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Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on December 4

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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

Nelson Blythe

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

December 4, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Payroll Totaling 287,844.75
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $430,050.06
    3. Approval of Minutes from 11/27/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Vance Eden-Letter of Support for USD 235 Grant
  3. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  • Mary Pemberton- Solar Agreements
  • Susan Walker, CFO-Budget Amendment
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-Appointment of Marmaton Township Treasurer
  2. Justin Meeks, County Counselor
    1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
    2. 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 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.

Payroll 12-1-2023

Accounts Payable 12-1-2023

 

Opinion

What Are You Yuckin’ At? by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

My good friend, Ralph, shared a funny story about his young neighbor boy. Many years ago, this cute little guy was about three years of age and he couldn’t speak very clearly.   One day, Ralph was over there visiting and the youngster noticed that Ralph was looking at him.  Somewhat annoyed, he bluntly asked, “What are you yuckin’ at?”

 

Jesus knows that mankind tends to be judgmental and critical of others, and this sets a bad example for all who identify as Christ followers. We simply are not to judge another person. “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults — unless, of course, you want the same treatment” (Matthew 7:1 MSG). For one reason, we don’t have all the required information to make a proper judgment. One of Elvis’ best songs (in my opinion) has the following lyrics: “Yah, before you abuse, criticize, and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes.“ The only person a believer is to judge is himself/herself. But oftentimes we’d rather judge others because, when we inspect our own heart, we may find jealousy, a lack of love, and pride — ouch!

 

God intends for us to treat one another’s background story with the same kind of love, respect, and mercy as He has shown us. Everyone needs compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. We need to remember that the past failures of a redeemed individual are  gone in the eyes of God. So let it be gone in our eyes too. “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust” (Psalm 103:8-10,12-14 NLT). If Jesus forgives and forgets sins, then we should too. Everyone’s journey is full of twists and turns, highs and lows, and it’s personal and confidential between the individual and their Savior.

 

Sometimes the decision to follow Christ begins in the gutter. In the Book of John, we find that the religious scholars and Pharisees had brought to Jesus a woman who’d been caught in the act of adultery. They said that the Law gives orders to stone her to death and they asked what Jesus had to say. He responded that the sinless one among them could throw the first stone. After hearing Jesus’ wise statement, they all walked away. When they inspected their heart and judged themselves, they discovered they weren’t as righteous as they had thought. Jesus came to change rules and lives by His love and His blood. “Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ’Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ’No, Lord,’ she said. And Jesus said, ’Neither do I. Go and sin no more’” (John 8:10-11 NLT).

 

God is awesome, holy, perfect, and to be revered. Yet, He forgives and forgets our sins, failures, and shortcomings. So who do we think we are to not do the same with our friends and family? If God can, that means we must. Rather than judge, let’s be a reflection of mercy and lend a helping hand, a loving heart, and a warm smile.

 

The Key:  God’s work of art is a constant work of heart in all believers.

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections 2.1 Percent Below Estimate

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November Total Tax Collections at $649.6M; 2.1% Below Estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends November 2023 with total tax collections at $649.6 million. That is $13.8 million, or 2.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are up 1.1% from November 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $291.8 million. That is $10.7 million, or 3.5%, below the estimate, and down 0.2% from November 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $35.5 million. That is $10.4 million, or 41.5%, higher than the estimate and up 168.8% from November 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $291.0 million, which is $14.2 million, or 4.7%, below the estimate and down $13.9 million, or 4.5%, from November 2022.

Click here to view the November 2023 revenue numbers.

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Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Second Bourbon County Farm Classroom Planned

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Leadership at Fort Scott USD234 is partnering with Pittsburg-based nonprofit organization, Community GreenFarms (CGF), to bring an innovative farm classroom to the district.

The farm classroom projects being established by the nonprofit are located inside converted shipping containers outfitted with state-of-the-art hydroponic growing systems. Each unit is capable of producing nearly 500 heads of leafy greens per week, all
year round.

Once at the school, Agriculture and other teachers oversee students who manage the farm from seed to harvest, the majority of which is taken directly to the cafeteria and served in school meals. Schools may also choose to sell produce to restaurants or at farmers’ markets, donate it to nonprofits, or even send it home with
students for families to eat.

