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The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its 2024 National Fellowship to 12 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the six fellows for June 23 – 28 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 25th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Five other Fellows were in Fort Scott last week.) Upon the presentation of the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough said, “From Gordon Parks to the history of the Fort and the National Cemetery, along with this amazing place, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, we realize that Fort Scott is the home of heroes. Now we add you, the Lowell Milken Fellows to that list of heroes. You influence so many young people. You mold them, inspire them, and give them direction. We truly welcome you to our community and as a small token of our appreciation, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”
The Fellows honored this week were Sarah Espinal from New York, Elisabeth “Bibba” Kahn from Vermont, Leah Lawrence from Missouri, Ashley Libben from Indiana, Matthew Mayeske from Kansas, and Ann Marie Vanneste from Canada. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “We are so honored to be able to network and collaborate with these exemplary educators and provide them with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize, and strategize with each other as they seek to find new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that USDA is partnering with rural Kansans on 23 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs in rural Kansas communities.
“USDA is committed to expanding modern clean energy systems that strengthen our energy independence,” Davis said. “We are excited to partner with family farms and small businesses to help create good-paying jobs and save rural Kansans money.”
The details of the Kansas projects are:
The community was asked to send letters of interest to the Bourbon County Commission this month and at the commission meeting on June 24, seven people were selected out of the nine submission letters sent, according to a press release from the county.
At Monday’s meeting, the commissioners reviewed the letters and announced their selections to those present.
Chairman Jim Harris said the purpose of the committee is to review information and work with all property owners to make recommendations to the County Commission on setbacks.
Those selected for the set-back committee:
Sparky (Don) Schroeder
Samuel Tran
Vance Eden
Jon Eden
Else Moss
Boa Casper
Jean Tucker
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 2:30 pm in the Ellis Fine Art Center 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.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION 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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve Ordinance No. 3764 as presented.
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
– 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
– Gathering Square – concerned about limiting the usage, wants to safeguard
Discussion about Gathering Square events
– 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.
– 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.
– 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
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.