Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission on June 18

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of June 18, 2024                                                                      Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 18, 2024, at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:010) in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).

 

ROLL CALL

Meeting called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke (via Teams), Dyllon Olson 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, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Tom Coffman/Public Works Manager, Dustin Fowler/Facilities Superintendent, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via telephone), Jackson Tough/Tourism & Public Relations Director, Robert Harrington/Bourbon County REDI, Cherri Walrod, Teri Hamilton, Michele Houser, Mack Houser, Ann Tebbets, Michael Hamilton, Ethan Holly, Trace V. Evans, Taylor Morrison, Maria Whitson, Larry Shead, Vickie Shead and Michael Hoyt.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and M. Wells said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA (Time stamp 3:03)

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the amended agenda.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

CONSENT AGENDA (Time stamp 4:20)

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1362-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 29, 2024 – June 11, 2024 – $525,425.91
  2. Approval of Minutes for June 4, 2024
  3. Request to Pay – Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. – Application No. 3 – Fort Scott Municipal Airport – Amount Due – $244,783.75
  4. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice #17352 – EEI Project No. 23-15A – US-54 CCLIP Phase I – KDOT Project No. 06 KA-6898-01 – Pay Estimate #2 – Design Contracts/Plans to Field Check – Amount Due for Billing Period 3/31/2024 through 6/1/2024- $45,809.85
  5. May Financials

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT (Time stamp 5:15) Comments deferred to New Business – Consideration of Ordinance No. 3767.

 

APPEARANCES

–  Haylea Hardy (Time stamp 6:23) – Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – Wedding – Applicant appeared.

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to allow the closure of the northern section (with the pavilion) of Riverfront Park on October 11, 2024, at 8:00AM until October 12, 2024, at 10:00PM.

 

Applicants will contact Twisted Trailer to request the use of their parking lot.

 

  1. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

–  Jay & Kim Wright (Time stamp 6:30) – Temporary Street Closure – Coates from Elm to Mulberry – July 4, 2024 – 7:00AM – Midnight – Applicants did not appear.

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the street closure.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

–  Jackson Tough (Time stamp 10:06) – J. Tough appeared before the Commission with a presentation on the status of Tourism in Fort Scott.

 

–  Robert Harrington/Bourbon County REDI (Time stamp 38:01) – R. Harrington appeared before the Commission to ask them to consider (2) Rural Housing Improvement Districts (RHID).

– Denny Davis land (Margrave and Richards Road, west side of street, 30+ acres, interested developers). R. Harrington stated that they are also working with BNSF on a grant for an overpass in the Jayhawk Road area in the future. Incentive options were discussed.

–  Downtown – RHID for downtown buildings pays for upper story living.

  1. Harrington recommends a RHID for the entire downtown.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the meeting at 6:46PM and returned at 6:47PM.

 

 

 

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to move forward on the Denny Davis land with creating a RHID and working with developers on the details.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Harrington was asked to comment on the STAR Bond and the ER. He stated that Steifel is the company working on issuing the bonds for that project. He also stated that Freeman Hospital will be coming to open an Acute Care Hospital in Fort Scott.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the RHID for the Moody Building, MacDonald Hall and the J.C. Penney Building and Wall Street Barber Shop.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  K. Salsbury, M. Wells and T. VanHoecke voted yes.  D. Olson and T. Dancer voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting at 7:11PM

 

Action Items:

 

Consideration to purchase 2-Hose, 2-Pump Diesel Suction Pump – will replace old pump – budgeted for $20,000.00 and on capital improvement budget – $17,325.99 (Time stamp 1:11:39) – T. Coffman

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the purchase.   D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting at 7:13PM.

 

Consideration to Purchase a Greens Mower – Jacobsen GP400 – $19,000.00 –        D. Fowler.  The purchase to come from reserve funds was verified by J. Oliphant.

 

 

 

 

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the purchase.   D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at 7:17PM

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to amend the agenda to move Item H (Consideration of Ordinance No. 3767) before Item C (Consideration of Estimate of Preliminary Engineering Fees) in New Business.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Ordinance No. 3767 – An Ordinance Establishing the Farmers Market Policy, Located at the Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion, Otherwise Known as the Gathering Square Pavilion. (Time stamp 1:17:55) – D. Olson wrote the ordinance to guarantee that the Farmers Market has use of the pavilion during harvest season.

 

(Time stamp 1:19:19) – T. VanHoecke commented on the intention of the pavilion by the grant that ordinance and believed that the City staff is capable of working out these issues without the creation of an ordinance.

 

  1. Matkin returned at 7:19PM.

 

Further discussion was had about the use of the pavilion.

 

(Time stamp 1:27:46) – Teri Hamilton/President of Fort Scott Farmers Market addressed the Commission regarding the effect of displacement on the businesses that use the Gathering Square.

 

(Time stamp 1:41:10) – M. Wells strongly stated that the Commission has to stand by their word on promises from past Commissions.

 

(Time stamp 1:42:24) – D. Olson moved to approve Ordinance No. 3767.  M. Wells seconded the motion.

 

(Time stamp 1:43:45) – Cherri Walrod and Mack Houser gave public comments regarding the Farmers Market and use of the Gathering Square.

 

(Time stamp 1:45:27) – D. Olson requested the Mayor call Point of Order to call the vote for the motion and second on the table.

 

  1. Wells, D. Olson, K. Salsbury and T. Dancer voted yes. T. VanHoecke voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Estimate of Preliminary Engineering Fees – Project No. 06 KA-6898-01 – Earles Engineering & Inspections – Survey, Road Plans, Specs and Estimates – US-54 (Barbee to Caldwell – Phase II Estimates to be combined with Phase I – $118,488.77 – (Time stamp 1:46:28) – J. Dickman stated that this is the approval from the Commission that needs to go to KDOT in order to combine Phase II of the Project to Phase I as agreed by the Commission.

 

  1. Wells clarified that this was a 90-10 reimbursement agreement.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the Estimate of Preliminary Engineering Fees for Project No. 06 KA-6898-01 as presented.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration to Purchase (2) 2024 Dodge Durangos (Patrol) – $150,000.00 – (Time stamp 1:48:39) – J. Pickert requested to purchase (2) new patrol vehicles, deliverable in a couple of weeks. The last purchase was for used vehicles and spent a lot of time in the shop. Local purchase options were pursued but did not work out.  The vehicles being replaced will go to positions that do not require as much use as patrol vehicles require.

 

Discussion was had about options to acquire a reliable fleet.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to purchase the (2) vehicles that are available to be prospectively less than $100,000.00 for the (2) 2024 Dodge Durango Patrol vehicles.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

 

 

 

Approval of Ordinance No. 3764 – Disband the Golf Course Advisory Board and Repeal Ordinance No. 3604, Ordinance No. 3397 and Ordinance No. 3395. (Time stamp 1:56:55)

 

  1. Wells left the meeting at 7:56PM.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve Ordinance No. 3764 as presented.

 

  1. Wells returned to the meeting at 7:58PM.

 

  1. VanHoecke clarified with B. Matkin that this was still in the best interest of the golf course. B. Matkin said yes.

 

  1. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Ordinance No. 3765 – Disband the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board and Repeal Ordinance No. 3566 and Ordinance No. 3550. (Time stamp 1:59:10)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3765 and repeal Ordinance No. 3655 and Ordinance No. 3550.  D. Olson seconded the motion.    D. Olson, T. VanHoecke, K. Salsbury and Tracy Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-1 VOTE.

 

Approval of Ordinance No. 3766 – Disband the Airport Advisory Board and Repeal Ordinance No. 3496 and Ordinance No. 3207.

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve Ordinance No. 3766 as presented.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Ordinance No. 3768 – An Ordinance Providing for the Salaries of the Appointive Officers and Employees of the City of Fort Scott, KS and Replacing Ordinance No. 3624. (Time stamp 2:01:00) B. Matkin stated that this is a range of salaries and hourly wages the City pays employees. It is an ordinance that is adopted every year for transparency and for HR to gauge starting pay and top pay for each position.

 

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve Ordinance No. 3768.  M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Requests for Proposals for Memorial Hall façade repairs – Due June 17 but removed from the agenda prior to the meeting per Codes Department.

 

Consideration of Demolition Bids – 314 S. Eddy – (Time stamp 2:02:02) – Three (3) bids were received: Foxwell Holdings ($3,200.00); Dave’s Demo ($3,500.00); and Skitch’s Inc. ($9,327.00).

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to award the bid to Foxwell Holdings for the demolition of 314 S. Eddy.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Demolition Bids – 306 S. Lowman – (Time stamp 2:05:48) – Three (3) bids were received: Foxwell Holdings ($1,400.00); Dave’s Demo ($2,000.00); and Skitch’s Inc. ($9,283.00).

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to award the bid to Foxwell Holdings for the demolition of 306 S. Lowman.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Demolition Bids – 1801 E. Wall – (Time stamp 2:06:35) – Four (4) bids were received: Foxwell Holdings ($7,500.00); Greg Schick Pro Building Supply ($9,240.00); Skitch’s Inc. ($11,396.00) and Dave’s Demo ($3,000.00).

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to award the bid to Dave’s Demo for the demolition of 1801 E. Wall.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes.  M. Wells and K. Salsbury voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.

 

Consideration to Approve Permits for the Sale of Fireworks:  Jakes Fireworks at 2221 S. Main; Belino Fireworks at 2400 S. Main; and Jurassic Fireworks at 4500 Campbell. (Time stamp 2:08:09)

 

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the permits for the sale of fireworks.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Letter of Interest for Land Bank Vacancy – Land Bank meeting canceled; consideration tabled until after next Land Bank meeting.

 

REPORTS AND COMMENTS

 

City Manager Comments (Time stamp 2:10:42)

–  City Fireworks – July 6th at FSCC beginning around 9:30PM (following rodeo)

–  Mardi Gras in the Fort – June 29th at the Gathering Square – Care to Share Event in conjunction with the City of Fort Scott – Free Will Donation for a Shrimp Boil at 5:30PM – (2) bands beginning at 6:00PM.

 

Engineering Comments (Time stamp 2:12:52)

–  Horton Street and 6th Street Project still on track for July 8th start date. Traffic control will go up a week or so before. Information will be in Fort Scott Biz.

–  CCLIP Phase III – should hear from KDOT by August

 

Commissioners Comments

 

  1. Olson (Time Stamp 2:14:14)

–  2023 Chip Seal on track for August

–  Utilize chip seal on residential roads for next year

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will share list of streets at July 2 meeting

 

ACTION:  City Clerk to add Lake Lot Discussion to July 2 Agenda

 

Discussion of encroachments on lake lots with J. Dickman

 

–  Advisory Board openings

Planning Commission (1)

Library Board (1)

Parks Advisory Board (1)

Land Bank (1)

 

ACTION:  City Clerk to get a summary of vacant Advisory Board seats

 

 

 

  1. Salsbury (Time Stamp 2:19:14)

–  Gathering Square – concerned about limiting the usage, wants to safeguard

 

Discussion about Gathering Square events

 

  1. Wells (Time Stamp 2:23:37)

–  Status of CDBG Grant for Memorial Hall

–  Thank you extended to Freeman Hospital, KRI, JG Health and thanks to God for putting the right people in the right place at the right time to get things done.

–  Comments regarding Farmers Market and thank you to Commission for upholding the promises of former commissions and former city managers.

 

  1. VanHoecke (Time Stamp 2:25:40)

–  Discouraged about Commissioner’s comments about lying, City employee was told to hurry up his presentation and the Commission jumping to vote on the ordinance instead of seeing what the City staff could work on another solution.

–  Many positive things happening but have confidence and respect in City staff.

 

  1. Dancer (Time Stamp 2:29:07)

–  Comments relate back to pledge when he assumed this role to try to keep things on track in the interest of brevity.

–  In the interest of brevity, he asks that future presenters follow the model to be prepared, to be precise, to be brief and then be gone.

 

City Attorney Comments (Time Stamp 2:29:53)

–  No comments

 

ADJOURN

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30PM.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

JUNE 18, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:30PM.

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Obituary

Obituary of Michael Carpenter

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Michael Donald Carpenter, age 73, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at his home with his wife and sons at his side after suffering from dementia.

Mike had a tragic fall in August of 2023, and has been on hospice care ever since.

Mike was born October 24, 1950, in Ft. Scott, the son of Donald Lee Carpenter and Margaret Lorene Bowles Carpenter.  Mike married Linda Faye West on May 28, 1970, at Liberal, Missouri.  This union was blessed with two sons, Brian Michael and Brad Russell.

Mike worked in the printing industry for forty years.  He was employed as a pressman at both Ft. Scott and Girard.

Mike was passionate about baseball.  He loved coaching his sons’ little league teams.  Many of the boys he coached still keep in touch to this day.  He also loved fishing and hunting and watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals

Some other of Mike’s favorite things were his 1969 Red Mach 1 Mustang, watching John Wayne movies, listening to Elvis and Creedence Clearwater Revival, as well as hunting mushrooms each spring.

