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Election Candidate Forum Oct. 20
Category Archives: Fort Scott
FS Lake Advisory Board Meets Oct. 23
The Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board will meet on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public.
The meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
Friday Night Free Concert: Bethel Community Church
Bethel Community Church will provide the music for this week’s Friday Night Concert. “The performing musicians and vocalists represent a diversity of ages and talent. The audience is sure to enjoy their program of gospel music excellence,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “I’m very pleased to welcome the Bethel Community Church to the park pavilion. The concert season is nearly over, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of this musical presentation Friday evening.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
Riverfront Park: A Work In Progress
Riverfront Park on the north end of Fort Scott near the Marmaton River, is a work in progress.
As grants have been received, the Riverfront Park Authority Board has put in place many amenities that the public can enjoy: a tree-lined walking trail and lighting for that trail, a pavilion with electricity, several resting areas and a boardwalk, with views overlooking the river.
A recent flood wrecked the boardwalk overlook, so it was disassembled and moved to the south, across the river on higher ground.
“The flood put it on the edge of the riverbank, almost in the river,” Jerry Witt, a member of the Riverfront Park Authority said.
Johnny Walker Construction did the work of moving the boardwalk, he said. The timber for the original project was donated by Evergy Electric and was reused.
The Fort Scott Fire Department washed and cleaned it after it was reconstructed, about two months ago, Witt said.
“It’s shaded in a beautiful spot,” Witt said.
On the horizon for the Riverfront Park Authority is an 8-foot wide asphalt trail that will lead to the boardwalk overlook.
In a circle garden spot on the River Loop Road, from which one can now see the boardwalk, the Bourbon County Garden Club has planted a colorful garden.
“I want to thank them for their work,” Witt said.
This club also plants and maintains the plants in downtown Fort Scott.
“The fire department has been watering the flower bed this summer and we thank them, as well,” Witt said.
There has been added traffic to the River Loop Park because of the murals painted in the Hwy. 69 underpass that segments the park, he said.
The murals were painted by local artist Stephen Toal.
To view a prior story on Toal and see the murals: Art Is Therapy For Toal
The Riverfront Park Authority Board is preparing the write a grant to finish the walking trails on the River Loop Road, Witt said.
The board has also had the engineering done and also permits completed to build a walking bridge across the river, he said.
“We just need the funding to secure that,” Witt said.
The board applied for a grant a few years ago to bring a historic Bourbon County bridge to the park for public use.
“We received a $750,000 grant to move it, but all bids came in over $1,000,000, so we gave the grant back,” Witt said.
The idea to remake Riverfront Park began in 2005 and a group of citizens was commissioned by then-Governor Sibelius in 2007.
The board is comprised of Witt, Bob Love, Danny Magee, Arnold Schofield, Jeff Sweetser, and Allen Warren. Ex-officio members are Dean Mann, Betty Boyko, Penny Barnes, and Kate Sweetser.
To see a prior story on the park:
Overlook of the Marmaton River in Place at Riverfront Park
Evergy seeks to add more wind energy
Midwest projects of 50 MW or larger requested
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Oct. 18, 2021 – Evergy (NYSE: EVRG) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for wind energy to supply the needs of its customers.
The RFP solicits bids for Evergy’s purchase of wind resources of up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) that will be in service by 2026. Projects that achieve commercial operation by mid-2024 and year-end 2025 will be given preference. Wind resources must be a minimum of 50 MW and interconnect to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). Siting preference will be given to projects located in Kansas.
Proposals are due by Nov. 23, 2021. Response and contact information are available online at www.evergy.com/2021rfp. Proposals selected from the RFPs are subject to appropriate regulatory approvals.
Evergy has outlined its plan to expand ownership of renewable energy and to retire fossil-fueled generation as the company works toward its 2045 target for net zero carbon emissions. These wind projects would fulfill the plan to add up to 1,000 MW of wind energy by 2026 with projects that benefit from production tax credits.
