The gas main break was at the intersection Margrave and Emmert Streets.
Bourbon County Economic Development Council is working to find a full-time economic development director, facilitate the starting of the new meat process plant, facilitate a new multi-purpose arena, and expanding housing in the area, according to Greg Motley, president.
Eco Devo
BEDCO began a search for an economic development director a few months ago and had one narrowed down, but that person has declined the position, Greg Motley, president of BEDCO said.
“The process was restarted,” Motley said. “In the meantime, I will be acting director.”
“We will continue interviews until the position is filled,”he said.
“Since 1992, BEDCO has been at the center of Economic Development in Bourbon County, and under the guidance of a reconstituted board that represents the whole county, we are stronger than ever,” Motley said in a press release.
Economic development services provided by BEDCO are primarily matching resources to the economic needs of county entities and businesses, he said.
Motley gave some details of three other projects on the horizon.
Meat Processing Plant
“Since the Micro-meat processing plant was approved, we are moving forward with facilitating the land/lots swap between KW Cattle, Billy Madison and BEDCO,” he said.
“KW Cattle is swapping 46 acres south of the (KDOT )State Highway facility on the east side of 69 Highway for two industrial park tracts,” Motley said. “One is about seven acres, the other is about 18 acres, currently owned by BEDCO. They are located on either side of the Christian Learning Center. The new micro-meat processing facility will pay BEDCO some cash considerations, approximately equal to BEDCO’s expenses in the transaction.”
KW Cattle is doing a trade with BEDCO that is advantageous to the community, Motley said.
“They are trading 46 acres, a nice piece of flat ground, for less valuable property of rough ground of 25 acres,” he said. “They wanted to help Fort Scott and Bourbon County. In addition, they can expand the property they own, Christian Learning Center, in the future.”
“BEDCO will take possession (of the land parcel), then sell to the meat processing plant,” he said. “It should be finalized this month.”
Multipurpose Arena
“We are also working with local investors on a potential STAR Bonds project for Bourbon County,” he said. “Some Bourbon County citizens are proposing the issuance of Star Bonds to partially finance a new multipurpose arena in Bourbon County, along with improvements to the downtown central business district.”
“Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are a financing tool that allows Kansas municipalities to issue bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment and tourism projects,” according to https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/
“The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development.”
“The intent is to increase regional and national visitation to Kansas.”
“The bonds would cover about 50% of the project, and private investment, along with bank financing would cover the balance, he said. ” The Star Bonds would be repaid by the increase in sales tax collections in a Star Bond District, whose boundaries are yet to be determined.”
“Atchison, KS, a similar-sized community to Fort Scott and Bourbon County, issued $2.3 million in Star Bonds in 2019 to build a museum,” he said. “Attached is a chart of all Star Bonds approved by the State of Kansas. Preliminary estimates of the size of the Bourbon County project range from $3 million to $6 million.”
| City | 2019 Pop. | Project | Start Date | Orig. Amt (000) | 2019 Out. (000) | Dist. Sales Tax (000) | 2019 CO. Pop | 10-yr Pop. Trend | 2019 CO. Sales Tax (000) | 2018-19 % increase | 2019 Sales Tax Per Capita | 2019 Pull Fact. |
| Atchison- AT | 10,476 | Aviation Museum | May-18 | $2,370 | $2,190 | $210 | 16,073 | -5.03% | $12,939 | 6.30% | 819 | 0.70 |
| Derby- SG | 24,943 | Dino/Sports Zone | Mar-17 | $20,465 | $13,230 | $5,701 | 516,042 | 3.55% | $628,714 | 4.50% | 1,234 | 1.14 |
| Dodge City- FO | 27,104 | Power Center | Dec-15 | $28,481 | $26,395 | $1,512 | 33,619 | -0.68% | $37,999 | 5.10% | 1,086 | 0.99 |
| Garden City- FY | 26,408 | Mixed Use | Mar-19 | $29,540 | $29,540 | $2,117 | 36,467 | -0.84% | $58,841 | 10.40% | 1,507 | 1.41 |
| Kansas City- WY | 152,960 | Youth Soccer | Aug-15 | $65,138 | $83,138 | $1,293 | 165,429 | 5.03% | $192,921 | 4.50% | 1,119 | 0.96 |
| Kansas City- WY | 152,960 | Mercy Park (SKC) | May-10 | $150,289 | $0 | n/a | 165,429 | 5.03% | $192,921 | 4.50% | 1,119 | 0.96 |
| Kansas City- WY | 152,960 | Kansas Speedway | Jan-99 | $24,300 | $16,835 | $1,326 | 165,429 | 5.03% | $192,921 | 4.50% | 1,119 | 0.96 |
| Kansas City- WY | 152,960 | Schlitterbahn | Oct-13 | $85,200 | $65,755 | $6,514 | 165,429 | 5.03% | $192,921 | 4.50% | 1,119 | 0.96 |
| Manhattan- RL | 54,604 | Flint Hills Discovery | Dec-09 | $50,000 | $10,905 | $5,586 | 74,232 | 4.38% | $61,112 | -0.20% | 814 | 0.76 |
| Overland Park- JO | 195,494 | Prairiefire | Dec-12 | $64,990 | $64,860 | $3,059 | 602,401 | 10.70% | $917,056 | 2.50% | 1,485 | 1.28 |
| Overland Park- JO | 195,494 | BluHawk Mixed Use | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 602,401 | 10.70% | $917,056 | 2.50% | 1,485 | 1.28 |
| Salina- SA | 46,550 | Fieldhouse | Dec-18 | $18,250 | $18,250 | $862 | 54,224 | -2.49% | $77,717 | 3.50% | 1,380 | 1.31 |
| Topeka- SH | 125,310 | Heartland Park | Apr-07 | $10,405 | $5,025 | $334 | 176,875 | -0.60% | $211,893 | 1.00% | 1,178 | 1.06 |
| Wichita- SG | 389,938 | River District | Jul-15 | $46,980 | $42,140 | $2,097 | 516,042 | 3.55% | $628,714 | 4.50% | 1,234 | 1.14 |
| Wichita- SG | 389,938 | Greenwich | Dec-13 | $107,631 | $59,290 | $8,251 | 516,042 | 3.55% | $628,714 | 4.50% | 1,234 | 1.14 |
| Fort Scott- BB | 7,697 | Arena | Jan-22 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 14,534 | -4.21% | $11,778 | -2.20% | 795 | 0.70 |
“Bottom line, we are looking at what has been successful elsewhere,” Motley said.
Housing
“We are examining possibilities to expand housing in Bourbon County,” Motley said. “BEDCO is in the research and discussions phase. Common sense would dictate that we first examine where the market is hot and see what can be done about enhancing the market in those areas.”
“Many jurisdictions in Kansas have a property improvement tax rebate of some sort, that rebate the increase in taxes property experiences, because of a new build or significant addition,” he said. “Many are reluctant to improve their property because of inherent tax increases…a program like this would rebate the first five years of the increase.”
Motley can be contacted at 620-215-6411.
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The Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has planned a Downtown Spring Clean on Friday, April 16th from 3 to 6pm. The committee is seeking project ideas and volunteers for the event to spruce up the Downtown Historic District.
The committee is asking for people to submit project ideas, or sign up to volunteer, preferably by this Wednesday, April 7th so projects and materials needed can be organized. All participants will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of MyOneStop, and businesses/organizations who send a group of volunteers and/or provide a donation for materials, will be listed on the back of the
t-shirt. Donations may be made to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and dropped off at 231 E. Wall St.
Those with project ideas or interest in volunteering may contact Bailey Lyons, Downtown Division Chair, at 620-224-7795 or email [email protected].
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The City of Fort Scott presents Fort Scott Forward.
The City of Fort Scott presents Fort Scott Forward. Everyone is invited to join us for a monthly check-in. The monthly meeting will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:45AM at the River Room Event Center, 1 W. Oak St. Dave Lipe, proprietor of Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Luther’s BBQ, and the River Room Event Center has donated the use of the space for this event. Coffee and pastries will be provided.
The first Fort Scott Forward event will be held on Tuesday, April 27th at 7:45 AM. The topics to be covered at this meeting will be street improvement objectives, and a budget priorities survey.
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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
APRIL 6, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
Invocation: Led by: Associate Pastor Allen Pruitt, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
Approval of Agenda:
Proclamations/Recognitions: Introduction of Jon Carpenter, new Law Enforcement Officer Academy Graduate
Consent Agenda:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 16th, 2021 and special meeting minutes of March 23rd, 2021, and March 30th, 2021.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1285-A totaling $887,464.66.
Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc – $12,405.00 – Phase II Dam Improvements – River Intake Project
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
City Manager Reports and Comments:
Director Reports:
Old Business:
Approval of Ordinance amending Assessment of Mowing Costs from $300.00 to $75.00 – Ordinance No. 3576
Discussion of Golf Course Tiered Memberships
Appearances: None
Public Hearing: 6:15 p.m. – Petition for Vacation of the platted 2nd Street East of South Lincoln Street – Approval of Ordinance No. 3577
New Business:
Approval of Ordinance No. 3578 – Ordinance authorizing the levy of a .5% Citywide relation sales tax and related matters
Consideration of Change Order – Mayco Ace CDBG Project
Discussion and presentation of importance of water/sewer rate study – Jason Solomon – Kansas Rural Water Association
Consideration of Wrecker Rotation Policy
Consideration of Dispatch Contract
Consideration of Contract Mowing Bid
Consideration of RFP’s – 10 N. National
Request to pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – February invoice – Port-A-Potties – $968.00
Discussion of City fees
Municipal Court – Raising from $51.00 to $100.00 (Approval of Charter Ordinance if approved)
Aquatic Center – Pool Parties – From $100 to $150 per hour
Buck Run Community Center
Small meeting room – From $15 to $25 for three hours
Large meeting room – From $15 to $35 for three hours
Airport – Hangar Spot Rental – From $70 to $75
Nightly Storage Fee – Single $10 – Twin $20
Discussion &/or consideration of two contracts with Earle’s Engineering:
City Engineering Services
Public Works Project Manager
Discussion &/or consideration to award emergency bid of mill and overlay on National from 14th to Highway 69
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
B. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XIV. Adjournment:
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of March 30th, 2021 Special Meeting #9
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 30th, 2021 at 4:00 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: Jason Pickert.
CONSIDERATION:
Interview of Engineering Firms – City Manager said that there were three engineering firms selected to be interviewed. The first interview was with Kaw Valley Engineering. The second interview was with Earle’s Engineering. The third company was with Agricultural Engineering.
K. Allen made a motion to hire and negotiate a contract with Earle’s Engineering as the City’s municipal engineering firm. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO HIRE AND NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH EARLE’S ENGINEERING AS THE CITY’S MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING FIRM.
ADJOURNMENT:
R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:46 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:46 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
City Clerk
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of March 23rd, 2021 Special Meeting #8
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 23rd, 2021 at 5:30 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, Janice Allen, Travis Shelton, and Allyson Turvey.
CONSIDERATION:
Approval to apply to Fort Scott Community Foundation Grant for roller skates – Allyson Turvey, Community Development Manager, informed the Commission that she placed the grant application in front of them. Back in November of 2020 discussions were started with Craig Campbell on how to figure out this roller skating rink opportunity. Also discussed was Buck Run versus Memorial Hall for a location and the Commission directed their efforts to Buck Run. The hold up has been the need for roller skates. They did not want to pay for brand new skates. They located a source to purchase used roller skates. She asked to submit this application to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation. The grant application is for $5,900.00.
Pete asked if she was sure that Buck Run had been selected and not Memorial Hall for the location.
Ally said yes that it had been directed to move forward with Buck Run as the location as they have staffing, insurance, and these types of activities. It made more sense financially to use Buck Run.
Pete asked her to research this.
Ally said that she will research this. The cost to refurbish Memorial Hall’s floor would be over $10,000.
R. Nichols moved to approve to submit the application to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO SUBMIT THE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE FORT SCOTT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,900 TO PURCHASE USED ROLLER SKATES.
Approval of Ordinance No. 3575 hiring Robert L. Farmer as City Attorney – Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that before them is the contract and the ordinance to hire Bob Farmer as City Attorney for the City of Fort Scott at a cost of $4,000 per month.
J. Jones moved to approve the contract to hire Robert L. Farmer as City Attorney at a cost of $4,000 per month and approved Ordinance No. 3575. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE CONTRACT TO HIRE ROBERT L. FARMER AS CITY ATTORNEY AT A COST OF $4,000 PER MONTH AND APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3575 WHICH REPEALED ORDINANCE NO. 3555, PREVIOUSLY SETTING SAID CITY ATTORNEY’S SALARY FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
Request to use Gunn Park on April 9th, 2021 – Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that Lindsey wished to address the Commission to use Gunn Park for an upcoming event.
Lindsey said that her business, CrossFit, is hosting a competitive event. As of now they have over 80 athletics registered with two weeks of registration to go still. She asked for approval to use either Gunn Park or Riverfront Park on Friday, April 9th, 2021 to hold their running event. They would like to have either Gunn Park or Riverfront Park closed to vehicle property to protect the athletics when they are running. She said that they have special event insurance to cover this event.
R. Nichols moved to approve to close to vehicle traffic either Gunn Park or Riverfront Park on Friday, April 9th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until their event is over. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols and J. Jones voted aye. L. Watts abstained. Motion carried 4-1.
approved to close to vehicle traffic either Gunn Park or Riverfront Park on Friday, April 9th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until their event is over.
ADJOURNMENT:
L. Watts moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:45 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
City Clerk
