City , county to study cooperation

The McCook City Council will look at appointing residents of McCook to a special committee with residents from Red Willow County to begin looking at ways to coordinate efforts between the two groups.

The action comes following the council meeting of Nov. 3, in which the group discussed a request from Red Willow County Commissioner Leigh Hoyt to reduce costs to the county for dispatching and ambulance services in exchange for help with snow removal in the city.

The council will also be asked to approve the annexation of Barnett Park on third and final reading and approve an increase in water rates on second reading.

City Manager John Bingham will ask the council to put the establishment of its Top Ten priority list for fiscal year 2003-04 on hold since only two of the five council members responded by the Nov. 10 deadline.

Mayor Jerda Garey and Councilman Dick Trail responded to the request. Both asked that the city continue working on the city's water and sewer projects and subjects regarding customer service enhancement. Gary also requested that the city begin addressing the needs of the construction industry and developer needs.

On the consent agenda, which can be approved in one motion, the council will be asked to:

* Receive and file a recall of bid specifications for a new pickup for the McCook Water Department.

* Receive and file a report that the McCook City and Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a United States Fire Administration/Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire Grant in the amount of $19,936 to purchase an upgraded training package.

* Adopt a resolution providing that South First Street and South Second Street be renamed Stout Street.