Kansas Tax Collection Sees Growth For April

State sees total tax collection growth over April Consensus Revenue Estimates; attributes to online sales and withholding taxes

 

TOPEKA –The State of Kansas saw total tax collections for May Fiscal Year 2020 at $448.7 million; 6.6% or $27.8 million above the estimate. That is down 20.3% or $114.4 million compared to the same month last fiscal year.

 

Individual income tax collections were up $5.9 million or 2.8% compared to the estimate with $215.9 million collected. That is 22.3% or $62.0 million less than last May. The increase from the estimate can be attributed to reduced bond payments from withholding and an extra payroll period for the semi-monthly withholding tax filings. Corporate income tax collection receipts were down 167.9% or $8.4 million from the estimate at negative $3.4 million. This is due to the state processing more refunds than it received in corporate income tax collections. When compared to the same month last fiscal year, those collections are down $14.4 million.

 

Retail sales tax collections were $18.9 million or 12.2% more than estimated with $173.9 million collected.

Compared to May of last fiscal year, collections are down $27.3 million or 13.6%.

Compensating use tax collections are 25.5% or $7.7 million more than expected at $37.7 million.

When looking at last year’s numbers, these collections are $1.2 million or 3.2% more than May of last fiscal year.

This can be attributed to the increased registration of online retailers to collect and remit Kansas taxes.

On average, the state is seeing 300 new registrations per month.

 

For detailed info:

11_May_Revenue_FY2020_06-01-2020_Final

 

 

Obituary of Vicky Hawkins

Vicky Sue Hawkins, age 56, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  She was born July 3, 1963, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Albert Richard Hawkins and Clara May Love Hawkins.  Vicki graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and received training as a CNA.  She had worked for over thirty years at Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott.  She loved taking care of people and her family.  She often babysat for family and friends.  She also cared for all kinds of animals.  Vicky enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs and the KU Jayhawks.

 

Survivors include her son, Dustin Hawkins, of Ft. Scott and a brother, Tim Hawkins, Sr. and wife, Cheryl also of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are three nieces, Kayla Hill, Darcy Hawkins, and Shelby Hawkins and two nephews, Tim Hawkins, Jr. and Donathan Hawkins; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Landon, Donavan, Maylynn, Morgyn, Laney, Lane, Sadie Sebastian, Izzy and Annistyn.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Rick Hawkins.

 

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 4th at the Maple Grove Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Fort Scott Sidewalk Sale: Parking Spots Were Difficult to Find

Treasure Hunt owner, Carol Preston, takes photos of some of her merchandise during the sidewalk sale on Saturday. The store is located at 6. S. Main.

It was difficult to find a parking spot on Main Street in downtown Fort Scott on Saturday.

 

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce hosted the Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale and invited shoppers to come shopping.

 

The mild weather and recent reopening of businesses during the COVID 19 pandemic made for a perfect day to go shopping.

 

Another Merchant Sale And Town-Wide Garage Sale

 

Another town-wide sale is coming soon and this time includes all those who want to clean out closets and garages.

 

On June 12-13 retailers will be celebrating National Flag Week, according to a press release from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

 

With any purchase, shoppers will receive a souvenir American Flag and also they can fill out a Trivia Card to enter them into a drawing for $50 Chamber Of Commerce Bucks.

 

Also on that weekend of June 12-13, there will be a Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale.

 

To register one’s sale which will be printed on a  garage sale map, call  the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce at 620. 223.3566. Sellers may also sign up at Bids & Dibs, 108 Scott Ave.

 

The cost is $10 to be added to the map.

 

All customers are to use hand sanitizer at every yard sale before touching merchandise and homeowner should have this available, also practice social distancing of being 6-feet apart, according to the press release.

 

Photos of some the participating retailers in the Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale:

A customer shops in Nancy’s Gift Corner at Heidricks True Value Hardware Store, 1508 S. National, on May 30.

 

Sunshine Boutique owner, Georgia Brown visits with a customer on Saturday during the sidewalk sale. The boutique is located at 18 E. Wall.

 

A shopper walks past the Iron Store Store on North Main Saturday during the sidewalk sale.

 

Main Street Gallery and Gifts employee, Rachel McClellan, waits on a customer during the sidewalk sale on May 30.

 

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter June 2020

Kids Summer Reading

Upcoming Virtual Events:  
 
June 2: 
10 am: Zoom Princesses & Princes Preschool Story hour with
Miss Val & stories read by educator Jeff Pommier
11 am: Zoom Princesses & Princes Elementary Story hour, with Miss Val & stories read by educator Angie Bin
2 pm: Pre-recorded video of the preschool stories will release on Facebook and YouTube
2:15 pm: story video for elementary students releasing on the same platforms.
3 pm: Scouts Leader Cyndi Goebel will demonstrate how to make the week’s craft in a pre-recorded video released on Facebook and YouTube. All Zoom meetings will require a password which you can obtain by messaging the library or emailing Miss Val at [email protected].
The above schedule should remain our normal schedule throughout the summer, with only themes, guest readers, and craft demonstrators changing from week to week. Craft supplies to go along with the demonstration videos have been distributed in summer reading packets.
June 9: Educator Ashley Morris will be our guest reader and the theme will be Grumpy Creatures for Preschool and Fantasy Creatures for Elementary. Melinda Seaver will be our craft demonstrator.
More topics and guest readers to be announced soon.

Weekly reading reward and frequent craft packet pickups will be available on Fridays, starting on June 5, from 9-11 or 1-3. You will need to call 223-2882 or email Miss Val to schedule an appointment for pickup.
We need more readers and crafters! Please consider signing up here to do a video for our community’s youth.
See Magician Jeff Quinn online! The library will present a magician’s performance tailored to our library online from June 13 – 21. We will share the link to the video through our website and Facebook page, with possible links through other social media. Stay tuned!
                                 
   Magician
Jeff Quinn
Online
                                    June 13 – 21

Tween and Teen Summer Reading

Events for Middle & High School Students  
Wednesdays at 4 pm, Join Miss Valetta on Zoom for the Teen Summer Reading Program! All Zoom meetings will require a password which you can obtain by messaging the library or emailing Miss Valetta at
[email protected].

Zoom can be accessed on any pc with a camera and headset, smartphone, or tablet with online access. The full application will allow participants to see and interact with one another, in addition to being a part of summer reading. You will have the option of turning your video and audio on and off anytime during the meeting.
After each meeting, Miss Valetta will go on the House Party app to play games with any teens who want to join her (with parental permission).
This week’s activity: Painting on mini canvas & Discussing upcoming meetings

You may pick up your painting supplies prior to this meeting in your summer reading packet, which may now only be received during curbside pickup. Call the library between the hours of 9-12 or 1-3, Mon. – Fri. or 9-12 Sat. and request a packet. You must be a middle or high school student to participate. Your grade is the one you will start in the fall.
Weekly reading reward and frequent craft packet pickups will be available on Fridays, starting on June 5, from 9-11 or 1-3. Rewards are only for the week prior, not the current week. You will need to call 223-2882 or email Miss Val to schedule an appointment for pickup.
More opportunities for pre-released videos and screen-free activities for local teens are in the works, so stay tuned.

Adult Summer Reading

 

June 1-August 31, 2020
No assigned reading, just read one book and tell us that you read it!
  • We’ve simplified our Adult Summer Reading Challenge this year.
  • Read one book.
  • While supplies last you will receive a goodie bag for reading the book.
  • We encourage you to read more than one book for the summer, but you only need to tell us that you’ve read one.

Circulation Information about Physical Items

Holds/Interlibrary Loan
Items coming to us from other libraries should begin arriving the second week of June. Everything has to be quarantined for at least 72 hours, so transfers will take longer than usual. We will notify you when items are ready to be checked out.

Returns
All returned items are quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before being checked in. Don’t worry if items that you put in the bookdrop are still showing on your account.

New Books
We’ve added many new items in the past few months. Here are some links to lists in the catalog. You may place holds on any of these, and we will schedule you for curbside checkout.

Circulation Information about Digital Resources

Digital Only Accounts/I don’t have a library card

We have created a new type of account for people who don’t already have library cards. Go to our catalog www.seknfind.org and create a new account under the “Log in to your account” prompt. Be sure to pay attention to the password you are assigned. (We encourage you to log in and change the password to something more easily remembered.)

We will adjust these accounts daily so that you will have access to digital resources. If you would like access sooner, first create the account, then send an email to either [email protected] or [email protected] with your name and email address.
When we adjust the accounts, we will send you an email with your account number and information about setting up your accounts with hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary.

I have a library card but I need help with digital resources

First look below and see if anything here helps. If you still have any problems getting set up, please email me at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your name and account number plus a description of the problem.
You’ll need your library card number, your pin/password, and the email address you used when you signed up for your library card.
Anytime a site asks for your card number or account number, it means the entire 14 digit number. Ignore the spaces when entering it.
When you first set up an account with hoopla, it will ask you for your email and a password. Use the email you used for your FSPL account and create your own password. The next screen will ask for your library, library card number, and pin/password; your pin/password is the last 4 digits of your card number, or if you’ve changed it, use the pin/password that you changed it to. Hoopla has a limit of 5 items checked out per month. Usually it will send you an email near the end of the month if you have checkouts remaining.

