Altruism by Gregg Motley

Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

Altruism

This is not a word we normally use in daily conversation, but according to Rick Boxx of Unconventional Business Network, it is one of the keys to economic success. Altruism is expressed when our actions are for the purpose of benefitting someone else or some other organization at a cost to oneself. Altruism has many benefits to businesses, communities, and individuals, according to a 2013 study by the University of Wisconsin as cited by Mr. Boxx in his daily email on February 15, 2022.

Further, Boxx references a Fast Company article that lists the benefits to companies populated by altruists. It makes sense that these giving people help fellow employees excel, work harder, and are less likely to quit their jobs. An altruistic community member will volunteer for not-for-profit work, donate money to local causes, or support the less fortunate in their neighborhoods. I loved it when several ambitious ladies on our local Chamber board organized a clean-up and spruce up of the Fort Scott historical district last year. Would anyone doubt that these activities make a community or a company better?

Our selfless actions do not have to be big; small efforts like stopping to pick up trash blowing across a parking lot or stuck to a barbed wire fence make a difference. A little over 12 years ago when I started working in Southeast Kansas, I loved it when I got the index finger wave from the top of the steering wheel of an approaching vehicle; it made me feel accepted and a part of the community. In the city, the only waves I got from other vehicles were with a different finger.

I am concerned that rural America is being overrun by a wave of selfishness. It is only natural that when a community is shrinking, resources become scarce and competition for what remains grows. Whether it is the “good old boy” hiring system, hoarding limited resources, or disrespecting the property of our neighbors, businesses and communities lose when the only person that matters is the one in the mirror.

Cities, counties, businesses, etc., all have a personality. It does not take long for one to discern if the entity they are encountering is self-centered or has the best interest of others at heart. Who wants to live in a community or work in a business that tolerates an environment of mistrust and selfishness?

Each one of us can contribute to an environment that is conducive to the economic development we need to stem the tide of population decline and rising taxes. I encourage you to decide which effort, big or small, to which you will commit your time, talent and treasure and make a difference in Bourbon County. We all need your altruism.

Agenda for FS Commission Meeting on March 1

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

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
MARCH 1, 2022
6:00 P.M.

  1. Roll Call:

P. Allen J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells K. Allen

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Mark McCoy, Project Manager

  1. Proclamations/Recognitions: Marsha Lancaster Day Proclamation

  1. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 15th, 2022, special meetings of February 16th, 2022, February 18th, 2022, and February 22nd, 2022.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1307-A totaling $232,065.68.

  1. Request to Pay – Agricultural Engineering Associates – $8,092.91 – Lake Lot Surveys

  1. Request to Pay – Agricultural Engineering Associates – $800.00 – Resurvey Lake Lots 8 & 9

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – January legal fees – $1,627.50

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – Airport Runway Rehabilitation – $26,800.00

  1. Request to Pay – Rogers & Sons Concrete, LLC – Union Lofts Alley – $83,674.00 (Final Payment)

  1. Cereal Malt Beverage Application – 212 E. 1st Street – M’axe Throw House

  1. Request to Pay #2 – Utility Maintenance Contractors – Water Treatment Plant Clarifier Project – $4,725.25

  1. Request to Pay #3 – L G Barcus & Sons, Inc. – Fort Scott Dam Improvements – $429,429.92

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – Fort Scott Phase II Dam Improvements Engineering – $23,964.82

  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. Old Business:

  1. Consideration of Bids – Manhole 148 Project (Jason Dickman)

  2. Consideration of proposed Ordinance to create business license and increase City fees.

  3. Consideration of Bourbon County Fair Board Allocation Request

  4. Consideration of Demolition Agreement Change

  5. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3603 adopting Main Trafficways

  1. Appearances: Jody Hoener & Rachel Carpenter – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Presentation

  1. Public Hearing: None

  1. New Business:

  1. Consideration to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Grant – Horton Street

  2. Consideration of increase in fees at Woodland Hills Golf Course and Aquatic Center

  3. Sale of Lake Lots 8 and 9 – Consideration of Bids

  4. Approval to accept Grant Agreement No. 22-PF-016 – $700,000 – Sanitary Sewer Grant – Approval for the Mayor to sign all pertinent documentation

  5. Consideration of CASA Allocation

  6. Consideration of purchase of two (2) police cars from Kansas Highway Patrol

  7. Discussion of adoption of proposed Special Street Maintenance Program

XII. Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

IX. Adjournment:

FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Feb. 22

Minutes are unapproved.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of February 22nd, 2022 Special Meeting #6

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 22nd, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kevin Allen presiding. Pete Allen was absent.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin, Seth Simpson (via phone), and Travis Shelton.

  1. Discussion of Airport Runway Overlay Project

T. Van Hoecke said that he had reviewed the Ward Kraft hangar agreement and this agreement lasts until 2025. On the second page of the agreement, it states that the City will maintain the apron and taxiway sufficient to support loads and stresses associated with Ward Kraft’s flight operations. He said that the City doesn’t have an option not to include this section in the project.

