Category Archives: Fort Scott

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott, History, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center Features New Exhibits and Expands

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The unveiling of the exhibit honoring African American Suffragettes Mamie Dillard and Carrie Langston Hughes by Lowell Milken Center Docent Rhonda Hassig, left, and Miah Lugrand, the principal of Pinckney Elementary School, Lawrence, KS. Both Dillard and Hughes lived in Lawrence.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, 1 S. Main, has expanded its’ exhibits into the park south of the building.

On October 8, the center hosted an unveiling of two Kansas black women who were suffragettes in the movement to allow women to vote. The exhibit was sponsored by a Kansas Humanities Grant and featured Carrie Langston Hughes and Mamie Dillard.

In addition, that day several new exhibits were unveiled in the green space area south of the center, named the Unsung Heroes Park.

“The objectives of the park are to provide a place for visitors to enjoy the pleasant outdoor scenery, learn about unsung heroes, and offer a centralized community gathering space for programs and activities, while also complementing the downtown area,” according to a prior LMC press release.

To view the  press release on the park:

New Unsung Heroes Park in Downtown Fort Scott

 

A Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes screen announcing the new exhibit featuring Kansas Suffragettes Carrie Langston Hughes and Mamie Dillard.

The new outside exhibits in the Unsung Heroes Park are inter-changeable and will be occasionally switched out, Ronda Hassig, LMC Docent, said.

“We are still awaiting murals that will be placed on the north side of the center, facing Wall Street and also on the south side of the center, facing the park,” she said.

The biggest part of the funding for the park was by the center’s founder Lowell Milken. Milken believes “education can awaken the mind, sustain curiosity and strengthen our engagement with others. More importantly, … education has the power to instill in people the impulse to take initiative for the good of others,” according to the LMC for Unsung Heroes website.

Others who helped with the park funding: the American Association of Retired People Challenge Award, The Timken Foundation, and a Sunderland Grant, Hassig said.

Lowell Milken Center Director Norm Conard, left, welcomes the crowd to the unveiling of new exhibits on Oct. 8. Megan Felt, LMC Program Director; Ronda Hassig, LMC Docent; Robert Nelson who sang a moving spiritual as part of the program and Gordon Parks Museum Director Kirk Sharp look on.

 

Norm Conard, left, watches as Kirk Sharp and Robert Nelson unveil the Gordon Parks exhibit, which is part of the new expanded space for exhibits south of the Lowell Milken Center in downtown Fort Scott.
The storyboard, also called a story rail, of Gordon Parks, who had a humble beginning in Fort Scott and went on to be a famed photographer, journalist, author, and film producer.
One of the new exhibits features Mary Anning.
Chester Nez, a World War II Veteran, who was a Navajo Code Talker in service to his country, is featured on the new story rail in the Lowell Milken Center Unsung Heroes Park.
Juanita Moody is a new featured exhibit in the Unsung Heroes Park.
Amos Bronson Alcott is newly featured in the Unsung Heroes Park.
A waterfall feature adds to the beauty of the Unsung Heroes Park.
The greenspace south of the Lowell Milken Center at Main and Wall Street in downtown Fort Scott has new exhibits in the expanded area. The picture is taken from the southside of the center looking south. Main Street is to the right.
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Presents the New Musical “Ranked”

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The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department presents the new musical “Ranked” by Kyle Holmes and David Taylor Gomes.

 

Performances are Nov. 9 and 11 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium, 1005 S. Main. Over fifty FSHS students are involved in the acting, singing, dancing, and technical aspects of the show.

 

“Ranked” presents a dystopian high school where the theme, “Buy your grades. Buy your future. But what happens when the rest of the world finds out?” comes to the surface.

