Category Archives: Fort Scott

April 16 Agenda for the FS City Commission

                                 

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION  

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

April 16, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call

Matthew Wells,     Tim VanHoecke,     Melissa Guns,     Dyllon Olson,     Tracy Dancer

III.    Pledge of Allegiance – T. Dancer/Mayor

  1. Invocation – M. Wells/Commissioner
  2. Proclamation – Spencer Lee
  3. Approval of Agenda

VII.    Consent Agenda

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1358-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – March 27, 2024 – April 9, 2024$464,041.39
  2. Approval of Minutes from April 2, 2024, and March 26, 2024, Special Meeting.
  3. Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 1 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom – Current Amount Due – $58,065.30
  4. Request to Pay – Environmental Process Equipment Company (EPEC) – Cell #2 -Phase 2 Aeration Upgrade – Final Retainage – 10% of Total – $82,661.80 Flater
  5. Request to Pay – Ray Lindsey Company – 55% Due With Shipment (per contract) – Invoice #2024084 – Supply and Removal of Smith & Loveless Grit Equipment – $333,856.05 – S. Flater
  6. Request to Pay – Schneider Electric – Invoice #0001010681 – Client Service Contract – April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 – $12,543.00.
  7. March Financials

VIII.   Public CommentSign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the          entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and                      limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

  1. AppearancesMust be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting you                      

            wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

  1. Payton Coyan – Temporary Street Closure – Luau Event – May 18, 2024 – 10:00AM

to 11:00PM – North National to Oak – Market Street, North National to Old Fort Blvd. to North Main and Old Fort Blvd (alley entrance).

  1. Cherri Walrod – Core Community Bourbon County
  2. Scott Christiansen/Transportation Director, Jamey Whitney/CEO and Casey                               Brown/Community Engagement Coordinator – BB Go Transportation – Southeast                        Kansas Community Action Program, Inc. (SEK-CAP).
  3. Diane Striler and Cory Bryars

 

  1. Old Business
  2. RESOLUTION NO. 12-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR          REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE – KNOWN AS (110 W. OAK), FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 –             Tabled from April 2, 2024 Owner to return with requested information for the Commission.

 

  1. Vacate Old Ford Street Tabled April 2, 2024, for further information
  2. Discussion of Tourism GrantB. Matkin
  3. New Business
  4. Public Hearings
  5.     CASE NO. 1045 – Zoning Change C2 to R2 – Requested by Jason Marbery –           Intended use is to build four (4) duplexes – Recommended by Planning Commission March        27, 2024.                                                                                                                                     
  6.   Action Items
  7.  Consideration of Purchase – Two (2) New Teledyne Ozone Analyzers (Teledyne API       M465H)$15,120.00S. Flater
  8.  Consideration of Addendum No. 2 – Wastewater Evaluation and Design Contract –            Project No. 21-303 – Additional Consultant Services from Earles Engineering & Inspection,        Inc. to Finalize Plans and Bidding for the Davis Lift            Station overflow pump and force             main$18,000.00 – J. Dickman
  9. Consideration of Inspection Proposal – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. –                     Project No. 22-049 – Horton & 6th Streets – KDOT Cost Share Project J. Dickman
  10. Consideration of Bids – Project No. 22-049 – Horton & 6th Streets – KDOT Cost Share     Project J. Dickman

XII.      Reports and Comments

  1.    City Manager Comments – Land Bank (Staff Request submitted by M. Wyatt)
  2.  Engineering Comments
  3.   Commissioners Comments
  4.   City Attorney Comments

 

XIII.    Executive Session

XIV.     Adjourn

 

Minutes of the FS City Commission Meeting on April 2

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of April 2, 2024                                                                        Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held April 2, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).

 

Roll Call

Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns (via phone/arrived at 6:19PM), and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and B. Matkin said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Audience in AttendanceBrad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Norm Nation/Lead Codes Enforcement Inspector, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Diane Striler, Cory Bryars, Scott Dennis, Kristen Dennis, Becky Halsey, Steve Buerge, Lindsay Madison, Denise Doherty, Don George/Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks,

 

Approval of Agenda

The City Clerk presented a written request for (2) amendments to the Agenda: 1) Remove approval of minutes for the March 26, 2024, Special City Commission Meeting from the Consent Agenda; 2) Removal of Resolution No. 11-2024/Repair or Removal of a Dangerous Structure known as 323 W. Wall (requested by L. Kruger/Codes) from Public Hearings.

 

  1. VanHoecke asked for clarification regarding Resolution No. 11-2024 – Resolution to Repair or Remove a Dangerous Structure known as 323 W. Wall St. being removed from the agenda under Public Hearing. N. Nation did not know the details.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin stated that he would speak with L. Kruger for information on the status of 323 W. Wall Street.

 

MOTION:   T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda with the amendments of removing approval of minutes for the March 26, 2024, Special City Commission Meeting, and removal of the Public Hearing of Resolution No. 11-2024 (323 W. Wall). D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consent Agenda

 

    Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1357-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates March 3, 2024 – March 26, 2024 – $3,611,990.06.

–    Approval of Minutes from March 19, 2024.

 

 

–   RESOLUTION NO. 14-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGEDUNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE (AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-25-010-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, LOT 8 BLK 132 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS (314 S. EDDY), FORT SCOTT, KS 66701.

 

–   RESOLUTION NO. 15-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE (AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-27-002-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, S 25’ LOT 4 BLK 130 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 306 S. LOWMAN, FORT SCOTT, KS 66701.

 

  1. VanHoecke clarified that $3,000,000.00 of the Expense Report total reported in the Consent Agenda was for the money reinvested in CDs with UMB Bank and was not money spent.

 

  1. Wells clarified that Resolution No. 14-2024 and Resolution No. 15-2024 were approval to begin the demolition process on the properties.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  D. Olson              seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0 VOTE.

 

Public CommentNo Public Comments.

 

Appearances

 

Dakota Rusk – Request for Temporary Park Closure – Rumble on the Bricks – Community Car Show – April 21, 2024 – 12:00PM-3:00PM (Time stamp – 6:20)

  1. Matkin represented D. Rusk’s request. D. Rusk was not present.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the request for the Temporary Park Closure as requested.  M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Don George/Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks – Lake Fort Scott Fish Hatchery and Rearing Pond (Time stamp – 7:29) – D. George explained the process and purpose of the Rearing Pond at the lake due to citizen concerns regarding water usage during the drought conditions.

  1. Guns joined the meeting in the Commission Room at 6:19PM (Time stamp – 17:19)

 

 

NO ACTION TAKEN.

 

Diane Striler and Cory Bryars – Downtown Community Ice-Skating Rink (Time stamp 20:36) – They presented requested operating numbers and answered further questions from the Commission.

 

  1. Dancer left the meeting at 6:37PM (Time stamp 37:34)

 

  1. Dancer returned to the meeting at 6:38PM (Time stamp 38:23)

 

Further discussion was had regarding the proposed Community Ice Skating Rink.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to table to consideration under the Pavilion for (6) months.

 

MOTION DIED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND.

 

MOTIONM. Wells moved that the City receive the gift of $40,000.00 and take ownership with a clarification that this organization will maintain and take care of all the incidentals, they will hire the people to run it, will only be ours to go under our insurance, will be allowed to go under the pavilion for the benefit of our community.

 

  1. Dancer asked M. Wells if he would consider amending his motion.

 

AMENDMENT:  M. Wells amended his motion to include that the Commission would like to see a copy of the agreement (MOU), before we sign off on everything. M. Guns seconded the motion.

 

  1. Olson stated he had an amendment to the motion – that it is not located under the Pavilion.

 

  1. Wells stated that there was a motion and a second, so he called for a vote.

 

  1. Wells and M. Guns voted yes. T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted no.

 

MOTION DEFEATED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to table consideration of this item under the Pavilion for (6) months.

 

MOTION DIED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND.

 

ACTIONCommissioners agreed to review an MOU provided by D. Striler and C. Bryars when it is completed.

 

 

 

 

Carissa Bowman/Owner of Brickstreet BBQ was recognized by the Chair (Time stamp 57:29) and spoke in support of the ice rink and its desired location under the Fort Scott Pavilion.

 

New Business

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing for the request to vacate Old Ford Street at 7:07PM.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:07PM.

 

REQUEST TO VACATE OLD FORD STREET – Scott and Kristen Dennis – Property described as: 60’ x 150’ OF FORD STREET LOCATED BETWEEN LOTS 7-12, BLOCK 3, TALLMAN 1ST ADDITION, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 60’ X 150’ OF FORD STREET IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS.

 

  1. Nation stated that due to an error on his part, a house was built on a street. Scott and Kristen Dennis are requesting that the City vacate the street. S. Dennis stated that the land was not surveyed prior to the house being built.

 

MOTION:   T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:16PM.   D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:16PM.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to table the decision to vacate to obtain clarification. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing for the consideration of Resolution No. 12-2024 at 7:24PM.   D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:24PM.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 12-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE – PARCEL #006-119-30-0-20-23-00300-0-01 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS F-15 FORT SCOTT, PT LOTS 2 & 4 BLK 67 BEG NW COR LOT 2 POB E 36.6’ S 85’ W 36.6’ N POB IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS (110 W. OAK), FORT SCOTT, KS 66701.

 

The owner of the property appeared before the Commission to explain the timeline of the repairs to date and the situation with his contractor. The Commission suggested preparing an update of progress, written commitment from the Contractor, and pulling the permits for the next meeting for the Commission’s consideration.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:35PM. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:35PM.

 

MOTIONT. VanHoecke moved to table the decision of Resolution No. 12-2024 until the April 16, 2024, meeting at which time the property owner will provide information on the hired contractor, the structural soundness of the structure and a timeline for completion for the City Commission to determine the path of the resolution.  M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing for Resolution No. 13-2024 at 7:36PM.  D. Olson seconded. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARREID BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:36PM.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 13-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE – PARCEL #006-119-29-0-10-12-00900-0-01 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS CAMERONS ADD-SUB DIV ORIG BLK 5, LOTS 27 & 28 BLK 3 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS (1801 E. WALL), FORT SCOTT, KS 66701.

 

  1. Nation provided an overview of the property’s status and prior interactions with the Codes Department. The owners are deceased, and the heir does not want the property.

 

Discussion was had about the options for the structures and the property.

 

  1. Farmer recommended getting a title search on 1801 E. Wall before proceeding.

 

NO ONE WAS PRESENT TO SPEAK AT THE PUBLIC HEARING.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:41PM.  M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:41PM.

 

MOTIONT. VanHoecke moved to remove the alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure known as 1801 E. Wall.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  D. Olson, M. Guns, and T. VanHoecke voted yes.  M. Wells and T. Dancer voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

  1. Guns stated that she wanted to rescind her vote of yes.

 

Further discussion was had on the history of this property and options due to M. Guns requesting to rescind her vote.

 

Lindsay Madison was recognized by the Chair and addressed the Commission to state that the last time taxes had been paid on the property was in 2014 and there are special assessments attached as well.

 

The City Clerk asked the City Attorney for guidance on the request for M. Guns to rescind her vote.  B. Farmer stated that a new motion needed to be brought to the table for another vote.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 13-2024 directing the removal of an alleged unsafe and danger structure and accessory structures known as 1801 E. Wall St.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  D. Olson and T. VanHoecke voted yes.  M. Guns, M. Wells and T. Dancer voted no.

 

MOTION DEFEATED BY 2-3 VOTE.

 

ACTIONM. Wells directed staff to have a title search on 1801 E. Wall St. and then bring back to the April 16th agenda for consideration.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:54PM.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED AT 7:54PM.

 

CDBG GRANT CLOSE-OUT: Sanitary Sewer System Improvements –                          Evaluation of the performance of CDBG Grant No. 22-PF-016. Oral and written         comments to be recorded and become part of the City’s CDBG Citizen                   Participation Plan.

 

There were no public comments regarding the CDBG Grant No. 22-PF-016.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:54PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 7:54PM.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to close out CDBG Grant No. 22-PF-016 – Sanitary Sewer Project.  M. Guns seconded. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of 2024 Water Meter Changeout Program Purchase $67,245.75

  1. Matkin stated that (325) water meters were changed out last year. He explained that reasons for the annual changeout of meters are due to failures, service renewals or part of the ten (10)-year water meter change out program. Currently the City has (361) meters on hand but there are always assorted sizes required. He stated that B. Lemke reported that the current estimated delivery time is the end of the year.

 

  1. Guns left the meeting at 7:53PM (Time stamp: 1:53:22)

 

  1. Guns returned to the meeting at 7:54PM (Time stamp: 1:54:00)

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the request for the water meter change out program purchase of $67,245.75 which was budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan for $100,000.00; saved the taxpayers $33,000.00.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Contract for Audit Services for year ended December 31, 2023 – Diehl, Banwart, Bolton Certified Public Accountants PA – Fees are $19,600.00 for the financial statement audit and an additional $5,175.00 for the single audit.  B. Matkin stated that this request was seeking approval to continue using Diehl, Banwart and Bolton for 2024.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the request to continue using Diehl, Banwart and Bolton, a local provider, for their audit service.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Close-Out Packet – Project No. 22-PF-016-CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project:  a) Grantee’s Release Form, b) Certificate of Completion, c) Notice of Completion/Final Inspection and Final Wage Compliance Report and d)  Approval of Section 3 Close-Out Report.

 

  1. Dickman confirmed that all issues were resolved, and all paperwork had been completed.

 

  1. Wells stated that there are a few alleys where the gravel has settled a bit. He asked it that could be addressed. J. Dickman stated we were still under warranty and would notify the contractor after receiving the locations.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve the Close-Out Packet for Project No. 22-PF-016 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project including items a through d.   M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Request for Payment – SEKRPC – Invoice #5 – Project No.       22-PF-016 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Grant Administrative Services – To be reimbursed by CDBG upon submission of Close-Out Packet – $2,200.00

 

MOTIONM. Guns moved to approve the request for payment to SEKPRC for $2,200.00 for Grant Administrative Services for Project No. 22-PF-016 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – Sharky’s Pub & Grub –          Patio Addition – Recommended by Design Review Board, March 19, 2024

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for Sharky’s Pub & Grub Patio Addition.  M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 17th & Main St. – Mi Ranchito – Outdoor Sign – Recommended by Design Review Board, March 26, 2024

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for Mi Ranchito outdoor sign at 17th and Main Street.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration to Amend from a 5-Member Design Review Board – received Letters of Interest from Rachel French, Robert Coon and Ann Rawlins – Not recommended by Design Review Board to appoint more members at this time.

 

 

Discussion was had regarding the decision not to increase the number of board members at this time. (Time stamp 2:01:52)

 

NO ACTION TAKEN.

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Project No. 22-305 – South             Industrial

Park Waterline Extension – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Final measured quantities to deduct 13 LF of 20” steel casing pipe (bore & jack) for (-$3,354.00) and to deduct 598 LF of 6” to 12” pipe trenching in rock for (-$5,980.00). Final total deduction of ($9,334.00)

 

  1. Dickman stated that because Earles Engineering did the inspection on this project, they were able to keep a watch on quantities used and bring the discrepancies back to the contractor for the deductions from the quoted cost.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve Change Order No. 1 for Project No. 22-305 South Industrial Park Waterline Extension for a final deduction of -$9,334.00) from Nowak Construction Co., Inc.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Substantial Completion – Project No. 22-305 – South Industrial

Park Waterline Extension – Nowak Construction Co., Inc.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Certificate of Substantial Completion for Project No. 22-305 all work completed on March 19, 2024, and certified by City Engineer Jason Dickman, approval of Application for Payment No. 4 for $49,191.45 and Application for Payment No. 5 for $55,295.00 to Nowak Construction Co.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Request for Payment – Invoice #0002 – REDIIssue Date March 19, 2024 – Product Service: August 2023-$10,053.33; September 2023-$10,053.33; October 2023-$10,053.33; November 2023-$10,053.33; December 2023-$10,053.33 Total Due – $50,266.65

 

  1. Olson stated for the record that he has yet to see a reason for these numbers and he will not support this (payment).

 

Discussion of the current and previous REDI contracts (Time stamp 2:07:18)

 

MOTION:   T. VanHoecke moved to pay REDI $50,266.65 for 2023.

 

 

 

The City Clerk stated that there was a partial payment of $5,416.67 made for August of 2023 according to an expense approval report (provided at table).

 

Discussion was had about the payments on the expense report (Time stamp 2:12:36)

 

  1. VanHoecke amended his motion to reflect the amount due to REDI as $45,167.67 after reviewing the expense approval report showing the amount already paid. M. Wells seconded the motion. M. Wells, T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and T. Dancer voted yes.  D. Olson voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Demolition Bids for 922 E. Wall (Bid #D01-2024)

Three (3) bids were submitted:  Hartman Landscaping, LLC – $1,850.00; Muddy Boots Landscaping – $17,500.00 and Dave’s Demo – $2,000.00.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to award the bid to Hartman Landscaping LLC for $1,850.00.

 

Discussion was had about the bids and demolition experience of the bidders (Time stamp 2:16:02)

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to award the bid to Dave’s Demo for $2,000.00

Motion was struck due to the incomplete motion process of previous motion still on the table.

 

  1. Guns seconded the motion made by T. VanHoecke. All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Demolition Bids for 515 S. Heylman (Bid #D02-2024)

Three (3) bids were submitted:  Hartman Landscaping, LLC – $1,850.00; Muddy Boots Landscaping – $19,500.00 and Dave’s Demo – $2,000.00.

 

MOTION:   T. VanHoecke moved to award the bid to Dave’s Demo for $2,000.00.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Guns and M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Ground Lease Bids – (Bid #GL01-2024)

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to go out back out for bids for a multi-year bid award for the Ground Lease at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

 

MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.

 

MOTIONT. VanHoecke moved to approve the highest bidder for $15,555.00 by Mike Fritter.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION CARRIED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

ACTION:    B. Matkin was directed to reach out to the awarded bidder to explain the Commissions concerns regarding the current condition of the land and expectations moving forward.

 

 

Reports and Comments

 

City Manager (Time stamp 2:29:37) – B. Matkin

  • Next meeting -MOU with the Bourbon County Senior Citizen’s Center.
  • Signs ordered for uptown.
  • Employment offer extended to applicant for part-time downtown maintenance positions, member will report to Parks Department.
  • Uptown will be striped in the next week or so; delayed with other projects.
  • (2) Fireworks bids received, same price, will decide based on packages presented in each bid.
  • Land Bank board update and brief discussion.
  • Work Session – April 23rd at 6:00PM with Garth Hermann/Gilmore Bell to discuss RHIDs.

 

City Engineer (Time stamp 2:32:50) – J. Dickman

  • Horton Street Project – Bids due April 11, 2024, at 2:00PM – (1) Addendum published – possible second Addendum before deadline.
  • Discussion on brick salvage during Horton project
  • 25th Street testing – all passing

 

Commissioners Comments

 

  1. VanHoecke (Time stamp 2:36:02) – Main Street bathrooms

 

  1. Wells (Time stamp 2:36:45) – Question to B. Matkin regarding status of the CDBG Grant for Memorial Hall; M. Wyatt is working with Carey Spoon.

– Work plan for Skubitz Plaza.

– Correction that he misspoke, it was not raw sewage flowing in the fields, it was sludge that flows into the fields from the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

-Upcoming events: Civil War Encampment – April 20th; Camp Dance (1800s Ball) at Memorial Hall; also, Farmers’ Market and Luau coming up soon.

 

  1. Matkin included the Wrestling Event on April 13th at Memorial Hall.

 

 

  1. Guns (Time stamp 2:39:14)

– Revisit the Brick Policy

– Schedule Work Sessions

 

ACTION:    T. Dancer asked M. Guns to email the City Clerk a list of Work Sessions she would like to see happen. Clerk to distribute to the Commissioners and staff to begin scheduling dates.

 

  1. Olson (Time stamp 2:40:57) – Commended the Street Crew and their current leadership on their work with 25th Street and all their other accomplishments. He believes that a lot can be done.

 

  1. Dancer (Time stamp 2:41:23) – Thankful to everyone for their dedication and being prepared to discuss City business and make decisions at the meeting; still work on brevity.

 

City Attorney (Time stamp 2:42:02) – No comments

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:42PM (Time stamp 2:42:08).  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APRIL 2, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:42PM.

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Respectfully submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

FS City Commission Minutes of March 26

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of March 26, 2024                                                                Special Meeting

 

The special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 26, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).

 

Roll Call

Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer at Roll Call. Quorum = 3 therefore, the meeting proceeded.

 

Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation T. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and T. VanHoecke said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Audience in AttendanceBrad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Frank Halsey and Michael Hoyt. Others were in attendance who did not sign in.

 

Approval of Agenda

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as presented. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All present voted yes.

 

APPROVED AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

 

Public Comment   No Public Comments.

 

New Business

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom Project – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – 1) Furnish and install new TruLog siding and fascia to the exterior walls of the house – 2) Work will add six (6) weeks additional time to the completion date from approval of the change order – $13,500.00.

 

  1. Wells joined the meeting (Time stamp: 2:19)

 

  1. Matkin asked Frank Halsey to address the Commission regarding the changes. (Time stamp: 3:38:36) – F. Halsey gave a history of the project to date (financial history handout provided). He also stated that he found an error that the contract was $60.00 short of their proposal that was accepted by the Commission.

 

 

 

  1. Guns joined the meeting (Time stamp 9:06)

 

  1. Halsey explained the needs behind Change Order No. 1 and Change Order No. 2 and that these are common with doing work on existing structures. He also stated that there could potentially be another Change Order when the proposed sewer work is done.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to accept Change Order No. 2 for the Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom Project for $13,500.00 for the addition of TruLog siding and fascia to the exterior walls of the house.

 

  1. Dancer asked T. VanHoecke if he would consider amending his motion to include the $60.00 shortage mentioned by F. Halsey.

 

  1. VanHoecke agreed to amend his motion to include the $60.00 shortage to Hofer-Hofer & Associates. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 FOR THE GUNN PARK SHOWER HOUSE AND RESTROOM PROJECT FOR $13,500.00 FOR THE ADDITION OF TRULOG SIDING AND FASCIA TO THE EXTERIOR WALLS OF THE HOUSE AND TO ADD THE $60.00 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROPOSAL AND THE CONTRACT TO BE PAID TO HOFER-HOFER & ASSOCIATES.

 

  1. Wells verified with B. Matkin that this money would come from the Parks Sales Tax Fund.

 

Adjourn

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the special meeting (Time stamp 12:39).  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MARCH 26, 2024, SPECIAL MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:12PM. (Time stamp 12:39)

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Respectfully submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

Adamson’s Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Courtland Hotel Ownership

Frank and Cheryl Adamson from her Facebook page.

Frank and Cheryl Adamson are celebrating 20 years as hoteliers in Fort Scott.

They purchased the Courtland Hotel, at First and Scott Avenue in the historic district of Fort Scott in 2004.

The hotel is located at  121 E. First St, Fort Scott.

“We purchased the historic hotel here in downtown Fort Scott to expand Cheryl’s day spa business,” Frank said. “She started doing massage therapy as a side gig that grew into the need for additional space. We utilize around 2,500 square feet of the hotel’s ground floor, for the Courtland Spa and Salon.” They employ seven people.

The Courtland Spa door is west of the main door of the hotel at 121 E. First.

“There have been so many things that have blessed us in ownership and operating the historic hotel in downtown Fort Scott it’s hard to pick out one thing,” he said. “Seeing and being part of the resurgence of downtown has been amazing. We have developed an appreciation for downtown’s impact on the community, what Fort Scott’s history is, and the impact it made on Western expansion. The historic hotel of course is a functioning hotel, circa 1906. With guests coming from all over the world to see it and stay in it. We get to share some of the local history and make a new friend.”

History of the Courtland

The Courtland Hotel was built in 1906 to accommodate people using the railroad traffic through the town.

The plaque on the  Courtland Hotel notes there was an Adams and Pacific Express Co., a tailor shop, the Cooper Restaurant, and a boarding house at one time housed in the building.

But today it offers a day spa that includes massage therapy service, a hair salon and manicures/pedicures, and internet service for its customers.

The Courtland Hotel, 121 E. First.

The hotel was recently featured in Kansas Magazine as a historic Kansas hotel, here are a few excerpts from that article:

“The first 50 to 60 years of this business, the lodging was essentially for men only,” Frank says, adding the hotel mostly housed railroad engineers and brakemen who brought the trains into town, spent the night, and reported back to work to replace the crews coming in on returning trains the next day. “The guys staying in these hotels were the same guys all the time.

“The building was originally constructed with six storefronts on the first floor to accommodate retail and wholesale businesses; the upper level had lodging rooms and a tailor shop. When the number of trains declined, the hotel eventually was used as a dormitory for a flight school before slipping into darkness.

“Seeing its potential, the Adamsons awakened the building from its sleep. Today, its exterior remains as it looked in 1906, and the lobby inside retains its 14-foot tin ceilings and other architectural features. Guests and local residents enjoy the main level’s 2,500-square-foot, full-service day spa the couple added in a way that maintains the unique building’s historical significance,” according to the Kansas Magazine article.

 

 

 

 

USD 234 Board of Education Met on April 8

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 
 

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, April 08, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 08, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

Public was given the chance to comment on the utilization of the Construction Management At-Risk as the project delivery method on the renovations at the Preschool building. No patrons were present.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

03/04/24 Board Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – March 8, 2024 – $1,656,831.58

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Appoint Dalaina Smith – Deputy Board Clerk

LEA Assurances

 

Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, recognized four Special Education Teachers for their dedication and hard work with our youngest learners. Candy Turner is in her first year. Andrea Heckman has been with the district for five years. Completing her sixth-year teaching is Theresa Hurd. And Emily Peterson is also in her first year.

Candy Turner, Theresa Hurd, Andrea Heckman, Brennen Feeback, submitted photo.

Scott Kimble, High School Principal, recognized Brennen Feeback. Brennen is just completing his first year with the district as a Special Education Teacher. Mr. Kimble thanked Brennen for being willing to jump in and help and truly has compassion and heart for each student.

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the school audit. He also informed the board of an upcoming school wide clean-up day. Each building will be helping to clean up city wide on April 24.

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on State Assessments and end of year IReady. Summer school has open registration until the end of April. She also recognized the first-year teachers and how hard they have been working with their development.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on CATAID payments and partnering with Kansas Renewal Institute for Special Education Services. She also gave a wonderful report on our district Special Olympics and is excited for the next event on April 23 in Pittsburg.

Amanda Lancaster was present to review the district audit and answer any questions.

 

The PDC presented their five-year professional development plan to the board and was present for any questions.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • KASB Membership Renewal & Legal Assistance Fund Contract
  • Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach OT, LLC for 2024-25
  • IReady ELA Grade 2-5 Quote
  • School Pictures 2024-25 – Kenny Felt
  • Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence & Audiology for 2024-25

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters and Superintendent Evaluation.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

April 08, 2024

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Alford, Sierra – Resignation – ELA Teacher – High School

Almond, Steve – Retirement – Bus Driver

Arnold, Kaitlin – Resignation – 2nd Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Brown, Harmony – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Chidester, Frances – Resignation -3rd Grade – Eugene Ware

Claypool, Kaitlyn – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Dunn, Hannah – Resignation – Accounts Payable Clerk

Hampton, Breanna – Resignation – 6th Grade ELA – Middle School

Harper, Connie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Heatherly, Julie – Resignation – Science Teacher – High School

Heidrick, David – Resignation – SPED Teacher – Middle School

Houston, Linda – Resignation – Science Teacher – High School

Kim, Jong – Resignation – Kitchen Manager – Winfield Scott

McKinsey, Rayanne – Resignation – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Setina, Ashlee – Resignation – Family & Consumer Science Teacher – High School

Stanley, Billie – Resignation – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Stephan, Dennis – Retirement – Bus Driver

Stephens, Emily – Resignation – SPED Teacher – Eugene Ware

Woellhof, Beckie – Resignation – 4th Grade Math – Eugene Ware

Leave Of Absence

Hendricks, Sarah – 4th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations

Eastwood, Kim – Summer School Elementary Principal

Gilmore, Nicole – Assistant Principal – Winfield Scott -2024-25

Holthaus, Danielle – Virtual Kansas Renewal Institute Teacher

Mayfield, Terry – Assistant Superintendent/Business Manager 2024-25

Motley, Aubri – SPED Teacher – Winfield Scott – 2024-25

Nickelson, Aaron – Secondary SPED Teacher – 2024-25

Page, Marcus – Science Teacher – High School – 2024-25

Ragan, Mackenzie – 3rd Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware – 2024-25

Sage, Morgan – Summer School Secondary Principal

Weddle, Codee – 4th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware – 2024-25

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Ballou, Jessica – Paraprofessional – High School

Leslie, Brandy – Accounts Payable

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Barnes, Jon – Head Girls Golf Coach – High School

Beth, Whitney – Track Coach – Middle School

Sprague, Sierra – Head Cheer Coach – High School

Certified & Special Services Personnel

Fort Scott Preschool

Eugene Ware Elementary

Winfield Scott Elementary

Fort Scott Middle School

Fort Scott High School

Brown, Chase – Science Teacher – High School – 2024-25

Stewart, Mya – Speech Paraprofessional – 2024-25

 

Core Community Program Seeking Volunteers

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member CORE Community…

CORE Friend!

If you are considering becoming a Core Friend (mentor) for Core Community, you are encouraged to attend this zoom training session. We will be matching Core Leaders (program participants) with Core Friends (mentors) in May of 2024.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 via Zoom

Please email Cinta Becker (Admin Assistant) to register for the training – cinta.corecommunity@gmail.com

For more information about becoming a Core Friend, please contact Janice Lamb at [email protected] or 620-215-1703.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
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Chamber Coffee Hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library on April 11

Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, April 11th, 8am

Hosted by Fort Scott Public Library

201 S. National Ave.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee this Thursday, April 11th at 8am. This week’s coffee will be hosted by Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., in celebration of National Library Week. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

The Fort Scott Public Library has been around since 1891 and has been at the current site since 1904 when it opened as a Carnegie library. It has changed a lot since its humble beginnings. Now, the library boasts a thriving children’s program, teen programming, and more for the youth of Fort Scott. The library has three ways to deliver eBooks and audiobooks to patrons. It also has eight computers and five hotspots for patrons to use. The new director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler, is putting together new adult programs for the community and looking for new ways to do outreach. The library is over a hundred years old but hasn’t fallen behind the times.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

Click here to view their website!

Click here for their Facebook page!

 

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Facebook

The Green Lantern Speakeasy Debuts This Month In Downtown Fort Scott

The Green Lantern speakeasy bar, at 110 S. Main, the former Scottish Rite Temple. Submitted photos.

A new business venture, in the former Scottish Rite Temple, is unique to Fort Scott.

A speakeasy bar was opened by Kathy and Tracy Dancer this month.
 One hundred years ago the government tried to ban alcoholic beverages.
In  1919, Congress ratified the 18th Amendment, banning the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages. However, there were no provisional funds for anything beyond token enforcement, according to https://www.atf.gov/our-history/timeline/18th-amendment-1919-national-prohibition-act
“Speakeasy was a term used during Prohibition for drinking establishments and illegal bars,” said Kathy Dancer, owner of the
new Fort Scott speakeasy.  “They were usually hidden away in a building and sometimes you needed a password to be allowed to enter.  Fort Scott had several speakeasies including The Green Lantern, operated by J.D. McClintock.”
Kathy is the owner and her husband Tracy is the operations manager.
Tracy and Kathy Dancer at the entrance to 110 S. Main. The Green Lantern is on the second floor of the building.
“In recent years, speakeasies (although no longer illegal) have become popular again,” she said.  “Some are just regular bars while others are much more elaborate and keep the original spirit of the historic Prohibition-era speakeasies.”
The Dancers, Kathy and Tracy, purchased the old Scottish Rite Temple building at 110 S. Main a few years ago.
They added a retail shop, then a cafe and now are venturing into a speakeasy bar.
“These really are labors of love and we enjoy sharing them with the community,” Kathy said.
“110 South Main was originally constructed in the early 1920s, during the Prohibition era,” she said. “We thought a speakeasy would be a great fit as an additional business for the space.  It’s also an opportunity to bring something very unique to Fort Scott.  We have named the speakeasy The Green Lantern, after the original Fort Scott speakeasy.”
A conversation area at the Green Lantern. Submitted photos. One can see the lighted Main Street in downtown Fort Scott out the windows. Submitted photos.
The Green Lantern will be located inside the 110 South Main building on the second floor.
“The Green Lantern honors the tradition of speakeasies from the 1920s while adding some modern touches,” she said. “We will serve premium cocktails and Kansas-produced wines.  The speakeasy space has a very historic look and vibe with 1920s music and occasional visits from flapper girls and gangsters.  Patrons will need a password to get in.  Clues for the password will be posted on the speakeasy Facebook page: Green Lantern Partners LTD.”
To view the Facebook page:
A conversation area at The Green Lantern. Submitted photos.
The space has already been used for private events and the Dancers are doing several previews/soft opening on evenings in April.

“We have not established set days and times yet but we will post them on the Facebook page,” she said.

Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale is May 3-4

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Announces the

Spring 2024 Town-wide Garage Sale

Local businesses are encouraged to advertise on the official garage sale map!

Your advertisements help make having the event possible! See details below.

Mark your calendars for the

Spring Town-wide Garage Sale, Friday and Saturday, May 3rd – 4th!

Now is the time to advertise your business on the official garage sale map!

The maps will be distributed to garage sale shoppers the week of the Town-wide Garage Sale. They will be distributed from local stores, the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber website, and social media!

The cost to place an ad is $25 for a regular sized ad, $35 for the larger ad. You are welcome to include a coupon or special on your advertisement!

Ad spaces are limited, call the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or email: [email protected]

to ensure your space!

_________

Those wanting to have a Garage Sale may also register now for $12 to be listed on the map! Register here online, in person at the Chamber or call us at 620-223-3566 and pay by debit/credit over the phone.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

The 2024 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Photo Contest

 

Contact Name: Kirk Sharp

Phone: 620-223-2700, ext. 5850                                                       

Email: [email protected]

Website: gordonparkscenter.org

Fort Scott, Kan. April. 8, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography. The theme of the contest is “What Fills Your Hungry Heart?”. This event is inspired by a quote from Gordon Parks, “I’ve lived a lot, worked a lot, and smiled a lot. And I will cling to all of those blessings until my hungry heart is hopelessly exhausted.”

 

This is open to any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.

 

Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions.  All of the photos submitted that are accepted, will be on exhibit at The Gordon Parks Museum and in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Oct. 3 – 5, 2024.  All accepted photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest will be professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.

 

Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB.  All entries will be confirmed to be accepted via email.  Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo.  If under 14 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the latest.

 

For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.

“Family Legacy”  by Karen Cayce, Wichita, KS  was the 1st place winner in the 2023 Photo Contest. The theme was: ““Family, Home and Roots””.

###

Agenda For the USD 234 Board of Education for April 8

 

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

April 8, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA PUBLIC

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Public Hearing for CMAR (Information/Discussion)      

3.1       Public Hearing (Action Item)

3.2       Hear from Patrons

3.3       Close Hearing (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

5.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            5.1       Board Minutes

  1. 03/04/24 Board Minutes

            5.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            5.3       Check Register

            5.4       Payroll – March 8, 2024 – $1,656,831.58

            5.5       Activity Funds Accounts

5.6       USD 234 Gifts

5.7       Appoint Dalaina Smith – Deputy Board Clerk

5.8       LEA Assurances

6.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Employee Recognition

7.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            7.1       Superintendent’s Report

            7.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            7.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            7.4       Finance Director’s Report

 

8.0       New Business

8.1       Audit Report (Information)

8.2       KASB Membership Renewal & Legal Assistance Fund Contract (Action Item)

              8.3       Five Year Professional Development Plan Presentation (Information)

8.4       Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupational Therapy, LLC

for the 2024-25 School Year (Action Item)

