Fort Scott Land Bank accepts $2,100 offer for 710 South Lohman and votes to move management to city staff

The Fort Scott Land Bank on an unspecified date voted to accept a $2,100 offer for the property at 710 South Lohman and approved a separate motion to transfer management of the land bank to city staffer Lisa within 30 days.

Pat, the land bank manager, told board members the group had received two competing applications for 710 South Lohman: one for $1,000 with proof of financing and a detailed building plan, and another for $2,100 without proof of financing and only a hand‑drawn diagram. Pat said the board had asked staff to check whether the higher bidder would increase the offer; the bidder declined.

The board agreed the accepted $2,100 offer would be contingent on the purchaser obtaining necessary zoning relief. Because the lot is nonconforming, Pat said the buyer will need a variance from the planning and zoning body. The board adopted a 300‑day clock for showing “progress” on construction, measured from planning commission approval, after discussion that the period should show forward movement rather than final completion. Pat told the board, “I would inclined to take the $2,100 offer and see how we could work with this person to get back on the tax rolls.” K. seconded that motion, and the board approved it by voice vote.

Board members discussed other properties and enforcement options. Pat described several cases where purchasers had not completed required improvements within the contract time frame: one buyer who had been given one year did not finish because of illness but is reportedly clearing debris this week; another contract that lasted two years had seen no activity. Pat recounted a separate lot sold for $3 for which the land bank still lacks clear title. Members debated whether to claw back properties, extend deadlines, or pursue quiet title actions and whether to involve title insurers before filing court actions. Pat said the land bank would first send reminder letters to owners whose time frames have expired.

The board also heard that the city manager had proposed bringing the land‑banking function in‑house, using city development staff to perform the work. Pat said the city commission would discuss that proposal at a separate meeting; Pat added that an MOU with the attorney who assists with tax sales is being considered so the land bank could get help acquiring properties at tax sale. Pat said, “We presented it. Everybody’s taking a look at it right now,” and board members said the city commission was likely to take no action immediately on the MOU.

On the governance question, the board approved a motion to transfer day‑to‑day management of the land bank to Lisa (city staff) within 30 days so staff can begin coordinating the transition; Pat made the motion and K. seconded. The board took that vote by voice.

Members noted the board remains short one member and discussed outreach to potential recruits. The meeting concluded with the board directing staff to send compliance reminder letters to delinquent purchasers, to research quiet‑title procedures and title‑company requirements before filing any action, and to continue coordination with the city commission on the proposed management change.

Votes at a glance: The board approved accepting the $2,100 offer for 710 South Lohman (motion made by Pat; seconded by K.; approved by voice vote; no roll‑call tally provided). The board approved transferring management of the land bank to city staffer Lisa within 30 days (motion made by Pat; seconded by K.; approved by voice vote; no roll‑call tally provided).

Note: The meeting transcript records these outcomes by voice vote and does not include a roll‑call tally. The board discussed but did not adopt any formal quiet‑title filings or clawbacks at this meeting; the transcript shows direction to research options and to notify delinquent purchasers by letter.