The Severy City Council met for routine business on Monday, July 1, where they learned that issues continue with the city’s sewer system as residents flush items that routinely clog the pumps.
During his water superintendent report, Paul Schmidt shared they recently used a portable sewer snake to unclog the system. Schmidt stated that while clearing the lines on the south end of town, city crews removed approximately 10 pounds of baby wipes. Schmidt further noted that this was the mainline that went through town. Following a brief discussion, the council shared that a letter, listing various items that shouldn’t be flushed, would be included with July’s billing. The council noted that the city should hire a company to snake the lines at least every other year.
Schmidt also shared that they are currently low on water meters as the city is awaiting replacements for the 29 they sent back in April. It was noted that the replacements should arrive this month. The water plant is still under construction, with hopes of crews finalizing the work later this month allowing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and electricity to begin their portion of the project.
In discussing the utility billing software, Clerk Tessa Riggs shared that the update previously approved wasn’t needed.
With Clerk T. Riggs manually entering the readings and not needing to utilize the handheld (which needed the updates), the update isn’t required. This will save the city approximately $3,000.
Last month the council tabled a donation for the Patriot Ball Club. Clerk T. Riggs shared that Mayor Donna Wiss authorized a $100 donation to go through the Elk County Foundation (ECF). The donation was made during the ECF’s match-grant program through the Patterson Family Foundation. By donating through the ECF, the donation to the Patriot Ball Club was doubled. The city council also approved Clerk Riggs and Mayor Wiss to appoint someone on their behalf to serve on the Elk County Community Foundation. The group meets monthly on the fourth Monday of the month in Howard. Those interested in the appointment should contact Clerk Riggs. For more information on the Elk County Community Foundation, contact Brandi Mast at 316-251-4291 or brandi@centralkansascf. org.
The council briefly discussed a citizen complaint regarding tree brush dumping at the lake. It was noted that this service is a benefit for those who reside in the city limits. City crews were planning to discuss the matter with the party involved and find a solution for the future.
Code Enforcement Officer John Plonka provided his report, noting that two properties needed further attention. He stated that one had a foul-smelling odor and needed to be addressed as complaints had been received. Clerk Riggs shared that this house had a case currently and is in the process of being cited. The other property involved a residence in which the property owners are deceased. The city has been mowing the property until recently as another individual has been leaving equipment on the premises causing obstructions. It was noted that the property taxes haven’t been paid since 2018 and the city has been assessing the mowing fees since 2022. The hope was to get the individual leaving the items on the property to remove them from the premises. The property should appear on a future tax sale.
It was also shared that city residents would also be receiving an animal courtesy letter with their July billings which would include household dog and cat registration forms. Pet owners are asked to complete the forms and return them to the city office. There is no fee to register pets in the Severy City limits.
The June 3 meeting minutes, bills and treasurer’s report were approved as presented. During the treasurer’s report, Clerk Riggs noted the sewer fund was currently negative; however, they would be moving American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds into the sewer budget. The city has approximately $12,000 in ARPA funds left. These funds must be allocated by the end of the year, but do not need to be expended until 2025.
Resident Karen Wunderlich asked for additional information on how crews read the water meters, with the council and city staff clarifying methods used.
The council held two executive sessions during their July meeting. The first was for 45 minutes for the discussion of potential employment with the clerk, treasurer and city attorney. The second was for 10 minutes with the clerk and attorney for attorney/client privilege discussion. No action was taken following either session.
The council was slated to hold its annual budget meeting on Tuesday, July 16, at 7 p.m. Their next scheduled monthly meeting is Monday, August 5, at 7 p.m.
