The North Platte City Council Tuesday got an update from the Community Redevelopment Authority Chairman Mike Jacobson on the proposed parking lot downtown.

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In November 2007, the council adopted a resolution proposed by the CRA to purchase three downtown buildings, tear them down and build a parking lot on the southeast corner of Sixth Street and Jeffers.

The buildings affected are the Lincoln Connection, the Berg building on the corner and the Waltemath building constructed around 1908.

The controversial plan divided some downtown businesses. Some were for the idea, others against it.

Jacobson said with the Lincoln Connection’s new building nearing completion, it looked like they would be out within the two year period the CRA agreed to purchase their building. He said when they vacate, the CRA would close on the purchase of their building.

Jacobson said all the downtown buildings have asbestos in them that will have to be abated before demolishing them. He also told the council that he recommended not demolishing any buildings until everyone is out.

Only Ernie’s Pet Shop and Kevin Oltman’s gym are left in the buildings. He said Oltman is two months behind in rent and the property manager is moving ahead with eviction.

Jacobson said the CRA might have to pay relocation expenses for Ernie’s Pet Shop.

“The downtown parking issues are real and it would make sense for us to move forward,” Jacobson said. He also said he was concerned about Nebraskaland Days and the crowds that surround those buildings for the parade. He suggested removing the awnings.

“I want to get those buildings razed,” Jacobson said.

Jacobson said the CRA had about $300,000 in its bank account and they planned on using all of it to demolish the buildings and construct the parking lot. He said they continue to receive funds from other projects.

In other business, the council:

• Discussed the possibility of constructing a splash park

Council member Judy Pederson said she was contacted by some ladies who were interested in getting a splash park in North Platte.

A splash park is a series of fountains that spray up out of a concrete slab that children run through. The water that gathers is less than two inches deep so no lifeguard is required. They generally are an addition to a park setting.

Pederson said she has been exploring the options, the cost to construct it and the best locations for the splash park. She said they considered putting it inside of the Cody Park swimming pool complex but did not want to limit the hours of operation.

The council discussed possible locations including the proposed West Second Street park.

Parks director Darrel Mueller said maintenance to such a park is minimal.

Pederson said a splash park would only take about 300 square feet and was a “quality of life” issue for residents. She said Kearney, Grand Island, Lexington and Overton had one. She suggested holding community meetings to get ideas from residents and maybe a clearer direction to proceed.

Harry Spohn said it was clear to him that the best place to put a splash park is Cody Park.

Pederson said the council should listen to the constituents and make North Platte an attractive place to live.

Harry Spohn expressed concern that the city should not be spending extra in the current economy.

Wes Meyer, Public Service Director, said it cost roughly $3,945 an acre to maintain the parks in North Platte. He said adding a splash park would just stretch their current funds even thinner.

• Alternative revenue streams

The council also discussed alternative revenue streams suggested by the auditors.

City Administrator Jim Hawks said the council needed to consider a cell phone tax and other ideas to increase revenue to the city so they could continue to provide the services residents expect.

Hawks suggested that some day GPS devices would be standard in cars and government would tax motorists for the miles they’ve driven. He also said reorganizing city staff and combining jobs would save the city $100,000 a year.

Larry Lee Britton said it was a “business decision.” He said the council has spoiled people years ago for all the services the city provides them.

Jerry Stoll said the biggest problem is not creating new revenue streams but convincing the public we’re not going to increase spending. He said when the sales tax was enacted, it passed overwhelmingly. The reason it did was a promise that we wouldn’t raise property taxes for five years if it passed.

• New city website

Mayor Marc Kaschke wants to update the city’s website to more easily update content. He said it should also have forms accessible online.

Kaschke suggested a redesign of the site by Firespring out of Lincoln. It’s owned by former North Platte resident Jay Wilkenson. He said they could complete the redesign for $5,000 and could integrate the bill paying features of Municipal Light and Water.

Kaschke said he also bought the domain name “cityofnorthplatte.com” out of his own pocket because he didn’t want to see someone else get it.

Pederson said the city should reimburse him for the expense.