KANOPOLIS — At the start of the Dec. 9 city council meeting, the City of Kanopolis swore in a new council member and a new city clerk.

Khrystal Serrien was sworn in as city clerk and Theresa Kyler as a new city council member.

Once new faces joined the meeting, the council revisited a long-standing project, the new water tower.

Thaniel Monaco of BG Consultants discussed the progress.

“They installed the new water main,” he said. “It’s been connected, pressure tested.”

He said the next step is for foundation work to begin for the base of the tower. Monaco said the goal is to pour the cement in January.

He said the water tank design is complete and he anticipates it will arrive in April.

“They are projecting it will be done by the end of June,” Monaco said. “We know about Fort Harker Days. They realize if they’re pushing toward that, they will stop.

“The tank will be up, the things will be the painting, the fencing, those types of things. They understand that. They will work with their subcontractors.”

After hearing progress, council approved pay request No. 1 for the project, for about $165,800.

In other business:

• Colby Richard from the Smoky Hills Community Foundation presented a $5,000 check to the city for a sidewalk project near the library.

It’s partial funding; we hope it will get you started,” Richard said. “Thank you for allowing us to serve you.”

Council member Levi Schneider said it won’t completely cover the entire cost of the project. He said the Kanopolis Sunflower Civic Club is contributing $1,500, and he will ask the Kanopolis Men’s Club if it wishes to contribute.

• Council approved 2026 health insurance rates for employees from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. Employees will have a $500 deductible.

• Council approved the 2026 holiday schedule, and added closing the city office at noon and giving staff a half-day paid holiday.

• Council approved Christmas bonuses for employees.

Maintenance Supervisor Mike Bunch asked council to give his bonus to the memorial fund for Aaron Burwell, city employee who died Dec. 3.

Council approved bonuses for employees.

• CMB licenses were approved for four local businesses: Kanopolis Corner Store, Fort Harker Salon, Coyote Den and the Kanopolis Drive-In.

• The emergency water plan was reviewed, but no action was needed.

• Payout for unused vacation, sick and comp time was discussed. Kralik said both she and Bunch gave sick time to Burwell, so neither have much to pay out.

Council will review the hours to pay out at the January meeting.

• Council approved an ad in the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter for law enforcement appreciation.

• Bunch updated council about activities. He said he addressed a few water leaks.

• Kralik discussed interviews for hiring another employee for the maintenance department. Council will interview candidates.

• Bunch said he was called to the lift station for an alarm. He said if residents in the area hear the alarm, it’s imperative to call city staff so he can swiftly address the issue.

• Council approved a request from the Kanopolis Fire Department to use the Community Center for their annual chili feed Feb. 14.

• Mayor Michelle Schwerdtfeger asked Bunch if he could check the alleys to be sure there is adequate clearance for the trash trucks. She also asked about trimming trees along the main street (Kansas Avenue).

• Bunch asked if council wants him to send out more letters regarding code enforcement.

“Even if we would do five more, that they would take the initiative,” Schwerdtfeger said. “I still think we should send letters (that say), ‘You’re out of compliance and it needs to be cleaned up.’” The next meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 13.