Fire departments get grants

The Fort Scott Fire Department and other area fire departments could see some upgrades in equipment if a grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency goes through.

During the Tuesday meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission, FSFD Lt. Dave Bruner and FSFD Chief Paul Ballou briefed commissioners on a proposed plan to upgrade equipment and requested permission from the commission to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters grant through FEMA to fund the purchase.

"It's a highly competitive grant," Ballou said.

The commission unanimously approved applying for the 95-5 matching grant, which if received, would fund new air packs and tracking systems for the FSFD and other area fire departments. The total cost of the equipment purchase is $450,000, with the city's portion being 5 percent of that cost, or about $23,000, Bruner said.

Bruner and Ballou said the department received a similar grant to purchase air packs in 2002 and is seeking to upgrade that equipment. Criteria for the grant requires equipment to have gone through at least three cycles and be at least 10 years old.

Bruner said the department's current equipment meets both of those criteria.

"We would like to apply for a regional request for 64 air packs, which would cover other departments in the county," he said, adding it would be beneficial for all departments to be able to utilize the same type of air packs.

The new air packs would be integrated into tracking devices that would help firefighters in emergencies such as locating a downed firefighter, Bruner said.

City Manager Dave Martin said he has been informed by Director of Finance Jon Garrison that the city's portion of the grant would come from the public safety budget.

In other business Tuesday, the commission:

* Approved the consent agenda, which included appropriation ordinances totaling $362,850, adoption of a Civil Rights/Fair Housing policy, and a Cereal Malt Beverage license for the Blackout Fighting Championship event Nov. 23 at Memorial Hall.

* Conducted a public hearing on an unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 701 S. Judson St., and approved a resolution directing the repair or removal of the structures within 45 days. Ballou told the commission the house is unsafe and boarded up and the owners have not attempted any work to repair it. Commissioners approved allowing 45 days for the structures to be brought up to code before the structures are removed. Ballou said a local citizen has expressed interest in the property.

* Heard an update from Director of Economic Development Heather Griffith on a plan that is in progress to try to improve the workforce in Fort Scott and find skilled workers to fill jobs. Griffith said a Nov. 12 meeting to brainstorm and address workforce issues was attended by 27 people, and follow-up meetings took place Tuesday.

"There was great communication," she said. "We want to get students in Fort Scott to stay here, get skilled and help employers fill jobs they have."

Meetings have included representatives of Fort Scott Community College, USD 234, the city and chamber, and local businesses.

"We want to address the opportunities for growth and expansion," she said.

Mayor Cindy Bartelsmeyer thanked Martin during the meeting for "taking the lead on workforce development." Martin said meetings with local businesses and educational institutions have been "good meetings."

* Recognized Lavetta Simmons and Joy O'Neal with The Sharing Bucket. During the meeting, Bruner and Ballou presented a $100 donation to the organization. The FSFD honored The Sharing Bucket with the money, which came to the department from Modern Woodmen of America. The program allows the department to donate the money to the charity of their choice.

Martin also informed the commission the employee Christmas dinner is set for Dec. 12 at Buck Run Community Center.