Monthly Archives: June 2021

Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, Kansas

FSCC announces the Kansas Promise Scholarship

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Fort Scott Community College is offering the Kansas Promise Scholarship (HB 2064), part of a $10 million program passed by the Kansas Legislature and signed by Governor Kelly in April 2021. The Kansas Promise Service Scholarship was created during the 2021 Kansas Legislative Session to assist students attending Kansas community colleges, technical colleges, Washburn Institute of Technology and certain private postsecondary educational institutions and enrolled in specified programs of study, generally in the fields of (1) information technology and security, (2) mental and physical health care, (3) advanced manufacturing and building trades, or (4) early childhood education and development. This scholarship may be used toward tuition, required fees, books and required program materials (KBOR, 2021).

“The Kansas Promise Act is an incredible opportunity for students seeking certificates or degrees in technical training, nursing, allied health, and other fields. The scholarship will pay for the skilled training needed for Kansas jobs with good wages. We are excited to participate in the Kansas Promise Act program at FSCC and our admissions office can assist you with the application process,” says Alysia Johnston, FSCC President.

The Kansas Promise Scholarship is a last dollar scholarship and assists with costs that institutional or grant scholarships are unable to cover. Recipients must meet all qualifications listed below and complete the application process to be eligible for this opportunity.

  • Be a Kansas resident, AND
  • Have graduated from a Kansas high school within the preceding 12 months or have received a GED or other high school equivalency credential within the preceding 12 months, OR
  • Be 21 years of age or older and a Kansas resident for the preceding three consecutive years, OR
  • Be a dependent child of a military service member who is stationed in another state and who, within the preceding 12 months, graduated from an out-of-state high school or obtained a GED or other high school equivalency credential.

FSCC programs that qualify for this opportunity are as follows:

  • Associate in Arts or Science
    • Computer Science
    • Elementary Education
  • Associate in Applied Science
    • Nursing
  • Construction Trades
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration (HVAC)
  • Home Health Aid
  • Agriculture Technology
    • John Deere Technician
  • Masonry
  • Medication Aid (CMA)
  • Nursing Aid (CNA)
  • Welding

For more information, please visit the FSCC website at fortscott.edu/KansasPromise or contact the Admissions Office at 620.223.2700 ext. 3510 or [email protected].

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Bourbon County

Evergy and Heartland Rural Electric June 11 Weather Event Update

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The Uniontown area had several utility poles down in a storm on June 11. Pictured is one on the main street of Uniontown.

Bourbon County suffered damage from high winds in a storm that rolled through the area on the evening of June 11.

Two electric companies serve this area.

HRC Update

Heartland Rural Electric’s first outage report was around 5:30 p.m., according to Doug Graham,  communications specialist. “At that time six of our substations were off due to transmission line outages from our power supplier.”
At the peak of the outage, around 4,500 Heartland members were out of power, he said.
“Crews worked through the night on Friday to restore power,” Graham said. “By Saturday morning, the number of outages had been reduced to around 800. By the end of Saturday, we were down to around 50.”
“Most of the damage to Heartland’s system was caused by high winds, trees, and debris,” he said. “In total, we had around 20 pole breaks and 25 line breaks. Some lightning damage was evident as well. Our heaviest damage was concentrated in rural Bourbon County around Devon, Uniontown, and Bronson.”
“Heartland dispatched every available line worker to address the outages, and called in mutual aid from Twin Valley Electric Cooperative in Altamont in order to restore power as quickly as possible,” Graham said.

To be ready for a power outage, Graham recommended the following link:

“I would also mention that Heartland has a number of preventive programs in place to minimize the damage from storms such as the one we experienced on Friday,” Graham said.  “For example, we have a pole inspection program wherein we identify poles with rot or structural weakness and replace them as needed, and we have an extensive vegetation management program to keep trees from getting too close to lines. Without these preventive measures, the damage could have been much worse.”

Evergy’s Update

Evergy reported that around 7:30 PM on Friday evening is when they received notice the power went out in the area.

“It is difficult to give an exact time on when the last outages were restored because they all came back on at different times in those areas,” Andrew Baker,  Evergy Senior Communications Manager, said.

 

“Our crews were working widespread to make sure the power came back on as quickly and safely as possible for our customers,” he said.

 

About 2,000 customers were affected between Pittsburg, Ft. Scott and Humboldt, Baker said.

 

“The cause of most of the outages in the area was due to severe storms, wind, lightning, hail and heavy rain,” he said.

“We had around 50 crew members working in the area along with multiple contract crews as well,” Baker said. “We also had multiple personnel in the Wichita, Leavenworth, Atchison, and Hiawatha.”

 

“You want to make sure that your cell phone is fully charged and you have a battery-operated radio ready to go to check for weather updates,” Baker said. “You also want to make sure to create a communications plan in the event of a storm.  Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting space and related information. This way you can make sure your friends and family members are accounted for if severe weather should occur.”

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC/SEK welcomes Family Medicine Physician Sarah Bradshaw

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Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.


Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas welcomes Family Medicine Physician Sarah Bradshaw, MD, who has special practice interest in allergy, allergy symptoms, asthma and rashes.

She will begin seeing patients on Thursday, June 17 in the Fort Scott and Iola clinics.
Dr. Bradshaw, who is originally from Kansas City and now a Moran resident, interest in medicine began while watching her father work as an allergist. That’s where her own passion in allergy began.
“I saw how he helped people improve their health and got to know families over time,” she said. “I decided I wanted to help people improve their health too.”
A Kansas University graduate, Dr. Bradshaw completed her Doctor of Medicine at the Kansas University School of Medicine and Master of Public Health at the Kansas University School of Public Health.
CHC/SEK’s model of the Federally Qualified Health Center, which provides comprehensive and affordable care for people of all ages regardless the ability to pay, sparked Dr. Bradshaw’s interest in joining the health center.
Dr. Bradshaw’s scope of practice includes all facets of internal medicine, pediatrics, and family practice, except for obstetrics.
Most importantly, Dr. Bradshaw believes in giving patients the tools they need to live a healthy and allergy-free life.
“I enjoy teaching patients how to take care of themselves to improve their health,” she said. “I see them from time to time – patients are with themselves always.”
Opinion

Don’t Look Ethel! by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

 

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Don’t Look, Ethel!

I don’t know why, but I’m afraid of heights. When I was young, I used to think I had hydrophobia, but I eventually found out it was called acrophobia. Oh well, it’s not a problem most of the time. In 2015, our family vacationed in Colorado and we decided to go to The Royal Gorge. Common sense told me I could walk across the bridge and survive. So I positioned myself in the middle “lane” of the bridge, kept my eyes on the far end, and started repeating, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” as I took off. I ended up crossing the bridge four times that day but I never once looked down over the edge. Yes, I’m aware that I missed out on a breathtaking view. But I knew I couldn’t look anywhere but straight ahead if I wanted to make it to the end.

