Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Volunteers Needed For Downtown Clean-up On April 22

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Downtown Fort Scott looking south on North Main Street.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee is sponsoring another spring Downtown Cleanup event.  This year’s event will be held on Monday, April 22, to coincide with Earth Day.

According to committee member John Crain, there are several projects being planned downtown, that the committee hopes will make the area a little more attractive for both local residents and visitors.  This is the third downtown clean-up sponsored by the committee, the first in 2021, and second in 2022.  These included some of the same types of projects this year’s event will have, but also included others, such as the painting of awnings, striping of parking spaces on the streets and parking lots, painting of Skubitz Plaza light poles, and five murals on the sides of downtown buildings.

According to Crain, “This year crews will be cleaning up, and removing stuff from the downtown gutters, sidewalks, alleys and parking lots. Things such as trash, leaves, weeds, and remnants of the winter’s ice and snow treatments.  We will also be washing windows of unoccupied buildings, painting street lights on Main and Wall, as well as benches and tables on Skubitz Plaza.  New mulch will be put down in a couple of areas, and flowers planted in others.  We’re also hoping to get another mural painted.”

“This is the third downtown cleanup we’ve had, and what made the first two so successful and rewarding, was all of the community members that volunteered their time, to come together for a common good,” Crain said.  “And we need that same type of volunteer help again this year.  The actual cleanup starts at 4 p.m. and goes till 6 p.m., so if you can spare about two and a half hours, from 3:45 to 6:15, we’ll find something for you to do, give you a tee shirt, and feed you when you’re done.”

“We also need some tools, such as flat blade and scoop shovels, loppers and pruning shears, brooms, dust pans, and step stools,” he said. ” If you can volunteer, and or have any of those items that we can use, please call (620) 266-9448, and ask for Katie or Bailey.  You can also email them at [email protected].  I promise, when you’re done, you’ll feel good about what you helped accomplish.”

The Clean Up Committee is made up of Chamber Downtown Committee members Baily Lyons, Cathy Bishop, Kate Freeman, and John Crain, Chamber President Lindsay Madison, and Craig Campbell, representing The Good Neighbor Action Team.

Crain said the committee would like to thank the following businesses and entities for their support:  Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, City of Fort Scott, Good Neighbor Action Team, My One Stop, Fort Scott Elks Lodge, Big Sugar Lumber, Bourbon County Arts Council, Bourbon County Garden Club, Holmtown Pub, Papa Don’s, Brick Street Barbecue, Common Ground Coffee, Sharkey’s Pub & Grub, Health Bourbon County Action Team, Fort Scott Community College, and Fort Scott USD 234.

Bailey Lyons is the owner of Lyons Realty Group. Submitted photo.
Cathy Bishop is the events coordinator at the River Room Event Center. Submitted photo.
Kate Freeman and her husband Trent own the Artificers, a downtown art gallery. Submitted photos.
John Crain,is owner of Crain Insurance.
Lindsay Madison is the executive director of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Submitted photo.
Craig Campbell is the chairman of the Good Neighbor Action Team.

 

“We’ve had several people volunteer already, but still need lots more,” he said.

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Niece Products of Kansas, Inc. Awarded Energy Efficient Improvement Grant from U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

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Niece of Ks. Inc., 3904 Liberty Bell Road.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced $1,809,677 in investments in renewable energy and efficiency projects to lower costs, generate new income and create jobs for Kansas farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.

“USDA is committed to ensuring rural Kansas is benefitting from the clean energy economy,” Davis said. “These investments will expand access to renewable energy while creating good-paying jobs and saving Kansas communities and businesses money.”

