Monthly Archives: June 2023

Bourbon County, Government

City of Uniontown Minutes of May 9

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The Regular Council Meeting on May 9, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Amber Kelly.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Loren Korte, Personal Service Insurance planned to be here to present the City with a dividend check from EMC, but was unable to make it due to the weather.

 

Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism planned to be here to pick up grant application but wasn’t able to come.  Clerk Johnson asked council what percentage of match for this application, 56% was used for phase I.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to submit CFAP Grant Application with a 56% match.

 

Clerk Johnson will email application to Don George tomorrow.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the April 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $345,407.78, Receipts $33,990.09, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $20,937.77, Checking Account Closing Balance $355,428.10. Bank Statement Balance $357,610.00, including Checking Account Interest of $74.34, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,181.90, Reconciled Balance $355,428.10.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,223.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,499.83, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,993.59. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $302.32, and Utility CDs $164.51 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $466.83.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of April 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  April Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of April $10,026.32, Year-to-Date Net Income $11,876.13.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $38,134.93 (31.2%), Expenditures $38,690.75 (24.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $11,987.81 (32.5%), Expenditures $10,443.41 (25.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $74,395.57 (47.5%), Expenditures $42,133.87 (18.7%); General Fund YTD Revenue $58,008.36 (38.7%), Expenditures $60,617.60 (32.7%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,937.49 (52.8%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The May 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $37,906.04 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of April 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that nuisance/debris letters were sent.  Mayor Jurgensen requested that he be notified when and to whom letters are sent.  There was an apparent breakdown in communications which caused an issue with a letter recipient.  Clerk Johnson will send a letter to that recipient apologizing for the communication breakdown.  Coyan will next target unmowed properties.

404 Washington St was discussed.  Coyan and Johnson will review the dangerous structure ordinance(s) and discuss with the council again next month.

Animal Control Officer Binford has issued 14 citations for failure to register dogs/cats.  As of today, five have been resolved.  Court is scheduled for May 15, 2023 for the remainder.

 

Clerk Johnson informed the council a letter of financial commitment was received from Bandera Stone for the Mural Grant as part of the grant application.  Grant application was submitted 4/17/2023.

 

She asked City’s insurance agent if Old Settlers Committee was required to have event insurance or would the City’s policy cover the event.  He said the Old Settlers Committee needs to have their own event policy.  This was passed on to the committee.  Johnson will inquire about cost of a policy for the committee.

 

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – wanted to know if the ball association is allowed to use the lights for practices.  After discussion Johnson will send message to President and Vice-President of association the lights can be used for organization practices, only when needed and last coach of the day is responsible for making sure they are shut off.

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – wanted to make sure we have enough chemical for mosquitos.  Yes, we do.

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – hired Cindy Mumbower as the new custodian/water sampler.  She started last week.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Project – Committee met on May 3 and doesn’t recommend outdoor exercise equipment.  Doesn’t feel it is cost effective.  They said yes to the pickleball court, possibly a community garden was discussed.  Healthy Bourbon County Action Team will be here for the June meeting to discuss the key findings from the community perception survey and have a “Community Conversation” for the project.

 

Motion by Danea, Second by Hartman , Approved 4-0, to solicit quotes for a 30’X60’X6” concrete slab with fiberglass rebar and light broom finish for the pickleball court

 

American Rescue Plan Act update –Annual Project and Expenditure report was submitted on 4/17/2023.  Mayor Jurgensen suggested capping the scales instead of removing and building ramp over cap on south side of warehouse before skinning and installing new rollup doors.

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – have not received anything yet from KMGA.

 

Street repairs/resurfacing – Three bids were received for the project and opened (bid tabulation attached).

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to award base bid plus alternate bid to Bettis Asphalt for the total amount of $175,597.19

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:15PM

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Live Music and Lots of Laughs at Memorial Hall On June 9

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A live music karaoke night is planned at Memorial Hall on June 9, this Friday, to benefit the historic building.

Karaoke is a form of entertainment, offered typically by bars and clubs, in which people take turns to sing popular songs into a microphone, according to Oxford Dictionary.

Josh Jones and Cory Byers are spearheading the event to benefit Memorial Hall, which is owned by the City of Fort Scott.

“Proceeds will go to fixing up Memorial Hall,” Jones said.

Food, provided  by Care to Share, a local helping organization, and drink will be available for sale, with Sharky’s Pub and Grub providing a full bar.

The band is Left of Center, playing classic rock and country music, according to the press release.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with live music at 7 p.m.

One can grab a few friends to sing together or sing alone. The entry fee is $10 per person.

Tables for six people can be reserved for $60.

About Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall, at the intersection of South National Avenue and East Third Street, (1 E. Third) is a performance and event center, and  was built in 1925. It is one of the properties included in the Historic Downtown Fort Scott District.

The entrance steps were recently repaired by Mid Continental Restoration Inc. of Fort Scott.

To reserve Memorial Hall, call the City of Fort Scott at 620.223-0550.

In the lower level of the building, at 221 S. National,  is a genealogy organization, the Old Fort Genealogical Society. This  not-for-profit corporation  is dedicated to preserving the history of the community  with records, newspapers, books, photos, school annuals, city directories, obituaries, newspaper microfilm reels, and many other records.

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of William Hathaway

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William L. Hathaway, Jr., 75, of Fort Scott, passed away on June 6, 2023, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was born November 4, 1947, in Iola, the son of William L. Hathaway, Sr., and Helen Louise Hawkins. His father passed away at an early age. He was fortunate to have in his life Tom Norris and Dutch Hurd who filled the role of father figures.

 

He graduated from Fort Scott High School and while attending Fort Scott Community College he was drafted into the U.S. Army. During Vietnam, he was stationed in Germany where he served as a cook.

Upon his discharge in June 1969, he returned to Fort Scott and married the love of his life, Patty Sue Gaston, on August 23, 1969. They were married at the home of her parents on their rural Second Street farm.

During the 53-year marriage, they were blessed with two sons, Willie and Brandon.

 

William worked as a press operator at Extrusions for 53 years. He selflessly dedicated his life to his family. He was a well-known and respected little league baseball coach for both of his sons and many others. His grandchildren could count on him being the first one to the ballfield and the loudest voice of support behind home plate. He took great pride in spoiling his great-grandchildren and watching them grow. He could be found at Elm Creek camping, where he enjoyed fishing and cooking out with his family. No one that met William could deny his love for his family.

 

Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, William L. Hathaway III and wife Crystal, and Brandon E. Hathaway and wife Kim; four grandchildren, Torrie Singmaster and husband Dakota, Graham Hathaway, Nick Hathaway, and Kaidden Hathaway; two great-grandchildren, William, and Tyson Singmaster; a sister, Bertha Valdivia of Topeka; a brother, David Hathaway and wife Brenda of Fulton; and numerous extended family and friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Slim Valdivia, and nephew Kenny Clampitt.

 

Rev. Daryl Gaddy will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 13th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott Recreation Department for Baseball and Softball and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of May 16

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of May 16, 2023                                                                         Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 16, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, E. Woellhof were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION:  M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

PROCLAMATIONS:   M. Wells made a Proclamation from the City of Fort Scott for National Nursing Home Week (May 14-20, 2023).  He stated that he also appeared at Medicalodges and presented the same Proclamation and a blessing over the residents on May 15, 2023.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Police Chief Jason Pickert, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jackson Tough/Director of Public Relations and Tourism, Scott Flater/Director of Water Utilities, Justin Pregont, Dean Striler, Michael Clancy/RenoDry, Mark McCoy/REDI Chairman, Rob Harrington/REDI Director, Tayton Majors/REDI, Emily Diebolt/REDI, Carolyn Sinn, Kendall Schoenrock

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

  1. Jones moved to approve the agenda as submitted for May 16, 2023. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED AGENDA AS SUBMITTED FOR May 16, 2023.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 2, 2023
  2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1336-A – $799,127.78
  3. April Financials

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

Dean Striler:  Addressed the Commission regarding the progress of campground and renovation projects approved on February 28, 2022. He stated that the Commission approved the following:  Shelter House, ADA-Compliant Bathroom, Water, Sewer, Fishing Docks, Electricity, Lighting, Primitive Camping and RV Campsites. He would like to know the status of each of the items because as of date, nothing has been done.

 

  1. Matkin stated the Shelter House has been painted and cleaned up, mowing has been happening, all the docks are in place.

 

  1. Wells asked if the items other than the docks have been addressed. B. Matkin stated no.

 

  1. Striler asked for the reason behind that because it was stated over a year and a half ago that the funds were approved by resolution and signed by J. Jones, who was mayor at the time.

