City commissioners approved an expressway tax Monday that will levy about a nickel per month for every Nebraska City resident.

The monthly tax of $375, which will be paid out of the city’s general fund, will support lobbying services for Nebraska Expressways for Economic Development (NEED). The coalition of Nebraska municipalities seeks completion of the 1988 state expressway plans.

Mayor Jo Dee Adelung said the state Legislature has approved the expressway plans, but funding has not been secured.

City Administrator Scott Bovick said Nebraska City is already benefiting from the Highway 2 expressway that came from the 1988 plan. He said a Highway 75 expressway between Nebraska City and Belleuve is also proposed.

He said Highway 75 between Bellevue and Plattsmouth is the heaviest traveled two-lane highway in the state.

NEED has hired Walt Radcliffe of Radcliffe & Associates for $36,000 to assist in the legislative session. Coalition cities are charged based on population in the 2000 census.

“The city council has the right to support any lobby effort it feels is appropriate,” Bovick said.

In other action, there was no one to speak in favor or opposition to a public hearing regarding the city’s application for a liquor license at Wildwood golf course.

Jon Casey, course pro, said he is not planning to hire anyone below the age of 19. Signs will mark the boundaries of the golf course.

City Administrator Scott Bovick told commissioners the city clean-up held prior to Arbor Day totaled $17,700 in the cost of labor, equipment and in-kind services.

“It’s something the council should be aware of as it makes budget decisions in the future and sets priorities,” Bovick said.

Dan Giittinger, public properties director, said brush is the biggest issue with time and equipment. “The brush is not bundled or stacked the way it is supposed to be,” he said.

Bovick said city crews spend their time helping private landowners get cleaned up, while complaints come in about the city parks and ballfields.

Bovick said Street Commissioner Dean Handy recognizes the value of the clean-up program to the elderly and disabled.

He said the city continues to optimistically pursue funding through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s downtown initiative. He said eight cities have applied and four will be funded. The program provides up to $30,000 the first year to plan projects and up to $250,000 the second year to implement them. Auburn is also applying.

City commissioners held over a decision on James and Peggy Amerine’s request to purchase portions of the alley east off Eighth Street between 11th and 10th avenues. Commissioners discussed selling the entire alley.