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03/07/2023 Regular Meeting

FRIEND CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING

March 7, 2023

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 City Clerk John R. Schwab recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Kristen Milton, Jeremy Collier, Phyllis Schwab, & David Sladek. 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 Schwab, seconded by Collier to approve the minutes from the February 7th meeting. On roll call voting aye Milton, Sladek, Collier, Schwab. Nays none.

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

Motion by Schwab, seconded by Milton to approve Hospital Finances reports from November, December, January, February. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Collier, Schwab, Milton. Nays none.

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

The claims approved were as follows: February Payroll, 26346.75; Ameritas, 6746.22; EFTPS, 12291.09; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 2004.33; ACE Industrial Supply, Inc. su 441.40; Baker & Taylor Books, su 32.80; Beatrice Concrete Co, su 926.41; Beaver Hardware, su 37.98; Black Hills Energy, fe 1601.48; Center Point Large Print, su 93.48; Jacob & Johnathan Clouse, fe 850.00;  Core & Main LP, su 5301.52; Culligan Water Service, su 37.00; Diode Communications, fe 46.45; Eakes Office Solutions, su 838.30; Farmer’s Union Cooperative Co, su 234.98; Gale, su 92.21; Hometown Leasing, fe 90.75; JCI Industries, Inc su 39.54; The Magnolia Journal su 30.00; Mastiff Systems, fe 100.00; Midwest Laboratories, se 199.66; Mutual of Omaha fe 527.80; NE Public Health Environmental Lab, fe 277.00; Ne. Dept of Environment and Energy fe 40.00; Nickel Automotive, se 455.13; Norris Public Power Dist, fe 2537.76; Diane Odoski, re 135.38; One Billing Solutions, fe 63.76; On Call Concepts, Inc. se 25.94; Postmaster, fe 202.95; Principal Mutual Life Ins. Co, fe 1433.60; Qwik 6, fe 1475.43;  Saline County Register of Deeds, fe 40.00; Seward County Independent, fe 287.49; Marvin Slepicka, fe 2000.00; Stutzman Digging & Excavating LLC, se 1325.00; US Cellular, se 366.60; Waste Connections of Nebraska se 10822.80; Waste Connections of Nebraska se 1100.00; Total Claims Approved: 81498.99

Public Comments – several citizens spoke about concerns regarding Ordinance 21-773 about vacant properties.

No action or discussion regarding Tom Clouse’s concerns over trash.

Dorothy Hamilton was not present to discuss the creek.

City Council set a working meeting with the Cemetery board for March 20, 2023 at 7:00pm.

No action taken regarding pool wages.

Motion by Collier, seconded by Schwab to hire Heather Black as pool manager. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Collier, Milton, and Schwab. Nays none.

Motion by Sladek, seconded by Milton to replace damaged screens at Grange Hall if estimate is below $300. On roll call voting aye Schwab, Collier, Sladek, and Milton. Nays none.

Motion by Milton, seconded by Schwab to continue policy of refunding citizens utility deposits upon moving out or becoming deceased. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Collier, Milton, and Schwab. Nays none.

Discussion regarding metal buildings, shouses, etc. Will hold meeting on April 17^th, 2023, with zoning commission and Friend development group. No action taken.

Friend Community Healthcare Systems- added 4 providers, focus on local hires.

Building Inspector – reminder to obtain building permit before starting.

Fire Department – No report

Police Chief Shawn Gray gave his report. More cases being handled.

Billy Baugh Public Works Supervisor gave his report.

No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Schwab, seconded by Sladek, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye Milton, Sladek, Schwab, and Collier. Nays none.  Meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.