CGF was recently awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Children and Families to accelerate
their statewide farm-to-school program, the goal of which is to improve the health and habits of high school students at seven Southeast Kansas schools while teaching them new skills. The counties of focus are Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, and Wilson. While each of these schools will have the cost of their farm classroom covered by the grant, projects in other counties were funded differently.

In Cherokee, Crawford, and Neosho counties, the nonprofit established farm classrooms through a grassroots fundraising
a campaign similar to the one planned for Fort Scott.

This is the second such project planned for Bourbon County, as Uniontown USD235 is being provided one through a grant opportunity. While both schools applied to be the recipient of the grant-funded farm classroom, Uniontown was ultimately the school district selected by CGF.

The leadership at Fort Scott still wanted to bring one to their district and have been in discussion with the nonprofit on how to get that accomplished.

The funds for the project will be raised through a community-wide fundraising effort and the writing of grants.

According to the nonprofit’s Executive Director, Matt O’Malley, the project has the potential to have an incredible impact on students and their schools. “Students who help run these farms get unique experiences that may lead to career paths in agriculture, education, nutrition, business management, or food services.

Not only that, but these farms produce a significant amount of fresh food for schools, in some cases completely eliminating the school’s
need to purchase sub-par lettuce from outside sources. The student-grown food is then introduced to the lunchroom which can change the eating habits and health of entire student populations.”

Uniontown’s farm classroom was delivered last week and is expected to be online in February. The fundraising campaign to bring the farm classroom to Fort Scott will begin immediately, hoping that theirs could be up and running by the spring semester.

For more information, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page or website at
www.CommunityGreenFarms.org.
Matt O’Malley / picture attached /
Executive Director
Community Green Farms
c) 620-249-6353, o) 620-404-2812
[email protected]

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Meets December 6

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The regular monthly meeting of the Bourbon County Coalition is coming up this Wednesday, December 6, in the Conference Room at Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

December 6, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program:  CHC: Tobacco Cessation

In January, we will hear from Tess Watson about her bed project.

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be January 3, 2024.

 

 

Opinion

A Scammer Hits the Jackpot by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Since publishing my book, I have been admitted to AWSA, the Advanced Writers’ and Speakers’ Association.  From this group of female writers, I have learned much.  Recently, I, like several others, was contacted to speak in Great Britain.  We all received the same email, and because one of our women checked into the inviter’s credentials, we were alerted that this invitation was a scam.  This is not the only scammer working with authors.

One writer began her email with these words: “This week a scammer got me.”  She wrote that he used her pastor’s name and asked her to buy gift cards for two women at church who were suffering from cancer; he would give the cards to the women the following Sunday.  She purchased the cards. Then the scammer asked her to photograph the cards front and back and send them to him so the women could start spending them early.  She obliged…and lost $1000 in the process.

The author called the police.  Because of the amount, it was a federal crime, so the F.B.I. was alerted. She also notified her pastor and other members of the congregation—many who had received the same email.  The scammer contacted her again and wanted $3,000 more to help other people in need.

This time, the author prayed about what she should do.  Jude 22 told her to reach others for Jesus through mercy mixed with fear, and the story of Ananias and Sapphira came to mind.

This is what she wrote the scammer:

“Once there was a man named Ananias, who came up with a scheme with his wife to steal from the first church. God struck them both dead. You may not believe in God, but he sees what you are doing. Your only hope for being saved is to call on Jesus. And by the way, what you’re doing is a felony and has been handed over to the FBI. You will very likely be receiving some earthly pay-back, too.”

In the email to fellow members of AWSA, she wrote that she knew that Ananias and Sapphira weren’t after money; they were after acclaim.  “But it’s still stealing,” she wrote. She shared that she put the scammer on her daily prayer list.  “I’ve turned his theft into my investment in his soul.”

She ended with this:

“So beware of what’s out there, like I was not. And if you are approached by a scammer, think of how you can invest in his or her soul for eternity. Prayer can snatch him from the flames of hell.

“Boy, did this scammer unknowingly hit the jackpot! LOL!”

Several authors responded to her email, me included, thanking her for demonstrating a heart for ministry for someone who had cost her…literally.  Her ability to see a chance to lead someone to know Christ superseded her desire for payback.  What a lesson for everyone who sees only their own pain instead of recognizing an opportunity to help save someone’s soul!

Government, Kansas

Rural Hospital Leaders Discuss Medicaid Expansion

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Lieutenant Governor Toland, Rural Hospital Leaders Discuss Medicaid Expansion
Impacts on Local Economies


PARSONS— Today, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland hosted a Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy roundtable at Labette Health in Parsons. Rural hospital leaders and legislators discussed the impacts Medicaid expansion would have on healthcare and the economy in Southeast Kansas.

“Rural hospitals play a key role in keeping both Kansas communities and local economies healthy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “When our rural hospitals struggle, our businesses and workforce feel the impact. We must expand Medicaid so Kansans can access essential care, we can continue our unprecedented economic growth, and keep creating new jobs across the state.”

“Medicaid has been vital for people who have no resources for needed care,” said State Representative Ron Bryce. “Prior to becoming a state representative, I was a physician, providing care for the homeless, the working poor, and others in need. I know the workings of Medicaid first-hand from the point of view of the provider as well as the patient. We need to weigh the pluses as well as the minuses as we work to help those in need and improve the economy in southeast Kansas.”

“Access to health care is a vital component of economic development and a healthy local economy,” said Brian Williams, CEO of Labette Health. “Expanding Medicaid in Kansas would provide additional resources to hospitals allowing increased access to health care. As a Republican voter, I fully support Governor Kelly’s economic initiative to expand Medicaid for Kansans.”

Here’s how expanding Medicaid would benefit rural hospitals and the economy:

  • Medicaid expansion is associated with improved hospital financial performance and significant reductions in the probability of hospital closure, especially in rural areas.
  • The retention of even smaller than average sized hospital or nursing facility in a rural community creates economic ripples that sustain local grocery stores, eating places, and retailers.
  • Quality health care has been shown to improve business productivity, aid in the recruitment and retention of businesses, and attract and retains retirees.
  • Kansas does not save money by refusing expansion — it simply gives up the opportunity to bring tax dollars back to our state. Kansans have already paid nearly $7 billionin federal taxes to fund Medicaid expansion in other states.

Roundtable participants included:

  • State Representative Ron Bryce, R-Coffeyville
  • State Representative Dan Goddard, R-Parsons
  • Ruth Duling, CEO, Girard Hospital
  • Brian Williams, CEO, Labette Health
  • Tom Hood, CEO, Wilson Medical Center
  • Former State Representative Jim Kelly, R-Independence

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Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Museum of Creativity Candy Land Adventure on December 2

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

The Museum of Creativity…..

Rural Development Grant to help team help small businesses succeed

Come to the Museum of Creativity to experience our 1st annual Candy Land Adventure. Guests of all ages will experience the wonder of playing the classic board game using themselves as the game piece. Players will trudge through the Chocolate Swamp and fight their way through Licorice Lagoon. This will mostly involve walking although there will be opportunities to crawl through Gumdrop Pass, slide in Gramma Nuts Peanut Brittle House, craft a candy cane bracelet or ornament in Peppermint Forrest and other side adventures if they choose to wander off colored path that goes around such things. (Teaser photos below)

All players will make it to the finish line with a cake walk inside Candy Castle where everyone will be a winner with a treat of their own. Cakes, cupcakes and cookies are being supplied by contestants in our decorating contest so they will be gorgeous and delicious!

https://www.facebook.com/share/To1cDmi9b5pKY6u1/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Saturday, December 2nd from 10am – 4pm

$5.00/ person

Buy your tickets here:

museum-of-creativity-institute.ticketleap.com/candyland-adventure/

(If you can’t make it that day, consider sponsoring family, friends or a random adventurer or ask for a proxy to adventure in your place and you can make arrangements to pick up your prize.)

Museum of Creativity

102 S. National Ave

Fort Scott, KS 66701

209-204-9743

[email protected]

If you enjoy decorating cakes, cupcakes or cookies and want to enter the CREATIVE CHRISTMAS CAKE & COOKIE CONTEST to contribute to this event, find more information here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/dRdqRvX7biD1Es4k/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Then contact us to sign up as a contestant.

This special event is in conjunction with the Downtown Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks. Find out more about other events going on here:

https://facebook.com/events/s/christmas-on-the-bricks/1625123707976601/

Disclaimer: We are not yet handicap accessible. We will be happy to assist you into the building. Contact 209-204-9743 to arrange assistance.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Direct Children’s Production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 

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FSHS Thespians Direct Children’s Production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespians present their children’s theatre production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9 at the FSHS Auditorium. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

The mini-musical is based on the traditional Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore with a modern take including Izzy the Christmas mouse played by Theodore Bowman, Rosie the red-nosed reindeer played by Mary Racer, and other holiday favorite characters such as reindeer, elves, and even the Abominable Snowman. Audience members will get to join in the fun throughout the performance. Cast members include fifty local children in 1st-8th grades.

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with assistance from Levi Bin. Direction and design is by the FSHS Thespians. Junior Cooper George serves as Director with junior Mykael Lewis assisting. Junior Alyssa Popp is the Stage Manager.

 

Tickets are all reserved seating and are $6 from fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Seating is limited.

 

# # #

 

Contact: Angie Bin, 620-719-9622, [email protected]

 

Fort Scott, Government

Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for November 12

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of November 21, 2023                                       Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 21, 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, and M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  E. Woellhof led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Tammy Matkin, Shane Lamb, Kevin Allen.

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

  1. Wells stated there are (2) amendment requests for the submitted agenda. 1. ADDITION TO CONSENT AGENDA – requested by Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering and Inspection to add a request to pay Invoice #10052302 from EPEC for the UV Upgrade – $286,540.20 to be Item F and 2. ADDITION TO OLD BUSINESS – requested by Matthew Wells for approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fort Scott Pavilion recommended by the Design Review Board on November 21, 2023 to be Item F and B. Matkin requested that Kevin Allen be extended additional time to address the Commission under Public Comments.

 

  1. VanHoecke asked if the (2) items that came in late could wait until the next meeting or if they were an emergency. M. Wells stated that the Old Business item is for the Fort Scott Pavilion and needed to be approved so that construction and drilling could begin on the project immediately. T. VanHoecke asked B. Matkin if he was aware of the additions.  B. Matkin stated that he was only made aware of the pavilion item after the Design Review Board meeting that afternoon and that (the drilling) had already started.

 

  1. Harrington moved to approve the amended agenda. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE AMENDED AGENDA

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

– Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 7, 2023, and Minutes of Special Meeting of November 13, 2023.

 

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1348-A – $257,614.70

 

– Request to Pay – Gilmore & Bell – Invoice #8052257 – Preparation of transcript documents, assembly of transcripts, bond printing, and examination of transcript and rendering approving opinion, in relation to the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 for $4,925,000 to the City of Fort Scott Matter No. 600234.2003 – Amount due – $25,000.00.

 

– Change Order No. 3 – 17th & Eddy Storm Water Project – widen west 15th at National for approximately 85 feet to straighten the BOC with the entrance to True Value. Increase of $10,000.00 approved by City Manager 11/15/2023 to ensure continuation of work – B. Matkin

 

– October Financials

 

  1. Wells asked B. Matkin about the Franchise Fees for the cell services. B. Matkin stated that he has researched it and is currently working with the City Attorney on this item.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the addition of Item F for the request to pay EPEC $286,540.20 for the UV upgrade. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH ADDITION OF ITEM F.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

Kevin Allen – M. Wells called K. Allen to the podium to speak with no time limit as requested. K. Allen addressed the Commission to request that the City invest in the community by helping financially with his improvements to Aunt Toadies with a grant. He stated that Aunt Toadies is currently the only restaurant on the East side of town. The improvements would be (Phase I) to replace outdated kitchen equipment, (Phase II) renovating the home behind the restaurant to be used for reserved seating area, and (Phase III) to build a Pickleball Court.

 

Discussion was had about options. K. Allen was directed to request the Small Business Incentive Program that will hopefully be approved this evening and hopefully be the first applicant and potential model recipient.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

                                                     

Approval of 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule

  1. Matkin stated that the (2) changes to the current year’s schedule are the addition of a floating holiday and October 14th. M. Guns moved to approve the 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule as submitted.           E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE 2024 CITY OF FORT SCOTT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

 

Approval of Common Consumption Ordinance for the City of Fort Scott- Historic Downtown District

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3756 Expanding the Common Consumption Area. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3756 EXPANDING THE EXISTING COMMON CONSUMPTION AREA.

 

Approval of amended parking lot lease for DCF building

  1. Harrington moved to accept the first amendment to the lease between Silverrock Ventures LLC and the City of Fort Scott, Kansas. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE BETWEEN SILVERROCK VENTURES LLC AND THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

 

Consideration of bids for window replacements of Gunn Park Shelter Houses 2 & 6 – Tabled from 11-7-2023.

  1. VanHoecke moved to accept the low bid from Home Depot for $8,976.00 without tax and not installed. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID FROM HOME DEPOT FOR $8,976.00.

 

Consideration Small Business Incentive Program – M. Wells

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the program as changed (in the work session). M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM

 

Consideration of approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fort Scott Pavilion

  1. Harrington moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fort Scott Pavilion. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE FORT SCOTT PAVILION.

 

 

APPEARANCES:

 

Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director addressed the Commission to update that the Proteus Probe was received on November 8th, 2023. A meeting was held for training by Zoom on November 15th, 2023. They have begun using the probe since and collecting data. The results of the probe readings from 11/15/2023, 11/16/2023, 11/18/2023, and 11/22/2023 and an ADM Quantity and Consistency Report from 1/2022 – 9/2023 were distributed to the Commission for discussion.

 

Jason Pickert/Chief of Police addressed the Commission regarding the grant for $18,000.00 that was awarded to purchase body-worn cameras.

 

Shane Lamb addressed the Commission to request an update on his request for abatement of all mowing assessments from his property previously known as The Fort Scott Manor. He stated he is coming before them tonight to get a clear title to close with his bank during the first week of December to begin construction on a 22-unit rental. M. Wells asked if S. Lamb would be able to provide a financial commitment from his bank.  Mr. Lamb agreed. Further discussion was had on previous requirements needed and requested from the Commission.  T. VanHoecke checked the November 15, 2022, minutes for the amount owed that was recorded.  The history of the request was reviewed.  M. Wells stated that if S. Lamb could provide a financial commitment from his bank, he felt confident that we could move forward with waving the special assessment fees.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the request to waive the special assessment fees up to $9,000.00 for the Fort Scott Manor property once the required permits are obtained, approval by the Fire Marshall and financial commitment papers are submitted by Shane Lamb. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO WAIVE THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FEES UP TO $9,000.00 FOR THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY KNOWN AS THE FORT SCOTT MANOR AFTER THE REQUIRED PERMITS ARE OBTAINED AND APPROVAL FROM THE FIRE MARSHALL AND THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT STATEMENT IS RECEIVED BY THE CITY.

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:  

 

Consideration of City Manager contract –   M. Wells stated that he is happy to inform citizens that the current City Manager, Brad Matkin has acquiesced to the Commission’s request to stay on and help continue to guide our city into the future.   M. Wells stated he is looking for a motion and a second to move forward with the contract to keep Brad here for the foreseeable future.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the revised City Manager contract for Bradley L. Matkin for the City of Fort Scott with the one item that was added which was regarding performance metrics. M. Wells seconded. seconded. T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and M. Wells voted yes.
  2. Harrington and E. Woellhof voted nay.

 

APPROVED THE REVISED CITY MANAGER CONTRACT FOR BRADLEY L. MATKIN FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL ITEM PERTAINING TO PERFORMANCE METRICS.

 

Discussion was had between Commissioners regarding the contract.

 

Consideration of Letter of Interest for Danny Craig to the Parks Advisory Board

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Danny Craig for a position on the Parks Advisory Board. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO APPOINT DANNY CRAIG FOR A (3) YEAR TERM ON THE PARK ADVISORY BOARD.

 

Consideration of 2023 Christmas Parade Permit

  1. Wells moved to approve the application for the 2023 Christmas Parade Permit. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE APPLICATION FOR THE 2023 CHRISTMAS PARADE PERMIT.

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 3 – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 22-PF-016-2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Final measured quantities – Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering and Inspection requested approval of the final change order contingent upon CDBG’s approval.  T. VanHoecke moved to accept the change order for the 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer project and the amount of a reduction of $14,727.00.  K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NUMBER (3) FROM BENNETT, INC. PERTAINING TO FINAL MEASURED QUANTITIES FOR THE 2022 CDBG SANITARY SEWER PROJECT, AND THE REDUCTION OF $14,727.00.

 

Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 22-PF-016 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 6 (Final) – $164,623.89

  1. Guns moved to approve final payment number (6) in the amount of $164,623.89 to Bennett Construction for the CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project contingent on the CDBG final approval. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PAY BENNETT, INC $164,623.89 AS FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE 2022 CDBG SANITARY SEWER PROJECT. RELEASE OF PAYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON FINAL APPROVAL FROM CDBG.

 

  1. Matkin thanked the citizens for their cooperation during the sewer project and stated that Bennett, Inc. is “top-notch” and was great to work with as a contractor with excellent communication. M. Wells and J. Dickman agreed.

 

Consideration to go out for bid of Lake Fort Scott boat ramp – B. Matkin stated that according to the City’s Purchasing Policy, we will need to go out for bids for the boat ramp repair, but it will need to be a short bidding time due to winter weather coming.  B. Farmer stated that bids are not required for this project because it is a maintenance project.  B. Matkin stated he would like to follow the Purchasing Policy and go out for bid.

 

  1. Wells moved to go out for bid for the Lake Fort Scott boat ramp repair work with bids to be opened in one week and engineered by the contractor. Bid was struck. Commission directed B. Matkin to go out for bids.

 

Consideration to combine CCLIP US-54 Projects – Funds to come from the individual departments.  J. Dickman explained that combining Phase I and Phase II of the project, instead of doing them separately. He stated that the state wants to execute the agreement for Phase I and then the city will apply for Phase II with a supplemental agreement if the Commission agrees to combine the projects. This will push the project to bid in the summer of 2025. J. Dickman stated that the benefit of combining the projects has benefits on the construction side with efficiency, cost, and timing. He explained the future of the project.

 

  1. Wells moved to combine the CCLIP US-54 projects Phase I and Phase II. K. Harrington seconded.

 

APPROVED TO COMBINE THE CCLIP US-54 PROJECTS PHASE I AND PHASE II.

 

Further discussion was had about the benefits of combining the projects.

 

Lake Properties discussion – T. VanHoecke stated that a complaint was made to him and the City Manager from a Lake resident, regarding an individual who was using city-owned property (at the lake) to run a business. Equipment was left parked there and the appearance is not right.  T. VanHoecke went to check out the complaint and there appears to be more than one instance.  He met with the City Attorney for options. T. VanHoecke would like to have the Commission direct the City Manager to work with Earles Engineering to finish surveying (6) lake lots that are currently in progress and then have the Commission consider the properties’ futures. He stated that there are also second-tier properties to consider as well. He suggested that the sale of the lots could possibly be a resource for economic development funds, housing funds, Memorial Hall repair funds and possibly take some of the work off city crews who are maintaining those spaces. He asked the Commission to think about it and possibly bring it back to discussion at the next meeting. He also asked the Commission to support having Earles Engineering complete the surveying of (6) lots already in progress to determine what to do with all the land that is at the lake and not currently benefiting the city.

 

Further discussion was had about the history of the lake properties and considerations to keep in mind, sewer requirements and possible violations, annexation, and Lake Fund usage.  J. Dickman commented on lake lots and options for the Commission’s consideration.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the room and returned.

 

  1. Woellhof left the room and returned.

 

City Manager comments

Engineer’s comments

Commissioner comments

City Attorney’s comments

 

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:00PM

 

Next Meeting:

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING – Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 6:00PM

 

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk