Monday’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council began by recognizing the retirement of a well-known and dedicated law enforcement officer after 45 years of service.

“It is my great honor to commemorate the retirement of Police Captain Kenny Bernard,” City Administrator Dustin Stambaugh said. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity and professionalism, and has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues, subordinates, community members and me.”

At Stambaugh’s recommendation, the council adopted a resolution to commemorate Bernard’s service to the community.

“I appreciate the opportunity of being able to work for the city and with the citizens,” Bernard said. “Thank you very much.”

In other business:

• A $58,501.10 estimate by Circle C Paving was approved to chip seal eight streets in Ellsworth to prolong the life of those streets.

• Approval was given to increase the starting wage for lifeguards at the Ellsworth Swimming Pool from $7.75 to $8.50 per hour for 2024. In addition, the lifeguards will get a 50 cent per hour raise for every year they work at the pool.

• Approval was given to raising the 2023 entrance fee to the swimming pool for out-oftown patrons to $3.50 for those 18 and over and $3 for those under 18.

• Approval was given to have Assistant Recreation Director Katy Cole take the lifeguard training at the city’s expense and become a certified trainer. It was also approved to require lifeguards to work a set number of hours, which will be determined by Recreation Director Ronnie Tenbrink, and sign a letter of agreement with the Recreation Department for employment.

• Approval was given to a $14,880 bid from City Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning to install a sewer line for the new Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative facility.

• Approval was given to switch members of the city council to city email accounts to conduct city business instead of using their private email accounts.

• Stambaugh said the first meeting of the Krizek Park Advisory Board will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, in the city council chambers. He will act as facilitator. Stambaugh noted there are four volunteers on the board. He invites community members who want to join to do so. Those who don’t want to join but have ideas for the project are asked to contact Stambaugh directly by calling city hall at (785) 472-5566.

• The council briefly discussed possible water restrictions that could be implemented, including mandatory restrictions, if drought conditions persist, as well as potential exemptions from those restrictions.

Stambaugh said the city recently declared a water watch due to ongoing drought conditions. Residents are asked to adhere to voluntary water restrictions.

Mayor Dan Finnegan said the city should look into purchasing signage to keep residents aware of any restrictions.

• Approval was given to construct the multi-use path with the city’s portion of the project to be $177,000.

Stambaugh noted the project will provide a safe and accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting communities on the south end of town to downtown.

• Finnegan told the council there is a small homeless problem in Ellsworth County, which he was unaware of until recently. He said there are currently no solutions, but a solution needs to be found.

• No action was taken after a 10-minute executive session to discuss nonelected personnel (employee performance).

The next meeting of the Ellsworth City Council will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 8, at city hall.