The Ellsworth City Council approved several Covid-19-related measures Monday night during a meeting conducted via digital communications software.

Council members approved an ordinance as recommended by city attorney Patrick Hoffman relating to the violation of an order by the local health officer or board of health. The ordinance gives the Ellsworth Police Department the ability to enforce directives put in place by Ellsworth County Health Department supervisor Kerianne Ehrlich, with the approval of Dr. Ronald Whitmer, county health officer.

Hoffman said the Ellsworth County Sheriff ’s Office has that ability now, and this ordinance would keep the police department in step with the health department.

He said the goal is not to create a new law, but to give the police department the ability to deal with those who refuse to follow the rules during this health emergency.

“We’re still educating the public,” Hoffman said. “By and large we are getting a lot of community buy in.”

Those who violate, refuse, or fail to comply with a written order of the local health officer or county board of health face being charged with a Class C misdemeanor which is punishable by up to a maximum of 30 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine.

The council also approved Mayor Mark Kennedy’s action a week ago to close all Ellsworth city buildings to the public until further notice.

In other business:

• The council discussed the possibility of waiving for one month the $10 late fee on utility accounts for the April 10 billing. At one point in the discussion, that motion was made, then withdrawn.

“I don’t know if we can do anything yet,” said council member Jessica Kootz, after she withdrew her motion.

Kootz recommended the council review the possibility on a monthly basis. Deputy city clerk Angela Mueller was asked to place a note in the city bill asking patrons to call the city office if they are having problems with their bill.

Hoffman recommended an update be given at the next council meeting in April on how local businesses are doing.

Kennedy then asked that the whole discussion be tabled until April.

• Approval of a cereal malt beverage license was given to Paden’s Place LLC in downtown Ellsworth. The license gives Paden’s Place approval to sell six, 12 or 30 packs of beer at their door. Hoffman noted it is the same license that Casey’s General Store and the Kwik Shop have.

• The council accepted the resignation of Linda Kohls from the tourism committee. Kennedy said he would discuss a replacement with the committee.

• A Kansas Department of Transportation 1302 document was approved to be signed by Kennedy. Jon Halbgewachs of Kirkham Michael & Associates said the document deals with the neighborhood multi-use path proposed for construction from the Ellsworth Good Samaritan Village to north Douglas Avenue to connect with the Smoky Hill River bridge.

Halbgewachs said the 1302 document is the programming document required by KDOT so the city can formally request the project be scheduled for funding for program year 2021. He said even if the project goes to the bid process, the city can still change its mind and not do the project.

• A contract with Kansas Correctional Industries of Hutchinson to build a cabinet for the basement kitchen at city hall was approved not to exceed $2,000. It was noted the cabinet needs to be replaced due to water coming into the basement from outside.

Mueller said she would contact Doubrava Woodworking to check the guttering.

• Approval was given to two bids submitted by Ron Tenbrink of the Parks and Recreation Department. The first was a $3,259.88 bid from Aaron’s Pool Care of Salina for chemicals for the city swimming pool. The second was a $1,895.77 quote from BSN Sports of Dallas, Texas for sports equipment.

• Consideration of bids to purchase a new fairway mower for the Ellsworth Golf Course was tabled until April.

• A $2,690 bid from Phoenix Emergency Vehicles of Kanopolis to upgrade the Ellsworth Police Department’s new 2020 Ram purchased last month was approved. The upgrade involves the installation of various police lighting equipment on the pickup.

• Chief Emil Halfhill said during the health emergency, his officers are going to be a little lax on code enforcement.

“We will deal with issues as they come up,” he said.