Due to the unveiling of the new Gordon Parks mural on the Sunshine Boutique Building at 4:15pm this afternoon, Wall street from Scott Avenue to Main Street and National Avenue to Main Street will be closed to traffic.
Alleys in this vicinity will also be closed.
Closures will be from 3:30pm to 5:30pm to allow for set-up, ceremony, and tear down.
All citizens are invited to this ceremony and unveiling.
Thank you for understanding and your cooperation.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Kansas Water Authority Meeting in Overland Park |
October 15, Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center |
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The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will meet Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center in the 2/3 Event Space located at 8788 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. For additional meeting information and the online meeting link, visit the Kansas Water Office website calendar at kwo.ks.gov or call (785) 296-3185. The KWA is responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and Director of the Kansas Water Office on water policy issues. They also ensure that water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans as well as serve as advisors of the Kansas Water Plan. The KWA was established in 1981 and consists of 13 voting members who are appointed by the Governor or Legislative leadership. State agency directors serve as ex-officio members. If accommodations are needed for a person with disabilities, please notify the Kansas Water Office at 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 404, Topeka, KS 66611-1249 or call (785) 296-3185 at least five working days prior to the meeting. |
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Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages. |
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As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state. The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation. KWO in coordination with the KWA also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation.
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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
October 7, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order/Roll Call
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
IV. Approval of Agenda
V. Proclamation – Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Alyssa Hess/Safehouse Crisis Center, Pittsburg, KS
VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1393-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 10, 2025 – September 30, 2025- $ 1,165,099.60
B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of September 16, 2025, and Special Meeting of September 23, 2025
C. Request for Payment – Mainstreet Asphalt Maintenance LLC – Milling of Lees Circle
Drive and Crescent Drive – $66,400.00
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Appearances
A. Lindsay Hill – FRAME Grant – Request for assistance with infrastructure and
surveying of property
B. Rachel Carpenter – Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – Haunting of Belltown
– October 31, 2025 – 6:00PM through November 1, 2025 – 11:00PM
C. Dave Bruner/FSFD – Acceptance of AFG Grant/Exhaust Removal System and proceed with bid process and project completion
D. Jason Pickert/FSPD – TUSA Radio Encryption System – Phase I – Assessment
E. Trey Sharp/Good Ol Days – Food Trucks
IX. Unfinished Business
A. Consideration of Small Business Grant Applications – The After Affect Salon/Shelly Bradley, Hercules Hobby/Phil Jackson, H. Witt Fabrication LLC/Henry Witt, and Clifton Chiropractic/Kaylee Clifton
B. Consideration of Second Amendment to ER Funding Agreement – Approved by Bourbon County Commission September 8, 2025 – Tabled September 16, 2025 C. Consideration to adopt Land Lease Agreement – Tabled from September 16, 2025 D. Discussion of Food Truck Ordinance – Tabled from September 16, 2025
X. New Business
Action Items:
A. Consideration of Bids – Replacement of A/C Unit above weight room – Buck Run
B. Consideration of Resolution No. 28-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 308 N. MINERAL – L. Kruger
C. Consideration of Resolution No. 29-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1815 E. OAK – L. Kruger
D. Consideration of Resolution No. 30-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1626 E. PINE – L. Kruger
E. Consideration of Resolution No. 31-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT1403 E. OAK – L. Kruger
F. Consideration of Resolution No. 32-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 505 S. COUCH – L. Kruger
G. Consideration of Engineering for Repair to Waterway System – Agricultural Engineering Associates (AEA) – $36,000.00
H. Consideration of Monthly Fee Adjustment – BakerTilly Municipal Advisors
I. Consideration of Contract for Real Estate Sale – Shoemaker and City of Fort Scott
J. Consideration of Shipping Container Ordinance – K. Salsbury
K. Cape Seal 2026-2027 Program
L. Discussion of November 4th City Commission Meeting – Election night
M. Discussion of ADM
XI. Reports and Comments
XII. Adjourn
If you are a family resource provider or a community partner, we invite you to attend and set up a table from which children can trick-or-treat. Agencies typically pass out snacks, candy, trinkets, small prizes, etc. During this time, you may also provide brochures, resources, and/or helpful information related to your program. Our goal is to inform families about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up a table for your program.
If you plan to attend our event, please complete the form below by Friday, October 17th so we can have a table reserved for your organization.
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends September 2025 with total tax collections at $1.00 billion. That is $3.4 million, or 0.3%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 1.9% from September 2024.
“I have been consistent in expressing concern that the reckless budgets passed by the state legislature risk veering us off the course of fiscal responsibility,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While one month of revenues missing the estimate is not cause for panic, it is a reminder that fiscal restraint is sound policy.”
