Overman resigns immediately, four left on City Council

Tuesday, September 3, 2002

The McCook City Council will be meeting for the first time as a four-member board following Friday's announcement by Councilman Chris Overman that he will resign his position. In a letter to McCook Mayor Linda Taylor, Councilman Overman wrote: "I regret to inform you that I am hereby submitting my resignation from the McCook City Council effective immediately. While I believe my continued presence on the City Council would very likely bring value to some important decision-making processes, I am also sensitive to the need for community unity and cooperation on these important issues. Notwithstanding my strong personal feelings of obligation to continue to serve as long as possible, I believe it is in the best interest of the community that I resign now.

"I have enjoyed serving on the City Council and working closely with the fine people at the city of McCook. Vonnie and I have been enriched by the five years we've been here and we are sorry to be leaving. At the same time, we are excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead."

The letter is dated Aug. 30 and indicates additional copies were sent to fellow Council members, City Attorney Daylene Bennett, City Manager John Bingham and the McCook media. On Aug. 19, Overman announced his resignation "on or about Nov. 10."

While he received almost universal praise for his performance on the council, there have been calls in recent days for his resignation in time for the Sept. 1 deadline for a replacement candidate to appear on the November general election ballot.

The four Council members remaining will be asked to approve an increase of 10 percent in water rates on third and final reading Tuesday, 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium.

At the Aug. 19 meeting of the City Council, McCook resident Rod Bryan suggested that a flat meter fee increase would be more fair to consumers.

Bryan suggested that instead of increasing rates by 10 percent the city increase the ready to serve fee by $2 for each meter. Bryan maintains that increase would raise approximately $84,672 annually.

"Imposing this type of proposal increases the monthly ready to serve fee for those on fixed incomes, does nothing to encourage conservation and is a benefit to the high users such as Parker. Because of this staff recommends the proposed ordinance as is, with a flat 10 percent increase," said City Manager John Bingham in this week's council packet.

The Council voted three to two on the measure on second reading at its last meeting. Phil Lyons and Dick Trail voted against the increase.

The city's budget is also on the table for third and final reading. The total budget of $20.8 million met with opposition from Trail and Lyons at the last meeting during second reading.

The Council will be asked to award a bid in the amount of $134,454 plus a contingency of $26,891 to Trenton Electric Co. for repairs to the McCook municipal pool.

The original estimate cost for the project was $174,845. Because some of the work will be performed by city staff, the cost of the project was reduced by more than $13,000. City administrators hope to use $5,000 to $10,000 of the excess budget to install pool inlets and add flow control to the wading pool.

A report on the issue of bringing city owned facilities into Americans with Disabilities Act compliance will also be received. The report will include a memorandum dated June 28, 1995 from then city attorney Peter Burger discussing the city's obligation under the ADA, a memo dated Feb. 26, 1999 pertaining to CDBG Grant requirements and the ADA and letters from McCook resident Gary Roth requesting the city look at new regulations required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The council will also be asked to consider a request by developer Joe Giorgione to open and gravel West 14th Street between West O and Q Street.

According to the city council packet, Giorgione is asking permission to build a private driveway on the land platted by the city. He is asking that the city maintain the road. The city would also be required to mark the street and provide a survey of the property.

If the City Council approves the request, city administrators are recommending Giorgione sign a waiver and acknowledgement that the street is deemed opened at his request and the opening of the street does not bar the city or surrounding land owners from moving forward with improvements at a later date.

In other action:

- The council will be asked to declare 21 vehicles and 8 bicycles which are considered abandoned and unclaimed by the McCook Police Department as surplus city property to be disposed of at public auction.

- A response to Councilman Trail's concerns on building projects at Carquest located at 804 East B Street and a new duplex at 1622 Centennial will be presented to the council.

- The council will be asked to change the rates for companies using the city's water towers for antennas from $50 a month to $150 a month.

- The council will be asked to consider a presentation by Brian Vassa of the Nebraska Public Power District regarding the companies lease agreement with the city.

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