Category Archives: Fort Scott

FS City Commission Special Meeting Agenda for Dec. 29

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
December 29, 2022
5:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells E. Woellhof K. Harrington

II. CONSIDERATION:

1. Approval to Purchase Road Machinery

2. Approval of Public Dance Licenses

a. Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th

b. Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National

c. Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main

d. Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National

e. Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott Ave.

f. Memorial Hall Auditorium – 1 E. Third St.

3. Approval of Renewal of Drinking Establishment Permit

a. Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National

4. Approval of CMB License Renewal-Consumption on the Premises

a. M’axe Throw House – 212 E. 1 st Street

III. Adjournment:

Corrected Time for Special FS City Commission Meeting on Dec. 29

CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE
December 28th, 2022

The City Commission will have a special meeting Thursday,
December 29th, 2022, at 5:00 PM at City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott,
Kansas to discuss the purchase of road equipment discussed

at the December 20th, 2022, regular City Commission Meeting.

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will also be
made available via the City’s YouTube channel at

City of Fort Scott.

 

A Special Meeting of the CITY OF FORT SCOTT Commission will be Dec. 29

December 27th, 2022

The City Commission will have a special meeting Thursday,
December 29th, 2022, at City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott,
Kansas to discuss the purchase of road equipment discussed at the December 20th, 2022, regular City Commission Meeting.

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will also be
made available via the City’s YouTube channel at

City of Fort Scott.

 

New Staff at Common Ground Coffee Shop

Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E.Wall.

Common Ground Coffee Shop is a place to sit a spell, have a cuppa and relax. The shop’s specialty is coffee, baked goods, breakfast and lunch.

They sell special order cookie trays as well.

It has been a community gathering place since its inception in 2013 by the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

To view the first story on the business by fortscott.biz:

Common Ground Coffee Co. offers community a gathering place

Common Ground employees are from left to right: Dawson Korinke, Barista; Brightin Eads, Barista;, Lauren Ogran, Barista; Chandler Endicott, Barista; Michelle Keyes, Cook; Heidi Dixon, Manager, Samantha Racy, Asst Manager and Hannah Dunn, Bookkeeper. Submitted photo.
 Not in the picture: Payton Atwood, Barista; Ella Maher, Barista;  Skylar Mohler, Barista
and Hannah Keyes, Barista.

New Staff

Heidi Dixon, 52, started as the new manager of Common Ground Coffee Shop on Dec. 19.

Dixon grew up in Fort Scott, moved away and moved back.

She has been a general manager for Fort Scott Taco Tico, operations manager for Dave and Buster’s Restaurant in Kansas City and worked at several other restaurants through the years.

The Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene board oversees the coffee shop and selected Dixon as the new manager.

Hired as assistant manager is Samantha Racy, 22.

“I volunteered for about a week,” Samantha said. “There was a period the coffee shop was struggling. Others from the church helped. My whole family volunteered.”

Samantha Racy is an esthetician at Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage and Salon and also works at the coffee shop.

In addition, several high school students work there.

The business is searching for an additional cook.

“There is an assistant manager and a manager to take a load off of one person,” said Stacy Racy.

Racy has taken on the scheduling of the Loading Dock, the big rental room, in the rear of the shop.

 

The Loading Dock

Stacy Racy is hoping to have an event in the Loading Dock at least once a month, she said. Stacy is Samantha’s mother.

In December they had two events: a 1940s Christmas Concert on Dec. 16 and a Photo With The Grinch event on Dec. 17.

The Loading Dock has a stage area and an outside patio area.

To rent the event center costs $60 for four hours during business hours, eight hours will cost $100. To rent the space during in off- business hours is $150 for six hours, she said.

For small groups there is a conference room with a large table in a private area, and it is free, she said.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday.

To contact the Common Ground Coffee Shop, call 620.223.2499.

Visit the shop’s Facebook page and webpage to see the shop’s latest news.

 

 

 

 

Local Bookstore Has End of Year Sale

Hedgehog INK!
End of the Year Sale!
50% off on ALL gently used books!
December 26 ~ 31
Hedgehog INK! Bookstore
16 S. Main.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Hedgehog INK!
End of the Year Sale!
50% off on ALL gently used books!
December 26 ~ 31
Hedgehog INK! Bookstore
16 S. Main.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Kevin Allen Purchases Aunt Toadies Restaurant

Alisha Jamison is the new manager and Kevin “Skitch” Allen is the new owner of Aunt Toadie’s Restaurant. Submitted photo.

Kevin “Skitch” Allen purchased Aunt Toadie’s Restaurant in October but officially took over the business on Dec. 12, 2022.

