Sidney council to consider moving ahead with JESWA

Looking to move forward on protecting areas affected by a large drainage area on Sidney’s east side, the Sidney City Council will consider tonight action to give the go ahead to the Joint East Sidney Watershed Authority (JESWA) for design engineers to complete designs.

Current project cost estimates are $1.2 million dollars. The city’s share, 80 percent, would be $960,000, with the rest of funding coming from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and the State Revolving Loan Fund.

Council previously approved a sales tax for storm water and approved the revenue going toward the storm water project.

Council will also hold third reading for Ordinance No. 1778. The ordinance contains a proposed franchise agreement with Black Hills Energy, required for numerous utilities in Nebraska. If approved, the 10-year agreement would provide an estimated $30,000 per year to the city’s general fund.

Several pieces of business are on slate in relation to the intersection of Jennifer Lane and Link 17-J. The plans provide a full turning lane into and out of Jennifer Lane from L-17-J, including removal of an existing island.

Council will review and approve plans for the intersection, and is expected to set a July date for bid opening.

Council will also re-address appointments to the City Planning Commission.

In May, Council implemented a new process for appointments to the city’s boards and commissions. Temporary commission members were appointed while the city, under its new guidelines, advertised three open Planning Commission positions.

No additional interest was shown by members of the public wanting to serve. City Manager Ed Sadler has recommended that Temporary Commission Members Deanna Volkmer and E. Todd Sherlock be re-appointed.

Because of the recent resignation of Commission member Dave McCarville, two vacancies remain and Sadler is also expected to recommend continued advertisements to encourage potential candidates to apply.

Council will also give consideration to a new policy giving authority to the city manager to approve uses of city properties and right of ways for public events.

At its last meeting, the suggestion came forth to streamline the process. Previously public uses of city-controlled areas had to go before council for approval.