Bob Farmer

The meeting commenced with Commissioners being sworn into office. Key actions included the appointment of a new Mayor, who was nominated by Commissioner Dancer and seconded by Commissioner Buchta, with Commissioner Salsbury abstaining. Commissioner Buchta was then appointed President of the City Commission. The commission voted to table the appointment of representatives to the Healthy in All Practices Commission. Representatives were appointed to the Fort Scott Housing Authority (Commissioner Dancer), Fort Scott Public Library (Commissioner Wells), Fort Scott Land Bank (Commissioner Salsbury), and Fort Scott Streets Advisory Board (Commissioner Buchta). The agenda and Consent Agenda, including Appropriation Ordinance 1399-A covering expenses from December 10-31, 2025, were approved. During public comment, the Chamber of Commerce addressed a tabled resolution regarding the Main Street program application. Under Unfinished Business, the inspection proposal from Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC for the Davis Lift Station project was approved. New Business included a public hearing where Resolution No. 2-2026, adopting the Citywide Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP), and an Interlocal Agreement with Bourbon County for the NRP (2026-2030) were approved. The Acceptance of the Outdoor Fitness Campaign Grant and related Resolution No. 1-2026 for an Outdoor Fitness Court® was also approved. A presentation covered the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program planning project coordinated with Spring Hill. The commission approved Ordinance No. 3793, which regulates public offenses by incorporating the Uniform Public Offense Code (UPOC). They also maintained the existing Code of Ethics (Ordinance No. 3780), approved Resolution No. 3-2026 designating the official city newspaper, and Resolution No. 4-2026 designating official public fund depositories.

The City Commission agenda was approved. The consent agenda included the approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1397-A, covering expenses from November 12 to November 25, 2025, and the approval of 2026 Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses for several locations. Under unfinished business, the Commission approved the base bid of $2,509,499.59 from Jeff Asbel Excavating & Trucking, Inc. for the Davis Lift Station Extraneous Flow Pump and Force Main project, with a caveat to explore alternative funding sources like a bond. New business involved the consideration of two resolutions regarding alleged unsafe and dangerous structures: Resolution No. 42-2025 for 310 N. Cleveland passed 3-2, and Resolution No. 43-2025 for 601 S. Little passed unanimously, initiating hearings for both. Reports covered project updates (Davis Lift Station, East National Project, CCLIP Wall Street project) and upcoming items for the next meeting (End of Year Report, Dog Ordinance). The Commission recessed into executive session for personnel matters.

The meeting addressed several operational and property-related matters. Key discussions involved the approval of amended minutes, staff reports on property inquiries, specifically regarding 627 Hman, and updates on title issues for 315 Northshoot, which requires obtaining a death certificate to issue a warranty deed. The board approved a motion to obtain this certificate. Discussions also covered the status of properties under contract with Security First, noting that title warranties can be issued after two years of holding the property with good service, and the process for seeking extensions for property owners who have not yet made progress, such as creating a six-month extension form contingent on a plan. The board decided against repurchasing the 611 Crawford property from a buyer who encountered title issues. Furthermore, the property on Pine Street was removed from the demolition list after it was determined the occupants intended to keep or sell the house, and the property slated for a future tax sale (on Oak Street) was highlighted due to its significant recent upgrades (new roof, windows, electric, plumbing). Finally, the board discussed preparations for the upcoming Land Bank annual report, due by January 31, 2026, and the need to solicit new members to ensure future quorum.

The commission discussed and made decisions on several key issues, including a resolution for taxable industrial revenue bonds for Fort Scott Dialysis, directing the repair or removal of unsafe structures at multiple locations, and the 2026 City Holiday Schedule. They also considered ordinances related to salaries, traffic, sanitary sewer rates, and water rates, with some items being tabled for further review. Additionally, there was a discussion about the limit on the number of dogs allowed per household, and updates were provided on various city projects.

The commission discussed the deteriorating condition of Wall Street and a city connecting link agreement with KDOT. They also considered bids for the Davis Lift Station extraneous flow pump and force main project, including a potential switch to a Hayward pump for cost savings. Other topics included city engineer and manager updates, commissioner comments on various city issues, and an executive session regarding attorney-client privilege.