Council considers water, sewer rate increases

BROKEN BOW - Possible increases in rates for water and sewer were on the agenda for the Sept. 22 City Council meeting along with appointments, consideration of No Parking and the Housing Authority.

Personnel and appointments

A plaque was presented to Joan Birnie, retiring Broken Bow Public Library Director. Birnie began with the library in 1987 as a librarian assistant and took the role of Director in 1989. Upon presenting the plaque, Mayor Rod Sonnichsen said Birnie played a vital role in the renovation of the library in 2017.

The city council approved the appointment of Mike Farner to the Library Board with a term ending in February, 2022. City Administrator was also approved as the Zoning Administrator.

The job title of Fire & Rescue Coordinator, held by Andy Holland, was changed to Emergency Services Director.

Housing Authority

Housing Authority Executive Director Dawn West reported the Housing Authority oversees 85 houses and apartments in Broken Bow (45 houses and 40 apartments) and also managed another 20 apartments for Ansley Housing Authority.

The council approved the waiver of $24,931.60 in PILOT funds so that the housing authority can use them towards repairing the retaining wall at Custer Heights. Other projects of the housing authority include boiler repair in December, 2019 and street paving.

No parking on South 13th

During a public hearing on consideration of Ordinance 1231, No Parking on the East Side of South 13th Avenue between South G and South H, City Administrator Dan Knoell was the only person who spoke. Knoell informed the council that there is currently no parking on South 13th Avenue from South E to South G. No one from the public spoke in favor or against the ordinance. There will be one more reading of the Ordinance then the council will vote on it.

Water and sewer rate increases

Public hearings were held on Ordinance 1232, Water Rates and Ordinance 1233, Sewer rates. Water and Sewer superintendent Darren Marten said there hasn’t been an increase in water or sewer rates since 2013. He stated the increases have the recommendation of the Board of Public Works. The council did not waive the three readings of the ordinances which means they will be presented two more times. See the tables below for the proposed changes and current rates.

Other business

The council approved two loans, $27,385.97 with Bruning Bank for the purchase of a John Deere 3039R Compact Utility Tractor and $171,041.87 with Nebraska State Bank for the purchase of a Cat 938M Wheel Loader. City Clerk Stephanie Wright said both purchases were approved in the city budget appropriations bill and went through the proper bidding process.

A liquor license for the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites was approved with the name of the new manager’s name, Kami Freeman.

The council approved the starting of the assessment process for South 19th Avenue.

The council approved the use of $6,909.78 in KENO funds for light repair and flags in the One Box Park (the south west corner of the intersection of South 8th Avenue/Hwy 21 and South E Street/ Hwy 2, across the street south from the Square.

All council members were present. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. Other dates of note:

Oct. 3 - Hazardous Waste drop-off, 8-9:30 a.m., Custer Transfer Station

Oct. 5 - Park board meeting, 5:10 p.m., Municipal Building

Oct. 7 - Planning Commission meeting, 12 noon, Municipal Building

Oct. 12 - City offices closed, Columbus Day