Dwight council orders excavation to determine responsibility for 505 Main St sewer repairs; approves bills and postpones clerk review

At a regular meeting March 17 at the City Library, the Dwight City Council asked Larson Construction Company to perform further excavation at 505 Main St to determine which party is responsible for sewer-line repairs after a presentation by Dillon Switzer, who identified himself as representing Pub Holding LLC. The council recorded that Switzer and Maintenance Manager Ryan Taylor will be present during the excavation to help identify responsibility.

The action followed Switzer's presentation of photographs and discussion of visible damage. Council members did not vote on a formal repair contract during the meeting; rather, they agreed additional excavation and inspection are required to identify the responsible party before repairs proceed.

Procedural business: the council unanimously approved two sets of minutes and a bills payment. Councilman Peter Marquardt moved to accept the minutes of the Feb. 17 and Feb. 25, 2025 meetings; the motions were seconded and both carried 3-0. The council also approved payment of bills totaling $1,868.40 on a 3-0 vote.

Personnel and clerk matters: Councilman Marquardt requested postponing City Clerk Ken Bergeron's annual review to the April regular meeting to allow more council members to participate. Marquardt said any increase in hourly pay would be made retroactive to Bergeron; Bergeron agreed to the postponement and the proposed back pay arrangement.

Reports and other items: Maintenance and Water Manager Ryan Taylor provided written reports and said he would contact Old Skool Repair LLC to inspect the city grader's block heater. Taylor also reported ongoing outreach to residents about early detection of water leaks and said the city's water salesman is temporarily out of service while awaiting replacement parts. Clerk Ken Bergeron reported working with Jayhawk support to correct approximately 20 accounts, noted that not all landlords have a signed convert-to-owner agreement (the council will review the referenced ordinance at the April meeting), and said the City of Dwight recently became a member of Kansas 811.

Old business noted on the agenda included a reimbursement of $492.20 to Amy Olean-Naaf for previously approved city website expenses, and Councilwoman Mulryan's continuing work on income and receipts for budget preparation. The council recorded that Judge White's contract will be reviewed at the April meeting.

Open forum: Bergeron reported that six accounts were sent disconnect notices on Feb. 24; those accounts made payments to avoid disconnection. He said February late fees will not be applied until Wednesday, March 19 because March 15 fell on a weekend.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. after a 3-0 vote. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the City Library.