This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by Matt Harper of Nevada, Missouri. Harper sings and plays guitar and harmonica, and performs a variety of music including country, folk, jazz, inspirational, blues, and original tunes.
“Performing since the early 1990s, Harper is a musician of excellence and enjoys interacting with the audience,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Harper is married and has four children, so he stays busy with life. We‘re pleased to welcome him back to the park pavilion. Come out and join your friends for an enjoyable evening.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
This is part of a series of helping the public get to know the new school administrators in Bourbon County.
Shelly Charter, 48, is the new principal of Winfield Scott Elementary School, Fort Scott.
Charter earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education at Emporia State University, and a Building Leadership Certificate at Pittsburg State University.
She has been the Tri-County Interlocal #607 Gifted Facilitator for three years, a 3rd grade elementary teacher for 20 years, and a Title 1 Math instructor for 2 years.
Charter has two sons, AJ (23) and Aiden (22) and one daughter, Lynnsey (20), and Dexter, her Golden Retriever dog.
In her community she has been involved in various church activities, was a FabLab instructor and head director of the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM camp for middle schoolers, a Zumba class, and she loves to travel to new places.
Her hometown is Independence, Kansas.
Why did you become an educator?
“I became an educator to make a difference in the lives of my students. I wanted to teach them that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.”
Did someone inspire you?
“I was inspired by my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Wanda Rush. She made every student feel important.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“The best thing about being an educator is knowing that I could be the one person that inspired a student to do their best and never give up on their dreams.”
What is a challenge?
“Not being able to change circumstances that affect a child’s life outside of the school environment.”
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
“The farmer had to tow his tractor out of the field because it died and that’s all she wrote.” We’ve heard this colloquialism many times. Our life can be compared to the pooped-out tractor — one minute it’s running and the next it’s not. Our days on earth are numbered and we don’t know the day nor hour of our last breath. When the heart stops beating, “that’s all she wrote” because life is all over, completely finished, done for.
I’ve heard, “Never put off ‘til tomorrow what you can do today.” I’ve also heard, “Never do today what you can put off ‘til tomorrow.“ The problem with procrastination is there’s no assurance we’ll even have a tomorrow. Bill and Gloria Gaither composed the contemplative song, “We Have This Moment.” Some of the lyrics are: “Yesterday’s gone and tomorrow may never come, but we have this moment today.” All we have is right now — that’s it! We need to make sure we live our moments carefully and wisely. “People have to die once. After that, God will judge them” (Hebrews 9:27 NIRV).
When eternity knocks on your door, whatever you’re doing at that moment will be the last thing you ever do on this earth. So if you put off something that you fully intend to do, it will be too late to git ’er done when you’re dead. Believers should never practice procrastination as a usual way of life. “So if you know of an opportunity to do the right thing today, yet you refrain from doing it, you’re guilty of sin” (James 4:17 TPT).
There’s no guarantee of another day or opportunity to make things right with someone we have a grievance against. Today is the day to offer the apology, forgive the offender, pay the debt, say the compliment, own the blame, show love, extend mercy, etc. Don’t withhold blessing someone when it’s in your power to do so. Procrastination is often associated with depression, guilt, and regret. You certainly don’t need that baggage weighing you down, so make the decision not to procrastinate so you can live regret-free.
In 2004, Tim McGraw released the song “Live Like You Were Dying.“ Penned by Nashville songwriters Craig Wiseman and Tim Nichols, it was a tribute to McGraw’s father who had recently died. The song skyrocketed to #1 for seven weeks and caused people to take a long hard look at how they were living their lives. The storyline involves Tim asking his father what it’s like to live knowing he doesn’t have much time left. “And he said, ‘Some day I hope you get the chance to live like you were dyin’. …I loved deeper, and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I’d been denyin’.” These lyrics are powerfully biblical. “Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13 NCV).
This column is not about dying, it’s about living to the hilt. It’s about not procrastinating in doing what you know to do. It’s about living and dying without any regrets. It’s not about living life perfectly, but rather living life with a perfect heart of love. By the way, the 1970 movie quote, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” is a bunch of baloney. If one of your kids beats his sister over the head with a leg of lamb, you make him say, “I’m sorry.“ It’s simply the right thing to do. We must learn to say, “I’m sorry” and “I love you” because it’s a life-changing moment that will set you free.
