March 17, 2020 at 7:00 PM - CITY OF SEWARD

Discussion:  Mayor Eickmeier announced that a copy of the Agenda for this meeting is posted on the north wall of the Municipal Building and copies are available on the north wall where a copy of the Open Meetings Act is also posted for public inspection. He also noted that any citizen wishing to address the Council should come to the podium, state their name and address and limit their comments to five minutes. All remarks should be directed to the Mayor/Chairperson, who will then determine who will make any appropriate response. The City of Seward reserves the right to adjust the order of items on this agenda if necessary and may elect to take action on any of the items listed.

Discussion:  A voluntary Annexation of parcel 800227070 as requested by Brian and Cindy Fehlhafer.

Discussion:  This is a Major Subdivision application to develop parcels of land along the East side of Highway 15 and north of Walmart. The application is submitted by Brian and Cindy Fehlhafer. The subdivision involves 3 lots, with lot 1 within the City Limits and lots 2 and 3 currently being voluntarily annexed into the city. The current zoning is AG and the 3 lot sizes conform to proposed C-2 zoning site regulations. The subdivision already is serviced with City utilities and a Subdivision agreement is attached for further development. All City Superintendents have reviewed the Plat and are satisfied with the submitted Plat.

Discussion:  This is a rezoning application by Brian and Cindy Fehlhafer to rezone land for a proposed commercial subdivision involving 3 lots. The subject property is currently in AG Agricultural zoning district with adjacent AG Agricultural zoning, C-2 Commercial Highway zoning and I-1 Limited Industrial zoning. The subject property is currently adjacent established commercial business (Walmart, Sack Lumber, LaCarreta). The applicant is applying to rezone the subject land to C-2 Highway Commercial District and has designed Walmart Subdivision/North Addition to comply with the site regulations for C-2 zoning.

Discussion:  Seward Memorial Health Care Systems requires a Special Use permit granting an exception to the height limit for a third-floor expansion in an R-3 zoning district. The original Hospital was built several years ago at a point in time before the City had official zoning regulations, set back requirements, and a Use Matrix. The current Use Matrix requires a Special Use Permit to operate a hospital or health care facility in the current R-3 zoning. ULDO 410-44.3 section I Number 2 states any use established prior to the effective date of the requirement of Special Use permits shall be deemed to have such valid Use permit provided it complies with all other provisions of the ULDO. Memorial Health Care System wishes to add an additional story to a portion of their existing facility (approximately 4000 sf) but exceed the maximum height permitted in an R-3 zone of other permitted uses which is set at 35 feet. ULDO 410-32.6 section B allows civic use types to be built to a maximum height of 60 feet. The proposed addition would be approximately 42 feet high, therefore exceeding the 35 feet maximum height requirement by roughly 7 feet. Therefore, Memorial Health Care Systems is requesting an exemption from the height requirement in order to expand their facility.

Discussion:  The proposed redevelopment project, located at 511 Bradford Street, consists of the renovation and rehabilitation of the existing building (formerly used as grocery store), including demolition and remediation of environmental conditions, energy efficiency enhancements and other public improvements. The redeveloper will made significant investment in modernizing the building for operation of a commercial dog services business, including improvements to the plumbing and electrical systems, installation of rubber flooring, replacement of existing concrete flooring and other improvements. Upon completion, the commercial dog services business will offer dog boarding, daycare, grooming, self-wash and training services, as well as high-end retail pet products.

Discussion:  The redevelopment TIF project located at 139 N 6th Street, will consist of the renovation, rehabilitation, and exterior enhancements of the building. Improvements shall include facade enhancements, energy efficiency enhancements, and other public improvements. The project will include the renovation of approximately 4,000 square feet of vacant space on the main floor and the entire 10,000 square foot second story. Improvements will include new exterior lighting, fire sprinklers, a new water line. The proposal is for a combination of commercial and residential space.

Discussion:  The redevelopment TIF project, located at 640 & 644 Seward Street, consists of two existing historic commercial buildings, which share a vestibule and party wall. The buildings were built in 1890. The buildings share commercial and residential space. The redeveloper intends to make a substantial investment to make the upper story apartments in both of the buildings habitable. In addition, the redeveloper will make improvements to the first floor commercial space of the 640 building for commercial, restaurant or retail use. A substantial portion of the project will consist of facade enhancements and aesthetics.

Discussion:  The redevelopment TIF project, located at 647 Seward St, consists of substantial investment to make the upper story apartments inhabitable and to convert a portion of the first floor commercial space into residential apartment unit. The project consists of facade enhancements to improve the aesthetics of the building.

Discussion:  The CARC met on February 18, 2020, to review the functioning and progress of the Plan. The CARC felt all transactions listed in the financial reports appeared to be appropriate.

Discussion:  Professional services include lane staking, testing, and on-site construction.

Discussion:  With the changes to the lease of the Seward Community Golf Course restaurant, dining area, and bar, it is necessary to make changes to the job descriptions for employees working in these areas. The Summer Seasonal Laborer position also needed to be updated to mimic the format of the job descriptions approved for the Public Properties division.

Discussion:  With the addition of managing the City's liquor license and employees handling the sale and service of alcohol at the Seward Community Golf Course, it is the recommendation to amend the Golf Shop Manager's pay line in the comprehensive pay plan ordinance to reflect the additional responsibilities and duties.

Discussion:  Since the City is no longer in a lease agreement for use of the dining and kitchen area at the Seward Community Golf Course Clubhouse, administration is proposing establishing a fee for its use. 

Discussion:  The City has unallocated funds from the first round of DTR funding due to some applicants not accepting their full amount. The City is requesting to reopen the process to accept applications for that remaining funding and to set a deadline for when the applications will be due. Applications will be accepted from any eligible business in the project area in an open and fair process. The proposed deadline is April 8, 2020.

Discussion:  Following review and discussion, a motion to accept the City Administrator's report would be in order.