City superintendent interviews open to public

Three finalists for City of Grant’s city superintendent will be interviewed in a special meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

The interviews, which will be open to the public, will begin at 4 p.m. in the distance learning room at Perkins County High School. 

Candidates include Patricia Jimenez of Grant, Brenda Ketcham of Ogallala and Phillip Robinette of Kingsport, Tennessee. 

AWOS

Schmitt was excited to announce the plans to install an Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) at the airport. 

“This is a huge plus for our city. AWOS will allow more medical people to come into town, Flight for Life, more businesses can fly in personnel. It’s just a huge benefit all-around,” said Schmitt. 

A project the city has been attempting for over 10 years is expected to run seamlessly once federal government approval is received. But with the recent shutdown, this is taking longer than planned.

Most of the system will be paid for through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant, with $25,000 being paid for by the city. 

Street plans

City Engineer Tom Werblow presented the one- and six-year street plan, which the council approved. 

Werblow explained that none of the projects are mandatory, but have to be on the plan to be completed. 

Three streets included in the plans to replace the existing asphalt with concrete are Hancock from Fifth to Sixth, Fourth from Hall to Mitchem and Fifth from Central to Lincoln. Public Works Gary Beckler suggested visiting these three streets and deciding which to complete based on the budget since a street sweeper was not purchased as planned. 

Council member Andrea Brueggeman said she receives the most complaints about Road 328, Central Avenue from Highway 23 South to city limits. Concreting the street is in the one- and six- year street plan. Brueggeman questioned if it was a plan they could execute, or if streets in town should take priority.  

Beckler said they patched and armor coated it last year and it’s been holding well so far, but it won’t work forever.  Part of it is still gravel. 

Councilman Matt Greenwood said there is only one residence on the road, which he feels does not justify the cost of the project. 

Board resignation

Sheriff Jim Brueggeman resigned his position on the city’s board of health. His spouse, council member Andrea Brueggeman, became a member of the board of health when elected city council president in December. Nebraska State Statute requires the city council president serve on the board of health. 

“The purpose of my resignation is solely to avoid any potential conflicts of interest and suppress the appearance of any impropriety by us serving on the same board,” stated Jim in his resignation letter. 

He expressed interest in serving on other boards and serving on the board of health in the future. 

Bond ordinance

Tobin Buchanan, vice president of public finance with First National Capital Markets, was to speak on the pool bond ordinance but was unable to attend due to weather. 

City Clerk/Treasurer Jessie Faber completed the first reading of the ordinance, which authorizes the issuance, sale and delivery of general obligation pool bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $2.4 million to pay the costs of constructing and equipping a new swimming pool and related facilities.  

Other items

• The council unanimously approved Jim Bryant to the housing board and Dick Thurin to the planning commission. 

• Greenwood raised several concerns and proposed changes on the proposed recodified municipal code book scheduled to be approved at the March 12 meeting. 

New employee

Robert Engel was hired as the new public works assistant, replacing Randy Heinemann. He began Friday, Jan. 25.  

 

The Grant Tribune-Sentinel

308-352-4311 (Phone)

PO Box 67
327 Central Ave in Grant
Grant NE 69140