City Manager said that this overlay project is a $2,280,654.00 with a 90/10% match. The City match is $266,500.00. The amount to include the Ward Kraft hangar is $35,638.25 and is not included in the City match.

T. Van Hoecke moved to move forward with the F.A.A. grant and to include the Ward Kraft section of the project also. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE F.A.A. GRANT AND TO INCLUDE THE WARD KRAFT SECTION OF THE PROJECT ALSO. THIS IS A 90/10% GRANT WITH THE CITY MATCH BEING $266,500.00 AND THE SECTION FOR THE WARD KRAFT HANGAR AMOUNTING TO $35,638.25.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:11 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 5:11 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C., City Clerk

FS Special Meeting Minutes of Feb. 18

Minutes are unapproved.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of February 18th, 2022 Special Meeting #5

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 18th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Pete Allen, Josh Jones, and Tim Van Hoecke were present with Mayor Kevin Allen presiding. Matthew Wells was absent.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin, Seth Simpson, and Travis Shelton.

  1. Discussion of Airport Runway Overlay Project – City Manager said that this overlay project has a projected cost of $2,280,654.00 and has a 90/10% match. The City match is $266,500.00. As part of the project the overlay will be a 1” leveling project with a 2” asphalt overlay. F.A.A. will only cover the actual runway and not any entrances into hangars. This will affect the entrance into the Ward Kraft hangar. The amount to include the Ward Kraft hangar is $35,638.25 and is not included in the City match.

Discussion was held regarding the hangar contract between the City and Ward Kraft and how much longer was left on it. There is two years left.

City Attorney recommended contacting Ward Kraft and seeing if they would terminate the agreement early.

Seth Simpson said that it would not matter if it is City property or not, as it is a entrance into a single hangar. They will only pay for the runway extension. The timeframe is for the project to be published with the Request for Bids on February 26th, 2022 with bids to open on March 24th, 2022 and the deadline for the grant application is April 1st, 2022.

Discussion was held if the Commission could consider this and have a special meeting before the work session on February 22nd, 2022.

Seth said that there would still be enough time to apply.

P. Allen said that this is a humungous amount of money for a runway overlay.

Seth said that asphalt costs have raised from $80.00 a ton to $120.00 a ton.

J. Jones moved to table and hold a special meeting on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 before the work session. T. Van Hoecke seconded. J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, and K. Allen voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1.

APPROVED TO TABLE THIS ITEM AND HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND, 2022 BEFORE THE WORK SESSION.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved to recess into Executive Session for the attorney-client privilege exception for contract negotiations in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 1:30 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Manager, and City Attorney. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones moved to come out of Executive Session at 1:30 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved to recess into Executive Session for the attorney-client privilege exception for contract negotiations in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 1:45 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Manager, and City Attorney. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones moved to come out of Executive Session at 1:45 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved to recess into Executive Session for the attorney-client privilege exception for contract negotiations in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 1:50 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Manager, and City Attorney. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones moved to come out of Executive Session at 1:50 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

3. Sale of Lake Property: City Manager said that per the City Commission, they determined that a proper deadline was not given for the sale of the two Lake Fort Scott properties that the original buyer previously backed out of. He asked to advertise until March 1st, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. He asked all bidders to work with Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty for Lot #9, and with Scott Theis, of Stutesman Action Realty for Lot #8. If they wish to submit a final bid or if wish to have an escalating offer as all non-escalating offers will be considered as the maximum offer.

J. Jones made a motion to extend the deadline offers for the sale of Lots 8 and 9 at Lake Fort Scott until 5:30 p.m. on March 1st, 2022. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

approved to extend the deadline offers for the sale of lake fort scott lots 8 and 9 until 5:30 p.m. on march 1st, 2022.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 1:55 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 1:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

FS Commission Meeting Minutes Feb.15

Minutes are unapproved.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of February 15th, 2022 Regular Meeting #4

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 15th, 2022 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, J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor K. Allen presiding.

INVOCATION: Matthew Wells, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Bill Downey, Jackson Tough, Brad Matkin, Rachel Thompson, Mark McCoy, Jason Dickman, Rob Harrington, Doug Guns, Reed Hartford, Jerry Witt, Ryan Coon, Martha Scott, Jean Tucker, Don Tucker, Jessica Allison, Scott Dowd, Josh Newton, Ryan Collier, Bob Reed, Carl Brenner, Bridget Mann, Betty Boyko, Russell Conner, Reitha Clark, Richard Clark, Jana Walker, Charles Gentry, Karen Billiard, and Max Fanning.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Mayor Kevin Allen asked that a Proclamation for Betty Boyko Day be added to the Proclamation section.

Diane Clay, City Clerk, read the Proclamation which proclaims February 23rd, 2022, as Betty Boyko Day in the City of Fort Scott. Betty has served since 2006 as the Superintendent of the Fort Scott National Historic Site and is leaving to move to another position in Beatrice, Nebraska as the Superintendent of the Homestead National Historic Park.

