ELLINWOOD — Last August, Ellinwood had serious problems with flooding after torrential rains, particularly on the north side of town. The city has narrowed engineering firm choices to one and is in negotiations with them.
Ellinwood City Administrator Bob Peter told concerned citizens at the regular city council meeting on Tuesday he expected the flood control project to cost in the neighborhood of $400,000. He said he searched and there is no grant funding available. He said the project will have to be paid through property taxes.
Peter expects the project to take several years to complete to prevent the billions of gallons of water coming into the community from flooding homes. There will have to be permits and easements.
He expects the engineering firm to present several solutions to the city council in February. The city administrator also said there is a potential for intermediate short-term solutions.
In other business, the city purchased four properties at the county tax sale. They were 101 Main, 102 Main, 400 E. 4th and property in the 500 block of E. 2nd.  Peter said from a practical standpoint, the properties on Main Street will be torn down because of the large amount of funding that would be required to remodel them.
The council approved an increase in ambulance rates, which will be consistent with rates throughout the county. The last rate increase was in 2009.
In addition, Peter told the council that the Archer estate left $10,000 to the ambulance service.  The bonds will be cashed to use for the service.
The city will spend $114,975 to complete the required upgrades to the electric plant for catalytic convertors. They have already expended $39,000.
The Rice Neshap regulations are the EPA regulations designed to reduce emissions from older generation equipment. The Ellinwood plant is scheduled to be compliant prior to May 2014.
In his report, Peter said Wolf Pond needs an upgrade. Sediment is filling in the pond and the island is eroding. Dredging is needed.
The city underwent a compliance check with the IRS. City Clerk Kim Schartz said the city had no issues.
The city will accept the Christmas village designed by Rhea and John Grandon. The couple is donating the village to the city. “It’s a gracious offer,” said Peter.
Cereal malt beverage applications were approved for Annie Mae’s, Kansas Sidewinders, H&T Stop, Zip Stop, Ellinwood Family Food and Pop N Shop.
The council approved a contract with Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball Chtd. for three years for a total of $30,245 for city audits. Peter said he is pleased with the company.