Council proposes water rate hike, development of walking trail

The Imperial City Council meeting was held on Jan. 22 at City Hall. Erica Greene asked if residents are allowed to own chickens in town. As there is no state law regarding this practice, some towns allow it, while some do not. The proposed limit made would be 4-10 chickens, with no roosters or other forms of fowl being allowed. The discussion was tabled until further information is available.
Next, Imperial City Administrator, Tyler Pribbeno, stated that the Certificate of Deposit worth $1,104,256 matured on Jan. 7. Pinnacle Bank currently carries the certificate of deposit. Multiple bids were received by area banks to carry the Certificate of Deposit. Council President, Douglas Gaswick, motioned to accept the bid by Adams Bank & Trust, for the year, with at 5.26% interest rate. The motion carried.
Pribbeno stated that the courtesy car, used by the airport for flyers to travel about Imperial, has broken down. It was determined that the cost of repairing the vehicle would be higher than purchasing a different one. While the city received a $14,000 insurance claim that could go towards that purchase of a new car, no action was taken.
Citizen, Larry Carpenter, addressed the drainage issue in the alley behind Myrtle Health and Grace’s Kitchen Table. This has been an ongoing issue, originally brought up last year, with no apparent action taken. There are multiple utilities in the alley, and it would cost thousands to move them. Public Works Director, Pat Davison, assured Carpenter that he would contact Miller and Associates to find an official estimate of cost.
Pribbeno mentioned the city’s bulk offering of $1.45 per thousand gallons of water to the local residents. Considering the time it takes to create and mail invoices, it was agreed, that a minimum charge of $10 per use for bulk load out water orders, at the same rate of $1.45 per thousand gallons. Residential and commercial water rates would stay the same. All council members agreed on the price and the updated Fee Schedule Resolution will be presented at the next meeting on Feb. 5.
Citizen, Jim Pirog, asked about the efforts to develop a hiking trail that would begin west of Imperial and connect to the school, city square, and pool. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has a grant worth $250,000 available for this type of endeavor. The grant would require the town’s sponsorship and that the committee, formed by Pirog and his peers, maintain the trail for 25 years. A full copy of the plan was provided to the Council for further consideration.
Marcia Bauerle, of the Chase County Area Arts Council, is applying for Imperial to create a Creative Arts district. The district would be a part of the city square once it is developed.
Pribbeno stated that Carla Taylor, a former resident, spoke to him about a potential concert in the city square to begin the Imperial Valley Holiness Camp on July 18. The planned concert would include food trucks and campers.
Davison, then referred to the new rates of the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. He explained that meter expenses will increase, but the price of kilowatts per hour will decrease. The increased costs will go into effect April 2024. The motion to approve the new rates passed unanimously.
The council went into an approximate 20 minute executive session to discuss outstanding loans and utilities for the property at 415 Broadway.
Davison then remarked on the lack of electrical problems during the blizzard but noted there were many water problems. The snowplow was in Hasting had its blade replaced. Also the baler, at the recycling plant, is being fixed and that the transfer station is running smoothly.
Pribbeno stated that West Central Nebraska Development District has approved the application for a construction loan in the use of three new homes that will be completed by November 2024.
Lastly, Lynne West has resigned from the Imperial Manor/Parkview Heights. The Senior Service Board has completed interviews of potential candidates and they will begin offering the position.
The motion to adjourn was unanimously approved.