City hopes to use stimulus funds for streets

The proposed national economic stimulus package seems to have something for everyone, including possible funds for street improvements in McCook.

A public hearing for street work slated this year and for the next six years will be conducted at the regular meeting of the McCook City Council, 7:30 p.m., in City Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium.

According to a report by City Engineer Greg Wolford, federal money will fund a major portion of the scheduled street improvements, but there is potential for additional money to be available through the proposed stimulus package.

McCook has applied for this funding, which if available, could significantly move up some street projects.

Improvements that are scheduled for this year and the following years will be presented at the public hearing by Wolford and Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff. These include seven projects for 2009, including a sidewalk from the junction of U.S. Highways 6-34 and 83 west to Wedgewood Drive.

Also scheduled this year are upgrades to two downtown city parking lots, Phase II of the J Street project, from Norris Avenue to West 10 and moving into this year's plan, the reconstruction of I, K and L Streets from West Seventh to 10th Street.

The council will be asked to approve a pilot program for Elizabeth Lane, which officials hope will be a way to resolve cracked asphalt on city residential streets. If approved, the program will repair cracks for about one third of the cost, Wolford wrote in his report.

More information about this program, that is proposed to be funded by city sales tax, will be revealed at the public hearing.

After the hearing, the council will be asked to approve the one- and six-year street improvement plan.

The council also will be asked to approve an ordinance to allow business and professional offices in areas zoned highway commercial.

Normally, ordinances require three separate readings but applicants for this ordinance have asked the Council to expedite the process and approve it on its second reading Monday night.

Applicants for the ordinance would like to build a walk-in medical clinic on Bison Holiday Drive, on U.S. Highway 83 behind McDonald's.

The other regular agenda item the council will consider will be the approval of the $82,398 bid from J.L. Construction of McCook, for the new transit garage at the Heritage Senior Center.

The bid from J.L. was the lowest of three bids. Other bidders for the work were Maris Construction of McCook for $105,421 and TFC Manufacturing of Gothenburg for $114,711.

The 40-by-60-foot building is being funded at 80 percent by a grant from the Nebraska Department of Roads, at $68,000 and 20 percent by city sales revenue at $17,000.

The garage also will be used for maintenance and storage for transit buses and as a storage facility.

Consent agenda items, which can be pulled for discussion by a member of the council or public, or approved in one motion, include:

* award the bid for the purchase of 20 self-contained breathing apparatus to Weis Fire Equipment, representing Drager Safety, for $105,000. A federal grant received by the McCook City Fire Department will pay 95 percent of the costs and the city 5 percent.

* recommend to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission the approval of an application from La Cocina Mexican Food Inc. at 110 W. First for an addition to be built and to add "Mrs. B's Bar and Grill" to the current name.