When you first set up an account with Sunflower eLibrary, you will need to choose Fort Scott Public Library and enter your FSPL account number and your pin/password. If you have an Amazon account, you can link eligible checkouts to it and read them on an Amazon Kindle reader enabled device.

Hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary (Overdrive) both have apps that you can download to a mobile device. The websites should direct you to the apps.

What if I want a Kansas Library eCard?
Kansas Library eCards provide access to ebooks, databases, and other resources through the State Library of Kansas. If you need us to set you up, send an email with your name, including middle initial, and your birthdate to [email protected] or [email protected], and we will get your account created for you.
You will need the Kansas Library eCard to access ebooks, but many of the databases are available without logging in if you are using the Internet in Kansas. You can experiment by going to https://kslib.info/ and clicking the “Online Resources” link.

Links to Digital Resources

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. You will need your library card login and the email address associated with it.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. You will need your library card login.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. You will need a Kansas Library eCard.

Obituary of Linda Chambers

Linda Maxine Chambers, a resident of Fort Scott, died Monday, May 25 at the hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Linda was born June 18, 1947 in Corvallis, Oregon, the oldest child of Earl and Maxine Wagner Priest. Linda attended most of her school years at Pleasanton, Kansas and graduated in 1965 at Arvada West High School in Arvada, Colorado.
She married Gerald “Jerry” Chambers in 1971 in Denver, Colorado. They have one son, Eric, who lives in Oswego, New York.
The family moved to Fort Scott from Denver in 1980  and have remained in Bourbon County most of the time since, except for a couple of years in Ely, Nevada.
  Linda worked hard all her life, obtaining her first job when only 13 years old at the drugstore in Pleasanton, making 35 cents an hour. Linda loved crocheting and reading.  Her family was very important to her. Linda cared for her mother in her later years. She helped raise her nephews, Levi and Daniel Priest. She also babysat for great-nieces and a great-nephew.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Dean Priest and Maxine Wagner Engle, her step-father, James McKinney, and a brother, Anthony “Tony” Priest.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry, her son, Eric Chambers and his wife, Jennifer and two grandchildren, Kaitlynn and Trevor Chambers of Oswego/Mexico, New York, a step-son, Mike Chambers and wife Amy of Denver, Colorado, a step-daughter, Susan Harris of Boise, Idaho, two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren, her sister Judy Hall of Mineola, Iowa, brothers, Earl Dee Priest of Iola, Kansas and Mark McKinney and his wife, Jane, of Fort Shaw, Montana, an uncle, J V Wagner and wife Ila, of Moran, and aunts, Eva Wagner of LaHarpe, Audrey Wagner of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Delana Wagner of Hepler, Kansas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M.at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Private burial will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Don’t Be Deceived By Lies by Pastor Jimmy Tucker

The Bottom Line

 

Don’t be deceived by lies

We can learn a lot from horses. Have you heard someone say, “He’s got plenty of common horse sense”? If so, you know they’ve given that individual a compliment. Horses are herd animals, which means they always stick together. And there’s always a leader in the herd.

As believers in the Body of Christ (the Church), we need each other. We should stick together to help carry one another’s burdens. And we should follow Jesus and do everything He did. “I [Jesus] tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself. He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does (John 5:19).

The same God that created the horse also created the human. I can see definite similarities in the way a horse and rider relate and the way God and His children relate. A horse and rider must learn to trust each other, and the horse must learn to yield to his master’s commands. We believers need to trust God and yield our will to His. “Not everyone who calls out to Me, ’Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21). Jesus is our example, leader, and trainer and we need to be like Jesus. We should want His thoughts to be our thoughts, and His ways to become our ways.

When a trainer is teaching a horse a certain behavior, he applies and holds pressure to the horse until the animal responds with the appropriate behavior. Have you ever had God apply pressure to you in order to get you to do something? I have. When I yielded to what God was asking me to do, I obtained His peace.

Receiving peace from God when we obey Him changes us from glory to glory. When we like something we want more of it. Since trusting, yielding, and pleasing God results in peace, we should learn to obey Him right away — just like a horse yields to the rider because he wants release (or peace) from the pressure.

Sometimes we get confused and don’t realize where the pressure is coming from. The pressure may seem to be a result of our sin, stubborn pride, or foolish mistakes. This uncomfortable pressure may come to us in the form of depression, anger, anxiety, or guilt.

The devil is a master deceiver who whispers lies to us to try to keep us from seeing the truth. He wants us to focus on the problem instead of trusting Jesus our Savior. Christ Jesus has more than enough grace available for every need. He will help us be victorious even in our most-difficult situations. Absolutely nothing is impossible with God.

The Bottom Line: If you have pressure in your life, use common horse sense. Trust your all-wise and loving Heavenly Father and do what He wants you to do.

Pastor Jimmy Tucker

Diamond Community Church

Why Me, Lord? By Pastor James Collins

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

“Why me?” is the first question we ask when tragedy strikes. “Why me, Lord? Why did my loved one have to die?”

Some of us have the same question when we have a flat tire. “Why me, Lord? My car broke down and it cost $600 to get fixed… $600 that I don’t have. Why me? After all, I am as good as most people. In fact, I’ve been better than most. Why are You treating me this way? Why are You punishing me this way?”

Some of us have the same question when the internet goes out, or when the dishwasher quits working, or when the weed eater string gets tangled, or when the bathroom sink is clogged. “Why me, Lord? Why am I wasting time trying to fix this stupid thing? This is going to cost me more money to get this fixed. Jesus, You know I don’t have any money. By the way, why, at my age, should I still be having financial problems? Why have You denied me opportunities for fame and fortune that You have given to others? Why me, Lord?”

I don’t know about you, but when I find myself starting to think like this, which I often do, it sometimes helps for me to ask the same question about other aspects of my life. “Why me, Lord? What have I done that’s so great that You should have blessed me with a car, internet, a dishwasher, a weed eater, and a home? Why did You give me all these things anyway?”

Sometimes, it helps for me to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why did You permit me to be born in America with all its wealth? I could have been born in a poverty-stricken country like Ethiopia, or Haiti, or Afghanistan. Why was I born in rich America? Why me, Lord? Why did You allow me to have a job when so many, who are just as deserving as I am, are without work?”

Sometimes, it helps for me to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why am I in good health? Others my age have died of heart attacks. Others were crippled by accidents or disease. Others have cancer. Why should I escape sickness and injury when other people who believe in You are either suffering or dead?”

Sometimes, it helps for me to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why have You spared me from the heartaches that assault other families? Others, wonderful people, are seeing their families torn apart, but you have blessed me.”

The point is: Life is about perspective. If you would just stop and remember all the ways the Lord has blessed you, even though you don’t deserve it, I wonder how you could complain about the relatively insignificant things that go wrong in your life from time to time. If you and I could only remember to count our blessings.

Furthermore, if you are a Christian, it helps to ask, “Why me, Lord? Why would You go to a cross and die for me? Jesus, why would You love me so much when I am so unlovable?”

Years ago, the great songwriter, Kris Kristofferson, wrote a song titled, “Why me, Lord?” The song begins with Kristofferson pouring his soul out to God:

Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I’ve known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving You
Or the kindness You’ve shown.

Jesus showed kindness, grace, and love for us by dying for us. Even though, we are sinners, even though we don’t deserve it, even though we are ungrateful, Jesus died for us.

Why? Why me, Lord? Why would You love me? Why would you die for me?

Why me, indeed…

James Collins is the senior pastor at First Southern Baptist Church. For more information on his ministry, go to the website www.fortscottfsbc.com.

Fort Scott Commission Agenda For June 2

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JUNE 2, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: None

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 19th, 2020 and special meeting minutes of May 22nd, 2020 and amended minutes of May 5th, 2020, and amended special meeting minutes of May 14th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1264-A totaling $459,811.91.

  1. Consideration of Fort Scott Housing Authority Appointment – Edna Erie – Resident Commissioner – 4 year term

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: 6:15 p.m. Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 10 N. National Avenue

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Finance Update
  1. Discussion of Pool Opening
  1. Consideration of sale of City property
  1. Consideration of Bids for Curb and Gutter Work – 500 block Andrick

  1. Consideration of Lake Advisory Board Member selection
  1. Consideration of Interlocal Agreement with Bourbon County
  1. Consideration of Financial Policy

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:

K. Allen – Vacancy in Office of City Commissioner

P. Allen –

R. Nichols –

L. Watts –

J. Mitchell –

  1. City Manager: 500 Block Andrick residents

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of May 22

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of May 22, 2020 Special Meeting #5

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 22nd, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Randy Nichols, Lindsey Watts were present, and Mayor JoLynne Mitchell was present via teleconference. Pete Allen was absent.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: None

CONSIDERATION:

JoLynne Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 8:04 a.m. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

Approval to consider an application to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Commerce for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds under the CDBG-CV category – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that this public hearing is being held to take comments in regards to the City applying for the CDBG-CV grant. This is a similar program to what the City had last month. The biggest difference is that if awarded, the funds will be in the form of a grant and not a forgivable loan. Another differential is this will be allowed for owner operator business. Business owners would count as employees for this round of grants. The maximum we are applying for is $300,000 and the reason for the early morning meeting is that this is a first come, first serve grant. The grant is complete after this public hearing. This grant is for cities under 50,000 in population and will be very competitive.

