City Council Approve New Vehicle Purchases, Liquor License

SIDNEY--On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the City of Sidney Council held its regular meeting and held two public hearings, and approved the purchase of vehicles for the Electric Department and Solid Waste Department, among other items on the agenda. It was anticipated that Vice-Mayor Paul Strommen would announce his resignation as he had won his election for State Senate representing the 47th District. Still, no mention was made of his upcoming change to a new office. Also, no mention was made of how his vacant seat would be filled in this meeting.

After approving the previous meeting's minutes, Mayor Sherman asked for any comments from the public, and there were none. He then moved on to the first item on the agenda, which was a Public Hearing on Resolution 20241101, the approval of a Class I Liquor License for Take Shelter, LLC, a new business in Sidney that anticipates being open on November 29 of this year. The proprietor is Fletcher Primm, and he addressed the council, saying that the business will be a bookstore that will serve alcoholic beverages and host events like Open Mic nights regularly. He said he had extensive experience as a bar manager and bartender, and believes that a bookstore that serves alcohol and hosts events would be a viable business that would be welcome in Sidney. He said there is a strong and growing creative community in Sidney, and this business model will have a good foundation of patrons from the start. The business will be located at 920 10th Avenue, adjacent to the Tropical Nails and Spa business currently operating. The business would serve beer, wine, and liquor, but would not serve food. The council approved the Class I license 5-to-0.

Another public hearing was held of Ordinance 1867, the application for rezoning by Sidney 1025, LLC (Jessica McKay), legal description Section 31, Township 14, Range 49, West 123' Block 18 Clarkson Second Addition, Sidney, Nebraska, also known as 1234 Toledo Street. The rezoning request would change the property from R1 Residential to R2 Residential. Marshall Hall, the City of Sidney Chief Building Official, addressed the council and said that the property owners would like to change the current structure from a single-family residence (R1) to a two-family duplex (R2). Hall said the only issue would be a traffic congestion question as the property is across from the South Ward Elementary School, which is why the owner has proposed moving the driveway to the property to Spruce Street. The property is located between Toledo Street and Spruce Street. Hall noted that the Planning Commission approved the change and he sees no other issues that would stop the project from moving forward. Hall said that the owner is in the process of securing bids for the single-structure duplex. The council approved the zoning change 5-to-0.

Next City Manager David Scott addressed the council concerning the Nebraska Community Foundation Economic Development Grant Agreement. Scott went into the history of the grant program, which started in 1991, and led to the creation of the LB840 program, which allows the city to use sales tax money to offer low-interest loans to businesses and developers. Scott detailed what types of businesses and activities would qualify for this money, and the council just needed to approve the request to be eligible for $1.2 million of grant money for the program. For more information on the program, contact the City Manager's office or the Economic Development office. The council approved 5-to-0. Mayor Sherman noted that in just 15 minutes of the meeting, a new duplex is being built, a new bookstore is being opened, and the city has access to $1.2 million in grant funding.

Next, the council approved vehicle purchases for the Electric and Solid Waste Departments. For the Electric Department, a Bucket Truck and a Crew Truck were approved with money budgeted for the purchases. The Bucket truck has a four-year lead time, and Electric Superintendent Tom Mathine urged the council to approve the purchase now as he anticipates dramatic price increases for these trucks over the next few years. The price for the 60 ft Bucket truck through Sourcewell is $375,634. The crew truck for the Meter Department can be delivered this year and its cost was listed at $48,407. The council approved the expenditures 5-to-0. Another purchase was approved for the Solid Waste Department, a 2024 Mack Granite with a Palfinger T50 Hooklift System. Solid Waste Superintendent Dean Sterling said this vehicle was desperately needed as the old vehicle they use is constantly breaking down, and parts are not readily available. The 2001 vehicle is worth about $23,000, and it currently needs $40,000 in repairs. The vehicle is located in Omaha and could be delivered in 30 days. The cost is $234,215, also using the Sourcewll bidding process, and the funds will come from either cash reserves or the equipment budget. Councilman Radcliffe stressed that no property tax funds will be used for this purchase. The council approved 5-to-0.

City manager David Scott told the council about a recent bid opening for the 13th Street overpass that was damaged in an August 2023 vehicle accident. He said there were two bids, and he will be bringing them to the council at the next regular meeting. He also noted that builder Integrity Homes is interested in building homes in Sidney, and would be looking into the LB840 process for financing.