If believers want to live victorious lives, we must keep our gaze straight ahead and press toward the reward that God has for us. We have to set our sights on Christ Jesus and keep moving forward. We can’t allow ourselves to get sidetracked with the frivolous distractions of the world because it‘s not worth it. The apostle Paul said, “…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:13,14 NLT).

I was determined not to let a silly fear keep me from participating and making good memories with my family. When your back’s against the wall, you’ll turn and find God standing right there with you. Christ followers should have a fearless obedience to do God‘s will. When He asks you to do something, He’ll give you what it takes to accomplish it. “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

Life, in general, offers a multitude of distracting options every day. A believer has to be careful not to fall into the trap of unending “busyness.” Getting up on the wrong side of the bed and starting off on the wrong foot can simply be a result of neglecting God in the morning. If you’re too busy to connect with your heavenly Father, then I suggest you seriously consider adjusting your priorities. Most of us wouldn’t think of leaving the house without that cup of coffee. So why would Christians run out the door without drinking from the cup of Living Water? God should be considered a morning necessity in order to have wisdom and direction for the day ahead. Paul’s advice is to: “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end” (Hebrews 12:2 GNT).

Jesus has already crossed the finish line, so now we believers are to look straight ahead to Him. Don’t try to see how close to the edge you can walk, or even consider turning right or left. However, all is not lost should that happen. You are God’s child and He cares about you watchfully. “If you stray to the right or left, you will hear a word that comes from behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it‘” (Isaiah 30:21 CEB). The Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, empowering us to walk fearlessly straight.

The Key: Set your sights on Jesus and He’ll help you make it across the finish line with flying colors.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 15

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Agenda 

Bourbon County Commission Room 

1st Floor, County Courthouse 

210 S. National Avenue 

Fort Scott, KS 66701 

Tuesdays starting at 9:00 

 

Date: June 15, 2021 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District–Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Kendell Mason 

 

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. 

 

 

Call to Order 

 

  • Flag Salute 
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting 
  • KDOT Road Closing 
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report 
  • Kendell Mason – Commissioners to Review 2020 Annual Statements 
  • KWORCC – Jess Pfannenstiel – Work Comp. Insurance 
  • Discussion regarding Jacqie Spradling 
  • Discussion about Social Media Fact Checker 
  • Justin Meeks – County Counselor Budget Review 
  • Katrina Braim – Jacqie Spradling 
  • Elected Officials Comment 
  • County Counselor Comment 
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director 
  • Public Comment 
  • Commission Comment 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justifications for Executive Session: 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property 

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion o

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Urges Extending Disaster Declaration

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Governor Laura Kelly Sends Letter Urging LCC to Extend Disaster Declaration

TOPEKA – The following is a letter from Governor Laura Kelly urging Senate President Ty Masterson and members of the Legislative Coordinating Council to extend the current State of Disaster Emergency Declaration. View a PDF of the letter here. 

President Masterson,

On May 24, 2021, I submitted my first application for a 30-day extension of the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency to the Legislative Coordinating Council (“LCC”) pursuant to Senate Bill 40’s amendments to the Kansas Emergency Management Act (“KEMA”).  K.S.A. 48-924(b)(3).  Please consider this letter my specific application to extend the COVID-19 state of disaster emergency up to and including July 15, 2021.

While these conversations took place back in March, I do want to point out that my Chief of Staff discussed with legislators during session that the objective has been to get to the fall of 2021 and the start of the new school year to ensure that vaccine efforts are not stalled or impeded.  To build on those conversations, I am including with this specific application an outline of the current plan regarding the State Emergency Operations Center (“SEOC”) and a timeline for demobilization of those efforts.  This plan will include the following components:

  • Priorities and objectives to be completed by August 30, 2021;
  • SEOC COVID-19 activities closure timeline;
  • Rescinding or sunsetting of current executive orders based on the priorities and objectives to be achieved by August 30, 2021.

The plan I present to you in this application continues to reduce the number of activities and pandemic emergency executive orders as we move closer ending the emergency declaration. Ultimately, this plan will require extensions from the LCC to August 30, 2021 as outlined below.

Priorities and Objectives to be Completed by August 30, 2021

There are several priorities that continue to need the attention of the State of Kansas and that require an extension of the state of disaster emergency declaration.  First, we need to continue efforts to vaccinate school-aged children to allow schools to resume normal activities beginning this fall.  As of June 11, 2021, Kansas has vaccinated 48,045 (20.1%) of children age 12-17. Based on current projections, we anticipate being able to have between 100,000 (42%) to 118,000 (49%) of this age group vaccinated by the end of August. There was a notable decline in the rate of children vaccinations as school ended for the summer. Vaccination efforts planned around the back to school period of early to mid-August will greatly increase the rate of vaccinations for this age group.

Second, we need KDEM to continue to support the distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine through our mobile clinics.  The Kansas National Guard (“KSNG”) has administered 122,323 vaccines with 4,360 of those being administered since May 28, 2021.  These efforts are directly tied to Executive Order 21-21 through the use of contract nurses who are able to perform vaccinations more easily under the order’s provisions.  These contract nurses have delivered 45,981 vaccines across the state of Kansas.  We continue to receive requests from employers to do onsite vaccination clinics, which is important to continue to vaccinate the workforce.  To date, we have completed vaccine clinics at 47 employer locations across the state.  The total number of employees who have had the opportunity to get vaccinated through this employer-partnership exceeds 40,000 Kansans.  And, as of the writing of this letter, there are an additional 12 employers who have requested vaccination clinics for their nearly 5,000 (total) employees that are being scheduled. We have an additional 20 community vaccination clinics already scheduled between June 12 and July 27, 2021.

Third, we continue to receive resource requests from counties and hospitals that need to be fulfilled.  We have received 5,090 resource requests for personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, personnel and equipment.  We have delivered 114,234 cases of PPE through these requests.  Since May 28, 2021, there have been 26 requests, totaling 28,976 cases of PPE.  Some of this equipment, such as ventilators, will need to be returned, inventoried, and receive maintenance work.  Having a scheduled ramp-down will give counties and hospitals time to plan and understand that these resources will become unavailable after August 30th.

Fourth, as outlined below regarding executive orders, we need to continue requiring testing at our adult care homes and underserved populations.  KSNG has tested over 30,603 individuals and transported over 26,304 samples to Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory (KHEL) with 297 of those samples since May 28, 2021. While these efforts will ultimately become part of KDHE’s normal operation, we need to continue to support these efforts through August 30th.

