Monthly Archives: September 2022
Fort Scott Golf Advisory Boards Meets on Sept. 8
The Golf Course Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, September 8th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton. The meeting will take place in the clubhouse. This meeting is open to the public.
Obituary of Evelyn Blubaugh
Evelyn June Blubaugh, age 79, a resident of Olathe, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 3 2022, in Olathe. She was born May 19, 1943, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Marcus Oliver Studebaker and Pearl Leah Long. From an early age, Evelyn was raised by her grandparents, William and Lucille Long on the family farm near Westphalia, Kansas. She attended Pleasant Valley Rural School and St. Teresa’s Catholic School and went on to graduate from the Westphalia High School with the Class of 1961.
The Long and Blubaugh families were neighbors and friends in Westphalia; however, the romance between Evelyn and Russell began at the skating rink in Iola, Kansas. They were married on June 8, 1961. Together, Evelyn and Russell settled into life on the farm.
Evelyn’s home was always a beehive of activity as she worked to maintain the day to day behind the scenes operations of the farm. She cooked for their farmhands and anyone else who happened to show up at their home at noon. In 1985, Russell and Evelyn found it necessary to move off the farm and chose to move to Olathe.
Life in the city presented a new set of opportunities, as garage sales were plentiful, fabric stores and garden centers were just around the corner and department stores and supermarkets were always having a big sale. Evelyn was ready with her hands full of coupons or Kohl’s Cash. Everyone knew if Evelyn wasn’t home, she was probably at Dillons.
Evelyn will be remembered for her excellent cooking and baking, as well as her talents with a needle and thread. She made many a dress for her daughters and granddaughters, and also for their Barbie and baby dolls. Many children have been the recipient of one of Evelyn’s baby blankets. Evelyn was a devoted wife and mother and a loving grandmother to her four granddaughters, and worked hard to make special memories with them all. She will be lovingly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her husband, Russell, of the home in Olathe, her two daughters, Diane Hastert (Duane) of Garnett, Kansas and Deann Mitchell (Greg) of Olathe, Kansas; four granddaughters, Meagan Ingold (Josh), Lauryn Hastert (Jesse Linzay), Shelby Ellis (Tim) and Sydney Gray (Tristan) and two great-grandsons, Carter and Kaysen Ingold. Also surviving are two half-brothers, Dan Krauth and Marvin Studebaker (Maria) and a half-sister, Beverly Poe.
Evelyn was preceded in death by twin great-granddaughters, Marcie and Jaycie Ellis and a half-brother, Steve Studebaker.
Pastor Chris Goetz will conduct funeral services at 2:30 P.M. Thursday, September 8th at the First Christian Church, 200 S. Walnut St., Garnett, Kansas.
Burial will follow in the Mont Ida Cemetery.
Following services at the cemetery, the family will gather back at the church for a time of fellowship.
Donations in her memory may be sent to the Garnett Public Library, 125 W. Fourth St., Garnett, KS 66032 or left in care of the funeral home, Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Friday Night Free Concert: Open-Mic Local Talent Show
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be a family-style open-mic show for local talent. All ages are welcome to present one song and, should time permit, be prepared to perform a total of two songs. Performances may be instrumental and/or vocal. Upon request, local musicians will be available to accompany anyone who asks. Accompaniment tracks can also be accommodated.
“This week’s show will be a treasure trove of local talent and we’re hopeful to have several show up and shake things up a bit,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “For those who aren’t interested in performing, help us out and encourage some musicians or vocalists you know to share their talent in a comfortable setting. Come out and join us for an interesting evening and enjoy the music with friends.”
For more information, or to be scheduled in the show, please call 620-224-1150. The one-hour concert begins at 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. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
Like a Duck out of Water by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Since we hadn’t taken our annual family vacation for four years, the kids and I decided to go big and go to the Bahamas. Being the country bumpkin that I am, I knew before we went that it would be a once-in-a-lifetime destination for me. Some people love the mountains, but I’m a water-and-beach gal. I suppose, if I lived on an island, I could take for granted the beautiful turquoise water, the calming sound of the rolling waves, and the fascinating beaches. But for the ten days we were privileged to be in Grand Bahama, God’s masterful handiwork was awesome and gorgeous every day.
