|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
The City Commission meetings are Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, and Tuesday, January 24th, 2023. There is still a Work Session on Tuesday, January 10th at 4:30 PM. It is the City Clerk’s error found and confirmed by the minutes by Commissioner VanHoecke.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of December 20th, 2022 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 20th,
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 with Mayor K. Harrington.
FLAG SALUTE AND INVOCATION: T. VanHoecke, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jeff Hancock, Interim City Manager, Brad Matkin, Assistant City Manager, Travis Shelton, Police Chief, Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, Jason Dickman, City Engineer, Doug Guns, Sergeant Paden Blythe, Sergeant Tim Harper, Sergeant Jason Eastwood, Deputy Trey Sharp, Sergeant Chris Garrett, SRO Mike Trim, Sergeant Brian Thurston, Sergeant Bill Downey,
Corporal Jon Carpenter, Officer Garner, Captain Clint Roberts, Lieutenant Scott Shelton, Firefighter Andrew McGee, Firefighter Wyatt Keyes, Captain Jacob May, Lieutenant Clint Lawrence, Firefighter Ryan Thomas, Firefighter Tristan Branham, Captain Daren Hutchison, Lieutenant Travis Mewhinney, Firefighter
Chris Anderson, Firefighter Andrew Kirksey, Jim Eastwood, Paula Eastwood, Rachel Carpenter, Kim Eastwood, Jason Pickert, Caleb Bell, Ryan Thomas, Darin Hutchison, Julie Thurston, Tammy Helm, and Stuart Troutman.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: J. Jones motioned to approve the December 20th, 2022, Agenda. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED AGENDA OF DECEMBER 20 TH , 2022 CITY COMMISSION
MEETING.
PROCLAMATION/RECOGNITIONS: Police Chief Travis Shelton and Fire Chief
Dave Bruner presented Certificates of Recognition to the following Police Officers and Firefighters for Heroic Lifesaving Events: Sergeant Paden Blythe, Sergeant
Tim Harper, Sergeant Jason Eastwood, Deputy Trey Sharp, Sergeant Chris Garrett, SRO Mike Trim, Sergeant Brian Thurston, Sergeant Bill Downey, Corporal Jon Carpenter, Officer Garner, Captain Clint Roberts, Lieutenant Scott Shelton, Firefighter Andrew McGee, Firefighter Wyatt Keyes, Captain Jacob May,
Lieutenant Clint Lawrence, Firefighter Ryan Thomas, Firefighter Tristan Branham, Captain Daren Hutchison, Lieutenant Travis Mewhinney, Firefighter Chris Anderson, Firefighter Jonah Hall, and Firefighter Andrew Kirksey.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 6th, 2022 and special
meeting of December 12th, 2022.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1326-A totaling $320,861.49
C. Request to Pay – Midwest Engineering Group, LLC – $3,412.50 – Lake Release Valves Evaluation and Repairs
D. Request to Pay – EPEC – $174,970.38 – Cell 1 Aeration Upgrade and Baffle Curtain
E. Request to Pay – O’Brien Rock Co., Inc. – $5,840.00 – Cooper Street Project
F. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $31,712.65
1. System Designs Phase – $8,740.20
2. Cooper Street Inspection – $2,552.45
3. 2022 Sanitary Sewer Project – $4,350.00
4. City Engineer – $4,120.00
5. S. Horton St. and W. 6th St. – Survey and Preliminary Design – $11,950.00
G. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering Inc. – $7,479.38 – River Intake/Dam Improvement
M. Wells inquired about the Fuel Surcharge from O’Brien Rock Co. B. Matkin stated that a credit of over $2,000.00 will be given.
J. Jones motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
Public Comment: None
Old Business:
1. Resolution No. 48-2022 – Directing Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 523 S. Heylman
Norman Nation, Code Enforcement Supervisor, provided an update on the status of the property. The action to correct the violations had not been taken by the homeowner and another violation was observed by the Codes Officers.
M. Wells motioned to proceed with going out for bids for the removal of the structure and accessory structure at 523 S. Heylman recorded as Resolution No. 48-2022. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BIDS FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE
STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE AT 523 S. HEYLMAN
RECORDED AS RESOLUTION NO. 48-20
study is approximately three (3) years. The findings showed there are
opportunities for more housing and retail in Fort Scott than other areas of
Bourbon County due to location and population. He stated that Bourbon County
REDI was able to successfully work with the County to bring in Legacy Health
Group bringing a Cardiologist and a Urologist to Fort Scott. Legacy Health Group
is also working with USD 234 to bring an expansion to the pre-school and Head
Start classrooms which allows taxpayers to benefit from added services without
seeing an increase in tax liabilities. In 2022 REDI had also worked with the City
on the Storm Siren Grant, the Memorial Hall Grant, and the Horton Street Grant.
A Tax Revenue Study was also done by REDI that is necessary for some of the
projects under consideration for 2023. REDI also gave out $35,000.00 in small
grants to the community during 2022. The total cost for the grant for Memorial
Hall is $983,642.00, not including contingencies. This money will cover all the
windows, and exterior tuck pointing to stop water infiltration, mold remediation,
lead paint and asbestos removal and brick issue repairs. The grant is a 50/50
match between the City and REDI. The City’s total contribution is $491,821.00.
Rob Harrington stated he was told that the City budgeted $150,000.00 for the
Memorial Hall steps repair so that is subtracted from the total. There is a 10%
administrative cost included that REDI will donate back to the City ($89,422.00)
worth of in-kind services. Rob Harrington continued to break down the estimated
numbers for the cost of this grant. The final estimated number for the City’s
estimated 50% portion was approximately $209,600.00 due over the next three
(3) years with an expected end date of Spring 2025. The actual numbers are not
final at this time. Rob Harrington thanked the Commission and stated he is
looking forward to the continued City/REDI partnership.
New Business:
A. Public Hearing: 2022 Budget Amendments
J. Jones motioned to open the Public Hearing at 7:15 PM. M. Wells seconded.
All voted aye.
APPROVED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 2022 BUDGET
AMENDMENTS AT 7:15 PM.
Ben Hart of BakerTilly addressed the Commission saying that the state of Kansas
requires budget amendments for any possible overages. Four (4) funds were
amended. B. Hart stated that the library fund, equipment reserve fund, water
utility fund and sewer utility fund. He also stated in the case of the library the
taxes are not going up and they are not changing any levies. He stated what this
amendment is doing is allowing for the cash from last year to be rolled over to
this year and distributed to the library. He stated that their appropriation will go
up only to the amount of cash that’s remaining. The equipment reserve fund
amendment permits the budget to be increased for unbudgeted cash carryover.
The water utility fund amendment increases expenses within that fund in case it
is needed for chemicals, fuel, etc., and the sewer fund amendment allows for
increase for projects. Ben Hart also stated that there was a $81,000.00 surplus
and not the deficit that he originally thought when he first took over. Ben Hart
stated that he will present year-end figures and a report at the January 10 th,
2022, City Commission meeting. He stated that if we are still off, we will do
another budget amendment in January. The funds mentioned were the ones that
needed to be addressed now.
K. Harrington asked if there were any public comments or questions. There were
none.
T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing at 7:20 PM. J. Jones seconded.
All voted aye.
APPROVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 2022 BUDGET
AMENDMENTS AT 7:15 PM.
M. Wells moved to approve the 2022 Budget Amendments. J. Jones seconded.
All voted aye.
APPROVED THE 2022 BUDGET AMENDMENTS.
Financial Report:
Ben Hart stated that originally there was a budget deficit. However, they
determined that there is a budget surplus but that he believes most of it will be
spent and it probably happened due to an overly conservative assumption.
He stated that he did not see any issues. He explained that the funds are grouped
into fund types. He stated there are many and he would like to explore combining
some of the funds for more streamlined accounting purposes in January.
Ben Hart stated that he will come back on January 10th, to work on the Capital
Improvement Plan with the departments to identify priorities. He stated that he
will also offer some pre-audit estimates to show where we will end up, especially
with the general fund, water utility fund and sewer utility fund. B. Hart stated
that if they do decide to combine funds, another budget amendment would be
necessary to modify the 2023 budget with those changes.
Discussion was had regarding options for projections for the next budget.
B. RESOLUTIONS:
2022-51 – Justification for Cooper Street Project:
B. Matkin presented the advantages of doing the remainder of the Cooper Street
Project in-house instead of bidding out. He stated that so far Phase One of Cooper
Street has cost $199,000.00 and estimated costs for Phase Two materials and
labor will be $270,000.00 but includes the purchase of a bigger Track Loader
which will make the work of the project more efficient but will also be useful in
other projects. He stated that the future total price of the Cooper Street Project
would then be $469,096.00.
Discussion was had regarding the purchase of the equipment and the cost of
doing the project by bidding out. B. Matkin stated August 2021, the lowest bid
for the project was $776,000.00.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 9, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order Danny Brown, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Minutes from December 12, 2022, Board of Education Meeting
4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – December 16, 2022 – $1,571,721.90
4.5 Activity Fund accounts
4.6 Second Semester Enrollment Count Report
4.7 Board Policy Additions/Changes
4.8 Resolution 22-10 – To Establish Election of School Board Officers
4.9 Resolution 22-11 – To Establish Regular Meeting Dates
5.0 Employee and Student Recognition
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion)
6.1 Fort Scott KNEA Report
6.2 Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.4 Finance Director’s Report
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Fort Scott Preschool Center (Information/Discussion)
7.2 Communications Proposal (Action Item)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Architectural/Engineering Design Services Proposal (Action Item)
8.2 FSHS Course Additions for 2023-24 (Action Item)
FSHS 2023-24 Master Course Catalog
8.3 Revised Classified Pay Schedule (Action Item)
8.4 Resignation of School Attorney (Discussion)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session
10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.0 Adjourn Meeting
President Brown
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five
(5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
VII. Old Business:
A. Financial Update by Ben Hart
B. Update of progress with Code compliance at 102 S. Horton
C. Lake Dock Locations – Doug Guns
VIII. Appearances:
A. Renodry USA – Michael Clancy will address the Commission
regarding their services
IX. Public Hearing: None
X. New Business:
A. Approval of Bid for Demolition of 523 S. Heylman, Bid #48-2022 – Dave’s
Demolition at $1,800.00 or Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation at $3,425.00
B. Approval of 2023 Holiday Schedule
C. Consideration of Jeff Hancock’s Amended Contract – BakerTilly
D. Permission to go out for picnic table grant – Dave Bruner
E. Consideration of Brick Street Policy – M. Wells
F. Consideration to Go Out for Banking Bids – J. Jones
XI. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
J. Jones – National Street School Sign
D. City Attorney Comments:
XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
XIII. Adjournment:
The Fort Scott City Commission will meet January 10th, 2023, for a Work Session beginning at 4:30 PM at City Hall, 123 S. Main St. The regular City Commission Meeting will begin at 6:00 PM following the Work Session at City Hall, 123 S. Main St.
Both meetings are open to the public and will also be live on the City’s YouTube Channel.

Travis Shelton, Chief of Police of the Fort Scott Police Department, will retire next month, after 26 years of service.
“My retirement system provides you can retire at age 50, after 25 years service,” Shelton said. “I turn 50 in February.”
“I love Fort Scott and love working for the City of Fort Scott,” he said. “It’s been an awesome career.”
But he is looking forward to retirement.
“I’ve never had more than a week off in my career,” he said. “The plan is to go fishing, get some things done around the house. Eventually the plan is to go to work somewhere else.”
Although he doesn’t have any jobs in mind, “I’d like to put some time in another job long term,” he said.
Shelton has held positions of officer, K9 Handler, sergeant, lieutenant, and chief of police.
He earned an associate of science degree from Fort Scott Community College, and a bachelor of science in criminal justice administration from Missouri Southern State University.
Shelton has served in the community on the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Board of Directors, as a member of the Kiwanis Club,a former board member at the Key Hole (Youth Center),a former adjunct instructor at Fort Scott Community College, anda former little league football coach.
His wife, Gina Shelton, is the USD 234 Business Manager / Board Clerk. He has a son, Nick, 22, and a daughter Maci,17 years old.
“My wife and I are planning on staying in Fort Scott,” Shelton said. “Gina likes her job and we have no intentions to move.”
Shelton’s last day will be February 28, 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|

A Fort Scott woman, who cooks at a local restaurant for a living, has paid for a movie for the community at Fort Cinema, 224 W. 18th.
On January 7 at 2 p.m. there will be a free showing of Puss in Boots The Last Wish hosted by this woman, who wishes to remain anonymous.
“This is Christmas present to the community,” Terri Belcher Turner, her cousin, said. “The first 95 people will get to enjoy the movie, free of charge. The concessions stand will be open. There was a scheduling issue before Christmas, so now it is the Saturday after the holidays.”
Turner sent an email to fortscott.biz with the story.
“I know the donor and want everyone to know she is a life-long Fort Scott resident with a love for her town and the families in it,” Turner said. “She works regular jobs and struggles like the rest of us but wanted to give families a chance for an afternoon out that they normally couldn’t afford. I hate I am 500 miles away and can’t be there to help promote this generous act.” Turner lives in St. Paul, MN.
“She is someone that cares and really doesn’t have the extra but wants to make a difference,” Turner said. “I’m just wishing I could be there and could help get other people or companies involved because this could help the community and be an ongoing thing on spring break, summer break anytime through out the year.”
“I’m wondering if anyone would like to step forward and pay for the concessions,” Turner said.
The donor paid close to $200 for renting the theater for this free event to the community.
“This is something for a family to do together, but because of the cost, can’t go to a theater anymore,” Turner said.
Continuing the restoration of Fort Scott’s downtown, Robert and Kim Coon have purchased 120 E. Wall this week. They own Coon Rentals LLC.

“After I bought the Kress Building, I fell in love with the downtown area,” Robert Coon said. “There is lots of energy, lots of events, music on Friday nights at Heritage Park. That little strip of Main Street was dead, now it’s thriving.”
The Kress Building he purchased last year was renovated into Pizza Republic Restaurant this year.
To view a prior story:
New Restaurant and Pub Coming to Downtown Fort Scott
“It’s the support of the community that put downtown Fort Scott on the map and it’s exploding,” he said. “Developers, business people have contributed-the Bartlesmeyers, the Lyons, the Freemans, the LaRoches, the Lipes, the Dancers and others.”
“Developers are taking money from their other ventures to fund this,” he said. “These people are building downtown, are working downtown and still choosing to build downtown.”
“My wife and I have always been involved in rentals,” Coon said. “The residential rental market is easy. The commercial market is fun.”
Going back in time, the shoe store, the appliance store, the Kress Tea Room were closing, now investors are revitalizing the downtown, he said.
Instrumental economic development people in this revitalization have been Jody Hoener and Rob Harrington, Coon said.
Plans For the Building
Coon Rentals LLC will be renovating the upstairs of 120 E. Wall into a 1,900 square feet “high end, classy Airbnb.”
“The view is spectacular from the second floor,” he said.
The lower 1900 square feet, which was renovated by the Gettler’s and most recently Patrick Wood, is an office space that is currently rented out to Stutesman Action Realty.

History of the Building
“In the 1800’s the original building burnt down,” Coon said. “In 1920, the current structure was built. Brian Allen and Shane Walker are a wealth of knowledge of downtown history.”
“There was a complete renovation under the previous ownership of Patrick J. Wood-the street level, 1900 square feet of a stunning, professional area, is currently occupied by Stutesman Action Reality. The 1,900 square feet, high end loft apartment space upstairs is set to be Airbnb in early April, 2023”.