Category Archives: Fort Scott

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Care To Share Has Moved To Downtown Fort Scott

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Teresa Davenport, president of Care to Share and Cory Bryars, vice president hold the organization’s banner in front of the front desk area of the former Mercy Hospital- that they moved into last December.  This month they are moving into a new office for the organization at 9 E. Wall in downtown Fort Scott.
“Care to Share is moving!” said Corey Bryars, vice president of the cancer fighter support group. “With Freeman (Hospital and Emergency Department) coming soon (to the former Mercy Hospital building) and Kansas Renewal Institute growing, it became time to find a place we could call our own.”
“It all happened fast, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with our move into 9 East Wall Street,” he said. “Come see us as of Dec. 16th.”
9 East Wall Street is the new home of Care To Share.
It is a former dental office with 1,200 square feet of space.
“Some of the extra rooms might be sublet to complementary startup local small businesses…stay tuned,” he said.
“Thanks to a few special Sharing Angels, Care to Share now has a walk-in office, gift shop, and more, all in beautiful and vibrant downtown Fort Scott,” he said.
“We want to thank Holmtown Pub for pledging $100 per month for 2025 to help offset the costs of having our own space. If you are interested in donating, please contact us.”
“We will continue walk-in hours of Monday-Wednesday-Friday 11-2. If you or someone you know is fighting cancer, please get them in touch with Care to Share at the office, at facebook.com/CareToShareSEK, or 620-644-9090.”
“Stay tuned for more details and upcoming Care to Share Community Events. As a 100% volunteer organization, we have always prided ourselves on having little or no overhead. While this office isn’t free, it sets the stage for us to be able to offer more and more support for SEK Cancer Fighters.”
“Thank you Fort Scott and all of SEK for Caring and Sharing,” Bryars said.
About Care to Share
Care to Share Sharing Bucket is a grassroots volunteer organization providing support to members of the community impacted by cancer with financial or emotional support and even driving individuals to and from doctor appointments out of town.
The original founders of the organization that began in 2007 were Teresa Davenport, Joy O’Neal and Lavetta Simmons.
Lavetta Simmons, Teresa Davenport and Joy O’Neal started Care to Share in 2007. Submitted photo.

 

Contact Teresa Davenport, President by phone: (620) 238-0902.
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

City of Fort Scott Hosts Chamber Coffee This Week

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by the

City of Fort Scott
Thursday, December 19th

8am

City Hall

123 S. Main St.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, December 19th at 8am hosted by the City of Fort Scott, 123 S. Main St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a giveaway drawing.

At this week’s Coffee, City Manager Brad Matkin will present the End of Year Accomplishments and give a preview of what’s to come for 2025.

Visit the FS City website HERE!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Church news, Fort Scott

Tanya Glessner’s New Book Release

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Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott’s Tanya Glessner newest book release is
The Uncomfortable Truth: Finding Freedom in God’s Grace.
Book Overview:
The Uncomfortable Truth: Finding Freedom in God’s Grace- by Tanya Glessner invites you to embark on a transformative journey that challenges the very foundations of your understanding of faith and grace. In a world riddled with division, uncertainty, and the constant pull of fleeting desires, this powerful book serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to true freedom found in God’s unwavering love.

Dive deep into the complexities of human experience as Glessner masterfully unpacks uncomfortable truths that we often shy away from. Through the lens of Scripture, she confronts the malevolent influences that seek to derail our spiritual journey and guides us toward a profound understanding of our identity in Christ. Addressing pressing societal issues such as race, gender, and socioeconomic disparities, Glessner doesn’t shy away from the hard conversations that shape our world today.

This book is more than just a spiritual exploration; it’s a practical guide filled with actionable steps that empower you to grow in your faith. Discover how to make peace with God amidst life’s pain and suffering, find your purpose, and heal through the boundless love of Christ. As you navigate the uncertainties of life, let the timeless truths within these pages anchor your soul and renew your spirit.

Are you ready to confront the uncomfortable truths that can lead to profound freedom? Join Tanya Glessner on this enlightening journey and rediscover the power of faith in a world that often seeks to diminish its significance. Purchase your copy today and step into a life transformed by grace!

Purchase link:
Submitted.
Fort Scott, Schools

Preschool Move Is On The Horizon For 2025-26 School Year

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The Fort Scott Preschool will be relocated to a building at Ninth and Horton Streets.
Plans are progressing for the Fort Scott Preschool move to the former Mercy Clinic building at 9th and Horton Street. The preschool is currently is located at 409 S. Judson.
The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.
Planning has been in the works for a couple of years.
“The project is taking longer than expected primarily due to the time required for proper planning, bidding, contractor selection, and budget management,” said Terry Mayfield Assistant Superintendent of Fort Scott USD 234. “While this process is taking longer than initially anticipated, it is essential to ensure that the building is safe, functional, and ready to house the preschool program as intended.”
Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the current situation that Mayfield provided:

  1. “Delayed Possession of the Building: The district was able to take possession of the building in September, but this was later than expected because the previous tenants did not vacate the property until then. This delay in occupancy pushed back the initial timeline for starting renovations.

  2. Demolition and Fire Sprinkler System Installation: The first phase of the project involves significant work, including the demolition of the first floor and the installation of a fire sprinkler system. To move forward with this, the district is working with Crossland Construction, which is responsible for managing the bidding and contractor selection process. This phase is taking time because:

    • Bid Development: Developing comprehensive and detailed bid specifications is a complex task, as the district needs to ensure that all demolition and safety requirements are thoroughly defined.
    • Advertising and Contractor Selection: The district must go through the formal process of advertising the bids, reviewing proposals, and selecting qualified contractors. This process ensures that the contractors meet all the necessary requirements and can complete the work within the budget and timeline.

  4. Renovation Phase: Once the demolition and fire sprinkler installation are completed, the next phase of the project will involve the renovation of the first floor to create classrooms and office spaces for the preschool program. Like the demolition phase, this will require issuing new bids, selecting contractors, and ensuring that all construction meets safety and educational standards. This phase, too, will take time to execute properly.

  5. Funding and Budgeting Considerations: The project is being financed through the district’s capital outlay budget. This requires careful planning and allocation of funds to ensure that sufficient resources are available for each phase of the project. Additionally, capital outlay funds must be managed responsibly to cover not only construction costs but also unexpected expenses that may arise during the project.

  6. Revised Timeline: Due to the delays in obtaining possession of the building and the time needed for proper bid preparation and contractor selection, the project timeline has shifted. The district now anticipates that the facility will be ready for use at some point during the 25-26 school year. Work will continue throughout the 24-25 school year, with the goal of completing the facility’s construction and renovation in time for the preschool program’s operation in the 2025-2026 academic year.”

“The district met recently with Crossland Construction on the next phase for the preschool building to move forward with plans at the building on Horton Street,” Mayfield said.  “Drainage issues do not seem to be a concern, so our next steps will be to move forward with demolition of the interior of the first floor and to install the fire sprinkler system.”

“Once the construction management agreement is in place, they can then begin to put cost estimates on the demo and fire sprinkler system.”

” Crossland Construction will be putting out requests for bids for the demolition and for the fire sprinkler system.  They plan to get the demolition started soon after the first of the year.  They will be taking interested contractors through the building prior to the bid dates.  Once we know these costs, we can then plan to move forward with this phase and then plan for and budget and get cost estimates on the next phase of renovation.”

The current wait list for becoming a student at Fort Scott Preschool is three children.

The current enrollment at the school is  111, Mayfield said. “We are expecting approximately 18 more students to transition to preschool before the end of the school year.”

Currently, there are four early childhood special education classroom teachers, one intervention teacher and 11 paraprofessionals, Mayfield said.

Nick Johnson is the principal of the preschool.

 

To view the prior story:

Fort Scott Preschool Will Get Bigger Facility in 2025

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

FSACF Celebrates Successful Second Match Day to End Off 2024!

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The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is excited to announce that their 2nd annual Match Day raised $50,121 in community donations to 11 FSACF funds!

FSACF and other CFSEK affiliate foundations raised over $155,000. In total, community donations along with matching funds resulted in over $650,000 raised through Match Day, which will benefit Southeast Kansas communities.

Since 2023, FSACF has raised over $100,000 through Match Day to help increase endowments for area nonprofits. Endowments with FSACF are meant to ensure each agency has access to guaranteed funds every year, forever. This year, thanks to the Patterson Family Foundation FSACF was able to offer $25,000 in matching funds.

“Our community truly gave with their hearts during our 2024 Match Day,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Chair. “We are incredibly grateful for every donation, and those donations combined with the matching dollars, are key to us funding projects that meet real needs in Bourbon County.”

The generosity of the Fort Scott community (and beyond) makes Match Day so impactful. The FSACF board would like to thank all the Match Day donors for their continued generosity this Match Day!

Business, Fort Scott

Businesses That Are Now Opening on Mondays

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Several downtown Fort Scott businesses have opened recently on Mondays to serve their community.

 

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry

Krista and Wyatt Hulbert. Submitted photo.

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, 22 No. Main Street, is now open Mondays until Christmas, during the store’s normal business hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturdays, they are open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Owners Wyatt and Krista Hulbert have several pieces on sale and there is a coupon on the back of the current sales flyer for a sterling silver and diamond necklace that will go to someone whose name is drawn.

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, 22 N. Main Street.

 

Brickstreet BBQ

 

Brickstreet BBQ is at the corner of National Avenue and Oak Street just northwest of downtown Fort Scott.

Brickstreet BBQ, 3 W. Oak,  has recently started opening its doors on Mondays as well.

“We are starting to open on Mondays to see how it goes,” said Trisha Query, a shift leader at the restaurant.

The owners are Carissa and Alex Bowman.

Hours of the business are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the winter.

Outpost 13 West

John, Cindy, Carissa and Alex Bowman, stand in front of the new business they recently started, Outpost 13 West.

Outpost 13 West, 13 W. Oak Street, is a build-your-own burrito-bowl-taco restaurant just west of Brickstreet BBQ that this month started to have Monday hours of operations.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday.

Owners are John and Cindy Bowman,   son, Alex Bowman, and his wife, Carissa.

The choose-your-own ingredients bar at Outpost 13 West.

 

Art, Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

Jingle Bell Market This Weekend at The Bourbon County Fair Cloverleaf Event Center

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Submitted photo.
The 4th Annual Bourbon County Fair Association’s Jingle Bell Mart is this Saturday, December 14th from 9 am to 4 pm inside the Cloverleaf Event Center on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd.
This event is a fundraiser for them to help maintain the fairgrounds including the barns, show ring, and rodeo arena, according to Emeila Whiteaker, event organizer.
This year there are 16 vendors including returning and new participants.
This year includes:
Blessed B Creations – Machine Embroidery items
The Market Lady – 3D printed creations
Uppa Creek Ranch – Honey
Blue Dog Wine Co.
Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery
Sally Kraft – Home Sewn items
Happy Little Candle Factory
Locust Hill Lamanch Goat Milk Products
Scentsy
Flying P Ranch – Western apparel and accessories
Gyp and Jo – Dog items
WriteOn – decorative pens
Osage Jewelry
Donna Jo Beerbower – Fudge
Tessie’s Nails – Color Street
Mmm Flavor Shop
“The Southwind Canine Club, the local 4-H dog project group will have breakfast and lunch for sale,” she said.  “This fundraiser is to help them replace old/broken equipment and new equipment that is required to move to the next level.  The club has three members who have completed at the Kansas State Fair and placed in the top 10 for two years.”
“Many of our vendors have items that are under $15 and make wonderful stocking Stuffers.  These vendors are also long time supporters of the Bourbon County Fair Association, taking part in not only past Jingle Bell Mart but also during the Bourbon County Fair which is the third week in July.”
From Emelia Whiteaker’s Facebook page.
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Outdoor Rink Attracts 365 Skaters During Opening Weekend

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The rink named Glide is located at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.
The new outdoor skating rink in Fort Scott had approximately 365 people skate the opening weekend during the Christmas on the Bricks Festival on December 6-8.
The Glide is a synthetic ice skating rink that is located at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.
“Everyone that has visited the rink seems to be enjoying it,” Diane Striler, the event organizer said. “One of the best things we overheard was a little girl who told her mom that now they don’t have to go up to Kansas City to skate.”
Diane Striler and her husband Dean at last year’s Christmas on the Bricks. Submitted photo.
Free tickets to skate now available
“We have three groups that have purchased tickets so kids can skate for free.
1. anonymous donor – 100 tickets
2. Farmer Philanthropy/Carla Farmer – 100 tickets
3. Fort Scott Kiwanis – 50 tickets
    Kiwanis Pioneers- 50 tickets
“Skate aides are available for $2 per skater-free for those with disabilities,” Striler said.
Tickets can be picked up at the Fort Scott Chamber – 231 E Wall St- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“All workers at the rink are coordinated through The Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation,” she said.
Appreciation For Those Who Helped Bring Rink To Fruition
 “We would like to recognize the donors of the rink,” said Striler. “We especially wanted to thank Al  and Luanna Niece for their amazing contribution of $25,000.”
Skating rink donors are listed on the skate storage/payment room at the rink site.
“The ones below the Nieces donated  $5,000 and down to $500,” Striler said.
“The graphic (below) is all the individuals that donated their time  toward the contruction for the rink and set up,” she said.
The list of those who helped with getting the set up completed at the skating rink.
Donors graphic submitted.
“The list (above) includes everyone that monetarily donated at all levels toward the rink, helped with fundraisers and we also wanted to thank the bakers that helped with the Pumpkin Roll Fundraiser – Taira Williams, Jamie Beckham, Joyce Davenport and Jolynne Mitchell and Fort Scott Broadcasting for helping us get out all the information.  We want to thank these people and everyone that contributed in any way,” Striler said.
Church news, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Parkway Church of God: Christmas with The Bryant Creek Trio & Shoal Creek Revival On Dec.13

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Sending on behalf of our Chamber member

Parkway Church of God

invites you to their Christmas with

The Bryant Creek Trio

&

Shoal Creek Revival

Friday, December 13th ~ 7pm

Parkway Church of God

111 State St. Fort Scott, KS

970-201-8363

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Government

Agenda For the Dec. 17 Meeting of the FS City Commission

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

December 17, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1374-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of November 27, 2024, to December 10, 2024, – $457,779.84
  5. Approval of Minutes for December 3, 2024, Regular Meeting and December 6, 2024, Special Meeting.
  6. Approval of Renewed Cereal Malt Beverage(CMB) License for 2025

Original Unopened Container – Not for Consumption on the Premises

Walmart #0039 – 2500 S. Main

Walgreens #11086 – 2229 S. Main

Pete’s #28 – 1135 E. Wall

Pete’s #27 – 605 National

Pete’s #20 – 998 N. National

Pete’s #14 – 1920 S. Main

Casey’s #3399 – 2216 S. Main

G & W Foods/Cash Saver – 911 E. 6th

Consumption on the Premises

Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt

Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton

  1. November Financials

 

VII.      Public Comment

VIII.     Appearances

  1. Becky Johnon/SEKMCHD – Overview of Services provided by SEK Multi-County      Public Health Department.

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Status of 118 E. Wall – Tabled from November 19, 2024.
  3. Status of Horton 6th Street Project – Representative/Emery Sapp & Sons

 

  1. New Business

 

Public Hearing:

  1. Amendment of the 2024 Budget pertaining to Stormwater Fund No. 719 and Golf Fund No. 219 – BakerTilly

 

Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – (Jerry Witt) – Recommended by                           Design Review Board on December 10, 2024.
  2. Consideration to Approve Updated Woodland Hills Golf Course Rates – M. Wyatt
  3. Consideration to Approval Ordinance No. – Wages Ordinance No. 3779
  4. Consideration of Change Order No. 3 – 6 U 2455-01 Horton St. & 6th Improvements – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – EEI Project No. 22-049 – Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc. – (3) options provided – J. Dickman
  5. Consideration to Approve Addendum No. 3 – Wastewater Evaluation and Design Contract – EEI File No. 21-303 –New Generator to Davis Lift Station – Dickman

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. City Manager Comments
  3. Engineering Comments
  4.  Commissioners Comments
  5. City Attorney Comments

 

XII.     Adjourn

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission Meeting of Dec. 6

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of December 6, 2024                                                                       Special Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 11:00AM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on The City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel but audio was not available due to technical difficulties.

 

The meeting was called to order at 11:06AM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke (by phone), Dyllon Olson (by phone), and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer. Kathryn Salsbury was absent.

 

Brad Matkin/City Manager, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineer & Inspection, Inc. (by phone) and Lisa Lewis/City Clerk were present for the meeting.

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the agenda as presented.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All present voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

Public Comment – No comments.

 

Unfinished Business

Consideration of Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 5-REV – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No.  24-414 (Concrete and Dirt Work) $140,130.12

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the requested payment of $140,130.12 to Heck & Wicker for the concrete and dirt work that was completed and approved. D. Olson seconded the motion. All present voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

Adjourn

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:13AM.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All present voted yes.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:13AM.

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved FS City Commission Minutes of December 3

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of December 3, 2024                                                                       Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube – City of Fort Scott Channel.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Caleb Bell/FSPD Lieutenant, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (by telephone), Bill Lemke/Water Collections, Laura Dunfee, Steven Dunfee, Robert Coon

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda (Time stamp 1:45)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Agenda as presented. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All those present voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda (Time stamp 3:00)

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1373-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of November 13, 2024, to November 26, 2024, – $1,118,230.10
  2. Approval of Minutes for November 19, 2024, Regular Meeting

 

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

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Public Comment

Robert Coon – (Time stamp 3:45) – addressed the Commission regarding the status of 118 E. Wall. He is encouraging a decision from the Commission at the next meeting following the inspection from the structural engineer on December 9, 2024. This situation has greatly impacted his business, and he requested a resolution because it has been (1) year since the situation began.

 

Unfinished Business

(Time stamp 11:01)

 Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 31-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1105 S. STATE– Tabled from November 19, 2024.

  1. Kruger stated that the Codes Department has been in contact with the owner as the Commission requested. The owner does not have any interest in repairing the home and wants to sell the property. It is recommended that the unsafe and dangerous structure be removed, and the City seek bids for demolition.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Resolution No. 31-2024 directing the removal of the structure at 1105 S Scott. K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 14:40)

-Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 17 S. Main – Move Sign to New Location – Recommended by Design Review Board on November 12, 2024, and tabled by City Commission on November 19, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness to move the Stutesman Action Realty sign from 120 Wall Street to 17 S. Main. M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

New Business

(Time stamp 16:40)

Consideration to Replace Charles Street Lift Station –  B. Lemke addressed the Commission to request the replacement of the Charles Lift Station due to its current condition. Repairs have been attempted. Parts are not readily available due to the age of the equipment. He has selected an above ground lift station that uses a siphon-style priming system that uses check valves to keep it in place. It is manufactured by Gorman/Rupp and Haynes Equipment is the sole source provider. It was chosen because it has less electro-mechanical parts. He believes it will be cheaper to run, long-term and easier to maintain. The cost of the station is $83,500.00 and will need to be installed by a contractor. He would need to solicit bids for the removal and installation of the lift station. His ask is for approval to purchase the new station and seek bids for removal and installation.

 

Discussion was had regarding sole source and other station options.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the City going out for a “turn-key” lift station at Charles Street. D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

ACTION:  B. Lemke will work with Earles Engineering to create a comprehensive bid for all that is needed for the new lift station and return to the Commission.

 

Consideration of Verizon Tolling Agreement – B. Farmer explained that Verizon is actively looking for a new location for the cell tower because the location that was applied for was denied by the City Commission. He stated that Verizon has said that they have the right to appeal the decision in federal court. The agreement for consideration is a “stop the clock” agreement. The City will do nothing other than what is already done, and Verizon will not appeal while they explore the options to move the tower. He understands that the Verizon legal department and the business side have authorized this agreement as well. During this time, Verizon will decide if they will submit another application for a different location and the 150-day deadline no longer applies with the approval of this agreement.

 

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

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 34:17)

Consideration to set a Budget Hearing on December 17, 2024, for amending the 2024 Budget pertaining to Stormwater Fund No. 719 and Golf Fund No. 219. – J. Oliphant explained that this is part of the annual compliance of submitting the budget to the state. BakerTilly reviews the projections to see if any of the funds will expend beyond the budget authority that was submitted last year for 2024. Stormwater and golf are the only (2) funds that appear to be expending more than what was budgeted.  A budget hearing is required to approve an amendment to the budget to bring these (2) funds into compliance. Neither is over budget by a lot. The stormwater fund should have enough revenue in its charges for service to cover the overages and expenditures. The Golf Fund will require a small supplement from the General Fund. This is the first year that the Golf Fund has been independent, so in prior years it would have rolled up with the General Fund to receive its supplement. This is a more transparent way of providing these services.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 35:10).

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 36:58).

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to set a budget hearing for December 17, 2024.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

ACTION:  J. Oliphant will provide a of expenditures of the Stormwater Fund and the Golf Fund to outline the overages prior to the budget hearing.

 

(Time stamp 37:32)

Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 34-2024 A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH URBAN AREA BOUNDARY LINES and RESOLUTION NO. 35-2024 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE URBAN FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM – B. Matkin stated that this is a process that is done every few years in conjunction with the County. It defines the boundaries and the classifications of the roads. There were no changes to the Fort Scott boundaries but there were a few changes to the classification of a few roads due to a traffic study.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve Resolution No. 34-2024 and Resolution No. 35-2024.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 40:41)

Request to Pay Heck & Wicker – Project No. 6 U-2455-01 – EEI Project No. 24-414 – Payment No. 5 – $450,052.32 – J. Dickman presented a request for the Commission to pay for materials (asphalt and fabric), Earle’s Engineering would issue a letter to Heck & Wicker stating that the final product is defective and have requirements for them to profile the roadway and based on KDOT specs and wherever it does not meet the tolerances, they would have to diamond grind at the expense of the contractor, not the City.

 

Discussion was had regarding the City’s dissatisfaction with the surface of Horton Street and specifically the fact that the specs of the contract were not followed and the surface was poured in (1) 3” lift instead of the specified (2) 1 ½” lifts, along with issues with the fabric, milling and a lack of a Change Order.

 

Emery Sapp & Sons sent a statement to B. Matkin regarding possible resolutions. He addressed the Commission and answered questions. (Most of his comments were inaudible for accurate transcription).

 

  1. Farmer stated “The specs are a contract. A written contract cannot be modified by an oral assertion. It cannot be done. Period. End of story. I’m not responsible is not a defense.”

 

Further discussion was had regarding where the communication went wrong and the need for a resolution.

 

 

ACTION:  J. Dickman will check the project report to see if there is any documentation regarding the decision to change from the specs.

 

ACTION:  J. Dickman will try to find which bidder asked for clarification on the bid regarding the 3” lift which required an addendum (Addendum 2) to the bid.

 

  1. Dickman again requested that the Commission pay the pay request. He stated if the Commission wants to go down the road of “defective based on smoothness” then he needs to provide them a letter rejecting the final product, still per spec is paid for, but now they have to fix it.

 

Discussion was had about the pieces of the contract. Article 14 of the contract pertains to the letter J. Dickman would draft to tell Heck & Wicker that the City does not accept the smoothness of this road…the fix is on you and here’s my recommendations.

 

Further discussion was had about diamond grinding as a resolution.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to table the approval of the Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 5 until information is provided from Heck & Wicker, Jason has an opportunity to go through the emails, Jesse can go through his emails to provide the Commission any kind of documentation to back up any of the back and forth and put this on the agenda for the next meeting .  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Reports and Comments: (Time stamp 1:15:13)

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:24PM.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:24PM.

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk