ELLINWOOD — At its regular meeting last week, the Ellinwood City Council heard about the conditions of two dilapidated Main Street buildings from local historian Robert Yarmer.
Yarmer’s opinion was that the two buildings were past saving, but any replacement buildings should meet guidelines.
There is iron work should be saved for a new building, Yarmer told the council. The council had intended that the work be saved.
The council accepted a bid from Stone Sand for $27,400 to  demolish the buildings. The sidewalk will be saved, and the surface graded for a new building.
In addition, Rob Fisher was present from the Ellinwood Recreation Commission, as well as Kyle Chamberlin, the new rec director.
“Kyle hit the ground running,” said Fisher. Chamberlin said that four communities are participating in the new elementary school age basketball league.
“The kids had a blast,” Chamberlin told the council.
In other business, March 2014 was declared American Red Cross Month by Mayor Frank Koelsch.
The school district is planning on upgrades to the high school track and surrounding fencing. This will include two long jump pits. The school district will be asked to come to a future meeting to explain the need for an additional portion of City Park.
Also, the construction will occur this summer. The council would like to know how it will affect After Harvest Festival.
The issue with the island at Wolf Pond was discussed. The island has eroded and it needs to be drained and cleaned.
Lonnie Schrag requested from the city to add a wood rail fence along his property on the west by Worman Field on D Street. City Administrator Robert Peter will work up an agreement. Peter reported that Schrag has cleaned up the property and done a lot of work.
In final business:
•The city’s general liability insurance premium went down. The city will pay $111,451 for insurance.
•The council approved contracts concerning cell phone antenna’s on the water towers.