Monthly Archives: July 2021

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Health Care

Unvaccinated Individuals Comprise 90% of New COVID Cases In The Region

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CHC/SEK requests patients to wear masks in clinics

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas clinics are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases and is reminding all patients to wear a mask during their clinic visits. Masks are also available for patients who need them. 

COVID-19 testing is also available at all locations, and patients are asked to call ahead to their local clinic and request a test, and to remain in their cars for testing. 

Unvaccinated individuals have comprised about 90% of the new cases, 95% of hospitalizations, and 98% of virus-related deaths in our region, according to CHC/SEK Chief Medical Officer Linda Bean D.O.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 continues to be the best way to protect yourself and others from serious or long-term effects of the virus,” Bean says.  “CHC/SEK has now given over 40,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine which has shown to be safe and effective protection from the virus.”

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all CHC/SEK clinics for anyone age 12 and older. People can walk-in or can request an appointment by calling their local CHC/SEK clinic or by going online at https://chcsek.org/getmyshot/

At this time the current vaccines appear to be effective against the variant Delta strains of COVID-19 which is more transmissible and can cause more significant illness in younger patients.

Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Art Offerings For Children

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Happy Snappy Art offers five different paintings reflecting a weekly theme for children.
“Our upcoming Kids theme will be ‘Down on the Farm’,” said Judy Earp, Happy Snappy Art.  “We will paint country scenes and farm animals while learning new techniques and having fun.”
“The Teen Art Camp theme will be ‘French Impressionist Painting’,” she said.  “We will paint five different paintings inspired by the Impressionists. We will even paint our own version of Monet’s Garden.”
Church news, Fort Scott

Christopher Eshelman is the New First United Methodist Pastor

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Christopher and Robin Eshelman. Submitted photo.

Rev. Christopher Eshelman, 53, is the new pastor at First United Methodist  Church in Fort Scott as of July 1.

“People can call me Pastor Christopher, some have been known to shorten that to Pastopher,” he said.

He has been a pastor for 14 years, and prior to that worked in small businesses in Wichita.

“I attended Wichita State (University), earning a bachelor of arts in sociology with a minor in political science in 1991,” he said. “My Master of Divintiy was earned in 2011 from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. My wife Robin and I met at WSU and she has degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, recently accepting a job with USD 257 in Iola.”

Wichita is his hometown.

“My parents were Lutheran and Catholic,” he said.  “I was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran in Wichita – but after my parents’ divorce, mom took my brother and I to St. Albans, a ‘high rite’ Episcopalian congregation,” he said.

He then did catechism in the Roman Catholic Church as a child, “but found I had too many disagreements and questions to continue,” he said.

His wife Robin had ” basically dragged” him to a University United Methodist Church Disciple Bible Study.

Midway through the study, the leader retired and Eshelman accepted the leader position.

Not long after that, he was offered a staff position at a Methodist church that he had wandered away from.

He was now in charge of creating the classes that he used to refuse to go to, he said.

“After a lifetime of wandering, I found a home in Wesleyan theology with its emphasis on therapeutic grace – and then was sent forth to share what I’d found with others,” he said.

“As I continued to grow in faith and understanding, the path to seminary, ordination, and serving as a pastor became more and more clear,” he said. “In the United Methodist Church, we believe pastors are both called by God and sent by congregations – and that has certainly been my experience. God’s grace has transformed my life and it is my honor to share that with others.”

Rev. Gayla Rapp was a key influence in his life.

“She accepted my (sometimes imprudent) questions and often responded by handing me a book, then we’d discuss it after I’d read it,” he said. “She helped me deepen my spiritual and religious journey – without imposing answers.”

Other mentors include Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, Rev. Barry Dundas, Rev. Cindy Watson, Revs. Howard West and Terry Murray and many, many others, he said.

“We Christians hold that Jesus is fully human and fully God…and is transcendent,” he said. “We hold that we are to become like Christ. Exactly when would we be done growing?…  We always have something new to learn.”

“I love connecting people more deeply with scripture, rituals, and spiritual practices,” he said.  “A personal motto is ‘Find your path… share your journey.’ It is so fun to see a light go on in someone’s eyes as they make a connection, deepen a relationship or even develop a new question that draws them further along their own path!”

This past year with the COVID Pandemic has been by far the most difficult in his career, he said.

“Trying to make decisions to keep people safe, while continuing community has been extremely taxing,” he said.

