Daytime parking near Fox Theatre discussed

A portion of road along Illinois Street in front of Sidney's Fox Theatre could be opened up to daytime parking, allowing an additional two spaces.

Kim Philips, who owns the theater with her husband John, this week requested city councilors remove a fire zone, which prohibits parking, in front of the business. Instead, she asked the area be opened to parking during non-theater hours.

Phillips said the shift would add additional parking spaces for other businesses on the block.

Sidney Mayor Mark Nienhueser asked what's currently wrong with the situation.

"Actually, we wanted to change it over a year ago," Phillips said.

Years ago, a previous insurance company that provided coverage to the theater had recommended the fire zone. At the time, Phillips, said, she asked the city council to change the then "no parking during theater hours" signs to a fire zone, prohibiting parking all hours.

"We now have an insurance company that doesn't require the fire zone, so we would like to have the signage changed," a request submitted by Phillips' husband states.

In an interview, Sidney Interim City Manager Geri Anthony said the parking designation in front of Fox Theatre has changed at least four times since 1988.

The most recent change requested by Phillips would allow more parking during non-theater hours, Anthony said.

Councilors asked if the stretch of road was officially designated as a fire zone.

Phillips said in the past, it wasn't. The current signs were only erected after the theater's earlier request, she added.

"I think it makes sense, I'm just leery of changing fire zones," Councilor Chris Gay said.

Councilor Roger Gallaway asked while it's been marked as a fire zone, is it actually designated as such.

Nienhueser said the matter would be tabled so either the city or state fire marshal could provide input and clarify the status of the fire zone.

Gallaway thanked Phillips for wanting to be a good neighbor to nearby businesses.

Also at the meeting:

• Andrew Sherman, Sidney Library director, said the library had recently received a $465 donation from Runza. The money was collected as part of the company's "Great books for great kids" program. The funds will be used to purchase children's books, Sherman said.

• John Enochs, of Diamondback Engineering, recommended councilors accept bids for two projects to improve the capacity and reliability of Sidney's water infrastructure.

The projects – improvements to a pump station and installation of distribution lines – were identified in a water system master plan released in 2012.

The upgrades are being funded through a long term, low-interest from the state and will ensure the water system can meet the needs of a growing population, city officials have said.

Both bids approved this week came in under the engineer's estimate.

Nienhueser applauded Diamondback for recruiting multiple contractors to bid on the projects.

"It's been a long time since bids came in under estimate," he said.

• Anthony said road construction along Greenwood Road, near the site of Sidney's new hospital, was completed. The first phase of Pole Creek Crossing should be finished by the end of the month, she added.

• The next Sidney City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7:15 p.m. in the City Council Room at Sidney City Hall.