City OKs land, paving swap

McCOOK, Neb. -- City leaders committed to a $15,000 paving project Monday evening in exchange for a privately-owned piece of vacant property blocking the continuation of West 7th Street.

The City Council approved swap is anticipated to benefit three housing developments underway in the neighborhood, North Pointe Properties, Clary Village and Quillan Courts.

The approximate 81-foot by 66-foot vacant property is owned by John and Betty Nothnagel of McCook and would allow the city to continue R Street to the west side of West 7th Street.

R Street is located on the southern edge of the North Pointe Properties development and borders the Clary Village Senior Housing and Quillan Courts developments to the north, it ends abruptly just prior to merging with West 7th Street.

During a public hearing coordinated by City Council Monday, City Manager Nate Schneider said the transaction was needed to make the three housing developments viable.

"I think we do need to have two access points," said Schneider, adding it would make easier access for the fire department as well as provide a couple different entry points for future residents.

"I think it's a good plan for the city," said Schneider.

The paving commitment is estimated to cost the city between $15,000 and $17,000. It will extend the Smoker's Outlet parking lot in a circular fashion to the west, providing an increased turning radius for delivery trucks. City staff indicated six inch concrete would be used and one tree would likely need to be removed as part of the project.

John Nothnagel said he and his wife had been working with the city on an acceptable exchange for more than two-and-a-half years. Nothnagel pointed out he was giving the city more than 5300 feet of property in exchange for the city paving approximately 2500 feet of right-of-way.

"So we're giving land, just to use your right-of-way," said Nothnagel. He indicated delivery trucks to the business would primarily benefit from the additional pavement and it would make the business a lot more accessible.

Schneider said discussions also occurred around who actually owned the right-of-way and it was possible the State of Nebraska Department of Roads had an ownership interest. He said subsequent discussions with area roads officials indicated they had no concerns with the city paving the property.

Wayne Michaelis presented the only public comments during the hearing. He asked if discussions had occurred pertaining to a potential second roadway north of R Street that would likely be platted if the North Pointe development progressed as originally planned. Michaelis indicated "S Street" would run into the same roadblock as R Street and require acquisition of an identical piece of Nothnagel property in order to intersect with West 7th Street.

"Aren't you going to be in the same boat?" asked Michaelis.

Schneider said the project was being done in phases and was still in the first phase. He hoped as the project moved forward access would be gained to other points.

"If I remember right John [Nothnagel], you weren't interested at this point in time, as far as getting rid of any of that land north of that. For right now were just focusing on R Street," said Schneider.

Michaelis subsequently received confirmation the property would be annexed after the city acquired it and City Council unanimously approved the transaction without further comment.

Also during Monday's regularly scheduled meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding between the city and Mid-Plains Community College, necessary to finalize a $1,000 donation from the college to the Bolles Canyon Skatepark, was approved. City Manager Nate Schneider described the memorandum as procedural on the college's part.

"We really do appreciate anything we can get. Happy to bring it forward," said Schneider.

The memorandum stated college students would have access to the park during regular park hours and the college would pay the city a one-time payment for future use of the park.

Prior to the meeting, McCook Community College Vice President Andy Long similarly described the item as part of the normal checks and balances the college goes through when issuing funds in support of projects.

Other items on Monday's consent and regular agenda:

* The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce was approved to conduct the annual Christmas Lights Parade at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5, 2015; flying in Santa Clause at the airport at 10 a.m.; and the use of a city fire truck for Santa's transportation in the parade.

* Bid specifications for improvements to a city parking lot on East First Street and a handicap accessible walkway connecting the parking area to Norris Avenue were approved without comment. The date to receive bids was set as Dec. 14, 2015, at 2 p.m. and the specs included alternate completion dates of May 2016 and August 2016.

* The Casey's General Store at 704 West B Street was approved for a modification to its liquor license to incorporate an expansion project. The building size is increasing from 68 feet in length to 83 feet as part of the renovation, according to the agenda.

* Great Plains Communications was authorized to occupy city right-of-way for the installation of an underground fiberoptic cable and coax cable. The cable will begin on the south side of West Q Street, approximately 50 feet east of the intersection between West Q and West 8 1/2 Street, running north approximately 487 feet.

* Schmick's Market was approved for a special liquor license for a dance and reception at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds Community Building on Nov. 28 and another on Dec. 19, 2015.

* Loop Brewing Co. was approved for a special liquor license for a Christmas party at the Keystone Business Center on Dec. 5, 2015.