The details of the Kansas projects are:

  • A $189,554 grant will help purchase and install 45.6 kW and 107.5 kW solar arrays for Concrete Service Co. Inc. in Barton and Ellis counties. This project will generate 225,623 kWh per year, enough to power 20 homes and save $19,628 per year.
  • A $39,532 grant will help purchase and install energy efficient improvements including new HVAC systems, resized ducting, heaters, and a waste oil heater for Niece Products of Kansas Inc in Fort Scott. The project is expected to save 1,943,100 cubic feet of natural gas, 1,160 gallons of diesel, and 85,293 kWh of electricity, the energy equivalent of powering 65 homes. The project is expected to save the company $41,037 per year in fuel, gas, and electricity costs.
  • A $62,027 grant will help purchase and install a 34 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Route 66 Hardware of Baxter Springs. The project is expected to generate 45,594 kWh per year, enough to power four homes and save the company $6,233 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $181,925 grant will help purchase and install three rooftop solar photovoltaic renewable energy systems, an 83 kW and two 17 kW systems, for American Bank at their Baxter Springs and Galena locations. The project is expected to replace 174,829 kWh per year, enough to power 16 homes and save the company $28,369 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $219,284 grant will help purchase and install two solar photovoltaic renewable energy systems, a 72.80 kW system and an 84.24 kW system, for US Assets Recovery LLC of Galena. The project is expected to generate 216,915 kWh per year, enough to power 20 homes. The project is expected to save the company $35,220 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $9,360 grant will help purchase and install a 6.24 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Brian Jordan’s commercial property management business in Galena. The project is expected to replace 8,395 kWh per year and save the company $1,352 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $16,380 grant will help purchase and install a 10.92 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Liberty Hall LLC of Galena. The project is expected to replace 17,009 kWh per year and save the company $2,450 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $20,659 grant will help purchase and install a 14.08 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Clark Repair of Baldwin City. The project is expected to replace 20,697 kWh per year, enough to power two homes and save the company $2,621 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $51,250 grant will help purchase and install a 41 kW solar array for Hi-Plain Farm Equipment Inc. of Dodge City. This project will generate 55,068 kWh per year, enough to power five homes and save $3,870 per year.
  • A $156,183 grant will help purchase and install a 137.16 kW solar array for Blake Koehn, an ag producer in Grant County. This project will produce 250,279 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 23 homes.
  • A $21,734 grant will help purchase and install a 15.96 kW solar array for Rick’s Auto Repair LLC in Gray County. This project will generate 27,415 kWh per year, enough electricity to power two homes.
  • A $22,028 grant will help purchase and install a 114.72 kW solar array for Country Feeds Co. in Gray County. This project will produce 184,860 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 17 homes.
  • A $70,565 grant will help purchase and install a 60.48 kW solar array for Nichols Ironworks LLC in Haskell County. This project will produce 89,498 kWh per year, enough electricity to power eight homes.
  • A $46,966 grant will help purchase and install three solar photovoltaic renewable energy system rated at 6.32 kW, 10.66 kW, and 15.40 kW for RVH Properties LLC of Dennis. The project is expected to replace 71,585 kWh per year, enough to power seven homes and save the company $5,599 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $60,494 grant will help purchase and install a 34.1 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Summit Center LLC of Emporia. The project is expected to replace 54,287 kWh per year, enough to power five homes and save the company $7,744 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $68,957 grant will help purchase and install a 59.2 kW solar array for Rusty Feather LLC of Canton. The project is estimated to replace 74,896 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
  • A $12,187 grant will help purchase and install a 7.5 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Ports Farms LLC of Chanute. The project is expected to replace 10,030 kWh per year, enough to power one home. The project is expected to save the company $1,522 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $106,850 grant will help purchase and install an 81 kW and 40 kW solar arrays for Fusion Bank of Pratt and Larned. The project is estimated to replace 180,047 kWh per year, enough energy to power 16 homes.
  • A $110,625 grant help purchase and install an 80 kW and 31 kW solar arrays for Mix-America Redi-Mix Inc. of Hutchinson and Lyons. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.
  • A $61,745 grant will help purchase and install a 40 kW solar array for Hutchinson Transportation Company Inc. of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.
  • A $56,540 grant will help purchase and install a 47 kW solar array for Custer County Concrete Inc. of Great Bend. The project is estimated to replace 54,199 kWh per year, enough energy to power five homes.
  • A $67,717 grant will help purchase and install a 75 kW solar array for Doug Bradley Trucking Inc. of Salina. The project is estimated to replace 97,201 kWh per year, enough energy to power nine homes.
  • A $78,250 grant will help purchase and install a 25 kW wind turbine for St. Francis Feed Yard LLC in Sherman County. This project will generate 123,965 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 11 homes and save $8,895 per year.
  • A $34,750 grant will help purchase and install a 21.4 kW solar array for Ricky Totten, an agricultural producer in Oxford. The project is estimated to replace 29,494 kWh per year, enough energy to power two homes.
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Sports

