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04/13/2021 Special Meeting

FRIEND CITY COUNCIL

SPECIAL MEETING

APRIL 13, 2021

Mayor Knoke called the special meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall. Advanced notice of the meeting was given by posting notice at three places in town, one 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 Kim Goossen recorded the proceedings.  The following Councilmembers were present:  David Sladek, Shane Stutzman, Kristen Milton, and Jeremy Collier. A quorum being present, and the meeting duly convened, the following proceedings were had and done.

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.

Mayor Knoke announced that public comments would be received at this time.

Discussion was held regarding the $150 field usage fee for baseball/softball teams.  Jim Vossler expressed his concern that this fee would be passed on to the kids/parents creating a hardship that could prevent kids from playing.  Vanessa Sladek stated that she can see both sides but feels the fee would help “give back” to the City for all the prep and overhead costs associated with the ballfield.  A motion was made by Collier, second by Milton to rescind the previous motion of $150 field usage fee for baseball and softball teams.  On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Sladek, Milton, Collier.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Proposed Ordinance No. 21-773 was read by title, by Mayor Knoke.

ORDINANCE NO. 21-773

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 98: NUISANCES OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA TO REGULATE THE REGISTRATION OF VACANT PROPERTY; TO COLLECT FEES FOR VACANT PROPERTIES; TO PLAN FOR REHABILITATION OF VACANT PROPERTIES; TO ENCOURAGE OCCUPANCY OF VACANT PROPERTIES; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO PROVIDE FOR THE POSTING OR PUBLICATION OF THIS ORDINANCE IN PAMPHLET FORM; AND TO PROVIDE FOR A TIME WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL TAKE EFFECT.  (A complete copy is available for review at City Hall during regular office hours.)

Motioned by Stutzman, seconded by Milton to pass and adopt Ordinance No. 21-773 To Amend Section 98 Nuisances of the Municipal Code of the City of Friend to Regulate Registration of, to Collect Fees for, to Plan for Rehabilitation of, and to Encourage Occupancy of Vacant Properties.  On roll call voting aye, Collier, Sladek, Milton, Stutzman.  Nays none.  Motion carried.  The passage and adoption of said ordinance, having been concurred and by a majority of all Members of the City Council, Ordinance No. 21-773 was adopted this 13^th day of April 2021.

Kristen Milton provided the following pool updates:

-order 15 chairs for pool;

-received notification of $7,500 grant from the Friend Area Fund;

-Carrothers will get quote for picnic tables;

-parking lot bids from H&L Asphalt and Carrothers;

Motion made by Collier, second by Sladek to approve hourly wages for first year lifeguards at minimum wage with returning lifeguards receiving an additional 25 cents from their last year wage. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Milton, Sladek, Collier.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Motion made by Sladek, second by Collier to give each lifeguard a $50 credit for a mandatory “uniform” suit.  On roll call voting aye, Milton, Stutzman, Collier, Sladek.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Billy Baugh reported on behalf of the Public Works department. Items he reported on included the following:

- Arbor Day tree planting will be held April 26 at 6 p.m.

- dentist parking spaces over at the hospital lot

- moving “No Parking” sign on Summer Street;

- discussion of electric service to Trevin Stutzman’s lot in Palky addition

Christy Svehla attended the meeting to discuss plans for the Friend 150^th Anniversary Celebration.  The anniversary committee is asking the City to contribute funds for the concert fencing, portable restrooms and security costs.  Chief Gray will check with security company to see if they can provide at least two off-duty officers.  Motion made by Collier, second by Stutzman to allow between $1,500-$2,000 for fencing, port-a-potties, and security officers for the 150^th Anniversary Celebration.  On roll call voting aye, Sladek, Collier, Stutzman. Milton-abstain.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Sladek, second by Collier to move forward to advertise and explore options for an electrical/high lineman apprentice.  On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Milton, Collier, Sladek.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Discussion was held to reconsider the annexation of a couple properties in town.  Motion was made by Collier, second by Milton to move forward with the annexation process for the Paul Johansen property located at 429 County Road 500.  On roll call voting aye, Sladek, Milton, Collier.  Stutzman-abstain.  Nays none.  Motion carried.  

Chief Gray discussed findings from the Health Board on several nuisance properties.  Gray stated that the owners of 220 West 3^rd and 403 Cedar have 30 days to correct any deficiencies.  If no changes, it will be addressed again before the Health Board.  The Health Board declared the third property, 217 Maple Street, a nuisance property and Chief Gray is asking that council upholds that declaration.  Motion made by Stutzman, second by Collier to uphold the Health Board’s nuisance property position for 217 Maple Street.  On roll call voting aye, Sladek, Milton, Collier, Stutzman.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

No further business to come before the City Council, a motion was made by Collier and seconded by Milton to adjourn the meeting. Voting aye Sladek, Stutzman, Milton, Collier.  Nays none.  Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.