The Key: Today is the day to love deeper, speak sweeter, and forgive unconditionally.
Economic development is more than promoting traditional business activity. It includes developing community partners that can take action as a coalition that the individual partners would not be able to accomplish by themselves. The economic viability of a jurisdiction is enhanced by these efforts which build a spirit of unity and cooperation that can be leveraged well into the future. These joint actions build trust, which is the real essence of any economic transaction.
Case in point is the recent community effort to welcome three Afghan families containing 19 members into our community. The parents are real heroes, having supported the United States Special Forces as translators and logistics specialists over the last two decades. They had to flee their homeland last year as the Taliban swept into Kabul when US forces were leaving, hunting for men and women who had supported our military, often executing them on the spot. These men and women risked their lives every day for our country and paid the price by suffering numerous war injuries and ultimately losing their homes and all their possessions. A local foundation sponsored their relocation to Fort Scott.
Beginning with our school district and spreading to local businesses, charities and individuals, our community has gone out of their way to make them feel welcomed. People have raised money and donated household goods to furnish three rental homes purchased by a local foundation. Clothing, food items, gift cards and numerous acts of service, such as rides to stores and doctor’s appointments have all served to make their transition easier. A local business has agreed to hire all of them who want to work. These families have nothing but great things to say about our country and our community. They have expressed to me their sincere gratitude over the generosity of our people, most of whom they have never met.
The most recent act of community spirit took place when one of the Afghans got his Kansas driver’s license. Local churches stepped up, including one which closed several years ago, and raised 100% of the money to purchase a minivan to help provide transportation for the group and relieve the many Bourbon County citizens that had volunteered to drive them to needed destinations. A local car dealer generously agreed to sell the vehicle at substantial discount. Local insurance companies worked to get them the best rates. Currently, another vehicle purchase is in motion made possible through the donation of a Kansas City area charity, a local foundation, and the same local car dealer.
These outstanding efforts were coordinated and executed by men and women in their roles with the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and Bourbon County REDI. These organizations were formed to create the kind of coalitions that have been put together over the past several months to support these new members of our community. If you see our Afghan neighbors around town, go out of your way to join this coalition and welcome them to our home. They would enjoy meeting you.
I did a little scouting two nights ago looking for newly hatched bagworms on cedar trees. Sure enough, they are out! You have to really look in order to see them because they are still small – about a ¼ inch in size.
Bagworms are a yearly pest in our area and can cause considerable damage. Most homeowners typically don’t get too concerned about bagworm control until they see large bags present on plants. By then it is too late and the damage is already done! The window of opportunity for optimum control is approaching.
Bagworms overwinter as eggs deposited in the female bags. From mid-May through mid-June, larvae hatch from the eggs and exit from the bottom opening of the old bag. Larvae begin constructing their miniature silk-lined bags immediately. Only after the bags have been completed do the larvae begin actual feeding activities. And as the larvae grow, so do their bags. By mid-to late August when feeding activities are complete, larvae firmly anchor their bags to the twigs and branches on which they were feeding.
Bagworms are most commonly found on eastern red cedar and junipers. However, bagworms can attack arborvitae, spruce and pine. Broadleaf trees, shrubs and ornamentals can also serve as a host to bagworms. After bagworms have defoliated a host plant, they are capable of migrating in search of additional food sources. They may attack the same species from which they came or a completely different species.
The damage caused by bagworm feeding can be minimal to severe. As larvae enter their later development stages, they require greater amounts of food. Sometimes in what seems to be just overnight, bagworms can completely defoliate a tree. Several successive years of heavy foliar feeding can result in the death a tree, especially with conifers.
There are two ways to control bagworms – cultural and chemical. Cultural practice is used by those who do not want to utilize insecticidal sprays to control bagworms. Instead, bagworms are eliminated by handpicking individual bags from plants. This is best done in the winter months when bags stand out against a trees background color. Keep in mind that a single missed bag could result in a thousand new bagworm larvae. Of course handpicking becomes impractical when a host is literally covered with bags or it is too tall to make handpicking possible.
Chemical control is most effective when larvae are in their early developmental stages. Generally, bagworm larvae will begin emerging from the overwintering bag by mid-to late May. Hatching does not happen overnight. Instead, hatching can continue for 4 to 5 weeks. Controls applied in late summer are often a waste of time and expense because the larvae are large, tough and may have stopped feeding. About the third week of June is the ideal time to make insecticidal control.
Insecticides commonly used to control bagworms include spinosad, acephate, cyfluthrin, or permethrin. These are sold under a variety of trade names. Check the product label for active ingredients.
For more information on bagworm control, please contact me at one of our Southwind Extension District office locations.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 7, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Dustin Hall – Road & Bridge Report
• Bill Martin – K9 Retirement Contract
• Clifton Beth – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Lynne Oharah – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the
public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o EMS Manager/Service Director for Bourbon County EMS
o Executive Session – KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
The Street Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, June 9th, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street. This meeting is open to the public.
This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JUNE 7, 2022
6:00 P.M.
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
Consideration of Impound Yard for Codes vehicles
Rachel Carpenter – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team – Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding – 3rd Street Park upgrades – Downtown Arch placemaking
Lake Advisory Board Representative
XII. Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes are unapproved.
Minutes of June 1st, 2022 Special Meeting #10
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 1st, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, and Matthew Wells were present with President of the Commission Josh Jones presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Brad Matkin, Chuck Begulia, Robert Uhler, Cheryl Adamson, Kathryn Harrington, Rob Harrington, John Coon, Jackson Tough, Lisa Lewis, Dean Striler (via Zoom), Kevin Allen, Bret Holder, Sara Holder, Bobbi Kemna, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.
APPROVED THE TEMPORARY CMB LICENSE AT MEMORIAL HALL FOR BRIAN WILLIAMS FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH, 2022.
Discussion was held regarding that an individual who will be starting up a pizza business wanted to give away free samples of alcohol.
Bret Holder said that he will be opening the Pizza Republic at 10 S. Main Street. They have moved here and expect to open in September this fall.
Discussion was held regarding samples and if they could be given out.
Mr. Holder said that he has been in contact with A.B.C. and our enforcement agent, Terry Holder and is working with them. There could be an issue with the time frame also for A.B.C.
City Clerk said that if the ordinance is approved, that it will not be in the legal ads of the official City newspaper until Saturday, so no samples could be given out on Friday, June 3rd.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3611 AMENDING SECTIONS 5.14.010, 5.14.020, 5.14.040, 5.14.050, 5.14.060, 5.14.070, 5.14.080, 5.14.090 (CEREAL MALT BEVERAGES – BEER GARDENS) OF CHAPTER 5.14 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE.
Mayor Jones announced that letters of interest were received from the following: Chuck Begulia, John Coon, Nicolas Philpott, Dean Striler, Robert Uhler, Cheryl Adamson, and Kathryn Harrington.
Brad Matkin, Human Resource Director, asked the candidates that were present prepared questions regarding the City Commission. Those that were present and replied included: Chuck Begulia, John Coon, Dean Striler, Robert Uhler, Cheryl Adamson, and Kathryn Harrington.
APPROVED TO APPOINT KATHRYN HARRINGTON TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF KEVIN ALLEN WHICH WILL EXPIRE IN DECEMBER OF 2023.
Adjournment:
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:28 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, MMC
City Clerk
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 17th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Allen presiding.
INVOCATION: Matthew Wells, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Jason Dickman, Brad Matkin, Harold Martin, Nancy Cragg, Carey Spoon, Craig Campbell, Rachel French, Bailey Lyons, Bill Lemke, Lisa Lewis, Pete Allen, Jackson Tough, David Jones, Rob Harrington, Rhonda Dunn, Robert Coon, Lindsay Madison, Lori Potter Farmer, Greg Schick, and Thomas Russell.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
Mayor Kevin Allen started the meeting and informed the Commission and the public that he was giving his resignation due to his residence being outside of City of Fort Scott City limits as stated in the State Constitution. Kevin cited his accomplishments with the City Commission. He stated, “It has been a great pleasure to serve the citizens of Fort Scott as your Commissioner for the past two years and as your Mayor for the past five months. I thank you for the opportunity.” In conclusion he stated, ‘I contribute to this town every day. I was born in this little town, and I will die in this town. You want to know if I live in Fort Scott? No, but I feel like I am Fort Scott. So, I guess in conclusion, as Billy the Kid said to the Regulators, It’s time for me to mount up and ride.”
Josh Jones, Matthew Wells, Shane Walker, and Tim Van Hoecke applauded Kevin Allen for his work on the Commission as well as their friendship and mutual respect.
City Attorney stated that a motion to formally accept the Mayor’s resignation is a point of business which will start the process to fill the seat on the Commission. He stated that Josh Jones is still President of the Commission and will continue the meeting in that capacity.
No motion was made by the Commission.
City Attorney stated that the Commission has 10 days to accept the resignation, but they can move forward since he has verbally given his resignation.
Pete Allen spoke to Kevin Allen’s confirmation of the 3 Bourbon County panelists that previously qualified him as a citizen of Fort Scott. He stated that it was voted 3-0. Pete also stated that process led to him to becoming a Commissioner and that Kevin’s residency situation had not changed. Kevin Allen is still a resident of Fort Scott.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:
APPROVED TO ADD PARADE PERMIT FOR GOOD OL’ DAYS TO THE CONSENT AGENDA.
CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to 5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
Harold Martin – Mr. Martin addressed the City Commission as a representative of the Lake Advisory Board to report their board activities of the May 14, 2022, meeting and to bring forward recommendations and take back any action items required of the Board from the Commission. He stated that the Board has adopted a protocol for developing, documenting, and bringing forward recommendations and questions from their board to the City Commission. He stated that they are now meeting the second Saturday morning of every month. He also requested that the Lake Advisory Board have a place on each City Commission agenda as well as all other advisory boards of the City. He stated that the Board recommended to the City Commission that they invest in appropriate anchors for the buoys at Lake Fort Scott and employ the recommended maintenance protocol to ensure anchor retention year after year.
APPROVED TO ALLOW MORE TIME TO MEET WITH AND DISCUSS THE LAKE ADVISORY BOARD’S RECOMMENDATIONS WITH ONE OF THEIR BOARD MEMBERS, AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION.
Harold also stated that the City Commission engage legal counsel to determine if Lake Fort Scott falls under the authority of the State of Kansas Boating Regulations.
Bob Farmer stated to do so is just a course of business, but it is not necessary.
Robert Coon spoke to the Commission regarding Mayor Kevin Allen’s resignation. He noted the silence of the Commission and highlighted Mayor Allen’s work over the years.
Rob Harrington stated that he came before the Commission on January 4, 2022, to talk about the vision that Bourbon County R.E.D.I. had for tourism. At the time, the decision was made not to move tourism to the County due to Jackson Tough possibly losing his employment benefits he currently had with the City. Rob Harrington and Kelley Zellner asked the City Commission to decide what they would like to do with the Tourism Advisory Board.
Rob discussed the Kansas State Statutes in contrast to the City Ordinance regarding the formation of the Tourism Advisory Board. He stated that appointing Bourbon County R.E.D.I. as the Tourism Advisory Board would be against the Statute. Rob asked the City Commission to disband the current Tourism Advisory Board and allow Bourbon County R.E.D.I. to oversee tourism.
City Attorney, Bob Farmer, stated the proposal is legal.
City Manager clarified that the State gives the City the ability to establish Charter Ordinances and those Charter Ordinances supersede the legislative guidelines. He stated that Charter Ordinance No. 25 supersedes the entire legislature and asked if they would possibly consider putting in language to utilize Bourbon County R.E.D.I. to oversee this board.
Bob Farmer will review the Charter Ordinance and present it to the City Commission at a later meeting.
Rhonda Dunn, Lori Potter Farmer, Craig Campbell – Fort Scott High School All School Reunion – Street Closures, Noise Ordinance and Assorted Requests –
Rhonda Dunn, Co-Chairman of the Fort Scott High School All School Reunion, spoke about the upcoming event: The reunion festivities begin Friday, June 24th, 2022, with registration at Fort Scott High School. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by private events for the different classes, a party at Memorial Hall, food trucks downtown, and a band at Liberty Theater.
Rhonda stated that Saturday, June 25th, the private class activities will be all over town, Gunn Park and Lake Fort Scott. The committee would like to close Main Street due to entertainment downtown. There will be bands at Skubitz Plaza and Liberty Theater.
Craig Campbell, Chairperson for the Parade event, spoke specifically about the parade. He stated that staging will begin at 4th and Judson and the parade route will end at Fort Scott High School.
Rhonda asked the Commission to waive the Noise Ordinance so that it does not have to be a policing issue. Bands will play from 8:00 p.m.– 11:00 p.m. She also asked for street closures of Main St, from Skubitz Plaza to 3rd Street beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 25th, 2022. She asked for alcohol to be waived at Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 25th, 2022. She stated that the vendors will obtain their own permits and licenses. She asked for the Codes Department to use extra enforcement prior to the weekend to help the town look its best. She asked for the use of golf carts on Friday, June 24th, 2022, and Saturday, June 25th, 2022. She asked for the use of Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, and requested that it be cleaned, and the restrooms stocked with supplies. She stated they will use available power source sites downtown for the food trucks. She asked that the school reunion banners be hung downtown also.
APPROVED STREET CLOSURE REQUEST FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022 AT 4:00 P.M. FOR 10TH ST AND MAIN STREET TO NATIONAL AVENUE TO WALL STREET FROM NATIONAL AVENUE TO MAIN STREET AND FROM WALL STREET TO FORT SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL. APPROVED PARADE PERMIT FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022 FROM 4TH AND NATIONAL AVENUE TO 10TH AND MAIN STREET FROM 4:00 P.M. TO 6:00 P.M. APPROVED TO WAIVE THE NOISE ORDINANCE FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022 AND TO ALLOW ALCOHOL TO BE WAIVED FOR MEMORIAL HALL ON SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO INSTALL DOWNTOWN BANNERS, BORROW ONE GOLF CART, IF AVAILABLE, STARTING AT 3:00 P.M., FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2022, BORROW FIVE GOLF CARTS IF AVAILABLE STARTING AT 3:00 P.M., SATURDAY, JUNE 25TH, 2022, APPROVED THE CLEANING AND STOCKING OF MEMORIAL HALL AND CODES ENFORCEMENT AND CITY MAINTENANCE TO CLEAN AROUND DOWNTOWN, ALL SCHOOLS AND ENTRANCES TO THE CITY AND GUNN PARK.
Rhonda Dunn thanked all involved in making this event happen and extended an invitation to the City Commissioners to enjoy the festivities whether they graduated from Fort Scott High School or not.
Bailey Lyons – Signage Request: Bailey Lyons and Rachel French, Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee, appeared before the City Commission regarding a Stop Work Order her group received for attempting to repair the brick pillars at 1st and National during the Downtown Clean Up.
City Manager Kelley Zellner stated that he issued the Stop Work Order due to the fact that it was City property and should have been brought to the City Commission and approved and run through the chain of command.
Rachel French asked the City Commission for permission to finish the project on the brick work on the pillars and to hang the sign which they had a copy of in their packet.
APPROVED WORK TO BE COMPLETED ON THE BRICK PILLARS AT 1ST AND NATIONAL, INCLUDING THE REMOVAL OF RUSTED PIPES BY CITY CREWS IF NECESSARY, AND TO INSTALL THE SIGNAGE AT THAT LOCATION.
Greg Schick – City Codes Department – Public Trust: Mr. Schick addressed the City Commission and began by stating that he appreciated the approachability of the current City Commission. His concerns were regarding the Codes Department and the length of time it takes to resolve violations. Mr. Schick gave four personal stories to illustrate his point. He stated that he has called the Codes Department regarding their policies, ordinances and has even spoke to the City Manager on occasion. He feels that resolution of code violations has been lacking in recent years and the pride in one’s neighborhood is not what it used to be in Fort Scott. He presented four suggestions to the City Commission: 1) The City needs a Code Administrator; 2) A standard operating procedure needs to be put in place; 3) Provide consistency by not “grandfathering and ignoring violations; and 4) There is a need for judicial support to make sure that the work is getting done.
Public Hearings:
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:20 P.M.
6:00 p.m. – Performance Public Hearing – Mayco Ace Hardware Project – Approval for the Mayor to sign all close-out required documents
Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission Grant Administrator, Carey Spoon, addressed the City Commission for the purpose of evaluating Grant No. 20-CR-004. This grant was to replace the roof, upgrade the façade, replace the windows, replace the south entrance door, remove the north end door and replace with a double sliding door, construct an ADA accessible entrance on the north end consisting of an accessible ramp and sidewalk with column adjustments as necessary, construct two accessible restrooms in the north end of the building, install emergency lighting and smoke alarms throughout the main and lower level of the entire building, replace 6000 SF of ceiling tile damaged by roof leakage in the north end, and install two emergency fire disconnects in alley behind the building. The completed project replaced the roof, upgraded the façade, replaced the windows, replaced the south entrance door, removed the north end door and replaced with a double sliding door, constructed two accessible restrooms in the north end of the building, installed emergency lighting and smoke alarms throughout the main and lower level of the entire building, installed two emergency fire disconnects in alley behind the building, and relocated a gas line within the building. She asked for approval for the Mayor or acting Mayor to sign all the pertinent close-out documentation.
APPROVED FOR THE MAYOR/ACTING MAYOR TO SIGN ALL PERTINENT CLOSE-OUT REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR THE MAYCO ACE PROJECT – GRANT NO. 20-CR-004.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:25 P.M.
New Business:
APPROVED CHANGE ORDER #1 – INSITUFORM – CIPP SANITARY SEWER LINING WHICH REFLECTS A DECREASE IN PRICE. ORIGINAL CONTRACT PRICE WAS $162,746.60 AND WILL NOW BE $144,933.80.
APPROVED THE CHANGE ORDER FOR MID-CONTINENTAL RESTORATION CO., INC. (HAMMON’S) TO CHANGE THE DATES IN THE PROJECT FROM 180 DAYS TO 210 DAYS.
APPROVED THE CHANGE ORDER #2 FOR MID-CONTINENTAL RESTORATION CO., INC (SHARKY’S) TO ADD DAYS DUE WEATHER and WAITING FOR ROOFING CONTRACTOR.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3610 REGULATING THE SALE OF CEREAL MALT BEVERAGES IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE WITHIN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AND REVISING SECTION 1 OF ORDINANCE NO. 3564 RELATING TO HOURS IT CAN BE SOLD ON SUNDAYS.
APPROVED AUTHORIZE THE DRAFTING OF A LETTER ON THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT LETTERHEAD INCLUDING THE FEDERAL 9 DIGIT EIN NUMBER, STATING THAT FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY IS AFFILIATED WITH THE GOVERNMENT ENTITY, COVERED UNDER THEIR TAX-EXEMPT STATUS AND SIGNED BY A LEADING CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL; THEREFORE, ALLOWING THE FORT SCOTT PUBLIC LIBRARY TO APPLY FOR A WAL-MART COMMUNITY GRANT.
APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE BID SUBMITTED BY DR. RICKY KELLENBERGER FOR THE AMOUNT OF $12,159.00 FOR THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT HAY GROUND LEASE.
APPROVED K.D.O.T. ELECTRIC GATE GRANT #AV-2023-13 IN THE GRANT AMOUNT OF $21,215.00 WITH THE CITY MATCH BEING $3,750.00.
City Manager stated one to two hours per week.
City Manager stated that typically an hour or two per week. He said would like to keep this arrangement through the end of the year and reevaluate before the year is over. If it does not work financially, we will work as a Commission to move in a different direction.
T Van Hoecke stated that previously the Commission talked about 90 days and see how the financial situation is progressing. He is still in favor considering a Financial Director.
APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SUSAN BANCROFT. IF THE TIME AMOUNTS TO MORE THAN 10 HOURS, IT WILL BE BROUGHT BACK BEFORE THE CITY COMMISSION.
APPROVED THE COMMISSION WILL READDRESS THE FINANCIAL AGREEMENT WITH SUSAN BANCROFT AFTER 90 DAYS.
APPROVED TO PAY SKITCH’S HAULING & EXCAVATION, INC. – $3,4800.00 FOR PORT-A-POTTY SERVICES FOR APRIL 2022.
Bill Lemke discussed the purchase of the Vermeer 2022 Hydro Excavation Trailer that the Water Distribution Department would like to purchase. It would be shared also with other departments. He explained the need and benefits. City Manager stated that two other pieces of equipment were considered, but this is the best option. The purchase amount of $82,028.69 is the Source Well, government pricing amount. This has a two-year warranty on it also.
Discussion was held between the vactor truck and this trailer.
APPROVED TO PURCHASE THE VERMEER VACUUM EXCAVATION TRAILER IN THE AMOUNT OF $82,028.69 FOR THE WATER DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
City Manager said that Bob Farmer, City Attorney, and a representative from the Commission will have to meet with the property owner to resolve the encroachment issue.
Jason said that the surveyed documents are being filed with the County.
Reports and Comments:
City Manager also stated that there is a need for space to hold Codes impounded vehicles. He recently met with Clayton and Frank Miller who have a property at Coates and Ivy Streets. They are willing to enter into an agreement that they would pick up the vehicles to be impounded, store them on their property and after the court process and titles are processed, the Millers would receive the vehicles as payment. City Manager stated that this would save thousands of dollars for the City. He also said that any other tow truck company willing enter into the same agreement would be considered as well. The State of Kansas considers this a controlled salvage yard. Kansas State Statues were provided to determine how to organize and establish a salvage yard. He stated that this is one of the ways he hopes to start cleaning up the community.
City Manager agreed and asked that the Commission consider the information in packet he provided.
City Manager confirmed that they were and could be inspected at Public Works if he is interested.
APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE COOPER STREET INSPECTION AND TESTING AGREEMENT WITH EARLES ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,692.00.
Jason stated that he talked to the contractor, and he would like to look at the most recent plans from 2020. He will get the plans and meet with the contractor. The contractor is delayed due to his schedule and weather.
Urgent Need Grant: Jason Dickman explained that in early November of 2021, he was asked to put together the overall project cost for the Hammon’s and Sharky’s buildings. The construction inspection fee was included, but the engineering agreement was never executed.
APPROVED THE HAMMON’S AND SHARKY’S CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $97,200.00 FOR THE URGENT NEED PROJECT.
Manhole 148 Relocation Update: Jason updated the Commission that the tests are completed, and everything passed. Jerry Morgan asked the contractor about the asphalt tile removal from the adjacent lot. The bid originally included removal of the debris, but the City removed that from bid to save costs. Jason stated that to have them come back out to do the removal, it would cost approximately $11,000.00.
City Manager told Jason that the City will do the removal work.
City Manager stated he has applied for the grant.
Tim stated he wanted people to remember the upcoming Good Ol’ Days and support the event.
Tim also stated that he still had serious concerns about the division of people in town. He stated that people are arguing and not moving forward. He believed Mayor Allen did the right thing by resigning because the Commissioners are held to a higher standard and that the citizens look up to the Commission for leadership. He wanted to make sure that everyone sees the Commission as being fair to all.
City Manager stated that he would be doing a walk-through with Chase Halsey and get their expert advice and get things put into motion. He stated that he will write up a report and see what grant monies the City can obtain for this project.
Matthew suggested scheduling a Commission work session to assist the Codes Department. He wants to address the issues at hand, how the Commission can help, and make some decisions to move forward. He asked the Commissioners to give it some consideration.
Josh asked Matthew to compile a punch list of what he wants to address in the work session.
Matthew asked about the upcoming Chamber of Commerce Dinner and the award that is to be given at the event.
Diane Clay stated that the issue had been resolved.
Josh suggested changing the language of the existing Ordinance to reflect that the Commission will request Letters of Interest when seeking a new City Commissioner. Discussion ensued between the Commissioners and the City Attorney Bob Farmer.
Matthew thanked Kevin Allen publicly for everything he has done for this community. He stated that all of Fort Scott should realize the time and effort that he has put into making this community a better place.
City Manager said he believed it is coming from the underground steam lines that were found. He will get with Earles Engineering on this.
Shane stated that N.I.C.A. race decided not to use Gunn Park for their upcoming race. They plan to return next year.
Adjournment:
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Lewis
Deputy City Clerk
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