About Evergy, Inc.
Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) serves approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. We were formed in 2018 when long-term local energy providers KCP&L and Westar Energy merged. We generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.
FS City Meeting Minutes of Oct. 5
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of October 5, 2021 Regular Meeting #19
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held October 5th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Jones presiding.
INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Tim Van Hoecke, Brad Matkin, Jesse Pohlmann, Rachel Thompson, Jackson Tough, Jason Dickman, Michael Hoyt, Rob Harrington, Sarah Pulliam, Donna Pulliam, Paul Rooks, Jim Kemmerer, Allen Schellack, Mike Hixon, Lori Hixon, James Birket, Janice Allen, and Max Fanning.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Mayor Jones asked that the waiver of assessment be added for 11 N. Holbrook to the first spot under New Business.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 21st, 2021.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1297-A totaling $273,975.30.
C. Request to Pay #3 – Mayco Ace CDBG Project – $32,830.00.
Discussion was held from Kevin Allen and Pete Allen on several expenses on the Expense Report. City Manager will get answers to them.
L. Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda. R. Nichols seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
Michael Hoyt – Re-read Kansas Statute 12-825 and applicable portion for the City of Fort Scott in regards to waterworks, fuel, power and lighting. He said that the revenue derived from the sale and the consumption of water should not be paid out or disbursed except for the purpose of operating, renewing, or extending the plant or distribution system for which the revenue was derived. The payment of interest on outstanding bond issues issued for construction or payment of salaries of employees. It has nothing to do with the transfer of monies. He said our budget has been submitted to the State.
He said that he has received a $1,500 grant to start a G.E.D. program at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center. They have to be a resident in the jail at least 60 days and be released into Bourbon County. He informed the County of this grant this morning also.
Lori Hixon – Ms. Hixon said that she lives at 612 S. Wilson and has operated a daycare at that location for over 23 years. She has an issue with teenagers speeding down the alley. She talked to the parents of the teenagers who informed her she needed to watch her children she oversees better.
Travis said that there are no speed limits in alleys other than what is reasonable and prudent.
City Attorney said that we don’t need an ordinance, but the Commission can designate an area for whatever speed limit they desire.
K. Allen made a motion to designate all alleyways in the City of Fort Scott to have a speed limit of 10 mph. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO DESIGNATE ALL ALLEYWAYs IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT TO HAVE A SPEED LIMIT OF 10 MPH.
Engineering Firm Update: Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. had no update at this time.
Public Hearings: None
Old Business:
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Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587
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Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588
Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3589
Pete said that he had an issue with the repeal of these ordinances as we have nothing else in place currently to take its place.
Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc., said that they are updating the specifications for fill for the City, but they are not completed yet.
Discussion was held to hold off on the repeal of these ordinances until the new plans are approved and in place.
K. Allen moved to table this issue until the October 19th, 2021 meeting. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE THREE ORDINANCES TO BE REPEALED UNTIL THE OCTOBER 19TH, 2021 MEETING.
APPEARANCES: Sarah Pulliam, 316 S Main – Dangerous and Unsafe Structure – Ms. Pulliam appeared before the Commission and asked for an extension to renovate her house. She doesn’t want it torn down. She has received a proposal to have work completed on it. It is for about $25,000.
Josh mentioned that this structure is on the upcoming tax sale.
Lyle Brittain, Codes Technician, said that the City has $7,500 in mowing assessments since 2017.
Ms. Pulliam said that she has been working lots of hours and saved money to pay the taxes and she asked for the mowing assessments to be waived. She said she had a contractor hired to mow but found out he hasn’t been mowing.
Jim Kemmerer, neighbor, informed the Commission that she has not done a great job of taking care of her property. He urged the Commission to move ahead with the demolition of the property.
City Attorney stated that is why the public hearings on these structures are so important.
Mr. Brittain said that since 2017, there have been several letters issued for property maintenance at this structure. There was a total of 14 letters since 2017, cited in Municipal Court 5 times, and a total of mowing assessments of $7,500.
Mayor Jones told her to bring in proof of funding from her bank to the October 19th, 2021 meeting. By then, the City will have received the bids for demolition.
Finance Director Update: Not present.
New Business:
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Discussion of 11 N. Holbrook and waiving of Mowing Assessments – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he was contacted by Diane Striler, realtor, who has a buyer for this property. He spoke to Justin Meeks, County Counselor, and the County has agreed to waive the back taxes on this property. The City has about $300.00 in mowing assessments that need waived.
L. Watts moved to approve to waive the mowing assessments for the property at 11 N. Holbrook Street. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO WAIVE THE MOWING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY AT 11 N. HOLBROOK STREET.
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Consideration of Airport Engineering – Taxiway Rehabilitation – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that this item needs tabled so the City Attorney can review this contract.
K. Allen moved to table the Airport Engineering agreement until the October 19th, 2021 meeting so the City Attorney can review the agreement. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE AIRPORT ENGINEERING AGREEMENT UNTIL THE OCTOBER 19TH, 2021 MEETING SO THE CITY ATTORNEY CAN REVIEW THE AGREEMENT.
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Consideration of Engineering Quote – Cooper Avenue Reconstruction Addendum No. 1 – 20th to 23rd Street – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that this was the engineering proposal for Cooper Street.
Discussion was held regarding design and inspection engineering.
K. Allen moved to table this issue until a later date. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
TABLED THE ENGINEERING QUOTE FOR THE COOPER AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION ADDENDUM #1 FROM 20TH TO 23RD STREET.
Jason Dickman also informed the Commission that the Cooper Street bids need rejected. The 60 days bid period is almost up.
L. Watts moved to reject the Cooper Avenue Reconstruction bids. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO REJECT THE COOPER AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION BIDS.
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Consideration of Bids – Union Lofts Alley Project – Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. informed the Commission that there were two bids received for this project. The low bid is from Rogers & Sons Concrete of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $128,770.00. The other bid was from Heck & Wicker, Inc. of Parsons, Kansas in the amount of $177,478.50. He recommended approval for the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 and for the City Manager to sign the Notice to Proceed.
R. Nichols moved to approve the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 for the Union Lofts Alley project. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
approved the low bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $128,770.00 for the Union Lofts Alley project.
Kevin Allen left the room at 7:19 p.m.
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Consideration to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – August – $2,970.00
L. Watts moved to approve the invoice for Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation in the amount of $2,970.00. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
approveD the invoice for skitch’s hauling & exvacation in the amount of $2,970.00 for port-a-potty services for august.
Kevin Allen returned to the room at 7:21 p.m.
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Consideration of recommendation from Golf Course Advisory Board to appoint Bradford Demo to replace Ben Cole on the Board, and Mark Lewis to replace Jeffrey Sweetser on the Board.
R. Nichols moved to approve to appoint Bradford Demo and Mark Lewis to the Golf Course Advisory Board. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO APPOINT BRADFORD DEMO AND MARK LEWIS TO THE GOLF COURSE ADVISORY BOARD.
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Approval of Standard Traffic Ordinance No. 3590 – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, informed the Commission that the Standard Traffic Ordinance book is updated annually. This enables the Police Officers to write citations.
L. Watts moved to approve Ordinance Number 3590, the Standard Traffic Ordinance. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NUMBER 3590 AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES.
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Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding – Human Resource Director Shared Service – City Attorney asked that this agreement be tabled at this time as he talked with Justin Meeks, County Attorney, and changes are needed. The County will not adopt this agreement until December.
K. Allen moved to table the Memorandum of Understanding for the Human Resource Director Shared Service at this time. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR SHARED SERVICE AT THIS TIME.
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Consideration of Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Contract – Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Director, informed the Commission that that agreement is through December of 2021 and in the amount of $20,000 to be paid in equal monthly installments on the 15th day of each month beginning in September 15th, 2021 through December 31st, 2021. A new agreement will be presented later for 2022. This agreement will provide grant applications, grant administration, and other economic development activities as needed by the City.
K. Allen moved to approve the Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Contract with the City of Fort Scott through December 31, 2021. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE BOURBON COUNTY R.E.D.I. CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST, 2021 IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 TO BE PAID IN EQUAL MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS ON THE 15TH OF EACH MONTH.
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Discussion of Land Bank changes – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that changes need to be made to the Land Bank ordinance. The current ordinance names the City Commission as the Board members as well as Jim Harris, Bourbon County Commissioner, and Greg Motley. He knows other cities that have realtors, bankers, and contractors on their board.
He asked for approval to schedule a meeting with the Land Bank board and discuss this change with them. The Commission approved to hold a meeting with the Board.
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Discussion of creation of loitering ordinance – Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he is looking at a loitering or vagrancy ordinance for the City. There are people now sleeping on the park benches and in the downtown park and we have no ordinance to prevent this. He would like the City Commission to adopt this.
Chief Shelton said that there is no State Statute for loitering. He mentioned that it will be difficult to enforce.
Discussion was held to have an ordinance to present at the next meeting for them to review.
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Discussion of purchase of potential rock crusher and other miscellaneous equipment – Kevin Allen said that he asked that this be placed on the agenda for discussion. The County is looking to purchase a bigger rock crusher. He would like to see a meeting scheduled with the County Commission and discuss this item in the near future.
Interim City Manager will get a meeting scheduled.
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Discussion of Ty Cullor field agreement -Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, asked the Commission to table this topic at this time.
K. Allen moved to table the Ty Cullor field agreement at this time. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE TY CULLOR FIELD AGREEMENT AT THIS TIME.
Reports and Comments:
Interim City Manager Report and Comments: Mark McCoy, Interim City Manager, informed the Commission that he will be implementing a new daily reporting process to the Directors at the staff meeting tomorrow. If they work out in the field, they will fill in their activities for the day and he can see where resources were used. He mentioned that Commissioner Pete Allen asked him for asphalt numbers for the National project. There have been 614 tons of asphalt used for this project, Mark said that he, Jesse, and Jason Dickman will walk the project on Thursday. Mark said that the Gordon Parks Celebration is this coming weekend and the City has a table. He also mentioned the lake lots for sale. They did have a redraw for lots. The south lots are not staked yet.
Discussion was held to see if AG Engineering has been paid yet. That could not be determined as the Finance Director was not there.
Commissioner Reports and Comments:
L. Watts – Nothing to report.
K. Allen – Kevin said he had several items to bring up:
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Asked about the traffic counters on 3rd & National Avenue
Mark gave him figures from the traffic counters. The westbound lane had 5,795 which is an average of 725 per day. The eastbound lane had 1,943 which is an average of 243 per day. The northbound lane had 16,218, which is an average of 2,027 per day. The southbound lane had 18,431 which is an average of 2,304 per day.
Randy Nichols reminded the Commission of the pedestrian traffic at that location. There is Feeding Families in His Name every Wednesday night, and with the City Hall move to the Courthouse, there could be more pedestrian traffic. He said it would be a mistake to remove the stop signs going east and west.
Lindsey Watts agreed and said that with the attendance of church and the location of the Courthouse, she would not approve to remove the stop signs.
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Kevin asked about the Lake Fort Scott valve and if it was being exercised. He asked if the 2nd valve has been installed?
Mark said that the valve has not been exercised. We are waiting on the City’s engineering firm on the design of the 2nd valve.
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Kevin asked if water testing was being done at the lake.
Mark said no.
Josh recommended getting with Don George to conduct this testing.
Kevin would like to see it tested from May through September.
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Street Patching Trailer – He said that he would like to see a trailer set up with all of their tools with a port-a-pot on the front of the trailer so they can do their jobs all day and then put the trailer in at night.
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Parks – He said that Parks and the Golf Course also need a small trailer to assist them.
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Inmate Program – Kevin said that he would like to have a report at the next meeting on this program.
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Vaping Issue – He would like to see what resources are available to the schools for this issue.
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Possible sale of airport land – He said there is a new concept of pilots building hangars with living quarters in them and then they go to fly-ins all over. He said that he has heard that pilots love to fly over the lake.
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Dump fees – He said that he discovered the City owns 13.8 acres at the County landfill. The City could create a C & D landfill and wondered if they would trade out land for services.
Mark said that this would be a good work session topic with the County.
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Rural Water District – He would like to see Mark meet with the Rural Water District Board and water leaks. He thinks if there is a leak in the County that the City should give them credit.
Mark said that he and Susan will look over the contract with Rural Water.
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First Source Building – He asked if the building was being marketed and on a website somewhere.
Mark said that it has been assigned to a realtor.
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He thanked whoever sprayed weeds on the east side of Lake Fort Scott.
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Asked about the road by El Charro – 25th Street.
City Clerk said she believes we are waiting on easements to be signed.
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Street lights – He said that there are a lot of street lights out. He wanted to bring it to the public’s attention that the poles have a number on them and they can be called into Evergy and reported.
P. Allen – Pete read sections of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan and stressed how important this plan was. We need to be proactive with this plan and not reactive.
R. Nichols – Randy said that he agrees with Pete about the Comprehensive Plan and moving forward.
Randy thanked T-Mobile for coming to town today and presenting the City with a $50,000 grant for improvements to Skubitz Plaza. He thanked Rachel Pruitt, Ally Turvey, and Larry Gazaway who wrote the grant for this project.
J. Jones – Josh asked about the School Resource Officer position and if it had been announced yet.
Travis said we should know any day.
Neighborhood Revitalization Program – Josh said that this will be coming before the City for approval as the current program has expired.
City Attorney Report and Comments: None
Executive Session:
J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 8:55 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Manager.
J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
Adjournment:
J. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:56 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
FS Commission Agenda For Oct. 19
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
OCTOBER 19th, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
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Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
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Invocation: Led by: Pastor from Community Christian Church
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Approval of Agenda:
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Proclamations/Recognitions: Molly Berry Foster Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution 110th Anniversary
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Consent Agenda:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of October 5th, 2021.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1298-A totaling $1,736,577.53.
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Request to Pay #1 – Davis Structure & Development Corporation – $12,379.50 – Water Clarifier Repainting #1 Project
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Request to Pay – HDR Engineering – $8,970.75 – River Intake Project
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Street Closing Request – Community Christian Church – October 31st, 2021 – Annual Falloween Event
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – City Engineer – $4,000.00
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – Building Inspection – 3,582.00
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – WWTP Engineering – $7,296.80
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – 17th & Eddy Street Drainage Engineering – $11,520.00
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Request to Pay – Earles Engineering – Public Works Director -$595.00
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September financials
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Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
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Old Business:
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Consideration to repeal Ordinance 2563 – Section 12.12.070 – Pavement – Approval of Ordinance No. 3587
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Excavation-Procedure, Section 12-12-080 – Unimproved Street – Procedure Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3588
Section 12.12.110 – Replacement of Materials – Exception – Approval of Ordinance No. 3589
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Appearances:
Sarah Pulliam, 316 S Main – Dangerous and Unsafe Structure
Rob Harrington, Bourbon County R.E.D.I.
Frank Adamson, Grant Requests
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New Business:
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Consideration of Airport Engineering – Taxiway Rehabilitation
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Consideration to apply for K.D.O.T. grant application – Electric Gate
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Consideration of 3rd, 6th, 12th and 25th Street Intersections with K.D.O.T. – K.D.O.T. Project 69-6 KA 5563-01 – Approval of Resolution Relating to Benefits Obtainable under the Federal and State Aid Program – Approval of Agreement for Traffic Signal Project between the City of Fort Scott and K.D.O.T
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Consideration of Fort Scott Dam Improvements Bid -River Intake Project
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Consideration of C.I.P.P. Sanitary Lining Bid
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Consideration of Above Grade Bid – Hammon’s Building
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Consideration of Above Grade Bid – Sharky’s Building.
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Discussion of creation of Loitering Ordinance
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Discussion of Ty Cullor field agreement
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Consideration to accept T-Mobile grant – $50,000
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Consideration to accept Timkin grant for Fire Department – $10,500
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Consideration of payment of Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. Invoices
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Port-a-Potties – September $2,640.00
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Port-a-Potties – September – Airport Fly-In – $250.00
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Port-a-Potties – September – Marmaton Massacre – $325.00
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Consideration of Bids – Demolition of Structures
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611 S. Ransom – Structure and Accessory Structure
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323 S Hill – Structure
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1517 S Main – Structure and Accessory Structure
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316 S. Main – Structure and Accessory Structure
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114 S. Barbee – Structure
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14 S Margrave – Structure
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510 S Heylman – Structure
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Health in All Policies Pledge
XI. Reports and Comments:
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Interim City Manager Reports and Comments
* City/County Luncheon – October 26th, 2021 – 12:00 p.m.
* Discussion of 512 S. Judson – Historical Register
* Consideration of Land Bank Meeting – Wednesday, October 20th – 4 pm
B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
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Executive Session for attorney/client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2)
XIII. Adjournment:
New FS Parks Director: Doug Guns
Douglas Guns, 44, has worked for the City of Fort Scott for over three years and was promoted to Fort Scott Parks Director in June 2021.
“The scope of my duties is to oversee the maintenance and operations of Woodland Hills Golf Course, Laroche Baseball Complex, Gunn Park, Buck Run (includes all little league ball fields in town), Lake Fort Scott, Rock Creek Lake, and The Aquatic Center,” Guns said.
Fort Scott is the third municipality that he has worked for, doing both parks and golf course oversight, he said.
He has worked in the golf industry for over 20 years, Guns said.
“I worked a small golf course as a seasonal employee for the summer in between semesters in college,’ he said. “I learned all aspects of golf operations and changed majors that fall to plant and soil science to pursue a career in the golf industry.”
Guns received his education in plant and soil sciences at West Virginia University Parkersburg, and Penn State University.
His hometown is Elkton, Maryland and he is married with five kids.
In his spare time, he likes to play golf and spend time with his family.
The best part of the job for Guns is being outside and working with the public, he said.
“Providing the public with a great experience for their recreational endeavors that they are happy with, can be rewarding,” Guns said.
That is also the challenge of the job, he said.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter Oct. 15
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Fire Department Open House Tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.
DAR Celebrates 110 Years in Fort Scott
A local organization is celebrating 110 years in Fort Scott.
“The Daughter of the American Revolution organization itself is 131 years old being founded in 1890. Our chapter was founded in 1911 and thus we are 110 years old,” Martha Scott, a group member said.
The objectives of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the local Molly Foster Berry Chapter are to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of county, (and) to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty, according to information provided by Scott.
“In selecting a name for the chapter, they chose to honor the first regent, Miss Frances Hall, by selecting the wife of her Revolutionary War ancestor, Samuel Berry,” Scott said. “They chose the name of his wife, Mary Foster Berry, as the name of their chapter.”
Since its founding in 1890, the national DAR has admitted more than 950,000 members.
Currently, the Molly Foster Berry Chapter has 27 members.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a heritage group whose members have a direct lineal descendant of either soldiers or those who aided the cause of independence during the American Revolutionary War.
Over the last 110 years, the chapter has participated in numerous activities to benefit Fort Scott, according to Scott.
Here are highlights of the group’s activities through the years provided by Scott:
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They organized the local YMCA and Red Cross Chapter and Canteen.
