Council approves utility bids and contract awards, tables interlocal fire agreement

At its regular meeting the Seward City Council approved several administrative items and took action on three formal items:

The council authorized advertisement to construct underground electric utilities for the East Hillrest improvements project. Staff said easements with Concordia are in place and the work will precede roadway construction to enable the trail and utility relocations.

On a separate action the council voted to approve a $311,520 construction agreement with Van Kirk Brothers (utility contractor). Staff said the contractor submitted required bonds and insurance and asked the mayor to sign the agreement.

The council also adopted a resolution to resolve the local Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) revolving loan fund board, noting the program funds were relinquished in 2022 and the city's cleanup will transfer continuing funds to the county-level revolving loan fund; staff and the clerk characterized the step as housekeeping to remove a discontinued board from the city's appointments and records.

Finally, council discussed a revised interlocal agreement with the Stewart County Rural Fire Protection District concerning equipment ownership and retirement. Concern was raised that the current draft's language could obligate the city to transfer or forego trade-in value for rolling equipment; council moved to table the proposed interlocal agreement to allow staff to work with the district and counsel to clarify intent and protect city assets.

Each action was taken by roll call where recorded.