McCook City Council: Progress on Development, Infrastructure, and Community Initiatives

McCook Neb.- At a recent McCook City Council meeting, the board discussed a range of topics, from ongoing infrastructure projects to community development and recreational initiatives.

Parks and Recreation Updates

The Parks Board is set to convene on Wednesday at noon at the Senior Center to discuss several park improvement projects. A major focus will be the Kelly Park inclusive playground and Barnett Park improvements, both funded in part by an RCRP grant. The city is working with a vendor to finalize plans and will seek feedback from the Parks Board before presenting to the council.

Additionally, a long-awaited Ford Transit bus is finally ready for pickup, after a six-year wait. This addition to the city's fleet will greatly assist in transportation needs.

Economic Development and TIF Projects

A significant public hearing concerned an amendment to the redevelopment plan for the Wagner Auto redevelopment project on Highway 83, west of the cemetery. This project involves constructing a 42,000-square-foot automobile sales business. The proposal includes a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) request to help fund eligible expenses. The area was declared blighted and substandard in 2013, making it eligible for TIF.

The current land valuation is $250,000, with an estimated final valuation of around $6.8 million upon completion. While eligible TIF expenses are approximately $1.5 million, the tax increment generated is expected to be about $1 million. Chris Wagner emphasized that TIF is crucial for the project to move forward. This development aligns with McCook's comprehensive plan to foster growth and attract new businesses. The project represents a substantial private investment of around $12 million, with only $1 million covered by TIF, highlighting the Wagner family's commitment to the community. Construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.

Nuisance Properties and Code Enforcement

The city's partnership with the West Central Nebraska Development District continues to address nuisance properties. Emma Castle, representing West Central, reviewed 240 properties in the southeast district of McCook. Out of these, 125 courtesy letters were sent, resulting in 57 properties being cleaned up by their owners. Nine properties received extensions, and 59 properties have been identified for further action by the council. This initiative aims to improve the community one section at a time, complementing the city's ongoing efforts in other districts.

Community Services and Youth Sports Complex

An addendum to the lease with the Southwest Nebraska Family Resource Center was discussed, allowing them to expand into additional portions of the old Public Safety Center. The center provides vital services, including foster parent training and counseling, and its growth necessitates more space.

The council also approved a request for $1,500 from the ACE funds for the Southwest Nebraska Freedom Festival's Fourth of July fireworks display. This volunteer-driven event is highly valued as the city does not host its own fireworks show, and the ACE fund provides crucial financial support.

Infrastructure and Future Planning

Chris Miller and David Blau from Miller and Associates provided an update on the Water Resources Recovery Facility (wastewater treatment plant). The current facility, with its aging Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system from 1978, needs replacement to meet future federal and state regulations. The city has selected the SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor) method, a standard for communities of McCook's size. The project, with construction slated for 2026, will include new headworks, a fan press for solids disposal, and two treatment basins with space for a future expansion. The goal is to ensure long-term sustainability and compliance for the next 40 to 50 years.

An extension was approved for the West Fifth Street closing until June 27th, due to weather and unforeseen issues with water main connections and surface repairs. This closure was strategically planned during the summer to minimize disruption to schools.

Sports Complex Progress

The council approved the second amendment to the agreement with Mammoth Sports Construction for the youth sports complex, covering the vertical construction phase. This $2.6 million phase includes the concessions building, restrooms, changing rooms, and a maintenance building. The total project cost is estimated at $16.9 million, with $12.5 million currently secured. The city is actively pursuing additional funding through naming rights and lot sales. Construction on the horizontal build-out (fields and parking) is expected to begin in June, starting with the four-plex pinwheel.

Financial and Public Engagement

The 2025-2026 budget schedule was approved, outlining the timeline for budget preparation and public input sessions.

Finally, City Manager Schneider announced that the city received a $500,000 grant from the Sherwood Foundation for the sports complex. The city's bond rating review with Moody's was scheduled for later that day, and the pro forma and feasibility study for the sports complex have been completed, outlining the projected economic impact on McCook.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for July 7th.