KANOPOLIS — Fiber internet is coming to town.

The Kanopolis City Council passed three ordinances during the Oct. 11 meeting, paving the way for Wilson Communications to begin fiber services in town.

“You’re one of the only towns that does not have fiber optic yet,” said Mark Cunningham from Wilson Communications. “It should be substantially better service than what you’ve got. It should be exciting.”

The council unanimously passed ordinances to permit right-ofways for utility easements, permit the installation of a splitter cabinet west of the old fire department building and to accept the modified franchise agreement.

“It will help to run as many lines as possible when we’re over here,” Cunningham said. “I would need inclusive easements. We’re planning to do the entire city — front to back, top to bottom.”

The lines, which will be 18 inches deep, will run underground.

“The only thing you will see is small pedestals in alleys, which you already see,” he said. “Anything we place on your property, we will ask first.”

Council president Michelle Schwerdtfeger asked when the project will begin.

“As quickly as we can get over here,” Cunningham said. “Safely, hopefully, we will be servicing customers early 2023. We have a couple of projects working in Ellsworth.”

Mayor Anthony Hopkins said the upgraded internet will benefit Kanopolis Middle School.

“Any events you have, at Fort Harker Days, we’ll provide a hotspot so anyone can have free internet,” Cunningham said. “If you continue softball tournaments, we will provide Wi-Fi services at these events. We’re excited to work within the community and support Kanopolis.”

Before the project begins, he said Dig Safe will mark all underground utilities and water lines.

“You’ll see more flags in this town than you’ve ever seen in your life,” Cunningham said. “We will have a Dig Safe call in for every residence in Kanopolis.”

“Maybe update some maps,” Hopkins said of utilities.

Maintenance supervisor Mike Bunch agreed it would be prudent.

Wilson Communications will install the main lines, and some of the lines to houses will be sub-contracted out.

In other action:

• The council heard results of the annual audit from Danielle Hollingsworth from Adams-Brown CPA.

“We believe your financials are clean and there are no misstatements,” she said.

The report included a few suggestions, such as cross-checking dollar values approved during meetings with the budget at the end of the year. Another recommendation included paying extra attention to deadlines for bond notice. The city missed a deadline by six days.

“You’re recommending doing our audit earlier,” Hopkins said. “I don’t know why it’s always done so late.”

Hollingsworth said the firm plans its audit calendar in November.

“I will reach out so we have final numbers before the budget has to be done,” she said.

• Bunch said Yost Electric followed up about the water project. The project hasn’t begun yet, but BG Consultants mailed the map and new water tower plans for the council to review.

• Unanimously approved an abatement ordinance for Bill Weaver’s property.

“We’ve given him plenty of time,” Schwerdtfeger said.

• Unanimously approved a bid to replace the police chief ’s computer and to upgrade two other computers in the office.

“Our IT guy is very confident he could get the current workstations up to par,” Cunningham said. “He thought he could get it up to snuff.”

The bid from Wilson Communications is for $475 per month on a three-year contract.

• Agreed to permit the fourth grade class at Kanopolis Middle School to use the community center for the Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 21.

• Discussed the middle school football field.

Council member Rebekah Tripp said some residents want to create a walking path on a portion of the area.

Hopkins said a trust owns the land, but permits the school to use it. He suggested Tripp present the request to USD 327.

• Discussed a request from resident Frank Georgiana to put a wind turbine in his yard.

Hopkins asked city clerk Deb Kralik to discuss the request with the city attorney, as well as obtain drawings and a sketch of the proposed turbine.

• Unanimously approved a $400 request rom the recreation department for Trunk or Treat, which will be from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 31.

• Discussed the refund policy on rentals of the community building.

Kralik said a resident rented the space and wants the deposit back, but is in arrears for their water bill.

“I think it’s the right thing for the city to keep those things separate,” council member Tom Wilkinson said.

Hopkins suggested the city attorney review the rental agreement, and that the council consider requiring residents to owe no money to the city as a condition of building rental.