The Commission thanked her for her service and dedication to the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Mayor Kevin Allen asked that the two items under the City Commissioners topics be moved to New Business and the Contract Mowing for the City be added to New Business.

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 1st, 2022 and special meeting of February 7th, 2022.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1306-A totaling $736,158.68.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Signage – 104 N. National – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.

  1. Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc.

Hammon’s/Sharky’s Inspections $1,462.13

City Engineer $4,120.00

Fort Scott Dam Improvements $2,500.00

17th & Eddy Drainage Project $1,440.00

  1. January Financials

Discussion was held regarding the light poles that have blue lights that Evergy has installed.

Mark McCoy said that we are to notify Evergy, and they will replace the faulty light.

K. Allen asked if possibly Police and Fire could look for these faulty lights when they are out patrolling at night.

M. Wells asked about the January financial reports and that the water and wastewater funds were in a negative balance. He also asked about the franchise fee and the amount of lost revenue due to cable television. He asked if anyone had checked into all the streaming services and if a franchise fee could be assessed.

City Manager will check into these issues.

K. Allen asked about the Evergy bill for $1,465.00 for parks and if that included all the parks in the City.

K. Allen asked how often mill levy funds are distributed to the Library.

City Manager will check into this.

Discussion was held regarding the invoice for the phone system.

Mark McCoy said that the new phone system will be a savings of over $40,000.

M. Wells moved to approve the Consent Agenda. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

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)

Karen Billiard – Mrs. Billiard said that she is concerned about the lack of streetlights at Marblecrest Terrace and Marblecrest Drive. She said that it is very dark in that area at night. She said that there have also been reports of a prowler in the area.

City Commissioners said that they will check into this.

Jana Walker – Mrs. Walker thanked the Commission for addressing the blue lights on the streetlight poles. She said that their neighborhood is very dark at night and can even be scary because it is so dark.

Commissioners will check into this.

Richard Clark – Mr. Clark said that he is concerned with the amount of trees that are being cut down at the Lake. They are part of a camping group of fiberglass campers that travels to rallies and campers like to park by trees and shady areas.

Doug Guns said that they determined seven (7) dead or diseased trees that needed to be taken down which is what they are doing.

Old Business:

  1. Approval of Amendment of Fireworks Ordinance No. 3602 – City Manager said that this was the amendment to the ordinance that was approved at the last meeting. This is the actual ordinance.

T. Van Hoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3602. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3602 AMENDING THE HOURS OF THE DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, AND AMENDING SECTION 15.020.025 IN THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.

Appearances:

Jerry Witt – Riverfront – Mr. Witt appeared before the Commission to ask for approval to submit a grant for Riverfront Park. He gave the Commission history on the Riverfront Park. In 2005, a group of individuals met and decided they needed to clean up the north end of the City by the Marmaton River. In 2007, the Senate approved the formation of the Riverfront Authority. Mr. Witt gave an update on all the grants and funding that has been received through the years. He informed the Commission that he wished to apply for another grant with the Kansas Department of Transportation TA program. This is a $135,000 grant with an 80/20% match. The Riverfront Authority will pay the 20% match so there is no cost to the City. He asked for approval of the Resolution to apply for the K.D.O.T. TA Grant. The grant has to be submitted by March 1st, 2022. This grant is to rebuild the trails which involves 2,953 linear feet with 8” of asphalt on the south side of the Riverfront Park.

J. Jones moved to approve to apply for the K.D.O.T. TA Grant in the amount of
$135,000 and approve Resolution No. 6-2022. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 6-2022 DECLARING THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE FORT SCOTT/BOURBON COUNTY RIVERFRONT AUTHORITY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR USE OF TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM FUNDS SET FORTH BY MAP-21 FOR THE RIVFERFRONT TRAIL PROJECT IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THIS APPLICATION.

Jessica Allison – American Legion – Ms. Allison informed the Commission that she is the Commander of the local American Legion. They are looking to host some fundraisers to raise money for their organization and would like to have bingo at Memorial Hall. They would have bingo two to three times a month and build from there. They would need to use the main area of Memorial Hall as well as the concession area.

City Clerk informed the Commission that the City has no food license at Memorial Hall any longer.

T. Van Hoecke also informed her that a mold study is being conducted in the building.

T. Van Hoecke moved to allow Memorial Hall to be used as a place for bingo and the concession area for the American Legion organization. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOW MEMORIAL HALL FOR THE AMERICAN LEGION ORGANIZATION TO BE USED FOR BINGO TWO TO THREE TIMES A MONTH AS WELL AS ALLOW THE MAIN AREA AND CONCESSION AREA AT MEMORIAL HALL.

Jody Hoener & Rachel Carpenter – Bourbon County Health Action Team – Failed to appear.

Bob Reed – Bourbon County Fair & Rodeo – Bob Reed said that he is the Assistant Superintendent of the Bourbon County Fair Board. He asked for support from the City for the Bourbon County Fair. He mentioned that last year the City gave $5,000. He asked the City to match the County contribution of $10,000. He updated the Commission on events that are held at the fairgrounds as well as some upcoming events. He asked for two items: 1) Monetary support for the Bourbon County Fair Board; 2) Allow EMS to be on scene for their upcoming rodeo at no charge.