 

  1. Wells stated that when he was the Commission’s Representative for the Lake Advisory Board, he did bring these items to the attention of the Commission twice to approve the water line so the project could continue. He stated that he did not have the votes from the other Commissioners to move forward with those projects.

 

  1. Striler asked what is being done with those funds. He stated that he heard there was talk that the lake funds would be used for Memorial Hall improvements.

 

  1. Jones stated that currently they are sitting idle in the account, and it takes a majority of the Commission to approve moving expenditures out of that account.

 

  1. Striler asked what is being done to move forward.

 

  1. VanHoecke stated that the Commission received presentations for the campground and there was confusion about the size and cost, which slowed things down.

 

Further details about the plans were discussed.

 

  1. Striler asked what will be done with the money that is currently in that fund. He stated that certainly things can be done.

 

  1. Jones stated that he would like to see a sight plan for the primitive camping by the next meeting.

 

Further discussion was had about the preliminary plans versus what is financially possible. J. Jones directed B. Matkin to find out what items could be taken care of in the very near future minus electricity and water.

 

Further ideas were discussed on improvements that could happen to the primitive camp site and other items that need immediate attention.

 

  1. Matin also stated that the improvements were taken into Executive Session a few months back that cannot be discussed.

 

  1. Striler again asked what will happen next.

 

  1. Wells stated that B. Matkin will look at the items brought to the Commission’s attention, find some prices, and have those at the next meeting so that we can possibly move forward.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

  1. Consideration of Approval of RenoDry Contract for Memorial Hall – Michael Clancy:

 

Discussion was had about the Commissioners speaking with references regarding the system to be installed and how it can benefit Memorial Hall in its present and future condition.

 

  1. Clancy stated he will do the work May 22nd and May 24th, 2023.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the contract for services from RenoDry from Memorial Hall in the amount of $35,000.00. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONTRACT FOR SERVICES FROM RENODRY FROM MEMORIAL HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000.00.

 

  1. Consideration of Lagoon Aeration Proposal – Phase II – J. Dickman:
  2. Dickman stated that the proposal was not ready for this meeting and that they are still refining the numbers. J. Dickman stated that he will confirm that the proposal will be ready by the June 6 meeting.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to table the Consideration of Lagoon Aeration Proposal – Phase II until the June 6, 2023, meeting. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF THE LAGOON AERATION PROPOSAL FOR PHASE II UNTIL THE JUNE 6, 2023, MEETING.

 

  1. Youth Activities Team (Y.A.T.) 1311 S. National Going To Auction, tabled from May 2, 2023, meeting:

 

  1. Jones deferred to Bob Farmer regarding the need for a motion. B. Farmer stated that he believed it to be best to have a motion on the record.

 

  1. Jones moved to allow the Y.A.T. to proceed with selling the house at 1311 S. National.

 

  1. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ALLOW THE Y.A.T. TO PROCEED WITH SELLING THE HOUSE AT 1311 S. NATIONAL.

 

  1. Consideration of Ordinance – Vacancy in Commission – Revision for 2023: Ordinance No. 3746 was drafted by B. Farmer and J. Jones and presented to the Commission as follows: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 3290 SECTION 2.60.010 (VACANCY IN OFFICE – HOW FILLED) OF CHAPTER 2.60 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE. ORDINANCE 3290 SECTION 2.60.010 is amended as follows:
  2. In case of any vacancy in the office of mayor or commissioner, the remaining members of the board of commissioners shall, within ten days or the next regularly schedule commission meeting, after the occurrence of a vacancy, elect some suitable person, by majority vote, who shall reside inside the territorial limits of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas and shall be a qualified elector therein to fill the vacancy for the balance of the unexpired term of such office. During the calendar year 2023 there will be allowed a onetime exception to the ten-day rule and will allow vacancy to be filled by a ballot at the next general election being held in Bourbon county as which time the person to fill the unexpired term will be placed on the ballot and elected by the people. If the remaining members cannot agree upon a suitable person, then they shall call upon the City Attorney who shall cast the decisive vote for such an appointment. All remaining sections, listed as B – E of Ordinance 3290 Section 2.60.010 shall remain in effect and be unchanged.

 

Discussion was had about the current Ordinance and the potential change. Commissioners voiced concerns as to how this would be better than the Ordinance currently in effect.

