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Bond projects, construction part of 2016 history
The Tribune continues its look back at some of the more noteworthy stories of 2016
* Work continued throughout 2016 on the $40.8 million USD 234 school bond projects voters approved in late 2014.
Hundreds of workers worked over the summer on projects at all four district schools. Improvements included new HVAC, plumbing and electrical, remodeling of classrooms and other areas, construction of new high-wind shelters and other structures, and other projects. Furniture and several other items were moved out of school buildings after the end of the 2015-16 school year in preparation for summer work.
Nabholz Construction Services of Olathe, the construction manager for the bond projects, has turned over various areas to the schools as projects are completed. Nabholz officials have said the goal is to have all projects completed by summer 2017. The bond projects started in 2015.
* In early December, the Fort Scott City Commission signed off on a plan to allow utility task vehicles, or UTVs, on city streets for a trial basis.
Commissioners approved an ordinance to take effect Jan. 1 for a 6-month trial and they will review the ordinance again after that time period.
In September, commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with drafting an ordinance allowing the four-wheel drive vehicles on city streets, following discussion by city staff and several residents on the matter. Concerns raised during discussions included speed capabilities of UTVs, the fact UTVs are built for off-road purposes, and tires.
Proponents of UTVs said the vehicles are safer than golf carts.
* Throughout the latter part of 2016, Fort Scott City Commissioners, city staff, residents and others discussed trash and codes issues in the city.
In October, the commission conducted a work study session attended by representatives of several local trash companies and other residents concerned about trash and codes enforcement in the city. One item discussed was possibly adding a monthly fee to utility bills to fund enhanced codes enforcement.
In November, City Manager Dave Martin said he had discussions with city codes personnel to look at possible changes in procedures currently in place to find a solution for continued trash and codes problems. He said officials were looking at procedures rather than adding more personnel in the codes department.
Codes and trash issues drew attention as city officials discussed trash problems and the issue of citizens without trash service, and those who allow trash and other debris to pile up in alleys and yards.
Martin brought options to commissioners, who agreed that local trash haulers and the current system were not the problem; the problem lies with continued violators and those with no trash service. Commissioners took off the table a notion of adding trash service to residents' utility bills.
Earlier this month, commissioners approved amendments to city ordinances on property maintenance, weed control and excavations. Martin said codes personnel researched the proposed amendments.
* Displays were set up this spring inside the newly-constructed Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes located at 1 S. Main St.
Ground was broken for the new 6,500-square-foot building in October 2014 and construction was completed in December 2015. A grand opening for the center took place in May. The LMC continues to use its original site at 4 S. Main St.
The new exhibit features interactive exhibits, displays, a 48-seat theater with bench seating, a conference room, a life-sized apple tree, and award-winning student art.
* Several city projects began, were completed or continued through 2016.
Some highlights include expansion of U.S. Highway 69 and intersection improvements along U.S. 69 from 18th to 23rd streets; a project to make roadway, sidewalk, curb and gutter and other improvements along National Avenue from Sixth to 13th streets; a project to make access road improvements off U.S. 69 into the Fort Scott Industrial Park; construction and establishment of a quiet zone at the Wall Street railroad crossing; improvements to sidewalks on East Wall Street from Margrave to Steen streets; and further development of the Riverfront Park on North National Ave.
City commissioners also approved various upgrades to city water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as several technology improvements.
* The clubhouse at Woodland Hills Golf Course that was more than 100 years old was torn down in the spring. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new clubhouse constructed at the course also took place in the spring. The new clubhouse was completed in early 2016.