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FS City Commission Agenda for July 2
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 2, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
- Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1363-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates June 12, 2024 – June 25, 2024 – $1,907,395.59
- Approval of Minutes for June 18, 2024
- Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates, Inc. – Application No. 4 – Gunn Park Restroom & Shower House – $2,250.00
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice #17366 – Project No. 22-656 PS – (6) Additional Lake Lots – Lake Fort Scott Boundary Survey – $5,760.00
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.
- Travis Sawyer – Temporary Street Closure – Heylman between 6th and 7th – July 4, 2024 – 3:30PM – 11:00PM
- Jason Marbury – RHID
- Old Business
- Consideration of Resolution No. 12-2024 –RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE – KNOWN AS [110 W. OAK], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 – Tabled from April 2, 2024 – Owner to return with requested information for the Commission – Removed from April 16, 2024, Agenda – May 7, 2024 – Owner appeared and motion approved to extend time to July 2, 2024, with conditions. – L. Kruger
- New Business
Action Items:
- Consideration of Change Order Request for Electrical Requirements – Grit Removal System at WWTP – Estimate #1019 by KTK Electric LLC – $17,681.30 – S. Flater
- Lake Lot Discussion Continued – Requested by D. Olson
- Dispatch Discussion – B. Matkin
- Consideration of Approval of License to Sell Retail Cereal Malt Beverages For Consumption on the Premises (New License) – OUTPOST 13 WEST – 13 W. Oak, Fort Scott, Bourbon County, KS 66701.
- Revenue Neutral Worksheet – Oliphant
- Reports and Comments
- City Manager Comments
- Engineering Comments
- Commissioners Comments
- City Attorney Comments
XII. Executive Session
XIII. Adjourn
The “Be” Word by Patty LaRoche

Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
When people say that they are working hard to become more like Jesus, I wonder how that plays out. How many sacrifices of their time, money and talents are necessary to meet that goal, and what is their attitude as they strive to get there? It took me years to realize that I cannot “do” enough to be Christ-like. What I can do is “Behold” Jesus by “Being” with him, and then God will help me surrender and “Become” like him. Personally, I’m thrilled that this is God’s job and not mine. It would be yet another thing at which I fail miserably.
I recently heard a pastor say that surrender cannot happen without transformation, but don’t I need to surrender so that God helps me be transformed? I cannot undo my addictions or my propensity to anger or my selfishness or my desire to not forgive until I surrender my right to do as I please…which means I would be transformed, right? As long as I crave control, I have no chance of becoming like Jesus because that craving is rooted in my pride and my desire to be in charge instead of allowing God to run my show.
The story in the Bible about the Tower of Babel is applicable today. “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves…” Get that? Not for “God” but for “ourselves.” How many of us seek self-importance instead of allowing God to be the important One in our lives? We strive to acquire more. More power. More money. More respect. More happiness.
More. More. More. Meanwhile, there is only striving and no surrender, no transformation.
In Philippians 3:8-14 (MSG), Paul explains how he surrendered. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him…I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself… I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. Paul was saying that everything fails but Jesus. He’s right. Everything we strive to accomplish or possess on earth will fade away. Jesus won’t. He can’t.
Sometimes, when I’m looking for stories of transformation, I Google “People whose lives were radically changed by Jesus.” Even shock-rocker Alice Cooper speaks about the difference Jesus made in his life. The list is endless, but the results are all the same: Being with Jesus transforms lives.
How do I know if I’ve surrendered? If I’ve been transformed? I will have unspeakable joy and peace and know that life is not about me. Rather, it’s about the One who created me, the One Who wants me to Be with Jesus so that He will make me Become like him.
In truth, my job is the easy one.
City of Fort Scott’s East National Avenue Project: KDOT Awarded
Governor Kelly Announces $8.6M Awarded to
Cost Share Program Projects
EDWARDSVILLE – Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed today announced that $8.6 million will be awarded to 14 transportation construction projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program for spring 2024.
“These new Cost Share projects will repair and modernize transportation infrastructure in communities across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Collaboration on these selected projects address short-term challenges to bring long-term solutions to the places Kansans call home.”
Governor Kelly lauded the 104th Street sidewalk expansion in the City of Edwardsville as a prime example of how a Cost Share project can benefit a community. Enhancements to the city’s pedestrian facilities will fill the largest gap in pedestrian access between K-32 and the elementary school and encourage safe non-motorized access to school and recreational activities.
With today’s announcement, more than $260 million has been invested to support the 179 projects selected in the Cost Share Program since it began in the fall of 2019. Combining more than $146 million in state funding with more than $115 million in matching local funds has been a substantial boost to Kansas communities.
“Kansans understand the value of partnerships,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “The Cost Share Program provides the opportunity for partnership between KDOT and communities to solve local transportation issues through shared investment. Addressing these infrastructure projects enables solutions that will help these communities and residents keep moving forward for generations.”
Both rural and urban areas can submit transportation projects that improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion, and improve access and mobility. The program is part of the Kelly administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE.
Click here to view a map of the 14 Cost Share Program projects announced today. These projects are also listed below:
- City of Baxter Springs – Bagcraft Boulevard improvements.
- City of Edwardsville – 104th Street sidewalk expansion.
- City of Fort Scott – East National Avenue project.
- City of Hesston – East-west community connection.
- City of Hoisington – Green and Vine Street resurfacing and pedestrian improvements.
- City of Inman – Street improvements for Nikkel Addition.
- City of Norton – Oliver Lane and Franklin Avenue paving project.
- City of Sabetha – Kansas Road and 14th Street surfacing.
- City of St. John – St. John Street improvements.
- City of Wamego – Kaw Valley Road improvements.
- Cloud County – Noble Road pavement preservation project.
- Lane County – Airport runway and county road improvements.
- Seward County – Meade Lake Road HMA overlay.
- Wallace County – Smoky Hill River low water crossings project.
More information about KDOT’s Cost Share Program is on KDOT’s website at https://www.ksdot.org/
Brickstreet BBQ Hosts Americas Best Restaurants TV Program on July 1: Join The Fun
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What’s Happening In Fort Scott
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 27
2024 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City

Back Row: Ashley Libben, Elisabeth “Bibba” Kahn. Kenny Felt photo.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its 2024 National Fellowship to 12 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the six fellows for June 23 – 28 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 25th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Five other Fellows were in Fort Scott last week.) Upon the presentation of the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough said, “From Gordon Parks to the history of the Fort and the National Cemetery, along with this amazing place, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, we realize that Fort Scott is the home of heroes. Now we add you, the Lowell Milken Fellows to that list of heroes. You influence so many young people. You mold them, inspire them, and give them direction. We truly welcome you to our community and as a small token of our appreciation, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”
The Fellows honored this week were Sarah Espinal from New York, Elisabeth “Bibba” Kahn from Vermont, Leah Lawrence from Missouri, Ashley Libben from Indiana, Matthew Mayeske from Kansas, and Ann Marie Vanneste from Canada. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “We are so honored to be able to network and collaborate with these exemplary educators and provide them with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize, and strategize with each other as they seek to find new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ZONING CHANGE RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL
Downtown Meet and Greet at Cohn’s Cafe on July 9

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Today at 3 p.m. Unveiling of New Exhibits at Lowell Milken Center
Muddy Water Farms, Fort Scott, Received Federal Grant for Energy Efficient Improvements
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that USDA is partnering with rural Kansans on 23 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs in rural Kansas communities.
“USDA is committed to expanding modern clean energy systems that strengthen our energy independence,” Davis said. “We are excited to partner with family farms and small businesses to help create good-paying jobs and save rural Kansans money.”
The details of the Kansas projects are:
- A $19,088 grant will help Muddy Water Farms LLC of Fort Scott make energy efficient improvements to its operations. The project is estimated to save 44,659 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power four homes.
- A $96,112 grant will help purchase and install an 80 kilowatt solar system for Western Supply Co. Inc of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to generate 126,045 kilowatt hours annually and replace 88 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
- A $29,220 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kilowatt solar system for the Bentley Family Irrevocable Land Trust of Gove County. This project will realize $2,231 per year in savings and will generate 24,625 kilowatt hours per year.
- A $55,340 grant will help purchase and install a 42.1 kilowatt solar system for Cottonwood Hog Farm LLC of Newton. The project is estimated to generate 65,515 kilowatt hours annually and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
- A $53,393 grant will help purchase and install a 36 kilowatt solar array for Outdoor Vision LLC of Newton. The project is estimated to generate 55,819 kilowatt hours and replace 95 percent of its energy use. This is enough electricity to power five homes.
- A $15,405 grant will help purchase and install a 10.27 kilowatt solar array for Justin Stithem, a rural small business in Chanute. This project will realize $1,630 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual electrical energy needs.
- A $23,035 grant will help purchase and install a 7.9 kilowatt solar array for Timber Rock Properties LLC of Chanute. This project will realize $829 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual electrical needs.
- A $19,995 grant will help Ag Strategies of Kansas LLC of Chanute make energy efficient improvements to their ag supply business. The project is estimated to replace 12,840 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.
- A $14,985 grant will help ElevenEleven Fresherie LLC of Chanute purchase and install a solar system for their smoothie and juice bar business. The project is estimated to replace 14,377 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.
- A $6,912 grant will help Calvin D. Parker of Iola make energy efficient improvements to a green house. The project is estimated to replace 4,116 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power the average home for four months.
- A $6,199 grant will help RVH Properties LLC of Dennis, purchase and install a new HVAC system. RVH provides customization of heavy-duty tow vehicles for recreational use. The project is expected to reduce the company’s energy use by 8,140 kilowatt hours, saving the company $1,056 per year in energy costs.
- A $71,750 grant will help purchase and install a 48 kilowatt solar system for Salina Diamond Sports LLC of Salina. The project will produce 65,922 kilowatt hours annually and replace 93 percent of the business’s annual energy usage.
- A $545,750 grant will help purchase and install a 550 kilowatt solar array for Ohlde Dairy LLC of Linn. The project is estimated to replace 900,033 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 83 homes.
- A $16,872 grant will help Butler Ranch Operations LLC of Leon purchase a 10.8 kilowatt solar array for their ag operation. The project is estimated to generate 10,843 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.
- An $18,415 grant will help Schmidt Family Irrevocable Trust of Burrton purchase and install irrigation equipment for their farm. The project is estimated to save 59,992 kilowatts per year, enough energy to power five homes.
- A $14,644 grant will help Mary Hobert LLC purchase and install a 6.6 kilowatt solar array. Mary Hobert operates the 1879 Stone House bed and breakfast along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway in Cottonwood Falls. The project is expected to replace 8,580 kilowatt hours per year, or 85 percent of their usage. The project is expected to save the company $1,099 per year.
- A $20,000 grant will help Lynco Rec DBA Holiday Lanes purchase and install energy efficient LED lighting at its bowling alley in Pittsburg. The project is expected to reduce the company’s energy use from lighting by 65 percent, saving 64,186 kilowatt hours and $6,855 per year in energy costs.
- A $69,960 grant will help North Star Feeds LLC purchase and install a 52.8 kilowatt solar array. North Star Feeds is a manufacturer of feed fat blends in Atchison. The project is expected to save 78,017 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is 82 percent of its usage and enough electricity to power more than seven homes. The project is expected to save the company $7,900 per year in energy costs.
- A $19,773 grant will help Mellowfields Farm LLC of Lawrence purchase and install a 19.4 kilowatt solar array. The project is estimated to save 27,686 kilowatt house per year, enough energy to power two homes.
- A $41,178 grant will help purchase and install a 42 kilowatt solar array for Four Streams Dairy Inc. of Hanover. The project is estimated to replace 60,093 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power five homes. Four Streams Dairy Inc. currently has two employees.
- A $17,700 grant will help purchase and install a 10.56 kilowatt solar array for Gregory Jarrett, a rural small business located in Parsons. This project will realize $1,597 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
- A $20,000 grant will help purchase and install an 18.17 kilowatt solar array for One28 Bakes, a bakery located in Oswego. The system is estimated to produce 23,207 kilowatt hours per year, enough electricity to power two homes.
- A $15,020 grant will help Prairie Wind Aquatics of Garden City make energy efficient improvements with new insulation and LED lighting. This project will save 2,230 kilowatt hours per year, enough to power one average household for two months












