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Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012
McCook City Council

News related to the City of McCook

FAA bill ensures air service for two years (02/10/12)
BRUCE BAKER City Editor McCOOK, Nebraska -- An essential air service bill that passed in the U.S. Senate earlier this week has ensured that McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport will continue commercial air service for at least two more years, but in order to guarantee service beyond that at least one member of the Airport Advisory Commission believes increasing the number boarding locally must be a priority...
FAA bill ensures air service for two years (02/10/12)
Council extends loan for East Ward Village (02/07/12)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council approved an amendment to the $105,000 East Ward Village loan which would give the developer 30 years to pay it back. Prior to the action at Monday night's regularly scheduled meeting at council chambers, City Attorney Nate Schneider said that the option of granting the money to the housing developer had also been explored before ultimately deciding on the amendment...
East Ward to dominate meeting (02/03/12)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will review items pertaining to the progress of the East Ward Village senior housing construction project, Monday evening during their semi-monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium. Councilors will consider an amended agreement pertaining to the loan they committed to provide as the final financing piece for the project in addition to coordinating a public hearing to discuss an amendment to the East Ward Village development district...
Teacher, retiree appointed to City Council (01/17/12)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Mayor Dennis Berry appointed Bruce McDowell and Janet Hepp to fill the two vacant City Council seats, Monday evening, during the council's regularly scheduled meeting at council chambers. The appointments were unanimously approved without comment by fellow City Councilmen Mike Gonzales and Jerry Calvin...
City officials to testify in Lincoln (01/16/12)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Two McCook officials will testify on a bill introduced by Sen. Mark Christensen, to change a law that forced two city councilors to forfeit their seats after one was convicted of harboring a potentially vicious dog and the other was convicted of disturbing the peace. City Manager Jeff Hancock and City Councilman Mike Gonzales will address Nebraska legislators in testimony at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the capitol in Lincoln...
Six apply for council (01/13/12)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Mayor Dennis Berry will choose among six applicants to appoint two citizens to fill the vacant City Council seats, Monday evening, 7:30 p.m., during the council's semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium. If the Mayor's appointments are approved by at least one of the two other city council members, the appointees will be administered the oath of office and fill the positions until Dec. ...
Christensen introduces bill on City Council (01/06/12)
Christensen introduces law on City Council LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Sen. Mark Christensen introduced legislation Thursday morning to change the Nebraska law that forced two McCook City Councilman to forfeit their seats earlier this week. LB 786 seeks to modify section 19-613 of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, which addresses forfeiture of office for council members, in a manner that will replace the reference "convicted of a crime" with "convicted of a felony or of any public offense involving the violation of the oath of office of such member.". ...
Council seats officially declared vacant (01/04/12)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council declared seats previously occupied by councilmen Aaron Kircher and Shane Hilker as vacant, Tuesday evening, during their regular meeting at Council Chambers. Mayor Dennis Berry said that similar vacancies had been filled without the expense of a special election, which he believed to be in the $6,000 to $8,000 range, and he recommended proceeding with the appointment process to fill the seats...
Streets closed (01/03/12)
McCook, Nebraska -- The City of McCook Utility Department is notifying motorists that West C and D streets between West Fourth and Fifth will be closed to through traffic from Wednesday until Monday to allow construction crews to replace concrete that was removed this fall...
City, MEDC target lack of local housing (12/30/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- City Manager Jeff Hancock will be participating in a four-hour strategic planning session with the McCook Economic Development Corp. Housing Committee, MEDC Executive Director Rex Nelson and MEDC Housing Development Director Mary Kircher, Jan. 10...
Mayor can decide how to fill vacancies (12/30/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will direct city staff to declare notice of vacancies for the seats formerly occupied by Council members Aaron Kircher and Shane Hilker, Tuesday evening, 7:30 p.m., during their semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium...
Councilmen asked for response to forfeiture (12/28/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook City Councilmen Aaron Kircher and Shane Hilker received a letter from city attorney Nate Schneider, just prior to the Christmas weekend, that requested their decision to "acknowledge or not acknowledge" the forfeiture of their offices. ...
Kircher letter to council (12/28/11)
McCook City Councilman Aaron Kircher delivered the following letter to city officials on Tuesday: December 27, 2011 To: Nate Schneider, City Attorney J. Jeff Hancock, City Manager Jerry Calvin, City Council Member Mike Gonzales, City Council Member Dennis Berry, Mayor...
Councilman steps down (12/20/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Howard Olsen of Simmons Olsen Law Firm told the McCook City Council that two City Council seats were forfeit at the time of the presiding councilors' convictions in county court. The opinion, from the Scottsbluff, Nebraska, firm, came Monday evening during the council's semi-monthly meeting at Council Chambers...
Councilman, police chief express concern over club (12/20/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- During the McCook City Council's annual renewal of current retail liquor licenses, Monday evening, a pair of councilors voiced concerns pertaining to the activity at Sports Night Club. Councilman Mike Gonzales asked Chief of Police Isaac Brown, "Just going through these, it looks like there is one establishment that has more infractions than others. What's it take before there is a recommendation not to approve, how bad does it need to get?"...
Councilman should resign so city can get on with business (12/20/11)
One councilman, convicted of harboring a "potentially" vicious dog, has stepped down and another, convicted of disturbing the peace, hasn't done so yet. An outside attorney brought in to advise the city said that a 1920s law was worded such that the two councilmen forfeited their seats at the time of their convictions. What does that mean?...
Law firm: City Council members should resign (12/19/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- A law firm hired to give an opinion on two McCook City Council members convicted of minor crimes says they should resign immediately. The legal opinion goes on to state that even speeding tickets would constitute a crime within the meaning of the statute...
Lawyer to offer opinion, field questions (12/16/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Howard Olsen of Simmons Olsen Law Firm in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, will present his opinion pertaining to the continued qualifications of McCook City Council members Aaron Kircher and Shane Hilker, Monday evening, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium...
