• An Open House was held on January 20, 2015 prior to the City Council meeting that evening.
The purpose of the Open House was to present the final channel reconstruction plans that were being put out to bid. Approximately 30 persons attended.
• Anderson Excavating Company completed the Site Clearing work by the first part of February. The work was completed on time. OPPD is continuing to relocate power lines which will be followed by Cox and Century Link relocating their facilities. All utility relocations are expected to be completed by April 1, 2015.
• Bids on the channel reconstruction project were received on February 20. Two bids were received from Anderson Excavating Co. and from Valley Corporation. The low bidder is Anderson Excavating Co. The City Council is scheduled to consider award of the contract at the March 3 City Council meeting. The work includes grading the new channel, storm sewer modifications, stream stabilization measures and planting of native grasses. Work is expected to start approximately April 1 and be complete by October 1, 2015.
• Based on comments received at the Open House, the City has obtained a proposal from RDG Planning & Design to prepare a planting plan for trees and shrubs along the reconstructed channel. This is the same firm that prepared the Civic Park Masterplan. This plan will identify the scope and funding needed for that work. An Open House to review the planting plan and obtain citizen comments will be held later this year.
• A project sign will be installed near Champion Park parking lot containing the channel construction plan. An exhibit of the channel relocation and native grass plantings is available on the Thompson Creek page of the City’s web site note below.
• The Rain Barrel program is being offered again in 2015. The program is intended for the Thompson Creek watershed due to grant requirements; however, a small fund is being set aside for rain barrels outside the Thompson Creek watershed in other parts of the City. This is due to citizens in those areas expressing interest last year. Warm weather will come eventually, so pick up your application at City Hall or obtain it on-line at the City’s web site.
• The Nebraska Science Festival is scheduled for April 18 at the Durham Museum with presentations for kids of all ages.
• The 2015 La Vista Bio Blitz will be held again this October. We hope to be able to tour the completed channel rehabilitation project by that time.
• More information on the Thompson Creek Watershed Restoration project can be found at www.cityoflavista.org/thompsoncreek.