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Agenda for the Nov. 5 City of Fort Scott Meeting
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
November 5, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
- Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1371-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of October 10, 2024 – October 29, 2024 – $ 673,364.99
- Approval of Minutes for October 15, 2024.
- Approval of Ordinance No. 3772 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10.04 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCORPORATE STANDARD TRAFFIC ORDINANCES for changes in STO for the 51st Edition of the Standard Traffic Ordinances publish in 2024
- Approval of Ordinance No. 3773 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.05 REGULATING PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REVERENCE THE UNIFORM PUBLIC OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES, 40TH EDITION, “WITH CERTAIN OMISSIONS, CHANGES, AND ADDITION; PRESCIRBING ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS; AND PROVIDE CERTAIN PENALTIES
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice #17591 – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. and 6th Improvements – Salary – $24,423.45
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Pay Estimate No. 6 – Invoice #17589 – KDOT Project No. 06 KA-6898-01 – EEI Project No. 23-15A/ US-54 CCLIP Phase I – Design 67.8% – $24,483.14
- Request to Pay – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th Street Improvements – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Application for Payment No. 4 – $402,686.80
VII. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VIII. Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting
you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.
- Casey Brown/Community Engagement Coordinator of SEK-CAP – Update on current ridership and request for (2) Letter of Support and Matching Funds Request to continue services in 2025.
- Representative from American Legion – To discuss Memorial Hall meeting room.
- Unfinished Business
- Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – L. Kruger
- New Business
Public Hearing:
- Resolution No. 33-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 418 S. COUCH – Tabled from October 15, 2024 – L. Kruger
- Consideration to Approve a Conditional Use Permit for a Verizon Telecommunication Tower at 2317 Maple – Planning Commission Case No. 1046 – Not recommended by the Planning Commission on October 2, 2024 – N. Nation
- Consideration to Approve a Rezoning Request from Commercial 1 (C1) to Industrial 2 (I2) at 602 E. 10th Street for the Purpose of Vehicle Storage and (Possible) Repair – Planning Commission Case No. 1048 – Recommended for Approval by the Planning Commission on October 2, 2024 – N. Nation
- Consideration of Petition to Vacate a Portion of Alley in Southside Park Addition submitted by Jason Marbery – N. Nation
Action Items:
- Approval of Annual Christmas Parade Permit on December 5, 2024 – B. Matkin
- Consideration of Bids for WWTP Maintenance and Installation Services – S. Flater
- Consideration of Bids for Demolition of Structures: 1721 E. Wall, 323 W. Wall, 1619 E. Pine and 402 S. Lowman – Kruger
- Consideration for approval to remove (2) FAA-owned Visual Approach Slope Indicators (VASI) at Fort Scott Municipal Airport and replace with (2) City-owned Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI) – M. Wyatt/Planning, Housing and Business Development Director and Bryan Matkin/Asst. Manager-FSK
- Consideration of Approval to Pay Invoice #161277 – Champlin Tire Recycling, Inc. – $31,200.00 – $15,500.00 from Parks Tax Fund – $15,600.00 from KDHE Waste Tire Grant Program awarded January 2024 requiring 50/50 match – Wyatt
- Consideration of Annual Holiday Bonus for City Employees – Matkin
- Reports and Comments
- City Manager Comments
- Engineering Comments
- Commissioners Comments
- City Attorney Comments
XII. Adjourn
Unapproved Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for Oct. 15
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of October 15, 2024 Regular Meeting
A Work Session was held on October 15, 2024 at 5:00PM directly followed by the regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Both meetings are available on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel. Time stamps according to recording.
The meeting called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.
Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Officer Colby Davidson/FSPD, Norm Nation/Codes Enforcement, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via telephone), Michael Hoyt, Ann Rawlins, Don Banwart/President of OFGS, and Joseph Lotterer, Jose Montanez (via telephone)
- Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and B. Matkin said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda – (Time stamp 2:05)
- Dancer requested the removal of Kathy Dancer from Appearances. She will appear at a later date.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to add Approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for 12 N. Main Street – as it has been approved by SHPPO and satisfied the Commission’s request at the September 17, 2024, meeting – to Unfinished Business – Item C. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve the Agenda as amended with the removal of Kathy Dancer and Item C added to Unfinished Business – 12 N. Main – Certificate of Appropriateness. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Approval of Consent Agenda – (Time stamp 3:56)
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1370-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 25, 2024 – October 8, 2024 – $ 734,821.86
– Approval of Minutes for October 1, 2024.
– September Financials
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Public Comments (Time stamp 4:34) – No comments
Appearances (Time stamp 4:36) – No appearances
(Time stamp 4:50)
Unfinished Business
Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – Requested documents from owner due per October 1, 2024, extension approved until October 15, 2024 –B. Matkin provided an update: have not received the requested Structural Engineer’s report, work is complete on the face of the building, contractor has moved out of the area, and (B. Matkin) spoke with the owner today and informed him that a structural engineer needs to look at it before it can be reopened.
Discussion was had about the work completed and the existing concerns of the building.
(Time stamp 6:43) J. Dickman provided his observations and his recommendation.
(Time stamp 8:23) Further discussion was had regarding the next step to verify that the building and Wall Street are safe to open.
(Time stamp 12:43) Jose Montanez addressed the Commission by telephone.
Clarification was made by the Commission and the work completed must be certified by a structural engineer.
(Time stamp 18:52) Discussion began regarding the City providing an independent structural engineering report.
(Time stamp 19:59) B. Matkin left the meeting and immediately returned (Time stamp 20:11).
ACTION: J. Dickman will contact an independent structural engineer to complete the inspection of the building.
ACTION: J. Montanez will reach out to the original structural engineer (Thomas Rewert) to see if he will certify the completed work.
ACTION: T. VanHoecke directed J. Dickman and B. Matkin to hire a structural engineer to inspect the building.
(Time stamp 28:11) T. VanHoecke left the meeting and returned to the meeting (Time stamp 29:48).
- Dancer stated that the Commission agrees that the owner has not complied with the requests and that the condition of the building is not safe.
It was clarified that the City will get a 3rd party structural engineer to certify that entire building is not a public hazard. J. Montanez will seek certification from Thomas Rewert however the City will move forward with their inspection as a matter of due diligence for public safety.
(Time stamp 39:10) – Consideration to Approve Renewal of the Downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit (existing Ordinance No. 3756) – annual permit expires November 21, 2024 – Tabled from October 1, 2024.
- Matkin stated that he spoke with Jill Jaworski/Superintendent of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and they have no issues with the extension of the Common Consumption Area to include the pavilion and Skubitz Plaza.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the renewal of the downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit.
- Wells stated that the superintendent also stated that people are allowed to walk from Skubitz Plaza on to the Fort grounds (and back) with alcohol according to the National Park agreement with the current superintendent. They ask that people are respectful and obey all laws when doing so.
- Wells stated that the superintendent had also asked that sometime in the future, the Commission consider permanently closing the drive-through area in Skubitz Plaza to create an additional seating area and making all of Skubitz Plaza a pedestrian only area.
- Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
(Time stamp 42:11) Consideration to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness – 12 N. Main – Construction of An Exterior Metal Awning – Previously approved by the Design Review Board but denied by the City Commission on September 17, 2024. The Commission requested that the owner seek approval from SHPPO or use an approved material.
- VanHoecke stated that the owner came back with approval from SHPPO with the stipulation that it must be a matte finish and must not be the raised seams which satisfied the requirements of the Commission.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the request from Be the Light Boutique that was previously approved by the Design Review Board for 12 N. Main. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. D. Olson, K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.
New Business
Public Hearing:
(Time stamp 43:18)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Ordinance No. 3771 – Floodplain Management Ordinance – Pursuant to 44 CFR Sect. 60.3(d) – Regulatory Floodway Identified, K.S.A. 12-766 and K.A.R. 5-44-1 through 5-44-7 . M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Nation stated that the ordinance is a renewal done every (5) years for FEMA in order to participate should we experience flood issues.