Without a disaster declaration in place, these priorities and objectives cannot be effectively accomplished. As you know, aside from removing the legal basis for conducting much of these efforts, the federal emergency response funding Kansas receives may be immediately imperiled if the disaster declaration expires. Pursuant to KEMA, the Adjutant General loses his authority to mission assign agencies such as the Civil Air Patrol, Highway Patrol, and others as part of the state response.  These agencies do not have liability protection for work conducted in these efforts absent the emergency declaration.

Additionally, some of our most vulnerable Kansans would lose the emergency allotment of SNAP benefits the federal government provides to states with active COVID-19 emergency responses. Approximately 63,000 Kansas households would be affected by a loss of this additional financial support, and a total of around $14.5 million in additional benefits to those vulnerable Kansans and to our economy would be lost. While many of the elements of our emergency response from last summer are no longer essential, the disaster declaration itself is still essential.

SEOC COVID-19 Activities Closure Timeline

While there are certain activities that need to continue as described above, the list below indicates the mission assignments and activities that have been closed and which ones would be re-opened under an extension of the emergency declaration.

Mission Assignments

MISSION ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

CLOSURE DATE

AGENCY

Transportation (Vaccine Support)*

06/03/2021

Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

Contract Nurses**

06/08/2021

KDEM

Security for Vaccine Clinics*

06/11/2021

KHP

Facility for Vaccine Clinic*

06/11/2021

KSHS

Message Boards*

06/11/2021

KDOT

Courier Mission

06/11/2021

KSNG

Vaccine Administration

06/15/2021

KSNG

EPI Support to ESF 8

06/15/2021

KSNG

JIC Support

06/15/2021

KDOT

Non-Congregate Shelter Management

06/15/2021

DCF

Distribution of Vaccine (FedEx)

06/15/2021

KDEM

FirstNet Phones

06/15/2021

KDEM

Contracting Support

06/15/2021

TAG

JIC Manager

06/15/2021

TAG

* May be extended if emergency declaration is extended.

 ** Has been transferred to KDHE

Non-Congregate Shelters and Supporting Contracts

CITY/COUNTY

CLOSURE DATE

Liberal/Seward

06/03/2021

Salina/Saline

06/07/2021

Emporia/Lyons

06/09/2021

Gardner/Johnson

06/15/2021

Lansing/Leavenworth

06/15/2021

Kansas City/Wyandotte*

NLT 07/15/2021

* This contract cannot be ended prior to July 15, 2021.  Without the declaration extension the state assumes all legal and financial liabilities.

Food & Commodities

INVENTORY

CLOSURE DATE

Pantry Packs

06/03/2021

Bulk Food

06/03/2021

Rescinding or Sunsetting Executive Orders

Our administration has worked diligently to enable our state to responsibly pare down the number of pandemic emergency executive orders in place since the beginning of 2021. As of today, only nine pandemic executive orders remain in effect. In my May 24, 2021 application to extend the disaster declaration, I stated that in the weeks and months to come I would consider rescinding additional executive orders. In that continued effort, on June 14, 2021, I will issue an order rescinding all but two of the nine remaining pandemic executive orders. Orders will be rescinded as follows:

Order

Subject

Rescission Date

21-10

Remote notaries and witnesses

July 15, 2021

21-12

Licensure of adult care homes

June 15, 2021

21-16

Driver’s license renewals

June 30, 2021

21-17

Waiving the waiting week for unemployment benefits

June 15, 2021

21-18

Income tax withholding for out-of-state telework

June 15, 2021

21-19

Tuberculin testing requirements

June 15, 2021

21-20

Deadline for rural water district annual meetings

June 30, 2021

The two executive orders I do not intend to rescind at this time are 21-15 and 21-21. Executive Order 21-15 is the only mechanism in place to require COVID-19 testing in certain adult care homes licensed by the state. Without this order in place, the state’s ability to ensure the health and safety of staff and residents at such adult care homes will be severely compromised. Executive Order 21-21 grants temporary authority to certain medical personnel to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Continued efforts to vaccinate as many Kansans as quickly as possible will be unnecessarily impeded if it expires.

The time to conclude our emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic under KEMA and to transition to a new normal for dealing with COVID-19 through standard authorities is approaching, but that time has not yet arrived. At the LCC’s May 28, 2021 meeting, some LCC members indicated that they wanted to see a plan for how we wind the emergency response down and return to normal. Our administration has now provided that plan. It will take until August 30, 2021, to execute it.

As circumstances have changed, we have transitioned to an emergency response that has been trimmed down to vaccination efforts, logistical support to local communities, finishing an orderly return to normal in state agencies, and securing federal financial support for our efforts.  While COVID-19 could become an ever-present threat to public health if vaccination rates continue to decline, our emergency response will not be permanent. We owe it to Kansans to finish the job and wind down the state of disaster emergency responsibly.

As with the LCC’s previous meeting to consider an extension, at next Tuesday’s meeting Major General Weishaar, Dr. Norman, and members of my staff will be present to answer any questions the LCC may have.

Sincerely,

Laura Kelly

Governor

CC:      Representative Ron Ryckman, Speaker of the House of Representatives

            Senator Rick Wilborn, Vice President of the Senate

            Senator Larry Alley, Senate Majority Leader

            Senator Dinah Sykes, Senate Minority Leader

            Representative Blaine Finch,
Speaker Pro Tem of the House of Representatives

            Representative Dan Hawkins, House Majority Leader

            Representative Tom Sawyer, House Minority Leader

            Gordon Self, Revisor of Statutes

Obituary

Obituary of Doris Williams

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Doris Mae Williams, 93, of Redfield, Kansas died Friday, June 11, 2021, at the Country Place Senior Living in Fort Scott, Kansas. She was born December 9, 1927, in Fairplay, Missouri, the oldest of three daughters born to Charles and Aileen (Butler) Richard. Her parents moved to the Redfield area when she was an infant and she and her sisters were raised there. She married John C. (Jack) Williams on February 24, 1952, in Redfield, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 12, 2005.

 

After graduating from Uniontown High School with the class of 1945, Doris moved to Kansas City to attend secretarial school. She was elected as the Bourbon County Treasurer in the election of 1948, before she was old enough to legally vote, even for herself. She worked for the County Treasurer’s office for eight years. She later ran the Redfield Grocery Store from 1968 until the late 1970s. After spending twenty years working for the Postal Service, she retired as Postmaster of the Redfield Post Office in 1998. In the 1980s, the Redfield bus route passed by the post office in the mornings, and Doris never missed the chance to wave at her grandkids as they passed by on their way to school. She was a life-long member of the Redfield Methodist Church and played piano there well into her 80s.

