Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda For Oct. 6: Updated

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL, 123 S. MAIN STREET
OCTOBER 6, 2020
6 P.M.

Updated agenda adds:

 

Appearance by Mark McCoy – Letter of Support for the 1% Sales Tax

 

Director Update:  Michael Mix – Update on Lake Intake Valves

 

Call to Order

I.Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen Mitchell Nichols Watts

II.Flag Salute:

III.Invocation: Led by Paul Martin, Community Christian Church

IV.Approval of Agenda:

V.Proclamations/Recognitions: None

VI.Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 1st. special meeting of September 21st, 2020, and special meeting of September 28th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1272-A totaling $500,184.22.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Downtown Walking Trail – signage

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering – River Intake Structure – $6,001.05

  1. Request to Pay – SAM, LLC – GPS/GIS Project – Water Utility – $35,000.00

  1. Pay Request #13 – Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc – River Intake Structure – $21,401.91

  1. Request to Pay – Insituform – Sewer Rehabilitation – $126,592.72

  1. Request to Pay #4 – Home Center Construction – Water Treatment Plant Fire – $9,320.00

  1. Request to Pay – Buildet, LLC – Water Treatment Plant Fire – $45,000.00

  1. Request to Pay – MIH – R-II Concrete – $46,417.05

  1. Request to Pay – Rory Chaplin – $1,229.93

  1. Request to Pay – Lauber Municipal Law, LLC – August – $16,607.50

  1. August financials

 

 

 

VII.Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

VIII.Old Business:

1. Discussion of Pit Bull Ordinance

2. Update on Parks Advisory Board Ordinance

 

IX.Appearances:

Alison Leach & Kristy Bowman – Proposal for Bridal Veil Park

Paul Martin – Community Christian Church – Halloween Alternative

 

X.New Business:

Downtown Building Improvement Grant – Sharky’s

T. A. Grant and Resolution of Support

Approval to update CDBG-CV Grant Parameters

Approval to apply for a grant from Fort Scott Area Community Foundation on behalf of Pioneer Kiwanis for a friendship swing

5. Recommendation from Lake Advisory Board to remove the sale of all City property at Lake Fort Scott

6. Recommendation from Lake Advisory Board to approve Ordinance No. 3566 amending terms of the Lake Advisory Board members

7. Recommendation from Lake Advisory Board to allow private buoys be placed in front of residences at Lake Fort Scott, but that the City purchase the buoys so they match what the State require

XI.Reports and Comments:

Director Reports:

Nate Stansberry, City Engineer:

Consideration of recommendation from the Street Advisory Board to add two (2) additional laborers so additional manpower can assist with street maintenance

Flood Plain Permit Request from Greg Schick

Susan Bancroft

Commissioner Reports and Comments:

City Attorney Report and Comments:

City Manager Report and Comments:

XII.Executive Session – if requested (Please follow script in all motions for Executive Session)

  1. XIII. Adjournment

Food, Fort Scott

Breakfast on the Bricks Oct. 3 Starting at 8 a.m.

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Fort Scott American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 will be hosting Breakfast on the Bricks at Skubitz Plaza Saturday morning, October 3 starting at 8 am.
 
Stop by for a cup of coffee or snack and meet other Legion family members. Bring a prospective member. I’ll be there helping and always have the time to recruit a new Legion family member.
 
 
Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.
Government, Kansas

Claim Eco Impact Payment By Oct. 15

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Governor Kelly Urges Kansas Non-Filers to Claim Economic Impact Payment

~IRS mails special letter to nearly 70,000 Kansans, urging them to claim Economic Impact Payment by October 15 at IRS.gov/eip~

 

TOPEKA – An Internal Revenue Service news release issued on September 17, 2020 announced that a special mailing has been sent to individuals who are not typically required to file a tax return and have not yet registered to receive the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) available under The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

 

Information from the IRS indicates that the nearly 70,000 Kansans who may qualify will or already have received a letter encouraging them to register for the payment by October 15, using the special Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Tool available at IRS.gov/eip.

