06/01/2021 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 1, 2021
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 Kim Goossen recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Kristen Milton, David Sladek, Jeremy Collier, and Shane Stutzman. 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.
Ray Rohrig reported on behalf of the Friend Rescue stating the new ambulance has been in service since end of March. A huge Thank You for the generous donations of the Ihde Foundation as well as community dollars given through various fundraisers. Ray also stated that the number of calls to date is busier than they were in June of last year. The next item up for purchase will be a power load for the new ambulance. Due to the pool construction and the 150th/July 4th Celebration there will be no Safety Day in June. No other public comments offered.
Motioned by Collier, seconded by Sladek, to approve the Minutes of the May 4, 2021, Regular Meeting and the May 2021 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve minutes of the May 4, 2021, Regular Meeting, and the May 2021 Treasurer's Report, Stutzman, Milton, Sladek, Collier. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motioned by Stutzman, seconded by Collier, to approve the Friend Community Healthcare Systems Financial Reports for April 2021. On roll call voting aye, Milton, Sladek, Collier, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Sladek, seconded by Milton, that payroll and claims be approved after review, by the claims committee, and be allowed, and the Clerk instructed to issue warrants on the respective funds to pay same. On roll call voting aye, Collier, Stutzman, Milton, Sladek. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: : May Payroll, 28,361.19; Ameritas, 3,824.32; EFTPS, 8,867.20; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 1,383.49; Aqua-Chem, su 1315.22; BSN Sports, su 307.98; Baker & Taylor Books, su 50.37; Beatrice Concrete, su 1290.76; Black Hills Energy, fe 376.75; BCBS of NE, fe 8,958.10; Border States, su 1045.44; Brandenburgh Hauling, se 860.19; Brother’s Equip, su 21.63; Bruning Law, fe 2,160.50; Carrothers Construction, fe 325,435.05; Center Point Large Print, su 88.68; Jacob & Johnathan Clouse, fe 450.00; Crete Ace Hrdwre, su 419.98; Danko, se 1000.00; Diode, fe 46.45; Dollar General, su 52.40; Eakes, se & su 504.93; EMP, Inc, su 158.00; Exeter Lumber, su 167.25; Friend Public School, su 114.10; Friend Vol Fire Dept, su 4000.00; Gale, su 45.73; Hometown Leasing, fe 88.78; Inclusion Solutions, su 2229.00; JCI Industries, su 632.44; KBK Creative Design, su 453.20; Lamp Rynearson, fe 5,850.00; Matheson Tri-Gas, se 67.63; Menards-South, su 416.81; Midwest Labs, fe 336.83; Midwest Mach & Supply, su 40.00; NDEQ, fe 6870.58; NE Public Health Environ Lab, se 101.00; NE Public Power, se 45,432.52; NE EMS Conf, fe 2000.00; Norris Public Power, se 6283.20 & 48.00; Diane Odoski, re 94.38; One Call Concepts, se 14.23; Potter Repair, se 262.50; Principal Mutual Life, fe 65.82; Qwik 6, su 148.42; Readers Digest, su 29.96; Seward County Independent, fe 189.65; Marvin Slepicka, fe 2000.00; Steve’s Repair, se 320.02; TDL Gutter, se 1016.25; Waste Connections, se 6058.92; Darla Welch, fe 450.00. Total Claims Approved 472,805.85.
Mayor Knoke introduced and read Resolution #21-03.
RESOLUTION #21-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, SALINE COUNTY, NEBRASKA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION OF THE FRIEND AMERICAN LEGION FORD BANKA POST #183, FOR A SPECIAL DESIGNATED PERMIT UNDER THE NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL ACT, TO SELL LIQUOR, BEER AND WINE AT THE FRIEND 150th CELEBRATION TO BE HELD ON JULY 3, 2021 IN THE CITY OF FRIEND. THE SAID SPECIAL DESIGNATED PERMIT TO BE LIMITED TO THE INSIDE AREA OF THE LEGION HALL (AND THE FENCED AREA SPECIFIED ON LICENSE APPLICATION) LOCATED AT 136 MAPLE STREET FOR THE CITY OF FRIEND 150th CELEBRATION TO BE HELD BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10:00 A.M. ON SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021 AND 1:00 A.M. ON SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2021, PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, AND THE NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL ACT.
It was moved by Stutzman and seconded by Sladek to approve Resolution #21-03 as read. On roll call voting aye, Milton, Collier, Sladek and Stutzman, Nays none. Motion carried.
Proposed Ordinance No. 21-775 was read by title, by Mayor Knoke.
ORDINANCE NO. 21-775
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA, TO ANNEX TERRITORY COMPRISING CONTIGUOUS AND ADJACENT LANDS, LOTS, STREETS, AND HIGHWAYS WHICH ARE URBAN OR SUBURBAN IN CHARACTER IN SUCH DIRECTIONS AS IS DEEMED PROPER TO THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY, THE EXACT BOUNDARIES OF WHICH ARE DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT A ATTACHED HERETO; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF SUCH ANNEXATION. . (A complete copy is available for review at City Hall during regular office hours.)
