The Seward City Council on Sept. 1 accepted a low bid of $402,431 from Watts Electric Company to relocate underground circuits as part of the East Hillcrest Drive improvement project.
Two other bids were received for $494,757 and $733,681.
The work involves removal of the power infrastructure between Eastridge Drive and Plum Creek Trail along East Hillcrest.
The East Hillcrest Avenue Bridge over Plum Creek is now being replaced with a 34-foot-wide bridge as part of a state bridge project. The city has planned additional improvements along Hillcrest Avenue to occur at the same time as the bridge work is completed.
East Hillcrest is considered a “minor arterial” with traffic expected to increase as population density projections in the area east of the creek to 252nd and Matzke Highway have grown.
In 2024 a traffic study estimated 551 vehicles crossed the bridge daily and predicted as many as 1,950 vehicles could use that daily route by 2041.
In other action on Sept. 1, the council:
Approved a change order for the Van Kirk Bros. work on the Walker Road metering manhole, which is related to the DARI LLC plant construction project and lowers the cost by about $10,000.
Approved a land lease agreement with Black Hills Energy enabling the company to store equipment at the Seward Rail Campus.
Approved a memorandum of understanding with Four Corners Health Department to allow placement of a kiosk at the Seward Wellness Center where Four Corners clients would be able to track health activity.
Reappointed Mike Langner to a three-year term on the Housing Appeals Board.
Appointed Anita Foor to a three-year term on the LB840 Application Review Board.
Approved a Class CK liquor license for Straight Path LLC, which is Red Path Gallery and Cocktail Lounge with Amber Fiala as manager of the license.
Met in executive session for seven minutes to discuss potential litigation.