 

  1. Jones stated he would hold of moving until the election and therefore moved to approve the Ordinance as presented.

 

  1. Woellhof asked J. Jones if he was making a commitment to stay on until the election. J. Jones stated yes.

 

  1. Farmer stated that the minute you are technically not a resident, you are off the Commission. J. Jones stated that it is based on intent.

 

  1. Wells seconded.

 

  1. Woellhof was called to vote and stated that he wanted to be clear that he is all for letting people vote, but if J. Jones has given his commitment that he will stay until the election, he (E. Woellhof) will vote yes.

 

  1. Woellhof, J. Jones and M. Wells voted aye. Katie Harrington and T. VanHoecke voted nay.

 

APPROVED TO PASS AND APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3746 ON MAY 16, 2023.

 

APPEARANCES:

 

  1. Jackson Tough /Director of Public Relations and Tourism: J. Tough appeared before the Commission to update them on what is happening in Tourism. He stated that the most recent completion is the 3,000 + rack cards that have been distributed, which tend to be one of the most successful tourism campaigns. He stated that he is also working on new signage on the highway and working with KDOT for new signage for the National Cemetery. He also announced that Fort Scott has been selected to host the 2024 Kansas Museum Conference and he will be working on a video to promote.
  2. Tough stated that the Osage Ballet will be at the FSCC Ellis Center on July 21 and 22, 2023, and the Gordon Parks Celebration is coming up October 5-7, 2023. He has also been involved in the 1st Colored Infantry Mural, Bourbon on the Rocks Gravel Grinding, SEK Regional Tourism Conference, LaRoche quarterly e-mails and the newly created Stay and Play that is creating packages with Woodland Hills Golf Course and are hotels.
  3. Tough fielded questions from Commissioners regarding GeoFencing and comparisons of last years’ statistics to this year’s numbers for tourism.
  4. Matkin stated that with Tourism he believes Fort Scott needs to be proactive and not reactive and focus on networking and building relationships all over the area. He also believes the City’s new App (MyCivicService) will help with Tourism as well.

 

  1. Business Retention by REDI: R. Harrington addressed the Commission by stating that REDI was present to update the Commission on a regular basis as requested.  Tayton Majors updated the Commission about the projects he has been working on for REDI regarding business retention and expansion. T. Majors stated that he collaborates with the grant writer, marketing specialist and the director on each project he works on.  T. Majors outlined that he has been working on with REDI. He stated that the largest project is the creation of a formal business retention and expansion program. It has not yet been completed but has some tentative findings that are eye-opening and have yielded some amazing results.  T. Majors talked about the need for healthcare and moderate-income housing in the community.  He will collaborate with B. Matkin on infrastructure needs.  T. Majors also stated that REDI, in partnership with the Chamber, will host a Rural Workforce Development Summit on June 22, 2023.  He stated that he is also involved in the 1st Colored Infantry Mural. He finished by informing the Commission that he will be leading the development of a Small Business Incentive Package. He stated that each project that REDI does is in close coordination and compliance with the 2018 Comprehensive Plan and the Strategic Initiatives that were discussed at the last meeting.

 

  1. Harrington asked that the City consider an Executive Session at this time to discuss a possible development that could come to Fort Scott.

 

  1. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session pursuant to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4). In the session will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Manager, the City Attorney, Rob Harrington, Mark McCoy, and Kendall Schoenrock. The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 7:18PM.

 

  1. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED HAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO THE FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OR TRADE SECRETS OF CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, TRUSTS, AND INDIVIDUAL PROPRIETORSHIPS EXCEPTION IN K.S.A. 75-4319(B)(4). IN THE SESSION WILL BE THE (5) CITY COMMISSIONERS, THE CITY MANAGER, THE CITY ATTORNEY, ROB HARRINGTON, MARK MCCOY, AND KENDALL SCHOENROCK. THE OPEN MEETING WILL RESUME IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT 7:18PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:18PM. K. Harrington seconded. T. VanHoecke, E. Woellhof, and K. Harrington voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:18PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session pursuant to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4). In the session will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Manager, the City Attorney, Rob Harrington, Mark McCoy, and Kendall Schoenrock. The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 7:30PM.

 

  1. Harrington seconded. T. VanHoecke, E. Woellhof, and K. Harrington voted aye.

 

APPROVED THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO THE FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OR TRADE SECRETS OF CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, TRUSTS, AND INDIVIDUAL PROPRIETORSHIPS EXCEPTION IN K.S.A. 75-4319(B)(4). IN THE SESSION WILL BE THE (5) CITY COMMISSIONERS, THE CITY MANAGER, THE CITY ATTORNEY, ROB HARRINGTON, MARK MCCOY, AND KENDALL SCHOENROCK. THE OPEN MEETING WILL RESUME IN THE COMMISSION ROOM AT 7:30PM.

