City may increase tree payments

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will consider a recommendation from the Tree Advisory Board to increase the rebate amounts for the Tree Rebate Program during their semi-monthly meeting, Monday evening, at council chambers. After seeing a sharp decline in the number of trees planted from 2009 to 2010, board members voted in their March meeting to recommend city council increase the rebate. The increase, from $50 to $75 for shade and ornamental trees, and from $75 to $100 for Oak trees, is intended to encourage more tree planting in the city. A total of $2,595 was paid out in 2009 rebates for 66 trees planted. 2010 dropped to 30 trees planted and subsequently $1,514 in rebates paid to homeowners.

The McCook Code of Ordinances has been reviewed by legal staff at American Legal Publishing Corporation. The review resulted in suggested revisions that include relocating, combining and renumbering each of the chapters in the ordinance book. City staff has reviewed the revisions and is asking for the councils approval to finalize them. Once the final document is completed, city staff intends to make it available to the public via a link on the city website.

Other items on the consent and regular agenda:

* An application seeking federal assistance for reimbursement of expenses associated with a 2010 easement acquisition project at McCook airport will be reviewed.

* The city financial report for first quarter 2011 will be received and filed.

* Councillors will consider two proclamations, the first to designate April 29 as "Arbor Day" in McCook and the second targets May 1-7, 2011, as "Drinking Water Week."

* The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce has applied for a special liquor license for the Wayne Boyer Timed Event Showdown at Kiplinger Arena, May 20-22.

* City staff will present any municipal facilities updates that are available.