 

She and Jack moved to Jack’s family farm in 1959, raising their family just outside of Redfield. Five of her six grandchildren were lucky enough to be raised within shouting (or dirt-bike riding) distance of their house, especially because Grandma Doris always kept the refrigerator and freezer on the back porch stocked with pop, Capri Suns, and Schwan’s ice cream. She loved playing cards with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was an Old Maid and Uno card shark and felt not even the slightest bit of guilt laying down a “Draw 4” card on any of them. Doris was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother, rarely missing any activity in which her family was involved. She loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports, perform at band and choir concerts, and show livestock at the Bourbon County Fair. She enjoyed taking her grandkids to movies, concerts, and the dinner theater. Most of the time they were well-behaved. She had an iron-clad memory and could recall word-for-word conversations that even her grandchildren had forgotten about. She loved her family well and never failed to tell them how proud she was of them. They felt the same way about her.

 

Doris is survived by three children: LuAnne Pitts and husband Eddie, Steve Williams and wife Marci, and Diana Almasi, all of Redfield; one sister; Jo Ann Dalton of Fort Scott; six grandchildren: Brent Almasi of Las Vegas, Nevada, Bill (Beth) Pitts of Fort Scott, Garin (Treva) Williams of Charleston, South Carolina, Jayci (Chad) Cosens of Fort Scott, Brandon (Brandi) Pitts of Fort Scott, and Kelci (Jimmy) Ebrecht of Olathe, Kansas; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Blaine, Graci, Macy Jo, Shayd, Finean, Dryden, Cal, Cash, Colby, Cameron, Kreedyn, and Boden. In addition to her husband, Jack, she was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Gerry Brewer, and a son-in-law, Alex Almasi.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery at Redfield.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Fair Association or the Country Place Activity Fund and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Opinion

Economic Development & Social Media

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Gregg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.

 

I was born in the ‘50’s, but the first U.S. President of whom I was aware was JFK. I remember the awe and respect my parents had for him, and our government officials in general. Several trips to Washington D.C. during my elementary school days reinforced this ideal. We all know that those times are long gone.

Are the men and women that currently hold office in our country less worthy of respect? Are they worse people than the elected officials of a generation ago? Probably not, but we know much more about their governing activities and private lives than that of their predecessors, thanks to technology, the 24-hour news cycle, and social media. Familiarity certainly can breed contempt.

When employers are making hiring decisions, standard procedure is to check social media and search engines to see what is out there in the public domain. One can learn much about a person when reading what they post. Just so with news reports, and citizen posts about a community.

Unfortunately, the negative seems to dramatically out-influence the positive. It does not take too many vitriolic posts, or caustic comments by a citizen at a commission meeting to leave outsiders with a poor impression of a community. The Internet is as powerful of force for destruction as it is for good; perhaps more so. It can mean the difference between a family deciding to move to Bourbon County, or not.

Word of mouth is still impactful. Upon moving here six years ago, I walked into two businesses, I identified myself as a new resident, and the comments, were something like, “You moved here on purpose?!?” and “Why did you move here?!?” I quickly learned that our communities have a self-esteem problem.

I was born in a town of 1,300 people, I have lived in five states, several small and medium-sized towns, and one large city. Let me say this: Bourbon County is my BEST community experience. My wife and I have no desire to be anywhere else. The grass is NOT greener elsewhere. If you don’t believe me, you don’t know what you have in Bourbon County.

Bottom line: think twice before you go negative, either in private conversations, or on social media. Don’t post anything based on assumptions. Make sure your opinions are factual, and expressed in respectful ways. Don’t sacrifice the good on the altar of the perfect. Don’t take out your frustrations in a public setting. Buy a punching bag instead.

I leave you with a quote from our first President, George Washington, which is one of his 12 Rules of Civility: “Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.” If you have something against your neighbor, go talk to them, rather than posting about it. On second thought, if you have something negative to say or post, ask yourself, “What do I hope to accomplish?” The economic future of our community depends upon the public impression we make every day.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda for June 15

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JUNE 15, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

  2. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 1st, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1290-A totaling $433,403.91.

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc – $13,993.75 – River Intake Project

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. City Manager Reports and Comments:

  1. Engineering Firm Update:

  1. Director Report:

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: Bob Reed – Street Closure Request for Bourbon County Fair

  1. New Business:

  1. Resolution No. 8-2021 – Resolution accepting the 2022 Street recommendations from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 budget.

  2. Consideration of Proposal – Utility Locating and Marking Services – USIC

  3. Approval to purchase Four Post Vehicle Lift

  4. Approval to purchase Bobcat Track Loader

  5. Consideration of Temporary Street Closure – July 4th – 300 Block of Coates Street

  6. Consideration of Temporary Street Closure – Burke Street Parade –

  7. Re-discussion of Mill and Overlay of National – 13th to Highway 69

  8. Approval to bid out front staircase of Memorial Hall

  9. Discussion of survey of Lake Fort Scott lots and approval to record the lots

  10. Discussion of Golf Cart Ordinance

  11. Revisitation of previous discussion of mowing contract

XII. Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

Josh Jones – SRO Officer Update

Municipal Court Update

First Source Building Update

Smart Growth Update

B. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

Executive Session – Attorney/Client Privilege

XIV. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Minutes of June 1

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes are unapproved until the June 15 meeting

Minutes of June 1st, 2021 Regular Meeting #11

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 1st, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners P. Allen, and R. Nichols were present with President of the Commission K. Allen presiding. L. Watts connected by Zoom. J. Jones was absent.

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

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Russell Lingerfelt, Jason Dickman, Bill Meyer, Paul Martin, Ann Rawlins, David Stuart, Jon Eden, Cheryl Zimmerman, Matt Zimmerman, Zach Bradley, Ryan Collier, Justin Uhler, James Brackett, Bill Lemke, Dave Bruner, Steve Mason, Janice Allen, and Allyson Turvey.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Navy Fireman 3rd Class William L. Barnett Proclamation – President of the Commission, Kevin Allen, read a Proclamation proclaiming May 29th, 2021 as William L. Barnett Day in the City of Fort Scott.

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 18th, 2021 and special meeting of May 25th, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1289-A totaling $325,700.29.

  1. Request to Pay #2 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $100,429

  1. Request to Pay – Insco Industries – Pool Brush Blasting & Repainting – Aquatic Center

Original Contract $32,750.00

Change Order #1 $ 925.00

Change Order #2 $ 600.00

Change Order #3 $ 45.00

Total $34,320.00

Dave Bruner shared photos of the pool brush blasting and repainting repair that was completed at the Aquatic Center.

K. Allen moved to approve the Consent Agenda. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts and K. Allen voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Bob Farmer, City Attorney, informed the Commission that he wished to address the May 25th, 2021, City Commission minutes. He said he was not in attendance at that meeting. He said that you accepted a letter from Mr. Hoyt and printed it verbatim in your minutes as if it was the City. He has two problems with this. One is it was a special meeting and it was completely off task. The other is probably more important in his opinion, but we are in the middle of litigation. There is a lot of things in that letter that are opinions. We need to stay away from other people’s opinions. They are not our opinions. They are not our official anything. To recognize those, puts the City at risk. We don’t get in the middle of opinions on litigation issues. His suggestion would be that that be removed from those minutes.