Paul and Carol Johansen were in attendance to discuss the Ordinance to annex their property into the city limits. Paul had gathered information on how much their utility bill would be impacted stating it would pretty much be a wash. However, in checking with the county assessor, he discovered their property tax would increase roughly $2,000 if they were to be annexed. At close to retirement age, Paul said this could be a hardship on their budget to come up with the additional tax. They currently pay $3,240 for property tax. Paul and Carol had a conversation with the County Attorney, Tad Eickman, who offered some advice to Johansens. Mr. Eickman asked who else and how many other properties were looked at being annexed and why the Johansen property has been three times on record for wanting to be annexed into city limits. Mr. Eickman recommended if the property is annexed, that it be noted the property is an acreage with the rights to have animals until the end of time. And if Johansen property is the only one being annexed, Mr. Eickman stated they could seek legal counsel if they so choose to.
Judy Crawford called in with a question if Council had considered allowing Gator UTVs to be licensed and driven in town like golf carts currently are. Chief Gray stated he has not had any issues with the golf cart policy so far. There is more traffic around town then just simply going to and from the golf course. It was recommended to pursue further discussion at next month’s meeting.
In other public comments, Christy Svehla was on the phone to discuss plans for 150th Celebration/4th of July weekend. The food trucks coming in for the celebration will pay a $50 fee. There will also be an extended parade route. Christy and Kristen will meet with Kevin to see what is needed for electric service for the food trucks. No other comments offered.
Kory Kahlandt and Jake Clouse were in attendance to extend an offer of the local insurance service through Friend Insurance.
Mayor Knoke reported on behalf of the Friend Community Healthcare System. There was tribute paid to Dan Bartz and his years of service with FCHS.
Assistant Fire Chief Stan Krause attended the meeting to seek council approval for the fire department to sell the 1983 International milk tanker to be replace with the purchase of 2003 International tanker with 7500 gallon stainless steel tank. Motioned by Stutzman seconded by Sladek to allow Fire Department to proceed sale. On roll call voting aye, Collier, Milton, Sladek, and Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried. Krause also discussed possible grant and loan options the department will look into for the new building.
Police Chief, Shawn Gray, reported they are focusing their efforts on all property in preparation of the 150th Celebration weekend. Discussion was also had regarding the three properties brought before the Health Board several months ago. There has not been noticeable progress with them so will look at next steps. Chief Gray asked the process needed to get stop signs put up at the intersection of 5th and Sycamore and one at 10th and Chestnut. Billy and public works department will work at getting those set up. Since we no longer have association with Village of Exeter, the equipment they purchased had to be returned to them. Chief Gray is looking to purchase a new rifle and some ammunition. Motioned by Sladek seconded by Collier to allow Chief Gray to purchase quoted new rifle and ammunition. On roll call voting aye, Milton, Stutzman, Collier, and Sladek. Nays none. Motion carried.
Kristen Milton provided the Council with an update on the pool. The following were covered in her report:
- there are no outdoor lights so can only swim until 8:30 at the latest.
- there were 195 swimmers on opening day.
- pool committee provided drum sticks and bomb pops for the first two swim breaks.
- after looking at varying schedules, pool manager, Heather Black is requesting possibly getting two more guards as part-time fill-ins.
- parking lot should be started this upcoming week.
- grand opening will be Friday, July 2 at 1 p.m.
- Community Club members will be grilling hot dogs for grand opening.
- discussed free swim on 4th of July. Motioned by Sladek and seconded by Stutzman to allow free swim on 4 July 2021 only. On roll call voting ayes, Collier, Sladek, and Stutzman. Milton (Abstain) Nayes, none. Motion carried.
Billy Baugh, Public Works supervisor gave his report. The following items were included:
- discussed options for repairing 11th Street once Carrothers is gone and their equipment removed. H&L Asphalt gave two estimates: one for just filling cracks and the other would be to grind and do two layers of asphalt. Motion by Collier seconded by Stutzman to proceed with grinding and adding 2 layers of asphalt. On roll call voting aye, Sladek, Milton, Stutzman, and Collier. Nays none. Motion carried.
- discussed installing extra fencing to enclose the gas meter, transformer, light meters, and outlets. It was moved by Sladek and seconded by Collier to purchase 70’ and 2 gates of additional fencing at the price of $7000. On roll call voting aye, Milton, Stutzman, Collier, and Sladek. Nayes none. Motion carried.
- Sargant Drilling came in to check wells and reported that all was good.
- Eric Cox will be coming on June 10 to perform sanitary survey
Mayor Knoke recommended Jill Cradick Milton to be appointed to Library board. Moved by Sladek seconded by Collier to accept Mayor Knokes’ recommendation for Library board. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Milton, Collier, and Sladek. Nayes, none. Motion carried.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Milton, seconded by Stutzman, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Collier, Sladek, Stutzman, and Milton. Nays none. Motion carried. meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.