 

To help address fraud concerns, the IRS has posted a copy of the letter on the IRS website at www.IRS.gov. Kansans who receive the letter are encouraged to register to determine their eligibility for the EIP of up to $1,200 for individuals and up to $2,400 for married couples. People with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child.

 

According to the IRS website, the Non-Filers tool is designed for people not required to file a tax return and may include:

  • individuals who do not meet the income threshold to file a return
  • individuals experiencing homelessness
  • recipients of certain federal benefits such as Social Security, Supplemental Security, Veterans Affairs benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits.

              

After October 15, the only way to claim the EIP will be to file a federal tax return.

 

For assistance, representatives are available on the IRS hotline at 800-919-9835.

Obituary

Obituary of Richard Cowen

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Richard “Wayne” Cowen, 70, of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Thursday afternoon October 1, 2020, at Country Place Memory Care Center. He was born July 18, 1950, in Fort Scott, the son of Glenn Richard and Freda Elaine (Bentley) Cowen.

He married Beverly Jean Ballou on March 13, 1993, in Fort Scott, and she survives of the home.

Wayne attended Bunker Hill Country School and graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1968. He went on to graduate from Fort Scott Community College, followed by K-State.

Wayne was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and an active choir member as well as serving on the Board of Deacons and an Elder in Session.

He worked for Ward Kraft and Ennis Business Forms as a Printing Supervisor.

Wayne was a member of the 6th Kansas Cavalry Dragoon Unit, participating in Civil War re-enactments, and a volunteer at the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

He was active in the Northwest Scott 4-H.

He enjoyed woodworking, square dancing, and family get-togethers and holiday meals, and playing games.

He loved spending time with family and loved going to his grandkids’ sporting events.

Wayne had a sweet tooth, especially for ice cream and cookies, and had the nickname “Cookie Monster.”

In addition to his wife Beverly, Wayne is also survived by his children, Tisha Moore and husband Kevin of Blue Springs, Missouri; Nikia Harlan and husband Jeremy of Katy, Texas; Marissa Cowen of Higginsville, Missouri; Lacey Ratliff and husband Josh, also of Higginsville, Missouri; Simon Ballou and wife Jennifer of Fort Scott; Debbie Ballou of Fulton, Kansas, and Jason Ballou and wife Carol of Fort Scott; three brothers, Kenton Cowen, Brad Cowen and wife Joyce, Larry Cowen and wife Sondra, all of Fort Scott; eighteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2020, at Memory Gardens of Bourbon County, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the First Presbyterian Church Choir and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Government, Kansas

Half-Staff Flags For Fallen Firefighters

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Governor Kelly to Honor National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

Governor directs flags to be lowered, will sign official proclamation

 

In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, and in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day on Sunday, October 4, 2020, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on October 4.

 

“Let us honor all those who respond to the call and put their lives on the line to protect people, property, and communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As the western United States grapples with the devastating wildfires, we are thankful for the Kansas firefighters who have stepped up to help their fellow countrymen and women on the frontlines.”

 

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

 

Art, Bourbon County

Local Photo Contest Extended

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The 2020 Gordon Parks Museum Photo Contest Deadline Is Extended

Fort Scott-The photo entry deadline has been extended to Monday, October 26, 2020 for The Gordon Parks Museum featured photo contest at Fort Scott Community College sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography.

The photo contest is inspired by Gordon Parks, who was a champion in the fight for social justice and racial equity. His weapon of choice was a camera to fight against racism, discrimination and poverty.

The theme of the contest, “Social Justice, Diversity and Equity” is for any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of one of the concepts and share one or two sentences on what inspired the photo.

 

Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in jpeg format with less than2MB. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All photos submitted will be on exhibit at The Gordon Parks Museum and in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Nov. 2 – 13, 2020. All photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page.

Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo. If under 10 years old please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by the new extended deadline date: Monday, October 26, 2020 at the latest.

For more information email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.

 

Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19

Union Station: Affordable Groceries Are Coming to Uniontown

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Dane and Ronni Clayton are the owners of Union Station, Uniontown.

Union Station owners Dane and Ronni Clayton will be expanding their offerings as a result of SPARK funding.

SPARK stands for Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas and is a task force charged with leading Kansas forward in recovery from the effects of COVID-19. Committees on the SPARK task force, along with the Kansas Office of Recovery are responsible for the statewide distribution of the U.S Coronavirus Relief Fund, according to https://covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/

The convenience store, located at 684 Maple Road, Uniontown, KS, at the corner of Hwy 3 and Maple Road, will be offering grocery items and locally produced meats in the near future.

 

The Claytons are creating climate-controlled storage outside of the main building, to free up space for additional coolers and shelving inside the convenience store, Ronni Clayton said. ” The increased product space will be used for discounted grocery items as well as locally produced meats.”

 

“We had already purchased the little building, now we need to set it up to be climate controlled (insulate, heat/cool, etc.),” Clayton said. “Thank goodness Dane is an HVAC-R tech!”

 

This convenience store in western Bourbon County will provide access to affordable grocery items, something not usually seen at a convenience store.

 

“It isn’t always possible or feasible for members of our community to pay the higher costs of traditional convenience store items, nor is it always easy to get to ‘town’ to get said basic items,” Clayton said.  “Our goal is to provide easier access to and more affordable grocery items.”

 

Clayton said she understands the SPARK Grant money has to be spent by the end of the year and so they are starting immediately with the first step of getting outside, climate-controlled storage for the store.

 

The store has been selling milk, eggs, etc. already.

“We always disliked the high prices of common grocery items, but struggled to find a solution,” Clayton said.  “A fellow small business owner,  Kelly Perry of Perry’s Pork Rinds, introduced us to a local business that acquires discount grocery items and a plan was formed. (Kelly) is a great resource. SPARK funding has made it possible.”

 

Opinion

Warnings by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

The DVR on my television remote allows me to watch previously-aired shows, avoid commercials, fast forward and rewind. It is my new electronic BFF.

Last week, while watching the recorded version of The Voice, severe storm warnings appeared in that rolling strip of news that scrolls across the bottom of the show (technically referred to as a “news ticker” or a “crawler”). The viewers were to “expect damage to roofs and siding.” I could read where the storm was headed and how fast it was moving. “People and animals outdoors will be injured.” Serious stuff.

Had I been watching the show live, I would have taken the alerts seriously. Patio furniture would be moved so as not to blow away; tornado preparations would start (Put on shoes with hard soles; ready my computer/phone/flashlight to be taken to the basement, etc.). But in this case, the danger had passed. This storm alert had come from the previous week. There was no stress. I knew the ending. No damage to our area was forthcoming.

Let’s face it. We don’t live in a DVR world, and warnings need to be taken seriously.

  • Read medicine labels for side effects.
  • Smoking is bad for your health.
  • Beware of curve ahead.
  • Wear a mask and socially distance.

Others cause us to wonder why they are necessary.

  • Do not submerge electrical appliance in water.
  • Danger–Do not hold the wrong end of a chainsaw.

The list goes on and on, some carrying harsher consequences than others.

There is one warning, however, we are foolish to ignore, and the good news is, if we have made Jesus our Lord, we don’t need to be stressed about its outcome. He will come again. We don’t know when; we just know we need to live as though it could be today. John 14:3 brings us Jesus’ words to his followers: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

So, how does Jesus take Christians to himself? Let’s look at 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: For the LORD himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air. And so we will be with the LORD forever.

Like the alert on the television ticker, there is no stress for the Christian. We have read the “Manual” and know the ending. As the renowned preacher D.L. Moody once said, “Some day you will read in the paper that D.L. Moody of East Northfield, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now.”

Woo-hoo! Like the television crawler, Christians can rest assured that there is nothing to fear; they have heeded the warnings of Scripture and know that the only thing ahead of them is the glory of Heaven. I pray that you all are living each day as if it were your last.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott American Legion Family October 2020 Activities

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Saturday. October 3. Fort Scott American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 hosts Breakfast on the Bricks at 8 am.

Monday. October 5. Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 meets at 7 pm in Memorial Hall.

Monday. October 5. Fort Scott Sons of the American Legion Squadron 25 meets at 7 pm in Memorial Hall.

Thursday. October 8. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 6 pm in Memorial Hall.

Thursday. October 8. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7:30 pm in Memorial Hall.

Saturday. October 10. Fort Scott American Post 25 Color Guard hosts Breakfast on the Bricks at 8 am.

Saturday. October 24. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 am in Memorial Hall.

Friday. October 30. Fort Scott American Legion Family hosts a Halloween themed community dance at Memorial Hall from 7 – 10 pm. This event has been approved by the City but might be cancelled due to changes in COVID 19 guidelines.

The Fort Scott American Legion family welcomes all prospective members to attend our meetings:

General Eligibility Guidelines.

American Legion: Any honorably discharged Veteran who served one day of active duty since December 7, 1941 is eligible to join the American Legion. Any active duty military is also eligible to join the American Legion.

American Legion Auxiliary: Any immediate female family member of active duty military or an honorably discharged Veteran is eligible to join the American Legion Auxiliary.

Sons of the American Legion: Any male descendant of an honorably discharged Veteran is eligible to join the Sons of the American Legion.

For more information about eligibility to join the American Legion family, call Post 25 Carl Jowers at 620.215.1688.
Government, Kansas

KS Receives More Taxes Than Estimated

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas $108.4 Million Ahead of First-Quarter Projections

~State Receives $72.8 Million More Than Estimated in Total Tax Collections for September~

 

TOPEKA – Closing out the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2021, Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the State of Kansas is $108.4 million ahead of its estimate, with $2.3 billion in total tax collections for the fiscal year. That is $515.7 million, or 29.7%, more than the same time last fiscal year quarter.

 

The increase is due in part to the change in the filing deadline for income taxes, and the increased revenue seen in compensating use tax collections.

 

“Since I took office, my administration has returned to responsible fiscal practices that have allowed Kansas to successfully remain financially healthy, even as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While there is optimism with these projections, we must remain committed to fiscal steadiness, public health, and support our core services like education, infrastructure, and economic development which will enable Kansas to remain on the path to recovery.”

 

September’s total tax collections were $728.9 million; a $72.8 million increase over the estimate. That is a 2%, or $15.2 million, decrease from the same month of the last fiscal year. 

 

Individual income tax and corporate income tax collections performed better than expected. The state saw a $23.6 million, or 7%, increase in individual income tax collections with $358.6 collected. This increase could be due, in part, to estimated tax payments and economic optimism. Corporate income tax collections were $89.7 million, an increase of $29.7 million, or 49.5%, more than the estimate.

 

Retail sales tax collections were 1.2%, or $2.4 million, less than the estimate, with $195.6 collected. The decline in retail sales tax collections could be due to some temporary change in consumer habits as the school year started. However, compensating use tax collections continue the trajectory of growth as those collections were $11.6 million, or 34.1%, more than estimated with $45.6 collected. This trend is the effect of changing consumer purchasing habits and increased registrations of out-of-state retailers to collect and remit taxes to the state.

 

“The impact that the pandemic will have on the economy during the fall and winter months is uncertain at best,” Secretary Mark Burghart said. “That same uncertainty carries over to the anticipated sales and use tax receipts associated with purchases that will be made during the upcoming holiday season.”

 

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will be meeting to evaluate the stability of the Kansas economy and look at the estimates for the rest of the fiscal year. This group is composed of representatives of the Division of the Budget, Department of Revenue, Legislative Research Department, and one consulting economist each from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University.

 

Bourbon County Local News