Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of March 5

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting #4

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 5th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson and Bartelsmeyer were present with Mayor Parker presiding. Commissioners Mitchell and Nichols were absent.

INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Martin, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Darrell Parker, Michael Mix, Paul Ballou, Robert Uhler, Dave Bruner, Chad Brown, Rachel Pruitt, Nick Ruhl, Bill Lemke, Michael Hoyt, Paul Martin, Sherry Beerbower, Travis Parker, Alex Swank, Chilia Swank, Brian L. Allen, Billy Keith, Max Fanning, Jeff Fischer, Jason Gorman, Dale Bollinger, Kevin Allen, Stewart Gulagher, Pat Wood, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 19th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1233-A totaling $286,874.02.

Adamson moved the Consent Agenda. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Parker moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:15 P.M.

6:15 p.m. Resolution 5-2019 directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1612 E. Oak Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this house is owned by the Beerbower family and Sherry is here along with her contractor. Rhonda said has given them a list of items that need repaired on this rental house that they own. They need to replace the floors inside, the electrical, drywall, the kitchen, the plumbing and the roof. Some of these items have been repaired. She asked for 30 days to either repair or remove this structure.

Travis Parker, contractor for Sherry Beerbower, said that the weather has prohibited him from working on the roof, but he thinks 30 days is reasonable.

Adamson moved to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or replace this structure. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 5-2019 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1612 E. OAK. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY APRIL 12TH, 2019 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.

Parker moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:17 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2019 of the governing body of the City of Fort Scott determining the advisability of issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the purpose of financing the acquisition, reconstruction, remodeling, furnishing and equipment of a commercial facility located in said city and authorizing execution of related documents – Rachel Pruitt informed the Commission that this resolution is for a taxable Industrial Revenue Bond for the development of the building at Wall and National belonging to Jennifer LaRoche. This is just a pass through IRB and there is no financing involved. All the debt is with the LLC company. This IRB allows the development to take advantage of construction materials without paying sales tax. This is a $3,000,000 development.

City Attorney said that there is no exposure to the City. This just helps the developer with sales tax assistance.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No. 6-2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION 6-2019 OF THE governing body of the City of Fort Scott determining the advisability of issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the purpose of financing the acquisition, reconstruction, remodeling, furnishing and equipment of a commercial facility located in said city and authorizing execution of related documents – JENNI FROM THE BLOCK – WALL AND NATIONAL PROPERTY.

  1. Consideration of Ground Lease Bids for land at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the lease of approximately 101 acres surrounding the Wastewater Treatment Plant. There were four bids received with the high bid from Phil and Joe Wimmer in the amount of $15,500. Approval was recommended.

Parker moved to approve the high bid from Phil & Joe Wimmer in the amount of $15,500 to farm the 101 acres at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE HIGH BID FROM PHIL & JOE WIMMER IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,500.00 TO FARM THE 101 ACRES SURROUNDING THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

  1. Consideration of quote for raw water testing for cryptosporidium – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that EPA has mandated extra testing for cryptosporidium to assist with their regulations in the future. This is a non-funded mandate. There are only four laboratories that provide this service. He received quotes from three of the four laboratories and asked approval from the low quote of $11,680.00 from Analytical Services, Inc. of Williston, Vermont. This is budgeted.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the low quote from Analytical Services, Inc. in the amount of $11,680.00. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOW QUOTE FROM ANALYTICAL SERVICES, INC. OF WILLISTON, VERMONT IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,680.00 FOR CRYPTOSPORIDIUM TESTING.

  1. Consideration of Bids for Leak Noise Correlator – Bill Lemke, Water Distribution Supervisor, informed the Commission that after their approval, bids were taken to purchase a leak noise correlator. This piece of equipment will be used to determine water leaks. There were eight bids received. The two low bids did not meet specifications. He asked approval for the next low bid from Subsurface Instruments from DePere, Illinois in the amount of $22,100. This is a budgeted item.

Adamson moved to approve the bid from Subsurface Instruments in the amount of $22,100. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BID FROM SUBSURFACE INSTRUMENTS OF DEPERE, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,100 FOR THE PURCHASE OF A LEAK NOISE CORRELATOR.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Health Care Update – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that the City is very fortunate that VIA Christi and CHC both stepped in to provide health care in our community. He has heard good things about both health care providers since they have started providing services.

EMS Update – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Chief, informed the Commission that in February there were 166 calls for service with 107 transfers. This included the down time with no emergency room services. EMS is back to doing long distance transfers. The new transit ambulance vehicles are being detailed and will arrive this week. They are renovating the ambulance building and have assistance from some of the inmates. Last week, Bourbon County EMS had their State inspection and all went well. This inspection is good until April 2020.

Waggoner Engineering – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that in October of 2018, Waggoner Engineering partnered with Bedco to develop the Strategic Implementation Plan. The actual project started in December of 2018 with a review of all City planning documents, an in person visit and a working session with each director. In January and February of 2019, the preparation of the written strategic implementation plan began. Next week, Rachel Pruitt, Larry Gazaway, and himself will be going to Washington, D.C. to visit with federal legislators regarding Fort Scott.

Fire Truck Purchase – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission on the debt of the City and gave them each a sheet showing the General Obligation Debt and the time frame for each debt.

Pool/Buck Run ½ cent Sales Tax – Rhonda gave the Commission a break down on the ½ cent sales tax that was approved back in 2011 for the renovation of the aquatic center and Buck Run. The original debt was $3,900,000. The remaining debt is $1,305,000 and this will be paid off in October of 2021. The 10 year project shows tax revenue of $6,871,637; debt total $4,277,708; operating cost $2,318,333; and surplus from project $275,596.

Sales Tax Update – Rhonda shared a break down on sales from 2015 to 2019. The annual sales tax collection has increased more than 7% since 2015. The economy and sales are good which has helped keep the mill levy down over the years.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer said this shows how important it is to buy locally.

EMS Budget – Rhonda said that a public hearing will be held at the March 19th, 2019 meeting to establish the EMS budget. The notice will be published in tomorrow’s paper.

Flag at Skubitz Plaza – Rhonda said that US Cellular had approached the City about putting a cell tower up in the downtown area and they would like to install these though a flag pole. There has been some opposition about the location in Skubitz Plaza. A new location is being determined at this time and it will not be put up in Skubitz Plaza.

  1. City Commission:

Bartelsmeyer Thanked the audience for attending the meeting tonight.

Adamson – Thanked Diane and the girls in the water office for their assistance when she calls them.

Nichols Not present.

Mitchell Not present.

Parker – Thanked the audience also for attending.

C. City Attorney: Bob Farmer read from a prepared letter he gave to the City Commission: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege serving as the Fort Scott City Attorney. It is one of the most rewarding positions of my life. It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this letter to notify you that I am tendering a resignation to be effective March 30, 2019.” He said that he is not leaving his law firm and will still be around to answer questions.

  1. City Manager: Dave said that it has been a privilege to work with Bob Farmer all these years.

ADJOURNMENT: Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:44 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on March 19th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for March 19

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

MARCH 19, 2019

6:00

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: To be Announced

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Triple AAA Award

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 5th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1234-A totaling $340,436.350.

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Bert Lewis – 2019 Prom – Street Closing and Parking Lot Request- April 13, 2019

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. Budget Amendment Public Hearing

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the 1st floor at the property at 18-20-22 South Main Street

  1. Consideration of Engineering Firm to conduct energy audit

  1. Request of installation of street light at 1st & Goodlander

  1. Consideration of amendment of Cereal Malt Beverage Ordinance to change from 3.2 to 6.0

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:

Health Care Update – Dave Martin

EMS Update – Dave Bruner

Legislative Report – Robert Uhler

Fire Truck/Finance Discussion – Rhonda and Rachel

  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  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

IX. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Tri Valley: Gardening Auction on March 30

Some of the Tri-Valley staff: from left, Sue Schropp, receptionist; Grace Kramer, employment coordinator; Alene Jolly, director of day services and Barb McCord, horticulture therapist.

Tri-Valley Developmental Services is having its’ bi-annual Gardener’s Christmas Auction on Saturday, March 30 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

It is a silent auction and plant sale which will feature annuals, garden tools, silk bouquets, and home and garden decor, TVDS Horticultural Therapist Barb McCord told the Chamber attendees Thursday morning.

Donations of gently used gardening items are sought by March 22 for the Compost Bin Market, which is part of the fundraiser.

The Gardeners Christmas Auction will benefit the Horticulture Therapy Program, which serves those with intellectual disabilities.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce members take turns hosting a weekly coffee where they can tell about upcoming events.

During the March 14 coffee, Knights of Columbus Member Mark McCoy presented TVDS Executive Director Tim Cunningham with a check in the amount of $932. 67.

Cunningham told fortscott.biz the donation will be put in the foundation funds that supports TVDS and used “to build homes” for the clients, he said.

Cunningham noted that TVDS has been in Fort Scott since 1978 offering services to people with developmental disabilities.

There will be a golf tournament fundraiser on Sept. 14 at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott, Cunningham said.

Tri-Valley Horticulture Therapist Barb McCord tells the Chamber coffee attendees of the upcoming Gardener’s Christmas Auction on March 30. For more information call McCord at 620-223-3990 ext. 434.
Tri-Valley Executive Director Tim Cunningham, left, receives a check from Knights of Columbus Member Mark McCoy at the weekly Chamber coffee. The check for $932 will be used towards building homes, Cunningham said. TVDS offers housing options for people with disabilities including community homes and apartments.
Tri-Valley Developmental Services, 4305 Campbell Dr., in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park.

FSHS Presents The Curious Savage

A thoughtful and funny performance will intrigue audiences at the Fort Scott High School spring play. Performances are this Friday, March 15 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 16 and 2 and 7 p.m. at the high school auditorium, 1005 S. Main.

From left: Karina Kantilal, Dominic Cannon, Addy Labbe, Kaden Kiwan, Mesa Jones, Daniela Belcuore, Mary Gladbach, Sage Hill, Jo Goodbody, Hunter Adamson attempt to find the culprit who stole the Savage money bonds in this scene.

 

The comedy, “The Curious Savage” by John Patrick,  has kept the thespians practicing lines for the last six weeks, according to FSHS teacher and play director Angela Bin.

“An ensemble cast of eleven students have worked for the past six weeks to embody the interesting characters in this show,” she said. “They include senior Mary Gladbach playing the lead role of Mrs. Savage who is left ten million dollars by her late husband; and junior Dominic Cannon as Titus Savage, senior Daniela Belcuore as Lily Belle Savage, and senior Kaden Kiwan as Samuel Savage, the greedy children who when their mother won’t spoil them with the inheritance, decide to commit her to a group home.”

The Savage siblings have put their step-mother in a home, called The Cloisters. In this scene, Savage is talking to Dr. Emmett of the home.

“In the Cloisters group home, we find characters with a multitude of different personality disorders including senior Hunter Adamson as Fairy May, and juniors Jo Goodbody as Hannibal, Mesa Jones as Florence, and Addy Labbe as Mrs. Paddy; and sophomore Sage Hill as Jeffrey.  Dr. Emmett, played by senior Karina Kantilal and Miss Wilhelmina played by senior Alyx Brooks are part of the caring staff who run the Cloisters group home.”

Residents of The Cloisters befriend Savage when she is placed in the home.

 

The Curious Savage Cast is as follows:

Ethel Savage

Mary Gladbach

Lily Belle Savage

Daniela Belcuore

Titus Savage

Dominic Cannon

Samuel Savage

Kaden Kiwan

Florence

Mesa Jones

Fairy May

Hunter Adamson

Mrs. Paddy

Addy Labbe

Hannibal

Jo Goodbody

Jeffrey

Sage Hill

Miss Wilhelmina

Alyx Brooks

Dr. Emmett

Karina Kantilal

Crew

Female Understudy/Ast. Director

Wendy Monahan

Male Understudy/Ast. Director

Mark Adams

Stage Manager

Carlee Studyvin

Assistant Stage Manager

Gabriel Graham

Lighting Designers

Amber Russo

Sound/Music Designers

Christina King

Jade Bailey

Props Manager

Kathelra Murray

Costumers

Tristen Ziegler

Alexa Bukowski

Make-up/Hair Crew

Allie Hawkins

Madelynn Barr

Tina Ramirez

Set Construction

Katherine Salaiz

Landon Doherty

Wendy Monahan

Jade Bailey

House Manager

Mark Adams

 

Walmart Remodels for Beer Sales and Online Grocery Shopping

Mike Mulrey, superintendent for JRJ Construction, Texas, watches on Monday morning as plumbers install a drain in preparation for the coolers that will be installed in Walmart for new beer coolers. A hole was dug in the floor of the area for the plumbers to install the pipes for the drain.

Customers may have noticed some bare grocery shelves at a local store.

Walmart at 2500 S. Main is reconfiguring the grocery section to “make it flow better,” said Steve, the assistant manager.

Beer Sales

A recent law has precipitated changes in the beer/liquor section of the store.

“The state law changed and effective April 1, we will carry up to six-percent beer,” Steve said. “Hopefully in the future liquor will be added.”

Former Gov. Sam Brownback signed a law in 2017 allowing the sale of higher percentage alcohol beer in grocery and convenience stores to start in 2019, according to a Wichita Eagle newspaper feature story on April 18, 2017.

It’s a significant shift in the way the state regulates alcoholic beverages, according to the Eagle story. The bill was proposed as a compromise between big stores and liquor stores in response to changes in alcohol laws in neighboring Colorado and Oklahoma.

Online Grocery Shopping

“Part of the remodel is for our online grocery that will start,” Steve said. “I don’t have an exact date right now. There is pre-work going on.”

Approximately six more employees will be hired to work in that new section, he said.

The new service will target young customers, Steve said.

“You can order groceries then when you arrive we bring it out to your vehicle. We do the shopping,” he said.

Fort Scott Walmart Employees 160-plus People

Currently, there are 160 employees at Walmart in Fort Scott.

That doesn’t include the pharmacy.

“Pharmacy is a separate entity,” Steve said. “Eyewear is staffed by the pharmacy. That’s why if somebody needs help, we can’t just send someone from the store to help.”

 

 

 

 

Presbyterian Church Seeks Office Director

The First Presbyterian Church, Fort Scott.

First Presbyterian Church seeks to hire a part-time Office Director.  This position directs the church office and handles accounting and payroll.  Successful candidates will be organized, proficient in office and computer skills as well as desktop publishing; have experience in basic accounting, and a willingness to play a role in a congregation committed to serving our local community.  Please submit a letter of interest, along with resume and references by email to [email protected].

FSHS Results of Math Relay

Front row: Kirryn Sprague, Audra Montjo, Karlie Chipman, Zaria Byrd Middle row: Allie Hawkins, Sierra Wright, Alex Bukowski, Amanda Emmerson, Landon Doharty, Dryden Cosens, Shekhar Gugnani Back row: Grant Feagins, Zoe Self, Khris Patel, Bobby Kemmerer, Collin Thomas, Neil Gugnani, Elijah Self, Aidan Marcum, Caleb Trim, Dominik Bishop
Fort Scott High School sent 21 students to the Allen County College Red Devils Invitational Math Relay on March 7.
“Many of these students (marked with *)entered events at a grade level higher than their actual grade because we had so many freshmen attend that we ran out of spots in the 9th-grade competitions,” said Angie Kemmerer, the gifted teacher for the district.

Here is how the students performed:

Computational Math:
Shekhar Gugnani – 1st in 9th grade
Word Problems:
Collin Thomas – 1st in 9th grade
Dominik Bishop – 5th in 9th grade
Zaria Byrd – 5th in 10th grade*
Math Potpourri:
Shekhar Gugnani – 1st in 10th grade*
Kirryn Sprague – 2nd in 9th grade
Elijah Self – 3rd in 10th grade*
Equations & Inequalities:
Shekhar Gugnani – 1st in 11th grade*
Aiden Marcum – 4th in 9th grade
Grant Feagins – 5th in 9th grade
Simplifications:
Neil Gugnani – 1st in 9th grade
Elijah Self – 2nd in 9th grade
Sierra Wright – 3rd in 9th grade
Algebra Relay for 9th grade only:
2nd place for the team of Dominik Bishop, Collin Thomas, Elijah Self, Kirryn Sprague
4th place for the team of Karlie Chipman, Zaria Byrd, Amanda Emmerson, Alexa Bukowski
Algebra Relay for 9th through 12th grade:
3rd place for the team of Shekhar Gugnani, Neil Gugnani, Zoe Self, Caleb Trim
Word Problem Relay for 9th through 12th grades:
3rd place for the team of Collin Thomas, Khris Patel, Bobby Kemmerer, Dryden Cosens
Students were accompanied by Morgan Felt, Kemmerer, and Karen Self.

FSHS Earns First at the Regional Rube Goldberg Competition

Students pictured are : Front Row: Dawna Hudiburg, Oliver Witt, and Elijah Self. Back Row: Ella Beth, Collin Thomas and Noah Bootle. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott High School Students participated in the Regional Rube Goldberg Competition sponsored by Black & Veatch on Saturday, March 3, 2019 at Olathe West High School.
This year’s challenge is to put money into a piggy bank.
FSHS students chose to do a theme of “Toy Story” using Andy’s bedroom as the backdrop for their machine. They had a total of 32 steps, created a Rube like cartoon and presented a skit to describe their machine to judges.
The team won both the “Peoples Choice Award” and 1st place in the high school division.
Black & Veatch gave each student two tickets to see a Sporting KC game on September 21, where they will be recognized on the field for their accomplishment.
They will be taking their Rube Goldberg Machine to the National competition in Lawrenceburg, IN on April 5-6, 2019.

“We would like to thank the Fort Scott Community Area Community Foundation for their support of partial funding for this project through the STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) grant that was awarded last October,” said
Angie Kemmerer.  “A big thank you for the FSACF for their continued support of not only our schools but the community as a whole. FSACF serves to fulfill the philanthropic goals that benefit the common good and improve quality of life by providing leadership and programming that is responsive to the interest and needs of the residents of the Fort Scott area.”