Generally the Superior City Council has a light agenda for the last meeting of the month. That wasn’t the case this week. In addition to discussing the all but certain expansion of the Agrex elevator (See related story on this page) the council addressed other issues which may change the appearance of the community.

The biggest of those issues was approving an application for a block grant. If the grant is received, the proceeds will be combined with city tax revenue to improve sidewalks and storm water drainage.

Earlier the city received a grant and hired a consulting firm to study community’s sidewalks and storm water drainage. As part of that study priority areas were identified, Five priority areas are to be addressed.

Lori Ferguson, a South Central Economic Development District representative, was present for the meeting Monday and explained the project.

The city will apply for $400,000, the maximum amount allowed under the terms of the grant. If this is awarded, the city provide $198,313 in match.

Areas to be addressed and estimated costs include crosswalks on Highway 14, $3,000; Sixth Street walking trail project, $391,162; North Bloom, $82,524; Central Avenue, $18,871; and South Bloom, $65,756.

Last year 18 communities applied for funding through the program but only nine received funds.

Mike Gay again met with the council with regard to starting construction on a house on a lot now being platted on Highland Drive.

Gay is anxious to order the materials and start to work. However, Derek Clark, the city planning officer, said the normal permitting process will not be completed before October. Gay asked the council to visit with legal council and hopefully find a way to speed the process.

He noted it was not a normal subdivision as the street and utility services were ready and the plan did not affect nearby neighbors.

Gary Crook and Lane Hawley, representing the Superior 3000 Foundation told of plans to assemble investors and create a private corporation with the goal of creating additional housing within the community. They envision the investors funding the construction of homes costing approximately $200,000. Current the city charges $2,240 for the utility connections. They noted a $200,000 would contribute approximately $900 each year in property taxes to both the city and county and $1,800 to the school district.

They asked the council to consider lowering the connection fee in light of the tax revenue each new home would generate.

Andrew Brittenham reported projects to repair sewer plant clarifiers. The two projects cost about $45,000.

The resignation of Tierney Casper as assistant manager of the Superior Swimming Pool was accepted.

A $100,000 loan of LB840 funds at a 2 percent interest rate to help with the ownership transition of a Superior business was approved. The balance of transaction will be financed by the seller or a financial institution.The council did not publicly state the name of the business or the individuals involved.

Mary Scroggins the city’s development director, asked the council to consider adopting regulations with regard to food trucks visiting the city. She suggested there should be designated areas for the trucks to set up in and the operators should have to register at the city office.

Mary Hendrickson, a resident of 215 South Dakota, met with the council and complained that the upkeep and activities associated with neighboring properties have combined to lower the value of her house.

Members of the council agreed to investigate. However, they reminded her that her house is located in an area zoned for commercial activity.