Editor's note: Only five city council members were present at the Feb. 9 meeting. All ordinances, which require at least six yea votes to waive the second and third readings, could only be approved on first reading. Council members Kevin Hall, Mindy Rump and Marty Shepard were absent.
New boat ramp dock planned
Optimist Park could soon have a new boat ramp dock and side river dock after the Blair City Council approved an amended agreement with HGM Associates for the final design and bidding of the project.
City Administrator Rod Storm said the current boat ramp dock is on a set of rails and is pulled up as the river levels go up. However, sand causes issues getting the dock back into the river as the levels go down later in the season.
The new docks would be attached to pilings and float up and down with the river level.
The preliminary estimated cost is just over $200,000. The city has budgeted $300,000 for the project. But Storm said the cost could be shared with the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District.
The project could be completed by late summer or fall.
10th Street extension items approved
Several items for the 10th Street extension project were approved, including the dedication of right-of-way and ordinances creating paving, water improvement and sanitary sewer extension districts.
The 10th Street project is necessary for the new Dollar General distribution center.
The council also approved plans and specifications to let bids for the 10th Street paving.
The engineer's estimate for paving and storm sewer inlets is $1.1 million, said Al Schoemaker, director of public works.
The work includes extending 10th Street from Wilbur Street south to U.S. Highway 75. The street will be 31 feet wide, but still two lanes. This is to accommodate the expected truck traffic using the road, Schoemaker said.
Bids are due March 16 and will be presented to the council at its March 23 meeting.
Southern Hills paving, improvement approved
The council approved several items for the development of the new Southern Hills subdivision, including ordinances creating paving, water and sanitary sewer extension districts.
The council also approved plans and specifications to let bids for water and sewer extensions and paving as well as paving of County Road 31.
The engineer's estimate for water and sewer improvements is $1.37 million, which will be assessed when the project is completed.
The estimated cost for paving the streets in the subdivision are $837,330. For County Road 31, which will be paved with asphalt, the cost is $270,100.
Bids are due March 16 and will be presented to the council at its March 23 meeting.
More lots sold on Transformation Hill
The council approved the sale of three more lots in the Transformation Hill subdivision on the former Dana College campus.
The three lots were sold to JT Investments.
Per the contract, construction on the first house has to begin by June 1. Construction on the other two must begin by Sept. 1.
Mayor appoints planning commission member
Ryan Schroeter was appointed to the Blair Planning Commission by Mayor Rich Hansen.
Schroeter's appointment was approved by the council as part of the consent agenda. Schroeter replaces Andrew Schank, who is now serving on the city council.
New member added to BVFD
The Blair Volunteer Fire Department has a new member.
As part of its consent agenda, the council approved Caddon Keatts as a new member of the department.
