|
|
|
Category Archives: Government
FSCC Administrative Transition Has Challenges
The recent administration shifts at Fort Scott Community College have not been easy.
FSCC President Dr. Jason Kegler was put on paid administrative leave on May 20 and Sara Sutton was promoted to interim president. No reason was given by the college trustees for putting Kegler on leave.
To view a prior story:
FSCC Will Name Interim President: Dr. Kegler Placed on Administrative Leave
Sutton was selected by the FSCC Board of Trustees to be the interim president, on May 23.
At that same meeting, the trustees resolved to suspend men’s golf and women’s golf, e-sports, and flag football and will honor those student scholarships for the 2024-25 school year, they announced.
Sutton began duties as the new interim president on May 24.
Sutton has been an instructor at the college since 2018, then promoted to vice president in February 2024.
Sutton earned an Associate of Science degree from Fort Scott Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Kansas State University, a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University, and was appointed as the FSCC Vice President of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development in February 2024. Sutton was to begin her official duties in the role on July 1, 2024, according to the college website.
Her duties have now shifted to leadership of the community college.
“This transition has had its challenges to navigate,” she said. “The change in leadership on Friday, May 24th not only brought about my Interim role but also a new athletic director.”
Liza Erwin is the newly appointed FSCC Athletic Director.
“With the board’s decision to suspend the three sports programs, the new athletic director had to properly inform the National Junior College Athletic Association of the changes and then gain access to the Letter of Intent (LOI) system,” she said. “That did not take place until early in the following week. Then, it was a series of approvals with all LOI’s released by Saturday, June 1st from FSCC.”
“The Athletic Director was in contact with coaches and personally contacted each student,” Sutton said. “While we wish this process was faster on our end, we were at the mercy of the challenges of the transition of a new Athletic Director and Interim President all in the same time frame. We tried our best to complete the release in a timely manner so students could move forward.”
“All students who were impacted by these changes have been given the opportunity to be on scholarship next school year,” she said. “Those who have paid any fees for the 2024-2025 school year and wish to not attend FSCC will be refunded.
“This decision was not taken lightly and the educational future of those impacted is important to Fort Scott Community College,” Sutton said.
USDA Announces June 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
Press Release From FS City Manager
ATTENTION: Concerned Citizens of Bourbon County and Fort Scott. By state rules we had to post the following information, but many are reading it wrong (it is very hard to read). Michael Rogers is NOT constructing a feedlot on his property 2555 Locust Rd. Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. He is constructing erosion barriers on his property.
The City of Fort Scott is not responsible for any of the information written in the document and since it is outside of the 3-mile radius does not have Code Enforcement jurisdiction.
The City of Fort Scott is required to post this document per the State of Kansas request.
Sorry for any confusion this may have caused to residents close to 2555 Locust Rd. and to Michael Rogers.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
For information on Public Notice No. KS-AG-R-24-010. Visit our City Clerk page, https://www.fscity.org/206/City-Clerk
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission For May 20
May 20, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Mike Wunderly, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Bo Casper, Jason Silvers, Emily Franks, Michael Hoyt, and Deb Martin were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 5-13-2024, approval of payroll totaling $298,201.43, and approval of accounts payable totaling $408,894.66. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Susan Walker, CFO, and Patty Love, Treasurer, updated the Commissioners on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program errors they had found. Susan said the application states if the homeowner has delinquent property taxes, then they forfeit NRP from then on, however; this has not been enforced in the past. Susan asked if we move forward following how the application reads or do we change the application. Jim said he is ok with how it is as long as people understand up front that they will forfeit the program if their taxes are delinquent. Brandon said he thinks taxes should be delinquent one year before they forfeit their place in the program. Clifton asked if this would apply to personal property tax such as boat trailers, and Susan stated it only applies to delinquent real estate tax. Jim asked how taxes are determined to be delinquent and Patty explained the first half of the taxes are due December 20th each year, so if you have not paid by close of business then on December 21st your taxes are delinquent. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed there should be a grace period for the homeowners to pay their taxes without forfeiting the program. It was determined if the taxes are not paid by December 20th of the following year, then their taxes would be considered delinquent and they would forfeit NRP. Susan said there will need to be an addendum to the program so she will work with Matt Quick, Appraiser, who will have to contact other entities who participate in the program and they will present it at a future meeting. Susan said that she has continued checking NRP applications for accuracy and at this point has made it through 2020 applications and so far, there is approximately $13,000 owed to residents. Susan said it is a very time-consuming process, but she will keep working on checking the remainder of the applications.
Emily Franks, Auditor with Jarred, Gilmore, Phillips, PA, presented the fiscal year 2023 audit report. Emily went page by page to explain each section of the audit report to the Commissioners. Emily stated we were in compliance, however; she stressed the decrease in cash balances and said the general fund has decreased a few hundred thousand from 2022 to 2023 and stated the Commissioners need to keep an eye on this to keep expenses under control and keep this in mind going into the budget process of how to get more receipts into the General fund. Emily went over all of the different funds and said the overall ending unencumbered cash balance was decreased by about $700,000. It is recommended to have three to six months of operating expenses in cash balance. Emily stated the only things she wanted to discuss regarding Bourbon County was the need to complete a resolution outlining elected officials’ salaries and the need for detailed credit card receipts. Some credit card receipts do not show detailed explanations of what was purchased and Emily stated for transparency a copy of the itemized receipt should be obtained. Emily said there is a management letter enclosed in the packet that states there are no issues or violations and requested the Treasurer, Clerk, and CFO to sign and send back to their firm.
Sage Hall discussed his health concerns relating to solar panels and read multiple studies regarding what he discussed. Mr. Hall said he is all about freedom and constitutional rights and said he has a problem when his tax dollars are used as federal and state subsidies to produce energy sent elsewhere. Mr. Hall also discussed the potential decrease in property value he will be facing due to the solar panel farms next to his home.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated the committee members listed on the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan needs to be updated. Eric recommends Jim Harris, Clifton Beth, Brandon Whisenhunt, himself, and Frank Young be listed as committee members of the Bourbon County 5-Year Solid Waste Plan. Jim asked if there would be any other changes to the plan, and Eric stated the only change is the committee listed on the plan. Clifton made a motion to update the 5-Year Solid Waste Plan committee members to those listed in Eric’s recommendation. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said the estimate of Bourbon County’s share to fix bridge #518 would be closer to $600,000 instead of the $300,000 that was originally estimated. Eric stated with the disaster damage we currently have he is not sure we would have the funds available to fix the bridge if we were to win the grant funds. Eric asked if the Commissioners wanted to postpone applying for the grant until next year. After discussion it was agreed to wait until we get past the disaster damage to apply for the bridge grant. Eric said they are almost done driving every road to locate storm damage and that he must have estimates turned into KDEM by Friday. Eric stated that each day they are finding more damage undermining the roads and bridges within the county. Brandon asked Eric to tell his crew they are doing a good job. Eric said that they have added gravel on Yale Road by the Stevenson Cemetery so that residents could enter the cemetery.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, asked if the Commissioners would like to hold a meeting next Monday since the courthouse will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. The Commissioners agreed to not hold a meeting next week since the courthouse would be closed. Jennifer asked to amend the agenda to add a reimbursement request form that must be signed by all the Commissioners. The request form is for the state-ran Presidential Preference Primary Election that happened in March and Bourbon County is asking for a reimbursement of $11,320. Clifton made a motion to sign the reimbursement request form. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer asked for a 5-minute executive for consultation with an attorney. Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include the three Commissioners, Jennifer Hawkins, and Justin Meeks who will attend via phone and will return at 6:23. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:23 with no action. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Brandon said he has traffic concerns regarding the solar panel projects and said it looks like stormwater permits will have to be obtained from the State and Jim agreed. Brandon discussed zoning and stated the Clerk cannot find a statute outlining the number of signatures needed on a petition and that she provided him a copy of the statutes that state the Commissioners can pass a resolution for zoning. Jim said he would be in favor of it going on the ballot if they receive a petition signed by residents. Clifton said a lot of the people he has spoken to do not want zoning and Brandon said he has heard from people both for and against zoning. Jim asked for more research to be done regarding the number of signatures needing for a zoning petition. Clifton said he talked to Destry Brown, Rory Chaplin, Jason Kegler, and Vance Eden about trade school opportunities and he said his wish is to be able to help fund that. Brandon said he is all for tech schools and Clifton said he would be ready to make a motion tonight. Brandon suggested working on the budget first and Jim said a lot of kids are wanting to go into trades.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:32. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
6-3-2024 Approved Date
Kansas May Tax Collections Below The Estimate
May Total Tax Collections at $658.9 Million; 22.7% Below the Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ended May with total tax collections at $658.9 million. That is $193.0 million, or 22.7%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 23.1% from May 2023.
“The expected shortfall in May individual income tax collections can be largely attributed to the two additional processing days in April.” Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said. “Combined with more efficient payment processing, the Department of Revenue was able to process significantly more payments in April which would have typically been processed in May.”
Individual income tax collections were $305.2 million. That is $144.8 million, or 32.2% below the estimate, and down 30.6% from May 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $39.8 million. That is $53.2 million, or 57.2% below the estimate and down 56.3% from May 2023.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $281.9 million, which is $4.2 million, or 1.5% above the estimate, and down $7.7 million, or 2.7%, from May 2023.
Total tax collections for FY 2024 through May are $8.977 billion which is $92.0 million or 1.0% below the estimate.
Click here to view the May 2024 revenue numbers.
###
Amended Agenda for This Afternoons Bo Co Commission Meeting
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
June 3, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 5/20/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $238,157.83
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,658.57
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Address EMS Questions
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Office 365 Renewal
- KDHE Public Notice
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
FS City Commission Agenda for June 4
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
June 4, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
- Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1361-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 15, 2024 – May 28, 2024 – $521,016.52
- Approval of Minutes for May 21, 2024
- Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 2 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom – Amount Due – $20,561.40
- Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 3 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom –Amount Due – $10,125.00
- Request to Pay – Earle’s Engineering & Inspection – Project No. 06 KA-6898-01 – Design Contracts – $25,947.45
- Request to Pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc. – Invoice #7615 – Demolition of 10 S. National Ave. – $94,396.00
VII. New Business
Action Items:
- Consideration of Letters of Interest for City Commissioner
- Oath of Office for new Commissioner
- Selection of President of Commission
- Consideration to purchase mower for the airport – Coffman
- Consideration to Purchase Jet-Foamer System – Wastewater Collections – Key Equipment & Supply Co. – $45,363.13 – Lemke
- Consideration to Purchase 2022 Ford F350 Service Truck – Water Distribution – Olathe Ford Commercial Sales Center – $65,350.00 – Lemke
- Consideration of bids for 2024 Hay Rights at Fort Scott Municipal Airport
- Certificate of Appropriateness for 124 E. Wall Street – Hole in the Wall Liquor
- Certificate of Appropriateness for 110 South Main LLC – 110 S. Main Street
- Consideration of Request for a New City License to Serve Alcoholic Liquor and Cereal Malt Beverages for Consumption On The Premises – Mi Ranchito – 17 S. Main Street
VIII. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
- Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting
you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.
- Amanda Lancaster/Diehl, Banwart & Bolton – Audit expectations and Single Audit vs. Regular Audit.
- Robert Harrington/Bourbon County REDI
– RHID – Denny Davis land
– RHID- Downtown
- Reports and Comments
- City Manager Comments – Equipment Auction
- Engineering Comments
- Commissioners Comments
- City Attorney Comments
- Executive Session
XII. Adjourn
Agenda for the June 3 Bo Co Commission
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
June 3, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 5/20/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $238,157.83
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,658.57
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Office 365 Renewal
- KDHE Public Notice
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
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
Special Kansas Legislature Session Will Convene
Governor Kelly Announces Special Session
of the Kansas Legislature
TOPEKA— Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that she will use her constitutional power under Article 1, Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution to reconvene the Kansas Legislature for a special session on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
“I am committed to working with the Legislature to deliver responsible, sustainable tax cuts for all Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A special session provides the opportunity for bipartisan collaboration on comprehensive tax relief that does not threaten Kansas’ solid fiscal foundation. By working together, we can swiftly come to a compromise to put more money back into Kansans’ pockets.”
Governor Kelly will issue the proclamation officially convening the Legislature for a special session in the coming days.
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