Council advances E-911

The new Enhanced-911 system has moved one step closer to a reality following the regular meeting of the McCook City Council Monday night.

At the request of McCook Police Chief Ike Brown, the city council has directed city staff to look for funding in the amount of $310,307 to fund the implementation of the E-911 system.

Once the funding is approved by the council, the next step in the process of implementation will be to hire a consulting firm to manage the project and develop the Master Street Address Guide and E-011 database.

The requested funds would also pay for the purchase and installation of console radio and recording systems, acquiring a Global Imaging System mapping and mapping software, and the purchase and installation of a telephone system.

Brown told council members that while the final expense of the system may cost Red Willow County and McCook residents $400,000 or around $90,000 more than the original estimated price tag, he thinks some of that expense will be offset by grant money.

"There are additional features that will probably be necessary throughout the county to improve radio transmission. We will need to add repeaters on some of the lower towers," said Brown.

Brown explained to the council that those expenses may be offset by grant monies.

The Council set three dates for budget workshops to examine the proposed budget for 2002-03.

Council members will meet Tuesday and Wednesday, July 16 and 17, and Monday, July 25.

In addition, the council has set a study session prior to its next regular meeting to examine options for solid waste disposal.

In other action:

- Mayor Linda Taylor presented a check for $350 to McCook Boy Scouts Troop No. 132 for distributing door hangers to McCook residents for the Choice Gas Selection.

- The council took no action on a request from the Heritage Square Committee to erect historical markers a five locations around McCook. Councilman Phil Lyons said the signs fall under zoning regulations as a permitted use. The cast-aluminum signs are being donated by Frank "Biff" Morrison Jr.

- Taylor was authorized to execute an agreement with Union Bank and Trust Company to borrow funds in the amount of $46,355 to finance the purchase of a 2002 solid waste collection vehicle.

- Holly Olson of Olson's Photography and McCook National Bank were recognized for their cash donation.

- Approved an ordinance affecting zoning regulations on third and final reading.

- Approve an ordinance on permit requirements for the discharge of sewage on second reading.

- Approved an ordinance implementing a $150 perpetual fund fee for cemetery plots on second reading.

- Received a report from Kay Lavene, director of the McCook Economic Development Corp. on the economic benefits that have resulted from projects EDC has been instrumental in bringing to McCook.