Council honors clerk, nurses

The pool building has a roof and the lazy river is taking shape at McCook’s Aquatic Park, with Nebraska Masons planning a cornerstone-laying ceremony 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at the site, 500 East M. The facility is expected to be open in June or July, and officials are scrambling to hire qualified lifeguards and other staff in time.

Bruce Crosby/McCook Gazette

McCOOK Neb. — City Clerk/ Treasurer Lea Ann Doak has worked for the City of McCook for 50 years; she joked, “I like to say I started as a baby.”

The McCook City Council approved a proclamation designating May 5 through May 12, 2024 as Professional Municipal Clerk Week, and May 12-18, 2024, National Skilled Nursing Care Week.

“Whenever I have questions, she’s the first person that I go to,” City manager Nate Schneider said, speaking very highly of Doak and Deputy City Clerk Tracy Burkey. Chamber Director Sarah Schneider presented to the McCook City Council on Monday, May 6, 2024.

Bruce Crosby/McCook Gazette

She discussed upcoming events and described receipts submitted for the previous year. The first event coming up will be Crazy Days, June 16 to 22, 2024.  

Public Works administrative assistant Deborah Thorpe gave a presentation regarding the City of McCook’s recent nuisance abatement efforts. She shared that the Health Board and the Property Resolution Team work diligently to address concerns and complaints about homes due to safety concerns.

She discussed specific properties and shared that the majority of the time, there is a positive outcome. Charlie McPherson, Director of the McCook Economic Development Corp., reported on the Economic Development Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee. 

A public hearing was held, and the City Council approved their recommendation for the Liquor License application for Taste of Texas in McCook.

The Consent Agenda was passed without any need for discussion.

The City Council once again went into executive session for a strategy session regarding the real estate purchase for the Sports Complex.