Broken Bow City Council met Tuesday night (April 8) in the Municipal Building with four ‘new business’ items ahead of them. All council members were present.
A third change order with JEO Consulting Group on the Highway 2 sanitary sewer extension project from 15th to Webster was approved by council. A removal and replacement of a fire hydrant bid item was deleted for a net change of -$2,815.29. The approval also extended the substantial completion date of the project to April 15, although City Administrator David Schmidt stated he believes the project as a whole might be done by that date.
A resolution to pay Myers Construction for work completed on the same project was approved by council in the amount of $159,561.90. The payment was for work completed through March 25. The resolution also resulted in the signing of the certificate of substantial completion.
City Administrator David Schmidt was approved to make changes to certificates of deposit or similar interest bearing accounts by council. The approval was made for the purpose of Schmidt achieving the best financial opportunities for the city.
A lease agreement totaling $50,801.66 was approved by council for needed equipment to go on the new ambulance expected to arrive soon. Equipment included in the lease with Community Leasing Partners (a division of Community First National Bank) are a LUCAS chest compression system, a mobile ventilator system, and five wireless radios and related equipment.
David Baltz with Emergency Services stated that all major pieces needed in the new ambulance unit had been purchased in previous budgets and that these were the last major items needed. He, as well as Mayor Rod Sonnichsen, stated the importance of each piece of equipment and its role in providing better service to citizens of the area.
During public comments, citizen Tom Eacker expressed concern with houses that had been torn down that he felt had lots of life in them with very little work needed. He stated that he always hears complaints of little housing being available in Broken Bow and wanted to be sure that enough consideration was being taken before the demolition of homes.
In response to Eacker’s comments, Schmidt confirmed that an address Eacker spoke of was a demolition due to a decision made by the owner.
Before adjournment Tuesday night, Jacob Holcomb came before council speaking as a flood plain administrator. He made the council aware of a $250,000 grant available through the state that allows for a flood plain scoping project to be completed. The grant has a 10% cost commitment, which Holcomb stated is $62,500. He added that because of the tight window that’s left to apply, a special meeting might be called for on Thursday.
Both Holcomb and Schmidt explained the grant as a “Spend $62,500 to receive $250,000” situation. Holcomb was encouraged by an analysis reducing the flood plain in Broken Bow making space possible for living and business in town.
Tuesday’s meeting adjourned at 6:22 PM. The next City Council meeting is set for April 22, also at 6 PM at the Municipal Building.