Nevertheless, amid the bliss of the Caribbean, I was a stranger on foreign soil. Everything familiar to me had blown out the window of the 737. The only two languages I speak are redneck and hillbilly. The beautiful Bahamians speak English, but I couldn’t understand most of them because they put their own spin on it. They also drive on the wrong side of the road. Why? The first taxi transport was comparable to a scary carnival ride. One day I unintentionally stopped traffic from both directions as I attempted to cross the busy street (with no traffic lights or stop signs). Thankfully, the locals are smart and go to great lengths not to run over a tourist.
One of the first out-of-the-ordinary things I did was watch “Daddy Brown” prepare my conch salad right in front of my eyes. Before chopping it to smithereens, he hit the conch with his utensil and I watched it quiver. He claimed the added lime juice would “cook it.“ I exclaimed, “That’s raw!“ His response: “We say it’s fresh.” Well, where I come from, we fry our fish and it’s very dead when we eat it. No bones about it, I felt like a duck out of water even though the locals bent over backwards to be kind, friendly, and helpful.
One of these days (sooner than I can imagine) I’ll step into a place that’s been prepared for me. Although I’ve never been there before, I’ll feel completely at home. There will be no transition period, no getting used to it, and no awkwardness. Everything will be perfect in the blink of an eye. Why do I believe this? Because Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you…where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2,3 NKJV).
Our vacation was a worthwhile experience and made enduring family memories outside the U.S.A. But it was also good to be back home again, even if it is just temporary. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our once-in-a-lifetime passport out of this world. When believers take our last breath, our spirit is carried by angels to that beautiful City of Gold.
When I was a young girl playing piano and singing, occasionally my folks and I would sing a “special” together in church. Since Dad was especially fond of songs about heaven, we sang “I Will Not Be a Stranger,“ written in 1956 by James B. Singleton. Here are some of those lyrics: “I will not be a stranger when I get to that City, I’ve a home on those streets paved with gold; I will feel right at home there in that beautiful “Somewhere” with my loved ones whose memories I hold. Thru the years, thru the tears, they have gone one by one. But they’ll wait at the gate until my race is run. I will not be a stranger when I get to that City, I’m acquainted with folks over there.”
The Key: We’re here, but when we get there, we’ll be right at home — where we belong.
First County Wide Strategic Planning on August 23 by Gregg Motley
Tuesday evening, August 23rd, marked the first countywide strategic planning meeting by community leaders and private citizens in Bourbon County. I noted representatives from every government jurisdiction in the county along with major businesses, community organizations, and private citizens. It was a marvelous event. I was pleased that his message dovetailed with the origins of Bourbon County REDI: Community trust and collaboration is everything. Here is how we got here:
BEDCO, was started in 1992 by community men and women to bring the far reaches of Bourbon County together with a focus on economic development. Out of this entity was birthed our industrial park, among other initiatives. Over time, this outstanding organization devolved into a Fort Scott-only effort. Primarily, it became a sales and management entity for industrial park lots and the dispenser of a trickle of grant money. Steve Buerge served admirably as its longstanding Chairman, often donating his own money to the cause.
Fast forward to 2018 when several of us were lamenting the rising cost of local government compared to the declining number of tax payers. We started researching jurisdictions that had consolidated counties with cities, or started sharing services to save costs. We began to uncover some of the internal barriers to progress in our community, the biggest of which is distrust. We concluded we had work to do before we can even think about any kind of sharing or consolidation.
As these discussions ensued in BEDCO board meetings, they authorized the formation of a formal committee to study the idea. They appointed Mark McCoy and Gregg Motley to kick it off and add members from disparate parts of the county to bring credibility to the process. We met regularly over more than a year’s period of time, researching ideas, collecting data, visiting other jurisdictions on our own nickel, uncovering pockets of distrust and other barriers within the county, and formulating a plan. The final product is what now known as Bourbon County REDI, in the form of new organizational bylaws which brings the whole county back into the process.
