Category Archives: Fort Scott

FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of August 26

     CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of August 26, 2022                                         Special Meeting #13

 

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 26th, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Travis Shelton, Lisa Lewis, Brad Matkin, Betty Breault, Devin Tally, and Susan Bancroft, Clete Hall, Rob Harrington Deb McCoy, Pete Allen, Grace Nolan Sweat, and representing the press Tammy Helm, Editor, Fort Scott Tribune.

 

CONSIDERATION:

 

Adoption of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution No. 33-2022 – City Manager shared with the Commission a spreadsheet on the amenities the City offers to citizens.  He shared that the majority of these are losing money.  He said that we need to manage our facilities better.   The current revenue neutral rate is 45.222. The proposed revenue neutral rate is 46.756 which is an increase of 1.54 above the Revenue Neutral Rate.

 

Susan Bancroft informed the Commission she was hired by the Commission to assist in the budget process for 2023.  She has over 20 years of experience in governmental accounting.   She reminded the Commission that cash reserves are established for unforeseen emergencies and delays in funding.  The City of Fort Scott’s Financial Policy which was adopted on May 19, 2020 states the following:

 

The Fort Scott City Commission understands it has a responsibility to maintain prudent financial operations to ensure stable City operations for the benefit of City residents and businesses.  This policy is necessary in maintaining a prudent level of financial resources to protect against reducing service levels or raising taxes and fees due to temporary economic conditions or unforeseen one-time expenditures.  Appropriate fund balance targets are expected to differ from city to city, based on each city’s specific circumstances.  Factor to consider include the size of government, diversification of revenue, and volatility of revenue sources.

 

Unencumbered cash reserves are an important component in ensuring the overall financial health of a community, by giving the City cushion to meet contingency or cash flow timing needs.  It is recommended that governments maintain a fund balance of no less that 5% to 15% of revenues or one or two months of operating expenditures.

 

Maintaining fund balances at a prescribed level involves two components:  1) Budgeted reserves; 2) Conservative budgeting ensuring revenues eceed expenditures.

 

Susan recommended that in order to avoid service disruptions that otherwise could arise from revenue shortfalls or unanticipated expenditures, business funds shall be managed by the Finance Director and Department Directors in such a way as to maintain a minimum unencumbers cash balance on the last day of each fiscal year to equal to at least 25% or three months of current fiscal year budgeted annual operating expenditures before any transfers out.

 

Pros and Cons to stay Revenue Neutral Rate for the City of Fort Scott:

 

Pros:

 

The City will not increase the amount of taxes levied from the previous year.

 

Cons:

 

No new revenue coming to the City to cover the increase in commodities/supplies.

 

No opportunity for employees to have raises without cutting cash reserves or services.

 

Already dropping reserves with changes that occurred in 2022 to retain employees and reducing reserves more to give raises in 2023 down below policy levels of three months operating.

 

Budgets need to be fluid to allow for unanticipated expenditures – such as disasters, change in administration, mandates, failing facilities, or retirees.

 

Susan shared a spreadsheet of budgeted 2022 expenses and changes during 2022.  She said that the proposed budget amount of $2,255,064.00 would drop the mill levy by 1.756.

 

She also shared cash reserves amounts with the Commission.  In 2021, there was $1,480,293 – Budgeted for 2022 is $1,313,333; 2022 with changes is $1,200,805; and proposed for 2023 is $1,071,750.   She cautioned them on lowering the cash reserve amounts.

 

Susan informed the Commission that they have lowered their mill levy 2 ½ mills in the last two years.  The County has lowered their mill levy 4 mills in the last two years.

 

Susan asked the City Clerk to read the proposed resolution with the budget amount in it.

 

Diane Clay, City Clerk, read the following proposed resolution:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 33-2022

 

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS REGARDING THE GOVERNING BODY’S INTENT TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX EXCEEDING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE.

 

WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for the City of Fort Scott was calculated as 45.222 mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and

 

WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott will require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and

 

WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on August 23rd, 2022 allowing all interested taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas having heard testimony, still finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS:

 

The Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate with a proposed mill levy not to exceed a mill levy that generates $2,255,260.00 in Ad Valorem Tax.

 

This Resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.

ADOPTED this 26th day of August, 2022.

