CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of October 2, 2018 Regular Meeting #19

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held October 2^nd, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding. Commissioner Adamson was absent.

INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Travis Shelton, Rhonda Dunn, Bob Guilfoyle, Craig Wilbert, Carl Jowers, Myra Jowers, Justin Meeks, Glen Pearson, Deb Morter, Lindsay Madison, Rachel Pruitt, Jim Runkman, Michael Mix, Dave Bruner, Connie Tidd, Chris Sather, Denise Duncan, Diana Morriss, Deb McCoy, Jerald Mitchell, Rebecca Stufflebeam, Penny Pollock-Barnes, Lindsay Watts, Mark McKenney, Deb Needleman, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Presentation of Certificate of Support to the City of Fort Scott from the American Legion – Carl and Myra Jowers presented a Certificate of Support to the City Commission last night on behalf of the American Legion. Mr. Jowers said he and his wife moved here about a year and a half ago and have been extremely busy growing the local American Legion group. They have 100% renewed membership and currently hosted a Chamber Coffee in the basement of Memorial Hall. He thanked the City for their assistance in relocating their office at Memorial Hall while their room is being renovated. He also thanked Rhonda Dunn for all her assistance with Memorial Hall.

Myra Jowers said that she has office hours every Tuesday at Memorial Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to assist veterans with paperwork for the Veteran’s Administration.

2018 Outstanding Court Clerk of the Year Award – City Manager announced that Diane Clay, City Clerk, Court Clerk, attended the Kansas Association for Court Management Fall Conference last week and was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Court Clerk of the Year Award for the State of Kansas. He stated that he has been City Manager for eight years and came to the City with no government experience and Diane has helped him greatly. She helps citizens with their needs and helps hold City Hall together. He presented her with the plaque she was given.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 18^th, 2018.

2. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1224-A totaling $284,542.13.

3. Resolution 40-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 14 S. Margrave – Public Hearing Date – 11/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

4. Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – October 18^th, 2018

Bartelsmeyer moved the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

1. APPEARANCE:

Penny Pollock Barnes – Tri-Yak-A-Thon – Gunn Park – Ms. Pollock-Barnes appeared before the Commission to request the use of Gunn Park for the 6^th Annual Tri-Yak-A-Thon to be held on Saturday, October 13^th, 2018. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the event will start at 10:00 a.m. The event will include running, kayaking and biking the river and the trails. It is a great way to show off our wonderful park to all the participants.

City Manager asked the Commission to approve this request and he and City Staff will work with her on the sections of the park that will need to be closed off.

Nichols moved to approve the use of Gunn Park for the Tri-Yak-A-Thon to be held at Gunn Park on Saturday, October 13^th, 2018 and for City Staff to work with her on closing sections of the park. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the use of Gunn Park for the Tri-Yak-A-Thon to be held at Gunn Park on Saturday, October 13^th, 2018 and for City Staff to work with her on closing sections of the park.

Chris Sather – Tigers on the Move Event at Riverfront Trails – 10/12/2018 – 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Ms. Sather appeared before the Commission to inform them about the Color Run Event which will be held on Friday, October 12^th, 2018. She is requesting the use of both Riverfront Trails from 3:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on that date. Last year they had over 500 participants and look for more this year.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Color Run Event at both Riverfront Trails to be held on October 12^th, 2018. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

approveD the Color RUN Event at Riverfront Trails to be held on OCTOBER 12^th, 2018.

Bob Guilfoyle and Craig Wilbert – Craw-Kan – Installation and Building plans for Fort Scott – Craig Wilbert informed the Commission that about a year ago CrawKan began to work with the City on the installation of fiber. They are finishing up in Pittsburg and will be having multiple teams in Fort Scott doing installation of underground fiber.

Bob Guilfoyle updated the Commission on areas of the City where the fiber has been installed and the areas that it will be installed soon. More crews will be brought into town very soon and more installation of fiber will occur. He said that there will be a lot of locates needed for the installation. They are excited to be in Fort Scott and providing high speed internet.

City Manager thanked them for their commitment to Fort Scott. We are excited you are here to provide this service for our residents.

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – Diana Morriss – Ms. Morriss appeared before the Commission and requested answers to the recent article in the local newspaper regarding Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. (Bedco). She asked if Bedco received funding from the City. She asked what funds are used to purchase land.

City Manager said that Bedco receives $33,000 a year from the City and $20,000 from Bourbon County. This money helps fund the grants they give each year.

Rachel Pruitt also pointed out they receive revenue from land they sell in the Industrial Park.

City Manager said that Bedco does a lot for the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

Ms. Morriss said that she wanted to make sure that it was as transparent as possible.

3. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

1. Discussion of 523 S. Main Street – Rhonda Dunn, Finance/Codes Director, informed the Commission that she took pictures today of this building. She had asked that the windows be secured which has happened. She said that Mark McKenney, a co-owner of this building was present to answer questions.

Mark McKenney said that this is a structurally sound building. It does need a roof and there are some windows that need replaced. He said that the north side of this building has been tuck pointed and repaired. He said that he could have the broken windows replaced in two weeks and a roof put on within a month.

Rhonda Dunn said that she will have this on the agenda in two weeks to see if the windows have been repaired and the progress made.

2. Masonry Repairs – Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that there are several miscellaneous masonry repairs that need done at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities. The Commission requested at their July 3^rd meeting that he obtain quotes from local contractors rather than hiring an engineer and utilizing the sealed bid process. The low bid for the miscellaneous masonry repair projects at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants was from Midland Restoration for a total of $57,100. The flooring project at the Water Treatment Plant low bid was from R-II Concrete for a total of $8,665.00. The total of all the projects is $65,765.00 and is a budgeted item.

Nichols moved to approve the low bids for the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities for a total of $65,765.00. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED MASONRY REPAIRS AT WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS FOR MIDLAND RESTORATION OF FORT SCOTT IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,100 AND THE FLOORING PROJECT AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR R-II CONCRETE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,665.00 TOTALING $65,765.00.

3. Use of Riverfront Park – Boos & Brews Haunted Trolley Tour – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, appeared before the Commission on behalf of Larry Gazaway, who is away at a conference. She asked approval for the use of Riverfront Park for the “Boos and Brews” Haunted Trolley Tours to be held on October 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th. The Fort Scott High School Thespians will be showcasing scary scenes for visitors the Trolley takes to the park. The Thespians will be using this as a fundraiser for their upcoming trip to Scotland. The tours will leave the Boil Room Brewhaus each evening at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. and tickets are $25.00 each.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the use of the Riverfront Park for the Boos & Brews Haunted Trolley Tours. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BOOS AND BREWS HAUNTED TROLLEY TOURS ON OCTOBER 26^TH, 27^TH, AND 28^TH FOR THE RIVERFRONT PARK.

4. Approval of plaque for Heritage Park in memory of Dola Cress – Lindsay Madison, Director of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, informed the Commission that Geneva & Son Monument Company has designed a sign in memory of Dola Cress to be erected at Heritage Park to honor Dola for all she did for our community. It is a 12 X 18 bronze plaque that will be mounted to the brick wall at Heritage Park. Rebecca Stufflebeam, Dola’s daughter, was present also. The family is paying for the plaque. The plaque reads as follows: “In Honor of Pride and Community, Dola’s Rose Garden – Dedicated 2007 – Dola Rose Cress – Aug 9, 1933 – Nov 19, 2017”.

Mitchell moved to approve the plaque at Heritage Park honoring Dola Cress be put up. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED PLACEMENT OF PLAQUE HONORING DOLA CRESS AT HERITAGE PARK.

Lindsay also handed out to the Commission invitations to upcoming ribbon cutting events that will be held:

Hole in the Wall Liquor Store Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting will be held on October 12^th, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Hedgehog.Ink Book Store Grand opening will be held on October 30^th, 2018 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the ribbon cutting held at 5:45 p.m.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

1. Director Updates:

Rachel Pruitt – Economic Development update – Rachel updated the Commission on several items:

St. Martin’s Academy – She said that this academy opened this fall and has 18 students and 12 faculty members. The students are active in soccer and were active in the recent Art in the Yard event that was held.

“If I Were Mayor” contest – The City is sponsoring a “If I Were Mayor” contest with 7^th graders this year. Their report is due by November 18^th. There is a $125 prize at the State level and there will also be a local winner who will win lunch with our Mayor. She is excited to see the entries.

Airport Traffic – She updated the Commission with a few airport facts on airport traffic. From 2011 to 2017 there was over a 70% increase in jet fuel sold. From 2016 to 2018 has generated the most significant grown with nearly a 75% increase in jet fuel. The 440 X 75 foot current runway services approximately 20 transient flights a week.

2019 Kansas Association of Airports Conference – She announced that Fort Scott has been chosen as the site for the 2019 K.A.A.C conference. It will be held in June of 2019. There will be approximately 150 people here with 50 hotel rooms. It has previously been held in larger cities like Salina, Manhattan, and Lawrence.

She left them with a quote from Kenny Howard, Airport Manager: “One mile on Highway 69 gets you one mile further to your destination. One mile on Fort Scott Airport runway gets you everywhere you need and want to be.”

Rhonda Dunn – US Cellular Tower & Flag Pole – Rhonda informed the Commission that on special events the City uses a big boom ladder truck to fly the large flag at the edge of Skubitz Plaza. She checked into seeing what the costs of putting a big flag pole at that location and it was between $10,000 to $20,000. She was recently contacted by U.S. Cellular and they would like to put in a cellular tower at the Fort. She submitted two locations to them. It would be an 80’ tower and they were willing to put their tower inside a flag pole so the flag can be hung at all times. This will require Kansas State Historical Association approval and could be a long process. This will save the City money with U.S. Cellular putting in the tower and the flag pole.

Utility Billing Changes – Rhonda informed the Commission that the City is consolidating all water utility billing cycles into one monthly billing cycle. Effective November 2018, all water utility bills will be due on the 22^nd day of each month. The new bills will also reflect a one-time change in the amount of days included on the bill, which may be more or less days of usage than your previous bills. After this initial billing, all future bills should reflect approximately one month’s usage. For customers on automated bank draft, the date when your bank drafts funds from your account will change to the due date specified on your bill, or the next business day. If you have online bill pay set up through your bank, you may need to change your payment date to reflect the new due date.

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Not present.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Parker – Congratulated Diane Clay on her award. She said that she is a very important part of the City and has been here for many years. She also said that she is glad to have the Jower’s working with the American Legion and promoting it.

Nichols – He seconded Commission Parker’s comments.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Remarked that he had two items:

He congratulated Diane Clay on her recent award. He said that he has worked with many City Clerks and she is the only City Clerk for Fort Scott who has earned the Master Municipal Clerk status which means she took many education classes when she started.

City Attorney asked for a 15 minute executive session with just the City Commission present to discuss non-elected personnel. There is no action anticipated.

3. City Manager:

1. Zombie Chase – City Manager asked the Commission to consider lifting the curfew violation on Friday, October 26^th, 2018 until 1:30 a.m. The race starts at 11:00 p.m. and will not be over until after midnight, which is when the curfew time is.

Parker moved to change the curfew time to 1:30 a.m. on Friday, October 26^th, 2018 for the Zombie Race. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO CHANGE THE CURFEW TIME TO 1:30 A.M. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26^TH, 2018 FOR THE ZOMBIE RACE.

2. Mercy Hospital Closing – City Manager said that the City released a press release today on the closing of the hospital. The City appreciates the many years of service the hospital has given our community. The City does have a lot of good things happening in our community and it is unfortunate that this has happened. We need to look forward to the future and determine how we can keep health care here. Reta Baker is committed to working with the City and County.

City Manager informed the Commission that the County is responsible for ambulance service. They were served a letter notifying them they have 180 days to secure another ambulance service for the County. The City is currently looking over the financial costs of this service and may take over the ambulance service. There is a lot of facts to consider first before this is done. The City pledges to work with the County on this service.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Parker moved to move into Executive Session for 15 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel to include City Commission and City Attorney. There is no action anticipated. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:10 P.M.

Parker moved to adjourn from Executive Session at 7:16 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:16 P.M.

CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Mitchell informed the public that the City Manager’s Employment Agreement is before them. She asked each Commissioner to say something to the City Manager about his evaluation.

Commissioner Bartelsmeyer thanked him for all the work he has done with the City and his leadership. She said that there is more that needs to be done especially with the streets. With the sales tax sun-setting on the pool and Buck Run, hopefully this will be renewed and applied to streets. She thanked him for his hard work this last year.

Commissioner Parker said she was on the Commission when he was hired. She can’t remember a person who has taken such great strides with the City. It was in dire needs of someone like him. She said he has done a terrific job.

Commissioner Nichols said that the City Manager is very forward thinking and helps move this City forward. He has a great staff that works with him and is very positive.

Mayor Mitchell said she thinks he does a tremendous job. She said that they sometimes don’t speak the same language but they get along great. She hopes that he recognizes that he has a great City Commission behind him.

The City Commission recommended the following items:

3% increase in salary bringing his salary to $107,462.78.

One year added to his contract which will take his employment through August 21, 2023.

If the City Manager should leave, he would be paid for his sick leave and vacation time.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the City Manager Employment Agreement with the above stipulations. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.

City Manager thanked the Commission and said that he appreciates the opportunity to serve the City and the City Commission. He said he couldn’t do this job without his good team of employees.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:29 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on October 16^th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK