Monthly Archives: September 2024

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission Meeting at 4:45 p.m. Today

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

September 16, 2024 4:45 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  1. Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 9/9/2024
    2. Approval of August Financials
  2. Susan Walker, CFO-Insurance
  3. 5:30 p.m.-RNR and Budget Public Hearings Begin
  • Public Comments
  • Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Tri-Valley Agreement
  2. Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  3. Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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

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

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

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

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Colee Miller

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Colee William Miller, age 38, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.  He was born May 29, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Douglas William Miller and Tammy Sue Marsh Miller.

Colee attended school in Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 2004.  As a child, Colee attended the Grace Baptist Tabernacle with his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger.  He also was active with the AWANA program at the Bethel Community Church.

After graduation, Colee worked for Klein Products.  He later owned and operated his own business D & C Sanitation and also helped with Miller’s Mowing.  Colee was naturally gifted when it came to technology and electronics.  He was often called on by friends and family whenever they needed some “tech-support.”

Growing up, Colee enjoyed spending time with his friends whether it be cruising, hunting or fishing or going to concerts. He was given the nickname, Lolo, by his cousin, Brynlee. Colee was always the life of the party.  He will be remembered for his quick wit and lively sense of humor; every family needs a Colee!  Colee dedicated his time to making memories with his son, Rivver.  Together, they enjoyed many hours riding the side by side, spending time outdoors and at the arcade.   Colee will be lovingly missed by his family and friends.

 

Survivors include his parents, Doug and Tammy Miller and his son, Rivver, all of Ft. Scott and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  Colee was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Laura Miller and Donnie and Barbara Marsh as well as his great-grandmother, Irene Baysinger who took such good care of him as a child.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 20th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: Four Musical Couples

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This Friday night, September 20th, the concert at Heritage Park will present four different musical couples: Larry and Judy Snow from Mound City, Allen and Connie Edgerton from Kincaid, Kevin and Kathy Woods from Prescott, and Jack and Sandy Hemphill from Fort Scott.

The featured emcee will be Floyd Feezell and the featured drummer will be Kristen Weeks.
The concert will start at 7:00 at the pavilion and will include a range of country and gospel music. It will be a couple’s jam session! Each performer will select songs to sing for the crowd. It should be a fun time for all present.
The Friday night concert in the park series, headed by Ralph Carlson, has limited seating so please bring a lawn chair.  In case of bad weather, the concert will be moved to Common Ground Coffee Shop. Come out for a fun night of entertainment!
Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Buildings Scheduled for Demolition in Fort Scott: A Long Process

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Downtown Fort Scott, looking north on Main Street, city hall is on the right.

 

On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several blighted buildings.

The purpose and goal of the Fort Scott Codes Department is to enforce all codes, ordinances, and regulations adopted by the City of Fort Scott to ensure the safety and aesthetic value of all properties and establish a standard of property maintenance, according to the city’s website.

The city has a process to allow extended time for property owners to repair the buildings.

Properties in a state of deterioration are turned into the city by community members for the most part, said Leroy Kruger, who works in the codes department.

This begins a process that starts with a letter to the property owner asking them to repair the house up to city codes and to give the codes department a phone call, within 30 days of receiving the letter.

“If we haven’t heard from them, we send out a condemnation letter,” Kruger said.

“We give 30 more days, if we haven’t heard from them, we turn it over to the city commissioners, and they vote on it,” he said.

“The next step is to advertise (in the Fort Scott Tribune) that we are going to tear it down. Then we have a public meeting,” Kruger said.

“Homeowners or any interested parties get another letter to come and speak to the commission,” he said.

“If no one shows up, the next step is to tear it down.”

“We try to get three bids submitted to the commission (for demolition) and they decide who gets the bid.” he said.

Once torn down to ground level, if the owners want to sell the property, a special assessment fee is given them to recoup the cost of the demolition.

“There’s quite a few blighted properties in Fort Scott,” Kruger said. “We have to stay in a budget for the year. Usually, there are two to three properties at a time.”

At the September 3 Fort Scott City Commission Meeting six properties were submitted.

“If these six go through, we’ve done 10 or 11 properties this year. I think the six have eaten up our budget,” Kruger said.

The codes department office is located in City Hall at 123 S. Main Street and can by reached by calling 620.223.0550.

Norm Nation is the supervisor and lead codes inspector.

 

On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several buildings. Here are the addresses and photos of the buildings taken from Google Street View.

1721 E. Wall

323 W. Wall

1619 E. Pine

1105 Scott Ave

402 S. Lowman Street

418 Couch St.

Bourbon County

Letter to the Editor: Highlighting Bourbon County REDI’s Impact on Our Community

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Dear Editor,
I am writing to highlight the significant achievements of Bourbon County REDI over the past several years. Our organization has played a crucial role in driving economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community development throughout Bourbon County—all while operating at a much lower cost than previous efforts.
One of our key accomplishments was taking over the Pavilion project after the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) stepped back. We formed a dedicated committee that ensured its successful completion, transforming it into a vital community space that hosts local events and fosters civic engagement.
We also played a pivotal role in revitalizing the KRES building by securing Mr. Robert Coon as its new owner and working with him to bring in Mi Ranchito that has greatly enhanced our downtown dining options, created jobs, and boosted sales tax revenue.
In addition, we secured a $400,000 grant for the Eagle Block building, which was essential for clean-up efforts and the preservation of neighboring historic structures. This initiative has spurred business expansion and economic activity, further strengthening our downtown.
Our efforts were instrumental in revising and securing the Horton Street grant, nearly $1 million dedicated to improving one of our most traveled city streets, connecting our community college to the downtown business district. We also facilitated the development of a new office building on the site of the former Brew Haus, which has enhanced the aesthetics of downtown Fort Scott and increased foot traffic to local businesses.
REDI has been a key player in the sale and redevelopment of the professional building adjacent to the hospital, which will be renovated to house new businesses and create jobs. We also supported the transition of the MacDonald Hall building, actively assisting the new owners in securing grants for an incubator kitchen that promises further economic growth in Bourbon County.
Our collaborative efforts helped bring Freeman Health System to the county, working with multiple stakeholders to navigate regulatory and financial hurdles to restore critical healthcare services.
We have also worked diligently on marketing the Value Merchandiser building, exploring innovative uses and engaging prospective buyers to ensure it remains a valuable economic asset.
In 2022, we conducted housing, labor, and retail studies that have guided numerous investment decisions, attracted businesses and driven development across Bourbon County. Our work helped bring Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI) to the community, creating around 100 new jobs at wages above the county average—the largest business attraction in recent memory.
We hosted the first-ever countywide strategic planning session, which identified key issues facing our community. From this, we spearheaded several initiatives, including working with the City of Fort Scott Commission to revitalize the Landbank board, leading to the productive use of several previously vacant lots, and forming a housing committee that has been working hard to create an incentive plan with the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County to help bring more housing developers to our communities.
Additionally, we have been instrumental in awarding grant funds to various organizations and communities within Bourbon County, totaling over $150,000. These funds supported quality-of-life projects, including updates to the rodeo arena, park amenities in Uniontown, baseball field improvements in Bronson, a new playground at Kansas Rocks, bike course funds at Gunn Park, and new sidewalks in Mapleton.
We were also instrumental in the awarding of grants to the city of Fort Scott for a new ATV for their fire department and for AEDs that are being placed in several city owned properties to help save lives. Additionally, we supported the Bourbon County EMS by not only writing and helping them be awarded with grants for much needed equipment.
We have also been working closely with BNSF on major infrastructure improvements that would address traffic flow issues between the west and east sides of Fort Scott, crucial for emergency access and overall community connectivity.
Finally, our efforts to support the solar farm developments in Bourbon County will lead to an estimated billion-dollar increase in tax assessments over the next thirty years, providing vital funding for local schools and potentially lowering taxes by up to 80%.
In summary, Bourbon County REDI has achieved a great deal, often where others have struggled. Our work has driven economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced the quality of life across the county. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to building on our successes for the benefit of our entire community.
Robert Harrington
Executive Director Bourbon County
Regional Economic Development Inc.
401 Woodland Hills Blvd
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Scarecrow Contest Winner: Guild Mortgage

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Chamber announces the… 2024 Scarecrow Contest Winner

Guild Mortgage located at 1 E. Wall St.

