ELLINWOOD —  In response to the flooding issue from August, the City of Ellinwood has requested qualifications for resolving flooding from seven engineering firms, the Ellinwood City Council heard at its regular meeting on Tuesday. City Administrator Bob Peter said that he has received responses from two of them.
On Oct. 21, a firm will be selected to develop a flood control plan.
“We hope to have a plan of action by Feb. 1, 2014,” said Peter. “We’re trying to move as actively as we can.”
A member of the audience expressed concerns about flood insurance.
“Everybody up there (in flood areas) can get flood insurance,” said Peter. “The problem is what it covers.”
He said items such as drywall and furniture are not covered.
“If you live in the flood plain, (flood insurance) is very expensive,” he said. “But you can get it.”
Peter also said there are rumors going around about flood insurance’s unavailability that are not true.
He also said he is not approving new construction at the north end of town.
New chamber director, J. Basil Dannebohm, was introduced to the council by Lloyd Kurtz. Dannebohm reported on the first 45 days of his tenure.
He said that there are 10 new chamber members, and new activities including a visit by Gov. Sam Brownback. He said that there are 12 people a day coming by the office, and that the chamber acts not only as a chamber but also as economic development and convention and visitors bureau.
“I hope you are pleased with our progress,” Dannebohm said.
Dannebohm also had a request for the council. On Dec. 1, he would like to celebrate the German heritage of the area with a tree lighting ceremony at the Wolf Park band shell. It will be called the Christkindlmarket and Community Tree Lighting.
The council approved the measure.
In final business, the council approved:
•A Zombie Fun Run 5K or 1 mile walk on city streets, requested by Chris McCord as a fundraiser for the Wolf Hotel. Peter said that there will need to be some police presence.
•Having a presence at the county tax sale to bid on a couple of properties. Peter has also had a conversation with an individual concerning a house on Wieland that is in disrepair. Peter hopes to be able to work out an agreement with the owner without starting condemnation procedures.