Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Council OKs $36,000 In Business Grants

The Kimball City Council approved over $36,000 in grant money March 21 to local businesses through the Business Improvement Grant program. Lil Bit of Country, Joe Mejia Insurance, and Ondori Ramen & Sushi were businesses receiving grants.

An LB 840 loan was approved to the Friends of the Goodhand Theater for $25,000 to purchase 300 black/red leather reclining/rocking theater chairs.

Interviews are being conducted for the open position of the city clerk, and Creg Pike was appointed to serve on the interview committee. Interviews were planned for March 23 and 24.

Current business included Marvin Planning’s report on the Housing Study update. The main author of the study, Arron Sorrell, said that there is significant demand for new housing, both ownership and rentals. He said the need for housing should double in the next five years as based on major employers expanding, including Clean Harbors Inc., Kimball Health Services, and KCTS.

According to the Marvin study, there is a demand for 80 new units.

A public hearing was held on the one-and-six-year plan. Jim Shoup, city street superintendent, explained that in the next year armor coating, crack sealing, and replacement of curb and gutters would be done.

John Morrison’s mayoral report focused on LB 712 and LB 100. Morrison admitted that Gov. Jim Pillen came out against LB 712, but Morrison continued with, “What we are asking for is reasonable. I am optimistic that we will get a substantial … portion of that amount that we are asking for. We are having to do it in a little bit different way, but I think it will work.”

LB 100, according to Morrison, will correct an omission in a current law that allows Clean Harbors to be part of that law.

The next City Council meeting will be held on April 4 at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

Town Hall meetings to discuss and receive input on the Kimball Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Update are scheduled for April 19 and 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kimball County Transit Service Building.