City may alter underground powerline project

Various city departments informed the city council of recent projects and upcoming plans in the 2013-2014 first quarter report. These plans include possible changes in the power line conversion project, which was partially completed in 2013.

The electric department had previously planned to begin phase two of its downtown underground conversion this year. However, after last year’s Sept. 9 storm, which downed many power lines, the electric department is reconsidering how to move forward. Because of cost, it may take many years to bury the main electric line which runs down 11th Ave.

This year’s conversion is estimated to cost around $240,000. The conversion of the line on 11th Ave. might run between $500,000 and $600,000, not including materials. The electric department may propose moving money from the underground conversion budget to the purchase of a boring machine so the department could do the work itself. The estimated cost of the machine would be around $186,000.

The department believes it could be ready to take down the main line in two to three years if the equipment is purchased. It would still hire a contractor to complete certain portions of the downtown area.

In the first quarter of the 2013-2014 year, the parks department purchased 10 picnic tables and replaced fences around bullpens at Legion Park where the chain link was bent and twisted. The department is still in the process of deciding whether to place lights at the Kiwanis field or softball field three.

To avoid purchasing a replacement grinder after its own burnt out, Sidney’s solid waste department entered into a contract with Raffelson Rock for grinding and mulching services. This agreement means that the city will have the exclusive rights to Raffelson’s grinding services inside Sidney’s zoning jurisdiction. All proceeds from mulch sales will be divided between Raffelson and the city. Raffelson will receive 75 percent of the proceeds while the city will get 25 percent.

All mulch used by the city will be sold to the city at a $5 discount per yard from Raffelson’s regular 75 percent. Raffelson’s grinder should be operational by spring.

A major expenditure in the fire department’s budget this year was a refurbishment of the jaws of life. Sidney’s fire chief, Keith Stone, is considering replacing the city’s pumper truck. Pumper trucks are expected to have around a 20 year life span. Sidney’s vehicle is around 23 years old.

Ideally, the department wouldn’t purchase a new truck until its ladder truck is paid off in 2017, but Stone believes it might be wise to consider tying financing for the two together to take advantage of current interest rates.

In the public transportation department, Darrell Johnson is working as interim director while director Les Larson is on limited work duty due to an accident. A new 12 passenger bus to replace the Stage Coach bus will be available next month. New bus stop benches will soon be installed at various locations around town. Likely locations for the benches include Sioux Villa, Cheyenne Villa, the Cheyenne County Visitors Center, the county courthouse and the city transportation facility.

An enclosure and wheelchair accessibility will be added to the north side bus stop.