There were no comments from the public call in line nor did anyone call in with concerns regarding this grant submission.

Randy Nichols moved to approve the submission of the application to the Kansas Department of Commerce for the CDBG-CV grant program. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION TO THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR THE CDBG-CV GRANT PROGRAM.

Randy Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 8:08 a.m. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 8:08 A.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on June 2nd, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

_____________________________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of May 19

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of May 19, 2020 Regular Meeting #10

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 19th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: There was no invocation given.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: There was no audience in attendance other than a very few City staff.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Buddy Poppy Day – May 22nd, 2020 – Mayor Mitchell read a proclamation which proclaims May 22nd, 2020 as Buddy Poppy Day in the City of Fort Scott and urged men and women to wear a buddy poppy as evidence of our gratitude to the men and women of this country who have risked their lives in defense of the freedoms which we continue to enjoy as American citizens.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 5th, 2020, special meeting of May 12th, 2020, special meeting of May 13th, 2020, and special meeting of May 14th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1263-A totaling $291,622.07.

  1. Request to Pay #4 – Schneider Electric – $216,807.84 – Energy Service Project

  1. Request to Pay – Lauber Municipal Law Firm – $17,150.00

  1. Request to Pay – River Intake Engineering – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $10,955.00

  1. Change Order #1 – Home Center Construction – Water Treatment Plant Repairs – Increase of $1,320.00

  1. Request to Pay – Home Center Construction – Water Treatment Plant Repairs – $25,564.50

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – Electric Vault Project – Airport – $2,918.31 – Engineering

  1. Approval of 3RK – Certificate of Pay Request #5 – MIH Housing Grant – $21,150.51.

  1. April financials

Pete Allen questioned the minutes from the May 12th, 2020 special meeting where Olsson Associates was approved to be the engineer on the Horton Street project. He said they are located in Missouri and believes a Kansas company should be supported.

Susan Bancroft informed him that was approved just in case we needed their services on the submission for the KDOT Cost Share application. They ended up not being used in the process.

Pete said that he wanted to go on record that he does not think we should spend money in Missouri when we are located in Kansas.

Pete also questioned the minutes from the May 14th, 2020 special meeting where it stated that all utilities from 6th Street to Lakin would be updated and what that meant.

Chad said that any City owned utility in that area will be replaced at that time.

Pete is concerned with the total price that is recorded and if it includes sidewalks and everything.

Chad said that the $569,322.20 cost is just for the asphalt and milling only. Nothing else is figured in those numbers.

Susan said that she can get him a final number from the grant. The utility portion that was submitted for the application is $1.3 million.

Diane Clay, City Clerk, said that she can amend the minutes to reflect what the application states.

Pete also had a question on the May 5th, 2020 minutes on page 9 where we approved to go out for bid in the 500 block of Andrick. The minutes show that we approved to go out for bid for sidewalks and concrete overlay and that is not correct. We approved to go out for bids on the curb and gutter. It is an asphalt project.

City Clerk said she will amend those minutes also.

R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent agenda with the corrections to the May 5th, 2020 Commission minutes and May 14th, 2020 special meeting minutes. Lindsey Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA WITH CORRECTIONS TO THE MAY 5TH, 2020 COMMISSION MINUTES AND MAY 14TH, 2020 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Bourbon County Healthy Action Team Grant – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, appeared before the Commission on behalf of the Bourbon County Healthy Action Team. He and Dr. Nichols both serve on this committee. The City has received a grant in the amount of $13,680.00. The funds will be used to purchase and install water bottle filling stations at parks and trails throughout Bourbon County. The total of nine (9) stations will be purchased. They will be located at Gunn Park, Riverfront Park, Fort Scott Community College, and a couple in the county at Elm Creek Lake, Uniontown, and Bronson. He asked for approval to accept this grant.

Kevin Allen moved to accept the Bourbon County Action Team Grant in the amount of $13,680.00. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED BOURBON COUNTY ACTION TEAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,680.00.

  1. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute

limit per citizen) – Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

JoLynne Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:13 p.m. Randy Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:13 P.M.

