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 Oct. 5 meeting, which were approved during their most recent meeting.
The Howard City Council held their regular meeting on Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Brad Baumgartel, council members Susan Galvan, Shilo Crupper, Derek Cookson, Nick Miller and Gary Harrod and City Clerk Joanna Hunter and Deputy Clerk/ Treasurer Sarah Evans attending.
Council members approved the Sept. 21 meeting minutes as corrected and payment of bills in the amount of $85,456.82.
After an executive session for personnel matters for non-elected personnel, the council approved to present an offer of fulltime employment at $20 per hour for an applicant with Miller abstaining for a business conflict of interest.
The council approved to adopt Ordinance 696, with repeals and replaces Code 1-211 incorporating the Code of Procedure for Kansas Cities. The council also approved disbursement of Central Kansas Community Fund Charitable Grant of $25,000 to the Howard City Library; a request for a recommendation letter for tax exempt status and the purchase of concrete materials needed for installation of the play structure in South Park.
Discussion was held regarding the PWWSD#23 water price increase on Jan. 1, 2027 to $6.75 per 1,000 gallons. Clerk Hunter will look at rates to determine the increase amount needed, with the USDA loan included.
It was noted that Twin Valley will be ceasing security camera service in the future. Councilman Cookson will check into alternative service and costs.
Bulk water sales mechanism updates were priced and the council agreed that the costs are not acceptable so the coin-operated mechanism will remain in use.
Councilman Harrod informed the council that he spoke to a landowner, who owns property adjoining city property, about fencing. An agreement to protect city interest will be discussed.
The meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting will be held on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Howard City Office.