City Manager said that he would like to look at the budget first before a decision is made.

This will be on the March 1st, 2022 agenda.

Ryan Collier – 12th & Main fence – Mr. Collier informed the Commission that he was the contractor that built the fence at 12th and Main Street. He got a building permit on 12/8/2021. He was told by the Codes Officer that no permit was needed for the fence. He went ahead and installed the fence poles in concrete. Then he received a stop order on 12/9/2021. He had $5,400 worth of materials. He then met with Bill Downey who told him there was no issue with it. But, 30 days later the homeowner got a letter from the City stating they need to relocate the fence. He asked who was going to fix the fence?

City Manager said that we will handle it internally. There was an issue with the right-of-way versus the easement.

New Business:

  1. Consideration of Bids – Manhole 148 Project – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the Old Faithful manhole. There were four (4) bids received and two of the bids were not valid. One bid had no bid bond, and the other bid did not acknowledge Addendum No. 2. The low bid was from Nowak Construction Company, Inc. of Goddard, Kansas in the amount of $340,734.00. The other bid was from Sprouls Construction, Inc. of Lamar, Missouri in the amount of $386,300.00. The engineer’s estimate for the project was $192,000.00. In reviewing the bids, the unit price for pipe has more than doubled as well as other materials.

M. Wells asked if the City could do the concrete part of this project to save money.

Jason said that he will check with the contractor and let the City Manager know.

This will come back at the March 1st, 2022 meeting.

  1. Lake Fort Scott Discussion (Doug Guns):

  1. Discussion of sale of six (6) additional Lake Fort Scott properties – Josh Jones informed the Commission that he would like to see the City sell another six properties at the Lake. They would need to be 90’ X 100’ which would be the standard lot size. He asked if we could get these lots surveyed.

T. Van Hoecke said that he would like to see the original two (2) lots finalized first as they are not yet closed.

Commissioners asked Jason Dickman if Earles Engineering could do the surveying of these additional six lots.

Jason said that he could check their schedule but thought they could get it surveyed in the next 4-6 weeks.

Commissioners verbally authorized Earles Engineering to survey the next six (6) additional lots at Lake Fort Scott.

  1. Consideration of Lake Fort Scott RFP for Boat Docks – Doug Guns, Lake Supervisor, informed the Commission that that he prepared an RFP for four (4) boat docks at Lake Fort Scott. Doug said that he has applied for a grant with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for the docks.

T. Van Hoecke moved to send out Request for Proposals for boat docks at Lake Fort Scott and for the funds to come out of the Capital Improvement Fund for the Lake. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED to send out Request for Proposals for boat docks at Lake Fort Scott and for the funds to come out of the Capital Improvement Fund for the Lake.

  1. Consideration of mower for Lake Fort Scott – Doug Guns informed the Commission that he prepared an RFP for the purchase of a zero-turn mower at Lake Fort Scott. It is not in the City’s capital improvement fund for this year but asked if it could come out of the Lake Improvement Fund.

Discussion was held on getting an inventory of all City equipment and if equipment can be borrowed from one department to the other – like from the Airport to the Lake.

Doug said that does occur between departments already.

Discussion was also held regarding the contract mowing the City does for the Codes Department and if Lake Fort Scott could be included in that.

M. Wells moved to send out the Request for Proposals for a zero-turn mower at Lake Fort Scott. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SEND OUT REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS FOR A ZERO-TURN MOWER AT LAKE FORT SCOTT.

  1. Consideration of Part-Time Labor for Fort Scott Lake – Doug said that this was on the agenda for a part-time employee to mow at the Lake. This position would be from April to October and be less than 1,000. There would not be health insurance or KPERS offered.

Discussion was held to hold off on this until the City receives the contract mowing bid back with the Lake mowing included on it.

  1. Consideration of RFQ for Engineering firm for Lake Fort Scott Valve – Mayor Allen asked if this request is for the secondary valve or the original valve.

Doug said that there may be grants available, but they would be 50/50 grants.

K. Allen moved to send out Requests for Qualifications for Engineering Firms for the Lake Fort Scott Valve. P. Allen seconded.

APPROVED TO SEND OUT REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING FIRMS FOR THE LAKE FORT SCOTT VALVE.

  1. Discussion of upgrades at Lake Fort Scott – Doug Guns brought them a list of prospective upgrades at the Lake.

Commission determined that a work session is needed to prioritize these items. The work session will be held on February 22nd, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.

T. Van Hoecke moved to hold a work session to prioritize the upgrades at Lake Fort Scott to be held on February 22nd, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

Approved to hold a work session to prioritize the upgrades at Lake Fort Scott to be held on February 22nd, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

  1. Discussion of City permitting fees (Bill Downey/Mark McCoy) – Bill Downey, Codes Supervisor, informed the Commission that he gave them at the previous meeting a comparison of what other cities charge for fencing permits.

