Final presentation for nuisance ordinance to be presented

Sidney’s Planning Commission will be offering its final presentation on adopting an ordinance for chronic nuisances tonight at the last city council meeting of the month.

As presented, the ordinance would create a “three strikes rule.” With the rule, any property that has three or more documented violations within a six-month period would be required to abate the nuisance or be charged with a simple misdemeanor and a fine up to $500. Once a property has been designated a chronic nuisance the property will be on a probation period for 18 months. Any new nuisance issues would be a new misdemeanor and a fine of up to $500. The planning commission is asking council to set a public hearing date to approve this ordinance.

The finance plan for the City of Sidney general obligation bonds will also be presented. Council members will vote on authorizing the bond anticipation notes for early redemption. They will also vote on authorizing the issuance of up to $14,500,000 of general obligation various purpose bonds for paying the bond anticipation notes.

Council members will also vote on whether they will renew their franchise agreement with Charter Communications.

The Sidney Historic Preservation Board has three vacancies. They are asking council to approve reappointing Bruce Leyboldt for another three-year term, appoint Marva Ellwanger for a three-year term, and appoint Reverend Edna Drazdowski to fill Scott William’s term through October 2017.

The Sidney Housing Authority will be asking council to appoint Scott McDaniel to serve another four-year term. They have also accepted BJ Wilkinson’s resignation for a term set to expire Oct. 1, 2019. The housing authority is encouraging citizens to apply to the Authority for consideration to fill the vacant position.

The Sidney Library Board also has vacancy after Michelle Onstott’s resignation was accepted. The library board recommends ouncil approve applicant Jennifer Ramsey.