Photo by Martin Owen Iron Eagle Golf Course

Councilman Larry Campbell raised an eyebrow Tuesday night when the North Platte City Council approved a $7,000 payment to Landscapes Golf Group for operations at Iron Eagle golf course.

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Campbell asked “Already? What is this for? It’s only been a month,” when the item came up for approval. City Finance Director Dawn Miller explained that it is Landscapes monthly management fee and a bit more to establish an account at the course for day-to-day purchases.

Landscapes receives a payment of $5,000 a month to manage the course. The $7,000 claim was approved 7-0. Councilwoman Judy Pedersen abstained without comment.

New paving, bus barn

In other business, the council authorized no parking zones and stop signs to be placed on the newly paved 16th St. near the Dowhower softball complex.

The street was designed with no parking to protect vehicles from damage caused by errant softballs, according to the city’s contracted engineer Tom Werblow, who cited general safety and traffic concerns.

The stop signs will be placed on eastbound Gail Wicks Drive at Sycamore and westbound 16th Street at Sycamore.

The council also voted 8-0 to accept and authorize the mayor to sign a formal agreement with the Nebraska Dept. of Roads for the bus barn. The agreement paves the way for the city to receive $1,011,762 in federal “stimulus” money for the project.

Werblow reported that the project is moving along very well and should be complete by the official November deadline.

The council also authorized payment of $84,082.55 to Cement Products, Inc. for paving.

County funds for library

The interlocal agreement between the North Platte Public Library and Lincoln County was approved. The council voted 8-0 to approve a five year contract, and the county agreed to pay $39,422 in 2013 and 2-percent more for each year thereafter.

Campbell asked why the contract was needed, and library director Cecilia Lawrence said the agreement allows all residents of the county to use the library at no charge. In the past, residents outside the city had to pay a fee if they used the library.

In other business, the council:

• Accepted and placed on file the Municipal Light and Water report and the treasurer’s report for June.

• Advanced an application from Sculley’s Shooters for a special alcohol permit on Aug. 8 from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. at D&N Event Center, during a rock concert by Buckcherry.

• Passed along a similar permit Aug. 4 for a concert by the Kearney group, TREO, at the Neville Center for the Performing Arts.

• Unanimously approved the mayor’s reappointment of Lowell Fenster, James Bain and Ty Lucas to the city planning and zoning commission.

• Authorized Great Western Bank to be a warrant lender.

Work session

Before the regular meeting, the council discussed the upcoming fiscal year budget in a work session.

Mayor Marc Kashke reiterated that the council need to think about and work on ways to set money aside for future purchases.

The goal would be to save money to pay for large equipment such as new sanitation equipment, street sweepers, etc. when needed, instead of entering lease-purchase agreements.

Kaschke said it was an important example of the value of long-range fiscal planning.

Council members generally agreed that is a worthy goal.

The work session lasted about 40 minutes.

Bulletin Editor George Lauby contributed to this report.