Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
City Buys New Playground Equipment
The Kimball City Council approved new playground equipment for Gotte Park at its monthly meeting on Oct. 17.
The representative from Cummingham Recreation presented a proposal to update the Gotte Park playground equipment.
The company offered a matching funds grant as an incentive to purchase prior to Oct. 27.
The cost of the basic structure with the grant included is $40,000, but the city will pay an additional $73,000, which will consist of installation, sensory chair, a rocket ship, and other special items.
The playground is ADA-compliant and a ramp increases accessibility. One area is safe for 2- to 5-year-olds, although the entire structure is rated for 5-12 years of age.
The playground set has a cozy spot, a tic-tac-toe board, a rocket, overhead climbing, therapeutic rings, a rock wall, slides, and a sensory wave chair. Safer swings will be included, as well as an expression swing.
In other city business, the council voted to end its contract with Zelle, the human resources company that was hired in August 2022. The contract was terminated because Zelle was out of compliance with the contract, and the scope of the services had changed.
Zelle wanted to continue the contract. However, Zelle would not have had onsite representation, and representation would have been available by phone for the city. With a 4-0 vote, the council terminated the contract.
City Administrator Annette Brower assured the council that any HR issues could be handled by city staff.
In other business, Marvin Planning continued its review of the comprehensive plan draft focusing on land use, housing, and zoning.
Meanwhile, it was reported at the meeting that with no cost to the city, the University of Nebraska will do a road safety assessment for the intersection of Chestnut and 2nd streets. The council had previously voted to make the intersection a four-way stop, but after months of discussions it was determined that a road safety assessment was necessary.
The council also approved the purchase of a new police vehicle for $27,699. The vehicle, a 2021 Dodge Charger, has 39,000 miles and is already equipped with a police pursuit package. The vehicle will be purchased from Panhandle Auto Group.