While several people worked on the committee for the year+, here is the group that saw it over the finish line: Mark McCoy, Chairman, Gregg Motley, Vice Chairman, Nancy Maze, Secretary, Greg Fess, Ward Kraft, Larry Jurgensen, Uniontown Mayor, and Larry Martin, Fort Scott Livestock Auction. I saw Uniontown Mayor Larry Jurgensen last night and he was grinning ear to ear with the realization that the event was the culmination of all our time investments.
Bourbon County REDI was born. It was ordained by BEDCO and funded by Bourbon County and Fort Scott. It has also been sanctioned by Bronson, Fulton, Mapleton, Redfield, Uniontown, Fort Scott Community College, USD 234, USD 235, and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. This is a mandate to help restore trust and collaboration countywide. There will be detractors and naysayers, but we have the high ground. If we stick to our mission and continually work to establish trust and collaboration, the county will succeed together.
Dancers: Sign Up For Rock Ballet
NEXT WEEKEND IS THE TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE IN FORT SCOTT!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale is next weekend, September 9th, and 10th. The Chamber wants to encourage the community to get garage sales listed on the map and get out to hunt for bargains on clothing, home décor, tools, and more. The deadline for registration is 8am, Wednesday, September 7th.
Starting Thursday, September 8th at 10am, copies of the official garage sale map may be found at the Chamber office as well as local stores 5 Corners, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and all Pete’s locations. The map may also be found on the Chamber website fortscott.com or on Facebook on the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce page.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
***
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 6
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: September 6, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comments
FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of August 26
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 26, 2022 Special Meeting #13
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 26th, 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, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Lisa Lewis, Brad Matkin, Betty Breault, Devin Tally, and Susan Bancroft, Clete Hall, Rob Harrington Deb McCoy, Pete Allen, Grace Nolan Sweat, and representing the press Tammy Helm, Editor, Fort Scott Tribune.
CONSIDERATION:
Adoption of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution No. 33-2022 – City Manager shared with the Commission a spreadsheet on the amenities the City offers to citizens. He shared that the majority of these are losing money. He said that we need to manage our facilities better. The current revenue neutral rate is 45.222. The proposed revenue neutral rate is 46.756 which is an increase of 1.54 above the Revenue Neutral Rate.
Susan Bancroft informed the Commission she was hired by the Commission to assist in the budget process for 2023. She has over 20 years of experience in governmental accounting. She reminded the Commission that cash reserves are established for unforeseen emergencies and delays in funding. The City of Fort Scott’s Financial Policy which was adopted on May 19, 2020 states the following:
The Fort Scott City Commission understands it has a responsibility to maintain prudent financial operations to ensure stable City operations for the benefit of City residents and businesses. This policy is necessary in maintaining a prudent level of financial resources to protect against reducing service levels or raising taxes and fees due to temporary economic conditions or unforeseen one-time expenditures. Appropriate fund balance targets are expected to differ from city to city, based on each city’s specific circumstances. Factor to consider include the size of government, diversification of revenue, and volatility of revenue sources.
Unencumbered cash reserves are an important component in ensuring the overall financial health of a community, by giving the City cushion to meet contingency or cash flow timing needs. It is recommended that governments maintain a fund balance of no less that 5% to 15% of revenues or one or two months of operating expenditures.
Maintaining fund balances at a prescribed level involves two components: 1) Budgeted reserves; 2) Conservative budgeting ensuring revenues eceed expenditures.
Susan recommended that in order to avoid service disruptions that otherwise could arise from revenue shortfalls or unanticipated expenditures, business funds shall be managed by the Finance Director and Department Directors in such a way as to maintain a minimum unencumbers cash balance on the last day of each fiscal year to equal to at least 25% or three months of current fiscal year budgeted annual operating expenditures before any transfers out.
