The Fort Scott Police Department daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
The department is located at 1604 S. Main and can be reached at 620-223-1700.
Click here, then click the image to enlarge:
The Fort Scott Police Department daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
The department is located at 1604 S. Main and can be reached at 620-223-1700.
Click here, then click the image to enlarge:
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING and Agenda Packet
Click below to view the agenda packet, which includes all financials and documents, 151 pages in all, for the Commission meeting tomorrow, May 1 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main.
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held April 17th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.
INVOCATION: Marcy Reynolds, Women’s Minister, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government and city officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Rachel Pruitt, Bill Peterson, William Polk, Krista Banwart, Trent Banwart, Michael Mix, Patrick Flanagan, Frank Adamson, Paul Ballou, Deb Needleman, Janet Braun, Marcy Reynolds, Chad Brown, John Hill, Denton Wescoat, Allyson Turvey, Tiffany Durham, Tom Robertson, Shawn Pritchett, Kevin Davidson, Aaron Gibson, Hunter Adamson, Amy Heitman, Darrell Parker, Larry Gazaway, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Clayton Miller, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Recognition of Hair Bow Center – Mayor Mitchell recognized the HairBow Center as they were named in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. They began their business in 2008 and quickly expanded and built a 6,500 square foot facility in 2010. The City is proud of their many accomplishments.
Recognition of Police Officer Kevin Davidson and Shawn Pritchett and Police Corporal Aaron Gibson – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, recognized Corporal Aaron Gibson as he recently attended the Blue Courage training in Shawnee, Kansas and represented the Fort Scott Police Department very well.
Chief Shelton recognized Police Officers Kevin Davidson and Shawn Pritchett for the excellent job they have done since starting to work for the Fort Scott Police Department. They have had many stops with narcotics cases.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 3rd, 2018.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1213-A totaling $368,247.48.
Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 202 Scott Avenue
Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 124 E. Wall
Certificate of Appropriateness – Removal of north planters at Skubitz Plaza
Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 2 S. National
Approval of street closures for Prom – April 21, 2018
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE:
Pat Flanagan and Amy Heitman – Niece Products – Rachel Pruitt introduced Pat Flanagan and Amy Heitman of Niece Products of Fort Scott.
Mr. Flanagan said that he loves Fort Scott. He said that he hired Amy Heitman at their location in Texas as a welder. He asked her to move to Fort Scott as he knew she had a lot to offer. He knew she could assist with a welding grant at Fort Scott Community College. She and her husband moved to Fort Scott in late December.
Amy Heitman stated that she is trying to get more women and more young people interested in the welding program. She is working closely with Fort Scott Community College to further develop their program. She is excited to live in Fort Scott.
Tiffany Durham – Fort Scott National Historic Site – Tiffany appeared before the Commission to inform them of a job opportunity with the Fort this summer. They are looking to hire four (4) high school students from June 18th through August 11th. They will work Tuesday through Saturday with 40 hours per week. They will hire two girls and two boys. The way the jobs are chosen after the applications are received will be on a lottery basis. She said to contact the Fort or go online to fill out an application.
She also requested from the Commission that speed bumps be installed on Old Fort Boulevard. She said that there is a lot of traffic on that street and the vehicles are usually going at a high rate of speed.
City Manager asked the Commission to consider this and it will be brought back before them at the first meeting in May for approval. He has visited with Chad Brown and he said that the speed bumps are not expensive in cost.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Parker moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:20 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. Motion carried.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:20 P.M.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 21-2018 Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 310 N. Cleveland – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure has had ongoing issues since 2009. There is someone still living in this house. The garage roof has holes in it. The house needs siding and painting and the back deck is unsafe. There are inoperable vehicles there as well as bags of cans and trash around the property. She recommended giving the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove the structure or go out for demolition.
Bill Peterson said he was the property owner and he has been planning to work on it. He has been sick and his wife is not able to help.
Rhonda said that they were put in contact with the Good Neighbor Action Team some time back.
City Manager asked if they had considered housing through the Housing Authority. He and Rhonda will meet with the property owner and Patty Simpson to discuss housing.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove this structure at 310 N. Cleveland. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 21-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 310 N. CLEVELAND. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY MAY 25TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:26 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:26 P.M.
CONSIDERATION:
Removal of media tower at Fisher Park – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that the media tower is not used and is a visual concern to patrons. The Recreation Department will pay to move the electrical that is hooked up to the building and the City will remove the building.
Tom Robertson, Buck Run Community Center Director, said that he met with the Recreation Department board and they are also in favor of the removal of this tower. The tower holds a lot of moisture and they are unable to store any items there. There are issues with spectators in the stands being able to see also.
Adamson moved to approve to remove the media tower at Fisher Park. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO REMOVE MEDIA TOWER FROM FISHER PARK.
