KANOPOLIS — It’s not enough. This was the simple, direct message conveyed to property owner Dan Erdman about his efforts to improve the exterior of 129 N. Kansas Ave. during the Oct. 8 Kanopolis City Council meeting.

“We told you if you didn’t have it done, we would move on with abating the property,” Mayor Anthony Hopkins said.

Erdman said he felt the effort he made in the month between meetings was sufficient to avoid the abatement, or cleanup process, initiated by the city.

“I got permit within first week,” he said of the fence he proposed to build around the rear of the property to obscure tables from view.

He discussed his efforts to build a fence.

“All wood, post fence, concrete are on-site,” he said. “The corners are set. I can brace up the fence panels I bought while I’m augering the holes and setting the posts. I will go that far if you would like.

“I will remove tree limbs as time permits. Should all be completed by next council meeting; I suspect before then.

“Are we in compliance?”

Hopkins recommended the council move forward with the abatement process.

“I’m doing everything in good faith,” Erdman said. “I’ve done everything you asked.”

“We said last meeting it all had to be done before this meeting,” Hopkins said.

“That’s not right,” Erdman replied.

Hopkins again recommended the council being the abatement process.

“If you get it done, you don’t have to look forward to anything,” Hopkins said.

City Clerk Deb Kralik said the hearing will be at 5:25 p.m. Nov. 12.

“If it’s all done, we’ll call it good,” Hopkins said.

Erdman confirmed the date is for a formal hearing.

“I’m sorry we had to make it formal, I don’t think it will be a problem (to finish the cleanup),” he said.

During the regular meeting, the council discussed an alternative option for the current abatement process.

“We discussed what Wilson is doing to streamline the abatement process,” Hopkins said, referring to the possibility of forming a board of health, which would oversee ordinance violations.

“They tell us who to abate. It’s not on our local law enforcement or us,” Hopkins said.

After a brief discussion, the council decided to table the topic.

In other business:

• Linnea Beebe asked if the city would be willing to purchase more tables and chairs for the community center. She said the civic club is willing to reimburse the city for the purchase. Council approved the request.

She also asked if the city would consider purchasing additional chair racks.

Council Member Levi Schneider said he will talk with the Men’s Club about purchasing the racks.

Beebe also asked if she could coordinate with the fire department and city staff to find a time to clear out the storage room in the community center.

She also asked if it would be possible to add a light over the rear door, as well as add a handrail.

• Kralik informed the council that because the city submitted its paperwork to increase the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2025 budget a few days early, it wasn’t accepted by the state.

“We have to stay at last year’s mill levy,” Hopkins said. “We won’t be able to increase it as our CPA recommended. I think the difference is $9,000.”

The council will hold a new budget hearing Oct. 29.

• The council discussed the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s lead service line inventory report.

Kralik said 133 addresses have not responded to the questionnaire about the presence of lead pipes on the property. She said every landowner must complete the survey, even if there is no water service to the house, according to the KDHE.

Kralik has literature she must include in the water bill monthly for those who have not responded, indicated the property contains lead pipes or indicated the status of lead pipes on the property are “unknown.”

• Kralik informed council members the new GWorks software will begin Oct. 14 and take about a month to be fully operational.

• Maintenance Supervisor Mike Bunch said a fiber company hit a sewer line recently.

“We got it fixed,” he said. “We’ll have to reconsider when people ask to put things in town anymore. I’m afraid we’re asking for trouble.”

Bunch also discussed Kanopolis Middle School school zones with Hopkins. Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Superintendent Deena Hilbig requested the city replace several signs so they all match and have higher visibility.

He also said the sewer pipe in the alley at 420 S. Iowa Ave. sticks up above the surface.

“If we go to clear snow out of the alley, it will get ripped off and fill our main with dirt,” he said. “It needed to be put below ground level.”

Hopkins said because it’s on city property, Bunch should properly repair the issue.

• Hopkins said the recreation committee requested $300 for the annual trunk-or-treat event. Council approved the request.

• Hopkins said Police Chief Jeff Weigel submitted his 30-day resignation notice.

• Kralik said KMS requests the use of the community center Nov. 25 for the annual community Thanksgiving feast. Council agreed to waive fees for the middle school’s use.

• Schneider said he talked with Kyler & Son to get a quote about curb and sidewalks.

“I thought it was something we could look at in the future,” he said. “I know there are grants, I don’t want to overstep. I figure if you’re interested, I would look at grants.”

The next Kanopolis City Council meeting will begin at 5:25 p.m. Nov. 12 with a hearing about Erdman’s property. The regular meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.