- Olson requested that on page 2 of the ordinance, that Linn County we changed to Bourbon County.
There was no public comment.
(Time stamp 46:18)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve Ordinance No. 3771 with the exception of changing Linn County to Bourbon County (page 2) to be considered approved once the correction is made. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE.
(Time stamp 47:27)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 28-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1721 E. Wall. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Nation stated that the owner of record were contacted and stated it was inherited from their father. They do not want to repair it and ask that the structure be removed. There were no public comments.
(Time stamp 49:20)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the removal of the structure at 1721 E. Wall as directed by Resolution No. 28-2024. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
(Time stamp 50:03)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 29-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 323 W. Wall. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Nation stated that the project began December 11, 2023. The homeowner requested an opportunity to gather finances to restore the structure but was unsuccessful and tried to sell the property. The Codes department worked with the homeowner to give her time to find the means to save the home however the bids she received to restore the home were more than the value. He stated that the homeowner contacted Codes approximately (1) month ago and stated that she had exhausted her resources and had no problem with the structure being removed. There were no public comments.
(Time stamp 51:55)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Discussion was had regarding the condition of the home and salvaging architecture.
MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the removal of the structure at 323 W. Wall as directed by Resolution No. 29-2024. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. D. Olson, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes. K. Salsbury and M. Wells voted no.
MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.
Further discussion was had regarding the purpose of the City identifying and rectifying dangerous and unsafe structures.
(Time stamp 1:01:48)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 30-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1619 E. Pine. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Nation stated that the owner of the property has not done maintenance on the property for years, has been sent multiple letters from Codes Enforcement but is now deceased. The son has removed what he wishes to keep from the structure and stated that the City can do as they please. The condition of the structure was discussed. There were no public comments.
(Time stamp 1:03:31)
MOTION: M. Wells moved to close the public hearing. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve the removal of the structure at 1619 E. Pine as directed by Resolution No. 30-2024. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
(Time stamp 1:04:17)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 31-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1105 E. Scott. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Nation stated that all communication with the owners had been lost however the outside of the property was cleaned up last year but the issues with the structure were not addressed. Letters were sent and phone calls were made but there has been no response. There were no public comments.
(Time stamp 1:05:59)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Discussion was had regarding saving properties from demolition, the purpose of the Land Bank, and options for salvaging this property.
- Matkin left the meeting (Time stamp 1:10:30)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to table Resolution No. 31-2024 regarding the structure at 1105 E. Scott until November 19, 2024, giving Codes the opportunity to reach out to the owner or heir of the owner to ask if they would be willing to donate the property “as is” to the Land Bank at which point he would need to be willing to fill out the required documents in order to obtain a clear title. It would then be presented to the Land Bank for approval or rejection. If rejected, the structure may need to be removed.
- Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 1:11:53)
- Wells seconded the motion. T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, K. Salsbury and T. Dancer voted yes. D. Olson voted no.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.
(Time stamp 1:12:32)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 32-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 S. Lowman. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Matkin returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:13:01)
- Nation stated that the owner of record is deceased. There is a son who had lived in the structure but has since left and his whereabouts are unknown. The tax status is unknown. There are children in the immediate area and safety is an immediate concern.
Discussion was had on the condition of the structure and prior history of it coming before the Commission. There were no public comments.
(Time stamp 1:14:19)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing.
- Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:14:25)
- Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve the removal of the structure at 402 S. Lowman as directed by Resolution No. 32-2024. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
(Time stamp 1:15:01)
MOTION: M. Wells moved to open the public hearing for the Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 33-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 418 S. Couch. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Joseph Lotterer (resident of 418 S. Couch) addressed the Commission and stated that he had been staying at 418 S. Couch for the past year. When he moved in, the front porch was an attached structure that was falling in but it has been removed. He stated that he is still making repairs to the house. His friend Amanda is the owner of the house and it belonged to her mother. Amanda does not live in the home. J. Lotterer stated that he has her on the phone if they wanted to speak to her. The Commission declined.