City Council ponders hiring Scottsbluff firm (12/07/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- City staff will recommend the McCook City Council hire Howard Olsen of Simmons Olsen Law Firm in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to perform work that City Attorney Nate Schneider has deemed necessary to determine whether two council members should forfeit their positions. The recommendation will be considered Thursday evening, 7:30 p.m., during their semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium...
City Council struggles to define 'crime' (12/06/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- At least one of the two McCook City Councilors who have been advised to abstain from taking action during meetings may be able to go back to work. According to Shannon Kingery, Director of Communications for Nebraska Attorney General's office, the statute that has councilors and city staff preparing to hire an outside law firm to evaluate, "only deals with state crimes."...
City Council forced to reschedule (12/02/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will meet Monday evening, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium, but only as a formality to reschedule the meeting for 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8. Mayor Dennis Berry will be unable to attend the Monday meeting and with Councilors Aaron Kircher and Shane Hilker abstaining from voting, the council will not have enough representation to take actions...
City Council to consider cost increase in airport fence (11/18/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will consider approval of a change order that will add another $7,000 to the cost of the wildlife fence to be constructed at McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport, Monday evening, 7:30 p.m., during their regularly scheduled meeting at Memorial Auditorium...
Hancock officially named city manager (10/18/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council approved an employment agreement with J. Jeff Hancock for the McCook city manager position, Monday evening, during a regularly scheduled meeting at council chambers. During a phone interview this morning from Warrensburg, Missouri, Hancock said he was excited about coming to McCook and planned to initially spend as much as time as possible with city staff, employees and the City Council, in order to get an assessment of the community and begin building relationships. ...
Council to consider city manager contract (10/14/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will consider approval of an employment agreement with J. Jeff Hancock for the McCook city manager position, Monday evening, 7:30 p.m., during their regularly scheduled meeting at Memorial Auditorium. If approved, the agreement would be effective Oct. 24, 2011, and set Hancock's annual salary at $85,000...
City enters negotiations with manager candidate (10/04/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council authorized City Attorney Nate Schneider to enter into negotiations with a city manager candidate, during their semi-monthly meeting Monday evening at council chambers. Mayor Dennis Berry told the Gazette Tuesday morning that councilors had been advised not to release the name of the candidate until after an agreement was reached...
City Council to negotiate with manager candidate (09/30/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will be asked to authorize the city attorney to enter into negotiations with a city manager candidate during their semi-monthly meeting, Monday, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium. The identity of the candidate has not yet been released, but only one of the public interviews coordinated thus far has resulted in council members calling for an executive session afterward to discuss the candidate further. ...
City Council considers manager candidate (09/22/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council coordinated an interview for the vacant city manager position, Wednesday evening, at Council Chambers. The interview is the third that councilors have sat in on, opting to hire out the actual interview process itself to a counseling company out of Columbus, Nebraska...
Water and sewer rate increase finalized (09/20/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- A councilman's comparison of eating vegetables and paying higher water rates raised the hackles of at least one citizen at Monday night's meeting of the City Council. Gene Morris of Apache Drive challenged Councilman Aaron Kircher's comment earlier in the month that "Kids complain when you make them eat their vegetables, too."...
City Council designates uncommitted sales taxes (09/09/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The 2011-12 McCook city budget received final approval Tuesday evening from the McCook City Council. Just prior to approving the budget councilors allocated roughly $150,000 in uncommitted sales tax dollars to various projects. City staff and even some council members have historically voiced their opposition to allocating the dollars, preferring to leave excess funds uncommitted. ...
Water, sewer rate increases advance on second reading (09/07/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council approved the second of three required readings for the proposed water and sewer rate increases, Tuesday evening during their semi-monthly meeting at council chambers, but resisted one councilors desire to increase water rates even further than previously discussed. ...
City manager interviews open to the public (09/07/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will host two public interviews for the open city manager position, Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium. The candidates, Wanda Darrow and Sam Janson, hail from Potterville, Michigan, and Grand Haven, Michigan, respectively...
Airport fence cost to city down to $25K (09/02/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Bids have been received for construction of the wildlife fence project at McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport. The McCook City Council will consider a recommendation from city staff to award the bid to Ninemire Fence, during their regularly scheduled meeting, Tuesday evening, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium...
Fuel, electric prices lead to water, sewer rate hikes (08/24/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Rising fuel and electricity rates are partially to blame for the request to increase water and sewer rates, according to Jesse Dutcher, McCook utility director. Dutcher offered a closer look at the need for the rate increases, during a conversation with the Gazette last week. ...
City will consider offers before final lot donation made (08/17/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council tentatively approved the donation of a city lot to the McCook Economic Development Corp., Monday evening, but delayed final approval so that further discussion and any potential offers for the lot could be heard. The lot is located at the corner of East Second Street and C Street and was acquired after the city demolished the home that had occupied it...
Utility rates get nod, not domestic partner coverage (08/16/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council gave the go-ahead for increased water and sewer rates, but a proposal to include domestic partners on the city's health insurance plan was killed before it even made it to a vote Monday evening. The increase in water and sewer rates will be effective Oct. 1, 2011, and was a result of the annual cash-flow analysis prepared by Public Financial Management...
Christensen: Domestic partner health coverage inappropriate (08/15/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- In response to a question from the Gazette, State Sen. Mark Christensen said providing health coverage for domestic partners of city employees would not be appropriate. McCook City Councilman Aaron Kircher has put just such a proposal on tonight's City Council agenda. ...
Council to consider rate hikes, domestic partner coverage (08/12/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- City staff will recommend the McCook City Council approve an increase to both water and sewer rates, as a result of the annual cash flow analysis prepared by Public Financial Management. The rate increases are projected to amount to an average of $14 per year on residential sewer bills and an average $13 per year on residential water bills, effective Oct. 1, 2011...
