Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Approval Of Longhorn Building Sale Among A Range Of Economic Development Projects Kimball Is Pursuing
Kimball City Council has authorized the sale of the Longhorn Building to SK Hays Companies as part of a retail and residential redevelopment of the iconic Kimball structure. The city has all sorts of ecoonomic development coals in the fire.
The majority of items on the Kimball City Council meeting agenda Oct 15 focused on implementing strategies outlined in the Kimball Economic Development Plan.
Kimball special projects coordinator Amy Sapp explained to council members the Citizens Advisory Committee recommendations for business improvement grants as part of the economic development incentive program.
Approved business owners can receive up to 70 percent of the expenses incurred to make improvements to their businesses. The council approved a façade improvement grant for the Décor Store for $594, and an infrastructure improvement grant of $25,650 for Frank Parts/NAPA Auto Parts.
Sapp also noted that "in a first for the advisory committee" it received a new business incentive application from the planned Karen's Kitchen restaurant. As details and effective dates are yet to be clarified for the new business, the council approved up to $500 a month for utilities and/or rent, subject to the approval of the committee.
The Citizens Advisory Committee also recommended, and the council approved, the requirement for multiple bids for proposed projects with a total cost of more $10,000.
Continuing its efforts to update and improve community recreation facilities, the council had the first reading of Ordinance 774, clarifying the allocation of Keno funds – specifically that 75 percent of the net proceeds of the Keno program are to be spent on structures in parks, play structures and capital improvements to the municipal pool.
The other 25 percent of Keno funds are to be available for individual community betterment projects.
The council also passed Resolution 2019-08, which formerly adopts rules applicable to the public use of Gotte Park, including new rules allowing limited overnight camping and the need for prior city approval for any temporary attachments to ensure tress, structures and underground sprinklers remain undamaged.
In a significant move, the council passed Ordinance 773 authorizing the sale of the city owned real estate designated as the Longhorn Building, at 109 S. Chestnut St., to SK Hays Companies, LLC.
This renovation and redevelopment effort aims to provide living quarters and office retail space in the soon-to-be renovated structure.
Utilizing a similar procedure to facilitate the sale of the city owned Kimball Event and Fitness Center, the council plans on holding a special meeting to make necessary revisions to the allow the sale to move forward as soon as possible.
This would enable the purchaser to generate revenue during the holiday season and return the property to taxable status, which will generate revenue for the city.
Strategies in the Kimball Economic Development Plan are authorized through Nebraska Legislative Bill 840.