8.5       IReady ELA Resource – Grade 2-5 Quote (Action)

 

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business –Negotiations

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Action Item)

              10.2     Exit Executive Session – _______(Time)

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

11.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters #1 (Action Item)

11.2     Personnel Matters #2 (Action Item)

 

11.3     Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

11.4     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

11.5     Enter Executive Session – Reemployment Certified & Special Services Personnel 2024-25

______(Time)

11.6     Exit Executive Session – ______(Time)

11.7     Approval of Personnel Report – Reemployment Certified & Special Services Personnel

2024-25 (Action Item)

11.8     Approval of Personnel Report – Reemployment Certified & Special Services Personnel

2024-25 Personnel Report #3 (Action Item)

11.9     Superintendent Evaluation Enter Executive Session – ______(Time)

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting            David Stewart, President

Significant Grants Are Available for Solar Energy For Bourbon County Businesses

Daniel Zywietz and son, Noah on a recent solar installation in Chanute. submitted photo.

If you own a business in Bourbon County and selected other counties in rural Kansas, you can apply for a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant and get up to 50% off the cost of solar panels.

Add the 50% federal tax credits available for renewable energy installations in Bourbon County, and a business owner could get a solar system for nearly free, according to Daniel Zywietz, founder of SEK Solar, Chanute.

SEK Solar designs and installs solar systems and also helps with the grant application, allowing business owners to drastically reduce their utility bills, he said.

Before starting SEK Solar, Zywietz founded and ran Enerwhere, the Middle East’s largest rooftop installation company and one of the world’s largest microgrid operators. The company started as a provider of temporary power services to the construction industry in 2012 and quickly expanded into the commercial rooftop solar market in Dubai, building over 45 MW of solar over 10 years, including the world’s second-largest solar rooftop system at the time, covering an area of more than 23 football fields, he said

He ended up in the Middle East as a management consultant working for Booz & Company, a spin-off of Booz Allen Hamilton, and one of the best-known management consulting companies worldwide.

With his wife (who is originally from Humboldt, KS) looking to move home after the COVID-pandemic, Zywietz started to look into the solar market in Kansas and was astonished to find that there were hardly any solar panels installed, despite the clear and sunny skies and large open spaces. With over $1 billion in grant funds for solar and energy efficiency available to agricultural and rural small business owners under the USDA’s Rural Energy for America (REAP) program, Zywietz and his wife decided to set up a solar company to service local business owners.

What made the opportunity even more exciting was that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in 2022, not only refilled the REAP program, which had been running for 10 years with much lower funding levels, but also significantly improved the Federal tax credits available to rural Kansans, according to Zywietz.

According to the EPA website, the credits are structured in three separate buckets, according to information from Zywietz. The 30% base tax credit is available to anyone wanting to install a solar system at the business or home, anywhere in the US. A further 10% “Low-Income Community” bonus is available to projects in disadvantaged areas. (Bourbon County, together with most of South-East Kansas, qualifies). Finally, there is another 10% “Energy Community Bonus” available to areas that previously hosted coal mines or coal-fired power plants, and again, Bourbon County qualifies, according to a map provided by the Department of Energy. Added together, the tax credits can add up to 50% for a renewable energy project in Fort Scott and the surrounding area.

While the tax credits don’t require any special application process, the REAP grants do. It all starts with checking whether a business’s location is eligible based on the USDA’s Property Eligibility site, says Zywietz.

The USDA defines a rural area as an area with a population of less than 50,000 people. The second criterion is the business size. The small business size standard is based on either annual revenue or the number of employees, depending on a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, which is used by federal agencies to classify businesses by industry type, according to http://kansasenergyprogram.org/assessments/REAP-OverviewFAQ

This generally means that if a business has less than $10 million in revenue or less than 100 employees and is a for-profit business, such as a restaurant, hair salon, retail business, or farm business, the owner is eligible to apply, Zywietz said.

“It’s a tedious grant application process,” he said. “The smallest grants of up to $20,000 have a nearly 100% approval rate because $200 million were set aside for these small projects and there aren’t enough applications, as most small business owners find it too time-consuming to fill in all of the forms. Larger grants, which can go up to $1 million, compete with other projects based on a scoring system, so getting the grant application right can make a big difference to the chance of approval. The next application deadline is June 30th.”

“It’s a big opportunity for rural business owners to lower their utility bills and go green. And while filling in government paperwork can be frustrating, I think it’s only fair for them to check if your business is legitimate before they hand you what is essentially free money. I’m happy to answer any questions on solar or the USDA REAP grants and the IRA tax credits as well,” Zywietz said.

To learn more about SEK Solar visit the website at http://seksolar.com

Zywietz can be reached at 720.940.3946 or email: [email protected].

Zywietz will be in  Dubai for two weeks at the end of April.
“I’m mostly done with the handover to the new Enerwhere CEO and summers in Dubai are pretty miserable anyways,” he said.
To view a feature he wrote:

 

Zywietz plans to attend the Fort Scott Chamber Coffee meetings on Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. to answer questions from business owners., he said.

 

The Kansas Energy Program is also available to assist you through the entire REAP grant application process, according to its website.

 

A small project Zywietz has completed in Chanute, photo from SEK Solar Facebook page.