Aunt Toadies Restaurant.

“My heart is on the east side of town,” he said.

Allen started his construction business and car wash on the east side of Fort Scott. Nineteen years ago he demolished a house on the west side of the Aunt Toadie’s restaurant property for the former owners Larry and Mary Jane McHenry.

That started a relationship with the McHenrys. Then two years ago he started dating their niece Alisha Jamison.

“One evening we were talking to Mary Jane and Larry and discovered they wanted to work less hours,” Allen said. “Alisha and I talked about it. She was interested in running the eating business and I am interested in eating.”

“I’ve never owned a restaurant before,” he said. But the McHenry’s have stayed on to help the transition until the end of December.

“Thankfully, Larry and Mary Jane made it a success,” he said. “It’s one more way to help out on my side of town.”

Allen has been doing work on the outside of the restaurant on East Wall since purchasing it.

Kevin Allen works on the new parking lot on the west side of Aunt Toadies on Dec. 13.

The west side of the building will have an addition, which will double the size of the eating area.

“It will be called the Lily Pad,” he said. “That will be for people who enjoy watching (sport) games on TV. Possibly with beer, in the future with dining.”

Possible futuristic plans are a pickle ball court to the north of this new addition, he said.

“You’ll be able to walk out to a pickle ball court,” he said. “Playing off the idea of chicken and pickle ball.”

On the east side of the restaurant there will be table and chairs for an outdoor eating area in warmer weather.

Inside, he has purchased a new soft-serve ice cream machine and discovered an old milk shake machine which will be put to use once again.

“We plugged it in and it went,” Allen said.

Alisha Jamison is the new manager and they are keeping the current wait staff. Matt McHenry, Larry and Mary Jane’s son, has decided to stay as cook.

“That’s a blessing,” he said. “He has worked there since he was a child.”

“I’m the taste tester,” Allen said.

The hours and menu will remain the same, but there might be additional hours on Monday and Saturday in the future.

There may be some additions to the menu because “we’ve got some good cooks thinking up ideas,” he said.

Larry and Mary Jane McHenry, left, Alisha Jamison and Kevin Allen. Submitted photo.

“I want to thank the McHenry’s  for allowing us to take over their family business,” Allen said. “We are going to work hard to keep the family food atmosphere.”

“And thanks also to Fort Scott customers for the years of patronage, we know they won’t be disappointed,” he said.

 

Warming Station At Buck Run Community Center Today

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

Taken From Bourbon County’s Facebook page:

The city will be opening Buck Run Community Center, 735 S. Scott  as a warming shelter today. The phone number is223.0386. 

Please do not go out unless necessary and if you do, take extreme caution in driving and make sure you have warmer than usual clothing on in case of a breakdown or accident.

Power is still an issue south of town to the Garland area but crews are working as fast as possible to get it restored.

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

December 21st Weekly Newsletter

Above image by Kenny Felt Photography, prints may be purchased here.

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Museum of Creativity

Holiday Hours & Events

Click here! Great place to burn some

energy over the holidays!

12/21 ~ Sharky’s North Pole Kids Christmas Party, 5-8pm, click here for more info.

12/21 ~ Blue Christmas service at the First United Methodist Church, 7pm, click here.

12/22 ~ Seniorcise – Senior Exercise at Credo Senior Living, 10:30am. Click here for more info.

12/23 ~ Friday Fun Evening – Museum of Creativity, 3:30-7:30pm. Click here for more info.

12/24 ~ Hedgehog INK! Open from 10am-2pm for your last minute shopping! See flyer below for more info.

12/25 ~ Merry Christmas from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce!

12/26-27 ~ Everything in store at Bids & Dibs is 50% off, store hours will be 10am to 6pm on these days! Largest consignment store in Kansas! Click here for their FB page.

12/26-31 ~ All gently used books 50% off at Hedgehog.INK! Book Store.

12/26-30 ~ Kid’s Winter Art Camp, 1-4pm. Click here or see flyer below for more info.

12/27 ~ New Year’s Story Time at Fort Scott Public Library, 10am, click here.

12/29-30 ~ Kansas City T-Nuts Model Railroad Club at the Museum of Creativity, Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday, 10am-6pm.

1/1 ~ Potluck dinner at First Presbyterian Church, all welcome, guests will be the FSCC men’s basketball team, 11:30am after service, click here for info.

01/05 ~ BINGO hosted by the American Legion at Memorial Hall, 7pm

_________

SAVE THE DATE!

1/13 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Lunch & Learn at the Gordon Parks Museum, 12pm.

1/16 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at the Gordon Parks Museum, 9am-2pm.

