KANOPOLIS — At the July 9 meeting of the Kanopolis City Council, approval was given to place the proposed ordinance regulating the keeping of chickens within the City of Kanopolis on the November general election ballot.

However, that approval came after several patrons raised concerns.

According to city clerk Debra Stroede-Kralik, after reading the proposed ordinance, Mayor Anthony Hopkins said he has not received any public input on the subject.

Council president Gerry Gebhardt said the way the ordinance is written was confusing. Several citizens complained to Gebhardt that they didn’t understand this was the proposed ordinance. Citizens were also confused about the proposed ordinance being placed in with city water bills.

Kanopolis resident Kathy Sneath asked why the permit to keep chickens must be approved by all persons residing within 50 feet of the proposed chicken pen instead of 750 feet.

Hopkins said that was in the ordinance of other cities Kanopolis used as a template. Sneath said the lots are so large that 50 feet is ridiculous.

Council member Marc Stroede explained the permit must be approved by all persons residing within 50 feet of the proposed chicken pen. Sneath said that at the meeting from two months ago, it was discussed that it didn’t matter whether it was a residence or just property. Council member Michelle Schwerdtfeger explained that at the June meeting it was changed after it had been sent to the lawyer and that is what the council had approved. Stroede said it will be up for public vote, so people need to get out and vote.

Hopkins explained there is also the contingency that neighbors must signoff. Sneath raised concerns about her property value going down only if there was a dwelling within 50 feet. Schwerdtfeger explained the council tried to make it as fair as possible for all citizens. Sneath asked if there would be any revisions. Hopkins said no revisions will be made because the proposed ordinance must be to the Ellsworth County clerk by Aug. 1.

In other business:

• The council approved Ordinance 2019-0-03, providing for new water rates in the City of Kanopolis.

According to Kralik, water rates are currently $22 for the first 2,000 gallons of water used, then $5 for every 1,000 gallons used thereafter. However, as of Aug. 1, that amount will increase to $32 for the first 2,000 gallons used. On Feb. 1, 2020, that amount will increase again to $37 for the first 2,000 gallons used. On July 1, 2020, that amount will increase once more to $42 for the first 2,000 gallons used.

• After a 15-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel relating to confidential employee information, approval was given to set up interviews for those who submitted applications for city treasurer at 5 p.m. Monday, July 15, with a special meeting at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 16.

The next regular meeting of the Kanopolis City Council will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at city hall.