BROKEN BOW – The Broken Bow City Council held its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in the face of increasingly cold and wet weather. All members were present.
The council approved the consent agenda which included the minutes from the November 22 meeting, the bills as posted, and the November treasurer’s report.
The board unanimously approved appointing Stuart Fox to the Community Redevelopment Authority Board; his term will run into February of 2027. Additionally, the council canceled its meeting slated for December 27 and approved the payment of its bills that would need settling at that meeting. JEO Consulting was appointed as the city’s engineer for the coming year by unanimous vote, as well.
Outgoing councilman Larry Miller received a plaque and congratulations from all for his tenure on the Broken Bow City Council; in a speech, council president David Schmidt cited Miller’s thoughtful insight and perseverance as enormous reasons for the growth and prosperity of the city council, and Broken Bow.
“On more than one occasion, you’ve forced this council to think about an issue or problem from a different perspective. You’ve made us a better team, and I, for one, am honored to have served with you. Your continued commitment and resolve to this community, while courageously facing your own health difficulties, has set the bar extremely high for all those who follow you.”
City Attorney Jason White administered oaths of office to incoming councilman Paul Holland, Mayor Rod Sonnichsen, and incumbent councilman David Schmidt; Schmidt was then unanimously approved to continue his role as council president.
City Administrator Dan Knoell announced a potential partnership with the Custer Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) that would allow the city to submit a grant application for a possible $1 million to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for workforce housing; the opportunity, Knoell said, is a remarkable one.
“We have a unique opportunity to be a poster community with this type of project. Not only can we develop properties, but we can create tax revenue, and most importantly, we can create workforce housing in a community that is in dire need of housing.”
The city, in partnership with the CEDC, has plans to submit 5 projects for the grant; all are dilapidated, vacant houses that have remained uninhabited for anywhere between 15 and 35 years.
The proposal was approved unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:19 p.m. with the next expected in 2023, on January 10.