 

  1. Walker moved to approve the above stated resolution for Revenue Neutral and to keep it flat at 45.222. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION 33-2022 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS REGARDING THE GOVERNING BODY’S INTENT TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX EXCEEDING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE.

 

 

Consideration of publication of public hearing notice for 2023 Budget – City Manager said that this notice of public hearing needs to be approved to be published in the local City newspaper.   This reflects the 45.222 rate.

 

  1. Walker moved to approve to publish the notice for the 2023 Budget Public Hearing to be held on September 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE NOTICE FOR THE 2023 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2022 AT 5:00 P.M.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

  1. Jones moved to recess into Executive Session for the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) until 1:08 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney, and Rob Harrington. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 1:08 p.m. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the special meeting at 1:08 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 1:08 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane K. Clay, MMC

City Clerk

 

 

 

FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of August 23

     CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of August 23, 2022                                         Special Meeting #12

 

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 23rd, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Travis Shelton, Lisa Lewis, Brad Matkin, Betty Breault, Devin Tally, and Susan Bancroft.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:

 

Public Hearing:  5:00 p.m. Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing

 

  1. Jones moved to open the Public Hearing at 5:00 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:00 P.M.

 

Adoption of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution No. 33-2022 – City Manager stated that this meeting is held to discuss the current Revenue Neutral Rate which is currently 45.222 to the proposed amount for 2023 in the amount of 46.756.  This will keep the mill levy flat.

 

Comments were taken from the audience.

 

Betty Breault said that she is a taxpayer, and she believes that the taxpayers should have the right to vote for a tax.  She believes that state, local, and county governments should be monitored to make sure that the taxpayer’s dollars are spent correctly.  She said that if there has been misappropriation of funds that people that work in that position should be held responsible for their actions.   She believes that the utility companies should be monitored also.  Once again, she believes that the taxpayers should be allowed to vote for any tax increases.

 

  1. Jones moved to close the Public Hearing at 5:05 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:05 P.M.

 

Josh stated that he is not in favor of the Revenue Neutral Rate and the amount it is proposed.    He said that not once has he heard a citizen say they moved from Fort Scott due to a pothole, but from the amount of taxes they have to pay.  He mentioned that the payroll at the Golf Course has increased $90,000.00.  He also about the sale of the First Source building and those funds.  He said that there are other areas we can cut.

 

City Manager said that the First Source funds are being used for Bourbon County R.E.D.I. and the Land Bank funding.

 

Discussion was held regarding what was being paid to Bourbon County R.E.D.I.

 

Susan informed the Commission that they have cut about $100,000 since 2020. This was mostly from the Codes fund.

 

Susan said that the proposed budget needs to be published by September 3rd, 2022 which would allow for one more budget work session.  She recommended that the Commission adopt the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution with the wording that the City of Fort Scott would not exceed the proposed mill levy of 46.756 mills.

 

Josh said that he has gone through the budget line item by line item.  He asked if the others had done that.  He believes we will have a bigger carryover than last year.

 

  1. Jones moved to not approve the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution. M. Wells seconded. J. Jones, M. Wells and K. Harrington voted in favor of not approving the resolution.  T. Van Hoecke and S. Walker voted in favor of approving the resolution. Motion denied 3-2.

 

DENIED APPROVING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE RESOLUTION.

 

Commissioners decided to have a special meeting on Friday, August 26th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. to discuss the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution and the wording change, and the publication of the 2023 Budget Hearing Notice.

 

CONSIDERATION:

 

Consideration of publication of public hearing notice for 2023 Budget – City Manager

 

  1. Harrington voted to table the publication of the 2023 Budget. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE PUBLICATION OF THE 2023 BUDGET AT THIS TIME.

 

Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S Main Street – Pizza Republic – City Clerk informed the Commission that the Design Review Board had verbally approved the signage for 17 S. Main Street.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S. Main Street. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR SIGNAGE AT 17 S. MAIN STREET – PIZZA REPUBLIC.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

  1. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:30 p.m. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:30 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane K. Clay, MMC

City Clerk

 

 

 

FS City Commission Minutes of Aug. 16

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

         Minutes of August 16th, 2022                     Regular Meeting #17

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 16th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.

 

INVOCATION: Tim Van Hoecke, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Jason Pickert, Lisa Lewis, Peter Earles, John Hayes, Ben Cole, Steve Anthony, Sarah Maike, Pete Allen, Michael Hoyt, Shayne Johnston, Terry Sercer, Rob Harrington, Braley Harrington, Peter Brackett, Lori Brackett, James Brackett, Kevin Allen, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:  Recognition of Steve Anthony and Ben Cole – Special Olympics Golf Tournament – Mayor Katie Harrington presented Steve Anthony, Ben Cole, and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department with a Certificate of Recognition for their involvement in the Special Olympics Golf Fundraiser which was held recently.  There has been over $100,000 raised for this worthy cause in the last several years.

 

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:

 

Josh Jones asked that the School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding be added to New Business as #5.  T. Van Hoecke seconded.  All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADD THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO NEW BUSINESS AS ITEM #5.

 

  1. Wells asked that Amended Ordinance No. 3617 be added under Old Business as Item #2. This was approved at the last meeting but the legal description was incorrect. T. Van Hoecke seconded.   All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ADD AMENDED ORDINANCE NO. 3617 UNDER OLD BUSINESS AS ITEM #2.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

City Clerk informed the Commission that Item F is not ready for approval yet.

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 2nd, 2022 and postponed meeting of August 4th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1318-A totaling $459,765.60.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.

Plan Review – GO Car Wash                                $  288.00

City Engineer (April)                                            $4,120.00

City Engineer (July)                                             $4,120.00

Phase II Design -Wastewater                              $15,417.50

South Industrial Park Waterline Project             $ 5,116.55

Sanitary Sewer Project                                       $13,330.00

Cooper Street Inspection                                     $5,202.00

TOTAL        $47,594.05

 

  1. Request to pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. (July) – $455.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – $2,200.00 – Rehabilitate Runway & Taxiway Project Engineering

 

  1. July financials

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of Item F – July financials. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

 

Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to  5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

John Hayes – Mr. Hayes said he had a couple of items to bring up.  His first item was Williams Street.  He has been told that from the Fort Scott Middle School to 18th Street it is divided between the City and the County.  The road is very rough and needs repaired.  He also said that streetlights need installed there and asked for at the minimum of four (4) streetlights as it is very dark.

 

His next concern was the railroad crossings at 6th, 10th, and 15th Street.  These crossings are very rough and need repaired.  He said that there is 1” to 2” from the asphalt to the track and they need repaired.  He mentioned the Quiet Zone that was done on Wall Street and said that was an industrial area and it should have been placed in a residential area.   He also believes that it is not necessary for the trains to blow their horns all times during the night.

 

Commissioners told Mr. Hayes that it up to the railroad and not the City.

 

Sarah Maike – Ms. Maike said that she has been poor all of her life.  She knows what it is to rob Peter to pay Paul.  She said that a vast majority of citizens are not happy with the City’s infrastructure.  She stated that the amount of money the City takes in we should have streets of gold, our water turned to wine, and our sewer should smell like roses.  She challenged the Commission to find more money for infrastructure but not raise taxes.

 

Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt said that he wished Chief Shelton was here tonight and he wanted to thank him for the way he handled a bad situation at the last work session when an unruly citizen came into the lobby.   He stated that the Chief had taken part of a de-escalation Crisis Intervention Team Training and urged all City police officers and County Sheriff officers to take part of this training.  He thanked Chief Shelton for his quick thinking that night.

 

Pete Allen – Mr. Allen reminded the City Commission of their commitment to the Standards and Specifications that were adopted on December 18th, 2018.  He reminded them to make sure that the City crews were following these specifications when repairing streets and waterlines.    He asked if the street by Old Faithful was open yet.

 

City Manager said that it is not open yet.

 

Shayne Johnston – Mr. Johnston said that he wanted to share the Lake Advisory Board’s thoughts from their recent meeting last Saturday morning.

 

The board recommended that an ordinance be drawn up regarding the sale of lake lots and the specifications for the lots.   He asked that the Bathymetric study be completed on water quality and that the funding for this study be placed into the City budget and the Lake fund not used for it.

 

Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618 – City Manager informed the Commission that he had made the requested changes to the ordinance

 

  1. Consideration of amended Ordinance No. 3617 – Change of zoning ordinance for the property at 12th and Clark Streets

 

Appearances:

 

Kelly Perry – Perry’s Pork Rinds – Request of use of City parking area – Motorcycle Poker Run – 9/10/2022 – Kelly Perry was not present, so this will be placed on the September 6th, 2022 agenda.

 

Terry Sercer – 2021 Audit Presentation – Terry Sercer, Auditor, Diehl, Banwart & Bolton C.P.A., informed the Commission that he is with Diehl, Banwart & Bolton, CPA.  He said he wanted to hit a couple of important parts of the audit.  The audit financial statements are verified that receipts and expenditures are accurate.  They look at the utility billings and ordinances and make sure what is being charged is correct.  They look at payroll and verify that is correct also.   He said that their firm has done the audit for the City for the past 37 years.   There were no disagreements with City management.  He said that it is a pleasure to work with the City.

 

Moved to approve the 2021 Audit.   Seconded.  All voted aye.

 

APPROVED 2021 AUDIT.

 

Public Hearing – None

 

New Business:

 

  1. D.O.T. Project U-2455-01 – Approval of Grant Agreement – $949,000.00 – Horton Street Project – City Manager informed the Commission that this is the official grant document for Horton Street that needs approved.

 

Moved to approve Grant Number 208-22, Project Number U-2455-01, Horton Street Project in the amount of $949,000.00 between Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Fort Scott.  Seconded.  All voted aye.

 

approved Grant Number 208-22, Project Number U-2455-01, Horton Street Project in the amount of $949,000.00 between Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Fort Scott. 

 

  1. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3619 – Standard Traffic Ordinance – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that the Standard Traffic Ordinance book is updated annually. This enables the Police Officers to write citations.

 

moved to approve Ordinance Number 3619, the Standard Traffic Ordinance.  seconded.  All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NUMBER 3619 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.

 

  1. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3620 – Uniform Public Offense Code – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that this ordinance adopts the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas cities and will allow the Fort Scott Municipal Court to prosecute misdemeanors. There are a few violations that will still be prosecuted in District Court and those are repealed in this ordinance.

 

moved to adopt Ordinance No. 3620 – the Uniform Public Offense Code.   seconded.  All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3620 ADDING SECTION 10.05 REGULATING PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES, 38TH EDITION, WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS, CHANGES, AND ADDITIONS, PRESCRIBING ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS AND PROVIDING CERTAIN PENALTIES.

 

  1. Discussion of Credit Card fees for customers – City Manager informed the Commission that the City pays approximately $3,000 in credit card fees.

 

Tim informed the City Manager that there is a Kansas Statute 16-A-2403 that has to be complied with and asked if it referred to cities also.

 

City Manager will into this.

 

This will be tabled until the September 6th, 2022 meeting.

 

  1. School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding between City of Fort Scott and USD #234 – City Manager said that this agreement allows for two school resource officers within the USD 234 school district. The school district will reimburse the City of Fort Scott a total of $90,000 for the year 2022-2023.   Approval of this agreement was recommended.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Fort Scott and USD #234 for two School Resource Officers. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT AND USD #234 FOR TWO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS.

 

Reports and Comments:

 

  1. City Manager Comments: City Manager commented on the following:

 

League of Kansas Municipalities KOMA/KORA Training – August 31st, 2022 – Virtual Training – Kelley said that this begins at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31st.  He asked the Commission to notify them if they could attend.

 

Cape Seal Preparation – City Manager informed them that the City crews are preparing surfaces for the upcoming Cape Seal project.

 

Old Faithful Project – City Manager said that the street will be repaired in the near future.

 

17th & Eddy – City Manager said that the contractor hit a snag and that the City crew will need to video the line.  There could be a possible change order.

 

Lake parking area – City Manager said that the City crew is getting this area prepared with gravel.

 

CIP Project – City Manager said that we will have to replace water lines with the same in kind lines that are currently there and go through K.D.H.E.

 

Human Resources – City Manager said that he and the Human Resource Director, Brad Matkin, are working with City directors to work more efficiently and be accountable.

