By BARBARA PROFFITT | November 9, 2022

The Mound City Council met on Monday, Nov. 7, beginning their meeting with the public comment portion of the meeting.

Don George, Kansas Parks and Wildlife, spoke with the council about a grant they had applied for and presented paperwork for said grant. (See related article in this edition.)

Wayne Gudmonson with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) presented a connecting links agreement outlining what parts of the state highway K-52 are inside city limits. The agreement, a first change since the original was instituted in 1978, updates what the state will not do inside city limits, leaving it up to the city to maintain, clear, etc. Gudmonson explained they can sign it and return it to him and he will get signatures from his superiors and return them a completed copy.

Gary Reichle requested a lot split at 103 Main Street, asking that the north south lots be split east to west, so that he can sell the northern half and maintain the southern half. Council stated they’d have their attorney review it and let him know.

Members of the Mound City Historical Society updated the council on work currently going on at the Mound City Historical Park and then requested the city consider moving their tree lighting ceremony to the park. Council discussed the possibility and asked City Clerk Shelby Murray to speak with them and gain a better understanding of what they may be willing to see happen.

Murray reported that Jacob Bush, Codes Enforcement Officer, had left a note regarding the Cox house that the owner is working on said property. Council then discussed the Morris property. Mayor Wade Doering stated he wants a plan on the Cox house by the next meeting and action on the Morris property.

Council then approved the minutes of the October meeting as well as those from a special meeting on Oct. 17.

Council approved the warrant checking in the amount of $82,861.74.

Chief of Police Paul McKee reported there were no major issues over Halloween. He added that the department had received a call asking for city police presence at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and that he and Chip More will make a point to drive by.

Public Works Superintendent John Bruns noted he had removed the barbed wire fencing by the shop to remove vines that had grown up and is hoping to replace it with a panel fence. Council member Lawrence Forbach asked about the city’s salt and sand supply and John stated it was fine.

Council briefly discussed the Jayhawk Blast celebration but tabled the conversation until next month.

The request to donate mowing at the Historical Park was also tabled until the city gets a better understanding of what the Historical Society is looking for from them.

Council agreed to pay the hotel bill and a per diem for Bush while away at codes school this week.

Council then reviewed a request for a charge dismissal for use of a skid steer on a property. After reviewing, the consensus was the charge remains.

Council approved a renewal of the cereal malt beverage license for Everybody’s.

Council set a date for the tree lighting of Dec. 10, but no particulars have been decided at this time.

Council then held an executive session for personnel matters. Following the seven minute session, council approved a $1 per hour wage increase for Officer Chip More who has reached his 90 day mark.