The Sterling City Council on Tuesday heard about a local effort to provide assistance to veterans.
Sterling resident Art Pilkington spoke on behalf of the Coalition of Northeast Colorado Veterans, Inc., a non-profit organization that aims to provide services and support to veterans in the region.
"We would like to prove support and services that Veterans Affairs are underserving due to our very rural location and the lack of transportation, housing, and job training," a document Pilkington presented to the council states.
He said his first goal is to set up some kind of temporary housing specifically for veterans who have no home. He would like to get started on that project by the end of August, as the winter months are coming, and he wants to provide a place for veterans in need to eat and sleep out of the heat and cold.
The coalition also hopes to be able to provide transportation services for veterans needing rides to appointments, errands or their job, as well as employment assistance in the form of job training.
"I'm hoping Sterling will help create a home here," Pilkington said, adding that he is looking for grants or donations.
Mark MacDonald, who is also a member of the coalition, said they are working on creating a website so people can learn what the non-profit is about.
As the presentation was not an agenda item, the council took no action.
The council did take action on a number of items of unfinished and new business, with very little discussion.
Public hearings to rezone the property where 21st Century Equipment is located as HI – heavy industrial, and approving a new liquor license for Forequarters BBQ, drew no comment and passed unanimously.
The council also voted 7-0 in favor of renewing a conditional use permit for a short-term rental property at 525 Delmar, and approving a transfer of ownership of the liquor license for Broadway Wine & Spirits.
Council member Frank Angell asked for clarification on an agreement with Northeastern Junior College for students to receive clinic experience. Sterling Fire Chief Lavon Ritter explained that all of the instructors for the program in question are career firefighters with the department.
That item, as well as a contract for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 Fire Fighter I Academy at NJC passed unanimously.
The council also approved an updated mutual aid agreement to provide fire protection and emergency management services for Francis E. Warren Air Force Base.
Changes to the city code on nuisances received preliminary approval after City Attorney Matt Richardson confirmed that it will make it easier to enforce code violations. The ordinance will be up for a second vote and public hearing at the council's next meeting, on Aug. 8.
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