REDI on the Green Golf Tournament Woodland Hills Golf Course Friday, April 19

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Bourbon County Regional Economic Developement, Inc (REDI)…

REDI on the Green!

REDI on the Green Golf Tournament

Woodland Hills Golf Course

Friday, April 19th

Check in: 9:00am

Tee off: 10:00am

$60.00 per player

$240.00 team of 4

Lunch will be provided for golfers

GOLF CARTS ARE LIMITED

100% of all proceeds goes to support local scholarships

Register now at redi-on-the-green.perfectgolfevent.com

Games:

Hole-In-One

4-Player Shootout

Longest Drive

Putting Contest

Closest to the Pin

Potential Hole-In-One Prizes:

$10,000

$100,000 Shootout

Scotty Cameron Phantom X Putter

Yeti Tundra 75 Hard Cooler

Bushnell Pro X3 Rangefinder

Guaranteed Prizes:

(2) Winners for $100 towards a round of golf anywhere in the US or Spa Day

(1) Winner 7 Night Resort Stay for 2

1st & 2nd place pay out to flight A & B

Deadline for sponsors is April 5th!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Entertainment, Fort Scott

World League Wrestling Coming To Fort Scott on April 13

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Advance Bourbon County…

WLW Returns!

Saturday, April 13th, World League Wrestling returns to Ft. Scott, KS at the historic Memorial Hall! This event for the public! This free event still requires a ticket and you can pick up free ticket/s at locations listed below.

Thanks to the awesome people at Advance Bourbon County / The Hall Events for their work in making this event happen and thanks to the businesses for their sponsoring April 13th’s event –

Findley Auto & Body LLC

Sleep Inn & Suites

No Limits Rehabilitation

5 Corners Mini Mart

Lyons Realty Group

Peerless Products

Bourbon County Cars

Kale Nelson State Farm

Brumback Motorsports

Pearson Towing

Fort Scott American Legion Post 25

H2 Painting LLC

H2 Logistics

Aunt Toadies

Linn’s Sanitation Services

Ron Hurd Construction

Jeff Allen Electric

City of Fort Scott

Again – we want to send out a HUGE THANK YOU for all the businesses above and Advance Bourbon County for getting this event free for the public to attend!

It’s time to fill up Memorial Hall and have a great night of pro-wrestling!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Church news, Fort Scott

Catholic Church and Rectory Buildings are Coming To Fruition

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The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church following the fire on August 29, 2022. Submitted photo.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church was damaged beyond repair following the lightning event that struck the church on August 29, 2022.
Since then the church members pulled together to design a new building, which is anticipated for completion in December 2024.
Statutes are being restored by an artist

“When I heard about the fire, I immediately contacted Fr. Yancey Burgess ( the parish priest)  to offer my help,” Robert Elliot, an artisan specializing in church renovations and statue restoration, said. “Father Yancy …presided over my wife’s funeral mass along with three other priests and this has always meant a great deal to me, so helping him and his community was the only thing to do.”
Elliot’s studio in Wichita. Submitted photo.

He received the Stations of the Cross and other statues last May, he said.

Some of the statues that are being restored. Submitted photo.
“We are restoring the fourteen Stations of the Cross and the following statues: The Corpus Of Christ, Mary Queen of Angels, The Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Joseph with the Infant Jesus, two angels with ribbons, and one free-standing angel.
Elliot anticipates completion of the statue restoration project in mid-September after 16 months of work,  he said.
Elliot started his company in 1995 and is located in Wichita.
Update on the church rebuild
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church at 714 S. Eddy earlier this month.  Photo from Margaret Humphrey.
Simpson Construction, Wichita,  is the general contractor for the project. which began a year ago and is scheduled for completion in December 2024.
“Currently, they are working on the outside,” putting up OSB boards,” said a spokesman, Mark McCoy.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church from Holbrook Street, the back side of the church, on March 26, 2024.
Then a sealer will be applied, followed by brick masons, who will be coming in approximately three weeks, he said.
“The base of the church will look like St. Mary’s school, which is adjacent to the church,” he said.
“Our plan is to have a dedication Mass in December,” McCoy said.
The image of the church will look like the previous church, he said.
To view prior features:
The Rectory

The rectory, where the parish priest lives,  should be finished and Father Yancy moving in by the end of April, McCoy said.

The Catholic Rectory on March 26, 2024. Workers putting up rails are Bruce Swank, Frank Casper, and Bo Casper of Casper Enterprises.

That project is being completed by Casper Enterprises, Bo Casper is the contractor.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the City of Fort Scott Meeting on March 19

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of March 19, 2024                                                                Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 19, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).

 

Roll Call

Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation – T. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and M. Wells said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly, Ben Hart/City Finance Director-BakerTilly (via Teams Meeting), Tom Coffman/Public Works Director, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Michael Hoyt, J. D. Collins/R&R Equipment, Diane Striler, Cory Bryars, Kate Freeman, Deb Needleman, Gary Cullor, Kevin Mitchelson/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm, Dakota Lapping/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm, Fred Wingert/Advantage Development LLC, and Lindsay Madison.

 

Approval of Agenda

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as presented. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

 

Consent Agenda

 

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1356-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates February 28, 2024 – March 12, 2024 – $387,082.32

– Approval of Minutes from September 19, 2023, February 6, 2024, and

March 5, 2024

– February Financials

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.               M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

 

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.

 

Public Comment   No Public Comments.

 

Appearances

 

Joe Wimmer (Time stamp 5:55) – Tiger Color Run – Request for Temporary Street Closure – April 26, 2024 – Maple Ridge Park (roadway in Riverfront Park) – 5:00PM – 8:00PM and Temporary Park Closure – April 26, 2024 – 4:00PM – 8:00PM.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the applications.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED THE REQUEST FROM USD234 FOR A TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE ON APRIL 26, 2024, OF MAPLE RIDGE PARK (ROADWAY IN RIVERFRONT PARK) FROM 5:00PM TO 8:00PM AND THE TEMPORARY CLOSUURE OF RIVERFRONT PARK ON APRIL 26, 2024, FROM 4:00PM – 8:00PM FOR THE ANNUAL TIGER COLOR RUN.

 

Diane Striler and Cory Bryars (Time stamp – 7:17) – appeared before the Commission to provide the requested financial outline of the costs to own and operate the proposed Downtown Ice-Skating Rink from the March 5, 2024, Appearance.  (The written is proposal available in the March 19, 2024, Agenda Packet on www.fscity.org).  They presented three (3) potential scenarios for City involvement in the Community Ice Rink categorized as Most Involvement, Less Involvement and Least Involvement.

 

Discussion was had about the possibility of alternative locations, fundraising and other costs involved.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to have the City take ownership of the skating rink (the option of Most Involvement) with the location to be determined at another time.

 

  1. Wells amended his motion to the option of Less Involvement (City owned and other operate) in the Fort Scott Pavilion. M. Guns seconded the motion.

 

  1. Wells and M. Guns voted yes. T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted no.

 

MOTION DEFEATED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

 

 

Old Business 

 

Approval of Ordinance No. 3762 – AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 2383, ORDINANCE NO. 2384 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2393 WHICH ESTABLISHES THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, PLANNING COMMISSION, AND ORDINANCE NO. 3497 AMENDING SECTION 2.20.040 MEMBERS APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF THE MEMBER THEREOF AND DEFINING THEIR DUTIES – Recommended by Planning Commission – February 21, 2024, tabled by City Commission – March 5, 2024- Commission Work Session – March 12, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3762 – an ordinance repealing and replacing Ordinance No. 2383, Ordinance No. 2384 and Ordinance No. 2393 which establishes the City of Fort Scott, Kansas, Planning Commission, and Ordinance No. 3497 amending Section 2.20.040 Members Appointment and Terms of the Member thereof and defining their duties.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3762.

 

  1. Matkin requested the introduction of J. Oliphant/BakerTilly.

 

  1. Hart introduced J. Oliphant to the Commission. She will be instrumental in the preparation of the 2025 budget for the City.

 

Approval of Ordinance No. 3761 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.04.90 OF ORDINANCE NO. 3486 UTLITY TERRAIN VEHICLES (UTV) OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE – tabled March 5, 2024, to change verbiage before approval.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3761 as it has been changed.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3761.

 

Approval of Ordinance No. 3763 to repeal Ordinance No. 3060 Requiring a Public Dance License.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve Ordinance No. 3763 to repeal Ordinance No. 3060.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.

 

  1. Olson, T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3763 TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 3060.

 

Approval to correct the numbering of Charter Ordinance No. 32 to Charter Ordinance No. 35.

 

  1. Lewis stated that it was discovered there was a Charter Ordinance No. 32, Charter Ordinance No. 33 and Charter Ordinance No. 34 already recorded. This document would need to be renumbered to Charter Ordinance No. 35.

 

  1. Oliphant left the meeting (Time stamp 42:43).

 

  1. Wells requested that the Mayor recognize M. Hoyt. M. Hoyt stated that he could verify that this information was correct, and none of the previous (Charter Ordinance No. 32, 33, or 34) were challenged.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the correct numbering of the Charter Ordinance from No. 32 to Charter Ordinance No. 35.  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO CORRECT THE NUMBERING OF CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 32 TO CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 35.

 

Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Inc. – tabled from February 20, 2024.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin was directed to reach out to the petitioner to verify all information provided to the City Commission in their request before the MOU is drafted by the City Attorney and placed on a future agenda.

 

  1. Wells added four (4) items for consideration in drafting the agreement in addition to the $1,000.00 a month from the ARPA Funds to the Senior Citizens Center as previously discussed: 1) a partnership with SEKAAA to set up a meal site for senior citizens who do not take meals home; 2) partnership with SEKAAA for better signage for the building; 3) continued improvement of the main area enabling the availability of more programs; 4) addition of a City Representative to the Senior Citizen Board.

 

 

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Inc. until the items in the correspondence can be addressed (by direction of B. Matkin to reach out to the petitioner) and including the additional items presented by M. Wells.  M. Wells seconded the motion.

 

Deb Needleman/Treasurer of the Bourbon County Senior Citizens board was recognized by the Mayor and addressed the Commission regarding the funding concerns.

 

  1. VanHoecke, M. Guns, M. Wells and T. Dancer voted yes. D. Olson voted no.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF AN MOU WITH THE CITY AND BOURBON COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS, INC.

 

Updates on six (6) lake lot surveys – J. Dickman distributed copies of the lake lot survey to the City Commission. These are to be filed with the County.

 

Discussion was had about the lots and the encroachment tract on the survey and options to be considered moving forward.

 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

 

New Business

 

Public Hearing – Case No. 1043 – Zoning Change from R2-C3 and Conditional Use Permit – Gary W. Cullor and Sally A. Cullor Revocable Trust represented by Kevin F. Mitchelson/Wheeler & Mitchelson Law Firm and Fred Wingert/Advantage Development, LLC. – Recommended by the Planning Commission on February 21, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:05PM (Time stamp 1:05:50).  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:05PM.

 

  1. Mitchelson provided the case brought before the Planning Commission. The parcel is 2.6 acres currently zoned as residential (R2). The first request is approval to rezone the parcel to (C3) for commercial development. The second request is the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.  The details are as follows:  1) F. Wingert is the developer under contract with the Cullors (contingent on rezoning) and plans to place an eight (8) unit self-storage building on the property; 2) no houses

 

will be directly affected; 3) there are commercial uses of the neighboring property; 4) there were no objections before the Planning Commission Public Hearing on February 21, 2024;  5) they are aware of the flood plain, but it is not an issue for this project;  6) the boundaries of the property have been verified;  7) access to the units will be through Scott Street;  8) the City has given proper Public Notice according to Code and Statutes; 9) F. Wingert has had conversations with the neighbors and addressed their concerns;  10) there has been no objection to the project; 11) it received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission. Therefore, they are before the City Commission requesting approval of the rezoning request and approval of the conditional use permit.