Rankedmusical.com describes the plot this way: “Lily is Above the Average, barely. Soon the giant, and very public, academic leaderboards will update everyone’s class rank, and for another day, everyone will know their place. If you fall Below the Average – say goodbye to college, and pretty much everything else… In the face of an intense and perverse culture of performance, Lily must find her place in the status quo as she watches friends and enemies alike destroy themselves and each other to score their way to the top. When an impossible lie is discovered, the fate of these students’ futures hangs in the balance.”

The new musical was conceived by Granite Bay High School in 2018 and debuted just weeks after the College Admission Scandal took the nation by storm.

“‘Ranked’ offers students the opportunity to shed light on the pressure placed on them to perform to the point of perfection, despite the inequities they may face in society,” Theatre Director Angie Bin said. “This musical has given the students significant buy-in as a way to share the stressors that many of them face.”

The production is also directed by Music Director Whitley Chesney, Choreographer and Assistant Music Director Mary Jo Harper, and Technical Director Alex Chesney.

“This is my first time as a music director for a musical. It’s wonderful to learn with these students. I enjoy working with students that aren’t in choir, as I never see them outside of rehearsal,” said Whitley Chesney. “‘Ranked’ has been a great show for students to experience real world issues. We have been able to have several conversations about how things in the show can relate to our lives. It has been cool to see how the students take their own experiences and incorporate them into their acting choices.”

Lily is portrayed by junior Courtney Shelton. Other lead actors include juniors Ella McElroy and Israel Carreno, senior Ashlynn Bagnall, and sophomores Casey Gomez and Lexi Hill.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for those under 18 and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Parental guidance is suggested and seating is limited. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

New Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Employee: Rachel Carpenter

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Rachel Carpenter, 23, started yesterday as the new program coordinator for the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

Carpenter earned an associate degree from Fort Scott Community College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University in sociology. She has a certification in community development, program evaluation, and grant writing from FHSU and will graduate in the fall of 2022.

“I’ve been working in Honduras (in Central America) and decided to study sociology and am learning how to make data-driven decisions in how to help,” she said.

She interned with Jody Hoener, CEO of HBAT, and then applied for the full-time position when it became available.

“Rachel met all the minimum qualifications for the… position and brought additional skill sets to move our mission forward,” Hoener said. “She is passionate about our work and helping people, that’s the kind of culture we aim to nurture at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. With everyone seeking employees right now, we consider ourselves considerably blessed to have an amazing skilled induvial as a part of our team.”

Carpenter’s salary comes from a $560,000 grant which will also provide grants for farmers and ranchers and start-up businesses, she said.

The grant will also help with development funding for the east side of Fort Scott and the historic downtown Fort Scott, Carpenter said.

The grant was from the Patterson Family Foundation, a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson which strives to help lift rural communities through health care, education, economic opportunity, and beyond, according to its website How We Help | Patterson Family Foundation.

Carpenter is married to Jon, a Fort Scott Policeman, and is a nursery volunteer at Faith Church, Fort Scott. She is also the founder of the Carpenter’s Hands, a ministry to Honduras. Her hometown is Wichita, but she has lived in Bourbon County for five years.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 N. National Avenue, north of Luther’s BBQ Restaurant. Submitted photo.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team has a vision of a community where we feel safe, earn a living wage, find healthy food, have access to sidewalks, ride safe bike routes, have opportunities for recreation, and more according to its Facebook page

The HBAT is currently seeking community input to better fund development projects.

Bourbon County’s Health and Wellness Survey is open at

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Board consists of a cross-sector of community organizations, businesses, and governmental entities:

Jody Hoener, President, and CEO, Ex Officio

Craig Campbell, (Chair) Community leader and volunteer, Fort Scott Good Neighbor Action Team Chair

Lindsay Madison (Treasurer), President and CEO Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

Joy Miller, (Secretary) Kansas State University Extension Office

Sally Johnson, City of Uniontown Clerk, USD 235 Board

Alysia Johnston, President Fort Scott Community College

Chelsea Yount, Fort Scott Community College

Josh Jones, Mayor City of Fort Scott

Kayla Stewart, RN Coordinator Via Christi

Mayra Montanez, Downtown Business Owner, and Entrepreneur

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Election Candidate Forum Oct. 20

