Category Archives: Fort Scott

Chamber Coffee being hosted by Lucci’s Cafe

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Lucci’s Cafe of Fort Scott on Thursday, July 8th at 8:00 a.m. at 101 State St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a prize drawing.

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.

Human Resource Roundtable July 7

HR Roundtable
Hosted by the Chamber
TOMORROW!
Wednesday, July 7th
8:15 to 9:30am
Fort Scott Community College
Ag Hall (just north of Arnold Arena)
2108 S. Horton St.
Click here to RSVP if you
haven’t already.
Light refreshments will be served.
The Chamber is hosting an HR Roundtable for those in a human resources role at our local businesses on Wed., July 7th from 8:15 to 9:30am in Ag Hall on the campus of FSCC.
We hope you can join us or send another appropriate contact from your business.
We will have a loose agenda, but would like to hear feedback on workforce needs, challenges, or good stories. And, hear back anything you may need from the Chamber or ideas on recruiting qualified workforce to the community. We also want to allow time for those in HR to just connect with each other.
We will have light refreshments ~ please click here to RSVP if you can attend on Wed., July 7th from 8:15 to 9:30am at FSCC Ag Hall, just north of Arnold Arena.
Hosted by the Chamber’s Workforce Development Division:
Alysia Johnston, FSCC
Cathy Bishop, Niece Products
Payton Coyan, SEK-CAP

City Water Flushing Starts July 8

The  City of Fort Scott Water Utility is initiating our flushing/ free Chlorine burnout program for the year.

The flushing will start on Thursday, July 8th and last approximately two weeks throughout the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Rural water districts.

 

This is in order to maintain water quality.

If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause the utility of incurring disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.

The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of the necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE.

During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in the distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.

There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine.

A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water.

Except during a burnout in the summertime, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system.

However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern. Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.

Surface water systems across the State do annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.

Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant.

Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, and overflowing water towers.

Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.

During the flushing and burnout you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water. It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight. This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.

The burnout process normally takes two weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed.

The city is extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate in water supply and water quality.
If questions, concerns, or comments please contact Michael Mix or Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Art Offerings For Children

Happy Snappy Art offers five different paintings reflecting a weekly theme for children.
“Our upcoming Kids theme will be ‘Down on the Farm’,” said Judy Earp, Happy Snappy Art.  “We will paint country scenes and farm animals while learning new techniques and having fun.”
“The Teen Art Camp theme will be ‘French Impressionist Painting’,” she said.  “We will paint five different paintings inspired by the Impressionists. We will even paint our own version of Monet’s Garden.”

Christopher Eshelman is the New First United Methodist Pastor

Christopher and Robin Eshelman. Submitted photo.

Rev. Christopher Eshelman, 53, is the new pastor at First United Methodist  Church in Fort Scott as of July 1.

“People can call me Pastor Christopher, some have been known to shorten that to Pastopher,” he said.

He has been a pastor for 14 years, and prior to that worked in small businesses in Wichita.

I attended Wichita State (University), earning a bachelor of arts in sociology with a minor in political science in 1991,” he said. “My Master of Divintiy was earned in 2011 from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. My wife Robin and I met at WSU and she has degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, recently accepting a job with USD 257 in Iola.”

Wichita is his hometown.

“My parents were Lutheran and Catholic,” he said.  “I was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran in Wichita – but after my parents’ divorce, mom took my brother and I to St. Albans, a ‘high rite’ Episcopalian congregation,” he said.

He then did catechism in the Roman Catholic Church as a child, “but found I had too many disagreements and questions to continue,” he said.

His wife Robin had ” basically dragged” him to a University United Methodist Church Disciple Bible Study.

Midway through the study, the leader retired and Eshelman accepted the leader position.

Not long after that, he was offered a staff position at a Methodist church that he had wandered away from.

He was now in charge of creating the classes that he used to refuse to go to, he said.

“After a lifetime of wandering, I found a home in Wesleyan theology with its emphasis on therapeutic grace – and then was sent forth to share what I’d found with others,” he said.