Mailman bitten, dog euthanized as precaution (08/11/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The owner of the dog that bit a mail carrier in July was informed five days following the event that the animal had been euthanized. Deeply saddened by the loss of her longtime pet, 20-year-old Ashley Sundquist told the Gazette that the story previously printed, "made my dog sound like a monster, he was not a monster."...
City seeks extra room in budget (07/29/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will consider a request from city staff to increase the restricted funds limit, which includes property tax and local option sales tax. The request is for one percent in addition to the base increase of 2.5 percent already allowed for unused restricted funds authority, and would be a necessary first step for future increases in those funds...
Council sets building max at $4.6 million (07/26/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council voted unanimously to approve the guaranteed maximum price for the City of McCook Municipal Building and to loan East Ward Village LLC $105,000 at a special meeting Monday at Memorial Auditorium. The counselors agreed to a Municipal Building GMP of $4,641,556 with Sampson Construction based on the drawings prepared by Prochaska and Associates...
Water slide included in city budget (07/12/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- City staff has proposed the construction of a $125,000 water slide at the McCook municipal pool in the coming 2011-12 city budget. The project could be an effective summer-time draw for the area and coupled with the McCook Community College Events Center, scheduled to be completed in March 2012, could make the summer of 2012 a highly anticipated one...
Humane Society asks for $3,000 budget increase (07/12/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Humane Society asked for a budget increase of $3,000 annually, in addition to the $3,000 annual increase they received from council members in September 2010. The request came during the McCook City Council budget workshop Monday evening at council chambers, and would bring the 2011-12 budgeted amount from the city to $46,000...
City recommends 2 percent raises (07/06/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- City staff recommended an across- the-board wage increase of 2 percent for all employees, Tuesday evening, during the first of three budget workshops intended to finalize the cities fiscal year 2011-12 budget. The wage increase, as in previous years, was said to be derived from the consumer price index, February through January. However, the CPI during that timeframe shows only a 1.6 percent increase, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics...
Housing project seeks economic development loan (07/01/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Housing Agency was turned down in February for a $252,000 grant that they had hoped would be the final funding piece for the East Ward Village housing project. When asked for an update on the project in May, Executive Director Rebecca Dutcher told the Gazette that, "financing had gotten a little more complicated with the federal budgets being cut." Financing of the project now appears to depend on the City of McCook, with council members to consider approval of an economic development revolving loan, Tuesday evening, 7:30 p.m., during their semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium.. ...
Positive sales tax trend continues (06/28/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook's 1-cent sales tax revenue receipts for May, which were for March sales, came in at $137,710 according to city administration. That amount is a $14,148 increase over the prior year and $22,513 more than the budgeted amount of $115,197. Only one of the last 13 months has not come in as an increase over prior year's number and budget...
City modifies floor plans for building (06/21/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Municipal Facilities construction project saw its first major change from renditions that were presented to council members in February. Following an in-depth meeting earlier in the day with city department heads, representatives from Prochaska & Associates and Sampson Construction informed council members, Monday evening during their regularly scheduled meeting, that eliminating the basement of the facility was the plan going forward. ...
Airport fence price coming down to earth? (06/20/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The $1.7 million price tag on the FAA mandated wildlife fence at McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport may finally be coming back down to earth. Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff told members of the Airport Advisory Commission, Thursday afternoon during their regularly scheduled meeting at Heritage Senior Center, that it seemed as if a light-bulb had come on over the heads of some FAA decision-makers...
Bandshell project up another $10K (06/17/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will review a change order to the Norris Park bandshell restoration project that will approve a $10,239 increase in cost to the project. Councillors will discuss the project, which now has a price tag of $169,996, more than $50,000 over the original projected amount, Monday evening during their semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium...
Council ready to advertise for manager (06/14/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council set the starting salary range and ironed out wording for a recruitment ad, both pertaining to the new city manager position, during a special meeting at council chambers, Monday evening. The advertised starting salary will be at $78,000 annually, which one councilman said equaled advertised salary plus an adjustment for inflation, that was used last time the city manager courting process was conducted...
City Council to ponder manager search (06/03/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council is expected to accept the resignation of city manager Kurt Fritsch, 7:30 p.m., Monday evening, during their semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium. Fritsch announced earlier this week that he had accepted a position as city manager of Warrenton, Oregon, and June 10 would be his last day. After accepting Fritsch's resignation, council members will discuss recruitment strategy for a new city manager and direct staff accordingly...
City manager heading west (06/01/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council was informed Thursday that City Manager Kurt Fritsch has accepted a position as city manager of Warrenton, Oregon, and that June 10 would be his last day. Fritsch told the Gazette that he was from Longview Washington, about an hour from Warrenton and that he had family in the area...
Councilman catches changes in city code (05/17/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Despite earlier assurances to the contrary, "updates" to the McCook code of ordinances book included changes that would raise fine amounts and even modify the intent of certain ordinances. Two discrepancies were pointed out Monday evening during the McCook City Council's semi-monthly meeting, by Councilman Aaron Kircher...
Dog bite victim files claim (05/13/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will receive a claim Monday for $50,000 in damages from the elderly man attacked by two dogs, while walking near the fairgrounds in 2010. The claim comes from attorneys representing Dale Adams and is directed at the City of McCook and Chief of Police, Isaac Brown...
Federal standards double price of deer fence (05/03/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The cost of a wildlife fence around McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport nearly doubled because it needed to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements, the city manager said Monday night. While a local engineer proposed an eight-foot fence, that wasn't good enough for the FAA, City Manager Kurt Fritsch said...
Five years out, McCook's water treatment plant is doing its job (05/03/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook has gone to great lengths and considerable expense to provide the quality of tap water that citizens receive today. The fight for quality drinking water in McCook dates all the way back to 1988, when chemical tests of the city's water supply detected a high level of nitrates...
Cost of airport wildlife fence reaches $1.7 million (04/29/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Federal Aviation Authority required wildlife fence at McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport will cost significantly more than initially estimated. Monday evening, during their semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium, the McCook City Council will review a consulting contract which now estimates total cost of the project at $1,769,712. That amount is just shy of an $800,000 increase from the $970,344 estimated in March...
City Council ups ante for tree rebates (04/19/11)
BRUCE BAKER City Editor McCOOK, Nebraska -- Following approval of a proclamation designating April 29 as "Arbor Day," the McCook City Council authorized an increase to the Tree Rebate Program in hopes of further motivating citizens to plant trees. The increase, from $50 to $75 for shade and ornamental trees, and from $75 to $100 for Oak trees, came Monday evening during the council's semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium...
City may increase tree payments (04/15/11)
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. ...
Sampson Construction chosen for city building (04/12/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council approved the recommendation of Sampson Construction as the construction manager for the McCook Municipal Facilities project. The approval came during a special meeting, Monday evening at Memorial Auditorium...
Lot revised for planned EDC donation (04/05/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- A city-owned lot will have its property lines adjusted so part of it can be sold to a neighbor before the rest is donated to the McCook Economic Development Corp. That action came after neighbor Bill Matson told councillors Monday that he was interested in buying the lot to expand his home...
MEDC asks city to donate property (04/01/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The City Council will consider a request by the McCook Economic Development Corp. for the city to give it a lot at 301 E. Second Street, during the council's semi-monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m. Monday at Memorial Auditorium. MEDC intends to move a home, donated by Red Willow County, to the lot from 516 Norris Ave., and improve the home through its Purchase Rehab Resell program, targeted for low to moderate income home buyers...
Council cuts red tape on loans of items (03/22/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council directed city staff to handle the loaning of eight sets of bleachers to the Red Willow County Fair Board, for a March 26 bull riding event, as an administrative item in the future. Due to a dispute reportedly between several entities and the previous city manager, city staff had previously been given direction that the loaning of the bleachers, which the city does regularly to assist the fair board with events such as the Red Willow County Fair, was to be handled as a formal action item that must be approved during a regularly scheduled city council meeting.. ...
Company releases data showing reduction in contamination (03/22/11)
Council advised to wait until funding available to improve vacant lot (03/08/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- After coordinating with several local groups Doug Joyce of the McCook Community College and Rex Nelson of the McCook Economic Development Corporation told the McCook City Council that patience was the best approach for the vacant lot at Norris Avenue and B Street, formerly home to the Romanoff building...
Ideas ready for vacant lot (03/04/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Doug Joyce headed up an initiative that worked with several area groups, reviewing proposals for a design to be implemented on the vacant lot, at Norris Avenue and B Street, formerly the site of the Romanoff building. Joyce will present a recommendation to the McCook City Council Monday, 7:30 p.m., during their semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium...
City must still build wildlife fence around airport (03/04/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- With the possibility of losing essential air service at the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport in October, city staff unsuccessfully explored the possibility of avoiding the expense of the new wildlife fence it was directed to construct earlier this year. The estimated $970,344 fence project was the result of an FAA required wildlife assessment of the airport and is planned to be primarily funded by grants, with the city responsible for $43,083...
Elks Park one step closer to new playground (02/24/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Parks Advisory Board focused most of its discussion on the future of Elks City Park, during its quarterly meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Heritage Senior Center. The McCook City Council approved $20,000 in this year's budget to upgrade or replace playground equipment at the West Fifth Street park...
City pledges support on jail transition (02/22/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook City Council members unanimously pledged their support, lacking a formal item to vote on, of the Red Willow County Commissioners should they decide that use of the city's 96-hour jail facility was their best option going forward...
City, county to discuss jail facilities (02/18/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Red Willow County Commissioners will meet with City Council members, Monday evening, 7:30 p.m., at Council Chambers, to discuss the possible use of the existing city jail cells by the county. The municipal facility, which is scheduled to begin being built in August, will house police, fire and city administration departments and signal the end of city staff operating a jail facility. ...
Council sees updated renditions of new city building (02/10/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Representatives for Prochaska & Associates presented McCook City Council members with graphic renditions of the exterior of the new Municipal Facility, scheduled to break ground in August, during their semi-monthly meeting Monday evening. The presentation gave councilors and department heads alike their first glimpse at what the exterior of the structure may look like...
Despite denial, project is still on track (02/10/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The $252,000 grant that city staff applied for in January on behalf of the McCook Housing Agency has been denied, but McCook Housing Agency Executive Director Rebecca Dutcher said the loss of the anticipated funds will not slow the project down. The agency is targeting April for beginning a renovation and construction project at the former East Ward School building lot which will build or remodel 27 units, targeted primarily for seniors, aged 55 years and older...
Rate hike leads to debate over federal funding (02/08/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- A resolution seeking to increase the ambulance rate turned into a back-and-forth argument between two council members about the use of federal funds, Monday evening at Council Chambers. Councilman Aaron Kircher made a motion to delay approval of the ordinance until the next meeting, after asking city staff if they had looked at figures for the amount of revenue the rate increase would bring in. ...
Company seeks drilling rights (02/04/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The city has been approached by an oil and gas firm interested in leasing airport and waste water treatment plant property for oil and gas exploration. State law requires that an auction of the lease proposals be scheduled and city staff is asking for authorization from council members during the semi-monthly meeting, Monday evening, at Memorial Auditorium...
Hillcrest denied zoning variance to build chapel (01/25/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Board of Zoning Adjustment denied a variance request from Hillcrest Nursing Home, Monday evening, during their regular meeting at Memorial Auditorium. The board voted 3-1 to deny setback and lot development variances, with Duanne Tappe the lone vote in favor of the request...
Housing project on track for 2012 (01/21/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- With wait time for housing assistance increasing and the closing of two apartment buildings compounding the problem, the East Ward Village project will provide much-needed housing when it is completed in the spring of 2012. City staff filed an application for a $252,000 grant on behalf of the McCook Housing Agency, which was presented to the City Council Monday evening and represents the final funding piece for the $4,132,030 project. ...
City planners prepare for future wind generation issues (01/20/11)
BRUCE BAKER City Editor McCOOK, Nebraska -- A zoning ordinance amendment approved by the McCook City Council Monday evening, only allows for domestic use wind turbines to be built in the agricultural district, but may be a stepping stone for the energy producers to one day be allowed within city limits. Other Nebraska cities such as Grand Island have already put similar ordinances in place and have done so with the intent of promoting safe, efficient and effective use of wind energy...
Auditor says good city cash management builds reserve (01/18/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council was presented with a recap of the cities annual audit report, Monday evening, during its semi-monthly meeting at council chambers. While the report included recommendations for certain fees and rate increases, Terry Galloway of Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway & Luth, the CPA firm that performed the audit, said good cash management practices by city staff were responsible for holding water and sewer rates down thus far. ...
Several new city fees recommended (01/14/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- CPA firm, Almquist Maltzahn Galloway & Luth of Grand Island has completed a financial audit of the city's fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2010. In the report the firm lists 17 recommendations for city staff to consider, among them were recommendations to implement a water tap fee; a fire call service fee; a review of operations of the city pool for possible revenue increases; and a review of the gas franchise fee for possible increases...
City Council approves revised band shell renovation contract (01/04/11)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council awarded a revised renovation contract, for the Norris Park Band Shell, to McCook Contracting Monday evening during their semi-monthly meeting at council chambers. The original bid, at $210,000, came in well over the estimated amount for the project. City staff worked with the contractor to find middle ground that reduced the project closer to the budgeted amount and still accomplished their targeted renovation goals...
Council to consider contract for band shell renovation (12/30/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- City staff will recommend that McCook Contracting be awarded the bid for the $156,754 renovation project of the Norris Park Band Shell, during the McCook City Council's regularly scheduled meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m., at council chambers...
D.A.R. building to be moved (12/21/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Dr. Richard Tubbs, Vice-President of McCook Community College and Darin Morgan, Director of Physical Resources were present for the third and final public hearing required for the college to relocate the Daughters of the American Revolution building...
College set to buy part of Kelley Park (12/17/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will conduct a public hearing to authorize the sale of a portion of Kelley Park to McCook Community College during its regular meeting, 7:30 p.m. Monday at council chambers. The city staff has recommended that the purchase agreement between the two be approved on one reading and asked for suspension of the three reading rule. The college is planning to use the property to build an events center in April of 2011...
City to take legal action against property owners (12/07/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Council members voted to begin legal procedures surrounding the abatement of nuisance property owned by Steven Fritz, Monday evening, during its regular meeting at Council chambers. The property, at 200/300 Airport Road, was declared a nuisance by the McCook Board of Health in September after repeated attempts to resolve the issue...
Company searching for more contamination (12/03/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Northrop Grumman Corp. has requested an easement to perform drilling activities and soil sampling along East 16th Street and East C Street. The soil sampling stems from the 1986 discovery of trichloroethene-impacted soil after the company closed the TRW capacitor manufacturing plant on Airport Road...
Construction up $18 million over last year (11/22/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The value of McCook area construction project costs was down by more than $131,000 in October, when compared to October of 2009, but the October year-to-date total costs were $18 million more than 2009 year-to-date. According to the City of McCook's monthly building report, which details the number of building permits sold; estimated costs of projects, including construction, renovation and repair projects; as well as resulting fee revenue received by the City...
McCook's insurance rating improves (11/18/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Fire Department received a rating classification improvement during a recent analysis which could result in premium reductions to some commercial and residential insurance policies. The analysis, performed by Insurance Services Office, Inc., of Chicago, ranks communities on their fire-fighting capabilities and awards a Public Protection Classification somewhere between one and 10, with one being the best. ...
City Council fine-tunes fireworks ordinance (11/16/10)
By BRUCE BAKER City Editor McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council approved the second reading of changes to the city firework ordinance, this time modifying when fireworks can be used to match the selling period. The approval is the second of three required readings of the ordinance changes and came Monday evening during the semi-monthly meeting at council chambers...
Fox Theatre to request federal grant (11/12/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Fox Theatre wants the city to help it receive a $254,300 federal grant to improve accessibility at the facility. The McCook City Council plans a public hearing to discuss the application at its semi-monthly meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m., at council chambers...
Council split on fireworks (11/02/10)
McCook, Nebraska -- Police Chief Isaac Brown said a new fireworks law may make parts of an old law ineffective. The comment came as the McCook City Council discussed a proposed ordinance revision Monday evening at council chambers. "In effect, it would become unenforceable," Brown said...
New Year's fireworks sales on City Council agenda (10/29/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will consider changes to city ordinances to allow for the sale of fireworks from Dec. 28 through Jan. 1, at its semi-monthly meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m., at council chambers. The changes would also allow the use of fireworks, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the same time each year...
Home owner given more time (10/19/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council voted to delay abatement for two weeks, on a nuisance property at 8101⁄2 W. Fourth Street, at its semi-monthly meeting Monday evening at Council Chambers. While the council gave the property's owner, Sharon Boley, the extra time, several members expressed concern that, after a year with no progress, two additional weeks might not change anything...
Nuisance designation appealed, others considered (10/18/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will conduct a hearing at 7 p.m. today at council chambers, to hear an appeal from Sharon Boley on her property at 8101⁄2 W. Fourth Street. The property was recently declared a nuisance by the McCook Board of Health...
Supporters speak out in facility session (10/15/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- More than two dozen McCook citizens were present, and support for the proposed municipal facility was prevalent, during the town hall meeting hosted by the McCook City Council Thursday evening at the Heritage Senior Center. Council and city administration members were available to field questions regarding the construction project voters will consider in the November election...
Comprehension (10/13/10)
Preface: "It's too bad we teach some folks to read without teaching them to comprehend." From the Internet responses to my letter of 10/5, it appears several , unable to comprehend, prefer to attack me personally ... that's OK, but stop trying to write my resumé!...
