Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott Commission Special Meeting Minutes of May 12

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of May 12, 2020 Special Meeting #2

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 12th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, Lindsey Watts and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell were present.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Approval of Resolution of Support from the Governing Body to apply for CDBG Grant – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission, that there was a program that was announced yesterday by the Governor. It will become effective today at 1:00 p.m. What we can apply for is additional monies for the CDBG program and this one is actually CDBG-CV for the COVID-19. This is an economic development grant and similar to what we did the first time, but with more procedures and requirements to be determined. The one requirement that will stay the same is the low to moderate income requirements. This is for local businesses to help retain jobs for low to moderate income employees. It is for households and their workforce must be above 51%. That was a requirement of the first round. They must have at least one full time equivalent job. An owner can qualify to be the full time equivalent. More information will be available after the 1:00 p.m. conference call today on this program. There has been $9 million given from the State for the C.A.R.E.S. Act. These will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

City Manager said that more information can be given at next week’s City Commission meeting.

Rachel said that she is seeking approval of Resolution No. 12-2020 seeking support from the Governing Body to apply for the CDBG Grant.

Nichols moved to approve Resolution No. 12-2020 approving the Resolution of Support from the Governing Body to apply for the CDBG-CV Grant. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen did not vote. Motion carried.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 12-2020 APPROVING THE RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNING BODY TO APPLY FOR THE CDBG-CV GRANT.

  1. Approval to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission, that yesterday she had the opportunity to be on a conference call with K.D.O.T. regarding one of their programs which is the Cost Sharing Program. She directly asked if the projects had to be shovel ready. Their response was they did not have to be shovel ready. She talked with Chad Brown, Public Works Director, regarding projects that were planned for next year. One of those projects is Horton Street from 6th Street to 23rd Street. Sidewalks and a bicycle path were also being planning for that street. This is a 85/15 grant. This program is about promoting safety, improving access and mobility, and relieving congestion. This project would take local traffic off the main highway. Projects funded by other KDOT programs are not eligible as there is other funding available for those.

Chad Brown, said that KDOT used to have the KLINK program, but is now called the City Connecting Link Improvement Program. It includes three categories: 1) surface preservation; 2) pavement restoration; and 3) geo-metric improvements. One of these programs is more suitable for Wall Street than Horton Street.

Discussion was held on main traffic streets in the City and prioritizing them. Discussed was Wall Street, National, and Horton Streets.

Discussion was held regarding the project and the urgency in applying for this grant.

Pete Allen moved to table this discussion until Wednesday, May 13th, 2020. Kevin Allen seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED DISCUSSION ON THE K.D.O.T. COST SHARE PROGRAM UNTIL WEDNESDAY, MAY 13th, 2020.

  1. Approval to use Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program – Susan Bancroft, Finance Director, informed the Commission that this will be discussed tomorrow.

ADJOURNMENT:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 10:41 a.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 10:41 A.M.

The next Special meeting is to be held on May 13th, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

RECORDED BY:

_____________________________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of May 5

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of May 5, 2020 Regular Meeting #9

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 5th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: There was no invocation given.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: There was no audience in attendance other than a very few City staff.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 21st, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1262-A totaling $615,308.86.

  1. Request to Pay #4 – Schneider Electric – $216,807.84 – Energy Service Project

  1. Approval to Pay #5 – Struckel Electric – Electric Vault Project – $5,130.00

  1. Approval to Pay – Olsson – Electric Vault Project Engineering – $5,193.01

Pete Allen asked that Item C – Schneider Electric be removed from the Consent Agenda.

Lindsey Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of Item C. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Pete Allen said he could not see on the Schneider Electric invoice where it had been signed off by the engineer or inspections conducted on this project.

R. Nichols moved to table the Schneider Electric payment until the May 19th, 2020 meeting. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED THE SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC PAYMENT.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute

limit per citizen) – Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

(Kevin Allen was asked to leave the room while the first item was discussed).

  1. Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – February – $1,185.00 – Porta Pottie Services

L. Watts moved to approve the payment to Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation for porta-pottie services for February in the amount of $1,185.00. J. Mitchell seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. Motion carried.

approved the payment to Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation for porta-pottie services for February in the amount of $1,185.00.

(Kevin Allen returned to the meeting).

  1. Approval to publish 2020 Budget Amendment and to hold a public hearing on May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she is asking to hold a public hearing on May 19th, 2020 to amend the 2020 budget. There are four funds which need amended:

2020 Adopted 2020 Proposed

Special Alcohol & Drugs $12,850 $47,679

Special Parks & Recreation $12,580 $37,617

E911 $135,500 $140,333

Storm Water Utility $189,493 $979,375

K. Allen moved to hold a public hearing on May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to amend the 2020 budget. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 19TH, 2020 AT 6:00 P.M. TO AMEND THE 2020 BUDGET.

  1. Consideration to repeal Ordinance No. 3556 and approve Ordinance No. 3562 establishing a Street Advisory BoardJeff Deane, City Attorney, informed the Commission that this has been approved but he wanted to read the ordinance to the Commission as it was passed at the last meeting. No questions were brought up on this ordinance.

  1. Consideration of appointments to Street Advisory Board (Six (6) City residents – One (1) County resident within 3-mile limit) – JoLynne Mitchell, Mayor, informed the Commission there are sheets in front of them in alphabetical order for them to review. She will call out the proposed names and each Commissioner will vote and the votes will be tallied and read aloud. They will each need to vote for six City residents and one County resident. The proposed names are as follows: Brian Allen, Nick Barrows, Randy Bohlken, Ralph Carlson, Denny Davis, Charles Gentry, Clete Hall, Diana Morriss, Greg Schick, Matthew Wells, and Gary Cullor, the County resident.

J. Mitchell moved to approve the highest vote getters of Brian Allen, Nick Barrows, Randy Bohlken, Ralph Carlson, Charles Gentry, and Clete Hall – the six City residents, and Gary Cullor the County resident. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

approved the highest vote getters of Brian Allen, Nick Barrows, Randy Bohlken, Ralph Carlson, Charles Gentry, and Clete Hall – the six City residents, and Gary Cullor the County resident to serve on the street advisory board.

  1. Consideration of appointments to Design Review Board – JoLynne Mitchell, Mayor, informed the Commission there are sheets in front of them in alphabetical order for them to review. She will call out the proposed names and each Commissioner will vote and the votes will be tallied and read aloud. They will each need to vote for three City residents. The proposed names are as follows: Frank Adamson, Darren Crays, Debra McCoy, Arnold Schofield, Judy Warren, Matthew Wells, Stacy Wood, and Rick Zingre’.

J. Mitchell moved to approve the highest vote getters of Arnold Schofield, Stacy Wood, and Rick Zingre’. L. Watts seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved the highest vote getters of Arnold Schofield, Stacy Wood, and Rick Zingre’ for the Design Review Board.

  1. Consideration of appointments to Planning Commission – JoLynne Mitchell, Mayor, informed the Commission there are sheets in front of them in alphabetical order for them to review. She will call out the proposed names and each Commissioner will vote and the votes will be tallied and read aloud. They will each need to vote for four City residents and one County resident. The proposed names are as follows: Cheryl Adamson, Josh Jones, Carol MacArthur, Debra McCoy, Judy Warren, and the two County residents are Pam Hightower and Don Tucker.

There was a tie between Debra McCoy and Cheryl Adamson and another vote was taken for those two candidates.

J. Mitchell moved to approve the highest vote getters of Cheryl Adamson, Josh Jones, Carol MacArthur, and Judy Warren for the four City residents and Pam Hightower for the County resident. R. Nichols seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

approved the highest vote getters of Cheryl Adamson, Josh Jones, Carol MacArthur, and Judy Warren for the four City residents and Pam Hightower for the County resident for the planning commission.

  1. Approval of Hay Bid – Airport – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the 130 acres of hay ground to be hayed this summer at the Airport. There were three bids received: Triple M Farms – $6,580.00; Dale Bollinger – $5,388.00; and Dr. Ricky Kellenberger – $5,200.00. Approval for the high bid from Triple M Farms was recommended.

K. Allen moved to approve the high bid of Triple M Farms for the hay bid at the airport in the amount of $6,580.00. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED HIGH BID FROM TRIPLE M FARMS FOR THE 130 ACRES OF HAY GROUND AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,580.00.

  1. Discussion of Pool Opening – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that Chasity Ware, Aquatic Center Manager, sent an email asking that the City Commission postpone their decision on opening or closing the pool until June 1st. According to the Governor’s latest Executive Order, the Phase 2 plan would allow 30 individuals in the pool at a time. After June 15th, there are no limits on gatherings. He asked that this be tabled until we are closer to June 1st.

R. Nichols moved to table the pool opening discussion until after June 1st. J. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

TABLED THE POOL OPENING DISCUSSION UNTIL AFTER JUNE 1ST, 2020.

  1. Discussion of Fuel Bid – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she was approached this week about bidding out our fuel. We currently have a fuel holding tank at Public Works and we get our fuel from a County resident, and have for years, pay whatever the price of fuel is at the time with a 10% discount. This company has asked if they can give us a quote and lock in the rate for a year. She would like to give this option to our current vendor also.

Susan said that our Public Works, Public Safety, EMS, and our street sweeper are mainly the highest users. She said she has audited fuel sales for the last few months. She has looked at weekend purchases and odd hours to ensure that people using fuel at that time is actually being used correctly.

K. Allen said that he would like to bid this item out to all vendors in town.

K. Allen made a motion to put the fuel sales out for bids with all fuel vendors. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PUT THE FUEL SALES OUT FOR BID WITH ALL FUEL VENDORS.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Travis Shelton – Margrave Street School zone discussion – Chief Shelton informed the Commission that back in March the length of the school zone on Margrave Street was discussed regarding shortening the length. The current school zone is .4 of a mile in length. He said that he visited with Terry Chance, Principal, Fort Scott Christian Heights school and he does not have an issue with shortening it. He also contacted the administration of USD 234 to get feedback from them. He talked with Joe Allen, USD 234 Transportation Director who stated they would like to see that 10th Street and 12th Street are both included in the school zone as it is better for the school bus drivers to pull out on Margrave in a 20 mph zone than a 35 mph zone. If the school zone included one half block south of 12th Street and one half block north of 10th Street, the zone would be .2 of a mile. If only including 10th Street, the school zone would be .1 of a mile. He talked to Chad Brown, and he estimated to move the flashing lights, the cost would be between $2,000 to $3,000.

K. Allen said that he would be in favor of shortening it to the .1 of a mile for the school zone. He thinks there are more children walking on Shepherd Street than on Margrave Street. He would not move the electric or the poles. He would like them taken down. He would like to see it shortened to .1 of a mile.

R. Nichols moved to change the school zone on Margrave Street to one half block south of 12th Street and one half block north of 10th Street, which would be .2 of a mile. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

Kevin Allen asked if he could also make a motion.

K. Allen moved to change the school zone to just include 10th Street and be .1 of a mile in length. P. Allen seconded. K. Allen and P. Allen voted aye. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted no. Motion denied 3-2.

APPROVED TO CHANGE THE SCHOOL ZONE ON MARGRAVE STREET TO ONE HALF BLOCK SOUTH OF 12TH STREET AND ONE HALF BLOCK NORTH OF 10TH STREET WHICH WOULD BE .2 OF A MILE IN LENGTH.

Robert Uhler – Shiney Studio roof update – Certificate of Appropriateness – Robert informed the Commission that the State Historic Preservation Office has given the approval for the roof replacement at 123 S. National. The Design Review Board verbally approved this change in the roof contingent upon approval by SHPO. He asked approval for the Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the roof at 123 S. National.

J. Mitchell moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the roof replacement at 123 S. National. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE ROOF REPLACEMENT AT 123 S. NATIONAL.

B. City Commission:

Kevin Allen He had several items:

  • He stated that the City website address is difficult to find. Can we do anything about that? Change the name?

City Clerk told him that the Chamber has fortscott.com.

Susan said that all have links to each other pages.

Kevin would like to see this researched to see if we can share a web address with the Chamber.

  • He asked about the golf course.

City Manager said it was open.

Kevin questioned the free golf for several months and how we are collecting revenue. He thinks we should have had someone there collecting money to play. He said we have been publicly criticized for this and using our amenities for free.

City Manager said that it was a COVID-19 issue he believed.

  • He asked for a report on Andrick Street. He hasn’t seen any progress on that street. It has been going on for nine months now.

City Manager said that they are getting ready to replace the water lines now. They have been talking with Pete on this project also. They have discussed the issue on bidding this project out.

Pete said he has plans and specifications ready on this project. Our current situation is that we have five or six people on our Street Department. We don’t have enough people and expertise to get this project completed. We need to hire it out. We have many problems with potholes in this town. He said that Margrave Street is falling apart. We have streets that are deteriorating. We aren’t doing any maintenance on our streets. If we don’t start on a maintenance program, we will be in terrible trouble. 12th Street is in bad condition with the joints that are 6” wide. His recommendation is to bid this job at Andrick Street out to pour the concrete and get the curbs done. The water line still has to be replaced and base rock needs to be brought in. He asked that a decision be made tonight on Andrick Street.

Kevin said that the plans Pete drew up were amazing. He said that the City crew is a good crew but they have too much to do. It is the Commission’s job to get them help. He asked Dave about when the prisoners can help assisting with the streets. He said that they can patch potholes.

City Manager said that the prisoners cannot work until the COVID-19 pandemic is lifted.

Kevin said that this can be free work provided to us. We can have an officer do security for them. He said that we need to use these prisoners after the COVID-19 is lifted. He said that citizens need to see progress if a sales tax is ever going to pass.

Chief Shelton said that there are differences between a police officer and a detention officer and he would need to look into that.

