Tecumseh council approves engineering contract for Historic Square, OKs CDBG administration and board appointment

The Tecumseh City Council on Jan. 5 unanimously approved a construction engineering services agreement with Olsson for Federal‑aid Project #ENH‑49(46), known as the Tecumseh Historic Square Preservation project, and authorized professional-service agreements with the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) to support the city’s Downtown Revitalization CDBG project.

Council moved quickly through routine reports and several consent items before taking formal votes. Councilmember Lorie Topp moved to approve Resolution 26‑1 to sign the construction engineering services agreement (BK2557) with Olsson; Councilmember Travis Goracke seconded the motion, and the council voted unanimously to carry the resolution. The resolution authorizes Olsson to provide construction engineering services for the federally aided square preservation project; the minutes do not specify the dollar value of the Olsson agreement.

The council also authorized two professional service agreements with SENDD for the Downtown Revitalization CDBG (NDED Contract No. 25DTR005). Council approved an agreement for up to $25,000 for general administration and an agreement for up to $5,000 for construction‑management services; the construction‑management agreement is contingent on the Nebraska Department of Economic Development issuing a Release of Funds and environmental clearance. Tyler Speckmann moved to approve the $25,000 administration agreement with Lorie Topp seconding; Brian Britt moved to approve the $5,000 construction‑management agreement with Topp seconding. Both motions passed unanimously.

Mayor Jesse Grof announced a mayoral appointment of Deborah Goracke to the Handibus Board; Councilmember Lorie Topp moved to confirm the appointment, with Alicia Brommer seconding, and the council approved the appointment unanimously. The minutes do not provide additional background about Deborah Goracke or the terms of the appointment.

On a separate item the council approved a $45,424 quote from Midwest Floor Covering to install a non‑slip surface in the pool bathhouse. Alicia Brommer moved the measure and Travis Goracke seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous vote.

The council then approved the consent agenda, which included the Dec. 15, 2025 meeting minutes and payment of city bills totaling $90,231.30 to vendors including Forvis Mazars LLP, Olsson, Westover Rock & Sand Inc., and the Tecumseh Airport Authority. Lorie Topp moved to approve the consent agenda and Lance Beethe seconded; the minutes record a unanimous vote in favor.

The meeting opened with routine reports: Sheriff Lyon provided a sheriff’s report; City Clerk Janelle Moran said the audit is nearly complete; streets staff described Arrowhead Drive design work and a deferred vehicle replacement; and Doug Goracke reported on economic development activities (Turnbull Tire construction and Niocorp timing) and utility projects (completed cooling project, UV upgrade ordered, and service at Turnbull Tire). Parks staff noted upcoming discussions on 2026 pool wages and pool prep work. The council adjourned at 5:14 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 26‑1 (Olsson construction engineering services, Federal‑aid Project #ENH‑49(46)): Motion by Lorie Topp; second Travis Goracke; vote: Beethe, Britt, Brommer, Goracke, Speckmann, Topp — all aye; outcome: approved. - SENDD general administration PSA (up to $25,000) — NDED Contract No. 25DTR005: Motion by Tyler Speckmann; second Lorie Topp; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved. - SENDD construction‑management PSA (up to $5,000), contingent on NDED Release of Funds & environmental clearance: Motion by Brian Britt; second Lorie Topp; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved (contingent). - Appointment of Deborah Goracke to Handibus Board: Motion by Lorie Topp; second Alicia Brommer; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved. - Pool bathhouse non‑slip floor covering ($45,424): Motion by Alicia Brommer; second Travis Goracke; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved. - Consent agenda (including bills totaling $90,231.30): Motion by Lorie Topp; second Lance Beethe; vote: unanimous; outcome: approved.

What the council did not specify - The recorded minutes do not list the dollar amount (if any) for the Olsson engineering agreement beyond its identification as BK2557. The minutes also do not provide biographical or term information for the mayoral appointee, Deborah Goracke.

Next steps - The SENDD construction‑management agreement is expressly contingent on NDED issuing a Release of Funds and environmental clearance; the contract is not effective until that administrative step occurs. The minutes do not record any further deadlines or implementation dates for the projects discussed.

(Reporting based on council minutes and the meeting record.)