Council to consider $1 sewer rate hike

McCOOK, Nebraska -- City Council will review a recommendation by city staff to increase the minimum sewer charge, effective Oct. 1, 2010, for both residential and commercial users by $1 per month at Mondays semi-monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium.

The increase will generate $38,892 in additional revenue and was recommended as part of a cash-flow model completed by Public Financial Management.

In the recommendation to council, city staff stated initial runs of the model indicated a "much larger rate increase was warranted" but cited the Aug. 2 proposal by councilman Aaron Kircher to payoff the $77,351 sewer loan as the reason they were allowed to "dodge the proverbial bullet for now, rates will need to increase in the future to maintain a healthy fund."

The PFM model recommends increases of 7 percent in 2011, 5 percent in 2012 and 3.5 percent annually for 2013 and beyond.

The Fiscal Year 2010-11 Employee Classification Pay Plan will be presented by city staff for its first of three readings required for approval. The pay plan was a debated topic at the Aug. 2 council meeting and will feature a 2.1 percent across-the-board wage increase for city employees as well as removing a previously approved increase to city employees health insurance contribution. City employees will continue to pay $10 per pay period for single coverage and $20 for family coverage.

City staff will also present its Fiscal Year 2010-11 budget for its second of three required readings for approval.

City Council will consider authorizing a resolution that will direct a Municipal Facilities Election be set for Nov. 2, 2010. The council will be asking for voter approval for the construction of a new Municipal Facility to house Fire, Police and City staff.

Other items on the regular and consent agenda include:

* Project details regarding the replacement of the Heritage Senior Center roof are up for consideration and council will set a date to receive bids by.

* The wastewater treatment facility primary clarifiers need to be replaced or repaired and council will consider approval of drawings and specifications for the project and set a date for bids to be received.

* The McCook area Chamber of Commerce has requested use of Norris Park for their arts and crafts show and the bandshell for entertainment, Sept. 25-26, 2010, as well as to close parts of Norris Avenue, G Street to H Street for Heritage Days events.

* Council will also review a request from the Chamber for a special liquor license for the Heritage Days Mixer at McCook National Bank, Sept. 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

* Rock 'N Horse Lounge has requested a special liquor license for the Farm and Ranch Expo at Kiplinger Arena, Nov. 17-18, 2010.

* Council will consider approving a resolution which will assure the City follows all Federal and State laws concerning Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987. The Title VI Nondiscrimination program and agreement are both subsequently scheduled to be considered for authorization pending the approval of the resolution.

* Maris Construction has requested to close West D Street from Norris Avenue to the first alley west for the removal and replacement of the sidewalks on the south side of the Keystone Business Center, Aug. 17-20 and Aug. 23-25.

* The Hometown Competitiveness Organization (HTC) has requested the City proclaim Sept. 6-12 as "Donor Appreciation Week."