McCook Daily Gazette: News : McCook City Council

McCook City Council

News related to the City of McCook

Council requests proposals to remove asbestos (03/17/10)
The city will request proposals for removing asbestos at a commercial building known informally as the Romanoff building. The building, at 204 Norris Ave. and has been vacant for years. In November, the city bought the half-block long structure from Terry Jessen for $9,372.08...

City awards demolition contracts (03/17/10)
Dilapidated buildings in the city that have been eyesores for years will finally be put to rest. The McCook City Council approved, Monday night at the regular meeting, contracts to tear down seven structures. The largest contract was awarded to P and G Excavating of McCook, at $57,400, for a total of one commercial and five residential structures. ...

Council OK with alcohol, uncertain on fees (03/16/10)
The McCook City Council seemed in favor that alcohol should be allowed at the city auditorium, but could not come to a consensus on what kind of fees should be charged. Currently, alcohol is not allowed on city property and city code would have to be amended to change that at the auditorium. ...

Council OKs block grant application (03/16/10)
The Community Development Block grant the city is applying for to benefit 21st Century Systems is different than the county's revolving loan fund. The McCook City Council unanimously approved Monday night at its regular meeting the application for a $505,000 CDBG grant, the Memorandum of Understanding and a resolution that allows the mayor to sign all grant related documents...

Kelley Park road will stay open (03/02/10)
A proposal to turn the road in front of the Kelley Park lower shelter house into a cul-de-sac hit a road block Monday night. After much discussion and comments from citizens, the McCook City Council unanimously voted to keep both entrances open to the road and directed city staff to come back with other options to reduce speed in the area...

City to rethink alcohol at auditorium (03/02/10)
City staff will look at tweaking local ordinances to allow alcohol at Memorial Auditorium. The McCook City Council directed staff Monday night to review policies currently in place that prohibit alcohol at the city auditorium, after hearing a request from a McCook citizen...

Kelley Park driveway closing on agenda (02/26/10)
There will be only one way in and one way out for the access road in front of Kelley Park's lower shelter house, if the McCook City Council approves closing the west entrance at the regular council meeting, 7:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium...

Liquor license approved for potential new owners of Coppermill Restaurant (02/17/10)

City taking property owner to District Court (02/17/10)
The City of McCook will file a petition in District Court to legally remove nuisances on property at 305 East 12. The McCook City Council unanimously approved the petition Monday night at the regular council meeting. City Attorney Nate Schneider noted that it would be a 30-day process and if during that time the property owner removes abandoned structures the McCook Health Department has identified as a nuisance, the city could settle the case and have it dismissed...

Council mixed on closing Kelley Park access road (02/16/10)
One councilman was for it, while another remained unconvinced, about closing one end of the access road that runs in front of the lower shelter house at Kelley Park. During discussions about the road at the regular McCook City Council meeting Monday night, the council debated closing the road and will vote either aye or nay on it at an upcoming meeting...

City gives discount to Habitat project (02/16/10)
The second time was a charm for Southwest Nebraska Habitat for Humanity, which will receive discounted dumping fees for a house it is renovating on West Third. The McCook City Council unanimously approved Monday night at the regular City Council meeting that Habitat projects pay actual city costs, instead of regular fees, for unloading debris at the McCook Transfer Station...

City reluctantly chips in for water service lines (02/16/10)
By LORRI SUGHROUE City Editor After expressing their frustration, council members bit the bullet and approved 3-1 a motion for the city to cough up $42,400 for improvements done on J Street last year, improvements they had believed were covered by stimulus funds...

Stimulus project leaves city $42K short (02/12/10)
Unexpected costs from construction done on J Street last year, a project paid mostly by stimulus funds, will cost the city $42,400. The McCook City Council will be asked to use city sales tax proceeds saved from another project to pay the balance, at its regular meeting Monday night, 7:30 at City Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium...

Auditor: Sales tax doing its job (02/04/10)
The city sales tax is doing exactly what it was intended to do, holding down property taxes, said Terry Galloway of the CPA firm Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway and Luth. Galloway reviewed with the McCook City Council the city's financial statements from last year at Monday night's regular meeting. He added that the city has also done an excellent job maintaining the current property tax levy of $.319044, the same since 2002...

Woman given more time to clean up property (02/04/10)
A McCook woman will have more time to clean up property she owns that was declared a nuisance and safety hazard last year. In an update on the property, Dottie Park told the council at the regular meeting Monday night that the person she has contacted to remove a trailer and take down a garage/shed on her property at 305 East 12th will not return her calls...

Council shifts funds to buy garbage truck (02/03/10)
The McCook City Council approved using $2,291 budgeted for trash containers, to make up the difference on a bid approved for a trash collection truck. Both bids the city received for a new solid waste collection truck were over the $160,000 budgeted...

City Council meetings going online (02/03/10)
In the future, citizens may be able to attend a McCook City Council meeting without leaving the comfort of home. Upon Councilman Aaron Kircher's request, live streaming video and audio compatibility was amended into requirements for the redesign of the city's Web site. The council approved Monday night to request proposals to update the site and set the date to receive those proposals for Feb. 12 at 4 p.m...

Stimulus funds free up other local money (02/03/10)
Because 100 percent of the cost of J Street construction last year was paid by stimulus funds, more money is available for street improvements slated for this year. The work done on J Street, a $1 million project from West 10th to Norris Avenue, included resurfacing the street and installing left-hand turning lanes on West Fifth. ...

Settlement to save money in long run (02/02/10)
By the city paying $10,000 now for property on East Second, major costs will be saved in the future, the McCook City Council was told Monday night. The Council approved Monday night at its regular meeting a $10,000 settlement payment to Terry Jessen, for his property at 301 E. Second...

Police station, West Ward won't be rebuilt (02/02/10)
As the McCook City Council continues to grapple with options for a new public safety center, the idea of remodeling either West Ward or the existing police station was removed from the table. The McCook City Council eliminated both at the regular council meeting Monday night and directed city staff to hire architects to look at costs for a new law enforcement/city administration building at the National Guard Armory on West Seventh, as well as square footage needs for a new building on the West Ward site.. ...

