City Council conducts public hearing on city’s economic development program; no comments were given

By Becky Uehling

Grant Tribune Correspondent

A public hearing was held Tuesday, Jan. 14 by the City of Grant concerning the review of the six-month report on LB 840, or the Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act, within the City of Grant.

In 2012 and 2022, the citizens of Grant voted in the general election to continue the program, which was implemented by Grant citizens in 2002, and earmarks local tax dollars for economic development projects in the city. 

Part of the program has included start-up grants and loans to businesses to retain and grow, and promotional aspects to attract individuals to the community.

No comments were heard from the public on the program during the City Council’s meeting concerning the review.

Appointment of Nuisance Officer

The council unanimously approved the appointment of West Central Nebraska Development District WCNDD as the city’s nuisance officer for the 2024-2025.

In related news, the council appointed City Superintendent Scott Miller as the city’s representative to WCNDD with Councilman Kim Bishop being appointed as the alternate representative.

Designation of Nuisance Area for 2025

The council also took action during the meeting to identify Section 1 in the City as the designated area being looked at for nuisances in 2025. (See Map) This area includes the northeast portion of the City of Grant, which is the northeast quadrant from a line east side of Central Avenue and north of East 6th Street.  

At Logan Avenue, the line of the area to the east extends south to East 4th Street. The designation allows West Central Nebraska Development District to look at properties in this area for any code nuisances and to work with property owners to remediate the nuisances.

Director and Alternate Named to MEAN Board

The council unanimously approved a motion to appoint Superintendent Miller as the Director and Councilman Sam Sims as the Alternate Director on the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) for the City of Grant.

Concerns on Proposed Snow Removal Policy

The City Council heard an update from Superintendent Miller on the city’s efforts to update its snow removal policy.

In November 2024, the council heard from City Public Works Assistant Eric McCormick who has drawn up a new proposed snow removal policy for Grant. The city’s current snow removal policy has not been updated since 2000. Part of the proposal was to allow citizens to help with snow removal, which is not currently allowed by the city. 

During the Jan. 12 meeting, Miller said the way that proposal is currently written to allow community members to assist the city with snow removal could open the city up to liability.

“There are some concerns from our insurance providing concerning the language of the proposed plan relating to the section to community involvement,” Miller said. 

“That section needs to be gone through and revised. I’ll be working with the city attorney and our insurance agent on that.” 

Miller said he intends to keep the option of citizens helping with snow removal, but changing the wording to eliminate liability. The topic was tabled until its next meeting on January 28.

Agreement with the Chamber of Commerce

For the second year in a row, the council is seeking to enter into an agreement with the Perkins County Chamber to financially assist the organization with its yearly projects up to $1,275. The money would assist with such community activities as the annual Fourth of July celebration, Bike Ride Around Grant (BRAG), and the annual cruise night. The proposed agreement also spells out the duties of the Chamber and the right for the city to get updates from the chamber on its activities. The council unanimously approved to enter the agreement with the chamber, which will now be considered by the chamber and then returned to the council at a future meeting to be officially signed.

Updating Three Welcome Signs and Team State 

Championship Signs

City of Grant Clerk Jessie Faber updated the council on requests from citizens to update the three welcome to Grant and Championship signs, which were established by Eagle Scout Chris Burge put up the signs in 2001.

Faber suggested to the council that economic development funds could be used to refurbish the signs, and City Attorney Tawna Holmstedt and Faber provided some ideas of how the signs could be updated.

After discussion, the council tabled the issue until more information could be obtained on the options for updating the signs.

Sims Sworn In

During the meeting, Holmstedt swore in newly elected Councilman Sam Sims. Newly elected member Kimberly Bishop was already sworn in at an earlier meeting that Sims was not present at.  

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Grant City Council will be Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at the City offices