KANOPOLIS — A technicality about the cemetery’s land was discussed during the Sept. 12 city council meeting.

“The cemetery has not been platted since it was originally put in,” City Clerk Deb Kralik said. “You’re supposed to do it within 90 days.”

She said the city was in the process of having the land platted during COVID.

“Sam Paull who platted it for us did not put his seal on it and now he’s retired,” Kralik said.

She pointed out Ellsworth’s cemetery on Highway 156 is not platted either.

“We need to ask Sam if it would be legal for him to stamp that,” Mayor Anthony Hopkins said. “If not, we would have to have someone else look over his plans and approve it.”

President Michelle Schwerdtfeger asked about the importance of platting a cemetery.

“You’re required to register it with the register of deeds,” Kralik said. “I have all of the original maps.”

Hopkins added the cemetery has been expanded four times since its inception.

In other business:

• The pre-bid meeting for the water tower was discussed. Kralik said two companies showed up to seek additional clarification about the project.

She said the estimated value of the project is $750,000. The timeline is to award the bid in October, with possible completion in September 2024.

• The council unanimously approved a motion to permit Nanny Scaping to continue within Kanopolis City limits, with review as needed.

• Tabled action on a sign from Ellsworth County Medical Center. The city is not paying for the sign, but will permit its placement on city property.

• Discussed bids on old police vehicles. Kralik said no bids have been submitted. Hopkins asked her to advertise the vehicles one more time for sealed bids.

• Approved $400 for the recreation committee to fund Trunk or Treat.

• Council member Rebekah Tripp said work is about to begin on the walking path at the middle school.

“It’s shared jointly as long as the school maintains it,” she said. “If you hear of any grants, (they are) wanting it to be a community thing, not just for the school.”

• Approved fall cleanup days as Nov. 3-5 for residents of Kanopolis.

• Discussed pay for the candidate for the city librarian.

Hopkins said a 90-day probationary period with $11 per hour is appropriate, then the rate can be increased to $12 per hour.

• Discussed the public restrooms in the city park, which were vandalized. Hopkins asked if the area could be marked with yellow tape to prevent people from disturbing the area.

“We are still waiting on the adjuster,” he said. “The most important point is to get an adjustment so we can give it to the county prosecutor. Ultimately, it was two juveniles. We’ll probably never see a dime from them.

“We have a provision in our insurance policy, any unintentional omission of building had up to $50,000 in coverage.”

If any restitution money is received, Hopkins said reinvesting it in the park would be appropriate.

• Discussed the fire station. Kralik said the department is almost out of money for the current budget.

“My impression was they would use money from the poker run,” Hopkins said.

• Approved a concrete bench at a grave in the cemetery.

• Approved a $250 gold-level sponsorship for Newspapers in Education for the 2023-24 school year.