“Beyond that, people are sometimes all too human – but I often say ‘Jesus hasn’t given up on me, so I’m not allowed to give up on anyone else.'”

He is an avid reader and listens to a wide variety of music,  especially rock and jazz;  is a huge soccer fan, following teams in several leagues and countries; enjoys writing icons (in the Eastern Orthodox tradition) and also enjoys walking labyrinths as a spiritual practice.

“I’m eager to set one up here in Fort Scott and share that ancient tradition with more people,” he said.

In the past, he has served as the president of the Pretty Prairie Community Association and looks forward to getting to know Fort Scott and finding places he and his wife can contribute to building up the community.

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

Times of church services:
Worship- 10:30 a.m. each Sunday,  Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.

The church hosts “Feeding Families in His Name” each Wednesday evening. “It is open to everyone and you are invited!” he said.

For more information phone (316) 833-4974 or email[email protected]

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert Features the Apostolic Christian Church

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
The program for this week’s Friday Night Concert in the park will be presented by the Apostolic Christian Church. The music will feature a concert of hymns and gospel songs in a variety of stylings.
Concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said, “The vocalists
represent all ages and excel in their close harmony and exuberant presentation.  This local church group is a crowd favorite and we are pleased to welcome them to the park pavilion.”
The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public.  Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited.
In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall Street.
Art, Bourbon County

Art Is Therapy For Toal

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Stephen Toal stands in front of a mural he recently created at Riverfront Park. Submitted photo.

Stephen Toal has been clean and sober for three years now from alcohol addiction.

Toal has been busy creating artistic murals in parks in Fort Scott.

This spring he painted a mural under the big rock shelter house at Gunn Park, painting over graffiti.

This summer he is working on murals at Riverfront Park.

Murals by Stephen Toal that are on the Hwy. 69 overpass in Riverfront Park. Submitted photo.

“Art is a big part of my recovery,” he said. “I think by doing these it helps me and also the community and will hopefully start bringing in more people at the park.”

Art helps him to focus, “When I am doing art, I am in my own zone,” he said.

Toal started focusing on art when he needed to change his life.

He was encouraged to pursue art by a counselor.

“When I went to rehab, a counselor asked me what I like to do,” he said. “I liked to draw. I got into art. I feel that is what I am meant to be.”

“I do photography as well,” Toal said. “I do five to six different art mediums.”

“I really enjoy the outdoor painting,” he said. “I think by painting the murals it’s bringing the community together and showing others the power of art.”

“There will be more (art)to come,” Toal said. ” I am starting on the inside of the tunnel (at Riverfront Park). The tunnel mural is going to be about Fort Scott and Kansas mixed in. I’m currently still doing some research on old businesses here and people that influenced Fort Scott. I am working on the design. And will possibly collaborate with other local artists.”

He does the community art projects for free.

“I don’t like getting into the money side,” he said. “And I have a lot of paint.”

Toalbucket was a nickname a  friend gave Toal when younger.  When he needed a logo he improvised and designed a bucket. Submitted photo.
Obituary

Obituary of Charles Lowry

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Charles A. "Russ" Lowry

Charles Arthur “Russ” Lowry, age 65, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born October 2, 1955, in Ft. Scott, the son of Charles and Shirley Ledbetter Lowry.

Russ drove a truck for Arrow Trucking for many years. He was an avid photographer in his younger days.

Survivors include his brothers, Steven Lowry, Ft. Scott, and Louis Christopher Lowry, CA; five sisters, Jamie Hemphill, Ft. Scott, Artricia Lowry, Ft. Scott, Judy Whitchurch and husband Dick, Bartlesville, OK, Rita Lynch, Bartlesville, OK, and Yvonne Fiegener, Bartlesville, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Gladys Barnes, and infant Cindy Lou Lowry; a brother, Donald Ray Lowry; and both of his parents.

Opinion

Honey in the Rock by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

 

The first special song I remember hearing in church in the 1960s was “Mansion Over the Hilltop.” My cousin’s wife Shirley and her sister Judy sang it in perfect harmony as Shirley played her happy accordion. Another gospel song I recollect is “Honey in the Rock“ written by Frederick A. Graves, an Assembly of God minister who was healed of epilepsy. He penned, “Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious? Do you walk in the way that’s new? Have you drunk from the Living Fountain? There’s honey in the Rock for you.”

