By Kerri Rempp
The City of Chadron’s Wastewater Department was recognized Monday for its safety record, which includes a decade with no on-the-job injuries.
The department received a Gold Safety Award from the Nebraska Water & Environment Association.
“We apply for this award every year. It shows that we are trying our best out in the field…to be safe. We haven’t had any loss of time,” said Utilities Superintendent Torey Zuver.
The department worked 10,942 hours without time lost due to injuries between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, and has had no loss of work injuries since 2014.
“Safety is a top priority for the staff,” reads a letter submitted for the award. “The employees are trained in safety policies, practices and procedures with a flexible plan allowing modifications as techniques evolve.”
Councilman Mark Graves noted that residents of the community should appreciate the work the wastewater department does, which often requires calls in the middle of the night or on weekends fixing water mains.
In other business, the city council:
- Approved the purchase of a 2024 pickup from GMC of Chadron for $44,633.99 to be used at the airport. Should the pickup not be available, the resolution allowed for the second bid by Wahlstrom Ford for a 2025 F-150 at the cost of $44,699 be used. A pickup in the Parks Department will be placed on surplus inventory, and the current airport pickup will be moved to the Parks Department.
- Approved the purchase of a Sportsman 570 EPS all-terrain vehicle with a winch from Polaris of Chadron for $8,757 for the Parks Department.
- Approved the purchase of a 48” mower from Ace Annex for $7,200 for the Parks Department. All three purchases were included in the fiscal year budget.
- Approved Common Cents as the city’s gasoline and fuel supplier for a discount of 14 cents per gallon at Common Cent stations and 12 cents per gallon at Exxon Mobil stations.