BROKEN BOW—The City of Broken Bow is seeking members of the public to serve on city boards. During Tuesday night’s city council meeting, City Administrator Dan Knoell said several boards need new members in order to reach a quorum—otherwise decisions cannot be made.
“The reason I asked this to be on the agenda is because a lot of our boards are dwindling and dwindling drastically,” Knoell continued. “Making quorum is really starting to get difficult for the Planning Commission.”
Currently, four new members are needed on the Planning Commission, two on the Park Board, and two on the Board of Adjustment. Knoell said the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment meet on an as-needed basis depending on variances and lot split applications. The Park Board meets on the first Monday of each month.
Interested citizens must fill out an application and live inside Broken Bow city limits. Mayor Rod Sonnichsen encourages the public to step up by serving the city and become more involved.
“This is the public’s chance to make a difference,” Sonnichsen said.
The city council heard from local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Tim McCaslin regarding a potential partnership with One America Financial Partners for City of Broken Bow employee retirement plans. McCaslin said this possible partnership would improve city employee retirement options, allow more investment flexibility, and provide improved advisor support.
“Local representation is close to our hearts,” Mayor Sonnichsen said on behalf of city employees.
Tim McCaslin said it would be his role to provide that local support. “That’s my role: to make sure employees are taken care of,” McCaslin said.
One America Regional Sales Director Kara Knotts and Relationship Director Stacey Hoffman spoke before the council about the Midwest-based company that has more than 100 years of experience. They outlined what the employee experience would look like via a personalized website and mobile app for all of the city employee’s retirement investment options. Knotts and Hoffman said employees will be able to work with them and McCaslin during a possible transition. No decisions were made.
Also on Tuesday, the council approved the reappointments of Planning Commission Board Members Cecil Burt III, Nicolle Bailey, and Jim Girardin Jr. for a three-year term ending February 2024.
Following a public hearing, the Replacing Application for the Class D beer, wine, distilled spirits, off sale only liquor license was approved for Casey’s General Store #1845.
The new city firetruck was parked outside the Municipal Building for the public to view on Tuesday night. The firetruck comes to Broken Bow following the approval of purchasing a 1999 Pierce Dash 100’ SkyArm Firetruck on April 13. (Click here for the April 14 story.)
The next city council meeting will be on Tuesday, May 11 at 6 p.m.
