BROKEN BOW—The Broken Bow Police Department (BBPD) is growing thanks to the hard work of the entire force and the commitment of new officers Paul Cunningham and Christopher Shelby. The Broken Bow City Council meeting held on Tuesday, September 27 began with the swearing in of both officers, who will be certified officers by this spring following basic training in Grand Island.
Currently, both Cunningham and Shelby are “non-certified conditional officers” as stated by Police Chief Steve Scott. Chief Scott gave some background information about the two men before they recited their oaths as administered by City Attorney Jason White.
Paul Cunningham is from Bellevue, Neb. and spent six years serving in the United States Airforce before working for the railroad, Becton Dickinson, and then applying for the BBPD. His wife works as a nurse in Callaway and they have two sons.
Christopher Shelby is from Illinois and served six years in the United States Army as an airborne infantryman. He also serves in the U.S. National Guard in Kearney. His wife works at Kearney Regional Hospital and they have one son.
Congratulations and applause filled the Municipal Auditorium following the police officer oaths and Mayor Rod Sonnichsen thanked the police force and the entire team working for the City of Broken Bow.
Also during Tuesday’s city council meeting, a public hearing was held for Ordinance 1264 Well Head Protection Plan. City Administrator Dan Knoell requested the council not waive the readings and the ordinance will appear on the agenda again as the council members wait for JEO Consulting Group, Inc. to attend a council meeting in October to give more information.
The city’s one- and six-year plans were approved as part of Resolution 2022-15 (motion by Dave Schmidt and second by Larry Miller). Dan Knoell said the Memorial Drive project in progress near the hospital will be completed in December. With the completion of that project and a drainage canal, last year’s plans will be completed.
City projects included in the one- and six-year plans include more ADA compliant sidewalks on the south side of town as part of the blighted/substandard requirements to qualify for TIF funding, Memorial Drive improvements from 5th Avenue west to 18th Ave., and the Eagle Crest subdivision which will provide “well-needed housing” according to Knoell.
Council member Chris Myers was absent and excused by Schmidt, Miller, and Dave Baltz who all voted to approve the consent agenda which included the September 13 budget hearing minutes. The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