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Memorial Hall at Third and National Avenue.
JOIN US THIS WEDNESDAY!
Wednesday, October 20th, 2021
Election Candidate Forum
USD-234 School Board
Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees
City of Fort Scott Commission
Community members are invited to an
Election Candidate Forum
hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The event will take place
Wednesday, October 20th
Memorial Hall Auditorium, 1 E. 3rd St.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a meet & greet with the candidates and the forum will begin at 6 p.m.
The following races/candidates have been invited to the forum:
~ USD-234 School Board, candidates include Position 4: David Stewart; Position 5: Garold Billionis, Casey Bolden, and Mike Miles (write-in); Position 6: Tracy King, Brian Allen, and Joshua Query.
~ Fort Scott City Commission, candidates include Michael Hoyt, Josh Jones, Ann Rawlins, Tim Van Hoecke, Judy Warren, Matthew Wells, and Willa Wilson.
~ FSCC Board of Trustees, candidates include John Bartelsmeyer, James Fewins, Bryan Holt, Bill Meyer, and Kevin Wagner
The general public is invited and encouraged to attend this Election Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 20th.
Candidates should RSVP to the Chamber prior to the forum by e-mailing [email protected]
or by calling 620-223-3566
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

Friday Night Free Concert: Bethel Community Church

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

Bethel Community Church will provide the music for this week’s Friday Night Concert. “The performing musicians and vocalists represent a diversity of ages and talent. The audience is sure to enjoy their program of gospel music excellence,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “I’m very pleased to welcome the Bethel Community Church to the park pavilion. The concert season is nearly over, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of this musical presentation Friday evening.”

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Exercise, Fort Scott

Riverfront Park: A Work In Progress

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Riverfront Park, 2021

Riverfront Park on the north end of Fort Scott near the Marmaton River, is a work in progress.

As grants have been received, the Riverfront Park Authority Board has put in place many amenities that the public can enjoy: a tree-lined walking trail and lighting for that trail, a pavilion with electricity, several resting areas and a boardwalk,  with views overlooking the river.

A recent flood wrecked the boardwalk overlook, so it was disassembled and moved to the south, across the river on higher ground.

“The flood put it on the edge of the riverbank, almost in the river,” Jerry Witt, a member of the Riverfront Park Authority said.

Johnny Walker Construction did the work of moving the boardwalk, he said. The timber for the original project was donated by Evergy Electric and was reused.

The Fort Scott Fire Department washed and cleaned it after it was reconstructed, about two months ago, Witt said.

“It’s shaded in a beautiful spot,” Witt said.

On the horizon for the Riverfront Park Authority is an 8-foot wide asphalt trail that will lead to the boardwalk overlook.

In a circle garden spot on the River Loop Road, from which one can now see the boardwalk, the Bourbon County Garden Club has planted a colorful garden.

“I want to thank them for their work,” Witt said.

This club also plants and maintains the plants in downtown Fort Scott.

“The fire department has been watering the flower bed this summer and we thank them, as well,” Witt said.

There has been added traffic to the River Loop Park because of the murals painted in the Hwy. 69 underpass that segments the park, he said.

The murals were painted by local artist Stephen Toal.

To view a prior story on Toal and see the murals: Art Is Therapy For Toal

The Riverfront Park Authority Board is preparing the write a grant to finish the walking trails on the River Loop Road, Witt said.

The board has also had the engineering done and also permits completed to build a walking bridge across the river, he said.

“We just need the funding to secure that,” Witt said.

The board applied for a grant a few years ago to bring a historic Bourbon County bridge to the park for public use.

“We received a $750,000 grant to move it, but all bids came in over $1,000,000, so we gave the grant back,” Witt said.