 

There were no public objections presented at this hearing on March 19, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:12PM (Time stamp 1:11:50).  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:12PM.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve the request to change the zoning of the parcel from R2 to C3 and approve the Conditional Use Permit for Case No. 1043.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED THE REQUEST TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF THE PARCEL FROM R2 TO C3 AND APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR CASE NO. 1043.

 

Consideration to purchase (1) 2024 72” Grasshopper 900D mower under state contract #53340. Item is budgeted for 2024 to replace the Super 104 mower -$21,124.95 – T. Coffman

 

  1. Hart verified that this purchase was in the budget.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the purchase of the 2024, 72” Grasshopper 900D as presented.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE 2024, 72” GRASSHOPPER 900D AS PRESENTED.

 

Consideration to purchase WorkMaster 70 – Tractor for the Golf Course and Fort Scott Lake from R&R Equipment – Sole Vendor – $38,500.00 – T. Coffman

 

  1. VanHoecke stated the purchase was in the 2024 budget.

 

 

  1. Guns asked the purpose of the purchase was being split 50% from the Lake Fund and 50% from the General Fund and not a split with the Golf Course Fund.

 

  1. Hart verified that it was budgeted for the golf course but the Golf Course Fund does not have the cash at this point, however the Golf Course Fund was split from the General Fund. The Golf Fund was only allocated $40,000.00.

 

MOTION:  M. Guns moved to approve the purchase of the WorkMaster 70 from R&R Equipment for the price of $38,500.00.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 1:17:54)

 

  1. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE WORKMASTER 70 FROM R&R EQUIPMENT FOR THE PRICE OF $38,500.00.

 

Consideration of CD Reinvestment Bids – (2) bids received – Landmark National Bank and UMB Bank  for a $2,000,000.00 – 12 Months – Settlement Date March 20, 2024 – Maturity Date June 20, 2024 AND $1,000,000.00 – 3 months – Settlement Date March 20, 2024 –  Maturity Date June 20, 2024.

 

  1. Hart stated that UMB Bank outbid Landmark National Bank. On the $2,000,000.00 (12-month CD) – UMB Bank bid 4.76%; Landmark Bank bid 4.71%. On the $1,000,000.00 (3-month CD) – UMB Bank bid 5.14%; Landmark Bank bid 5.11%. The staff recommended awarding the bid to the higher interest rate.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the UMB Bank proposal.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

APPROVED THE UMB BANK PROPOSAL FOR A $2,000,000.00 INVESTMENT ON A 12-MONTH CD AT 4.76% AND A $1,000,000.00 INVESTMENT ON A 3-MONTH CD AT 5.14%.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:20:00)

 

Discussion of School Zone Speed Limit Signs on National Ave. – T. Dancer addressed the current placement of the new lighted School Zone signs and made some suggestions for where they might be more helpful due to where students actually cross National Ave.

 

 

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin was directed to work with Chief J. Pickert to move the flashing signs to better locations within the school crossing zone on National Ave.  B. Matkin stated that it will take some time to do that as other projects are already scheduled and lights are on order for Eugene Ware school crossing zone but probably will not arrive until next year.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the meeting (Time stamp 1:23:49)

 

Discussion of Downtown Parking Time Limit/Yellow Curb Enforcement – B. Matkin informed the Commission that beginning April 2, 2024, the City will start enforcing the 2-hour parking on Main Street from 3rd Street to Skubitz Plaza. Signs are up and they will be adding more. B. Matkin will talk further with the City Attorney regarding parking on Wall Street, which is an area of concern.

 

  1. VanHoecke returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:25:30)

 

  1. Farmer stated that the Chief of Police does have the authority to put up signage as needed. B. Matkin stated they do have a plan for enforcement that will be put in place and will include truck routes.

 

  1. Dancer addressed the Yellow Curb Enforcement.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin stated that he will work on this issue with Chief J. Pickert and be ready for April 2nd on this issue as well.

 

  1. Wells addressed the intersection of 3rd and National Ave. where there was a stop sign removed but the white line remains and people are stopping because it is the law. The sign should either be reinstalled, or the white line removed.

 

  1. Dancer addressed a parking space indicated by paint in the entrance of the City lot at the corner of 1st Street and National Ave.

 

  1. Wells provided an example of a town that used parking meters to help with parking and streetscape in their downtown area. The monies collected by the meters were put into a fund just for streetscape and sidewalk improvement including benches, landscape, etc. in the downtown area. He stated that he is presenting it as an option to consider at some point.

 

Discussion of Codification of Ordinances for City of Fort Scott – L. Lewis presented the options and recommendations offered by CivicPlus and Municode

 

(our current service providers) to begin the process of getting the City’s ordinances in order, current and user friendly.

 

ACTION:  L. Lewis was directed to continue moving toward a goal and bring back prices for the options available.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting (Time stamp 1:34:05)

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:37:50)

 

Discussion of Fireworks for 4th of July – B. Matkin stated that the Elks Lodge was the previous display provider for the City but did not do it last year. Another group took care of last year’s display but are not able to do it again this year. He stated that he spoke with B. Hart regarding what other cities do for firework festivities. Most cities budget funding for the 4th of July (and Christmas); Fort Scott currently does not. To cover this year, he would be requesting up to (no more than) $15,000.00 since it is not in the 2024 budget.

 

  1. Hart stated that the interest earnings from investments are going to be far above what is budgeted; he would recommend putting that in the General Fund and then taking that as part of a decision package for the 2025 budget to continue to pay for the future.

 

  1. Wells requested $15,000.00 for fireworks for Christmas. B. Matkin stated that the City may also need a new tree. Decisions to come.

 

ACTION:  T. VanHoecke directed B. Matkin to go out for bids, with a request for extensive detail in their bids, for firework service for the City on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

 

Reports and Comments

 

City Manager (Time stamp 1:52:37) – No comments

 

City Engineer (Time stamp 1:52:43) – J. Dickman stated that the Horton Street Project is out for bid and due April 11, 2024. Possible addendum to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commissioners Comments

 

  1. Olson (Time stamp 1:53:34) – Land Bank expired seats

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin to follow up with M. Wyatt regarding last time vacancies were advertised and status of the sitting Board.

 

  1. VanHoecke (Time stamp 1:54:58) – Striping on National Ave. (middle and crosswalks) is faded and barely visible at night, 25th Street improvement looks great, hope everyone took advantage of their Constitutional right and voted.

 

  1. Wells (Time stamp 1:55:44) – compliments to Street Crews on their work completion and the City appreciates all that they do.

 

  1. Guns (Time stamp 1:56:20) – officially announced that she will be stepping down within the next two months as the family will be moving out of state for a job relocation.

 

  1. Dancer (Time stamp 1:58:00) – proposed considering an appropriate road to rename in honor of the late Senator Bob Marshall.

 

City Attorney – (Time stamp 1:59:30) – No comments

 

Adjourn

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00PM (Time stamp 1:59:44).  M. Guns seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MARCH 19, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:00PM.

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Respectfully submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Town-wide Garage Sale is May 3-4

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Announces the

Spring 2024 Town-wide Garage Sale

Local businesses are encouraged to advertise on the official garage sale map!

Your advertisements help make having the event possible! See details below.

Mark your calendars for the

Spring Town-wide Garage Sale, Friday and Saturday, May 3rd – 4th!

Now is the time to advertise your business on the official garage sale map!

The maps will be distributed to garage sale shoppers the week of the Town-wide Garage Sale. They will be distributed from local stores, the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber website, and social media!

The cost to place an ad is $25 for a regular sized ad, $35 for the larger ad. You are welcome to include a coupon or special on your advertisement!