1/21 ~ Jeff Leeson Comedy Tour, Memorial Hall, fundraiser for the Splash Pad, doors open click here for details.

1/28 ~ Grand Opening Gala at The Artificers, Ribbon Cutting 5:30pm, Gala 6-9pm.

_________

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.

Holiday Hours at Hedgehog INK!

End of the Year SALE at Hedgehog INK!

Kid’s Winter Art Camp!

Jeff Leeson Comedy Tour @ Memorial Hall

Get your tickets here!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Facebook Share This Email
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LinkedIn Share This Email
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Hot Wok Restaurant Open on Christmas Day

Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member
Hot Wok Chinese Buffet…
Hot Wok is Open on Christmas Day!
Make Reservations or head over for their all day buffet!
Hours are 11am-8:30pm.
Gift Certificates are also available for those last minute Christmas shoppers!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Brad Matkin is the New Fort Scott Interim City Manager

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.

At the Fort Scott City Commission meeting on Dec. 20, Brad Matkin was promoted to interim city manager, after having served as assistant city manager since September 2022.

Fort Scott City Hall.

Josh Jones, a Fort Scott Commissioner, congratulated Matkins for being moved up to interim city manager on his Facebook page, following the meeting.

“The current interim city manager will be retained at a cheaper rate to provide guidance for Brad,” Jones said.

On Sept. 20, the City of Fort Scott hired Jeff Hancock as interim city manager, and appointed Brad Matkin, current Human Resource Director, to become assistant city manager in addition to his HR duties. Matkin’s salary was increased to $85,000 annually.

To view a prior story:

Zellner Resigns, New Interim Jeff Hancock is Hired as FS City Manager

Matkin is in a 90 evaluation period for the city manager position now, he said.

“They will review the situation in three months,” Matkin said. “I’ll still be doing the human resource duties but will be looking for additional staff to take over some of the roles I have.”

Matkin’s city manager duties include:

communications to citizens, staff, commission, and media;

staffing-there are currently 92 employees with searches on for one more in the streets, police and fire departments;

day-to-day operations;

and project management.

Here are the projects he manages as interim city manager:

There is a winter street project, which will be busy the next couple of days with an Arctic Blast headed this way.

“We’ve got a great group of guys in the streets department,” Matkin said. “And the street superintendent has been through this kind of weather before. The dump trucks and plows are ready.”

The water department could be busy with broken pipes during this upcoming Arctic Blast, he said.

Other projects under his jurisdiction: resolving the downtown parking shortage, the Memorial Hall renovation, the golf course and Gunn Park improvements, and 100 more Fort Scott blocks of streets to be chipped and sealed, Matkin said.

“And whatever comes up, day to day,” he said.

“As mayor, I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Matkin on many different occasions in his previous role as Assistant City Manager,” FS Mayor Katherine Harrington said. “I feel that over this time he has grown as a manager and demonstrated that he was ready to take on this new role as Interim. I look forward to working with him more in 2023 and seeing how he leads this community forward.”

Minutes of FS City Commission Special Meeting Dec. 12

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
FORT SCOTT, KANSAS 66701
NOVEMBER 7, 2022, AT 12:00 PM

1

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 12, 2022

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 12
th,
2022, at 5:15 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street,
Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners: Josh Jones, Tim VanHoecke, Matthew Wells, Edwin Woellhof
and Kathryn Harrington, Mayor

FLAG SALUTE

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Hancock, Interim City Manager, Brad
Matkin, Assistant City Manager, Rob Harrington, Bourbon County REDI, Emily
Diebolt, Grants Manager of Bourbon County REDI, Tammy Helm, Editor of The
Fort Scott Tribune, Jessica Allison, and Lisa Lewis, City Clerk.

CONSIDERATION:

1.
Approval of Grant for Memorial Hall Work
M. Wells stated that he called for a special Commission meeting to approve a
Grant found by Rob Harrington and Emily Diebolt of Bourbon County REDI.
The Grant would include funds for remodeling the Genealogy Department,
removing the mold, repairing the steps at the front of the building, sealing up
the exterior of the building and installing more energy efficient windows.

