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10/03/2023 Regular Meeting

FRIEND CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING

October 3, 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 Sladek, seconded by Schwab to approve the minutes from September 5th regular meeting, September 13^th Special meeting, and the September 25^th  Tax request hearing, Budget adoption meeting, On roll call voting aye Collier, Sladek, Milton, and Schwab. Nays none.

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

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

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

The claims approved were as follows: Sep Payroll, 27258.73;  EFTPS, 7386.81; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 578.46 ;  34 Electric LLC, se 6049.75: AMGL CPA’s & Advisors, fe 14600.00; Ameritas life Ins, fe 3508.56; Angela Osborne, re 62.34; Aqua- Chem, se 2174.31; Baker & Taylor Books, su 17.57; Barco Muni Products, su 1121.00; Beatrice Concrete, su 1948.86; Beaver Hardware, su 175.81; Black Hills Energy, se 314.84; BCBS of Nebr, fe 4443.18; Blue Valley Door, se 1500.00; Brother’s Equip, su 24.40; Center Point Lrge Print, su 93.48; Jacob & John Clouse, fe 850.00; Coast to Coast Solutions, su 611.71; Creative Products Source, su 383.46; Cutting Edge Landscapes, se 43451.15; DHHS- accounting, re 409.61; Danko Emer Equip, su 1226.98; Diode Comm, fe 46.45; Eakes Office Solutions, su 1108.75; Gale, su 94.46; HD Arme LLC, su 780.00; HGTV Magazine, su 12.00; Hometown Leasing, fe 93.01; J&C Cemetery Repairs, fe 5000.00;

Joyce Nickel, re 100.00; Kirkham Michael, fe 1250.00; Mastiff Systems, fe 100.00; Chris Michl, fe 445.20, Midwest Labrotories, fe 30.55; Miller Seed& Supply, su 56.75; Mussman Excavating, fe 250.00; Mutual of Omaha, fe 1096.02; NE Law Enforcmt Train Cntr, fe 80.00; Nickel Automotive, fe 919.76; Diane Odoski, re 143.43; One Call Concepts, fe 11.58; Paper Tiger Shredding, fe 30.00; Postmaster, fe 199.40; Sandry Fire Supply, se 971.50; Susan Schrock, re 100.00; Seward Cnty Indep, fe 828.27; Marvin Slepicka, fe 2000.00; Pioneer Woman Magazine, su 48.98; US Cellular, fe 609.02; Verizon Wireless, fe 123.13. Total Claims Approved: 134719.27

Brad Slaughter with FNBO was present to explain what bonds are, how they work. He also gave options regarding the new Firehall.

Jake Clouse with Friend Insurance Center presented the changes in the insurance policy for 2024.

The owner of 220 W 3^rd ST was present to discuss updates to his property. Discussion was held regarding the updates. Motion by Collier to give 30 days or until next meeting to have the entire roof completed. Motion died due to lack of second.

Motin by Collier, seconded by Milton to table this item until later in the meeting. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Schwab, Collier, and Milton. Nays none.

Bobby Mercier from Unite, presented information on option for internet.

Building permit fees. Motion by Collier, seconded by Sladek to postpone this item to gather more information. On roll call voting aye Schwab, Milton, Sladek, and Collier. Nays none.

Motion by Schwab, seconded by Sladek to approve the SDL  for the Friend American Legion. On roll call voting aye Collier, Milton, Sladek, and Schwab. Nays none.

Motion by Collier, seconded by Sladek to approve the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning committee  to approve the Schrock Subdivision. On roll call voting aye Milton, Schwab, Sladek, and Collier. Nays none.

Motion by Sladek, seconded by Schwab to approve the contract with Kirkham Michael. On roll call voting aye Collier, Milton, Sladek, and Schwab. Nays none.

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

Building Inspector- Reported on a new construction. Informed the council that frost footings are required for this construction according to City of Friend Code.

Fire Department – No report

Billy Baugh Public works supervisor gave his report. He stated he has bids to clean the water tower and to replace a valve on a well.

Motion by Schwab, seconded by Sladek to approve the bid to clean the water tower at $2650.00 plus tax. On roll call voting aye Milton, Collier, Sladek, and Schwab. Nays none.

Motion by Milton seconded by Collier to approve the replacement of the valve for the well  at $5196.67 plus tax. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Collier, Schwab, and Milton. Nays none.

Further discussion on 220 W. 3^rd St.  Motin by Milton, seconded by Collier to give the owner until November 7^th to have progress in the next 15 days if no major improvement an emergency meeting will be called. The owner is to have daily communication with the Friend Police Department. Roof not leaking by next meeting. On roll call voting aye Schwab, Sladek, Collier, and Milton. Nays none.

No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Milton, seconded by Collier, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Schwab, Collier, and Milton. Nays none.  Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.