Council discusses formal policy for use and rental of city equipment and supplies

The Seward City Council discussed a proposed policy to clarify public access, rental and internal use of city property such as picnic tables, cones, barricades, tractors and other equipment.

City staff said repeated informal requests to borrow equipment and supply deliveries had highlighted the need for formal, consistent guidance. “If we give a rate and we allow the public to get something, then we can utilize that and utilize that same rate for employees,” Mike, a city staff member, said during the discussion.

Key provisions under consideration include a list of eligible items for rental, a nominal fee structure to offset delivery and return costs, and an explicit prohibition on employees taking city equipment home for personal use. Staff said there would be exceptions for city‑sponsored events such as the Fourth of July and the Christmas parade.

Why it matters: Staff and councilors said the policy aims to reduce liability, ensure consistent treatment of residents and employees, and recoup modest costs associated with delivering and retrieving equipment. Council members raised questions about liability for items such as chainsaws and about ensuring equitable access for residents who rely on the service.

Next steps: Staff will prepare a written draft policy that specifies eligible items, fees and insurance/liability requirements and return it to the council for formal consideration. At the meeting staff did not move a final motion to adopt the policy; no formal vote was recorded in the provided transcript.

Ending: The policy conversation clarified council priorities—protecting the city from liability, setting fair fees and maintaining exceptions for city events—and set a timetable for staff to produce a draft ordinance or resolution for the council’s next consideration.