Minutes of the FS Commission Meeting of July 6

Minutes are unapproved until that meeting.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of July 6th, 2021 Regular Meeting #13

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 6th, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, and R. Nichols were present with Mayor J. Jones presiding. L. Watts arrived at 5:23 p.m.

INVOCATION:, Diane Clay, City Clerk, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jason Pickert, Bill Lemke, Michael Hoyt, Doug Guns, Rob Harrington, Judy Warren, Gregg Motley, Nancy VanEtten, Jimmy Kemmerer, Kateyna Braim, Michael Braim, Rachel Pruitt, Allyson Turvey, Andy Snyder, and Jason Dickman.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: None

CONSENT AGENDA:

A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 15th, 2021, special meeting of June 17th, 2021 and special meeting of June 22nd, 2021.

B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1291-A totaling $555,302.20.

C. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $36,476.00 – Rejuvenator Application – National Avenue

D. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $24,684.00 – Crack Sealing – National Avenue

Discussion was held on the crack sealing and rejuvenator application project.

J. Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

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 Braim – Mr. Braim informed the Commission that our parks look terrible. He said that the beach at Lake Fort Scott is in terrible shape and sand needs brought in. He challenged the City Manager to assist in getting sand to the beach at the Lake. He is scheduling a group of volunteers for this Saturday morning to work at the lake and cut brush and clean and work on the beach area. He asked who was responsible for the condition of the beach area and wanted a name of that person. He said that he called a couple of quarries in town and relayed what their sand prices are for 70 ton of sand. He said that this is the only place that citizens can go and cool off free. He would like this done by next week.

Kevin Allen told him that Doug Guns and the City Manager are working on this project already and have sand ordered to be delivered in the next day or so. He asked him to be patient with the City,

City Manager Report and Comments: Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, informed the Commission that he handed them his report and it was before them. He said that he attended a Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission meeting recently as he is on the Board of Directors. He met with A.D.M. officials about their contract renewal. His other updates are included in his report.

Engineering Firm Update: Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, Inc. gave the Commission an update on several items:

Cooper Street – Plans are complete and this is ready to bid out.

Old Faithful Manhole- Plans are being revised currently.

National Avenue – Plans to overlay 13th to 17th are being prepared.

Appearances:

Jody Hoener – Bottle Filling Stations Presentation – Was not present.

Rob Harrington, Bedco Presentation -Mr. Harrington appeared before the Commission and gave them an update on Bedco which has been renamed Bourbon County R.E.D.I. He shared his visions and goals for the next five years. He is also working with Noble Health to bring a hospital to the community. He invited them to contact him with any questions they may have. He said that economic development is a top priority for him.

Director Reports: None

Old Business: None

Public Hearings: 6:15 p.m. Vacation of Durkee Street and Approval of Utility Easement for the North 50’ of Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 & 28, Block 4, Durkee & Stout Addition

J. Jones moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:17 P.M.

Ally Turvey said that a utility easement was drawn up by the City Attorney and Mr. Eden, the property owner has signed it contingent upon the vacation of Durkee Street being approved.

Michael Hoyt spoke in opposition to the vacation of the street due to concerns of drainage at Ironquill Estates.

Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, explained the utility easement to him and to the Commission.

P. Allen moved to approve Ordinance No. 3579 vacating Durkee Street. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3579 VACATING THE PLATTED DURKEE STREET LOCATED BETWEEN LOTS 1-28, BLOCK AND LOTS 2-28, BLOCK 4, DURKEE AND STOUT ADDITION TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 70 FEET OF DURKEE STREET.

L. Watts moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:32 P.M.

New Business:

  1. Discussion and Approval of St. Martin’s Sewer Agreement – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this agreement is ready for approval. She stated on page two that there was a typo and twenty-three should reflect twenty-two. They have a meter on their lift station and it will be read monthly. They will pay all of their water usage in arrears to the City plus a $20.00 monthly fee.

L. Watts moved to approve the St. Martin’s Sewer Agreement with the City of Fort Scott. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ST. MARTIN’S SEWER AGREEMENT.

  1. Cooper Street Right-of-Way Easements – Jeremy Frazier, City Manager, said that he was working with the property owners to sign over the right-of-way easements for Cooper Street.

Discussion was held regarding the east and west sides of Cooper Street and right-of-way.

J. Jones moved to approve the right-of-way easements and allow the City Staff to work with property owners over rights-of-way. L. Watts seconded, All voted aye.

APPROVED CITY STAFF TO WORK WITH THE PROPERTY OWNERS FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENTS FOR COOPER STREET.

  1. Request approval to bid out Cooper Street project (Plans available at City Hall – link:

https://earlesengineering.sharefile.com/dsca64eac8d8584b4094c5b45ce3d4572f

City Manager said that

City Manager said that this project was not engineered to start with, but it has been now. It is ready to be bid out to contractors. The City does need to obtain some right-of-way easements from property owners on Cooper Street which the engineering firm and the City Attorney are working on. He asked the City Commission to go out for bid on this project.

L. Watts moved to approve to go out for bid on Cooper Street. J. Jones seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts. and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID ON COOPER STREET.

  1. Request approval to bid out Union Block Alley – City Manager said that the plans are complete and this is ready to bid out. He knows this has been a long process but it has been engineered and is ready to bid out to contractors.

Jason Dickman, Earles Engineering, discussed asphalt versus concrete for the alley.

L. Watts moved to approve to bid out the Union Block alley with concrete. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR BID ON THE UNION BLOCK ALLEY WITH CONCRETE.

  1. Request to bid out Horton Street 6th to 8th – (mill and overlay) – City Manager said that this project is ready to bid out. He would like to send it out as well as the overlay on National Avenue from 13th to 17th to get a better price.

R. Nichols moved to go out for bid for the mill and overlay from 6th to 8th on Horton Street, along with National Avenue from 13th to 17th for the overlay. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO BID OUT HORTON STREET FROM 6TH TO 8TH STREET.

  1. Discussion of sale of First Source Building – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that she is seeking approval from them on how to proceed with the sale of this building. It is anticipated the City will have an offer on the building by the next meeting in July.

J. Jones moved to seek Requests for Proposals for a Real Estate Agent. L. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye. K. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO GO OUT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A REAL ESTATE AGENT FOR THE FIRST SOURCE BUILDING.

  1. Discussion of sale of lake lots (deed restrictions, covenants, etc.) – J. Jones said that they need to discuss how to sell the lots, where the money from the sale of the lots would go, and what deeds and restrictions would be put on the property.

Discussion was held on soliciting Request for Proposals for a Real Estate Agent to sell the lots. K. Alen also mentioned using Lance Anderson and auctioning the lake lots. It was determined that the City Attorney should be consulted on this issue before proceeding.

J. Jones moved to table the discussion until the City Attorney can be present and consulted. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION ON THE SALE OF LAKE LOTS UNTIL THE CITY ATTORNEY IS PRESENT AND CAN BE CONSULTED.

  1. Discussion of moving City Hall to Bourbon County Courthouse building – City Manager said that a work session was held prior to this meeting about the possible move to the Courthouse. Pros and cons of the move were discussed.

Discussion was held regarding the savings that could occur with the move of City Hall to the Courthouse.

Discussion was also held about the possibility of the Police Department moving to the City Hall location. Also, all of the Commissioners have not viewed the space where City employees would be housed and they would like to view it. City Manager will take two of them over to view the building.

J. Jones moved to table this until the next special meeting next Tuesday, July 13th. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE MOVE OF CITY HALL TO THE COURTHOUSE UNTIL THE JULY 13TH, 2021 SPECIAL MEETING.

  1. Discussion of potential City/County shared services for Information Technology – City Manager said that before them is a Memorandum of Understanding for IT Support Technician for Shared Services with Bourbon County. The agreement includes that the County will provide an employee, Jimmy Kemmerer, to perform day to day IT assistance to the City. Mr. Kemmerer will be paid by the County at 40 hours a week ($20,800 or $400 per week on a 26 pay period. The City will pay $13,500 per year. The Memorandum of Understanding will expire on December 31, 2021.

R, Nichols moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for IT Shared Services. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR IT SHARED SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY AND BOURBON COUNTY TO EMPLOY JAMES KEMMERER, III.

.

  1. Discussion and request approval to bid overlay of 13th to 17th on National Avenue (See Item #5) – City Manager said that this was discussed previously. He asked for approval to bid this project out.

R Nichols moved to approve to bid the overlay of 13th to 17th on National Avenue. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO BID OUT THE OVERLAY OF 13TH TO 17TH ON NATIONAL AVENUE.

  1. Discussion of feasibility study – hospital building– City Manager said that Bourbon County has allocated funding for this feasibility study for the hospital building. The City will also receive A.R.C.A. funding in the amount of $550,000.

Josh recommended to the other Commissioners that the City donate $200,000 of their A.R.C.A. funding towards this feasibility study.

J. Jones moved to donate $200,000 of their A.R.C.A. funding towards the feasibility study for the hospital building. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO DONATE $200,000 OF THEIR A.R.C.A. FUNDING TOWARDS THE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE HOSPITAL BUILDING.

  1. Approval of purchase of Sewer Camera for Utilities Department – City Manager said that the Utilities Department has looked at three different vendors for sewer cameras.

Jason Dickman informed the Commission that Michael Mix and Mike Embry have viewed these three different units. They liked the trailer with the sewer camera on it the best. The unit they liked the best is from Key Equipment at $140,000. The other two demos did not meet what they would have specified.

City Manager said that there was $150,000 budgeted for this item.

R. Nichols moved to approve the sewer camera trailer from Key Equipment in the amount of $140,000. P. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE SEWER CAMERA TRAILER FROM KEY EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $140.000.

  1. Discussion of future Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep – Doug Guns, Parks Director, gave the Commission an update on lake facilities improvements. These include improvements to Sciortino Park, the swim area, the beach area, and camping area, the two pavilions, and the docks and boat ramps.

K. Allen left the meeting room at 9:04 p.m.

  1. Consideration of Pay Requests – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – Port-a-Potties

April 2021 $2,267.20

May 2021 $2,536.00

June 2021 $2,640.00

J. Jones moved to approve the invoices for April, May and June. L. Watts seconded. P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Jones voted aye.

APPROVED INVOICES FOR SKITCH’S HAULING & EXCAVATION FOR PORT-A-POTTIES FOR APRIL, MAY AND JUNE, 2021.

K. Allen returned to the meeting room at 9:05 p.m.

  1. Discussion of Golf Cart Ordinance – Josh said that he would like to see driving on National be approved and driving after dark provided they have the same regulations as U.T.V.’s.

City Clerk asked if the Police Department would be doing inspections on golf carts.

Captain Pickert said that the Police Department would be willing to do inspections.

Since Bob Farmer, City Attorney, was not present, discussion was held to hold off on approval until the new ordinance was before them to review.

16. Evergy Agreement for Electric Service – Michael Mix said that he asked that this be added to the agenda. There are two electrical services with one at the River Intake structure and one at the College Booster station. Entering into an agreement with Evergy would provide significant savings to the City. The City is able to get off the electric grid if needed, and run on generator. He asked for approval for the Evergy agreement. This would save approximately $15,000 a year.

L. Watts moved to approve the Evergy Agreement for the two locations for electric service saving the City approximately $15,000. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED EVERGY AGREEMENT FOR THE TWO LOCATIONS – RIVER INTAKE STRUCTURE AND COLLEGE BOOSTER STATION FOR ELECTRIC SERVICES SAVING THE CITY APPROXIMATELY $15,000.

Reports and Comments:

  1. Commissioner Reports and Comments:

L. Watts – Nothing to report.

R. Nichols – Asked the City Manager to review the City’s Blue Cross/Blue Shield contract.

P. Allen – Pete said that he has been on the Commission for 18 months. He said that the streets that were built in the 1900’s can’t all be fixed and that is his conclusion. He said that there are over 600 blocks in the City of Fort Scott. He said that the trash trucks have destroyed our streets as well as the concrete and dump trucks. The cost to rebuild those streets is in the millions of dollars.

K. Allen – Asked the City Manager to check sand prices.

He said that he wanted to bring up the removal of the stop sign at 3rd and National. He doesn’t think there is an issue now since the other stop signs have been removed.

K. Allen made a motion to remove the stop sign at 3rd and National going north and south. P. Allen seconded. K. Allen and P. Allen voted aye. R. Nichols, L. Watts and J. Jones voted no. Motion denied.

DENIED MOTION TO REMOVE STOP SIGN AT 3RD AND NATIONAL

J. Jones – Josh said that he checked on skating at Buck Run. He said he would sponsor the next skating session for up to $250.00. He would like to see all the skating sessions sponsored by companies or businesses.

City Attorney Report and Comments: Not present.

Adjournment:

R. Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 9:37 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

FS City Commission Agenda for Aug. 17

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
AUGUST 17, 2021
6:00 P.M.

  1. Roll Call:

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

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 6th, 2021.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1294-A totaling $598,879,75.

  1. Request to Pay – American Wrecking Services, LLC – Eagle Block Building – $44,550.00

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $9,470.39 – River Intake Project

  1. Amending of Resolution Numbers:

8-2021 to 18-2021 (14 S Margrave – Dangerous & Unsafe Resolution)

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering

Building Inspection – $4,791.88

Building Inspection (Peter Earles) – $1,669.50

3rd Street Sewer Project – $2,306.00

City Engineer – $4,000.00

Public Works Director – $4,717.50

Wastewater Treatment Plant – $7,288.00

Re-Route Manhole #148 Proposal – $5,000.00

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer $1,825.50

  2. July financials

  1. Engineering Firm Update:

  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 Update:

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: Brenda Iverson – Consideration of Boy Scout Request

  1. New Business:

  1. Consideration of Supplemental Bond Agreement No. 1 amending a certain bond agreement for the 2015 Industrial Revenue Bond for Bourbon County Assisted Living Project and approving Resolution No. 20-2021.

  2. Consideration to Pay: Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation, Inc.:

July Port-a-Potties – $2,640.00

Hauling of Clay to 3rd Street Project – $5,100.00

Use of Skid Loader for Dunn property – $1,572.50

  1. Consideration of Bid – Water Treatment Plant Clarifier No. 1 Mixer Drive Replacement

  2. Consideration of Bid – Cooper Street Reconstruction

  3. Consideration of Bid – National Avenue Overlay – 13th to 17th

  4. Consideration of Bid – Horton Street – Mill and Overlay

  5. Consideration of Bid – Union Block Alley

  6. Police Department update

  7. Fire Department update

  8. Human Resource Update – City Manager search

XIII. Reports and Comments:

a) Commissioners Reports and Comments:

b) City Attorney Reports and Comments:

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

XV. Adjournment:

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter Aug. 13

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
August 13th ~ Weekly Newsletter
Over 350 Volunteers to help with a large list of Projects Downtown & Around in our Fort Scott Community!
Organized by The Fort Scott Chamber & our Downtown Division
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS!
Every Friday & Saturday!
50-minute Narrated Trolley Tour
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Depart from the Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 3 pm.
$6 Adults & $4 for 12 yrs & under.
THE FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OFFERS DAILY GUIDED TOURS AT 10 AM & 1 PM, 7 DAYS/WEEK.
FREE – See more details below.
FINALLY HERE!
Fort Scott Downtown Clean-up Event!
3~6PM!
  • Projects will extend the Downtown Area with projects at Buck Run Community Center & Gunn Park
  • Volunteers will receive a Free T-Shirt with printed sponsors on the back, donated by MyOneStop! (While supplies last)
  • All Volunteers are invited to E3 Ranch & Co at 13 S. National Ave. at 6 pm, for a complimentary hamburger meal.
More follow-up details to come
& many Thanks!
PARKING & STREET CLOSURES
(SHOWN BELOW)
8/13 – Friday Night Concert in the Park – Excited to bring Bourbon County Revival (7 pm). Click here for info.
8/13 & 8/14 ~ Fort Scott Livestock Sale. Click here for info.
8/13 – Bourbon County Arts Council Live Music Concert on the Patio at Liberty Theatre featuring “Flagship Romance” (8 pm). Click here for info.
8/13 – 8/19 – Fort Scott Cinema. Now showing:
Free Guy, Jungle Cruise & Suicide Squad. Click here for more showtimes and upcoming movies.
8/13 – Boiler Room Brewhaus: Open Mic Night. Click hereto learn more.
8/13 – CORNHOLE FUN AT HOLMTOWN PUB, EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT AT 6 PM. Click here for more information.
8/14- Farmers’ Market, 8 am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort.
8/14- Roller Skating, 2nd & 4th Saturdays from 7 ~ 9 pm at Buck Run Community Center. For more information on skate rentals. Click here.
8/13 ~ 8/16 – The Lavender Patch Farm To learn more about events & hours open, click here.
July Hours open daily. Thurs. thru Mon.
8/14 ~Woodland Hills Golf Tournament 1-Person, 8 am. To learn more about events & hours open, click here.
THIS COMING MONDAY!
8/16 ~ Kansans Can Success Tour by Kansas State Board of Education, 6 pm ~ 7:30 pm at the River Room. Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson, a key speaker. To learn more about the event, click here.
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY!
8/17 ~ FSCC BUSINESS EXPO AT BAILEY HALLfrom 8:30 to 11:30 am ~ FREE to set up at EXPO! Welcome Businesses & Organizations. Call Kassie Cate to reserve.To learn more about the event, click here.
8/17 & 8/18 ~ BLOOD DRIVE at Buck Run Community Center! SAVE A LIFE! To learn more about the event, click here.Tuesday from 12:45 to 7 pm & Wednesday from 9 am until 1 pm
SAVE THE DATE!
8/21 ~ EKTEC Rodeo in Uniontown (Eastern Kansas Timed Event Circuit) To learn more about events & hours open, click here.
8/21 ~ Hollister Shooting Range Open 1st & 3rd weekend of each month. To learn more about events & hours open click here.
8/21 ~ Care to Share Bike Run, Dinner, Silent Auction & More. Starting at 9 am, Holmtown Pub & Grub. Fundraiser Event. To learn more about this event click here.
8/21 ~ Kansas Rocks Riding a Night Run of Fun! 7 pm ~ midnight. To learn more, click here.
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER BOOSTER MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
<

[Message clipped]  View entire message

McCoy Signs Agreement With City As New Interim City Manager

Mark McCoy. Submitted photo.

On August 10, local retired businessman Mark McCoy signed a contract with the City of Fort Scott to become its interim city manager, following the sudden resignation of Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier on August 3 after serving just six months.

The agreement states that McCoy is appointed by the city commission to be responsible for the administration and affairs of the city and perform duties as allowed by law and will work with the commission on its goals and objectives, according to information provided by the city.

McCoy will be employed month to month and started on August 10, 2021.

The city agrees to pay McCoy $9 per hour for up to 40 hours per week.

McCoy will receive no benefits, vacation or sick leave.

He will receive a vehicle allowance of $500 per month in lieu of mileage reimbursement.

To view the original document:

DOC081221-08122021075456

At a special city commission meeting on Aug. 5, Mark McCoy’s name was suggested for the interim city manager position, by Mayor Josh Jones. At that time the city commission asked him to consider taking the position.

McCoy has 46 years of business experience as a manager, supervisor, business development consultant, director, and owner in the McDonald’s Restaurant system, retiring in 2019.
He has been involved in the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees, Mercy Health Foundation, Kiwanis, SEK Multi-County Health Board, Highway 69 Project, Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give Input on Future of Kansas Education on August 16

Kansans Can Success Tour will be in Fort Scott at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 16 at the River Room, 3 W. Oak, directly above Luther’s BBQ.

“We are happy to host Dr. Watson and Dr. Neusenwander in Fort Scott,” USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong said.  “USD 234 is very supportive of the Kansas State Board of Education’s Vision that Kansas can lead the world in the success of each student and the outcomes they have chosen to help define a successful Kansas high school graduate.”

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson is facilitating community conversations across the state to gather feedback on the state’s vision for K-12 education, according to https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Success-Tour

“The Kansans Can Success Tour is a 50-city event that kicked off July 26. Commissioner Watson, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Brad Neuenswander and members of the Kansas State Board of Education will gather community input on the current direction for Kansas K-12 education and share progress made toward achieving the vision established by the Kansas State Board of Education,” according to the website.

“The 2021 tour is a follow-up to the Kansas Children. Kansas’ Future. community conversations tour that took place in 2015. Using the feedback gathered from more than 2,000 parents, educators, legislators, school board members, business community members, and more, the State Board created a new vision for education: Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

“Now, nearly six years later, we are again asking you to lend your voice to the conversation.

“Please plan to join one of the 50 events scheduled across the state. If possible, attendees are asked to bring a laptop, cell phone or tablet for an interactive portion of the presentation.”

 

FSCC Men’s Basketball sells game day merchandise

picture of basketball court with four other photos of basketball merchandise with

Fort Scott Community College Men’s Basketball team over the years have been able to accessorize their basketball gear with numerous shirts, hoodies, masks, and even shoes thanks to the dedication of the community and booster supporters. Now the Hounds want to give the community the opportunity to “shop their closet” and purchase memorabilia from over the years. These items were made only for the players and not available to the public at the time. Now everything from practice gear and hoodies to shoes and travel jackets can be yours to show your Hound spirit this season.

 

“This is a great opportunity to purchase items and support and show spirit to the program and the student-athletes,” says Coach Cook.

 

All items will be available to view and purchase by contacting Coach Cook at [email protected] or follow them on social media. Proceeds from sales will go back to the FSCC Men’s Basketball Booster account for future purchases.

 

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

Warning

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County

Ford County Lake, Ford County (new)

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

Hargis Lake, Sumner County

Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County (new)

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (upgraded Aug. 12)

Lake Jeanette, Leavenworth County (new)

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County

Milford Lake Zones A and C, Geary County

Neosho County State Fishing Lake, Neosho County (upgraded Aug. 12)

South Lake, Johnson County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Pony Creek Lake, Brown County

Milford Lake Zone B, Geary County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Parsons Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Buhler City Lake, Reno County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Advisories Lifted 8/12/21

Overbrook City Lake, Osage County

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

 

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

 

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

Chamber of Commerce Clean-Up Day This Friday, August 13

May be an image of text that says 'IN SEARCH OF EQUIPMENT for the Fort Scott Downtown Spring Clean New late! ០០¡ FRIDAY AUGUST 13th 3-6pm We still need a few more: Brushes & Rollers, Hand Clippers, Loppers, Weed Eaters, Leaf Blowers, Ladders, Rakes, & Shovels Please label any equipment with your name and phone number so we can get them back to you. *Can be dropped off at Lyons Realty Group, 8 E Wall.'

An event is slated for this Friday to spruce up Fort Scott’s downtown area and donated tools are still appreciated.

“The Downtown Clean-Up Event is scheduled for Friday, August 13 from 3-6 p.m.,” Bailey Lyons, chairman of the Downtown Committee of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, said.
There is a need for paintbrushes and rollers, hand clippers, loppers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, ladders, rakes, and shovels. These can be dropped off, with label and phone number on them, at Lyons Realty Group Office at 8 E. Wall.
Volunteers are asked to gather on August 13 at 2:45 p.m. at Lyons Realty Group at 8 E Wall, where materials, supplies, instructions will be distributed.

The committee has planned and reworked the event twice now because of inclement weather, Lyons said.  “We are hopeful that the third time’s the charm and we can get this done for the community!”

The committee is expecting  350-375 volunteers, she said.
Because of the large number of volunteers, several other public areas in town will be worked on.
“Due to the overwhelming pledge of volunteers, we will also complete various projects in the areas of Buck Run, and Gunn Park shelter houses and trails,” Lyons said.
Lyons said they are “extremely grateful to everyone helping, and everyone on the committee is humbled and blown away by the response.”
The Downtown Committee is eager to partner with Fort Scott Community College, which Lyons said is sending FSCC Student-Athletes to help with the cause.
In addition to FSCC, volunteers are expected from The City of Fort Scott, Kiwanis, Rotary, FFA, Good Neighbor Action Team, numerous local businesses, a group of local contractors, and many individuals and families.
“The committee has worked diligently to organize all logistics, materials, and volunteers, and can’t wait to see it all play out,” Lyons said.  “Our projects are spread throughout the historic downtown area and will include re-striping parking spaces and crosswalks, mulching and planting various beds, painting light posts and signposts, painting curbs, and painting the Chamber & Visitor Center sign, among other things. In addition, there are groups of local artists that will be painting two wall murals downtown throughout the day.”
“An event of this scale does not happen without the time, effort, and donations from a ton of individuals and organizations,” Lyons said, “The majority of the event costs were offset by a grant from our local Fort Scott Elks Lodge, which the committee was thrilled to receive. Many of the materials not covered by the grant were provided by The City of Fort Scott, who has been wonderful to collaborate with.”
A free meal will be provided to the volunteers from area businesses.
“All volunteers will be fed dinner upon completion of the work, courtesy of E3, with contributions from Bids & Dibs, and  Lyons Realty Group, ” Lyons said.  “Each volunteer will also receive a free t-shirt, compliments of MyOneStop.”
 “We wish to extend a sincere thank you to every person that has supported these efforts,” Lyons said on behalf of the committee. “This grew into a much larger event than originally planned, and the community pride has been undeniable. We hope that the impact is positive and quite noticeable. It’s amazing what can happen when people join together!”
“MyOneStop, a local marketing, and printing company is sending over their videographer and photographer to document the event,” Rachel French, a clean-up committee member said. “They will be creating a video to share with the City of Fort Scott to use as they see fit. MyOneStop is happy to donate its time and services to such an awesome event.”
Members of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee,  include Lyons (who is the chairwoman, Lyons Realty Group), John Crain (Crain Insurance Agency), French (WK Holdings) and Angela Simon (Bids & Dibs/ Angie Dawn’s), supported by Chamber President/CEO Lindsay Madison.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee 2021. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Local News