Council passes re-use plan resolution
— Angie Steffen
Laurel Advocate
LAUREL — The City of Laurel conducted a public hearing and passed a resolution on Feb. 10 for a reuse plan for the City of Laurel Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing and Economic Development (ED) Revolving Loan Funds.
The City would have an estimated $75,000 available through the two funds.
Program income and/or recaptured funds (reuse funds) generated through the repayment of loans and interest earned from economic development and housing activities will be re-purposed to fund Limit Clientele activities.
The proposed project area is in the City of Laurel’s downtown district and will include the following area: beginning approximately 275 ft. west on second street from the intersection of second and Elm Streets and will continue east on second street to the intersection of second and Cedar streets. The proposed project also includes approximately 200 ft. on Elm Street, south of the intersection of second and Elm Streets. The project proposed would include removal of architectural barriers of sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks and curbs. The plan is available for public inspection at city hall.
Council members were told Hartington Development Corporation members met with Laurel representatives and discussed how they established the Westfield Acres housing development in their town. They shared ideas and outcomes about grants and project processes.
The Nebraska Community Foundation has approved accounts for donations if a Community Center is to be built.
City council members said this does not mean the center is a reality, but allows individuals to donate toward it for such purposes as continuing maintenance.
David McMahan was approved for the library board.
An ordinance was passed for sewer and water rates effective March 20. The June billing will have the new rate of $1.85 per 100 gallons. Base charges will be residential: $14.75; commercial: $18.75; institutional: $78.75.
The committee looking at engineers will keep under consideration the possibility of a drainage study of the whole area of Laurel concerning the flow of water. The request for qualification was due Jan. 31 for procuring an engineer. Committee includes Mayor Mark Patefield, Keith Knudsen, city council president, City Attorney Keelan Holloway and City Administrator Mark McCoy. Nine engineering firms will be considered.
The CRA is setting up lease agreements on Lot 10 and Schuler-Anderson ground.
The Laurel Fire Department came to Hillcrest on Feb. 3 for the annual evacuation disaster drill.
A grant has been submitted for Hillcrest Care Center for help with expenses for a washing machine, water softener and telephone system.
Becky Frerichs resumed duties as the Social Services Director at Hillcrest. Adel Bohlken has taken over the Activities Department. Joan Thies, Director of Nursing at Hillcrest, provided training for basic lifesaver support for licensed professionals at Hillcrest.
Laurel police report tallies included two fix-it tickets, four warnings, one accident, three animal complaints, two motorist assists, three outside assists, one open door, 15 school traffic stops, three citizen complaints, two funeral traffic assists, one noise complaint, one alarm, 210 building checks, one nuisance vehicle, one suspicious person, one arrest, one theft and one traffic complaint.
The housing study comprehensive plan zoning will be underway with Hanna-Keelan. First meeting was Feb. 7 with the Laurel Planning Commission. A citizen’s survey and workforce housing survey will be sent out in two weeks. Results will be back by mid-March. The next meeting with Hanna-Keelan is April 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Legislative conference calls have started and are every Friday throughout the session.
Chris Rasmussen is working with Megan Weaver on a workshop for Incremental Development Alliance. This group would address the need for communities identified and encourage small developers to invest in the community. Funding is being sought to secure a workshop date.
Rasmussen also met with Walter Aschoff and Toni Tauber about the possibility of building senior living units here.
Mainelli Wagner and Associates engineering firm has completed a new survey of Logan Creek/870 Rd. flood damaged area after flooding on March 13, 2019.
They have identified three additional spots of damage on the south embankment of Logan Creek. The City is waiting for FEMA to add damages with a time extension or if a new plan has to be established.
