Airport wildlife study planned

The McCook City Council approved three consent agenda items Tuesday night concerning the wildlife assessment study at the airport.

The year-long assessment is required by the Federal Aviation Administration to determine if a wildlife fence is needed at McCook Regional Airport.

The study will be done by a biologist from the USDA and will cost $33,000, with federal funding picking up 95 percent of the costs at $31,350 and the city responsible for 5 percent, or $1,650.

Councilman Aaron Kircher pulled for discussion the agreement between the city and the USDA for work done on the assessment. Specifically, Councilman Kircher asked about the city being required to fund equipment and supplies that the USDA will keep after the work is done.

Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff said these would not be large purchases, as evidenced by the relatively small amount allocated at $2,000 and will be part of the city match.

The council also approved other consent agenda items, including:

* the intercity bus agreement with the Nebraska Department of Roads and with Dashabout Roadrunner Inc. Dashabout offers twice-daily rides to Lincoln and Omaha from McCook. Upon the request from Dashabout owner, Leah Holter, the council agreed to provide a letter of support for state funding to add Hastings and Kearney on the McCook route.

* the application for a special designated liquor license for Schmick's Market for a fundraiser Sept. 25 at the Fox Theater

* ratified the mayor's appointments to the following committees: Airport Advisory -- reappoint Doug Skiles and Mike Kugler; Building Advisory and Appeals Board -- reappoint Paul Goodenberger and appoint Jeff Gross; Community Redevelopment Authority Advisory Board -- reappoint Linda Taylor, Randall Datus, Stan Goodwin; Housing Agency Board -- reappoint Terry Peterson; Library Board -- reappoint Nancy Buresh and appoint Candace Havely; Parks Advisory Board -- reappoint Michelle Gonzales and Harry Sughroue; Planning Commission -- reappoint Dale Dueland and appoint Chad Lyons and reappoint Becky Kilpatrick as alternate; Senior Citizens Advisory Board -- reappoint Dee Messinger, Joan Dike, Carol Borgman and Trudy Nelson

* the request from the McCook United Way for the annual Heritage Days Road Race on city streets on Saturday, Sept. 26.