Rural residents closer to getting water

The 13 residents of the Nothnagel addition south of McCook are one step closer to resolving their water problems.

The McCook City Council agreed Monday night to complete documents related to a $150,000 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant. The grant, from USDA Rural Development, would be used to extend the municipal water system south to the addition, where wells have gone dry because of the drought.

Chris Miller, of Miller and Associates, the grant's preparer, said the project will not cost the city anything because the residents will pay the run over costs, estimated at $24,000.

"Because of the federal grants, this is going to be a very, very inexpensive resolution for water," said City Manager John Bingham.

Councilman Jim Kenny expressed his pleasure with the project during council comments.

"I'm happy for the residents of the Nothnagel addition and I hope it works out for them. And it's good for the city too, it's a win-win situation," he said.

In Other Action, the council:

* Appointed Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff as acting city manager for June 18-26 during City Manager John Bingham's planned absence.

* Approved an item to receive bids for an airport improvement project from Engineering firms to seal concrete joints, repaint runway 3/21 to new FAA standards and replace airport signs. The estimated cost of the project is $190,400 with 95 percent to be covered through a federal grant

* Signed an agreement with the West Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging for management, operation, support, monitoring, and evaluation of the McCook Heritage Senior Center

* Approved a resolution waiving HUD from payment in lieu of taxes for their housing projects

* Approved the request from the McCook Main Street to set up the Farmers Market from July 2 through September.

* Amended the city's three retirement plans per federal rules to reduce the amount of involuntary distributions upon termination from $3,500 to $1,000.

* Updated the powers and duties of the Police Officers' Retirement Committee and Firefighters' Retirement Committee to comply with legislative changes since 1983.

* Approved water projects to up-size the Business Park sewer main, upgrade the Wastewater Treatment Facility influent line, and replacement of the South Ninth Street water main.

* Authorized a permanent easement with George A. Randel that provides for the relocation of a sanitary sewer line for entry onto the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

* Agreed to receive bids for the installation of Tonka equipment previously purchased by the city, disinfection equipment and the SCADA computer control system for the new treatment plant.

* Approved plans to include two new water wells, connecting mains and refurbishing existing wells to supply correct pressure for the treatment plant.

* Mayor Berry recognized a letter received from the County Commissioners office that asked for City Council participation in a jail study.