The idea to remake Riverfront Park began in 2005 and a group of citizens was commissioned by then-Governor Sibelius in 2007.

The board is comprised of Witt, Bob Love, Danny Magee, Arnold Schofield, Jeff Sweetser, and Allen Warren. Ex-officio members are Dean Mann, Betty Boyko, Penny Barnes, and Kate Sweetser.

To see a prior story on the park:

Overlook of the Marmaton River in Place at Riverfront Park

 

Riverfront Park Trail is a calming walk on a beautiful day.

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Evergy seeks to add more wind energy

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Midwest projects of 50 MW or larger requested

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Oct. 18, 2021 – Evergy (NYSE: EVRG) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for wind energy to supply the needs of its customers.

 

The RFP solicits bids for Evergy’s purchase of wind resources of up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) that will be in service by 2026. Projects that achieve commercial operation by mid-2024 and year-end 2025 will be given preference. Wind resources must be a minimum of 50 MW and interconnect to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). Siting preference will be given to projects located in Kansas.

 

Proposals are due by Nov. 23, 2021. Response and contact information are available online at www.evergy.com/2021rfp. Proposals selected from the RFPs are subject to appropriate regulatory approvals.

 

Evergy has outlined its plan to expand ownership of renewable energy and to retire fossil-fueled generation as the company works toward its 2045 target for net zero carbon emissions. These wind projects would fulfill the plan to add up to 1,000 MW of wind energy by 2026 with projects that benefit from production tax credits.

 

About Evergy, Inc.

Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) serves approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. We were formed in 2018 when long-term local energy providers KCP&L and Westar Energy merged. We generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Meeting Minutes of Oct. 5

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of October 5, 2021 Regular Meeting #19

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held October 5th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Jones presiding.

INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Tim Van Hoecke, Brad Matkin, Jesse Pohlmann, Rachel Thompson, Jackson Tough, Jason Dickman, Michael Hoyt, Rob Harrington, Sarah Pulliam, Donna Pulliam, Paul Rooks, Jim Kemmerer, Allen Schellack, Mike Hixon, Lori Hixon, James Birket, Janice Allen, and Max Fanning.

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Mayor Jones asked that the waiver of assessment be added for 11 N. Holbrook to the first spot under New Business.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 21st, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1297-A totaling $273,975.30.

C. Request to Pay #3 – Mayco Ace CDBG Project – $32,830.00.

Discussion was held from Kevin Allen and Pete Allen on several expenses on the Expense Report. City Manager will get answers to them.

 

L. Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda. R. Nichols seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

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)

Michael Hoyt – Re-read Kansas Statute 12-825 and applicable portion for the City of Fort Scott in regards to waterworks, fuel, power and lighting. He said that the revenue derived from the sale and the consumption of water should not be paid out or disbursed except for the purpose of operating, renewing, or extending the plant or distribution system for which the revenue was derived. The payment of interest on outstanding bond issues issued for construction or payment of salaries of employees. It has nothing to do with the transfer of monies. He said our budget has been submitted to the State.

He said that he has received a $1,500 grant to start a G.E.D. program at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center. They have to be a resident in the jail at least 60 days and be released into Bourbon County. He informed the County of this grant this morning also.

Lori Hixon – Ms. Hixon said that she lives at 612 S. Wilson and has operated a daycare at that location for over 23 years. She has an issue with teenagers speeding down the alley. She talked to the parents of the teenagers who informed her she needed to watch her children she oversees better.

Travis said that there are no speed limits in alleys other than what is reasonable and prudent.

City Attorney said that we don’t need an ordinance, but the Commission can designate an area for whatever speed limit they desire.

K. Allen made a motion to designate all alleyways in the City of Fort Scott to have a speed limit of 10 mph. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO DESIGNATE ALL ALLEYWAYs IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT TO HAVE A SPEED LIMIT OF 10 MPH.

Engineering Firm Update: Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. had no update at this time.

Public Hearings: None

Old Business:

    1. Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587

Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588

Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3589

Pete said that he had an issue with the repeal of these ordinances as we have nothing else in place currently to take its place.

Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc., said that they are updating the specifications for fill for the City, but they are not completed yet.

Discussion was held to hold off on the repeal of these ordinances until the new plans are approved and in place.

K. Allen moved to table this issue until the October 19th, 2021 meeting. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE THREE ORDINANCES TO BE REPEALED UNTIL THE OCTOBER 19TH, 2021 MEETING.

APPEARANCES: Sarah Pulliam, 316 S Main – Dangerous and Unsafe Structure – Ms. Pulliam appeared before the Commission and asked for an extension to renovate her house. She doesn’t want it torn down. She has received a proposal to have work completed on it. It is for about $25,000.

Josh mentioned that this structure is on the upcoming tax sale.

Lyle Brittain, Codes Technician, said that the City has $7,500 in mowing assessments since 2017.

Ms. Pulliam said that she has been working lots of hours and saved money to pay the taxes and she asked for the mowing assessments to be waived. She said she had a contractor hired to mow but found out he hasn’t been mowing.

Jim Kemmerer, neighbor, informed the Commission that she has not done a great job of taking care of her property. He urged the Commission to move ahead with the demolition of the property.

City Attorney stated that is why the public hearings on these structures are so important.

Mr. Brittain said that since 2017, there have been several letters issued for property maintenance at this structure. There was a total of 14 letters since 2017, cited in Municipal Court 5 times, and a total of mowing assessments of $7,500.

Mayor Jones told her to bring in proof of funding from her bank to the October 19th, 2021 meeting. By then, the City will have received the bids for demolition.

Finance Director Update: Not present.

New Business:

  1. Discussion of 11 N. Holbrook and waiving of Mowing Assessments – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he was contacted by Diane Striler, realtor, who has a buyer for this property. He spoke to Justin Meeks, County Counselor, and the County has agreed to waive the back taxes on this property. The City has about $300.00 in mowing assessments that need waived.

L. Watts moved to approve to waive the mowing assessments for the property at 11 N. Holbrook Street. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO WAIVE THE MOWING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY AT 11 N. HOLBROOK STREET.

  1. Consideration of Airport Engineering – Taxiway Rehabilitation – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that this item needs tabled so the City Attorney can review this contract.

K. Allen moved to table the Airport Engineering agreement until the October 19th, 2021 meeting so the City Attorney can review the agreement. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE AIRPORT ENGINEERING AGREEMENT UNTIL THE OCTOBER 19TH, 2021 MEETING SO THE CITY ATTORNEY CAN REVIEW THE AGREEMENT.

  1. Consideration of Engineering Quote – Cooper Avenue Reconstruction Addendum No. 1 – 20th to 23rd Street – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that this was the engineering proposal for Cooper Street.

Discussion was held regarding design and inspection engineering.

K. Allen moved to table this issue until a later date. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED THE ENGINEERING QUOTE FOR THE COOPER AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION ADDENDUM #1 FROM 20TH TO 23RD STREET.

Jason Dickman also informed the Commission that the Cooper Street bids need rejected. The 60 days bid period is almost up.

L. Watts moved to reject the Cooper Avenue Reconstruction bids. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO REJECT THE COOPER AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION BIDS.

  1. Consideration of Bids – Union Lofts Alley Project – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that there were two bids received for this project. The low bid is from Rogers & Sons Concrete of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $128,770.00. The other bid was from Heck & Wicker, Inc. of Parsons, Kansas in the amount of $177,478.50. He recommended approval for the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 and for the City Manager to sign the Notice to Proceed.

R. Nichols moved to approve the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 for the Union Lofts Alley project. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

approved the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 for the Union Lofts Alley project.

Kevin Allen left the room at 7:19 p.m.

  1. Consideration to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – August – $2,970.00

L. Watts moved to approve the invoice for Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation in the amount of $2,970.00. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the invoice for skitch’s hauling & exvacation in the amount of $2,970.00 for port-a-potty services for august.

Kevin Allen returned to the room at 7:21 p.m.

  1. Consideration of recommendation from Golf Course Advisory Board to appoint Bradford Demo to replace Ben Cole on the Board, and Mark Lewis to replace Jeffrey Sweetser on the Board.


R. Nichols moved to approve to appoint Bradford Demo and Mark Lewis to the Golf Course Advisory Board. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO APPOINT BRADFORD DEMO AND MARK LEWIS TO THE GOLF COURSE ADVISORY BOARD.

  1. Approval of Standard Traffic Ordinance No. 3590 – 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.

L. Watts moved to approve Ordinance Number 3590, the Standard Traffic Ordinance. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NUMBER 3590 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.

  1. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding – Human Resource Director Shared Service – City Attorney asked that this agreement be tabled at this time as he talked with Justin Meeks, County Attorney, and changes are needed. The County will not adopt this agreement until December.

K. Allen moved to table the Memorandum of Understanding for the Human Resource Director Shared Service at this time. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR SHARED SERVICE AT THIS TIME.

  1. Consideration of Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Contract – Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Director, informed the Commission that that agreement is through December of 2021 and in the amount of $20,000 to be paid in equal monthly installments on the 15th day of each month beginning in September 15th, 2021 through December 31st, 2021. A new agreement will be presented later for 2022. This agreement will provide grant applications, grant administration, and other economic development activities as needed by the City.

K. Allen moved to approve the Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Contract with the City of Fort Scott through December 31, 2021. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE BOURBON COUNTY R.E.D.I. CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2021 IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 TO BE PAID IN EQUAL MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS ON THE 15TH OF EACH MONTH.

  1. Discussion of Land Bank changes – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that changes need to be made to the Land Bank ordinance. The current ordinance names the City Commission as the Board members as well as Jim Harris, Bourbon County Commissioner, and Greg Motley. He knows other cities that have realtors, bankers, and contractors on their board.

He asked for approval to schedule a meeting with the Land Bank board and discuss this change with them. The Commission approved to hold a meeting with the Board.

  1. Discussion of creation of loitering ordinance – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he is looking at a loitering or vagrancy ordinance for the City. There are people now sleeping on the park benches and in the downtown park and we have no ordinance to prevent this. He would like the City Commission to adopt this.

Chief Shelton said that there is no State Statute for loitering. He mentioned that it will be difficult to enforce.

Discussion was held to have an ordinance to present at the next meeting for them to review.

  1. Discussion of purchase of potential rock crusher and other miscellaneous equipment – Kevin Allen said that he asked that this be placed on the agenda for discussion. The County is looking to purchase a bigger rock crusher. He would like to see a meeting scheduled with the County Commission and discuss this item in the near future.

Interim City Manager will get a meeting scheduled.

  1. Discussion of Ty Cullor field agreement -Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, asked the Commission to table this topic at this time.

K. Allen moved to table the Ty Cullor field agreement at this time. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE TY CULLOR FIELD AGREEMENT AT THIS TIME.

Reports and Comments:

Interim City Manager Report and Comments: Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he will be implementing a new daily reporting process to the Directors at the staff meeting tomorrow. If they work out in the field, they will fill in their activities for the day and he can see where resources were used. He mentioned that Commissioner Pete Allen asked him for asphalt numbers for the National project. There have been 614 tons of asphalt used for this project, Mark said that he, Jesse, and Jason Dickman will walk the project on Thursday. Mark said that the Gordon Parks Celebration is this coming weekend and the City has a table. He also mentioned the lake lots for sale. They did have a redraw for lots. The south lots are not staked yet.

Discussion was held to see if AG Engineering has been paid yet. That could not be determined as the Finance Director was not there.

Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Nothing to report.

K. Allen – Kevin said he had several items to bring up:

  • Asked about the traffic counters on 3rd & National Avenue

Mark gave him figures from the traffic counters. The westbound lane had 5,795 which is an average of 725 per day. The eastbound lane had 1,943 which is an average of 243 per day. The northbound lane had 16,218, which is an average of 2,027 per day. The southbound lane had 18,431 which is an average of 2,304 per day.

Randy Nichols reminded the Commission of the pedestrian traffic at that location. There is Feeding Families in His Name every Wednesday night, and with the City Hall move to the Courthouse, there could be more pedestrian traffic. He said it would be a mistake to remove the stop signs going east and west.

Lindsey Watts agreed and said that with the attendance of church and the location of the Courthouse, she would not approve to remove the stop signs.

  • Kevin asked about the Lake Fort Scott valve and if it was being exercised. He asked if the 2nd valve has been installed?

Mark said that the valve has not been exercised. We are waiting on the City’s engineering firm on the design of the 2nd valve.

  • Kevin asked if water testing was being done at the lake.

Mark said no.

Josh recommended getting with Don George to conduct this testing.

Kevin would like to see it tested from May through September.

  • Street Patching Trailer – He said that he would like to see a trailer set up with all of their tools with a port-a-pot on the front of the trailer so they can do their jobs all day and then put the trailer in at night.

  • Parks – He said that Parks and the Golf Course also need a small trailer to assist them.

  • Inmate Program – Kevin said that he would like to have a report at the next meeting on this program.

  • Vaping Issue – He would like to see what resources are available to the schools for this issue.

  • Possible sale of airport land – He said there is a new concept of pilots building hangars with living quarters in them and then they go to fly-ins all over. He said that he has heard that pilots love to fly over the lake.

  • Dump fees – He said that he discovered the City owns 13.8 acres at the County landfill. The City could create a C & D landfill and wondered if they would trade out land for services.

Mark said that this would be a good work session topic with the County.

  • Rural Water District – He would like to see Mark meet with the Rural Water District Board and water leaks. He thinks if there is a leak in the County that the City should give them credit.

Mark said that he and Susan will look over the contract with Rural Water.

  • First Source Building – He asked if the building was being marketed and on a website somewhere.

Mark said that it has been assigned to a realtor.

  • He thanked whoever sprayed weeds on the east side of Lake Fort Scott.

  • Asked about the road by El Charro – 25th Street.

City Clerk said she believes we are waiting on easements to be signed.

  • Street lights – He said that there are a lot of street lights out. He wanted to bring it to the public’s attention that the poles have a number on them and they can be called into Evergy and reported.

P. Allen – Pete read sections of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan and stressed how important this plan was. We need to be proactive with this plan and not reactive.

R. Nichols – Randy said that he agrees with Pete about the Comprehensive Plan and moving forward.

Randy thanked T-Mobile for coming to town today and presenting the City with a $50,000 grant for improvements to Skubitz Plaza. He thanked Rachel Pruitt, Ally Turvey, and Larry Gazaway who wrote the grant for this project.

J. Jones – Josh asked about the School Resource Officer position and if it had been announced yet.

Travis said we should know any day.

Neighborhood Revitalization Program – Josh said that this will be coming before the City for approval as the current program has expired.

City Attorney Report and Comments: None

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 8:55 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Manager.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

Adjournment:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:56 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda For Oct. 19

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

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
OCTOBER 19th, 2021
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Pastor from Community Christian Church

  1. Approval of Agenda:

  2. Proclamations/Recognitions: Molly Berry Foster Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution 110th Anniversary

  1. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of October 5th, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1298-A totaling $1,736,577.53.

  1. Request to Pay #1 – Davis Structure & Development Corporation – $12,379.50 – Water Clarifier Repainting #1 Project

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering – $8,970.75 – River Intake Project

  1. Street Closing Request – Community Christian Church – October 31st, 2021 – Annual Falloween Event

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – City Engineer – $4,000.00

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – Building Inspection – 3,582.00

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – WWTP Engineering – $7,296.80

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – 17th & Eddy Street Drainage Engineering – $11,520.00

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – Public Works Director -$595.00

  1. September 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. Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587

Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588

Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3589

  1. Appearances:

Sarah Pulliam, 316 S Main – Dangerous and Unsafe Structure

Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I.

Frank Adamson, Grant Requests

  1. New Business:

  1. Consideration of Airport Engineering – Taxiway Rehabilitation

  2. Consideration to apply for K.D.O.T. grant application – Electric Gate

  3. Consideration of 3rd, 6th, 12th and 25th Street Intersections with K.D.O.T. – K.D.O.T. Project 69-6 KA 5563-01 – Approval of Resolution Relating to Benefits Obtainable under the Federal and State Aid Program – Approval of Agreement for Traffic Signal Project between the City of Fort Scott and K.D.O.T

  4. Consideration of Fort Scott Dam Improvements Bid -River Intake Project

  5. Consideration of C.I.P.P. Sanitary Lining Bid

  6. Consideration of Above Grade Bid – Hammon’s Building

  7. Consideration of Above Grade Bid – Sharky’s Building.

  8. Discussion of creation of Loitering Ordinance

  9. Discussion of Ty Cullor field agreement

  10. Consideration to accept T-Mobile grant – $50,000

  11. Consideration to accept Timkin grant for Fire Department – $10,500

  12. Consideration of payment of Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. Invoices

  • Port-a-Potties – September $2,640.00

  • Port-a-Potties – September – Airport Fly-In – $250.00

  • Port-a-Potties – September – Marmaton Massacre – $325.00

  1. Consideration of Bids – Demolition of Structures

  • 611 S. Ransom – Structure and Accessory Structure

  • 323 S Hill – Structure

  • 1517 S Main – Structure and Accessory Structure

  • 316 S. Main – Structure and Accessory Structure

  • 114 S. Barbee – Structure

  • 14 S Margrave – Structure

  • 510 S Heylman – Structure

  1. Health in All Policies Pledge

XI. Reports and Comments:

  1. Interim City Manager Reports and Comments

* City/County Luncheon – October 26th, 2021 – 12:00 p.m.

* Discussion of 512 S. Judson – Historical Register

* Consideration of Land Bank Meeting – Wednesday, October 20th – 4 pm

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

  • Executive Session for attorney/client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2)

XIII. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Government

New FS Parks Director: Doug Guns

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Doug Guns, Fort Scott Parks Director. Submitted photo.

Douglas Guns, 44, has worked for the City of Fort Scott for over three years and was promoted to Fort Scott Parks Director in June 2021.

“The scope of my duties is to oversee the maintenance and operations of Woodland Hills Golf Course, Laroche Baseball Complex, Gunn Park, Buck Run (includes all little league ball fields in town), Lake Fort Scott, Rock Creek Lake, and The Aquatic Center,” Guns said.

Fort Scott is the third municipality that he has worked for, doing both parks and golf course oversight, he said.

He has worked in the golf industry for over 20 years, Guns said.

“I worked a small golf course as a seasonal employee for the summer in between semesters in college,’ he said. “I learned all aspects of golf operations and changed majors that fall to plant and soil science to pursue a career in the golf industry.”

Guns received his education in plant and soil sciences at West Virginia University Parkersburg, and Penn State University.

His hometown is  Elkton, Maryland and he is married with five kids.

In his spare time, he likes to play golf and spend time with his family.

The best part of the job for Guns is being outside and working with the public, he said.

“Providing the public with a great experience for their recreational endeavors that they are happy with, can be rewarding,” Guns said.

That is also the challenge of the job, he said.