12/06/2022 Regular Meeting
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
December 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.
Motion by Stutzman, seconded by Sladek to approve the minutes from the November 1st meeting. On roll call voting aye Milton, Collier, Sladek, and Stutzman. Nays none.
Motion by Collier, seconded by Stutzman to approve the November Treasurer report. On roll call voting aye Sladek, Collier, Stutzman, and Milton. Nays none.
Motion by Collier, seconded by Sladek to approve the claims and payroll. On roll call voting aye Stutzman, Sladek, Milton, and Collier. Nays none.
Motion by Stutzman, seconded by Milton to approve the Hospital financial reports. On roll call voting aye Collier, Sladek, Milton and Stutzman. Nays none.
The claims approved were as follows: November Payroll, 27027.96; Ameritas, 4758.59; EFTPS, 8367.82; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 1409.68; Baker & Taylor Books, su 118.24; Barco Municipal Products, su 2015.00; Kevin Barnard, re 7.44; Beatrice Concrete Co., Inc., se 2370.23; Blue Blossom Florist, su 75.00; Blue Cross Blue Shield, fe 7904.13; Blue Valley Public Safety Inc, se 1487.01; Brother’s Equipment; su 44.44; Center Point Large Print, su 93.48; Jacob & Johnathan Clouse, fe 850.00; Core & Main LP, su 1590.00; Culligan Water Service, se 80.25; Dan Novotny, se 1056.22; Diode Communications, fe 46.45; Gale, su 46.48; Hometown Leasing, fe 90.75; John R. Schwab, re 16.69; Mastiff Systems, fe 325.00; Mid America Books, su 1021.68; Midwest Laboratories Inc, se 181.92; NE Public Health Environmental Lab, fe 80.00; NE Public Power District, fe 58350.17; NE Dept. of Environment and Energy, fe 6790.10; Norris Public Power Dist, fe 44.00; Norris Public Power Dist, se 1749.50; Norris Public Power Dist, se 6193.05; Diane Odoski, re 37.13; One Call Concepts, Inc, se 72.72; Personnel Concepts, fe 35.73; Principal Mutal Life Ins, fe 734.26; Railroad Management Co., se 344.67; Ray Rohrig, re 90.11; Saline County 4-H Junior Leaders fe 50.00; Sandry Fire Supply, su 13463.00; Schindler Elevator Corp, se 1025.05; Susan Schrock, fe 50.00; Marvin Slepicka, fe 2000.00; Stutzman Digging & Excavating LLC, se 15002.20; Mark Stutzman, fe 2625.00; Summit Fire Protection fe 107.50; US Cellular, fe 27.12; Volzke Corp, se 545.15; Douglas Welch, re 500.27; Young’s Welding su 64.80; Total Claims Approved: 170962.99
Mayor Knoke introduced Heather Varney as Deputy City Clerk, Thanked Councilman Stutzman for time and service to Council and city.
Motion by Milton, seconded by Sladek to adjourn old Council meeting. On roll call voting aye Collier, Stutzman, Milton, Sladek. Nays none. Meeting of current governing body adjourned at 7:07pm
Council President Milton called the meeting to order at 7:09pm. As required by the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, President Milton 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.
Judith Knoke, reelected Mayor, Jeremy Collier, reelected Councilmember, and Phyllis Schwab, newly elected Councilmember in the November 8, 2022, election, all being elected for a four-year term, read and signed their respective official oath of office.
Mayor Judith Knoke now presiding. On roll call, those present Milton, Sladek, Collier, Schwab.
Collier made a motion to nominate Kristin Milton, seconded by Sladek. On roll call, voting aye, Sladek, Collier, Schwab. Milton abstained. Nays, none.
Mayor Knoke gave the Council her recommendations for appointments to fill expired/vacant positions on committees for 2023. Motion by Sladek, seconded by Milton, to accept Mayor Knoke’s recommended appointments to fill expired/vacant positions on committees for 2023. On roll call voting aye, Schwab, Sladek, Milton, Collier. Nays, none.
Paul Johansen attended the meeting to voice his concerns about the mistake made regarding the annexation of his property into the city. His concern was that his ballot did not include elections for town office. Mayor Knoke shared that this kind of situation has occurred in other communities and acknowledged his concern as well as that a mistake was made regarding the description of his property. No action was taken.
Implementation of a city newsletter. After discussion, it was decided to postpone for a future meeting.
A working meeting including the Planning and Zoning committee and a few community leaders as well as City Council will be scheduled either January 18, or February 8, 2023 to discuss zoning in business district.
Motion by Collier and seconded by Sladek to fix the letter “E” light. On roll call voting aye Milton, Collier, Sladek, Schwab. Nays none.
Discussion for renewal of CDs for Street Improvement Bond. A motion was made by Collier and seconded by Sladek to approve a CD at 3.34% over 16 months. On roll call voting aye Schwab, Collier, Sladek, Milton. Nays none.
Discussion of renewal of insurance for full time city employees. Plans were explored from BCBS and from Principal. A motion was made by Sladek and seconded by Collier to approve Principal as is and give the Mayor permission to approve upon further information to upgrade or stay with current BCBS. On roll call voting aye Milton, Schwab, Sladek, Collier. Nays none.
Mayor Knoke reported on the Friend Community Healthcare Systems.
Building Inspector – Dollar General repairs will begin in January. Reminder that all new construction, fences, or remodels require Building Permits.
Fire Department – No report
Billy Baugh Public Works Supervisor gave his report. A motion was made by Sladek and seconded by Schwab to move the city’s Utility bill to coincide with Norris’ billing schedule following electrical takeover. On roll call voting aye Milton, Sladek, Collier, Schwab. Nays none.
Nebraska Rural Water Conference as well as Clerk School are coming up. Motion was made by Sladek and seconded by Milton to approve city workers attendance as appropriate. On roll call voting aye Collier, Milton, Schwab, Sladek. Nays None.
An executive Session was requested. Motion by Milton and seconded by Collier to approve. On role call voting aye Sladek, Milton, Collier, Schwab.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Sladek, seconded by Collier, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye Collier, Milton, Sladek, Schwab. Nays none. Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.