The Cozad City Council approved financing Monday night for two major equipment purchases, including a new digger derrick truck and a Peterbilt roll-off container truck. Interim City Administrator Mike Morgan said Homestead Bank offered a more favorable interest rate than financing available through the equipment vendor. The city will finance the $274,000 digger derrick truck and the $195,000 Peterbilt truck through separate six-year loans. Council members also declared the city’s 2008 roll-off truck surplus property after determining it had reached the end of its service life following numerous repairs.
The council also approved recommendations from Police Chief Nick Reynolds to modify school zones and crosswalk locations around the community. Reynolds said three school zones will be removed after discussions with school officials because they are located near a former school building that has since been sold and converted into a daycare. Before the vote was taken, resident Sherry Kappes expressed concerns about bicycle safety at the intersection of 14th and D Streets, saying she has observed children riding through the intersection without stopping. Reynolds said the department is considering adding stop signs for north and south traffic in addition to the existing east-west stops. Kappes also suggested schools include additional bicycle safety education for students.
Council members unanimously approved a request from the Cozad Football Club to hold practices at Muny Park through October 22. Mayor Marcus Kloepping noted the organization carries liability insurance. The council also approved updates to the city’s personnel manual involving sick leave payout, tobacco and smoking policies, and cell phone stipends. Morgan said the revisions are part of routine reviews to maintain compliance and equitable city practices, with minimal financial impact.
In his report, Morgan announced utility bills will soon be sent by postcard to reduce staff processing time, and that 50 new dumpsters will be placed around the city with another 100 on order. He also reported that recruitment for a new city administrator began Monday, with applications scheduled for council review on September 21.
The next city council meeting is set for September 8 at 5:30 p.m., moved one day later because of the Labor Day holiday.