R. Nichols moved to modify the Consent Agenda and remove those comments from Mr. Hoyt in the May 25th, 2021 special meeting minutes. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and K. Allen voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried.

Approved to modify the Consent Agenda and remove those comments from Mr. Hoyt in the May 25th, 2021 special meeting minutes.

Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

Bill Meyer – Mr. Meyer said he was here to speak in favor of the Planning Commission’s decision not to rezone the property at 2127 Jayhawk from AG (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use). He shared photos of his property and his back yard which butts up against the golf course. He lives at 14 Golfview Drive. They want to put a 50’ X 40’ structure in that area. This is a nice residential area that was annexed into the City and the residents do not want this commercial business in their neighborhood. He shared another photo of 2087 18th Street which is an automotive repair shop with lots of vehicles stored there. They do not want that in their neighborhood. At the Planning Commission meeting, there were numerous Golfview residents there who spoke in opposition to this zoning change. He asked them to do the same so they can maintain their residential neighborhood.

James Brackett – Mr. Brackett said that his son has lived here for several years and he recently retired in July of 2020 and moved here. They would like to open a small auto repair shop at their location, so he approached Ally and asked her how to go about to get the property rezoned. He asked for their consideration in the rezoning of this property.

City Manager Report and Comments: Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that the City is wrapping up its efforts to start the demolition process of abandoned homes. It can take up to 90 days before the work can begin. Letters have been sent out with a deadline. He had a list of seven properties that he gave the Commission a list of. Lyle and Ally have been working hard on this process. There is a $50,000 budget for demolitions.

Kevin asked about the County and the demolition landfill fees.

Jeremy said that we are waiting on the County Attorney. Jeremy said that Susan is working hard on budgets and meeting with Directors. He has been working with the City engineer and working on several projects such as Cooper Street and several drainage issues. He discussed the K.U. Urban Planning and involving their students to look at a landscaping project in front of F.S.C.C. between 18th and 23rd Street on Horton. Fort Scott Forward continues to be held the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:45 a.m. at the River Room Event Center. Jeremy said that the Fort Scott Barber Shop gave out vouchers to all City employees which was a very nice gesture.

Pete mentioned that he and Jeremy were looking at drainage issues in front of the donut shop on National and a lady wanted to be introduced to Jeremy and stopped by. She came back later with a long john for each of them.

Appearances:

Alison Leach – Monarch Habitat – Alison asked to be removed from the agenda as she is not prepared to address the Commission on this issue yet).

Street Advisory Board Presentation – Brian Allen, Board Member of the Street Advisory Board, informed the Commission that their board met on May 13th, 2021 and went over several streets in dire need of repair. Their recommendation for 2022 is as follows:

Broadway Street Wall to Charles Asphalt Street

Crawford Street 3rd to Wall Street Brick Street

Crescent-Archer-Linden Asphalt Street

East 10th Street to Railroad Tracks Asphalt/Concrete

Main Street 6th To Skubitz Brick

Kevin also mentioned using inmates to assist with street repair. This program had been closed down due to Covid.

The Commission thanked the Street Advisory Board for their hard work in the recommendation of these streets.

City Attorney recommended have a resolution put together to adopt these streets for the next meeting.

Director Reports: None

Old Business: None

Public Hearings: 6:15 p.m. Vacation of platted alley located between Lots 1-7, Block 2 and Lots 1-10, Block 1, Pratel Addition, and the platted alley between Lots 1-5, Block 2, and Lots 6, 7, & 9, Block 2, Pratel Addition, more commonly known as north of 0 N. Crawford.

L. Watts moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:49 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:49 P.M.

Allyson Turvey informed the Commission that Zach Bradley has requested that the two platted alleys located near his business be vacated. He owns the property all around this area. He is going to be putting his cattle washout business in this area. Zach has gotten the property rezoned and has obtained his licenses from the State of Kansas that are needed for his business.

Kevin asked for any comments from the audience.

Ryan Collier said that he owns the blue building across from this property. He said he is concerned about the smell as well as what chemicals will be put into our water source into the Marmaton River.

Ally said that he has obtained all his permits from the State of Kansas.

R. Nichols moved to approve Ordinance No. 3584 vacating the two alleys. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED VACATION OF THE PLATTED ALLEY BETWEEN LOTS 1-7, BLOCK 2, AND LOTS 1-10, BLOCK 1, PRATEL ADDITION AND THE PLATTED ALLEY BETWEEN LOTS 1-5, BLOCK 2, AND LOTS 6, 7, & 9, BLOCK 2, PRATEL ADDITION AND APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3584 ADOPTING THE VACATING OF THE ALLEYS.

R. Nichols moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:55 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:55 P.M.

New Business:

  1. Consideration of change in zoning from R-1 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) for the property at 124 S. Judson Street – Approval of Ordinance No. 3581 – Ally Turvey informed the Commission that the Fort Scott Planning Commission met on May 10th and heard this case to change the zoning from Residential to Commercial. The plan for the property is to be an accounting agency on the lower floor and an apartment upstairs. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this zoning change.

R. Nichols moved to approve the zoning change and approved Ordinance No. 3581. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3581 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973, SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM R-1 (RESIDENTIAL) TO C-1 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 124 SOUTH JUDSON STREET.

  1. Consideration of change in zoning from R-1 (Residential) to I-1 (Industrial) for the property at 310 N. National Avenue – Approval of Ordinance No. 3582 – Ally informed the Commission that the Fort Scott Planning Commission met on May 10th and heard this case to change the zoning from Residential to Industrial. This property consists of 1.6 acres and the owner would like to manufacture wood pallets. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this zoning change.

R. Nichols moved to approve the zoning change and approved Ordinance No. 3582. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3582 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973, SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM R-1 (RESIDENTIAL) TO I-1 (INDUSTRIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 310 N. NATIONAL AVENUE.

  1. Consideration of change in zoning from A-G (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use) for the property at 2127 Jayhawk Road – Approval of Ordinance No. 3583 – Ally said that the Fort Scott Planning Commission met on May 10th and heard this case to change the zoning from Agricultural to Mixed Use. The proposed use for the property was to build a garage and allow mechanical work to be completed there. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denying this zoning change due to the fact that they want to leave their neighborhoods as a residential area. You have heard from a couple of people already about this zoning change.

Kevin informed Mr. Brackett to contact Ally and see if there is another location for his proposed mechanic garage.

R. Nichols moved to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and deny the zoning change from AG (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use). All voted aye.

approved to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and deny the zoning change from AG (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use) for the property at 2127 jayhawk road.

  1. Discussion of 2021 Contract Mowing Bid Award – Ally sent an email last Friday to the City Commission asking that the mowing contract that was awarded to Justin Uhler be rescinded and offered to the next bidder which is Doug Miller. She is greatly concerned by the growing number of properties which have not been mowed. As of Friday, there were 156 properties to be mowed and only 27 had been turned in that had been mowed. She did speak to Justin Uhler who told her that the property owners had mowed some of the properties, but all of the properties have not been mowed. There are over 120 properties to be mowed. A copy of the bid tabulation as well as the bid request is included in the packet. She knows there was a lot of rain lately. She shared data of precipitation over the month of May. The City is receiving a lot of phone calls about the high grass. There is a procedure that has to be followed and the grass has to be 8” in height. The property owner is notified one time, and then the City mows the lot.

Ryan Collier said that he helps Justin Uhler with mowing. They didn’t get the list until May 7th. He said that he made a phone call to Ally about the tall grass at the City building to the east of him. He said they were dealt a bad hand to start with.

Ally said that the bid was approved long before May 7th. The first round of letters went out April 26th.

Mr. Collier also mentioned the amount of brush and trash on the properties and that they don’t have time to mow and pick up all the brush and debris on the property.

Justin said that every Monday he meets with Lyle. He said that some of these yards are taking three and four hours to mow due to the height of the grass.

Kevin stated that he thinks they deserve some time to prove themselves before the contract is moved to another bidder. He thinks they deserve another couple of weeks to prove themselves.

  1. Memorandum of Understanding – Bradley – signage – Ally informed the Commission that Zach Bradley is working to establish a new business, which is a cattle washout site. Due to the location of his property, he is requesting that the City allow him to place a business sign on City owned property located on Pratel Street near National Avenue. If approved, Mr. Bradley will sign a Memorandum of Understanding stating he is responsible for the sign.

City Attorney said that he saw this when he returned to the office on Tuesday. He said that he is not opposed to this, but allowing private use of public property could open a lot of issues. He asked the Commission to table this at this time since the business isn’t open yet. One of the issues is allowing this and what limitations you will allow and setting a precedence. He will do some research on this.

R. Nichols moved to table this item at this time. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AT THIS TIME.

 

  1. Consideration and Award of Bid – Pest Control – City Manager said that bids were sent out for the consideration and award of Pest Control spraying at nine (9) City facilities. There were three bids received with the low bid from Springfield, Missouri in the amount of $475.00 monthly, Quality Pest Control of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $480.00, and Ashcraft Pest Control (local company) in the amount of $500.00 per month. Approval for the local company, Ashcraft Pest Control, is recommended as it is within the 7% range. This is a three year contract.

R. Nichols moved to approve the bid from Ashcraft Pest Control in the amount of $500.00 per month for pest control spraying at City facilities. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

approved the bid from Ashcraft Pest Control in the amount of $500.00 per month for pest control spraying at City facilities. this is a three year contract.

  1. Consideration and Award of Bid – Sanitation Service – Kevin said that bids were sent out for the pickup of sanitation at all City locations. There were three bids received with the low bid from 4 State Sanitation in the amount of $1,105.00 monthly, Short’s Trash Service of Frontenac, Kansas in the amount of $1,240.98; and GFL Environmental, Inc. of Lebanon, Missouri in the amount of $1,336.00. Approval for the local bid with 4 States Sanitation is recommended. This is a three year contract.

Cheryl Zimmerman of Short’s Trash Service thanked the Commission for allowing them to bid on this service.

P. Allen moved to approve the low bid from 4 State Sanitation of Fort Scott in the amount of $1,105.00. L. Watt seconded. All voted aye.

approved the low bid from 4 State Sanitation of Fort Scott in the amount of $1,105.00. This is a three year contract.

K. Allen left the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

  1. Consideration and Award of Bid – Port-A-Potty Service – R. Nichols said that bids were sent out for port-a-potty service in the City of Fort Scott. There were two bids received with Skitch’s, Inc at a cost of $390.00 and a bid from Mid-America Sanitation at a cost of $1,365.00 on a weekly basis. Approval for the bid from Skitch’s, Inc. is recommended.

L. Watts moved to approve the bid from Skitch’s, Inc. for port-a-potty service in the City of Fort Scott. This is a three year contract. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

approved the bid from Skitch’s, Inc. for port-a-potty service in the City of Fort Scott. This is a three year contract.

K. Allen returned to the meeting at 7:42 p.m.

  1. Consideration to Bid Mill and Overlay Horton Street – 6th to 8th – City Manager asked the Commission if they would like to go out for bid for the mill and overlay of Horton Street between 6th and 8th Street.

Bill Lemke said that they hope to go out for bid and mill off 4” and lay 4” of asphalt down. The street has a lot of problems. Some could be old asphalt and some could be base issues. He asked to send this out for bid.

Kevin asked if the bid included the City would maintain all the millings.

Bill said yes. Some contractors may want to use a portion of those millings back into their process, but they can discuss that.

Pete said that it costs $4.65 for a yard and a half. How much will it cost for 4” of milling.

Bill said that before, when the street was worked on, only 2” was milled off.

Discussion was held on core drilling the street to see the base.

Pete said it was a simple process to dig a hole and look at the base and we can do that ourselves.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Nothing to report.

R. Nichols – Remarked that the mural under the bridge at Riverfront is remarkable.

Said at the next meeting he would like an update on Smart Growth and how it relates to economic development.

P. Allen – Said that he appreciates all that the City Commission has done recently. He stated that Bob keeps us in pocket and out of trouble. He appreciates Jeremy’s assistance. He also said that he thinks we are headed in the right direction and working hard for the people in this community.

K. Allen – Thanked Stephen Toal for the beautiful murals he has recently painted in Fort Scott.

J. Jones – Not present.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Nothing to report.

Adjournment:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:02 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Minutes of June 1st, 2021 Regular Meeting #11

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 1st, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners P. Allen, and R. Nichols were present with President of the Commission K. Allen presiding. L. Watts connected by Zoom. J. Jones was absent.

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

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Russell Lingerfelt, Jason Dickman, Bill Meyer, Paul Martin, Ann Rawlins, David Stuart, Jon Eden, Cheryl Zimmerman, Matt Zimmerman, Zach Bradley, Ryan Collier, Justin Uhler, James Brackett, Bill Lemke, Dave Bruner, Steve Mason, Janice Allen, and Allyson Turvey.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Navy Fireman 3rd Class William L. Barnett Proclamation – President of the Commission, Kevin Allen, read a Proclamation proclaiming May 29th, 2021 as William L. Barnett Day in the City of Fort Scott.

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 18th, 2021 and special meeting of May 25th, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1289-A totaling $325,700.29.

  1. Request to Pay #2 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $100,429

  1. Request to Pay – Insco Industries – Pool Brush Blasting & Repainting – Aquatic Center

Original Contract $32,750.00

Change Order #1 $ 925.00

Change Order #2 $ 600.00

Change Order #3 $ 45.00

Total $34,320.00

Dave Bruner shared photos of the pool brush blasting and repainting repair that was completed at the Aquatic Center.

K. Allen moved to approve the Consent Agenda. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts and K. Allen voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Bob Farmer, City Attorney, informed the Commission that he wished to address the May 25th, 2021, City Commission minutes. He said he was not in attendance at that meeting. He said that you accepted a letter from Mr. Hoyt and printed it verbatim in your minutes as if it was the City. He has two problems with this. One is it was a special meeting and it was completely off task. The other is probably more important in his opinion, but we are in the middle of litigation. There is a lot of things in that letter that are opinions. We need to stay away from other people’s opinions. They are not our opinions. They are not our official anything. To recognize those, puts the City at risk. We don’t get in the middle of opinions on litigation issues. His suggestion would be that that be removed from those minutes.

R. Nichols moved to modify the Consent Agenda and remove those comments from Mr. Hoyt in the May 25th, 2021 special meeting minutes. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and K. Allen voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried.

Approved to modify the Consent Agenda and remove those comments from Mr. Hoyt in the May 25th, 2021 special meeting minutes.

Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

Bill Meyer – Mr. Meyer said he was here to speak in favor of the Planning Commission’s decision not to rezone the property at 2127 Jayhawk from AG (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use). He shared photos of his property and his back yard which butts up against the golf course. He lives at 14 Golfview Drive. They want to put a 50’ X 40’ structure in that area. This is a nice residential area that was annexed into the City and the residents do not want this commercial business in their neighborhood. He shared another photo of 2087 18th Street which is an automotive repair shop with lots of vehicles stored there. They do not want that in their neighborhood. At the Planning Commission meeting, there were numerous Golfview residents there who spoke in opposition to this zoning change. He asked them to do the same so they can maintain their residential neighborhood.

James Brackett – Mr. Brackett said that his son has lived here for several years and he recently retired in July of 2020 and moved here. They would like to open a small auto repair shop at their location, so he approached Ally and asked her how to go about to get the property rezoned. He asked for their consideration in the rezoning of this property.

City Manager Report and Comments: Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that the City is wrapping up its efforts to start the demolition process of abandoned homes. It can take up to 90 days before the work can begin. Letters have been sent out with a deadline. He had a list of seven properties that he gave the Commission a list of. Lyle and Ally have been working hard on this process. There is a $50,000 budget for demolitions.

Kevin asked about the County and the demolition landfill fees.

Jeremy said that we are waiting on the County Attorney. Jeremy said that Susan is working hard on budgets and meeting with Directors. He has been working with the City engineer and working on several projects such as Cooper Street and several drainage issues. He discussed the K.U. Urban Planning and involving their students to look at a landscaping project in front of F.S.C.C. between 18th and 23rd Street on Horton. Fort Scott Forward continues to be held the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:45 a.m. at the River Room Event Center. Jeremy said that the Fort Scott Barber Shop gave out vouchers to all City employees which was a very nice gesture.

Pete mentioned that he and Jeremy were looking at drainage issues in front of the donut shop on National and a lady wanted to be introduced to Jeremy and stopped by. She came back later with a long john for each of them.

Appearances:

Alison Leach – Monarch Habitat – Alison asked to be removed from the agenda as she is not prepared to address the Commission on this issue yet).

Street Advisory Board Presentation – Brian Allen, Board Member of the Street Advisory Board, informed the Commission that their board met on May 13th, 2021 and went over several streets in dire need of repair. Their recommendation for 2022 is as follows:

Broadway Street Wall to Charles Asphalt Street

Crawford Street 3rd to Wall Street Brick Street

Crescent-Archer-Linden Asphalt Street

East 10th Street to Railroad Tracks Asphalt/Concrete

Main Street 6th To Skubitz Brick

Kevin also mentioned using inmates to assist with street repair. This program had been closed down due to Covid.

The Commission thanked the Street Advisory Board for their hard work in the recommendation of these streets.

City Attorney recommended have a resolution put together to adopt these streets for the next meeting.

Director Reports: None

Old Business: None

Public Hearings: 6:15 p.m. Vacation of platted alley located between Lots 1-7, Block 2 and Lots 1-10, Block 1, Pratel Addition, and the platted alley between Lots 1-5, Block 2, and Lots 6, 7, & 9, Block 2, Pratel Addition, more commonly known as north of 0 N. Crawford.

L. Watts moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:49 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:49 P.M.

Allyson Turvey informed the Commission that Zach Bradley has requested that the two platted alleys located near his business be vacated. He owns the property all around this area. He is going to be putting his cattle washout business in this area. Zach has gotten the property rezoned and has obtained his licenses from the State of Kansas that are needed for his business.

Kevin asked for any comments from the audience.

Ryan Collier said that he owns the blue building across from this property. He said he is concerned about the smell as well as what chemicals will be put into our water source into the Marmaton River.

Ally said that he has obtained all his permits from the State of Kansas.

R. Nichols moved to approve Ordinance No. 3584 vacating the two alleys. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED VACATION OF THE PLATTED ALLEY BETWEEN LOTS 1-7, BLOCK 2, AND LOTS 1-10, BLOCK 1, PRATEL ADDITION AND THE PLATTED ALLEY BETWEEN LOTS 1-5, BLOCK 2, AND LOTS 6, 7, & 9, BLOCK 2, PRATEL ADDITION AND APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3584 ADOPTING THE VACATING OF THE ALLEYS.

R. Nichols moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:55 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:55 P.M.

New Business:

  1. Consideration of change in zoning from R-1 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) for the property at 124 S. Judson Street – Approval of Ordinance No. 3581 – Ally Turvey informed the Commission that the Fort Scott Planning Commission met on May 10th and heard this case to change the zoning from Residential to Commercial. The plan for the property is to be an accounting agency on the lower floor and an apartment upstairs. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this zoning change.

R. Nichols moved to approve the zoning change and approved Ordinance No. 3581. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3581 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973, SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM R-1 (RESIDENTIAL) TO C-1 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 124 SOUTH JUDSON STREET.

  1. Consideration of change in zoning from R-1 (Residential) to I-1 (Industrial) for the property at 310 N. National Avenue – Approval of Ordinance No. 3582 – Ally informed the Commission that the Fort Scott Planning Commission met on May 10th and heard this case to change the zoning from Residential to Industrial. This property consists of 1.6 acres and the owner would like to manufacture wood pallets. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this zoning change.

