A total of four meetings have been held by the City of Severy recently, including a special meeting to allow for a hearing regarding ordinance violations at 515 and 519 N. Severy Avenue and 00000 Water Street (later identified as 300 N. Mill Street) all in Severy.
During the special meeting, held on Tuesday, March 12, City of Severy Attorney Alleen VanBebber asked several questions of property owner Jessica Vela, who was in attendance along with her attorney Lucy Hesse, of Hartenstein Poor LLC.
Vela was first cited in November of 2023 as it was noted she violated Ordinances 431 and 438, at all three locations. In a letter, dated Nov. 20, 2023, it was noted that all livestock, including horses and goats, needed to be removed from all properties within the city limits as well as dogs from all properties that are over the age of six months, unless she obtained a permit to harbor/house up to three dogs.
During testimony, Vela noted that she currently has 12 dogs at the N. Severy Avenue address, nine of which were pets ranging in age from two and 17 years of age and three foster dogs that she is housing for Heartstrings Animal Advocates, Inc., as they look for new homes.
Vela shared that through licensure with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, she would be able to foster up to 10 dogs. However, the non-profit organization, formed in 2016, doesn’t currently have a license.
Regarding horses, it was shared that up to four horses have been on the property on Mill Street, since Vela was first cited in November of last year.
Per city code, any owner seeking a permit to harbor livestock within the city limits must apply with the city clerk, with exceptions for 4-H/FFA, school-related activities, or domestic fowl. Other stipulations include not harboring animals on property where no person resides. The ordinance also notes that no residence can have three or more dogs (over six months of age). Those wishing to have a business, either for-profit or nonprofit, are also required to obtain a city kennel license after they have obtained their license from the state. This ordinance, Ordinance 438, was approved by the Severy City Council on May 12, 2023.
Ordinance 431 refers to unlawful nuisances. This ordinance was approved by the Severy City Council on Jan. 6, 2020.
Although agreeing that Vela violated both city ordinances, Vela’s attorney, Hesse, asked that the city offer a variance to essentially grandfather Vela in, as she purchased her property on N. Severy Avenue in 2021 and the location on Mill Street in 2022. Vela also noted that she takes good care of her animals and felt ordinances should be enforced when residents neglect their animals.
Following a 15-minute executive session, the council stated that Vela was in violation of the city ordinances and a letter would be sent to her as to how to proceed.
Special Meeting For Refuse
Immediately following the special hearing, the council convened a meeting to select a bid from a refuse contractor. With their current contract expiring with Waste Connections of Kansas, Inc., the city solicited bids for trash service. The city received two bids both for five-years from County Wide Refuse, LLC and Waste Connections of Kansas, Inc. The bids were opened in a special meeting on Thursday, March 7. Attorney VanBebber noted that the bids were “confusing to read,” but she, along with President Marc Warren, matched the bids up to compare the various options. “In every instance, Waste Connections was by far the low bid,” stated Van-Bebber. With council noting Waste Connections of Kansas having a good track record with the city, the council approved the contract for five years.
Special Meeting Non-Elected Personnel Following the refuse special meeting, the council held a special meeting where they held four executive sessions, totaling 75 minutes, for non-elected personnel. No decisions were made after returning to open session.
Regular Monthly Meeting
The Severy City Council held their routine monthly meeting on Monday, March 4.
In old business, the council discussed the cemetery ordinance, as rates were last updated in June 2016. Following the meeting, City Clerk Tessa Riggs noted that one plot would be $500, with weekday casket burial being $500 and weekends being $600. Weekday cremation burial would be $150 and $200 on the weekends. The city must be contacted for burials.
Clerk Riggs also noted that the 2023 audit was complete and the auditors noted they were glad to see “things were going smoothly.”
During the Code Enforcement Officer report, Ken Kierl shared that letters were mailed out regarding mowing.
Water Superintendent Paul Schmidt shared his report. Discussion was held regarding a new mower as one had been budgeted for the year; however, no decisions were made. He also noted that the Severy Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a chili feed and fire pit raffle on April 20, at 5 p.m., at the Severy Community Building. The department is also selling gun raffle tickets, with the winner being drawn on May 1, if all tickets are sold.
The council approved to assign 300 N. Mill Street to the property previously known as 00000 Water Street.
It was noted that Schmidt would be attending the water conference later this month.
The council discussed the policy for utility late payments/ holidays. It was stated that all bills are due by the 15th of each month and the city will not be allowing an extra day due to the city being closed on a holiday. Customers are able to pay online at the city website, use the USPS or utilize the drop slot at city hall.
City Clerk Riggs shared she was still waiting to hear back on two grants she applied for. She noted although she hasn’t heard back regarding the grants, the APAC invoice, totaling $76,529.46 would be due soon. The city would be making the payment with hopes of using grant funds for the expense.
The Severy City Council routinely meets on the first Monday of each month with the next scheduled meeting slated for Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m.
