Category Archives: Fort Scott
Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration RSVP Deadline is Today
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More Parking Space Downtown Is On the Horizon
Fort Scott Public Works personnel were excavating the site at National Avenue and First Street on Wednesday in preparation for a new public parking lot, according to Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager.
Fort Scott Public Library Awarded $20,000 For Children’s Section
The Fort Scott Public Library was honored to be one of the 50 libraries in the United States to receive a prestigious $20,000 grant from the American Library Association and the Association of Small and Rural Libraries for their Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities Grant.
According to https://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/libraries-transforming-communities/access
“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities offered more than $14 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities.
To be eligible, a library must have a legal area population of 25,000 or less and be located at least five miles from an urbanized area, in keeping with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definitions of small and rural libraries.
ALA awarded four rounds of grants to be distributed over the next four years ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
Participating libraries will first conduct community input-gathering sessions to assure that their work aligns with local needs. Libraries will be required to identify the primary audience they are hoping to reach (e.g., homebound seniors, children with autism, Deaf community members) and facilitate a community conversation with the impacted populations in order to guide the improvement of the library’s services. Grantees would then use the funds to create services or improve their facilities based on the needs identified by their audience.”
“This grant, in the amount we received, was a testament to our commitment to serving our community,” said Library Director Jennifer Gum-Fowler. “Another 250 libraries were granted $10,000 for the same grant.”
“We were informed in late March that we had won, but we were asked to wait until all the other libraries had been notified and accepted the grant. To make a bigger splash, we announced it at the Chamber Coffee last week. We will begin working on the grant in just a few weeks.”
“This grant is a game-changer for us. It will create a dedicated quiet space in the library for children with non-neurotypical disabilities, a much-needed addition to our services.”
“We will purchase a Shushbooth to do this in our limited space,” she said.
“A Shushbooth is a soundproof room with a small table, chairs, and an area for the kids to sit on the floor,” she said. “Depending on the child, it will give them a place where they can be both quiet and loud. It makes the library more accessible for the children. When not used for the kids, the rest of the community can use it for Zoom meetings and telehealth.”
“Some of the grant will also help us add therapeutic toys and items that the parents and children can check out and use. The rest of the grant will train staff to work better with these children and parents, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment. We will be hosting a community conversation soon about the grant, so stay tuned for that,” she said.
Changes on the horizon
“The library is undergoing a makeover to align with the grant we just received. The children’s area is being moved downstairs to make it more accessible for parents and children. We are also creating a Teen Zone and a Makerspace upstairs for the community. ”
“In addition, the library has received a Tech Grant from Southeast Kansas Library System, which we used to purchase a projector and screen for the events room. This makes the event room a conference room and a programming room for the community. We hope these changes will transform the library into a vibrant hub for the community to use and enjoy.”
The employees of the Fort Scott Public Library are
Jennifer Gum-Fowler- Library Director
Mackenzie Kaemmer- Youth Services Specialist
Samantha Miller- Youth Services Assistant
Pam Johnson – Inter Library Loan-Resource Clerk
Jennifer Carnes – Collections-Cataloging Clerk
The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is closed Sunday.
Contact info: Jennifer Gum-Fowler- 620-223-2882, [email protected], 201 S Nation
Zach Johnson is the new Assistant Superintendent for USD 234
Submitted by Haley Houdeshelt, Administrative Assistant/Communications Coordinator with the USD 234 Board of Education.
“Zach Johnson is the new Assistant Superintendent for USD 234. He will begin his new position in the 2025-2026 school year.
Zach’s Background-
“I am originally from Willard Missouri. I have been in education for 13 years. I have spent six of those years as a teacher and coach in Missouri. I then spent four years as an assistant principal/athletic director at Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville and I have been the principal at Fort Scott Middle School the last three years.”
What do you hope to bring to this position and what are you most eager for?
“My hope is to help facilitate a collective vision that focuses on the success of all students. I believe in supporting and creating a culture that adds value and support to our staff. I am looking forward to working and meeting our staff in the upcoming months.”
