KANOPOLIS — Jon Halbgewachs of Ellsworth’s Kirkham Michael & Associates presented information to the Kanopolis City Council Feb. 11 on a new cost share program available from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

“It is a competitive grant program for transportation related projects,” he said.

Halbgewachs said the grant could be used for streets, sidewalks and other infrastructure.

“This is a unique program in that most KDOT programs are more concerned with highway funding,” he added.

Halbgewachs said valley gutters are getting to be a big concern in every town in Ellsworth County, and that is something he could see that as a good project under this program.

In other business:

• Approval was given to Ordinance 2020-0-01, which regulates the height of fences and walls in Kanopolis.

• Council members had a general discussion with independent surveyor Sam Paull regarding several issues, including the alley in Block 122, Fourth Street, and the city cemetery.

• Mayor Anthony Hopkins suggested the Kanopolis Fire Department look at applying for any possible grants to fund the building of a new fire station. He also suggested firefighters start doing fundraisers and possibly looking at a loan from the Fireman’s Relief Association. Debbie Kralik, city clerk, will see if the fire department could apply for a loan through the Fireman’s Relief Association.

• Approval was given to Hopkins signing an engagement letter with Summer, Spencer & Company in Salina to perform the annual city audit.

• The 2020 Initial Boundary Validation Program letter was approved and signed by Hopkins. He noted the city has not changed its boundaries.

• Approval was given to the $3,500 per year rental agreement with Carrico Implement of Ellsworth on the city’s skid steer.

• During a discussion on the testing of water well seven, it was noted that testing on the well, which is not currently used, should be done more frequently. The hope is to activate the well again because the level of nitrates has fallen under the legal limit.

• The council members discussed what to do with the “free” land on South Missouri Street which the city has the deed on. The land consists of three lots the city purchased in a sheriff ’s sale in October.

Council member Greg Tripp said he would like to put a double wide trailer on that property.

“Because Greg is on the council, we need to handle this a little differently than just approving it,” Hopkins said.

Council member Rebecca Tripp said she had no problem with Tripp putting a trailer on the property.

“I know he’s all for beautifying the property,” she said.

“Maybe put it out and see if there is anybody else interested in it,” Greg Tripp said.

“I guess we could open bids next meeting,” Hopkins said. “We can refuse any bids. If someone puts a bid in that we know has bought land and not taken care of it, we can refuse that bid.”

After further discussion, the council decided to run an ad in the Ellsworth County Independent Reporter accepting bids on the property. Officials will then decide whether to accept a bid or refuse them all.