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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Unapproved Minutes of FS City Commission Meeting of May 21
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of May 21, 2024 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 21, 2024, at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:09) in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).
Roll Call
Meeting called to order at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:22). Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.
Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
- Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and T. VanHoecke said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Leroy Kruger/Codes Inspector, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Robert Harrington/REDI, Tayton Majors/REDI, Mark McCoy/REDI, Michael Hoyt, Robert Coon, Kim Coon, and Jose Montanez.
Approval of Agenda (Time stamp 2:17)
- Olson requested that (2) items be added to the agenda: 1) Consideration to accept the resignation of Robert Coon from the Land Bank Board of Trustees/New Business/Action Items; and 2) Discussion of the barber shop on Wall Street/Appearances.
MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the agenda with the requested amendments. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Consent Agenda (Time stamp 3:22)
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1360-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 1, 2024 – May 14, 2024 – $488,204.78
– Approval of Minutes for May 7, 2024
– April Financials
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Public Comment – No public comment.
Appearances
Shawn O’Brien (Time stamp – 4:40) – addressed the Commission for consideration of a request Temporary Street Closures for Good Ol’ Days.
MOTION: M. Guns moved to approve the temporary closures as submitted and discussed for the Good Ol’ Days. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Shawn O’Brien (Time stamp – 8:37) – addressed the Commission regarding the request for a parade permit from the Chamber of Commerce for Good Ol’ Days.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the parade permit as submitted. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Patrick Wood (Time stamp – 10:22) – addressed the Commission regarding his development Broken Oak Housing Community, 1920 Huntington, by Patrick J. Wood Properties, LLC requesting that it be considered for an RHID. This current project is for 6 duplexes.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to proceed with for the “Horton Street project.” D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Robert Harrington (Time stamp 15:06) – addressed the Commission with a quarterly report of the activities of Bourbon County REDI. T. Dancer requested a written report be submitted summarizing that was presented. R. Harrington agreed to create a document.
Brad Matkin (Time stamp 23:42) – updated the Commission with graphic handouts on the WWTP in the absence of Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director.
Jose Montanez (Time stamp 28:43) – addressed the Commission regarding the condition of his business on Wall Street that was condemned for structural issues.
Robert Coon (Time stamp 37:49) answered questions asked of him by the Commission regarding his building which was condemned as well due to the safety issues of the adjoining barber shop. Jason Dickman/City Engineer (Time stamp 45:00) was requested to comment on his observations of the building. B. Farmer/City Attorney (Time stamp 47:50) stated that everything discussed is a private matter and there is no obligation to the City other than public safety which has already been addressed. Leroy Kruger/Codes Inspector (Time stamp 50:54) was asked to comment.
Public Hearings:
314 S. Eddy – Consideration to Repair or Remove Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:17:06) T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:17PM. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
RESOLUTION NO. 16-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-25-010-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, LOT 8 BLK 132 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [314 S. EDDY], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Farmer left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:17:49)
- Guns returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:18:03)
- Kruger/Codes Inspector spoke about the history the Codes Department had with the structures. No one was present to speak for the hearing.
- Farmer returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:19:30)
ACTION: (Time stamp 1:19:44) – B. Matkin requested that L. Kruger submit a statement in writing from the living relative regarding the status of the ownership of 314 S. Eddy and the statement he made for no interest to repair.
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:22:53) T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:22PM. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: M. Guns moved to remove the structure and accessory structure at 314 S. Eddy. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
306 S. Lowman – Consideration to Repair or Remove Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:24:04) – T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:24PM. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
RESOLUTION NO. 17-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-27-002-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, S 25’ LOT 4 BLK 130 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [306 S. LOWMAN], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Kruger/Codes Inspector spoke about the history the Codes Department had with the structures. No one was present to speak for the hearing.
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:25:29) T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:25PM. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION: M. Guns moved to remove the structure and accessory structure at 306 S. Lowman. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and T. Dancer voted yes. D. Olson and M. Wells voted no.
MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.
Action Items
Consideration of Letters of Interest for Fort Scott Public Library Board (Time stamp 1:27:45) – M. Wells stated that (2) letters of interest were received for the open position. The library board met and agreed to recommend candidate Aaron Judy.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to appoint Aaron Judy to the Library Board. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
ACTION: M. Wells stated that the Library Director Jennifer Gum-Fowler is creating a list of Board Members and their terms to be emailed to the City Clerk.
Consideration to Accept the Letter of Resignation from Robert Coon and of Letters of Interest for the Land Bank Board
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:30:13) T. VanHoecke moved to accept the resignation of Robert Coon from the Land Bank board. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
The City Clerk clarified that the resignation of Robert Coon creates another vacancy on the Land Bank Board of Trustees. The Letter of Interest to be considered is to fill an existing vacancy.
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:31:07) T. VanHoecke moved to accept the recommendation of the Land Bank for Judy Earp to be appointed to the Fort Scott Land Bank.
- Olson asked that the motion be amended to include the language of “for a 3-year term” if the ordinance is amended. T. VanHoecke agreed to the amendment. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Acceptance of Letter of Resignation from Commissioner/President M. Guns – M. Guns read her Letter of Resignation to the Commission. Her departure is due to a job relocation for her husband out of state.
- Matkin left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:36:12)
Discussion was had about the date of May 31, 2024. M. Guns agreed to amend her resignation date to May 22, 2024.
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:27:35) – T. VanHoecke moved to accept the resignation of Commissioner Melissa Guns from the Fort Scott City Commission effective as of May 22, 2024. D. Olson seconded the motion.
- Matkin returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:38:02)
- Guns, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.
- Wells left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:38:28)
MOTION APPROVED BY 4-1 VOTE.
- Wells returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:39:38)
Reports and Comments
- City Manager Comments (Time stamp 1:38:57)
– Solar Traffic Systems – signed by CM – only half payment required
– Diehl, Banwart and Bolton on next agenda (audit)
– Meeting with all Directors and BakerTilly for budget
– Wind storm damage – Brush Dump will remain open
– Working on FEMA paperwork for previous storm/flood damage
– Luau for the Splash Pad opening was a success, very well attended. Thank you to all City Staff who helped bring it together.
- Engineering Comments (Time stamp 1:43:36)
– Comments back from KDHE regarding the water plant that will go to S. Flater to be completed.
– Pre-Construction meeting with Heck & Wicker for Horton & 6th Street Project – start date is July 8, 2024. Advanced warning signs may go up prior for public.
- Commissioners Comments
– M. Guns (Time stamp 1:44:42)
– M. Wells (Time stamp 1:46:13)
– T. VanHoecke (Time stamp 1:47:49)
– D. Olson (Time stamp 1:49:19)
– T. Dancer (Time stamp 1:53:07)
ACTION: City Clerk directed to set up a stand-alone Work Session for the discussion of Lake Lots including a site visit by the Commissioners.
- City Attorney Comments (Time stamp 1:54:10)
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:54:43) – M. Guns moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:54PM. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MAY 21, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:54PM
_______________________________________________________________________
Respectfully submitted by:
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Catholic Church Reno Update: Help Needed To Fund Artifacts Restoration
The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church has risen from the ashes of the devasting fire that destroyed the church in August 2022.
To view the story of the fire: Fire at Fort Scott’s Catholic Church Causes Extensive Damage
People are working on the inside and the outside of the building at 705 S. Holbrook, with a target date for the church dedication of November 23, 2024, a week before Thanksgiving.
“The bricks are completed on the east (front) side,” Mark McCoy, a building committee member, said.
“It’s a lot of intricate work, not just plain bricks,” he said. “The circle in the front will be where the stained glass window from the former church will be.”
“Over the next few weeks, subcontractors will be working inside placing drywall, and completing HVAC runs,” McCoy said. “Masonry will continue brickwork on the west side then move to the north and south.”
“Father Yancy’s house is completed,” McCoy said.
Meanwhile in Wichita, the restoration of the religious artifacts that were damaged is continuing.
The Restoration of the Artifacts
When Robert Elliot, a Catholic from Wichita, heard of the fire at Mary Queen of Angels Church in Fort Scott, he contacted Fr. Yansey Bergis to offer help and assistance in any way he could.
Elliot is a seasoned restorer with over two decades of experience, he said.
“It was apparent that I would be of the most help in rebuilding, restoring, and refurbishing all of the damaged and destroyed Stations of the Cross and all of the Statuary of the church,” Elliott said. “The fire, water, and smoke damage was enormous. I knew this would be a long and arduous process estimating at least one year to complete.”
“Four stations were damaged beyond repair (so one might think) as they lay in pieces on the ground,” Elliot said. “The rest were out of view and we had no idea as to their condition. The insurance company needed a price to do the repairs. Without seeing all of the stations, I provided a modest calculation of what the cost would be. It was my desire to assist the church in its time of need.”
“He wasn’t able to analyze all the depth of restoration or the artifacts at that time,” McCoy said. “We are so appreciative of the work he has taken on.”
When all of the stations and statues arrived at his studio, they were able to assess their condition and begin to comprehend the immense task they had undertaken, Elliot said.
“Over the year we used all of the money allocated to the project to cover the cost of labor, materials, studio rent, insurance, and labor,” he said.
“I have been using funds from my personal retirement account to pay the workers and the expenses for this project since the first of the year,” he said. “We have made great progress on the project since we started a year ago, but we have a long way to go. At the very least, four to six months more.”
“It is impossible to illustrate the amount of time and detailed labor involved in bringing each of the twenty-one religious artifacts back to life so to speak. At present we have generated a little over $6,000 of the $65,000 we need. The deficit, I will have to bear alone,” Elliott said.
A GoFundMe account is set up: https://gofund.me/15feea23
“Our goal is to generate the additional monies needed to complete this important work to a high degree of excellence and craftsmanship it deserves,” Elliot said.
Here are the artisans currently working on the project:
Mary Francis Skinner, Kathy Faulkner, Dan Ochs, Michael and Hector Ibarra, Gabe and Matan Umbarger, John Suffield, Jane Clark, Ian Snyder and Eliot who is the coordinator, logistics, art director, restoration and repair, quality control, recasting the destroyed frames, and painting the statues and stations.
“We are always interested in finding skilled persons willing to offer their services,” he said.
Summer School and Free Food Start in June at USD 234
USD 234 School District halls are quiet right now, but in June some students will be back for more learning.
“Summer school will be held during the month of June for students from preschool through high school,” said Superintendent Destry Brown. “Part of the summer school activities is for students with Individualized Educational Programs. We call this the Extended School Year. The other part for Kindergarten through 8th grade is an enrichment summer school for any student who wants to come. The high school kids will be working on credit recovery during summer school.”
“The elementary students and all the Extended School Year students will be at Winfield Scott. Elementary School,” Brown said. “The preschool students will be at the preschool. The middle and high school students will be at the middle school.”
“Breakfast and lunch will be served daily at Winfield Scott and the Middle School and is free to all students and any other children from birth to 18. We will also be sending food home for the weekends for any student who wants or needs it.”
“Students not attending summer school may come to Winfield Scott or the Middle School at 11 a.m.”
Winfield Scott Elementary School is located at 316 W. 10th and Fort Scott Middle School is located at 1105 E. 12th.
Signup to Enter the Good Ol’ Days Parade Today! Lavetta Simmons Will Be the Grand Marshall
At the Good Ol’ Days Parade, on May 31 at 6 p.m. Lavetta Simmons will be honored as the grand marshall.
Deadline to get an entry into the parade is 1 p.m. today.
Click the link to register: https://fortscott.com/…/good-ol-days-parade-29861…
The following tribute about Simmons is from her family member Sidney Zimmerman.