Even though individual income tax collections were above estimates, they are offset by a significant 15% loss in corporate income. Individual income tax collections were $481.4 million. That is $26.4 million, or 5.8% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 2.8% from September 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $199.6 million. That is $35.4 million, or 15.0% below the estimate, and down 12.5% from September 2024.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $293.3 million, which is $5.3 million, or 1.8% above the estimate, and down 1.1% from September 2024.
Click here to view the September 2025 revenue numbers.
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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $23 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program. Grants up to $1 million will be awarded to offset the capital expenses providers need to deploy service in unserved areas of Kansas.
In its fifth year through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities and areas of compelling need.
“Ensuring that every Kansan has access to high-speed internet is not just about connectivity — it’s about economic mobility and community growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants provide long-term, sustainable benefits by fostering innovation, attracting businesses, and supporting and retaining the workforce across the state.”
During the first four years of this program, high-speed internet has been delivered to more than 11,000 homes and businesses in 35 counties. The cumulative $25 million generated another $31 million in matching funds.
“The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is an important part of KDOT’s commitment to modernizing Kansas’ infrastructure,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “Just as transportation infrastructure connects communities to opportunity, reliable broadband access is essential to building a stronger, more connected Kansas.”
Broadband enables small businesses to grow, agriculture to be more efficient, families to connect and communities to prosper.
“By continuing to invest in broadband we are not just investing in critical infrastructure, we are investing in the future of every Kansan,” Director of Broadband Development Bill Abston said. “The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is a critical tool to ensuring that all Kansans, no matter where they live, can access their high-speed digital future.”
The grant application period will run from 3 p.m. Friday, October 3, to 3 p.m. Friday, October 31. The Office of Broadband Development has scheduled a kickoff webinar at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 3. To register for the webinar, click here. For more information about the program or to apply for the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:
Established in 2020 by Governor Laura Kelly through Executive Order, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is committed to ensuring all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a digital economy. KOBD accomplishes this by administering state and federal funding to support critical broadband infrastructure and expand access to high-speed internet. These efforts help enhance workforce readiness, education, digital opportunities and economic development across the state.
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BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Map Qt_Bourbon_Bridge 19.2-Q.0
1302 Project Programming Request
I. Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Consent Agenda
Approval of 09.19.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $250,084.75
Approval August Financials
IV. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
V. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VI. Old Business
Budget Discussion
Roads Discussion
i. Lynne Oharah – 95th & Unique
ii. North Crawford Street
iii. Eagle Road
iv. 190th Street Benefit District
CIC Access – Milburn
Elevator – Milburn
108 W 2nd – Milburn
Crawkan – Milburn
Planning Commission announce terms – Beerbower
Resolution Review – Beerbower
i. Commission Meetings & Commissioner Conduct
VII. New Business
Credit App for Enterprise – Bill Martin
Resolution – Law Enforcement
Motion to move normal meeting from the 13th of October to the 14th
VIII. Department Updates
Public Works – Kenny Allen and Dustin Hall
i. KDOT Grant – Bridge 19.2-Q.0
ii. Transfer of Thomas Quarry
IX. Build Agenda for following meeting
X. Commission Comments
XI. Adjournment _____________
FUTURE 10/6/2025 10/14/2025 10/20/2025 10/27/2025
Vehicle Lease Program Credit Cards – Milburn Culverts Bitcoin Mining
Economic Development Gov. Deals – Beerbower 2025 Tri-Valley Agreement Noise Resolution
Juvenile Detention Contract Road Closure 140th Moratorium
Sanitation Worksession
Benefits Committee Letters
Elm Creek Quarry
Phone System
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether
or not in consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of
corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of
such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
TOPEKA – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a unanimous settlement agreement allowing Evergy to increase its rates by $128 million to recover investments made to replace aging equipment and increase the resiliency and reliability of the power grid. Evergy requested an increase of $196.4 million in its application filed in January. The settlement agreement was reached after extensive negotiations between KCC staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, Evergy, and many other intervenors representing industrial and commercial customers as well as school districts.
The new rates will take effect beginning with the October billing cycle. Residential customers with average monthly usage (900 kWh), will see an increase of approximately $8.47 per month. Based on an independent review of evidence in the record, the Commission found that the agreed upon rates will provide Evergy with sufficient revenues to meet its financial obligations yet will keep rates as low as possible while maintaining reliable service for its customers.
Commissioner Dwight D. Keen filed a partial dissenting opinion on today’s order. He objects to the Commission’s decision to grant a 9.7% Return on Equity (ROE) for transmission delivery charges (TDC), which covers costs associated with building and maintaining the transmission system. TDC charges are not included in base rates but are passed through to ratepayers as a separate surcharge on their monthly bill. Keen states the approved ROE is excessive and may present ongoing affordability issues for ratepayers.
Today’s order is available here.
View the Unanimous Settlement Agreement.
A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.
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RAC Membership Drive ends September 30 |
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The Kansas Water Authority is currently accepting applications for all 14 Regional Advisory Committees. Committee members serve as a voice for water issues in their community. Applications are available on at kwo.ks.gov. Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are composed of local stakeholders and water professionals that cover a variety of knowledge – including agriculture, industry, public water supply, conservation and more. Each RAC meets to discuss local water issues and to advise the Kansas Water Authority and Kansas Water Office on the issues in their region. RAC members serve as local connections with the public and aid in establishing priorities and actions to be included in statewide water planning efforts. “Water issues and community needs vary from region to region in our state,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “RAC members serve as boots-on-the-ground perspective and provide crucial, local input for statewide water planning.” To apply, visit www.kwo.ks.gov/about-us/ |
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Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages. |
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As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state. The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation. KWO in coordination with the KWA also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation.
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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
A S meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke (by Teams).
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Jessica Oliphant/Baker Tilly and Devin Tally/Finance Manager
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and OLSON said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the agenda as presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Hearing
Consideration of Approval of the 2026 Budget
MOTION: DANCER moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
No public comments.
OLIPHANT presented a revenue-neutral budget that maintains city services, provides a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, and reduces the mill levy by 1.6 mills. The reduction was achieved by deferring two small capital projects—lobby glass replacement and filing system updates—saving $45,000. The initial proposal had a 0.8 mill reduction without cuts, but moving the projects doubled the reduction to 1.6 mills.
MOTION: OLSON moved to close the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented. DANCER seconded.
OLSON requested VAN HOECKE amend his motion to include the revenue neutral rate.
Motion was struck and a new motion was made.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented with a revenue neutral rate of 42.558. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Commissioners Olson, Wells, Dancer, Salsbury and Van Hoecke gave individual comments regarding the City’s ability to remain revenue neutral for 2026 with a special thank you to BakerTilly.
Adjourn
MOTION: DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:16PM. SALSBURY seconded.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:16PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
unapproved
A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing & Business Development Director, Tom Coffman/Public Works Director, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Stephen Mitchell/USD234 Director of Technology, Destry Brown/Superintendent USD234, Pete Allen, Devin Reichard, Michael Hoyt, and Julie Buchta.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda – Request to amend the agenda with the removal of Consideration of Application – CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant – New Business – Action Item E.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the agenda as amended. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
MOTION: SALSBURY moved to approve the Consent Agenda. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment – No public comment
Appearances
Devin Reichard – Request for Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – October 2, 2025.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Parade Permit for Pioneer Harvest Festival. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business:
Land Lease Agreement
Discussion was had regarding the options for which the City would use this document for leasing City owned property. WELLS asked that in the document it be included that the lessee will be responsible for the property taxes.
ACTION: WELLS will email FARMER the statute information he received regarding (90) year vs. (99) year verbiage.
MOTION: SALSBURY moved to have FARMER research the (99) year option and present a final version to vote on at the next meeting. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Food Truck Ordinance
Discussion was had about the potential ordinance, business licenses, enforcement, and cost.
ACTION: MATKIN will check with other municipalities regarding online permitting.
WELLS called the question.
ACTION: MATKIN and FARMER will create verbiage as an addendum to municipal code pertaining to Solicitors, Canvassers and Peddlers to specifically address food trucks by the next meeting.
CHAMPS Bowl Game
MOTION: SALSBURY moved to rescind the $30,000.00 donation for the CHAMPS Bowl for this year. OLSON seconded.
OLSON, DANCER, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS abstained.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Public Hearing
Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 18 S. HOLBROOK
MOTION: WELLS moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.
MATKIN left the meeting at 6:50PM
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: WELLS moved to table the decision for (60) days so the Land Bank has an opportunity to look at it, to reach out to the County to see if it will be in the tax sale this year and explore a couple of opportunities before we move forward with the process on this particular house. DANCER seconded.
SALSBURY, OLSON, WELLS and DANCER voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 402 N. SHUTE
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.
MOTION: DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 26-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 N. Shute. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MATKIN returned to the meeting at 7:02PM
Consideration of Resolution No. 27-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 205 N. LINCOLN
MOTION: DANCER moved to open the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.
MOTION: DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 27-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 205 N. Lincoln. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
FARMER left the meeting at 7:03PM
Devin Reichard appeared regarding the parade permit. He believed the meeting began at 7:00PM. MATKIN told him the permit had already been approved.
Consideration to Trade the 963k Track Loader for a 2023 Volvo EC160EL Crawler Excavator
COFFMAN explained that the trade consideration is because parts for the existing model are not available due to its age. The only cost incurred would be freight of approximately $1,200.00 and would be through G. W. Van Keppel Company.
FARMER returned to the meeting at 7:05PM
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the straight across the board trade. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
IT Update
MITCHELL reported there were contact changes for the first year. There is also a shift in priorities for the next (60) days with the police department at highest priority. Updates given networks, firewalls, equipment, ticketing system, and backup system.
VAN HOECKE left the meeting at 7:18PM and returned at 7:20PM
Wyatt addressed the Commission to request two changes to the grant application process. First, she proposed requiring applicants to include a brief description of their business project and how the funding would impact their business. Second, she suggested a procedural clarification: that City staff should score the applications using the approved rubric and submit those scores to the Commission. Applicants would then appear before the Commission for questions, after which the Commission would award the grants. The Commission discussed the efficiency of this proposed process.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the changes suggested by City staff to make the process move forward more efficiently. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Planning, Housing and Business Development Update
Wyatt provided an overview of her responsibilities, including managing grants—those awarded, currently being written, and pending notification. In the Business Development Department, she focuses on retaining existing businesses and helping recruit new ones to Fort Scott. She also gave an overview of all three departments she oversees and answered questions from the Commission. Lisa Dillon will soon present a more detailed housing update.
Consideration of Second Amendment to Freeman ER Funding Agreement – Approved by Bourbon County Commission – September 8, 2025
ACTION: MATKIN will reach out to Freeman Hospital regarding the City being included the quarterly written itemized accountings.
MOTION: WELLS moved to send the document back to the County and ask for the City to be included in the furnishing of the quarterly written itemized accounting. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Approval to Go Out for Codes Mowing Bids – 3 Year Contract
MOTION: WELLS moved to go out for mowing bids for (3) years. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of CCLIP Project Programming Request
DICKMAN explained this is Phase III of the project. It has been awarded. The next steps would be to formally accept the award and go out for Statements of Qualification for Engineering design work.
ACTION: DICKMAN will send the City Manager and City Clerk the documents for the next step.
MOTION: WELLS moved to go forward with the project programming request for the third phase of the CCLIP project. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Reports and Comments
CITY ENGINEER
– E. National Project Update
ACTION: DICKMAN will get updated exhibits to WYATT to submit for the Cost Share Program (CCLIP) of 3rd Street from E. National to US69.
– Lee Circle Drive base
CITY ATTORNEY – No comment
CITY MANAGER
– Naturalization at the Fort – September 17, 2025
– FEMA update – new projects 4th & Little and Pawn Shop waterway
ACTION: MATKIN will provide a City Manager Communicator by end of the week.
COMMISSIONER SALSBURY
– Shipping container ordinance on next agenda
– Confirmed the City does not have ducks or geese at Gunn Park
COMMISSIONER OLSON
– Comments on freedom of speech
COMMISSIONER WELLS
– Design Review Board and bylaws for CLG
– Codes Department and Fire Department
– Overpass and at-grade study requests status update
– Comments on freedom of speech
COMMISSIONER DANCER
– Moody building status
ACTION: MATKIN will meet with FARMER for plan of action on the next agenda.
– Items passed at table need to be posted on website
– Expense Report was not included in the packet and website
COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE
– Response to comments made on local social media post about him and other rhetoric
– Naturalization Ceremony
– City work sites are not open to the public for safety reasons
MATKIN commented on Commission decorum and community reactions to decisions.
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:49PM. SALSBURY seconded.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:49PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
TOPEKA – In light of rumors circulating that Republican legislative leadership may call a special session of the legislature to do the bidding of D.C. politicians and enact mid-decade redistricting, Governor Laura Kelly issued the following statement:
“I do not agree with mid-decade redistricting based on old data and a clearly partisan agenda. According to public reporting, Republican legislative leadership is seriously considering calling a special session of the legislature to enact new congressional district maps.
“A special session may be called by the governor or by the signing of a petition supporting the call by a two-thirds majority in each chamber. As I will not call a special session for mid-decade redistricting, Republican leadership would have to rely on a petition.
“A special session to draw new maps without new data would be an unprecedented departure from the normal post-Census process. For Kansans to have any faith in these new maps, they must be afforded opportunities to speak directly, in person, with their legislators.
“As imperfect as the last redistricting process was, legislative leadership held 18 public meetings. Then House Speaker Ron Ryckman said at the time, ‘It’s important to remember that redistricting is a multi-year process that starts with these town halls to get a gauge on what Kansans want.’ Senate President Ty Masterson said in January 2022, that Johnson County is the ‘core’ of the 3rd Congressional District.
“Any efforts to institute an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting must offer a robust public comment period with both online and in-person options, especially in Johnson County.
“That is why I am calling on legislative leadership to host town halls prior to circulating a petition for a special session. Kansans must be offered the opportunity to express their opinions directly to their representatives, as they have during previous redistricting processes.
“Discussions about a special session and redistricting must be brought out from behind closed doors and into the public domain.”
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