New Chamber President Introduced, Zoning Change Ok'd at Sidney Council Meeting

SIDNEY--The Sidney City Council met Tuesday night, August 13, for their regular bi-monthly meeting. After approving the minutes from the July 9 and July 23 meetings, Mayor Brad Sherman asked if there were any comments from the public. There were none, so the council proceeded to the business on the current agenda.

First was the Chamber of Commerce Quarterly report. Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce President Joe McCarn addressed the Council, introducing himself as the new President of the Chamber. Many area residents and business owners know McCarn as he was previously the area Sales Representative for Eakes Office Solutions. McCarn also told the councilmen that he was previously a Chamber of Commerce President in Southfork, Colorado, a tourist town McCarn said, “Has a population of about 400 off-season, and then a population of 4,000 during tourist season.” He also said he plans to focus on communications between the Chamber and the business community. He said, “My focus is on unity. I don't mind conflict, but I hate division.”

City of Sidney Finance Director Kegan Carwin gave the July 2024 Budget Report. He said July was a “tough month” and property tax revenues were flat, however, the overall trend for most of the city's financial numbers was positive. He said motor vehicle tax revenues were up 1.4%, and Occupation Tax revenues were up $9,000. Fees for Service were up $22,000, and State and Federal reimbursements were up $67,800. He also said Hillside Golf Course revenues were up about $10,000 over last year, while the Aquatic Center revenues were about the same as last year. Carwin said the trend indicates that the upcoming August numbers will be better than the July numbers. The council approved the report.

The next order of business was the Consideration of Ordinance 1862, to rezone a parcel of land located in the West Half of the East Half (W/2 E/2) of Section 33, Township 14 North, Range 49 West of the 6th P.M., lying south of the railroad right of way, except that portion of the West Half lying within the boundary of the Sidney Business Park. The change in zoning was to re-designate the parcel from M2 (Heavy Manufacturing) to C3 (Heavy Commercial). City of Sidney Economic Development Director Brandy Stone said that this area is in the industrial part near NexGen, and the business looking for the change was more involved in sales of products rather than manufacturing, necessitating the change. She stated the City of Sidney Planning Commission approved the change, and it just needed to be approved by the City Council. They approved the Ordinance unanimously.

Kegan Carwin addressed the council again concerning Ordinance 1863, Amendment to 882.07. The issue was a revision to the Occupation Tax to align with the Master Fee Schedule. The amendment was approved unanimously. City Manager David Scott then gave a brief report, saying the Forrest Street road project is down to the last intersection, and after some cleanup and sodding, the work should be completed. He also stated the Memorial Gardens/Legion Park parking lot pavement project is also just about complete. He then said work on repaving the Hillside Golf Course parking lot was ready to start.

The City Council then adjourned the public meeting and went into closed session to discuss contract negotiations.