(KLZA) The Falls City, City Council conducted the first meeting in the new Council Chambers at the new City Hall Monday night.

No one from the public attended the meeting.  City Administrator Gary Jorn told the Council that the first day in the new facility for the City staff went well.  He noted things are much more convenient for the staff in the new facility. 

Council members unanimously approved removing the hiring freeze that has been in effect for about five years.  Councilman Mike Dougherty suggested removing the hiring freeze and having the department head come before the Council and explain why they need to make a hire.  During recent meetings it has been pointed out that a number of city employees are either eligible to retire or are nearing that age.

During the meeting the Council authorized Mayor Tim Hersh signing a request for a 30-day project extension, budget amendment and related paperwork  for the Downtown Revitalization Phase II Grant.  If approved money designated for use on the street project can be utilized for lighting and signage. 

A public hearing was conducted on a request by Time Warner to extend their franchise agreement in Falls City.  It was suggested that more public access channels be offered under the agreement and that when Falls City residents call Time Warner, their calls are answered locally and not by someone in Lincoln,  or a recording.  Questions were also raised by the Council about the meetings being shown on channel 8 on the local cable system again. 

The Council approved a bid from Herzog Contracting for two asphalt milling and overlay projects at a cost of $66,550.  One project is on 18th Street from Harlan Street east to Lane and the other is on 16th Street from Chase west to Crook Street.  The other bid from Constructors Inc. of Lincoln was for $79,156.

Two YIELD signs, requested by the Management Committee were approved on McLean Street at the intersections of 18th and 19th Streets.  

Unanimous approval was given to the second reading of an ordinance changing the meeting time for the second Council meeting of the month to 6 p-m. 

Falls City Chamber of Commerce / Main Street request for the Cobblestone Festival in August was approved as was the request for a special designated license for a beer garden during the Cobblestone Festival by the Chamber / Main Street.  It will be held on Stone Street in the 1700 block.