Rob Harrington addressed the Commission stating that Bourbon County REDI
just recently found this grant through the National Parks Service and spoke of
the need to repair Memorial Hall. He stated that the total to do the basement,
steps, exterior and new windows would be $881,220.00 and the grant is a
50/50 match. $440,610.00 will be requested from the federal government. The
remaining $440,610.00 that the City is responsible for could come from cash
In-Kind Donation (materials or services). The grant allows for up to 25% (federal
portion and cost share) to use for Administrative costs. R. Harrington stated
that Bourbon County REDI would waive that 25% ($220,305.00) which would
be used toward the In-Kind donation which would make the City’s portion
$220,305.00. He stated that the City has already budgeted $125,000.00
bringing the City’s portion down to $95,305.00 to each the total match needed
to repair all the items previously stated. He stated that a 10% contingency was
added to the total in the event of price increases. The grant is awarded in July;
therefore, some items would have to be held off until the award is announced.
He also discussed the option of not including the contingency.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
FORT SCOTT, KANSAS 66701
NOVEMBER 7, 2022, AT 12:00 PM

2

R. Harrington stated that what he is asking the Commission to act upon is to
allow Bourbon County REDI to move forward with the grant application with
the understanding that the City will pay the match not to exceed $700,000.00

R. Harrington said that with this grant, not all money is needed when the
application is submitted, only a plan is needed of how the money will be
obtained.

T. VanHoeck asked if the Commission would be going out for bids for this
project.

R. Harrington stated that following federal procurement regulations were
included in this grant process which requires going out for bids.

Discussion was had about In-Kind Donations and prevailing wage rate.

J. Hancock asked R. Harrington to look check other grants to see if the others
were comparable to the 25% Administrative Fee, which seemed high to him.

R. Harrington stated that he agreed it was high, but the purpose was to be able
to put it toward the match for the City.

R. Harrington said the grant application is due on December 20
th, 2022, and
that is why he is asking for the Commission to act tonight.

M. Wells motioned to allow Bourbon County REDI to apply for the National
Parks Grant to make the repairs to Memorial Hall and allow for the
contingencies but not to exceed $700,000.00. J. Jones seconded the motion.

All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOW BOURBON COUNTY REDI TO APPLY FOR THE
NATIONAL PARKS GRANT TO MAKE THE REPAIRS TO MEMORIAL HALL
AND ALLOW FOR THE CONTINGENCIES BUT NOT TO EXCEED
$700,000.00.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones motioned to adjourn the meeting at 5:33 PM. M. Wells seconded. All
voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:33 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Lewis

City Clerk

Minutes of FS City Commission for Dec. 6

 

Draft of CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

1

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 6th, 2022
Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 6th,
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, M. Wells, E. Woellhof were present withMayor K. Harrington.

FLAG SALUTE AND
INVOCATION: M. Wells, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Hancock, Interim City Manager, BradMatkin, Assistant City Manager, Travis Shelton, Police Chief, Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, Jason Dickman, City Engineer, Rachel French, Sally Hutchins, LindsayMadison, Joseph Lotterer, and Carolyn Lotterer.

CONSENT AGENDA:

A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 15th, 2022

B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1325-A totaling $298,158.88

C. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $9,922.77 – 17th and Eddy Stormwater Improvements

D. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer – $1105.00 – Outside Contract Work

E. Request to Pay – O’Brien Rock Co., Inc. – $5,840.00 – Cooper Street Project

F. Request to Pay – Hawkins, Inc – $9,756.57 – Water Treatment Supplies

G. Request to Pay – Susan Bancroft – $105.63 – 2022 Contractual Oversight

J. Jones questioned the fuel surcharge on the invoice from (Consent Agenda Item
E). He questioned whether it had been charged in the past. B. Matkin stated they had not and would investigate the charge.

T. Van Hoecke motioned to approve the Consent Agenda minus Item E – Request
to Pay O’Brien Rock Co. $5,840.00 for Cooper Street Project until the fuel surcharge is reconciled. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA MINUS ITEM E – REQUEST TO PAY O’BRIEN ROCK CO. $5,840.00 FOR COOPER STREET PROJECT UNTIL THE FUEL SURCHARGE IS RECONCILED.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

2

Public Comment: None

Old Business:

1. Consideration of Amended Truck Route Ordinances

T. Van Hoecke asked J. Hancock if there was a timeframe given for the TEAP Grant for the truck route study. J. Hancock stated there is no update to report. T. Van Hoecke stated his concern over spending time and money prior to the completion of the study and having to change everything. J. Hancock estimated the study will take approximately eight (8) months.

T. Shelton provided comments on enforcement concerns and discussion was had on the process of enforcing these temporary ordinances.

M. Wells stated that he met with the Streets Advisory Board, and they agree with the language in the amended Ordinances.

Discussion was had regarding the bridges not rated for truck weight, trucks not using the truck routes and destroying streets that were recently fixed and enforcing the ordinances on the books while the study is being completed.

