City of Kearney Violent Crime Statistsics

The City of Kearney has seen a decrease in the number of violent crimes. In the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, violent crimes are composed of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Violent crimes in Kearney have decreased every year since 2007:

           2007          2008          2009          2010          2011

             71               65             63              62             45

New Neighborhood Park

A new City of Kearney neighborhood park is coming to the Fountain Hills subdivision!  Seven acres is dedicated for park land just off 48th Street and 11th Avenue.  Grade work has started, with hope of completing a good portion of the park by late spring or early summer 2013.  Park features will include:  playground equipment, irrigated green space, wetland features, benches and a connected hike/bike trail.  A neighborhood meeting will be scheduled in early 2013 to get input from residents regarding other possible park features.

City Budget

On September 11, City Council passed the 2012-2013 Budget which will go into effect October 1, 2012. This budget represents the sixth consecutive year that the City of Kearney has maintained or increased services without increasing property taxes. City Staff continues to develop more effective, efficient methods for delivering the services citizens need.

City Forester

Did you know that the City of Kearney has a City Forester on staff who is also a Certified Arborist?  The City Forester is available to offer advice to the public on tree care, insect control, landscaping, and proper arboricultural practices.  Please feel free to call the City Forester, Alan Roesler, at 308-237-7251 if you need assistance or an evaluation pertaining to street trees or any trees.

Have an Idea, Suggestion, or Concern?

There are several ways to communicate to City Staff regarding ideas, suggestions, or concerns. Listed below are a few options:

• Email the City Manager at citymanager@kearneygov.org
• Call the City Manager at 308-233-3214

Access Kearney is also an easy way to send your questions, complaints, compliments, and concerns directly to the City staff person who can assist you. To use Access Kearney, follow these easy steps:

1. Go to the City of Kearney's web page at www.cityofkearney.org
2. Click on Access Kearney which is located in the top right-hand corner of the home page
3. Choose a topic and sub-topic that matches the subject of your letter.
4. Fill out and submit your request.
5. Create an account so you can track the status any any responses online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We would love to hear from you!

Michael W. Morgan, City Manager

Library Addition and Renovation

Recently, following nearly two years of construction, the Kearney Public Library opened its new renovation and addition to the public.  The new Library is nearly 50,000 square feet, or double the former size.  The Library was funded by the half-cent sales tax and by the generous donations of many local citizens.  The total cost of the project is estimated at $5.5 million.

The new Library boasts many new features that we hope you will greatly enjoy.  On the 2nd floor we have 4 beautiful meeting rooms for Library and public use.  Two of the meeting rooms can be combined to make one very large meeting room.  On the main floor we have many areas including a children’s area featuring a forest, a story hour room with a stunning wetland mural, and a cool teen room.  Also, on the main floor you will find the fiction, nonfiction, DVD and audiobook collections, three group study rooms, and a coffee area.  In the basement, the Technology Learning Center computer lab and classroom are available with public internet availability.  The classroom will be used by the TLC Coordinator to teach classes on subjects such as how to borrow Library ebooks.  The classroom is also available to groups needing to train up to 12 people.  Wi-Fi is also available throughout the Library.

The Library web page, a part of the City of Kearney web page, also provides reference databases, the library online catalog, the gateway to Overdrive to borrow downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, and much more.

Façade Project Grant Program

For the seventh year, Downtown Kearney will provide funding to property owners to encourage historic renovation and preservation efforts for Downtown buildings.  Property owners may request funds up to $40,000 to remove inappropriate signage, awnings, lighting, or building surfaces and restore the front façade.  In the six five years of the program, the Downtown Improvement Board awarded a total of $220,000 in grant funding for twelve Downtown projects.

For application documents and questions regarding design guidelines or application process please contact Bobbi Pettit at 233-5728.  Applications must be returned by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2012.  Awarded projects will be announced by May 3, 2012 and must be completed within one year. 

Electric Vehicle Compliments City's Sustainability Policy

In December the City of Kearney purchased its first Electric Utility Vehicle.  The Park and Recreation Department has already begun using the 2012 Polaris Ranger EV, and anticipates heavy use of the vehicle in spring and summer when landscaping maintenance is at a peak.  The vehicle will be used primarily in Yanney Park and will transport equipment, staff, and supplies throughout the park.  Park Superintendent Ken Roth stated, ““Not only does Polaris save us gas – it is smaller and easier to maneuver around the park and safer in crowds.  It is also easier on the grass and other landscaped areas.”

The Polaris has a 30 HP 48-Volt High-Efficiency AC-Inducted Electric Motor and recharges with a standard110v AC outlet.  It has a top speed of 25 miles per hour and a maximum range of 50 miles on a single charge.  The City of Kearney purchased the vehicle locally at Kearney Yamaha for $12,197.06.

The City of Kearney is pleased to continue a policy of sustainability and supporting best practices in government.  The purchase of the Polaris EV is part on an ongoing effort to “to increase energy efficiency and reduce consumption, and to practice and encourage fiscally and environmentally sound practices that preserve and enhance the quality of life for current citizens and future generations through policies, public projects, education, and collaboration”.