City commission approves purchase of new trolley

Dolly the Trolley's replacement could be rolling into town in the near future.

Fort Scott City Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a recommendation from the Transient Guest Tax committee to purchase a new 2015 trolley for the purposes of tourism and marketing the city. The approval followed comments from Reta Baker representing the TGT committee.

"The trolley has a future in marketing efforts of the city," Baker said.

Baker talked about "valuable experiences" tourists have had riding a trolley. She said a previous trolley used by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce in the city had "become unreliable" and was taken out of service. Fundraising efforts have taken place in recent years to help with purchase of a new trolley.

Baker said a goal is to "promote the use of the trolley with tour groups" and she feels that the number of tour groups coming into Fort Scott will increase with the trolley as a marketing tool.

Money to help fund the purchase of the new trolley will come from the TGT fund. Revenue for the fund is generated through a sales tax tourists pay when staying at local hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Baker said the committee looked at listings for trolleys to compare prices of new and used trolleys. The trolley the group decided upon is a 26-foot 2015 diesel model with a freight line body, 24 to 28-passenger capacity and is ADA compliant.

She said the company from which the trolley will be purchased can bring it to Fort Scott for viewing prior to the purchase. She also showed some photos of the trolley, which is currently painted red and green but will be painted white for the city's use.

Funding for the $123,900 total purchase will come from the sale of two old trolleys, which FSACC Executive Director Lindsay Madison said brought in about $23,500. There is also money from various donations and fundraising efforts that brings the total to go toward the purchase to about $45,000. Money from the TGT will help pay for the trolley over the course of a six-year financing term, Madison said.

According to information Baker provided, ride volume for the trolley was 1,798 riders in 2009, 1,487 in 2010, 1,303 in 2011, 1,787 in 2012, and 1,538 in 2013. Ride volume dipped to 836 riders in 2014, 392 in 2015 and 57 riders so far in 2016.

Baker said operational costs for the trolley will be managed through the TGT budget and routine maintenance will be handled by Tom Coffman, mechanic supervisor for the city, and his crew.

Baker said in the warmer months there is more travel, more community events and more opportunity to promote and market the trolley, the group "didn't want to put off the purchase."

Other business

* The commission conducted its annual reorganization, electing JoLynne Mitchell as the new mayor, Sam Mason as commission president, Randy Nichols as Fort Scott Housing Authority delegate and Jim Adams as Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc., (BEDCO) representative.

Former Mayor Cindy Bartelsmeyer moved to elect Mitchell to serve as the city's new mayor.

"I've enjoyed serving as mayor these last three years," Bartelsmeyer said. "I believe the city is moving forward in a very positive, upward way and that makes us proud as commission members."

* Commissioners approved the consent agenda, which included an appropriation ordinance totaling $247,294; a resolution and notice of hearing with reference to an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 713 S. Lowman, and a public hearing date of 6:15 p.m. June 7; and two certificates of appropriateness concerning demolition of dilapidated structures at 118 and 120 N. National Ave.

During its April 13 meeting, the Design Review Board unanimously approved a motion to demolish the structures. During that meeting, Deputy Fire Chief Dave Bruner said the owners of the buildings have not completed any repairs and there are some issues with the owners, according to meeting minutes.

Demolition would involve buildings at 118 and 120 N. National Ave., and a brick structure connected to the building at 120 N. National Ave. The roofs are missing from the structures and exposed to the elements, according to meeting minutes.