Greenwood County Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson presented the Severy City Council with the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) and a resolution regarding the Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan, during their regular monthly meeting on June 3. During discussion, Vinson shared that storm testing would move from Mondays at 6 p.m. to Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in August or first part of September. This will allow for more staff to be available at the time of testing. It was also shared that the City of Severy’s siren is not working properly; however, city employees will work to assess the matter. The council approved both the MOU and Resolution 2024-06 as presented. With the approval, the city council will now be able to apply for additional programs/grants if interested. Vinson will share information with Clerk Tessa Riggs as various items become available.
Brandi Mast, associate director of the Elk County Community Foundation, informed the council that their services also cover Severy.
Mast noted that a big part of her job is to collect funds and distribute them to the community, while helping to facilitate community service projects. Last year, the foundation was able to disburse $167,000 back to the community. The foundation recently partnered with the Patterson Family Foundation in a matchgrant program with hopes of raising $70,000 in donations which would merit $140,000 for the community. Mast shared that 12 people currently serve on the foundation and represent all communities within Elk County; however, there isn’t a representative from Severy. With that in mind, she noted that the foundation would like to have a Severy representative join them at their monthly meetings, which are held on the fourth Monday of the month in Howard. For more information on the Elk County Community Foundation, contact Mast at 316-251-4291 or [email protected].
The council approved both special meeting minutes for May 17. The meetings were held for the subjects of refuse contract rate increases and ordinance violations. The council also approved the regular monthly meeting minutes for May, as presented.
Clerk T. Riggs explained that during the month of May, the City had an excessive amount of bills due to several issues with the sewer, including the replacement of a couple of the sewer pumps. Clerk T. Riggs shared that she plans to utilize ARPA funds for the expenditures. Last year, the city used $7,800 on a city pump for the water pump. After applying May’s extra bills, it was believed that $15,927 remained in ARPA funds for the City of Severy. Council member Lyle Riggs stated that the city is looking at $26,000 in normal monthly expenditures, which is usually around $12,000. L. Riggs stated with everything increasing he doesn’t see it getting any better. His concern is that at this moment the city does have ARPA funds to use for certain things like water and sewer but when something fails in the future and the city doesn’t have a backup to pay for these items, where will the money come from. “There are certain things in the operation of the city that must function and when you’re at the point the bills double, it’s concerning,” stated L. Riggs. City Attorney Alleen VanBebber noted you have to plan ahead. She further stated that the city is doing a better job of this.
The council approved the bills, totaling $200,555.28 for the month of May. This included a $174,259.92 pay estimate #6 to APAC.
The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.
Water Superintendent Paul Schmidt noted the cemeteries looked nice over Memorial weekend. He noted that road work has been getting done, as weather permits and the water plant raw water line has been fixed. Since lake rules signs have been installed, two people have been on the lake with gas engines and authorities were contacted. Schmidt stated that the sewers have been an issue this month and he ordered an extra pump to keep on hand due to availability.
The council held a 10-minute executive session with City Attorney VanBebber for attorney-client privilege. No action was taken.
The council approved the draft applications for animal permits and registration forms for up to three pet dogs and/or cats per residence, with the requirement that all dogs over six months old must show a current rabies certificate from a veterinarian.
Discussion was held regarding weight limits for semis. Code Enforcement Officer John Plonka will need to visit with a citizen regarding the weight limit.
Clerk T. Riggs and Council member Ron Robert requested assistance from City Attorney VanBebber with unclaimed cemetery plots. VanBebber stated that when an owner of a plot passes away and no one has presented either a transfer deed or letters appointing a probate administrator or executor, the remaining family members must prove ownership of the plot before burial can take place. The family must also prove ownership before they can sell/transfer the plots.
The software used to prepare utility bills needs an update. Clerk T. Riggs shared that the company is expected to see an increase in July 2024. The council approved the software update.
Clerk T. Riggs addressed the council regarding a potential temporary adjustment of her working hours, due to family needs. There was no objection from the council members.
The council tabled a discussion about a donation to the Patriot Ball Club.
Council members Robert and Kevin Klepper were absent from the June monthly meeting.
The Severy City Council will hold their next monthly meeting on Monday, July 1, at 7 p.m.
