Over the weekend, the Elgin community ‘cleaned up’ in big fashion.
The Elgin City Council received a report on the event during Monday night’s meeting. The response was overwhelming as two dumpsters were filled and a third was brought in to handle items brought in. Members of the Elgin Community Club, sponsors of the event along with the City of Elgin, canvassed the community Saturday morning picking up items along curb sides.
The City of Elgin pays for the cost of the dumpsters.
While some council members said there is a need to establish what will and what will not be accepted for next year’s event, it was called “a roaring success.”
Council member Shirley Nissen said, “Our tax money was put to good use.”
It’s likely the cost of hauling the dumpsters away will be in excess of $1,000. One year ago the cost to remove two dumpsters full of items was over $800.
In other action:
Agreement — The council voted 4-0 to approve an agreement for use of the ball field during the summer season, at the request of Ron Bode. The cost of the agreement which runs from May thorugh July is $3,000.
Dead end street signs — After learning the cost to place 33 street signs around the edges of Elgin could run as much as $100 per sign, the council approved a motion by Shirley Nissen to drop the matter. She had expressed concern about the liability of a property owner who lives near a dead end street. Attorney Ron Temple said since the property owner doesn’t own the road they would have nothing to do with any liability issues were there to be a motor vehicle accident.
Resolution — Approval was given to Resolution 2013-5 for an interlocal agreement with Antelope County allowing the county to provide assistance in emergency situations.
Vicious dogs — Discussion was held on whether or not to add to a city ordinance dealing with vicious dogs inside the city limits. Currently, the city ordinance stipulates a dog owner can be fined for their pet running large. City Clerk Vicki Miller said when a call is received at city hall and the owner of the animal is known, they will receive a certified letter which warns them if it happens again the matter will be turned over to the county attorney for prosecution.
Councilman Ken Jochum questioned whether specific breeds of dogs should be singled out since, it was the council’s consensus was that any dog can be called vicious. The decision was to leave the current ordinance as it is.
New EMT — Carli Bolli, a certified EMT, was approved as a new member of the Elgin Rescue Squad.
Fireworks — Mark Burenheide will have a fireworks stand in Elgin following approval of an application. It was approved pending Burenheide providing a certificate of insurance.
Pool — The summer pool season will officially begin on Friday, May 24. That will be the first day the city swimming pool will be open, weather permitting.
Playground — Miller told council members she will be submitting a grant application to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) which, if approved, could cover one-half of the cost of adding rubber to the playground equipment area at Elgin City Park. Preliminary figures, she said, show the total cost for the rubber would be in excess of $33,000. Mayor Mike Schmitt said if the city receives the grant, the deadline for applications is August 1, then they will proceed with the project.
Maintenance report — City Street Superintendent Donnie Poulsen Jr. said tests are planned for City Well 77-1 which could determine at which level arsenic is entering the water well. The test, he said will cost more than $16,000, will take water samples at three different levels, will extend the city’s timetable for putting in a new welL.
Insurance — Kathy Volk of Elgin Insurance presented the council with bids for the City’s 2013-2014 insurance policy. One policy, from Continental Western has special event coverage built into its’ liability package at a cost of just over $15,000. As with all insurance packages, there would be exemptions, she said. Temple advised and the council agreed to get an “apples to apples” comparison between the Continental Western’s bid and that of the current insurance provide, Cornhusker, and then review the proposed policies at a special meeting before the current policy expires on May 28.