R. Nichols moved to approve the zoning change and approved Ordinance No. 3582. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3582 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973, SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM R-1 (RESIDENTIAL) TO I-1 (INDUSTRIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 310 N. NATIONAL AVENUE.

  1. Consideration of change in zoning from A-G (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use) for the property at 2127 Jayhawk Road – Approval of Ordinance No. 3583 – Ally said that the Fort Scott Planning Commission met on May 10th and heard this case to change the zoning from Agricultural to Mixed Use. The proposed use for the property was to build a garage and allow mechanical work to be completed there. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denying this zoning change due to the fact that they want to leave their neighborhoods as a residential area. You have heard from a couple of people already about this zoning change.

Kevin informed Mr. Brackett to contact Ally and see if there is another location for his proposed mechanic garage.

R. Nichols moved to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and deny the zoning change from AG (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use). All voted aye.

approved to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and deny the zoning change from AG (Agricultural) to M-U (Mixed Use) for the property at 2127 jayhawk road.

  1. Discussion of 2021 Contract Mowing Bid Award – Ally sent an email last Friday to the City Commission asking that the mowing contract that was awarded to Justin Uhler be rescinded and offered to the next bidder which is Doug Miller. She is greatly concerned by the growing number of properties which have not been mowed. As of Friday, there were 156 properties to be mowed and only 27 had been turned in that had been mowed. She did speak to Justin Uhler who told her that the property owners had mowed some of the properties, but all of the properties have not been mowed. There are over 120 properties to be mowed. A copy of the bid tabulation as well as the bid request is included in the packet. She knows there was a lot of rain lately. She shared data of precipitation over the month of May. The City is receiving a lot of phone calls about the high grass. There is a procedure that has to be followed and the grass has to be 8” in height. The property owner is notified one time, and then the City mows the lot.

Ryan Collier said that he helps Justin Uhler with mowing. They didn’t get the list until May 7th. He said that he made a phone call to Ally about the tall grass at the City building to the east of him. He said they were dealt a bad hand to start with.

Ally said that the bid was approved long before May 7th. The first round of letters went out April 26th.

Mr. Collier also mentioned the amount of brush and trash on the properties and that they don’t have time to mow and pick up all the brush and debris on the property.

Justin said that every Monday he meets with Lyle. He said that some of these yards are taking three and four hours to mow due to the height of the grass.

Kevin stated that he thinks they deserve some time to prove themselves before the contract is moved to another bidder. He thinks they deserve another couple of weeks to prove themselves.

  1. Memorandum of Understanding – Bradley – signage – Ally informed the Commission that Zach Bradley is working to establish a new business, which is a cattle washout site. Due to the location of his property, he is requesting that the City allow him to place a business sign on City owned property located on Pratel Street near National Avenue. If approved, Mr. Bradley will sign a Memorandum of Understanding stating he is responsible for the sign.

City Attorney said that he saw this when he returned to the office on Tuesday. He said that he is not opposed to this, but allowing private use of public property could open a lot of issues. He asked the Commission to table this at this time since the business isn’t open yet. One of the issues is allowing this and what limitations you will allow and setting a precedence. He will do some research on this.

R. Nichols moved to table this item at this time. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AT THIS TIME.

 

  1. Consideration and Award of Bid – Pest Control – City Manager said that bids were sent out for the consideration and award of Pest Control spraying at nine (9) City facilities. There were three bids received with the low bid from Springfield, Missouri in the amount of $475.00 monthly, Quality Pest Control of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $480.00, and Ashcraft Pest Control (local company) in the amount of $500.00 per month. Approval for the local company, Ashcraft Pest Control, is recommended as it is within the 7% range. This is a three year contract.

R. Nichols moved to approve the bid from Ashcraft Pest Control in the amount of $500.00 per month for pest control spraying at City facilities. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

approved the bid from Ashcraft Pest Control in the amount of $500.00 per month for pest control spraying at City facilities. this is a three year contract.

  1. Consideration and Award of Bid – Sanitation Service – Kevin said that bids were sent out for the pickup of sanitation at all City locations. There were three bids received with the low bid from 4 State Sanitation in the amount of $1,105.00 monthly, Short’s Trash Service of Frontenac, Kansas in the amount of $1,240.98; and GFL Environmental, Inc. of Lebanon, Missouri in the amount of $1,336.00. Approval for the local bid with 4 States Sanitation is recommended. This is a three year contract.

Cheryl Zimmerman of Short’s Trash Service thanked the Commission for allowing them to bid on this service.

P. Allen moved to approve the low bid from 4 State Sanitation of Fort Scott in the amount of $1,105.00. L. Watt seconded. All voted aye.

approved the low bid from 4 State Sanitation of Fort Scott in the amount of $1,105.00. This is a three year contract.

K. Allen left the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

  1. Consideration and Award of Bid – Port-A-Potty Service – R. Nichols said that bids were sent out for port-a-potty service in the City of Fort Scott. There were two bids received with Skitch’s, Inc at a cost of $390.00 and a bid from Mid-America Sanitation at a cost of $1,365.00 on a weekly basis. Approval for the bid from Skitch’s, Inc. is recommended.

L. Watts moved to approve the bid from Skitch’s, Inc. for port-a-potty service in the City of Fort Scott. This is a three year contract. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

approved the bid from Skitch’s, Inc. for port-a-potty service in the City of Fort Scott. This is a three year contract.

K. Allen returned to the meeting at 7:42 p.m.

  1. Consideration to Bid Mill and Overlay Horton Street – 6th to 8th – City Manager asked the Commission if they would like to go out for bid for the mill and overlay of Horton Street between 6th and 8th Street.

Bill Lemke said that they hope to go out for bid and mill off 4” and lay 4” of asphalt down. The street has a lot of problems. Some could be old asphalt and some could be base issues. He asked to send this out for bid.

Kevin asked if the bid included the City would maintain all the millings.

Bill said yes. Some contractors may want to use a portion of those millings back into their process, but they can discuss that.

Pete said that it costs $4.65 for a yard and a half. How much will it cost for 4” of milling.

Bill said that before, when the street was worked on, only 2” was milled off.

Discussion was held on core drilling the street to see the base.

Pete said it was a simple process to dig a hole and look at the base and we can do that ourselves.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Nothing to report.

R. Nichols – Remarked that the mural under the bridge at Riverfront is remarkable.

Said at the next meeting he would like an update on Smart Growth and how it relates to economic development.

P. Allen – Said that he appreciates all that the City Commission has done recently. He stated that Bob keeps us in pocket and out of trouble. He appreciates Jeremy’s assistance. He also said that he thinks we are headed in the right direction and working hard for the people in this community.

K. Allen – Thanked Stephen Toal for the beautiful murals he has recently painted in Fort Scott.

J. Jones – Not present.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Nothing to report.

Adjournment:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:02 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk