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06/06/2023 Regular Meeting

FRIEND CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING

June 6, 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, David Sladek, & Phyllis Schwab. 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 Sladek to approve the minutes from May 2 regular meeting. On roll call voting aye Collier, Milton, Sladek, and Schwab. Nays none.

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

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

No Hospital Finances report was given.

The claims approved were as follows: May Payroll, 26293.30; Ameritas, 3870.64; EFTPS, 7624.10; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 1257.57; 34 Electric, LLC, se 114.46; AMGL CPA’s & Advisors, se 9900.00; American Legion, su 347.38; Baker & Taylor Books, su 17.57; Barco Municipal Products Inc, su 857.41; Bartels Body Shop, se 403.40; Black Hills Energy, fe 742.47; Blue Blossom Florist, su 128.00; Blue Cross Blue Shield, fe 4270.62; Broken Arrow Excavating, LLC, se 4000.00; Bruning Law Group, fe 440.00; Center Point Large Print, su 93.48; Jacob & Johnathan Clouse, fe 850.00; Consumer Reports, su 31.04; Culligan Water Service, su 125.50; Danko Emergency Equip Co, su 2407.64; Demco Supplies, su 458.33; Diode Communications, fe 46.45; Drake Refrigeration, su 695.00; Emma Olsen, re 32.09; Exeter Lumber Co, su 600.00; Fairfield Inn & Suites, fe 299.90; Farmer’s Union Cooperative Co., su 541.44; Friend Insurance Center Inc, fe 567.00; Friend Insurance Center Inc, fe 95.00; Gabrielle Theis, re 50.00; Gale, su 95.21; HTM Sales Inc, se 2613.50;  Hometown Leasing, fe 98.01; Ingrid Cook, re 50.00; Kianna Bachle, re 29.00Midwest Laboratories Inc, se 380.94; Midwest Living Magazine, su 8.00; Mutual of Omaha fe 649.24; NE Public Health Environmental Lab, fe 30.00; Nebraska Generator Service LLC, se 989.00; Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency, fe 81.00; Nickel Automotive, se 102.18; Diane Odoski, re 168.30; One Call Concepts, Inc. se 38.28; Qwik 6, su 36.31; Qwik 6, su 1193.15; Reminisce Books, su 28.47; Sargent Drilling, se 1600.00; Seward County Independent, fe 123.96; Seward Electronics, su 18.70; Marvin Slepicka, fe 2000.00; Tan-Aire Inc, se 1015.00; US Cellular, se 242.40; Young’s Welding, se 3181.44; Total Claims Approved: 81931.88

Motion by Schwab, seconded by Sladek to postpone item Bob Mercier/Unite due to Mercier’s absence. On roll call voting aye Collier, Milton, Sladek, and Schwab. Nays none.

Discussion on NDEE/dump. Discussion was held with the owner of the property where the dump is located. It was decided that no change to the contract was needed. It was also decided to limit the dump to receive only Trees, branches, and bushes, Grass clippings and leaves, and Concrete and bricks. A new sign will be posted with the changes. Video cameras will be purchased and placed at the site.

Item for consideration for Building ordinance – No action taken.

Motion by Collier, seconded by Milton to approve recommendation by Health Board to declare 113 Maple St a nuisance. On roll call voting aye Schwab, Sladek, Milton, and Collier. Nays none.

Motion by Schwab, seconded by Sladek to approve application to keep fowl in city limits. On roll call voting aye Milton, Sladek, Collier, and Schwab. Nays none.

Motion by Sladek, seconded by Collier to move July City Council Meeting from the 4^th to the 11^th. On roll call voting aye Schwab, Milton, Collier, and Sladek. Nays none.

Motion by Collier, seconded by Sladek to donate $3500 to Fire Department for July 4^th firework display. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Collier, Schwab, and Milton. Nays none.

Item for consideration of Neon Sign- No action taken; to discuss with historical society.

Friend Community Healthcare Systems- Mayor Knoke reported on the audit for the hospital.

Building Inspector Mark Stutzman gave his report.

Fire Department – No report

Police Chief Shawn Gray gave his report.

Pool Manager Heather Black reported on the pool.

Billy Baugh Public Works Supervisor gave his report. Asked to post letter on voluntary water restrictions. Motion by Sladek, seconded by Collier to approve the mayor to draft a letter. On roll call voting aye Milton, Schwab, Sladek, and Collier. Nays None

No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Schwab, seconded by Milton, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Collier, Milton, and Schwab. Nays none.  Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.