Lavetta Simmons is the true meaning of doing for others before doing for yourself, according to Sidney Zimmerman.
“She dedicated 15 years to the Care Share Cancer support group, providing empathy, love, and support to cancer fighters/survivors and their families. Sometimes she was the only listening ear available.”
“Lavetta played a pivotal role in many people’s lives and has built a legacy, providing a strong foundation for Care to Share to continue growing and providing services in the community.
“If asked, Lavetta would say something along the lines of ‘It has nothing to do me, I didn’t do it alone or I couldn’t have done it without out my family and friends’ And although she is correct, she did not do it alone, but without her relationships with family and friends and strong community presence, many tasks would have been unmanageable.
“As we honor her, she wants to thank the businesses, community members, and individuals who have made Care to Share a success.
“To those who trusted in her the first few years, as the organization grew, to our long-standing supporters- her priorities were God, Family, and Care to Share.”
FS City Vacancies
The City Clerk is now accepting Letters of Interest for several vacant positions. City Hall does appreciate the time investment advisory board commission members make; therefore, only serious candidates need submit their OWN letter. All letters will be verified by the City Clerk and all applicants must appear before the City Commission before they are appointed. All positions are voluntary and will not be compensated.
CITY COMMISSIONER – (1) opening to finish out the remainder of a vacated seat that expires December 31, 2024. The successor to be determined by election in November 2024. DEADLINE MAY 30, 2024, AT 5:00PM.
PARKS ADVISORY BOARD – (1) opening to finish out the remainder of a vacated seat that expires December 31, 2024. The position is a (2)-year term and may be renewed after the upcoming expiration date if you wish to continue to serve on the board and the reappointment is approved. The function of the Parks Advisory Board is to provide suggestions to the City and Manager and the City Commission regarding the parks within the City of Fort Scott. Currently this board meets quarterly or on “as needed basis” for (1) hour on Thursday afternoons at City Hall. The next scheduled meeting is July 11, 2024, at 4:00PM at City Hall. DEADLINE IS JUNE 28, 2024, AT 5:00PM.
PLANNING COMMISSION – (1) opening to finish out the remainder of a vacated seat that expires December 31, 2026. The position is a (3)-year term and the candidate for this vacated position must be a City resident. The Planning Commission is under the authority of K.S.A. 12-744 et seq. and City Ordinance No. 3762, for the purpose of recommending and advising the Governing Body of the City on matters pertaining to the planning, zoning and subdivision administration of all legal territory and property inside the Cit limits of Fort Scott. Currently this commission meets bi-monthly (every other month) and “as needed” if necessary for timely matters requiring a decision prior to a scheduled meeting. Meetings generally last (1) hour and are currently held on Wednesday afternoons at 4:00PM at City Hall. Times and dates are amendable to meet the schedules of commission members. The next bi-monthly meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2024, at 4:00PM at City Hall. DEADLINE IS JULY 19, 2024, AT 5:00PM.
LIBRARY BOARD – (1) opening for a (4)-year term. This board meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Fort Scott Public Library. For further information about the Library Board, please contact the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler at (620) 223-2882. OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
Please submit ALL Letters of Interest to the City Clerk by the deadlines indicated either in person at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street or by email [email protected] . PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE CONTACT INFORMATION. All letters will be verified, and all candidates must appear before the City Commission when scheduled by agenda. If letters cannot be verified, they will not be considered. For questions, please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or (620) 223-0550 ext. 507.
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Mi Ranchito Restaurant Opens At 17 S. Main
Mi Ranchito Restaurant, 17 S. Main, has opened this holiday weekend, according to owner, Rubler De La Torre.
They opened Sunday for family and friends and on Memorial Day to the public.
“The restaurant looks beautiful,” De La Torre said. “We are very happy with how it turned out.”
They are accepting applications for all positions: cooks, servers, hostesses and bartenders.
One can apply in the restaurant to Hernan Pineda, the restaurant’s general manager.
“You can also apply on Facebook Messenger, at Mi Ranchito Fort Scott,” he said.
The restaurant hours will tentatively be Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“That could change, depending on the business,” De La Torre said.
Rulber De La Torre, from the Kansas City area, is no stranger to the restaurant business. He has two restaurants in Olathe, two in Overland Park, one in Lenexa, one in Mound City, and one in Gladstone, MO.
De La Torre said restaurant favorites are street tacos and mango chicken salad. Specialties are cream cheese enchiladas, Jalisco chimichangas, pasta and steaks.
To view the menu: Menu MC & FS (3)(1)
The Historic Downtown Fort Scott building at 17 S. Main has seen many different businesses but is known by long-time residents as the Kress Building.
This new restaurant follows the Pizza Republic Restaurant which closed in January 2024.
Robert and Kim Coon, doing business as Coon Rentals LLC, are owners of the building,
Learn About the ‘Good Ol’ Days’ at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott, Kan. – Join a ranger for a walk back in time to the “Good’ Ol’ Days” Saturday, June 1, 2024. Programs and living history activities will be ongoing from 9:30 am – 3 pm. All activities are free and open to the public. To find out more, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
9:30 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration/Discussion
10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
10 a.m. – Windy Hollow Folk Music (10-2)
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration/Discussion
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Oklahoma Fancy Dancers (Native American Cultural Presentation)
Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
Good Ol’ Days Committee Host Chamber Coffee on May 30
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Memorial Hall Entryway Needs Repair: Baby Contest Will Be Accessible Through The North and South Doors
People may have noticed the warning tape on the steps at Memorial Hall, located at Third Street and National Avenue.
The tape was put up last Tuesday, May 21, when city personnel noticed some of the mortar above the steps was coming off and felt it was unsafe for citizens to use the steps, according to Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin.
“The problem with Memorial Hall is the mortar on the top of the entryway is crumbling and pieces of it have been falling onto the stairway,” Matkin said. “There is nothing wrong with the stairs, we roped it off believing we do not want citizens to go into those entry doors and have something fall on them. It is strictly for the safety of our citizens.”
“We are going out for bids to get the area fixed,” he said.
The Good Ol’ Days Baby Contest WILL take place in Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 1. Citizens are asked to NOT use the front steps, but instead the doors on the north and south of the building, according to Shaw O’Brien, chairman of the steering committee.
Spoiled Brat Moves To New Location
Spoiled Brat Beauty Salon has moved shop.
“We moved in on May 21,” co-owner Stephanie Anthony said. “We had been at 19 S. Main for ten years. Before that at Scott and Wall Avenue for 11 years.
“We wanted a facility that will see us into retirement,” she said. “The location is more visible, with all new equipment and we are not fighting for parking,” she said. “Although we will miss our downtown.”
Stephanie and her sister Heather Engrstom are the owners of Spoiled Brat and are one of several stylists/nail technicians in the salon.
Alesha Martin and Pennie Burton are also stylists/nail technicians, and Brooklyn Meech will be added to the shop when she completes cosmetology school in a few weeks, Anthony said.
Jay Felix is a stylist and barber.
All of these women can be reached at 620- 223-2155 for appointments.
Delynn Abati is a nail technician and can be reached at 620-704-1315.
Avery Dorsey is an esthetician who offers facials, full body waxing, eyebrow tint and laminations, and eyelash lifts and tints and can be reached at 620-215-3037.
Hours of operation are by appointment.
“Everybody worked the hours they want,” Anthony said. “Generally there is someone here Monday through Saturday. When we can, we do take walk-ins.”
V.B.S. Time Is Here: Tell About Your Church’s Plans For The Summer
Fortscott.biz would like to inform the public of upcoming Vacation Bible Schools in the county.
Please send to [email protected], the following.
Name of church, address of the church, when the V.B.S. will be, and what time, the theme of the V.B.S., and contact info.