City Council Supports Funding Agreement

The Elks Lodge restoration project is one step further along in returning the building to its former luster.

The Sidney City Council signed a memorandum of understanding with Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and the Nebraska Elks Association. In April, the City was awarded $415,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for revitalization and restoration of the Elks Lodge at 1040 Jackson St.

The remodel is part of a Tourism Development project with funds from the Department of Economic Development. The project involves building renovations including improvement of energy efficiency, structural stability and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Project funding includes in-kind volunteer work from Elks Lodge members and other community volunteers.

In other news, Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce President Hope Feeney presented her quarterly report. In her report, Feeney said the Chamber has contacted, solicited or assisted a minimum of 50 entrepreneurs, retail and/or service businesses. They are also busy promoting the facade, rental assistance and signage programs. There are programs available to assist a business with the cost of improving the facade and signs of its business, and programs for rental assistance of new businesses.

About a month ago, the Dorwart family approached the Sidney City Council with an offer to donate a tract of land north of Legion Park.

The land is described as across from the park and along the alley behind 10th Avenue.

The proposal has been referred to the Planning Commission and returned with a recommendation that the council proceed with acquiring the land. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission the proposed acquisition will fit within the City's plan and be a good addition to the parks.

The assessed value of the property is $193,546. The dwelling and outbuilding on the property are valued at $157,700 and $35,846 for the land, according to the memo presented to the city council June 23. The county would lose $146.50 in property tax under the current mil level, but would gain access to utilities and trash containers without a right-of-way.

City Manager David Scott said the fee structure for the the swimming pool was changed to reflect the Directed Health Measure limits. All daily and annual passes are being suspended this year. Cost will be based on the session pass of $3 per session. Scott said swimming pool sessions are limited to 50 percent of capacity. There will be two sessions per day.

The Chamber has reached a minimum of 5,000 impressions per quarter advertising and marketing through its website. Feeney's report stats clicks have almost doubled from last quarter and impressions have surpassed 100,000. The Chamber is focusing on promoting Sidney has a live as well as a place to work or start a business.

Feeney also talked about the Chamber's property listings. She said the listings are updated every two weeks. Plans to host a tour of available properties were put on hold when COVID-19 was announced. The Chamber moved ahead with plans for a virtual tour.

“This will include drone footage of each space and detailed information also linking to the property's site,” she said.

The Chamber is focused on upgrading its website. The goal is to be able to put information out to the public more effectively.

The council also discussed the contract with the Chamber. The agreement between the City and Chamber of Commerce is for the Chamber to • recruit new retail and service businesses in Sidney and Cheyenne County, • Assist existing retail and service businesses, • conduct a survey of the residents to gain a better understanding of types of retail services, businesses to recruit, • promote and provide assistance regarding incentives for downtown businesses, • market available commercial properties, • organize a tour of all available commercial properties, • assist with execution of priorities stemming from the updated downtown master plan, • provide newcomer packets, tours for potential employees from requesting companies, relocation materials and housing information and • provide a quarterly update to the city council.

Vice Mayor Joe Arterburn asked if the Chamber is focused on meeting with its membership, and the businesses.

“That is something we're constantly looking at, meeting with our Chamber members,” Feeney said.

She was also asked about the newcomer picnic. She said the event shifted focus because of the COVID-19 virus.

“It has not been completely ruled out,” she added.

Mayor Roger Gallaway said the newcomer picnic started as a City/Chamber event and “morphed into a Cabela's event.” A newcomer picnic event has also been held by the methodist church.

Feeney said housing information requests decreased during the COVID-19 restrictions, but are increasing again.