Fort Scott, Government, Kansas, Youth

Kansas Dept. of Children and Families New Building To Open Soon In Fort Scott

Leave a comment

 

The Department of Children and Families, National Avenue and Wall Street, August 2024, a new multi-million dollar investment in Fort Scott’s downtown area will open soon.

 

The new  Department of Children and Families building is located at  National Avenue and Wall Street and is 13, 642 square feet.

 

“The new building will include safety features to protect employees and clients such as secure interview rooms, electronic access management system, a video surveillance system and other office renovations to suit the functionality and needs of DCF,” said Anita Cooper, Southeast Regional Director for the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

Taken from X.com

“A more centralized location will make it easier for residents in Fort Scott and the surrounding area to access the service center,” she said. “The new building puts us back in the downtown area where we were originally located. We are excited to be a part of the downtown community! ”

 

The Kansas Department for Children and Families offers a wide range of programs and services to help vulnerable Kansans.

 

“As of May 2024 (the most recent report), the total number of households in Bourbon County served by DCF was 878,” Cooper said. “That includes 21 served by the Temporary Assistance to Needing Families (TANF) program, 817 served by food assistance (FA) and 40 served by child care assistance (CC). The Fort Scott office also manages the cases for people living in Linn County. Total households served in Linn County: 419 (5 TANF, 402 FA and 12 CC). In addition, Child Protection Services provides child and family well-being services to approximately 417 families a year out of our Fort Scott office.”

There are 29 staff members based out of the Fort Scott office with hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The new building is located at 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott. The phone, fax, etc. will all remain the same numbers when they move in, in the next month.

“We are leasing our current office location at the Fort Scott Professional Building, 710 W. 8th St. We’ve been in this location since 2009. The new building will be leased as well through SilverRock Ventures, LLC based out of Junction City,” Cooper said.

 

Kendall Schoenrock, of  SilverRock Ventures, is the

owner and builder of the building.

Submitted graphic.

“We will own it and it is leased to the State of Kansas Department for Children and Families,” Schoenrock said. “The State will look to take occupancy (of 10 S. National Avenue) in the next four weeks or so.”

Schoenrock purchased the property on August 31, 2023, which was originally known as the Downtowner Hotel building.

“This project is very important for the State of Kansas, to retain jobs in Fort Scott,” Schoenrock said in a prior interview https://fortscott.biz/news/ks-department-of-children-and-families-office-building-is-being-built-at-wall-and-national-avenue. “They could have moved the DCF to another community. In addition, it will spur money for retail and restaurants in the downtown area.”

“This project will get a lot of people for downtown businesses,” he said. “They will eat downtown, shop downtown, etc.”

The demolition was done by Skitch’s Hauling and Excavating, Inc.

After demolition was completed, his team got to work putting the building on the south side of the lot, with parking on the north.

“Many people helped make this happen,” he said. “Bailey Lyons with Lyons Realty Group, Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development and Brad Matkin and Matthew Wells, with the city. And Arnold Scholfield with the Fort Scott Design Review Board provided good, solid feedback for the project.”

“They should be praised,” he said. “Fort Scott has been very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more support from the city. That’s what is needed to spur development.”

Name In Stone

There is a name in stone on the north facade of the new building in honor of a SilverRock employee who died on this job site this year.
Mike Anders. Submitted photo.
“Mike Anders was a long-time employee and close friend,” Schoenrock said. “Sadly he passed away on the job site on April 4th, 2024. It was not work-related.”
Obituary

Obituary of Raymond Kalm Sr.

2 Comments

 

Raymond Henry Kalm, Sr., age 87, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas, surrounded by his family.  He was born March 22, 1937, near Mulberry, Kansas, the son of Lewis Hurl Kalm and Nellie Louise Pence Kalm.

Raymond graduated from Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1955.  He went on to further his education at K-State University.  Raymond served with the Kansas Army National Guard from 1959 to 1965.  In 1967, he was united in marriage to Bettie Garrens.  They made their home in Kansas City where they raised their boys, Randy, Raymond, Ronnie and Tommy.

Raymond worked as a freight conductor for the Frisco Railroad which later became Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.  For thirty-six years, he rode the rails between Kansas City and Ft. Scott and maintained homes in both locations.  In addition to working on the railroad, he also farmed and raised cattle all his life.

Raymond took an active role in raising his boys.  He helped with their Boy Scout troop and went on many camping and hiking trips.  He was proud of the fact that three of his sons became Eagle Scouts.  In later years, Raymond was active with the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Committee, the American Legion and also served as treasurer of the Sheffield Cemetery Association.

Above all, Raymond loved spending time with his family.  He loved to plan and attend family gatherings for any occasion.  He was a member of the Hannon Free Will Baptist Church near Liberal, Missouri.

One of Raymond’s daily passions was to help someone else, and he was grateful that he was the beneficiary of assistance from many friends and neighbors.

 

Survivors include his children, Randy Kalm (Lynn) of North Kansas City, Missouri, Raymond Kalm, Jr. (Lori) of Stillwell, Kansas, Ronnie Kalm (Julie) of North Kansas City, Missouri and Tommy Kalm (Racquel) of Carl Junction, Missouri; six grandchildren, Randy Kalm, Jr., Tyler Kalm, Micah Heizer, Paige Kalm, Garrett Kalm, Katie Hudson; and four great-grandchildren, Blake, Sabrina, Angel and Christian.   Raymond also affectionately includes Jazzy Robinson and Kloe Hamilton among his granddaughters.   Also surviving are his stepchildren, Karla Tersiner (Jeff) of Hepler, Kansas, Mark Burr (Pat) of Centerview, Missouri and Rod Burr (Debbie) of Elkton, Maryland; a brother, Lewis Kalm of Frontenac, Kansas and a sister, Kathryn Doerfler of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Hurl and Nellie Kalm, his longtime special friend, Irene Thomas, his second wife, Kay Burr Kalm and his brother, Keith Kalm.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 5th at the Hannon Free Will Baptist Church in Liberal, Missouri.

Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery near Arcadia, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Hannon Free Will Baptist Church 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

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

The 2024 Old Settlers Picnic Photo Highlights

Leave a comment

The 2024 Old Settlers Picnic had dancing, running/walking, fishing, church, bingo, pickleball, kids games, and rodeos that all led up to the highlight event of the parade at Uniontown on Labor Day.

The community and surrounding areas enjoyed the food, crafts, vendors, car show, and parade on Labor Day. People picnicked in the park, enjoyed the baby parade, recognition of old settlers, kids games and raffles/contests.

The Holt family were the grand marshalls of the parade, with Marilyn Holt, the matriarch,  sitting front and center on the float,  along with three of her children Debbie Likely, Randy Holt and Susan Eldridge,their spouses,their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her oldest son, Kenny, died in 2019, and her husband Kent, “Poke”, died in 2021. The Holts have been bankers in Bourbon County since 1901.

Horse riders bring up the tail of the parade on Sept.2 at the  Old Settlers Picnic.
The class of Uniontown High School 2026 in the parade.
The U.H.S Freshman Class.
The alumni Class of 1959.
The U.H.S Class of 1964.
The U.H.S. Class of 1974.
Fort Scott Community College students in the parade.
Members of Bethel Community Baptist Church in the parade.
The younger Uniontown foot players in the parade.
The U.H.S. Football Team.
Uniontown Cheerleaders.
The Marching Eagles Band.
The Holt family with Marilyn (center, right in blue shirt) and her descendants on the float.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office leads the parade.
Opinion

Figs and Innards by Carolyn Tucker

Leave a comment

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Figs and Innards

 

My dad was about ten years old when he went fishing with his brother-in-law, John. While walking back to my grandparents’ house, Dad was bitten by a water moccasin. He   yelled out and Uncle John turned around to see what had happened. He offered to carry  Dad home, but he insisted on walking. By the time they reached the house, the poison had circulated all through his little body. My grandmother quickly killed a chicken and laid the innards on the bite. (The heat from the innards was supposed to draw out the poisonous venom.) After several days of being critically ill, Dad finally recovered. The fang marks on his ankle were still visible when he told me this story.

 

In 2 Kings 20:1-7, we find an interesting incident regarding a boil. King Hezekiah had an infection from a boil that was aggressive and life threatening. The prophet Isaiah came to him and said, “Get your house in order; you’re going to die.” Hezekiah prayed earnestly  and wept bitterly. God told Isaiah to turn around and say to the king, “God has heard your prayer and seen your tears and will heal you. He will add 15 years to your life.” Then Isaiah told the King’s servants to lay a cake of figs on the boil and Hezekiah recovered.

 

I wonder if Isaiah’s odd instructions made any sense to the king’s servants. I don’t think  Hezekiah would have recovered if the servants had refused to obey orders. Maybe a fig poultice was a common remedy for a malady back then. Maybe not. Believers don’t have to understand the “why” or “how” to what God is whispering in our heart. Just do it in faith. We need to learn to obey without trying to figure it out in our little pea brain. No matter how smart we think we are, we can never outthink or outsmart God. He’ll never be impressed with our IQ, but He is pleased with simple obedience.

 

At the exodus from Egypt, God told the Israelites, “’Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.‘ Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward” (Jeremiah 7:23-24 NKJV). God expects us to learn His Word and do (obey) what it says…for our own good.

 

I believe there are times in a Christ follower’s life that God will ask us to do something in order to test our love, obedience, and trust in Him. “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart” (Proverbs 17:3 NLT). If we fail the test, we simply get to take it again (and again) until we pass it. God doesn’t tempt us (that’s what Satan does) but He will test us every so often. We don’t enjoy tests, but they reveal our spiritual condition. And the purpose of these tests is usually beyond our human understanding.

 

Also, God possibly tests us so we can see what we’re made of — God already knows, but we need to know. I always taste test my mashed potatoes several times before I set the bowl on the table. This side dish has to have the perfect amount of salt, butter, and milk before it’s moved to the dinner table. God is always trying to help us become more like Him. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8 NLT).

 

The Key: Believers need to obey because there’s no other way to pass the test.

Area News, Health Care

Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund 2024 Grant Application Now Open

Leave a comment

 

 

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is pleased to announce that the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund 2024 grant applications are now open.

In 2007, the establishment of the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund at CFSEK was a philanthropic beginning for women helping women in our area. Today, the Fund is made up of the Women’s Giving Circle, the Circle of Friends, and the Nightingale Endowment.

 

Annual memberships in these giving circles support the awarding of grants to carry on the group’s mission, “To improve the health and wellbeing of women by supporting education, increasing awareness, and sharing quality of life opportunities to benefit all women.”

 

Since its inception, the Women’s Health Fund has granted over $400,000 to improve women’s health throughout Southeast Kansas, including $52,511 in grants last year. The annual support provided by these memberships not only help provide immediate grants, but they also build the endowment so that more grant dollars are available every year.

 

“The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund is an inspiring example of what can be achieved by a dedicated group combining their resources to improve their community,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “We are blessed with so many compassionate and caring women in our area who are committed to the improvement women’s healthcare in our region.”

Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App. Applications close on September 30th.

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is pleased to be the host agency for the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund. CFSEK serves the region by helping donors fulfill their charitable giving goals in ways that benefit the common good and improve the quality of life. If you would like to learn more about the CFSEK or the RJB Women’s Giving Circles, please visit SoutheastKansas.org/WHF or call 620-231-8897.

Obituary

Obituary of Daryl Roller

Leave a comment

Heaven became a lot more fun on August 20, 2024, when Daryl Lee Roller, 79, of Lenexa, passed away suddenly while vacationing in France. This proud Navy veteran and his wife of 53 years, Christy (Larson) Roller, had just visited Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in Normandy.

Daryl Roller was born on April 3, 1945, in Holton, Kansas, to Donald and Dorothy (Sawhill) Roller. He married Christy Larson on August 7, 1971. They made their home in Fort Scott, Kansas, until 2010.

Daryl served in the United States Navy from 1966-1969. He was assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 in Alameda, California and made two cruises to Vietnam aboard the USS Enterprise, CVA-65. The United States Navy was always an important part of his life. He visited and vacationed with sailors with whom he served 50+ years ago. Vacations with their families will always bring funny and fond memories.

Daryl received a Bachelor of Science degree in Printing Management from Kansas State College of Pittsburg. He was one of the first employees to begin operations at Ward/Kraft, Inc. in 1972. He retired from Ward/Kraft in 1999 as Vice-President/National Sales Manager. For the last 10 years of his working career, he served as the Director of Development at Fort Scott Community College. His coworkers remember him as being honest, with integrity and impossible handwriting!

While living in Fort Scott, Daryl held membership or leadership positions in a variety of organizations: Fort Scott Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast, United Way, American Cancer Society, Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees, the First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 25, and VFW Post 1165. He was still a member of VFW Post 1165, serving as the post surgeon. In the 1990’s, he was elected to the Fort Scott City Commission, serving one year as Mayor. Daryl never hesitated to participate in Relay for Life skits, always allowing himself to be dressed in ridiculous costumes.

Since moving to Lenexa, Daryl had been active in the Lenexa United Methodist Church, volunteered as a docent at The National World War I Memorial and Museum and served as Service Officer and Adjutant for American Legion Post 327 in Shawnee. He was also part of the Post’s Honor Guard, participating in weekly funerals at the National Cemetery in Leavenworth and cemeteries around the KC Metro area. He and his Honor Guard squad had performed color guard duties for the KC Royals, Chiefs, and most recently Sporting KC.

Daryl chaired the VFW Post 1165 committee that raised the funds and coordinated the erection and dedication of the U.S. Navy Memorial in Fort Scott National Cemetery. This remains one of his greatest achievements and will be around for generations to come.

Daryl served many important roles in the family: field trip leader for the grandsons, “Roller Compound” Equipment Manager for Amy and Beth, and dogsitter extraordinaire! He would say his favorite hobby was cleaning and repurposing someone else’s “disregards” or, as his family lovingly called it, dumpster diving. There are many items in each of our homes that will always remind us of him.

Daryl is survived by his wife Christy, three daughters: Amy Roller, Beth Roller, Sarah (Trenton) Moots; two grandsons, Caleb and Noah Moots; brother Dale Roller; and sisters Delores Kratochvil & Donna Larrison. Daryl was also very close to his nieces, nephews, extended family on both sides, many lifelong friends, and grand dogs!

Daryl will always be remembered for his faith, patriotism, love and support of family and friends, his fun-loving spirit, strong work ethic and loyalty. He had a servant’s heart and truly gave his all to leave the world a better place.

Visitation will be on September 9th, from 5-7 pm at Amos Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive in Shawnee.

The memorial service will be at Amos on September 10th at 2 pm. Following the service, a reception will be held at the American Legion, 6521 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, Kansas.

After his ashes have been received from France, a graveside service will be held at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lenexa United Methodist Church, Tunnels to Towers, or a veterans’ charity of your choice

Area News, Bourbon County

Bourbon County Coalition Meets Sept. 4

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

We will be meeting at the Keyhole this week for our September 4 General Meeting. The Keyhole is located at the corner of 10th. and Main Street across from the south end of the Fort Scott High School. See you Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at The Keyhole

 

 

 

  1. Welcome: 

 

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1. Program:  Judy Hood will give us an update on The Keyhole.

October program will be by Dustin Emmett, Retain Outreach Coordinator for SEKANSASWORKS.

 

  1. Open Forum:

 

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be October 2, 2024.

 

Obituary

Obituary of John Wort

Leave a comment

John Dale Wort, age 82, a resident of Fort Scott, KS passed peacefully on August 19th, 2024. John was born in Pittsburg, KS on September 13, 1941. John is survived by lifelong partner Linda Wort, daughter Amber (Jason) Buffington, granddaughter Bridget (Drew) Stoughton, two great granddaughters Genevieve and Violet Stoughton and sister Carol Purselley.

John served in the Army and was a proud veteran. John loved sharing stories of his time served in Berlin to anyone who was willing to lend him an ear. One thing you could count on from him was a good laugh and an ice-cold Pepsi in his hand.

John was a loving man who adorned time spent with his family and friends. He was so loved by anyone who had the opportunity to cross his path. He had a kind heart and soul.

Graveside services for John will be held October 10th, 2024, at 11AM.

John will be receiving military honors and burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywit

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission on Sept. 3

Leave a comment

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

September 3, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1367-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 15, 2024 – August 2024 – $1,831,904.90
  5. Approval of Minutes for August 6, 2024, Regular Meeting – August 20, 2024, Regular Meeting.
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc. – Invoice No. 17444 – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th Improvements – $33,805.45
  7. Request to Pay – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Payment No. 2 – $282,995.42
  8. Request to Pay – Olsson – Project #021-06610 Fort Scott KS Rehabilitate Runway and Taxiway – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-021 (Design) AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-023 (Construction) Summary No. 17 – Professional Services rendered through May 4, 2024 – Invoice No. 497880 – $5,735.07
  9. Request to Pay – Olsson – Project #021-06610 Fort Scott KS Rehabilitate Runway and Taxiway – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-021 (Design) AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-023 (Construction) Summary No. 18 – Professional Services rendered through June 8, 2024 – Invoice No. 501825-Final – $16,815.60
  10. Request to Pay – Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. – Project #021-06610 Fort Scott KS Rehabilitate Runway 18/36 and Taxiways (Asphalt Overlay) – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-023 (Construction) – Invoice No. 4 – Work Completed through May 3, 2024 –$154,949.84

VII.    Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

VIII.     Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting             

              you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

  1. James Wood/Owner of Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National – Temporary Street Closure –September 9, 2024 – 4:00PM to 9:00PM – Pine Street from National to alley Special Event: ‘Straight Outta Clarksdale’
  2. Diane Striler – Update on Downtown Ice Rink MOU

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Consideration to Approve Ordinance No. 3770 – Land Bank Board of Trustees – Appointment – Terms – Dissolution – Tabled from August 20, 2024 – D. Olson
  3. Update of 118 E. Wall – Kruger

 

  1. New Business

Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Proposed Change of Zoning Regulations – Article 20: Supplemental District Regulations – Section 7: Accessory Uses – Storage Containers – Kruger
  2. Consideration of Resolution No. 19-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 1721 E. Wall
  3. Consideration of Resolution No. 20-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 323 W. Wall
  4. Consideration of Resolution No. 21-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 1619 E. Pine
  5. Consideration of Resolution No. 22-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 1105 Scott
  6. Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 402 S. Lowman
  7. Consideration of Resolution No. 24-2024 – Demolition Proceedings for 418 S. Couch
  8. Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2024 – RHID – Housing Needs Resolution – A RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS AS TO THE NEED FOR HOUSING WITHIN THE CITY FOR FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AND SETTING FORTH THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF REAL PROPERTY PROPOSED TO BE DESIGNATED AS ONE OR MORE REINVESTMENT HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS WITHIN THE CITY – G. Herrmann
  9. Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Project No. 22049 Horton St. & 6th Improvements – Contract No. 6 U-2455-01 – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Additional Inlet Protection, Concrete Pipe Encasement, Sanitary Sewer Service, Extra Pothole Work at 8th & Horton, Tree Removal at 7th & Horton – $4,810.00 – J. Dickman
  10. Brick Street Policy Revisions Discussion – B. Matkin
  11. Consideration to research legal requirements and estimated legal costs for the City of Fort Scott to annex southward from the currently southernmost City limits along Jayhawk Road and eastward to envelop the Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Lake Fort Scott, and City-owned land adjacent to Lake Fort Scott – T. Dancer

           

Public Hearing:  2025 Budget Hearing

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2024 – A RESOLUTION TO EXCEED THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE – Hart
  2. Consideration to Adopt the 2025 Budget – Hart
  3. Reports and Comments
  4. City Manager Comments
  5. Engineering Comments
  6.  Commissioners Comments
  7. City Attorney Comments

 

XII.     Adjourn

Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Minutes of August 20

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of August 20, 2024                                                                  Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 20, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Meeting available on City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel. Time stamps according to recording.

 

Meeting called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer. Matthew Wells was absent.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Police Chief, Dave Bruner/Fire Chief, Norm Nation/Lead of Codes Enforcement, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Larry Giddens, Garrett Knight, Cory Bryars, and Michael Hoyt.

 

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

 

Approval of Agenda – (Time stamp 1:46)

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to approve the agenda with the amendments of the typo of August 2, 2024, Minutes of the Regular Meeting (corrected to August 6, 2024) and that those minutes be removed from the current Consent Agenda for a correction to the Memorial Hall Proposal in the amount of $82,393.00 to Mid-Continental Restoration Co., Inc. before approval. It appeared in the minutes as $823,000.00.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

Public Comment

            Laramie Giddens – (Time stamp 3:21) – 1618 E. Elm – appeared before the Commission in support of the request for a zoning change from residential to commercial for the purpose of a mechanic’s shop at 223 N. Franklin. He addressed the various issues expressed by his neighbors at the July 24, 2024, Planning Commission meeting of Case No. 1047 as well as his concern for consideration of personal property rights.

Cory Bryars – (Time stamp 3:21) – commended Laramie Giddens on a job well done in expressing his opinions to the Commission.  He appeared to update on the public 501c3 organization, Care to Share. He stated that he last appeared on July 2, 2024. He expressed his thanks to the City for their support in the golf tournament where they raised approximately $20,000.00 net proceed. He wanted to share with the community what they have achieved and what they can give back. They are fully volunteer and raise money by fundraising events and donations.  He explained the various things the organization does for cancer fighters, their families and their caregivers. He asked that he wanted the community to be aware that Care To Share is available to help in Bourbon, Crawford and Linn County, they are fully volunteer, they welcome volunteers and donations. They can be contacted through Facebook (CareToShareSEK) or by calling (620) 644-9090. They are housed at the old hospital, and he thanked Legacy, KRI and upcoming Freeman. The upcoming fundraiser will be a 3-day event called Fort Fest 24, September 27, 28 and 29 at Riverfront Park. Details are available on Facebook (FortScottFortFest) and local flyers.

Michael Hoyt – (Time stamp 14:45) – appeared before the Commission and thanked everyone who took the time to sign the petition enabling a vote to move from three (3) to five (5) County Commissioners. He stated that they were seventy-five (75) signatures short and a week until the deadline, however the County Commissioners agreed to pass a resolution (at their last meeting).

 

Appearances

            Dave Bruner/Fire Chief (Time stamp 16:21) – appeared before the Commission in the absence of Mike Miles/Deputy Fire Chief to an upcoming event, Fort Scott Fire Department’s First Annual 9/11 Stair Climb, 5K Run and Walk Challenge on Saturday, September 7, 2024, beginning about 8:45AM at FSHS. Registration and details are available on Facebook (Fort Scott Fire Department), by QR codes on flyers around town, calling the fire station at (620) 223-8106 or Mike Miles at [email protected]. Volunteers are welcome for the events and there are business sponsorships available, or donation of water is appreciated. The money raised by the event will be used for the training of high school seniors who want to move into the fire service with the FSFD.

Alison Leach – (Time stamp 20:11) – Mowing Proposal – did not appear.

 

Unfinished Business

Consideration to Approve Ordinance No. 3769 – Golf Cart Ordinance – (Time stamp 21:29) – Tabled from July 29, 2024, and August 6, 2024

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approved Ordinance No. 3769 after striking Section 1(b) due to repetitive phrase in Section 1(f).  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration to Approve Ordinance No. 3770 – Land Bank Board of Trustees – Appointment – Terms – Dissolution – (Time stamp 23:51)

  1. Olson presented the concerns regarding the stability of the current Land Bank Board and offered several suggestions for the Commission to consider. Discussion was had about the options. M. Hoyt offered a suggestion as a member of the Land Bank Board.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table this item until September 3, 2024.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  K. Salsbury, T. VanHoecke and T. Dancer voted yes.  D. Olson voted no.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 3-1 VOTE.

 

New Business

Action Items:

Consideration of Land Bank Board Membership Term Limit for Bailey Lyons – (Time stamp 38:00) – Staff Request for Commission Action by Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing and Community Development Director.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the request to extend Bailey Lyons’ term on the Land Bank Board through February 2025.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION APPROVED BY 4-0 VOTE.

           

Public Hearing:

Case No. 1047 – Request for Zoning Change from Residential to Commercial (C3) for the Purpose of a Mechanic’s Shop at 223 N. Franklin – Garrett Knight – Not recommended by the Planning Commission on July 24, 2024.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:39PM (Time stamp 39:20).  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 39:23)

 

(Time stamp 39:59) – Garrett Knight (applicant) addressed the Commission regarding his request for the zoning change. He presented a map and stated that the building and driveway placement is not official. He stated that he is willing to work with the neighbors regarding their objections to the details of his plans. Franklin Street is a collector street, and the amount of traffic is ideal for a business. The property to the north and to the west are empty lots, the property to the south is an abandoned house, two (2) blocks down is where Topco used to operate, and he does not feel it is an extremely residential area due to the amount of traffic going through; specifically farm traffic.  G. Knight addressed questions from the Commission.

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 41:17)

 

Answers to questions as follows:  The Planning Commission meeting of July 24, 2024, eight (8) people spoke who were not in favor of the location. G. Knight stated that he talked with them briefly afterwards and a lot of their concerns were about traffic. He stated that he does not completely understand that because Franklin is a busy street already. He understands them not wanting traffic on the road directly to the north of the property, so he is willing to put a driveway coming off Franklin Street. He stated the other comments were not wanting to see a shop, but he is more than willing to put up a privacy fence. He does not plan on doing tires, he does heavy line work which is engines, transmissions, and general maintenance. He already has a service that picks up his scrap on a weekly basis and a trash dumpster. He stated it is not his intention to have clutter. He hopes to have two (2) or three (3) employees but currently he is a one-man operation. He has been looking for two (2) years and finds there are not a lot of affordable options for location. He likes this lot because it is a double lot that is expandable in the future. There are no appropriate properties in the Land Bank.  K.

 

Salsbury stated that if the property is rezoned and he decided to leave, a concern of hers would be what would replace it.  G. Knight stated that he has heard that special use permits have been granted for one-time use.

 

Discussion was had about other property options.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:48PM (Time stamp 48:44).  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to deny case No. 1047.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSEDY BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

  1. VanHoecke stated that the Commission took the Planning Commission’s recommendation into consideration, and he looked at the property. He encouraged G. Knight not to give up. He stated that they would keep their eyes open for a more suitable property that does not have the same community push back and he would support that 1000%. He stated that he understands the opposition based on the condition of current shops in town and that their decision was not personal.

 

  1. Hoyt offered G. Knight the opportunity to look at Land Bank properties with him the following day.

 

  1. Dancer stated that we do need small businesses in town, and he was sorry that the Commission was not able to accommodate his request.

 

Reports and Comments        

City Manager (Time stamp 52:17)

– Lake rearing pond – will be turned off possibly middle of the week. It was    turned on due to the blue-green algae.

            – Water line replacement at VanFossen and Wall St. due to road replacement

– Road work at Clark and 12th

– Horton St. Project – currently tearing up 6th to 8th Street

 

City Engineer (Time stamp 54:03)

            – Horton St. update – rained out last week causing delay, 6th to 8th St. full replacement, storm sewer issue at 7th, sidewalk work starting on west side of     Horton causing activity in the right-of-way.

 

 

  1. Salsbury – (Time stamp 54:59) – no comments

 

 

  1. VanHoecke – (Time stamp 55:08)

– Start date for Memorial Hall façade repair – L. Kruger stated he was told by     Chase Halsey that fencing would go up immediately and work would begin by the end of that week or next week.

– Golf Course: Land that was given for construction of pond between holes four     (4) and thirteen (13), appears to be growing exponentially compared to where the            initial digs were performed and beyond what the Commission had agreed.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin was directed to verify that they are staying within the agreed upon amount of land.

 

  1. Olson – (Time stamp 56:44)

– Cape Seal Project – B. Matkin stated it is starting very soon. Watch for updates      on social media and radio.

 

  1. Dancer – (Time stamp 57:30)

            – Thank you to Brad and City staff with budget and especially answering       questions

– Revisit lake lot encroachments and a timeline for course of action, options of        courses of action including but not limited to annexation of the lake.

 

ACTION:  B. Farmer directed to draft estimate of costs for legal options with lake lot

issues in question.

 

– 911 Dispatch Center – statutory costs are a County burden to bear, but the City        is paying 80% of costs. Would like the Commission to investigate options.

– Discussion of continuation of IT Services and other options.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin (and City staff) directed to provide input and feedback to the current process and support that we get.

 

City Attorney – (Time stamp 1:01:11) – no comments.

 

Executive Session – (Time stamp 1:01:17)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the session will be the City Attorney, City Manager, four (4) attending City Commissioners in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 7:10PM to come out with action.  D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved come out of Executive Session. (Time stamp 1:10: 18). D. Olson seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  D. Olson moved to direct legal counsel to draft a thirty (30) day notice to Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) according to our contract with them to inform them that we will be parting ways and authorizing the City Manager and the City Attorney to sign the document and provide a photocopy to the Commission.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

(Time stamp 1:11:34) – B. Matkin updated the Commission on the status of the barber shop at 118 E.  Wall St.    L. Kruger stated that he had been contacted by the last contractor hired by the owner. He was advised that the contractor will not do the scope of work that is required. The contractor wanted an engineer diagram, and the owner would not provide it therefore they parted ways. L. Kruger contacted the engineer and was told that the owner would not pay for the drawings, and they parted ways over a month ago. L. Kruger stated that it is a situation of “when it will fall” not “if it will fall.” Currently there is a two (2) inch void and is buckling which gets worse every day. With upcoming wet, winter weather the ice will act as a wedge and when it falls, it all will fall. The engineer stated that there were three (3) propositions. The most favorable option is to take all bricks down to the ground on the cosmetic layer, lay the bricks back up and pin it to the existing structural wall.  L. Kruger stated it is his opinion that if the owners do not do it quickly, the City will need to step in.

 

Further discussion was had on potential options moving forward.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin was directed to immediately arrange a meeting with the owner, City staff, Fire Department, and City Attorney, to verify the owner’s intentions, provide evidence of insurance on the building to cover the liability of damage to his building as well as the adjoining buildings. He is also directed to obtain the diagrams from the engineer. B. Matkin will then report back to the Commission where options will be discussed. The Commission is open to a special meeting.

 

  1. Farmer commented on the potential legal actions the City can take in the matter.

 

Further discussion was had on the situation and possible outcomes.

 

MOTION: – T. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:24PM – (Time stamp 1:24:52) – D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

AUGUST 20, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:24PM.

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Bourbon County Local News