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Solomon council advances water infrastructure planning and approves park sign MOU; public works lists leaks and winter preparations
Summary
Council heard status updates on the city’s water infrastructure planning (KDHE review pending, KWO grant applied for), approved an MOU to replace a broken park sign, and reviewed public works and fire department operational reports including two recent water leaks and arrival of SCBAs for the fire department.
At its Dec. 1 meeting, the Solomon City Council heard reports from public works, the fire department and municipal services and approved an MOU to proceed with replacement of the city’s nonfunctioning digital park sign.
City Clerk Andrea McCook read a written report from Public Works Director Dan describing winterization tasks (pool and sprinkler systems), rock deliveries for sewer lagoon road and Dakota Drive, door lock installations, leaf cleanup and a poured concrete repair at Seventh and Walnut. The report noted two recent water leaks: a main break at Seventh and Pine (six‑hour repair) and a service line leak at Fifth and Oak. Staff reported they corrected a communication issue between wells and the water tower after multiple late nights of monitoring.
Solomon Fire Department Chief Randy Paden reported that five new self‑contained breathing apparatus units (SCBAs) have arrived; hoses and bottles included in a related grant are still pending and invoices will be processed after shipping costs are known. Chief Paden also listed November department activity (nine calls including three medical calls) and noted recent training events.
Council approved an MOU with the school district to split remaining costs for a new park sign following a $7,500 grant and to create a sustainability fund for future sign replacement. Council discussed that current R‑1 zoning prohibits commercial advertising on the sign and that any change would require code or zoning amendments to be reviewed in spring.
On the water infrastructure project, staff reported the project submission is with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for review, CES is preparing easement descriptions and exhibits, and the city has applied for a Kansas Water Office grant with an expected decision in February. Council emphasized prioritizing areas for phase one of improvements and packaging the project into manageable bidding sections once KDHE feedback and grant results are available.
The council recessed twice into executive session to consult with legal counsel about an unpermitted sign zoning compliance matter under K.S.A. 75‑4319(B)(2) and returned to open session with no immediate public action reported.
The meeting concluded with council and mayoral remarks praising the Community Christmas event; the council adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
