Box Butte Development Corporation:
• Business Retention and Expansion visit performed.
• Hosted “Perfect Blend w/ BBDC” with guest speaker from REAP (Rural Enterprise Assistance Project) to learn about additional resources for home ownership loans, small business loans and “express” loans. Contact the BBDC or the Center for Rural Affairs at 402-687-2100 for more information.
• Hosted Meet & Greet with Interim WNCC President, John Marrin.
• Participated in the CRA monthly meeting discussing the incoming Runza restaurant.
• Submitted 2022 Nebraska Travel Guide design.
• BBDC Newsletter attached.
Electric:
• The storms on Friday night (7/9) caused numerous issues on the electric system. Electric department personnel worked through the night and all day Saturday returning power to most customers. Sunday was also spent eliminating problems and getting power restored to remaining customers. We have spent most all week getting house services re-attached and getting downed or damaged streetlights back in service.
Airport:
• Storm recovery was main focal point of the week with issues at the rodeo grounds with damage to bleachers and the arena fence. We had extensive damage to building windows, siding and roofs, as well as fencing, sign panel on the airfield and additional damage to the FBO gate.
• Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) gate work was completed on Wednesday, July 13th.
• We continue to work on law enforcement operations and security plans at the airport.
• Staff completed a sign inventory and created a maintenance plan for budgetary and planning purposes. We are now working on a similar plan for airfield markings (paint).
Library:
• Staff is developing computer coding classes for youth to begin this fall.
• The Wonka Bar contest wrapped up with over 1,000 bars sold. There were 17 wrist band winners for Heritage Days. We anticipate making this into an annual program due to its success.
Pool:
• Cleaned the pool and surrounding areas after the storm and removed damaged umbrella canvases.
• Hosted multiple pool parties.
Parks:
• Spent much of the week cleaning up branches and other debris in park areas; Set the outfield fence upright at Bower Park. Several large trees will need to be removed by a contractor.
• Moved bleachers and picnic tables as necessary for Heritage Days events.
• Started preparations for the baseball district tournament which will be hosted at Bower Field next weekend.
Carhenge:
• It has been a BUSY year, evidenced by an increase in sales and the need to replenish inventory.
Golf:
• Staff spent the week cleaning up from the storm. Staff started working at 3am Saturday morning, and worked diligently to repair hail damage on the greens and remove braches and down trees before the Member Guest tournament. This required individual hand work on all large hail imprints as well as working the overall greens. By the time the tournament started the course was in great shape especially when considering the violent storms from the night before.
Museum:
• Staff assisted with several class reunions by providing information and photos for each group.
• Upgraded and stocked the gift shop with museum and Carhenge items.
Police:
• Heritage Days coordination and coverage with dispatch and patrol. Almost all staff have worked 6 or more days straight with overtime to cover the event.
• Presentation at Rotary for the department’s new Beat Program.
• Meet with the Lions Club to obtain feedback on our community efforts.
• Assisted Clerk’s Office by running background checks on all peddler’s licenses in an effort to keep our citizens safe. One applicant had an outstanding warrant.
Community Development:
• 716 Big Horn was razed. The contractor will be repairing and replacing any concrete damaged during the demolition and capping utilities.
• Licensed 27 new roofing contractors who are new to Alliance following the storms of last weekend. Please contact City Hall if you have any questions regarding your roofing contractor’s license.
Public Works:
• Responded to downed trees and other damage as a result of the storms of July 9th. Crews worked throughout the weekend restoring travel ways, removing downed trees and sweeping streets.
• Tree pickup will continue until complete. Citizens can continue to leave green waste from the storm at the curbside through next weekend (July 25th), or they can take them to the landfill free of charge through Saturday July 24th. As a result, the Landfill is processing much more waste than normal due to handling downed trees along with regular municipal waste. The street sweeper is also making an additional effort to clean up excess leaves and branches from the curb lines.
• Multiple projects are underway including the Burlington Ave paving project, Big Horn water project and Lift station A project.
• Public works building expansion project continues with sheathing being place on the outside of the building.
• Public Works continues to support Heritage Days by providing street closures and daily trash removal in the downtown.