Council postpones decision on banning extension cords on city square after public comment

The Broken Bow City Council opened a public hearing June 22 on Resolution 2021-10, which would remove the use of extension cords on the City Square because of alleged trip and safety hazards. City Administrator Dan Knoell read the resolution and told the council the city could be liable for slip, trip or fall hazards if extension cords are used; City Attorney Jason White said that once the city is informed of a hazard "we will be sued," warning that acknowledgement of a hazard can increase liability exposure. Multiple community members commented for and against the resolution during the public comment period.

After hearing public input and discussion, the council moved to postpone action on Resolution 2021-10 until the Aug. 10, 2021 city council meeting. The motion to postpone passed by roll call vote. Separately during the meeting the council opened a public hearing on a nuisance property at 1131 North G; Chief Steve Scott said the property had been vacant, the owner arranged a sale to a neighbor who plans to demolish it, and the council approved allowing the new owners 60 days post-closing to complete cleanup. City Attorney Jason White cited a 60-day statutory window for action on nuisance complaints (the minutes do not identify the specific statute).

Mayor Rod Sonnichsen said the proposed extension-cord ban "may be an extreme" response to the hazard concerns. The council did not adopt the resolution at the June 22 meeting and instead scheduled further consideration for Aug. 10, 2021.

The minutes do not record the text of Resolution 2021-10 or the full details of public commenters’ remarks.