06/05/2018 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 4, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Knoke called the regular meeting of the City Council to order 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: 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 accepted. No comments were offered at this time.
Motioned by Krause, seconded by Schrock, to approve the Minutes of the April 30, 2019 regular meeting, the May 17, 2019 special meeting, and the May 2019 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the April 30, 2019 regular meeting minutes, the May 17, 2019 special meeting, and the May 2019 Treasurer's Report, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to approve the Friend Community Healthcare System financial statements submitted for the month of April 2019. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause, 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, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: May Payroll, 40,286.16; ACCO, su 728.40; Ameritas, 5773.09; EFTPS, 13,236.47; Baker & Taylor, su 135.85; Beatrice Concrete, su 1171.79; Beaver Hardware, su 20.11; Black Hills Energy, fe 128.30 & 60.19; Blue Blossom, fe 60.00; BC/BS, fe 5941.76; Brandenburgh Hauling, fe 794.06; Bruning Law, fe 370.50; Center Point, su 88.68; Central States, su 18,727.10; City of Crete, su 377.52; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; CRA, fe 40,803.58; Core & Main, su 5719.05; Crist, se 135.00; Culligan, se 90.00; Danko, su 166.32; Demco, su 294.56; Diode, se 46.45; Discover, su 2003.57; Dollar General, su 17.30; Ekeler Repair, se 519.43; EMS, se 238.05; Exeter Lumber, su 145.00; Farmers Coop, su 1844.23; First Wireless, su 120.00; First for Women, su 21.97; Friend Sentinel, fe 30.00; Gale, su 44.98; General Fire, su 67.50; Paul & Gail Gropp, fe 225.00; Holiday Inn, fe 359.90; Johnsons, su 156.08; Alicia Lacher, re 10.00; Rosemarie Markus, se 50.00; Menards, su 1498.04 & 161.60; Metro Chem, su 10,633.15; Midwest Labs, se 342.06; NDEQ, fe 7022.30; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 1997.98; NE Public Health, se 60.00; NE Life, su 24.00; NE Statewide EMS, fe 1575.00; NE Power Review Board, fe 148.61; Nebraskaland Mag, su 12.00; Nick’s Farm Store, su 1.41; Norris Power, se 5532.80 & 40; Diane Odoski, re 153.30 & 100.64; Orkin, se 51.00 & 106.85; Kevin Paulsen, re 680.00; Postmaster, su 255.89; Principal Mutual, fe 119.33; Ray Rohrig, re 85.58; Roman, Wiemer, & Assoc, fe 5125.00; Sandry Fire, su 150.00; Seward Independent, fe 107.40; Sid Dillon, se 784.93; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1000.00 & 800.00; Smithsonian, su 8.00; Kathy Spicka, re 320.99 & 140.10; The Depository Trust, 13,457.00; Troyer, Concrete, su 12,750.00; Verizon Wireless, se 366.07; Vyhnalek Ins, fe 8687.00; Warren Memorial, fe 320.00; Waste Connections, se 310.16; Windstream, se 995.39; Woman’s World, su 59.60; York Farm Supply, su 498.00. Total Claims Approved $217,739.13.
Tyson Osborn attended the meeting requesting Council consider supporting the K-9 Unit for Saline County. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan, to contribute $1000 toward the Saline County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Discussion was had relating to the
Becky Haufle with Inspro Insurance attended the meeting to present a dividend check to the City. Ms. Haufle reported that as an insured of Employers Mutual, Friend was part of EMCs municipality safety program. This program was designed several years ago to encourage cities and villages to be conscientious about claims. In the 24 years this program has been in existence, dividends have been paid back to their insured clients 17 of those 24 years…..with the highest percent paid back being 21% of eligible premiums. Ms. Haufle shared with the Mayor and Council that she would appreciate the opportunity of providing a quote to the City to regain their business and to once again become the insurance agent for Friend at the time of policy renewal. Mayor Vossler and Council had no objections.
Utilities Superintendent, Patrick Gates, gave his report. Mr. Gates shared with the Mayor and Council a letter he drafted to submit to the Village of Cordova relating their past and present water usage. The letter addressed the recent metering error and requested payment of the unbilled amount. After discussion and review of the proposed letter, approval was granted by the Mayor and Council to forward the letter to the Village of Cordova.
Stan Krause reported on behalf of the Friend Volunteer Fire Department. Krause stated that the Department has been offered a 1966 Chevy firetruck as a donation from Dr. Joel and Lynette Janssen from Papillion, Nebraska. This truck was previously owned by Friend Volunteer Fire Department. FVFD purchased the truck new and sold it at auction to the current owners in 1999.
Krause also reported that Craig Vyhnalek recently attended a meeting of the FVFD and presented to them a proposed renewal of their Fire EMS Pak Insurance policy.
Kristen Milton attending the meeting as a representative of the Friend Swimming Pool Improvement/Replacement Committee. Kristen asked the Mayor and Council for confirmation that the swimming pool will remain open for at least the next two years. The Mayor assured her that providing no major catastrophe occurs there are no plans at this time to close the pool.
Kristen asked for Council’s approval for the Committee to utilize services available through Southeast Nebraska Development District. After discussion, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause, to approve Southeast Nebraska Development District to work with the Friend Swimming Pool Improvement/Replacement Committee in applying to all appropriate grants for the pool replacement/renovation project. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Kristin Milton shared ideas that the Committee has discussed. The first idea Kristen shared includes a new pool and a remodel to the existing bathhouse. The estimated cost for this would be approximately $1.5 million dollars. The second idea consists of a new swimming pool, as well as a new bathhouse for an approximate cost of $2 million dollars. The third idea includes a new pool (indoor and outdoor), a new bathhouse, and a community space for an estimated $3.5 million dollars. No action taken at this time.
Brad Slaughter with Ameritas was in attendance to discuss possible bond options for the swimming pool improvement/replacement project. No action taken at this time.
Discussion was had about putting the question of proposing an increase in the city sales tax on the next election ballot. Current city sales tax is 1%. No action taken at this time.
The Swimming Pool Improvement/Replacement Committee will continue with their efforts to gather information to share with the Mayor and Council for their consideration, and to continue moving forward with this project planning.
Continued discussion was had regarding the recently proposed annexations.
Ray Rohrig attended the meeting to share information with the Mayor and Council of the upcoming Friend Safety Day that is scheduled to be Saturday, June 9, 2018.
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, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.