The Seward City Council on Oct. 20 moved forward on its plans to issue $5.5 million in electric system revenue bonds for planned improvements that include the new substation transformer in the industrial Railway Campus.
The bond financing was part of the city’s approved 2026-27 budget for the electrical system.
The council last November approved purchase of an industrial substation transformer from Hyundai Corporation of South Korea for the Railway Campus improvements.
While a contract clause was added to limit the impact of U.S. tariffs on South Korea, the monetary impact on the purchase is still pending. The substation transformer that is to be manufactured or assembled overseas was expected to cost $1.6 million last year.
The system’s reserve fund and other improvements are also included in the bond package.
Plex plans advance
The council also advanced plans for Plex Industrial Park, which will be developed along the Izaak Walton Road south of Seward bordered by 294th Road on the west and Walker Road on the south.
The park will allow consolidation of the company’s operations now located off South Highway 15 north of La Carreta Restaurant and in the Railway Campus, according to City Engineer Mike Oneby.
The council approved the company’s preliminary and final plat for the industrial park and approved rezoning 8.63 acres of land from AD Agricultural District to I2 General Industrial District following separate public hearings at which no one addressed the council. The change removes the ag zone minimum requirement for 20-acre plats and the industrial zone is consistent with other properties in the area, he said.
Council members also advanced Plex Industrial’s voluntary annexation request, which would allow the extension of city services.
The proposed annexation will be discussed as a “second reading” for possible action at a future city council meeting. The changes were endorsed by the Seward Planning Commission Oct. 12.
In other action Oct. 20, the council:
• Appointed Obet Frias to the Seward Volunteer Fire Department roster.
• Appointed Andrew McGill to complete the term of the late Ken Schmieding on the Park and Recreation Board.
• Approved the city’s membership agreement with the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership.
• Approved plans to sell a city truck, the scoreboard from the Legion Field that is being replaced, a mower and a television as surplus items.
