KANOPOLIS — Sign improvements came up for discussion as an opportunity for grant dollars during the Feb. 11 Kanopolis City Council meeting.

“I imagine doing a large-scale upgrade or new thing would cost a chunk of money,” Mayor Anthony Hopkins said. “Maybe this would spruce up what we have until we figure out what the next thing is.”

City Clerk Deb Kralik brought up the $10,000 grant to council members from the North Central Regional Planning Commission.

“We should definitely look into it,” Council Member Levi Schneider said.

Maintenance Director Mike Bunch said the current signs at the city’s entry points are more than 40 years old.

“The signs have been buffed up over the years,” Schneider said.

The council agreed to proceed with an application.

In other action:

• Council members discussed the ongoing water tower project.

“It sounds like announcements are coming down the pike,” Hopkins said.

• Bunch discussed efficiency tests on city wells.

Sargent Drilling presented a quote for $900 to test two wells.

“They’ll test everything (and provide us) a readout telling us the efficiency of the pumps, the electric, how much they’re drawing,” Bunch said.

He said tests could indicate any underlying issue that could become a major repair.

“Maybe they catch a $1,000 problem instead of a $10,000 problem,” Bunch said.

• Bunch said the owners of the Kanopolis Drive-In requested a 2-inch water tap. This would allow for expansion at the facility.

Hopkins said the owners need to obtain permission from land owners so the new line can be trenched. If permission is granted, the city can install the requested tap.

• Council agreed to pay for gas for Bunch’s personal skid steer for snow removal.

• Hopkins discussed at-large dogs.

“I think everyone is trying to resolve the situation,” he said.

• Council approved paying for 25.5 hours of comp time for employee Aaron Burwell.

• Kralik discussed the Emergency Water Supply Plan. A slight modification to wording was suggested, and the alteration was made.

• Hopkins discussed the vacant police chief position.

“I would hope by next meeting we will have a decision if the county wants to get involved or have a co-op deal or if a city wants to pursue another part-time officer, do we need it,” he said. “It’s something to think about before next meeting.”

The city previously discussed the possibility of contracting law enforcement for the city with the Ellsworth County Sheriff ’s office. No agreement has been reached.

“When people call and say they need something, the odds of our police chief being on duty are minimal, so it always falls on the sheriff ’s department anyway,” Hopkins said. “I want to do right by the county. I don’t want to throw it on them, anyway. Maybe there is an agreement to have some regular hours.”

He said the sheriff ’s office would not handle code enforcement.

The next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. March 11 at city hall.