03/03/2020 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 3, 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 Kim Goossen recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Phyllis Ryan, Shane Stutzman, Stan Krause and Harlan Schrock. 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. Gina Weise of the Village of DeWitt spoke on behalf of the Group Disaster Relief. The Group Disaster Relief Team was approached by FEMA and is funded through grants. The group is looking into making this a county wide recovery team. They are looking for a representative from every community, in the case a disaster was to occur in our area there would be a representative from our community that is familiar with our city and residents. The mayor made a suggestion to make a facebook post to invite anyone from the public to join this group. No other public comments were heard.
Motioned by Schrock, seconded by Krause, to approve the minutes of the February 4, 2020 regular meeting, and the February 2020 Treasurer’s Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the February 4, 2020 regular meeting minutes, and the February 2020 Treasurer’s Report, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Ryan to approve the Friend Community Healthcare Systems Financial Report that included the Pre-Audit for February 2020. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, 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, Ryan, Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
City Clerk Goossen reported that Kelly will be attending Power Manager Utility Billing 101 Training April 9, 2020.
The claims approved were as follows: February Payroll, 28,298.30; Ameritas, 2,385.48; EFTPS, 8,655.64; Baker & Taylor, su 33.38; Barco Municipal Products, su 1,941.76; Bartels Body Shop, se 238.26; Billy Baugh, re 60.95; Beatrice Community Hospital, se 385.00; Black Hills Energy, fe 697.25; Blue Valley Door Co. Inc, se 535.00; BlueCross BlueShield, fe 3,671.21; Border States Industries Inc, su 373.66; Brothers Equip, su 21.04; Center Point, su 88.68; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; Coast to Coast, su 429.90; Core & Main LP su 185.16; Danko su 195.00; Diode, se 46.45; Dave Domeier fe 135.00; Drake Refrigeration su 371.71; Eakes, su 503.56; Eldon Eklund se 75.00; First Wireless su 721.00; Fransyl Equipment Co. Inc, se 1,273.30; FCHS, fe 510.00; GT Distributors, su 148.59; Gale, su 45.73; Paul & Gail Gropp, fe 450.00; Johnson Pharmacy Inc, su 51.98; KBK Creative Design, su 1070.00; Seth Knoke, re 111.83; Lincoln Winwater, su 46.12; Lookout Books, su 87.83; Municipal Emergency Services, su 29.11; NE Public Health, se & fe 46.00; NE Public Power, se 66,606.64; Norris Power, se 5,571.72; Diane Odoski, re 235.48; One Call, se 6.15; Orkin, se 60.32; Paper Tiger Shredding, se 60.00; Seward Co Independent, se 321.35; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1250.00; Smart Apple Media, su 461.67; Scholl Enterprises Inc, su 284.96; University of NE Omaha, fe 786.00; Visa, su 1,467.88; Vyhnalek Insurance Agency, fe 2921.00; Waste Connections, se 310.16; Young’s Welding, su 115.79. Total Claims Approved $134,628.00.
Mayor Knoke presented and read by title proposed Resolution #20-01.
RESOLUTION # 20-01
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 AN EVENT TO BE HELD ON MARCH 19-20, 2020 IN THE CITY OF FRIEND. THE SAID SPECIAL DESIGNATED PERMIT TO BE LIMITED TO THE INSIDE AREA OF THE LEGION HALL LOCATED AT 136 MAPLE STREET TO BE HELD BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:00 P.M., MARCH 19 AND 1:00 A.M., MARCH 20, AND BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 5:00 P.M., MARCH 20 AND 1:00 A.M., MARCH 21, PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, AND THE NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL ACT.
Motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock to approve Resolution #20-01 approving the application of the Friend American Legion Ford Banka Post #183 for a Special Designated Permit for their March 19-20, 2020 event. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Resolution #20-01 was passed and approved this 3rd day of March 2020.
Billy Baugh gave the public works report.
