City Modifies Public Access in Response to COVID-19

The City of Sidney is modifying access to its public offices in reaction to the corona-19 virus.

The Sidney Public Library and Hillside Golf Course is closed through March 27. The city transit Stageline Bus service will also be idled through March 27. Additionally, the city building will be closed to walk-in traffic through March 27. Business can still be conducted by appointment or by the drive-through window. Bills can also be paid online by visiting cityofsidney.org and clicking on the “Online Payments” tab. The public may still conduct business with the City Inspector and City Economic Development Director by appointment only. Please call the City Office at (308) 254-5300 to request an appointment.

City officials will re-evaluate conditions on March 27.

Please continue to follow these Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap is not available

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes

Stay home if you feel sick

Also please do not put paper towels and wet wipes down the sewer as these items cause the sewer line to plug and back-up. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and may have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please call Sidney Regional Medical Center at (308) 254-5825 prior to going there so proper precautionary measures can be taken.

In other business, the Sidney City Council on Tuesday, March 10 approved the first reading of a rezoning application by Western Nebraska Community College. WNCC and ESU 13 are collaborating to build a new facility for ESU13 at the Sidney WNCC campus. The project is expected to compliment both programs, and Sidney High School, according to Andrew Dick, administrator of ESU13.

“We're already looking forward to adding a classroom,” Dick said.

The plan is to add 10,000 square feet of office space to the north side of the WNCC building adjacent to Deer Run Park. The project will also include a parking garage.

“The substantial completion date is Nov. 15,” Dick said.

A second reading will be scheduled to allow for public input.

The council also approved contracting with Hein Construction LLC for crack sealing city streets at a cost of .26 cents per linear foot.

Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Hope Feeney met with the council as well, updating the council on the Hickory Street Square project. Feeney said the Chamber is looking to hire a consultant to create a final design of the project. She said the goal is to have the design completed by August 2020, and awarding the contract by September. The goal, she said, is to have the project completed by summer 2021.

“This process would allow a lot of our questions to be answered,” she said.

She said appointing a consultant would help propel the project forward, give it a more defined plan.

The consultant would be paid with a $30,000 grant. Feeney said the Chamber is seeking other grants for the Hickory Street Project. Additionally, there is an effort to form a county-wide 501c3 to assist with projects like Hickory Street.