M. Wells recommended charging $35.00 for a fence permit with fees charged for the cost of the fence for $2.00 more per thousand.

T. Van Hoecke said he recommended a flat $25.00 rate.

T. Van Hoecke moved to charge a $25.00 fee for a fence permit. K. Allen seconded. P. Allen, J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, and K. Allen voted aye. M. Wells voted no. Motion carried 4-1

APPROVED TO CHARGE A $25.00 FEE FOR A FENCE PERMIT.

  1. Discussion of City business licenses and other City licenses – Mark McCoy, Project Manager, informed the Commission that he and Bill Downey have surveyed many cities along with Commissioner Wells on permit fees. They shared a list of surrounding areas and their fees.

Discussion was held if not-for-profits would be charged a business license. Discussion was held they should not be charged.

Mr. McCoy asked for permission to bring back an ordinance at the next meeting for the business license and increase in City fees.

K. Allen left the room at 8:55 p.m.

  1. Consideration of Pay Request – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – $2,340.00 – January 2022 Port-a-Potty Invoice

J. Jones moved to approve the invoice for Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. in the amount of $2,340.00. M. Wels seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE INVOIE FOR SKITCH’S HAULING & EXCAVATION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,340.00 FOR PORT-A-POTTY SERVICES FOR JANUARY 2022.

K. Allen returned to the room at 8:56 p.m.

  1. Street Advisory Committee Report – Charles Gentry, Chairman, Street Advisory Board that their board met recently and recommended that all the main trafficway streets be designated in one ordinance. There are 13 streets, and some have been on the existing lists for some time. The streets are as listed:

U.S. Highways 54 and 69 entire routes

Wall Street from U.S. 54 to National Avenue

National Avenue entire route

6th Street from Broadway to Heylman

Horton Street from 6th Street to South City Limits

Broadway from Wall to 6th Street

Margrave from Wall to South City Limits

18th Street from Horton to National Avenue

Cooper Street entire route

23rd Street entire route

3rd Street from 69 Highway to Margrave

East National Avenue entire route

Franklin from Wall Street North to City Limits

M. Wells said that he will be putting this into ordinance form and bringing it back before them for approval.

  1. Discussion of Unsafe Structure List – Tim Van Hoecke stated he wants to make sure in the demolition contract that it is stated the structure must be torn down and not moved to another location. Tim stated that there is budget funds leftover from 2021 and we could possibly demolish 32 houses this year. He and Bill Downey have identified 13 structures and letters have been mailed. Their date to be in compliance with the City is March 11th, 2022. If not in compliance, at the March 15th, 2022 meeting, the demolition proceedings will begin.

  1. Discussion of Contract Mowing – Josh Jones asked that this be put on the agenda for discussion. He would like to see the City get a total bid for the season and then a total bid per yard. He would also like the bid to include mowing at Lake Fort Scott.

J. Jones moved to approve to send out the Contract Mowing Bid Advertisement and include a bid for the entire season, a bid per yard and include the Lake Fort Scott mowing. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SEND OUT THE CONTRACT MOWING BID ADVERTISEMENT AND INCLUDE A BID FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON, A BID PER YARD, AND INCLUDE THE LAKE FORT SCOTT MOWING.

9. Request to submit Base Grant – Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Director, informed the Commission that he wished to submit a base grant for the water project on the south side of town to the Kansas Department of Commerce. It is a 75/25 match grant. He said that the 25% can come from A.R.P.A. funds. The grant is $450,000.00.

M. Wells moved to allow Bourbon County R.E.D.I. to apply to the Kansas Department of Commerce for the $450,000.00 base grant for the water project. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOW BOURBON COUNTY R.E.D.I. TO APPLY TO THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR THE $450,000 BASE GRANT FOR THE WATER PROJECT ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:

Schneider Energy Savings Report – Kelley informed the Commission that he provided them with the savings from Schneider Energy. It appears according to their records the City has saved $89,695.00

Discussion was held that this was Schneider’s report, and we should do our own report.

Microphone System for Commission Room quotation – Kelley said that Shane Walker brought a firm to the Commission room where they looked at our microphone system. This quote for $12,963.00 would upgrade the room and the tv and microphone system.

Discussion was held to solicit RFP’s for this service from other firms.

Demolition Contract – Kelley went over the changes to the demolition contract that he had made and shared it with the Commission.

Buoys at Lake Fort Scott – Kelley said that the Lake Patrol Officer will move the buoys at the lake when the weather permits.

Andrick Street – Kelley said that he talked to Jerry Morgan and that the project in the 500 block of Andrick Street is not complete yet. They plan to bring the pothole patcher there and finish it up next week.

Sign Painting – Lake Fort Scott – Kelley said that he talked to Chad Cliffman, and he will be getting him a quote to paint the signs at the entrance of Lake Fort Scott.

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

M. Wells – Matthew reported that he attended the Street Advisory Board meeting also and the board recommended approving to the City Commission that not a single brick street should be covered with asphalt any longer in the City of Fort Scott and all brick streets should be saved. They plan to have a meeting where the public can give input also at their next meeting regarding brick streets. He shared his views on the importance of brick streets and to preserve them.