- Nation stated that he does not have details because Leroy Kruger has been the one on this case. L. Kruger was not able to be present. N. Nation stated that the owner of record is deceased. J. Lotterer stated that Amanda is the next of kin, the daughter of the owner. He stated that he has removed the front porch roof, he is fixing the deck and is putting new siding and plywood up on the back side with more repairs to come. He stated that he only remembers receiving a letter to stating that he needed to get the yard cleaned up. Amanda moved out and left everything there but he was trying to get everything of his into the home so he was putting her stuff out into the yard. He does not have a vehicle so it is hard to get things cleaned up and hauled off but it’s a work in progress. He stated that it looks a lot better than it did but he does not remember getting a letter. He lives there with his friend. He stated the picture the Commission is looking at is an old picture and he has done a lot of work to it since then, a lot of clean up. He does not have a timeline for completion because he does not know what must be done. He saw the notice for the public hearing on the agenda.
- Olson stated that the name on the letter was different than the owner of record on the county parcel record.
- VanHoecke explained to J. Lotterer that he would like to table the consideration to a future meeting to clarify facts with the Codes Department regarding the letter that went out and other communications so the Commission can make a fair decision on the matter. J. Lotterer was asked to return to that meeting.
(Time stamp 1:21:50)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to table Resolution No. 33-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe Structure at 418 S. Couch until November 19, 2024. M. Wells seconded the motion.
ACTION: T. VanHoecke requested that J. Lotterer leave his contact information for the Codes Department before he leaves the meeting. J. Lotterer agreed.
All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Action Items:
Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 27-2024 – Operation Greenlight for Veterans – that in observance of Operation Green Light, the City of Fort Scott, Kansas encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4th through the 11th, 2024. M. Hoyt addressed the Commission regarding his request to approve the Resolution. He stated that the draft came from the Kansas Association of Counties. They asked that the City or the County take a picture and they will include them in their publication.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve Resolution No. 27-2024 – Operation Green Light for Veterans. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Wells left the meeting (Time stamp 1:25:41)
Consideration to Approve Healthcare MOU – B. Farmer stated that the County and the City have been working together to establish an ER along with Freeman Hospital.
- Wells returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:26:49)
He continued that the Commission was provided a copy of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between Freeman and the County. The County will sign the document, but they want the City to approve it to form. He summarized a meeting that took place with Freeman Hospital that he, the City Manager, and the Mayor attended. This document is the first step along with a Funding Agreement. B. Farmer requested that the City Commission approve the document in form.
- VanHoecke stated that the terms and the amount are the same as what they had approved to give Amberwell.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the MOU for Healthcare to Freeman Hospital. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Farmer explained the details of the Funding Agreement and stated that Freeman Hospital (Paula Baker) agreed to give an accounting of how the $600,000.00 is spent.
- Olson confirmed with B. Farmer that in the agreement, Freeman Hospital agreed to reimburse the money over the course of payments if they do not open.
- Farmer gave further details on what has been happening with the process of opening the ER.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Funding Agreement for Freeman Health Center with the terms that were provided in the agreement for accountability of the money, money coming back if they do not open in order to get them the lump sum of money that will bring the ER in Fort Scott. D. Olson seconded the motion. D. Olson, K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells abstained.
VOTE PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.
Consideration to Approve Federal-Aid Fund Exchange Master Agreement – B. Farmer stated that this was an agreement to receive federal money for projects. He stated that he has reviewed it and encourages the Commission to approve.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to approve the master agreement. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Consideration to Appoint Ann Rawlins to the Fort Scott Planning Commission – Recommended by the Planning Commission on October 2, 2024, to fill the vacant seat of the (7) member Commission.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to appoint Ann Rawlins to the Fort Scott Planning Commission. K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Consideration of MOU Between City of Fort Scott and Old Fort Genealogical Society (OFGS) for Usage of the Eastern Side, Lower Level of Memorial Hall
Discussion was had about the terms of the agreement.
- Lewis left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:40:21 and returned at 1:40:33).
