11 acres to be annexed into city

The annexation of 11 acres into the city will soon be complete. The Perkins County Hospital District petitioned the council at the end of May to annex what is commonly known as the Frederick property into the city for potential development. 

After completing a survey and submitting it to the council, the first reading of the ordinance to have the property annexed into the city was read at the meeting on June 25. 

An ordinance must be read at three separate meetings unless the council votes to waive the three readings. Councilman Matt Greenwood voted to waive the readings, but the motion died due to lack of a second. 

Sheriff contract approved

The city approved the annual Perkins County Sheriff’s contract, with council member Andrea Brueggeman abstaining.

The contract runs from July 1 to June 30, 2020 at an annual fee of $94,080. Payments will be made monthly to the county. 

Sheriff Jim Brueggeman said they will concentrate on enforcement of misdemeanors, vehicles and traffic. 

Pheasant Run updates

Over 30 minutes were spent discussing how to best utilize the $55,362 received from insurance for golf course damages last fall.

With input from Jeff Skeels of Hometown Agency and Corey Potts with the golf board, the council voted to replace the roofs of the clubhouse and pavilion, and use the remainder of the funds for new maintenance shed. 

Down payment assistance

A resolution was unanimously passed authorizing matching funds of $4,000 to be taken from the Economic Development Funds for Down Payment Assistance, but not before some hesitation. 

Greenwood wanted assurance it was a one-time match. 

“I’m not at all in favor of giving money away, and that’s what we’re doing. We’re giving money away,” he said. But if it’s a one-time shot, I move to accept.”

Mayor Lisa Schmitt said it was another step towards improving the community. 

Memorial funds

The council passed a resolution authorizing $300 to be used from the Bill Cooper Memorial Fund to purchase t-shirts for the Perkins County Swim Team. 

Cooper’s daughter, Karla McQueen, explained they made the donation to the city intending it to go to the baseball and swim team programs. However, they did not realize the swim team was not part of the city.  

Liquor Licenses

Middle of Nowhere was approved for special designated liquor licences for the Perkins County Fair on July 19-20 and a wedding on Aug. 10.