The Howard City Council meets bimonthly on the first and third Mondays of the month. The following report was generated from the official minutes of the April 20 and May 4 meetings, which were approved during recent meetings.
May 4
Mayor Brad Baumgartel called the May 4 meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Howard City Office with council members Shilo Crupper, Susan Galvan, Derek Cookson and Gary Harrod present. Also in attendance were Leota Coats, Teresa Gorman, Aaron Kokesch and City Clerk Joanna Hunter. Councilmember Nick Miller arrived a few minutes late.
The council approved the April 20 meeting minutes.
The resident who requested to be on the agenda was not present, so Mayor Baumgartel continued the meeting as N. Miller arrived.
City financial reports were reviewed. Clerk Hunter reported there were minor typing errors in the payroll total that have been corrected and will be reflected on the next meeting reports. The council approved the payment of bills totaling $43,589.86.
The council also approved to give $250 to Patriot Ball Club and to pay $35,000 on May 10 to Elk County Community Foundation out of the Special Parks fund to establish a Parks Improvement Fund with them to take advantage of the Patterson Foundation Matching Grant and allow the public to donate directly either to the Foundation or through the City.
The council approved forwarding the balance in the Pool Donation fund on May 10 to Elk County Community Foundation and continuing weekly checks to clear the account through June 10 to be entered in the Pool Fund with ECCF to take advantage of the Patterson Foundation Matching Grant and allow the public to donate directly either to the Foundation or through the City. The Pool fund was established with ECCF in December 2025.
Other discussion included concerns about trash in the C&D with the intent to be more strict with contents of dump loads to stop paper and plastic trash from being dumped; CDBG grant discussion will continue after response from contacts; T-Mobile notice of changing cell phone service from USCellular. D. Cookson reported he replaced the Fire Department Cascade system gauges; A reminder that employees are directed to get the dock boards replaced as soon as reasonable; Sewer lagoon mowing and maintenance; Office software will be priced for a future meeting; Fire Department will determine date of fireworks show and report that to City office; a new meter tap at the south west edge of town was discussed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
April 20
Mayor Baumgartel called the April 20 meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Howard City Office with council members Crupper, Galvan, Cookson, and Harrod present. Also in attendance were City Attorney Kristin Hutchison, Brandi Mast, Kenneth Johnson, Clay Hunter, Sarah Evans, and City Clerk Hunter. Councilmember Miller was absent.
The council approved the April 6 meeting minutes.
Mayor Baumgartel welcomed Johnson, who spoke about his efforts to cleanup his lot and provide screening to improve the appearance. The parameters for easements and sight triangles will be provided and he will try to complete it by June 18. Council expressed appreciation to him for attending the meeting and sharing his plans.
Mast, representing Central Kansas Community Foundation, then spoke about the Foundation’s 2026 matching fund program with the Patterson Foundation, explaining the requirements and options. The council approved to create a Park Improvements Expendable Fund and initially deposit $35,000.
City financial reports were reviewed, with the council approving the payment of bills totaling $110,151.88.
The council also approved spending $5,000 for fireworks this year.
C. Hunter reported to the council on the current gas, sewer and water departments and answered questions. Council will check on options before further discussion.
Mayor Baumgartel reported on efforts to get contact on a CDBG grant for Parks, and has a meeting set April 28. Councilmember D. Cookson reported on issued with the Fire Department Cascade system gauges and will get prices for repair. Pool donations will be put in the Foundation Pool fund and returned to the General fund when needed. Employees are directed to get the dock boards replaced as soon as reasonably possible.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
The council also met on Monday, May 18. Their next meeting is slated for Monday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m.