Discussion was held between Matthew and Pete on brick streets and that we cannot say we will not overlay a brick street due to the condition of it.

P. Allen – Pete said that he is excited about the Manhole 148 project. This sanitary sewer has backed up for over 30 years and they are the first Commission to deal with it.

Pete also read a statement about the 1% sales tax and how we need to make sure that funds are not removed out of funds that they are specified for.

J. Jones – Nothing to report.

T. Van Hoecke Tim thanked the City crews who worked the water main break during the last snowstorm when the temperatures were bitter cold.

Tim asked about the Director of Finance position.

Brad stated that he has taken the position down.

Kelley said that they are looking to split this position between three people at the City.

Tim thanked the City Clerk for providing the League of Kansas Municipalities training flyer to them and he urged all the Commissioners to take part of the training.

K. Allen – Kevin asked to see the current financial policy as well as the previous policy and for the Commission to look at spending limits.

He asked for an update on Municipal Court.

Diane Clay, Court Clerk told him that the first update was done on Tuesday, February 15th between the Police software and the City’s Court software. It is getting closer.

No Parking on 12th Street from Margrave to the Fort Scott Middle School – Kevin asked about putting No Parking signs on 12th Street and asked the Chief of Police for his opinion.

Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, said that 12th Street is highly traveled as well as 10th Street. He will have his officers talk to the neighbors and see what their thoughts are on this.

Water/Sewer Rates – Kevin apologized for the water rate increase and said that he doesn’t like it either. He has had several calls from people with fixed incomes.

Bricks – Kevin said that the inmates at the jail have worked almost 12 pallets of bricks. He thanked them for their work and the City will be bringing more to them.

Executive Session:

T. Van Hoecke moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) until 10:16 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Attorney, Brad Matkin, Human Resource Director, and Kelley Zellner, City Manager. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones moved to come out of Executive Session at 10:16 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

Adjournment:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 10:17 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, MMC

City Clerk

FS City Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Feb. 16

Minutes are unapproved.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of February 16th, 2022 Special Meeting #4

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 16th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Pete Allen, Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kevin Allen presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin, Rachel Thompson, and Travis Shelton.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

J. Jones moved to recess into Executive Session for the attorney-client privilege exception for contract negotiations in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 2:17 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Manager, and City Attorney. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones moved to come out of Executive Session at 2:17 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones made a motion to release the earnest money in the total amount of $2,000.00 for Lot 8 and Lot 9 from the sale of property at Lake Fort Scott due to the cancellation of the sale contract. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

approved to release the earnest money in the total amount of $2,000.00 for Lot 8 and Lot 9 from the sale of property at Lake Fort Scott due to the cancellation of the sale contract.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 2:19 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 2:19 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C., City Clerk

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Feb. 25 Newletter

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
February 25th Weekly Newsletter
So much fun coming up in Fort Scott,
share with your friends & family!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
2/25 ~ Rooster Art Party by Happy Snappy Art, Dry Wood Creek Cafe, 6pm, click here for info.
2/25-26 ~ Prairie Troubadour 6th Annual Symposium, click here for info.
2/26 ~ Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Meeting, open to the public, 8am,
City Hall or City’s YouTube
2/26 ~ Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods 9-11am FS Fire Station #2
Join us for a FREE breakfast catered by Aunt Toadie’s and come prepared with ideas to build up our neighborhoods! You can also win prizes by just showing up! 23 S Franklin St.,
click here for the Facebook event.
2/26 ~ Kansas Rocks – 26th AnnualFrostbite This is a great way to open up your season’s wheeling. Great food, great fun, and great friends make this event warm all over.
Click here for more details.
Kansas Rocks – 2051 130th St. Mapleton, KS
2/28 ~ Fort Scott FFA Blood Drive, 8:30am to 2pm, FSHS Auxiliary Gym, click here for info.
3/1 ~ Annual Pancake Feed hosted by the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club. Two times 11am-1:30pm and 4-6:30pm at First United Methodist Church. DRIVE-THRU ONLY! Click here for info.
3/3 ~ Angie Dawn’s Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, March 3rd at 8am Celebrating the launch of their new website and physical store remodel with a Chamber Coffee. They will have Hot Cocoa & Coffee along with a variety of breakfast items. Register to win gift certificates and prizes. The public is welcome to attend.
Click here for Facebook event.
3/4-3/5 ~ Hop Into Spring Shopping Event,
Spring Open House kick-off is Friday 4-7pm.
Fri-Sat 10% off Spring Items. $50 Chamber Bucks drawing. See graphic for list of participants.
3/4 ~ Timken Hiring Event, onsite at their location in the Industrial Park, 2-6pm, learn more at www.timken.com/careers.
3/5 ~ Brigg’s Auto Career Day starting at 8:30am, come learn about careers available in the auto industry, click here for more info.
3/5 ~ 1st Annual Marsha Fest featuring Disco Dick & the Mirror Balls at Liberty Theatre,
8-11pm, $35/ticket, purchase here!
Click here for the FB event.
3/7 ~ Future Now Finance at FSHS Session 1 8:30am-9:30am; Session 2 9:45am-10:45am.
An exercise that helps students understand the “realities’ involved in preparing for an employable future and adulthood
3/11-13 ~ FSCC College Rodeo,
Arnold Arena at Fort Scott Community College
SAVE THE DATE:
3/18 ~ Friendship Soup Lunch hosted by First United Methodist Church 11:30am – 1pm
First United Methodist Church will host a
drive-through soup lunch. A variety of soups including potato, vegetable beef, and chili will be served along with a dessert for a free-will offering. The soup lunch will be sponsored by the Mission Committee at FUMC
301 S. National
3/25-3/27 ~ FSCC Presents ‘Godspell’
Fifty years after its theatrical debut, the musical “Godspell” returns to the stage at Fort
Scott Community College in an exciting, powerful new form next month.
7:30 p.m. March 25-26 and 2 p.m. March 27. Admission is $5. FSCC students,
faculty and staff are admitted free of charge. Masks are required.
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
Community Conversation: East Fire Station
Hop Into Spring Open House
Angie Dawn’s Ribbon Cutting
Timken Hiring Event
1st Annual Marsha Fest
Pancake Feed
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR
FUTURE NOW FINANCE AT FSHS
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!