Pros and Cons to stay Revenue Neutral Rate for the City of Fort Scott:
Pros:
The City will not increase the amount of taxes levied from the previous year.
Cons:
No new revenue coming to the City to cover the increase in commodities/supplies.
No opportunity for employees to have raises without cutting cash reserves or services.
Already dropping reserves with changes that occurred in 2022 to retain employees and reducing reserves more to give raises in 2023 down below policy levels of three months operating.
Budgets need to be fluid to allow for unanticipated expenditures – such as disasters, change in administration, mandates, failing facilities, or retirees.
Susan shared a spreadsheet of budgeted 2022 expenses and changes during 2022. She said that the proposed budget amount of $2,255,064.00 would drop the mill levy by 1.756.
She also shared cash reserves amounts with the Commission. In 2021, there was $1,480,293 – Budgeted for 2022 is $1,313,333; 2022 with changes is $1,200,805; and proposed for 2023 is $1,071,750. She cautioned them on lowering the cash reserve amounts.
Susan informed the Commission that they have lowered their mill levy 2 ½ mills in the last two years. The County has lowered their mill levy 4 mills in the last two years.
Susan asked the City Clerk to read the proposed resolution with the budget amount in it.
Diane Clay, City Clerk, read the following proposed resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 33-2022
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS REGARDING THE GOVERNING BODY’S INTENT TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX EXCEEDING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE.
WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for the City of Fort Scott was calculated as 45.222 mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott will require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on August 23rd, 2022 allowing all interested taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and,
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas having heard testimony, still finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS:
The Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate with a proposed mill levy not to exceed a mill levy that generates $2,255,260.00 in Ad Valorem Tax.
This Resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.
ADOPTED this 26th day of August, 2022.
- Walker moved to approve the above stated resolution for Revenue Neutral and to keep it flat at 45.222. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION 33-2022 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS REGARDING THE GOVERNING BODY’S INTENT TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX EXCEEDING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE.
Consideration of publication of public hearing notice for 2023 Budget – City Manager said that this notice of public hearing needs to be approved to be published in the local City newspaper. This reflects the 45.222 rate.
- Walker moved to approve to publish the notice for the 2023 Budget Public Hearing to be held on September 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE NOTICE FOR THE 2023 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2022 AT 5:00 P.M.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
- Jones moved to recess into Executive Session for the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) until 1:08 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney, and Rob Harrington. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
- Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 1:08 p.m. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT:
- Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the special meeting at 1:08 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 1:08 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, MMC
City Clerk
FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of August 23
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 23, 2022 Special Meeting #12
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 23rd, 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, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Lisa Lewis, Brad Matkin, Betty Breault, Devin Tally, and Susan Bancroft.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Public Hearing: 5:00 p.m. Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
- Jones moved to open the Public Hearing at 5:00 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:00 P.M.
Adoption of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution No. 33-2022 – City Manager stated that this meeting is held to discuss the current Revenue Neutral Rate which is currently 45.222 to the proposed amount for 2023 in the amount of 46.756. This will keep the mill levy flat.
Comments were taken from the audience.
Betty Breault said that she is a taxpayer, and she believes that the taxpayers should have the right to vote for a tax. She believes that state, local, and county governments should be monitored to make sure that the taxpayer’s dollars are spent correctly. She said that if there has been misappropriation of funds that people that work in that position should be held responsible for their actions. She believes that the utility companies should be monitored also. Once again, she believes that the taxpayers should be allowed to vote for any tax increases.
- Jones moved to close the Public Hearing at 5:05 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:05 P.M.
Josh stated that he is not in favor of the Revenue Neutral Rate and the amount it is proposed. He said that not once has he heard a citizen say they moved from Fort Scott due to a pothole, but from the amount of taxes they have to pay. He mentioned that the payroll at the Golf Course has increased $90,000.00. He also about the sale of the First Source building and those funds. He said that there are other areas we can cut.
City Manager said that the First Source funds are being used for Bourbon County R.E.D.I. and the Land Bank funding.
