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04/01/2025 Regular Meeting

FRIEND CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING

April 1, 2025

Mayor Knoke called the regular meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall. Advanced notice of the meeting was given by publication in The Sentinel, the appointed method for giving advanced notice. All proceedings shown were taken while the meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

Mayor Judith Knoke presided, and Deputy City Clerk Heather L. Varney recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Kristen Milton, David Sladek, and Phyllis Schwab. Absent Jeremy Collier. A quorum being present, and the meeting duly convened, the following proceedings were had and done.

Mayor Knoke led the meeting in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

As required by the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, Mayor Knoke announced that a copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act has been posted on the south door of the City Hall meeting room for all in attendance to review.

Motion by Sladek, seconded by Schwab to approve the minutes from the March 4, 2025 Regular meeting. On roll call voting aye Milton, Sladek, and Schwab. Collier absent. Nays none.

Motion by Schwab, seconded by Sladek to approve the March Treasurer report. On roll call voting aye Schwab, Milton, and Sladek. Collier absent. Nays none.

Motion by Milton, seconded by Sladek to approve March claims and payroll. On roll call voting aye Schwab, Sladek, and Milton. Collier absent. Nays none.

Motion by Milton, seconded by Schwab to postpone approval of Hospital Financial Reports until May meeting. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Milton, and Schwab. Collier absent. Nays none.

The claims approved were as follows: March Payroll, 19193.26; Ameritas, 1984.60; EFTPS, 5143.13; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 882.10; Architectural Design Assoc, se 28632.00; B & D Diamond Pro, Inc., se 645.00; Baker & Taylor Books, su 37.57; Billy Baugh, re 34.61; Beatrice Sand & Gravel, se 947.83; Benesch, se 7900.00; Black Hills Energy, se 847.30; Blue Cross Blue Shield, fe 2436.87; Center Point Large Print, su 95.88; Jacob & Johnathan Clouse, fe 850.00; Comfort Inn, fe 374.85; Country Compost LLC, fe 4000.00; Danko Emergency Equipment Co., su 283.40; Eakes Office Solutions, su 1173.81; Fairfield Inn & Suites, fe 758.70; Farmer’s Union Cooperative CO., su 870.46; First Wireless, su 61.22; Gale, su 97.16; Hemmings Motor News, su 20.00; Hometown Leasing, fe 95.61; Maguire Iron Inc, se 2650.00; Rosemarie Markus, se 50.00; Mastiff Systems, se 110.00; Chris Michl, se 436.80; Kristen Milton, re 186.30; MMC Consulting, se 3589.81; Mutual of Omaha, fe 372.42; NE Public Health Environmental Lab, fe 267.00; NMC Exchange LLC, se 1387.15; Norris Public Power District, fe 9026.00; Diane Odoski, re 96.09; One Call Concepts, Inc. se 7.96; Personnel Concepts, su 482.41; Postmaster, se 279.44; PowerManager, su 696.62; Principal Mutual Life Ins. Co., fe 47.88; Qwik 6, su 1882.28; Sensus USA Inc, su 3700.00; Stryker Sales Corporation, su 2148.78; Sudrla Water Service, se 3357.45; TextMyGov, se 3000.00; US Cellular, se 255.91; Visa, su 3934.61; Vyhnalek Insurance Agency, fe 2965.00  Total Claims Approved: 116295.57

Motion by Milton, seconded by Schwab, to add to May meeting agenda to present changes to employee health insurance and vacation time. On roll call voting aye Milton, Sladek, and Schwab. Collier absent. Nays none.

Discussion about putting in a temporary pitcher’s mound at baseball field. Motion by Milton, seconded by Sladek, to approve putting in a mound for the summer, and discuss continuing use after end of season. On roll call voting aye Schwab, Milton, and Sladek. Collier absent. Nays none.

Discussion about holding two city council meetings per month. No action taken.

Brent Milton presented results of meeting with Rural board and recommendation for bids for New Public Safety Building as the Fire Department report. Motion by Sladek, seconded by Schwab, to approve $2,955,337 bid. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Milton, and Schwab. Collier absent. Nays none.

Jared Chaffin gave Friend Healthcare Systems report. No action.

Mark Stutzman gave Building Inspector report. Reminder that residents should not start building projects until signed yellow Building Permit is in their hands. No action.

Rescue Squad- No report

A deputy from Saline County Sheriff’s office gave Police report. No action.

Heather Black gave Pool report. No action.

Billy Baugh Public Works Supervisor gave his report. No action.

Heather Varney Deputy Clerk gave Clerk Report. No action.

No further business to come before the City Council, motion by Schwab, seconded by Sladek, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Schwab, and Milton. Collier absent. Nays none. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.