Category Archives: Fort Scott

Star Emporium Downtown General Store To Open Early Next Year

A1 Towing and Moving, Fort Scott, move shelving into the new grocery store in November 2020. The store will be located in the Old Kress Building, at 17 S. Main.

The new grocery store in downtown Fort Scott is progressing.

 

“Lots of things have fallen into place really well and a few things have been a struggle due to long lead times due to COVID-related manufacturing delays,” said Bill Michaud, of BAJA Investment, the owner.  “The most significant delays have been the mechanical components for the refrigerators and freezers. The final pieces of the equipment order won’t be arriving until January 4th.”

 

This sets the opening back a little.

 

“Before this delay, we had anticipated opening Dec 29th but because of this delay we now expect to open either January 8 or 11,” Michaud said. “The final decision on the actual opening date will be made as we get closer.”

Store hours will be 8 am – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 am – 6 pm on Sunday.

 

“We will offer online ordering,” he said. ” Our website is still under development, but we will be activating our Facebook page in the next day or two.”

 

The store has a name and it was inspired by a downtown mural.

 

“The store name will be the Star Emporium Downtown General Store,” Michaud said.

 

This name was inspired by a mural on Skubitz Plaza on the north side of a building facing the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

“While we know that the original Star Emporium was a clothing store, the mural boasts that the Star Emporium was ‘the most unique shop in the land of oz’,” Michaud said. “We believe this store will be unique and serve a broad base of community needs.”

 

Products at the store will evolve, he said. Currently, they range from budget-conscious to specialty label food items.

 

“We will offer a very broad range of products ranging from budget-focused brands all the way to very high-quality specialty and private label products that people can’t get anywhere other than our store,” Michaud said. ” We understand people need to stretch their food dollar in these tough times so we are going to be very value-conscious in our pricing. We recognize that our product offering is going to evolve to suit the needs of our customers.”

 

Local producers and suppliers will feed into the store.

 

“In addition to recognized branded products we are also working with a variety of small local producers and suppliers including Bourbon County beef from Bronson Locker, several local produce growers, Good Natured Family Farms. We hope to continue to develop additional partnerships as we go along and continually adapt to the needs of our customer base.”

 

“In addition to our produce co-op and grocery options the store will also feature a large salad bar and deli which will also utilize as many fresh local ingredients as are available,” he said. ” The deli menu will be seasonal and offer 5 – 6 rotational feature sandwiches, wraps, and specialty items.”

 

Food insecurity is addressed in the venture.

 

“While the grocery store and deli will provide sustainability for our operation, one of the driving factors behind the community need for the store was the food insecurity and need for community-based food distribution programs,” Michaud said. ” We have reached an agreement with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas to provide food storage space to expand the food distribution and delivery programs they currently offer in Crawford County into Fort Scott. These services will also begin in January.”

 

BAJA Investments was granted SPARK funds for $450.000 for the project. SPARK grants were a part of the monies given Kansas from the federal government to help with the on-going effects of COVID-19.

Kress Building, 17 S. Main, August 2020.

The second floor of the building houses the offices of B-WERC.

B-WERC is a multi-partner collaboration of the Bourbon County Commission, the Kansas Small Business Development Center, Southeast KANSASWORKS, Fort Scott Community College, the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and BAJA Investments. The center focuses on growing and sustaining businesses, connecting jobs, and serving people.

The B-WERC program is funded through the Federal Cares Act Relief, dispersed to the county from the state in SPARK Phase 1, to address current and immediate COVID related needs. These include assisting businesses, encouraging economic activity, and addressing unemployment, according to Jody Hoener, spokesperson for the program in Bourbon County.

 

 

U234 Board Meeting Press Release Dec. 14

Monday, December 14, 2020

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, December 14, 2020, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – November 20, 2020 – $1,424,756.14

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund Accounts

F.     Fundraiser Application

 

There was one comment during the public forum.  Board members heard reports from the

following:

·       Brenda Hill, KNEA President

·       Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics

·       Ted Hessong, Superintendent

·       Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk

 

Superintendent Hessong discussed the Return-to-School Plan.  Board members approved an update to the length of quarantine time for close contacts to seven days if there is a negative COVID test taken along with no symptoms; otherwise the close contact quarantine is ten days.

Superintendent Hessong also reported on the KSHSAA COVID-19 guidelines.

Board member approved the following items:

 

·       The release of Dave Regan Tiger Tough Scholarship funds to the Regan family for future investment

·       Workers Compensation Insurance with Ryan Insurance

·       An adjustment in the 2020-21 school calendar for January 4, 2021, to change from a student contact day to a teacher collaboration day

·       Health insurance rates for 2021

·       Broker contract with RPS Benefits by Design Inc.

