Ag Lab eyes Alco building

McCOOK, Neb. -- The recently vacated Alco building on West D Street may not sit vacant for long. American Ag Lab, formerly known as Olsen's Ag Lab, has a purchase agreement in place for the structure and is requesting a special exception from City Council to operate at the site. The business is looking to relocate from East First Street.

City Council will coordinate a public hearing to discuss the special exception and subsequently consider approval of the application.

Prairie Gold Homes is similarly requesting a special exception to operate their home construction and inmate training program at the former Public Safety Center on West B Street. Councilors will similarly coordinate a public hearing and consider approval of the item afterwards.

Also during Monday's regularly scheduled meeting, 7:30 p.m., at the Municipal Center, City Council will consider approving the "Disability Pension Annuity Distribution" for former McCook Police Officer Shannon Brown. Brown was injured in the line of duty while attempting to arrest an individual at Community Hospital.

According to Monday's meeting agenda Brown will receive $1,527 in monthly disability compensation for the remainder of her life. The funds will come initially from her retirement account, then contributions from a "non-vested police pension fund" before eventually coming out of budgeted city funds once those sources are depleted.

Other items on Monday's consent and regular agenda:

* City Council will consider a request to remove a street light at 203 W. Second Street to allow for additional parking. The light is located in front of the new home of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce.

* Details pertaining to the city's annual receipt of ACE funds, the Public Alliance for Community Energy, related to their partnership with the natural gas supplier will be presented. McCook is slated to receive $7,915 as this year's profit sharing contribution.

* The YMCA and the Knights of Columbus have requested to host the second annual "Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk" on city streets and the walking trail on Saturday, March 28, 2015, beginning at 4 p.m.