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FS Public Library Hybrid Story Time Announced

Fort Scott Public Library is pleased to announce their first Hybrid Storytime event, coming up this Tuesday at 10 am, to be held in the library’s downstairs event room. The storytime will be filmed. If you do not want to be part of the recording, ask Miss Val for a seat on the south side of the room.
 
ATTEND IN PERSON OR ONLINE – Seuss storytime, in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday & Read Across America (celebrated on March 2)! 
 

If you intend to attend in person, Pre-Registration is NOT required but is ENCOURAGED. Register here to help Miss Val prepare for your family. 


We will have stories and songs in the library’s downstairs event room on March 1 @ 10 am. Snacks & crafts will be sent with families to do at home. A maximum of 15 people or 5 families (whichever comes first) will be allowed in the event room at once. If more than 5 families or 15 people show up, we will offer 2, half-hour storytimes, back-to-back, starting at 10 and 10:30. If the room fills up by the time you arrive, you will be encouraged to browse for books upstairs while you wait for the 2nd event to begin. Masks are not required, but are recommended. Please social distance from other families and library staff to help keep the event safe for everyone. Thank you in advance for your help!

NOTE: If you have already registered to receive storytime supplies for March, you do NOT need to fill out the pre-registration form.

We will air a pre-recorded version of storytime in our Storytime Group’s private Facebook page and on our YouTube channel (unlisted – please contact us for the link) on Wednesday, March 2, at 10 am. To make storytime accessible to our patrons while limiting access as much as possible, we will make the video available for approximately 1 week, so please watch as soon as you can.

This week’s craft: Green Fizzy Eggs Science Experiment

Supplies Needed: Curbside kit items, spoon, and paper towels. To order a kit, fill out this form.
 

This project is made possible by the State Library of Kansas and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Bo Co Arts Council 30th Annual Fine Art Exhibit March 10-12

Bourbon County Arts Council Members present at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee in 2020, from left, Elaine Buerge, Deb Anderson, Terry Floyd, Steve Floyd and Linda Noll.

The annual art show that showcases local area artists is March 10-12.

The 30th Annual Bourbon County Arts Council exhibit will be held Thursday, March 10 through Saturday, March 12 at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

“We will host the Chamber Coffee on March 10 at 8 a.m.,” Deb Anderson, president of the council said.

The exhibit will be open Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11 from 12 PM to 7 PM and Saturday, March 12th from 9 AM to 1 PM.

The BCAC was formed in 1973 to foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, according to BCAC President Deb Anderson.

A 2016 photo of the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Exhibit.

An artist reception will be held March 10th from 6 PM to 8 PM where participating artists will have the opportunity to listen to the juror critique and visit with her about their pieces.

The juror for the event this year will be Tara Booth,  an Associate Professor of Art at Cottey College, Nevada, Mo.

The competition is open to all artists age 16 and older.

Categories include Best of Show 2D and 3D, Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Arts, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil and Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Watercolor.

A new “Theme” category has been included: The theme this year is “The Eye of the Beholder”.

Bourbon County businesses and individual sponsors for the first prize winners of the art categories are:

2D and 3D – Memory of E.C. Gordon Ceramics – Ward Kraft, Inc

Drawing & Graphics – Landmark Bank Jewelry – Citizens Bank

Mixed Media – Lyons Realty Painting – Union State Bank

Pastel – Mid-Continental Restoration

Photography – H & H Realty

Sculpture – Fort Scott Broadcasting

Fiber Arts – Bernita Hill

Watercolor – Buerge Art Studio

Theme – City State Bank

Glass – Jamie Armstrong, Edward D Jones

Printmaking – Osage Timber, LLC

Current Bourbon County Arts Council Bard Members are Deb Anderson, President; Bre Eden, Vice President; Steve Floyd, Secretary; Terri Floyd, Treasurer; Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Elaine Buerge, Deb Halsey, Justin Meeks, Laura Meeks, Linda Noll, Tedena Tucker, and Chris Woods.