 

  1. Wells moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:30PM with no action. J. Jones seconded. J. Jones, K. Harrington, and M. Wells voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:30PM.

 

  1. Harrington took the podium and stated that he has had some discussions with Bond Counselors as well as B. Farmer and B. Matkin regarding a project we’ve been working on for a couple of years now. He stated that he is coming to the City Commission tonight for REDI to recommend the City Commission authorize City staff and Bond Counsel to move forward on a TIF and a STAR Bond District.

 

  1. Matkin stated that he was given authorization as City staff with the Bond Counsel to move forward with the process of establishing the STAR Bond and TIF Districts for the project that R. Harrington has been working on.

 

  1. Jones asked what the next step would be.

 

  1. Farmer stated that the next step would be discussions with the Kansas Department of Commerce. He said it basically means that the State is underwriting a portion of this project with their share of sales tax money that they receive from the district that is formed here. He stated that the developer has a list of what they want to develop here. The State determines whether any of it is eligible or if they are interested in using taxpayer’s money to develop the plan. It then comes back to the City to fill in all the details.

 

 

 

 

  1. Wells stated that at this point our Bond Counsel and our City are asking permission to go ahead and proceed forward with the establishment of drawing up the different districts or the TIF and STAR Bond so that we can move forward with the sports complex.

 

  1. Farmer stated that the County will have to go into the program with the City because some of the land is within City limits and some is outside.

 

  1. Jones moved to move forward with the establishment of the TIF and STAR Bond Districts. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TIF AND STAR BOND DISTRICTS.

 

  1. Justin Pregont – Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2023 – A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ACCOMPANY THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS HOUSING RESOURCES CORPORATION:

 

  1. Jones moved to approve Resolution 9-2023. Katie Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION 9-2023.

 

  1. Lindsay Madison – Consideration of Application for Parade Permit – Good Ol’ Days Festival Annual Parade “Back to the Bricks with Family, Friends and Fun,” Request is the same as last year so she will not appear, only submit application:

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the application for the Good Ol’ Days Festival Annual Parade as submitted on the application by Lindsay Madison for June 2, 2023, beginning at 6:00PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE APPLICATION FOR THE GOOD OL’ DAYS FESTIVAL ANNUAL PARADE AS SUBMITTED ON THE APPLICATION BY LINDSAY MADISON FOR JUNE 2, 2023, BEGINNING AT 6:00PM.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:  None

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

  1. Split Case Pump for WTP – S. Flater: S. Flater/Water Utilities Director requested that the Commission consider and take action to accept the quote from Alliance Pump and Mechanical Services, Inc. to provide labor and materials for the repair of the Goulds 3410 6X8 split case pump. Staff will rebuild split case pump #3 om the High Service Pump Station at the Water Production Plant. S. Flater stated that this item was on the capital improvement and is routine maintenance but must be done before problems arise.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the purchase of the Split Case Pump from Alliance Pump and Mechanical Service, Inc. for the Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $12,671.92. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE SPLIT CASE PUMP FROM ALLIANCE PUMP AND MECHANICAL SERVICE, INC. FOR THE WATER TREATEMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,671.92.

 

  1. Consideration of Park Advisory Board’s unanimous recommendation to fill vacancy with candidate Kimberly Young: It was stated for transparency that Kimberly is a City Employee and employees are eligible to sit on an advisory board as a citizen.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the recommendation of the Park Advisory Board to fill the vacant seat with applicant Kimberly Young. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PARK ADVISORY BOARD TO FILL THE VACANT SEAT WITH APPLICANT KIMBERLY YOUNG.

 

  1. Consideration of Acquisition of Land for Economic Development and Construction of a Manufacturing Plant: M. Wells moved to have Letter of Intent sent out to move forward with the project.

 

  1. VanHoecke questioned whether the information can be disclosed to the public.

 

  1. Farmer stated it is reasonable to discuss concerns.

 

MOTION DIES FOR LACK OF A SECOND.

 

  1. Consideration of Approval of Boundary Survey for 37+/- Acre Parcel and Certificate of Survey of a 20-Acre Parcel Split out from boundary for the Acquisition of land for Economic Development and Construction for a Manufacturing Plant to be completed by Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. for $5,000.00. – M. Wells

 

  1. Wells requested that the matter be tabled until May 17, 2023, Special City Commission Meeting.

 

  1. Establishment of a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) – M. Wells: After discussion with the Commission, it was decided to direct the City Manager to move forward and work with developers to pick (3) sites for developing RHID’s in the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS:

 

City Manager:  B. Matkin

  1. Memorial Hall steps require another coat to be completed.
  2. Diehl, Banwart and Bolton will begin the City’s audit.
  3. The “Icehouse” is down. There have not been plans or a timetable presented.
  4. Rearing Pond concerns addressed
  5. There is no leak on the dam.

 

City Engineer:  J. Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspection

1, Bennet Construction has begun mobilizing for the CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project and their sign is up.

  1. Survey is completed on Wall Street.
  2. 6th and Horton – request for Certifications is to the Clerk

 

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:

 

  1. VanHoecke:
  2. Thankful for the much-needed rain.
  3. Not against Economic Development, just concerned about money spent.
  4. Thank you B. Matkin – discussion about Golf Course produced do solutions.

 

  1. Woellhof:
  2. Announced he will run in the November 2023 election to maintain a seat on the Fort Scott City Commission.
  3. Gunn Park Road is in bad shape – any plans?
  4. In favor of the City contributing to the Fireworks Display this year.

 

  1. Harrington:
  2. School is out for the summer, reminder to be extra observant and careful.
  3. The Lake Advisory board requested that the Commission temporarily restrict wake boards and similar activities due to low lake level and blue algae.

 

  1. Jones: No Comment

 

  1. Wells:
  2. Congratulations to FSHS Baseball who won the Regional Championship.
  3. Osage Ballet at the Ellis Center (FSCC) July 21st and 22nd.

 

 

City Attorney Comments:  No comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Harrington moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:40PM. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:40PM.

 

 

Respectfully submitted for approval,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Government, Kansas

Grants Available For Cities/Counties COVID-19 Issues For Small Businesses

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Department of Commerce Makes $2 Million Available for COVID Resiliency Program

TOPEKA – The Department of Commerce will award $2 million through the Community Development Block Grant – COVID Resiliency (CDBG-CVR) program to enable cities and counties to address issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when no other funds are available. This is a competitive CDBG grant with an application window that closes July 31, 2023.

Funding for the program was made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Kansas should utilize CDBG-CV funds to modernize facilities owned and operated by small businesses that provide vital services and goods. Funds will be prioritized for for-profit businesses that have a majority ownership by a socially or economically disadvantaged person or persons as defined in 15 CFR 1400.0.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they were hit hard by the pandemic,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We are pleased to receive this funding that will help support more Kansas businesses and enable them to continue serving their communities.”

Eligible activities for the CDBG-CVR program include COVID resiliency improvements for businesses such as:

Upgrades to remain open and prevent future closures due to community illnesses and public health emergencies
Technology, hardware, and software upgrades
E-commerce updates
Professional development and training
Other updates that can be directly related to resiliency improvements

Eligible businesses must have at least 51% of their employees meet the low- to moderate-income (LMI) standards. Like other CDBG grants, cities and counties will apply for the funds on behalf of eligible businesses and then make the funds available, administering the program locally. Non-LMI communities can still qualify for this funding if not an entitlement community. The LMI requirement is determined by the business and not the city.

The Kansas Department of Commerce provides CDBG funds to non-entitlement communities across the state, while entitlement communities receive CDBG funding directly from the federal government. Entitlement communities in Kansas include Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, and all of Johnson County. Cities and counties are also ineligible if they have a current balance in in their CDBG Local Revolving Loan Funds account.

For more information on the CDBG-CVR program and to access the application, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Good Ol’ Days Parade Winners Announced

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2023 Good Ol’ Days Parade winners. The Chamber would like to thank everyone who entered and participated in the parade. The Chamber would also like to thank the many volunteers who judged, marked the line-up, or otherwise assisted with the event.
Category Winner
Float           Pint Sized Ice Cream Shop
Foot            Unit Cal Cosens
Tractor      Ron Sharp
Horses      Niece Products
Classic Car Michaleen & Claude O’Dell
Golf Cart   Whispering Willows
Antique Car Jim Fewins

The Chamber organizes the Good Ol’ Days Parade, Halloween Parade and the Christmas Parade.

