Economic Development Coordinator resigns
— Angie Steffen
Laurel Advocate
LAUREL — An advocate for the community has submitted her resignation after working for the city for nearly three years.
Laurel’s Economic Development Coordinator Chris Rasmussen submitted her resignation and the city council accepted it at its meeting Monday night. Her last day is Wednesday.
“This was not an easy decision to make as my time here has been rewarding. I’ve enjoyed the work, and the accomplishments we have made, and being a part of the teams that have been dedicated to making things better in Laurel and the surrounding community,’’ Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen said she plans to remain active in the community on the Tree Board and Chamber of Commerce.
The city council plans to review her job description and discuss filling the position at its December meeting.
At Monday’s meeting, the council also heard an update on the downtown revitalization project.
The street has been poured on the west end and sidewalks are making good progress toward completion.
Some light poles should be installed soon. About half of the landscaping, signage and line painting has been completed from Oak Street east.
Additional storm water drainage inlets at the Third and Spruce intersection are being planned by engineering firm JEO.
The storm water drainage inlet at the First and Cedar intersection is in the process of being installed.
Overall completion date has been extended to mid-December.
Jan Merrill, community planner for the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District, met with council members to approve the extension request for the downtown revitalization grant.
“Laurel has been great to work with,’’ Merrill said. The council also heard from Hillcrest Care Center’s Director Ruth Sands-Jerke.
The center is in need of a new water heater at the nursing home as the current one is leaking, she said. Two bids came in for the project with both more than $11,000.
The center is also in need of a new HVAC unit in the kitchen ceiling.
“The old one needs a new compressor and a new motor and is not fixable,” Sands-Jerke said. The new one’s price tag is $9,400.
A new security system will be installed at the nursing home.
Sands-Jerke said private pay rates for residents at the nursing home will be raised so that they are higher than Medicaid rates. The new rate increase will be communicated and then start no later than January.
The council also:
- Heard information about becoming part of Nebraska Public Power District’s Featured Site Program that will begin January 2022. The Nebraska Rural Projects Act will provide matching funds to Nebraska nonprofit economic development organizations to help build new rail access business parks in counties of less than 100,000 people.
- Accepted a real estate donation and dedication for public use for Arlys Park, located on Alma Street in the Hillcrest area. The land and playground equipment was donated by Sam and Jessica Recob.
- Discussed audio/video needs for the Laurel Community Center. The council will advertise for bids on systems for the center and also apply for a USDA grant of up to $50,000 for equipment.
See CITY, Page 6
