Budget hearing Monday

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will conduct two public hearings Monday, 7:30 p.m., during its semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium.

Public input regarding the proposed 2010-11 budget will be heard first. The second hearing will address the final property tax request.

The city council will then conduct the first of three readings required for approval and adoption of the proposed 2010-11 budget and employee pay plan. The council has drawn criticism for the proposed 4.5 percent across-the-board employee wage increase. City Manager Kurt Fritsch has offered as justification for the proposed increases the consumer price index increase, the Police and Fire Union's scheduled 4.5 percent wage increase for 2010-11, as well as a proposed increase to city employees' insurance contributions.

Other items on the regular and consent agenda;

Council members will review proposals from Gateway Realty and Golden Plains Realty regarding the sale of three properties the city has acquired as part its recent demolition of several nuisance properties. Habitat for Humanity has also requested that one be donated for construction of a new home. Council members previously expressed the desire to have input in regards to potential construction projects on the lots.

Authorization will be considered for the mayor to sign a financial aid agreement that will award $84,726 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program will be considered. The funds are for a new library boiler and chiller and city street shop lighting, insulation and windows. The total project cost is $105,907, with a city match of $21,181 coming from sales tax receipts.

Plans for repair of the parking lot behind Peterson Jewelry and Eakes Office Products will be reviewed and a bid deadline set.

Review of a request to increase the Restricted Funds Limit by an additional 1 percent for Unused Restricted Funds Authority.

A request from St. Patrick Catholic Church to close portions of E. Fourth and East G for their annual fall festival on Sept. 18-19.

The painting of the McCook Swimming Pool bid will be recommended to be awarded to J.M. Stevens Painting.

The Knight's of Columbus have requested a special liquor license for a wedding reception on Aug. 28, 2010.

Award demolition contracts for residential structures to P&G Excavating for four addresses: 1416 W. Fairacres Dr., 1418 W. Fairacres Dr., 1403 West 14th St., and 101 South St. in the amount of $7,800, contingent on Nebraska Department of Economic Development and State Historic Preservation Office.