Action Items
Consideration of Small Business Grant Incentive Program
Mary Wyatt shared the first draft of the plan with the commission. These grants would be available to new and existing small businesses in Fort Scott. The commission would approve all grants, and funding would come from the city’s economic development fund. Grants will be in the amounts of $10,000 and $15,000.
Commissioner Dyllon Olson suggested including a cost-matching provision for new businesses.
The commission tabled the issue to allow time to adjust the grant requirements.
Phil Jackson spoke to the commission about the new hobby shop he is opening in two weeks. Hercules Hobby, 20 Scott Avenue, will offer autographed helmets, memorabilia, and cards of all types.
Consideration of Recommendation of Award for Fort Scott Runway Safety Area Grading & Lighting Project and Olsson Engineering Contract Approval
Brian Coomes, Olsson lead engineer, said the plan for the project is complete. It involves improving the runway and end identifier lights, and the turf around the runways.
The airport’s current lighting system is 30 years old, requires continual maintenance, and needs improvement.
Low bidder for the project is Strukle Electric Incorporated of Girard, KS. They do airport lighting work all over Kansas and Missouri.
The project will cost $1,410,000. Ninety-five percent of the funds will be covered by a federal grant, 5% by Fort Scott, which has money built up in the airport fund.
The commission approved the contract for the project to be done in 2026.
Consideration to increase Design Review Advisory Board from 5 to 7 members
Lisa Dillon told the commission that two more individuals wish to serve on the board, so the board is asking for an increase in the number of members allowed.
Mayor Timothy VanHoeke said they are trying to streamline all the processes. There is no requirement for the city to have a design review board. Historically, he has received complaints about the difficulties of working with the design advisory board.
Commissioner Matthew Wells said that if Fort Scott were to become a CLG (Certified Local Government) city, it would create a smoother operation.
VanHoeke asked them to watch the CLG work session from August 11, 2023 before getting too excited about becoming a CLG government.
The request was approved 3 two 2.
Consideration to Formally Adopt the Guidance Provided by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for the installation guidelines of murals in both the local and Federal Historic Districts of Fort Scott
Dillon spoke to the commission about including the local historic district in the mural guidelines, which currently only apply to the Federal historic district portion of the city.
There is no current permitting process in Fort Scott for murals.
Commissioners Tracy Dancer and Kathryn Salsbury want to get public feedback before making a decision.
City Manager Brad Matkin asked that the commissioners get opinions from a variety of citizens, not just those who live in the affected area.
VanHoeke suggested putting it on the City of Fort Scott Facebook page and including a map.
The issue was tabled.
Follow Up Discussion – Land Bank Restructuring
Matkin said it would be very beneficial for Lisa Dillon to manage the land bank, because she can work with codes and neighborhood development. This was a land bank action. No vote was needed.
Consideration of Vendor Application for City-Sponsored Events
Matkin submitted a sample application to the commission, saying the purpose is to ensure that food truck vendors have their tax ID numbers and insurance.
Dancer made a motion to require all out-of-town businesses coming to do business in Fort Scott to fill out the application. The commission passed the motion.
Wells then made the motion for all businesses within Fort Scott to register with the city. There will be no charge for this registry. This motion also passed.
Adoption of Ordinance No. 3781 Amending Fireworks Sales Dates With Discussion to Further Amend Regarding Discharge of Fireworks Dates
Salsbury spoke to the commission about the policies of other cities and counties in the area, saying she wants to change the firing off dates to a shorter window within Fort Scott. She said this was to protect pets, people with PTSD, and others negatively affected by the loud noise.
VanHoeke doesn’t want to over-regulate. “I’d hate to see the window restricted,” in light of new businesses in the area that capitalize on fireworks, as well as allowing for the majority of citizens who want to celebrate with fireworks, he said.
The new sales dates for fireworks are expanded to June 20-July 7. Currently, fireworks are allowed to be fired from June 27 to July 5.
Salsbury’s motion to limit discharge dates to July 1-4, until 10 p.m. on July 1 and 2, and midnight on July 3 and 4 failed.
Wells moved to accept the ordinance with a change of dates for firing from June 27 to July 5, from 10a.m. to 10p.m. on the 27th to July 2, on the 3rd and 4th until 11:59p.m., and on the 5th from 10a.m. to 10p.m. to coincide with the city’s fireworks. The motion passed with a “no” from Salsbury.
Consideration for Final Acceptance of Corrective Action with Heck & Wicker – Horton St. & 6th St. Project
Wells, Jason Dickman, and the contractor walked the street and identified nine locations that need re-patched. If the fog seal issue continues to happen in other locations within the year, it’s under warranty and will be patched. Earl’s Engineering will oversee the current patching plan. These are the final corrective actions for the asphalt overlay.
The commission approved the steps, Wells voted no.
Reports and Comments
Dancer said, “I wanted to express my dismay” at getting the notice for the recent emergency meeting less than 3 hours ahead of time. He urged that the commission not hold emergency sessions without a true emergency, as they deprive citizens of the representation they deserve.
Wells, requested that CLG be put on the agenda for the next meeting, June 3.
VanHoeke, asked CLG meeting recording be sent out to the commission for review.
He also reminded citizens that if anyone plans on running for one of the open political offices coming up for election in November, June 2 is the cutoff date for registering with the county clerk.