History of BCAC

“The organization of the BCAC is 52 years old this year. It was originally known as the Fort Scott Arts Council,” Anderson said. “Upon its incorporation, it was changed to Bourbon County Arts Council.”
“There were several activities in the beginning,” she said. “In June 1973 the first project was a booth at the arts and crafts fair, during the Old Fort Days Rodeo sponsored by the Jaycees.”
“The BCAC held the first street theatre,” she said. “In the art area there was ceramics, bread baking, spinning and weaving, wood carving, and quilting. Local artists displayed paintings, there was also an artist who did sketches and another who had very unusual pottery.”
They held a Continental Theatre Group presentation, variety shows, musicals, even a parade
The original board officers:
Gary Cullor-Chairman
Joann Meara -Vice-Chairman
Sally Cullor-Secretary
Treasurer-Steve Buerge
Board members were Dale Hammons, Robert Estes, Robert Galvin, Helen Stranathan, and Larry Nuss.
Committee chairman were
Music – Ralph Carlson
Arts – Ernie Huse
Crafts – Sondra Carlson
Theatre – Sally Cullor
Publicity – Shirley Hill
Membership – Mary Ann Burke
“A big thank you to these individuals, for forming this organization, who realized how important the arts were to a community and all those who have came after in keeping the BCAC alive, Anderson said.
“I have attached a history story of the BCAC from Gary Cullor who shared it with me,” Anderson said. “He is much more knowledgeable since he was there from the beginning. There would be a correction to the information in the fourth paragraph, it should read April 9th,1973 instead of April 9th,1773.”
To view Cullor’s history of the art council:

A Soulmate Snafu by Patty LaRoche

Last year, Dave and I celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary. Because of Covid-19, there was no romantic dining or even an overnight stay in Kansas City. But that was okay. Months ahead, I had found the perfect card to hand Dave when we awoke the morning of the special day.

I loved the simplicity of this card. “Your husband…your friend…your soul mate”—all tender words letting Dave know that our love was very much alive and would last forever.

That’s not to say we had not been through some valleys. It had not been forty-seven years of bliss. We had made many mistakes in failing to honor God first. We had blamed and argued. We had gone to bed angry. I had used silence to make my point, put the kids ahead of Dave’s needs, stubbornly insisted on my way and forgotten to laugh. But somehow, we had endured, forgiven and stayed the marital course. We were friends. We were soulmates. The card said it all.

That morning, I hid away in the bedroom where I wrote something tender in Dave’s card. That’s when I read the insert: “With sympathy as you say good-bye to the man who shared your life.” I read it three times.

WHAT??? How was this possible? How had I confused a sympathy card with an anniversary one?

Within a minute of staring at the writing, hoping, I guess, that it would morph into something endearing, I started laughing. After sharing it with Dave who pretended to find it funny, I knew that he had to wonder how such a blunder, even for me, was doable.

I have no explanation. I buy cards ahead of time and pull from my collection for whatever occasion is celebrated. Not this card. It was taken from the stash ahead of time and hidden in my drawer. Obviously, I assumed it said something different than it did (and yes, the fact that it started with “your” husband instead of “my” husband should have been my first clue). Had I just taken the time to double-check my assumption, this never would have happened.

My failure was a minor one. No one was hurt by my mistake, but many times that’s not the case. We make costly assumptions all the time, causing us to judge. The person with the handicap sticker who shows no visible impairments. The rude waitress. The beggar on the street corner talking on his cell phone. Read the New Testament. Incorrect assumptions about what the Messiah would be like caused most people not to give Jesus a chance. I have friends who assume there is no God because they can’t see proof. Others believe they will make it to Heaven because they are “good people.”

Any assumption, funny or serious, warrants the time it takes to be validated…which makes me question which of my grandkids probably received an anniversary card instead of a birthday one.

Bourbon County Retail Survey Response Requested

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BOURBON COUNTY

RETAIL SURVEY

Your response is requested and appreciated!

Click here for the survey.

Bourbon County REDI

(Regional Economic Development Inc.)

has engaged with Goldstone Consulting Group to perform a Community Retail Needs Analysis.

Having current, formalized data will assist Bourbon County REDI to pursue or seize future opportunities by being able to provide this information on community needs and priorities to developers and others interested in doing business in Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

While your response to the electronic survey format is greatly preferred, you may also click here for a printable copy of the survey

or pick one up at the Chamber.

Completed hardcopy surveys may be returned to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701 or to the office of Bourbon County REDI,

200 S. Main St., Ste. 200, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

You may also access the survey by scanning this QR code:
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Community Retail Needs Questionnaire _2_.png
Thank you in advance for your participation

and response to this survey.

Contact Bourbon County REDI with any questions:

Rob Harrington, Director ~ 620-215-0144

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

fortscott.com | 620-223-3566 [email protected]

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