The Severy City Council meets monthly on the first Monday of the month. The following report was generated from the official minutes of the May 4 meeting, which were approved at a recent meeting.
The Severy City Council addressed a variety of municipal issues during its regular business meeting on May 4, including updates on park improvements, a long-standing annexation discrepancy, infrastructure projects, and proposed community revitalization measures.
With Mayor Donna Wiss absent, Council President Marc Warren called the meeting to order at City Hall. The council entered executive session three times during the evening to discuss personnel matters and legal issues, taking no action following any of the sessions.
One of the evening’s public discussions centered on Brody’s Park. Resident Tamara Higbee shared her observations regarding the park’s recently installed pea gravel surface, noting that after a two-inch rainfall, the area showed no significant mud accumulation and absorbed moisture effectively. Higbee suggested only minor additions of dirt or sand in low areas and expressed opposition to using donated gravel at this time.
Water Superintendent Paul Schmidt reported that work on the Salt Creek pump project is nearing completion. He also informed the council that a tetherball installed at the park had already been damaged just four days after purchase. Schmidt further reported complications with wastewater testing after sample temperatures increased during transport to a Wichita laboratory, potentially requiring the samples to be collected again to meet state compliance standards.
Road maintenance was also discussed. Schmidt noted that WaterWise Enterprises provided a road treatment product free of charge for demonstration purposes. The product was applied to a section of Main Street, a county-maintained roadway. Councilman Lyle Riggs additionally raised concerns about a drainage problem on North Severy Avenue south of the railroad tracks, which city staff plans to address.
City Clerk Tessa Riggs presented preliminary information from a recent survey of Brody’s Park and nearby city alleys. While the final survey has not yet been received, initial findings indicate a northeast boundary marker may be located approximately 10 to 12 feet west of its expected position, potentially placing a neighboring fence on cityowned property. Further information is expected once the official survey is completed.
The council also reviewed quotes for replacing the heating and air conditioning system serving the city office and meeting room. Riggs said additional estimates will be obtained before a decision is made. City Attorney William McClendon emphasized the importance of using a bonded and insured contractor.
Cemetery regulations became another topic of discussion after a family reportedly placed cremated remains and planted flowers in the cemetery without city involvement. According to the city’s cemetery ordinance, only city personnel are authorized to perform excavation work. The council directed McClendon to assist in preparing a certified legal notice to the family.
A significant administrative issue emerged when Clerk Riggs reported that property located at 99 S Road may never have been legally annexed into the city despite a 2014 ordinance approving annexation. After reviewing historical records, city officials discovered potential deficiencies in the annexation paperwork and found no record of the annexation documents being filed with county officials. As a result, the property has continued to be taxed as part of Twin Grove Township rather than within Severy city limits. Mc-Clendon requested further investigation to determine whether the documents can still be recorded or if the annexation process must be restarted.
The council also reviewed a proposed community revitalization ordinance and application process drafted by McClendon. Councilman Bryan Hampton requested additional time to review the materials before any action is taken. The council agreed to table the matter until its June meeting.
Other business included a request for financial support from the Patriot ball club. Council members indicated they would not consider a donation unless a representative from the organization attended a meeting to discuss the request. The council also discussed a proposed community service workday involving students from the West Elk FFA program.
The meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.
