City Council Approves 'No Parking' Area

Keeping Sidney beautiful is more complicated than it needs to be when specific public places have rampant littering, littering that appears to be from a specific population.

The Sidney City Council reviewed a memo submitted by Police Chief Joe Aikens, a proposal to reduce parking on Silverburg Drive. The resolution calls for no parking on Silverburg Drive from the southeast corner of the 3090 block north to the intersection with Jennifer Lane, and from the intersection of Chase Boulevard and Upland Parkway west to the deadend.

Aikens memo says truck drivers use Silverburg Drive to park for the night and for breaks from driving. He added excessive amounts of litter have been found on the land east of Silverburg Drive behind the Sidney Plaza, Fat Dogs, Tres Margaritas, Motel 6, and Arby's. He reported booze shooters, beer cans, large booze bottles, beer boxes, plastic bottles full of urine, plastic bags full of feces, and trash bags full of trash. His report indicates these items appear to be deliberately dropped out of trucks and vehicles.

Aikens noted there are no receptacles or trash cans in the vicinity.

Keep Sidney Beautiful organized a morning to clean the area a few weeks ago. Aikens reported KSB and Bomgaars volunteers cleaned the area in question. Bomgaars officials also would like to see the area a no-parking zone because parking causes issues with its supply trucks going in and out of the loading dock.

Aikens said Walmart officials committed to doing a better job assisting in trash cleanup. They also support no parking along Silverburg Drive.

Council Continues Chamber Contract

The city council also approved continuing the relationship with the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce. The City contracts for services including promoting local businesses and recruiting new business interests. The goods and services provided by the Chamber are compensated at $25,000 per year. Funds are distributed to the Chamber quarterly.

The council also approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing funds for the City's share of the Link 17J road project. The City's share of the cost is about $2.5 million. The council then approved doing away with the three-reading requirement.

Samantha J. Bowles was approved as the new manager of the Fairfield Inn & Suites. The approval is necessary in relation to the hotel's liquor license.