ELLINWOOD — At its regular meeting last Tuesday, the Ellinwood City Council approved an increase in the utility shut-off fee for non-payment effective Jan. 1. 2012.

The new fees are $20 for re-connection during business hours and an after-hour re-connection fee of $50. In addition, a disconnect penalty would be assessed based on the number of times service has been disconnected. The penalty for the first disconnect would be $25, second disconnect $50, and the third and each subsequent disconnect would be $100.

Previously, the fee was $20 during business hours and $30 after business hours.

The council reviewed the trailer parking ordinance, which has been discussed at several recent council meetings. City Administrator Robert Peter presented a draft ordinance which would allow for street parking for up to 24 hours if attached to a vehicle or is used in conjunction with an on-going work site while work is actively performed. Parking would be allowed in alleys as long as it is not impeding traffic. The issue was tabled until January.

In other business, the council heard:

• Eight ambulance personnel have begun advanced training mandated by the state.

• The city office will close at 1 p.m. on Dec. 23 and be closed on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 for the holidays.

• A service award was presented to Chance Bailey for five years of service to the police department.

• Approved cereal malt beverage licenses for John Henrys, H & T Stop 2 Shop, Kansas Sidewinders, Pop N Shop, Zip Stop and Ellinwood Family Foods.