Work to begin to create a quieter Fort Scott

The Fort Scott City Commission gave its approval Tuesday to begin the first step of a project that could bring quiet zones to Fort Scott.

The issue of railroad quiet zones - which would eliminate trains from legally sounding their horns when approaching crossings, except in emergency situations - has been talked about in Fort Scott for several years. The quiet zones would be located at different intersections throughout town.

City Manager Dave Martin told the commission during its Tuesday meeting that he had met with a consultant Tuesday to "talk us through the process of quiet zones." He said quiet zones are not part of the 2014 budget but the issue is important and steps are being made to begin the process.

The commission later approved a motion to pay $8,650 for Olsson and Associates of Springfield, Mo., to conduct a diagnostics review of each intersection where a quiet zone would be located.

Martin said it is the first step in what could be a long process.

"We will move forward in working with the Springfield company on the first step of a plan to bring quiet zones to the city of Fort Scott," he said after the meeting.

Martin said the contractor will evaluate each intersection for a quiet zone, a process that could take seven to eight months to complete. The second step in the process would involve evaluation of the plan for possible modification of safety for situations that may require special approval.

Following the consultant's review, future steps will include talks among city staff, railroad staff, hotel owners and citizens. Martin said the intent is to "work in half-mile sections" and have discussions on what the city will be able to afford to complete, as well as get approval from everyone involved. The plan is to "start with Wall Street and move south, one section at a time," Martin said. "We don't have to do the whole project all at once."

Martin said he recently learned that the city's public works department staff could do the work for the quiet zones, which could save money by avoiding the cost of a contractor. He also said quiet zones could benefit the local hotel industry.

Future funding for quiet zones will also be an issue to be discussed. Martin said a future one-percent increase in the transient guest tax could be included among possible options to fund the project.

"We'll have to look at funding and work it into the budget," he said.

If quiet zones are implemented, trains would still be able to blow horns at points when changing crews, but Martin said "that is a much quieter horn." The quiet zones would be in effect 24 hours a day.

In other business, the commission:

* Approved the consent agenda, which included appropriation ordinances totaling $494,808; a modification order to remove one 175-watt street light at 429 S. College St. and install one 70-watt high-pressure sodium street light on a wood pole at that address; a certificate of appropriateness for a new sign at Skubitz Plaza that will feature a map visitors can use to find major attractions; and a request from a motorcycle group to gather at the north end of Skubitz Plaza from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, to register and prepare for the Ride for the Wreath event. Proceeds from Ride for the Wreath will go to purchase wreaths for the veteran's graves at Fort Scott National Cemetery No. 1. Wreaths will be placed at the cemetery in December as part of Wreaths Across America.

* Following a public hearing, approved a resolution directing the repair or removal of an unsafe structure and accessory structure located at 717 S. Osbun St. Commissioners approved allowing 30 days for repair of the structures before the condemnation process will begin. Commissioners tabled a similar resolution for an unsafe structure located at 107 S. Wilson St. as they didn't have enough information on the structure for approval.

* Approved a motion to let bids for a new street sweeper. Chad Brown, manager of the street department, said the city currently has an older model purchased in 2003 that is "wearing out" and some parts do not work. He said the typical lifespan of the machine is eight to 10 years. Within the last year, about $11,000 has been spent to repair the current sweeper. A new machine that is being considered would have several advantages, including being more fuel efficient. It would also take only two to three days to sweep the entire city rather than weeks, Brown said.

* Tabled consideration of bids for the repair of the roof at Memorial Hall due to damage from the April 7 hail storm. Martin said some of the bids "are far apart" and he recommends allowing more time for the bidding process.

* Approved an agreement with Midwest Right of Way Services, Inc., of Omaha, Neb., for the 18th and 23rd Street realignment project, and a supplemental agreement with Felsburg, Holt and Ullevig for engineering services for U.S. Highway 69 intersection improvements at 18th and 23rd streets.