03/05/2019 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 5, 2019
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, Debbie Gilmer recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Harlan Schrock, Shane Stutzman, Phyllis Ryan, Stan 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 accepted at this time.
Motioned by Krause, seconded by Stutzman, to approve the Minutes of the February 5, 2019 regular meeting, and the February 2019 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the February 5, 2019 regular meeting minutes, and the February 2019 Treasurer's Report, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Ryan, to approve the Friend Community Healthcare System financial statements submitted for the month of January 2019. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Schrock, Ryan, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, that claims, and payroll 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, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: February Payroll, 25,968.14; Ameritas, 3306.82; EFTPS, 9011.75; Baker & Taylor, su 16.40; Barco, su 977.60; Eric Bardell, re 20.00; Beaver Hardware, su 286.13; Black Hills Energy, fe 985.42; Brothers, su 14.81; Bruning Law, fe 760.50; Center Point, su 88.68; Center States, su 9866.89; Jake Clouse, re 20.00; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; Coast to Coast, su 2923.11; CRA, fe 11,795.02 & 2073.70; Crete Ace Hardware, su 14.58; Danko, su 58.73; Cole Dickinson, re 20.00; Diode, se 46.45; Discover, su 58.18; Eakes, su 150.92; Eldon Eklund, re 20.00; EMS, fe 282.52; Farmers Coop, se & su 2843.48; First Wireless, su 21.00; Follett School Solutions, se 870.45; FCHS, se 337.53; GT Dist, su 101.75; Gale, su 45.73; Galls, su 1885.49; Patrick Gates, re 406.57; Debbie Gilmer, re 40.60; Kim Goossen, re 20.00; Shawn Gray, re 132.68; Paul Gropp, fe 225.00; HD Arms, su 144.32; Debra Hulse, re 20.00; IALEFI, fe 375.00; Johnsons, su 75.61; Judith Knoke, re 20.00; Seth Knoke, re 20.00; Menards, su 386.93; NHHS, fe 40.00; NE Public Health, se 85.00; NE Public Power, fe 71,710.09; NEMSA, fe 330.00; Midwest Labs, se 183.05; Natl Arbor Day, fe 15.00; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 1442.77 & ST 6741.73; Norris Public Power, se 5525.32; Diane Odoski, re 406.25; Office Cash, su 83.80; One Call, se 2.69; Orkin, fe 55.85; PC Nuts, su 60.00; Kelly Paulsen, re 20.00; Principal Mutual, fe 119.33; Austin Rohrig, re 20.00; Mindy Rohrig, re 230.00; Ray Rohrig, re 40.00; Saline Co. Treas, fe 2054.00; Sandry Fire, su 910.13; Harlan Schrock, re 121.72; Scholl Ent, se 233.11; Seward Independent, fe 246.37; Shaffer Comm, su 128.41; Sid Dillon, se 39.46; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1250.00; Phyllis Svehla, se 78.75; Verizon, se 427.96; Waste Connections, se 310.16; Spencer Wessels, re 20.00; White Electric, su 2491.58 Windstream, se 1039.73. Total Claims Approved $173,450.75.
Mayor Knoke shared with the Council a card of thanks sent by Ted Hamilton expressing his appreciation for the quick response and assistance that he recently received from Patrick Gates and the city crew. The Mayor also shared with the Council that she has received many great comments about the job that Patrick and the city crew have done handling the vast amount of snow we’ve received in the last few weeks.
Patrick Gates, Utilities Superintendent, gave his report. Mr. Gates reported that, along with dealing with the recent snow, the city has experienced a major water main break on Main Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets.
Discussion was had regarding the possibility of hiring someone to mow city lots, including the Andrew Cemetery.
Police Chief, Shawn Gray reported on behalf of the Friend Police Department. Gray requested council’s approval to exchange/trade weapons that the department currently has for new weapons. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan to approve Chief Gray proceed with exchanging weapons that the Friend Police Department currently has for new weapons. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Krause, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Discussion was had regarding the possibility of relocating the office of the Friend Police Department. After discussion, council approved Chief Gray pursue checking into locations that may be suitable for a new office location.
Stan Krause reported on behalf of the Friend Volunteer Fire Department.
Jen Stutzman, President of Friend Community Healthcare System, attended the meeting to report on behalf of FCHS.
Kristen Milton, Eric Bresson, and Julie Ricenbaw attended the meeting to report on the results of the recent community-wide survey. Kristen reported that the pool renovation/replacement committee will meet again prior to the next City Council meeting and plan to have proposals/bids to the council for their review and consideration at their April 2, 2019 council meeting.
Continued discussion was had regarding a request received from citizen, Rodney Brejcha, to release a parking ban that is currently in effect on the west side of Pine Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets. After consideration, motion was made by Krause, seconded by Stutzman, to retain the parking ban that is currently in place on the west side of Pine Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Schrock, Stutzman, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan, to accept a proposal for professional surveying services/annexation services as submitted by Kirkham Michael to provide a plat map and legal description for expanding the existing corporate limit to reflect areas included in recently proposed annexation project. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Agenda item relating to acquisition of property located on 1st Street, between Chestnut and Maple Streets was discussed. No action was taken at this time.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to approve the 2018 Annual Report for Gilbert Library, as prepared and presented by Librarian, Diane Odoski. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Mayor Knoke recommended appointment of Jim Vossler to the Community Redevelopment Authority, to replace Jim Ryan. Motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Ryan, to accept Mayor Knoke’s recommended appointment of Jim Vossler to the Community Redevelopment Authority to complete Jim Ryan’s term, which expires in 2021. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Krause, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Schrock, Krause, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.