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Category Archives: Fort Scott
City of Fort Scott Commission Meeting Minutes from March 17, 2026
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of March 17, 2026 Regular Meeting
A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly (by phone), Darrin Petrowski/KDOT, Michael Hoyt, Patrick Wood, Geoffrey Marr, Dilynn Marr, Anita Walden/Freeman, Kevin Allen, Doug Eden .
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the agenda with the amendment of removal of Unfinished Business/Item A Consideration to Initiate Contractor License. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1404-A – Expense Approval Report-Payment Dates of February 25, 2026 – March 10, 2026 – $1,270,095.98
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 3, 2026
– February Financials
Public Comment
Geoffrey Marr addressed the Commission regarding the airplane hangar currently owned by the City. He would like to lease or purchase it and fix it up and negotiate a long lease instead of it being torn down.
ACTION: MATKIN will meet with MARR regarding an arrangement.
Anita Walden addressed the Commission to introduce herself as the Chief Administrative Officer at the new Freeman Hospital. She also thanked the City for their continued support.
Kevin Allen addressed the Commission in hopes to comment on the KDOT maintenance agreement specifically on Wall Street.
Appearances
Garth Herrmann/Gilmore & Bell – HERRMANN could not be present. HART presented Resolution No. 17-2026 Authorizing and Providing for the Construction Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station Improvements and Providing for the Payment of the Costs. He stated that there will be another Resolution in the future.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Resolution. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Darrin Petrowski/KDOT – PETROWSKI addressed the Commission regarding KDOT Maintenance Agreement on Hwy 69 and Hwy 54.
New Business
Public Hearing:
Vacation of Street and Alleys – Doug Eden – Consideration of Petition to Repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and Approve Ordinance No. 3796 – Vacation of Street and Alleys
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
FARMER left the meeting at 6:58PM and returned at 7:00PM.
EDEN presented his petition to vacate the north-south alley. It was recommended that the prior ordinance (No. 3579) be repealed and replaced with Ordinance No. 3796 addressing the vacation of Durkee Street, the east-west alley and the north-south alley for clarity.
MOTION: WELLS moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the vacation. After having heard all the testimony on said petition on the 17TH day of MARCH, 2026 and all necessary information in order to fully understand the true nature of this petition, the City Commission of the City of Fort Scott, upon motion of DANCER and seconded by BUCHTA, passed and approved to repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and the petition of the Petitioner to and vacate the platted Durkee Street located between Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, Block 4 and Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19,21, 23, 25, 27, Block 2, all in Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running East and West through Lots 1-28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running North and South along the East side of Lots 27 & 28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas. BUCHTA seconded. (Excerpt of Minutes of the same but separate document was submitted to Bourbon County Deeds for recording of the vacation).
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Action Items:
Consideration of Resolution No. 16-2026 and MELPA – Firetruck Financing
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 16-2026. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Proposals for Fire Station Exhaust system
BRUNER stated that they received an Assistant to Firefighters Grant (AFG) last year for $106, 571.42 to be used for the exhaust systems in both fire stations. He went out for proposals (RFP) and received (2) back. The first was from Air Clean for $101,750.00, the second from MagnaGrip that submitted (3) options however their lowest option was $106,913.00. BRUNER requested that the Commission approve the proposal from Air Clean.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the recommendation to accept the proposal from Air Cleaning for $101,750.00. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Ground Lease Bids
MATKIN stated that (3) bids were received: $15,700.00, $13,160.00, and $11,776.00.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the bid for $15,700.00 from Mike Fritter of Richards, MO for the Ground Lease Bid of 94-acres. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Cape Seal Program Proposal
MATKIN stated that we received (1) proposal from Vance Brothers for $388,948.00 and recommended that the Commission accept their proposal for the 2026 project.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the 2026 Cape Seal Program proposal as it’s been presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3795– AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3782 for CLG
DILLON stated that SHPO and the National Parks Service requested amendments to the ordinance for the CLG. She drafted what they asked for and FARMER approved to form. She requested that the Commission approve the ordinance so it could be submitted and the City could receive its CLG status.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Ordinance No. 3795. DANCER seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1
Consideration of Amendment to Zoning Regulations – Connex Boxes – L. Dillon
DILLON stated that the Planning Commission has viewed the City Commission’s initial request and is returning it to the City Commission to make the decision.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve to table until April 7, 2026. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Reports and Comments
City Engineer:
– Davis Lift Station update
– Railroad permit
– Survey scheduled for Wall St.
– E. National utility plan sent out
City Attorney: No Comment
City Manager:
– Moody building update
– Railroad dialogue and spur system talks happening
– Homeless situation in town
Commissioner Wells:
– Fort Scott Greyhounds going for title
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– Homeless situation
Commissioner Dancer:
– SLA draft and 5-year lifecycle management plan for IT – April 7th
ACTION: MATKIN will email all Commissioners prior to next meeting.
Commissioner Buchta:
– Shop local to help with sales tax
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Fish Fry until Good Friday at St. Mary’s
– 8th & Eddy intersection open
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:51PM. DANCER seconded.
MARCH 17, 2026, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:51PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis/City Clerk
City of Fort Scott Commission Agenda Summary for April 7 Meeting
Meeting Agenda Outline: Fort Scott City Commission
April 7, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
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I. Call to Order
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II. Pledge of Allegiance
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III. Invocation
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IV. Approval of Agenda
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V. Consent Agenda
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1405-A ($763,783.28)
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Approval of Minutes from March 17, 2026
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Request to Pay Application No. 1 – Davis Lift Station Mobilization ($28,596.00)
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VI. Public Comment
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VII. Appearances
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Alex Swanker – City Property Purchase
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VIII. Unfinished Business
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Ordinance No. 3799 (Contractor License)
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Ordinance No. 3797 (Connex Boxes)
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IX. New Business
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Ordinance No. 3798 (Disband Design Review Board)
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Sale of Fire Truck
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Purchase of Lift Station Equipment
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Bids for Gunn Park Retaining Walls
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Extension of Hay Rights
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X. Reports and Comments
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XI. Adjourn
Detailed Agenda Action Items
Consent Agenda (Page 1)
The Commission will consider the approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1405-A, which covers expenses totaling $763,783.28 for the period between March 11, 2026, and April 12, 2026. This section also includes the approval of minutes from the previous regular meeting held on March 17, 2026. Additionally, there is a request to pay $28,596.00 to Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. for mobilization costs, including bond expenses and materials, related to the Davis Lift Station project.
Appearances (Page 1)
Alex Swanker is scheduled to appear before the Commission to discuss a proposal for the purchase of a parcel of land currently owned by the City of Fort Scott.
Unfinished Business (Page 1)
The Commission will revisit two items tabled from the March 17, 2026 meeting:
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Ordinance No. 3799: Regarding Contractor Licenses, presented by B. Matkin.
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Ordinance No. 3797: Regarding regulations for Connex Boxes, presented by L. Dillon.
New Business Action Items (Page 1)
Several key decisions are scheduled for this meeting:
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Design Review Board: Consideration of Ordinance No. 3798, which proposes the disbanding of the Design Review Board.
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Fire Department Assets: A request by D. Bruner to approve the sale of a city fire truck.
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Infrastructure Improvements: Approval is sought for the purchase of new pumps, a control panel, and guide rails for the Williamsburg and White Grill Lift Stations at a cost of $25,860.00.
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Gunn Park Maintenance: B. Matkin will present bids for the necessary repair of retaining walls located at Gunn Park.
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Agricultural Rights: The Commission will consider a request to extend hay rights on city-managed land for a period of three years.
Kingfisher Inn: Boutique Vacation Accommodations in Historic Mansion Reopens
The two historic mansions on South National Avenue are back to business.
Following a couple of changes of ownership since they were known as The Lyons Mansions, the north mansion is ready for travelers once again, and the south mansion is currently rented for office spaces.
Daniel Kerr is the owner of Kingfisher Properties LLC and owns the two mansions, plus a small house on the property that faces Judson Street.
“In December, I was hired as the manager,” said Mindy McDonald. “We offer boutique lodging, more upscale. We are just now starting to get the word out that we are open.”
One can rent the entire mansion or a single room.
Single use allows usage of the common areas in the building: living area, billiard room, sun room, she said.
“To rent the entire mansion, prices start at $600 per night,” she said. “It will sleep 16 people.”
There is a full kitchen with various coffee makers, stove, oven, full fridge, and dishwasher available for guest use.
The single room starts at $130 per night, excluding the cleaning fee and taxes.
“There is a family suite on the third floor that starts at $210, with two bedrooms and two baths and a sitting area. It sleeps 8 people, with three beds in one room and one bed in another.”
“The Kingfisher Inn stands out as a piece of history in Fort Scott,” she said. “It’s pretty important to keep these historic buildings alive. It’s unique to stay in an historic building. My husband and I stayed in the Lyons Mansion when visiting Fort Scott, when Miss Pat was the host and owner.”
“We operate like an Airbnb, through me,” she said. “They self-check into their room and contact me with any issues during their stay.”
To rent a room, use the business website: http://thekingfisherinn.com
One can learn more about the business also on its Facebook page.
FS Presbyterian Village Hosts Chamber Coffee on April 2
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, April 2nd at 8 a.m., hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is a faith-based, not-for-profit community offering independent and assisted living, along with a variety of services that support residents in maintaining an active, engaging lifestyle.
During the Chamber Coffee, guests will also learn about the Village’s current Art is Ageless program and exhibit, on display March 30 through April 10. This annual juried exhibit showcases the creativity of artists aged 65 and older, with selected works eligible to be featured in the 2027 Art is Ageless calendar.
The Art is Ageless program encourages local seniors to express their creativity through visual arts, music, lifelong learning, and community engagement throughout the year.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
Blissful Meadows Boutique Open House/Ribbon Cutting is Today
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First Southern Baptist’s SPRING CRAFT SHOW is April 10
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Donations Sought For Good Ol’ Days
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FS Stamp Club Meets April 11
The Jennings Will Relocate One Business, Add Another
Kinede and Damon Jennings will relocate their aesthetics and wellness business to 3 North Main, formerly the Iron Start Antiques and Such business, later this year, and open a new boutique business on April 1.
” Blissful Medical Aesthetics & Wellness will remain the same business but will be relocating into the former Iron Star location in downtown Fort Scott, with an estimated move date of early fall.
This move allows us to expand services, space, and overall client experience,” Family Nurse Practitioner Kinede Jennings, said.
Blissful Medical Aesthetics & Wellness can be reached by phone: 620-489-5124 or email: [email protected]
Currently, their address is 4 South Main.
Jennings noted Blissful Medical Aesthetics & Wellness is a full-service medical aesthetics and wellness clinic offering:
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Trt/bhrt- testosterone replacement therapy, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy
- Medical weight loss (GLP-1 programs)
- Botox, Daxxify, Xeomin
- Dermal fillers and biostimulators
- IV therapy and NAD
- Peptide therapy
- Laser treatments (Intense Pulsed Light therapy, hair removal, skin tightening)
- Advanced facials and skincare treatments
- Hair restoration (DE|RIVE system)
- Functional Medicine
Blissful Meadows Boutique
Blissful Meadows Boutique, 1 North Main, is a curated retail shopping experience featuring:
- Accessories and jewelry
- Home décor
- Gifts and seasonal items
- Loaded energy tea “Kickstart Energy”
Blissful Meadows Boutique is having a grand opening on April 1 from 2-6 p.m. at the store located at the corner of Main and Wall Streets in Fort Scott’s Historic District.
A ribbon cutting will be hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 5:30 p.m.
The grand opening will feature refreshments, opening-day deals, and a first look at its curated collection of home décor and unique finds that blend modern and western charm, according to a Chamber press release.
The Chamber will host brief remarks and an official ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m., and community members are encouraged to attend and help welcome this new business to downtown Fort Scott.
Kinede Jennings, a Chamber Board Member, continues to invest in the growth and vitality of Fort Scott’s downtown through multiple business ventures and property improvements. The boutique will be managed by her mother-in-law, KerryJennings, according to the press release.
Jennings is part of a multi-generational Fort Scott family with deep roots in downtown business, including Sunshine Boutique, established by her grandparents, Georgia and Donnie in 1981, with additional family members continuing that tradition today, according to the press release.
“The Chamber appreciates Jennings’ continued investment in the community and looks forward to celebrating this exciting addition with the owners, staff, and community,” according to the press release. For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620)223-3566.
“We are incredibly excited to continue growing in Fort Scott—bringing both elevated wellness services and a unique boutique shopping experience to our community,” Jennings said. “Our goal is to create spaces that empower confidence, style, and overall well-being.”
What’s Happening in Fort Scott March 26 Edition
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FSCC’s Annual Women’s Free Luncheon is April 16
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