Council asked to OK recreational projects ballot question

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council will be asked to approve a ballot question for the Nov. 8 election that asks voters to increase the city sales tax by .5%, along with terms and conditions, at the regular meeting Monday, 5:30 p.m. at the city council chambers at the City Municipal Building.

The council will also be asked to approve the 2022-23 budget on the first of three readings. Budget documents will be presented at Monday’s meeting.

The ballot question, as presented for Monday’s meeting, would ask voters to increase the city sales tax from 1.5% to 2%, with the condition that the additional .5% “be used to pay the costs to construct, acquire, improve, furnish and equip public infrastructure projects, that will include a swimming pool and ballpark facilities.”

It also includes that the .5% city sales tax continue for 10 years, “unless bonds are issued with some or all of the additional revenues pledged for the payment of such bonds, in which case the increased sales and use tax rate will remain in effect and additional revenues will be collected until payment in full is received for bonds.” According to the city manager’s report, based on costs associated with the two projects, in order to achieve the objective of the recreational bond, it’s anticipated that $12 million will be needed in the sale of bonds and full payback of those bonds is estimated to occur after 20 years. Once the bonds are paid in full, the .5% sales tax would automatically discontinue.

The council has already approved a recommendation from the Pool Committee for a swimming pool to be constructed at the current location for the estimated cost of $6 million.

Two options have been discussed for a ballpark facility. Under Option 1, a new ballpark would be created at the estimated cost of $15 million. A portion of the funding for a new ballpark would come from the voter-approved local options sales tax, with the remaining balance paid for by donations from private individuals and public entities.

Under Option 2, if the amount fundraised is insufficient to build a new ballpark facility, the revenue generated from additional local options sales tax would be used to upgrade current ballpark facilities.

Other items on the regular agenda the council will be asked to approve Monday night are:

-- On its first reading, an ordinance that amends McCook subdivision procedures. The ordinance concerns subdividing an already subdivided process by allowing a vacating of existing subdivisions, instead of replatting. If the council approves, the usual three-reading rule of ordinances can be suspended and the ordinance can be approved on its first reading.

-- The request from Stacey Aguilar, Emergency Management Director for Community Hospital, to utilize McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport for a community-wide full-scale exercise on Tuesday, Sept, 13, 2022, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

-- A contract with Lagoon Pumping and Dredging Inc. of Columbus, Neb., for digester cleaning and land application of biosolids in the amount of $128,395.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign.

-- The 2022/2023 Fiscal Year Employee Classification Pay Plan, that sets salaries of all city employees

-- On its third and final reading, an ordinance that allows the voluntary annexation of a tract of land located north of “R” Street along West 7th Street in the NE1/4 of Section 19, Township 3 North, Range 29 West of the 6th P.M. in Red Willow County, Nebraska, which is a part of the Willow Grove Precinct, said property owned by John and Elizabeth Nothnagel. If brought into city limits, the property would be eligible for tax increment financing that could be used for infrastructure improvements. Their request follows a similar request by the McCook Economic Development Corp., that requested property it owns directly south of the Nothnagel property to be annexed into city limits. The council unanimously approved that request. Both properties are located in the Clary Subdivision Replat No. 1.

The meeting Monday night will start with two public hearings. The first is for a report from the Economic Development Plan Citizen’s Advisory Review Committee on its meeting held July 25, 2022.

The second is for an application from the McCook Economic Development Corporation, John and Elizabeth Nothnagel, and W.A.G.S. Properties, LLC to approve a preliminary plat which serves as the initial step in the creation of the North Pointe Addition to the City of McCook. After this hearing, the council will be asked to approve the preliminary plat for the creation of the North Pointe Addition to the City of McCook.

Items on the consent agenda include:

-- Approve specifications and procurement documents for Fan Press Equipment Procurement and set date to receive bids for Sept. 8, 2022 at 2 p.m.

The project involves buying equipment to process sludge generated at the waste water treatment plant, using ARPA funding.

-- Adopt a resolution that provides for the levy of special assessments for the cost of demolition to abate nuisances. This resolution would correct the lot and block listed in a prior resolution the council approved at its July 18 meeting, where costs incurred by the city with the demolition of property owned by William Todd Baker at 406 E. First could be levied as a special assessment against the property.

-- Approve the appointment of City Manager Nate Schneider, Utilities Director Pat Fawver, Waste Water Operator John White, and council members Gene Weedin and Jerry Calvin, to the Selection Board for Engineering Services for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. As State Revolving Loan funds will be used for improvements at the wastewater treatment plant, a selected board is required that consists of at least three members of the city who have knowledge of the project.

-- Ratify and approve the selection of Hays Companies, Inc., a Brown and Brown Company, to serve as the City of McCook’s Health Insurance Broker and execute the accompanying agreements.

-- Approve the application for a Special Designated Liquor License submitted by the McCook Chamber of Commerce for a Heritage Days Community Celebration Oct. 6 at Norris Alley, 406 Norris Ave., from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

-- Approve the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce Heritage Days request for the use of Norris Park Oct. 7-8 for the arts and craft show, including the bandshell and electricity, and the closing of certain city streets for the parade and vendors.