God isn’t confined to doing things that are explainable. Everybody knows there’s no honey in a rock. But Psalm 81:16 NLT states, “I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.” You can think what you want, but I believe that “honey in the rock” signifies God’s special blessings. God wants to satisfy (bless) you with extraordinary honey for the taking. Our awesome God enjoys doing unexpected and out-of-the-ordinary things for His born-again children who love and obey Him. God created us because He desired an object of love. All He wants is for us to live as we have been created — in His image.

My Mom experienced honey in the Rock when she delivered a baby girl on February 7, 1958. While praying a few years prior, she had promised the Lord that she would one day have a baby girl for Him. That was a tremendous pledge of faith because she was the last child and only girl out of thirteen children. She delivered on her promise with me.

My Dad experienced honey in the Rock on the battlefield in Germany when he spotted a watch on the ground. When he bent over to pick it up, his Army buddy standing right beside him was shot and killed. After a few minutes of somewhat recovering from this traumatic experience, he looked for the watch and discovered there was no watch.

Several years ago, my brother experienced honey in the Rock when he made his weekly jail visit. He was extremely tired and seriously considered not going; after all, there was only one inmate there. But he followed his heart rather than his feelings and, while ministering to the man, discovered that he had planned to end his life that very night if Randy had not come. Both men’s lives were forever changed.

When my late husband was about 14 years old, he experienced honey in the Rock when he mounted Dynamite. That nutsy unbroken colt dragged his leg down a barbed-wire fence while running full speed. Concerned Jimmy would bleed to death before the ambulance arrived, his mother drove him to the hospital. The emergency surgery was successful and he was dismissed later that night. The family was greatly impacted and deeply grateful for God’s divine participation.

I experienced honey in the Rock the day I was driving on a hilly Missouri road between Cane Hill and Bona. I topped a hill and met a tractor-trailer rig more than hugging the center line. With no shoulder for extra room and no time to think, I jerked the wheel with uncanny precision to avoid a collision. After that close encounter of the scary kind, I realized an angel had most certainly taken control of the steering wheel.

The Key: God is your Rock and He has more honey than you can shake a stick at.

Uncategorized

FS Commission Agenda For July 6

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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
JULY 6, 2021
5:15 P.M

  1. 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:

A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 15th, 2021, special meeting of June 17th, 2021 and special meeting of June 22nd, 2021.

B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1291-A totaling $555,302.20.

C. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $36,476.00 – Rejuvenator Application – National Avenue

D. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $24,684.00 – Crack Sealing – National Avenue

  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. Old Business:

  1. Public Hearing: 6:15 p.m. Vacation of Durkee Street and Approval of Utility Easement for the North 50’ of Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 & 28, Block 4, Durkee & Stout Addition

  1. Appearances:

Jody Hoener – Bottle Filling Stations Presentation

Rob Harrington, Bedco Presentation

  1. New Business:

  1. Discussion and Approval of St. Martin’s Sewer Agreement

  2. Cooper Street Right-of-Way Easements

  3. Request approval to bid out Directional Drilling of Water Pipe

  4. Request approval to bid out Sanitary/Storm Sewer Line Deep Repairs

  5. Request approval to bid out Cooper Street project (Plans available at City Hall – link:

https://earlesengineering.sharefile.com/dsca64eac8d8584b4094c5b45ce3d4572f

  1. Request approval to bid out Union Block Alley

  2. Request to bid out Horton Street 6th to 8th – (mill and overlay)

  3. Discussion of sale of First Source Building

  4. Discussion of sale of lake lots (deed restrictions, covenants, etc.)

  5. Discussion of moving City Hall to Bourbon County Courthouse building

  6. Discussion of potential City/County shared services for Information Technology and Human Resources

  7. Discussion and request approval to bid overlay of 13th to 17th on National Avenue

  8. Discussion of feasibility study – hospital building

  9. Approval of purchase of Sewer Camera for Utilities Department

  10. Discussion of future Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep

  11. Consideration of Pay Requests – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – Port-a-Potties

April 2021 $2,267.20

May 2021 $2,536.00

June 2021 $2,640.00

  1. Discussion of Golf Course Ordinance

XII. Reports and Comments:

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

XIV. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Minutes of June 22

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of June 22nd, 2021 Special Meeting #13

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 22nd, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding. Kevin Allen arrived at

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Tim VanHoecke, Clifton Beth, Rob Harrington, Michael Miles, Dave Bruner, Bill Lemke, Rachel Pruitt, and Michael Hoyt.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Discharge of Fireworks Ordinance – Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that the current ordinance now just shows that the City has adopted the International Fire Code, but is not specific about dates and times that fireworks can be shot off. This Ordinance states that fireworks can be shot off between June 27th, 2021, and July 4th during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and on July 4th from 7:00 a.m. till 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on July 4th, 2021. This Ordinance also states where it is illegal to discharge the fireworks.

