WILSON — Visitors to Wilson’s Heritage Museum will soon find it easier to park, thanks to action taken Jan. 18 by the Wilson City Council.

After discussing the parking situation with Dave Trowbridge and Bob Grauer, representatives of the museum, the council approved a recommendation by Mayor Mike Peschka to designate the south side of 24th Street from Ave. E to Ave. D as temporary two-hour parking to better accommodate museum visitors, including those who are handicapped.

The designated parking area will be painted green, except for one handicapped parking stall, which will be painted blue.

“We want to make sure the museum has adequate parking for their visitors,” Peschka said. In other business:

• After a seven-minute executive session to discuss the possible purchase of property (the parcel of land located behind Wilson City Hall), the council approved offering to buy the property, designated as Lot 4, Block 1 (2,673 square feet) from the owner, Picture Rock, Ltd., for an amount not to exceed $3,000.

• Approval was given to change the wording in Section 1 of the employee handbook to read that city employees may live within 20 miles of Wilson and have a response time of 20 minutes.

Previously, city employees were required to live within the city limits of Wilson. However, as Peschka noted, that residency requirement is becoming an issue when hiring new city employees.

• During a brief board of health review, Peschka said members of the city’s board of health did not revaluate the property at 811 24th Street yet, so there is no report on progress. He said the board of health members will reevaluate the property. Peschka also noted that two board of health hearings on properties are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, before the regular council meeting starts at 6 p.m.

• Approval was given to a request by city clerk Susan Kriley to attend the annual KCMFOA (Kansas City Clerk and Municipal Officer’s Association) meeting March 16-18 in Manhattan. The request included the city paying Kriley’s $335 registration fee plus lodging.

• Approval was given to payment request three from Joiner Construction of Ellinwood for work on the duplexes being built north of the Czech Apartments (the old grade school). The amount of the payment request was $22,187.50. The funds will come from the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation. It was noted the concrete work is done and the plumbing installed.

• Approval was given to a request for a 60-day extension for the Kansas Department of Housing rehabilitation and demolition grant the city received. Peschka said the $300,000 grant will pay up to $25,000 each for four demolitions and seven rehabilitations.

• Approval was given to pay the $6,300 annual membership dues to Ellsworth County Economic Development. However, the city will pay the first half, $3,150, now and then the second $3,150 this summer.

• Approval was given to Resolution 2-2022, authorizing Peschka to apply for and administer any financial reimbursement the city would receive as a result of Kansas and 13 other states winning a lawsuit against drug companies for opioid production and distribution.

• Peschka said there are quite a few COVID-19 cases going around in Wilson and in Ellsworth County. He said if anyone has any health concerns about the way the council meetings are conducted (such as the need for more distance or wearing face masks) they should bring it up.

“I’m not saying we change anything. But if you feel uncomfortable, I don’t want to put anybody at risk. So if you feel we need to make some changes or make some recommendations please let me know.”

• Peschka said the city previously discussed getting a dumpster from Acme Iron. He received a call back from the company and they are not sure they want to put a dumpster out at the city landfill for any length of time.

“It’s really how long it takes to fill it,” Peschka said. “If it sets there for a long period of time and not being filled, it costs them money.”

Peschka said it might be a possibility that every three months a dumpster could be placed at the city landfill to be filled.

City superintendent Joe Soukup suggested the city purchase three cattle panels to make a collection area for metal.

Peschka said that was a good idea.

• Approval was given to a request by Soukup to pay an additional $58.12 for tubes to be placed in the two new tires recently purchased for the city dump truck.

• Approval was given to a request by Soukup to pay up to $1,500 for Water Works HVAC, LLC, to repair the plugged sewer line near the Lang Memorial Library.

• Approval was given to a request by Wilson Police Officer Jonathan Lawrence to purchase two Guardian Angel shoulder lights for $120 each. The lights allow for hands free operation. Also approved was a request to purchase $300 in 9 mm practice and duty ammunition for the police department.

• Council member Darcy Hubka-Vopat was given approval to waive fees as needed for youth basketball bus travel.

• Peschka, who is also on the Wilson Economic Development board, presented two ideas for the council to consider. First, would be the city taking over the disc golf course as a gift. Second, would be the city taking ownership of the 20 acre development in Wilson known as Prairie Estates. That also would be a gift.

“Think about it,” Peschka said. “It’s just an idea.”

He said Wilson Economic Development is trying to restructure its mission. They own both the disc golf course and Prairie Estates.

The regular next meeting of the Wilson City Council will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at city hall.