City to be asked to pay settlement for old yellow house (01/29/10)
The McCook City Council will be asked to authorize a $10,000 payment to Terry Jessen for property at 301 E. Second, at the regular city council meeting, Monday, 7:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. The payment is the amount of taxes paid by Jessen on the property and the value of the land, according to the Red Willow County Assessor...

Cop shop seen as money pit (01/27/10)
The city police department has seen better days, as cramped quarters and maintenance issues cannot meet current needs of the department. McCook City Police Chief Ike Brown said at Monday's meeting that within the next couple of years, the city will have to address major maintenance needs at the existing police department, to the tune of $200,000. ...

Council explores ideas for safety center (01/26/10)
With the intention of getting the best bang for the buck and saving taxpayer money, the McCook City Council continued to explore alternatives for a public safety center at a special meeting Monday night. With representatives of the McCook Public Schools present, along with Red Willow County Commissioners and about 15 members of the public, the council discussed partnering with other governmental agencies, bonding abilities and numerous other possibilities...

Fire barn's age is showing (01/26/10)
Time is not the side of the city fire department at its current location on West B. It's been at the location for nearly 50 years, since the early 1950s -- and it shows. With a crumbling parking lot and little parking available, cramped quarters and pressing maintenance and technology demands, department needs have outpaced its space...

City-county partnership among ideas for discussion (01/22/10)
Partnering with the county on a public safety center is one of the topics the McCook City Council will consider at its special meeting Monday night, 6 p.m. at the fire training room at the McCook Public Safety Center, 500 West B. The meeting will start off with a tour for the public of the city police and fire stations, followed by discussion...

City hopes to recoup demolition costs (01/19/10)
The city will try to recoup costs incurred in removing a dilapidated structure at 810 W. Fourth. The McCook City Council approved Monday night at its regular meeting a resolution that will fix a special assessment on the property totaling $14,706.56. If the property is sold in the future, the assessment will be paid to the city by the new owner...

West Ward discussions continue (01/15/10)
The McCook City Council will continue discussion on developing the West Ward site, at the regular council meeting 7:30 p.m. Monday at the City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. The council first heard the costs of building a new fire station and police department/city office building, as presented by the Omaha architectural firm Prochaska and Associates, at its Jan. 4 regular meeting. Combined, both projects would cost about $6.06 million...

Council ponders building options, costs (01/05/10)
The McCook City Council chewed over preliminary costs for a new city fire station and city police station-city office building at the West Ward site, as well as costs of renovating the existing school for a city facility. At the regular meeting Monday night, the council heard a review from architects at Prochaska and Associates of Omaha, the company initially hired by the city to come up with a plan for a new fire station...

Fire station design on agenda (12/31/09)
The company which was hired to design a city fire station at the West Ward location will present an update about the site at the regular McCook City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium, West C and Fifth...

Council approves bid specs for new trash truck (12/23/09)
The city will be getting a new trash collection truck, as the McCook City Council approved bid specifications Monday night at the regular council meeting. The vehicle will weigh not less than 53,000 pounds and $160,000 has been set aside in the budget for the purchase...

Christmas spirit? Owner given more time to clean up property (12/23/09)
A property owner was given more time to clean up premises designated a nuisance. The McCook City Council heard an update from the owner at 305 East 12th, at the regular meeting Monday night. The McCook Health Board in August declared the property a nuisance and the council agreed at a prior meeting to give the owner time to remove the abandoned structures and overgrown vegetation...

No public funds for Nelson statue, reminds councilman (12/22/09)
The McCook City Council approved a supplemental agreement Monday night concerning the bronze sculpture of U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, but not before one councilman felt compelled to stress that no city funds are being used. Council Jerry Calvin said he's received a number of calls from concerned citizens who do not want city funds used for artwork...

New water lines, Nelson statue on agenda (12/18/09)
New water pipes for parts of the city are on tap for the McCook City Council meeting, Monday night, 7:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. The council will also be asked to approve a payment schedule for the bronze sculpture of Sen. Ben Nelson being created for McCook...

City team cleans up properties (12/09/09)
The city's Property Resolution Team is cleaning up neighborhoods in the city, one lot at a time. For the past 18 months, the PRT has worked with property owners to clean up nuisances like abandoned, burned-out houses or junk-littered yards. McCook Police Chief Ike Brown, PRT team leader, gave a summary at the McCook City Council meeting Monday night on what kind of progress is being made in cleaning up dilapidated lots in the city...

Council awards concession stand contracts (12/09/09)
Concession stand bids were awarded at the Monday night council meeting, with one councilman abstaining from voting because of a possible conflict of interest. Councilman Jerry Calvin pulled the items from the consent agenda and stated he would not be voting as he works for Pepsi-Cola company and supplies pop to the concession stands...

Council approves truck bids (12/08/09)
The McCook City Council said yes to sliding rear windows but no to power windows and mirrors, when they approved the bid for two 2010 pickups to be used for the street and recycling departments. This is the second time the city requested bids for the vehicles. The first time, all three bids were over the $21,000 budgeted for each vehicle, with two bids declared ineligible as they were received after the deadline...

New Year's Eve run approved (12/08/09)
Instead of ringing in the New Year, some will be running it in. The McCook City Council unanimously approved the request from the YMCA to use city streets for the first New Year's Eve Resolution Run/Walk on Thursday, Dec. 31. The run would start at 10:30 p.m., for runners (11 p.m, for walkers) on Norris Avenue and F Street and continue north on Norris to to city limits. It would conclude at Norris and E Streets...

City to spend $60,000 for new sidewalk (12/08/09)
Kids on bicycles. Mothers with strollers. Senior citizens. All have been seen day and night walking or riding next to U.S. Highway 6-34 on their way to Walmart. In fact, Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff said at Monday night's regular city council meeting that he spotted two pedestrians this past weekend walking along side the highway at night, both barely visible in dark clothes and one walking backwards against the wind...

City funds planned for sidewalk to Walmart (12/04/09)
The McCook City Council will be asked to cancel state funding and instead use $60,000 of city funds to construct a sidewalk along U.S. Highway 6-34, at the regular council meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. The project has been in the works since 2007 as part of the McCook Trails system and would consist of a sidewalk along U.S. Highway 6-34 on the west end of town to Wedgewood Drive...

