The City of Kimball was asked to consider participating in the National Flood Insurance Program at their meeting, rescheduled from Oct. 20, on Oct. 27.

Kimball resident, Toni Stahla, was told by her loan institution that her application to refinance would not be approved because Kimball does not currently participate in FEMA flood mapping.

Council member, Scott Haun, inquired about the difference between the mapping and protection in a flood. City clerk Pam Richter explained that the city would need to participate in the program in order to receive the mapping. She then suggested that the city look into the costs and requirements, before deciding.

“The man I talked with at the bank said that Kimball is the first town he has run across that doesn’t participate in this,” Stahla said.

City attorney, Darrell Huenegardt, argued that on the website there are many cities across the state that do not participate. He further explained that FEMA may do a flood insurance rate map (FIRM) without participation. According to Huenegardt, if there are flood areas, the city would have to rezone them and make changes in construction requirements.

Kimball citizen and insurance agent, Bob Jenner, explained that mortgage companies push to have the mapping done for their own knowledge regarding flood zones. He said that by not having the area mapped the city will run into more and more problems.

“I think we should at least look into a FIRM,” Haun stated, “I don’t think it hurts just to look.”

“We need more information on cost, requirements, and impact,” council member Ann Warner added.

Jenner stated that there is really not a lot to getting it done. The cost is more to the community, in lost loans. He stated that whether it is with a home loan, refinance, or even if  new sub-divisions were to be built, institutions want the mapping done.

“I would like to volunteer to help with that,” Jenner offered.

Police chief, Doug Provance suggested that a search for a floodplain map from the Army Corp of Engineers be done. Mayor, James Schnell, thanked Jenner for his offer to help and asked that the issue be tabled until Nov. 17. This would allow Jenner, Huenegardt, and the council time to gather the needed information.

Rod Horton, Director of the Kimball-Banner County Chamber of Commerce, sought a sign permit from the city council for a welcoming sign at the junction of I-80 and Highway 71.The sign, on a donated oil derrick that currently sits at that junction, has letters spelling Kimball running down it’s length. The derrick measures 74 feet high with a width of 11.75 feet according to the permit application.

Richter questioned whether a state permit was required to stand the derrick up. Horton said the state permit would be applied for once the city issued permission. Due to the facts that the derrick is already in place and that the sign will be of little to no cost to the city, the permit was given.

John and Jodie Kinney, owners of Woody’s Liquor and Sporting Goods, also applied for a sign permit. They plan to replace the existing sign that currently sits on a pole at the north edge of their parking lot with a new sign that will be placed on top of the building on one foot spacers. The proposed sign will measure three feet by twelve and will be illuminated as well.

“Does the new sign meet all codes and regulations?” council member, Kim Baliman asked.

Mr. Kinney assured the council that the new sign does meet building codes. He added that the existing sign has been hit by vehicles in the past, and is damaged. According to Kinney it is just as inexpensive, or even more so, to replace the sign as it is to repair it.

“Does that mean you’re going to get rid of the pole?” Haun questioned.

Once Kinney confirmed that the old sign and pole would be removed, the council issued the sign permit as requested.

Provance reported on the progress of the clean up efforts of the city. The council and the police department are working on bringing all properties into compliance with two different city ordinances. One ordinance is more about “eyesores” around town, and the other concentrates on more dangerous buildings and properties.

“With these properties, the ones not in compliance, do they get another warning?” Baliman questioned.

There are some properties on the east side of town that, according to Schnell, has really improved. There is another property that has been on the ‘top ten list’ for years, and the owners just continue to pay the fine.

Long time Kimball citizen, Jerry Williams, questioned the terms of the efforts. He stated that there are three or four issues in his neighborhood alone that need to be finalized. He specifically mentioned that there are vehicles that need to be included on the list as well.

“Vehicles that sit around with flat tires, missing parts,” Williams said, “my concern is a traffic hazard.”

“This is less about a timeline, and more about effort,” said Provance, “you’d think common sense would kick in at some point.”