Gift helps Humane Society continue improvement project (10/13/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Construction begins this week on an expansion at the McCook Humane Society, thanks to an unexpected major gift from an anonymous donor. Combined with other donations, the gift has enabled the nonprofit to begin the second phase of a five-year, three-phase, $125,000 renovation of its South Street facility...
Airport board recommends higher hangar fees (10/05/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Airport Advisory Commission approved a motion recommending to raise hangar rental fees at its scheduled meeting Monday afternoon at Heritage Senior Center. The motion was made by Richard Stull and approved on a 4-1 vote. The dissenting vote came from Mike Nielsen who believed the affordable fees were "something we're doing right. Making hangars reasonable encourages people to use McCook and the city makes sales tax on fuel and maintenance expenses as a result."...
Residents concerned over speeding near schools (10/05/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Two McCook residents expressed their concerns regarding speeding vehicles near the high school to the City Council during its semi-monthly meeting Monday evening at Council Chambers. Lance Rakes and Steve Broomfield said more stop signs were needed with Rakes saying "We have a real safety issue up there that needs to be addressed."...
Area board appointees top City Council's agenda (10/01/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The mayor will ratify appointees for several area boards and commissions Monday evening, 7:30 p.m., at the City Council's semi-monthly meeting at council chambers. Among those the Airport Advisory Commission, the Board of Zoning Adjustment, Building Advisory and Appeals Board and the Senior Citizens Advisory Board. The Airport Advisory Commission will see Richard Stull reappointed and Wally Hampton appointed...
New city facility needed investment in our community (09/30/10)
We used this space Wednesday to make the point that not all old buildings need to be saved and -- in a happy coincidence of fairness and balance -- shared the page with an Open Forum letter urging supporters of the preservation of the old West Ward building to contact their City Council representatives...
City to continue pursuit of federal funding for West Ward demolition (09/28/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council narrowly decided to stay with the idea of seeking federal funds to help pay for the demolition of the West Ward School building, at Monday evening's town hall meeting at Heritage Senior Center. The vote was split 3-2, with council members Aaron Kircher and Lonnie Anderson against the use of grant funds, citing concerns that the use of the funds required an additional $20,000 historical survey be completed. ...
Air transport service ready for McCook base (09/21/10)
Two speak out on West Ward future (09/21/10)
By BRUCE BAKER City Editor McCOOK, Nebraska -- It may be too late to save West Ward, but the City Council should keep historic preservation in mind in the future, a McCook man involved in just such efforts told the council Monday. At a hearing about the proposed demolition, Gene Morris, who introduced himself as a citizen of McCook, said that the recent demolition of the Romanoff building at Norris and B "created a cavity at a critical juncture in our town."...
West Ward demolition hearing set (09/17/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will host a public hearing at its semi-monthly meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m., at Council Chambers. The hearing is scheduled to discuss any adverse effects resulting from the scheduled demolition of the West Ward Elementary building and is in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966...
Official: Disc golf course one of the best in Nebraska (09/16/10)
Extra funds approved for Humane Society (09/08/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Anne Dowd and Charlene Riemenschneider, representing the McCook Humane Society, presented the McCook City Council with a request for $3,000 and information regarding the budget crisis the non-profit organization found itself facing for the upcoming fiscal year at Tuesday evening's semi-monthly McCook City Council Meeting at Memorial Auditorium...
Accident claim on city agenda (09/03/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will review a $100,000 claim for damages at Tuesday's semi-monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers. The claim was filed by attorneys for Beverly Spilinek as a result of a September 2009 accident involving her 1993 Ford Taurus, which was backed into by a city garbage truck. ...
Organization, consolidation are key benefits for city staff (08/26/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- City Manager Kurt Fritsch told the City Council during its Aug. 16 semi-monthly meeting at Memorial Auditorium, that having everything in one location would be much more organized and consistent. Fritsch was recapping an updated floorplan presentation to the City Council regarding the proposed Municipal Facility to house city administration as well as police and fire departments...
Better function goal of police station plans (08/20/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook Police Chief Isaac Brown is excited for what the proposed municipal facility has to offer his department, but also because he is confident it is what McCook wants. "This is one of the things the public wanted when they voted to pass the half cent sales tax. ...
City Council reviews new building plans (08/17/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Prohaska and Associates presented the City Council with an updated Municipal Facilities floor plan at its semi-monthly meeting, Monday evening at Council Chambers. The prudent layout keeps in mind future expansion of all departments and was the first presented to department heads that included furniture...
City budget includes some freezes (07/21/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Four departments supervised by Public Works Director, Kyle Potthoff are projected to end the current fiscal year $68,701 under budget and have been proposed for the 2010-11 budget to shrink by $41,065 more. The savings will come primarily from budgeted Capital Outlay spending freezes in the Streets, Parks, Ball Parks and Street Lights departments...
Council receives building projections (07/20/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council was presented with space layout and cost projections from Prochaska & Associates of Omaha for the proposed Municipal Facility at Monday's semi-monthly City Council meeting at Memorial Auditorium. The cost projections for construction of the facility to house Police and Fire Departments as well as City Staff were listed as $5,837,350, with a reduced option which the council preferred to pursue at $5,218,200...
Airport budget shows decrease (07/16/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Airport Department is proposing a budget of $138,398 for fiscal year 2010-11, an $872 decrease from the $139,270 budgeted in 2009-10. Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff presented the proposed budget to City Council at Monday's second of three budget workshops at Memorial Auditorium...
Building footprint, ballot on agenda (07/16/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will finalize the building footprint of proposed municipal facilities and agree to a budget amount for the project at Mondays semi-monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium. Council members will review and approve the language to be put before voters in the November election, seeking construction approval of the multi-million dollar municipal facility that will house Police and Fire Departments as well as City administration staff...
Departments outline budgets (07/15/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Capital improvements including a $200,000 elevator drove the majority of the Library Department's proposed $271,793 budget increase in its 2010-11 budget. The plan was reviewed by McCook City Council members Monday evening during their second of three budget workshops at council chambers...
Fire, ambulance departments cut $28K from budget (07/14/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Fire and Ambulance departments were commended for their continued budgeting efficiency by Mayor Dennis Berry at Monday evening's second of three budget workshops at Memorial Auditorium. "Congratulations [to McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham] on your 20 years of service and your department continues to do a fantastic job of budgeting," said Berry...
Crime rate decreases (07/13/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Police Department was pleased to report a decrease in the crime rate, arrests and accidents during 2009 at Monday evening's second of three budget workshops at Memorial Auditorium. McCook Police of Chief Isaac Brown said the number of violent and non-violent crimes decreased, as did serious criminal violations of state statutes and the only increase being in less serious violations of state statutes. ...
Budget proposes pay hikes (07/09/10)
Tuesday evening the McCook City Council received the city staff's 2010-11 preliminary budget which includes a "4.5 percent across the board cost of living adjustment for all employees." City Manager Kurt Fritsch said in the introductory letter for the budget "We feel that it is important to make these increases so that we may stay in line with our compensation practices." The letter also stated that "state funding has been reduced by about 5 percent in revenue sharing to cities in Nebraska" and in another section that "unless there is improvement in revenues and the state funds cities at their full share we will seriously have to consider some increase in the property tax rate in 2011-12.". ...
Council previews preliminary plans (07/08/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council reviewed a preliminary architects rendering of the proposed McCook Municipal Facility at Tuesdays semi-monthly City Council meeting. The new facility, which would house McCook Police and Fire departments as well as the City administration offices, would be located at 304 W. ...
Ideas sought for downtown gateway (07/07/10)
City Council members discussed the need for construction ideas regarding the use of the property where the soon-to-be demolished Romanoff building is located during Tuesday's semi-monthly City Council meeting at Memorial Auditorium. With the potential to tie both sides of Norris Avenue into a "gateway" type project, City Manager Kurt Fritsch expressed the need for a project that would "capture attention and entice travelers to make the turn into downtown McCook."...
Preliminary budget on City Council agenda (07/06/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will conduct the first of three budget workshops and present the preliminary 2010-11 annual budget for the city at tonight's semi-monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium. Council members also will review three proposed demolition contracts: the West Ward School building demolition contract with Land Construction in the amount of $96,880; P&G Excavating's contract for 508 South Street and 305 East 12th in the amount of $13,000; and Maris General Construction, LLC, with the lowest bid for 25 South Street, 504 South Street and 102 S. ...
Main Street Consortium donates $17,000 to develop property left by demolition of Romanoff building (06/22/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Main Street Consortium donated $17,244.96 to the city to assist with development of the property that the soon to be demolished "Romanoff Building" at Norris Avenue and B Street is located on. "We really do appreciate the contribution the Main Street group has made, not only on the Romanoff project but to our community as a whole" said McCook Mayor Dennis Berry after being presented with the check from representatives of the group at Monday's semi-monthly McCook City Council meeting at Memorial Auditorium.. ...
Meeting move fails on 4-1 vote (06/11/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- City Councilman Aaron Kircher championed hosting city council meetings at the Heritage Senior Center but was in the minority, with the City Council voting 4-1 to return to Memorial Auditorium. Kircher reiterated his stance that it should be a top priority of City Council to accommodate handicapped members of the public who wished to attend City Council meetings and the senior center was the best location with that in mind...
Council seeks plans in $5 million range (06/08/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council directed architects to provide proposals for the new City Municipal Facilities at both the $5 million and $5.25 million levels. City Manager Kurt Fritsch expressed concerns, at Tuesday night's bi-monthly city council meeting at the McCook Heritage Senior Center that dropping below the $5 million level would begin to reduce the life expectancy of the building as it would require quality reduction in the quality of key components such as the roof...
Dogs that attacked had history of viciousness (05/20/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- One dog has been destroyed and another is likely to be after they attacked an elderly McCook man out for a walk earlier this month. According to public records, the McCook Police Department responded to the man's cell phone call at 5:36 p.m. on May 8, while he was being attacked by the two dogs while going for a walk near the 1500 block of West 10th...
Fire chief says paid staff key to keeping volunteers (05/19/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Fire Chief Marc Harpham recalls that in 1984, the fire department had three full time people, compared to nine in 2010. "We relied heavily on our volunteers then, requiring them at times to make several meetings a week, respond to more calls than we require per week today and the paperwork our personnel in general were required to do was very time consuming," he said...
Council seeks new bids on project (05/18/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council rejected both bids received for the second project of the 2010 Street Improvement Projects and is advertising for new bids. The board set the bid deadline for June 1 at a bimonthly meeting Monday night at the Heritage Senior Center, after bids initially received were vastly different...
City: Facilities make tough jobs harder to do (05/14/10)
Insufficient space is making the police department's job harder and keeping the fire department from replacing vehicles on schedule. McCook Fire Chief, Marc Harpham made that point as he stood in the 24-inch spacing between ambulance and fire truck as he described the 4-foot-plus space that was actually needed to upgrade the ambulance...
Fire, police open house tonight (05/13/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The City of McCook plans an open house at the Public Safety Center from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight. At a recent townhall meeting, the majority of those in attendance indicated they would favor funding a new facility through the use of sales taxes or a combination of sales and property taxes, with property taxes only a distant third...
Free right turn to be eliminated (05/04/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The "free right turn" at West U.S. Highways 6-34 and 83 will become a thing of the past as part of the sidewalk to Walmart project. J.L. Construction won an $82,000 contract to complete the project by October, but $34,000 of that will go toward traffic signal work associated with a pedestrian crossing...
Mayor: Voter approval vital for building projects (04/30/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- If there is one message the McCook City Council wanted to get across Thursday night about building a new city municipal building, it's "We want what you want." "This is not going to be a deal where we ram this down your throat," Mayor Dennis Berry said to about 75 citizens who attended the town hall meeting at Heritage Senior Center. "It's not going to go unless you approve it."...
Public invited to meeting Thursday on building plans (04/28/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- A special meeting of the McCook City Council will be 7 p.m., Thursday, at the Heritage Senior Center, concerning new city facilities for a fire station, police department and city offices. Mayor Dennis Berry will open the meeting, followed by council comments. ...
More limits placed on animals (04/27/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- With the arrival of spring weather, more people and pets outside and children playing in parks, the McCook Police Department is alerting people to new changes in local animal control laws. With the new laws, it remains unlawful for persons in control of animals to allow the animals to run at large at any time on any occasion in the City of McCook, including in any and all parks. ...
Councilman injured, council changes meeting site (04/26/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Beginning May 3, the McCook City Council will conduct its public meetings at the Heritage Senior Center, 1312 W. Fifth. The change was made necessary because one of the councilman has suffered an injury and is unable to negotiate the stairs into the regular meeting room...
City designates Arbor Day April 30 (04/22/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- A proclamation designating April 30 as Arbor Day in the city was approved by the McCook City Council Monday night. A ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Friday, April 30, at the west shelter house in Barnett Park. Arbor Day originated in Nebraska in 1872 with Julius Sterling Morton, who advocated the use of trees in the landscape. Other states followed suit and now all 50 states proclaiming their own Arbor Day...
Rent, deposit going up at Memorial Auditorium (04/22/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Rental fees and damage deposits will be going up at the city auditorium, as the McCook City Council approved on second reading a revised ordinance that increases the rates. Before its second-round approval, the council heard from a McCook citizen who protested the new rates...
City aims for two new buildings, lower cost (04/22/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Paring down costs and using property taxes to pay for bonding were some of options the McCook City Council decided upon, during discussions over new city complexes for the fire station, police department and administration offices...
Band shell rebuild planned (04/21/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Renovations on the band shell in Norris Park could begin in late August. The McCook City Council unanimously approved Monday night a contract with Berggren Architects of Lincoln. Berggren will provide architectural services for the renovation, starting with preliminary drawings...
Council stays with Great Lakes (04/20/10)
A recommendation from the Airport Advisory Commission to go with SeaPort Airlines for service at McCook's airport was shot down by the City Council. By 3 to 2, the council voted against the recommendation. Mayor Dennis Berry and Councilman Aaron Kircher voted in favor of SeaPort, while Councilmen Lonnie Anderson, Jerry Calvin and Mike Gonzales voted against it...
Split advisory board favors new carrier (04/16/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- After a presentation by the current airline serving McCook, the airport advisory commission voted 4-3 Friday to recommend another airline using smaller planes to the McCook City Council. Meeting Monday, the council is under no obligation to follow the commission's recommendation in indicating its preference to the U.S. Department of Transportation for McCook's Essential Air Service provider...
Council ponders next step for offices (04/16/10)
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will be asked what the next step should be in developing a complex to house the fire, police and city offices, at its regular meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium. Locations the council have considered have been the city-owned West Ward site on West Fifth and the National Guard Armory on West Seventh...
Show and tell (04/14/10)
Airlines make pitch for McCook (04/09/10)
By LORRI SUGHROUE City Editor It's still up in the air as to which airline will provide service at McCook's airport, once the current essential air service contract runs out. The two-year EAS contract with Great Lakes Aviation expires May 31. The McCook Airport Advisory Commission met Thursday and heard a presentation from SeaPort Airlines, based out of Portland, Ore., which has submitted a proposal to be the essential airline carrier at McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport...
Norfolk firm awarded asbestos cleanup contract (04/08/10)
New paving process planned (04/08/10)
A new, environmentally-friendly way to resurface streets is scheduled for Elizabeth Lane this year. The McCook City Council approved bid specifications for this project, along with other street improvements slated for this year, at the regular meeting Monday night...
Plan OK'd for sidewalk to Walmart (04/07/10)
Plans for a sidewalk along U.S. Highways 6-34 and 83 to the west end of town are moving along. The McCook City Council approved plans and specifications Monday night at the regular meeting for the sidewalk. It will be five feet wide by four inches thick, beginning at U.S. Highways 6-34 and 83, continuing south of the highway to the intersection with Wedgewood Drive next to Walmart...
City buys more land for cemetery (04/06/10)
The city will spend $80,000 for new land for Riverview Cemetery. The city was approached by McCook citizen John Hubert to purchase 3.9 acres of land north of Riverview Cemetery, block 3 of the Bison Addition. The price is $15,000 less than appraised value...
Web site contract awarded to Kansas firm (04/06/10)
The City of McCook will soon have a new presence on the Internet. The McCook City Council Monday night approved to authorize city staff to negotiate a $14,994 contract with Civic Plus of Manhattan, Kan., to upgrade the city's Web site. The city received three proposals for the Web site redesign. One did not meet requirements and another came in over budget at $28,615...
Auditorium alcohol request on hold pending liquor liability legal research (04/06/10)
A request to use the city auditorium for a wedding reception serving alcohol was put on hold by the McCook City Council Monday night at the regular meeting. By a unanimous vote, with Mayor Dennis Berry absent, the council voted to take up the item at the next council meeting April 19, so liquor liability issues could be cleared up...
Converting armory would cost $500K more than new (04/06/10)
Converting the current National Guard Armory for city offices and the police department would cost about $500,000 more than constructing a new building, the McCook City Council learned Monday night. The council reviewed costs of rehabbing the armory with Jim Classe, an architect with the Omaha-based Prochaska and Associates, via a conference call Monday night at the regular council meeting...
Council looks into converting armory (04/02/10)
McCook wants to know what it might cost to convert the former National Guard Armory into offices for the city and police department. The City Council will review the idea with architects via a teleconference at the regular meeting Monday night, 7:30 at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium...
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...