Council refines truck specs (11/18/09)
The three bids the city received to purchase two new pickup trucks were over the amount budgeted and the McCook City Council approved revising bid specifications at a regular meeting Monday night. The pickups will be for the city street and recycling departments...

Council approves purchase of new scale (11/17/09)
The city will save at least $15,000 in a recent purchase scheduled for the transfer station. The McCook City Council approved the $51,895 bid from Fairbanks Scales of Omaha, for a new scale at the transfer station. This is well under the $70,000 that was included in the budget for the purchase...

Council gives Thumbs UP for downtown First Night event (11/17/09)
Plans for a non-alcoholic New Year's Eve celebration downtown got the thumbs-up from the McCook City Council Monday night. At the request from McCook's Young Leaders, formerly the McCook Youth League, the council Monday night approved closing the city parking lot at East First and D for a street dance, along with an area on Norris Avenue in front of the Keystone Hotel for a ball-drop...

First Night details on city agenda (11/13/09)
A request from McCook's Young Leaders, formerly McCook Youth League, to organize a New Year's Eve event in downtown McCook is back on the table and the McCook City Council will hear revised plans concerning safety issues at the regular meeting 7:30 p.m. Monday, at the City Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium...

Owner of 'nuisance' property gets more time (11/05/09)
The McCook City Council agreed to give an owner more time to clean up property that has been declared a nuisance. The property, at 305 East 12, was inspected by the McCook Health Board Aug. 13 and determined to be an unsafe nuisance property. Owner Dottie Park asked the McCook City Council at a previous meeting to give her some time to clean up the property before legal action was filed and the council agreed, directing city staff to provide an update on the progress of the clean-up by the regular council meeting Monday night.. ...

City looking for operators for ball park concession stands (11/04/09)
Specifications for the three-year contracts to operate concession stands at the city's ball parks were approved Monday night by the McCook City Council. "Have we been a good landlord?" asked Councilman Jerry Calvin, who wanted to know how the city's relationship has been with past concession vendors...

Back to the drawing board for West Ward (11/03/09)
It will be back to the drawing board concerning the former West Ward school building and how to fit the building and property into plans for the city. City staff, with the help of an architect, will compile concrete numbers on the costs of building a new city facility and a fire station on the site, as well as costs of converting the former West Ward school into a municipal building...

Gonzales appointed to council (11/03/09)
Mike Gonzales was sworn-in as the newest member of the McCook City Council, as the council unanimously approved the former school board member at a regular meeting Monday night. Steve Batty told the council at the start of the meeting that he was withdrawing his name from consideration and was throwing his support behind Gonzales, executive director of the McCook YMCA...

State Historical Society calls for 'adaptively reusing' old West Ward (10/30/09)
The Nebraska State Historical Society has not changed its recommendation to the City of McCook that the West Ward school building be reused and/or incorporated into plans for a new municipal facility, despite an engineer's estimate of $2,251,000 to repair, update and reuse the former elementary school...

Five apply for council position (10/30/09)
The city has received six applications for the open seat on the McCook City Council, including those from former council and school board members. Mayor Dennis Berry will nominate a candidate from the applications and the council will be asked to approve the selection, at the regular council meeting Monday night, 7:30 p.m., in City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium...

City approves documents for community block grant (10/21/09)
Federal funds are coming to the city for the demolition of dilapidated structures, but before the money is released, several documents had to be approved by the McCook City Council Monday night. The city will receive $629,700 from a Community Development Block grant, Neighborhood Stabilization Program and the council approved a total of three documents that are required for these funds...

Park boundaries sought (10/20/09)
Where Barnett Park ends and private property begins is unknown and the city would like to determine the park's boundaries. The McCook City Council approved Monday night at its regular meeting hiring Jim Clymount, from an outside firm, to conduct a title search and survey on the southern part of Barnett Park, to determine the park's perimeters...

Nelson sculpture gets go-ahead; July unveiling planned (10/20/09)
The creation of a $70,000 bronze sculpture honoring Sen. Ben Nelson will get under way, with the approval Monday night by the McCook City Council of an agreement with the artist. The council approved at its Aug. 3 meeting an agreement with the Nebraska Community Foundation, where a gift of $70,000 was made to the city by the Foundation for the sculpture...

Council applications accepted until Oct. 28 (10/20/09)
The city clerk's office will accept letters of interest and brief resumes until 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, from those interested in serving on the McCook City Council. The vacancy exists because of the death of Council member Colleen Grant Oct.9. The McCook City Council officially declared the vacancy at its regular meeting Monday night and approved a resolution to submit the vacancy to the statewide general election on Nov. 2, 2010...

Councilman wonders whether to buy used cars (10/20/09)
The McCook City Council wrapped up business in record time Monday night, concluding its regular meeting in 30 minutes. Still, the council did pull some items for discussion from the consent agenda item, including specifications for new pickups and a new police package vehicle...

City Council starts search for new member (10/16/09)
Another vacancy on the McCook City Council has occurred and the council will start the process to fill it, at its regular meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. This is the second time in about a month that an open seat has occurred. At the last council meeting Oct. 12, Jerry Calvin was sworn in to fill the position left vacant by the resignation Jack Rogers...

McCook councilwoman dies (10/12/09)
McCook City Councilwoman Colleen Grant died Friday. Funeral services are pending with Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook. Ms. Grant was elected to the McCook City Council in 2006. "All city staff is very saddened by this sudden loss of a dear friend and...

McCook adds to its arsenal of weapons against snow, ice (10/06/09)
The city has added some weapons to its arsenal to combat snowy and icy streets this year. In reviewing the annual snow removal and ice control procedures, McCook Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff told the council Monday night that a surplus snow plow has been purchased from the Nebraska Department of Roads, giving the city a total of four surplus state plows...

Firm wins contract to oversee grant (10/06/09)
The McCook City Council unanimously approved Monday night Miller and Associates to administer a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant, for 21st Century Systems Inc. to expand at the Keystone. The McCook Economic Development Corp. is renovating the Keystone where 21st Century Systems Inc., will use the fourth floor. The grant will allow the company to expand into a data center in the basement of the building. The company provides software to the military and corporations...

