LISTEN TO FULL INTERVIEW WITH KEVIN WILKINS
OGALLALA, Neb. — The Ogallala City Council met on May 27 to address a variety of topics, from nuisance abatement efforts and utility maintenance to community event funding and public works updates.
City Manager Kevin Wilkins joined Sandhills Post's Derek Beck to recap the meeting, highlighting several key actions and discussions that took place during the evening session.
The meeting began with a light consent agenda, which included approval of claims, a gas sitter’s license for Adrian Urich, and renewal of the master plumber’s license for Dan Heble.
During the public comment portion, Ed McLaughlin addressed the council with concerns about the appearance of properties across Ogallala, particularly emphasizing the issue of non-functioning or unlicensed vehicles. Wilkins said the discussion was respectful and informative.
“We talked about our nuisance abatement process, which we’re currently working on with the West Central Nebraska Development District,” Wilkins said. “The city is divided into 18 zones, and we’re actively assessing one of those areas now.”
Representatives from PeopleService also provided updates, including progress on the city’s meter replacement program and a surge in utility location requests, which have exceeded 500 this month. Wilkins noted that high locate volumes indicate active construction and community improvements.
A revised agreement with the Keith County Chamber of Commerce was also approved. The chamber manages Rendezvous Square, a downtown event space, and requested a reallocation of its $20,000 budget—increasing its management fee from $2,000 to $4,000 and reducing event programming funds to $16,000.
The council also approved a sewer disposal fee amendment, reducing the rate structure to $40 per 500 gallons dumped at the wastewater treatment facility, down from the previous 1,000-gallon threshold.
In another significant item, the council approved a five-year, $275,000 contract with Viking Industrial Painting to maintain the city’s water storage tanks.
“These tanks are critical infrastructure, and routine inspection and maintenance help us avoid major failures,” Wilkins explained.
The final item of the evening involved a $634 settlement to resident Michael Maxey for a curb stop repair dispute. While property owners are typically responsible for utility lines from the curb inward, Wilkins noted that this case involved extenuating circumstances. The council's decision may set a precedent for future utility-related claims.
Looking ahead, Wilkins mentioned that recent rains have led Keith County Commissioners to lift the burn ban, although the fireworks ban remains in place. He cautioned residents to remain vigilant despite the moisture.
“We’ve had just enough rain to make the grass grow—which means it could burn well in July,” Wilkins said.
For more details on council meetings and community updates, visit SandhillsPost.com.