Discussion was held regarding what was being paid to Bourbon County R.E.D.I.
Susan informed the Commission that they have cut about $100,000 since 2020. This was mostly from the Codes fund.
Susan said that the proposed budget needs to be published by September 3rd, 2022 which would allow for one more budget work session. She recommended that the Commission adopt the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution with the wording that the City of Fort Scott would not exceed the proposed mill levy of 46.756 mills.
Josh said that he has gone through the budget line item by line item. He asked if the others had done that. He believes we will have a bigger carryover than last year.
- Jones moved to not approve the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution. M. Wells seconded. J. Jones, M. Wells and K. Harrington voted in favor of not approving the resolution. T. Van Hoecke and S. Walker voted in favor of approving the resolution. Motion denied 3-2.
DENIED APPROVING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE RESOLUTION.
Commissioners decided to have a special meeting on Friday, August 26th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. to discuss the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution and the wording change, and the publication of the 2023 Budget Hearing Notice.
CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of publication of public hearing notice for 2023 Budget – City Manager
- Harrington voted to table the publication of the 2023 Budget. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE PUBLICATION OF THE 2023 BUDGET AT THIS TIME.
Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S Main Street – Pizza Republic – City Clerk informed the Commission that the Design Review Board had verbally approved the signage for 17 S. Main Street.
- Wells moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S. Main Street. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR SIGNAGE AT 17 S. MAIN STREET – PIZZA REPUBLIC.
ADJOURNMENT:
- Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:30 p.m. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, MMC
City Clerk
FS City Commission Minutes of Aug. 16
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 16th, 2022 Regular Meeting #17
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 16th, 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 J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.
INVOCATION: Tim Van Hoecke, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jason Pickert, Lisa Lewis, Peter Earles, John Hayes, Ben Cole, Steve Anthony, Sarah Maike, Pete Allen, Michael Hoyt, Shayne Johnston, Terry Sercer, Rob Harrington, Braley Harrington, Peter Brackett, Lori Brackett, James Brackett, Kevin Allen, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Steve Anthony and Ben Cole – Special Olympics Golf Tournament – Mayor Katie Harrington presented Steve Anthony, Ben Cole, and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department with a Certificate of Recognition for their involvement in the Special Olympics Golf Fundraiser which was held recently. There has been over $100,000 raised for this worthy cause in the last several years.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:
Josh Jones asked that the School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding be added to New Business as #5. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADD THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO NEW BUSINESS AS ITEM #5.
- Wells asked that Amended Ordinance No. 3617 be added under Old Business as Item #2. This was approved at the last meeting but the legal description was incorrect. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADD AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 3617 UNDER OLD BUSINESS AS ITEM #2.
CONSENT AGENDA:
City Clerk informed the Commission that Item F is not ready for approval yet.
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 2nd, 2022 and postponed meeting of August 4th, 2022.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1318-A totaling $459,765.60.
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.
Plan Review – GO Car Wash $ 288.00
City Engineer (April) $4,120.00
City Engineer (July) $4,120.00
Phase II Design -Wastewater $15,417.50
South Industrial Park Waterline Project $ 5,116.55
Sanitary Sewer Project $13,330.00
Cooper Street Inspection $5,202.00
TOTAL $47,594.05
- Request to pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. (July) – $455.00
- Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – $2,200.00 – Rehabilitate Runway & Taxiway Project Engineering
- July financials
- Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of Item F – July financials. S. Walker 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)
John Hayes – Mr. Hayes said he had a couple of items to bring up. His first item was Williams Street. He has been told that from the Fort Scott Middle School to 18th Street it is divided between the City and the County. The road is very rough and needs repaired. He also said that streetlights need installed there and asked for at the minimum of four (4) streetlights as it is very dark.
His next concern was the railroad crossings at 6th, 10th, and 15th Street. These crossings are very rough and need repaired. He said that there is 1” to 2” from the asphalt to the track and they need repaired. He mentioned the Quiet Zone that was done on Wall Street and said that was an industrial area and it should have been placed in a residential area. He also believes that it is not necessary for the trains to blow their horns all times during the night.