 

  1. Director Comments: None

 

  1. Engineering Firm Comments: None

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

 

  1. Wells – Matthew praised God for allowing Brad to be back at City Hall working. He is a great asset to the City of Fort Scott.

 

Matthew asked about cables at Lake Fort Scott parking area.   He asked that Doug Guns be present at the next meeting to answer questions at the Lake.  He also stated that he was at the Lake Advisory Board meeting and they would like to move forward with the Bathymetric Study and reach out to K-State, Pitt Sate, or K.U. to assist with it.   He would like to see a City ordinance drawn up on the sale of Lake lots and go over this at the next meeting.

 

  1. Van Hoecke – Tim said that the City crews are doing a great job preparing for the Cape Seal project. He did ask that they use safety glasses and gloves when working.

 

Tim asked for an update on 2nd Street by the Courthouse.

 

Tim said that he attended the recent Care to Share fundraiser that was held on National in front of Sharky’s.  It was well attended and thanked all who organized it.

 

  1. Jones – Josh stated that he was glad to have Brad back in the office also.

 

Josh asked that the City Manager look at the roads at the Lake and who is responsible for what.

 

Josh thanked Destry Brown and the City Manager for the USD 234 School Resource Officer agreement.

 

  1. Walker – Shane updated the Commission on 2nd Street by the Courthouse. They are sending their part out for bid in the near future.

 

City Manager said once the County part is done, the City will repair the street.

 

Shane also thanked Destry Brown for the school resource officer agreement with the City.

 

Shane said that he was representing Frank Halsey and asked for the camping area at Gunn Park to be shut down on September 17th and 18th for the Marmaton Massacre event.

 

  1. Jones moved to shut off the camping area at Gunn Park on September 17th and 18th for the Marmaton Massacre Event. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO SHUT OFF THE CAMPING AREA AT GUNN PARK ON SEPTEMBER 17TH AND 18TH FOR THE MARMATON MASSACRE EVENT.

 

  1. Harrington – Katie wished the best of luck to all the students as well as college students going back to school this week.

 

Katie also said that she is glad that Brad is back.

 

  1. City Attorney Reports and Comments: Bob Farmer, City Attorney said that he had been questioned about a City Commission no longer residing in the City limits.  He said that is simply not true.  There is a misconception that if you move somehow, you are off the Commission. It depends on the circumstances.  You have to be a qualified elector, and to be a qualified elector, you have to be a resident of the City.  That Commissioner owns a residence in the City and is going through a family related situation.  It is frequent that people change residences.  He is waiting for the resident to be able to be moved into.  There is no violation.

 

Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:31 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

FS City Commission Agenda for Sept. 6

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Roll Call:

 

  1. Jones T. Van Hoecke S. Walker      M. Wells     K. Harrington
  2.      Flag Salute:
  • Invocation: Led by:

 

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 16th, 2022, special meetings of August 23rd, 2022 and August 26th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1319-A totaling $1,451,219.60.

 

  1. Consideration to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $1,064.90 – Engineering – Phase II Dam Improvements

 

  1. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – 17th & Eddy Project – $55,879.92

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.

City Engineer (August)                                               $4,120.00

Phase II Design -Wastewater                                    $13,080.00

South Industrial Park Waterline Project                    $ 8,940.00

Sanitary Sewer Project                                             $20,100.00

Cooper Street Inspection                                            $   827.25

Horton Street Project                                                  $9,050.00

TOTAL        $56,117.25

 

  1. July financials

 

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Discussion of credit cards fees for customers

 

  • Appearances: Jessica Sager – CDL – Overview of Services

Shane Wood – Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board items

Travis Sawyer – Request to use Riverfront Park – Haunted Trail

Hayride – October 15th, 2022

 

  • Public Hearing: None

 

  1. New Business:
  2. Consideration of Demolition Bid – 623 Short Street
  3. Consideration of Demolition Bid – 220 S. Judson Street

 

  1.    Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. AG Engineering Agreement – Lake Fort Scott Dam Modification Project
  4. Lake Fort Scott Parking Expansion
  5. Leak Detection Agreement – Westrum Leak Detection
  6. Consideration of Removal of Special Assessments – 736 S. Heylman
  7. Discussion of Parking Meters in Downtown District

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

 

  1. Director Comments:

 

Dave Bruner – ISO Rating

 

  1. Engineering Firm Comments:
  2.   City Attorney Reports and Comments:
  3. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

Shane Walker & Tim Van Hoecke – Executive Session

XII.          Adjournment:

 

 

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

September 2nd Weekly Newsletter

Celebrate Labor Day in Fort Scott…

share with your friends & family!

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

TROLLEY TOURS,

ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!

Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under

50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

9/2-9/5 ~ Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic and All School Reunion, click here for details!

9/3 ~ Tacos & Tailgates, 11am-3pm, 325 N. National Ave., Cruise-in style show open to all trucks and SUVs.

9/3-9/5 ~ Labor Day Weekend Activities at the Fort

9/5 ~ FSCC Free Basketball Clinic by FSCC Men’s Basketball, click here for flyer.

9/5 ~ Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show, 11am to 1pm, Uniontown, click here for more info.

9/9 ~ Pizza Republic After-hours, Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting, 5:15-6:30pm

9/9-9/10 ~ Fall Town-wide Garage Sale

9/10 ~ Golf Tournament for Tri-Valley Developmental Services

9/10 ~ Cornhole Tourn hosted by Bourbon County Cowboys Kids Wrestling, 9am, Fisher Park

9/10 ~ EKTEC Rodeo, Uniontown, 10am

9/10 ~ VFW “Still Serving” Motorcycle Cruise

9/11 ~ FLAG Church Grand Opening, 10am, Fort Cinema

9/11 ~ VFW Auto & Motorcycle Show, 12pm

9/12 ~ Lowell Milken Center Anniversary Celebration, 1-5pm

9/15 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Varia Resale Clothing, 8am

9/15 ~ BINGO hosted by Fort Scott American Legion Post #25, 7pm

9/16 ~ Car Show at Presbyterian Village, 3pm

9/17 ~ Matt “Smokey” Russell Benefit Golf Tournament

9/17 ~ Red Bull Imagination – Limited tickets available!, 12-7pm

9/17 ~ Prairie Pathways Bike Trail Unveiling, Ribbon Cutting, 12pm, Riverfront Park, Live Music & More ~ come join the fun!

9/17-9/18 ~ Marmaton Massacre Mountain Bike Festival in Gunn Park, click here for flyer.

9/17-9/18 ~ 4×4 Mud Run, click here for flyer.

9/18 ~ Car Show at Country Place Living, 3pm

9/18 ~ Ice Cream Social hosted by First United Methodist Church, 6-7pm

9/22 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Smallville Athletics, 8am

9/23-9/25 ~ 6th Annual Doug Hazelbaker Memorial Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Breakaway & Dummy Roping

9/24 ~ FortFest, 4-band music festival, see flyer below.

9/29 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, 8am

9/29 ~ 17-county meeting hosted by Bourbon County

9/29 ~ Credit Repair Workshop by SBDC. FREE – 6pm, HBCAT office

9/29 ~ Downtown PARADE hosted by Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, 6pm

9/30 ~ Pioneer Harvest Fiesta—Quilt Show, Corn Husking/Shelling, Oat Threshing, Straw Bailing, Rock Crushing, Sawmill Operation, Free Bean Feed with paid admission

SAVE THE DATE:

10/1 ~ Michael Jeffers Memorial Bullriding

10/5 ~ Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Event

10/6-10/8 ~ The 19th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, click here for more info.

_____________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Don’t miss out on the Labor Day activities going on at the Fort this weekend!

Housing Survey NOW ACTIVE for Bourbon County
Click graphic below or here to take survey!
Your response is valuable and needed!

Join in on the fun at the Marmaton Massacre event!

FORT SCOTT 4X4 MUD RUN ~ COME OUT AND ENJOY THE SHOW!

Bourbon County Carpool History Tour ~ Join us on September 10th to learn more about Bourbon County history!

ST. MARY’S TRASH BAGS ON SALE THRU 9/6

Don’t miss out on FortFest2022, September 24th!

FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Varia Store Front Moves Location

Varia’s owner, Robin Kendrick, stands in front of the new storefront she will move her clothing items into.
Varia, means variety in the French language, and the Varia Shop carries a variety of used clothing at less than retail pricing.
The store was opened by Robin Kendrick on June 8, 2021 and has expanded to the point of needing more space.
As of September 6, the store will be located in the same building, but two doors east of the present store front.
The new address is 114 E. 23rd, just behind the Taco Bell Restaurant on Main Street.
Hours the shop is open: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  They are closed on Sunday and Monday.
“We provide the community quality used name brand clothing at affordable prices,” Kendrick said. “Nothing is above $11.50. We opened because we see a need for more clothing stores in Fort Scott.”
Some of the clothing sold in Varia.
Kendrick buys clothing directly from the public and online.
One can make an appointment with her to sell clothing to her.
Shoes and purses are sold at Varia.
“I will look items over, to see if I think I can sell it,” Kendrick said.
When they opened in  2021 they had 300 items and now have over 4000 items, she said.
“We are moving to a bigger space because we have outgrown our current place,” she said. ” We are moving starting on Sunday (Sept. 4) and will ready for business on Tuesday, Sept. 5.”
Kendrick can be reached at  620-238-1703.

Blues Festival Coming to Fort Scott Sept. 24

New comers to the Fort Scott area from Kansas City are planning a blues festival on their property at 2006 Maple Road on September 24 from 2 to 10 p.m. and they are doing it to benefit a local helping organization.

Cory and Cecilia Bryars. Submitted photo.

“My wife, Cecilia and I have met and become lasting friends with wonderful people by attending blues music events and venues in the Kansas City area and travels to Arkansas and Mississippi,” said event organizer Cory Bryars said. “We moved to Fort Scott in 2021 from Kansas City and I wanted to have a once-in-a-lifetime housewarming and a thank you to contractors and friends. My wife has roots and best friends here and the kid went to college, freeing us up to leave K.C.”

“As I put (the event) together, it took on a life of its own, and I thought this thing needs to be more than just friends and family,” Bryars said. “Through a friend, Belynda Davenport, I got connected with Lavetta Simmons and Care to Share ( a helping organization for cancer survivors and their families) and it turns out their big annual Fall Fest fundraiser for the last 15 years is no more.”

They decided to turn the event into a fundraiser for Care to Share.

“Before Care to Share, it was all about the music; now it’s all about music being a force for good,” Bryars said.  “This is real deal. Any one of these bands could headline a decent municipal blues fest, and we are providing four bands of that caliber.”

“I like to think the town was clamoring for something, and unbeknownst to me, I was apparently organizing it,” he said. “Soooo…our event is now a full-blown fundraiser.”

The music will be provided by the following artists, with performance times listed and comments provided by Bryars:

2pm—The Hermosa Prairie Dogs featuring Randy McAllister and James Van Nuys

o    “Randy is an award winning, Grammy Nominated, singer, songwriter, harmonica player, drummer and legend of East Texas Blues/Soul/Roots.

o    James is a talented artist in many disciplines and you will love his songs.”

4pm—Kilborn Alley featuring Big Rich McDonough

o    “Band Leader Andrew Duncanson is smooth as silk on the vocals and guitar.

o    Big Rich masters the guitar, making it SING almost as well as Andrew.”

6pm—Cassie Taylor & Band

o    “After starting her music career while still a teenager, Cassie toured Europe as part of Girls with Guitars.  She took a break from music to raise a family and her spirit, and now is back on the scene.

o    With powerful vocals and a soulful voice perfect for pop and blues, Cassie leads her generation of blues artists.”

8pm—Junebug & The Porchlights

o   “Long-time Kansas City favorites with great musicians, there’s never a dull moment as they cover Merle Haggard, Muddy Waters, and other country and blues standards, all with their own fast-paced sound and fury

o    If you like 70s classics like John Denver’s Country Roads and the aromatic Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road, wait ‘til you hear the Porchlights’ versions!”

The Venue

The festival site is west of Findley’s Auto on Maple Road about one-half mile, on the Bryars property.
“We will use our front and back pasture for parking–not sure but thinking 75 cars can fit, maybe more,” Bryars said. “We are asking neighbors to have friends and family park at their properties.  Care to Share is exploring options for parking and shuttle service via city trolley and/or side-by-sides from volunteers.  The back yard near the house will have the stage and attendees.”
Free Admission, But Donations Accepted for Care to Share
“I am funding it and friends that were attending before Care to Share got involved will chip in and depending on the donation levels to Care to Share they will help offset some of my expense as a cost of the fundraiser,” Bryars said.
“We want to encourage donations,” he said.  “I have found that people are very generous when it’s up to them to decide how to help.  And Care to Share is organizing other methods of fundraising—concessions, crafts for the event.”