Zach & his family-
“My wife Bethany is a therapist at KRI. We have three kids with a fourth on the way. We are very active in the school and the Fort Scott community. We are excited to be here and look forward to continuing to build connections throughout our community. ”
Congratulations, Zach! We are thrilled to watch you exceed in this new role!”
Fort Scott Christian Heights Country Store & Auction is Saturday, May 3
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Minutes From the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on April 14
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, April 14, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 1005 S Main.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
03-10-25
03-31-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – March 13, 2025 – $1,700,506.75
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Food Service Fundraiser
LEA Assurances
Superintendent Destry Brown provided the Board with a Legislative update. Also, the Board was given an overview of a possible project at Fisher Park with the City and Buck Run.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared update. The building on Horton Street has completed demo. Mr. Mayfield updated on the school budget and several projects that the Board will have to prioritize in the coming years.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes recognized the related services team for their work with Medicaid. Also, invited all to attend Special Olympics at Pittsburg State on April 29th.
Scott Kimble & Michelle Laubenstein introduced the Career & Tech Education Team. Kevin Flanner, Ryan Miller, Morgan Sage, Chris Griffetts, Matt Glades, and Michael Casner were all able to present to the Board their classes. (Mark Spore, Sydney Cullison, & Deb Russell are also a part of the team) Each were able to express the amazing accomplishments of their students. They have a huge heart for their classes and are excited about the future and opportunities these courses are providing for the students.
Superintendent Brown reviewed the district’s goals and values that the Board has put in place.
The Board Approved the following items:
- Cell Tower Purchase with American Tower
- KASB Legal assistance fund contract
The Buck Run Hill property will be left as is.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
April 14, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Altic, Xoe – Resignation – 3rd Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware
Floyd, Gary – Supplemental Resignation – Head Soccer Coach – High School
Foulk, Joe – Resignation – Help Desk Technician
Johnson, Zach – Resignation – Principal – Middle School
Madison, Kendall – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Metcalf, Alvin – Supplemental Resignation – Head Wrestling Coach (Boys & Girls) – High School
Newman, Ronna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Staton, Shanna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool
Yoakam, Bobbie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Reed, Bob – LOA
TRANSFER:
Harper, Angel – Preschool Paraprofessional to Preschool Speech Paraprofessional
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations
Johnson, Zach – Assistant Superintendent
Preschool Certified Staff
Winfield Scott Certified Staff
Eugene Ware Certified Staff
Middle School Certified Staff
High School Certified Staff
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Avery, Mike – Maintenance Grounds Position
Supplemental Recommendation:
Blackburn, Brendan – Assistant Track Coach – Middle School
Eastwood, Kim – Elementary Summer School Administrator – Summer 2025
Farrington, Jannah – ESY Coordinator – Summer 2025
Regan, Nicole – ESY Coordinator – Summer 2025
Simas, Kiel – Summer Weights & Conditioning – Middle School
Smias, Kiel – Head Football Coach – Middle School
Opinion: Connecting The Lines
Last week, Christie Thomas posted an image to Facebook taken from the Post Office building of the lines being repainted at the library. The lines weren’t parallel and changed angles when they got off the concrete onto the brick. The photo caused quite a stir on Facebook, with people laughing at the inability of the workers to paint straight lines.
Here are a few observations: As far as I know, those parking lines have been like that for years, owing to how things evolve when redoing curbs and replacing sections of the parking area.
Let’s go back to 2012, before the parking area and curbs were reworked on both sides of the street. It is a little harder to see on the library side of the street, but if you notice the lines for parking in front of the old Episcopal church, they look like what you’d expect.
Now, let’s jump forward to 2022. There have been some major improvements to the curbs on both sides of the streets, and the parking area between the sidewalk and the brick looks like it has been updated from asphalt to concrete.
Once again, the angle is harder to see on the library side of the street, but on the North side, you can see that the lines on the concrete no longer line up with the old lines on the bricks. Is this because the people who painted them can’t match up lines? Well one could make that assumption, but if you look at the angle of the curb, the lines on the new concrete are designed to line up with the curb which is angled in a way to require an easier to navigate 45 degree turn (red lines) to park instead of the previous 60 degree turn (blue lines).
With the changes to the parking spaces, you can still see the white lines from the old parking spaces. Would it have looked nicer and neater if the old lines were somehow removed from the brick? Probably. Should the city have removed the old lines from the bricks? Probably not.
There are thousands of things the city could be working on at any given time, and not everything has the same value and priority. If the old lines didn’t cause any confusion or safety issues for people parking, then it makes perfect sense to leave it as is and move on to other higher-priority work that represents a better investment of taxpayer dollars.
Each day, hundreds of decisions are made about how much time and work should be invested in a particular aspect of a project before it becomes counterproductive in terms of diminishing returns. Those vestigal lines on the bricks are probably a conscious decision in how your tax dollars were spent that day. Yes, they could have spent extra hours removing the unnecessary faded lines, but someone decided to invest somewhere else instead. If you’ve ever parked in one of these spaces without any trouble, it indicates that their decision was sound.
The lines on the brick may look a bit messy as the paint fades over the years, but they are by-products of healthy evolution as the city changes and adapts and all the individuals working for the city do their best to make good decisions and optimal trade-offs on our behalf.
What about the lines on the library side of the street in Christie Thomas’ photos? For a number of historical reasons, many of which are likely lost to time, the lines on the library side evolved slightly differently. Where the North side of the street left the disconnected old lines on the bricks to fade away, the lines in front of the library were different. When the newly installed concrete was painted sometime between 2017 and 2020, the new line sections appear to have been connected to the old lines on the brick. They weren’t completely straight, but they were perfectly functional and probably represented someone’s best decision of how to get the parking spaces back up and usable as quickly as possible. The fact that it has been working just fine for most people for quite a few years now shows that the decision wasn’t unreasonable. Sure, it might have looked better to remove all the old lines somehow and start over. Maybe you personally would even prefer that approach, but the extra time spent on that would have come at the expense of something else that was very likely more important.
So, now fast forward to last week. Imagine you get sent out to apply a new coat of paint to the parking lines in front of the library. The existing lines are clearly not perfect, but they have been working just fine for library patrons for the past 5 or 8 years. What would be the best use of taxpayers’ money? Should you try to redo each parking slot by stripping off all the paint and redoing them? Or should you just paint what is there and has been working for more than half a decade?
I want to submit that repainting what has been working was not an unreasonable decision. The city came back later and, likely due to the tempest on Facebook, removed the lines that were on the older part on the bricks.
The purpose of this post is to point out three things. First, the evolution of the things we easily take for granted in our town and county often doesn’t happen in a nice tidy sequence. Over the years things grow in different ways and what might appear baffling can very easily be the result of a series of optimal decisions about how to prioritize the many competing priorities and invest enough time to achieve the goal while trying not to let a job expand in a way that takes resources away from other more pressing needs.
Second, I want to remind everyone that there are real people behind all the work that gets done every day in our community. Even if they are making completely reasonable or even fully optimal choices, it may not look that way without knowing more of the details and history. Even if they make a decision that turns out to need a change, they are still people with real feelings and are likely making the best decisions with the current information and situation they find themselves in.
I’m talking to myself here as much as anyone. In the past, I’ve found it amusing that when severe weather warnings on Facebook end up getting tagged with “violence.” So when I saw someone had tagged a photograph of parking lines being painted as “harassment,” I commented on the fact with a smiley face. After seeing some of the other things people were saying, I regretted and reverted my comment. I apologize to anyone whose feelings I might have hurt with that.
Finally, I want to say a word to the people who keep our county and city operating by doing everything from fixing fences taken out by drunk drivers to keeping the parking lines visible to keeping the accounts balanced to doing the safety patrols at the lake. Thank you. I’m sure anything someone thinks you could have done differently gets 100 times more attention than it should, and all your work that everyone depends on each day gets 100 times less thanks than you actually deserve.
Mark Shead
Note: FortScott.biz publishes opinion pieces with a variety of perspectives. If you would like to share your opinion, please send a letter to [email protected].
Union Soldier Statue Gets A Bath
Next time you happen to be down by the courthouse, be sure to glance up at the Union Soldier Statue. You’ll find a cleaner version of the tribute to volunteer soldiers who fought in the Civil War than the last time you looked his way. Workers used a lift and pressure washer to give him a bath on Friday evening.
Presumably Drunk Driver Takes Out Airport Fence
Early this morning, a vehicle destroyed the fence near the entrance to the Fort Scott airport. Airport workers say that their cameras on the terminal picked up some lights, but the area was far enough away to make identifying the vehicle impossible.
Based on the tire tracks, it appears that the vehicle rammed the fence, drove over it, spun around in a circle and then headed back out to the road.
If anyone has any details or information about the incident, please let the city or airport staff know.
Agenda for the USD234 School Board Meeting April 14
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
April 14, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
03-10-25
03-31-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – March 13, 2025 – $1,700,506.75
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Food Service Fundraiser
5.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
5.1 Superintendent’s Report
5.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
5.3 Special Education Director’s Report
5.4 Career & Tech Ed
6.0 Old Business
6.1 Review of Strategic Plan – Goals & Values (Information Only)
6.2 Cell Tower Purchase Update
6.3 Buck Run Hill Property (Information Only)
7.0 New Business
7.1 KASB Membership Renewal & Legal Assistance Fund Contract (Action Item)
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time ________
9.1 Enter Executive Session
9.2 Exit Executive Session
10.0 Board Members will tour High School Facilities
11.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission on April 15 and the Unapproved Minutes of April 1
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
April 15, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1382-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of March 26 – April 8, 2025 – $378,274.56
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of April 1, 2025
- March Financials
- V Public Comment
VII. Appearances
- Craig Campbell – FSHS All Class Reunion Parade Permit
- Ben Hart – GAAP Audit
VIII. Unfinished Business
- 121 Margrave – Tabled from 3/18/2025
- 118 E. Wall Proposals
- New Business
Action Items:
- Purchase of Fire Truck – Bruner
- Consideration to Purchase Mower for Parks – Coffman
- Revised Employee Handbook – B. Matkin
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Unapproved minutes.
Minutes of April 1, 2025 Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Matthew Wells, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Lt. Caleb Bell/FSPD, Norm Nation/Lead Codes Inspector, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Tom Coffman/Public Works Director, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Max Daly/Water Treatment Superintendent, Bill Lemke/Water Collection Superintendent, Denise Needham/Vice President of PTO, Garth Herrmann/Gilmore-Bell via telephone, and Shawn O’Brien.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the citizens, and our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda (2:41)
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the agenda with the addition of Item B/Section 8/Unfinished Business to change the Prom Walk In time frame . OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the revised agenda as presented, plus the additions. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Approval of Consent Agenda (4:47)
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1381-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of March 12 – March 25, 2025 – $ 696,826.18
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 18, 2025
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment (5:02) – None
Appearance – Denise Needham/Representative of USD 234 – Color Run– Temporary Street Closure (road south of Riverfront Park) & Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – April 25, 2025 – 5:00PM until 8:00PM for the safety of participants and their families (5:29) – NEEDHAM stated that she wanted to add to the application that they may want to set up a registration table closer to 5PM and change their set up time to 4:00PM. They would also like to have a barricade at the north side parking lot to close off that entrance. Parents will park at Twisted Trailer
MOTION: OLSON moved to allow the Temporary Street Closure for the road south of Riverfront Park and a Temporary Park Closure of Riverfront Park on April 25, 2025, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM with a backup date of May 2, 2025, for the same times if the 25th is unavailable. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Appearances of Shawn O’Brien and Scott Flater were moved due to not being present at the time.