Consideration of Sanitary Sewer Collection System repairs utilizing the Joplin Tool Box contract – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that he has created a spreadsheet that allows him to prioritize all the sewer lines that have issues. He asked the Commission to approve the 2018-2019 contract with the Joplin Tool Box to utilize them on repairs. He also asked the Commission to allow him to use his entire budget of $275,000 to make repairs to sewers that are in bad need of repair from his prioritized list.
Mitchell moved to approve the contract with the Joplin Tool Box to utilize them on sewer repairs and to allow him to use his full budget of $275,000. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
approveD the contract with the Joplin Tool Box FOR 2018-2019 to utilize them on sewer repairs and to allow him to use his full budget of $275,000.
2018 Asphalt Program – Chad Brown, Public Works Director, informed the Commission that he created a spreadsheet of some of the worst streets in town. This started with Wall Street which is heavily traveled. He received a quote from Killough Construction of Ottawa, Kansas to mill and overlay from Clark Street to Margrave Street in the amount of $49,188.80 and a quote from Vance Brothers of Kansas City, Missouri to apply the glass pave that will reduce rutting in the asphalt surface in the amount of $9,821.74. If these companies can complete this work, that will amount to $108,209.54. The next street that the City would repair is 3rd Street from Clark to Margrave. That is estimated to be around $89,950.00, which the City will do. There are some water issues on that street which will be completed first. If there are any remaining funds left, the other streets on the list will be worked on. He asked approval for the asphalt program for 2018.
Parker moved to approve the 2018 Asphalt Program. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED 2018 ASPHALT PROGRAM.
Chairs at Memorial Hall – Larry Gazaway, Convention & Visitor Bureau Director, informed the Commission that he is marketing Memorial Hall. In order to do this, the chairs really need to be replaced. The current chairs are heavy to move and it takes a lot of effort from City departments. He has found some white plastic chairs and showed a chair to the Commission. He will order clips so the chairs are clipped together and a rack to be easily stacked. He asked to order 300 chairs at an estimated cost of $9,900. He asked to be able to sell the old chairs that are currently there.
Discussion was held if the new chairs could be loaned out to others. It was determined that this was not a good idea.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the purchase of 300 chairs, sell the old chairs currently there, and not to allow the new chairs to be loaned out to anyone. Nichols seconded.
APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF 300 CHAIRS, SELL THE OLD CHAIRS CURRENTLY AT MEMORIAL HALL, AND NOT TO ALLOW THE NEW CHAIRS TO BE LOANED OUT TO ANYONE. COST OF THE NEW CHAIRS IS ESTIMATED TO BE $9,900.
Larry also informed the Commission that Adam and Jennifer LaRoche will be hosting eight (8) Combat Warrior Veterans for a turkey hunt. Three of the eight at the Airport. They will meet up and the Police and Fire Departments, and possibly the Sheriff Department, will have them escorted into town. He is asking people to line National Avenue with signs and flags to welcome these Veterans into our City at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon.
Workforce Recruitment – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that the City has worked with the Chamber to produce flyers promoting all the job openings in the City. There are over 100 open jobs. This has happened for the last two months and it seems like there are still around 100 jobs open. She and her assistant, Allyson Turvey, will be starting an online campaign through social media to promote jobs. A social strategy for facebook and linked in will be used. A Lunch and Learn luncheon session will be held for all Human Resource specialists on April 20th. Allyson has developed a welcome packet that will be distributed to the Human Resource Departments of major employers in Fort Scott along with local realtors. The packet will also be uploaded to the City’s website and facebook page. Rachel informed the Commission that the City has a new facebook page and urged them all to “like” the new page.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn – Rhonda shared with the Commission a demolition list update. She will have this spreadsheet for them at the second meeting of each month.
She said that her department is focusing on grass and weeds. They have several ideas that her department is contemplating. They are having door hangers made that will hang on doors for houses needing attention and door hangers that are positive and thank the homeowner for the great way they keep their yards and houses looking.
B. City Commission:
Adamson – Informed the public that this weekend is when the National Historic Site Reenactment will be held.
Bartelsmeyer – Echoed Commissioner Parker’s comments.
Nichols – Nothing to report.
Parker – Thanked the whole team at the City and the way they try to save money and promote the City.
Mitchell – Nothing to report.
C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.
Director of Finance: Nothing to report.
City Manager:
Meet and Greet – Memorial Hall – Approval of alcohol at event – City Manager said that the Bourbon County Action Team is having a Buy and Eat/Meet and Greet event at Memorial Hall on May 3rd, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. He asked the Commission to approve the use of alcohol for this event.
Nichols moved to approve the use of alcohol for the event on May 3rd, 2018 at Memorial Hall. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE USE OF ALCOHOL FOR THE BUY AND EAT/MEET AND GREET EVENT AT MEMORIAL HALL ON MAY 3RD, 2018 FROM 5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.
Home Show – City Manager thanked Tim and Deb McKenney and the radio station for the great job they do in hosting the Home Show. The City officials heard many positive comments in their booth this past weekend.
Project List – City Manager informed the Commission that the Project List was emailed to them earlier this week. This list is to keep them up to date on projects in the City. There were 20 projects completed in the first quarter of 2018. There are 120 total projects. This list will be given out at the second meeting of each month.
ADJOURNMENT:
Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:20 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on May 1st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
____________________
DIANE K. CLAY
Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission for 6 p.m. May 1 at City Hall, 123 S. Main.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor James Collins, First Southern Baptist Church
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
National Nursing Home Week – May 13-19, 2018
Recognition of Employees
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 17th, 2018.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1214-A totaling $411,857.94.
Resolution 24-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 211 N. Lincoln Street – Public Hearing Date – 6/19/2018 at 6:15 p.m.
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE:
Matt & Cherie Witt – Autism Awareness (video presentation)
Amber Toth – Fort Scott Project
First Impressions project – Lindsay Madison & Carla Nemecek
6:00 p.m. Notification of Intent to File Application for Financial Assistance with USDA Rural Development for improvements to the City’s water system
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
6:15 p.m. Resolution 22-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1602 E. Oak Street
6:15 p.m. Resolution 23-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 504 S. Judson Street
6:15 p.m. Resolution 25-2018 – Resolution directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 523 S. Main Street
6:15 p.m. Resolution 15-2018 – Resolution directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 1601 E. Wall Street
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
IX. COMMENTS:
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
There will be a work session of the Fort Scott City Commission held on Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. This work session will be held to discuss the updated Comprehensive Plan. No action will be taken at this work session. This meeting is open to the public.
Jared Witt spoke to a group of young artists and community members Saturday evening of the importance of doing and trying artistic activities, “not just doing it in your head.”
This describes the concept of the 2nd Story Festival of Art and Ideas which took place in venues in Fort Scott Friday through Sunday afternoon.
The evening finale included hors-d’oeuvres, drinks and an art display of the Young Visual Artists Art Show.
Art vendors were invited to sell their art as well.
Witt, who was the coordinator for the festival, addressed the group and thanked the contributors
The festival was to support creative endeavors in the community, Witt said.
The festival event was hosted by the Bourbon County Arts Council with grant funding provided by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
Encompassing the weekend were art, comedy improvisation and literary workshops plus crafted beer tastings.
Marc Willson, a retail strategist from Virginia who focuses on small to medium size towns, spoke at two sessions on Saturday. One topic was Art As A Business and the other Creative Placemaking: Building the Artist Community in Fort Scott.
Sponsors of the weekend event: Boiler Room Brewhaus, Bourbon County Arts Council, Charles and Martha Jane Gentry, The City of Fort Scott, Common Ground Coffee Co., The Empress Event Center, Kate and Jeff Sweetser, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Scott Public Library, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Lowell Milken Center of Unsung Heroes, Nate’s Place at the Lyons Twin Mansions and Sleep Inn and Suites Hotel.
“Our mission is to promote Fort Scott as a regional hub for arts and innovation, as well as an attractive place for artists, creators, and innovators to live,” Witt said.
The annual festival is part of an initiative to improve the appeal of Fort Scott to those considering relocating and to improve the quality of life for those who live in Southeast Kansas. Fort Scott has resources in the areas of arts and innovation. The festival aims to inspire and encourage entrepreneurship in the region.
For more information: www.2ndstoryartfestival.com
Young artists were encouraged this year by a grant funded by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
Coordinators for the Young Visual Artists Art Show were Laura Agee and Bre Martin.
“There were 60 participants with 80 pieces of art submitted from six area schools,” Martin said.
The top winners of the art show attended the finale with their parents at Nate’s Place of the Lyons Twin Mansions.
Each winner received a $5 gift certificate from Common Grounds Coffee Co. and each school that participated received $25 for their art program.
Jacey Bowen, an art student of Chris Woods at Uniontown High School, received first place in three categories and took home $175.
The Uniontown High School Art Program received $100 as a result of the win of Bowen in three categories.
“We will buy something for the students that we haven’t tried before,” Woods said following the presentation.
Additionally, there were three workshops on Saturday for children offered in mediums of clay, metal, and fabric.
Martin said approximately 23 children combined, participated in the three workshops.
Pictured below are some of the first and second place winners who were honored at the art show.
Fort Scott Preschool Center will have preschool enrollment at the center located at 409 S. Judson from 10 a.m. to 2 .pm. Friday, May 4.
For more information call 620-223-8965
Children who attend early learning programs are more likely to
appropriately develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills that
will help them in their educational career.
Click here to view the event flyer, then click to enlarge the image:
Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter Rummage Sale is Saturday, April 28 starting at 8 a.m. at the 4-H Building at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street.
The non-profit animal shelter was the recipient of a publishing and printing company inventory sale in Missouri, Kate Sweetser, a board member told the Chamber of Commerce coffee Thursday morning.
“There are office supplies, equipment, and office furniture, ” that will be sold to benefit the shelter, Sweetser said.
The City of Fort Scott will be available to provide dog tag renewal during the rummage sale from 8 a.m. to noon. The cost per dog is $3 for neutered animals and $5 for un-neutered animals.
Proof of rabies shots is required.
Animals can be microchipped for $20.
Cats need to be brought in in a crate, dogs must be on a leash.
There will be a concession stand for breakfast and lunch.
Sweetser said only dogs and cats are taken into the shelter, and when they are adopted out the animals have all their shots, have flea treatment, have been de-wormed and have been spayed or neutered.
Adoption fees range from $10 to $100, depending on the animal, with the average between $60-80.
She said the Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation has received two generous bequeaths from Yeager and also Lee Weast but interest only is available to use for the budget.
“That’s not enough to meet our yearly budget,” Sweetser said.
In addition to donations, volunteers are needed at the animal shelter, she said.
“Volunteers are needed to help with the animals, for socialization,” Sweetser said. “Some come once a week, some come as a project such as a scout troop.”
The shelter is located at 721 240th Street and the phone number is 620-223-2888.
Lee’s Paws and Claws is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter manager is Kiersten Poole, and there are four part-time employees.
Members of the shelter board are Jim Adams, Randy Shannon, Cathy Dancer, Rhonda Dunn, Mary Ann Crain, Barb Ritter, Sweetser, Rob Shaw, Bob Taylor and Matt Messer.
“We are trying to create a board of members who love animals but have a strong background in organization, marketing, and business,” Sweetser said. “To create a sustainable business model that will ensure the future of the organization.”
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Todd Farrell and Mike Durossette, Fort Scott Parks Department, prepare the hanging planters on Main Street. The new potting soil is in preparation for the Bourbon County Garden Club, who will be planting flowers next week, weather permitting, Farrell said.
Sound the Alarm
The American Red Cross and the Fort Scott Fire Department are partnering to provide free smoke alarms in a program called Sound the Alarm, Dave Bruner Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshall told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce coffee attendees Thursday morning.
The Red Cross is holding a Sound the Alarm home fire safety and smoke alarm installation event on Sunday, May 6 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Buck Run Community Center.
To view the Red Cross flyer click below, then click on the image to enlarge:
STA – Request Flyer – ftscott 18
Red Cross volunteers and local partners will be canvassing neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms, and helping families create fire escape plans.
Bruner told the coffee attendees that volunteers are needed to help the fire department in installing the smoke detectors.
To request a free smoke alarm or signing up to volunteer https://bit.ly/savealifefortscott or by calling 316-219-4048.
In spite of the rain, the people of Fort Scott lined the route from the airport through downtown Fort Scott, then east to the Adam and Jennifer LaRoche ranch Wednesday afternoon.
The route and patriotic welcome were for the combat veterans that the LaRoche’s will be hosting a turkey hunt in the next few days.
E3 Foundation, founded by Adam and Jennifer LaRoche, is partnering with Combat Warriors Inc. to host the turkey hunt for the military heroes.
The LaRoche’s asked the town to rally behind the entry into Fort Scott of the veterans, to honor them.
On Wednesday, April 25 at approximately 1:30 p.m. the veterans landed at Fort Scott Airport then headed to the LaRoche Ranch.
Cloudy skies and light rain prevailed, and some bystanders were downtown on the route by 1 p.m. Temperatures were in the 50s.
Just before the convoy arrived downtown, the rain steadily increased.
That did not stop the bystanders from waiting to show their support for the veterans.
The Fort Scott Tourism Center and additionally, Stewart Realty had handed out American flags, while Captured Images Photography handed out patriotic posters to the community to hold in welcome to the veterans.
All of these added to the color to the welcome, in spite of the cloudy skies.
If you have a great photo you’d like to share of the convoy, please add it with a description of what is happening in the photo on the FortScott.Biz Facebook page.
JOB OF THE DAY – FULL-TIME RECEPTIONIST – FORT SCOTT MERCY HOSPITAL
Fort Scott Mercy Hospital is seeking applicants for a RECEPTIONIST. Job responsibilities include greeting patients, scheduling, registering, answering the telephone, taking messages, posting charges, and filing. Apply online at http://ow.ly/zWox30jGhw6