Susan discussed the two sales taxes. The one renewing this year is the County 1 cent sales tax. Those dollars go into our general fund and amount to about $700,000 a year. The City receives about ½ a percent. This helps fund the street program. In 2021, the ½ cent sales tax comes up for a vote again and she would like to see this dedicated to the streets. That brings in approximately $1,000,000. This is a true City tax which is why the amount the City receives is higher than that 1 cent sales tax. She is getting information together for Josh Jones and can bring it before the Commission if they wish.

City Manager said that the Commission will have to approve the question for the ballot.

  • His next item was when the next Lake meeting will be held. He would like to see a time determined. The last he knew is that Robert was taking a poll when people can meet. He thinks the sewer issue will come up at this meeting. He has talked with Michael Mix about this program. He said that each resident pays about $60.00 a month and a portion of that goes toward paying off the sewer. There was no bonus for paying off your sewer. There is a certain brand of pump and a certain company do the work. At the bottom of the lake, the pumps only last about three years and a person has to pay about $900. If you live at the top of the lake the pump will last about seven years. How long are we tied to this company and these rules? He said that Farlington Lake residents pay $7.00 a month and those funds go into an account that pays for all repairs.

City Manager said that he would meet with Justin Meeks of the County and discuss this and he will get a copy of Farlington Lake’s contract. Our contract says that the County is the sewer district and the County says that they are not. He will get back with them on this.

  • He also wanted to talk about Rural Water District. When a customer has a leak in the City of Fort Scott, they can call a plumber and get it repaired and provide proof to the City and get an adjustment on their bill. She called Rural Water and they don’t do that. He knows a lady that had a leak that was $2,300 and she had to pay it in a three month period. He was told by Rural Water that the City doesn’t give them a break. He thinks the City should find out how we can help County residents with leaks.

  • He asked if we could have a report every two weeks on Streets. Dave could have whoever he wanted to come and give them a report and it would keep them updated on their projects. This would also show transparency in government.

  • His last issue was when the Fire Marshal is going to come and talk to them about the code footprint.

Jeff Deane said that the Fire Marshal responded to them by email.

Kevin Allen said he would call the Fire Marshal tomorrow.

  • Dave asked him about Gunn Park.

Kevin said that by shelter house #3 there is a big dropoff with a 4” edge that a child could drop off of. Rock needs brought in there. This is from years of neglect.

City Manager will check this out.

  • Kevin asked where we are on the resolution that he brought up on filling the vacancy of a Commissioner.

City Attorney said that it was defeated at the last meeting.

City Clerk said that the Commission will take letters of interest.

Lindsey said that parts of his resolution were not constitutional.

Jeff will bring this back to the next meeting.

Kevin said that he will call the League and talk to their legal counsel.

Randy Nichols He remarked that there is awareness of the passage of the 1 cent sales tax and Pete is working on that.

The Street Advisory Board will be a good committee to start the planning process with our infrastructure needs.

Pete AllenHe remarked that he would like to instruct our City staff to complete the work at Andrick, complete the water line, complete the demolition, and also get the base rock put in ready for a contractor to begin the concrete work. He would like this work completed by June 1st. This could be easily completed in two weeks. He would like to see the entire project completed by July 1st.

Kevin said that he believes that the curb can be salvaged and used as it is currently laid.

Kevin Allen made a motion to go out for bid on the sidewalks and concrete overlay in the 500 block of Andrick, and that the City crew finish their work with a deadline of June 2nd, 2020. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID ON THE SIDEWALKS AND CONCRETE OVERLAY IN THE 500 BLOCK OF ANDRICK, AND THAT THE CITY CREWS FINISH THEIR WORK WITH A DEADLINE OF JUNE 2ND, 2020.

Pete also asked if we can provide some relief to the residents on Andrick Street. He brought up at the last meeting possibly giving the residents in the 500 block of Andrick a year free of water and sewer. Pete said he talked to a resident that said he is moving to Colorado.

Susan said that this will amount to around $2,398.62. Susan said a credit could be given to the residents for a twelve month period. She would prefer to use the prior twelve month period and apply it to that account.

Jeff Deane said he will check and see if this is legal or not to do this.

Discussion was held regarding offering the residents a golf, pool, or fitness membership.

Pete made a motion as a form of relief to give the residents in the 500 block of Andrick free water and sewer for a year provided it is legal per the City Attorney. Kevin Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GIVE RELIEF TO THE RESIDENTS IN THE 500 BLOCK OF ANDRICK FREE WATER AND SEWER FOR A YEAR PERIOD PROVIDED THIS IS LEGAL PER THE CITY ATTORNEY WHICH COULD AMOUNT TO $2,398.62.

Lindsey Watts – She said that she was the person who asked for more information from the Street Advisory board and she apologized that three people dropped their names from the list. She would like to see that included in our boards when filling positions, so we know more information about the individuals.