M. Wells moved to pass the following: Ordinance 3621 – amending Ordinance
2740 Sect. 10.48.030 – Penalty for Violation, Ordinance 3622 – amending Ordinance 2787 Sect. 10.48.020 – Routes Designated, and Ordinance 3623 – amending Ordinance 2740 Sect. 10.48.010 – Vehicles Required to Follow Truck Routes.

K. Harrington stated the Ordinances would be considered individually.

M. Wells motioned to approve Ordinance 3621 – amending Ordinance 2740
Sect. 10.48.030 – Penalty for Violation.

Discussion was had on the amount of the penalty for violation. T. Shelton stated that he would like to see this move forward but with a grace period.

K. Harrington seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE 3621 – AMENDING ORDINANCE 2740 SECT.
10.48.030 – PENALTY FOR VIOLATION.

M. Wells motioned to approve Ordinance 3622 – amending Ordinance 2787 Sect. 10.48.020 – Routes Designated. K. Harrington seconded the motion. M. Wells, J. Jones, E. Woellhof, and K. Harrington voted aye. T. VanHoecke voted nay.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

3

APPROVED ORDINANCE 3622 – AMENDING ORDINANCE 2787 SECT.
10.48.020 – ROUTES DESIGNATED.

M. Wells motioned to approve Ordinance 3623 – amending Ordinance 2740 Sect. 10.48.010 – Vehicles Required to Follow Truck Routes. K. Harrington seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE 3623 – AMENDING ORDINANCE 2740 SECT.
10.48.010 – VEHICLES REQUIRED TO FOLLOW TRUCK ROUTES.

A
appearances: Jackson Tough addressed the Commission to report the status of Tourism in Fort Scott which he stated is strengthening. Revenue collected through the Transient Guest Tax is up, finishing $30,000.00 over projections. He presented his plans for marketing in 2023. Funds are being diverted toward online marketing instead of paper. In 2023 Tourism will implement more QR Codes throughout the City for visitors directing them back to visitfortscott.com.
He updated all the events from 2022 and the upcoming plans for 2023.


Rachel French, President of My One Stop, addressed the Commission to explain what they are doing as the creative arm of digital media for Tourism in Fort Scott. She talked about the use of QR Codes. She stated that social media is the most utilized form of
searching where to go with Facebook being the most popular for Fort Scott’s demographic which females 35-54.

My One Stop started in August of 2022. From July of 2022 to November of 2022, the organic reach went from 33,000 to 330,000; an increaseof 177.7%. She described what was accomplished while working with Tourism to have a plan and create consistency on social media.
J. Jones inquired about paid advertising on the trolley. J. Tough stated that he would investigate that idea.

T. VanHoecke stated that he wanted the public to know that R. Harrington would not be presenting as stated on the agenda regarding Bourbon County Economic Development. It
will be done at another time.

Public Hearings: J. Jones made a motion to open the Public Hearing at 6:43 p.m. K. Harrington seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO OPEN PUBLIC HEARINGS AT 6:43 P.M.

Sally Hutchins addressed the Commission regarding 1107 W. 6 th Street. She is the owner. She does not wish to save the home but does not know what to do with it. She stated she has not received any positive feedback from rehabbers or the Land Bank.

T. VanHoecke stated that he would reach out to Craig Campbell from the Land Bank regarding the property at 1107 W. 6 th Street.

Joseph Lotterer addressed the Commission regarding 523 S. Heylman.

He wants to try to save the home despite the fire. He needs more time to secure finances for repairs.
Thomas Russell spoke to the Commission about the current and past condition of the home.

T. VanHoecke motioned to close the Public Hearing at 7:07 P.M. J. Jones seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:07 P.M.

T. Russell addressed the Commission regarding the individual properties being brought before them to approve that they be condemned and move forward with the demolition process.

T. VanHoecke motioned to approve Resolution 42-2022, Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 410 S. Margrave within 10 days. J. Jones seconded the motion. J.
Jones, T. VanHoecke, E. Woellhof and K. Harrington voted aye. M. Wells voted nay.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 42-2022 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL
OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 410 S. MARGRAVE WITHIN 10 DAYS OR THE
CITY WILL MOVE FOR BIDS TO HAVE THE STRUCTURE REMOVED.

J. Jones motioned to approve Resolution 43-2022, Directing the Repair or
Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
located at 1718 E. Oak within 10 days. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 43-2022 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL
OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1718 E. OAK WITHIN 10 DAYS OR THE CITY
WILL MOVE FOR BIDS TO HAVE THE STRUCTURE REMOVED.

