KANOPOLIS — The City of Kanopolis has a problem with a water well pump.

At the Jan. 12 meeting of the Kanopolis City Council, Mike Bunch of the city crew said one of two chemical pumps at Well No. 8 is not working. Bunch removed the pump and sent it back to the company. Yost Electric was able to do a bypass using the second pump, thus allowing the well to operate with one pump.

“It’s the second problem we’ve had since the project was officially completed: Mayor Anthony Hopkins said. He will contact Thaniel Monaco of BG Consultants about the problem. Any bills received will need to be sent to Yost Electric. There is a 12 month warranty on the project.

In other business:

$ It was noted that water sampling in town which was part of the Drinking Water Protection program has been completed and results are being compiled by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

$ Debbie Kralik, city clerk, said Brad Morris inquired about renting the old city hall building. She then talked to Vince Martin, who has also expressed interest in renting the building, and Martin is fine with the city renting the building to someone else.

Council member Tom Wilkinson suggested Kralik contact companies to get an environmental survey done of the old city hall and the city Quonset hut.

$ It was noted the duration of the siren at the Kanopolis Fire Station has been shortened to 10 seconds.

$ Hopkins said he would check into a membership with the Kansas Nonprofit Coalition.

$ Kralik was instructed to call Darlene Dohe for an update on recycling.

$ A bid of $9,833.85 was received from Champion Tire for recycled tire mulch. Hopkins asked Kralik to request a grant from the Smoky Hill Charitable Foundation.

$ A list of holiday observance days for 2021 was approved.

$ Resolution 2021-R-01, giving lots at 504 South Missouri to Aaron Burwell was approved.

$ The council agreed to a request by Kralik to keep credit card information on file for those who want to pay city bills using a credit card. She must, however, keep the information in the vault.

$ Hopkins said he talked to Ellsworth City Administrator Rusty Varnado about sweeping streets in Kanopolis. Hopkins was told the street sweeper could not be used on Ohio and Missouri because of the roads and would have to be swept manually. Council member Greg Tripp called a company in Wichita that rents street sweepers for $1,400 per day or $3,300 per week but the city would have to arrange for delivery. Hopkins suggested citizens attend meetings of the Ellsworth County Commission to complain about the streets, or write letters to the commissioners to get these streets fixed. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s cost share program could help with costs. Hopkins will try to attend the next commissioner meeting.

$ Bunch asked if the new addition to the cemetery has been plotted. Kralik will call city attorney Patrick Hoffman to see if the register of deeds has completed the process.

$ Approval was given to purchase one fire extinguisher for $900 for the fire department.

$ The council agreed not to shut off the water for a citizen who is having health problems and may be late with his payments while he is trying to get on disability.

$ Kralik let the council know two fire trucks need window replacements. She contacted the insurance company and found there is no deductible, so the insurance company filed the claim.

$ Police Chief Jeff Weigel reported a felony arrest at 200 East A Street. The case will go through the district court.