KANOPOLIS — There’s a new mayor in town.

During the Aug. 12 meeting, the Kanopolis City Council appointed Michelle Schwerdtfeger to serve as mayor.

“As everybody probably knows, I’m moving out of town this week,” former mayor Anthony Hopkins said. “I’m no longer eligible to serve as mayor. The league of municipalities said it is not kosher for me to finish out my term.

“I want to thank all of you and other council members I’ve worked with. It’s been a big part of my life and cool to see the things we’ve accomplished as a group.”

Hopkins served for about 7.5 years as Kanopolis Mayor. His term was set to end in January.

City Clerk Debbie Kralik said the vacancy must be filled and the council will elect a new president.

Schwerdtfeger served as council president, and was elevated to the position of mayor. Council voted to appoint Jim Zvolanek, whose term ends in January, as the new council president.

In other business:

• Kralik reported residents should see progress in the next month on the new water tower project.

• Kralik informed council the final payment for the sewer revolving loan was made. The city was paying about $3,000 every six months.

• Council approved a $150 sponsorship for Newspapers in Education with the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter.

• Council took no action for an item for the Ellsworth County Medical Center auction.

• Council approved a $250 donation for a Cats Pride silver sponsorship.

• A recommendation to update the employee handbook to allow employees to donate time off to fellow employees was approved.

• A CMB license was approved for the Kanopolis Drive-In.

• Maintenance Supervisor Mike Bunch said 30-day notices were sent out in water bills about inoperable vehicles.

“The next round will be the personal letters,” he said.

Council discussed a property that needs to be cleaned up.

Council member Levi Schneider suggested the council select five properties each, then the council as a whole will decide which properties to follow up with on ordinance violations.

• Council discussed the need for part-time help with mowing.

The next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9.