Money awarded in June to the City of Ellsworth from the Community Development Block Grant Coronarivus Response Supplements from the Kansas Department of Commerce was approved for distribution to local businesses Monday night by members of the Ellsworth City Council.

City administrator Rusty Varnado received approval at the council’s regular meeting to award the $120,000 received and sign agreements with seven businesses in Ellsworth based on the criteria set by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The businesses are:

• Sitaram Hospitality LLC, $21,756.76

• Mainstream Salon, $5,301.62

• Thompsons Homemade Country, $1,286.95

• Nails by Debbie, $2,682.23

• Sonic, $21,958.93

• Paden’s, $48,500

• Refine Design, $18,513.51 Applications were reviewed prior to

Applications were reviewed prior to awarding by Varnado, Mayor Mark Kennedy and council member Darcy Hansen.

In addition to the city, Ellsworth County and the City of Wilson also received COVID-19 related grant dollars for businesses within their boundaries. The exception was Ellsworth County, which could not award grants to businesses inside Ellsworth and Wilson because the towns has programs of their own.

In other business:

• The 2021 budget hearing was set for 5:25 p.m. Aug. 24 at city hall. The budgeted amount of $20,190,360 is $10,450,116 above the estimated 2020 budget, however, the majority of that increase is for the 2019 temporary notes for the airport runway and street improvements that will be reimbursed to the city.

• Ronnie Tenbrink, recreation director, said the swimming pool will stay open a few extra weeks closing Aug. 29. Hours are Monday-Friday, 1-4 and 6:38-8 p.m. with adult swim from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and weekends 1-6 p.m.

• Jon Halbgewachs with Kirkham Michael & Associates gave an update on the various projects they are overseeing for the city.

• Approval was given to sign a new license agreement with OCCK of Salina for the rental bicycles placed at Krizek Park and near the Ellsworth County Historical Society Plaza. The bicycles were placed in 2019, however, Zagster, the original provider of the bikes to OCCK, has since gone out of business. The new license agreement only changes the provider of the bikes to OCCK by Tandem Mobility, LLC.

• Discussion on sidewalks for Citizens State Bank and Security 1st Title were tabled until the next meeting so the correct procurement policies can be followed.

• The next meeting of the Ellsworth City Council is at 5:25 p.m. Aug. 24 for the budget hearing at city hall. The regular meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.