At its Oct. 4 meeting, the Seward City Council:
• approved an ordinance allowing golf carts and low-speed vehicles, in addition to ATVs and UTVs, on certain public streets if following specific laws. All such vehicles must be registered with the city and have proof of insurance.
• approved an ordinance to amend the city’s Unified Land Development Ordinance for commercial uses, along with a special use permit for Scott Dinslage of The Alps Bark Park, which will ultimately allow an outdoor dog exercise yard at the business at 511 Bradford St.
• approved an amended ordinance to change the city’s sign regulations, effective Jan. 1, 2023. This will affect the allowed placement of signs, including political, commercial and those on public city property.
• approved an ordinance to increase sewer rates by 15% effective with the October 2022 billing cycle. This change was already adopted as part of the city’s fiscal year 2022-23 budget.
• authorized the purchase of two power cots for ambulances for the Seward Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in the total amount of $52,107.10 to be paid over two budget cycles.
• approved plans for the East Seward Street Construction Project and authorized the city to advertise for bids on the project, estimated at around $1.9 million. Plans include paving, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and lighting from the end of the existing pavement the rest of the way east, then south to Highway 34.
• approved a resolution to close a portion of Highway 15 for the annual Christmas Festival Lighted Parade on Nov. 26.
• approved an engagement letter with AMGL to conduct the city’s annual audit.
• heard an update on the Seward Wellness Center from City Administrator Greg Butcher. Butcher said Seward Changing the Game, the nonprofit behind the project, recently received a $200,000 grant from the Acklie Charitable Foundation. The city has begun reviewing Requests for Qualifications from design firms for the project.