She also believes that every project we have should be bid out every year. Everyone should get the same treatment and it is transparent as possible.

JoLynne Mitchell She remarked that it is important that the Lake Advisory Committee meet as they have concerns especially with their fireworks event coming up.

Dave said that he just checked with Robert and the meeting is set for May 16th, 2020.

Kevin thought one of the problems was that the City Clerk was not available to take the minutes.

Diane told him that it was due to COVID-19 and keeping the count around ten people.

JoLynne said that they need to make a dedicated time to meet.

JoLynne said that she hopes that the pool will open and we are working hard for that to happen.

C. City Manager:

  1. City Engineer – Dave said that we have only had one applicant for City engineer so far.

  1. County meeting – Dave said that they had a good meeting with the County last Friday. They will hold off on a joint meeting now due to COVID-19 and schedule this later. They discussed interlocal agreements for gravel and asphalt but decided to wait until June 1st, 2020. The County and the City both need to wait and see what the tax revenues look like for June. They will meet again on June 1st.

Susan said that rock and asphalt still costs the City money.

Pete said that we will have need for 100,000 ton of rock if they are able to make it. We could save $4.00 a ton on rock.

ADJOURNMENT:

Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:18 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for May 19

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

MAY 19, 2020

6:00 P.M.

 

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: None

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Buddy Poppy Day Proclamation – May 22nd, 2020

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 5th, 2020, special meeting of May 12th, 2020, special meeting of May 13th, 2020, and special meeting of May 14th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1263-A totaling $291,622.07.

  1. Request to Pay #4 – Schneider Electric – $216,807.84 – Energy Service Project

  1. Request to Pay – Lauber Municipal Law Firm – $17,150.00

  1. Request to Pay – River Intake Engineering – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $10,955.00

  1. Change Order #1 – Home Center Construction – Water Treatment Plant Repairs – Increase of $1,320.00

  1. Request to Pay – Home Center Construction – Water Treatment Plant Repairs – $25,564.50

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – Electric Vault Project – Airport – $2,918.31 – Engineering

  1. Approval of 3RK – Certificate of Pay Request #5 – MIH Housing Grant – $21,150.51.

  1. April financials

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Jody Hoener – Bourbon County Healthy Action Team Grant

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. Public Hearing – 2020 Budget Amendment

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of purchase of 100’ Ladder Fire Truck

  1. 2020 Capital Outlay Program
  1. Consideration of CIPP Sewer Rehabilitation Proposal

  1. Consideration of Ozone cooling system

  1. Repeal of Free Water/Sewer Service for residents in 500 block of Andrick Street

  1. Consideration of sale of City property

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:

Susan Bancroft – Financial Policy Update

  1. Street Update:
  1. Commission:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Abby Helt: FSHS and FSMS New Choir Teacher

Abby Helt. Submitted photo.

Abby Helt, 23, will be the new Fort Scott High and Middle School Choir Teacher for 2020-21.

Helt received a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Kansas State University and student taught in  the Shawnee Mission School District.

Her hometown is Lenexa and her parents and family all live in the K.C. area.
Helt has been involved in her community as a member of the Kansas City Choir, Te Deum.

The following is an email interview with the new teacher:

How did you become an educator?

“I have always wanted to be an educator throughout my whole life. My sisters and I would play ‘school’ all the time growing up, and I’ve always been very musical. I want to be able to instill that passion for music in my students, whether it be just a hobby or a potential career.”

Is there someone who inspired you to teach?

“My high school choir director really inspired me to teach music because he made the choir class such a welcoming environment where everyone was able to be themselves. I want to create that in my classroom.”

What is the best part of teaching for you?

“The best part of teaching is getting to know the kids and watching them grow from the first day of school to the last day of school/when they graduate.”

What are the greatest challenges in teaching?

“As I am still fairly new to my career, I have not experienced any great challenges!”

USD234 Summer Food Service Program Continues Through June 30

USD 234 Summer Food Service Program
MAY 18th through JUNE 30th
Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday

10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

ROUTE A* 1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am 2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am 3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am 4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am 5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B* 1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am 2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am 3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am 4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am 5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C* 1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am 2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am 3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am 4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am 5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D* 1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am 2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am 3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am

ROUTE E* 1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am 2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am 3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

Buses will stop at each location. Buses will be at each in-town location for 10 minutes and then move to the next location.

Route D and Route E will distribute meals at each stop and keep moving.

*Please maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP 10:00 am – 11:00 am High school- 9th street** Eugene Ware- 4th street** **

Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

Please register using Google Form: USD 234 COVID-19 Food Service.

Form can be found at www.usd234.org or call 620-223-0800.

Please register for each day you want USD 234 to provide meals so that we can plan.

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.

CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS.

IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT.

New FSHS Family and Consumer Science Teacher: Carissa Bowman

Carissa Bowman. Submitted photo.
Carissa Bowman, 31, is the new  Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Fort Scott High School for 2020-21.
 
Bowman has nine years experience in FACS education 
Her hometowns are Fort Scott and  Uniontown.
She is married to  Alex Bowman and has two children, Gracie and Campbell .
Bowman said she loves to spend quality time with  family.
 
How did you become an educator?
“I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.”
 
Is there someone who inspired you?
” My dad, Larry Fink, and Mrs. Cook, my FACS teacher at Uniontown High School.”
 
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“I enjoy making connections and gaining meaningful relationships with my students.”
 
What are the greatest challenges in teaching for you?
“Seeing the struggles and challenges that students face.”

 

FS City Commission Special Meeting May 14

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14th, 2020 at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The City Commission will meet to consider approval to apply for the K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program, and approval for engineering services if needed.

The City Commission meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 10 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s Youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter May 2020

View Online

Fort Scott Public Library
May 2020

Welcome

We hope you enjoy the Fort Scott Public Library newsletter. You are receiving it because you provided us with your email address for library notifications. If you don’t want to receive future editions, you can unsubscribe using the link in this newsletter, or email the library [email protected], and we will remove your address from the list.
Previous editions of this newsletter are available on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org

The Library Building Will Be Closed to the Public Until Further Notice

Curbside Service

Fort Scott Public Library is offering curbside pickup of library materials. We encourage patrons to log in to their accounts and place holds. Patrons who prefer may call us at (620)223-2882 or email either [email protected] or [email protected]. We will limit holds placed by phone to 5 items. Patrons may also borrow newspapers and magazines. Email or call with the titles and dates needed.
The only items available to check out are those physically in our library. Eventually the service that moves library items from place to place will be working again, but for at least the next couple of weeks, we’re limited to what we have here. If you log in to your account at www.seknfind.org, your choices will automatically be set to items located at Fort Scott Public.
Are you unsure of what books to get for your child, or just don’t have the time to browse the catalog? Miss Val is here to help! Every week, she will compile collections of ten books on specific topics for you to check out. See the library website or Facebook page for a list of current topics available, and feel free to contact Miss Val at [email protected] to make suggestions for future topics. Collections are compiled by both topics and age ranges of birth to 1st grade or 2nd to 5th grade. When calling or emailing the library to reserve a collection, just ask for the book collection listed online, or request a list of current topics. If one you want has already been taken, we will tell you what topics remain. You may even find a few goodies from Miss Val in your bag!
Emails and texts are automatically generated when we scan holds. The items won’t be available to check out until we have scheduled a time with you. We will call patrons to schedule a time to pick up their items. We encourage everyone to log in to their accounts and verify that their contact information is correct. If you need assistance logging in, please email us at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your account number (library card number) in your email.
You can find instructions about how to log in to your account and place holds by looking in the “how to” section on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org.
We will have a table outside the library where we will place items to be picked up. Patrons should call the library when they arrive and give us their library card number. We will put the items on the table to be picked up. We ask that people stay away from the table while library staff are outside.
We will place your items in bags before putting them on the table. If you prefer to use your own bags, let us know when we schedule your pick up time. When you arrive, call us to let us know you’re here, place your bag on the table, and move away from the table. Library employees will put your items in your bag and return to the building.
People who need us to put the items in their vehicles should let us know when we are scheduling their pick up times. Please open your trunk and remain in your vehicle when you let us know that you’re here for your holds. Library staff will place your items in your trunk.
In the event of inclement weather, items to pick up will be placed on the counter inside the Second Street entrance. Please wait until staff have re-entered the main building before entering to pick up your items.
We will have an area outside the building in which we are offering free books. Please limit browsing to one person at a time. We will refill the selection of free books as needed. Please remain an appropriate distance away from library employees refilling the free books boxes.
We are quarantining all returned items for several days.
Please maintain appropriate social distancing while library employees are outside the building.
Please stay home if you are sick.
We are not accepting donations of any materials at this time.
A note to our wi-fi users: In order for us to keep the wi-fi available while we are offering curbside circulation, we ask that you please not occupy the parking or sidewalk area on the north (Second Street) side of the library.

Book Bags for Children

 
Bagged collections of books for children available for curbside check out
Are you unsure of what books to get for your child, or just don’t have the time to browse the catalog? Miss Val is here to help! She has compiled collections of ten books on specific topics for you to check out. See the library website or Facebook page for a list of current topics available, and feel free to contact Miss Val at [email protected] to make suggestions for future topics. Collections are compiled by both topics and age ranges of birth to 1st grade or 2nd to 5th grade. When calling or emailing the library to reserve a collection, just ask for the book collection listed online, or request a list of current topics. If one you want has already been taken, we will tell you what topics remain. You may even find a few goodies from Miss Val in your bag!
 
Here are the topics currently available: Boys’ General Interest, Classics, Community Helpers, Dinosaurs, Disney Stories, Fantasy, Farm, Girls’ General Interest, LEGO, Silly Stories, Sports, Spring, Superheroes, Star Wars, Vehicles, and Zoo Animals. For most topics, we have books in both the Birth – 1st Grade and 2nd – 5th Grades age ranges, but always choose what you think your child is more ready for.

Digital Resources

Digital Library Accounts

If you don’t have an account with us, and you live in Bourbon County, we can create an account that gives you access to digital resources. Create an account at www.seknfind.org and we will email you information about using it to access hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary.

At present, we are not able to create new accounts for checking out physical items.

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. All you need is your library card login. Ask us if you need assistance.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. All you need is a Kansas Library eCard. Ask us if you need assistance.

For Kids

Virtual Storytime
Tuesdays 10 am Zoom
11 am Facebook Live
Stayed Tuned for Announcements about this year’s Summer Reading Program!
Join Miss Val online for stories, songs, & crafts Upcoming Themes: Flight & Alphabet.
Click this link on Tuesdays at 10 am to join the Zoom storytime. To receive the Zoom password, email Miss Val at [email protected] or message the library’s Facebook page. Suggest your child’s favorites here.

 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by sending your name, child’s name and age, and contact information to Miss Val at [email protected]. Track your child’s reading online or on paper by recording every time you read a story to your child. Once you reach 100, send Miss Val a message at the email above. Take a photo of your child (you may print a milestone paper for the photo from this website. When the library reopens to the public, Miss Val will give your child a sticker and book for each milestone achieved while we were closed. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
           

FIGHTERS for Teens & Tweens

Sjoin
Stay tuned for announcements about this year’s teen summer reading program!
Middle & High School Students, join Miss Val on Zoom Wednesdays at 4 p.m. for a free program just for you!
FIGHTERS stands for Familiar Inviting Group Helping Those Entities Recover from School. The name was chosen and voted on by our members.
Online meetings occur each week, and specific details will be posted on the library’s Facebook page. You will need to use this link to join the Zoom meeting. You will also need to contact Miss Val at [email protected] or through the library’s Facebook page in order to receive the password required to join the meeting.
Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-2882
fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/

FSHS Senior Serves on Kansas Learning Plan Commission

Elizabeth Ngatia. Submitted photo.

USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong nominated Fort Scott High School Senior Elizabeth Ngatia to serve on the Kansas Learning Plan Commission, started by the Kansas State Department of Education.

The KSDE asked all school districts to nominate one senior from the graduating class of 2020 to be on the task force to assist other seniors across the State of Kansas in dealing with the pandemic of COVID-19.

“I felt so honored, thankful to have a superintendent who believed in me so much,” she said. “The nomination was to represent the USD 234 school district and our seniors.”

Hessong was impressed with Ngatia as a student at FSHS, he said.  “After hearing some of her speeches, I was moved by the passion she had for topics she was conveying to the listener. I was not aware of Elizabeth’s personal story at the time of the nomination, but when she shared her story with me I knew she was the right choice to nominate for her to represent USD 234.”

Once nominated, Ngatia wtote a bibliography about herself and  waited to see if she was selected to be a part of the 50 students selected.

“After the meeting with the 50 students, a few weeks passed and KSDE contacted me about being a part of an even smaller group to help have a more focused conversation that can benefit students,” she said.

The group met online for discussion beginning May 1.

The following is an email interview with Ngatia.

What do you do on the commission?

“I discuss my thoughts, ideas, and concerns about my struggles as well as other seniors and their struggles through this trying time with fellow seniors in Kansas, and the staff of the KSDE.”

How do you meet?

“We meet every few weeks on Zoom calls as a group.”

Elizabeth Ngatia,  top middle , in a Zoom meeting with others on the Kansas Learning Plan Commission. Submitted photos.

 

What is the commission all about?

“The commission is all about… the leaders of the Kansas education system, getting to hear from students about how we are coping with everything. They are able to have an insight on what ways they may be able to help with such a drastic change. However, the commission goes beyond Covid-19 and the burden it has been. We discuss how and what educators can do to help address some of the barriers seniors face. What they can do to create, and improve, some of the high school learning experiences for future graduates.”

Has anything good come out of the experience of the pandemic that shut down the country, for you?

“I think for me I took the time to grieve and be heartbroken about the situation. I took the time to remember all the things that would no longer be accessible to me, once I got past that grieving stage, I reminded myself that this is the way that it has to be, that although it has affected many important areas of my life, I must look at the positives. I quickly recognized how lucky and blessed I am to have a home life where I feel safe, cared for, and can easily focus on my online studies well. At the end of the day, you must take the bad situations and make them good, I am happy to have gotten this extra time with my family, this extra to also re-evaluate and discover more about myself before moving on to a new chapter of my life.”

What challenges have there been?

“For me, asides from the common missing being with friends and extended family, it was navigating post-secondary education plans without the help of teachers and especially the counselors.”

What are you looking forward to in your education?

“I am really looking forward to being in the leadership community at Washburn University and being around such a family-like atmosphere. I am also really looking forward to studying pre-law (political science) in the capital city where I will hopefully get to work with some of our state lawmakers and see everything in action, hopefully, pick up a few skills!”

“Elizabeth has a bright future in front of her and I know by her participating in this task force, others will be able to learn and relate to her story and she will help her fellow seniors across the State of Kansas in dealing with COVID-19 in a positive manner,” Hessong said.

 

Ngatia shared a little of her life journey with fortscott.biz:

She was born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, and her parents worked hard to support the family.

  “At the age of seven, my family immigrated to America,” Ngatia said. “My parents picked up jobs at local fast-food restaurants to support us.”

The culture in Kenya and the U.S. were immensely different, she said and she felt like she was out of place due to her strong accent, financial issues and other cultural differences.

Her family became her source of motivation.

Her parents told her the American Dream was meant for her and her sister.

  “They pushed us to be successful because this is an opportunity not many have in Kenya,” she said.  

The faith and support of her parents helped her realize the opportunities she has before her, and she looked for ways to change the status quo, by getting involved in many school activities to fulfill the goals she had, she said.

 

FS City Commission Special Meeting To Consider Cost Share/Engineer Services

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13th, 2020 at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The City Commission will meet to consider approval to apply for the K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program, and approval for engineering services if needed.

The City Commission meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 10 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s Youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.

FS City Commission Special Meeting Agenda for May 13

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY COMMISSION ROOM

123 S. MAIN STREET

FORT SCOTT, KANSAS 66701

MAY 13, 2020

10:30 A.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Approval to apply for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program
  1. Approval to use Olsson Associates for engineering if needed for K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

ADJOURNMENT:

Minutes of USD 234 Board of Education Meeting May 11

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, May 11, 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 – April 17, 2020 – $1,375,747.90

D.    Financial Report

E.     Bond Proceeds Reconciliation

F.     Activity Fund Accounts

 

Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report.  Administrators from each building shared information with board members.

Superintendent Ted Hessong expressed thanks to administrators and directors for their leadership throughout the pandemic.  He also discussed competency-based learning, CARES federal money, a return-to-work plan, and the Return-to-School Committee.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed closing down the financials, CARES federal money, a food service/food distribution update, and insurance renewal.

Board members approved the following items:

·       Roof change order

·       Roof payment

·       2020-21 Calendar

·       2020-21 Fees

·       Greenbush Energy Group Participation Agreement and Hedging Authorization for 2020-21

·       LEA Assurances

The board also reviewed summer projects.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.  The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

A.    Transfer of Rachelle Thomas, Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher, to a fifth grade position for the 2020-21 school year

B.    Transfer of Rhonda Dawson, high school secretary, to high school activities/athletic secretary for the 2020-21 school year

C.    Transfer of Pam Hutchison, high school teacher aide, to high school secretary for the 2020-21 school year

D.    Contract extension for Angella Curran, high school debate/forensics sponsor

E.     Employment of Dalaina Smith as Director of Academics for the 2020-21 school year

F.     Employment of Paulette Howard as a K-12 gifted teacher for the 2020-21 school year

G.    Employment of Courtenay Slinkard as a high school English/Language Arts teacher for the 2020-21 school year

H.    Employment of Reyna Valenzuela as a high school English/Language Arts teacher for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Employment of Larry Amer as a high school art teacher for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Employment of Abigail Helt as high school/middle school choral teacher for the 2020-21 school year

K.    Employment of Danny Larsen as Eugene Ware physical education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Resignation of Curtis Horton as a high school assistant football coach, assistant basketball coach, and freshman boys’ head basketball coach at the end of the 2019-20 school year

M.   Resignation of Erica Clark as a high school assistant cheer sponsor at the end of the 2019-20 school year

N.    Resignation of Brendon Blackburn as a middle school football coach at the end of the 2019-20 school year

O.    Resignation of Jayci Cosens as a middle school second session intramural coach, 8th grade boys’ basketball coach, and intramural track coach at the end of the 2019-20 school year

P.     Resignation of Steve Williams, middle school boys’ assistant basketball coach, at the end of the 2019-20 school year

Q.    Employment of Kaitlin Arnold as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

The board adjourned.