City Commission Meeting Summary – February 3, 2026

Meeting Overview

• Date: February 3, 2026

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Location: City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS

• Attendance: Mayor Kathryn Salsbury; Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, and Julie Buchta.

---

Agenda Outline

• Call to Order & Roll Call (Page 1)

• Pledge of Allegiance & Prayer (Page 1)

• Approval of Agenda (Page 1)

• Consent Agenda (Page 1)

  • Appropriation Ordinance 1401-A ($420,842.25)

  • Approval of Minutes from January 20, 2026

• Public Comment (Page 1)

• Appearances (Page 1)

  • IT Update – Stephen Mitchell

• Unfinished Business (Page 1)

  • Status of 602 S. Barbee

• New Business & Public Hearings (Page 1-2)

  • 310 N. Cleveland (Resolution No. 9-2026)

  • 601 S. Little (Resolution No. 10-2026)

• Action Items (Page 2-3)

  • 18 S. Holbrook Status Update

  • Bid Approval: 2026 Cape Seal Project

  • Discussion: City Lake Properties

  • Discussion: Contractor Licensing

  • Discussion: Horton Street Condition

• Reports and Comments (Page 3)

• Executive Session (Page 3)

• Adjournment (Page 3)

---

Detailed Meeting Summary

Public Comments & Appearances

Housing Grant & Public Hearing: Lisa Dillon requested a special meeting/public hearing for February 13, 2026, regarding a CDBG grant for a Housing Rehabilitation Program. (Page 1)

Traffic & Utilities: Kevin Allen raised concerns regarding idle trains blocking traffic and requested that water leak bill relief be extended to rural water customers, as it currently only applies to city residents. (Page 1)

IT Infrastructure Update: Stephen Mitchell reported that the dispatch move is complete and equipment inventory is 98% finished. Future priorities include the Water Plant and establishing a long-term upgrade schedule (1, 3, and 5 years). (Page 1)

Property & Structure Reviews

310 N. Cleveland: The owner, Mr. Peterson, requested the city not demolish the structure. He admitted to living there without utilities and stopping repairs due to weather

601 S. Little: Following a fire, this structure was deemed a safety hazard and is six years behind on taxes. Despite the owner’s representative (Mr. Eastwood) offering to clean the site, the Commission approved Resolution No. 10-2026 for the city to proceed with demolition. (Page 2)

18 S. Holbrook: The Land Bank remains interested in this property via tax sale to clear the deed. The City Manager was directed to bring this back to the agenda within 90 days for a final resolution. (Page 2)

Infrastructure & City Operations

Cape Seal Project: The Commission unanimously approved going out for bids for the 2026 Cape Seal project based on specs from Earles Engineering. (Page 2)

Horton Street Remediation: Jason Dickman identified “bleeding” asphalt on Horton Street. The city will initiate a warranty claim with the contractor (Heck and Wicker) to develop a work plan for repairs. (Page 3)

Contractor Licensing: There was an extensive discussion regarding the feasibility of city-level contractor licensing. Concerns were raised about the administrative burden and liability. Staff will research how surrounding cities handle licensing and reciprocal agreements. (Page 3)

City Lake Lots: Commissioners discussed leaning toward a leasing model for city-owned lake properties, primarily for storage use. Commissioner Buchta will tour the area with the Codes Department for further evaluation. (Page 3)

Commission & Staff Reports

• City Engineer: Reported that the Davis Lift Station work begins February 16, 2026, and the CCLIP Phase 4 application will be submitted in March. (Page 3)

• General Comments: Commissioners discussed recent snow removal efforts and street sweeping. Commissioner Van Hoecke noted the Dragoon is scheduled to open June 1st. (Page 3)