A HUGE Thank You to ALL of the businesses/organizations that entered the contest! We encourage EVERYONE to venture Downtown to view all the festive scarecrows! A special THANK YOU to KEY Apparel for sponsoring the contest and providing the winner 12 logoed t-shirts!

  1. Core Community of Bourbon County, scarecrow located at Sleep Inn, 302 E. Wall
  2. First Presbyterian Church, scarecrow located at Front Door Realty, 113 S. Main
  3. Gross Insurance, 18 S. National
  4. Guild Mortgage, 1 E. Wall
  5. Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union, 24 S. National Ave.
  6. Ruddick’s, 117 S. National Ave.
  7. SEK Multi County Health Dept, scarecrow located in front of Iron Star, 3 N. Main
  8. Sleep Inn, 302 E. Wall

SAVE THE DATE for the Downtown Halloween Parade, Saturday, October 26th with Festivities starting at 10am, Parade 11am!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Register Today For Town-Wide Garage Sale This Weekend

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Fall Town – Wide Garage Sale in Fort Scott September 20th & 21st!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is EXCITED to announce the Fall Town – Wide Garage Sale happening September 20th & 21st!

Sales may be registered with the Chamber and listed on the official garage sale map for only $12. Those interested may register in person at the Chamber, over the phone by credit, debit or Venmo, or online at fortscott.com. The Chamber also offers display ads to businesses and organizations on the map for $35.

The deadline to register a sale on the official map is 1pm on Tuesday, September 17th.

The Chamber sincerely appreciates sales and ads being registered with the Chamber as those funds make it possible for the Chamber to host the event and cover expenses incurred on the event to bring as many people to the community as possible to shop the sales and patronize other businesses while here.

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Friends of the Fort Annual Meeting Tonight: Featured Speaker: All Are Welcome

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site…

The public is invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site (FSNHS) being held TONIGHT at the Herbert House located at 512 S. Judson.

This meeting will feature a program “The Greatest Test of Courage: A Story of WWII and the Philippines”, presented by Ronda Hassig. The program begins at 6pm. Light appetizer refreshments will be served.

Join us to learn about the Friends work on behalf of FSNHS and a little known WWII story in one of Fort Scott premier historic homes.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.

September 16, 2024

512 S. Judson St.

6pm
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Opinion

Jack’s Snacks by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

Jack’s Snacks

 

One evening, while home alone watching one of my favorite movies and eating dry-roasted peanuts, I whispered, “I’ve turned into my dad.” When I was a kid, Dad and I would watch TV in the evenings and he’d always eat popcorn, mixed nuts, or salted peanuts in the shell. He actually had a microwave cart (as an end table) beside his swivel rocker because he stored his snacks in it. Just in the last few years I‘ve adopted his snack  habit (minus the microwave cart). There’s always bits and pieces of our parents in us because that is God’s design. Most of us are younger replicas of our mom or dad, or a combination of both. DNA is powerful and cannot be denied or erased. Jesus said, “When you look at Me you are seeing the One who sent me” (John 12:45 TPT).

 

When all the disciples were together, I think Jesus may have been saddened or  disappointed with Philip’s statement, “Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied.” “Jesus answered, ’Don’t you know Me, Philip? I have been among you such a long time! Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. So how can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Don‘t you believe that I am in the Father? Don‘t you believe that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you are not just My own. The Father lives in Me. He is the One who is doing His work“ (John 14:9-10 NIRV). Like Father, like Son.

 

While on earth, Jesus perfectly represented His Father in every aspect. All believers have a heavenly Father that’s perfect and awesome in every way. “Since you are children of a perfect Father in heaven, you are to be perfect like Him” (Matthew 5:48 TPT). If we take this verse out of context, then it sounds like a counsel of despair and impossibility. But in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching on how to treat others (see Matthew 5:43-47). We are to aim at being perfect in how we love God and others. We’ll never be perfect in the sense that God is, but we are to focus on perfecting our love walk.

 

We are to emulate our heavenly Father rather than the messed-up worldly influencers in our culture. “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6 NLT). It makes sense that if we claim to be a Christian we must surely live like one.

 

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT). Maybe this scripture is why Peter Scholtes penned the hymn lyrics, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” All of our behavior is to be characterized by love. Apostle Peter wrote, “Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters” (1 Peter 2:17). If love is AWOL in the Church Body, you can be sure that God is not being imitated.

 

Many years ago I read the book, “In His Steps” by Charles M. Sheldon. This best-selling Christian fiction novel made a positive impact on my life. The scriptures tell us that Jesus went about doing good. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34). God is love and He is good. We are imitating  Jesus when we live our lives filled with love and go about doing good.

 

The Key: I doubt that God eats peanuts, but we should imitate Him anyway.

Kansas

New Round of SEED Grants Available for Rural Quality-of-Life Initiatives

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New Round of SEED Grants Available for Rural Quality-of-Life Initiatives

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today that $250,000 will be available through a third round of Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grants. The SEED program supports economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller counties across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives.

“SEED grants are a vital part of our commitment to ensuring every community in Kansas has the opportunity to succeed,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants are creating real impact in rural communities, helping them build stronger local economies, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By investing in these communities, we continue laying the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity.”

The grants are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants up to $25,000 will be available in the following categories:

  • Childcare and senior programming – Projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment
  • Community vibrancy – Projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage
  • Food retail – Projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion
  • Libraries – Projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements

Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other organizations in towns not previously awarded a SEED grant are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10-percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance will be given upon successful completion of the project.

Funding for the SEED program is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.

SEED grant applications will open Monday, September 16, and close at 11:59 p.m. Monday, November 8. Grant awardees will be announced mid-December.

A recorded informational webinar about the SEED grant is available here. A list of previously awarded towns, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible counties can be found here.

The Office of Rural Prosperity will host virtual Office Hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 20, for anyone who might have questions regarding the grant and the application process. To register, 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, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for September 17

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

September 17, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1368-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 28, 2024 – September 10, 2024 – $1,023,007.21
  5. Approval of Minutes for September 3, 2024, Regular Meeting and September 9, 2024, Special Meeting.
  6. Request to Pay – Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) – Invoice No. 0010 FINAL (July, August and September) – $10,000.00
  7. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection – KDOT Project No. 6 KA-6898-01 Project No. 23-015A – Payment No. 4 – Invoice No. 17453 – Payroll – $8,142.58
  8. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection – KDOT Project No. 6 KA-6898-01 Project No. 23-015A – Payment No. 5 – Invoice No. 17538 – Design – $26,490.05
  9. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection – 24-414 Horton St. & 6th Improvements – Invoice No. 17532 – Payroll – $37,510.35
  10. August Financials

 

VII.    Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

VIII.     Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting             

              you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

  1. Matthew Wells/Bourbon County Community Theatre – Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – October 26, 2024, 6:00PM – 9:00PM – ‘Voices From The Grave’

 

  1. Kathy Brennon/Executive Director/Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging – Meals on Wheels

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Consideration of Building at 118 E. Wall – Continued from September 9, 2024, Special City Commission Meeting – waiting on requested documents from owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. New Business

Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 12 N. Main St. – Alteration to Existing Structure – Design Review Board meeting on September 13, 2024.
  2. Consideration to Go Out For Bids for External IT Services
  3. Consideration of Bids for Reinvestment of $1,000,000.00 from Wastewater Fund for six (6)-Month CD – Four (4) bids received: Citizens Bank, City State Bank, Landmark National Bank and UMB Bank.
  4. Consideration of Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. and Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Dickman
  5. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. and Sprouls Construction – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 5 – $8,075.00
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. and Sprouls Construction – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 6 FINAL (Retainage) – $10,397.85
  7. Request to Schedule a Special Meeting (September 23, 2024) to Consider RFPs for Consultant to Airport Projects within the Next Five (5) Years.

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. City Manager Comments
  3. Engineering Comments
  4.  Commissioners Comments
  5. City Attorney Comments

 

XII.     Adjourn