L. Watts moved to approve Ordinance No. 3585. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3585 ADOPTING THE DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS AND ADDING SECTION 15.020.025 IN THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.

  1. Consideration to purchase S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader from K.C. Bobcat, Olathe, Kansas in the amount of $45,849.50 – Bill Lemke, Interim Public Works Director, informed the Commission that at the June 15th, 2021, meeting the Commission approved authorizing up to $40,000 to purchase a used skid loader. He is asking the Commission to reconsider that decision as he has found a S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader at the government state price of $45,849.50 from K.C. Bobcat of Olathe, Kansas. This is a brand new machine that will come with a 2,000 hour or two year warranty. The difference between the new and used machine is about $6,000 for the warranty.

R. Nichols moved to approve to purchase the S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader from K.C. Bobcat in the amount of $45,849.50. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

approved to purchase the S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader from K.C. Bobcat in the amount of $45,849.50.

  1. Executive Session regarding the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) for the purpose of contractual arrangements. The Executive Session will include the City Commission, City Manager, Clifton Beth, and Rob Harrington. The open meeting will resume at 5:45 p.m.

J. Jones made the motion to recess into Executive Session. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones moved to come out of Executive Session at 5:45 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:46 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:46 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Minutes of June 17

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of June 17th, 2021 Special Meeting #12

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 17th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Michael Hoyt

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Executive Session –

L. Watts moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) and attorney client-privilege in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 5:45 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Attorney.

L. Watts moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 5:45 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

L. Watts moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 5:55 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Attorney.

L. Watts moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 5:55 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

L. Watts moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Attorney.

R. Nichols moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:02 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:02 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Minutes of June 15

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of June 15th, 2021 Regular Meeting #12

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 15th, 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 K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Jones presiding.

INVOCATION: Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, 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 Lemke, Michael Hoyt, Bob Reed, Traci Reed, Tom Coffman, Stewart Gulager, Tim VanHoecke, Steve Anthony, Rob Harrington, Nancy Maze, and Allyson Turvey. Susan Bancroft was present via telephone.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Mayor Jones asked that Item #E – Teresa Ahmadi – Request to Pay – be added to the Consent Agenda in the amount of $398.98.

L. Watts moved to add the Request to Pay, Item #3 to Teresa Ahmadi in the amount of $398.98 to the Consent Agenda. R. Nichols seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

added the Request to Pay, Item #E FoR Teresa Ahmadi in the amount of $398.98 to the Consent Agenda.

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. May financials

  1. Teresa Ahmadi – Refund for Water Overpayment – $398.98

R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. L. Watts seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Public Comment:

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

Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt spoke in opposition to the bond issue for the Union Lofts Project and in opposition to Bob Farmer, City Attorney’s comments from the previous meeting.

City Manager Report and Comments: Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that he handed them his report and it was before them.

Engineering Firm Update: Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. gave the Commission an update on several items.

Manhole #148 (Old Faithful) – They are getting ready for the design phase of the project.

Cooper Street – This is in the final review stage and will be ready to go out for bid soon.

CDBG Sewer Project – A part of this grant submittal was due today and sent to the State. Jason said he has emailed the State and they will get back with us.

Durkee Street Vacation – They met with the property owner and determined what easement is needed. They have drawn up a drainage easement.

Appearances: Bob Reed – Street Closure Request for Bourbon County Fair – Bob Reed and Stewart Gulager appeared and requested 21st Street to 23rd Street on Huntington in front of the Bourbon County Fairgrounds be closed from July 10th through July 16th for the Bourbon County Fair to allow for foot traffic.

R. Nichols moved to approve the street closure request for the Bourbon County Fair from July 10th to July 16th for 21st Street to 23rd Street be closed to vehicle traffic. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the street closure request for the Bourbon County Fair from July 10th to July 16th for 21st Street to 23rd Street on huntington be closed to vehicle traffic.

