Fort Scott city leaders agree internet speed is a concern

Fort Scott residents who frequently use the internet may already realize that service is not as great as it could be.

The Fort Scott City Commissioners Tuesday heard from one business owner who said he hears frequent complaints from his customers.

As technology continues to improve, and the sales of "smart TVs" continues to rise, the demand on the present connection service also will continue to increase, according to Mike Giordano.

The area currently has an average band width of from 2.5 to 3 megs. Surrounding areas have an average bandwidth of 20 megabytes bandwidth.

"What concerns we have is that it's not consistent. Sometimes it's working. Sometimes it's not," Giordano said.

While the issue is frustrating for home computer users, businesses have a difficult time conducting business. Giodano sees it as an economic development issue.

Mayor Jim Adams agreed.

"We have become aware of this. Unfortunately we didn't start working on it years ago. I think strides have been made and we realize for economic reasons to attract new businesses, and attract people who work from their homes, we've got to get there," Adams said. "There are some vast improvements that are coming."

Adams said that city manager Dave Martin could provide more information on what improvements are being made.

"We hear you and it's being worked on," Adams said.

Martin said that some areas of the process are confidential because the city is working with a private company.

Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial

The commission gave its blessing for the creation of a memorial to recognize three Fort Scott residents who are recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Ken Lunt led the presentation and explained that the plan is to place the memorial in Skubitz Plaza. Early estimates have placed the cost of the monument between $8,000 and $15,000 to have it shipped to Fort Scott.

"We have some raised. We can raise the rest. We will raise the rest," Lunt said.

The group has raised $4,000 so far.

"We are not asking for city funds, or public funds or taxpayer funds. We will raise all the money independently," said Schoefield.

He said the group is asking the city to consider allowing a monument to be placed in the plaza.

Adams made a motion to allow the group to work with Martin to ensure that the project progresses. The commissioners unanimously voted to support the project.

Other city commission business

* Adams read a proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month.

* Ken Myers of Westar Engergy introduced Mark Wollenberg as the new regional supervisor for Fort Scott and Humbolt. Myers is retiring as the company's representative for this area.

* A public hearing was held to close out a $400,000 housing Community Development Block Grant for a housing rehabilitation program. Fort Scott spent $228,128 to rehabilitate 24 houses and demolish one. The average cost of the rehabilitation was $21,500.

* The commissioners unanimously voted to condemn a house at 415 Osbun. According to Brent Crays, the homeowner is aware of the pending condemnation and has told Crays that repairing the house is not financially possible.

* An agreement for professional services was approved for the Riverfront Park Loop Road and Parking.

* Action on a lease agreement with First Source was tabled. Martin reported that not all signatures have been obtained yet.