Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Meeting Minutes of Dec. 1

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of December 1st, 2020 Regular Meeting #22

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held December 1st, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in the Corey Larson Gymnasium at Buck Run Community Center, 735 S. Scott Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners P. Allen, and L. Watts were present with Mayor R. Nichols presiding. K. Allen arrived at 3:04 p.m.

INVOCATION: Associate Pastor Brian Rhoades, Grace Baptist Tabernacle, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Russell Lingerfelt, Nate Stansberry, Dave Bruner, Janice Allen, Michael Hoyt, Jeff Hancock, Rachel Pruitt, Ally Turvey, Deb McCoy, Brian Rhoades, Josh Jones, Justin Fraker, Tm Graham, Nancy VanEtten, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.

SWEARING IN OF NEW CITY COMMISSIONER: Diane Clay, City Clerk, administered the oath of office to Josh Jones, new City Commissioner.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 17th, 2020, special meeting minutes of November 19th, 2020 and November 20th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1276-A totaling $333,877.13.

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – $2,255.00 – Airport Expansion Engineering

  1. Request to Pay #14 – Crossland Construction – $47,954.38 – River Intake Structure (final payment)

  1. Request to Pay – #9 – Rory Chaplin – $1,043.38 – MIH Housing Grant

L. Watts moved to approve the Consent Agenda. J. Jones seconded. J. Jones, L. Watts and R. Nichols voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Public Comment:

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

Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt said that he wanted to welcome Josh to the Commission. He wished the best to the former Mayor.

Old Business:

  1. Unsung Heroes Park Deed from the City to Lowell Milken Center – Ally Turvey, Tourism and Community Development Manager, informed the Commission at the last meeting that Norm Conard asked the City to deed over the Unsung Heroes Park to the Lowell Milken Center. She wanted to point out that there is a warranty deed as well as an agreement to approve. The warranty deed will transfer the property from the City to the Lowell Milken Center. The agreement states that if the Lowell Milken Center were to ever to sell the property or the park or not be a park anymore, the property would revert back to the City of Fort Scott. Also, there is a section that the Patrick Flanigan bench that was placed in the park previously will remain in the park. She thanked Norm Conard and Lowell Milken for their investment into our community.

K. Allen moved to approve the deed and agreement transferring the Unsung Heroes Park to the Lowell Milken Center. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED WARRANTY DEED AND AGREEMENT TRANSFERING THE UNSUNG HEROES PARK TO THE LOWELL MILKEN CENTER.

Ally said that while she was at the podium, she wanted to give the Commission an update on some grant opportunities for the City of Fort Scott.

The Kansas Main Street Program has been reopened. This program helps revitalize downtown areas. She and Rachel are signed up for the webinar and will apply for the City to be part of that program.

There is also a new State Historic Preservation Grant opportunity available in the amount from $5,000 to $50,000 as of today. She has sent this out to downtown business owners. This would also be a great help to the City for rehab at Memorial Hall for the steps. She, Rachel and Lindsay Madison are registered for a webinar on this grant opportunity on December 17th. There is information on the City’s website, the City’s facebook page, and the State Historical Preservation website.

Appearances:

Josh Regan – Gunn Park Closure – This was removed from the agenda as this event has been cancelled due to COVID.

Carey Spoon – S.E.K.R.P.C. – Mayco Ace Grant – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that there is a change order request for the Mayco Ace Grant project. There is no monetary request on this change order. There is a letter to Dustin Gale, Kansas Department of Commerce, that explains the need for the change order. There was a tenant who needed a new entrance, and this tenant is no longer a viable tenant so that entrance is not needed now. The gas does need to be brought up to code. This is not funded with City dollars. This change order will go to the Kansas Department of Commerce for their approval.

L. Watts moved to approve the Change Order for Mayco Ace. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, J. Jones, L. Watts, and R. Nichols voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED THE CHANGE ORDER FOR THE MAYOR ACE PROJECT FOR THE SOUTHEAST KANSAS REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION GRANT.

New Business:

  1. Election of City Commission President – City Clerk said that a President of the Commission needs to be elected as Randy Nichols has moved up to Mayor.

P. Allen moved to nominate K. Allen as President of the Commission. There was no second. The motion died for lack of a second.

J. Jones nominated Lindsey Watts as President of the Commission. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LINDSEY WATTS AS PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COMMISSION.

  1. Resolution 19-2020 of the Governing Body to annex property owned by Peerless Products, Inc. into the City limits – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that this is exciting news that she has been working on for at least a year. Peerless is expanding and wishes to annex this property into the City limits. The Planning Commission heard the first parcel of property to rezone from commercial to industrial and will hear the second parcel at the December 14th Planning Commission meeting. All of these three items will come back before the City Commission at their January 5th, 2021 meeting for approval for rezoning and annexation. She asked for approval of Resolution 19-2020. This resolution will be sent to the Bourbon County Commission also.

L. Watts moved to approve Resolution 19-2020. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 19-2020 OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT RELATING TO THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN LOTS LOCATED SOUTH OF THE FORT SCOTT CITY LIMITS. – PEERLESS PRODUCTS, INC.

Rachel said that she also wanted to give an update on the 10 N. National building. She said that they are still determining where this property is best placed at – Land Bank, potential owners-short or long term? This is still in the process. Some of the potential owners are out of town due to the holiday, but the intent is to save the building without using any City funds.

Scott Johnson, building owner, said that he is waiting on the City to write a contract to place the building into the Land Bank. This is pending on lawyers.

  1. Fire Truck Financing Lease Bids – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the financing of the fire truck. Susan stated that the lowest bid was US Bank of Denver, Colorado at an interest rate of 1.75%. There was a local bank, City State Bank that bid an interest rate of 1.94%. This was budgeted at $70,000 annually for the payment. The City State Bank bid would amount to about $10,000 higher but she could take it out of the debt service fund.

L. Watts moved to award the Fire Truck Financing Lease bid to City State Bank at an interest rate of 1.94% with an annual payment of $72,859.00. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, J. Jones, L. Watts, and R. Nichols voted aye. P. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO AWARD THE FIRE TRUCK FINANCING LEASE BID TO CITY STATE BANK AT AN INTEREST RATE OF 1.94% WITH AN ANNUAL PAYMENT OF $72,859.00.

  1. Consideration of Golf Cart Lease Bids – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that 36 golf carts and one beverage cart was bid out for Woodland Hills Golf Course. After looking at the bids, she went and talked to both bidders and both said that the beverage cart was not negotiable for the bids and that their bids included the golf carts also. She talked to the low bidder and decided to reduce the number of golf carts but include the beverage cart and still stay close to the budget. This is for a four-year lease with 34 carts, and 15 fold down windshields and all the add on accessories and the beverage cart. This is about $1,200 over budget, but she feels the revenue they will make off the beverage cart will more than make up for the overage. She recommended Clear Creek Golf Cart of Springfield, Missouri at a cost of $17,641.00 per year.

Discussion was held regarding beverages being brought into the course from private citizens.

L. Watts moved to approve the lease bid from Clear Creek Golf Cart of Springfield, Missouri in the amount of $17,641.00 per year. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE LEASE BID FROM CLEAR CREEK GOLF CART OF SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,641.00 PER YEAR. THIS INCLUDES 34 CARTS AND A BEVERAGE CART.

  1. Consideration of Library Board Member – 1 member – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that letters of interest were recently received for the open position on the Fort Scott Public Library Board. There were three letters of interest received: Margaret Robinson, Samantha Hixon-Baglin, and Ronda Hassig. The Library Board recently met and has recommended the appointment of Ronda Hassig.

L. Watts moved to appoint Ronda Hassig to the Fort Scott Public Library Board. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO APPOINT RONDA HASSIG TO THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD.

  1. Consideration of Lake Advisory Board Member – 1 member – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that letters of interest were recently received for the open position on the Lake Advisory Board. This was due to the death of Tom Brink. This position is for the west side of Lake Fort Scott. There were two letters of interest received: Janet Davis and Harold Martin. The Board recently met and recommendation the appointment of Harold Martin.

L. Watts moved to approve the appointment of Harold Martin to the Lake Advisory Board. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF HAROLD MARTIN TO THE LAKE ADVISORY BOARD.

  1. Lake Fort Scott Discussion:

-Changing Ordinance 12.28.220 to remove the holding tank section of the ordinance as all residences are required to hook up to the Lake Sewer District #1 (Approval of Ordinance No. 3569) -Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that there is an old ordinance that states that all lake residents are required to have holding tanks. This does not apply any more due to the formation of the Lake Sewer District #1. This ordinance specified that Section 2., Chapter 12.28.220 Holding Tank Monitoring System is hereby repealed, and adds Chapter 12.28.250, Lake Fort Scott Sewer District and that all residents are required to hook into this system for their sanitary sewer needs.

L. Watts moved to approve Ordinance No. 3569. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3569 REPEALING SECTION 2, CHAPTER 12.28.220 – HOLDING TANK MONITORING SYSTEM AND ADDING CHAPTER 12.28.250 – LAKE FORT SCOTT SEWER DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.

Discussion was held regarding if the City had holding tanks where the old restrooms were.

K. Allen said he would check into that.

R. Nichols asked if there is clarity to the hookups fees to anyone that signs up at this area now.

Susan said that she has been working with Justin Meeks on the Sewer District Agreement and updating this agreement. She is also asking for St. Martin’s Academy not to have to pay the hook up fee. She will address this later.

Discussion was held regarding the hook up fee. Susan said it is currently $6,000 but she does not want to give the proposed new fee until the agreement is finalized.

-Discussion of buoys at Lake Fort Scott – Travis Shelton, Chief of Police, and Tom Graham, Lake Patrol Officer, gave an update on the buoys at Lake Fort Scott. Travis said that he attended the Lake Advisory Board Meeting on November 21st, 2020. The topic of buoys came up and safety was discussed. He asked Tom Graham to determine the cost of 15 additional buoys at Lake Fort Scott. This will improve the safety for recreational boats and fishing boats while maintaining proper distance from the shoreline. The cost of 15 additional buoys is $3,362.00 which includes chains, quick clamps and cement blocks. The City will place the buoys according to Coast Guard guidelines. This will make a total of 37 buoys at Lake Fort Scott. The buoys are placed 200’ from the shoreline.

K. Allen made a motion for the City to purchase 15 additional buoys at Lake Fort Scott in the amount of $3,362.00. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED FOR THE CITY TO PURCHASE 15 ADDITIONAL BUOYS AT LAKE FORT SCOTT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,362.00. THE CITY WILL PURCHASE AND PLACE THE BUOYS ACCORDING TO COAST GUARD GUIDELINES.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Director Reports:

  1. Susan Bancroft:

Refinancing of City debt – Susan said that she spoke with the City’s bond attorney today, Gilmore & Bell, and there is an opportunity to look at refinancing some of the City’s debt. This could possibly save up to $60,000 to $80,000. She will have more information and Gilmore & Bell will be present at the next meeting.

Update on St. Martin’s Academy – Susan said that she met with the headmaster of St. Martin’s Academy. She is working with them to secure their 2019 and 2020 rural water usage. She will base their sewer rates off of their monthly water usage. For charges from August of 2019 to November of 2020, we will use actual water usage to bill the arrearage based on current rates established. The January 2021 billing will be based on December 2020 usage and so on. All increases in future rates will also apply to St. Martin’s Academy. She is requesting to waive the connection fee for St. Martin’s Academy. The connection to the system was a decision made before her tenure and at the time of connection, the Sewer District did not have a set fee in place.

Water Rates – Susan said that she has analyzed the water utility and because we have a large temporary note, we need to raise water rates. In order to cover costs of this debt, water rates will need to increase 5% in 2021 and 2022. This increase will add approximately $120,000 in additional revenue each year. The City will be able to maintain $300,000 for capital improvements with this increase which will include meter replacement and water line replacement. She asked for approval for the water rate increase.

K. Allen made a motion to table the water rate increase until the next meeting in December. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE WATER RATE INCREASE UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING IN DECEMBER.

Susan said that she is not making any recommendations on sewer rate changes until after the January election. She also does not see any need to increase the storm sewer rates at this time.

Charter Ordinance No. 31 – Susan said that she has given them at the table a financial focus for the City. The budget is looking good and the cash carryover is good. The purpose of Charter Ordinance No. 31 is to allow the Governing Body of the City to have the ability to transfer or in other words, reimburse the General Fund. This will be on a ballot vote on January 5th, 2021. Since State Statute allows cities the ability to exercise Home Rule and create a charter ordinance when state law does not apply uniformly to all cities. The City of Fort Scott currently has agreements with other private utilities to be able to operate in our right of way. These utilities are charged a 5% franchise fee based on gross sales. The reimbursement the Governing Body would be making is very similar to a franchise fee charged to other utilities. These dollars help cover costs for permitting, inspections, utility cuts, and expenses for materials. Often, street crews are responsible for resurfacing utility cuts and these costs are charged to the City’s general fund. If a yes vote prevails, she thinks it would be prudent for the Governing Body to set a maximum reimbursement amount made to the general fund in their financial policies. As with other utilities, this could also be based on gross sales of the utility reimbursing the City.

Discussion was held regarding moving funds from one fund to another.

Discussion was held regarding having a series of work sessions. This could be informative for all the Commissioners.

P. Allen moved to hold work sessions every other Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. starting December 8th, 2020 for the foreseeable future. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO HOLD WORK SESSIONS EVERY OTHER TUESDAY AT 6:00 P.M. STARTING DECEMBER 8TH, 2020 FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

Susan said she has three topics to start with and they all need to be separate work sessions.

L. Watts said she could do the 8th and 29th of December but not the 22nd.

Sales Tax – Susan said that on June 30th, 2021, the existing .5% sales tax will be sunsetting. This sales tax was used for the Aquatic Center and Buck Run Community Center improvements. This sales tax could potentially be renewed by a vote of the people. If the Commission wishes, they could take the renewal of this tax to a ballot vote. Items to look at include the intended purpose of the sales tax, to renew for 5 years or extend for 10 years, and the effective date of renewal – continuation or postpone decision until a later date. To continue with the sales tax with no disruption, a special election must be completed by March 2nd, 2021. She needs these different options looked at so it will come to the next Commission meeting for final approval. One option is to renew the sales tax and designate a certain percentage: Option 1 is to renew the .5% sales tax with 90% for transportation improvements and 10% for parks and community facilities. Option 2 is to increase from .5% to .6% with 90% for transportation improvements and 10% for parks and community facilities.

Ally Turvey gave them an update on the long-term parks and trails project on the transportation side. This would go towards street resurfacing, sidewalks, bike lanes, street drainage, and curb and gutter. This would tie into the Highway 69 Plan, the PedNet plan, and the Smart Growth Plan.

Nate Stansberry, City Engineer, gave an update on streets. He gave them a spreadsheet on the proposed five-year street plan and what it would look like with the passage of the sales tax.

Pete said that our history with sales tax has been a problem in the past.

Commissioners decided this is a good topic for one of their work sessions.

Randy Nichols said that he would like to see continued health care discussed in the City of Fort Scott.

Assessment Abatement – Susan informed the Commission that there is a property at 124 E. 3rd Street that has a prospective buyer. There is $4,500 in mowing assessments on this property.

Discussion was held regarding who the prospective buyer is.

Susan could not divulge that information at this time. She did tell them that they have improved four or five other homes in Fort Scott.

L. Watts made a motion to forgive the mowing assessments in the amount of $4,500 for the property at 124 E. 3rd Street. R. Nichols seconded. L. Watts and R. Nichols voted aye. K. Allen, P. Allen, and J. Jones voted no. Motion denied 3-2.

DENIED TO FORGIVE THE MOWING ASSESSMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500 FOR THE PROPERTY AT 124 E. 3RD STREET.

This subject was scheduled for a work session also.

County Tax Sale – Susan said that when the County holds their tax sale, the subject of any City assessments will need to be discussed also. When the property sells, it would sell at what is owed the City before it can be sold, and the prospective owner would have to pay that amount. This would be a good topic for a work session also.

Nate Stansberry: Nate informed the Commission that Friday, December 4th is his last day with the City of Fort Scott. He will be moving back to Vermont to his hometown to be the City Manager. This will place him close to his family members also. He thanked them for the opportunity to work for the City of Fort Scott.

