Sidney beautification project modified

The plans for a beautification project at 11th Avenue and Old Post Road in Sidney were updated during this week’s city council meeting.

Earlier this month, Jack Baker, from Baker and Associates, told council members that a bid for the project was higher than expected.

At that time, councilors gave Baker the OK to break the plan into three separate projects: sign and lighting, landscaping and a decorative wall.

This week, Baker returned with the separate bid packets.

“Hopefully we can attract some bidders this go around and get it off and running,” he said.

By breaking the overall project into separate pieces, he hopes companies specializing in those areas will make bids closer to the initial estimated cost.

He said the projects will open to bidding in April and councilors should be able to award the construction contracts at their April 28 council meeting.

The city council unanimously approved the bid packets – with minor additions.

Sidney Mayor Mark Nienhueser asked that an option be added to use a manufactured stone product instead of real stone on the decorative wall to keep costs down.

Nienhueser and councilor Wendall Gaston also asked that another option be included to color the aluminum lettering that will be attached to the wall.

They were concerned the lettering, which spells out the city’s slogan, would be difficult to see against the beige-colored wall.

Councilor Joe Arteburn also asked that the verbiage on the sign be amended to properly represent the slogan.

Also at the meeting:

• Sidney Police Chief BJ Wilkinson presented a one-year contract between the city and White Bluffs Veterinary Hospital to provide animal shelter facilities and necessary veterinary services.

A five-year contract with the facility just ended.

The monthly contract fee has risen from $200 to $500 a month, Wilkinson said. However, no other bids for the services were submitted.

“It does not appear to be at this time negotiable,” Wilkinson added. “That’s why I’m asking for a one-year contract.”

The services are necessary to the function of the city, the chief explained, but he doesn’t want to be locked in a long-term contract.

“It’s still substantially cheaper than what we can do ourselves,” he said.

The contract was approved 5-0.

• Councilors unanimously approved a contract with Western Area Power Administration that extends to Sept. 30, 2054.

A current contract signed in 2004 continues through 2024, at which time the new contract will take effect.

Sidney Electric Superintendent Mike Palmer told the commissioners WAPA asked for the contract because many other customers have asked the power administrator to ensure their allocations are locked in long term.

The city purchases an allocation of power through WAPA, which historically has provided some of the cheapest rates on the market.

Nienhueser said it seems odd to sign a contract that extends to 2054. City Attorney J. Leef said she understood, but that the contract benefits the city.

• The general conditions of a contract with Saunders Building Construction for the new swimming pool project was approved.

Leef said she had gone through all sections of the contract and the provisions seemed correct.

Nienhueser asked for minor clarifications to the contract.

• Midwest Underground was awarded projects for Water Extension District No. 22 and Sewer Extension District No. 23 in the Reganis Commercial Subdivision. Midwest was the lowest of three bidders on both projects.

• The next Sidney City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, at 5 p.m. at the South Platte Natural Resources District office in Sidney. The meeting we begin jointly with the NRD to discuss the East Sidney Water Shed Project. Once that portion is complete, the city council meeting will resume at Sidney City Hall.