‘Gifts’ Discussion Back On Agenda

SIDNEY – A possible definition for the word “gift” will be presented to Sidney’s City Council tonight at city hall. The definition is a response to an inquiry by Mayor David Weiderspon at the previous council meeting to clarify a statement in the Council Code of Conduct.

The statement in question by the mayor is section 8 of the code of conduct, which states, “Mayor or council members shall not take any special advantage of services or opportunities for personal gain, by virtue of their public office that is not available to the public in general. They shall refrain from accepting gifts, favors or promises of benefits, which might compromise their independence of judgement or action or give the appearance of being comprised.”

Mayor Weiderspon contended that gifts were not defined and that could cause some misunderstandings with some compensation items such as continuing education. City staff was directed to seek out a definition that could prevent such a misunderstanding.

The code of conduct was accepted via a resolution in 2007.

Also on the council agenda is a progress report for the wastewater treatment facility project, engineered by Olsson Associates. Council is expected to consider the ninth certificate of payment for industrial process technology and engineering services – bill that totals more than $184,000.

“The progress is good,” said Public Services Director John Hehnke. “We’re looking at bringing the new plant online beginning next month. The company will visit to begin start-up procedures.”

The new $5.5 million plant was approved by council to help the city fall within federal and state environmental regulations. A small fee on city customer utility bills to cover the costs of the new plant  will be removed when the old plant is paid off.

The council agenda continues with a bid date setting for city animal impound and veterinarian services. The current contract is held by White Bluffs Veterinary Hospital, owned by Weiderspon. There are two vet clinics in town, and both are eligible to submit bids.

An update on the city’s comprehensive plan and the surveys recently sent out to all residents will be given during the meeting. Residents have a small window in which to fill out and return the surveys, which will be tabulated by a person outside of Sidney and used to help develop the latest comprehensive plan. City officials said the plan will serve as a blueprint for the city’s future.

The legislative tax issue also will be the subject of an update to council. City Manager Gary Person recently testified in Lincoln for LB967, a bill introduced by District 47 Sen. Ken Schilz to create a fund that municipalities could draw from should the state refund more than 10 percent of a given year’s worth of local option sales tax to fund its incentive programs.

Schilz visited Sidney on Friday to update the public, which will be the subject of the update to council members. In the forum, Schilz said that should this bill not pass this year, his tax legislation on the problem befalling more communities throughout the state will be prioritized in the legislature.

Jim Jones, a library board member, is up for reappointment to the board. Library director Doris Jensen is recommending that Jones be reappointed to another term in his seat. Jones term expired in February.