Despite the resignation of J.P. Komorny as Director of Economic Development, an update on the rail spur was given at the regular meeeting of the Community Development Agency, Oct. 27.

“As far as the rail spur, right now, we are in a real good spot,” reported Mayor James Schnell. J.P. Komorny resigned as Kimball’s Director of Economic Development, effective immediately, on Oct. 27. Originally, the resignation was to be finalized when the rail spur project was completed. Komorny spearheaded the project in his capacity, and was expected to train a replacement.

Comments regarding the manner in which Komorny resigned were hard to come by. Richter said she had no comment and that the city had no official comment either.

“It is a personnel issue, I’d better stay away from that,” Schnell answered.

Schnell stated that obviously the city would be looking at hiring someone without teaching time, in the mean time, the rail spur project would progress.

Schnell went on to report that documents from Castronics were expected to be approved the following day and the project would progress on to the next step.

“It’s been one way this week, then one way another,” Schnell said, pantomiming the balancing of scales, “After the last meeting we had, I think the scales are evening out.”

Jerry Williams, representing Kimball Economic Growth and Sustainability (KEGS), expressed his hope to see the progress Kimball will make with this project. He stated that KEGS would like to continue supporting each project as they come.

“The KEGS group is at your disposal to help in any positive way we can,” Williams offered.

After thanking the public for being at the meeting, Schnell thanked KEGS for the added support and the meeting was adjourned.

According to city clerk, Pam Richter, there was a meeting with Castronics and their attorneys, to work out details in the documents. On Friday, the attorneys continue to work on the contracts.

“Nothing at this point has been signed or finalized,” Richter said.

On Friday, Oct. 29, Schnell was reached by phone and reported that the meeting held the previous day went as expected. Negotiations with Castronics went on past seven p.m. on Thursday. Castronics is also negotiating with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development on Monday, Nov. 1.

“After that meeting, we will know more,” Schnell said.

He went on to explain that the stimulus money depends on the creation or retention of 25 jobs. According to Schnell, the city will receive that stimulus money, but the responsibility to create the jobs is Castronics. He further explained that the purpose of the meetings is rewording the documents.