Bob Reed also requested the City help sponsor funding for the Fair Board. The Fair Board has done a lot of work to the arena at the Fairgrounds and brought many events to town recently. He listed all the events that have occurred in the last year at the Fairgrounds. Mr. Reed said that Bourbon County allocates $10,000 to the Fair Board.

J. Jones moved to allow $5,000 to the Bourbon County Fair Board. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO DONATE $5,000 TO THE BOURBON COUNTY FAIR BOARD.

Director Reports: None

Old Business: None

Public Hearings: None

New Business:

  1. Resolution No. 8-2021 – Resolution accepting the 2022 Street recommendations from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 budget. – City Manager stated that this resolution accepts the recommendation from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 street improvements.

R. Nichols moved to approve Resolution 8-2021 accepting the 2022 Street recommendations from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 Budget. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

approved Resolution 8-2021 accepting the 2022 Street recommendations from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 Budget.

2. Consideration of Proposal – Utility Locating and Marking Services – USIC – Bill Lemke said that the Water Distribution Department is responsible for the processing of Kansas One Call Locate Tickets that are submitted by contractors and residents of Fort Scott. This involves the locating and marking of the City’s underground utility systems (water, sanitary sewer, storm drains, electrical lines, etc.). The coverage area includes the City limits, the Fort Scott Lake area, and a few placed outside the City limits which are served by City utilities. The locate request is received by the City and is required to be done within three (3) days of the receipt of the request. If it is an emergency request, it must be done within two (2) hours of receipt. In the six years prior to 2014, the City received an average of 1,000 locate requests per year. From 2015 to 2020, the average number of locates increased to 1,500 per year. As of May 31st, 2021, there have been 682 locate requests to date.

The Water Distribution manpower status for the last several years has consisted of five (5) positions which include the supervisor, crew of three individuals, and meter reader. As of this date only three of the five positions are manned. The supervisor is also serving currently as Interim Public Works Director and there is one experienced water crewman, and one experienced meter reader. The department lost one of its employees to another company and the fourth crewman is fulfilling his military duties.

The estimated costs of outsourcing the locate requests is $50,000 to $75,000 depending on the number of locates and level of service provided by the vendor. The selected vendor will have personnel experienced in locating underground utilities with the City, as well as access to our GIS mapping as needed. He recommended reviewing this contract annually for renewal or discontinuance with the department taking the locate requests back again.

Discussion was held regarding bidding this service out and seeing the costs from other vendors as well as seeing the costs of hiring a person to do this job to review the difference.

L. Watts moved to go out for bid for a utility locating and marking service and also to review the costs of hiring an employee to do this job. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID FOR A UTILTY LOCATING AND MARKING SERVICE AND ALSO TO REVIEW THE COSTS OF HIRING AN EMPLOYEE TO DO THIS JOB.

  1. Approval to purchase Four Post Vehicle Lift – Bill Lemke and Tom Coffman appeared before the Commission on this item. They said that this vehicle lift is for equipment over one ton in weight or longer than normal use. The amount of this purchase is $42,050.56 and is a budgeted item. The cost is a Sourcewell government contract price.

Discussion was held regarding the installation of two rolling jacks and if Tom could install them. Discussion was also held regarding warranty.

R. Nichols moved to approve the purchase through the government contract of a four post vehicle lift through Mohawk Lifts in the amount of $42,050.56. City Manager will have final approval regarding the installation. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

approved the purchase through the government contract of a four post vehicle lift through Mohawk Lifts in the amount of $42,050.56. city manager will have final approval regarding the installation.

  1. Approval to purchase Bobcat Track Loader – Bill Lemke said that this request is to purchase a new T76 T4 Bobcat Track Loader via the Government Contract through KC Bobcat of Olathe, Kansas in the amount of $57,801.86 and is a budgeted item. This piece of equipment would be available for use by all City departments as needed.

Discussion was held about the warranty and used versus new equipment.

Bill said that the warranty is two years or 2,000 hours.

Discussion was held regarding tracks versus wheels. Bill said that their current track loader will not currently start, and Tom is working on it.

K. Allen moved to authorize to spend up to $40,000 for a used loader and he would like to stay local if possible and be part of the process on this purchase. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO AUTHORIZE TO SPEND UP TO $40,000 FOR A USED LOADER AND STAY LOCAL IF POSSIBLE AND ALLOW KEVIN ALLEN TO BE PART OF THE PROCESS ON THIS PURCHASE.

  1. Consideration of Temporary Street Closure – July 4th – 300 Block of Coates Street Travis Shelton said that Jay Wright has requested that the 300 Block of Coates Street be closed for the shooting off of fireworks on July 4th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Discussion was held regarding if all the adjoining neighbors had been notified of the street closure. Chief Shelton will make sure that they are notified.

K. Allen moved to close the 300 block of Coates Street on July 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. to allow them to shoot off fireworks. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO close the 300 block of Coates Street on July 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. to allow them to shoot off fireworks.

  1. Consideration of Temporary Street Closure – Burke Street Parade – Block Party -Travis Shelton said that this request is for the annual Burke Street parade and closure of streets for this event. The annual Burke Street parade will be held on July 4th at 10:00 a.m. Approval to close 10th and Burke to Marblecrest and Lakin for parade route and then 10th and Burke and Lakin and Burke for Block Party.

J. Jones moved to approve to close Burke Street for the annual Burke Street Parade on July 4th and for their block party afterwards. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

approved to close Burke Street for the annual Burke Street Parade on July 4th and for their block party afterwards.

  1. Approval to bid out front staircase of Memorial Hall – Allyson Turvey said that this request is to solicit bids for the repair of the front staircase of the steps of Memorial Hall. There is an estimate of $33,000 and is a budgeted item. She said that she applied for a historical grant to replace the steps but it was not approved.

K. Allen moved to approve to go out for bids for the steps at Memorial Hall. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BIDS FOR THE STEPS AT MEMORIAL HALL.

  1. Discussion of survey of Lake Fort Scott lots and approval to record the lots – City Manager said that AG Engineering has surveyed the Lake Fort Scott lots. City Manager is asking approval to record the lots at the Courthouse in the Register of Deeds Office. This doesn’t bind the City Commission to sell, but it is required to have them recorded.

Josh asked that the Lake Advisory Board recommendations and how to proceed with the sale of the lake lots be added to the next agenda.

Kevin discussed the size of the lake lots.

Jeremy said that the northern portion was surveyed. The southern portion was omitted by him, but he went back and surveyed them. He received those survey results late today.

Kevin asked Josh about the property owner who was concerned about the property line to the north and the waterway.

Nancy Maze discussed the bluff there and the size of the lots.

Kevin said he was out there with Pete and stepped it off and thinks bigger lots will bring more money.

City Attorney said that if a person wants a bigger lot, they can buy more than one.

K. Allen made a motion to change the survey on the south to two lots with the dimensions for two lots and the other survey to be recorded at the Bourbon County Courthouse. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

approved to change the survey on the south to two lots with the dimensions for two lots and the other survey to be recorded at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

  1. Discussion of Golf Cart Ordinance – Mayor Josh Jones asked that this item be placed on the agenda. He specifically discussed the operation of golf carts on National Avenue which is prohibited in the original ordinance as well as the fact that golf carts can only be operated from sunrise to sunset. He would like to see these restrictions lifted.

Discussion was held regarding the Standard Traffic Ordinance guidelines and the 35 mph speed restriction. It was also asked who would do inspections to ensure that the lights are on the golf cart.

City Attorney said he would look at the ordinance and make necessary changes and bring back before them.

  1. Revisitation of previous discussion of mowing contract – Ally reported that as of Friday, there were 210 properties to be mowed on the mowing list given to Justin Uhler, and only 50 had been completed. It is still her recommendation to award the mowing contract to Doug Miller.

Josh said that he has been contacted by Justin Uhler who stated he cannot get a call back from the Codes Department or Ally or Jeremy.

Lots of discussion was held regarding communication between the Codes Department and Justin Uhler and that he had not been paid yet for any yards he had mowed.

J. Jones moved to table at this time until a meeting can be held with Jeremy Frazier, Ally Turvey, and Justin Uhler. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

approved to table at this time until a meeting can be held with Jeremy Frazier, Ally Turvey, and Justin Uhler.

  1. Consideration of Engineering Proposal for National Avenue Reconstruction from 13th to 17th Street. City Manager said that this proposal would provide for the final design of National Avenue reconstruction from 13th to 17th and will include milling the existing asphalt down to the original grade and remove and replace all curb and gutter and overlay with 2” of asphalt. Cost of engineering is $50,000. The total project would amount to over $1,000,000.

Discussion was held regarding this project and whether to mill from 13th to 17th down to brick on National and then overlay from 17th and National to Highway 69.

P. Allen moved to table at this time. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED AT THIS TIME.

  1. Re-discussion of Mill and Overlay of National – 13th to Highway 69 – City Manager said that this is an updated proposal from Bettis Asphalt to mill from 13th to Highway 69 and to asphalt from 17th and National to U.S. Highway 69 in the amount of $76,083.00.

Discussion was held about how long 13th to 17th on National would be down to brick.

Pete said it would be as short as possible.

P. Allen moved to approve the proposal from Bettis Asphalt in the amount of $76,083.00 to mill from 13th and National to Highway 69 and to mill and asphalt from 17th and National to Highway 69. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved the proposal from Bettis Asphalt in the amount of $76,083.00 to mill from 13th and National to Highway 69 and to mill and asphalt from 17th and National to Highway 69.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Asked about the timeline for Bettis Asphalt on National. Jeremy said that they should start on Friday of this week.

R. Nichols – Asked about the core drilling on Horton Street and if that had been completed. Bill said that they are waiting on the machine which they hope to have this week. The engineer said once the sample is received, they can evaluate it quickly.

P. Allen – Pete informed the Commission that he would like the City to purchase a curb machine. He thinks it would be an integral part of the City.

P. Allen made a motion to purchase a Gomaco curb machine. The motion died for lack of a second.

J. Jones made a motion to go out for bid for a curb and gutter machine and bring the costs back to the Commission. L. Watts seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

Approved to go out for bid for a curb and gutter machine and bring the costs back to the Commission.

Pete shared a seven (7) minute video with the Commission about his knowledge of streets and his background.

K. Allen – Kevin had a few items to address:

He asked about the campground at the lake and said it has not been mowed yet and looks terrible.

He asked about the shelter at the lake and said there is about 1” of mud inside of it and it needs cleaned and painted.

He asked about Lake Road and 195th Street and when it would be completed. Jeremy told him that Jerry Morgan had been out of the office for a couple of weeks and when he returns, it will be completed.

He asked about 2nd Street and gravel. Bill said that the skid steer was down and they are waiting on it to be repaired.

He mentioned purchasing a small road grader that could go through all the alleys and repair them.

He mentioned the waterway at Horton and Sunset by the Mike Dunn property. Bill said that this might involve some engineering assistance. Pete said that it needs a wingwall.

He asked about gravel at Shelter House #1 at Gunn Park.

J. Jones – SRO Officer Update – Josh said that he talked with Travis earlier on this and should know more in a couple of weeks.

Municipal Court Update – Josh said that he talked to Travis about this also.

Lee’s Circle Drive – He would love to see what we need to do to finish this street up completely.

City Hall Relocation – Josh said that he and Jeremy met with the County Commission, and they are possibly working on a contract between the City and the County to make this happen. He asked Jeremy to continue working on this to see if this is something that we want to happen.

First Source Building Update – Rachel reminded the Commission that this building was built with an E.D.A. grant which required the City to own the building for 20 years. It was appraised in 2017 at $961,000. She got a broker opinion recently and it came in at $850,000. She is working on getting another commercial appraisal. She has shown the building six to eight times. There is a very interested party still in the building, but an offer will not be made for probably six to eight weeks. If the Commission decides to sell the building, an R.F.P. would need to go out for a realtor.

Smart Growth Update – Jeremy said that he talked to the individual that oversees Smart Growth and asked him if he could come and present an update to the Commission. He wants to appear at one of the August work sessions and discuss Smart Growth with the Commission. This will either be in zoom or in person.

Budget Survey – Josh said that he looked over the budget survey that Ally had sent to them. There were some things in there that showed some good and bad. He mentioned a few:

Retains and attracts small business 20% favorable

Retains and expands business 15% favorable

Has a healthy economy 13% favorable

He would like to see the City Commission instruct Jeremy to enter into talks with Bedco about possibly using their services to help with some of the areas that the survey showed we need assistance with. At the next meeting, Bedco or Jeremy could present what they could offer in those areas.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Nothing to report.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing attorney/client privilege in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 9:49 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, City Manager, and City Attorney.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 9:49 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Adjournment:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:49 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 9:49 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk