Notice of City Office Closed – Wednesday, July 4th, 2018
The City of Fort Scott will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th, 2018 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Thursday, July 5th, 2018.
The Fort Scott Police Department daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
The FSPD is located at 1604 S. National, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and is reached at 620-223-1700.
“The Most EPIC Birthday Party Ever” will happen Friday, June 22 at Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center, 503 N. Pine. Directed by Megan Gabehart. The music will be directed by Fort Scott music teacher Mary Jo Harper.
“Pittsburg Community Theatre’s Jr. Starz program is built for 6-12-year-olds who work diligently for two weeks to learn and memorize an entire show, create crafts and props, and more,” Harper said.
“This year, we were able to have two sessions again, meaning that 80 children have had the opportunity to understand the magic of theater!”
“Of those 80 kids, we have four kids from our district! Bianca Pommier and Chrislen Newman are in the Morning Session and Ana Rupprecht and Emma Bin are in the Afternoon Session,” Harper said.
“Wanna see them rock it out? 6 pm for Morning Session Show, 8 pm for Afternoon Session Show. $5 General Admission at the door. “
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce is one of the hub sites for the bike share program.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announce the Fort Scott Bike Share Program is officially up and running, according to Lindsay Madison, executive director of the Chamber.
Madison has facilitated the program in Fort Scott.
Fort Scott Community College is one of the hub sites for the new bike share program.
“Riders can check out bikes at any of the hub locations,” Madison said. “The bikes can be returned to the same hub or one of the other hubs.”
Peerless Products is one of the hub sites of the new bike share program.
Hub location staff will take a copy of rider’s driver’s license and the bike rider will sign a waiver form.
Riders must be 12 years of age, and those under 18 will have waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
Riders are encouraged to wear a helmet, but helmets are not provided.
“Bikes can be checked out for up to 24 hours unless otherwise specified by hub location, FSCC will have shorter check-out times to allow more student usage of bikes,” Madison said.
Bikes need to be returned to hub location during their normal business hours.
Nate’s Place is one of the hub sites of the bike share program.
Bikes are not to be used on non-paved trails or off-roads.
Bikes were purchased with grant funds from the #BCBSKSPathways to Healthy Kansas Grant in support of the non-motorized transportation policy the City of Fort Scott commissioners approved.
“The bike share program provides non-motorized transportation to be utilized by local community members and visitors,” Madison said.
“The bikes may be used for exercise and leisure purposes to get outside and explore the town.
Community members may use the bikes for transportation to work, the store, school, or other destinations.”
“Fort Scott and Bourbon County are making healthy, active living a priority and the bike share program is another way to promote the healthy choice as the first choice,” she said.
The weekly Chamber Coffee organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for Thursday, July 21 will be hosted by Sonic Drive-In, 1705 S. National Ave. at 8 a.m.
Chamber members and guests are invited to attend for networking, refreshments, and to learn about products, services, or new offerings of the host business or organization. Members may make an announcement about their business, organization, or the community by donating one dollar towards the Chamber.
More information may be obtained by contacting the Chamber at 620-223-3566, emailing [email protected], or visiting fortscott.com.
Fort Scott’s Walmart, 2500 S. Main, is no longer open 24-hours a day.
As of June 2, the store is closed from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., according to an assistant manager at the store.
“We’re continually looking at how we can best serve our customers,” according to a statement sent to fortscott.biz. ” Based on a recent review of shopping patterns at our Fort Scott store, we are adjusting hours and reallocating resources to better serve our customers during peak shopping hours.”
Fort Scott Police are seeking public assistance in details of a robbery of five late model cars in the early morning of Sunday, June 17.
At 4:30 a.m. June 17, 2018, FSPD officers received information on a possible crime in progress at Briggs Automall of Fort Scott, 1819 S. Main, according to a press release from the FSPD.
After arriving, officers discovered several new vehicles were leaving the convenience store across from Briggs Automall. The officers attempted to stop the cars, which were northbound on Hwy. 69.
A high-speed pursuit began.
Officers ended the pursuit a few miles north of Fort Scott.
“Our officers discontinue pursuit when in their estimation, it is dangerous,” FSPD Captain Shaun West said.
Officers returned to Briggs Automall, where it was discovered the building was broken into. Briggs personnel were notified and requested to the scene. The personnel then confirmed that five new vehicles were missing from the dealership.
According to Captain West, the vehicles stolen were:
2018 black Ford Mustang GT Coup
2017 red Mustang Eco Boost Coup
2018 gray Jeep Grand Cherokee
2018 red Dodge Challenger SXT
2018 gray Dodge Challenger GT
Law enforcement agencies were notified in Bourbon, Linn, Miami, and Johnson counties, which lead to the recovery of two vehicles in Miami County and three vehicles in Johnson County.
At this time one suspect is in custody in Johnson County.
This is an ongoing investigation and law enforcement is seeking aid from the public in connection with the case.
If anyone has information, contact the FSPD at 620-223-1700.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Fort Scott Police Department daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
The FSPD is located at 1604 S. National, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at 620-223-1700.
In this 2011 photo, Margaret Humphrey is at the left with grandson, Elliott Norman; daughter, Kristen Humphrey Norman; husband, Merle, and grand-daughter, Violet. In front are grandchildren Leo and Meg Norman.
The 36th Annual Burke Street Parade is July 4th on the city’s west side, near Gunn Park.
The event is pretty disorganized, said Margaret Doherty Humphrey, but lots of fun. The Humphreys live at 1024 S. Burke.
The parade starts with patriotic singing led by Phil Hammonds, Jill Gorman, and Susan Foster.
“We started the singing after 9-11 (the terrorist bombings in New York), Humphrey said.
People wear patriotic attire, kids decorate their bikes, scooters or buggies and line up at 10th and Burke streets at 10 a.m.
There is no parking on Burke Street between 10th and 12th streets during the time of the event.
The public is invited to sit or stand on the curbs lining the street during the parade.
And people are invited to don a patriotic outfit and join in the fun.
“Frank Halsey will line them up at 10th and Burke,” Humphrey said.
Frank and his wife, Deb are hosting the cookie social following the short parade at 1222 Burke Street. People may donate cookies for the social the day before the parade, to the Halseys home.
“Every year someone (on Burke Street) hosts the cookies and drinks,” Humphrey said.
“Please no big vehicles and watch for children who are all over the place,” Humphrey said. “It’s very disorganized, they go up and down and back and forth.”
For more information call Margaret Humphrey 223-0388 or Theresa Bahr 223-1582.
“Or Barbara Albright, the official distributor of information,” Humphrey said.
“Severe storms or lightning cancels the parade…but we conquered the rain last year,” Humphrey said.
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 5th, 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:Pastor Norman Tillotson, First Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Denton Wescoat, Rachel Pruitt, Dicie Nicklaus, William W. Polk, Bill Peterson, CLP-Peterson, Dan Doherty, Janice Allen, Abby Humble, Sarah Steele, Michael Mix, Pat Lyons, Joel Riggs, Steve James, Mark Gilmore, Karina Kantilal, Rhonda Dunn, Travis Shelton, Norman Tillotson, Paul Ballou, Clayton Miller, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 15th, 2018.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1216-A totaling $653,024.45.
Resolution No. 28-2018 – Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 608 S. Broadway – Public Hearing Date – 7/17/2018 at 6:15 p.m.
Resolution No. 29-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1914 E. Wall Street – Public Hearing Date – 7/17/2018 at 6:15 p.m.
Certificate of Appropriateness – Sign at 23 S. Main
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE:
Pickleball Court – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, shared photos of the pickleball court located at 9th and Burke with the City Commission. New lighting has recently been installed and the courts are being used a lot. He introduced Janice Allen and Mark Gilmore, both of who are active pickleball court players.
Mark Gilmore thanked the City of Fort Scott for their commitment in developing this pickleball court. They had a tournament a couple of weeks ago which brought out a lot of people. He has played over 50 people already.
Janice Allen said that she loves the courts and loves to play. She knows of people from Nevada and Joplin that come to Fort Scott to play. She plays every morning and evening. She also thanked the City for the nice courts to play on.
Dave Bruner – Red Cross Smoke Detector Update and Presentation of Check to Dicie Nicklaus, Disaster Program Manager for American Red Cross – Dave Bruner, Deputy Fire Marshal, informed the Commission that the Fire Department partnered up with American Red Cross about a month ago to install fire alarms in people’s homes for the Sound the Alarm Campaign. On May 6th, 2018, there were 314 alarms installed in 130 homes on that day. He thanked Dicie Nicklaus with the American Red Cross for their assistance with this program. He presented a check for $500.00 to Dicie for the Sound the Alarm Campaign. He thanked all the team of volunteers from the City, Buck Run and various businesses and organizations who assisted where needed.
Dicie Nicklaus, American Red Cross, thanked the Fort Scott Fire Department and the City of Fort Scott for the fantastic numbers from Fort Scott. She thanked the City for the donation to American Red Cross also. She announced that this campaign will continue in Fort Scott and expand to businesses and groups.
Fort Scott High School – Amber Toth’s class – Ms. Toth’s class consisting of Abby Humble and Karina Kantilal presented their Fort Scott project to the City Commission. It consisted of a project to make canoe and kayak rentals available on the Marmaton River. It would be completed in three phases: Gunn Park to Bridal Veil Park, Bridal Veil to Riverfront, and Riverfront to Mill Creek. Their estimated costs were $38,260.
City Commissioners thanked the students for their hard work on this project.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:27 p.m. Adamson seconded. Motion carried.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:27 P.M.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 23-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 504 S. Judson Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure is owned by a brother and sister. The sister lives in Springfield and the brother is currently incarcerated in Larned. She stated that the sister’s daughter came to town to go through the house and remove any personal belongings but this is a hoarder house and in terrible condition. The roof is in bad shape also. She asked for approval to remove this structure in 30 days if repairs are not made.
Nichols moved to approve Resolution No. 23-2018 authorizing this structure to be repaired or removed in 30 days. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 23-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 504 S. JUDSON STREET.STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY JULY 13TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
Discussion of 523 S. Main demolition – Rhonda Dunn gave an update on 523 S. Main and asked that this structure is removed from the dangerous and unsafe status and from the demolition list. The owners, Lloyd McKenney Trust, have boarded up the windows and cleaned up around the structure and it looks much better already.
Commission discussed setting a time frame to insure the structure repairs are kept up.
Parker moved to revisit this structure at 523 S. Main in 120 days to insure that repairs are being made. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO REVISIT THE STRUCTURE AT 523 S. MAIN IN 120 DAYS TO INSURE THE REPAIRS ARE KEPT UP.
Discussion of 1523 E. Wall demolition – Rhonda Dunn gave an update on 1523 E. Wall and informed the Commission that repairs have been made to this structure by the Brumback family. There is more work to do but she asked that it be removed from the dangerous and unsafe status at this time but set a time frame to revisit it.
Bartelsmeyer moved to revisit this structure at 1523 E. Wall in 60 days to insure that repairs are being made. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO REVISIT THE STRUCTURE AT 1523 E. WALL STREET IN 60 DAYS TO INSURE THE REPAIRS ARE KEPT UP.
Discussion of 309 S. Lowman demolition – Rhonda Dunn informed the Commission that the property owner of 309 S. Lowman had a contract with Kevin Allen – Skitch’s to demolish this property. She visited with Kevin Allen and he said he would have this demolished by the end of June. She asked the Commission to rescind the demolition bids for 309 S. Lowman.
Bartelsmeyer moved to rescind the bids for 309 S. Lowman. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO RESCIND BIDS FOR 309 S. LOWMAN STREET.
Discussion of 13 N. Holbrook demolition – Rhonda Dunn informed the Commission that the property owner has demolished this property but has not cleaned up the debris. She asked for 30-45 more days for him to clean up this property.
Discussion of 310 N. Cleveland demolition – Rhonda Dunn informed the Commission that the property owner has made no improvements to this structure. He has had no water since 2014 and no electricity since 2016. She has tried to meet with them but they will not answer the door. She spoke to the Fort Scott Housing Authority about possible openings they would have where this couple could move into and they do have openings. They were present earlier at the meeting and she spoke to them. She will meet with them on Friday to discuss other housing possibilities. If this is not successful, this structure may have to go through the court system to remove them from the structure.
Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:40 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:40 P.M.
CONSIDERATION:
Approval of Ordinance No. 3534 authorizing the City to issue Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2018 (Price Chopper Project) for the purpose of the acquisition, construction, renovation and equipping of a commercial facility; and authorizing certain other documents and actions in connection therewith – $5,900,000 – Sarah Steele, Gilmore & Bell, P.C., appeared before the Commission to request approval of the Ordinance approving the sales tax exemption. She said that Joel Riggs and Steve James were both present also.
Joe Riggs thanked that City Commission for all their support since the store opened four months ago.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Ordinance 3534 authorizing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for the Price Chopper project. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3534 AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS TO ISSUE ITS TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2018 (PRICE CHOPPER PROJECT) FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION AND EQUIPPING OF A COMMERCIAL FACILITY; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER DOCUMENTS AND ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. – $6,250,000
City Attorney also recommended authorizing the Mayor to sign any pertinent documentation in regards to this bond issue.
Mitchell moved to authorize the Mayor to sign any other pertinent documentation in regards to the bond issue. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN ANY OTHER PERTINENT DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS BOND ISSUE.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn – Rhonda updated the Commission on this last weekend’s Good Ol’ Days event. She felt like the event went smoothly. The committee takes the month of July off and then starts again in August to plan the following year’s event. She did feel the crowd was down this year. They will work to reboot this for 2019 to attract more people. She thanked all the City crews and Police and Fire Departments for the great job they do.
Stout Building – Rhonda informed the Commission that she will be moving forward with the demolition of this building. The adjacent property owner would like to see a parking lot for their residents. She is currently working with the property owner on this.
Ordinance Change – Rhonda said that she will be working with the Planning Commission in the near future to change the ordinance for the Central Business District and living on the first floor of a building.
Weeds – Rhonda said that her department has mailed out over 200 weeds letters since May 1st. They are also working on inoperable vehicles.
Land Bank – Rhonda said that she would like to see the Land Bank ordinance on the June 19th Commission meeting agenda.
B. City Commission:
Adamson – Nothing to report.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Nichols – Nothing to report.
Parker – Nothing to report.
Mitchell– Nothing to report.
C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.
Director of Finance: Nothing to report.
City Manager:
Good Ol’ Days Committee – City Manager thanked this committee for their hard work in pulling off this event every year. They will work with Velocity next year also.
ADJOURNMENT:
Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:54 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on June 19th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda for the the Fort Scott City Commission, 6 p.m. June 19 at City Hall, 123 S. Main.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Steve Cole, First United Methodist Church
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 5th, 2018.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1217-A totaling $309,518.34.
Fireworks Waiver – July 4th, 2018
Parade Permit – Burke Street Parade – July 4th, 2018
Cereal Malt Beverage Application – Lady Elks Lodge #579 – June 23rd, 2018 – Briggs Car Show
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE:
Jana Walker – Closure of Burke Street
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
6:15 p.m. Resolution 30-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 211 N. Lincoln Street
6:15 p.m. Resolution 26-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1306 E. Wall Street
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of placing stone at Heritage Park in front of rose garden in memory of Dola Cress
Consideration of appointment – Fort Scott Housing Authority Board
Consideration of OCR Agreement
Consideration of approval of AWOS upgrade grant from K.D.O.T. for Airport
Consideration of approval of PAPI & REIL grant from K.D.O.T. for Airport
Consideration of Change Order #1 – Regional Tourism Center – $1,315.00
Consideration of Land Bank Ordinance No. 3535 adoption
Consideration of changing FSA (Flexible Spending Account) vendor
IX. COMMENTS:
Director Updates: Jon Garrison
Commission:
City Attorney:
Director of Finance:
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
