ELLINWOOD — At its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Ellinwood City Council discussed the Pohlman addition on the north side of town at length. A couple of parcels of property have been purchased for residential building. The city has also purchased some of the property.
Concerns were expressed over drainage of the property. Alan  Luttrell, engineer with EBH, said there will be issues with drainage, sewers and basements. A lift station would be needed  or slab homes would need to be built.
There was discussed the possibility of building a retention pond.
Robert Peter, Ellinwood city administrator, said there are a myriad of problems with Pohlman area and it may be fiscally sounder to acquire another tract of land for additional building.
The council approved Luttrell taking elevation photos. The council had an executive session concerning the purchase of property but took no action.
In other business, Peter also reported that FEMA insurance cost would be doubling over the next five years nationwide, which could include local residents. This will  affect residents that live in the flood plain.
A request from Sidewinders was approved for the use of Wolf Pond on Aug. 17 for a reunion of members. They also requested permission for consumption of cereal malt beverages.
In a report about feral cats, Peter presented an anonymous letter to the council with a complaint about the cats pooping in the resident’s back yard.
Peter said all a resident’s had to do was call the city with an address, and enforcement officers would set up cat traps.
He said, “Our enforcement is stiffer than any other town.” In addition, “We have  cat traps set up all over town.”
Also, Peter said that signs have been ordered for the old city landfill, which has had buried glass and concrete that has worked its way to the surface, declaring the area as no trespassing. This will leave a right-of-way for ATVs.
Sixteen signs at eight intersections have been vandalized. Peter estimated the cost of the repair to be $800.
Jon Perron, electric department, received an award for five years of service to the city.
The council set a work study session for the 2014 budget review at 7 p.m. on July 23.