If you have feedback or suggestions for future parades you may contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 or email [email protected].

Art, Fort Scott, Government, History

Fort Scott Chamber Awarded Grant For History Mural on Skubitz Plaza

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A historic mural project commemorating the African-American troops that fought in the Civil War is moving forward in Fort Scott.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Division applied for and received a Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity grant for $5,250 to have a mural painted on the building that faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site on Skubitz Plaza.

This mural will be replaced with a new one depicting African-American troops who served in the American Civil War.

“The 1st Kansas Colored Infantry mural will be facing the Fort Scott National Historic Site,” Chamber Executive Director Lindsay Madison said. ” It commemorates the infantry that was stationed at the fort.”

The grant application was made through a new Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is a 501c3 entity, she said.

Rachel French, who is on the FS Chamber Downtown Division committee, served as the project coordinator, assisted by Taton Majors, with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. Other members of the downtown Chamber committee are Cathy Bishop, John Crain, Bailey Lyons and Angela Simon.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee 2021. Submitted photo. From left: Bailey Lyons, John Crain, Rachel French and Angela Simon. Not pictured is Cathy Bishop.

Deadline for proposals from artists interested in designing and painting the mural was May 31.

Selected artists proposals will be sent to Kansas University Professor of African American Studies, Randal Jelks, to ensure that all drawings are culturally sensitive, French said.

“Then he can make recommendations for possible revisions for design, after that, a local panel here will judge,” French said.

Names will not be attached to the art proposals for judging, to ensure fairness.

The local judges panel includes Trent and Kate Freeman, owners of a local art shop; Whitney Beth, a local art teacher; Katie Hueston, who has been involved in the coordinating of murals in the last two years in the historic downtown area; Kirk Sharp, executive director of the Gordon Parks Museum; Carl Brenner, Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at Fort Scott National Historic Site; and Jerry Witt, owner of the building on which the mural will be painted.

“After they select a winner, we will reach out to the winner personally,” French said. “We will then make the announcement on Facebook and do a press release on June 19. After that, the artist can start and has to be done by September 1.”

To keep up to date on the mural creation:

https://www.facebook.com/muralsoffortscott

The mural will be dedicated during the Gordon Parks Celebration on the first Friday in October, French said.

The $5,250 grant is a matching grant.

“We are fundraising for the match,” French said. “We need to do signage and there will be recognition of donors.”

To donate:

https://muralsoffortscott.wixsite.com/home

 

According to French, other community stakeholders in this mural project are Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.; Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin; Fort Scott City Commissioners Matthew Wells and Josh Jones; Gordon Parks Museum Director Kirk Sharp; Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski,  and Brenner, also with the fort.

The following is from the press release announcing the grant awards from the Kansas Department of Commerce:

“Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. Seventy-five percent of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.”

To view a prior story:

Historic Mural Soon Coming to Downtown Fort Scott: Artist Proposals Needed by May 29

Obituary

Obituary of Flona Jane Palmer

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Flona Jane “Jani” Palmer, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 4, 2023, at her apartment in Cavalry Crossing.

She was born October 11, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of J. E. Douglas Palmer and Clara Christine Honaker Palmer.

Janie had lived primarily in Maryland where she worked for a time in childcare and also as a bus driver; however, her most important job was being a mother and grandmother.

She enjoyed arts and crafts – there was never a craft she would not try.  She especially liked painting and drawing as well as crocheting and cross-stitch.  In 2016, she moved to Kansas to be near family.

The last year and a half were spent at Cavalry Crossing.

Jani enjoyed playing marbles and participating in activities with the other residents.  She enjoyed reading and had recently reorganized the apartment complex’s library.  Some of her favorite times were spent at the beach.

Survivors include her three children, Michael Guns, Jr. (Julie) of Delaware, Christine Guns of West Virginia and Douglas Guns (Melissa) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and ten grandchildren, Michael Guns III, Morgan Guns, Alyssa Haymaker, Grayson Guns, Liam Guns, Douglas Guns, Jr., Zander Guns, Emma Guns, John Guns and Lincoln Guns.  Also surviving are a sister, Connie Callahan of Spokane, Missouri and three brothers, Rick Palmer, Cherry Hill, Maryland, Douglas Palmer, Jr., Onalaska, Texas and Ronald Hancock of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Janie was preceded in death by her parents.

There was cremation and no public service is planned.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.