The Fort Scott Land Bank meeting will be held on Monday, March 18th at 4:00 pm at City Hall.
The Fort Scott Design Review Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19th at 4:00 pm at City Hall
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The Fort Scott Land Bank meeting will be held on Monday, March 18th at 4:00 pm at City Hall.
The Fort Scott Design Review Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19th at 4:00 pm at City Hall
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~Should be considered dangerous~
GARDNER, Kansas. –
Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been placed on escape status after not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) facility this afternoon.
Johnson, a 49-year-old white male with green eyes, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds. He has a shaved head and nine tattoos across his arms, legs, neck, and back.
He was placed on escape status when he did not return to the residential center following two job interviews.
Johnson has been serving a one-year sentence at the Johnson County Work Release Center since August 3, 2023. He was convicted in Wyandotte County for one count of burglary.
Anyone with information on Johnson should call the KDOC’s Enforcement, Apprehension, and Investigations Division (EAI) at 816-266-2102, the JCDOC at 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at [email protected]
The walk-away is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who meet certain criteria can be housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration into the community.
A photo of John Evans Johnson, Jr., can be found here.
March 4, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Bonnie Smith, Steve Fortenberry, Michael Hoyt, Patty Ropp. Clint Walker, Rachel Walker Jason Silvers, Debra Martin, and Brent M. Smith were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Chairman Harris read a statement outlining protocols of meetings going forward. Jim stated they want audience participation; however it needs to be polite and professional and the interruptions must be stopped. Jim said if an individual is interrupting, they will receive one warning then a motion will be made to ask the individual to leave.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-26-24. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Clint Walker said he read an article about the Pittsburg State University skills program who did tuck pointing and masonry work on shelter houses and suggested someone contact them to see if they would be interested in having their students work on the shelters at Elm Creek. Clint also said the road and bridge crews have been hauling gravel and doing a good job.
Thomas Russell stated he is here representing the Bourbon County Republican party and said they looked over resolution 04-24 that was presented by Nelson last month and they agreed to take the phrases “churches and religious organizations” out of the resolution. Thomas presented a revised copy of resolution 04-24 for the Commissioners to review. Jim stated that what he asked Trevor Jacobs to remove has been removed. Jim made a motion to approve resolution 04-24 a declaratory resolution opposing the entry, transportation, employment, and settlement of illegal immigrants in Bourbon County, Kansas. Nelson seconded the motion and Clifton opposed. The motion passed 2-1.
Nelson made a motion to remove healthcare sales tax ballot language from the agenda. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
While waiting on the 6:00 conference call discussion was held with the audience with Thomas Russell commenting that he recently traveled and saw an 8-bed hospital and emergency room and suggested the Commissioners check into something like that. Jim stated that we are working on the healthcare situation and Justin and Clifton are working 24/7.
Jim said he had a friend question the duties of the Chairman, so Jim clarified that he is to conduct the meeting in an orderly manner and does not have any authority over Clifton or Nelson.
Brent Smith spoke about the new facilities being constructed for Saint Martin’s Academy near 120th Street and Hackberry Road and asked if there was something that could be done about the road when the project is complete. Mr. Smith stated the additions of a church, housing, and multiple buildings will cause a lot of traffic on that road.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, spoke about a few topics while waiting on the conference call. Jennifer stated the Clerk’s office is filing homestead claims for residents until April 15.
The Clerk’s office is still working on trying to connect Bourbon County residents with unclaimed property they have sitting at the State Treasurer’s office. Jennifer stated that they have been able to help residents claim over $100,000 of unclaimed property so far.
Early voting for the Presidential Preference Primary election will begin on March 11th and run Monday through Friday from 8:30 am -4:30 pm. Early voting will also be available on Saturday, March 16th from 8:00 am -12:00 pm and on Monday, March 18th from 8:30 am-12:00 pm. Residents will be able to vote on Tuesday, March 19th from 7:00 am-7:00 pm at their normal polling place.
Matt Quick, County Appraiser, reminded individuals that they have 30 days to dispute their valuation notices that were sent out. Matt stated that it is a simple process and to contact their office and a time will be scheduled to meet and discuss the property.
Mike Dallman, Property Valuation Division Field Staff Supervisor, called in to review the 2023 Substantial Compliance Report with the Commissioners and Matt Quick. Mike stated the reason for conducting a conference call is it is mandated now per KSA 79-1404(b). Mr. Dallman went over the report outlining each section and explained the weighing process the use for the classifications of residential and commercial properties. Mike stated that the commercial properties are in compliance and the residential properties are only out of compliance by 0.07 of a point. Mike went over the process of sales validations and stated the Property Valuation Division has their own department who performs the validations and the county performs their own sales validations.
Jim and Clifton did not have any comments this evening. Nelson stated he did not understand most of what was discussed during the conference call and stated he doesn’t think most people do.
Nelson questioned what portion of taxes go towards welfare and stated that program is very abused. Nelson said he wants to work to change the situation and not just complain about it and that you have to dig in your heels and figure out a way to change. Nelson also said a prayer during his Commission comment time.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:39. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
3-11-2024 Approved Date

Election Integrity “The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite.” Thomas Jefferson
I think that Thomas Jefferson would agree that for us to govern ourselves we must have election integrity. Senate Bill (SB) 365 was debated on the Senate floor. The bill would have required all ballots to be submitted by 7 pm on election day. Not all counties treat ballots the same if the address on the ID doesn’t match a voter’s address. I carried an amendment that would have treated these ballots the same, provisional ballots across the state. Another amendment would have codified in statute removing duplicate registrations. A super majority of Senators agreed this should be law. I also carried an amendment to remove remote ballot drop boxes. It also passed. There were several amendments that went on the bill that would have increased security and accuracy of our elections. However, an amendment that passed raised some concern with a few Senators on federal compliance with Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which requires at least one electronic voting machine at each polling place, so the bill failed to get the constitutional majority of 21 to pass.
There are efforts to bring this legislation that had majority support to the Senate floor again.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
…
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
March 11, 2024 5:30 p.m.
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.
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Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
March 11, 2024 5:30 p.m.
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.
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
March 11, 2024 5:30 p.m.
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.
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 5, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Roll Call
Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, Matthew Wells and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.
Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation: T. 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/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Ben Hart/Director of Finance-Baker-Tilly, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing and Community Development Director, Bill Lemke/Water Distribution & Wastewater Collections Supervisor, Destry Brown/Superintendent USD234, Robin Button, Cheryl Marsh, Cho Hillman, Carol Glover, Justin Meeks/County Counselor, Diane Striler, Richard Clark, Michael Hoyt, and Carl Brenner/Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at FSNHS.
Approval of Agenda
Appearance item for Shanda Stewart – Request for donation to Fort Scott High School Prom After Party was requested to be removed from the agenda. T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda with the amendment. M. Wells requested to amend the motion to include an amendment to New Business to include (2) Letters of Interest for consideration to the Fort Scott Public Library Board – Constance S. Banwart and Susan Messer. T. VanHoecke agreed to the amendment to his motion. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
APPROVED AMENDED AGENDA
Proclamation
Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger – National School Breakfast Week – March 4th through 8th, 2024 – M. Wells officiated the Proclamation and honored the following USD234 staff members: Robin Button, Anna Marsh, Jessica Phillips, Cheryl Marsh, Cho Hillman, Millie Willard, Carol Glover, and Ginger Houston.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1355-A – $975,852.99
Approval of minutes of February 20, 2024
Request to Pay – Invoice #1756 – Marberry Concrete, Inc. –Fort Scott Lake Boat Ramp repair – $69,990.00.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
Public Comment
Richard Clark appeared before the Commission to state his concern about changes at Fort Scott Lake regarding long-term safety, cost, and lot sales. (Time stamp – 12:04)
Appearances
Diane Striler appeared before the Commission to continue discussion regarding the proposed Downtown Ice-Skating Rink.
(Time stamp – 27:17)
MOTION DIED FOR THE LACK OF A SECOND.
MOTION DEFEATED BY 3-2 VOTE.
Old Business
Consideration of Charter Ordinance No. 32 – A CHARTER
ORDINANCEOF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, EXEMPTING SUCH CITY FROM THE PROVISIONS OF K.S.A. 12-1222 RELATING TO LIBRARIES, AND PROVIDING SUBSTITUTE AND ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING THERETO – Tabled from February 20, 2024
APPROVED CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 32.
New Business
Consideration to purchase Allen Trench Safety Badger Pro Series Set of (4) Modular Trench Shoring Boxes – Sole Source by Allen Trench Safety Corp. – $28,048.00.
APPROVED REQUEST TO PURCHASE TRENCH SHORING BOXES.
Consideration to reappoint expired terms of Planning Commission Board Members for another term: Cheryl Adamson and Carol MacArthur – Recommended by Planning Commission, February 21, 2024.
APPROVED TO REAPPOINT CHERYL ADAMSON AND CAROL MACARTHUR FOR ANOTHER TERM TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Consideration to amend Ordinance No. 3497 Planning Commission Membership Terms to (7) members instead of (10) members – Recommended by Planning Commission, February 21, 2024.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3497 UNTIL THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING.
Consideration of Letter of Interest for Library Board Vacancy from Constance S. Banwart and Susan Messer
APPROVED TO APPOINT CONSTANCE BANWART AND SUSAN MESSER TO THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD.
Consideration to reappoint expired terms of Street Advisory Board members for another (3) year term: Clete Hall, Charles Gentry, Nick Barrows, and Gary Cullor.
APPROVED TO REAPPOINT EXPIRED TERMS OF THE STREET ADVISORY BOARD: CLETE HALL, CHARLES GENTRY, NICK BARROWS AND GARY CULLOR FOR ANOTHER (3) YEAR TERM.
Consideration to approve Ordinance No. 3761 – Amending section 10.04.90 regarding inspection requirements for annual U.T.V. license.
MOTION STRUCK IN ITS ENTIRITY. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 3761 WILL APPEAR ON MARCH 19, 2024, AGENDA.
Consideration to repeal Ordinance No. 3060 Public Dance License
APPROVED TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 3060 REQUIRING A PUBLIC DANCE LICENSE.
APPROVED APPOINTMENT OF CATHY DANCER AND REAPPOINTMENT OF ARNOLD SCHOFIELD TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD.
Final approval of Mulligan Ridge Donation Agreement
Justin Meeks appeared before the Commission representing Mulligan Ridge LLC for the City’s donation of land to the property owner to build a pond and water feature that was approved on October 3, 2023, by the City Commission. This agreement was drawn up between City Attorney B. Farmer and J. Meeks as final approval of that agreement. The changes from the original agreement are a quit claim deed from a warranty deed and first right of refusal.
FINAL APPROVAL OF MULLIGAN RIDGE DONATION AGREEMENT.
Discussion of 190th Street Maintenance
CITY COMMISSION DIRECTED B. MATKIN TO TALK WITH THE COUNTY BEFORE THE COMMISSION MAKES A DECISION.
Consideration of 2024 Street Program
APPROVED STREET PROGRAM 2024.
Discussion of Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID)
APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CREATION OF RHID.
Reports and Comments
City Manager Comments (Time stamp 2:34:41)
Engineering Comments (Time stamp 2:36:03)
Commissioners Comments (Time stamp 2:36:34)
City Attorney Comments – No comment
Executive Session
APPROVED TO MOVE IN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:46PM.
APPROVED TO MOVE OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:56PM WITH NO ACTION.
MEETING OF MARCH 5, 2024, ADJOURNED AT 8:56PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart
Pond project – Don George, KDWPT –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by ____________, Second by _____________, Approved ________ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at _______.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Water valve replacement –
Codes Enforcement:
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
2023 Financial Audit
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
Pickleball court project –
Warehouse refurbishing –
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Attachments: