03/07/2017 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 7, 2017
Mayor Vossler 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 James Vossler presided and City Clerk, Debbie Gilmer recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Stan Krause, Phyllis Ryan, Shane Stutzman, 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 Vossler 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 Vossler announced that public comments would be accepted at this time.
Motioned by Krause, seconded by Ryan, to approve the Minutes of the February 7, 2017 regular meeting, and the February 2017 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the February 7, 2017 regular meeting minutes, and the February 2017 Treasurer's Report, Stutzman, Schrock, Ryan, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to approve the WMH financial statements submitted for the month of January 2017. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Ryan, 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, Schrock, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: February Payroll, 20,833.03; Ameritas, 3365.51; EFTPS, 7869.72; BCBS, fe 4564.25; Baker & Taylor, su 33.12; Bartels, se 2800.00; Beaver Hardware, su 59.03; Black Hills Energy, fe 413.88 & 208.98; Central State, su 21,427.53; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; CRA, fe 1003.12; Culligan, se 62.75; Danko, eq 10,829.29; Diode, se 46.45; Discover, su 1054.74; Drake, se 69.00; Eakes, su 210.36; EMP, su 176.99; Farmers Coop, se & su 1857.79; First Wireless, se 60.00; Follett School Solutions, se 829.00; Food Network Mag, su 18.00; FCC, 732.10; Patrick Gates, re 362.78; Shirley Gautreaux, re 85.42; Paul Gropp, fe 150.00; HD Su, su 5364.15; JL Stutzmanm se 132.00; Johnsons, su 90.60; Kirkham Michael, se 2079.56; Kriz Davis, su 901.29; Medicare, re 339.38; Menards, su 1170.60 & 31.87; Midwest Radar, se 80.00; NMPP, fe 586.08; NE Neon Sign, se 615.80; NE Public Health, se 267.00; NE Public Power, fe 58,757.03; Natl Arbor Day, fe 15.00; NCSPC, fe 476.90; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 1091.25 & ST 5895.43; Norris Public Power, se 5654.88; Diane Odoski, re 224.87; Office Cash, re 200.00; One Call, se 10.53; Orkin, se 51.00; Postmaster, fe 202.50; Principal Mutual, fe 114.83; Saline County Clerk, fe 4108.00; Harlan Schrock, re 113.80; Shell Fleet Plus, su 257.25; Sid Dillon, se 554.74; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1000.00; SECC, fe 972.00; Tim Gill Ins, re 39.83; UNO, fe 446.00; Verizon, se 462.92; Vyhnalek Ins, fe 2781.00; Jim Vossler, re 117.73; Waste Connections, se 298.24; White Electric, su 68.82; Windstream, se 970.92. Total Claims Approved $175,916.64.
Mayor Vossler shared with the Council information from SparqData Solutions relating to paperless board meetings. The Mayor obtained this information from a recent conference that he, along with Councilman Schrock, attended in Lincoln. After brief discussion, it was decided to request a representative from SparqData Solutions attend the next Council meeting to give a presentation on the advantages of switching to paperless before further consideration.
Patrick Gates, Utilities Superintendent, gave his report.
Discussion was had relating to increasing the cost of renting the Ihde Clubhouse. Currently rent on the building is $50. It was decided to find out what other communities with similar facilities charge for rent before further consideration.
Mark McFarland, Chief of Police gave his report.
Stan Krause reported on behalf of the Friend Volunteer Fire Department. Krause reported that the Department is considering increasing the number of members allowed on the department.
Mayor Vossler reported on behalf of the hospital. He informed the council that Dr. Daharsh will be returning to work Monday, March 13th.
Jim Ryan attended the meeting on behalf of the Friend Development Group. Mr. Ryan shared information with the Mayor and Council about a financing opportunity offered and available through the USDA. Under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, loans and grants may be made to electric utilities for projects that are located in or will primarily benefit rural areas. Mr. Ryan requested Council consider allowing the Friend Light Department to submit a request for eligibility determination to become an Electric Program borrower for the purpose of obtaining a loan. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan, to authorize submitting a letter of request for eligibility determination to the USDA to become an Electric Program borrower for the purpose of obtaining a loan to be available as a potential financing option for upcoming projects that may benefit the community. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.