Major city water project advances

McCOOK, Neb. — A major water project in south McCook is a demonstration of the city’s effort to maintain and improve its water system.

Utilities Director Pat Fawver outlined a major water project underway in south McCook.

Fawver said, “This is just a continuation of what we have already done down there, and with this project, they are probably two more away from having all of south McCook replaced including transmission lines.” Jerry Calvin wanted to let the citizens of McCook know this is a “big deal” and they hear the community’s concerns about on the water quality issue.

Plans and specifications for a Ravenswood Road water project from the City Shop to South Ninth, were approved with bids to be accepted at 2 p.m. Sept. 26.

As expected, the City Council Tuesday approved on second reading a budget calling for a $1.9 million tax request, up 13% from about $1.7 million last year. While the tax levy will stay at 34 cents per $100 valuation, property values have increased to $556 million from $493 million last year.

With an effort to equalize salaries between union and non-union employees, the council approved an Employee Classification Pay Plan ranging from a lowest possible hourly rate of $12 for temporary seasonal help to a maximum possible hourly rate of $51.592 for the fire chief or chief of police.

City Manager Nate Schneider’s base salary was raised from $124,496 to $133,210, for a new gross annual salary of $134,542 after 4.5% cost of living, 2 1/2% merit and 1% longevity raises are included.

The council also approved on the second of three readings an ordinance raising residential trash collection from $26.25 to $27.25 per month including a $2 recycling fee, household/commercial waste from $77 a ton to $83 a ton and $6 a month for yard waste collection, a $1 increase.

In other items, the council approved:

• A McCook Humane Society request for $3,874.59 per month, up from $3,690.08 to provide animal service expenses, a 5% increase, with an annual cap on utilities of $9,000.

 • A $814,747.90 contract with Paulsen Inc. for North Pointe and West C street paving and utilities project, with a caveat. The contract includes $85,632.50 for paving one block west of West 10th on C Street, but since the bid came in above estimate, the adjacent Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department may not agree to the project. In that case, that portion would be deducted from the contract. 

• A memorandum of understanding with the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce to allow the use funds from the ACE natural gas program for promotional activities

• Great Plains Communications right-of-way occupancy for underground fiber optic cable and two level vaults at West 6th and M to West 5th and M.

• A special designated liquor license for Rocket Inn for a wedding reception Sept. 23 at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds Community Building.

• A request from the McCook Community Foundation Fund to close Norris Avenue from D to E streets on Oct. 12 for a community event.