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09/06/2022 Regular Meeting

FRIEND CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING

September 6, 2022

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, David Sladek, Shane Stutzman & 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 Collier, seconded by Sladek to approve the minutes from the August 2nd meeting. On roll call voting aye Stutzman, Milton, Sladek, and Collier. Nays none.

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

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

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

The claims approved were as follows: August Payroll, 49639.75; Ameritas, 5068.16; EFTPS, 15760.87; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 2309.01; Baker & Taylor Books, 84.93; Barco Municipal Supply, su 2475.92; Black Hills Energy, fe 305.44; Blue Blossom Florist, se 51.36;Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebr., fe 7753.22; Border States Ind, su 31.29; Center Point Large Print, su 91.08; Central States Telecom, fe 401.26; Jacob & John Clouse fe 850.00; Culligan Water Service, se 291.25; Diode Communications, fe 46.45; Eakes Office Solutions, su 665.44; Gale, su 47.23; Heather Black, re 61.62; Hemmings Motor News, su 25.00; Hometown Leasing, fe 95.75; J&C Cemetery Repairs, se 4235.00; KBK Creative Design, se 211.20; League of Ne Municipalities/Util Sec, fe 885.00; League of NE Municipalities, fe 2639.00; Mastiff Systems, se 10.00; Menards-Lincoln South, su 204.00; Midwest Laboratories, fe 295.44; Kristen Milton, re 35.76; Ne Public Health Environmental Lab, fe 374.00; Ne Public Power Dist.,  fe 77934.45; Nebraska Sign, se 735.59; Nick’s Farm Store, su 89.94; Norris Public Power, fe 36.00; Diane Odoski, re 52.33; One Call Concepts, fe 23.88; Pepsi Cola of Hast. se 478.30: Phyllis Schwab, re 1200.00; Qwik 6, su 1284.00; Sandry Fire Supply, su 114.05; Marvin Slepicka, fe 2000.00; State of NE Power Review Board, fe 152.34; Stutzman Digging & Excavating, se 2305.00; Summit Fire Protection, fe 88.00; US Cellular, fe 581.78; Amy Weber, re 9.00; White Electric Supply Co., su 363.94; Total Claims Approved 182393.03

Public Comments- A patron commented on complaints at the Friendship Terrace. The mayor informed the patron to go to the Housing Authority Board first prior to coming to the City Council.

Mayor Knoke introduced and read Resolution 22-04.

Resolution 22-04

Signing of the Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance 2022

Whereas: State of Nebraska Statutes, sections 39-2115, 39-2119, 39-2121, and 39-2520(2),

requires an annual certification of compliance to the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classification and Standards: and

Whereas: State of Nebraska Statute, section 39-2120 also requires that the annual certification of program compliance by each municipality shall be signed by the Mayor or Village Board Chairperson and shall include the resolution of the governing body of the municipality authorizing the signing of the certification.

Be it Resolved that the Mayor of City of Friend is hereby authorized to sign the Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance.

Motion by Sladek, seconded by Stutzman, to adopt Resolution 22-04. On roll call voting aye Collier, Milton, Sladek, and Stutzman.

Dan Sitorus from Kirkham Michael discussed what they offer for services, and availability to meet with the city.

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

Jim Ryan from Community Redevelopment Authority presented the mid-year report.

Motion by Collier, seconded by Sladek to allow the mayor to sign the reports. On roll call voting aye Milton, Stutzman, Collier, and Sladek. Nays none.

The owner of 513 2^nd St. was present to discuss the options for repairing the building. Discussion was held regarding moving the electrical line temporarily. The owner stated he has been in talks with a member from the historical society about the drainage on to his building. Councilman Collier stated he needs to have a plan set with dates. The decision was made to have the owner present a plan within 14 days.

Jake Clouse with Friend Insurance Center presented changes with the city insurance policy renewal.

Dorothy Hamilton was present to discuss complaints with Sucker Creek. Ms. Hamilton has made multiple complaints regarding the creek. Wanting the city to clean it up. The city has been cleaning the creek on multiple occasions. After investigation it was discovered that the landowner is responsible for the maintenance of the abating creek. An easement is in place with the city.

Discussion of residence in the business district. The decision was made to research information to form an ordinance.

Discussion on the oversight of enrollment to the retirement plan for the employees. It was discovered that three employees were not participating in the city retirement plan.

Motin by Stutzman, seconded by Collier, to pay the city portion of the retirement plan back dated to the date of required enrollment. On roll call voting aye Milton, Sladek, Stutzman, and Collier. Nays none.

Discussion on metal buildings. It was decided to gather more information.

Discussion on procedures & guidelines for the office. Write up a proposal and present it at the next council meeting.

Discussion on postage machine quote. No action to be taken.

Discussion on 5^th & Walnut complaint. Chief Gray presented his findings from the investigation. He recommended that no action be taken for traffic control signs. Motion by Sladek, seconded by Collier, to not put traffic control signs at 5^th & Walnut. On roll call voting aye Stutzman, Milton, Collier, and Sladek. Nays none.

Mayor Knoke presented a recommendation to the hospital board. Her recommendation is Emmet Beckler. Motion by Milton, seconded by Sladek to approve the recommendation of Emmet Beckler to the Hospital Board.

Discussion on renewal of services with Southeast Nebraska Development District. The council would like to have a representative present at the next meeting.

Mayor Knoke reported on the Friend Community Healthcare Systems.

Building Inspector – Two new houses being built

Fire Department – No report

Chief Shawn Gray gave his report.

President Milton – No report

Billy Baugh Public Works Supervisor not present. Sent report via email. Two items of importance. Motion by Sladek, seconded by Collier to accept bid from Pankoke Construction to clean the silt pond. On roll call voting aye Milton, Stutzman, Collier, and Sladek. Nays none.

Motion by Collier, seconded by Stutzman to approve the quote from Electric Pump for replacing and installing a new JWC Monster at the sewer plant not to exceed $23000.00. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Milton, Collier, and Stutzman. Nays none.

No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Collier, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye Collier, Milton, Stutzman, and Sladek. Nays none. Meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.