City approves site for future water plant

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NEBRASKA CITY -  City commissioners approved the $646,000 purchase of 40 acres south of Highway 2 near Ivy Road for a future drinking water plant.

Jon Borer of Nebraska City Utilities said project planning dates back to 2019 and continues in the planning phase.

Borer: “Every time I talk about this I make it clear there is nothing wrong with our current water treatment facility, nor our wellfield. However, both of them have outlived their intended length of time.”

He said the Board of Public Works saw the wisdom in taking a few steps ahead in preparation for a time when a new water treatment plant is needed. He said because of planning and preliminary steps, the construction time for a new facility has been reduced to about two years.

Borer: “This plot of land specifically would be connected to our horizontal collector well, which that land was purchased earlier this year and approved by this council.”

He said engineers have explained that it will be too expensive to establish new water lines from the horizontal collector well across town to the existing water treatment facility. Routes from the new well to the future water plant are still in the planning stage.

Borer: “I asked if we build a new water treatment plant could we connect our existing wells to that new water treatment plant and it was the same answer that the length in going through town is not financially responsible.”

He said there are no plans to build the new water plant, but the purchase makes the land available should the need arises.

The tract north of Ivy Road on the south side of Highway 2 is currently owned by Les Kreifels trustees and is zoned agricultural. The land is valued at $195,975 for tax purposes. The utility board has set the price at $646,080.

Nebraska City is holding special budget meetings Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Rowe Safety Complex.

In the regular meeting Monday, Mayor Bryan Bequette appointed Spencer Baier as fire apparatus engineer and introduce Sanford as the new mental health response canine.

A Growth Fund loan for Lant Appliance Repair was approved.

The city will also agreed on a selling price for a property at 1704 Morgan Dr.

The fire department is planning a back-to-school event at Nuckolls Square Park on Aug. 1.

The Nebraska City Fire Department is organizing a end of summer hydrant party at Nuckolls Square Park on Saturday, Aug.1, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Parental supervision is needed for children under the age of 13.

Firefighter Briana Dubas said the fun, family-focused event allows firefighters to connect with the community and  build trust with the children its serves.

The hydrant party includes firefighters spraying hoses, reusable water balloons, water guns, popsicles and bottled water. Dubas says people should be prepared to get wet.