City Council to negotiate with manager candidate

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. That interview was with J. Jeff Hancock of Warrensburg, Missouri.

Hancock has 14 years combined experience as the city manager of Warrensburg and 30 years of experience as a city manager, city administrator or assistant city manager, which began when he was named the city administrator of Camdenton, Missouri, at the age of 22.

During the Sept. 21 interview, Hancock said he was an open and accepting person who enjoyed meeting people and building lines of communication. He talked about the importance of citizens feeling like he was "our" city manager as opposed to "the" city manager.

"I have a wealth of experience and am a person that loves small communities. I have a good heart and strong values," said Hancock at the close of the interview.

According to Hancock's resume, Warrensburg recently completed and implemented a $15 million public improvement project which included new municipal facilities.

Councilors will also consider proclaiming Oct. 9-15 as Fire Prevention Week during the meeting. The McCook fire department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association during the designated week to put a focus on preventing home fires and educating citizens on what to do if a fire does break out.

The snow and ice control and removal operation procedures will be received by councilors as well. The procedures are revised every year and include the agreement between the City and Red Willow County for snow plowing services. Salt brine used on McCook roadways is comprised of two ingredients, rock salt and water, according to the agenda item, which also stated that the brine is produced at the McCook water treatment plant.

Other items on the consent and regular agenda;

* City staff has recommended awarding the bid for a new 1/2 ton 4-wheel drive Dodge pickup for the waste water department to Janssen Chrysler Jeep Dodge of North Platte, Nebraska. The bid amount is $20,981.

* The McCook Rotary club has requested to close Norris Avenue from D Street to E Street, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, for the third annual First Night event.

* The McCook Pizza Hut has submitted a manager application for Scott B. Kemery to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission and city staff has recommended councilors grant their approval of the application.

* Sehnert's Bakery has requested a special liquor license for a reception at the Community Building on Oct. 22 .