City Council moves forward on wastewater treatment plant renovations

McCOOK, Neb. - Among the items approved at Monday night’s meeting of the McCook City Council were documents related to modifications of the injection well building at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

The council slated Dec. 5, 2024, at 2 p.m. as the date to receive bids for the renovation project, designed to facilitate future ease of maintenance by creating a removable section of the existing building located on the southwest boundary of the WWTP property. Funding for the project will be sourced from uncommitted Water Department funds.

Other notable items on the consent agenda included approving bid specifications for a new all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive police interceptor/pursuit utility vehicle for the McCook Police Department, with bids due by Nov. 25, 2024.

The council also received and filed the City of McCook’s Snow and Ice Control and Removal Operation Procedures and Policies and confirmed an emergency purchase of a used 2015 Ford F-750 Bucket Truck for the Street Department at a cost of $55,000, including delivery. The consent agenda was approved without any items being pulled for discussion.

City Manager Nate Schneider announced significant news regarding a grant award the city recently received: “We got some really good news from the end of last week.” The Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded McCook a $1.5 million Rural Recovery Program grant, utilizing repurposed ARPA funds.

The grant will support recreational enhancements, including $500,000 for an inclusive playground at Kelly’s Park, $400,000 for improvements at Barnett Park, and $600,000 for amenities at the new sports complex. Schneider thanked Jessica Bortner, Tera Koetter, and Kyle Potthoff for their efforts in securing the grant.

The council also recommended approval for the application of Schmitz Station, LLC, doing business as “The Station,” for a Class “I” Liquor License. 

In a report by Charlie McPherson, Executive Director of the McCook Economic Development Corporation, he shared updates from the Citizens Advisory Review Committee meeting held on Oct. 28, 2024. McPherson reported that the total program balance at the end of the quarter stood at $1,028,633.15, with $541,089.44 available after accounting for reserve funds. Approximately $490,000 is allocated to ongoing projects, and all loans utilizing LB 840 funds remain current, with a balance of $718,684.07 from an original amount of $1,232,664.

McPherson highlighted recent accomplishments in the development area, noting the installation of streetlights and the completion of paving at Industrial Park Drive at the McCook Business Park. A rail switch installation will be finalized shortly to support further industrial development.

McPherson shared, “It’s been a couple of years in the making, but it’s exciting to see the work getting close to being finished. The extended street paving from Industrial Park Drive is completed. At the end of Industrial Park Drive, there is also a large turn around and gravel access road (South 17th Street) with a controlled access gate which is now up. All the electrical components, water, and sewer are all there. So, from our standpoint, they are probably close to 97% done.”

He announced that Performance Plus is nearing the start of operations, contingent upon the rail track installation, and invited the community to a duplex open house scheduled for Dec. 10, from 2- 4 p.m.

As McCook continues to develop and improve its infrastructure and services, the council remains focused on enhancing the community’s quality of life and economic opportunities.