T. VanHoecke motioned to approve Resolution 44-2022, Directing the Repair or
Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
located at 1225 E. Elm within 10 days. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 44-2022 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL
OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1225 E. ELM WITHIN 10 DAYS OR THE CITY
WILL MOVE FOR BIDS TO HAVE THE STRUCTURE REMOVED.

M. Wells motioned to approve Resolution 45-2022, Directing the Repair or
Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
located at 102 S. Horton within 10 days. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted aye.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

5

APPROVED RESOLUTION 45-2022 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL
OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 102 S. HORTON WITHIN 10 DAYS OR THE CITY
WILL MOVE FOR BIDS TO HAVE THE STRUCTURE REMOVED.

T. VanHoecke motioned to approve Resolution 46-2022, Directing the Repair or
Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
located at 102 S. Osbun within 10 days. K. Harrington seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 46-2022 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL
OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 102 S. OSBUN WITHIN 10 DAYS OR THE CITY
WILL MOVE FOR BIDS TO HAVE THE STRUCTURE REMOVED.

J. Jones motioned to approve Resolution 47-2022, Directing the Repair or
Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
located at 1221 S. Main within 10 days, or the City will move for bids to have the
structure removed. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 47-2022 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL
OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1221 S. MAIN WITHIN 10 DAYS OR THE CITY
WILL MOVE FOR BIDS TO HAVE THE STRUCTURE REMOVED.

M. Wells motioned to give the homeowner of 523 S. Heylman 60-90 days. J.
Hancock stated that the Resolution could be amended from ten (10) days to thirty (30) to sixty (60 days) or proceed to demolition.

Motion is stuck.

M. Wells motioned to table the approval of Resolution 48-2022 until 12/20/2022 and the owner is to be directed to secure the doors and try to get the property cleaned up. J. Jones seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE RESOLUTION 48-2022 UNTIL 12/20/2022 AND THE
OWNER IS TO BE DIRECTED BY THE CODES DEPARTMENT TO SECURE
THE DOORS AND TRY TO GET THE PROPERTY CLEANED UP.

T. VanHoecke motioned to table Resolution 49-2022, Directing the Repair or
Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
located at 1107 W. 6th St. until the first City Commission meeting in January 2023. T. VanHoecke stated he would ask the Land Bank to look at this property as well.

M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE RESOLUTION 49-2022, DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR
REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1107 W. 6TH ST. UNTIL THE FIRST
CITY COMMISSION MEETING IN JANUARY 2023.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

6

New Business:

1. Financial Report:

Interim City Manager Jeff Hancock addressed the City Commission to request they set a Public Hearing for the December 20, 2022, City Commission
meeting to amend the 2022 Annual City Budget.

J. Jones motioned to set a Public Hearing for December 20, 2022, for thepurpose of amending the 2022 Annual City Budget. K. Harrington seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR DECEMBER 20, 2022, FOR
THE PURPOSE OF AMENDING THE 2022 ANNUAL CITY BUDGET.

Discussion was had about the January 2023 meetings.

J. Jones motioned to change the January City Commission meetings to
January 10th and January 24th, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CHANGE THE JANUARY CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS
TO JANUARY 10 TH AND JANUARY 24 TH , 2023 AT 6:00 P.M.

2. Consideration of Salary/Wage Ordinance Update for 2023

B. Matkin addressed the Commission regarding the 3% salary/wage increase
budgeted for 2023. He stated that he used Ordinance No. 3601 and added 3%
to the starting wages but did not change the maximum hourly rate or salary.

J. Jones motioned to repeal Ordinance No. 3601, amend the starting salary
and wages by 3% and approve Ordinance No. 3624 to be effective on January
1st, 2023. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.

T. VanHoecke stated that in the future he would like to find a way to recognize
and compensate exceptional performers with the possibility of an incentive
program. J. Hancock stated that this update is an increase for the cost of
living. Discussion was had about options, and how such a program would be
budgeted and implemented.

J. Jones, T. VanHoeck, M. Wells and K. Harrington voted aye. E. Woellhof not
present for vote.

APPROVED TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 3601, AMEND THE STARTING
SALARY AND WAGES BY 3% AND APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 3624 TO BE
EFFECTIVE ON JANUARY 1 ST , 2023.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

7

3. Consideration of Member Benefit Program for 2023

B. Matkin addressed the Commission regarding the Member (Employee)
Benefit Program that began in 2022. He requested that it be approved again
in 2023 as an incentive to attract and retain City employees.

Discussion was had about the program.

J. Jones motioned to approve the Member (Employee) Benefit program but
amend the Golf Membership to a free yearly single Golf Course Membership,
but the Member (Employee) will pay the difference of the rate for Family
Membership to the Golf Course. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. M.
Wells, E. Woellhof, T. VanHoecke, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Harrington
voted nay.

