Sidney council continues budget, ordinance discussions

Three agenda items at Tuesday’s Sidney City Council meeting – which have all been topics of discussion in recent months – moved closer to a final resolution.

A proposed ordinance to rezone three lots at the Sidney Business Park to allow commercial activities and another proposed ordinance to enact citywide landscaping regulations received second readings.

The council also reviewed a draft of the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. Two budget hearings are set to take place next month to finalize the numbers.

Those for and against changing three properties at the business park from a heavy industrial to heavy commercial designation made arguments.

The Sidney Planning Commission has recommended the rezoning, but Mayor Mark Nienhueser and some local developers are concerned it would place the city in competition with the private sector. The mayor also said there is a dearth of alternative locations for heavy industrial-oriented companies to set up shop.

Supporters of the proposed ordinance noted it would only change the designation of three plots at the 90-acre development and said there are other locations suitable for industrial uses in the county.

There were no public comments regarding the possible landscaping ordinance. The regulations would apply to new construction, and renovations of existing buildings, except for single- and two-family dwellings.

Many municipalities in Western Nebraska have similar ordinances – to create buffers between developments and improve the aesthetics of their communities.

Both proposed ordinances well be read for the final time at the next council meeting, when a final decision will be made.

Also at the meeting:

• Nienhueser said, in a statement, the council would make no determination on the employment status of Sidney Police Chief B.J. Wilkinson until the conclusion of his sentence appeal.

Wilkinson has been on paid leave since he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge in July. He is appealing a 30-day jail sentence, with a hearing set to take place in late September.

The mayor said the City Council is taking the matter seriously and has obtained outside legal counsel to help perform an investigation.

• Three change orders for street improvement districts within The Ranch subdivision were approved. The changes included additional staking and surveying, and materials.

• Councilors approved a professional services agreement with Leidos to assist in negotiations with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska.

City Attorney J. Leef said the firm has assisted other municipalities in similar negotiations.

• The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7:15 in the City Council room at Sidney City Hall.