By: Taylor Arens - Journal Staff
The water main project and street improvement plans highlighted the Crofton City Council meeting held on Thursday, April 9 at the city auditorium.
Following a public hearing on a proposed zoning change from commercial on properties located at Third Street and Main Street with no testimony, the council agreed to ask the Planning and Zoning Committee to move forward with the changes.
New business started with Jay Spearman representing Austin Partridge with Northland Securities.
The water main project agreement and ordinance for funding has expired. Northland had talked with Roger Protzman, the project engineer because there were questions about the water availability for the Crofton elementary school. So, a new ordinance for funding was drawn up that would add $250,000 to the original funding. After discussion, the council moved to approve Ordinance 4-9-26, “authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Water bonds in an amount not to exceed $1,750,000.00 to pay the cost of replacing the water main along Harold Street, but the water main at the school was tabled for further information,” according to council minutes.
Susie Hillman brought up an idea to bring tourists to Crofton, called Market at the Park. The idea, which originated as one of the proposals coming out of the recent ECAP meetings, was to have a vendors’ market take place on Friday evenings from about 5-7 p.m. starting in June.
She asked the council if she could do more research on what it would take to establish such a market in Crofton’s South City Park and what crafters and vendors would need for it.
The council made sure no events went on regularly during the summer on Fridays and gave approval for Hillman to research the idea.
In other action, there was a lease that has expired with Knox County for use of an acreage on Knox Ave. that has been used for storing road materials. The council asked the City Clerk to write a formal letter to the County informing them of the situation. The council will table this item until the May 14 meeting asking the County representatives to attend.
BRAN or Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska was the next item of discussion, as the riders will be in Crofton on June 10-11, and will provide semi-trucks to carry bikers’ supplies. BRAN will be using the city auditorium and the South Park as home base. The sheriff's department will be contacted and asked to patrol for the safety of the riders.
In turn, the Dam Race in late July was discussed. The council passed a motion to provide 500 maroon bags with the city logo on it for participants.
The contract for a new pool bathhouse was approved.
The design is completed and ready to bid out on Apr. 21. There will be a special meeting on Apr. 29 to open bids and choose a contractor for this project.
The city council acknowledged that a city wide cleanup is set for May 11-15. After negotiations between the city and Will Sanger, the garbage and cleanup contractor, the city approved a price of $250 per load to hire S&S Garbage and Junk for the removal.
Approval was also given for the purchase of 12 signs for the parks and around the city, reminding dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash and to pick up after their pets.
City street improvements were a big part of old business discussions. Mayor said money from land sale can be used toward roads.
Roads were a main part of discussion at the meeting regarding old business.
With Iowa and 6th Street as a priority, the goal is to complete the repair of a total of 30 blocks of streets in Crofton.
The Council has invited companies to investigate repair options for Crofton’s streets. Different materials will cost varied amounts. Streets that will be planned for this year include Iowa from 2nd to Highway 121; 2nd street from Iowa to Nebraska; 5th from Main to the softball field; 6th from Iowa to Harold; and Kansas Street if money allows for it.
According to the council, streets that are badly in need of repair will be fully reclaimed, and streets that are not in need as much will be patched and chip sealed to prevent further deterioration. The street improvement plan was approved, and it was noted that bids could be let out and opened at the special meeting on Apr. 29. It was noted that proceeds from the sale of city property can be used for street improvements, especially anywhere they will contribute to the businesses of the community. In other action:
Courtney Baker was hired as a part time Media Manager for the city at a rate of $30 per hour.
Building permits were approved, including permit 2606 and variances for the Crofton Community School project; and permit 2607 for Dee and Amy Johnson for a lean-to for vehicle parking.