NPPD lease up .5%; city UTV rules advance

McCOOK Neb. — The McCook City Council approved an increase of the City of McCook’s lease payment from NPPD by .5%, increasing the percentage amount from 12.5% to 13%, starting Oct. 1, 2024.  “It’s a hard decision,” City Manager Nate Schneider said. “Hopefully, we see those numbers stabilized, and that is actually what we utilize. That’s a big chunk of what we use to fund our employee insurance program in the City. And so it’s always a little concerning when you see those numbers start to drop when you know where those funds are going to and the importance of it.”

Compared to previous years, the amount NPPD pays the city to lease McCook’s electrical system has declined substantially, possibly due partly to green initiatives. 

UTVs

A second reading of Ordinance No. 2024-3080 amending the City of McCook’s Code of Ordinances by adding Chapter 75 about UTV usage on city streets and a presentation by Randall Goltl was heard regarding a request to include golf cart or golf car vehicles in the proposed ordinance. Councilmen Jerry Calvin and Gene Weeding raised safety concerns regarding children and restraint requirements. Police Chief Keven Hodgson said he would have to refer to the statute to make sure that it would require the same level of safety as within a motor vehicle. City Attorney Nate Mustion said,  “As city attorney, I think they absolutely should. And if our ordinances don’t cover it, I will strongly advise that we make them.” 

City Manager Nate Schneider reassured the council and the community, saying, “We have a little more work to do” regarding the concerns that were brought up. He added that they knew it would be complicated from the beginning. However, he emphasized that further research will be done and revisions will be brought to the council, ensuring that the UTV ordinance will be comprehensive and address all safety concerns. The second reading of Ordinance No. 2024-3080 amending the City of McCook’s Code of Ordinances by adding Chapter 75 pertaining to UTV usage on city streets was approved, marking a step forward in this process. 

Pool opening

The pool will be open on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, with the possibility of extending the season with some weekends. This potential extension offers more opportunities for the community to enjoy the pool. There will be one more lifeguard class through the YMCA as they would like to hire an additional 5 lifeguards. Those interested are encouraged to apply, contributing to the safety and enjoyment of our pool season. 

Ballpark project

A contract has been signed, and the land purchased in part for the proposed sports complex is expected to close on August 1, 2024. A committee is being organized to help make the decisions regarding the Sports Complex. 

Mike Roth, a McCook native, working at High Level Promotions (HLP) presented to the council. HLP specializes in securing naming rights and corporate sponsorships for facilities such as the proposed sports complex and the McCook Aquatic Park, aiming to maximize their value through strategic partnerships. One key feature of their approach is a low-risk model for clients, as they only get compensated upon successfully acquiring sponsorships. They leverage their industry relationships to assist in various aspects, from infrastructure to concessions. Through their work, they aim to bring in big-name and local sponsors to support operational maintenance and construction projects.  Roth pointed out the success of their founders and strategic partners, who had raised a million dollars for a similar project in Clyde, Texas. The City will work with HLP to present and vote on a contract in a future Council meeting. 

Items included in the consent agenda:

• Approve the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce Heritage Days request to use Norris Park for the Arts & Crafts Show and close streets at various times to accommodate the parade and other festivities. 

• Award the base bid and alternates #1 and #2 to Shelco Construction of Elsie, Nebraska, for $980,698.46, the lowest best bid.

• Approve the McCook Chamber of Commerce’s request to close part of  Norris Avenue on July 18 for their Third Thursday Family Fun on the Bricks Event.