Broken Bow Recognized as No. Five “Safe City” in Nebraska

BROKEN BOW—Broken Bow is the number five safest city in Nebraska based on its size, according to SafeWise. SafeWise compiles the report using FBI violent and property crime data. The community-focused security organization also reports, “community spirit is a hallmark of cities with low crime rates, and the ten Nebraska cities we’ve recognized definitely represent the difference involved citizens can make,” safety expert Rebecca Edwards said. During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Deb Kennedy presented a certificate to the Broken Bow Police Department. “I think that’s a testament to our law enforcement, to the officers, to the support staff, to emergency staff, to everyone involved with the city in keeping our city safe for us to be in,” Kennedy said. Chief Steve Scott said all of the officers work hard to protect Broken Bow’s citizens and its property. Councilman Neal Neth thanked the department and said “how fortunate we are because everyone works together.” Ordinance 1178 was approved after its third reading for Mayor and Council Wages. Council members currently receive $2,100 annually and beginning next term, the mayor will receive $6,000. The council approved appointments to the Park Board (Ryan Vonderohe) and Planning Commission (Tyson Havranek), and reappointments to the Park Board (Jeff Oeltjen), Planning Commission (Cecil Burt III, Travis Hansen, and Jim Girardin, Jr.) and Board of Adjustment (Jason Baum). The council voted to table the bid received for a new police vehicle. Five-year agreements were renewed with S & L Sanitation and the Transfer Station. A lot split at 133 South 9th Avenue and 130 South 10th Avenue was approved for drainage purposes, with the city to receive the deed for three tracts of land along the portion of the creek between 9th and 10th. Street Superintendent Monte Clark presented the One and Six Year Plan which was approved. The council voted to renew Handi Bus funding and payments for 2018 paving improvements ($2,484 to JEO for preliminary design on South 19th). Payment number three in the amount of $3,098 was approved to JEO for work completed on the Broken Bow Flood Risk Reduction. The total cost of this project is approximately $81,000. Various payments were also approved for work at the Broken Bow Public Library. Library Director Joan Birnie reported that the library has seen a one-third increase in volume, averaging 50-70 people every day after school. She thanked everybody for supporting the project and said it is a “true delight to be in that building.” Cornhusker State Industries-furniture: $8,422 Chief Construction: $51,962.55 Westbrook Audio-audio equipment and installation: $3,757.18 JEO: $1,578 Bow Family Furniture: $24,259.20 The City Council entered into closed session where no decisions were made. (Click here to view the meeting agenda with attachments)