Eddy and 17th Intersection Closed Sept. 6-13

The City of Fort Scott in conjunction with J. Richardson Company will be closing the intersection of 17th and Eddy beginning Tuesday, September 6th through Tuesday, September 13thThis includes vehicle traffic as well as pedestrian traffic.

The reason for this closure is the drainage project at 17th and Eddy.  This project was started some time ago but is continuing.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call City Hall at 620-223-0550.

 

Traffic Signal Upgrade on Hwy. 69 Beginning Sept. 6

The City of Fort Scott in conjunction with Kansas Department of Transportation will be upgrading traffic signals along Highway 69 beginning September 6th, 2022.  This project will be done in four phases:  3rd Street, 6th Street, 12th Street, and 25th Street.  There may be times when traffic lanes are shut down as well as the intersections at these locations.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call City Hall at 620-223-0550.

 

FSCC Hosts First Annual Night Golf on October 29

Tom Havron, Fort Scott Community College Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director, had the idea to hold a fall golf tournament.

Tom Havron is the FSCC Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director. Submitted photos.

“I  thought it would be fun to do something a little different,” Havron said.  “I used to play night golf when I was a high school kid in Montana and we always had a great time.  After doing a little research, I thought we could make this a really special event.”

The event will be a fundraiser.

The Twilight Open Golf Night is a four-person scramble teeing off at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course, just down Horton Street from the community college.

Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

“The proceeds will go towards establishing a new golf driving range on campus,” Havron said.  The short-term goal of the first annual Twilight Open Golf Night, set for Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott, is a design for long distances.”

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Fort Scott Community College’s Foundation office,  will go directly to the creation of a driving range on the FSCC campus, Havron said.

Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton is the site of the annual Independence Day fireworks event.

“College golfers need a driving range to work on different shots they will see on courses across the state throughout the season,” said Jeff Tadtman, head golf coach for the Greyhounds. “It has been an obstacle we have faced since the start of the golf program in 2019. We hope a driving range on campus will appeal to potential recruits looking to continue their golf career.”

Jeff Tadtman. Submitted photo.

The presence of a range in “their own backyard” is an immediate advantage for college golfers, said Havron, but the plan includes eventually opening the facility to community members.

“I think the community would really love to have a place to go and hit some balls,” said Havron. “Woodland Hills is an excellent course and I believe they would also see the benefits of a driving range close to their course.”

The future driving range, which is to feature a ball machine, is to be maintained by the FSCC golf team, and will provide a venue for fund-raising opportunities, Havron said.

“We would love to also be able to provide the facility to our area high school teams for practice, as well,” he said. “Details on the course are still being investigated and may take a few fund-raisers to get up and going.”

The night of the golf scramble will also include food and a silent auction.

“I’m working on having some food available for people to have during the silent auction period,” Havron said.  “I will provide more information on this as soon as arrangements are finalized.”

“We will have FSCC staff and students assisting players throughout the round,” Havron said.  “We will also have headlamps so players can make their way safely around the course.  I have some other ideas which will provide safety features but make the event unique.  I’m going to hold that information so it is a surprise at the event.’

What about inclement weather?

“We always will concern ourselves with weather in Kansas, but we are hopeful,” Havron said. “In my opinion, there is no better time to live in Kansas than October.  The leaves will be turning and we hope the weather is kind to us.”

Cost of the event:

$500/team – this price includes cart and glow-in-the-dark ball

$475/team – with one cart included

$450/team – with no cart included

“To ensure safety and space between groups, we will be limited to the first 18 teams to RSVP,” Havron said.

For more information:

Tom Havron – 620-223-2700 ext. 5830 or

[email protected]

 

 

 

Chamber Coffee Sept. 1 at Perry’s Store in Bronson

Join us for the Chamber Coffee & Ribbon Cutting this week
hosted by Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store!
Thursday, September 1st, 8am
702 Pine Street, Bronson, KS.
Click herefor their Facebook page to learn more about them!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701