City library preparing for summer heat

McCOOK, Neb. — Repairs of the air conditioning system at the McCook City Library are estimated to be finished just in time for summer, on April 1.

The McCook City Council will be asked to approve drawings and specifications for library air conditioning improvements, at the regular meeting Monday, 5:30 p.m., at city council chambers in the city municipal building.

The lack of air conditioning drew concern from public citizens last year, when several asked the city council during the budget workshop in July to repair it. In June, the cooling system completely broke down and the library had no air conditioning during the summer, making due with large, strategically-placed fans. City sales tax dollars of $110,000 had been earmarked since 2018 to fix the system but finding an engineer had been problematic for city staff.

In September 2019, the council approved an engineering agreement with James N. Marshall PE of Elm Creek to repair the system. After an evaluation, Marshall presented several options to overhaul the system, recommending the option of a single path system (non-simultaneous heating and cooling) for the estimated cost of $130,000. The McCook Library Foundation pitched in the extra $20,000 to make up the difference.

On Monday night, as a consent agenda item that can be approved in one vote with other consent items, the council is likely to approve the plans and specifications for repairing the air conditioning, setting the date to receive bids as Jan.27, 2020 at 3 p.m. Plans include the installation of a new air handler, condensing unit, economizer controls and the related equipment, and connecting the duct work. Specifications call for the work to begin March 1; open bids on Jan. 27; and to award bids at the Feb. 3 city council meeting.

There are no regular agenda items that require a majority vote at Monday’s meeting. Both Mayor Mike Gonzales and vice president Janet Hepp may be absent from Monday’s meeting and in their absence, according to city code, the council may elect a temporary chairperson to conduct the meeting.

Other consent agenda items that can be approved without discussion in one vote include:

-Receive and file the City of McCook's Municipal Auditorium Rental Contract and The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission's Special Designated License Local Recommendation Form: McCook City Councilman Jerry Calvin asked at a prior meeting about lack of information on the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission’s Local Recommendation form. The form must be completed by businesses or individuals seeking a special designated liquor license. Calvin had asked whether the new state form contains enough detail for the council to make informed decisions on granting liquor licenses, primarily for the city auditorium. Calvin was concerned there was no information available on the state form about safety and security measures that must be in place when granting a liquor license. In reviewing the city’s auditorium rental contract, city staff found it requires holders of special designated liquor licenses to have certificates of insurance and to provide at least two security guards when alcohol is served.

- Approve two applications for special designated liquor license submitted by:

MO Dough, LLC, for the Hospital annual party at the McCook Municipal Auditorium on Feb. 29, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m; and by Knights of Columbus 1126, for the St. Patrick G.I.F.T Gala at St. Patrick School and Gymnasium on March 20, 2020, from 5 to 11 p.m. and March 21, 2020, from 5 p.m to 12 a.m.

- Ratify a Memorandum of Understanding between the McCook Police Department and McCook Public Schools for School Resource Officer services.

- Receive the minutes of the Sept. 11, 2019, Library Advisory Board meeting.