Retired policeman named councilman (10/06/09)
By LORRI SUGHROUE City Editor The newest addition to the McCook City Council is used to being in the public eye, serving for more than two decades as a McCook police officer. Jerry Calvin of McCook was nominated by Mayor Dennis Berry and unanimously approved by the rest of the council to fill the seat vacanted by former councilman Jack Rogers, at the regular meeting Monday night...

Software company plans expansion (10/02/09)
21st Century Systems Inc., which develops software programs for the military and businesses, will expand its initial scope of operations at the Keystone Hotel. The McCook City Council will be asked to approve an administrator to distribute a state grant to help fund the expansion, at the regular meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium...

West Ward, Romanoff buildings coming down (09/23/09)
The vacant, half-block long Romanoff Building on Norris Avenue and B Street finally will be coming down. That building, along with the former West Ward Elementary school building, three residential houses and a building at West Third and A, will be torn down using the $629,700 grant the city applied for and received from the Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Stabilization Program...

City to consider four condemnations, one appeal Monday (09/18/09)
The McCook City Council will be asked to condemn four properties as unsafe and consider an appeal from the owner of one of the properties, at the regular meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium. Dottie D. Park is appealing the Aug. 13 decision of the McCook Board of Health concerning abandoned structures at her property at 305 E. 12. Other structures the Board of Health found unsafe or hazardous are 307 E. First, 508 E. Second and 1301 East B Street...

School budget calls for slight tax hike (09/15/09)
McCook school board members passed a $20 million budget Monday night, calling for $5.2 million in local property taxes. That amounts to a 1.09 percent increase over last year's tax request, with the money going toward the general fund, bond fund and special building fund...

Health board appeal postponed (09/10/09)
An appeal from a property owner contesting a McCook Board of Health decision has been postponed until the next McCook City Council meeting. The council was to take up at the regular meeting Tuesday night the appeal from Dotti Park, of 309 East 12th, regarding the Board of Health's decision Aug. 13 that structures at 305 East 12 were hazardous and needed to be torn down...

Liquor license approved for restaurant (09/10/09)
Soon you'll be able to get a margarita with that taco. The McCook City Council unanimously approved the application of Rafael Ayala of El Puerto at 309-311 Norris Avenue for a Class I liquor license, to serve beer, wine and distilled spirits on site-only...

Airport wildlife study planned (09/10/09)
The McCook City Council approved three consent agenda items Tuesday night concerning the wildlife assessment study at the airport. The year-long assessment is required by the Federal Aviation Administration to determine if a wildlife fence is needed at McCook Regional Airport...

Commercial solid waste fee hike trimmed by half (09/10/09)
Fees for commercial contractors unloading household waste at the McCook Transfer station are going up only half of what was originally proposed. At the Aug. 17 meeting, the McCook City Council approved an ordinance concerning solid waste collection fees, with residential fees going up $1, from $17 to $18 per month and commercial fees increasing to $2...

Final budget approved (09/09/09)
The McCook City Council adopted the $26 million 2009-10 city budget unanimously on third and final reading Monday night, reflecting recent revisions that include no water rate increases. Other additions /subtractions in the final budget include: n the ad valorem tax request that has been changed due to an increase in the city's taxable valuation. ...

Councilman repeats plea for paydown (09/09/09)
By LORRI SUGHROUE City Editor As he has done in the past when discussing the 2009-10 budget, McCook City Councilman Aaron Kircher again requested city sales tax dollars as a way to pay down water debt early, but only one other councilman agreed and the motion failed...

Councilman resigns (09/09/09)

Owner appeals health board decision on property (09/04/09)
An appeal of a decision that abandoned buildings needed to be torn down is on the McCook City Council agenda for its regular meeting, set Tuesday (because of Monday's Labor Day holiday), 7:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. The council also will consider an appeal by Dotti D. Park of the City of McCook board of health decision regarding the demolition of abandoned structures including a mobile home, garage and house at 305 East 12th...

Cost cuts, fee hikes balance solid waste fund (08/20/09)
The city's solid waste enterprise fund is teetering on the negative, but the McCook City Council approved actions Monday night to trim costs and boost revenue. First, the council awarded the contract to haul city waste to the Ogallala landfill to Fritz Trucking, a move that will save the city an estimated $25,000...

Dog park plan goes begging (08/19/09)
Plans for a dog park were put on hold Monday night by the McCook City Council. During discussion of the $25 million city budget for 2009-10, up for second reading, the council decided to hold off on including $15,000 estimated for a dog park, as those costs, coupled with the estimated $20,000 to fund a feral cat program, would significantly affect the ending cash balance of general funds, now at $143,000...

Dispatching fees raised (08/19/09)
The county is looking at a tight budget and the city needs to consider that before raising dispatching fees, Councilman Aaron Kircher said Monday night at the regular city council meeting. Kircher pulled from the consent agenda for discussion the agreement with Red Willow County, to increase fees charged for the 24-hour per day radio dispatch services...

No water, sewer rate increases, for now (08/19/09)
By LORRI SUGHROUE City Editor Despite a decrease in water usage, water and sewer rates will not be increased, at least for next year. But, City Manager Kurt Fritsch warned that "we can't deceive ourselves that (rate increases) will always be at zero percent," due to inflation, what happens this year with usage and projected increases built into the financial model for the water and sewer funds...

Paydown motion fails (08/19/09)
City Councilman Aaron Kircher showed tenacity Monday night, as he again proposed during the second reading of the 2009-10 budget to set aside money to pay down water debt. As he had at prior budget workshops and readings on the $25 million city budget, Kircher made a motion, which died for lack of second, to take $250,000 from the $500,000 allocated in the budget for the future design/construction of a city municipal facility, and use to toward water debt...

Engineers appointed for airport work (08/19/09)
W Design and Associates was chosen to do engineering work for improvement projects at the McCook airport, through 2013. As part of the a consent agenda, the McCook City Council Monday night approved the recommendation of W Design, given by the city staff committee of City Manager Kurt Fritsch, Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff and Airport Maintenance operator Ken Vontz...

Mayor looking for a few good men and women to serve on city committees (08/19/09)
Mayor Dennis Berry is seeking community-minded citizens willing to serve on city committees. Berry noted at the regular city council meeting Monday night that several appointments are coming up on committees and asked city staff and council members for recommendations...

City proposes no rate hikes for water, sewer (08/14/09)
The McCook City Council will be asked to set water and sewer rates for the upcoming year, with city staff recommending no increases, at the regular meeting Monday night, 7:30 at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium The council will also be asked to approve on its third and final reading amended ordinances regarding dogs and cats in the city and to consider the creation of an Ordinance Officer to provide animal control duties...

Animal Control Review Committee issues release on proposed ordinances (08/14/09)
The McCook Animal Control Review Committee has issued a press release to clear up some misconceptions regarding the proposed animal ordinances they have recommended to the McCook City Council. The council will consider approving the ordinances on its third and final reading at the City Council meeting on Monday...

Speed limit reduced on East H hill near new city walking trail (08/05/09)
It's official -- the speed limit on East H will be 25 mph hour from Norris Avenue to East 11. The McCook City Council Monday night at the regular meeting approved by 4 to 1 to amend an ordinance on third and final reading that will establish the speed limit between the 900 and 1200 block on East H at 25 mph. Currently, that stretch of road is 35 mph hour...

Land donated for city park (08/05/09)
After discussing the possible costs involved, the McCook City Council accepted a gift of land from Dorothy Burns, to be used as a city park. The property, at the intersection of East 11 and C, is being donated by Burns, who requested that once the park is developed that it be named in honor of her late husband, Dr. Lawrence T. Burns, DPM...

City accepts funding for Nelson as Boy Scout statue (08/05/09)
Saying he wasn't sure if the city should be the one to place a donated statue on private property, McCook City Councilman Aaron Kircher cast the lone dissenting vote against accepting funds and sculpture honoring U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson and his family...

Budget OKd on first reading (08/04/09)
The McCook City Council approved a $23 million city budget on first reading Monday night and asked city officials to come back with the estimated costs of adding an animal control officer. Upon a motion by Mayor Dennis Berry, the council asked city staff to include in the budget for its next reading the costs of a civilian animal control officer, tentatively estimated at about $77,000. This amount includes salary, equipment, vehicle and training...

Crowd turns out for dog debate (08/04/09)
The City Council Chambers was packed Monday night with pet owners, angry over certain sections in a proposed animal control ordinance that the McCook City Council is considering. After about two hours, during which citizens voiced their concerns, the council revised two sections of the ordinance, one that amended the number of pets allowed per household at three dogs with no limit on cats. The council also re-worked language in another section relating to the capture of dogs-at-large...

Statue, park offered to city (07/31/09)
The McCook City Council will consider accepting two gifts to the city, one that donates property for a park and another that will give the city funds for a statute at Sen. Ben Nelson's house on Norris Avenue, at the regular meeting Monday night, 7:30 at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium...

Sales tax to go to street repair (07/21/09)
City sales tax dollars will go to repair city streets, the McCook City Council decided Monday night at the regular meeting. The council requested that sales tax revenue originally committed to the repair of J Street, at $461,262, be committed in the 2009-10 budget to help offset costs of three street improvement projects already slated on the city's one- and six-year street plan...

Council pleased with playground (07/21/09)
Sometimes it's the little things that are the most rewarding. That was the observation of McCook City Councilman Aaron Kircher, when he noted at the regular council meeting Monday night that recent enhancements in the city appear to be popular with the public...

Council splits 3-2 on purchase of pickup truck (07/21/09)
By a narrow margin, the McCook City Council voted 3 to 2 to purchase a new pickup for the water department from a dealer in Wahoo, instead of from the state bid that was lower. City staff had initially recommended to the council the $18,990 bid from the State of Nebraska contract with Anderson Ford Lincoln Mercury Mazda in Lincoln, instead of the four higher bids the city received for the pickup...

New dog and cat fees advance on first reading (07/21/09)
Dog and cat owners will pay a little extra to keep their animals, under a new city ordinance the McCook City Council approved Monday night on first reading. The ordinance includes 25 sections of city law relating to pets and also cracks down on those who own vicious dogs. It will go through two more readings before enacted...

Parts of J Street to close July 27 for reconstruction (07/17/09)
Construction on J Street, from West 10th to Norris Avenue, will begin on Monday and will require parts of the street to be closed to traffic. This is the second part of the J Street reconstruction and is divided into three phases, according to a press release from the McCook Public Works Department...

MEDC director clarifies funding issues related to proposed McCook city budget (07/17/09)
Rex Nelson, director of the McCook Economic Development Corp., said that the MEDC program administration was increased by $15,000 to $110,000 in the 2009-10 city budget, to partially fund the addition of a business coach position. The position has been funded by a grant and these funds have since run out...

City setting aside funds for bandshell repairs (07/17/09)
Funds are being set aside in the city's 2009-10 budget for renovations to the Norris Park bandshell, thanks to special revenue. $36,454 from the Public Alliance for Choice Gas, the ACE revenue sharing program, will be put toward restoring the Norris Park bandshell. Keno funds in the amount of $80,000 are also earmarked for renovations...

Possible sewer increases studied (07/16/09)
The preliminary sewer budget for 2009-10 is based on a 5 percent increase but numbers still have to be reviewed to see if the increase is needed. Jesse Dutcher, utility director, told the McCook City Council Monday night at the budget workshop that rates are more consistent for the sewer department, due to rates set in the winter months of December, January and February...

Crime rate decreases (07/16/09)
Crime rate has decreased in McCook, including thefts and criminal mischief, said McCook Police Chief Ike Brown at the city budget workshop Monday night. According to the police division description in the 2009-10 budget, $261,615 worth of theft was recorded this year, a decrease of $2,437. The decrease in property damage due to criminal mischief was even more significant, with $49,048 reported this year, a decrease from $57,133...

Service fee hike expected in solid waste collection (07/16/09)
A $1.50 increase in service fees will be charged in trash collection, the second year the fee will be implemented. The city auditor recommended the $3 change last year and the city split that up over two years. The increase was suggested as a way to keep the balance in the fund positive...

No recommendation by consultant on water bills (07/16/09)
According the financial summary included in the 2009-10 McCook city budget, the proposed water budget is based on a 3 percent increase as determined by past rate analysis by the city's consultant, Public Financial Management. Public Financial Management will analyze the data to determine if the past proposal is adequate...

Council considers animal control officer (07/15/09)
Pros and cons of an animal control position were reviewed by the McCook City Council Monday night at the budget workshop. McCook Police Chief Ike Brown reviewed with the council costs of the position and expected revenue collected from licensing fees. In response to a question by Councilman Jack Rogers, Brown said an animal control officer has not yet been included in the 2009-10 budget as the council still has to vote on hiring one, pending a proposed ordinance...

Consultants recommend water rate hike (07/15/09)
The recent rains have been good for the farmers but not so good for the water department, said Jesse Dutcher, Public Works Director. Water sales have fallen slightly this year, from $1.27 million in 2008 to $1.15 million in 2009, Dutcher told the McCook City Council at the budget meeting Monday night...

Firework funds, ballfield chemicals among public requests of City Council (07/14/09)
As McCook City Council members made its second foray into the proposed 2009-10 budget Monday night, they were approached by two citizens who requested the use of city funds for projects in the community. Jim O'Dea of the McCook Optimists "respectfully requested" that the council look at using some city money to help fund the firework display the Optimists organize each year. O'Dea told the council that this year they raised $5,800 but it cost $6,800 for the firework show...

Council sinks water debt paydown idea (07/14/09)
A suggestion by a McCook City Councilman to pay down water debt, using a portion of city sales tax revenue committed to a reserve account for a future city municipality building met with resistance by the rest of the council and was not adopted. But the council did agree to request city sales tax dollars from the 2009-10 budget for water and street improvements, and Councilman Aaron Kircher asked for funds to revamp the city's Web site and for a program that markets McCook...

City sales tax revenue on track for budget (07/09/09)
City Manager Kurt Fritch said that city sales tax revenue has not declined as much as portrayed in a story Tuesday. A total of $1.32 million is projected from the one-cent city sales tax and $600,000 of that is listed in the 2009-10 General Fund budget. That will go for property tax relief...

City hopes for fire station grant (07/08/09)
Chances are very good that the city may be awarded a fire station construction grant, the McCook City Council was told Monday night. McCook City Fire Chief Marc Harpham told the council at its regular meeting Monday night that thousands were expected to apply for $210 million worth of fire station grants, funded by economic stimulus funds, but by the time city submitted its application on Monday, only about 450 other applications had been submitted as well...

Sales tax revenue flattens out (07/08/09)
By LORRI SUGHROUE City Editor The property tax request for the city basically remains the same for next year but city sales tax revenue has flattened out, according to the proposed 2009-10 budget unveiled Monday night at the McCook City Council meeting...

Charge extra for obese ambulance patients? (07/08/09)
Should heavier patients be charged more to be hauled to the hospital? While some rescue services are buying special ambulances for obese patients, and charging accordingly, that isn't the case in McCook -- yet. Transporting obese patients came into the discussion at the regular McCook City Council meeting Monday night, when Councilman Jack Rogers pulled from the consent agenda the item to raise rates for the ambulance service operated by the City Fire Department...

Council cuts speed limit on one block (07/08/09)
An ordinance to reduce the speed limit on a portion of East H Street from 35 to 25 mph hour was approved 3 to 1 by the McCook City Council Monday night, but hit a slight speed bump with Councilman Aaron Kircher voting against it. At the regular meeting Monday night, Council members Colleen Grant, Jack Rogers and Lonnie Anderson voted in favor of the lowered speed, with Mayor Dennis Berry absent...

General fund shows decrease (07/07/09)
Although some cities may be looking for ways to slash costs this year, McCook is sitting comfortable with its proposed budget of $25.7 million, a 14.68 percent increase from last year. The McCook City Council got its first look at the proposed 2009-10 city budget Monday night after its regular meeting and reviewed department expenses and projects funded by city sales tax dollars...

Trailer condemned (07/07/09)
A trailer on property at 1312 West 12 was condemned as a public nuisance by the McCook City Council Monday night and will be towed or demolished on site. The trailer was inspected by the McCook Health Board in late 2008 and owners were given six months to improve conditions, City Manager Kurt Fritsch told the council...

War memorial awaits funding (07/07/09)
If enough funds are raised by a McCook Boy Scout, a bronze statue will be placed in the center of Norris Park as a memorial for veterans. The memorial project is being spearheaded by 14-year old Trenton Klimper, who would like to install it as his Eagle Scout project. ...

Council adds Nelson name to airport, pending FAA approval (06/16/09)
After failing to get off the ground with the McCook Airport Advisory Board, the proposal to rename the city's airport after Sen. Ben Nelson was approved by the McCook City Council on a 3 to 1 vote. At the regular meeting Monday night, Councilman Aaron Kircher cast the lone vote against the name change while Mayor Dennis Berry and council members Colleen Grant and Lonnie Anderson voted in favor of it. Councilman Jack Rogers was absent...

McCook EDC officially buys Keystone (06/03/09)
The McCook Economic Development Corp. purchased the Keystone Hotel Tuesday for $150,000. According to Rex Nelson, MEDC executive director, the building was purchased from Keystone Hotel LLC. Dale Stewart is listed as one of the owners and originally purchased the building in 2000 for an amount between $104,ooo and 105,000, according to the Red Willow County Clerk's office...

Golfer asks city to help revive Broken Tee (06/02/09)
A McCook resident asked the McCook City Council to look into the possibility of re-opening the Broken Tee golf course on East Seventh. Gene E. Morris, who moved here four years ago, spoke to the council at the beginning of the regular meeting Monday night and asked that the city consider operating the Broken Tee, that was closed last year...

Couple recounts pit bull attack on dog (06/02/09)

City wants more money from county to provide dispatch services (05/29/09)
The McCook City Council will be asked to raise rates for dispatching services the city provides to the county, at its regular meeting Monday night, 7:30 in City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. Currently the city is compensated $24,000 annually from Red Willow County for dispatching services...

Keystone financing approved (05/21/09)
By a unanimous vote, the McCook City Council at its regular meeting Monday night approved a Redevelopment Plan including a contract that will allow tax increment financing for the Keystone Hotel project. The plan allows a $320,000 tax increment financing bond to be issued by the McCook Community Development Agency (the McCook City Council), to be purchased by the McCook Economic Development Corp., the entity that is developing the building into a business center...

Officials pleased with bid for paving projects (05/21/09)
The McCook City Council approved unanimously Monday night all consent agenda items, including one pulled for discussion regarding the upcoming paving slated for I, K and L Streets. The item pulled for discussion by Councilman Lonnie Anderson awarded the paving bid to Western Engineering Co. of North Platte for $264,157 as the lowest responsible bid. Councilman Anderson questioned if the bid could be negotiated lower...

More bite for animal control laws (05/20/09)
By LORRI SUGHROUE City Editor Proposed new and revised ordinances will put more bite into current animal control laws. The changes are a work in progress, Mayor Dennis Berry said Monday night at the regular council meeting. The McCook City Council took its first look Monday night at the suggestions recommended by the McCook Animal Control Review Committee but took no action...

City clears way for hospital expansion (05/19/09)
The McCook City Council cleared the way Monday night at its regular meeting for a major expansion project at Community Hospital. A special exception for Community Hospital was approved by the McCook City Council Monday night and will allow the hospital to expand its current facility by about 42,000 square feet...

Scout plans war memorial (05/19/09)
War memorials have come and gone at Norris Park but a McCook Boy Scout wants to build something that withstands the test of time. The McCook City Council gave its approval Monday night at the regular meeting for Trenton Klimper to proceed with plans for a memorial at the park...

Fire station design can expand (05/19/09)
A preliminary design for a new city fire station will allow the facility to expand in the future. The McCook City Council received and filed a contract Monday night with Prochaska and Associates from Omaha, for initial design drawings for a city fire station. According to the contract, Phase I of the preliminary design will cost $12,000, not to exceed $15,000 with reimbursable expenses...

Architect on board, city awaits fire station grant (05/15/09)
The McCook City Council will be asked to receive and file a contract with an architectural firm for the design of a new fire station and approve expansion plans at Community Hospital, at its regular meeting Monday night, 7:30 in City Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium...

Commission to review hospital, Keystone projects (05/07/09)
Community Hospital of McCook wants to expand and will request a special exception to do so from the McCook Planning Commission, Monday night at 5:15 in City Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium. The commission also will be asked at this meeting to approve a redevelopment plan plus related actions for the purpose of developing the Keystone Hotel into a business center...

City seeks demolition grant (05/05/09)
Three residential properties, two commercial buildings and a vacant school would be torn down if the city is awarded the full amount requested in a demolition grant. After the public hearing Monday night at the regular McCook City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved a resolution that authorized Mayor Dennis Berry to sign all grant-related documents for a Community Development Block Grant, distributed by the Department of Economic Development through the Neighborhood Stabilization program.. ...

City picks Omaha firm for design (05/05/09)
A firm from Omaha has been chosen to design a city fire station at the former West Ward School property. The McCook City Council Monday night at its regular meeting unanimously approved city staff's recommendation of Prochaska and Associates and directed staff to negotiate an agreement with the firm...

Fire station architect on agenda (05/01/09)
The McCook City Council will be asked to select an architect and approve a contract for the design of a new city fire station, at its regular meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. At its April 20 meeting, the council approved the "Request for Qualifications" from architectural firms, for the design of a city fire station. ...

Bolles Canyon Road to close for trail work (04/22/09)
Bolles Canyon Road along Kelley Park will be closed in the near future so city staff will have ample time to prepare the area for the next phase of the Kelley Park Walking Trail. The McCook City Council received and filed the consent agenda item that notified the council of the closure, at its regular meeting Monday night...

Miller & Associates wins CDBG contract (04/22/09)
The McCook City Council approved Monday night a contract with Miller and Associates to serve as the general administrator of the Community Development Block Grants, Program Stabilization Program. Miller and Associates will prepare the grant application for the City and the McCook Economic Development Corp. The grants will be funded by the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009...

Group urges demolition of building (04/22/09)
A block-long,vacant commercial building in the city is coming under renewed scrutiny. As a regular agenda item, members of the McCook Leadership Institute urged the McCook City Council Monday night to prioritize the demolition of the vacant Romanoff building at 204 Norris Ave., when the city applies for grants from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program...

Council begins fire station process (04/21/09)
Requests for qualifications for architectural services for the design of a city fire station were approved Monday night by the McCook City Council. The item was pulled from the consent agenda by Councilman Aaron Kircher. About $210 million has been appropriated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for competitive grants to modify, upgrade or construct non-federal fire stations...

Council OKs TIF resolution for Keystone (04/21/09)
Acting as the McCook Community Development Agency, the McCook City Council received a Redevelopment Contract proposal from the McCook Economic Development Corp. and approved a resolution that allows tax increment financing to be used in renovating the Keystone Hotel into a business center...

Stimulus funds may build new firehouse (04/17/09)
Plans for a municipal fire station are moving forward, depending on if the city qualifies for stimulus funds. The McCook City Council will be asked to approve a "Request for Qualifications" for architectural services for the design of a municipal fire station, at its regular meeting Monday night, 7:30, at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium...

City plans new road for Guard, Reserve Center (04/09/09)
A new road will be needed for the joint Nebraska National Guard/Army Reserve Center planned near the McCook Regional Airport and the McCook City Council authorized Monday the mayor to sign a lease agreement for the additional land. The lease addendum between the city and the State of Nebraska was requested so than an access road off of U.S. Highway 6 and 34 can be constructed for the joint military facility...

New sirens approved just in time for storm season (04/09/09)
The McCook City Council approved the lowest bid of $38,446 for two new outdoor sirens, just in time for severe weather season. The two new sirens are replacing older ones on Gemini Court and behind Video Kingdom on the 100 block of West 11th. While the older devices were stationary, the new sirens rotate like one at the McCook City Library, said McCook City Fire Chief Marc Harpham. ...

Parking lot work uncovers history (04/08/09)
A City of McCook parking lot improvement project uncovered an old building foundation, and sparked memories for a rural Hayes Center woman whose great-uncle owned the building. Doris (Nelms) Vlasin said her great-uncle, Will Nelms, owned a brick building on what is now the north side of the 100 block of East B, operating out of the basement a dray service that sold and hauled mostly coal during the early 1900s...

Stimulus funds may buy minivan (04/08/09)
More stimulus funds could be on the way for the City of McCook and would be used to purchase a second vehicle for the McCook transit system. The McCook City Council approved Monday night the application for public transportation assistance for the city's transit system for 2009-10, with a total of $69,396 estimated from federal funds, $33,198 in state funds and the city providing $33,199...

Construction on Phase II of walking trail to begin soon (04/08/09)
Construction of Phase II of the Kelley Creek Walking Trail is expected to begin this summer and will begin at Seminole Drive, loop around Kelley Park through Bolles Canyon Road and end up at M Street across from Weiland Field. Drawings and specifications for the route were approved by the McCook City Council Monday night...

A house divided (03/31/09)
Someone sorts through architectural salvage and rubble taken out of the big yellow house at 301 E. Second in McCook, the subject of a disagreement between the City of McCook and owner Terry Jessen of Scottsbluff/Gering. City officials and the McCook Health Board and Property Resolution Team want the 110-year-old house torn down. ...

Norris Park: The next generation (03/27/09)
Where once a long line of mature trees stood in Norris Park, a new generation has sprouted. A total of about 40 trees have been removed from the park since last year, after city staff and an arborist hired by the city determined the trees were in poor condition due to age...

City coffers holding steady (03/18/09)
City coffers appear to be holding steady, with $10.3 million as of February, according to the treasurer's report. The McCook City Council received and filed the city's financial report as a consent agenda item and approved it without discussion. According to the report, cash on hand beginning Oct. 1, 2008 totaled $9.7 million...

Guard gearing up for Guard, Reserve center (03/18/09)
A design agreement between the city and engineers for water and sewer lines to be extended to the proposed joint facility for the Nebraska National Guard and Army Reserve was approved Monday night by the McCook City Council. Miller and Associates of McCook are the consulting engineers for the $8 million project, which is estimated to begin this fall and finish up in 2010. The joint facility will be on 30 acres between U.S. Highway 6-34 and Airport Road...

City irons out rules for new wireless tower at school (03/17/09)
Conflicting language in a city ordinance about wireless towers was ironed out by the McCook City Council Monday night. The amended ordinance now allows a 75-foot tower to be built at McCook Elementary. Operating on a skeleton crew with only three council members present -- Mayor Dennis Berry was absent due to a health issue and Councilman Jack Rogers was excused -- the rest of the council approved on its first reading an amended ordinance that allows school districts to have their own wireless towers, as long as the tower is separated from a church or residential structure by 100 percent of the height of the tower.. ...

Injection well may be online next week (03/17/09)
Plans for the injection well at the sewer are moving forward and if all goes according to plan, it should be up and running by the end of next week. All that's holding up the completion is a vital part that is on its way now and connecting the system to the water treatment plant...

Council approves bank for economic development bonds (03/17/09)
A third party will act as the paying agent for the economic development fund bonds that the city has agreed to issue in the amount of $1.150 million. The McCook City Council unanimously voted Monday night at its regular meeting to authorize Wells Fargo Bank as the paying agent and registrar for the economic development fund bonds. This adds another level of transparency to the process, said City Manager Kurt Fritsch, as well as additional oversight...

City to ask for another delay for injection well (03/13/09)
For the second time, the McCook City Council will be asked to extend the completion date of the injection well project at the sewer. The council will take up the request at its regular meeting, 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium...

City faces stiff competition for stimulus funds (03/03/09)
Omaha will get the lion's share of federal stimulus funds allocated to the Nebraska Department of Roads but McCook still stands a chance to receive something. City Engineer Greg Wolford updated the council the status of the stimulus funds, with $158 million committed to the Department of Roads. ...

City sales tax pledged for Keystone project (03/03/09)
The McCook City Council agreed to use city sales tax dollars for 10 years to pay back a $1.3 million bond that will be used toward renovation costs of the Keystone Hotel. With barely a quorum present -- Mayor Dennis Berry and Councilman Jack Rogers were absent due to illness -- the remaining three council members agreed at the regular meeting to issue Economic Development funds bonds up to $1.5 million to fund the McCook Economic Development program. ...

Former commissioner questions West Ward sales tax funding (03/03/09)
A McCook citizen questioned the city's decision to commit $500,000 of city sales dollars to a joint facility at the former West Ward Elementary for city offices/police and fire departments, without input from taxpayers. Former Red Willow County Commissioner Wayne Michaelis also asked how that location can be used when in 2005 it was considered unsafe when the county was proposing that site for a joint jail with the city...

Keystone bond issue on agenda (02/27/09)
The city will issue $1.12 million in bonds, if the McCook City Council approves a request from the McCook Economic Development Corp. at its regular meeting, 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. The bond, issued by D.A. Davidson, will be used toward construction costs in renovating the Keystone Hotel on Norris Avenue into a business center...

Council eases flood-plain standards (02/18/09)

City signs contract for Guard-Reserve Center (02/18/09)
The McCook City Council unanimously agreed Monday night to authorize Councilman Aaron Kircher, acting as vice president in Mayor Dennis Berry's absence, to sign a property lease agreement between the city and the State of Nebraska, Department of Administrative Services, for the McCook Armed Forces Readiness Center...

Interest rates drop (02/17/09)
Bonding for Keystone may be less than expected

Council upholds condemnations (02/17/09)
The Jan. 8 decision by the McCook Board of Health that property at 1306 West 12th is a public nuisance was disputed by owners of the property Monday night. But after lengthy discussion during the public hearing at the regular McCook City Council meeting, the council upheld the Health Board's decision and denied the appeal by owners Bernard and Kathryn Weaver of Garfield, Kansas...

Owners appeal city condemnation of property (02/13/09)
The McCook City Council will be asked whether to stand by or change its previous decision of condemning two properties as a public nuisance, at its regular meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. At its Jan. 19 meeting, the council accepted the determination from the McCook Health Board to condemn as a public nuisance properties at 301 E. ...

NRDs ponder next move (02/06/09)
Natural Resources Districts along the Republican River are pondering their next move in light of Friday's decision by the Nebraska Supreme Court that using property taxes from the river basin to comply with the Republican River Compact is unconstitutional...