The Severy City Council meets monthly on the first Monday of the month. The following report was generated from the official minutes of the Nov. 3 meeting, which were approved during their most recent meeting on Dec. 1.
Mayor Donna Wiss called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. The pledge of Allegiance was cited and roll call was answered by council members Marc Warren, Lyle Riggs, Ron Robert, Kevin Klepper, Rodger Kraft, Clerk Tessa Riggs, Treasurer Madelyn McClendon, City Attorney William McClendon and Water Superintendent Paul Schmidt. Guests included Ed Cornett, Vanessa Harris, Marc Noland and Jennelle Summerow via zoom.
The council approved the Oct. 6 special and regular meeting minutes. They also approved the October bills and treasurer’s report as presented.
Water Superintendent Schmidt gave report on getting a chlorine analyzer for the water plant. Summerow explained that the product that Schmidt is using is outdated and dif-ficult to get parts to repair it. The council approved the chlorine analyzer without tech support.
Schmidt noted that ditches are getting cleaned out so roads can be done. The cemetery needs rock. The council approved to purchase three loads of AB-3 for South Lawn Cemetery.
Schmidt then stated the Salt Creek Pump needs a new meter and if not fixed by year end, the City will be in violation.
There was no old business.
In new business, Harris addressed the council regarding a business she plans to open in Severy. Harris stated she had a liquor store years ago and would like to open it back up. Currently, she will only be selling beer and cigarettes. Harris has sent in her application with the state and is asking for the city council to approve a license and a start and end date. Clerk T. Riggs stated that after reviewing the ordinances for the sale of liquor, Ordinance No. 394 was incorrect on what the city could charge Harris for her license according to the Kansas Department of Revenue. City Attorney McClendon has drafted Resolution 2025-04 that will need to be voted on if the council does approve Harris’ business.
Warren moved to approve Resolution 2025-04. The motion passed 4-1, with Robert abstaining.
The council approved a liquor license to TJ’s Liquor with a start date of Nov. 3, and end date of Nov. 2, 2026.
Clerk T. Riggs reminded the council that in the previous month’s meeting the council decided to no longer use Kwikom as the company has not provided the service stated in the contract. The Kwikom internet tower lease contract will end on June 30, 2026, and the contract reads that if the city would like to discontinue the service a letter will need to be certified 180 days prior to June 30, 2026. City Attorney Mc-Clendon has drafted a letter for the mayor to sign and the clerk to send out in December 2025.
Clerk T. Riggs reported that in the last few years, the City is spending a lot of money on the sewer and the accountants have noted that there are years the city is barely breaking even. Clerk T. Riggs stated that the wages, repairs and commodities are more than the city is bringing in on utility bills. Clerk T. Riggs also noted that the sewer charges have not been increased in 18 years. The council approved to increase the sewer charge from $16 to $25 and do a 3% increase each year after that.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
