Housing plan passes second reading

McCOOK, Neb. -- A planned development district for a housing project advanced recently and put it on pace to become the newest entity managed by the sales tax reliant McCook Economic Development Corp.

The Final Planned Development District for Quillan Courts was unanimously approved by the McCook City Council on its second of three required readings Monday evening. The item drew little discussion from city leaders and MEDC Executive Director Rex Nelson represented the only member of the public in attendance.

The $3.5 million Quillan Courts project will join nearby Clary Village and the iconic Keystone Business Center as significant local properties managed by MEDC. The $2.6 million Clary Village senior housing development consists of eight duplex units and began taking residents last fall. The $4.2 million Keystone Business Center renovation occurred in 2011.

City Manager Nate Schneider said Monday the only change to the Quillan Courts development district, from the first reading, was an addition to the list of lots receiving an exception from the 50 foot front yard width restriction. The item was subsequently approved without further discussion.

The Quillan Courts plan targets a mix of single family homes and duplex units on two city blocks west of West 8 1/2 Street. The development includes construction of 10 buildings and two detention ponds, among other improvements to the neighborhood.

The project is estimated to cost more than $3.5 million and require approximately $110,000 in public funds from Tax Increment Financing provided by the City of McCook, according to a cost benefit analysis in the original plan.

Other items approved on the consent agenda without comment:

* Bids specifications were approved for an estimated $42,000 purchase of 20 sets of bunker gear for the fire department, including coats and pants. The purchase stems from National Fire Protection Association standards adopted in 2014 which require fire departments to replace all bunker gear that is 10-years-old or beyond, regardless of condition or use, according to city staff.

* A claim for damages from Daryl Banzet of McCook, seeking $300 compensation to replace a pair of prescription eyeglasses missing since his arrest in November, was forwarded to the city's insurance carrier. According to Banzet, he was arrested on Nov. 26 and when he got to jail the eyeglasses were gone, and have not been seen since.

* A $4,089 claim for damages from Wagner Chevrolet Buick was similarly forwarded to the city's insurance carrier. The claim sought compensation for repairs stemming from a city-owned Christmas decoration which was blown from a light pole and damaged a nearby vehicle.

* The Republican River Runners were approved to use city streets and the walking trail for a 34 mile team relay beginning in Cambridge and concluding at Memorial Auditorium. The race is scheduled between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016.