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They sponsored the Bourbon County Historical Society
- They take credit for the vision and construction of a Memorial Hall after World War I, to honor all servicemen. In appreciation of this effort, a meeting suite was designated in the building for DAR’s group use and is still used today for their meetings.
- They placed 21 bronze plaques at historic sites including the government buildings at the fort.
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They published and sold cookbooks during World War II in order to buy War Bonds.
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They sold National Defense albums.
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They donated funds for the purchase of ten additional acres at the National Cemetery when it reached its capacity.
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They were instrumental in getting the old Fort Blair Block House saved and repositioned on Carroll Plaza.
The volunteer efforts of members in the past 110 years continue today with members volunteering for activities in our community, she said.
“Molly Foster Berry Chapter members welcome new members and if you have an ancestor who served in the Revolutionary War or provided support to the War and would like to join our organization, please contact the current Regent, Barbara Ritter, 913-636-4892 or the Registrar, Dee Ann Davis 620-215-1358,” Scott said.
U234 Adopts New COVID-19 Operating Guidelines
Update on USD 234 Operations Guidelines taken from the school district’s Facebook page.
By Ted Hessong (Superintendent of USD234)
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
On Monday, October 11, at the USD 234 School Board meeting the USD 234 School Board adopted gaiting criteria and a Test to Stay and Learn addendum to the current Operations Guidelines for the 2021-2022 school year that will begin on October 18, 2021.
The gaiting criteria adopted would allow the district to go mask optional if the criteria adopted is met.
The gaiting criteria consists of two areas, the first being the monitoring of new COVID-19 cases in Bourbon County. The threshold of less than 30 new cases in a week in Bourbon County will be the guideline.
A COVID-19 positivity rate of less than 2% for a specific school building will be the guideline for each building.
If these two criteria are met, this would allow the school buildings to be mask optional.
Mask optional would mean the parents/guardians can decide if their child should wear a mask at school.
If the numbers go above the 30 new cases in a week and if there is a COVID-19 positivity rate above 2% for a particular building, the district or specific building would go back to masks being required.
These gaiting criteria will take effect on Monday, October 18, 2021. The district will monitor county cases on a weekly basis and the building COVID-19 positivity rate will be monitored daily.
The district will communicate on the Friday before whether a building or the district is able to be mask optional depending on the adopted criteria for the upcoming week.
The USD 234 School Board also adopted a new mitigation protocol called the Test to Stay and Learn Modified Quarantine.
This modified quarantine will include rapid antigen testing for identified school high-risk (not wearing a mask or not vaccinated or has not had COVID-19 in the last 6-months) or household close contacts where parents/guardians will give consent to have their student tested for COVID-19 daily.
If they test negative, they will be allowed to attend in-person during their quarantine period but will be required to wear a mask while at school.
The rapid antigen test is a nasal swab and will only be performed with parent/guardian consent.
If the high-risk or household contact does not opt-in to the Test to Stay and Learn Modified Quarantine, they will need to stay home during their quarantine.
USD 234 has received a grant from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) and will partner with Community Health Center (CHC) to implement the testing program. The logistics of this testing program are being developed and more information will be released before testing becomes available. It is going to take some time for CHC to hire the staff to implement the testing and to set up the logistics of the testing.
Masks will still be required on school transportation no matter the gaiting criteria. This is a federal mandate school districts are required to follow.
USD 234 recommends that students have a mask with them at all times in case a cluster breaks out in a building and masking needs to be implemented immediately.
Low-risk close contacts, those who are wearing a mask or are vaccinated or have had COVID-19 in the past 6-months, will not be expected to quarantine from school unless they have COVID-19 symptoms.
Click on the link below to see the updated Operations Guidelines:
Click on the link below to see the Test to Stay and Learn Modified Quarantine addendum:
USD 234 Test to Stay and Learn Modified Quarantine
Click on the link below to see an infographic about the Test to Stay and Learn Modified Quarantine:
USD 234 Test to Stay and Learn Modified Quarantine Infographic