West Ward discussions continue

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.

Cost estimates were also given for renovating West Ward school into a law enforcement center/city office building, at about $3.37 million.

At Monday's meeting, the council will continue the discussion of whether to renovate or build new and costs related to both. The council will also be asked to approve a public work session between the council and city staff, to be at the current fire station, to discuss the needs of the community concerning these projects.

From the consent agenda, the council will be asked to approve three items, including:

* authorize the mayor to sign a Certificate of Completion for the 2009 Maintenance Agreement between the City of McCook and the Nebraska Department of Roads. The agreement certifies that all roadway surface maintenance has been accomplished per the terms set forth in the agreement. The city is responsible for state highways within city limits.

* authorize city staff to prepare a resolution fixing as a special assessment all costs the city incurred with the demolition of property at 810 W. Fourth that is owned by Sharon M. and Christopher H. Boley.

Total costs of demolition came to $14,706.56, that includes $9,000 to tear down the house, $1,589 in back taxes from 2006 through 2009 and $1,260 for asbestos removal.

* receive and file the financial report for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2009. Total ending cash balance as of Dec. 31 came to $10,132,130.80.

Beginning cash on hand as of Oct. 1, 2009 was $10,031,325. Total year to date receipts came to $3,804,691 and total disbursements were $3,703,886.