While living in Ft. Scott, Mike attended the Diamond Community Church.

Mike and Linda made many memories over their fifty-three years of marriage.  They were able to take several memorable trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Lake Tahoe in California and Cancun, Mexico (where Mike was almost detained.)  Playing Keno together was also a favorite pastime.

Mike enjoyed reading history and having a good conversation.  He often reminisced about his teenage friends in Arcadia, Kansas.  Mike’s number one priority was taking care of his wife, Linda, and their family.  He always wore a smile and lived and loved life to its fullest.

 

Survivors include his wife, Linda, of the home in Joplin and his cherished sons, Brian Carpenter (Amy) of Grove, Oklahoma and Brad Carpenter (Bri) of Carthage, Missouri; two beautiful granddaughters, Kaylee and MacKenzie; and four awesome step-grandchildren, Ledger, Brooklin Mason and Jerrica.  Also surviving are a brother, Jim Carpenter of Arma, Kansas and sisters-in-law, Brinda Bolton (Mark) of Ft. Scott and Drinda Farrell of Paola, Kansas and many special nieces, nephews and cousins as well as life-long best friends, Dan and Judy Buckmaster and sons, Chad and Chris of Checotah, Oklahoma.  Their families made many happy memories taking trips and raising their boys together.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Debbie and a brother, Steve.

 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, July 1st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following services, there will be cremation and a private burial will take place at a later date at the Shiloh Cemetery in Liberal, Missouri.

Memorials are suggested to the Shiloh Cemetery Association 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.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Will Hold A Special Budget Hearing Meeting

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The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 2:30 pm in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Ag Building for a budget hearing to amend the 2023-24 budget.

 

As soon as the budget hearing is completed, the board will move into a brief regular meeting to approve personnel actions and address a few general business items.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Kathryn Wunderly

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Kathryn Ruth Wunderly, age 72, of rural Fort Scott, KS passed away peacefully with her family at her side Monday, June 24, 2024, at her home.  She was born September 8, 1951, in Fort Scott, KS, the daughter of Robert J. Sr. and Lucille Goltra.  Kathryn attended Fort Scott schools and married her high school sweetheart, Ronald F. Wunderly on June 18, 1971.

 

Survivors include her husband, Ron, of the home and two children, Kenneth Wunderly and wife, Kerry, and daughter Jennifer Richards and husband Jeremiah and their children Calista, Lucia, Bede, Boaz, Frances, and Imogene all of Fort Scott, KS.  Also surviving are her mother, Lucille, Fort Scott, KS.; brothers Robert J. Goltra Jr. (Carol), Emporia, KS, David Goltra (Eileen), Fort Scott, KS, and Timothy Goltra (Shirley), Fort Scott, KS; sisters Mary Brown, Satanta, KS, Margie Fountain, Fort Scott, KS, Carole Minor, Fort Scott, KS, and Teri Crays (Brent), Fort Scott, KS. Also, her Wunderly family, Barbara Schmidt, Fort Scott, KS, Linda Wunderly, Mound City, KS., Michael Wunderly, Fort Scott, KS, Daniel Wunderly (Stephanie), Redfield, KS, Donald Wunderly (Peggy), Fort Scott, KS., and Joseph Wunderly (Marsha), Fulton, KS, as well as many loving nephews, nieces, and a host of long-time friends.

 

Kathryn was preceded in death by her father, Robert, sister Patrica Hall, father and mother-in-law Fred and Julia Wunderly; brothers-in-law Bob Cook, Monty Brown, Raymond Schmidt, Floyd Minor, and Lawrence Wunderly; sister-in-law Patricia Cook; and nephew Daniel Hall.

 

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the funeral mass at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 29th, at the Kennedy Gym.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM Friday June 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel followed by visitation from 6:30 until 8:00.

Memorials are suggested to the Kathy Wunderly Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at chenewitt.com.

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Two Local Fort Scott Businesses Awarded $10,000 through American Express and Main Street America

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American Express and Main Street America today announced the 500 small business owners who have been awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program, https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/500-small-business-owners-receive-10-000-grants-through-backing-small-businesses-program. The program’s 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Later this year, grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.

“We are truly thrilled to provide additional support to our country’s small business owners through the Backing Small Businesses grant program, along with our partners at American Express,” said Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes. ​“These grants are no small thing – and will go far in helping our neighborhood and downtown entrepreneurs build capacity, continue to innovate and grow, and make meaningful contributions in their home communities.”

 

Meet the most recent Backing Small Businesses Grant Recipients:

Kansas
Bourbon County, Government

Republicans Give No-Confidence Vote to Commissioners Harris and Beth

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Bourbon County Republican Central Committee met on Thursday, June 20,  at Fort Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd and after a lengthy discussion, those present gave votes of no-confidence to Bourbon County Commissioners Clifton Beth and Jim Harris.

The no-confidence vote was for violating the Bourbon County Commission Ordinance on a Code of Conduct, Resolution 22-20, signed on June 30, 2020 by those sitting on the commission at the time: Jeff Fischer, Lynn Ohara and Nick Ruhl.

Twenty-nine of those present voted yes to no-confidence in these two commissioners, 6 abstained and,  0 voted no, according to C.J. Robison, a member of the committee who spoke during the county commission meeting on June 24.

C.J. Robinson reads the vote of no confidence to commissioners on June 2—screenshot from the commission video.

To view the resolution:

Resolution 22-20(2)

Highlights of the resolution of the code of conduct for county officials:

  • honesty, openness, and accountability  involving county government
  • respect for others, civility in all public relationships
  • stewardship of county human, fiscal, and physical resources
  • excellence in continuous learning in personal development and county government operations
  • fairness and impartiality
  • no accepting of gratuities, etc. from contractors or other agents
  • violations of this code shall be prosecuted

Commission Meeting Discussion on Solar Continues

The vote of no-confidence was not related to the solar farm issues that have been discussed at recent commission meetings, according to a Republican Party member, who wished to remain anonymous.

At the commission meeting on Monday, the discussion centered around the handling of the current solar energy projects coming into Bourbon County.

At the commission meeting, Commissioner Harris said “We have no zoning or any other tool to say they can’t come in…without zoning we have no legal action.”

“The solar companies are here,” Commissioner Beth said. “They have spent money and signed contracts with people. We can’t use inverse condemnation to take away those property rights. I wouldn’t do it and it’s not covered under our insurance for it.”

Inverse condemnation is the taking of property by a government agency which so greatly damages the use of a parcel of real property that it is the equivalent of condemnation of the entire property, according to law.com

To view the commission meeting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipMhd686wG0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Join Fort Scott NHS for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence

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Fort Scott, Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.

 

On Thursday, July 4th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom with a 21 gun salute.

 

THURSDAY, JULY 4

9 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – Small Arms (musket) Demonstration/ 21 gun salute to our nation

 

Visitors and community members are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

Park buildings will be open from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. July 4th, but the bookstore will be closed. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College

Chamber Coffee Hosted by FSCC Cosmetology Department on June 27

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, June 27th, 8am
Hosted by Fort Scott Community College Cosmetology Department

2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott Community College Cosmetology Department is located at 2108 S. Horton.

* FSCC Cosmetology is a full-service salon with students having special fields of interests!

*FSCC Cosmetology run a monthly special that they have posted in the salon as well as on their Facebook page.

*The cosmetology program consists of 1,500 hours of instruction and work, customarily spread over a 9-12 month period. Students meet 9 hours per day 5 days per week.

Thank you FSCC Cosmetology for being a Chamber Member!

Join us for coffee, juice, light refreshments and door prizes this Thursday at FSCC Cosmetology Department!

Click here to check out their Facebook!

Click here to learn more about the program and enrollment information!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

June 21, 2024

 

Special Session resulted in two bills becoming law, Senate Bill (SB) 1, tax relief for all Kansans, and House Bill (HB) 2001, an expansion of the Sales Tax And Revenue (STAR) Bonds program.

 

No State Income Tax On Social Security is a major win in SB 1 that will help over 76,000 Kansans.  The average savings will be around $1,300 a year according to Legislative Research.  I have been leading this effort for a few years.  It is now law.

 

Lower Income Taxes  for all Kansas taxpayers is a win; by decreasing the 5.7 bracket to 5.58, the 5.25 to 5.2, and 3.1 to 0; increasing the current $2,250 personal exemptions to $9,160 for a single filer, $18,320 for married, and $2,320 for each dependent; and increasing standard deductions 3% – single filer from $3,500 to $3,605 and married from $8,000 to $8,240.  A Kansas family, married filing jointly with two dependents, taking a standard deduction will not pay income tax on the first $31,200 of earnings – which happens to be the current federal poverty level.

 

Property tax relief comes from increasing the current $44,700 exemption to $75,000 when calculating the K-12 20 mill.  It was reported to be about $70 savings for a homeowner.  It is much smaller than many of us wanted.  Also lost were future tax cuts based on inflation, so as inflation increases the property tax exemption $75,000 for homeowners, all standard deductions and personal exemptions would have also increased – thus lowering your taxes.  The grocery sales tax going to 0% earlier than next year was lost.  Because the Governor and a handful of legislators refused to support tax bills that overwhelmingly passed during session, you will continue to pay 2% state sales tax on groceries until Jan 1, 2025.  They blocked those items from becoming law with over $4 billion of taxpayer money sitting in the state coffers.  SB 1 was as good as we could get this year for major tax cuts.  SB 1 also abolishes the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTR) and the County & City Revenue Sharing Fund.  No money has been transferred to these funds for over 20 years.

 

The STAR Bonds program is basically a loan via bonds used to build a project, except STAR Bonds, i.e. loans, are paid off with sales tax and other revenue (taxes) collected in a designated STAR Bond district.  The owner of the property doesn’t pay for the facility being built, the STAR Bonds and taxes pay for most, if not all of it.  HB 2001, expanding STAR Bonds, sailed through the special session.  It didn’t have the votes during regular session, but over 30 lobbyists were hired to push it during a “special session”.  HB 2001 allows STAR Bonds to be issued and to pay for 70% of a Chiefs, Royals, and/or practice stadiums to be built.  It also allows for STAR Bonds to pay for businesses like restaurants, hotels and others, with sales taxes and other revenue (taxes).  Previous STAR Bond projects were funded at 50%, not 70%, and had a 20 year payback, not the 30 year payback in HB 2001.  Another change is that 100% of taxes collected on alcohol sales can be used to pay off the bonds.  Can you believe the law requires revenues filed with Kansas Department of Revenue in connection to STAR bonds for sports stadiums “shall be kept confidential” and if disclosed subject to legal penalties?  And then the law puts a handful of legislative leaders in control of extensions and one person in charge of the program.  Local tax money, property taxes and such, could also be used to develop these stadiums.  Just look at Wyandotte County property taxes to see what exempting the NASCAR racetrack and other properties do for local homeowners in the area.  They have some of the highest mill levies, which means higher taxes.  Another question, how will they secure the property to build?  Eminent domain was used to force homeowners, landowners, businesses, and even a church to sell their property to build a racetrack.  There are always reasons to vote yes or no on a bill, but the negatives outweighed the excitement of one of the most generous giveaways to a professional sports team ever, so I voted No.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of June 17

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June 17, 2024                                                                             Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

 

Clinton Walker, Rachel Walker, Marla Heckman, Mike Wunderly, Deb Needleman, Bo Casper, Michael Hoyt, Joe Ludlum, Jean Tucker, Pete Owenby, and Brent M. Smith were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

 

Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.

 

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 6-10-2024, approval of payroll totaling $238,157.83, and approval of accounts payable totaling $361,343.72. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

Clint Walker spoke about how quickly the Road and Bridge crew was out replacing a downed stop sign and stated the mowing crew was doing an excellent job.

 

 

Joe Ludlum thanked the Commissioners for signing the solar project and stated he doubted that county zoning could have improved it. Mr. Ludlum said he thinks that all PILOT funds from solar and wind should be distributed. Mr. Ludlum spoke of how Linn County and Coffey County benefit from electric power and urged the Commissioners to disband any committee charged with setbacks as agreements have already been signed. Mr. Ludlum stated solar panels are in yards and on rooftops and that KDHE should be the one to decide if the solar panels are safe. Mr. Ludlum stated he is a lease holder and is among 70 who signed with wind and 30 who signed with solar. Mr. Ludlum said that for the wind turbines the landowner receives $15,000 per turbine and that solar is on a per acre basis which can be anywhere from $250-$2500 per acre. Mr. Ludlum said he currently has a property leased now for hunting and pasture ground and will make more in one year on solar than he would in ten years leased for hunting and pasture.

 

 

Michael Hoyt thanked the Commissioners for all the work they did on the hospital and stated now that there is a plan in the open, he is 100% behind it as long as there is transparency. Michael referred to a comment made last week how individual’s party affiliation is nobody’s business and stated he knows what presidents he voted for but that is nobody’s business.

 

 

Mary Pemberton stated last week the Commission approved fireworks permits and resolution 21-91 states” whereas the Board of County Commissioners find that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Bourbon County to regulate the sale and display of fireworks and the location of stands for the said sale and display.” Mary said if you can regulate one industry why can’t you regulate another such as solar and wind. Jim said they are moving forward with Mary’s request to form a committee to work on setbacks.

 

Deb Needleman asked for the same amount of funding as last year for the 2025 year for Bourbon County Senior Citizens. Deb said that last year it was decided to take money from their budget to pay SEK Area Agency on Aging directly for the Meals on Wheels food prep and she said they are ok with that provided the quality of the food remains acceptable. Deb stated they have volunteers who work approximately 150 hours a month at the center and they provide 92 monthly meal boxes to seniors and 150 families in the community receive commodities every other month. Deb explained they are looking for grants to repair and stabilize the north wall of their building.

 

Rob Harrington said he would like to give an overview of what went into the project to get healthcare into Bourbon County. Rob stated in 2022 they began the process of bringing in Legacy and they were approached by the ER and at that point the Commissioners waived the lease rate to keep the ER. Rob said that soon after that we had to forego clinic rent of approximately $23,000 per month to get the helipad. Rob said thanks to REDI and Bourbon County the hospital building is now full with the SEK Mental Health Center and Kansas Renewal Institute. Rob stated KRI has 60 new employees and added a needed and necessary service to the state and they currently have a waiting list of over 100 kids who need care. Rob stated that multiple organizations were spoken to in attempts to bring in an ER only and that with Freeman we now will have a hospital as well. Rob thanked the Commissioners, the committee who helped with the retail sales tax, and the EMS staff for all their hard work.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, presented a disaster relief application for Terry and Patricia West’s barn that was destroyed by a tornado on April 26, 2024. Clifton made a motion to approve the abatement for the barn destroyed by a tornado at 1674 115th Street. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented nine letters that were received by individuals who are interested on being on the solar panel committee. After discussion it was determined to add the letters to the end of next week’s meeting. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to open the letters and contact those individuals and invite them to the next meeting. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved  Jennifer presented a title for EMS unit #1 for the Chairman to sign and explained this unit was approved for trade in last year on a remount ambulance that is now ready for delivery. Clifton made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign the title. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer presented the lease agreement for the Sany mini excavator that was approved for Public Works to purchase at last week’s meeting. Brandon made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the lease agreement. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Jennifer reminded the Commissioners of the budget work session that will take place next week beginning at 1:00 in the Commission Room.

 

Brandon stated he did not have any comments for tonight.

 

Jim said he was contacted by the interim President at FSCC who would like to meet with Bourbon County and the City of Fort Scott to discuss roads at the college. Jim said no decisions would be made that this was just fact finding. Brandon said he is fine with Jim meeting with them. Jim said received an invitation to represent the Commission and attend a finance meeting on July 2nd in Chanute with Senator Moran. Clifton and Brandon stated they are fine with that.

 

Clifton made a motion that the three Commissioners will be at the budget work session next Monday. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:21. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                    ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

6-24-2024                               Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Aletha Koppa

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Aletha F. Koppa, age 87, a former resident of Kansas City, Kansas, and more recently of Paola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the North Point Skilled Nursing Center in Paola, Kansas. She was born May 8, 1937, in Walker, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Willa Harden. Aletha married Herman Koppa on April 14, 1957, in Nevada, Missouri.

Aletha occasionally worked as a file clerk; however, her main occupation was being a devoted wife and mother to her five children. She worked hard making sure the needs of her family were met. Special memories were made while camping and spending time at the lake with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Herman, of Paola and her five children, Linda Peters and husband, Randall of Olathe, Kansas, Roger Koppa of Texas, Beverly Koppa, of Olathe, Kansas, Doug Koppa of Kansas City, Kansas and Mark Koppa of Paola, Kansas; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Donald Harden of Nevada, Missouri.

Aletha was preceded in death by four brothers, Darrell, Dutch, Allen and Charles Harden and three sisters, Marguerite Kittsmiller, Rosemary Brundridge, and Glady Newby.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery, Hiattville, Kansas. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association 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.

 

Bourbon County Local News