Ad spaces are limited, call the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or email: [email protected]

to ensure your space!

_________

Those wanting to have a Garage Sale may also register now for $12 to be listed on the map! Register here online, in person at the Chamber or call us at 620-223-3566 and pay by debit/credit over the phone.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Tri-Valley Developmental Services on March 28

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, March 28th, 8am
Hosted by Tri-Valley Developmental Services

4305 Campbell Drive
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Thursday, March 28th at 8 a.m. located at 4305 Campbell Drive in the Industrial Park. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Tri-Valley Developmental Services began in 1975 in Piqua, KS to offer services and programs for children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). Tri-Valley now serves their neighbors with I/DD in the 8 counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson in Southeast Kansas. Tri-Valley’s mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve their preferred lifestyle. Tri-Valley Serves 60 of their Bourbon County Neighbors. Guest Speakers for Thursday’s coffee include Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Haley Wallace, Fort Scott Specialist, and Amber McVey, Chanute Specialist, so they can discuss Pre-Employment Transition Specialist Program.

Upcoming Events:

April 16th – Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Boardwalk BBQ, SEK Impact Center, Chanute, KS

May 10th – Fort Scott Greenhouse Spring Sale, 4305 Campbell Drive, Fort Scott, KS

May 17th – Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Golf Tournament, Erie, KS

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

Click here for their Facebook page!

Click here for their website!

 
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook
Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Special Meeting Agenda for March 26

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
March 26, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Invocation
V. Approval of Agenda
VI. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VII. New Business
A. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom Project – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – 1) Furnish and install new TruLog siding and fascia to the exterior walls of the shower house – 2) Work will add six (6) weeks additional time to the completion date from approve of change order –1$13,500.00
VIII. Adjourn

Fort Scott-Change Order No. 2_240320_103751

Business, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

New DCF Building Exterior Framework Is Going Up

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Piles of dirt lay in the new parking spaces of the Kansas Dept. of Children and Families building that is being created at Wall  Street and National Avenue. This view is looking southwest from Wall Street.

The exterior framework began on March 22, on the new Kansas Department of Children and Families building project at Wall Street and National Avenue.

If all goes well, the completion date is July 2024, said Mike Anders, job supervisor of Silverrock Ventures.

The 13,000-square-foot building will house offices, several conference rooms, interview rooms, a large central file room,  reception/waiting areas, break rooms, and storage spaces. There is a storm shelter built into the plan.

Kendall Schoenrock, owner, and developer of Silverrock Ventures who is building the new office space for the KDCF, spent time in making the facade of the building fit in with downtown Fort Scott, Anders said.

The east side of the building is on National Avenue.

“It will have a red brick face and a limestone three-foot starter around the bottom of the east and north side,” Anders said. “It will have a different roof to fit in with downtown. It will have outside lighting like that of E3 Ranch, right across the street.”

There will be parking on the north side of the building, on Wall Street,  which the building will face. They are also leasing parking spaces from the City of Fort Scott for some parking west of the building, on the south side of that lot.

There is a whole slate of tradesmen lined up for the work ahead: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, framing, masonry, and painting, Anders said.

Skitches Hauling and Excavation, Inc., Fort Scott, was the demolition contractor for the building site.

“He supplied all of our backfill and got our job site ready to build on,” Anders said. “A great guy.”

“We tried to use local contractors,” he said. “A  lot are from a 30-mile radius approximately.”

Silverrock Ventures will do the interior finishing he said.

Wall and National Avenue is the sight of the new building for housing the Kansas Department of Children and Families. The building is currently in the exterior framework stage of the project.

About DCF

The Kansas Department for Children and Families is available to assist​ with child care and child support, employment education and training, food and cash assistance, support for youth who have experienced foster care, and more.

For further information about services to the community:

https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/default.aspx

 

If you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is being harmed emotionally, physically, or sexually, report it to the Kansas Protection Report Center 24/7 at 1-800-922- 5330 ​or online.
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet Scheduled for April 2nd

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, April 2nd at City State Bank, 202 Scott Ave, from 8:00am-9:00am.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown.  Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.