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Lindsey welcomed Josh Jones to the Commission. She is excited to see what they can accomplish together as a Board. She is excited to announce that the Commission will be meeting with Osenbaugh Associates in the next couple of weeks to discuss the City Manager search. There are currently 12 applicants. They are looking to hold a special meeting on December 14th and look at the applications. This special meeting will be held in executive session due to confidentiality issues.

J. Jones – Josh thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve as a Commissioner. He brought up the Christmas tree at Skubitz Plaza and the condition it is in.

Susan said that we will be looking at fundraising next year to replace the tree.

P. Allen – Nothing to report.

K. Allen – Kevin said that he talked to Clifton Beth of the Bourbon County Commission regarding a possible combined meeting of the City and County Commissions. They are looking at possible dates.

Kevin said that he was contacted by Craig Campbell who has a vendor that is willing to sell roller skates at $16.00 a pair. He has 200 skates.


Kevin also welcomed Josh Jones to the Commission.

R. Nichols – Randy said that he is looking forward to having work sessions to help them work together better.

He said that a meeting with the County is a good idea, but he isn’t sure that we have our own house in order yet. He would like this meeting to be held when we are all on the same page and can move the City and County forward.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Nothing to report.

Interim City Manager Report and Comments: Jeff said that he plans to have a City Manager letter with each agenda to explain each item as well as what he has been doing all week. This letter is public to the press as well. With Nate leaving, he believes we can get along with others helping fill in to assist the Codes Department.

Adjournment:

L. Watts moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:42 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:42 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, MMC

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Nov. 30

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 30, 2020 Special Meeting #17

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 30th, 2020 at 6:15 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, and Lindsey Watts were present with President of the Commission Randy Nichols presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Russell Lingerfelt, Max Fanning, Josh Jones, Janice Allen, Deb McCoy, Michael Hoyt, Seth Needham, Jeff Deane, City Attorney, and Jeff Hancock, Interim City Manager.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Review submitted letters of interest and submitted names by City Commissioners for the open City Commission position

Randy Nichols, Mayor, called the meeting to order. He said that the purpose of this meeting is to review the letters of interest and any submitted names by the City Commissioners. He discussed how to proceed with this meeting with Jeff Deane, City Attorney. He asked the Commission to discuss what qualities they would like to see in a Commissioner. He will then ask for a vote and each Commissioner will verbally cast their vote by publicly stating the candidate they wish to fill the position.

There were ten (10) letters of interest submitted. They are as follows in the order received by the City:

Bob Beckham

Kathryn Salsbury

Deb McCoy

Jeremy Lockwood

Josh Jones

William Meyer

Ann Rawlins

Tracy Dancer

Nicholas Philpott

Garold Billionis

After much deliberation and discussion, Kevin Allen made the motion to appoint Josh Jones to the position of City Commissioner. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO APPOINT JOSH JONES TO THE POSITION OF CITY COMMISSIONER.

ADJOURNMENT:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:20 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Interim City Manager Report Dec. 9

Leave a comment

Interim City Manager Report

The Honorable Mayor and December 9, 2020

City Commissioners

City of Fort Scott, Kansas Letter No. 20-002

FROM: J. Jeff Hancock, Interim City Manager

SUBJECT: City Manager Report

Dear Mayor and Commission Members:

Observations and Activities

As previously indicated, I plan to continue to provide you a written report ahead of each regular Commission meeting that will go out with the Agenda. Hopefully, this will not only provide a running report on my activities, communicate to the Press and our citizens, but may also provide recommendations and comments for your review during the Interim City Manager Report previously at the end of the Commission meeting. This upcoming Commission meeting moves this report further up on the Agenda.

Although I started work at City Hall on Wednesday November 18 and have met many city staff members and fellow employees, I still have not had time to take individual tours with all the Department Directors. Hopefully, I can find time to make this happen. Although telephone conversations have taken place, I still want to meet in person and spend some personal time with Commissioners Kevin Allen and Pete Allen.

Monday of last week, I attended a Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting and then a Special City Commission meeting whereupon the Commission voted to replace former Commissioner JoLynne Mitchell with new Commissioner Josh Jones. Congratulations to Josh. I look forward to working with you.

Throughout my stay, I have been fortunate to meet several Fort Scott citizens. Tuesday morning of last week I met with Deb McCoy. At six p.m. that same day I attended the Fort Scott City Commission meeting. Wednesday morning, I participated in the weekly City Department meeting and then met with City Development staff to discuss the departure of Nathan Stansberry and the short term and long-term efforts for Community and Economic Development. As a result of that meeting, I appointed Allyson Turvey Acting City Zoning Administrator. I was also able to meet with a developer and city staff on the alley project and water drainage concerns at the Union Lofts project. Although I left the office Wednesday afternoon, I was able to make and take several telephone calls driving home. City calls continued at home on Thursday and Friday. These calls included discussions on the Christmas Trolley tours, the City Chamber coffee scheduled for December 17 and street concerns, among others. I continue to coordinate Commissioner and citizen concerns.

This week, I arrived on Monday and was able to meet with Commissioners Watts and Jones Monday morning. At noon I met with Rachel and Ally and representatives from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Tuesday morning of this week, I met with Chad Brown and toured an alley site in the downtown. I also was able to formally meet with former Commissioner JoLynne Mitchell. Later I met with Mayor Nichols. Tuesday afternoon included attendance at a Design Review Committee meeting followed by a City Commission work session meeting on the upcoming sales tax ballot issue, and the Charter Ordinance 31 January ballot issue. Wednesday included a Department Director meeting. I then toured with Chad Brown to review Horton and Cooper Streets and the recent water line break. A meeting took place that afternoon with a County Commissioner, County Counselor, City Commissioner Watts and Jones on potential City/County shared services.

I was not in the city Thursday and Friday but took several city e-mails and phone calls concerning City business. I plan to return to Fort Scott on Tuesday, December 15. That evening we will have the second regular City Commission Meeting for the month of December. I plan to attend the Thursday Chamber City sponsored coffee at the Municipal Auditorium.

Some Existing Projects Ongoing:

Time permitting, I may have some additional information to verbally share with you at this upcoming Tuesday City Commission Meeting. Some of these may include:

New Street Cut Permit and Process.

10 N. National building.

Street projects.

Union Loft projects.

Chamber City Sponsored Coffee.

City/County Shared Services.

Strategic Plan.

If you have any questions or if you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me through e-mail at [email protected] or through my cell phone.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda Dec. 15

Leave a comment

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
BUCK RUN COMMUNITY CENTER

COREY LARSON GYMNASIUM

735 SCOTT AVENUE
DECEMBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen J. Jones L. Watts R. Nichols

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Pastor Ian Johnson, Community Christian Church

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 1st, 2020, and special meeting minutes of November 30th, 2020

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1277-A totaling $428,332.67.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Signage at 17 S. Main – Star Emporium Downtown General Store

  1. Schneider Electric – Final Payment – $176,049.20

  1. Request to Pay – Insituform #2 – $63,600.28

  1. Lauber Municipal Law Firm – November – $22,382.50

  1. HDR Engineering – River Intake Project – $7,906.99

  1. November financials

2021 Package Sales: (Copies on file in Clerk’s office)

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall

Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main

Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main

Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main

G & W 2, L.L.C., 911 E. 6th Street

Consumption on the Premises:

Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt

Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton

2021 Public Dance License: (Copies on file in Clerk’s file)

Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th

Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National

Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main

Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National

Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott

Memorial Auditorium – 1 E. Third Street

  1. Public Comment:

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

  1. Interim City Manager Report

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: None

  1. New Business:

  1. Municipal Advisory Services Agreement – Stifel

  2. Refinancing of Bonds – Gilmore & Bell – Approval of Resolution and all supporting documentation for the Mayor to sign

  3. Sales Tax Resolution – Approval of either Option 1 or Option 2 and all supporting documentation for the Mayor to sign

  4. Water Rate Increase – Approval of Ordinance No. 3570

  5. Scope & Fee for Engineering Services for Phase 2 of the River Intake Project – Dam Improvements

  6. Timken Grant Application

  7. Consideration of Scooters Funding

  8. Fuel Flow Fee Agreement – AG Spraying Company – Approval for the Mayor to sign the agreement

  9. Donation of Fire Truck

  10. Consideration of Board Appointments:

Planning Commission (6)

Board of Zoning Appeals (1)

Airport Advisory Board (4)

Design Review Board (2)

XII. Reports and Comments:

  1. Director Reports: None

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XIV. Adjournment:

Government, Kansas

CARES Act Fraud Protection Updates

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Fraud Protection Updates to CARES Act Investments Portal

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today, in a continued commitment to transparency and accountability, announced updates to the online dashboard that tracks the investments funded through the Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) of the federal CARES Act. The portal has been updated to include all spending through October 31, 2020, and a newly expanded fraud protection online reporting portal.

“Kansans deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and that they are protected against potential fraud,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration continues to prioritize transparency and accountability, and these resources are another way for us to make this valuable information accessible to the public.”

If Kansans suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of CARES Act funds, they can report their allegations via an online portal, which will help direct their concerns to the appropriate place. Previously, Kansans could call or email the Office of Recovery with their claims. The new portal will streamline the process and offer Kansans the opportunity to submit claims anonymously if they fear retribution.

Kansans can report fraud, waste, or abuse by visiting: https://covid.ks.gov/report-fraud-waste-or-abuse/

Additionally, the online dashboard, which launched at the end of October, has been updated to include the spending reports submitted to the Office of Recovery in mid-November. These reports include all spending through October 31, 2020. Kansans can view how and where the $1.034 billion of Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars the State received have been invested. These investments were recommended by the SPARK Taskforce and approved by State Finance Council.

“From the beginning, we’ve been committed to ensuring Kansans have visibility in how their tax dollars are being invested and confidence that they will be used as intended,” Julie Lorenz, Executive Director of the Office of Recovery, said. “I’m pleased that we can continue to make enhancements in these areas.”

The dashboard can be viewed at https://covid.ks.gov/covid-data/

Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff For COVID-19 Deaths

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff to Honor 2,072 Kansans Who Lost their Lives to COVID-19

TOPEKA – Kansas surpassed 2,000 Kansas deaths due to COVID-19. In honor of the lives lost and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective immediately to sundown Monday, December 14, 2020.

“For the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I am ordering flags be lowered to half-staff in commemoration of the Kansans we have lost,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While COVID-19 has impacted each Kansas community differently, we all share this collective loss of our family, friends, and neighbors. We can all honor their memory by protecting each other and working together to slow the spread of this virus.”

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

Obituary

Obituary of Grace Hill

Leave a comment

Grace Berniece Hill, age 95, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Olathe, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at the Evergreen Community of Johnson County in Olathe.  She was born on February 14, 1925, in Oakley, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard Pottorff and Dollie Marker Pottorff.  She first married Eugene Coombs they had five children and later divorced.  Grace then married William J. Hawkins on July 2, 1955, and three more children were added to the family.  Bill preceded her in death on April 17, 1992.  She later married Gerald Ray on November 7, 1993.  They were married for five years until his death on December 29, 1998.  On June 1, 2001, she married Willis William “Bill” Hill and he too preceded her in death.  Grace worked for a time in housekeeping at Mercy Hospital, but her main priority was taking care of her family.  Grace was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her eight children.

 

Survivors include five children, Larry Coombs (Sherry), of Batesville, Arkansas, Penelope Sue Reasoner (Randy) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Paul Hawkins (Connie) of Carterville, Missouri, Hugh Leonard “Leo” Hawkins (Brenda), of Kearney, Missouri and Mike Hawkins (Wanda), of Kansas City, Missouri and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister, Bertha Tobey, of California.  In addition to her husbands, Grace was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Hull, two sons, Jerry Coombs and Gary Coombs, two brothers, Calvin Pottorff and Olan “Shorty” Pottorff and three sisters, Vera Ogren, Dorothy Hovey and Iva Bley.

 

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, December 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.   Pallbearers will be Bill Hawkins, Mike Smith, Kincaid Hurst, Isaac Hurst, Jerry Coombs, Jr., and Dawson Russell.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Evergreen Community Hospice 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, Business

BEDCO: Consolidating Services In The County

Leave a comment
Gregg Motley. Submitted photo.

A local non-profit group was reorganized this fall and is seeking ways to consolidate public services in the county to save money.

The Bourbon County Economic Development Council, BEDCO, has been around for 28 years. But recently the 501c-3 non-profit organization has been “reconstituted”, according to Gregg Motley, president of the group.

Incorporated towns in the county, and entities such as school districts were asked to provide a representative to the council.

They had their first meeting as a new council on Oct. 22.

“At that first meeting, several communities hadn’t finalized their choice of representation,” Motley said.

They met again in November, then last week.

Motley was chosen as the president of BEDCO on Dec. 3. At that time Jim Fewins was selected as vice president and Mary Pemberton as treasurer.

“No one as yet has taken the secretary position, I am doing double duty,” Motley said.

Following the Dec. 3 meeting, “Assignments were given,” Motley said. “We won’t meet again until January. There is a lot of work behind the scenes in those assignments to be completed.”

 

BEDCO in the past

 

Representing the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Motley was a member of the group before it was “reconstituted”, along with current members Fort Scott City Commissioner Randy Nichols and Bourbon County Commissioner Lynn Oharah.

 

“The focus had narrowed,” Motley said. “We wanted broader representation and focus in the county.  They had become focused on the industrial park in Fort Scott.”

 

BEDCO in the future

 

A committee was formed earlier in the year, led by Mark McCoy.

 

“What was left of BEDCO considered consolidating services in the county and they formed a committee to look into it,” Motley said.

 

“We discovered a lot of distrust between the rural and city populations,” Motley said. “Our conclusion was it’s not possible to look at consolidating government, but could look at consolidating services.”

 

“We talked to people around the county who observed there was a duplication of economic development directors,” he said. “The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Commission both had economic directors. Our committee suggested we start there, to serve all the county.”

 

Consolidation of the economic development directors would include sharing of costs and reducing overall investment, he said.

 

“More effort, less money,” Motley said.

 

“Economic development would be consolidated into one position and employed by BEDCO,” he said. “We would hire that person and there would be an office. We are going to take our time. We are close to having a job description and a human resource routine for that position.”

 

Not all on board

 

The Bourbon County Commissioners agreed to buy-in on the idea by appropriating money to a future position and eliminating their economic director’s position when that happens, Motley said.

 

“The City of Fort Scott has not taken up the issue,” Motley said. “It did not appear they had any interest in giving up their economic director position. My hope is they will get behind this effort.”

 

 

Following is a list of the current BEDCO members:

Lynne Oharah, Randy Nichols, Jess Ervin,  Mike Blevins,  Michael Stewart,  Mary Pemberton, Misty Adams,  Ted Hessong,  Bret Howard, Jim Fewins,  Gregg Motley, Mark McCoy,  and Heather Davis.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Dec. 1

Leave a comment

December 1, 2020                                           Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following, (some were present for a portion of the meeting, some were present for the entire meeting) Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune,

Clint and Rachel Walker, Jessie Walker, Anne Dare, Mark McCoy and Dale Arnold.

 

Eric Bailey met with the Commissioners; the Commissioners told Eric Bailey to contact KCAMP regarding applying for the $2,000 grant to be used for the repair of a tarp used on the hauling trucks.

 

Eric Bailey said there are 17 bridges due for inspection; he said Schwab Eaton will provide a proposal for the inspections.  He said he would talk to them about the needed repairs for a bridge North on 69 Highway.

 

Eric said he has asked a contractor to give a quote on repairs for a guardrail south of Soldier Road on the old highway that was damaged in a hit and run accident.

 

Jeff Fischer said he would provide Eric Bailey contact information for the Federal Fund Exchange Program so that he can apply for grant money for the blasting work that was done at the Shepherds Quarry.

 

Eric reported that there may be a landowner contact the Commissioners regarding a road that has been closed at 45th & Unique; he said they may be coming to re-open the road since their property is landlocked.

 

Eric said that Phoenix Coal Company has petitioned to close out their mining operation; he said Phoenix Coal had 4-6”of gravel placed on the road in the area, Eric said it appears there are ditches in the area and said that portion of the road is better than the portion going south of there, he felt the road met or exceeded the requirements; Justin Meeks said he had reviewed the release for Phoenix Coal Company.  Jeff made a motion to sign the release for Phoenix Coal Company (regarding an area on 260th) and said they had met the contractual requirement, Clifton seconded the motion and all approved and Lynne signed the release.

 

Eric reported that the exhaust manifold had cracked on a dozer; he said he is trying to find someone to weld this; he thanked the City of Fort Scott public works department for diagnosing what the problem was.

 

Eric reported they had cross trained an employee from the quarry to do grader work.  Jeff suggested using the gravel road maintenance manual as a reference for the road grader operators.

 

Eric said the beavers had built dams in the culverts at Range and 235th; he said the City of Fort Scott helped blow open the culvert pipes.  Jeff described a process that could be used to remove blockages in the culverts; Lynne said a lot of the culverts are blocked due to a lack of ditches.

 

Jeff made a motion to go into a 7 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, the session will be located in the old I/T office and the Commissioners will convene back in the Commission room when the session is over, Clifton seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Eric Bailey and Justin Meeks).  Jeff made a motion to go back into session, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne reported that the road is a mess (due to clay in the road) on 95th south of Soldier Road; Eric Bailey said due to the way the fiber optic was installed in the road, this will be an ongoing issue.  Jeff suggested re-visiting the right-of-way policy and to have a bond in place prior to someone doing work on a County road; Eric said we already have this requirement, but said we will need to hold the companies accountable for this.

 

Eric said they have a grader broken down.

 

Monica Murnan (by phone) met with the Commissioners regarding the Spark grant funds.  Lynne said there will be $11,815 leftover funds that will need to be allocated, he said it was suggested to use these funds for contact tracing, Jeff said USD234 requested a contact tracer and said two people had been hired to do contact tracing.  Jeff said Tri-Valley had requested $5,900 in Spark funds, it was stated that the County I/T could use the funds for a broadband project.  Monica said she was hesitant to bring in an entity that didn’t go through the original application process, (she said Tri-Valley did not go through the original application or MOU process), she said the original process was very transparent.  Monica said the Health Department’s request is a direct COVID expense, Rebecca Johnson from the Health Department said they could also use funds for the COVID vaccination process.  Jeff made a motion that the $11,815.57 be assigned to the SEK Multi County Health Department for the purpose of contract tracing (both payroll and supplies needed for contact tracing) due to COVID, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Monica said there is still approximately $40,000 remaining of the appropriated money to Greenbush for administrative fees; she felt they should let William Wallis use this money to purchase COVID PPE supplies.  Clifton made a motion that the remainder of the administrative funds be directed towards William Wallis for PPE, Jeff seconded and all approved.  Monica said they are still trying to gather approximately $1 million worth of receipts from Spark grant recipients’.

 

Jessie Walker met with the Commissioners regarding Unique Road west of 95th; he said he met with the Commissioners a few years ago where they discussed if it was an open or closed road.  He said a few years ago the County bladed the road and provided the Commissioners with a case from the Supreme Court where there was a ruling that if a road had been maintained by a County then it would be required to be an open road, but said that didn’t mean they would have to keep the road maintained.  Mr. Walker asked that the road be graded or maintained a few times each year.  Justin Meeks said they started this process two years ago and said in 1986 the County re-did their maps, he said they have a lot of roads that they were unsure of if they were vacated or not.  Justin said in 1986, there were public hearings held about roads that were opened or closed.  Justin said they are looking for a Resolution from 1986 and said then the Commissioners can decide whether or not to maintain the roads.  Mr. Walker said he had a load of gravel put on this road and asked what his liability was for doing this.  Justin said there is a process to petition to have a closed road opened.

 

The Commissioners discussed the OMNI lockbox option; Justin said adding a new endeavor would create a new universal position and that position could do the work regarding a new building, accounts receivable and budgets, HR director functions, business management, medical mall; Jeff said OMNI had been contracted to do the EMS billing, but said the universal position could possibly do the billing.  Lynne made a motion that he be allowed to work with Justin Meeks to come up with a comprehensive list of items for this job description, Jeff seconded and all approved.  The Commissioners recently hired a 1099 person to do the EMS receivables.  Lynne said they could identify different areas where they could save money by hiring a universal employee.

 

The Commissioners discussed the holiday gift cards for County employees; Jeff said he had received feedback that employees were in favor of supporting local businesses, Lora Holdridge said getting Chamber Bucks helps local businesses and helps the Chamber.  Jeff made a motion to select Chamber Bucks for the holiday gift cards, and that each employee (non-elected, elected, part-time and full-time, with the exception of the Commissioners) receive $25 worth of Chamber Bucks, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

The Commissioners discussed the proposed longevity pay; Jeff said the County currently has longevity pay plan, he said some employees have worked for the County more than one time, he suggested taking the prior service time and combining it with current service to come up with the total years of service.  Jeff suggested doing $100/year for year 5 and on.  $51,000 has been budgeted for 2020 for the one-time longevity pay.  Jeff said this is a one-time payout, but said if the County could afford it in future years it could be paid out with each paycheck.  Bobby Reed questioned if the employees would still receive their current longevity pay; the Commissioner said yes, Bobby asked if department heads came to the Commissioners with future budget requests asking for a wage increase for employees if they would be told they were given longevity pay instead of a raise; Lynne said the discussion of the longevity pay instead of a wage increase was never discussed.  Jeff made a motion to do a one-time longevity payout, in addition to the current longevity pay, of $100/year of service beginning at year 5 with the effective date of 12/31/2020, excluding elected officials, (5 years of service as of 12/31/2020 = a one-time $500 longevity payout) to be paid by 12/31/2020 on a separate check and to include prior years of service, Clifton seconded, it was stated that an elected official doesn’t qualify, but if in the future they came back to work for the County as a non-elected employee, they would have elected and non-elected years of service combined, all approved the motion.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, and reconvene in the Commission room, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  No action was taken.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into a 24 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, and reconvene in the Commission room, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks).  Clifton made a motion to go back into session, Jeff seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to discuss department head salaries, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Lynne said the 2021budget included raises for two employees in the Correctional Center and for the I/T department, he said they needed to do a salary resolution for the increases.  Lynne made a motion to give the two employees in the Correctional Center (major and captain positions) a 10% increase and to give the I/T person a $10,000 raise in 2021, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Lynne said these positions weren’t given a raise last time and said they had given the I/T person a lot more responsibility and said they expect that job function to increase.

 

At 12:16, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

December 8, 2020, Approved Date

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Carrying on Traditions Through Holiday Foods

Leave a comment
Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

Barbara Stockebrand

Southwind Extension District –Yates Center

Family and Consumer Sciences

Carrying on Traditions Through Holiday Foods

Knowing this Christmas season may look a lot different from Christmas past, we may be struggling to find ways to carry on some of our traditions. Previously, I had written about simplifying our holiday festivities this year, and that may involve starting some new traditions.

Traditions help to explain our family stories. They give meaning to our family culture and explain where we came from. Those stories need to be passed on.

Our sense of smell can often bring back memories in a matter of seconds. What better way to activate our sense of smell, and recall some of those memories and stories, than with food?

Specific foods are closely tied with family traditions. Those foods, of course, will be different for each of our families. I mentioned last week that some of those favorite foods might be able to be sent through the mail to family members to help maintain some traditions this Christmas.

Keep food safety in mind when shipping homemade food gifts through the mail. Why is this an issue? Foodborne pathogens grow faster between 40°F and 140°F, potentially doubling every 20 minutes, in what is often referred to as the temperature danger zone.

Food products requiring refrigeration should be frozen solid and packed with a cold source prior to shipping. Double-check the shipping method is adequate for your gift to arrive timely, ideally overnight. Make sure the recipient knows a perishable item is coming their way, so it can go straight to the refrigerator. It’s important to take the extra precautions to ensure recipients of your food package feel the love and not the effects of food poisoning when they receive their gift.

Sending only non-perishable foods through the mail is a good set of rules to follow. Non-refrigerated foods stay fresher longer and are safe at room temperature. Some examples of non-perishable foods include: Dried meats, dense and dry baked goods such as fruitcakes and biscotti. Chocolates, hard candies and homemade sweets, such as pralines and toffee, are safe to send either cold or at room temperature.

Cookies and crackers are safe to mail, but should be shipped in airtight packaging. Non-perishable ingredients that are already measured can be sent for specific food products. Food items such as cookies, hot teas or drink mixes, favorite dip mixes, and snacks, like trail mix, can easily be shipped through the mail. Don’t forget to include the recipe!

While you don’t need to worry about the temperature of non-refrigerated foods, you should protect the original packaging. Sturdy packaging helps keep it undamaged for the bumpy ride ahead.

If you would like to add a new twist to your holiday traditions involving food, choose one or two favorite family recipes that everyone can make. Set a time when you can meet by Zoom or some other virtual option, have the food prepared ahead of time, and let everyone enjoy that favorite dish or snack while on the virtual meeting. Conversation always goes better with food!

A virtual process of sharing foods from different locations reminds me of the progressive dinner concept that is a lot of fun. In that process, participants all enjoy the same meal, but travel from house to house to consume a different part of the meal. We may not be able to physically travel to other homes this year, but technology gives us options to still ‘visit’ each other’s homes.

For more information on food products that ship well, contact the Southwind Extension Office in Yates Center at 620-625-8620. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

UNIONTOWN HS 2020-21 BASKETBALL RESULTS GAME 2

Leave a comment
Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Submitted by Adelay Martin, UHS Student Sports Reporter

The Eagles’ Varsity basketball teams traveled to Humboldt once again to face the Erie Red Devils. Both teams were defeated by Erie.

The Lady Eagles lost to Erie on Thursday 29-32. Sammie Hampton scored 10 points and had 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Gwenyth Fry had 1 assist and 8 rebounds, and Karleigh Schoenberger had 10 rebounds and 2 steals. Rylee Coulter, a freshman, had 4 rebounds and scored 4 points, one basket being a buzzer-beater that took us into a second overtime.

“As much as we hate losing, we really needed this experience tonight,” said Coach Miller. “Foul trouble, coupled with our usual top performers stumbling, required us to step outside of our comfort zone. This unfortunate outcome may have helped our team more than the sting of the loss will let us realize right now. Get bitter, or get BETTER. I know what these girls will choose.”

The boys’ Varsity team also lost to Erie 39-53. Jake Harvey scored 15 points and had 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Clay Sutterby scored 7 points and had 4 rebounds, and Luke Perry scored 6 points and had 5 rebounds. Drew Perry had 1 assist and 2 steals.

“I’m extremely proud of the guys on our team,” Coach Hays said. “We competed hard and left it all on the court. We defended and rebounded much better tonight. We need to continue to work on our chemistry on the offensive end, but that will come with time.”

Bourbon County Local News