6:00 p.m. Public Hearing – 2020 Budget Amendment – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she is seeking approval to amend the 2020 budget. There are four funds which need amended:

2020 Adopted 2020 Proposed

Special Alcohol & Drugs $12,850 $47,679

Special Parks & Recreation $12,580 $37,617

E911 $135,500 $140,333

Storm Water Utility $189,493 $979,375

There were no comments from the public call-in number regarding the budget amendment.

Lindsey asked about the large increase in the Storm Water Utility fund.

Susan said that in 2016 there were funds in a rate stabilization fund. That fund was from years ago that had built up cash reserves. There was a resolution that was passed that said that those dollars were to be used for capital projects for utilities. In 2016, my predecessor collapsed that fund and put it into the storm drain fund. These funds have set there since 2016. This will allow the use of expenditures by increasing the budget authority for this fund which will help pay for capital outlay projects for this year.

JoLynne Mitchell moved to amend the 2020 budget. Randy Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED 2020 BUDGET AMENDMENT.

Lindsey Watts moved to close the public hearing at 6:17 p.m. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:17 P.M.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of purchase of 100’ Ladder Fire Truck – Dave Bruner, Fire Chief, informed the Commission that the City of Fort Scott was awarded a Community Improvement Grant in the amount of $665,303.00 in January of 2020. This grant was awarded to provide matching funding for a 100’ aerial platform apparatus. Bids were sent out to purchase this fire truck and were opened on April 22nd, 2020. There were three bids received as follows:

Jon’s Mid-America Fire Apparatus/KME in the amount of $1,250,807.00. This bid was disqualified due to the CDBG grant specifications and did not meet bid specifications.

The next bid was from Hays Fire & Rescue in the amount of $1,149,963.00 and with discounts came to $1,128,579.00. This bid which did not meet bid specifications in regards to the wheel base and the large diameter hose bed.

The last bid was from Conrad Fire Equipment, Inc in the amount of $1,418,693.46 with a pre-pay discount amounting to $1,354,178.21. This bid meets all the specifications listed. The remainder of the amount from the grant will be paid for by a lease purchase for 10 years.

Chief Bruner informed the Commission that in discussions with Conrad Fire on this truck there were options to reduce the costs further. These options include changing the color scheme to all red and not two toned; reduced the monitors on the platform from two to one and changed the brand to a different model; and changed from a Velocity cab to an Arrow cab and removed two seats to make it a four seat truck instead of a six seat truck. These reductions brought the total price down to $1,335,827.20.

Michael Miles shared a power point with the Commissioners regarding the three different fire trucks. The City’s portion after the grant is $670,524.20.

Susan Galemore, Grant Administrator, Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, was also present via telephone to answer any questions they had regarding the bid process.

Kevin Allen said that he would like a couple of weeks to think about the bids and allow the public to give some input.

Randy Nichols moved to approve the bid from Conrad Fire Equipment for the Pierce apparatus in the amount of $1,335,827.20. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1-1.

approved the bid from Conrad Fire Equipment for the Pierce apparatus in the amount of $1,335,827.20, WITH THE GRANT ALLOCATING FOR $665,303.00 AND THE CITY PORTION $670,524.20.

  1. 2020 Capital Outlay Program – Chad Brown, Michael Mix, and Susan Bancroft all addressed the Commission regarding this item. This documentation is attached to the minutes. Approval of this program was requested. This includes changing Cooper Street to an Arterial Street from East National to 23rd Street and approval of all the projects.

Michael thanked his Water Plant Crew of Scott Flater, Todd Bond, Roger Rodriguez, Brandon Russell, Kathy Michael, Bill Rost, Bill Lemke, and Aaron Ashley for assisting with a valve issue at the Water Plant this weekend. He also thanked Phil Pavey, a certified diver, who was willing to dive in the bottom of the clarifier pit. He thanked Darren Crays who fabricated a metal plate, and Jason Solomon from Kansas Rural Water Association for their assistance in opening this valve.

This 2020 Capital Outlay Program was explained in depth to the Commission by Susan Bancroft, Chad Brown, and Michael Mix.

Kevin Allen asked for two more weeks to look this information over.

R. Nichols moved to approve the 2020 Capital Outlay Program and to reclassify Cooper Street as an Arterial Street. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

Kevin Allen made a motion to reconsider the vote to allow more discussion. Pete Allen seconded. K. Allen and P. Allen voted aye. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted no. Motion denied 3-2.

APPROVED 2020 CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM AND TO RECLASSIFY COOPER STREET AS AN ARTERIAL STREET.

  1. Consideration of CIPP Sewer Rehabilitation Proposal – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that as part of the 2020 Capital Outlay Program it included the lining of sanitary sewer gravity mains of 1.4 miles within the City of Fort Scott. He has a proposal from Insituform out of Independence, Missouri using their cooperative purchasing contract. The proposed estimated cost of this project is $190,315.82. The City Attorney prepared this contract between the City and Insituform. Approval to enter into a cooperative purchasing contract with Insituform was requested.

Discussion was held regarding why this wasn’t bid out. Michael said that our project is very small and we can piggyback off of their contract. There are only three companies in this area that provide this service.

R. Nichols moved to approve the cooperative purchase contract with Insituform out of Independence, Missouri in the amount of $190,315.82. L. Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1-1.

approved the cooperative purchase contract with Insituform out of Independence, Missouri in the amount of $190,315.82.

  1. Consideration of Ozone cooling system – Dave Martin, City Manager, asked the Commission to remove this item from the agenda at this time.

  1. Repeal of Free Water/Sewer Service for residents in 500 block of Andrick Street – Jeff Deane, City Attorney, informed the Commission that he investigated the motion that was made at the previous meeting to provide free water and sewer for the residents in the 500 block of Andrick Street. He has discovered that Kansas Statutes prohibit free use of City water services in K.S.A. 13-2412 which states:

KSA 13-2412 – “Free use of water and discrimination unlawful. No person, firm, corporation, or association, nor any city department, shall be allowed free use of water, nor shall there be discrimination among water users of like classes as to rates, and rebates in rates shall never be allowed to any person, firm or corporation or city department except as an inducement to prompt payment of water rates”.

Discussion was held how to legally give people breaks when they have a water leak.

Kevin Allen asked if there has ever been a program in the past when free water has been given as an incentive.

Susan said she will research it.

Lindsey Watts moved to repeal the motion to provide free water and sewer service in the 500 block of Andrick for a one year period. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

approved to repeal the motion made at the may 5th, 2020 to provide free water and sewer service in the 500 block of Andrick for a one year period as it is illegal.

Lindsey asked that City staff review something we could provide for these residents that is not illegal.

  1. Consideration of sale of City property – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that he is asking approval to receive sealed bid for two parcels of land that the City currently owns. One piece of property is located at 120 N. National and the other piece of property is located on the east side of Lake Fort Scott. He has contacted Phil Hammons, local broker, who has given the City a minimum bid amount for each property. These two parcels will be listed for 30 days per Kansas Statute before the sealed bids will be received.

Discussion was held regarding sealed bid versus a real estate agent versus a live auctioneer.

Robert said that per Kansas Statute 75-6602, a City can sell property at a fixed price, a negotiated price, advertise for sealed bids or a public auction. Sealed bids is the lowest cost to the City. This is the way the previous Economic Development Director sold property.

Kevin said that he needed more time to think about this.

Robert said that the broker’s opinion will be available to the public. He said that he brought this item before them about a month ago. He was wanting to move forward on it.

More discussion was held regarding a public auction for this property and if it would bring more money.

City Attorney said it sounds like you are requesting City staff to come back with alternatives between sealed bids and costs associated with the other options.

Kevin Allen moved to table this item for two weeks and for City staff to come back with alternatives between sealed bids and costs associated with the other options. Lindsey Watts seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

TABLED THE SALE OF CITY PROPERTY FOR TWO WEEKS AND FOR CITY STAFF TO COME BACK WITH ALTERNATIVES BETWEEN SEALED BIDS AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH OTHER OPTIONS.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Robert Uhler – Robert said that he had two items to bring up.

  1. Lake Advisory Board – He said that the Lake Advisory Board met last Saturday and the minutes are in front of them. They were scheduled to meet quarterly but they would like to meet every other month. Their next meeting is scheduled for July.

  1. Resignation – Robert said that effective May 22nd, 2020 he will no longer work for the City of Fort Scott. He has tendered his resignation. He feels the environment here is not up to his liking. He said he appreciates Dave Martin as a leader, and he has helped him through some trying times.

Randy Nichols said that the City will miss him and his involvement with Smart Growth America and his legislative expertise and wished him the best.

Susan Bancroft – Financial Policy Update – Susan said that back in January she talked about looking at the City’s financial policies. She also worked with Deb McCoy on this policy and they reviewed other cities policies together. Susan developed this new financial policy. She did take some of this information from other cities and used some of their information for our document. A lot of the items in this document we are doing, but it was not in black and white. There are some recommendations on the procurement policy on page 16 and the numbers have changed. The travel policy on page 49 has also changed. She and Deb Needleman have looked at other cities and their policies in regards to travel and this is more in line. The ultimate decision will be the City’s Commission.

B. City Commission:

Lindsey Watts – Lindsey said that some of the items that she has brought up over the past few weeks have been about procedural issues. She said that our parliamentary procedure is lacking. We are a governing body that should be respected and respect each other. She has spoke with the Mayor and City Attorney and he is working on some procedures and code of ethics for the City Commission. This will give us some parameters on how to run our meetings. This will come before them at the next meeting.

Randy Nichols He said that he is excited to move forward with the plans for this year. The Street Advisory Board came up a couple of years ago and was delayed. This is a steppingstone as a more unified Commission. They may well be part of an infrastructure board also as streets, storm water, and sanitary sewer interact with each other. He hopes that a policy can be developed which interfaces all those projects together and gives us some idea of a financial commitment and a detailed way to budget and move forward.

He also remarked about the Horton Street project that was voted on last week. Those decisions were made on the facts presented. The street was deteriorating, there was an urgency to get it repaired, it was in our 2021 budget to get it repaired, and identified by City staff to have it repaired, and it is unlikely that another KDOT grant would be available for this street. The other streets have potential for KDOT grants. That’s why he voted for it. It had nothing to do with location or housing or other parameters. He thinks the right decision was made and he hopes the community understands that it was the best way to leverage the dollars that we had. When the 1% sales tax comes up on the ballot this fall, it is critical that this is passed so more projects can be completed.

Kevin Allen Kevin said that he has taken some pictures he wanted to share with his fellow Commissioners. He showed pictures of the following:

500 block of Andrick – Barricades were down – sandbags not by barricades – gravel washed out – did not clean up job very well – section of bricks that need salvaged – gravel in resident’s yards and barricades in yards.

City Hall sewer drain – concrete is torn up – located by back door of City Hall – this is a liability issue – this could be repaired with a steel plate and concrete bolts

1800 block of Wall Street – big humps across Wall Street that need cut out and patched

Wall Street – East of Aunt Toadies – Big sink hole that needs crack filled and made smooth – this is a liability issue – This is highway 54.

He said that we need to have a crew out there fixing these streets right now.

Pete AllenNothing to report.

JoLynne Mitchell JoLynne said that she wanted to reiterate that the Horton Street project is for everybody. Some of us may live closer but that’s not the reason why we voted for it. That was the direction and the project that made sense for City dollars.

She asked the City Attorney to visit about proper etiquette and guidelines for our City Commission meetings.

Jeff Deane, City Attorney, said that most cities use Roberts Rules of Order, but that is for larger cities. Smaller cities have rules to help the meeting flow. The Rosenberg Rules of Order are simplified, and the League has a Code of Procedures for meetings also. He is tailoring these for our use and will put together a draft for us to review. The document will have a cheat sheet and have the motion out there for the Commission to use. He will have these documents available and send them out to review.

City Attorney said that there was another KOMA complaint filed against the City. He has received an extension from the Attorney General’s office. He will bring this before them at the next meeting and bring this information to them.

Lindsey remarked that it is important for Commissioners not to Reply All when receiving emails when other Commissioners are copied on this also. This is a K.O.M.A. violation.

C. City Manager:

  1. City Engineer Candidate – Dave announced that we have had one candidate apply. He came to Fort Scott and met with City Staff. An offer has been made to him and we are waiting to hear if he accepts.

  1. Inmate Assistance – Dave said that he and Kevin met with the Sheriff’s Department about assistance with City street projects. They will be available after the COVID-19 restriction lifts.

  1. Grinder Pump Issue – Lake Fort Scott – Dave said the lake residents don’t want to move forward with a utility for their own grinder pumps.

Kevin said that they need to divulge into the contract before they move forward.

Dave said that the lake owner is responsible for the grinder and it is a 40 year term. The sewer district can pick who does the work on the sewer pumps.

  1. Lake Fort Scott empty lots- Dave said that Kevin asked for documentation that the district approved people who had empty lots and didn’t have to have grinder pumps put in. He left that documentation on Kevin’s table.

  1. He said that he talked to Jared Dauben.

  1. Signs on Highway 54 – Dave said that he has talked with KDOT about signage.

Kevin said that he talked to an older couple recently with a trailer issue and they had no idea there was any retail located on south highway 69. He asked to get signage on 54 east and west pointing out gas stations, restaurants, etc.

Dave said that this is funded by KDOT and he is getting information on this.

  1. Rural Water District – Dave said that he is waiting for Rural Water District to get back with them after their board meeting to discuss when they have water leaks in the county and how they are handled.

ADJOURNMENT:

Randy Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m. Kevin Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:52 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on June 2nd, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

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