Jeff Hajny

    The Seward City Council had a heated discussion regarding the Seward Cemetery during its March 18 meeting.
     The council discussed the situation regarding the Fourth Street entrances to the cemetery.
     Fourth Street was to be a secondary access point to the area for emergency vehicles.
     This issue was discussed in the early 1990s, but at the time no action was taken upon it. The original idea was something that would hold a lot of traffic and also provide enough space for people visiting the VFW Memorial.
     The council heard both sides of the story and councilmembers ventured their own opinions on the issue as well.
     They heard from Ken Meyer of the Cemetery Board, who was in favor of the street remaining a gated entrance and exit.
     "We want a cemetery to be a peaceful, tranquil setting instead of a through-street," Meyer said.
     Others were in favor of opening the cemetery gates.
     "I live here in Seward and use Fourth Street quite a bit," Dan Kovar of the Seward VFW said. "My tax dollars are paying for this street and I think we have a right to use it. I don't see why it should be closed."
     Richard Mailand of Seward agreed with Kovar.
     "I think as this town grows, there will be a lot more housing growing through the areas near the cemetery," he said. "It's a very necessary street."
     Members of the council also voiced their opinions on the issue.
     "I understand both sides, but a cemetery is a sensitive area," Councilmember Lauren Pogreba said. "Do you really want combines going through a cemetery?"
     "I don't believe a place like a cemetery should be someone's shortcut," Councilmember David Stewart said.
     The council decided to wait to make the decision on this issue until the city finishes its transportation plan and until this issue is brought forth to the Transportation Committee.
     In an unrelated matter, the council heard from building director John Hughes regarding an ordinance prepared to annex the property in Ridge Run Second Addition to the City of Seward.
     Hughes said that the developers have petitioned this annexation request to the city and the title will have to be read at the next three council meetings before it can be passed in accordance with state law.
     In other business, the council:
     • passed an ordinance regarding the issuance of revenue bond anticipation notes in the amount of $600,000 for the replacement of an underground subtransmission line which goes from the Nebraska Public Power District to the Walker Substation. The current line was installed in the 1970s and with the growth of Seward, a new line will be needed. The new line is estimated to last for nearly 30 years; and
     • approved a request for a special designated liquor permit for the Stumble Inn in Gresham for a wedding reception at the Seward County Ag Pavilion on Saturday, June 14.