Easement approved for wall repairs at National Cemetery

The Fort Scott City Commission gave the okay to work on the wall surrounding the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Dan Montana of Decatur Construction approached the commission Tuesday evening to obtain a 15-foot easement on a parcel of land owned by the city which neighbors the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Montana said Decatur Construction was hired by the federal government to demolish the existing wall around the cemetery and reconstruct at least the west wall which serves as the entrance. He also said his company was instructed to use the local rock quarry for materials to rebuild the wall, however they plan to preserve the history of the wall by reusing the rock.

"Our goal is to use as much of the original rock as possible," Montana said.

According to Montana, Decatur Construction needs to obtain the easement because there is not enough room to work on the wall from the inside without causing damage to the graves. He said he has spoken with all the other property owners in which the easement would be needed and they were very receptive as long as the sites are left the same as they were when the crew arrived.

The commission unanimously approved the easement.

"It's an important part of our community," Commissioner Jim Adams said. "We are lucky to have it."

Other business conducted during the meeting included:

* A proclamation was read in recognition of the Fort Scott High School Debate Team's achievements. Debate coach Brian Weilert was in attendance to accept a certificate signed by the commissioners and Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner.

* A public hearing was held for the condemnation of the structure at 111 N. Judson St. The structure has been demolished and is now lying in a pile. Kevin Allen said he is waiting on the weather to clean up the rest of the debris.

* The lot located at 1627 1/2 E. Wall St. was re-zoned from Mixed Use to C-3 (general commercial) for the use of a diesel repair shop.

* The ordinances which propose a 10 percent increase in each the water and sewer rates was presented for it's first reading. The second and final reading will take place at the Dec. 1 meeting.

* The Dec. 1 meeting of the commission was rescheduled for 5 p.m. and will be done in time for Mayor Gary Bukowski to attend the Fort Scott Christmas Parade.

* Turner recommended the city not sell the milling and overlay machines this year. Primary appraisals came in well below the amount the city still owes. Turner said the city will keep the machines for one more year and attempt to sell them again next year.