McCook Council celebrates transit success, navigates lead line mandates, and marks progress on local projects

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council covered a wide range of topics during its Monday evening meeting, highlighting both the successes of local community services and the looming challenges of federal infrastructure requirements.

The meeting opened with a proclamation designating April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Representatives from local organizations, including the Family Resource Center, CASA, Community Action Partnership, and the health department, shared information about area resources that support children and families. Members of the local child advocacy team noted that April is recognized nationally for prevention and awareness, with April 10 being observed as "Wear Blue Day." They highlighted community efforts already underway, including a partnership with Fresh Foods where local children have decorated paper grocery bags to help spread the message.

A Banner Year for City Transit

The Council also approved a proclamation recognizing March 15-21, 2026, as Public Transit Week, marking 52 years of the service in McCook. Transit Director Beth Siegfried shared that 2025 was the system’s best ridership year since 2016, with 6,230 rides provided and more than 17,000 miles traveled over the year.

Siegfried highlighted the high daily demand, noting that the busiest day in the last month saw 58 rides in a single shift. “Justin’s doing an excellent job driving… Donna does an excellent job dispatching,” Siegfried said, noting that the service remains a lifeline for medical appointments, shopping, and daily needs. She also explained a logistical detail regarding the fleet: while the city's newer bus provides a smooth ride, the older bus is often more practical on days with high wheelchair demand, sometimes up to six in a single day, due to its interior configuration.

The Federal "Lead Pipe" Challenge

The Council received a detailed presentation from Steve McNulty with the Nebraska State Revolving Fund (SRF) regarding mandatory lead service line replacements. Under federal requirements, communities must identify unknown lines and begin replacements by 2027, with a final deadline in 2034.

McNulty explained that while the mandate is significant, the SRF program offers a combination of loan forgiveness and low-interest financing. Communities may be eligible for 60% loan forgiveness, with an additional 10% bonus grant available for inventory efforts. Council members asked several questions regarding property owner access and enforcement. Councilman Jerry Calvin raised the idea of a local ordinance requiring reporting of line information at the time a home is sold to help the city build its inventory more efficiently. McNulty encouraged McCook to begin making progress sooner rather than later to stay ahead of the 2034 deadline.

Vacation Rental Approved for West Seventh

Following a public hearing, the Council approved a special exception request by Cunningham Rentals, LLC for a bed-and-breakfast style vacation rental at 204 West Seventh Street.

City staff noted the request was unique because the structure is a single-family residence located in a Business Commercial (BC) district. However, staff determined the use was similar to other lodging already allowed in the area, such as hotels and motels. Applicant Adam Cunningham told the Council the property’s location and parking make it a good fit for short-term guests. During public comment, one attendee asked if the city has a cap on the number of vacation rentals or Airbnbs allowed in town; staff indicated there is currently no city policy setting a cap. The approval was conditioned on providing the city with a certificate of insurance.

North Pointe Infrastructure Moving Ahead

As part of the consent agenda, the Council awarded a $645,894 contract to Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad for North Pointe Phase III paving and utilities.

Amanda Engell with McCook Economic Development told the Council that this phase of infrastructure work—located north of the fairgrounds—is moving ahead slightly earlier than originally expected. The project will open access to 10 additional residential lots, including six on the south side of T Street and four on the north side. The work also includes a water line "loop" to improve system connectivity between S and T Streets.

$100,000 Pledge for Youth Sports Complex

During the regular agenda, Council received a progress update on the P.F.C. Gerald L. Walters Youth Sports Complex. City Manager Nate Schneider announced a $100,000 pledged gift from the Masonic Temple, which will be paid out at $25,000 per year over four years.

Schneider reported that water and sewer installation at the site is complete, and storm sewer work is moving forward. Paving is expected to be the next visible phase of construction. Schneider also thanked the community members who attended the "rolling out the turf" event last Wednesday, noting the excitement of seeing local youth finally get a chance to run on the fields.

In other business, the Council:

* Approved Resolution No. 2026-08 allowing the City of McCook to join the National Purchasing Cooperative (BuyBoard), which helps the city access pre-bid pricing on purchases like park shade structures.

* Approved the minutes from the March 2 regular meeting and the March 9 Planning Commission meeting.