Superior council supports several recreational improvements projects

Recreation was the focus when members of the Superior City Council met Monday evening. Projects discussed involved both City Park and Lincoln Park and the Simic roller skating rink.

The council approved the transfer of $26,794.06 from the Mullet Trust to the Simic Recration Center. The money will be used for the purchase of air conditioning equipment and tablet computers.

Teressa Erickson, president of the Simic board was present to answer questions. When the air conditioning equipment is installed, it is anticipated the rink may be opened before summer is over.

Thus far the Simic group has raised more than $52,000 with the goal of returning roller skating to Superior.

The council approved contributing $10,000 to assist with the rennovation of the Lincoln Park Lagoon. Maintenance of the approximately 40 year old lagoon is a recurring expense. Others involved in the project include the local chapter of the Nebrfaska Wild Turkey Foundation, the Superior Park Board and the Nebraska Game Commission.

The lagoon will be dredged and restocked with fish.

The biggest recreation project involved City Park.

The council approved requesting bids for the construction of a splash pad, additional sidewalks, sun shades, a regulation size basketball court, and picnic shelter.

It is proposed the splash pad be located south of the swimming pool and west of the museum.

Sun shades and a picnic shelter are proposed to be located in front to the bandshell where the basketball court is now located.

All of those proposals come with an estimated price tag of nearly $397,000.

The council authorized advertising for a new position, that of grants coordinator. The part-time position would assist with the work of securing and completing grants.

The council approved the sale of the eastern most eight acres of the former Champlin Petroleum Company tank farm to Giza Real Estate, a limited liability company based in Iowa. The Iowa company will pay $50,000 for the property which includes the former Champlin office and warehouse building and transport loading shed.

It is epected a wreck recovery and towing service will be based there. Asked if the company also proposed a salvage yard, a spokesman present for the meeting said it would not become a junk yard.

The council approved the loan of $100,000 in LB840 funds to Keith and Susan Rogers. If finalized, the loan would become part of a financing package to acquire an existing Superior business.

The council approved a slate of 2024 officers for the Superior Rescue Squad. Camie Kroeger will serve as president, Tammy Gehle as vice president, Stephanie Corman, secretary-treasurer, Carrie Lemke, captain, and Missy Nielsen, lieutenant.