Reports and Comments:

A. Interim City Manager Comments:

1. Welcome the new City Commissioner Edwin Woellhof. Will provide information, meet with, and schedule a tour of all City facilities.

2. Past water and sewer master plans were located by Mike Kelsey, Head of Municipal Division of Professional Engineering Consultants. Those plans will be sent to assist in planning upgrades and capital
improvement plans for water and sewer.

3. Consideration of Work Session with the engineer on the upcoming
runway project at the airport. Possibly meet with the Airport Advisory Board as well on issues raised after the recent City/County Commission meeting.

B. Assistant City Manager Comments:

1. Met with J. Jones and Bailey Lyons regarding the Splash Pad. Asked for
any questions from Commissioners on the topic.

T. VanHoecke stated he has been approached by residents regarding
water and sewer issues, cost of water to operate the Splash Pad,
maintenance, and winterizing.

Discussion was had regarding the concerns.

M. Wells asked if the Splash Pad has been run through the Design
Review Board. J. Jones stated that will happen when the final design
is completed.

Further discussion was had regarding the sensory money, location and
bringing the final before the Commission to vote.

T. VanHoecke requested that the site of the Splash Pad be staked out
before the next meeting so Commissioners can look at it before they
vote. J. Jones stated that all that was needed to move forward was the
Commissions approval of the site.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

8

Discussion was had regarding what would need to be done after
approval of the site.

2. Lake Items:

a. Updated bid price for two (2) inch meter at the west entrance of the
lake, four (4) inch main line from airport – materials and rock saw –
$84,000.00 to be discussed at the next Commission meeting.

T. VanHoecke stated that he had previously requested the current
amount left in the Lake Fund minus expenditures. He would also like
to make sure the Commission is in line with the Lake’s priority list.

b. Requested that Doug Guns get quotes for gutters for the shelter
house. He has those quotes.

M. Wells asked T. VanHoecke to state the items on the Lake’s priority
list. T. VanHoecke stated: electricity, lighting, four (4) docks,
restrooms, water, shelter house, and ADA access to the lake.

M. Wells stated every other item on the list is dependent upon having
electricity and water and requested that B. Matkin get the quotes
from Heartland Electric from Doug Guns.

Discussion was had on getting the list completed and the budge left
in the Lake Fund.

c. RV parking at Gunn Park

d. Memorial Hall steps

e. Lagoon Update: water is clear and oxygen level getting higher.
Meeting with ADM on December 14 th.

f. Cooper Street is open

g. Work continues cart paths at the golf course

h. 2023 budget would like to talk about implementing a Brick Crew with
additional staff

i. Status on completed KORA/KOMA training for Commissioners

j. Winter Street Program: alley repairs, brick road repairs, ditch clean
ups, customer concerns and pothole patches. Projects left for 2022
are the emulsion tank, start on courthouse street to find the leak,
tree trimming bids due to lack of staff, crack filling, sign repairs and
storm box repairs.

k. Appreciates the feedback he is getting on social media

l. Shower house by RV park, need quotes from Jason Dickman next
meeting to go out for bid

J. Jones stated that the Fall Protection Grant for the rubber mulch was a
matching grant. He does not remember if that came to the Commission to
be paid and is approximately $30,000.00.

J. Hancock stated it is in the special parks fund.

m. Brad thanked Lindsay Madison for the Christmas Parade, the
Christmas Tree, the donations, and the help with the lights.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

9

J. Jones stated that he and M. Wells had begun talking about brick streets almost
a year now, between Main and National. B. Matkin said he would have to
investigate that to get an estimate for completing that work.

C. Engineering Comments:

1. Status on Southwest Industrial Park water line is still at the state for
review

2. Received permit from J. Hancock for the CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project
to send to the state

3. Horton and 6th Street still progressing with plans, waiting on right-of-
way information

4. 17 th and Eddy delayed due to gas company relocating gas line on
Crawford and possibly National

5. C-Clip project sent to state

6. Memorial Hall steps bid documents for approval at next meeting

7. Bid documents for Shower house and bathrooms at Gunn Park

8. Update on Pavilion, met at site, will take massive steel beams may be
cost prohibitive, so want to create an alternative for consideration

9. ADA accessibility at Memorial Hall discussed

10. Discussion was had about previous bid process for Memorial Hall that
didn’t work and how we will do it now

J. Jones motioned to go out for RFPs for repair and or replacement of the
Memorial Hall steps. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted aye.

Discussion was had regarding the proposals for advertising that J. Dickman will
work on to be completed by the next meeting.

J. Jones motioned to amend his motion to include that the proposals come back
by January 24th, 2022, at the end of business, 5:00 P.M. T. VanHoecke seconded
the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR RFPs FOR THE REPAIR AND OR
REPLACEMENT OF THE MEMORIAL HALL STEPS. PROPOSALS WILL BE
ACCEPTED UNTIL JANUARY 24 TH 2022 AT THE END OF THE BUSINESS DAY,
5:00 P.M.

M. Wells motioned to go out for RFPs for the T-Mobile Pavilion, a structure 70’ x
170’. Proposals will be accepted until January 24th, 2022, at the end of the
business day, 5:00 P.M. J. Jones seconded the motion. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR RFPS FOR THE T-MOBILE PAVILION, A
STRUCTURE 70’ X 170’. PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL JANUARY
24 TH , 2022, AT THE END OF THE BUSINESS DAY, 5:00 P.M.

11. Update for Wastewater Treatment Plant: Aeration and baffle curtain to
arrive in a week or two.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

10

D. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

K. Harrington – Pizza Republic taking donations for the Beacon. Legacy
Group collecting unwrapped toys at the hospital on December 14th. They
will also have a Tree Lighting at 1 P.M. and will be giving away hams to
every person who donates while supplies last. Christmas In The Park this
weekend, get out and enjoy. Would like to thank all the City workers and
the Chamber of Commerce for the amazing Christmas Parade and Tree
Lighting. Asked Brad Matkin to please reach out to the Southeast Kansas
Area Agency on Aging regarding Meals on Wheels donation from the City.

E. Woellhof – No comment

J. Jones – Cape Seal list. M. Wells stated that B. Matkin had been
directed to go out for bids on that list. A company working in town has
been cutting into streets and he wanted to make sure they are pulling
permits, found out they are not. Asked if there an agreement in place that
they do not have to pull permits because some work is unsatisfactory.

B. Matkin stated he would look to see if an agreement exists. If not, Codes
has been instructed to give CrawKan a timeframe to repair the sites. If the
City must do the repairs, we will charge them for the repairs. B. Matkin
will also instruct Codes that permits need to be pulled.

J. Jones requested a list of permits by the next Commission meeting. J.
Jones also talked about the number of golfers on a hole at one time.

Discussion was had about existing rules and enforcement options.

J. Jones discussed dispatch agreement expired in 2017, do we need to
redo the contract. J. Hancock redrew the City Attorney’s contract. J. Jones
believes that all contracts must be approved by the Commission.

Discussion was had about the process of appointing and negotiating the
contract of the City Attorney.

J. Jones thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the Christmas Parade.

Lindsay Madison thanked the Commission for all their cooperation with
the Parade. She also gave details about the shopping event happening
downtown.

T. VanHoecke Nice to have Cooper Street back open. Last week’s
festivities were great, the coming week has even more events. Thank you
to B. Matkin for his communication on the City website and thank all the
folks in this town who are doing positive things. He spoke of the negativity
that still exists but stated that he is grateful to all who are going out of
their way to make everybody’s lives better.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting

11

M. Wells – Airport hose too short. B. Matkin will talk with Seth Simpson
at the airport to see what can be done. Agenda for next meeting to act on
the lake items. After the beginning of the year, would like to have work
sessions on fines because they have not been adjusted since the 1970s.
J. Hancock stated that the fees probably need to be evaluated as well.

Discussion was had about fines, fees ordinances and enforcement.

M. Wells work session about licensing for contractors, pulling permits and
bonding along with plumbing, electrical, trash and businesses.

Discussion was had on the Winter Street Program and how the crew will
be dispersed to complete.

M. Wells motioned to stop paying Dave Martin’s severance from the Water
Fund. Discussion was had regarding options. B. Matkin stated they would
investigate the possibilities. No second. Motion died.

M. Wells wanted to compliment the town on the Candlelight Tour, it was
sold out and incredible. The parade was awesome. That kind of stuff is
what this town is all about. He also commented on the negativity on social
media. He stated that people need to know that the negativity is costing
us businesses that were going to come to town but decided not to and the
overall harm it is doing to the community.

J. Hancock stated that he spoke to E. Woellhof, and they decided that it
would be a good idea to have a goal-setting session, possibly in March.

M. Wells distributed a Brick Street Policy. He asked that the
Commissioners and staff look at it and would like to get it on the agen
da as soon as possible.
E. City Attorney Comments – None
Adjournment:

T. VanHoecke motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:28 P.M. K. Harrington
seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT
9:28 p.m.
Lisa Lewis
City Clerk