City finances $700k in new equipment

Lorri Sughroue

Associate Editor

McCOOK, Neb. — The City of McCook is financing five pieces of equipment through local banks, totaling around $700,000.

The five purchases total $712, 612, the costliest one a 2019 MacQueen street sweeper at $178,691, financed through MNB.

The McCook City Council approved the itemized report of current equipment purchases being financed, as a consent agenda item. The report was requested by Mayor Mike Gonzales and as a consent agenda item, was approved in one motion with other consent items with no discussion.

Other purchases are: 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); and a loader for solid waste ($132,474. Caterpillar Financial).

Loans made internally for purchases are: Sewer funds, solid waste hauling trailers, $94,295; Water funds, general fund equipment, $279,856; and self insurance, $450,000.

With barely a quorum Monday night — excused and absent were Councillors Jerry Calvin and Janet Hepp —the McCook City Council wrapped up business within an hour Monday night.

Two items up for a vote were both for ordinances on the second of three readings. Voting unanimously in favor with no discussion were Mayor Mike Gonzales and council members Jared Muehlenkamp and Gene Weedin.

These ordinances were:

-The re-platting and designation of a “Planned Development, sought by Jay and Susan Hancock of McCook, for vacant property they own south of Cheyenne Road, between Pawnee Drive and Seminole Drive, directly behind Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Located in a residential medium density area, the Hancock’s are requesting the six lots be re-platted to 12 lots, so townhouses can be built. The Hancock’s plan to build six duplexes, of two townhouses each.

The council first approved the re-platting and “Planned Development” at its Jan. 20 meeting after the required public hearing. Jay Hancock told the council at the hearing that each duplex would contain two townhouses, with a shared wall. Each townhouse would be two to three bedrooms and be sold separately. Because the proposed 12 lots are smaller than usual residential city lots, not meeting side-yard set backs and lot width criteria, the council needs to approve a “Planned Development” and re-platting before building can start.

“Planned developments” have been used in other areas of the city, such as Clary Village and Quillan Courts.

-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. Changes include that fences and decks now require a permit and that passive radon control methods are required in new construction. In 2019, LB 130 was approved in the Nebraska Legislature that requires radon control in new construction; McCook City building codes will reflect that mandate.

Other consent agenda items approved include:

- Modified and added two amendments concerning bids for the McCook Public Library HVAC Replacement project. These amendments were to change the bid date to Feb. 4 and to modify the water hose specifications.

-Authorized 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.

-Approved 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.