Category Archives: Fort Scott

Chamber Coffee at City Hall Dec. 19

Chamber Coffee
Thursday, December 19th
will be hosted by the
City of Fort Scott
123 S. Main St.
8am
Click here for the City’s Facebook page.
Click here for the City’s website.
Chamber Members & Guests are
welcome to attend and pay $1 to make any announcement about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or
anything else to share!
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
* No Chamber Coffee 12/26/2019 or 1/2/2020
* Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 1/9/2020
* Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries 1/16
* Walmart, in the Vision Center 1/23
* My1Stop hosting at Empress Center 1/30

Sneak Peak at LaRoche Building Reno Dec.18

You are invited!
Sneak Peek of the soon to be
new location of
Common Ground Coffee Co.
10 & 12 E. Wall St.
(locally known as the old Othick Abstract office)
Wednesday, December 18th
4-6pm
Remarks at 4:30pm
Light refreshments will be served.
Special thanks to Jennifer LaRoche for offering this Sneak Peek as part of celebrating 10 years, to the day, of Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District being accepted for listing in the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 2009.
The 110-year-old building with a stone facade is an excellent example of historic restoration done right ~ a meticulous attention to detail which will help ensure it will be a viable venue for another century & beyond.
The building has been empty for several years and after extensive restoration will become the new location of Common Ground Coffee Co. in early 2020.
Click here for the Facebook event.
The general public is welcome to attend!

Police Arrest Two People for Walmart Fort Scott Robbery

Walmart Fort Scott, 2500 S. Main.

On Dec. 16, 2019, at 11:30 p.m. Fort Scott Police Department Officers responded to a theft incident at the Fort Scott Walmart, 2500 S. Main Street.

A Walmart employee sustained minor injuries in the robbery.

During the initial investigation, a description of the suspects, the vehicle they were driving and the direction of travel were obtained and relayed to the Pittsburg Police Department.

At 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 17, the suspects were arrested by the PPD.

Dominick S. Gomes was booked into the Bourbon County Jail on one count of aggravated robbery. Belenda S. Camren was booked into jail on one count of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated battery.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Paul Ballou Retires

Paul Ballou

Paul Ballou, Fort Scott ‘s Fire Chief, is retiring Jan. 3, 2020.

In addition to fire chief, Ballou was also made assistant city manager last year by Dave Martin, Fort Scott’s City Manager. He oversees the city’s dispatch division and occasionally helped the city’s code enforcement department, he said.

He started as a rural firefighter in May 1990 before coming to work for the City of Fort Scott’s Fire Department.

Outside of city duties, Ballou has been married to his wife Cheryl, for 41 years and they have two children and four grandchildren, he said.

“That’s one of the reasons I decided to retire,” Ballou said. “My grandkids are becoming real active in sports and plays. I spent the summer traveling with my oldest granddaughter, Maddie Ballou, in 8th grade, for softball. My oldest grandson, Able Chaplin, 4th grade, is into basketball and was in a play this year. My youngest granddaughter, Myah Chaplin, kindergarten, is into t-ball, dance and cheerleading. My youngest grandson, Dylan Ballou, has started t-ball.”

 

“My wife has a lot of stuff for me to do around the house,” Ballou said. “She’ll keep me busy for a while.”

Ballou said he had no concrete plans following retirement.

“Paul has been a servant leader to the community,” said Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin. “He has done a great job…working in all areas…of inspiring the community. He is very astute and willing to listen.”

“He will be sorely missed in the future,” Martin said.

 

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village honored for achievements

WICHITA, Kan. — Fort Scott Presbyterian Village was recognized with an Emerald Award Level One from PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) for reaching goals in fiscal year 2019, July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019.

The recognition came through PMMA’s Emerald Awards Program, designed to encourage its 16 locations and two hospices to achieve high levels of resident and employee satisfaction, meet financial goals, build philanthropic support for the organization’s mission and meet marketing goals. There are 11 areas measured for the Emerald Awards.

To receive an emerald, a community has to meet its goals in all 11 areas. This is Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s second consecutive Emerald Award Level One. Team members from the community attended PMMA’s annual Emerald Award Banquet November 13 at the Broadview Hotel in Wichita to accept the award.

We are pleased to present Fort Scott Presbyterian Village with its second Emerald Award. This recognition is a visible sign of the Fort Scott team’s commitment to the mission of PMMA of providing quality senior services guided by Christian values,” said Bruce Shogren, chief executive officer for PMMA.

PMMA has been providing quality senior services guided by Christian values in Kansas and Missouri for more 70 years.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, contact Marketing Director Becky Kellum at 620-223-5550 or [email protected].

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Fort Scott Presbyterian Village has been offering independent and assisted living apartments for seniors from southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri since 1994. Learn more at FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org. PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with 16 locations and 2 hospices in Kansas and Missouri, and a new campus under development in Colorado Springs. Learn more at PMMA.org.

City Admin Offices Closed Dec. 24-25

The City of Fort Scott Administrative Offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th, 2019 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. The offices will reopen on Thursday, December 26th, 2019.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 for the Christmas holiday. It will be open again on Thursday, December 26th, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Have a Sneak Peak at LaRoche Buildings Dec. 18

Submitted by Kate Emmett-Sweetser
In celebration of the Historic Fort Scott’s Dowtown District’s 10th anniversary, business owner Jennifer LaRoche, is offering a sneak-peak of the buildings at 10 and 12 E. Wall St., locally known as the old Othick Abstract office.
The sneak-peek open house will be  Wednesday,  Dec. 18 from  4:00 to 6:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. The public is invited.
The building, which has been empty for a few years, is slated to become the new location of Common Ground Coffee Company in early 2020.

The 110-yr old brick building with a stone façade is an excellent example of historic restoration done right — with meticulous attention to detail which will help ensure it will be a viable venue for another century and beyond.

History of the district
Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District was accepted for listing in the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 2009. 
 
In the late 1980s, local historian Connie Banwart completed an inventory of structures in the downtown for the Kansas State Historical Society. However, at the time, there was virtually no interest among local property owners in the creation of a downtown historic district. 
 
In 2006 –a year after a fire spread through Block 88, resulting in the demolition of the damaged structures– Connie Banwart, Kate Emmett-Sweetser, and Becky Mann volunteered to complete a Preliminary Site Information Questionnaire for downtown properties for the State Historic Preservation Office. The PSIQ was completed in early 2007. 
 
In 2008, the City of Fort Scott, per an agreement with the State of Kansas, hired Professor Dale Nimz as a consultant to complete the official nomination. 
 
In 2009, the Fort Scott Downtown Historic District was added to the Register of Historic Kansas Places then sent to Washington, DC, for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. 

 
Also on Dec. 18, Kate Emmett-Sweetser will give the program at Rotary on the Fort Scott Historic District at noon at the Presbyterian Church.  Rotary meetings are open to all Rotarians and their guests.

FS Commission Minutes of Dec. 3

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 3rd, 2019 Regular Meeting #22

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 3rd, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

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

INVOCATION: Michael Mix – Public Utilities Director said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Dave Bruner, Travis Shelton, Michael Hoyt, Chad Brown, Michael Mix, Pete Allen, Kevin Allen, Josh Jones, Jeff Deane, Peter Hinkle, Drew Sebilius, Bret Shogren, Mitch Walter, Devin Tally, Susan Bancroft, Paul Ballou, Robert Uhler, Deb Needleman, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

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

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1251-A totaling 216,872.18.

  1. Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #1 – $51,062.50 – River Intake Structure Project

  1. Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #2 – $62,206.80 – River Intake Structure Project

  1. Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #3 – $308,966.02 – River Intake Structure Project

  1. Request to Pay – Crossland Construction Pay Request #4 – $71,059.43 – River Intake Structure Project

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols 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) – Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt passed out to the Commissioners a small booklet of the Constitution of the United States.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Employee Christmas BonusDeb Needleman, Human Resource Director, asked the Commission if they would consider giving the Christmas bonus to City employees again this year with the exception of the City Attorney and City Manager. She recommended $100.00 to full time employees, $50.00 to regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. This has been budgeted.

Mitchell moved to approve the Christmas bonus. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

Approved the annual Christmas bonus of $100.00 for all full time employees, $50.00 for regular part time employees and $25.00 for part time employees. This bonus will exclude Dave Martin, City Manager, ANd the City Attorney.

  1. Consideration of Lake Sewer District Sewer Increase – Dave Martin, City Manager, remarked that the last meeting the lake sewer rates were discussed about increasing from $15.77 to $22.79 which is the 2020 rate which will match the City’s rate. According to the service agreement with the County, this is a County led project. Susan researched this and the County should be the entity to form a sewer board. The County was notified back in July of 2019 that this increase needed to occur. The Commission has every right to approve this increase according to the agreement. Susan Bancroft reached out to Stuart Porter, who is with Schaub-Eaton, the engineer for this project, and those rates were only supposed to be at that level for one year. The City will continue to work with the County.

Nichols moved to approve the lake sewer increase from $15.77 to $22.79 for 2020. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LAKE SEWER INCREASE FROM $15.77 TO $22.79 FOR 2020 FOR LAKE RESIDENTS.

  1. Debt Service Structure Presentation – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, shared with the Commission the City’s debt and where we are. Over the next seven years, most of our debt will be paid off. Susan went over the various funds of the city. 23% of our debt is the Aquatic Center and Buck Run improvements which will retire in 2021. 36% of our debt is from water utility improvements. Our debt limit is $15 million based on our assessed valuation. $13.1 million is exempt because it is utility debt. The City has $13.9 million of debt capacity. The City is in good financial condition.

  1. Approval to publish Budget Amendment for the December 17th, 2019 meeting – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that a budget amendment hearing needs to be held at our next meeting in December.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to publish the budget amendment hearing notice and to hold the public hearing at the December 17th, 2019 meeting. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

approved to publish the budget amendment hearing notice and to hold the public hearing at the December 17th, 2019 meeting.

  1. Approval of low bid for financing the River Intake Project – General Obligation Temporary Notes – Bret Shogren, of Stifel Public Finance, informed the Commission that on November 19th, 2019 you adopted a resolution scheduling a sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes for December 3rd, 2019. The notice to bid was sent out and published in your local newspaper. Moody’s was also sent this information and a conference call was held with City officials to issue a credit rating. Moody’s issued a 1 rating for the temporary notes which is the highest rating you can receive. There were six bids received with the lowest bid from Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Company in the amount of $1.492177%. He asked for the Commission to adopt the Resolution directing the sale of the temporary notes and accepting the low bid.

Approval of Resolution 29-2019 authorizing and directing the issuance, sale, and delivery of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2019-1 of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; providing for the levy and collection of an annual tax, if necessary, for the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on said notes as they become due; making certain covenants and agreements to provide for the payment and security thereof; and authorizing other documents and actions connected therewith. – $4,925,000 – River Intake Project

Mitchell moved to approve the low bid from Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Company in the amount of 1.492177% and approve Resolution No 29-2019. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

Approved Resolution 29-2019 authorizing and directing the issuance, sale, and delivery of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2019-1 of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; providing for the levy and collection of an annual tax, if necessary, for the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on said notes as they become due; making certain covenants and agreements to provide for the payment and security thereof; and authorizing other documents and actions connected therewith. – $4,925,000 – River Intake Project

approved low bid from hutchinson, shockey, erley & Company in the amount of 1.492177%.

  1. Consideration of approval of Energy Services Contract with Schneider Electric – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that Peter Hinkle and Drew Sebilius are here this evening from Schneider Electric. Several months ago, a Request for Qualifications was sent out and the Commission selected Schneider Electric. In May of 2019, this firm did an audit of all City facilities. Tonight, it is scheduled for approval of their contract and the financing to actually conduct the work.

Mr. Hinkle informed the Commission that to update them, they have been in business since 1836. This will help address building needs of all your facilities. He asked approval for the contract and the financing and then they would begin ordering materials for updates. A change of lighting to LED would be implemented. Mechanical improvements will also be implemented through updating heat and air conditioning units. Infiltration issues and window replacement will be implemented. The total scope of this project is $1,534,077. Savings to the City over 20 years is estimated to be $2,153,229. The interest rate for the lease purchase agreement for the equipment is 3.50%. There were five banks that submitted bids for this project. This is a 20-year lease agreement. A press release will be issued regarding this project and updates will be given throughout the process. Approval of the ordinance and resolution is needed.

Consideration of Ordinance No. 3554 authorizing the City of Fort Scott, Kansas to enter into a lease purchase transaction, the proceeds of which will be used to pay the costs of acquiring certain equipment for use in the City; and to approve the execution of certain documents in connection therewith.

Parker moved to approve the ordinance to enter into a lease purchase agreement for the energy savings project. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

Approved Ordinance No. 3554 authorizing the City of Fort Scott, Kansas to enter into a lease purchase transaction, the proceeds of which will be used to pay the costs of acquiring certain equipment for use in the City; and to approve the execution of certain documents in connection therewith. $1,534,077 – ENERGY SAVINGS EQUIPMENT LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.

Approval of Resolution 28-2019 – Authorizing the City to enter into an Energy Savings Contract for the acquisition and installation of certain energy savings improvements in the city.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Resolution No 28-2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

Approved Resolution 28-2019 – Authorizing the City to enter into an Energy Savings Contract for the acquisition and installation of certain energy savings improvements in the city – SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC

  1. Consideration of architectural services from Zingre’ & Associates for repairs to the Water Treatment Plant facility – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that a fire occurred at the Water Treatment Plant at 910 Burke Street on October 24th, 2019 in the early morning hours. He asked for approval for the contract with Zingre’ & Associates to assist with the bidding process and specifications to repair this structure due to the fire.

Susan Bancroft said that this cost will be reimbursed through the insurance.

Nichols moved to approve Zingre’ & Associates architectural contract in the amount of $7,776.00 to repair the Water Treatment Plant facility. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ZINGRE’ & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTURAL CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,776.00 TO REPAIR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT FACILITY.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Dave Bruner – Dave updated the Commission on fire calls for 2019 versus 2018. There are about 300 calls less for the fire department than the previous year. This is due to the fact that the Fire Scott ambulance is now a third out vehicle due to the two ambulances now.

There were 48 fire calls this year compared to 44 calls last year. The calls are 80% EMS related. He said that on Thanksgiving Day the Fire Department crew delivered a baby as they arrived before EMS did.

Robert Uhler – Robert asked the Commission to extend the time frame for the flood plain for 501 E. Wall which is the Greg Schick property. He asked for an extension of 60 days for him to complete his work.

Bartelsmeyer moved to allow an additional 60 day extension for the property at 501 E. Wall belonging to Greg Schick and if more time is needed, then Mr. Schick should come and request it in person. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

EXTENDED KDHE FLOOD PLAIN APPROVAL FOR AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS AND IF MORE TIME IS NEEDED, MR. GREG SCHICK WILL NEED TO SHOW UP IN PERSON.

  1. City Commission:

Bartelsmeyer Nothing to report.

Mitchell Asked that everyone remember our Sheriff Bill Martin in their thoughts and prayers while he is being hospitalized.

Nichols Nothing to report.

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Parker – Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Attorney – City Manager said Burton Harding, our current City Attorney still has an active law practice. The City needs someone to focus more on our complex needs at this time. Recently, at the League of Kansas Municipalities annual meeting, a contact was made with Lauber Municipal Law Firm. They are a group of attorneys that City staff met with and feel confident that they can assist us. Burton will stay on until the end of the year. Jeff Deane is present tonight from Lauber Municipal Law Firm. He practices in Kansas as well as his partner, Joseph Lauber. He asked approval for Ordinance No. 3555 setting the City Attorney.

Mr. Deane said that they are exclusively municipal law. They do no other kind of law. He said they are available at a moment’s notice. There are six of them in this firm and he and Joe Lauber deal specifically with Kansas law. He has been in practice since 1998. They are excited to work with the City of Fort Scott.

Mitchell moved to approve Lauber Municipal Law Firm as the City’s new attorney effective immediately and to approve Ordinance No. 3555. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3555 TO HIRE A CITY ATTORNEY AND SET HIS SALARY WHICH WILL REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 2707 AND ORDINANCE NO 2757 PREVIOUSLY SETTING SAID CITY ATTORNEY’S SALRY FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:48 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:48 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on December 17th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

FS Commission Agenda for Dec. 17

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

DECEMBER 17, 2019

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Eric Going, Parkway Church of God

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 3rd, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1252-A totaling $1,277,645.70.

C. 2020 Cereal Malt Beverage/Public Dance Licenses: (originals in Clerk’s office)

Package Sales:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main

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

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

Hilltop Bait Shop – 2015 E. 1st Street

Consumption on the Premises:

Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt

NPC International, Inc. DBA Pizza Hut #2423 – 1810 S. Main

Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton

Public Dance License:

Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th

Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National

Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main

Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National

River Room Events, LLC – 3 West Oak

Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott

Memorial Auditorium – 1 East Third

  1. Resolution 30-2019 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 421 W. 5th Street – Public Hearing Date – 2/4/2020 – 6:15 p.m.

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

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

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. – Budget Amendment Hearing

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Approval of Quit Claim Deed – Transfer of Depot Parking Lot to H.P.A.

  1. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding with Charlesworth Consulting – Consultant for City’s insurance needs

  1. Consideration to accept Grant Agreement between City of Fort Scott and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

  1. Consideration of 2020 Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service Agreement

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt

Chad Brown

  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

Dollar Tree Coming to Fort Scott in 2020

The new Dollar Tree will be located on south Main Street, as indicated on this photo provided by the City of Fort Scott.

The City of Fort Scott is pleased to announce a new Dollar Tree store will be opening in late summer of 2020.

Dollar Tree will be conveniently located on the Highway 69 Corridor with ground breaking expected in the first quarter.

The City is actively working to increase sales tax revenue in 2020 and expects additional opportunities to be announced in January.