Residents who utilize trash service through the City of Severy will soon see a cost increase in their trash services as the city council approved the increase during a special meeting on Wednesday, May 15.
The decision came as the city approved to enter a five-year contract with their current provider, Waste Connections, Inc., during a special meeting in March; however, the contract was officially signed during their routine monthly meeting on May 6. Although the bid was the lowest of the two bids they received, the city will also be seeing an increase and noted that they must increase rates or they won’t be able to continue to provide the service. It was shared that the city will see a $12 increase from when the previous contract was implemented 10 years ago.
The new cost will go into effect on July 1 and the city will pass on the increase to the consumers. The council approved a 17.5% increase from the $23 they will be charged. This increase will make the total for the new rates be: one 95-gallon trash cart in city limits serviced once per week, $27 per month; one 95-gallon trash cart for pre-existing customers located outside the city limits services once per week, $33 per month; if a second cart is needed, the cost will be the same as the first (ie, $27 for intown and $33 out-of-town). A two-yard container will run $70.50 and a four-yard container will run $141, both of which will be serviced once per week. The majority of residential users, who utilize a single cart will see an increase of $10 per month, as the current monthly rate is $17.
A second special meeting was held shortly after the special meeting to discuss the trash rates as the city council was to discuss the property located at 500 N. Mill Street, in Severy. Code Enforcement Officer John Plonka shared in his report that the property violated Ordinances 431 and 438. During a brief discussion, Plonka shared with the council that there are seven farm animals on just over an acre of property at that location. The council agreed that they needed to move forward and approved for City Attorney Alleen VanBebber to draft an “order of violation” and a resolution. The property owner, Robby Wade, will have 10-days from the date he receives the letter to voluntarily comply. As of last Friday, it was shared that he had sold the buffalo but other livestock was still on the property.
Council member Kevin Klepper was absent from both special meetings.
The council met for their routine monthly meeting on Monday, May 6, where the council approved and signed the refuse contract as well as discussed routine business.
Water Superintendent Paul Schmidt provided an update on the water plant, noting that the raw water line had been hooked up; however, they were waiting for additional parts. He also noted that a sewer pump had failed and a new one had been ordered. Discussion was held regarding the upkeep of headstones at the cemeteries when all family members are deceased. The consensus of the council was that if safety concerns arise, the city would need to take action. Schmidt also noted that the fish feeder at the lake had been fixed. It was noted that the item was damaged by an unknown subject who put holes in it.
Clerk Tessa Riggs shared that she had ordered 25 tons of cold patch for city crews to utilize for street repair.
In old business, Clerk T. Riggs stated that the city was not selected for the Kansas Water Office grants she applied for in December but she had plans to continue to apply for grants in the future. It was also shared that there was a couple interested in purchasing the old vacant lot next to the old railroad.
The council was interested in selling the lot; however, additional information would have to be gathered.
After learning that an individual was interested in opening a liquor store in the city limits, City Attorney VanBebber updated the council on the requirements of the possible new business. After a brief discussion, the council approved updating Ordinance 394 to include hard liquor. The council approved the change 4-1, with council member Ronald Robert voting no.
The council accepted the resignation of former code enforcement officer Ken Kierl, and noted their gratitude to Kierl for his work for the City of Severy in recent years.
During new business, Clerk T. Riggs noted that in discussion with the accountants for the fiscal year 2025 budget, she needed council members to share if there were specific items they wanted to budget for. She shared that plans were to meet with the accountants later in the month and asked council members to provide that information before the meeting.
The council held a 40-minute executive session for personnel-employee performance with City Attorney VanBebber and Clerk T. Riggs. After returning to open session, the council approved giving part-time employees (Ty Ledford and Plonka) a $2 raise for the remainder of the fiscal year. The council also approved Plonka to fill the code enforcement officer position for the remainder of the fiscal year, as part of his regular job requirements.
The council approved the April 12 special meeting minutes; the April 1 regular meeting minutes; the April 2024 bills, totaling $169,559 (including a $143,279.59 payment to Apac for number 4 and 5 pay estimates); and the treasurer’s report as presented.
The council meets regularly on the first Monday of each month with their next scheduled meeting set for Monday, June 3, at 7 p.m.
