City Council Discusses One-way Street in Front of North Park Elementary

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Broken Bow City Council held a Public Hearing regarding a possible one-way street on H Street, going from east to west between 10th and 12th. Police Chief Steve Scott, Streets Superintendent Bud Clark, and North Park Principal Kim Jonas all explained how traffic can become congested in the mornings and afternoons around the school and that a one-way street would help keep traffic flowing and keep students safe. More readings and discussions will take place at future council meetings before a vote is taken. There was also a Public Hearing for an Electric Rate increase. Electric Superintendent Doug Staab reported that the board continues to lose money and that a 5% increase was recommended by the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN). The average homeowner would see a $6 increase in electric bills. More readings and discussions will take place at future council meetings before a vote is taken. Dawn West with the Broken Bow Housing Authority gave an annual report and requested the waiver of PILOT funds. The amount of $25,818.40 was waived and will go into CDs for maintenance projects, with the assistance of the city. The Housing Authority oversees 85 affordable housing units for elderly, disabled, and handicap residents and has used previous PILOT funds to help pave certain streets in city neighborhoods. The council also discussed the 5th Avenue and downtown assessments. The final change order for downtown improvements was approved, as were other payments to JEO, Myers Construction, and payments for the library renovation project. Celebrating the final downtown change order, Councilman Neal Neth said, “no matter what anyone says about the downtown project, they always say it looks nice.” Rod Sonnichsen commended city officials and crews who helped during last week’s flooding. During the Public Comment period, Legends Neighborhood Grill Owner Bill Butler thanked the council for allowing the street dance on Saturday night and said he hopes to pursue similar events in the future. The next City Council meeting will be on September 12 at noon.
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