·       Technology purchase

 

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Retirement of Deb Rice, Winfield Scott special education teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

B.    Early retirement request from Larry Lawrence, high school technology teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

C.    Leave of absence request for Andrea Heckman, preschool teacher

D.    Employment of Jennifer Durkin as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

E.     Employment of Allison Nighswonger as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

F.     Addition of a Winfield Scott paraprofessional position; employment of Francis Torres as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

G.    Addition of a high school wrestling coach position; employment of Tyler Bell as a high school wrestling coach for the 2020-21 school year; cancellation of Strategic Games for the 2020-21 school year

H.    Resignation of Mikiah Anderson, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2020 year

The board adjourned.

 

 

Ellis Park Playhouse Vandalized This Past Weekend

The playhouse at Ellis Park was vandalized this past weekend. Submitted photo.

Vandalism occurred at an Ellis Park playhouse for children sometime between Dec. 11 and 12.

 

“I discovered it on Saturday afternoon. I went there to get measurements to make roof repairs,” said Seth Needham, an organizer of the Citizens for Park Improvement group.  “We assumed the original damage to the roof was wind damage.”

 

However, Needham heard from multiple people that some kids were bragging to their friends about tearing up the roof several weeks ago.

 

“Friday night they just finished what they started,” he said.  “It also sounds like they may be responsible for the damage to the picnic tables, but there is no way to verify that because it’s hearsay.”

 

Needham also just recently became a member of the newly formed Fort Scott Park Advisory Board, organized by the city commission.

 

As a volunteer worker, he went to Ellis Park on Saturday to get measurements for some minor repairs, and discovered the damage, he said.
“I contacted Mike Braim, because he had been gathering materials to make repairs,” Needham said. “We met down there to survey the damage and see if it could be saved.”
“I posted a video of the aftermath to Facebook to try to get support for materials,” Needham said. “Shortly after that, I received a message with the video of the boys tearing it up. A parent of another teen who was not involved saw the video on her son’s Snapchat, and thankfully decided to save it.”
The Fort Scott Public Works Director was sent the video of the youth vandalizing the playhouse, as well as two Fort Scott City Commissioners, he said.

The FS Public Works Director Chad Brown did not want to comment on this particular case at Ellis Park since it is still being investigated, he said.

 

“But vandalism is a problem in our world, not just in Fort Scott but everywhere,” Brown said. ” Vandalism costs the taxpayers on so many levels you often have to wonder if the cost of having or re-building these things is worth it. Here in Fort Scott, we do not have much to begin with, so we as a community need to make sure that we are trying to take care of the amenities that we do have.”

 

Brown said the city is working to add security to the parks.

 

“In the future, we will be installing security cameras at various locations across the parks and other areas to make sure we can keep these things in as good a shape as we can and hopefully prevent this type of activity in the future,” Brown said.

 

“I would also like to see cameras installed at our parks, so if this happens again, people can be held responsible,”Needham said.  “Cameras are something we did discuss at the last parks advisory board meeting. Vandalism has been a huge issue in our parks this year.”
The vandals tore off the roof, siding, and trim, Needham said. “They were on video destroying the floor for the second story. They broke the steps inside. They tore up the gables and ripped off 90% of the exterior trim.”
The picnic table that was vandalized at Ellis Park. Submitted photo.
“We decided to try and rally community support to save it, because the damage was so widespread the material list was more than we could afford ourselves,” Needham said.
After an assessment to repair the damaged playhouse, Needham said the following work is needed.
  • New roof, including rafters, shingles, sheathing.
  • New floor joists and sheathing for the second story floor.
  • New stairs to the second story.
  • Exterior trim on corners and gables
  • Window trim.
  • Siding
“The plan is to move it to Gunn Park where it can be watched over and better maintained,” Needham said.
The following photos were submitted by Needham of the playhouse at Ellis Park.

 

 

 

FS City Commission Meeting Minutes of Dec. 1

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 1st, 2020 Regular Meeting #22

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 1st, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in the Corey Larson Gymnasium at Buck Run Community Center, 735 S. Scott Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners P. Allen, and L. Watts were present with Mayor R. Nichols presiding. K. Allen arrived at 3:04 p.m.

INVOCATION: Associate Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Russell Lingerfelt, Nate Stansberry, Dave Bruner, Janice Allen, Michael Hoyt, Jeff Hancock, Rachel Pruitt, Ally Turvey, Deb McCoy, Brian Rhoades, Josh Jones, Justin Fraker, Tm Graham, Nancy VanEtten, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.

SWEARING IN OF NEW CITY COMMISSIONER: Diane Clay, City Clerk, administered the oath of office to Josh Jones, new City Commissioner.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 17th, 2020, special meeting minutes of November 19th, 2020 and November 20th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1276-A totaling $333,877.13.

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – $2,255.00 – Airport Expansion Engineering

  1. Request to Pay #14 – Crossland Construction – $47,954.38 – River Intake Structure (final payment)

  1. Request to Pay – #9 – Rory Chaplin – $1,043.38 – MIH Housing Grant

L. Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda. J. Jones seconded. J. Jones, L. Watts and R. Nichols 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 – Mr. Hoyt said that he wanted to welcome Josh to the Commission. He wished the best to the former Mayor.

Old Business:

  1. Unsung Heroes Park Deed from the City to Lowell Milken Center – Ally Turvey, Tourism and Community Development Manager, informed the Commission at the last meeting that Norm Conard asked the City to deed over the Unsung Heroes Park to the Lowell Milken Center. She wanted to point out that there is a warranty deed as well as an agreement to approve. The warranty deed will transfer the property from the City to the Lowell Milken Center. The agreement states that if the Lowell Milken Center were to ever to sell the property or the park or not be a park anymore, the property would revert back to the City of Fort Scott. Also, there is a section that the Patrick Flanigan bench that was placed in the park previously will remain in the park. She thanked Norm Conard and Lowell Milken for their investment into our community.

K. Allen moved to approve the deed and agreement transferring the Unsung Heroes Park to the Lowell Milken Center. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED WARRANTY DEED AND AGREEMENT TRANSFERING THE UNSUNG HEROES PARK TO THE LOWELL MILKEN CENTER.

Ally said that while she was at the podium, she wanted to give the Commission an update on some grant opportunities for the City of Fort Scott.

The Kansas Main Street Program has been reopened. This program helps revitalize downtown areas. She and Rachel are signed up for the webinar and will apply for the City to be part of that program.

There is also a new State Historic Preservation Grant opportunity available in the amount from $5,000 to $50,000 as of today. She has sent this out to downtown business owners. This would also be a great help to the City for rehab at Memorial Hall for the steps. She, Rachel and Lindsay Madison are registered for a webinar on this grant opportunity on December 17th. There is information on the City’s website, the City’s facebook page, and the State Historical Preservation website.

Appearances:

Josh Regan – Gunn Park Closure – This was removed from the agenda as this event has been cancelled due to COVID.

Carey Spoon – S.E.K.R.P.C. – Mayco Ace Grant – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that there is a change order request for the Mayco Ace Grant project. There is no monetary request on this change order. There is a letter to Dustin Gale, Kansas Department of Commerce, that explains the need for the change order. There was a tenant who needed a new entrance, and this tenant is no longer a viable tenant so that entrance is not needed now. The gas does need to be brought up to code. This is not funded with City dollars. This change order will go to the Kansas Department of Commerce for their approval.

L. Watts moved to approve the Change Order for Mayco Ace. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, J. Jones, L. Watts, and R. Nichols voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED THE CHANGE ORDER FOR THE MAYOR ACE PROJECT FOR THE SOUTHEAST KANSAS REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION GRANT.

New Business:

  1. Election of City Commission President – City Clerk said that a President of the Commission needs to be elected as Randy Nichols has moved up to Mayor.

P. Allen moved to nominate K. Allen as President of the Commission. There was no second. The motion died for lack of a second.

J. Jones nominated Lindsey Watts as President of the Commission. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LINDSEY WATTS AS PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COMMISSION.

  1. Resolution 19-2020 of the Governing Body to annex property owned by Peerless Products, Inc. into the City limitsRachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that this is exciting news that she has been working on for at least a year. Peerless is expanding and wishes to annex this property into the City limits. The Planning Commission heard the first parcel of property to rezone from commercial to industrial and will hear the second parcel at the December 14th Planning Commission meeting. All of these three items will come back before the City Commission at their January 5th, 2021 meeting for approval for rezoning and annexation. She asked for approval of Resolution 19-2020. This resolution will be sent to the Bourbon County Commission also.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 19-2020. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 19-2020 OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT RELATING TO THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN LOTS LOCATED SOUTH OF THE FORT SCOTT CITY LIMITS. – PEERLESS PRODUCTS, INC.

Rachel said that she also wanted to give an update on the 10 N. National building. She said that they are still determining where this property is best placed at – Land Bank, potential owners-short or long term? This is still in the process. Some of the potential owners are out of town due to the holiday, but the intent is to save the building without using any City funds.

Scott Johnson, building owner, said that he is waiting on the City to write a contract to place the building into the Land Bank. This is pending on lawyers.

  1. Fire Truck Financing Lease Bids – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the financing of the fire truck. Susan stated that the lowest bid was US Bank of Denver, Colorado at an interest rate of 1.75%. There was a local bank, City State Bank that bid an interest rate of 1.94%. This was budgeted at $70,000 annually for the payment. The City State Bank bid would amount to about $10,000 higher but she could take it out of the debt service fund.

L. Watts moved to award the Fire Truck Financing Lease bid to City State Bank at an interest rate of 1.94% with an annual payment of $72,859.00. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, J. Jones, L. Watts, and R. Nichols voted aye. P. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO AWARD THE FIRE TRUCK FINANCING LEASE BID TO CITY STATE BANK AT AN INTEREST RATE OF 1.94% WITH AN ANNUAL PAYMENT OF $72,859.00.

  1. Consideration of Golf Cart Lease Bids – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that 36 golf carts and one beverage cart was bid out for Woodland Hills Golf Course. After looking at the bids, she went and talked to both bidders and both said that the beverage cart was not negotiable for the bids and that their bids included the golf carts also. She talked to the low bidder and decided to reduce the number of golf carts but include the beverage cart and still stay close to the budget. This is for a four-year lease with 34 carts, and 15 fold down windshields and all the add on accessories and the beverage cart. This is about $1,200 over budget, but she feels the revenue they will make off the beverage cart will more than make up for the overage. She recommended Clear Creek Golf Cart of Springfield, Missouri at a cost of $17,641.00 per year.

Discussion was held regarding beverages being brought into the course from private citizens.

L. Watts moved to approve the lease bid from Clear Creek Golf Cart of Springfield, Missouri in the amount of $17,641.00 per year. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE LEASE BID FROM CLEAR CREEK GOLF CART OF SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,641.00 PER YEAR. THIS INCLUDES 34 CARTS AND A BEVERAGE CART.

  1. Consideration of Library Board Member – 1 member – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that letters of interest were recently received for the open position on the Fort Scott Public Library Board. There were three letters of interest received: Margaret Robinson, Samantha Hixon-Baglin, and Ronda Hassig. The Library Board recently met and has recommended the appointment of Ronda Hassig.

L. Watts moved to appoint Ronda Hassig to the Fort Scott Public Library Board. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO APPOINT RONDA HASSIG TO THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD.

  1. Consideration of Lake Advisory Board Member – 1 member – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that letters of interest were recently received for the open position on the Lake Advisory Board. This was due to the death of Tom Brink. This position is for the west side of Lake Fort Scott. There were two letters of interest received: Janet Davis and Harold Martin. The Board recently met and recommendation the appointment of Harold Martin.

L. Watts moved to approve the appointment of Harold Martin to the Lake Advisory Board. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF HAROLD MARTIN TO THE LAKE ADVISORY BOARD.

  1. Lake Fort Scott Discussion:

-Changing Ordinance 12.28.220 to remove the holding tank section of the ordinance as all residences are required to hook up to the Lake Sewer District #1 (Approval of Ordinance No. 3569) -Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that there is an old ordinance that states that all lake residents are required to have holding tanks. This does not apply any more due to the formation of the Lake Sewer District #1. This ordinance specified that Section 2., Chapter 12.28.220 Holding Tank Monitoring System is hereby repealed, and adds Chapter 12.28.250, Lake Fort Scott Sewer District and that all residents are required to hook into this system for their sanitary sewer needs.

L. Watts moved to approve Ordinance No. 3569. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3569 REPEALING SECTION 2, CHAPTER 12.28.220 – HOLDING TANK MONITORING SYSTEM AND ADDING CHAPTER 12.28.250 – LAKE FORT SCOTT SEWER DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.

Discussion was held regarding if the City had holding tanks where the old restrooms were.

K. Allen said he would check into that.

R. Nichols asked if there is clarity to the hookups fees to anyone that signs up at this area now.

Susan said that she has been working with Justin Meeks on the Sewer District Agreement and updating this agreement. She is also asking for St. Martin’s Academy not to have to pay the hook up fee. She will address this later.

Discussion was held regarding the hook up fee. Susan said it is currently $6,000 but she does not want to give the proposed new fee until the agreement is finalized.

-Discussion of buoys at Lake Fort Scott – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, and Tom Graham, Lake Patrol Officer, gave an update on the buoys at Lake Fort Scott. Travis said that he attended the Lake Advisory Board Meeting on November 21st, 2020. The topic of buoys came up and safety was discussed. He asked Tom Graham to determine the cost of 15 additional buoys at Lake Fort Scott. This will improve the safety for recreational boats and fishing boats while maintaining proper distance from the shoreline. The cost of 15 additional buoys is $3,362.00 which includes chains, quick clamps and cement blocks. The City will place the buoys according to Coast Guard guidelines. This will make a total of 37 buoys at Lake Fort Scott. The buoys are placed 200’ from the shoreline.

K. Allen made a motion for the City to purchase 15 additional buoys at Lake Fort Scott in the amount of $3,362.00. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED FOR THE CITY TO PURCHASE 15 ADDITIONAL BUOYS AT LAKE FORT SCOTT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,362.00. THE CITY WILL PURCHASE AND PLACE THE BUOYS ACCORDING TO COAST GUARD GUIDELINES.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Director Reports:

  1. Susan Bancroft:

Refinancing of City debt – Susan said that she spoke with the City’s bond attorney today, Gilmore & Bell, and there is an opportunity to look at refinancing some of the City’s debt. This could possibly save up to $60,000 to $80,000. She will have more information and Gilmore & Bell will be present at the next meeting.

Update on St. Martin’s Academy – Susan said that she met with the headmaster of St. Martin’s Academy. She is working with them to secure their 2019 and 2020 rural water usage. She will base their sewer rates off of their monthly water usage. For charges from August of 2019 to November of 2020, we will use actual water usage to bill the arrearage based on current rates established. The January 2021 billing will be based on December 2020 usage and so on. All increases in future rates will also apply to St. Martin’s Academy. She is requesting to waive the connection fee for St. Martin’s Academy. The connection to the system was a decision made before her tenure and at the time of connection, the Sewer District did not have a set fee in place.

Water Rates – Susan said that she has analyzed the water utility and because we have a large temporary note, we need to raise water rates. In order to cover costs of this debt, water rates will need to increase 5% in 2021 and 2022. This increase will add approximately $120,000 in additional revenue each year. The City will be able to maintain $300,000 for capital improvements with this increase which will include meter replacement and water line replacement. She asked for approval for the water rate increase.

K. Allen made a motion to table the water rate increase until the next meeting in December. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE WATER RATE INCREASE UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING IN DECEMBER.

Susan said that she is not making any recommendations on sewer rate changes until after the January election. She also does not see any need to increase the storm sewer rates at this time.

Charter Ordinance No. 31 – Susan said that she has given them at the table a financial focus for the City. The budget is looking good and the cash carryover is good. The purpose of Charter Ordinance No. 31 is to allow the Governing Body of the City to have the ability to transfer or in other words, reimburse the General Fund. This will be on a ballot vote on January 5th, 2021. Since State Statute allows cities the ability to exercise Home Rule and create a charter ordinance when state law does not apply uniformly to all cities. The City of Fort Scott currently has agreements with other private utilities to be able to operate in our right of way. These utilities are charged a 5% franchise fee based on gross sales. The reimbursement the Governing Body would be making is very similar to a franchise fee charged to other utilities. These dollars help cover costs for permitting, inspections, utility cuts, and expenses for materials. Often, street crews are responsible for resurfacing utility cuts and these costs are charged to the City’s general fund. If a yes vote prevails, she thinks it would be prudent for the Governing Body to set a maximum reimbursement amount made to the general fund in their financial policies. As with other utilities, this could also be based on gross sales of the utility reimbursing the City.

Discussion was held regarding moving funds from one fund to another.

Discussion was held regarding having a series of work sessions. This could be informative for all the Commissioners.

P. Allen moved to hold work sessions every other Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. starting December 8th, 2020 for the foreseeable future. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO HOLD WORK SESSIONS EVERY OTHER TUESDAY AT 6:00 P.M. STARTING DECEMBER 8TH, 2020 FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

Susan said she has three topics to start with and they all need to be separate work sessions.

L. Watts said she could do the 8th and 29th of December but not the 22nd.

Sales Tax – Susan said that on June 30th, 2021, the existing .5% sales tax will be sunsetting. This sales tax was used for the Aquatic Center and Buck Run Community Center improvements. This sales tax could potentially be renewed by a vote of the people. If the Commission wishes, they could take the renewal of this tax to a ballot vote. Items to look at include the intended purpose of the sales tax, to renew for 5 years or extend for 10 years, and the effective date of renewal – continuation or postpone decision until a later date. To continue with the sales tax with no disruption, a special election must be completed by March 2nd, 2021. She needs these different options looked at so it will come to the next Commission meeting for final approval. One option is to renew the sales tax and designate a certain percentage: Option 1 is to renew the .5% sales tax with 90% for transportation improvements and 10% for parks and community facilities. Option 2 is to increase from .5% to .6% with 90% for transportation improvements and 10% for parks and community facilities.

Ally Turvey gave them an update on the long-term parks and trails project on the transportation side. This would go towards street resurfacing, sidewalks, bike lanes, street drainage, and curb and gutter. This would tie into the Highway 69 Plan, the PedNet plan, and the Smart Growth Plan.

Nate Stansberry, City Engineer, gave an update on streets. He gave them a spreadsheet on the proposed five-year street plan and what it would look like with the passage of the sales tax.

Pete said that our history with sales tax has been a problem in the past.

Commissioners decided this is a good topic for one of their work sessions.

Randy Nichols said that he would like to see continued health care discussed in the City of Fort Scott.

Assessment Abatement – Susan informed the Commission that there is a property at 124 E. 3rd Street that has a prospective buyer. There is $4,500 in mowing assessments on this property.

Discussion was held regarding who the prospective buyer is.

Susan could not divulge that information at this time. She did tell them that they have improved four or five other homes in Fort Scott.

L. Watts made a motion to forgive the mowing assessments in the amount of $4,500 for the property at 124 E. 3rd Street. R. Nichols seconded. L. Watts and R. Nichols voted aye. K. Allen, P. Allen, and J. Jones voted no. Motion denied 3-2.

DENIED TO FORGIVE THE MOWING ASSESSMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500 FOR THE PROPERTY AT 124 E. 3RD STREET.

This subject was scheduled for a work session also.

County Tax Sale – Susan said that when the County holds their tax sale, the subject of any City assessments will need to be discussed also. When the property sells, it would sell at what is owed the City before it can be sold, and the prospective owner would have to pay that amount. This would be a good topic for a work session also.

Nate Stansberry: Nate informed the Commission that Friday, December 4th is his last day with the City of Fort Scott. He will be moving back to Vermont to his hometown to be the City Manager. This will place him close to his family members also. He thanked them for the opportunity to work for the City of Fort Scott.

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Lindsey welcomed Josh Jones to the Commission. She is excited to see what they can accomplish together as a Board. She is excited to announce that the Commission will be meeting with Osenbaugh Associates in the next couple of weeks to discuss the City Manager search. There are currently 12 applicants. They are looking to hold a special meeting on December 14th and look at the applications. This special meeting will be held in executive session due to confidentiality issues.

J. Jones – Josh thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve as a Commissioner. He brought up the Christmas tree at Skubitz Plaza and the condition it is in.

Susan said that we will be looking at fundraising next year to replace the tree.

P. Allen – Nothing to report.

K. Allen – Kevin said that he talked to Clifton Beth of the Bourbon County Commission regarding a possible combined meeting of the City and County Commissions. They are looking at possible dates.

Kevin said that he was contacted by Craig Campbell who has a vendor that is willing to sell roller skates at $16.00 a pair. He has 200 skates.


Kevin also welcomed Josh Jones to the Commission.

R. Nichols – Randy said that he is looking forward to having work sessions to help them work together better.

He said that a meeting with the County is a good idea, but he isn’t sure that we have our own house in order yet. He would like this meeting to be held when we are all on the same page and can move the City and County forward.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Nothing to report.

Interim City Manager Report and Comments: Jeff said that he plans to have a City Manager letter with each agenda to explain each item as well as what he has been doing all week. This letter is public to the press as well. With Nate leaving, he believes we can get along with others helping fill in to assist the Codes Department.

Adjournment:

L. Watts moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:42 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:42 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, MMC

City Clerk

FS City Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Nov. 30

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 30, 2020 Special Meeting #17

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 30th, 2020 at 6:15 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, and Lindsey Watts were present with President of the Commission Randy Nichols presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Russell Lingerfelt, Max Fanning, Josh Jones, Janice Allen, Deb McCoy, Michael Hoyt, Seth Needham, Jeff Deane, City Attorney, and Jeff Hancock, Interim City Manager.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Review submitted letters of interest and submitted names by City Commissioners for the open City Commission position

Randy Nichols, Mayor, called the meeting to order. He said that the purpose of this meeting is to review the letters of interest and any submitted names by the City Commissioners. He discussed how to proceed with this meeting with Jeff Deane, City Attorney. He asked the Commission to discuss what qualities they would like to see in a Commissioner. He will then ask for a vote and each Commissioner will verbally cast their vote by publicly stating the candidate they wish to fill the position.

There were ten (10) letters of interest submitted. They are as follows in the order received by the City:

Bob Beckham

Kathryn Salsbury

Deb McCoy

Jeremy Lockwood

Josh Jones

William Meyer

Ann Rawlins

Tracy Dancer

Nicholas Philpott

Garold Billionis

After much deliberation and discussion, Kevin Allen made the motion to appoint Josh Jones to the position of City Commissioner. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO APPOINT JOSH JONES TO THE POSITION OF CITY COMMISSIONER.

ADJOURNMENT:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:20 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott Interim City Manager Report Dec. 9

Interim City Manager Report

The Honorable Mayor and December 9, 2020

City Commissioners

City of Fort Scott, Kansas Letter No. 20-002

FROM: J. Jeff Hancock, Interim City Manager

SUBJECT: City Manager Report

Dear Mayor and Commission Members:

Observations and Activities

As previously indicated, I plan to continue to provide you a written report ahead of each regular Commission meeting that will go out with the Agenda. Hopefully, this will not only provide a running report on my activities, communicate to the Press and our citizens, but may also provide recommendations and comments for your review during the Interim City Manager Report previously at the end of the Commission meeting. This upcoming Commission meeting moves this report further up on the Agenda.

Although I started work at City Hall on Wednesday November 18 and have met many city staff members and fellow employees, I still have not had time to take individual tours with all the Department Directors. Hopefully, I can find time to make this happen. Although telephone conversations have taken place, I still want to meet in person and spend some personal time with Commissioners Kevin Allen and Pete Allen.

Monday of last week, I attended a Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting and then a Special City Commission meeting whereupon the Commission voted to replace former Commissioner JoLynne Mitchell with new Commissioner Josh Jones. Congratulations to Josh. I look forward to working with you.