- Rawlins distributed a map of the proposed plans and discussion continued with questions answered by D. Banwart and A. Rawlins. They confirmed that they have insurance for their contents as well as liability insurance for their space. D. Banwart described their plans for the OFGS which include a museum and the proposed agreement between the Katy Railroad Society, OFGS, and the railroad museum of Dennison, TX. Discussion was had about the status of the meeting space of the American Legion with the proposed improvements and the preservation and possession of historic City documents and maps that are stored at Memorial Hall.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to table the discussion until the Commission can go through a few of the items in the MOU, correct the issues they might have, talk with the American Legion, and then present another MOU. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Consideration of a Change Order on Project No. 6 U-2455-01 Horton St. & 6th St. Project – Replace/Repair Inlet and Manholes – J. Dickman informed the Commission about the scope of the repairs and replacement for a total of $22,384.36 and the addition of (4) working days on the project.
MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the change order as presented. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
City Manager Comments:
– Bourbon County Commission announced a Burn Ban that includes the City of Fort Scott
– Water supply is good and Cedar Creek is open, Rock Creek is not open. If we do not receive rain, it may need to be opened
– Cape Seal Project Update – concerns about quality of work
City Engineer Comments:
– Horton Street & 6th Street Project Update
– Structural Engineer has been contacted regarding 118 E. Wall
- Olson Comments:
– Requested moving the next meeting to November 6th
- VanHoecke Comments:
– Suggested volunteering for holidays
– Shop and support local businesses
- Wells Comments:
– Skubitz Plaza Repair Plan revisited
– Consideration to permanently close the road in Skubitz Plaza and Main Street as walking district only
ACTION: B. Matkin will look into the status of the Skubitz Plaza Repair Plan.
- Salsbury Comments:
– Halloween Parade Permit – not needed due to no street closure
– Expansion of the School Speed Limit Zone on National to 8th Street
ACTION: B. Matkin will start looking for grants for additional lights. Flags are already in place
- Dancer Comments:
– No comments
City Attorney Comments:
– Traffic flow changes at the Fort
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved for the City Commission to move into Executive Session for the purpose of a discussion pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney and the City Manager will meet in the City Managers office and will return to the Commission Room at 8:28PM). D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
(Time stamp 2:28:10)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to come out of Executive Session. M. Wells seconded the motion. T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. K. Salsbury was not present for the vote.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.
MOTION: M. Wells moved for the City Commission to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion on the streets pursuant to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4). The (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney, the City Manager, and the City Engineer will meet in the City Manager’s office and will return to the Commission Room at 8:38PM. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. K. Salsbury was not present for the vote.
MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.
(Time stamp 2:39:01)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to come out of Executive Session. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: D. Olson moved for the City Commission to move into Executive Session for the purpose of a discussion of the City’s IT Infrastructure pursuant to the matters relating to security measures exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(12). Open discussion would jeopardize such security measures. Executive session is needed to protect the infrastructure and the public. The (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney and the City Manager will meet in the City Manager’s office and will return to the Commission Room at 8:55PM. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
(Time stamp 2:56:18)
MOTION: M. Wells moved to come out of Executive Session. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
(Time stamp 2:56:30)
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
OCTOBER 15, 2024 MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:56PM
_______________________________________________________________________
Submitted by:
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team Earns Reserve Champion Honors at American Royal
Kansas City, MO — The Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team proudly represented Kansas at the prestigious American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, achieving outstanding success with their Reserve Champion Team Overall title. Competing against 15 top teams and 68 individuals from across the nation, Southwind demonstrated exceptional skill and preparation, excelling across various categories and earning high marks in both team and individual divisions.
Team accomplishments include: Sheep/Goats – 2nd Place; Hogs – 1st Place; Cattle – 5th Place; Reasons – 1st Place. Individual highlights: Reegan McDaniel, Fort Scott was named High Individual in both Hogs and Reasons, ranked 10th in Sheep/Goats, and secured 3rd Overall; Tate Crystal, Fort Scott earned 6th in Reasons, 8th in Sheep/Goats, and placed 6th Overall; Kyser Nemecek, Iola achieved 9th in Hogs and 10th in Reasons; Emery Yoho, Yates Center was 23rd in Sheep/Goats.
Their accomplishments mark yet another milestone for the Southwind District 4-H team, and only highlights this team’s dedication to excellence, teamwork, and mastery in livestock judging. They have established themselves as a formidable presence on both state and national stages.
Photo Caption: Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team members celebrate their accomplishments at the American Royal with Coach Carla Nemecek (left). Pictured from left to right: Emery Yoho, Reegan McDaniel, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, and assistant coach Jade Parrish.
The Southwind District 4-H program offers youth across Kansas opportunities to develop leadership, critical thinking, and practical skills through a range of projects, contests, and community involvement. The program supports young people in reaching their full potential through hands-on learning and team-building experiences.
For further information about the Southwind District 4-H and their upcoming events, please contact Southwind District at (620) 365-2242 or visit www.southwind.k-state.edu.
AD: Vote Republican on November 5
Paid for by the Bourbon County Republicans, Donna Banwart, treasurer.
Chili Cook-off and Bake Auction at Christian Heights School Today
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KS October Total Tax Collections at $668.2 M; 3.4% Below the Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $668.2 million. That is $23.4 million, or 3.4%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 2.5% from October 2023.
Individual income tax collections were $311.5 million. That is $1.5 million, or 0.5% above the estimate, and up 4.3% from October 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $38.1 million. That is $21.9 million, or 36.5% below the estimate, and down 33.7% from October 2023.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $294.6 million, which is $3.4 million, or 1.1% below the estimate, and down $11.4 million, or 3.7%, from October 2023.
The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University will meet on Nov. 15.
Click here to view the October 2024 revenue numbers.
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Late Wheat Planting
According to the most recent USDA report released on October 13, about 68% of Kansas wheat has been planted this fall, near the 5-year average of 66%. While the planted average is at or slightly above the 5-yr mean, crop emergence is at or slightly below the 5-yr mean at 36% (versus 38%).
From here until the end of the planting season, some producers may have delayed planting for different reasons, including harvesting a summer crop during October or having dry soils and waiting for precipitation before seeding. The slight delay in emergence is also likely due to dry soils. In this context, it is important to remember that even for wheat crops planted at the right time but in the absence of moisture for germination, the effective planting date is delayed since this will be when the crop actually emerges. Planting wheat in late October-early November is within the acceptable range in the southeast and far south-central Kansas. In other areas of the state, this is later than desirable and later than the cutoff date for full crop insurance benefits. Although good yields may still be reached when wheat is planted outside the optimal planting window, late-planted wheat is often subjected to colder fall temperatures. It has less time to tiller before winter dormancy, which can reduce wheat yield potential and increase the risks of winter injury. Under these circumstances, some management adjustments can be made to compensate for the consequences of late planting. These adjustments include:
Increase the seeding rate. Late-planted wheat tends to produce fewer tillers during the fall than wheat planted at the optimal time. Fall tillers are generally more productive than spring tillers, contributing more to the crop’s yield potential. Therefore, increasing seeding rates is necessary to compensate for the reduced tillering. Wheat seeding rates for Kansas vary depending on the precipitation zone and increase from west to east. Likewise, for every week planting is delayed from the end of the range of optimal planting date, seeding rates should be increased by about 150,000 – 225,000 seeds per acre (or 10 to 15 lb/acre) in western Kansas, or 225,000 – 300,000 seeds per acre (15 – 20 lb/acre) in eastern Kansas. Final seeding rate should not be above 90-100 pounds per acre in western Kansas and 120-130 pounds in eastern and central Kansas for grain-only wheat production, as extremely high seeding rates can increase the potential for lodging and increase crop water demand early in the cycle, possibly resulting in more severe drought stress later during reproductive stages (this is referred to as ‘haying off’, and happened frequently during the 2023-24 season in crops that had high fall biomass production followed by limited spring precipitation). Similarly, planting early in the growing season results in more fall wheat growth and moisture use.
To determine the row length needed for one square foot based on row spacing, divide 12 by the row spacing of your field. For example, if row spacing is 7.5 inches, 12/7.5 = 1.6 feet, or 19.2 inches of row are needed to be equivalent to one square foot.
Maintain the optimal planting depth (1 to 1.5 inches deep). Wheat needs at least 4 to 5 leaves and 1 to 2 tillers before winter dormancy for maximum cold tolerance. Late-planted wheat will most likely have fewer tillers and leaves than wheat planted at the optimal timing and, therefore, will be more susceptible to winter kill. It is important to plant wheat at the normal planting depth (1 to 1.5 inches below the soil surface) to ensure good root development and anchorage and crown insulation by the soil during the winter, increasing the chances of winter survival. Shallow-planted wheat is at greater risk of winter injury. If the seed is placed too deeply, it may not have enough vigor in cold soils to emerge well.
Place starter phosphorus (P) fertilizer with the seed. Phosphate-based starter fertilizer promotes early-season wheat growth and tillering, which can help compensate for the delayed sowing date. Additionally, P is less available under colder soil temperatures, which can result in P deficiency under cold weather conditions. When planting late, producers should strongly consider using about 20-30 lbs/acre of P fertilizer (11-52-0 or 18-46-0) directly with the seed, regardless of soil P levels. This placement method is more effective than other application methods at that time of year. The later the planting date, the slower fall root development is. The closer the fertilizer is to the seed, the sooner the plant roots reach it. The four situations when in-furrow P is considered “money in the bank” are (i) late-planted wheat crops, (ii) wheat crops planted for grazing, (iii) wheat planted in acidic soils, and (iv) soils deficient in P.
Use fungicide seed treatment or plant certified seed. Late-planted wheat is sown into colder soils, generally increasing the time needed for germination and emergence. Consequently, there is increased potential for seed and soil-borne diseases that affect seedlings and early-season wheat development. Fungicide seed treatment can protect the seed and seedlings during the extended time they are subjected to potential seedling diseases, improving stand establishment under poor growing conditions. It is important that the seed treatment thoroughly coats the seeds to ensure good protection. For fungicide seed treatment options, please refer to the most current version of the K-State fungicide seed treatment chart available at: https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2955.pdf
Variety selection. It is probably too late to change which wheat variety to plant this fall. However, a few points to consider when it is known that wheat will be planted late (e.g. when planning to sow wheat following soybeans) are tillering ability and maturity. A variety with good tillering ability may offset some of the consequences of late planting, as it might still produce one or two tillers during the fall, whereas a low-tillering variety may produce none. Some varieties are known for not tillering well in the spring and requiring good fall tiller production (for example, the variety Everest). Avoid planting these varieties in fields that will be planted late. Also, late-planted wheat typically needs to catch up in development going into the winter, which might translate into slower development in the spring. This delay can result in plants being exposed to moisture stress, especially heat stress, during grain filling, reducing the duration of the grain filling period. Thus, selecting an early-maturity variety with good yield potential may offset, to some extent, the consequences of late planting by decreasing the chances of a grain-filling period subjected to warmer temperatures. Many K-State wheat variety trials are planted late after a previous soybean crop in eastern KS. A good way to select a variety to perform under these conditions is to filter through the results of these variety trials and select varieties performing well in your region when planted late.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Romulo Lollato, Wheat and Forages Specialist
[email protected]
John Holman, Cropping Systems Agronomist – Garden City
[email protected]
Lucas Haag, Area Agronomist – Colby
[email protected]
Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards Nominations Open for 2025
TOPEKA – The Department of Commerce announced today that the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards. Nominations for these prestigious honors will be accepted through Friday, December 13.
Last awarded in 2011, the accolades celebrate individuals, organizations and communities for their outstanding contributions and leadership in advancing the arts in Kansas.
“The Kelly-Toland Administration has been committed to developing and prioritizing the arts and creative businesses across our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I am excited to reinvigorate these awards that will highlight Kansas leaders in the arts whose collective creativity is driving a significant portion of the state economy.”
An awards ceremony will be held in Topeka on February 20, 2025, to recognize excellence in the following areas: advocacy, arts education, community engagement and artistic achievement. Categories include:
- Arts Advocate of the Year
- Arts Community of the Year
- Arts Leader of the Year
- Arts Organization of the Year
- Arts Patron of the Year
- Emerging Arts Leader of the Year
- Emerging Arts Organization of the Year
- Excellence in Arts Education
- Excellence in the Arts in Business
- Excellence in Public Service in the Arts
- Kansas Arts Legacy Award
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement
“The arts inspire us, bring us joy and stimulate the state’s economy,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “The Governor’s Arts Awards acknowledge our vibrant arts and culture community for their contributions to a thriving Kansas.”
For more information about the nominations process or to submit a nomination, please visit here.
To learn more about the Kansas Arts Commission, visit here or contact Ben Stanton by email or phone (785) 213-5959.
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.
FSNHS Candlelight Tour Theme 2024: Challenges and New Experiences
Today, November 1, is the first day that tickets for the Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 43rd Annual Candlelight Tour go on sale.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors-including participants of the tour- bring the fort to life each year during the candlelight tour. During the tour, one will be immersed in ways people have overcome and learned from challenges and new experiences in Fort Scott.
The event is on Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7, 2024. Tours on December 6 will begin at 6:30 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes until 9 p.m. On Saturday, December 7, the tours will start at 5 p.m. with the final tour leaving at 9 p.m. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
This year, participants will become frontier soldiers.
The theme is Challenges and New Experiences in Fort Scott. “Each new challenge on the frontier built confidence and led to a new view of one’s life,” Brenner said. “We learn through training and challenge. Each challenge faced at Fort Scott bettered the soldiers, preparing them for the future, and eventually, the next journey in their life.”
“We will be mustering visitors into Company A for the 1st dragoons, giving them the persona of an actual soldier,” Brenner said. “They will be part of the discussion around Fort Scott, preparing for the South Pass expedition, where they were to ride 2,200 miles in 99 days. They will celebrate the holidays with new carols from the 1840s, and then muster out, date-stamping their paper to take home as a souvenir. We are working to have the Grand Hall cleaned up and open, as in years past, for snacks, music, dancing, and to warm up after the tour.”
Dozens of volunteers come together to bring this event to life, including those who enjoy acting.
“We are lucky to have a group of very dedicated volunteers who help with multiple different events and projects at the park,” he said. “We are also working with Angie Bin, the Fort Scott High School’s speech and drama teacher, and some of her students. If you are interested or know someone who is, we can still use your help.”
Please call the park at 620-223-0310 or email us at [email protected] to find out more and become involved.
Tickets
Tickets are available by first calling the fort at 620-223-0310 to make your reservation, then log onto https://store.wnpa.org/products/fort-scott-national-hist-site-candlelight-tour, or search for store.wnpa.org and shop for Fort Scott NHS, to make your payment.
FSNHS is unable to take credit card numbers over the phone as in years past, said Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management at FSNHS(www.nps.gov/fosc).
Tickets can also be purchased at the Visitor Center on Old Fort Blvd. just east of Historic Downtown Fort Scott. They are $8 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that one gets tickets early to ensure a choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out, according to an FSNHS press release.
History of the Candlelight Tour
“The Candlelight Tour began as a part of the Holiday Open House program where Fort Scott residents would decorate their homes and open them up to the public for the holidays,” Brenner said. “Fort Scott National Historic Site joined these festivities by decorating Capt. Swords Quarters in Officer’s Quarters #1. When that program ended, we continued with the yearly decorations. It began to grow to include staff and volunteers telling stories about Fort Scott’s history. This continued to grow into the Candlelight Tour. Within the last five years, we have adjusted the program to be more immersive with audience participation. We want visitors to be a part of the vignette instead of looking through a window as did Ebenezer Scrooge. We also encourage visitors to dress up for the tours, preferably in period clothing, for an even more immersive experience.”
About The Fort
Fort Scott National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park Service. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Free Meal to Veterans on Nov. 11 at Perry’s Country Store
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