02/04/2020 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 4, 2020
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 Kimberly Goossen recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Harlan Schrock, Shane Stutzman, Phyllis Ryan and Stanley Krause. 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. Ray Rohrig, Friend Rescue co-captain, reported that they have scheduled Safety Day for Saturday, June 6, 2020. Rohrig also inquired about the status of the nuisance property at 213 Main Street. Mayor Knoke stated that the company handling the asbestos removal has been to town twice with failure to comply. As soon as asbestos is removed, Pankoke Construction can come in to remove the nuisance.
Kristen Milton, representing the Swimming Pool Replacement/Renovation Committee, reported there are two options to perform the Topographic Survey: Lamp Rynearson and Kirkham Michael. Andy, with Lamp Rynearson, states he could have it scheduled for February 7. Council members discussed that since Kirkham Michael has done work for the City in the past and is familiar with our community, it may be better to use them. A motion was made by Krause, seconded by Ryan, to approve Kirkham Michael perform the Topographic Survey for the new pool project. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Schrock, Ryan, and Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Discussion was had regarding the pros and cons for opening the pool this upcoming summer. Billy Baugh provided information on approximate costs to open the pool, not including lifeguard wages, chemicals, concessions, maintenance and operating expenses. That projected estimate was just over $19,000. There were also letters included from Scott Holtmeyer (Aqua-Chem, Inc.), Ryan Brandt (Kirkham Michael), and Andy Smith (Lamp Rynearson). The feedback received from these individuals indicated that to open the pool this summer would be costly with no guarantee it would even function properly due to extensive deterioration. They also explained the cost savings that would be generated if construction on the new pool could begin this spring. Motioned by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to NOT open the pool for the upcoming 2020 season so construction could begin on the new facility. On roll voting aye, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman, and Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Mark Stutzman spoke on behalf of the CMAR Review Committee. Mark was invited to sit on the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) interviews. There were three companies involved in the interview process: Sampson Construction (Lincoln/Omaha area), Christensen Construction (Pender, Nebraska) and Carrothers Construction (Paola, Kansas). Sampson Construction contracts out a lot of their work which can be difficult to keep on tract with various subcontractors. Christensen also subs out a majority of their work but does self-perform about 50-60% of the jobs they do. With Carrothers Construction, they perform 70-75% of the work themselves. Carrothers has worker with Lamp Rynearson on several projects. The main focus of Carrothers Construction is treatment plants and pools so they have quite a bit of experience. The review committee recommends that Council accept Carrothers Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause to select Carrothers Construction as the CMAR. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Stutzman, Krause, and Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motioned by Stutzman, seconded by Krause, to approve the minutes of the January 7 regular meeting and January 2020 Treasurer’s Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the January 7, 2020 meeting minutes and the January 2020 Treasurer’s Report, Schrock, Ryan, Krause, Stutzman. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan, to table the Friend Community Healthcare System’s financial statements submitted for the month of December 2019. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock, that payroll and claims be approved 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, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: January Payroll, 21,942.27; Ameritas, 2494.39; EFTPS, 7439.55; Aqua-Chem Inc, su 1300.00; Baker & Taylor, su 33.38; Barco Municipal Products, su 120.06; Billy Baugh, re 66.45; Beaver Hardware, su 505.76; Black Hills Energy, fe 765.75; Blue360 Media, su 76.75; BlueCross BlueShield, fe 3109.63; Brothers Equip, su 14.41; Bruning Law, fe 21,664.50; Center Point, su 88.68; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; Coast to Coast, su 16.00; CRA, 11,672.64 & 2403.26; Diode, se 46.45; Dollar General, su 63.85; Eakes, su 167.93; EMS Billing, se 635.48; Ekeler Repair, se 1251.13; GT Distributors, su 40.98; Gale, su 45.73; Paul & Gail Gropp, fe 450.00; Guideposts, su 13.97; Hardwood Artisan, su 1457.36; Holiday Inn, fe 419.80; JP Cooke, su 64.50; KBK Creative Design, su 900.00; Keller’s IT Solutions, se 187.07; League of NE Municipalities, fe 90.00; Lincoln Winwater, su 592.20; Rosemarie Markus, se 50.00; Midwest Living, su 12.00; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 1240.21; NE Public Health, se & fe 148.00; NE Public Power, se 69,244.52; NE Rural Water, se 14.00; NEMSA, fe 360.00; Nicks Farm Store, fe 12,234.79; Norris Power, se 5459.16; Diane Odoski, re 52.15; One Call, se 5.39; Orkin, se 60.32; Recycling Enterprises, se 440.00; Rembolt/Ludtke, fe 1500.00; Josi Remmers, se 5000.00; Saline County 4-H Junior Leaders, fe 50.00; Salt Creek Software, se 2130.00; Sargent Drilling, se 83,857.20; Schindler Elevator, se 167.94; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1250.00; Solomon Electric, su 3083.18; Southern Lady, su 24.98; Phyllis Svehla, fe 1554.00; Taste of Home, su 13.00; Verizon, fe 138.12; Visa, su 764.49; Waste Connections, se 467.30; Douglas Welch, re 22.67. Total Claims Approved $269,733.35.
Mayor Knoke gave the Council her recommendations for appointments to fill expired/vacant positions on committees for 2020. Motion was made, seconded, and passed to accept Mayor Knoke’s recommended appointments to fill expired/vacant positions on committees for 2020. (A complete copy of appointed positions and committees is available to view upon request at City Hall during regular office hours.)
Motion by Stutzman, seconded by Ryan to approve the Document Management with Eakes Office Solutions at $275 per month with a one-time professional service fee of $495. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion made by Schrock, seconded by Krause, to research information on purchasing tablets for the council and report back at the March meeting. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motioned by Stutzman, seconded by Krause, to allow Windstream to move forward with their building project. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Ryan, Krause, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
Billy Baugh gave the Public Works report. He states the two new hires are a great addition to the public works department. Billy states he has ordered new flags through the Legion to hang on the light poles uptown come Memorial Day. Baugh said they will all be attending the 811 Conference in Lincoln on February 19. Mr. Baugh is recommending a community clean-up day out at the park this spring. He will be contacting the softball and baseball coaches about teams participating. Discussion was held regarding continuing to use Johnson Service Company for sewer and storm sewer cleaning.
Chief Gray gave the Police report. Gray reported they have received 40 calls for service to date. Chief Gray introduced to the council a Ride-Along policy. Shawn will contact the city insurance carrier to see if this would be covered. Chief Gray also discussed two quotes he has for purchase of a new vehicle. There was discussion in regards to the purchase of the Gropp building where the police office currently is. Decision to make an offer on this property was tabled until further information could be gathered. Gray invited Jake Clouse to communicate the possibility of changing the ordinance in regards to golf cart and ATV use. Mayor Knoke stated she had been contacted by the real estate agent asking if the city would be interested in purchasing that building. Council will revisit this at the February meeting.
Building Inspector Mark Stutzman stated he needs to follow-up on the building permit for the County Shop.
Stanley Krause reported on behalf of the Friend Volunteer Fire Department. They are scheduled to burn house the house by the school on Sunday weather and wind permitting.
Mayor Knoke gave the hospital report. Knoke reported she had been in contact with John Wilson about some new programs they would like to begin.
On behalf of the Friend Community Redevelopment Authority, Brian Himmelberg and Jim Ryan attended the meeting to present to the Mayor and Council the CRA’s 2019 Year End Financial Reports. (Copies are attached.)
Motion to accept the CRA’s 2019 Year End Financial Reports for Tax Increment Financing was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Stutzman, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion to accept the CRA’s 2019 Year End Financial Reports for Occupation Taxes from the Enhanced Employment Area was made by Stutzman, seconded by Ryan. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Schrock, Ryan, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
Council discussed and considered their annual donation toward the firework fund. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan, to donate $3000 toward the cost of the City’s Fourth of July firework display. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Krause abstained. Motion carried.
Motion by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman to allow the Mayor to sign and execute the Order of Termination for Patrick Gates and Debbie Gilmer. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion to enter into executive session for personnel matters was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays, none. Motion carried. Executive session convened at 8:26 p.m.
Motion to reconvene regular session was made by Krause, seconded by Stutzman. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Ryan, Stutzman, Krause. Nays, none. Motion carried. Regular session reconvened at 9:00 p.m.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan to adjourn the meeting. On roll call, voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays, none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.