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Animal Control

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1. How do I obtain a trap for wildlife?

Please call Dispatch at 620-223-1700 and request to speak with Animal Control to make arrangements to obtain a trap.

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Codes

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1. Are you allowed to do your own electrical or plumbing work on your rental property?

No, a citation will be sent if the work is
done by an unlicensed electrician or plumber.

2. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes.  Please contact the Codes Department at 620-223-0550

3. Can you tell me my property lines?

No, you will have to get a surveyor to
measure your lot.

4. Can I call the Codes Department to report any issues?

Yes. Also if you need assistance in finding
help for you or someone else, please call 620-223-0550.

5. What is an inoperable vehicle?

An inoperable vehicle is one that cannot
move on its own power. Also
 an inoperable vehicle is one that does not have current insurance & current tags. 

6. What procedure does the City use to keep lawns maintained?

If the grass & weeds reach 8" in height, a letter is sent giving the owners of the property 10 days to cut the grass. Only ONE (1) letter per mowing season is sent out. You will not get additional letters each time your yard needs mowed. After the 10 days, the City will have it mowed and bill the property owner. After the initial mowing, if your property grows to 8” or more, it will be mowed again and billed to the owner. 

7. Can you tell me if my property is in the Floodplain zone?

Yes we can. Please call us at 223-0550.

8. Can I call the electric company to turn on my electric?

Unless you own and occupy the house
yourself, you will need a licensed electrician to do the work.  If you own and occupy the house, you can do
the work yourself.  When the work is
complete, contact the Codes Department and request an electrical inspection.   If the
inspection is approved, Codes will call the electric company to restore service.  

9. Why do I need a gas pressure test done before the gas company will turn the gas on?

A gas pressure test is required to ensure there are no gas leaks in the lines.  This helps ensure safety and avoid possible
explosions.  If pressure holds indicating
there are no leaks, Codes will contact the gas company to restore service.  If the test fails, a plumber will be required
(unless this is an owner-occupied property) to find the leak and fix it.  Codes should then be contacted for a second
inspection.  

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Dispatch Center

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1. When are the storm sirens activated?

When we receive a confirmation from the National Weather Service, Doppler Radar or the Trained Weather Spotter. Also, the sirens would be sounded if Fort Scott is in the direct path of a tornado.

2. Is there an all-clear when the tornado sirens are activated?

No, there is no all-clear signal.

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Fire Department

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1. How do I obtain a burn permit?

Burn permits are obtained by calling 620-223-2140. Burn permits are free of charge; however there are strict regulations on burning in the city limits of Fort Scott.

For more information look at the outside fire code or call the Fire Department

2. Where are the Fire Stations located?

The Fort Scott Fire Stations are located at 1604 S National and 23 S Franklin.

3. What is the ISO rating in Fort Scott?

The City of Fort Scott has an ISO rating of 3/3X, which helps establish appropriate fire insurance premiums. ISO Rating Information

4. Can I burn leaves or brush in my yard?

The City of Fort Scott has an ordinance against burning leaves in the city limits. However, brush is able to be burnt with the approval of the Fire Department and with an issued burn permit.

5. How can I arrange a tour of the Fire Station?

Tours of the station can be scheduled by calling 620-223-2140. Please keep in mind that the department has regular duties and training sessions, so the tour must be planned in advance and scheduled around the department staff schedules.

6. How can I schedule a fire prevention presentation?

The Fort Scott Fire Department offers fire prevention presentations on a variety of subjects. Programs can be customized to the needs of the specific organization. Call 620-223-2140 to schedule.

7. How often should I replace batteries in my smoke detectors?

You should replace the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year. A good way to remember is to do this when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.

8. Where should I place my smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home and each bedroom/sleeping area. You should avoid installing a smoke detector in a kitchen.

9. Does the Fort Scott Fire Department offer CPR, AED or First Aid training?

The Fort Scott Fire Department does offer CPR, AED, and First aid training. For more information or to schedule a training session call 620-223-2140.

10. Does the Fort Scott Fire Department fill swimming pools?

The Fort Scott Fire Department does not fill pools or have fire hose to loan out.

11. Who do I notify if I’m planning to test fire alarms at my business?

Contact Bourbon County Dispatch at 620-223-1700.

12. How can I report a fire hydrant problem?

If you notice a problem with a fire hydrant such as leaking, damage, or you know it to be non-operational, please contact Bourbon County Dispatch at 620-223-1700.

13. My carbon monoxide detector is showing alarm, but I cannot see any problem. What should I do?

Call 911 to report carbon monoxide alarms. Leave the house until it has been checked for the presence of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless, making it impossible to detect.

14. Why does my smoke detector make a short chirping sound every few minutes?

Smoke detectors are designed to emit a “chirp” every few minutes when the battery is low. This is a warning the battery needs replaced.

15. How to get a fire report?

To obtain a fire report you can request one by going to the fire station or by calling 620-223-2140 or 620-223-1700. Fire reports cost $5.00. When requesting a report be sure to know the address and date of the incident. Fire Department

16. How to know if there is a burn ban?

The Bourbon County Commissioners declares whether the county should or should not be in a burn ban. You will be able to find more information out on the Bourbon County website. You can also call the Bourbon County Courthouse 620-223-3800 or call the Fire Station at 620-223-2140. Bourbon County website

17. What to do after a fire?

After you have a fire in your home or apartment contact the Red Cross at 844-334-7569. The Red Cross can help with some expenses (hotel, food, and clothing). The Red Cross website

18. How can I request to have a fire truck at an event?

To request to have a fire truck at an event you are having contact the Fire Department at 620-223-2140. Please keep in mind that the department has regular duties and training sessions, requesting a truck must be planned in advance.

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Municipal Court

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1. If I pay my fine, do I still have to come to Municipal Court?

If your ticket has a specified fine amount, you do not have to appear in Court if you pay the fine and court costs on or before the court date on the ticket. If your ticket says “Must Appear”, then you cannot pay your fine in advance and you must appear in court on the date indicated on the ticket.

Failure to comply with the citation and/or pay fines and costs may result in the issuance of an arrest warrant and/or the suspension of your driving privileges, in addition to your case being turned over to collections.

2. How do I pay a municipal court fine and court costs?

If the back of your ticket contains the specific amount of the fines/costs, you can pay the full amount in one of three ways:
1. In person at the Municipal Court:
123 S Main Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701

2. By mail:
Municipal Court
P. O. Box 151
Fort Scott, KS 66701

3. Online with a debit/credit card

You may enter a plea if you wish on the back of the ticket and mail the ticket with your check or money order payable to Municipal Court. You must also pay the court costs for your citation even if you do not appear in Municipal Court. If you have appeared in court and the Judge imposed a fine and court costs in your case, the Judge will set a payment deadline.
Municipal Court Online Payments

3. How are the Municipal Court fines and court costs set?

The fines are set by City Ordinance and the court costs are set by charter ordinance and are assessed for the Municipal Court’s administrative costs as well as costs required by the State of Kansas.

4. What happens at arraignment?

An arraignment is the first time you appear in Court to answer to the charge(s) against you. In most cases, the arraignment date and time is specified at the bottom of your citation. At your arraignment the Court will handle a docket of many cases.

5. What is a plea?

A plea is an answer to the charges against you. You must enter a plea of Guilty, No Contest or Not Guilty.
- A “Guilty” plea means that you admit that you committed the offense(s).
- A “No Contest” plea means that you do not want to contest the charges. You are not admitting guilty, but you are allowing the Judge to find you guilty.
- A “Not Guilty” plea means that your case will be set for trial and the City will be required to prove that you committed the offense(s) beyond a reasonable doubt.

6. What happens at trial?

If you enter a plea of “Not Guilty,” your case will be scheduled for a trial. At trial the City has the burden to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The City Prosecutor will call witnesses to testify against you, and you will have the right to cross-examine each witness. You are also allowed to call witnesses or testify on your own behalf.

After all the evidence is presented, the Municipal Court Judge will enter a finding of guilty or not guilty. There are no jury trials in Municipal Court. You have the right to have an attorney represent you at trial, but you are not required to have an attorney. If you represent yourself, you are a “pro se” defendant.

7. What happens at sentencing?

In most cases, the Judge will impose your sentence upon entering a plea of Guilty or No Contest at arraignment or immediately following a conviction at trial. Depending on the offense(s), the Judge may impose fines and fees and/or possible jail time.

8. Can I speak to a City Prosecutor about my case?

If you are not represented by an attorney, you have an opportunity to speak with the City Prosecutor before your appearance date by coming into court early or by email at tmcelroy@fscity.org. The Prosecutor has no obligation to discuss your case with you, although the City Prosecutor will do so in most cases. If you are represented by an attorney, the Prosecutor must discuss your case with your attorney.

9. Can I have an attorney represent me in court?

You have the right to representation by an attorney in all Municipal Court cases. If you are charged with an offense that carries the possibility of jail time, you have to have an attorney. You must hire your own attorney, unless the Municipal Court Judge appoints one for you.

10. Can I appeal the Judge’s decision?

You have the right to appeal the conviction to the District Court. You must file a written Notice of Appeal with the Municipal Court within 14 days of your conviction. When you file your written Notice of Appeal, you must also post an appeal bond.

11. Can I change my arraignment date?

If you call before your scheduled arraignment date, the Court Clerk may grant a one-time continuance of your arraignment date, as set on your traffic ticket. The continuance will be for an arraignment date within one week of your current arraignment date. Municipal Court Clerk

12. What happens if I missed my second court date?

The Judge may have issued a warrant for your arrest due to your failure to appear in court. The State that issued your driver’s license may have also suspended your driving privileges. You should immediately call the Court at 620-223-0550 to ask about the status of your case.

13. I received a ticket for No Proof of Liability Insurance for the vehicle I was driving. What are my options?

If you had insurance coverage on the vehicle at the time the ticket was issued, you may bring proof of such coverage to the Court Clerk on or before your arraignment date. If you did not have insurance on the vehicle at the time the ticket was issued, you must appear in court on your arraignment date. Municipal Court Clerk

14. Can I get a diversion of any charge(s) against me?

A diversion is an agreement between you and the City Prosecutor related to the disposition of the charge(s). A diversion agreement allows you to avoid a conviction on your driving record, if successfully completed. You must call the City Prosecutor’s at 620-223-0550 and their office will send you the diversion application form.

You may be required to pay fines, fees, attend classes or counseling, depending on the type of diversion. If you comply with the terms of the diversion agreement, the charges against you will be dismissed. If you do not comply, the City may revoke your diversion and proceed with prosecution.

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Wastewater Treatment & Collections

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1. What can I put down the sewer?

The only items that should be sent down a sewer are human waste, toilet paperm water and soap. Nothing else should go down a sewer. Any chemicals put down the drain could interfere with the treatment process. The treatment process is a biological process, meaning there are no chemicals used in the waste water treatment plant.
"Wastewater: Where Does It Go?" YouTube Video

2. What do I do if I have sewer problems?

The City Waste Water Utility department is responsible for the sewer mains all the way to the treatment plant. Customers are responsible for the sewer lateral to the main and the tap itself into the main. A sewer lateral is the line that connects your sewer pipes to the sewer main (usually this is a 4 inch drain pipe).

If your drains are not draining and you can not clean them out yourself, then you can call the Wastewater Supervisor at 620-224-8874 and ask that the City check the sewer main. A crew will be dispatched to flush and inspect the city sewer main. If the main is clear then the obstruction is most likely in the customers lateral and they will need to hire a local plumber to fix the problem.

3. What causes sewer problems?

- If your home has an inoperable sump pump groundwater can flood your basement.
- Fats, oils and grease clog sewers. Meat, salad dressing, butter, cooking oils, and many other food scraps contain fatty byproducts that, when washed down a drain, quickly solidify and deposit on the inside of sewer pipes. Over time, the buildup of these fats, oils and grease can completely block a sewer line. Many of the soaps and detergents claiming to dissolve grease simply pass the problem down the pipes, clogging sewer lines in other areas.
- Tree roots will creep into the sewer pipe, trying to find water, and over time cause a blockage. Older houses may have clay sewer service lines, generally constructed in 4-foot segments, which are more susceptible to root intrusion than the sewer lines constructed today. The natural swelling and shrinking of soils can cause the joints between the segments to pull apart, creating an opening for roots to enter.
- Foreign objects (for example, a child's toy) can cause a backup.
- If the city's main has become clogged a backup could occur.
- Age of pipe material and the shifting of the ground can break pipes.

4. How does a wastewater treatment plant work?

To learn about the process, visit the Wastewater Treatment Plant page.

5. How can you help prevent sewer problems?

- Pour leftover cooking oils into a container for disposal in the trash or recycling.
- Scrape fat trimmings into the trash (not the garbage disposal).
- Wipe grease from pots and plates with a paper towel before washing.
- Know where the sewer line is located, and avoid planting trees or shrubs near it.
- Periodically have the service line mechanically cleaned/root cut or pressure washed (every 3-5 years, or every year for older clay pipes). Schedule this service with your local plumber.
- Choose chemical root treatments that contain a foaming agent designed to expand and fill the sewer line, coming in direct contact with the roots (roots typically enter the top part of the sewer line).

6. What if I smell sewer odors?

All fixtures connected to the sanitary sewer system are required to have a trap that prevents sewer smell and sewer gas from entering your home or building. Sewer gasses develop as the sewage starts to decompose on its way to the wastewater treatment plant. If you smell any sewer odors within your home or office, make sure that none of your traps are dry. Check your basement floor drains and any fixtures that are infrequently used. If the sewer smell persists, call your local plumber.

Sewer gas can be dangerous! Sewer gas and odors typically will enter through a dry trap or a broken service line under the structure. The property owner will be responsible for hiring a plumber to fix any plumbing problems within the facility or sewer service line.

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Water Treatment & Distribution

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1. Where can I learn additional details on Chlorine Burnout?

Chlorine Burnout Press Release

2. Where can I see the Chlorine Burnout PSA?

Chlorine Burnout Public Service Announcement

3. How do I read my meter or check for leak?

The City has installed meters that are capable of being read though radio transmission rather than manually for billing purposes. However you can still read the meters manually and check for leaks. Please view the guide for reading your water meter.

These meters also have the ability to store water usage data for the last 96 days. If you believe you have had a leak, or have questions about your water usage this data can be retrieved and provided to you upon request at no charge.
Guide For Reading Your Water Meter (PDF)

4. What happens if I have a water leak?

The customer is responsible for plumbing from the customer side of the water meter on, toward the house. The Water Utility Department is responsible for water lines from the Treatment Plant to the meter. If the leak is on customer side, please call a local plumber. If the leak is on the utility side, please report it right away to the Treatment Plant at 620-223-5160.

5. What is a Cross Connection/Backflow?

Cross Connection between water supplies and non potable sources of contamination represent one of the most significant threats to health in the water industry.

Backflow is the reversal of water from its intended direction due to a pressure differential. It can occur anywhere that has a potential of cross connection in a water system, including:
- Dishwashers
- Faucets
- Fountains
- Garbage disposals
- Hoses
- Lawn irrigation
- Pools
- Shower heads
- Toilets

Visit the American Backflow Prevention Association for additional information and resources.

6. What does the City do about Cross Connection/Backflow?

The City has a Cross Connection Program that is designed to maintain the standards of water potability by establishing rules and procedures to control potential cross connection and prevent contamination of public drinking water by the installation and maintenance of approved backflow devices.

For more information, view the website DrinkTap.org

7. Where can I get bulk water?

The City of Fort Scott operates a coin operated water supply filling station at 758 South Wilson Street. The filling station or "water crane" as it is called by many locals. The water on site is potable (that is drinking water), as it is connected directly to the distribution system. Attached to the water crane hose is a permanent air gap that prevents cross-connections by not allowing the hose to enter a water tank.

8. Why are my dishes spotted?

On the 1st of July 2010, all Dishwasher Detergent manufactures voluntarily eliminated phosphates from their products in response to 16 states in the USA banning phosphates from dishwasher detergents. Phosphates helped the cleaning process but were banned due to their negative affect on the environment. One of the ways the phosphates helped was to eliminate or reduce lime scale inside a dishwasher in hard water areas.

What is hard water?
Hard water refers to the natural mineral content in our water, comprised mostly of calcium, with some iron and manganese. Hardness is commonly measured in grains per gallon (gpg). Most detergent manufactures say that any water with hardness greater than 10.5 gpg is considered very hard. Here in Fort Scott our water has an average hardness of 12 gpg. Under typical conditions, the majority of these minerals will stay in solution. However, in the high heat of a dishwasher, boiling pot, coffee pot, etc. the minerals tend to come out of solution and deposit onto surfaces. Then the minerals are simply left behind as the water is evaporated. This is commonly called lime scale or hard water scale. This inconvenience is now more pronounced on our dishes because of the elimination of phosphates in the dishwasher detergents. The phosphates helped keep the minerals ‘bound up,’ or in solution, so that they were not as easily deposited on dishes.

What can be done to help prevent this inconvenience? There are multiple dishwater rinse aids that can be purchased. Most are citrus based. One can even use regular lemon juice as a rise aid!

9. Why does our water look like milk coming out of the tap?

This is a common question in the cold winter months. The milky appearance of the water is due to air entrapped in the water. Cold water is able to hold more dissolved oxygen than warm water, and remember that the water is under pressure until it is free of the tap. Therefore, when the water is exposed to the atmosphere, the dissolved oxygen immediately begins to come out of solution or off-gas into the air. This is exactly the same principle that happens with carbonated soda pop or beer. As soon as a carbonated beverage is opened, the dissolved carbon dioxide begins to off-gas. If you simply allow your glass of water to sit on the counter for a minute you will see it quickly clear up and look like normal. The milky color is simply air and poses no risk.

10. What causes water main breaks?

Water mains and services can suffer a break at any time and for a variety of reasons, such as freezing and thawing, old age, ground shift, construction and maintenance events, and more.

11. How do I know if a main break has occurred?

Symptoms can be loss of water pressure and flow, color or sediment in the water, standing or running water in the street, alley, or easement.

12. How does the water treatment plant work?

To learn about the process, visit the Water Treatment Plant page.

13. Where can I see analysis data for my tap water?

To learn about where to find analysis data, visit the Tap Water Data page.

14. What to do when your pipes freeze?

15. How to Check for Water Leaks?