Commissioners told Mr. Hayes that it up to the railroad and not the City.
Sarah Maike – Ms. Maike said that she has been poor all of her life. She knows what it is to rob Peter to pay Paul. She said that a vast majority of citizens are not happy with the City’s infrastructure. She stated that the amount of money the City takes in we should have streets of gold, our water turned to wine, and our sewer should smell like roses. She challenged the Commission to find more money for infrastructure but not raise taxes.
Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt said that he wished Chief Shelton was here tonight and he wanted to thank him for the way he handled a bad situation at the last work session when an unruly citizen came into the lobby. He stated that the Chief had taken part of a de-escalation Crisis Intervention Team Training and urged all City police officers and County Sheriff officers to take part of this training. He thanked Chief Shelton for his quick thinking that night.
Pete Allen – Mr. Allen reminded the City Commission of their commitment to the Standards and Specifications that were adopted on December 18th, 2018. He reminded them to make sure that the City crews were following these specifications when repairing streets and waterlines. He asked if the street by Old Faithful was open yet.
City Manager said that it is not open yet.
Shayne Johnston – Mr. Johnston said that he wanted to share the Lake Advisory Board’s thoughts from their recent meeting last Saturday morning.
The board recommended that an ordinance be drawn up regarding the sale of lake lots and the specifications for the lots. He asked that the Bathymetric study be completed on water quality and that the funding for this study be placed into the City budget and the Lake fund not used for it.
Old Business:
- Consideration of Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618 – City Manager informed the Commission that he had made the requested changes to the ordinance –
- Consideration of amended Ordinance No. 3617 – Change of zoning ordinance for the property at 12th and Clark Streets –
Appearances:
Kelly Perry – Perry’s Pork Rinds – Request of use of City parking area – Motorcycle Poker Run – 9/10/2022 – Kelly Perry was not present, so this will be placed on the September 6th, 2022 agenda.
Terry Sercer – 2021 Audit Presentation – Terry Sercer, Auditor, Diehl, Banwart & Bolton C.P.A., informed the Commission that he is with Diehl, Banwart & Bolton, CPA. He said he wanted to hit a couple of important parts of the audit. The audit financial statements are verified that receipts and expenditures are accurate. They look at the utility billings and ordinances and make sure what is being charged is correct. They look at payroll and verify that is correct also. He said that their firm has done the audit for the City for the past 37 years. There were no disagreements with City management. He said that it is a pleasure to work with the City.
Moved to approve the 2021 Audit. Seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED 2021 AUDIT.
Public Hearing – None
New Business:
- D.O.T. Project U-2455-01 – Approval of Grant Agreement – $949,000.00 – Horton Street Project – City Manager informed the Commission that this is the official grant document for Horton Street that needs approved.
Moved to approve Grant Number 208-22, Project Number U-2455-01, Horton Street Project in the amount of $949,000.00 between Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Fort Scott. Seconded. All voted aye.
approved Grant Number 208-22, Project Number U-2455-01, Horton Street Project in the amount of $949,000.00 between Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Fort Scott.
- Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3619 – Standard Traffic Ordinance – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that the Standard Traffic Ordinance book is updated annually. This enables the Police Officers to write citations.
moved to approve Ordinance Number 3619, the Standard Traffic Ordinance. seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NUMBER 3619 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.
- Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3620 – Uniform Public Offense Code – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that this ordinance adopts the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas cities and will allow the Fort Scott Municipal Court to prosecute misdemeanors. There are a few violations that will still be prosecuted in District Court and those are repealed in this ordinance.
moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3620 – the Uniform Public Offense Code. seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3620 ADDING SECTION 10.05 REGULATING PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES, 38TH EDITION, WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS, CHANGES, AND ADDITIONS, PRESCRIBING ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS AND PROVIDING CERTAIN PENALTIES.
- Discussion of Credit Card fees for customers – City Manager informed the Commission that the City pays approximately $3,000 in credit card fees.
Tim informed the City Manager that there is a Kansas Statute 16-A-2403 that has to be complied with and asked if it referred to cities also.
City Manager will into this.
This will be tabled until the September 6th, 2022 meeting.
- School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding between City of Fort Scott and USD #234 – City Manager said that this agreement allows for two school resource officers within the USD 234 school district. The school district will reimburse the City of Fort Scott a total of $90,000 for the year 2022-2023. Approval of this agreement was recommended.
- Wells moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Fort Scott and USD #234 for two School Resource Officers. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT AND USD #234 FOR TWO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS.
Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments: City Manager commented on the following:
League of Kansas Municipalities KOMA/KORA Training – August 31st, 2022 – Virtual Training – Kelley said that this begins at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31st. He asked the Commission to notify them if they could attend.
Cape Seal Preparation – City Manager informed them that the City crews are preparing surfaces for the upcoming Cape Seal project.
Old Faithful Project – City Manager said that the street will be repaired in the near future.
17th & Eddy – City Manager said that the contractor hit a snag and that the City crew will need to video the line. There could be a possible change order.
Lake parking area – City Manager said that the City crew is getting this area prepared with gravel.
CIP Project – City Manager said that we will have to replace water lines with the same in kind lines that are currently there and go through K.D.H.E.
Human Resources – City Manager said that he and the Human Resource Director, Brad Matkin, are working with City directors to work more efficiently and be accountable.
- Director Comments: None
- Engineering Firm Comments: None
- Commissioners Reports and Comments:
- Wells – Matthew praised God for allowing Brad to be back at City Hall working. He is a great asset to the City of Fort Scott.
Matthew asked about cables at Lake Fort Scott parking area. He asked that Doug Guns be present at the next meeting to answer questions at the Lake. He also stated that he was at the Lake Advisory Board meeting and they would like to move forward with the Bathymetric Study and reach out to K-State, Pitt Sate, or K.U. to assist with it. He would like to see a City ordinance drawn up on the sale of Lake lots and go over this at the next meeting.
- Van Hoecke – Tim said that the City crews are doing a great job preparing for the Cape Seal project. He did ask that they use safety glasses and gloves when working.
Tim asked for an update on 2nd Street by the Courthouse.
Tim said that he attended the recent Care to Share fundraiser that was held on National in front of Sharky’s. It was well attended and thanked all who organized it.
- Jones – Josh stated that he was glad to have Brad back in the office also.
Josh asked that the City Manager look at the roads at the Lake and who is responsible for what.
Josh thanked Destry Brown and the City Manager for the USD 234 School Resource Officer agreement.
- Walker – Shane updated the Commission on 2nd Street by the Courthouse. They are sending their part out for bid in the near future.
City Manager said once the County part is done, the City will repair the street.
Shane also thanked Destry Brown for the school resource officer agreement with the City.
Shane said that he was representing Frank Halsey and asked for the camping area at Gunn Park to be shut down on September 17th and 18th for the Marmaton Massacre event.
- Jones moved to shut off the camping area at Gunn Park on September 17th and 18th for the Marmaton Massacre Event. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO SHUT OFF THE CAMPING AREA AT GUNN PARK ON SEPTEMBER 17TH AND 18TH FOR THE MARMATON MASSACRE EVENT.
- Harrington – Katie wished the best of luck to all the students as well as college students going back to school this week.
Katie also said that she is glad that Brad is back.
- City Attorney Reports and Comments: Bob Farmer, City Attorney said that he had been questioned about a City Commission no longer residing in the City limits. He said that is simply not true. There is a misconception that if you move somehow, you are off the Commission. It depends on the circumstances. You have to be a qualified elector, and to be a qualified elector, you have to be a resident of the City. That Commissioner owns a residence in the City and is going through a family related situation. It is frequent that people change residences. He is waiting for the resident to be able to be moved into. There is no violation.
Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
Adjournment:
- Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:31 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
City Clerk
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING