Citizens would pay franchise fee to pay for housing

NEBRASKA CITY - The Nebraska City City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on April 17 with an agenda that includes funding for the city’s housing development and a Nebraska Memorial Forest proposal. 

Nebraska City is experiencing the cost burden that has kept some housing developers out of the city in recent decades, including an estimated $2 million expense for streets, storm sewers and other infrastructure. 

The proposed Phase 1 for the housing development would link Morgan Drive to Grundman Boulevard. City officials say the street would open space for 21 residential lots and four to six multi-family lots. 

The current franchise fee of 5 percent was set in 2011 and raises about $733,000 a year. 

The Nebraska City Board of Public Works recommends a 1.5 percent increase to generate $181,000 a year. 

Jim Meier, director of Honor and Remember Nebraska, said the chapter has a goal of planting a tree for each fallen military and first responder hero. Over 7,000 trees will be planted and named statewide. 

The Nebraska Memorial Forest Board reports 260 trees planted in 2022 and the goal for 2023 is 1,500 trees. 

John Erixson of the Nebraska Forest Service said planting space is available at the Horning State Farm in Cass County and Natural Resource Districts agree to partner with the memorial forest. 

Trees are being planted in an identifiable geometric grove, so they serve as a small sanctuary and reflect a living memorial to fallen heroes. 

The agenda also includes the swearing in of City Administrator Perry Mader, recognition of the fire department officers and street closings for the Thursday farmers market and Farm to Fork event. 

NCTC also plans Treestock in Steinhart Park on July 1-2. 

NCTC is organizing a community picnic at Wildwood Park on Sunday, June 4, from noon to 2 p.m.