KANOPOLIS — Six of 19 water samples collected in Kanopolis by Burns and McDonnell as part of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment drinking water protection program, have tested high for nitrates.

That was the news from KDHE’s Logan Smith during the July 13 meeting of the Kanopolis City Council.

Travis Sieve with the KDHE Restoration and Protection Strategy said the report suggests a non-point source was responsible, which means no one entity is causing the high nitrates. He suggested hosting a dinner meeting with landowners to discuss findings and solutions. The program will be strictly volunteer for landowners and discussion on cropland production, livestock, cover crops and nutrient management.

Council agreed to a dinner meeting. Smith will coordinate the meeting with city clerk Debbie Kralik.

In other business:

• Annette White discussed the Smoky Hills Rails to Trails project. White said if the Union Pacific tracks are used, there is an opportunity for kiddy cars/rail bikes. Hopkins said city attorney Patrick Hoffman has called the railroad without response yet.

The council decided to table the matter until approval is obtained from the railroad.

• Craig Dassow discussed the budget process. Under the new Senate Bill 13, the city must set a hearing to raise the mill rate above the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR). The RNR is 58.470 and the estimated rate is 61.347. The estimated rate is the maximum that can be charged, however the city can always go lower. Dassow suggested council members conduct a hearing even if they do not raise the mill rate.

Approval was given to the maximum mill levy will be 61.347 for 2022 city budget.

The mill rate will be finalized at the budget hearing on Aug. 10, with the regular council meeting afterwards.

• Rachel Svoboda received permission to light fireworks for her daughter’s birthday on July 24. The fireworks are to be completed by 10 p.m. and the remains cleaned up afterward.

• White asked about getting water hooked up to 100 N. Kansas. She was told by Kralik and city crewman Mike Bunch that she would have to bore under Main Street or tear up the street, all at her expense. White said Tino Cisneros told her there are already pipes hooked up to the old main. Hopkins said she was not allowed to use those pipes as they would contaminate the water supply. He said White has two options, bore under the street, or dig up the street and replace the street. Council member Tom Wilkinson asked what her plans were for the property. White said she will be renting kayaks, doing flea markets and farmers markets. She is calling it Fort Harker Square.

• Kralik said she has not heard from Thaniel Monaco of BG Consultants regarding an update on the water tower. She did get a phone call from Yost Electric regarding two past due bills that were supposed to be under warranty. Yost Electric told Kralik that account is currently on hold because of it. The council asked Kralik to pay the bills to release the account.

• A special hearing on abatements is set for 5:30 p.m. July 23, at city hall.

• Kralik said the City of Kanopolis will receive $68,571.39 from the American Rescue Plan Act. The council will discuss available options for use of the funds at a later date.