City, Natural Resources District to hold joint meeting Tuesday

The Sidney City Council will begin its Tuesday meeting earlier than usual and in a different venue.

At 5 p.m., the City Council and the South Platte Natural Resources will hold a joint meeting at the NRD offices located at 551 Parkland Drive in Sidney.

The groups are meeting to discuss a combined effort to address storm water issues in East Sidney.

More than two years ago, the Joint East Sidney Watershed Authority was formed with representatives from both entities. A master plan was created, an ordinance implemented and possible projects identified.

The goal of the collaboration is to prevent flooding and damage from storm water runoff in the city’s expanding east side.

Last month, City Manager Gary Person said every time a storm comes through and leads to flash flooding, the need to be proactive is reinforced.

The groups have drafted a plan that calls for the implementation of bioswales and retention ponds to prevent flooding.

“We’ve all learned a lot, and now it’s time for action,” Person said.

Potential funding sources will be discussed at Tuesday’s meeting – including an update on grant applications and a long-term, low-interest loan from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.

A possible contract with Olsson and Associates will be discussed.

Following the joint meeting, city councilors will return to city hall to conduct their regular city council meeting.

Both parts of the meeting are open to the public.