Re-platting, city building codes up for council approval

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council will be asked to approve on second reading turning six residential lots into 12, at is regular meeting Monday, 5:30 p.m. at city council chambers at the City Municipal Building.

The re-platting is being requested Jay and Susan Hancock, for vacant property they own south of Cheyenne Road, between Pawnee Drive and Seminole Drive, directly behind Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. The property was originally platted as six lots for residential medium density. The Hancock’s plan to build 12 townhouses that will be sold with each lot.

Because the proposed 12 lots are smaller than usual residential city lots, not meeting side-yard set backs and lot width criteria, a “Planned Development” and re-platting needs city council approval before the Hancocks can proceed.

The council first approved the re-platting and “Planned Development” at its Jan. 20 meeting after the required public hearing. If approved on Monday night, it will have a third and final reading. A “Planned Development” has been used in other city areas, such as the income-based senior housing Clary Village, at 1606-1620 W. Eighth and the income-based Quillan Courts, West Second and West I.

Other business the council will address Monday night is the second reading of updated city building codes, with an adjustment made concerning radon control.

The council first approved the updated city building codes at its Jan. 20 meeting. The updates were based on 2018 International building codes and included radon controls were recommended but not required in new construction. Since that meeting, the city was notified by Myra Stoney of the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department that a new law was approved in late 2019 that mandates a passive radon control methods in new construction. The revised city building codes the council will be asked to approve Monday night will include this mandate.

The meeting will begin Monday night with a presentation by Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway, and Luth, Certified Public Accountants on the City of McCook audit report. A representative will address questions by the council.

The consent agenda, where items can be approved in one motion unless pulled for discussion and a separate vote, includes a report of equipment purchases currently being financed by the City of McCook.

The report was requested by Mayor Mike Gonzales and includes the amount financed, the annual payments and the date of the final payment Water and sewer bonded debt is not included.

There are five projects currently being financed: self contained breathing apparatuses for the fire department, ($127,451, Horizon Bank); an ambulance ($159,955, MNB Bank); cat loader for the street department ($114,040, MNB Bank); street sweeper ($178,691, MNB bank); a loader for solid waste ($132,474. Caterpillar Financial). Loans made internally are: Sewer funds, solid waste hauling trailers, $94,295; Water funds, general fund equipment, $279,856; and self insurance, $450,000.

Other consent agenda items are:

- Modify and add two amendments concerning bids for the McCook Public Library HVAC Replacement project.

The City Council at the Jan. 6 meeting approved the specifications and dates for bids for the McCook Library HVAC replacement project. On Jan. 23, potential bidders expressed concern about whether they would have sufficient time to receive price quotes from vendors prior to the original bid date of Jan. 27, 2020. Another potential contractor expressed concerns regarding their ability to get a bond in place by Jan. 27. Because of these concerns, staff was advised by James Marshall Engineering, the contractor of the project, to issue an addendum modifying the bid date to Feb. 4, 2020.

Another addendum was issued Jan. 29 modifying the hot water hose kit specifications to include a three-way valve and to include a “Smart Controller.”

-Authorize the Mayor to sign the Environment Review for the McCook Housing Agency: 2020-2025 Improvements. Miller and Associates completed the environmental review for the McCook Housing Agency 2020-2025 improvements. Improvements are funded through the Capital Fund Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). No negative impacts were identified for McCook Housing Authority residents.

-Approve the application for a special designated liquor license submitted by the City of McCook for the Employee Recognition Banquet on March 13, 2020, at the McCook Municipal Auditorium, 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.