Commission meeting full of good news

Tuesday's meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was full of good news.

The meeting began with Fort Scott Mayor Gary Bukowski presenting certificates and keys to the city to Sarah Powley, of Lafayette, Ind., who is the recipient of the 2009 Lowell Milken Center Fellow - Outstanding Teacher of the Country Award and Mike Berndt, of the Manhattan area, who is the recipient of the 2009 Lowell Milken Center Intern - Outstanding Teacher of the Midwest Award.

Following the approval of the concert agenda, the Youth Activities Team made a presentation announcing their big event on October 10. They announced the Ropin' & Rockin' for Pennies for the Park which will feature a team roping competitions sanctioned by the United States Team Roping Championships and a concert by Jason Aldean (see story above).

Good Neighbor Action Team Co-convener Julie Righter approached the commission asking for the city to transfer funds from an account at UMB Bank to be used as funding for the Good Neighbor Blitz. The fund was created a few years ago to assist residents in obtaining a loan from UMB Bank at an interest rate of 4 percent for the purpose of repairing their home. Righter said the GNAT is requesting the transfer because the fund has not been used in the past year. The request was granted.

Righter also informed the commission that the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott will match money raised by the GNAT between June 1-12 up to $7,000.

Fort Scott Commissioner Sam Mason said he would like to revise the city's dog ordinance to include regulations on leaving a dog tied up all day. He also mentioned they city should look into putting together a cat ordinance. Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer said he will look into both issues.

Other business conducted by the commission include:

* A permit was approved for the Good Ol' Days Parade.

* Approved a license to retail cereal malt beverages to the Bourbon County Shrine Club for their tent at the Good Ol' Days Festival.

* Approved a certificate of appropriateness to the City of Fort Scott for downtown signage, poles, and street signs.

* Authorized an expenditure of $7,258 to Signmaker for the repair of a the damaged billboard sign located on West U.S. Highway 54.

* Set a public hearing date of July 21, in reference to the alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 624 Broadway St.

* Approved a donation of $2,500 for the Annual Elks Fireworks.

* Approved the payment of $3,532.45 to Monarch Nurseries for the 2009 Tree Program.

* Approved an permit for public dancing to River Room Events, LLC.

* Approved a payment of $5,768.30 to Judy's Iron and Plumbing for the construction of a pavilion at Nelson Park.

* Authorized the application for funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the paving of National Avenue from Wall Street to 6th Street.