Overbrook City Council meetings are open to the public. City council meets at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the library conference room. Topics on the upcoming agenda include updates on the water distribution project, sewer update, grocery store discussion, and PRIDE fireworks.

Library Friends’ book sale

Friends of the Overbrook Library is accepting book donations for the annual book sale scheduled for July 28, 29, 30, 31, 2021. Citizens are invited to bring gently used books to the community room (enter on the west side) at the following times and days: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 24, and 3-6 p.m. July 26. (Please do not take the books directly to the library).

Overbrook Police Department

The weather is rapidly warming up and there has been an increase in ATV and dirt bike riding here in town. Here are some of the basic rules for riding ATVs within the city limits:

• First and foremost, you must have a valid driver’s license to operate ATVs on the city streets. I have heard reports of children who are too young to have a driver’s license driving around town. Anyone operating an ATV and is under the age of 18 must wear a DOT approved helmet. This also goes for passengers.
• Adults letting small children ride on their laps on city streets is also not allowed. This is a huge safety issue.
• If riding at night, the vehicle must be equipped with headlights, taillights and brake lights.
• Finally, all road rules apply just as in driving a car; stop signs, yield signs, speed limits must be followed.

Thanks, Overbrook Police Chief Terry Hollingsworth

Swimming season underway

Overbrook’s swimming pool opened May 29. Signup sheets for private and public swim lessons are available at city hall or download on the city’s website. For more information, contact Ann Kawl, pool director, at 785-640-0570 or overbrookpool@overbrookks.com.

Overbrook Farmers Market

The Overbrook Farmers Market began on Memorial Day for its third season. It is in the same location, Maple and Market streets, at the same time, 4:30-6 p.m., every Monday until Labor Day. Jaimie Needham is the market organizer.

Overbrook Independence Day celebration, Sunday, July 4, 2021

The annual Overbrook Independence Day Celebration will be Sunday, July 4. Consider being a Boom, Bang, Ka-Pow or Patriot donor; donations are most appreciated; donation jars are placed around the community. Checks can be made payable to Overbrook Pride Inc. and mailed to PO Box 75, Overbrook, KS 66524 or dropped off at city hall.

Planning and zoning

Anyone planning new homes, new remodeling projects, home additions, new fences, or new storage sheds this spring or summer should check with city hall at 785-665-7328 to ensure the project is in compliance with the city zoning ordinances. Most projects of this kind require a building permit before construction or renovation begins. The city clerk or the city zoning administrator can answer or find an answer to any question related to zoning requirements.

Community notes

• USDA Rural Development has issued their updated letter of conditions for the city’s water distribution project, giving Overbrook an additional $490,000 grant for the project. Work is expected to begin in July.
• Be aware that large shop-like towels are being deposited into the Overbrook City sewer system. These towels are creating blockages and are negatively affecting the system by potentially short circuiting the treatment process and could lead to monitoring violations. The city is attempting to locate the source of these towels so that we can communicate with the business or individual to stop depositing the towels into the sewer system. The towels have been blue or white. Citizens’ help in assuring the City’s sewer system is kept in top running order is appreciated.
• The city is seeing an increased amount of trash in public areas. Please put trash in its place. Your help keeping our town clean is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
• Call before you dig – it’s the law. Spring is in the air and many are planning on working in gardens or yards. However, call before you begin any excavation projects; even as small as planting a bush. The number to call is 811. In case of an emergency situation in which digging is required, call 800-324-9696.
• Overbrook Park and Rec baseball, softball and T-ball games will start soon; check overbrookks.com for schedules.

Information thanks to city of Overbrook.