Tuesday, June 3

\

City seeing economic growth

[JUNE 3, 2003]  The Lincoln City Council heard a report on economic development and discussed health insurance for city employees, the 2003 city ornament and sesquicentennial preparations.

Lincoln/Logan County Economic Development Director Jeff Mayfield addressed the council. He said that a large number of people think that the commerce park is the only thing that is happening economically in Lincoln, but that is only a part of what is actually happening. It is only a percent of what is going on.

Mayfield indicated that there are approximately 10 to 12 businesses that have shown an interest in Lincoln. Some businesses have asked the city for help in renovating the sites they are interested in, such as the Stage and Staples site on the west side of Lincoln. He said that the city could not afford to help these companies financially at this time but that the companies are now looking at bonds or other tax districts that may be helpful to them.

 

Mayfield said that some companies have already opened their doors in Lincoln, such as the new Collision Concepts on Lincoln's west side. Other companies are preparing to open. A new Cub Cadet store will be locating in the old Ace Hardware store.

He indicated that a number of businesses are in various stages of development. Some, like Pedcor, are ready to do the trench foundation and footage work at their new site.

Another business, Gold's Gym, is looking at locating in Lincoln sometime in the future.

Mayfield said that the economic council is interested in helping businesses that are interested in coming to Lincoln. He has taken measures to show our interest in their coming here, such as meeting with the water, sewer and power companies to see if they can obtain lower rates to help out interested companies.

The bankers in Lincoln have shown an interest in supporting new businesses. Mayfield said he and Mayor Davis want to have a second meeting with the bankers to pursue ways that they can be of help.

 

Mayfield continued by saying that he wants to keep the city council and any other interested parties informed about economic progress. He is interested in meeting with anyone interested in the economic future of Lincoln. He said that he is always promoting Lincoln and applauds anyone who is interested in helping secure new business. He said that Lincoln is in competition with other communities for companies. The companies are looking to communities that will help them settle there.

 

[to top of second column in this article]

After Mayfield's report the council addressed an issue that the city attorney, Bill Bates, said needed to be addressed at the meeting or it would be too late. The issue was the Blue Cross and Blue Shield dual insurance proposal for city employees. The council had to make a decision at the meeting because employees interested in changing their policies need to have their paperwork in to the insurance company by June 15. Bates said that until recently one of the city's two unions affected had not decided if they would accept the dual insurance proposal; however, they had informed him this past week that they had agreed to the proposal.

There are approximately 83 city employees affected by the insurance change. Employees can choose between a PPO or HMO. The new proposal could save the city money in insurance costs and could have a lower out-of-pocket cost for employees. City employees would have a higher co-pay for prescription drugs, however. Alderman Fuhrer moved that the city should accept the new insurance proposal, and Alderman Nietzel seconded the motion. The proposal was approved.

The council also approved a number of petitions for sidewalk repairs, sidewalk construction and tree removals, pending agreement by the street superintendent and the city receiving insurance permits

 

The council also approved Mayor Davis' proclamation for the 2003 official city ornament. The new ornament's theme is the christening of the city with watermelon juice by Abraham Lincoln in 1853. This theme was chosen because 2003 is the sesquicentennial year for the city. The official ornament will be on sale in various shops, stores and banks in Lincoln.

Mayor Davis stated how happy she is that the Lincoln Developmental Center will be reopening, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 1, 2004.

She also discussed upcoming events in the city in June. The hoops competition and Dog Daze will be on the weekend of June 21.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 10.

[Don Todd]

Articles from the past week

Monday:

Saturday:

  • Fast moving storm drops funnel clouds over northern Logan County

  • Sen. Bill Brady joins advisory board

Friday:

Thursday:

Wednesday:

Tuesday:

  • (No new articles posted on Top Stories)

Back to top


 

News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries

Community | Perspectives | Law & Courts | Leisure Time | Spiritual Life | Health & Fitness | Teen Scene
Calendar | Letters to the Editor