Council approves design work on 'Alternate 3' to stabilize county recycling site

At a City Council meeting, members voted to move forward with a lower-cost design called “Alternate 3” to address long-running erosion and operating-cost issues at the county recycling site, directing design firm Shemer to complete final plans and authorizing staff to seek bids.

The action matters because the property deed requires the site be used as a recycling center for the benefit of Seward County; if recycling operations cease, the deed may require returning the land to the Isaac Walton League. Council members and staff said the changes are intended to stabilize the embankment that threatens utilities and structures and to reduce the heavy subsidy the city is providing for on-site staffing and operations.

Mike, a city staff member, summarized the design choice and estimated costs: “Alternate 3, essentially creating a mobile slope, essentially restoring the slope that was probably there before they try to develop this into an industrial site. That cost of 100,000, we hope that that cost goes down by having the building salvaged, alright, by a person that actually uses the material or uses that tent structure.” He added the city could avoid the cost of removing concrete foundations by abandoning them in place where soil cover is adequate.

City staff and council discussed next steps. Staff said the $100,000 figure is an estimate and that the city will wait for contractor bids; they said savings of $10,000–$20,000 are possible if salvage or other measures reduce required work. Staff also proposed using large trailers or roll-offs at the site to remove the need for a dedicated attendant, which staff described as the likely most cost-effective long-term approach.

A city staff member noted legal constraints tied to the property's deed: “The deed, the corporate warranty deed... says it's given to us for the purposes of operating a recycling center for the benefit of Seward County. That's exactly what it reads.” Staff said that if the city ceased recycling operations at the site, the property could potentially revert to the Isaac Walton League; staff reported meetings had occurred with the League to discuss options.

Councilmember (unnamed) moved to accept Alternate 3 and direct Shemer to proceed with final design; another councilmember seconded. The motion passed on a recorded vote of 7-0. The council did not set final construction dates; staff said they may advertise the project for bids later in the calendar year once final design and updated cost estimates are complete.

Questions remain about the final contract bids, the exact savings from salvage, and any required approvals tied to the deed. Staff directed to return with final design and bid documents for council consideration.