Council opts for same fireworks show

    Rising inflation is affecting much of the purchases being made by consumers today.
    City council members found out this week it’s also spread to purchasing fireworks.
    Monday also marked the council’s first meeting back in the council chambers, which underwent major renovation after water damage.
    In the past several years, the city has earmarked $7,500 for the fireworks show, said Clerk/Administrator Jo Leyland.
    The council discussed whether to keep the same length of the fireworks show with 1,959 shots at a total cost of $9,350, or opt for a show in which the same $7,500 was spent.
    If the same dollars were spent, it would allow just 815 shots, Leyland reported.
    “As with everything else, the price of fireworks has skyrocketed,” she said.
    Leyland said the information on costs was brought to her by Fire Chief Doug Mitchell. The Imperial Volunteer Fire Department organizes the annual Fourth of July fireworks show.
    The order must be placed for fireworks by May 2, she said.     In the end, the council voted 4-0 to spend the extra $1,850 for the same show length as previous years.
    The city uses general fund dollars in the budget for the fireworks purchase.
Other business
    Due to the higher than expected bid for a water extension project on East 12th Street, the council voted to reject the bid Monday.
    The bid rejection was suggested by city engineer Miller & Associates.
    Only one bid, from Myers Construction, Inc. of Broken Bow, was received for $531,902, which was 213% over the engineer’s estimate of $248,735.
    Public Works Supt. Pat Davison said they will have to revisit the project.
    “We’ve looked at this project for years which would close a loop on 12th Street,” he said.
    In other action, the council took no action on a request from Taylor and Michelle May for city sanitation pickup at their home, which sits just outside the city limits along with cemetery road.
    Some of the concern council members expressed on the Mays’ request was if it would set a precedent, and if they would allow it, how far outside the city limits they would go for others.
    The Mays are now on the city’s electric system.
    Sarah Hoskovec was appointed Deputy City Clerk by Mayor Dwight Coleman, which the council approved. Trish Moreno held the position before taking another job.
    A resolution on restricting vehicle traffic at the city-owned light dam was tabled to the next meeting.