Commission denies further extension regarding structure demolition

Demolition and the Streetscape Project continue to be big issues for the City Commission. Tuesday night's meeting had discussions on the city's continued efforts with the demolition of more unsafe structures around the city as well as the unanswered questions with the Streetscape Project's progress.

After 215 days, the structure at 324 Grant will be dealt with by Fort Scott. The city has given Frank Miller two extensions, one of 30 days and one of two weeks, to tear the structure down and clean it up. The building and debris is still on the lot and there will be no more extensions. The city will get three written proposals from other companies to take care of the remaining work. Miller may continue to work on the site until the new company is chosen. Miller will be charged by the city for the cost of finishing the work on the site, said commission members Tuesday. Miller is also responsible for demolishing and cleaning two other structures in town. City officials expressed concern about whether or not these two structures will be completed on time.

At Tuesday night's public hearing the structure at 14 E. 1st St. was discussed. It was decided upon the recommendation of the City Attorney Bob Farmer that the hearing be continued. The current condemnation process will be suspended due the correct owners not being informed of the actions that will take place.

The fate of four more local properties are to be held in hearings set during the City Commission meeting Tuesday night. The structures at 123 S. Wilson St., 113 N. Barbee St., 207 N. Judson St., and the accessory structure at 121 N. Washington St. will be up for discussion at a public hearing on October 21 at 6:15 p.m.

The issue of the Streetscape Project was addressed again at Tuesday night's commission meeting. Commissioner Jim Adams prepared a letter which he read to the commission discussing his personal dissatisfaction with the answers that were provided to the questions about the contractors and sub-contractors meeting specifications. Adams requested that the commission have the opportunity to meet with Professional Engineering Consultants, P.A. to discuss these questions and get a better understanding of the situation. After a short discussion the commission decided to have a work session on this issue that will be scheduled at a later date.

The commission discussed and approved two resolutions regarding the authorization for improvements to the city's water supply system and providing for the payment. The second resolution was for the authorization of offering for sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2008-1 of the City of Fort Scott.

The discussion of the Marmaton WRAPS Project was brought up in continuation from the commission meeting held on August 19. The commission approved upon the recommendation of the City Manager Joe Turner to provided $30,000 for this year and an additional $30,000 at the beginning of 2010. The commission was originally asked for a two year commitment however the city does not have the funds necessary in the 2009 budget.

In other business:

* The parade permit was approved for the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Parade.

* Permission was granted for the First Baptist Church to use the parking lot located at 2nd St. and Scott Ave. for their annual "Trunk or Treat" on October 29 from 5:00-6:30 p.m.

* The commission decided on three voting delegates as well as three alternates to attend the Kansas League of Municipalities Conference in Wichita, KS from October 11-14. The voting delegates are Susan Brown, Director of Finance; Dick Hedges, City Commissioner; and Joe Turner, City Manager. The alternates are Eric Bailey, Director of Public Works; Dale Bunn, Economic Development Director; and Diane Clay, City Clerk.

* City Manager Joe Turner informed the commission that there will be a discussion regarding the repair of the retaining wall located at 7th and National. This discussion may come as early as the commission meeting on September 16.

* Turner also stated that the target date for the televising of the City Commission meetings will be September 16.