City Council Update

CITY COUNCIL

WHAT THE CITY COUNCIL & MAYOR HAVE BEEN UP TO!!!

Bids have been let on Well #3 with Layne Western being the successful bidder. Construction was scheduled to begin January 15^th, but delays in material shipments and weather has held this up. Their intentions were to start Monday, January 29^th, the weather was again a factor.

The Council and Mayor have started the process of a Community Development Block Grant application, which will pay for 75% of the cost of a study for the long-term solution to our water problem. The city is also working with the school and rural fire board on the possibility of drilling an irrigation well on school property to help with watering for school property and water supply for fire fighting and street cleaning.

Specifications for bids should be ready for review in February for the Prairie Hills Subdivision. An easement through Don Maxon’s property has been secured for utilities for this project.

The final breakdown on the Main Street project, as far as special assessments, CDBG money, utility cost and general obligation bond should be available in the next 45 days.

The city street crews have been very busy with snow removal. We appreciate all of the help local businesses and individuals have provided with snow removal. Jack and Randy have also been cleaning and organizing the City Shop, so we can get an accurate inventory of tools and supplies. Jack Faubion has recently become certified in the testing of water and sewer. On January 31^st, he attended a class in Nebraska City for continuing education. Jack’s certification will allow the City to have an option, other than People’s Service for our sewer and water tests.

The City Clerk has provided the Nebraska Department of Revenue with all the necessary paperwork, which will allow the city sales tax collection to begin on April 1^st.

The City Council and Mayor have been notified about the possibility of a new housing development to be called South Ridge. Phase I and Phase II would bring 58 new building sites to Louisville.

Communication has been made with the railroad regarding the rough crossings on 2^nd and 3^rd streets, but to date the railroad has not responded. The city will give the railroad a reasonable amount of time to respond before they take further action.

The Planning and Zoning Commission is continuing to work on streamlining the building permit process. When this is finalized, it will be sent to the Council for approval.

A letter was sent to the Nebraska Department of Roads endorsing the Highway 66 Bypass as an alternative to the Fifth Street Bridge project. Dave Pankonin has arranged a meeting with the Nebraska Department of Roads and Senator Roger Wehrbein on February 5^th in the Senator’s office in Lincoln. Dave Pankonin and Dan Henry will attend this meeting, along with a few local business owners.

The City Council and Mayor are committed to keeping the citizens of Louisville aware of what is going on. We do encourage citizens to attend City Council meetings or to contact their City Council representative or the Mayor with concerns and questions.

Dan Henry, Mayor

Rod Petersen, Council President

Dave Pankonin, Council Vice-President

Don Harris, Council Member

Greg Manley, Council Member