Mr. Baugh stated the city of Blair might be interested in purchasing our current pool slide and stated he would make an offer to the city of Blair to purchase our existing slide for $5,000. Mr. Baugh reported that BNSF was doing work on the tracks that required use of city water. During this project this also tied up a couple of public works employees time throughout the day. Discussion was had and determined to charge $3.50 per gallon of water used and to also charge 2 hour of employee time. Mr. Baugh reported that the door on the depot needed painted and inquired on if we needed to get permission from BNSF to paint the door. It was determined that city employees could paint the door without prior permission from BNSF. Mr. Baugh reported the water heater at the community building needs replaced. Discussion was had and Mr. Baugh will look into replacing water heater. Mr. Baugh reported public works employees took the scrap trailer to Dorchester and received $38.00 for their scrap metal. They took 2 brass barrels as well and received approximately $800.00. Mr. Baugh reported that Dennis and Doug went to Waco and Wilber to look at their sludge plants. Mr. Baugh reported that Dennis has the sewer plant looking really nice, but it does need a new roof. Mr. Baugh stated we do have a half of a pallet of leftover shingles. Mr. Baugh reported that all 3 pumps at the sewer plant are in use. Mr. Baugh stated there was one pump that they needed to get repaired. Mr. Baugh reported that he will be on vacation the week of March 9-13, 2020.
Chief Shawn Gray gave the police report.
Chief Gray reported the ride along policy has been approved by the city’s insurance as long as every participant signs a release form prior to ride along. Motion was made by Schrock and seconded by Stutzman to approve the Friend Police ride along policy. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried. Chief Gray reported the trade in value from the dealership of the Chevy Impala was approximately $3,000.00 and private sale could bring in approximately $6,000.00. It was decided to try to privately sell the Impala. Chief Gray also reported the Dodge pickup they are looking into is approximately $28,000.00 with a five-year warranty. A motion was made by Krause and seconded by Schrock to purchase the Dodge pickup. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried. Chief Gray reported on the topic of allowing golf carts to be driven on city streets. Discussion was had and determined to have a resolution and ordinance written to be presented to council next month. Chief Gray reported there is an ongoing active investigation and he has a list of inventory that is questionable as to why the city would need such items and the whereabouts of said items. Mayor Knoke stated that the city is in an active ongoing investigation and that limits what information can be released to the public at this time, however, the city is trying to be as transparent as possible but there is only so much information that can be released at this time.
Mark Stutzman, Building Inspector, gave his report. Mr. Stutzman reported that the contractors for the new 6 plex requested a curb grind on the street for concrete pad for garbage. It was decided to allow the contactors to do a curb grind while Billy Baugh and or Mark Stutzman oversee the project.
Stan Krause reported on behalf of the Fire Department. Mr. Krause reported the control house burns were successful and that the property owners are responsible for cleanup. Mr. Krause reported the annual fireman’s dinner will be held March 8, 2020 serving from 11am to 1pm.
Mayor Knoke gave the hospital report. Mayor Knoke stated they went over the pre-audit. Mayor Knoke reported there is a new DON. Mayor Knoke reported the psychology clinic is in full force and they are still working on sleep study.
Kristen Milton reported on the pool committee. Mrs. Milton reported the pool design that the public likes is approximately $2.7 million. Mrs. Milton reported they are still working on the bath house design. Motion was made by Schrock and seconded by Ryan to approve the pool design and have engineer and contractor proceed. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried. Mrs. Milton reported she spoke with Brad Slaughter and he requested to have the bond issue be put on the April agenda. Mrs. Milton reported the CCCFF grant was submitted February 15, 2020 for $562,000.00 and will be notified at the end of March if we are a recipient. Mrs. Milton reported they are working on additional grants and private fundraising donations. City clerk will communicate pool closure to Inspro Insurance. Mr. Krause stated he was approached by a community member on whether or not the city would be selling any memorabilia of the existing pool as a fundraiser. It was decided to have the pool committee look into this and notify the public if it was a possibility. Billy reported that there is an overhead wire at the park and wondered if it could be buried during the demo/construction of the new pool. It was decided to bury any overhead wires during demo/construction. Mr. Krause asked Mr. Baugh if we could include an infant swing to the swing set at the city park. Mr. Baugh stated he would get one put up.
A motion was made by Stutzman and seconded by Schrock to approve the demolition contract with Pankoke Construction for abatement of the nuisance property at 213 Main Street. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Krause, Schrock, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made to approve the library annual report by Schrock and seconded by Krause. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made to sponsor a golf team for the WMH Golf Tournament by Krause seconded by Stutzman. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Ryan, Stutzman, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
An open discussion regarding the new employee handbook was had. The council reviewed numerous edits to the handbook to include vacation days, overtime, sick leave, operation hours, and holidays. Attorney Spohn will make revisions for council approval at the April 7th meeting.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause, Schrock. Nays, none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.