Seven hopeful youths asked the Kimball City Council’s blessing on preceding with fund-raisers to build a skate park at their regular meeting, Wednesday Oct. 6.

The youths, aged 10-12, chose 12-year-olds, Ben Tussing and Brenden White as the spokesmen.

The young men presented plans to rebuild the skate park on the east side of Gotte Park, where the tennis courts sit abandoned.

According to city clerk, Pam Richter, the skate park that once stood in the same spot was dismantled due to liabilities.

After the students made their presentation, council member Kim Baliman asked if the boys had formed a club, to which the answer was no. Baliman also inquired about the cost of the park and if the group had a budget. A budget will be in the works if the group gets the council’s go-ahead.

One of the desired items is a half-pipe, the one presented to the council totaled $27,616. However, information provided to the council had a “DIY” half-pipe kit. According to Richter, the insurance would accept equipment built from a kit, but not other hand made equipment. The cost of the kit was $15,000.

Gage Carlson, a 12-year-old student with the group said that the park would give skaters a safe environment to practice. The same sentiment was echoed by White, who also added that it would give skaters a place to hone their skills other than downtown Kimball. Tussing’s mom, Eileen Merchant, spoke of the misconceptions associated with skaters.

She stated that while these boys were trying to raise funds for the project some residents slammed doors in their faces, calling them names and accusing them of using drugs. She also said that she had set up a special account for the funds the group acquires. The account is at FirsTier Bank in Kimball and is called the “Youth in Motion” account.

Merchant brought the council’s attention to the Tony Hawk Foundation, and mentioned that any grant money the group may become eligible for could be matched by that foundation. Overall, the idea was well received. The entire council encouraged the young men to pursue the project.

“It’s wasted space in that area, anyway,” council member, Scott Haun said.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” council president Ann Warner added.

Bob Jenner commented that this could become a group, and if so, it could lead to an after-school program. The young men said that this activity keeps them outside and active, and that if the council approves, they will continue seeking funds to build.

Mike Bacon, special attorney for the City of Kimball, spoke at the meeting regarding the redevelopment plan for the rail spur. “This is the last formal process for the council at this time,” Bacon said. In the future, more decisions may need to come before the board, but the progression of the project is on track, according to Bacon. The board also heard from current owners of the vacant mobile home park on Second Street and Locust. Toni and Dave Stahla are in the process of selling the land, contingent on the rezoning from residential mobile home to light commercial. The prospective owners, Sid and Teresa Peterson, want the land for a larger car repair business. Larry McCaslin of M.C. Schaff presented the bids for a water main extension to the west end of industrial tracts on East Highway 30. The water main will serve the businesses utilizing the rail spur. Nienhauser Construction of Sidney was the low bidder. Two of the other three bid were within $2000 of the other. Water superintendent, Dave Ford, said that he has seen the company’s work and is satisfied that they will do the job right; the council awarded the job to Nienhauser. The council appointed Haun to be the Kimball delegate for the Nebraska Cooperative Government, which administers Keno money. Haun will receive a ballot to elect new officers in the mail and will be able to vote by proxy. During the meeting the council discussed the closure of  County Road 45. The City of Kimball and Kimball County crews are working together to provide an alternate access route for residents north of the railroad tracks when CR 45 is closed for the rail spur. The council discussed the budget concerning the closure and asked for public comments before passing the resolution to close the road and build the new access. With nothing more to decide, the council adjourned.