Keno outlet passes first round

Keno is one step closer to being back in operation in McCook, as the City Council approved Rockin' Robins Overtime Bar as a sales outlet on the first of three readings Monday night.

After the final reading,the application will go to the state for final approval, said Mike Nevrivy, operator of the Keno game. Each additional sales outlet who wishes to operate Keno will need approval from the City Council, he added.

Mayor Dennis Berry and Councilman Jim Kenny voted against the approval, with Councilmen Bill Longnecker, Aaron Kircher and Phil Lyons voting for it.

Before approving an ordinance that would place restrictions on who could play the games, Lyons questioned Nevrivy about what advantages, if any, the city would gain in allowing employees and owners to play Keno.

Nevrivy answered that it would be more revenue for the city.

"My responsibility is to get as much revenue for the city of McCook," he explained.

Lyons stated his concern about employees or owners playing the game after being around the equipment for long periods of time.

Employees must wait an hour after they get off work to play the game, Nevrivy said, adding that five levels of security measures are built into the equipment to prohibit any potential fraud. Every push of a computer key is logged and reviewed by himself daily, with a computer chip embedded into every machine that is impossible to access, he added.

Councilman Kenny and Mayor Berry also voted against this ordinance.

In other council business, Councilman Kenny balked at paying W Design a fee for plans and specifications for the Kelley Park walking trail grant from the Department of Roads.

"We have a building inspector to do this kind of work," Councilman Kenny said, protesting that the $11,059 charge was "ridiculous."

Public Works Director and Co-interim city manager Kyle Potthoff said that staff was following guidelines requested by the Department of Roads that specify that the plans must be done by a certified engineer. There is no licensed architect or engineer on staff, he added.

Councilman Kenny responded, "It seems like a gravy train for engineering firms."

He contended that the idea "if we don't take it, someone else will," is misleading about grants, as government grants almost always require a match.

"No grant is free," he maintained.

The council also approved:

* the designation of Aug. 4 as "Relay for Life Day;"

* approved the parade of Art cars on Aug. 26 and to authorize the McCook Police to control traffic;

* approved an ordinance restricting sexual offenders from residing within 500 feet of a licensed day care facility or school, under suspension of the three-reading rule reading;

The council adjourned into a closed session to review city manager applicants.