By Angela K. Holt | February 8, 2023

Council members for the city of Blue Mound met on Monday, Feb. 6, for their regular monthly meeting. Due to the recent resignation of councilwoman Shelly Collette, remaining council members listened as two potential candidates explained why they would be a good fit on the council. Marri Krupco informed the council she would work on finding ways to improve various infrastructure items within the town. Sam Freeman agreed with Krupco, adding he wants to make things better for Blue Mound. 

Mayor Russell Beth recommended to the board that the vacant seat be taken by Krupco. It was noted Beth had contacted Linn County Clerk, David Lamb, to insure proper protocol was followed. Lamb, in turn, provided the council with Kansas Statutes 15-201. This statute states that in the event of a vacancy, “the mayor, by and with the advice and consent of the remaining members, shall appoint an elector to fill the vacancy until the next election of that office.” 

Following discussion over the wordage of the statute, the council voted by roll call for Beth’s appointee, with votes being nay. Later in the meeting, a 10-minute executive session was called to discuss the council’s options. Upon returning to open session, the council agreed they would post on the city’s Facebook page of the open council seat, and those interested in filling said position would need to attend the March 6 council meeting. 

City Clerk Max Krull asked the council what they would like to do with the old metal water plant. If it was removed, the building could be repaired and used as storage for the city. Krull stated there was a fair amount of iron on it, and asked if they would want to scrap it or ask for bids to have someone haul it off. After a brief discussion, it was voted to surplus the plant and bid it out for salvage. 

Councilman Paul Moeller announced that the next rabies clinic will be held on Saturday, March 18, from 10:30—Noon. 

In other business, the council approved the following: minutes of the previous meeting; payment of bills in the amount of $26,072.42; selling of a city dump truck bed; appointing Max Krull as Director 1 and Byron Coates as alternate for KMEA representation.