanted to do that improvement.

Susan said that KDOT would like in the future to design a road behind the business to keep traffic flowing on Highway 69. This project would include land acquisition and was estimated at $2.2 million. She informed them where the proposed improvement would be on 18th which would be called Judson Street. Part of that area the City owns but part of it would include land acquisition. There is access management and geo-metric grants that we could apply for with this project next year.

Pete Allen said that the City has done no planning. He said he made Staff aware of this program in January and now it is May, and nothing has been done. He compared this to a shot-gun wedding. He said that the chances of the City getting a grant was 20%. He said last year there were 22 grants issued by KDOT. He said that there is a summer grant program available. He said that this should be tabled. It needs to be well thought out and have the Street Advisory Committee meet. There is no common goal in his opinion. He said he does not know where Horton Street comes into play with our projects. He asked Commissioner Watts where she lived.

Lindsey Watts said that she has heard that there have been discussions on Horton Street for many weeks. She reminded him that he and Kevin were both in discussions on this.

Mayor Mitchell asked that we all calm down and be respectful to each other.

Lindsey Watts said that City staff has provided lots of information to them. Cost estimates for the three projects have been gone over numerous times.

Pete Allen made a motion to table this grant knowing full well that as of May 18th we can apply for summer grants, that a thorough study is conducted, the Street Advisory Board Committee is involved, the community involved, and figure out a plan that is best for all members of the committee and not just a select few.

Randy Nichols asked if there was any reason to get the City’s name in the que for this current grant cycle.

Susan said yes.

Randy said that the implications of where we live have nothing to do with this grant submission and the implications of that is really ugly.

Pete said that he thinks it is coincidental maybe but all three of you live right off of Horton Street.

Mayor Mitchell said that Pete’s motion died for lack of a second.

Kevin asked if it will hurt our chances for another grant if we don’t go for this grant.

Susan said no. She said that she does not feel that project this was thrown together. Statistics were brought back to the Commission. The Horton project was very thought out and it was in our 2020 plan. That was not a fair statement. We are trying to get funding to help cover the costs. National could still be accomplished with our capital outlay dollars.

Kevin said that he hasn’t been as heavily involved in these discussions as Pete has. He said he would appreciate being treated as his own person and as his own individual. He believes we should go for the grant. He may differ on what we go for, but we should move ahead.

Susan said that we have always been told by KDOT they had to be shovel ready and she asked that specific question and they said no. That’s why this project was brought before them. The other two grants – access management and geo-metric will have to be engineered before submission.

Pete said that he was told yesterday that the grant will only cover asphalt. It will cover sidewalks also.

Susan said that it will cover sidewalks also and said that yesterday.

Pete asked if we would spend all of our capital improvement funds on this one project.

Susan said that she would suggest going out for temporary notes and bond this $600,000 for ten years.

Kevin says that he feels like we should go for the grant, but he feels like the National project should be looked at.

Lindsey said that her opinion differs due to the work that City staff has brought to them. This is a far larger project that we will have to put far less City dollars into.

Lindsey Watts made a motion to approve Horton from 6th Street to Lakin Street and also from 6th Street from Judson to Horton. She also added if City Staff deems to add the sidewalks down to the Community College or even the Golf Course to be included in this project to be submitted for the KDOT Cost Share Grant. Randy Nichols seconded. Randy Nichols, Lindsey Watts, and JoLynne Mitchell voted aye. Pete Allen voted no. Kevin Allen abstained. Motion carried.

approved Horton from 6th Street to Lakin Street and also from 6th Street from Judson to Horton. She also added if City Staff deems to add the sidewalks down to the Community College or even the Golf Course to be included in this project to be submitted for the KDOT Cost Share Grant

City Manager said that Staff has worked hard on this project. The City still won’t know what we have to spend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be a year of planning, but we may not be able to complete due to funding.

  1. Approval to use Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission that Olsson Associates is familiar with our community. They would only be needed if technical questions were needed to be answered in submitting this application.

JoLynne Mitchell made the motion to approve Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for submission of the KDOT Cost Share Grant. Lindsey Watts seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen abstained. Motion carried.

approved Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for submission of the KDOT Cost Share Grant.

ADJOURNMENT:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 10:38 a.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 10:38 A.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

_____________________________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of May 5 Amended

All minutes are unapproved until 6-2-2020.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING (AMENDED)

Minutes of May 5, 2020 Regular Meeting #9

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 5th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: There was no invocation given.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: There was no audience in attendance other than a very few City staff.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

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

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1262-A totaling $615,308.86.

  1. Request to Pay #4 – Schneider Electric – $216,807.84 – Energy Service Project

  1. Approval to Pay #5 – Struckel Electric – Electric Vault Project – $5,130.00

  1. Approval to Pay – Olsson – Electric Vault Project Engineering – $5,193.01

Pete Allen asked that Item C – Schneider Electric be removed from the Consent Agenda.

Lindsey Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of Item C. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Pete Allen said he could not see on the Schneider Electric invoice where it had been signed off by the engineer or inspections conducted on this project.

R. Nichols moved to table the Schneider Electric payment until the May 19th, 2020 meeting. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED THE SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC PAYMENT.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

limit per citizen) – Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

(Kevin Allen was asked to leave the room while the first item was discussed).

  1. Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – February – $1,185.00 – Porta Pottie Services

L. Watts moved to approve the payment to Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation for porta-pottie services for February in the amount of $1,185.00. J. Mitchell seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. Motion carried.

approved the payment to Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation for porta-pottie services for February in the amount of $1,185.00.

(Kevin Allen returned to the meeting).

  1. Approval to publish 2020 Budget Amendment and to hold a public hearing on May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she is asking to hold a public hearing on May 19th, 2020 to amend the 2020 budget. There are four funds which need amended:

2020 Adopted 2020 Proposed

Special Alcohol & Drugs $12,850 $47,679

Special Parks & Recreation $12,580 $37,617

E911 $135,500 $140,333

Storm Water Utility $189,493 $979,375

K. Allen moved to hold a public hearing on May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to amend the 2020 budget. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 19TH, 2020 AT 6:00 P.M. TO AMEND THE 2020 BUDGET.

  1. Consideration to repeal Ordinance No. 3556 and approve Ordinance No. 3562 establishing a Street Advisory BoardJeff Deane, City Attorney, informed the Commission that this has been approved but he wanted to read the ordinance to the Commission as it was passed at the last meeting. No questions were brought up on this ordinance.

  1. Consideration of appointments to Street Advisory Board (Six (6) City residents – One (1) County resident within 3-mile limit) – JoLynne Mitchell, Mayor, informed the Commission there are sheets in front of them in alphabetical order for them to review. She will call out the proposed names and each Commissioner will vote and the votes will be tallied and read aloud. They will each need to vote for six City residents and one County resident. The proposed names are as follows: Brian Allen, Nick Barrows, Randy Bohlken, Ralph Carlson, Denny Davis, Charles Gentry, Clete Hall, Diana Morriss, Greg Schick, Matthew Wells, and Gary Cullor, the County resident.

J. Mitchell moved to approve the highest vote getters of Brian Allen, Nick Barrows, Randy Bohlken, Ralph Carlson, Charles Gentry, and Clete Hall – the six City residents, and Gary Cullor the County resident. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

approved the highest vote getters of Brian Allen, Nick Barrows, Randy Bohlken, Ralph Carlson, Charles Gentry, and Clete Hall – the six City residents, and Gary Cullor the County resident to serve on the street advisory board.

  1. Consideration of appointments to Design Review Board – JoLynne Mitchell, Mayor, informed the Commission there are sheets in front of them in alphabetical order for them to review. She will call out the proposed names and each Commissioner will vote and the votes will be tallied and read aloud. They will each need to vote for three City residents. The proposed names are as follows: Frank Adamson, Darren Crays, Debra McCoy, Arnold Schofield, Judy Warren, Matthew Wells, Stacy Wood, and Rick Zingre’.

J. Mitchell moved to approve the highest vote getters of Arnold Schofield, Stacy Wood, and Rick Zingre’. L. Watts seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved the highest vote getters of Arnold Schofield, Stacy Wood, and Rick Zingre’ for the Design Review Board.

  1. Consideration of appointments to Planning Commission – JoLynne Mitchell, Mayor, informed the Commission there are sheets in front of them in alphabetical order for them to review. She will call out the proposed names and each Commissioner will vote and the votes will be tallied and read aloud. They will each need to vote for four City residents and one County resident. The proposed names are as follows: Cheryl Adamson, Josh Jones, Carol MacArthur, Debra McCoy, Judy Warren, and the two County residents are Pam Hightower and Don Tucker.

There was a tie between Debra McCoy and Cheryl Adamson and another vote was taken for those two candidates.

J. Mitchell moved to approve the highest vote getters of Cheryl Adamson, Josh Jones, Carol MacArthur, and Judy Warren for the four City residents and Pam Hightower for the County resident. R. Nichols seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved the highest vote getters of Cheryl Adamson, Josh Jones, Carol MacArthur, and Judy Warren for the four City residents and Pam Hightower for the County resident for the planning commission.

  1. Approval of Hay Bid – Airport – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the 130 acres of hay ground to be hayed this summer at the Airport. There were three bids received: Triple M Farms – $6,580.00; Dale Bollinger – $5,388.00; and Dr. Ricky Kellenberger – $5,200.00. Approval for the high bid from Triple M Farms was recommended.

K. Allen moved to approve the high bid of Triple M Farms for the hay bid at the airport in the amount of $6,580.00. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED HIGH BID FROM TRIPLE M FARMS FOR THE 130 ACRES OF HAY GROUND AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,580.00.

  1. Discussion of Pool Opening – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that Chasity Ware, Aquatic Center Manager, sent an email asking that the City Commission postpone their decision on opening or closing the pool until June 1st. According to the Governor’s latest Executive Order, the Phase 2 plan would allow 30 individuals in the pool at a time. After June 15th, there are no limits on gatherings. He asked that this be tabled until we are closer to June 1st.

R. Nichols moved to table the pool opening discussion until after June 1st. J. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED THE POOL OPENING DISCUSSION UNTIL AFTER JUNE 1ST, 2020.

  1. Discussion of Fuel Bid – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she was approached this week about bidding out our fuel. We currently have a fuel holding tank at Public Works and we get our fuel from a County resident, and have for years, pay whatever the price of fuel is at the time with a 10% discount. This company has asked if they can give us a quote and lock in the rate for a year. She would like to give this option to our current vendor also.

Susan said that our Public Works, Public Safety, EMS, and our street sweeper are mainly the highest users. She said she has audited fuel sales for the last few months. She has looked at weekend purchases and odd hours to ensure that people using fuel at that time is actually being used correctly.

K. Allen said that he would like to bid this item out to all vendors in town.

K. Allen made a motion to put the fuel sales out for bids with all fuel vendors. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PUT THE FUEL SALES OUT FOR BID WITH ALL FUEL VENDORS.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Travis Shelton – Margrave Street School zone discussion – Chief Shelton informed the Commission that back in March the length of the school zone on Margrave Street was discussed regarding shortening the length. The current school zone is .4 of a mile in length. He said that he visited with Terry Chance, Principal, Fort Scott Christian Heights school and he does not have an issue with shortening it. He also contacted the administration of USD 234 to get feedback from them. He talked with Joe Allen, USD 234 Transportation Director who stated they would like to see that 10th Street and 12th Street are both included in the school zone as it is better for the school bus drivers to pull out on Margrave in a 20 mph zone than a 35 mph zone. If the school zone included one half block south of 12th Street and one half block north of 10th Street, the zone would be .2 of a mile. If only including 10th Street, the school zone would be .1 of a mile. He talked to Chad Brown, and he estimated to move the flashing lights, the cost would be between $2,000 to $3,000.

K. Allen said that he would be in favor of shortening it to the .1 of a mile for the school zone. He thinks there are more children walking on Shepherd Street than on Margrave Street. He would not move the electric or the poles. He would like them taken down. He would like to see it shortened to .1 of a mile.

R. Nichols moved to change the school zone on Margrave Street to one half block south of 12th Street and one half block north of 10th Street, which would be .2 of a mile. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

Kevin Allen asked if he could also make a motion.

K. Allen moved to change the school zone to just include 10th Street and be .1 of a mile in length. P. Allen seconded. K. Allen and P. Allen voted aye. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted no. Motion denied 3-2.

APPROVED TO CHANGE THE SCHOOL ZONE ON MARGRAVE STREET TO ONE HALF BLOCK SOUTH OF 12TH STREET AND ONE HALF BLOCK NORTH OF 10TH STREET WHICH WOULD BE .2 OF A MILE IN LENGTH.

Robert Uhler – Shiney Studio roof update – Certificate of Appropriateness – Robert informed the Commission that the State Historic Preservation Office has given the approval for the roof replacement at 123 S. National. The Design Review Board verbally approved this change in the roof contingent upon approval by SHPO. He asked approval for the Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the roof at 123 S. National.

J. Mitchell moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the roof replacement at 123 S. National. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE ROOF REPLACEMENT AT 123 S. NATIONAL.

B. City Commission:

Kevin Allen He had several items:

  • He stated that the City website address is difficult to find. Can we do anything about that? Change the name?

City Clerk told him that the Chamber has fortscott.com.

Susan said that all have links to each other pages.

Kevin would like to see this researched to see if we can share a web address with the Chamber.

  • He asked about the golf course.

City Manager said it was open.

Kevin questioned the free golf for several months and how we are collecting revenue. He thinks we should have had someone there collecting money to play. He said we have been publicly criticized for this and using our amenities for free.

City Manager said that it was a COVID-19 issue he believed.

  • He asked for a report on Andrick Street. He hasn’t seen any progress on that street. It has been going on for nine months now.

City Manager said that they are getting ready to replace the water lines now. They have been talking with Pete on this project also. They have discussed the issue on bidding this project out.

Pete said he has plans and specifications ready on this project. Our current situation is that we have five or six people on our Street Department. We don’t have enough people and expertise to get this project completed. We need to hire it out. We have many problems with potholes in this town. He said that Margrave Street is falling apart. We have streets that are deteriorating. We aren’t doing any maintenance on our streets. If we don’t start on a maintenance program, we will be in terrible trouble. 12th Street is in bad condition with the joints that are 6” wide. His recommendation is to bid this job at Andrick Street out to pour the concrete and get the curbs done. The water line still has to be replaced and base rock needs to be brought in. He asked that a decision be made tonight on Andrick Street.

Kevin said that the plans Pete drew up were amazing. He said that the City crew is a good crew but they have too much to do. It is the Commission’s job to get them help. He asked Dave about when the prisoners can help assisting with the streets. He said that they can patch potholes.

City Manager said that the prisoners cannot work until the COVID-19 pandemic is lifted.

Kevin said that this can be free work provided to us. We can have an officer do security for them. He said that we need to use these prisoners after the COVID-19 is lifted. He said that citizens need to see progress if a sales tax is ever going to pass.

Chief Shelton said that there are differences between a police officer and a detention officer and he would need to look into that.

Susan discussed the two sales taxes. The one renewing this year is the County 1 cent sales tax. Those dollars go into our general fund and amount to about $700,000 a year. The City receives about ½ a percent. This helps fund the street program. In 2021, the ½ cent sales tax comes up for a vote again and she would like to see this dedicated to the streets. That brings in approximately $1,000,000. This is a true City tax which is why the amount the City receives is higher than that 1 cent sales tax. She is getting information together for Josh Jones and can bring it before the Commission if they wish.

City Manager said that the Commission will have to approve the question for the ballot.

  • His next item was when the next Lake meeting will be held. He would like to see a time determined. The last he knew is that Robert was taking a poll when people can meet. He thinks the sewer issue will come up at this meeting. He has talked with Michael Mix about this program. He said that each resident pays about $60.00 a month and a portion of that goes toward paying off the sewer. There was no bonus for paying off your sewer. There is a certain brand of pump and a certain company do the work. At the bottom of the lake, the pumps only last about three years and a person has to pay about $900. If you live at the top of the lake the pump will last about seven years. How long are we tied to this company and these rules? He said that Farlington Lake residents pay $7.00 a month and those funds go into an account that pays for all repairs.

City Manager said that he would meet with Justin Meeks of the County and discuss this and he will get a copy of Farlington Lake’s contract. Our contract says that the County is the sewer district and the County says that they are not. He will get back with them on this.

  • He also wanted to talk about Rural Water District. When a customer has a leak in the City of Fort Scott, they can call a plumber and get it repaired and provide proof to the City and get an adjustment on their bill. She called Rural Water and they don’t do that. He knows a lady that had a leak that was $2,300 and she had to pay it in a three month period. He was told by Rural Water that the City doesn’t give them a break. He thinks the City should find out how we can help County residents with leaks.

  • He asked if we could have a report every two weeks on Streets. Dave could have whoever he wanted to come and give them a report and it would keep them updated on their projects. This would also show transparency in government.

  • His last issue was when the Fire Marshal is going to come and talk to them about the code footprint.

Jeff Deane said that the Fire Marshal responded to them by email.

Kevin Allen said he would call the Fire Marshal tomorrow.

  • Dave asked him about Gunn Park.

Kevin said that by shelter house #3 there is a big dropoff with a 4” edge that a child could drop off of. Rock needs brought in there. This is from years of neglect.

City Manager will check this out.

  • Kevin asked where we are on the resolution that he brought up on filling the vacancy of a Commissioner.

City Attorney said that it was defeated at the last meeting.

City Clerk said that the Commission will take letters of interest.

Lindsey said that parts of his resolution were not constitutional.

Jeff will bring this back to the next meeting.

Kevin said that he will call the League and talk to their legal counsel.

Randy Nichols He remarked that there is awareness of the passage of the 1 cent sales tax and Pete is working on that.

The Street Advisory Board will be a good committee to start the planning process with our infrastructure needs.

Pete AllenHe remarked that he would like to instruct our City staff to complete the work at Andrick, complete the water line, complete the demolition, and also get the base rock put in ready for a contractor to begin the concrete work. He would like this work completed by June 1st. This could be easily completed in two weeks. He would like to see the entire project completed by July 1st.

Kevin said that he believes that the curb can be salvaged and used as it is currently laid.

Kevin Allen made a motion to go out for bid on curb and gutter in the 500 block of Andrick, and that the City crew finish their work with a deadline of June 2nd, 2020. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID ON CURB AND GUTTER IN THE 500 BLOCK OF ANDRICK, AND THAT THE CITY CREWS FINISH THEIR WORK WITH A DEADLINE OF JUNE 2ND, 2020.

Pete also asked if we can provide some relief to the residents on Andrick Street. He brought up at the last meeting possibly giving the residents in the 500 block of Andrick a year free of water and sewer. Pete said he talked to a resident that said he is moving to Colorado.

Susan said that this will amount to around $2,398.62. Susan said a credit could be given to the residents for a twelve month period. She would prefer to use the prior twelve month period and apply it to that account.

Jeff Deane said he will check and see if this is legal or not to do this.

Discussion was held regarding offering the residents a golf, pool, or fitness membership.

Pete made a motion as a form of relief to give the residents in the 500 block of Andrick free water and sewer for a year provided it is legal per the City Attorney. Kevin Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GIVE RELIEF TO THE RESIDENTS IN THE 500 BLOCK OF ANDRICK FREE WATER AND SEWER FOR A YEAR PERIOD PROVIDED THIS IS LEGAL PER THE CITY ATTORNEY WHICH COULD AMOUNT TO $2,398.62.

Lindsey Watts – She said that she was the person who asked for more information from the Street Advisory board and she apologized that three people dropped their names from the list. She would like to see that included in our boards when filling positions, so we know more information about the individuals.

She also believes that every project we have should be bid out every year. Everyone should get the same treatment and it is transparent as possible.

JoLynne Mitchell She remarked that it is important that the Lake Advisory Committee meet as they have concerns especially with their fireworks event coming up.

Dave said that he just checked with Robert and the meeting is set for May 16th, 2020.

Kevin thought one of the problems was that the City Clerk was not available to take the minutes.

Diane told him that it was due to COVID-19 and keeping the count around ten people.

JoLynne said that they need to make a dedicated time to meet.

JoLynne said that she hopes that the pool will open and we are working hard for that to happen.

C. City Manager:

  1. City Engineer – Dave said that we have only had one applicant for City engineer so far.

  1. County meeting – Dave said that they had a good meeting with the County last Friday. They will hold off on a joint meeting now due to COVID-19 and schedule this later. They discussed interlocal agreements for gravel and asphalt but decided to wait until June 1st, 2020. The County and the City both need to wait and see what the tax revenues look like for June. They will meet again on June 1st.

Susan said that rock and asphalt still costs the City money.

Pete said that we will have need for 100,000 ton of rock if they are able to make it. We could save $4.00 a ton on rock.

ADJOURNMENT:

Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:18 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott Preschool Taking Applications for New School Year

The Fort Scott Preschool Center is now taking applications for the 200-21 School year.
There are some qualifiers  for the program.

They are currently taking students that are 4 years old on or before August 31, 2020.

Preschool Roundup will take place July 17 by appointment only.

Once an app is received the office will contact the parent.

Link for online registration:
If parents or caregivers have questions they are free to call the preschool at 620-223-8965.
Additionally information is also listed on our Facebook page, Fort Scott Preschool Center and school district page.
Additionally, if parents have concerns about their child’s development and would like a screening for potential developmental delays they may also call the preschool.
The child must be between the ages of 3-5 years.

Cinema Saturday and Summer Hours at the Gordon Parks Museum

The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on every other Saturday this summer starting on June 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus.

This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films.

“This is a good way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning and come watch some of Gordon’s films” said museum director Kirk Sharp.

The schedule is as follows: June 13-Leadbelly; June 27-Shaft (1971); July 11- Shafts Big Score; and July 25-Learning Tree.

The Gordon Parks Museum summer hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. starting June 6 – August 1.

For more information contact the museum by email at [email protected] or by phone at 223-2700, ext. 5850.

JUNE 13: LEADBELLY, (1 hour, 38 minutes)
SHAFT, (Directed by Gordon Parks) (1 hour, 40 minutes)

JULY 11: SHAFT’S BIG SCORE,

JULY 25: THE LEARNING TREE, (Written, Directed, Music Score, Screenplay by Gordon Parks) (1 hour, 47 minutes)

FREE!

 

Fort Scott Independence Day Celebration: July 3

Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton is the site of the annual Independence Day fireworks event.

In a year that is seeing a reduction in public gatherings there will be a community celebration this year: Independence Day.

The Fort Scott Elk’s Lodge has coordinated the community fireworks display to celebrate America’s Independence for the past 25 years or more and has a goal this year of $7,000 to cover the costs.

“I think this year after all everyone has been dealing with during the pandemic, everyone will be ready for some good old fashion 4th of July fun,” Bill Brittain, with the Elks organization, said.

“The public can watch from their cars or from anywhere in the community you can see them,” Brittain said.   “A lot of people do line up on Horton Street to be close and many sit in or on their cars from the Bourbon County Fairgrounds as well but again they can be seen from many parts of the community.”

The event is July 3.

“The city of Fort Scott moved this event to July 3rd a few years ago from the 4th so we have them shot on the 3rd,” Brittain said.

“Our (fireworks) company we deal with for this,  sets up behind Fort Scott Community College by the ball fields to actually shoot them off,” he said. “Nobody is allowed back there during this time or while setting them up!”

“I might add it takes the entire community to make this happen,” Brittain said.  “The city and county also help with this financially. We have corporate sponsors that help with this and other charitable events we do throughout the year. The public can help with this by playing in the golf tournament as well.”

 

 

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