As the City of Severy continues to move forward with clean-up efforts at 401 N. Hobart Avenue, the council enlisted the help of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), during their monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 3.
KDHE Environmental Compliance and Regulatory Specialist Toby Kuhn met with the council to discuss options KDHE offers to municipalities. Kuhn noted that the KDHE could assist with clean up efforts at the residence that is “overflowing” with trash, food and personal items. During their December meeting, the council noted that appliances were now fixtures of the yard. It was noted, at that time, that several items were also placed on the sidewalk or in the rightof- way. The council approved to move forward with the project and issued a letter of service to grant 10 business days for the property owner to clean up the property or the city would intervene and the expense would be passed on to the owner.
Although progress hadn’t yet been made, the City of Severy had reached out to KDHE in hopes they would be able to assist. Due to the weather, Kuhn was unable to attend the January meeting. However, Kuhn shared with the council at a recent meeting that KDHE would be able to work with the property owner to clean up the property. He noted that KDHE could assist in removing the refuse on the property and would cover 75% of the expense. The remaining 25% would be funded through the city (which will be passed on to the property owner). The process could take several months but, as long as Kuhn sees progress, KDHE will continue to assist the property owner in the efforts. It was also noted that the service through KDHE is available one time per property. Meaning, if the property owner is unable to maintain the property, 100% of the enforcement would be the City’s responsibility. The council agreed to move forward with KDHE’s assistance with this matter.
Code Enforcement
As the city looks to fill the vacant code enforcement position, the council heard from Kendall Pierce of Professional Code Compliance, who provides code enforcement duties for area municipalities, including Howard. Pierce provided pricing information, noting that the city would enter an annual agreement with Professional Code Compliance, with an opt-out option being offered after three months, if it wasn’t something the city envisioned. Although the council saw the benefits of having an outside company providing this service, no decisions were made. The council plans to revisit the topic at a future meeting.
Other Business
During the water superintendent report, Superintendent Paul Schmidt expressed interest in attending the annual water conference in March. Schmidt also shared that a staff member should have enough credits to take the accreditation test while attending the conference. The council approved for the staff members to attend the conference and approved a $25 per day diem for those attending.
Following an executive session to discuss performance reviews of personnel, the council approved to give a $1.50/hour raise to City Clerk Tessa Riggs (passed 4-0 with Lyle Riggs abstaining from the vote) and a $2/hour raise to Superintendent Schmidt (passed 5-0).
Discussion continued regarding the city selling vacant lots and advertising them for sealed bids in the newspaper. However, after the meeting, it was noted that additional work was needed before the city could request bids. This council will revisit this topic at a future meeting.
The council approved the GAAP Resolution for 2025.
Clerk T. Riggs shared that the audit of the 2024 books would be conducted on Feb. 19.
With hopes of including more community happenings, T. Riggs asked for the council’s permission to purchase a wireless LED sign. Riggs provided two bids, with the council approving the purchase of an LED sign with a three-year warranty, totaling $1,085.
The council approved donating $100 to West Elk After Prom.
A 20-minute executive session was held for legal matters with City Attorney William McClendon and Clerk T. Riggs. No decisions were made.
The minutes, bills and treasurer’s report were approved as presented.
The next meeting of the Severy City Council is scheduled for Monday, March 3 at 7 p.m.
