O'Neill City Council Discusses Possible Street Change Proposal

The O'Neill City Council met in regular session on Monday, July 7, with all members present except Councilman Chris Laursen.

The Council heard from representatives of St. Mary's School regarding their request to change the flow of Benton Street from Fourth to Third to a one-way street from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., with traffic returning to normal flow outside of those hours.

"We are concerned about the possible accidents when unloading and loading children before and after school. We have so many children crossing and getting out of their parents' vehicles during those periods, we would like to take preventative measures by having the traffic flow one way," said St. Mary's Principal Paula Atkeson.

"During those periods, we would have traffic go from East to West in both lanes and then go back to two-way traffic on Third Street," said Atkeson.

Street Superintendent Greg Walters stated that he had contacted a traffic engineer, who advised that a study should be conducted on the matter. Walters said the Engineer said the study would cost about $10,000. Walters stated that it probably wouldn't work out due to the cost. The Council said it would look into the best way to make this work without the study. The Council tabled the matter until the August meeting, hoping to have a solution by then.

The Council heard the third reading of the ordinance to utilize Highway Allocation Funds to repay the debt incurred due to the flooding caused by the 2019 Bomb Cyclone and the subsequent failure of FEMA to provide requested funding for damage relief.

The Council approved a liquor license request for the change in ownership of NEKO's pub. The Council approved noise ordinance waivers for the upcoming Summerfest activities.

Numbers 10-13 on the agenda were LB-840 approvals, which the Council approved for demolition, new windows, siding, and doors, as well as a building acquisition, machinery, equipment, and working capital for a business.

The meeting lasted for about half an hour before approving the treasurer's report and bills and adjourning for the evening.

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