“As I continued to grow in faith and understanding, the path to seminary, ordination, and serving as a pastor became more and more clear,” he said. “In the United Methodist Church, we believe pastors are both called by God and sent by congregations – and that has certainly been my experience. God’s grace has transformed my life and it is my honor to share that with others.”

Rev. Gayla Rapp was a key influence in his life.

“She accepted my (sometimes imprudent) questions and often responded by handing me a book, then we’d discuss it after I’d read it,” he said. “She helped me deepen my spiritual and religious journey – without imposing answers.”

Other mentors include Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, Rev. Barry Dundas, Rev. Cindy Watson, Revs. Howard West and Terry Murray and many, many others, he said.

“We Christians hold that Jesus is fully human and fully God…and is transcendent,” he said. “We hold that we are to become like Christ. Exactly when would we be done growing?…  We always have something new to learn.”

“I love connecting people more deeply with scripture, rituals, and spiritual practices,” he said.  “A personal motto is ‘Find your path… share your journey.’ It is so fun to see a light go on in someone’s eyes as they make a connection, deepen a relationship or even develop a new question that draws them further along their own path!”

This past year with the COVID Pandemic has been by far the most difficult in his career, he said.

“Trying to make decisions to keep people safe, while continuing community has been extremely taxing,” he said.

“Beyond that, people are sometimes all too human – but I often say ‘Jesus hasn’t given up on me, so I’m not allowed to give up on anyone else.'”

He is an avid reader and listens to a wide variety of music,  especially rock and jazz;  is a huge soccer fan, following teams in several leagues and countries; enjoys writing icons (in the Eastern Orthodox tradition) and also enjoys walking labyrinths as a spiritual practice.

“I’m eager to set one up here in Fort Scott and share that ancient tradition with more people,” he said.

In the past, he has served as the president of the Pretty Prairie Community Association and looks forward to getting to know Fort Scott and finding places he and his wife can contribute to building up the community.

First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

Times of church services:
Worship- 10:30 a.m. each Sunday,  Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.

The church hosts “Feeding Families in His Name” each Wednesday evening. “It is open to everyone and you are invited!” he said.

For more information phone (316) 833-4974 or email[email protected]

Friday Night Free Concert Features the Apostolic Christian Church

Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
The program for this week’s Friday Night Concert in the park will be presented by the Apostolic Christian Church. The music will feature a concert of hymns and gospel songs in a variety of stylings.
Concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said, “The vocalists
represent all ages and excel in their close harmony and exuberant presentation.  This local church group is a crowd favorite and we are pleased to welcome them to the park pavilion.”
The concert is scheduled for 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.  Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited.
In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall Street.

FS Commission Minutes of June 22

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of June 22nd, 2021 Special Meeting #13

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 22nd, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding. Kevin Allen arrived at

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Tim VanHoecke, Clifton Beth, Rob Harrington, Michael Miles, Dave Bruner, Bill Lemke, Rachel Pruitt, and Michael Hoyt.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Discharge of Fireworks Ordinance – Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that the current ordinance now just shows that the City has adopted the International Fire Code, but is not specific about dates and times that fireworks can be shot off. This Ordinance states that fireworks can be shot off between June 27th, 2021, and July 4th during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and on July 4th from 7:00 a.m. till 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on July 4th, 2021. This Ordinance also states where it is illegal to discharge the fireworks.

L. Watts moved to approve Ordinance No. 3585. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3585 ADOPTING THE DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS AND ADDING SECTION 15.020.025 IN THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.

  1. Consideration to purchase S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader from K.C. Bobcat, Olathe, Kansas in the amount of $45,849.50 – Bill Lemke, Interim Public Works Director, informed the Commission that at the June 15th, 2021, meeting the Commission approved authorizing up to $40,000 to purchase a used skid loader. He is asking the Commission to reconsider that decision as he has found a S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader at the government state price of $45,849.50 from K.C. Bobcat of Olathe, Kansas. This is a brand new machine that will come with a 2,000 hour or two year warranty. The difference between the new and used machine is about $6,000 for the warranty.

R. Nichols moved to approve to purchase the S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader from K.C. Bobcat in the amount of $45,849.50. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

approved to purchase the S76 Bobcat Skid Steer Loader from K.C. Bobcat in the amount of $45,849.50.

  1. Executive Session regarding the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) for the purpose of contractual arrangements. The Executive Session will include the City Commission, City Manager, Clifton Beth, and Rob Harrington. The open meeting will resume at 5:45 p.m.

J. Jones made the motion to recess into Executive Session. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

J. Jones moved to come out of Executive Session at 5:45 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:46 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:46 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

FS Commission Minutes of June 17

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of June 17th, 2021 Special Meeting #12

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 17th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Michael Hoyt

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Executive Session

L. Watts 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) and attorney client-privilege in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 5:45 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Attorney.

L. Watts moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 5:45 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

L. Watts 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 5:55 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Attorney.

L. Watts moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 5:55 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

L. Watts 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 6:00 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Attorney.

R. Nichols moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:02 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:02 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

FS Commission Minutes of June 15

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of June 15th, 2021 Regular Meeting #12

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 15th, 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: Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Russell Lingerfelt, Jason Dickman, Bill Lemke, Michael Hoyt, Bob Reed, Traci Reed, Tom Coffman, Stewart Gulager, Tim VanHoecke, Steve Anthony, Rob Harrington, Nancy Maze, and Allyson Turvey. Susan Bancroft was present via telephone.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Mayor Jones asked that Item #E – Teresa Ahmadi – Request to Pay – be added to the Consent Agenda in the amount of $398.98.

L. Watts moved to add the Request to Pay, Item #3 to Teresa Ahmadi in the amount of $398.98 to the Consent Agenda. R. Nichols seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

added the Request to Pay, Item #E FoR Teresa Ahmadi in the amount of $398.98 to the Consent Agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 1st, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1290-A totaling $433,403.91.

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc – $13,993.75 – River Intake Project

  1. May financials

  1. Teresa Ahmadi – Refund for Water Overpayment – $398.98

R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. L. Watts seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

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 – Mr. Hoyt spoke in opposition to the bond issue for the Union Lofts Project and in opposition to Bob Farmer, City Attorney’s comments from the previous meeting.

City Manager Report and Comments: Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that he handed them his report and it was before them.

Engineering Firm Update: Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. gave the Commission an update on several items.

Manhole #148 (Old Faithful) – They are getting ready for the design phase of the project.

Cooper Street – This is in the final review stage and will be ready to go out for bid soon.

CDBG Sewer Project – A part of this grant submittal was due today and sent to the State. Jason said he has emailed the State and they will get back with us.

Durkee Street Vacation – They met with the property owner and determined what easement is needed. They have drawn up a drainage easement.

Appearances: Bob Reed – Street Closure Request for Bourbon County Fair – Bob Reed and Stewart Gulager appeared and requested 21st Street to 23rd Street on Huntington in front of the Bourbon County Fairgrounds be closed from July 10th through July 16th for the Bourbon County Fair to allow for foot traffic.

R. Nichols moved to approve the street closure request for the Bourbon County Fair from July 10th to July 16th for 21st Street to 23rd Street be closed to vehicle traffic. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the street closure request for the Bourbon County Fair from July 10th to July 16th for 21st Street to 23rd Street on huntington be closed to vehicle traffic.

Bob Reed also requested the City help sponsor funding for the Fair Board. The Fair Board has done a lot of work to the arena at the Fairgrounds and brought many events to town recently. He listed all the events that have occurred in the last year at the Fairgrounds. Mr. Reed said that Bourbon County allocates $10,000 to the Fair Board.

J. Jones moved to allow $5,000 to the Bourbon County Fair Board. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO DONATE $5,000 TO THE BOURBON COUNTY FAIR BOARD.

Director Reports: None

Old Business: None

Public Hearings: None

New Business:

  1. Resolution No. 8-2021 – Resolution accepting the 2022 Street recommendations from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 budget. – City Manager stated that this resolution accepts the recommendation from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 street improvements.

R. Nichols moved to approve Resolution 8-2021 accepting the 2022 Street recommendations from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 Budget. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

approved Resolution 8-2021 accepting the 2022 Street recommendations from the Street Advisory Board for the 2022 Budget.

2. Consideration of Proposal – Utility Locating and Marking Services – USIC – Bill Lemke said that the Water Distribution Department is responsible for the processing of Kansas One Call Locate Tickets that are submitted by contractors and residents of Fort Scott. This involves the locating and marking of the City’s underground utility systems (water, sanitary sewer, storm drains, electrical lines, etc.). The coverage area includes the City limits, the Fort Scott Lake area, and a few placed outside the City limits which are served by City utilities. The locate request is received by the City and is required to be done within three (3) days of the receipt of the request. If it is an emergency request, it must be done within two (2) hours of receipt. In the six years prior to 2014, the City received an average of 1,000 locate requests per year. From 2015 to 2020, the average number of locates increased to 1,500 per year. As of May 31st, 2021, there have been 682 locate requests to date.

The Water Distribution manpower status for the last several years has consisted of five (5) positions which include the supervisor, crew of three individuals, and meter reader. As of this date only three of the five positions are manned. The supervisor is also serving currently as Interim Public Works Director and there is one experienced water crewman, and one experienced meter reader. The department lost one of its employees to another company and the fourth crewman is fulfilling his military duties.

The estimated costs of outsourcing the locate requests is $50,000 to $75,000 depending on the number of locates and level of service provided by the vendor. The selected vendor will have personnel experienced in locating underground utilities with the City, as well as access to our GIS mapping as needed. He recommended reviewing this contract annually for renewal or discontinuance with the department taking the locate requests back again.

Discussion was held regarding bidding this service out and seeing the costs from other vendors as well as seeing the costs of hiring a person to do this job to review the difference.

L. Watts moved to go out for bid for a utility locating and marking service and also to review the costs of hiring an employee to do this job. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID FOR A UTILTY LOCATING AND MARKING SERVICE AND ALSO TO REVIEW THE COSTS OF HIRING AN EMPLOYEE TO DO THIS JOB.

  1. Approval to purchase Four Post Vehicle Lift – Bill Lemke and Tom Coffman appeared before the Commission on this item. They said that this vehicle lift is for equipment over one ton in weight or longer than normal use. The amount of this purchase is $42,050.56 and is a budgeted item. The cost is a Sourcewell government contract price.

Discussion was held regarding the installation of two rolling jacks and if Tom could install them. Discussion was also held regarding warranty.

R. Nichols moved to approve the purchase through the government contract of a four post vehicle lift through Mohawk Lifts in the amount of $42,050.56. City Manager will have final approval regarding the installation. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

approved the purchase through the government contract of a four post vehicle lift through Mohawk Lifts in the amount of $42,050.56. city manager will have final approval regarding the installation.

  1. Approval to purchase Bobcat Track Loader – Bill Lemke said that this request is to purchase a new T76 T4 Bobcat Track Loader via the Government Contract through KC Bobcat of Olathe, Kansas in the amount of $57,801.86 and is a budgeted item. This piece of equipment would be available for use by all City departments as needed.

Discussion was held about the warranty and used versus new equipment.

Bill said that the warranty is two years or 2,000 hours.

Discussion was held regarding tracks versus wheels. Bill said that their current track loader will not currently start, and Tom is working on it.

K. Allen moved to authorize to spend up to $40,000 for a used loader and he would like to stay local if possible and be part of the process on this purchase. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO AUTHORIZE TO SPEND UP TO $40,000 FOR A USED LOADER AND STAY LOCAL IF POSSIBLE AND ALLOW KEVIN ALLEN TO BE PART OF THE PROCESS ON THIS PURCHASE.

  1. Consideration of Temporary Street Closure – July 4th – 300 Block of Coates Street Travis Shelton said that Jay Wright has requested that the 300 Block of Coates Street be closed for the shooting off of fireworks on July 4th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Discussion was held regarding if all the adjoining neighbors had been notified of the street closure. Chief Shelton will make sure that they are notified.

K. Allen moved to close the 300 block of Coates Street on July 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. to allow them to shoot off fireworks. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO close the 300 block of Coates Street on July 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. to allow them to shoot off fireworks.

  1. Consideration of Temporary Street Closure – Burke Street Parade – Block Party -Travis Shelton said that this request is for the annual Burke Street parade and closure of streets for this event. The annual Burke Street parade will be held on July 4th at 10:00 a.m. Approval to close 10th and Burke to Marblecrest and Lakin for parade route and then 10th and Burke and Lakin and Burke for Block Party.

J. Jones moved to approve to close Burke Street for the annual Burke Street Parade on July 4th and for their block party afterwards. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

approved to close Burke Street for the annual Burke Street Parade on July 4th and for their block party afterwards.

  1. Approval to bid out front staircase of Memorial Hall – Allyson Turvey said that this request is to solicit bids for the repair of the front staircase of the steps of Memorial Hall. There is an estimate of $33,000 and is a budgeted item. She said that she applied for a historical grant to replace the steps but it was not approved.

K. Allen moved to approve to go out for bids for the steps at Memorial Hall. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BIDS FOR THE STEPS AT MEMORIAL HALL.

  1. Discussion of survey of Lake Fort Scott lots and approval to record the lots – City Manager said that AG Engineering has surveyed the Lake Fort Scott lots. City Manager is asking approval to record the lots at the Courthouse in the Register of Deeds Office. This doesn’t bind the City Commission to sell, but it is required to have them recorded.

Josh asked that the Lake Advisory Board recommendations and how to proceed with the sale of the lake lots be added to the next agenda.

Kevin discussed the size of the lake lots.

Jeremy said that the northern portion was surveyed. The southern portion was omitted by him, but he went back and surveyed them. He received those survey results late today.

Kevin asked Josh about the property owner who was concerned about the property line to the north and the waterway.

Nancy Maze discussed the bluff there and the size of the lots.

Kevin said he was out there with Pete and stepped it off and thinks bigger lots will bring more money.

City Attorney said that if a person wants a bigger lot, they can buy more than one.

K. Allen made a motion to change the survey on the south to two lots with the dimensions for two lots and the other survey to be recorded at the Bourbon County Courthouse. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

approved to change the survey on the south to two lots with the dimensions for two lots and the other survey to be recorded at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

  1. Discussion of Golf Cart Ordinance – Mayor Josh Jones asked that this item be placed on the agenda. He specifically discussed the operation of golf carts on National Avenue which is prohibited in the original ordinance as well as the fact that golf carts can only be operated from sunrise to sunset. He would like to see these restrictions lifted.

Discussion was held regarding the Standard Traffic Ordinance guidelines and the 35 mph speed restriction. It was also asked who would do inspections to ensure that the lights are on the golf cart.

City Attorney said he would look at the ordinance and make necessary changes and bring back before them.

  1. Revisitation of previous discussion of mowing contract – Ally reported that as of Friday, there were 210 properties to be mowed on the mowing list given to Justin Uhler, and only 50 had been completed. It is still her recommendation to award the mowing contract to Doug Miller.

Josh said that he has been contacted by Justin Uhler who stated he cannot get a call back from the Codes Department or Ally or Jeremy.

Lots of discussion was held regarding communication between the Codes Department and Justin Uhler and that he had not been paid yet for any yards he had mowed.

J. Jones moved to table at this time until a meeting can be held with Jeremy Frazier, Ally Turvey, and Justin Uhler. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

approved to table at this time until a meeting can be held with Jeremy Frazier, Ally Turvey, and Justin Uhler.

  1. Consideration of Engineering Proposal for National Avenue Reconstruction from 13th to 17th Street. City Manager said that this proposal would provide for the final design of National Avenue reconstruction from 13th to 17th and will include milling the existing asphalt down to the original grade and remove and replace all curb and gutter and overlay with 2” of asphalt. Cost of engineering is $50,000. The total project would amount to over $1,000,000.

Discussion was held regarding this project and whether to mill from 13th to 17th down to brick on National and then overlay from 17th and National to Highway 69.

P. Allen moved to table at this time. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED AT THIS TIME.

  1. Re-discussion of Mill and Overlay of National – 13th to Highway 69 – City Manager said that this is an updated proposal from Bettis Asphalt to mill from 13th to Highway 69 and to asphalt from 17th and National to U.S. Highway 69 in the amount of $76,083.00.

Discussion was held about how long 13th to 17th on National would be down to brick.

Pete said it would be as short as possible.

P. Allen moved to approve the proposal from Bettis Asphalt in the amount of $76,083.00 to mill from 13th and National to Highway 69 and to mill and asphalt from 17th and National to Highway 69. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved the proposal from Bettis Asphalt in the amount of $76,083.00 to mill from 13th and National to Highway 69 and to mill and asphalt from 17th and National to Highway 69.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Asked about the timeline for Bettis Asphalt on National. Jeremy said that they should start on Friday of this week.

R. Nichols – Asked about the core drilling on Horton Street and if that had been completed. Bill said that they are waiting on the machine which they hope to have this week. The engineer said once the sample is received, they can evaluate it quickly.

P. Allen – Pete informed the Commission that he would like the City to purchase a curb machine. He thinks it would be an integral part of the City.

P. Allen made a motion to purchase a Gomaco curb machine. The motion died for lack of a second.

J. Jones made a motion to go out for bid for a curb and gutter machine and bring the costs back to the Commission. L. Watts seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

Approved to go out for bid for a curb and gutter machine and bring the costs back to the Commission.

Pete shared a seven (7) minute video with the Commission about his knowledge of streets and his background.

K. Allen – Kevin had a few items to address:

He asked about the campground at the lake and said it has not been mowed yet and looks terrible.

He asked about the shelter at the lake and said there is about 1” of mud inside of it and it needs cleaned and painted.

He asked about Lake Road and 195th Street and when it would be completed. Jeremy told him that Jerry Morgan had been out of the office for a couple of weeks and when he returns, it will be completed.

He asked about 2nd Street and gravel. Bill said that the skid steer was down and they are waiting on it to be repaired.

He mentioned purchasing a small road grader that could go through all the alleys and repair them.

He mentioned the waterway at Horton and Sunset by the Mike Dunn property. Bill said that this might involve some engineering assistance. Pete said that it needs a wingwall.

He asked about gravel at Shelter House #1 at Gunn Park.

J. Jones – SRO Officer Update – Josh said that he talked with Travis earlier on this and should know more in a couple of weeks.

Municipal Court Update – Josh said that he talked to Travis about this also.

Lee’s Circle Drive – He would love to see what we need to do to finish this street up completely.

City Hall Relocation – Josh said that he and Jeremy met with the County Commission, and they are possibly working on a contract between the City and the County to make this happen. He asked Jeremy to continue working on this to see if this is something that we want to happen.

First Source Building Update – Rachel reminded the Commission that this building was built with an E.D.A. grant which required the City to own the building for 20 years. It was appraised in 2017 at $961,000. She got a broker opinion recently and it came in at $850,000. She is working on getting another commercial appraisal. She has shown the building six to eight times. There is a very interested party still in the building, but an offer will not be made for probably six to eight weeks. If the Commission decides to sell the building, an R.F.P. would need to go out for a realtor.

Smart Growth Update – Jeremy said that he talked to the individual that oversees Smart Growth and asked him if he could come and present an update to the Commission. He wants to appear at one of the August work sessions and discuss Smart Growth with the Commission. This will either be in zoom or in person.

Budget Survey – Josh said that he looked over the budget survey that Ally had sent to them. There were some things in there that showed some good and bad. He mentioned a few:

Retains and attracts small business 20% favorable

Retains and expands business 15% favorable

Has a healthy economy 13% favorable

He would like to see the City Commission instruct Jeremy to enter into talks with Bedco about possibly using their services to help with some of the areas that the survey showed we need assistance with. At the next meeting, Bedco or Jeremy could present what they could offer in those areas.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Nothing to report.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing attorney/client privilege in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 9:49 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, City Manager, and City Attorney.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 9:49 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

Adjournment:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:49 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 9:49 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

What’s Happening In Fort Scott July 2 Newsletter

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
July 2nd Weekly Newsletter
ACCEPTING TEAM REGISTRATIONS!
*SPONSORS
*RAFFLE ITEMS
*DONATIONS/SWAG BAGS
APPLY ONLINE!
CLICKHERE.
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS!
Every Friday & Saturday!
50-minute Narrated Trolley Tour
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Depart from The Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 3 pm.
$6 Adults & $4 for 12 yrs & under.
7/2 – Downtown Retailers Roundtable hosted by the Chamber 8:15-9:30am at the Chamber office, to collaborate on shopping events & promotions for the coming months, RSVP to the Chamber at [email protected].
7/2 – Ryan Hall Live Band, 7 pm at The Boiler Room Bewhaus! 2 S. National St.
7/2 – 7/8 – Fort Scott Cinema. Now showing: Petter Rabbit 2, Boss Baby 2, F9: Fast & Furious 9, Black Widow. Click here for more info.
7/3 – Bourbon County Carpool Tour – History of Marmaton/Marmiton. 8:30 am leaving from
Memorial Hall. Pre-Registration is required. Click here for more information.
7/3 – FSHS Volleyball Bake Sale Fundraiser at Nu-Grille, starting at 7:30 until 10 am.
7/3 – Friends of the Fort hosting a Ceremony Honoring Donation of the Lunette Blair Bldg. to the Fort Scott National Historic Site and National Park Service at Skubitz Plaza, 11am.
7/3 thru 7/5 – The Fort Scott National Historic Site welcomes you to Celebrate Independence weekend with the Sights and Sounds of 1860’s Military Fireworks. Guided Tours, Artillery Demonstrations & much more. Click here for the full schedule of events for each day.
7/3 – Farmers’ Market, 8 am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort. Bourbon County Democrats serving Breakfast on the Bricks this Saturday, click here for more info.
7/3 – The City Fireworks Display at FSCC Lawn by 9:15 pm, sponsored by the Elks Lodge, tune into KOMB All Hit 103.9 for patriotic music to coincide with the fireworks! Fort Scott Nazarene at 18th & Horton will be handing out popsicles & bottled water prior to the display starting at 8pm until supplies run out.
7/3 – The City of Uniontown Independence Festival starting at 6:30 with live music, inflatables, selfie bar, vendors in the park & Firework Display at dark (9:15 pm)
7/3 & 7/4 – Lake Fort Scott Fireworks at dark, both Saturday & Sunday nights at dark residents of Lake Fort Scott will be shooting displays of fireworks. Park in the public areas around the lake and enjoy!
7/4 – 39th Annual Burke St. 4th of July Parade.
12pm, 10th Burke St. Click here for event info.
7/5, 7/6 & 7/9 – Museum of Creativity – OPEN PLAY SEASON. Admission – $3/person (free-4-1 yr old) Monday, Thurs. & Fri. 10 am – 2 pm
Friday also at 4 pm – 8 pm. Click here for info.
7/5 ~ The Lavender Patch Farm To learn more about events & hours open,click here.
June & July Hours open daily. Thurs. thru Mon. Closed 7/2 thru 7/4.
7/7 – HR Roundtable hosted by the Chamber 8:15-9:30am, Ag Hall at FSCC (just north of Arnold Arena), Human Resources professionals representing local businesses are invited to connect and share hiring challenges and needs, light refreshments will be provided, RSVP to the Chamber at [email protected].
7/7 – Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Series, 5-7 pm including dinner catered by Sharky’s, childcare provided. Panelists include Dacia Clark of the Small Business Development Center, Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty Group, and Kelly Perry of Perry’s Pork Rinds, click here for more info. and to register.
7/8 to 7/11 – Midwest Showcase Baseball Tournament III, LaRoche Baseball Complex.
7/9 & 7/10 – ACRA-IPRA Rodeo, 8pm each evening as part of the Bourbon County Fair, discounted advance tickets on sale now at the Chamber, see flyer below for more details!
7/9 to 7/17 – Bourbon County Fair, activities for everyone to watch or take part in, click here for the full Fair schedule!
7/10 – Roller Skating at Buck Run Community Center, doors open 6:30 pm, skating 7-9 pm, click here for more info.
7/10 – Boiler Room Brewhaus presents Alyssa Galvan Live, 7-9pm, click here for more info.
SAVE THE DATE:
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
Friday, July 23rd, click here to register!
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER BOOSTER MEMBERS!