Unfinished Business
Approval to honor demolition bid previously awarded for 323 W. Wall – (9:41)
Discussion was had on the history of this home on the agenda. KRUGER commented that he has had no further contact with the homeowner and nothing new to report. MATKIN stated that the demolition bid is for $3,000.00.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the demolition bid from Dave’s Demo for $3,000.00. DANCER seconded. DANCER, VAN HOECKE, SALSBURY and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Appearance – Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director – (12:47)
FLATER addressed the Commission to update on the Water Utilities Department and provided a handout illustrating the status of the wastewater treatment facility and lagoons. Highlights of the department include: switching from gas ammonia to liquid ammonia for operator safety; installation of a new hydro chlorine analyzer on the inflow of the clear well; new electric pole and box at the east tower; coupler and laser align replaced on pump one at the college booster and Fort Scott was in the top (3) finalists of the best tasting water in Kansas contest at the Kansas Rural Water Conference in Wichita. He also stated that they finished their water usage report for 2024 – (787) million gallons of water was produced which is approximately (2) million gallons per day (2,332 hours at the water treatment plant). A myriad of tests are performed including coliform bacteria, total organic carbon, nitrates, bromate, disinfection byproducts, pesticides, fluoride and inorganics. All samples are collected and sent to KDHE. Wastewater Treatment Plant updates: last AMS trailer left on March 13, 2025. There were (7) trailers on site and down stepping (1) trailer every (2) weeks since January. The boat they were using to integrate the microbes has been removed from Cell #1. A new mixer and aerator have been installed in the digester. Another aerator has gone down, so FLATER stated he will be back before the Commission to request a replacement. Once that is completed, the digester will be fully functional. However, the facility needs (1) more aerator for #2 Holding Basin. Data collecting is done on both the water treatment and wastewater sides. Some of the tests recently completed include: the (503) is an annual soil sample test which was approved for 2024; the chronic (wet) test – passed for 2025; priority pollutant scans – done monthly. In 2024, (806.5) million gallons went through the wastewater treatment plant, (1,003) work orders, 1,006 loads came into the lagoon from ADM, hauled 1.67 million gallons of biosolids out into the fields. There are hundreds of tests on samples completed including but not limited to: ADM samples, PACE Analytical, ammonia nitrate, satellometer samples, and mixed liquid/suspended solid samples.
(23:24) – Discussion was had regarding the data reported for the ADM load samples provided by FLATER in handouts. The problem remains that it is a municipal lagoon being used to dump ADM’s industrial waste and our lagoons cannot handle the industrial waste without AMS. The contract with ADM expired in December (2024) and discussion was had on renewing the contract. FLATER stated he sent an email to MATKIN recommending that the City stop taking industrial loads from ADM. FLATER explained how the City was charging ADM for their loads, both industrial and domestic. He also explained the pipeline and the plant effluent (reuse) water. FLATER would like to continue selling ADM the effluent water and continue taking their domestic loads (20-40 loads per month) as long as we can trust that nothing else is in there, but he does not want the tank.
Discussion was had with DICKMAN commenting on what the plant could handle currently.
MOTION: WELLS moved to authorize the City Manager to not accept any of the loads that are outside of the limit and only take the domestic water and accept the contract for selling them the effluent plant water, get a contract drawn up that specifies they have to mechanically dredge, they have to provide the tank, they have to pay for the chemicals and if they don’t sign the contract, we don’t take any more of their industrial waste.
Further discussion was had regarding a contract.
OLSON called Point of Order requesting a second to the Commissioner’s motion.
MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
MOTION: OLSON moved that we temporarily suspend all industrial waste from ADM pending our City Manager and Water Utilities Director to communicate with them that it’s going to be suspended, are they willing to come to the table to negotiate. VAN HOECKE seconded.
Discussion was had regarding determining domestic from industrial loads.
WELLS requested OLSON to amend his motion to include Earles Engineering in the discussion. OLSON stated he would leave it to the City Manager’s discretion.
SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, DANCER and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Appearance – Shawn O’Brien – Good Ol’ Days – Street Closures, Memorial Hall Reservation, Pavilion Reservation and Parade Permit (46:49) – Use of the Gathering Place Pavilion was clarified to be used after the Farmer’s Market hours on Saturday. Plan A – Everything on Skubitz; Plan B – If rain on Friday night, move the portable stage to the Pavilion; Plan C – If the weather is too bad, move to Memorial Hall – same scenarios on Saturday for weather.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the request of the Good Ol’ Days street closures, Memorial Hall reservation, pavilion reservation and parade permit. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to extend Street Closure hours for Prom Walk In – April 5, 2025 – 1:00PM to 11:00PM (50:52)
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the change in hours for the Prom Walk In so that the 1:00 time frame is adhered to and everything else would be the same as the original application. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Hearing – (51:58)
Consideration of Vacation of Street and Alley at approximately 123 McCleverty by the request of Alyssa Green and Derrik States – NATION stated he had no further updates from the original application. The agenda packet included (3) pictures of area including the street and alley that was asked to be vacated which would be closing up 2nd Street and the alley runs south to the length of their property. The applicants own the (4) quadrants surrounding the areas to be vacated.
MOTION: OLSON moved to open the public hearing for the consideration of vacation of street and alley at approximately 123 McCleverty. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Discussion was had on how long the structures had been on this property and the purpose of the request. NATION stated that the building to the east, that is in 2nd Street (according to the photo) is no longer there. Further discussion was had on the amount of land that the applicant is requesting to be given by the City. No one was present to represent the request.
MOTION: DANCER moved to close the public hearing – (56:42) WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: WELLS moved to deny the application. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MATKIN left the meeting (57:48)
Status of 118 E. Wall St. – (57:45)
KRUGER stated he had some phone conversations with the business owner. The insurance company cannot write a policy with the “Red Tag” on the building. He stated the claim has been made and verified. He stated that at the next meeting he will have the bids that were requested. The owner is willing to sign the documents presented by the City Attorney, but said he cannot fulfill the insurance requirements.
MATKIN returned to the meeting (59:22).
Further discussion was had about liability indemnification.
Consideration of Resolution No. 10-2025 Project Authorization of the East National Improvements– (1:01:33) – HERRMANN explained that the resolution would authorize the construction of improvements to East National basically from National Avenue heading east towards the cemetery to approximately the railroad tracks. The cost estimate is $3,560,000.00. The resolution would authorize the City to make those improvements and authorize the City to issue bonds to finance all or a portion of the cost of those improvements. It is anticipated that the City will be able to get a grant from KDOT of approximately $1,000,000.00 to help offset all or a portion of those costs. After adopting this resolution, the City would have the ability to issue bonds in an amount sufficient to pay the balance of the cost in order to finalize that project. It would not require that the City go out and issue bonds to finance this, but it gives the authority to do so at some point in the future when it is most convenient for the City.
Discussion was had about the KDOT grant and the anticipated price increase and project cancelation due to tariffs. The resolution could be increased due to price increase once facts are known through an amendment. DICKMAN stated that the grant is a KDOT Cost-Share Grant. There are stipulations and they do have a time frame which can be verified once it is accepted. It is for construction costs only. KDOT only requires a set of engineered plans to proceed, and he explained the reimbursement process. MATKIN stated that they are looking at different ways to complete the project, including the City working on parts versus a contractor being called in to save money. Further discussion was had on the anticipated stormwater portion of the project and potential funds to be used.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve Resolution 10-2025 as presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Plow Truck Purchase (1:11:33) – COFFMAN explained that after the last snow storm the trucks were having breakdown after breakdown until they were down to (1) truck. They found out (2) of the trucks have giant cracks in their frames and described the other issues that were discovered. The (2) trucks that are totally down are 1993 models and the other (2) are 1999 models. He stated that they have been looking at options to get the fleet back up. MATKIN stated that people are wanting quite a bit for their used products. COFFMAN stated that next year there will be the introduction of a new emission which will probably raise the price of a truck $10-$15,000.00 per truck. COFFMAN submitted estimates and recommended purchasing from International Financing. The proposal is for (4) trucks with a payment of $150,000.00 per year for (6) years. At the end of the contract, the City will buy them for $1.00 each. The new trucks are anticipated to last 14-15 years. COFFMAN stated these are all SourceWell priced quotes. The trucks include an 10-ft. plow, spreader, and a bigger engine. They are fully equipped (not fancy), single axle, Class B, CDL truck so great for hauling. MATKIN explained that funds for the trucks will come from the approximately $300,000.00 that was budgeted for an excavator this year. They believe that the dump trucks are much more important than the excavator this year. With the money saved, MATKIN stated we could possibly go out for an oil truck, steel drum roller and possibly a rubber tire roller which will get us the equipment for asphalting, allowing the City to do work themselves.
Discussion was had about the options presented. MATKIN stated that he talked to HART/BakerTilly, and the money would come from Wastewater, Water, and Street Funds.
MATKIN left the meeting (1:20:47) and returned (1:21:51).
MOTION: WELLS motioned to move forward with the lease of the plow trucks for the (6)-year term at $153,397.60. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
WELLS and OLSON left the meeting (1:23:45)
WELLS returned to the meeting (1:25:28).
OLSON returned to the meeting (1:25:54).
Request for Gun Purchases – (1:26:20)
Chief Pickert is requesting to replace the current Glocks with new ones, red dot sights and the money will come from the Drug Seizure Fund. They will trade in the existing firearms. The last firearms purchase was (15) years ago.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the purchase of handguns for the police department with the low bid from Kiesler Police Supply for $12,676.69. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to sign letter to save the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – (1:29:05)
WELLS proposed that the Commission join him in signing a letter to our elected representatives as cuts with hugely impact our local library services and our community college by an Executive Order by President Trump. Full proposal on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel 4-1-2025 City Commission Meeting beginning at (1:29:05).
Discussion was had regarding how much Fort Scott receives directly and how Fort Scott benefits from sharing with other libraries in SEK and what will be cut by the Executive Order.
MOTION: WELLS moved that the City Commission sign this letter to reinstate the IMLS. OLSON seconded.
OLSON, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Discussion was had regarding whether it was more effective for the governing body to sign the letters versus a petition of citizens.
FARMER left the meeting (1:40:35).
ACTION: MATKIN will write an email to the elected representatives receiving the letters signed in (30) days and ask them if they saw it and will report back to the Commission.
FARMER returned to the meeting (1:42:21).
Further discussion continued regarding the difference of opinions on whether the letters being brought to the table were partisan and City business.
OLSON called for Point of Order (1:43:30)
Discussion continued between WELLS and VAN HOECKE.
Food Trucks – (1:45:36)
MATKIN and NATION presented the topic for discussion. MATKIN stated that the point is to be fair, consistent and accurate when enforcing our Codes. NATION presented examples of ordinances other cities use for food trucks and/or food vendors. Currently the City of Fort Scott does not have a specific ordinance for food trucks, however they cannot park on public property. NATION stated that the City does have an ordinance that does exempt vendors participating in the Good Ol’ Days.
ACTION: MATKIN will continue to work on a viable ordinance for food trucks with NATION and KRUGER. They will bring it back to the Commission for review and approval.
Reports and Comments
CITY ENGINEER (1:58:59)
– Horton Street update – final walk through is completed, substantial completion punch list reviewed. There are a few things to fix on the sidewalk, some drives, and final approved list by the end of the week. The contractor will be back on-site Monday to work on punch list and fog seal. CRS-1HP emulsion has been verified. DICKMAN will check when it arrives.
CITY ATTORNEY (2:00:25) – No comments.
CITY MANAGER (2:00:26)
– Water leak at 8th and Eddy. Due to the repetitive leaks, the 8-inch line needs repair, and street will need full repair from St. Mary to 10th Street with concrete instead of replacing the brick.
– LEMKE gave an overview of what happened with the current leak, the past leaks, and future expectations for 8th & Eddy through 10th & Eddy.
– Mid America Baseball League has found a storefront downtown.
– Rachel Carpenter is back from maternity leave.
– Crews and staff working hard
COMMISSIONER SALSBURY (2:18:03) – No comment
COMMISSIONER WELLS (2:18:07)
– Horton Street – mileage markers for walkers
– Thanks to crews and staff
COMMISSIONER DANCER (2:19:44)
– Date for voting on lake lot and encroachment, usage leases
– Shipping container buildings
– Residential codes enforcement
– Recognize Commissioners and encourage citizens to reach out to elected officials
COMMISSIONER OLSON (2:22:17)
– Citizens put us here to speak up when lives are affected
COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE (2:22:41)
– First Friday Concert at Memorial Hall on Friday at 7:00PM
– Thanks to city crews
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6). In the meeting there will be the (5) Commissioners, City Manager, and City Attorney in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 8:33PM. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: OLSON moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:34PM (2:34:53). SALSBURY seconded.
APRIL 1, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:34PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk