A sneak preview of Gunn Park before the first viewing Friday evening showed some of the hard work that had been put into Christmas in the Park, a community holiday event.
Christmas In The Park
All posts by Loretta George
Fort Scott Commission Agenda And Minutes
AGENDA FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION FORT SCOTT CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM 123 SOUTH MAIN DECEMBER 5, 2017, 4 P.M.
- ROLL CALL:
ADAMS BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL
- FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
- PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Introduction of new employee
- CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 21st, 2017.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1204-A totaling $319,308.23.
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
- APPEARANCE:
- CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
- PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: 4:15 p.m. – Vacation of Street/Alley – 18 feet of the alley between Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12, Block 14, South Side Park Addition lying between the South line of 19th Street to the North line of 20th Street between Crawford and Eddy Streets AND the 60’ street of Crawford Street lying between 19th and 20th Street adjacent on the West of Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12, Block 14, Southside Park Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas and lying adjacent on the East of Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, & 11, Block 13, Southside Park Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas – Approval of Ordinance No. 3521
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
- Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to operate a private
secondary school at 1950 Indian Road
- Consideration of change of zoning from C-2 (Restricted Commercial) to I-2 (Heavy Industrial) for the property known as
AGENDA FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION FORT SCOTT CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM 123 SOUTH MAIN DECEMBER 5, 2017 4:00 P.M. the vacant land south of 2500 Liberty Bell Road – Approval of Ordinance No. 3522
- Consideration of change of zoning from C-2 (Restricted Commercial) to I-2 (Heavy Industrial) for the property known as the land south of 2503 South Main – Approval of Ordinance No. 3523
- Consideration of change of zoning from R-2 (Residential Zoned) to C-2 (Commercial) for the property known as the northwest corner of 19th and Crawford – Approval of Ordinance No. 3524
- Consideration of Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3525
- Consideration of Wastewater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3526
- Consideration of Stormwater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3527
- Rejection of Woodland Hills Golf Cart Shed Bids
- Consideration to set Budget Amendment date
10.Consideration of the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas amending the project plan and development agreement regarding the 2322 S. Main Redevelopment District within the City. Approval of Ordinance No. 3528, Project Plan and Development Agreement
11.Consideration of three year contract with KCAMP for Member
Contribution Credit and Rate Stabilization Program
12.Consideration of Proposed Salary Ordinance No. 3529
- COMMENTS:
- Director Updates:
- Commission:
- City Attorney:
- Director of Finance:
- City Manager:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE
AGENDA FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION FORT SCOTT CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM 123 SOUTH MAIN DECEMBER 5, 2017 4:00 P.M. SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO (see below justification) DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN
MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.
Justifications for Executive Sessions:
- Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
- Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
- Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
- Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
- Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
- MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 21st, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Bartelsmeyer, Nichols and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Commissioner Adams was absent.
INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Martin, Children’s Minister, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rachel Pruitt, Deb Needleman, Cheryl Adamson, Chad Brown, Bill Lemke, Daryl Parker, Barbara Ritter, Bryan Ritter, Jody Hoener, Roy Hoener, Paul Martin, Clayton Miller, Michael Mix, Rhonda Dunn, Jessica Schenkel, Cory Schenkel, Justin Dye, Blake Sloup, Margo Stockert, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 7th, 2017.
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1203-A totaling $191,896.81.
- Christmas Parade Permit Form- December 5th, 2017.
Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
- APPEARANCE: None
- CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
- PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
CONSIDERATION:
- Approval of updated Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention – Ordinance No. 3520 – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the current ordinance regarding cross connection and backflow prevention was adopted in 1992. This ordinance prohibits the cross connection between the public water supply and any other water or substance of questionable or unknown quality or any substance which would degrade the public water supply and to provide for maintenance of a continuing effecting cross control program. Over the years, the City has updated their codes, but this ordinance has never been updated. He thanked Bill Lemke for his hard work with this ordinance.
Bartlesmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3520 providing for Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3520 REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3048 AND REPLACING WITH ORDINANCE NO 3520 REGARDING CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL AND BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES THEREOF.
- Adoption of PedNet Coalition – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Plan – Jody Hoener, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, informed the Commission that a public unveiling of the plan was held last Tuesday. The purpose is to adopt a non-motorized transportation plan which will help address barriers towards a healthier community and provide more access to transportation options and healthy food choices. The plan is broken out into four sections: Trails; Bike Infrastructure; Crosswalks and Signage; and Sidewalks. The total budget for this plan is over $4,000,000. These projects will be focused on one at a time and take many years to complete. She asked the City Commission to formally adopt the Master Non-Motorized Transportation Plan for the City of Fort Scott.
City Manager said that this plan will eventually incorporate into the City’s Comprehensive Plan and can be referred to when projects are looked at.
Nichols moved to approve the adoption of the Master Non- Motorized Transportation Plan for the City. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE ADOPTION OF THE MASTER NON- MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.
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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
COMMISSION/STAFF:
- Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Rachel introduced two guests that were present at the meeting from Sol Purpose. Blake Sloup and Justin Dye were present and gave an update on their company. They recently finished up a solar renewable energy project at Sharky’s where they installed solar plates at the roof of their building and also installed energy efficiency upgrades. They have saved the company approximately $1,600 in energy costs already. They said they would be willing to visit with any commercial business or residential household that is interested in solar renewable energy.
Rachel also introduced Brian and Barbara Ritter with the Boiler Room Brewhaus who had just received their State licensing to open up the brewery at 102 S. National. They plan to have an open house on January 6th, 2018 and invited all to attend.
- City Commission:
Adams – Not present.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Parker – Nothing to report.
Nichols – Nothing to report.
Mitchell – Shared a flyer with the Commission that she received at the Fort Scott Public Library Board meeting showing all the benefits they offer.
- City Attorney: Nothing to report.
- Director of Finance: Nothing to report.
- City Manager:
- Bridal Veil/2nd Street Park – City Manager said that there is a group that is looking at this park and will come to the City with a proposal in the near future. It was removed from the agenda due to this fact.
- Employee Christmas bonus – City Manager asked the Commission if they would consider giving the Christmas bonus to City employees again this year with the exception of the City Attorney and himself. He recommended $100.00 to full time employees, $50.00 to regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Christmas bonus. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of November 21, 2017 Regular Meeting #21
APPROVED THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BONUS OF $100.00 FOR ALL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES, $50.00 FOR REGULAR PART TIME EMPLOYEES AND $25.00 FOR PART TIME EMPLOYEES. THIS BONUS WILL EXCLUDE DAVE MARTIN, CITY MANAGER, AND BOB FARMER, CITY ATTORNEY.
- City Christmas Party – City Manager reminded the Commission the City Employee Christmas party is December 12th, 2017 at Buck Run Community Center at 6:00 p.m.
- Next City Commission meeting – City Manager reminded the Commission that the next Commission meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. on December 5th, 2017 due to the Christmas parade.
- City Manager wished all a Happy Thanksgiving! He is excited about
all that is happening in our community.
ADJOURNMENT:
Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:35 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 5th, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
____________________ DIANE K. CLAY CITY CLERK
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Beacon Still Has Older Children In Need of Christmas Presents
The Beacon is a helping agency that during the Christmas season is the go-through agency for Adopt-A-Child.
This program helps provide Christmas presents to families with children up to fifth-grade age.
Currently, all families have been adopted, but “I have a few families that have older children that need presents,” Sue Emmons, executive director of the Beacon said. “Several grandparents on fixed incomes are raising grandchildren.”
For the Christmas Adopt-A-Child, sponsors are asked to choose only one clothing item and/or one gift item for each child, with a $30 per child limit.
Stated needs are asked to be purchased before toys.
The gifts are asked to be gift wrapped and tagged with the child’s first name and family member and delivered to Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton, not later than December 18, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“We also handle the Elks Christmas Food Basket,” Emmons said. “It’s a generous Christmas basket they deliver.”
For more information contact Emmons at 620-223-6869 during office hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
As a helping agency, the Beacon follows these guidelines:
Christmas Decorations On Burke Street
Story idea submitted by Jana Walker, who provided the photos.
Candy canes, bows, bells… these are all symbols that bring to mind the Christmas season.
The Burke Street neighborhood in Fort Scott created candy canes as yard decorations this month using these symbols of Christmas.
“We started talking about it at the annual 4th of July picnic,” Jana Walker, said. The Burke Street residents have an annual 4th of July parade, and with a picnic following.
It was at the picnic that the neighborhood decided to do Christmas decorations. Burke Street resident Sara Ellis recommended a candy cane lane, said Jana Walker.
“We are trying to build a community with each other,” Jana Walker said. “We wanted to include the children.”
Walker said she would like to encourage other neighborhoods do projects together because it helps people get to know each other.
“It’s fun getting to know the neighborhood,” Bob Lemons said of the project.
Lemons was the carpenter on the project and spearheaded the children painting the candy canes.
“Shane (Jana’s husband) knew that Bob had done carpentry work,” Jana said.
In October, the Walkers then went door-to-door in the neighborhood seeking input about the Christmas candy cane yard decorating project.
“They supplied the materials,” Lemons said. “I cut them out.”
“They needed a place to paint, so I offered my garage,” he said.
Just before Thanksgiving, when the neighborhood children were out of school, the painting portion of the candy cane project got started in the Lemons garage.
“He volunteered to cut them out and directed the children in painting them white,” Jana Walker noted. “He then finished painting the red stripes.”
Then bows and bells were attached along with the hardware to allow them to stay in the ground.
On Monday, Betty and Bob Lemons, went down the neighborhood street, putting the candy canes on display in the yards, after getting permission from each family.
About 12-14 children off-and-on helped with the project, Lemons said.
“We’ve just lived here three years, it’s a great way to get to know the neighbors,” Lemons said.
Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed
It’s that time of year again!
The Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring bells in their annual fundraising campaign.
Allen Schellack, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries(FSCM), is seeking bell ringers in partnership with the Salvation Army.
The hours and days are flexible, he said.
Individuals, families, churches, and community service organizations are encouraged to call 620-223-2212 to set up a time to serve.
All donations stay in Bourbon County, he said.
This year $4,134.47 is assistance was provided to local families.
FSCM is the designated Salvation Army Disaster Relief and Services Extension Unit for Bourbon County. Through the partnership the following services are provided:
- disaster relief,
- rental and utility assistance,
- prescriptions (no narcotics),
- temporary lodging,
- gasoline for work or doctor,
- vision help(eyeglasses),
- Salvation Army Kids Camp,
- and other unspecified needs are on a case by case basis.
In addition, FSCM is a volunteer organization that provided these services in 2016-17:
- fire disaster packs,
- homeless/transition assist packs,
- Christmas presents for teens,
- school supplies for middle and high school students.
Presbyterian Village Christmas Tree Contest
New to the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County’s Homes for the Holidays Tour, December 2 and 3, is Presbyterian Village, an assisted living facility at 2401 S. Horton.
“At this location, we are showcasing the Christmas tree decorating contest in Fort Scott where over 15 trees were entered and are all uniquely decorated using creativity and class,” Ginger Nance, executive director of Presbyterian Village, said.
Christmas trees are displayed throughout the facility.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals could enter the tree decorating contest.
Since Presbyterian Village is in the Homes for the Holidays tour the Christmas trees will be on display the same hours on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
For more information contact the village at 620-644-4362.
HPA Quilt Show
Quilts are an American form of art, Rhonda Dunn told attendees at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee Thursday morning.
Dunn said in her family a previous generation of sisters exchanged cloth handkerchiefs as presents. A few of the “hanky’s” are in quilts on display at the first-ever quilt show during the Homes for the Holiday Tour.
The quilts are part of an exhibit at the Beaux Arts Center, owned by Denise and Bobby Duncan, who live on the third floor of the center.
The center is just north of the Fort Scott Post Office on National Avenue.
People who purchase $15 Homes for the Holidays Tour tickets can view the quilts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets will allow entry to three featured homes, the quilt show and Presbyterian Village’s Christmas Tree Contest, 2401 S. Horton.
Special Weekend In Fort Scott Starts Today
Things to do 2017 December 1-3
Check out the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce link for a multitude of activities this weekend.
Fort Scott Christmas Parade Dec. 5
The theme of this year’s Fort Scott Christmas Parade is Christmas Vacation. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Third and Main Streets, heading north on Main to Skubitz Plaza.
“People can have fun with that,” Lindsay Madison, executive director of Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce said. “They can play off the movie by the same name or what they do on Christmas vacation.”
To register for a parade entry go online to http://fortscott.com
or stop by the Chamber office at 231 E. Wall.
Prizes will be awarded for first place, $75; second place, $50 and third place, $25. Briggs Automall of Fort Scott is providing the prize money.
New this year is a theme decorated golf cart category, with a $25 prize for the winning entry.
Fort Scott Recreation Department will offer free hot chocolate before and during the parade.
The parade entries will exit the parade at Skubitz Plaza, past the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. The tree will be lit following the parade by Mayor JoLynne Mitchell.
Pre-register for children lucky-draw prizes at Papa Don’s Restaurant, 10. N. Main prior to the parade. Pre-registration is from Friday, Dec. 1 until Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. when the parade starts.
Names for lucky-draw prizes will be drawn following the parade for children. Categories are as follows: ages 3-8, both boys and girls; 9-14, both boys and girls and one prize for children 14-18 years old. The drawing will take place after the Christmas tree lighting.
Mayor Mitchell will give some brief comments, then Santa will go to Papa Don’s Restaurant Celebration Room for children to visit with him.
Each child that comes to visit Santa at Papa Don’s will receive a book, compliments of USD 234.
Fort Scott High School Pride Club students will have Christmas crafts for children to do while waiting in line for Santa in the big room of the restaurant.
Walgreen Drug Store will take a free 4 X6 inch photograph of children with Santa. The photo may be picked at the store, later.
Sekan Is Hiring
Werling Book Signing
Local author Cathy Werling will have an author reading and book signing of her book “Why Did Grandpa Cry” at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9 at the Lowell Milken Center, Wall and Main Streets.
For more information contact the center at 620-223-1312
LaRoche Baseball Complex Annexed
The City of Fort Scott recently annexed the LaRoche Baseball Complex into the city limits at a recent meeting.
The complex is located in the industrial park south of the city on U.S. 69 Hwy.
“The city maintains the complex,” Rhonda Dunn, Fort Scott Community Development Director, said. “They do the mowing, the maintenance, the painting, the lights, etc. It makes sense, that since the city owns the park, it should be within the city limits.”
A board oversees the park, which includes members from the city, Fort Scott’s school district, and the LaRoche family.