Patrick Kerschen

Key discussions during the council meeting included department reports covering police activity, fire department radio issues, and critical ISO rating deficiencies related to hydrant testing that could impact insurance rates if not resolved. Public Works addressed snow removal, equipment repair, and water main replacement planning. Council conducted a sealed bid opening and approved the sale of a 1996 Dodge 3500 Grass Rig. The body deferred a decision on replacing the Water Treatment Plant resin pending investigation into water found in a leak detection pit. Council also reviewed upcoming grant opportunities (CDBG for downtown revitalization and Housing Rehabilitation), considered the repair versus replacement of a track loader, confirmed demolition plans for a condemned structure, and engaged auditing services for the 2025 financial statements. The meeting included multiple executive sessions to discuss the acquisition of real property.

The Council Meeting agenda included several critical items. A public hearing was conducted regarding the structure at 704 Oak St. to determine if it should be condemned, repaired, or demolished, leading to the adoption of Resolution No. 947-26 finding the structure unsafe. The council also addressed extensions for repairs on properties at 303 W. Main St. and 605 E. Main St., and received an update on the Land Bank potential purchase of 606 Washington. A key action was the adoption of Ordinance No. G-449, which amends the City Code to hold property owners responsible for the costs of building code inspection if a violation is found. Other discussions included updating Old Business regarding the demolition of 703 W. 11th St., and New Business concerning Water/Sewer Rates for RV Parks, which involved reviewing existing rate schedules. Furthermore, the council considered and approved the trade-in and replacement of a 2017 Kubota Track Loader with a Caterpillar model, and discussed amending city code regarding cereal malt beverage county residency requirements.

The Council meeting addressed several critical items. Key discussions included amending a prior motion to use proceeds from the sale of Pickup 9 for the purchase of fire bunker gear. The Council considered awarding bids for rehabilitation and demolition projects under the 2023 CDBG Housing Rehab and Demolition Grant for properties at 515 E. 7th St., 311 E. 8th St., 607 E. Main St., 201 E. 11th St., and 215 E. 11th St. A property owner provided an update on mandated repairs for the dangerous structure at 606 Washington St. A public hearing was opened to consider an application for Small Cities CDBG funds for community facility improvements. The Council also discussed the trade-in and replacement of the 2017 Kubota Track Loader, considered amendments to the City's fee schedule (Resolution No. 946-26), and reviewed an amendment related to cereal malt beverage county residency requirements. The Council engaged in multiple executive sessions for the discussion of real property acquisition.

The meeting began with recessing into executive session to discuss general liability risk management under the attorney-client privilege exception. During the regular session, the consent agenda was approved, which included the minutes from the January 12, 2026 Council Meeting, Appropriation Ordinance No. 20260126, and the December Municipal Court Report. Public comment addressed snow removal prioritization on city streets versus highways. Department reports covered police activity including investigations into felony theft and forgery, fire department mutual aid for a house fire, and public works activities such as equipment sales and repairs to water lines and valves. Council adopted an ordinance rezoning property at 883 Frontage Road from I-1 Light Industrial District to C-2 General Commercial District to permit a church use. A resolution was adopted to schedule a hearing regarding structures at 704 Oak St. for potential condemnation or demolition. The council deferred a decision on building a new city shop versus purchasing an existing property, instead opting to have two alternative properties inspected and estimated for modification costs. The finance committee reported starting a review of the existing fee schedule. The Administrator's report covered various items including KDEM compliance, the status of the Special Highway Fund reimbursement, updates on the Harper Transient Tax Advisory Commission, website landing page development, and GIS system enhancements. The council decided to maintain the current city council meeting times and declined a request for an extension for demolition of a condemned structure at 703 W. 11th St.

Key discussions during the meeting included addressing an Order of Violation for property maintenance at 404 W. 8th St., which involved specifying abatement requirements for accumulated garbage. The Council considered adopting an ordinance to change the zoning classification for property at 883 Frontage Rd from I-1 Light Industrial to C-2 General Commercial, based on a Planning Commission recommendation to accommodate a church use. A resolution was adopted to set a hearing date regarding structures deemed dangerous or unsafe, specifically at 704 Oak St. Additionally, the Council reviewed recommendations from the Infrastructure Committee regarding building a new city shop or purchasing and modifying the Newberry Family Auto property, and received a report on the top-ranked bid from Triple B Construction for the Public Works Facility project. The meeting also covered the adoption of an ordinance fixing compensation for the mayor and council members.