City manager reports successes for past year

Sidney’s City Council met Tuesday, Sept. 13, when Ed Sadler, city manager updated council on some of city department’s accomplishments this past fiscal year.

Accomplishments reported include helping “Help Keep Sidney Beautiful” with tire disposal project at the landfill.

The east water booster station was upgraded and the Summit water booster station was rehabbed. No compliance issues were found at the wastewater plant and all quality assurance testing was completed.

Over 17,000 passengers rides were given on the city bus system with only one complaint and no over time was incurred.

Several new street projects were completed, including Pole Creek Crossing, Fort Sidney Bridge, 17J Link extension, Anna Drive and Chase Boulevard replacement.

The police department initiated the development of an Explorer program and began using social media more actively for public relations and crime solving.

The new aquatic center was completed on time, and the touch screen director at the cemetery was improved. The Library removed unused and out-of-date-books and installed power stations at the library to charge electronic devices.

Seven new members were added to the fire department along with one new E.M.T. They also hosted a Fire Prevention Open House, which was, according to Sadler, the best-attended open house they have had in decades.

The electric department initiated a new inventory system to better track inventory and maintenance.

An economic development facility tour was held with state and private economic development leaders.

The airport authority attended to present an update of their budget as requested by council last meeting. The authority informed council they received “Nebraska Airport of the Year Award.” They also opened a new terminal and it is looking at updating the airport layout plan in 2017 per state recommendations.

There is a vacancy on the library board. Brandy Karnik was appointed to the planning commission after submitting her application and résumé to Sadler to present to city council.