Throughout my stay, I have been fortunate to meet several Fort Scott citizens. Tuesday morning of last week I met with Deb McCoy. At six p.m. that same day I attended the Fort Scott City Commission meeting. Wednesday morning, I participated in the weekly City Department meeting and then met with City Development staff to discuss the departure of Nathan Stansberry and the short term and long-term efforts for Community and Economic Development. As a result of that meeting, I appointed Allyson Turvey Acting City Zoning Administrator. I was also able to meet with a developer and city staff on the alley project and water drainage concerns at the Union Lofts project. Although I left the office Wednesday afternoon, I was able to make and take several telephone calls driving home. City calls continued at home on Thursday and Friday. These calls included discussions on the Christmas Trolley tours, the City Chamber coffee scheduled for December 17 and street concerns, among others. I continue to coordinate Commissioner and citizen concerns.

This week, I arrived on Monday and was able to meet with Commissioners Watts and Jones Monday morning. At noon I met with Rachel and Ally and representatives from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Tuesday morning of this week, I met with Chad Brown and toured an alley site in the downtown. I also was able to formally meet with former Commissioner JoLynne Mitchell. Later I met with Mayor Nichols. Tuesday afternoon included attendance at a Design Review Committee meeting followed by a City Commission work session meeting on the upcoming sales tax ballot issue, and the Charter Ordinance 31 January ballot issue. Wednesday included a Department Director meeting. I then toured with Chad Brown to review Horton and Cooper Streets and the recent water line break. A meeting took place that afternoon with a County Commissioner, County Counselor, City Commissioner Watts and Jones on potential City/County shared services.

I was not in the city Thursday and Friday but took several city e-mails and phone calls concerning City business. I plan to return to Fort Scott on Tuesday, December 15. That evening we will have the second regular City Commission Meeting for the month of December. I plan to attend the Thursday Chamber City sponsored coffee at the Municipal Auditorium.

Some Existing Projects Ongoing:

Time permitting, I may have some additional information to verbally share with you at this upcoming Tuesday City Commission Meeting. Some of these may include:

New Street Cut Permit and Process.

10 N. National building.

Street projects.

Union Loft projects.

Chamber City Sponsored Coffee.

City/County Shared Services.

Strategic Plan.

If you have any questions or if you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me through e-mail at [email protected] or through my cell phone.

FS Commission Agenda Dec. 15

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
BUCK RUN COMMUNITY CENTER

COREY LARSON GYMNASIUM

735 SCOTT AVENUE
DECEMBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen J. Jones L. Watts R. Nichols

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Pastor Ian Johnson, Community Christian Church

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 1st, 2020, and special meeting minutes of November 30th, 2020

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1277-A totaling $428,332.67.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Signage at 17 S. Main – Star Emporium Downtown General Store

  1. Schneider Electric – Final Payment – $176,049.20

  1. Request to Pay – Insituform #2 – $63,600.28

  1. Lauber Municipal Law Firm – November – $22,382.50

  1. HDR Engineering – River Intake Project – $7,906.99

  1. November financials

2021 Package Sales: (Copies on file in Clerk’s office)

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall

Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main

Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main

Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main

G & W 2, L.L.C., 911 E. 6th Street

Consumption on the Premises:

Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt

Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton

2021 Public Dance License: (Copies on file in Clerk’s file)

Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th

Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National

Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main

Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National

Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott

Memorial Auditorium – 1 E. Third Street

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. Interim City Manager Report

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: None

  1. New Business:

  1. Municipal Advisory Services Agreement – Stifel

  2. Refinancing of Bonds – Gilmore & Bell – Approval of Resolution and all supporting documentation for the Mayor to sign

  3. Sales Tax Resolution – Approval of either Option 1 or Option 2 and all supporting documentation for the Mayor to sign

  4. Water Rate Increase – Approval of Ordinance No. 3570

  5. Scope & Fee for Engineering Services for Phase 2 of the River Intake Project – Dam Improvements

  6. Timken Grant Application

  7. Consideration of Scooters Funding

  8. Fuel Flow Fee Agreement – AG Spraying Company – Approval for the Mayor to sign the agreement

  9. Donation of Fire Truck

  10. Consideration of Board Appointments:

Planning Commission (6)

Board of Zoning Appeals (1)

Airport Advisory Board (4)

Design Review Board (2)

XII. Reports and Comments:

  1. Director Reports: None

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XIV. Adjournment:

Rotary Close to Bikes for Children Goal This Year

Rotary is close to meeting their goal of 87 bikes ~
no amount is too small to give!
You may drop off your donation to the E3 store at Wall & National Ave. or click here to pay via the Chamber PayPal and we will forward your donation.
Call Rhonda Dunn for questions or more info:
620-224-1186
Rotary asks for your
partnership in meeting
their goal on
purchasing Bikes
for Children this Christmas!
Rotary Christmas Bikes 2020
The Fort Scott Rotary Club is working with The Beacon
again this year to bring Christmas bicycles to Fort Scott children.
We really came together last year and met the needs and
think we can do it again this year. We need over
80 bicycles, scooters, or tricycles this year.
How can you help?
– Buy a bicycle, scooter, or tricycle and bring it to
Rotary c/o Rhonda Dunn 13 S. National between 9-6 Mon-Fri.
– Make a donation for bicycles and we will do the shopping for you. Mail it to: Fort Scott Rotary Club at 13 S. National Fort Scott.
– Click here to make a donation online via the Chamber’s PayPal and we will forward the money to Rotary.
– PM or call Rhonda @ 620.224.1186 with questions or for more info.
We will be collecting bicycles until December 16 and delivering them on December 17 to the Community Christian Church for distributions to the families on December 18.
Let’s make Christmas special for local families!
Thank you in advance for your consideration and possible contribution to this project!

Local Optometrist Dr. Holloway Retires

Dr. Randall Holloway taken from Facebook.
Randall R Holloway, 65, retired from his optometric practice after 38 years, on Sept. 12, 2020.
His office was located at 4 S. National, just in the back of the Boiler Room  Brewhaus.
Holloway’s first day on the job was July 22, 1982, he said.
Holloway sold his practice to Kannarr Eye Care and it’s now known by that name.
Paula Brewer and Lisa Peck, former employees of Holloway, now work for Kannarr Eye Care.
The phone number remains 223-0850.
Hours of the office are 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.
“Their main office is in Pittsburg Kansas,” Holloway said.  “The  doctors coming to the Fort Scott location are Dr. Shane Kannarr, Dr. Chris Jacquinot, and Dr. Katie Painter.”
“Some employees come from the Pittsburg office,” Lisa Peck said.
Since retiring in a pandemic, Holloway said he is trying to stay healthy.
“Currently, my time is taken up by golf, exercise, and trying to stay healthy,” he said.  “Next year we will be getting the Covid-19 vaccination as soon as possible, which will allow us to travel to Shoreline, Washington to visit our grandchildren.”

Wreaths Across America Anonymous Donation

Wreaths Across America For Fort Scott National Cemetery Received an Extraordinarily Generous Anonymous Donation

The Wreaths Across America mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, is the foundation behind all the organizations efforts. Throughout the year, since 2007 volunteers tirelessly work to make certain that families, loved ones and heroes get honored and remembered for the holidays. For the past 2 years, due to the efforts of many selfless volunteers the Fort Scott National Cemetery has had the pleasure to honor every single one of our military veterans with a wreath at their final resting place of the Fort Scott National Cemetery. With the many challenges of 2020 this just seemed out of reach this year. In fact , we thought it unreachable as the order window closed and we sat at only 44% of our overall goal of covering the entirety of Fort Scott National Cemetery, including a small plot at the Barnesville Cemetery. However, with only days before the wreath trucks were set to run, an extraordinarily generous anonymous donor with a larger-than-life heart got word of our shortage and couldn’t bear the thought of every soldier not being honored, stepped up to cover the funds for the entire remaining portion of the Cemetery.

“Being contacted by a donor who agreed to sponsor payment for ALL of the local graves at Fort Scott National Cemetery who have not been sponsored for 2020 was about the most wonderful surprise I’ve ever received. Prior to this generous donation, our Cemetery had donations to cover about half of the graves for interred soldiers. How grateful we are, and what this means to the families of the fallen soldiers is hard to express.” Said Diann Tucker (Location Coordinator)

To ensure the most important part (the laying of a wreath on every hero’s grave) in our Fort Scott National Cemetery is accomplished for 2020, this year’s events in Fort Scott will look a little different and therefore compromises have been made. This year there will be no ceremony, however we will still be displaying the 7 ceremonial wreaths to represent the Coast Guard, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Merchant Marines and Prisoners of war and those Missing In Action. We will be laying wreaths prior to National Wreaths Day to allow us to have registered volunteers while respectfully maintaining social distancing. This way wreaths will be ready to view by their loved ones on National Wreath Day on the 19th of December. (If you would like to volunteer to help place wreaths please reach out to our Location Coordinator Diann Tucker at 620-223-6700, send a email to [email protected] or logon wreathsacrossamerica.org to fill an open volunteer slot.)

Wreath sponsorships are only $15, and can be sponsored directly at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/ksfsnf or email [email protected] for a link to our local PayPal account. You can also contact location coordinator Diann Tucker at Stewart Realty in Fort Scott, 620-223-6700 or 620-224-7054.

“Every $15 wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “Whether the wreath is placed this December, or next, know that your gift will be honored. We are so grateful to the good people of this great nation for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.”

To stay informed about changes to Wreath Day events in your community or to sponsor a wreath for a local hero, please contact location coordinator Diann Tucker at 620-223-6700.