City Council Update: Progress on Sports Complex and Community Development

McCOOK Neb. - City Manager Nate Schneider provided a comprehensive update on the developments surrounding the much-anticipated sports complex in McCook at last night’s City Council meeting.  

Schneider began by sharing exciting news from a recent conversation with Mammoth and the Sports Facility Company, who are set to conduct a feasibility study for the city. This study will analyze data to assess the potential economic impact of the new sports complex on the community, including projected sales tax increases and opportunities to attract retailers to fill vacant lots in both commercial and residential areas. Schneider emphasized the importance of this data for grant applications to organizations like the Walter Scott Foundation and the Sherwood Foundation, aiming to showcase the anticipated benefits the complex could bring to McCook. 

The feasibility study is expected to be completed in March, following a stakeholder meeting scheduled for mid-February. Schneider noted that there’s tremendous potential for growth, tourism, and community development within a 100 to 150-mile radius, extending as far as Denver, Omaha, and even parts of South Dakota and Kansas. In addition, Schneider discussed financial strategies during a recent meeting with Paul Gregor from Da Davidson. They explored options for ensuring that the half-cent sales tax linked to recreational complexes generates sufficient revenue to fund these projects. The council is considering implementing a bond anticipation note sale, serving as a short-term bridge to a traditional 20-year bond sale, which could potentially generate $9 million for the complex. 

As for the timeline, Schneider indicated that August 1 is targeted for the bond anticipation note sale, with an ordinance likely to be presented for council consideration in March.  On January 24, discussions continued regarding subdivision timelines and crucial infrastructure considerations, such as stormwater drainage and water/sewer installation. These topics were explored with Miller and Associates and Mammoth, laying the groundwork for moving through preliminary and final plat approvals in March and April. The goal is to streamline the process to begin construction sooner rather than later.  Following a focused meeting with Craig Bennett on January 28, Schneider confirmed that the immediate priority will be developing a final plat for the sports complex and the adjacent area off West Q Street. This approach aims to avoid unnecessary delays in the approval process.  Recent developments also included the city being awarded a municipal infrastructure aid program grant, set to be announced on February 7, which could further support ongoing projects.  As part of the collaboration with Mammoth, a live model showcasing project plans is in progress, promising to engage and excite the community about the future of the sports complex and its impact on McCook.  As the council continues to push forward with these initiatives, the community can look forward to more updates and developments that promise to enhance local infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.