Job training nonprofit eyes old city building

McCOOK, Neb. -- A nonprofit organization specializing in providing job training programs for inmates is interested in leasing the City of McCook's former Public Safety Center. The potential tenant's plan for the building would provide additional job training options for inmates at the Work Ethic Camp as well as help with the local housing shortage.

The Executive Director for Prairie Gold Homes, Renee Bauer, is scheduled to present a lease proposal to City Council Monday evening during the regularly scheduled meeting, 7:30 p.m., at the Municipal Center.

Prairie Gold Homes partners with a variety of public and private organizations in an effort to provide convicted offenders with comprehensive education and job training programs, with an emphasis on the design and building of modular homes that meet local needs, according to city staff.

The nonprofit is based out of Lincoln, Nebraska, and is already partnered with the State of Nebraska to provide training programs for offenders sentenced to incarceration in that area, according to the meeting agenda.

The Public Safety Center has sat empty since Red Willow County moved jail operations into the new county jail on Norris Avenue. Prairie Gold Homes would use the facility as a hands on learning center for inmates placed at the Work Ethic Camp, focused on skills related to basic house building.

City staff has indicated some or all of the modular home units built during the training could be utilized to fill vacant lots within city limits.

Other items on Monday's regular and consent agenda:

* A bid to purchase a new 2013 Caterpillar CT660 day cab semi-tractor for the transfer station will be considered for approval. The preferred bid amount from NMC Truck Centers of Omaha is $82,500 and city staff is requesting an additional $3,500 to install a wet kit on the vehicle.

City Council budgeted $65,000 for the purchase of a new or used semi-tractor and city staff is requesting to finance the additional $21,000.

The lowest bid received by city staff was for a used 2010 Mack CHU613 at $79,950. The used vehicle has 170,764 miles, 30 horsepower less than the new vehicle and would have no warranty.

* Councilors will consider approval of a professional services agreement between the city and engineering firm Miller & Associates related to improvements to a city parking lot on E. First Street. Miller & Associates will be tasked with survey, design and construction observation services on the project, which includes parking lot improvements, construction of a parking pavilion and development of a "linear park development." The linear park will be located between the former McCook Glass Building and the Top Office Products building on Norris Avenue.

The agreement includes a $31,830 lump sum payment and additional hourly services not to exceed $23,000.

* Amendments to the City of McCook Drug and Alcohol policies related to Public Transportation will be considered for approval. The changes are part of a coordinated effort with the Nebraska Department of Roads to get the state in compliance with federal regulations, according to the meeting agenda.