The Severy City Council meets monthly on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. The following report was generated from the approved minutes of the Oct. 6 meeting, which were approved at a recent meeting.
Mayor Donna Wiss called the Oct. 6 special meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. Roll call was answered by Mayor Wiss, Council members Marc Warren, Lyle Riggs, Ron Robert, Rodger Kraft, Kevin Klepper, Clerk Tessa Riggs and City Attorney William McClendon.
Clerk T. Riggs noted that one vacant lot was published for three consecutive weeks in The Eureka Herald and no bids were received at the deadline on Sept. 30. Council members agreed that since this was the second publishing for this lot and no one was interested at this time, the City will discontinue to advertise and has closed the bidding process.
The special meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Mayor Wiss called the regular monthly meeting to order at 7 p.m. The pledge of Allegiance was cited and roll call was answered by Council members Warren, L. Riggs, Robert, Klepper and Kraft; Clerk Riggs, City Attorney W. McClendon and Water Superintendent Paul Schmidt. Treasurer Madelyn McClendon was absent. Also present were Ed Cornett, Bryan Hampton, Robin Wunderlich and Jennelle Sommerow via telephone.
The council approved the Sept. 4 special and regular council meeting minutes, as well as the September 2025 bills and treasurer’s report, as presented.
Water Superintendent Schmidt reported the repairs on the water tower have been completed and next year the tower company is looking at shutting the tower down for approximately four weeks. Schmidt noted the city needs to look into Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s) before the shutdown. Schmidt will check the cost and report back at November’s meeting. The generator has been purchased and the water district it was purchased from is requesting the city have a certified electrician remove all the wires prior to moving it. Schmidt also stated the water tower is back online and Schmidt is going to be looking at a different chemical supplier. The north sewer lift station is still having issues. The cemetery is going to need some low spots filled with dirt. Part-time employee Gareld Rollings is doing a great job on applying the millings on Greenwood Avenue. Councilman Robert stated the flagpole rope at South Lawn Cemetery needs replaced. Clerk T. Riggs will get one ordered. Robert also applied Thompson’s water sealant around the flagpole.
In old business, Summerow with WaterWise Enterprises was available by telephone due to the city computer not working. Summerow explained to the council that she was able to come out in September and tour the water plant, sewer lagoon and lift stations and is fully aware of how the city does its daily tasks to make water. Summerow took Schmidt’s monthly report for the state and is willing to redo the format to streamline so Schmidt does not have to spend several days getting it completed. Summerow explained their company would come to Severy approximately two-three times a week to do sampling. The company also offers an emergency mass text system that will send a text to the citizens when there is a water, sewer, trash and etc. emergency.
The council approved to accept WaterWise month-tomonth.
Clerk T. Riggs submitted the Junction Insurance quote to add additional insurance coverage to the upgraded water plant project that is now completed. The council approved to accept the quote totaling $4,154 which includes a $5,000 deductible.
In new business, Clerk T. Riggs reported that the council made a motion in September’s meeting to remove the 10% late fees for utility bills 1x3
not paid in full by the 15th of each month and to charge a flat fee of $40 for any account not paid in full by the 15th of each month. City Attorney W. McClendon drafted a resolution, which the council unanimously approved.
Clerk T. Riggs stated that the Elk County Community Foundation has been working on getting Give and Take Food boxes established in all the communities in their service area. The foundation will donate the box and then it will be a collaborative effort with the community to keep it stocked. The foundation will provide food for the boxes approximately once a month, but community residents and/or local organizations will need to keep them filled. The council approved accepting the food box for the community.
Clerk T. Riggs noted that she was approached about a bake sale in November to raise money for Brody’s Park. The funds will be used to purchase pea gravel to be placed around the toys, so when it rains the areas under the toys are not standing in water and mud. The council stated this was a great idea but there will need to be edging put around the perimeter, so the mowers are not hitting the gravel. Attorney W. McClendon suggested that someone needs to come before the council and bring a plan/proposal.
The council held a five-minute executive session with Attorney W. McClendon for legal matters. No action was taken.
The council approved to charge the vacant lot winners $1,000/property for the fees, plus their bid. The new owners will not receive their deed until the property has been paid in full to the City of Severy.
Councilman Robert noted that there are several homes that are dilapidated and stated something needs done. He also noted there is a big issue with loose dogs running around town. Councilman L. Riggs stated a metal guard needs to be built for the Wifi internet tower at the lake and the water tower in town.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
