07/03/2017 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
JULY 3, 2017, 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Vossler 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 James Vossler presided and City Clerk Debbie Gilmer recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Phyllis Ryan, Shane Stutzman, Harlan Schrock and 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 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. No comments were offered.
Motioned by Krause, seconded by Ryan, to approve the Minutes of the June 6, 2017 regular meeting, and the June 2017 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the June 6, 2017 regular meeting minutes, and the June 2017 Treasurer's Report, Schrock, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Schrock, to approve the Friend Community Healthcare System’s financial statements submitted for the month of May 2017. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Ryan, Schrock, Stutzman. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Schrock, 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, Stutzman, Krause, Schrock, Ryan. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: June Payroll, 30,768.63; Ameritas, 3472.72; EFTPS, 10,929.99; NCSPC, 476.90; Baker & Taylor, su 66.16; Black Hills Energy, fe 121.13; Brandenburgh, fe 263.60; Center Point, su 43.14; Chief Supply, su 185.08; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; CRA, fe 4668.13; Culligan, su 51.00; Dan’s Custom Works, su 132.03; Danko, su 575.98; Diode, se 46.45; Eakes, su 16.97; EMS, se 73.83; Ed M. Feld,su 500.00; Farmers Coop, se & su 1745.37; First Wireless, su 824.02; Friend Insurance, re 100.00; Gale, su 91.46; Galls, su 63.78; Patrick Gates, re 1240.28; Paul & Gail Gropp, fe 150.00; Holiday Inn, fe 429.75; Johnsons, su 153.21; Jr. Library Guild, su 827.60; LONM, fe 710.00; Chris Michl, se 436.80; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 1450.11, ST 7894.36; Nicks Farm Store, su 27.74; Norris Public Power, se 5654.88; Diane Odoski, re 517.05; One Call, se 30.00; Orkin, se 51.00; Kelly Paulsen, re 16.36; Principal Mutual, fe 114.83; Railroad Mgmt, fe 194.55; Seward Independent, fe 136.62; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1000.00; Phyllis Svehla, se 136.00; The Depository Trust, 7495.75; Verizon Wireless, fe 618.94; Waste Connections, se 298.24; Zeilinger Keno, re 5000.00. Total Claims Approved $90,050.44.
Mayor Vossler informed the Council that the Gilbert Public Library Board approved hiring Alicia Lacher at their May meeting. Ms. Lacher’s first day working at the library was June 3, 2017. She will be assisting with the summer reading program on Tuesdays, as well as working Saturdays. She will also work Wednesdays assisting with the after-school program.
Harlan Schrock reported to the Mayor and Council that the picnic benches have been ordered through the Seward/Saline County Solid Waste Management Coalition.
Patrick Gates, Utilities Superintendent, gave his report. Patrick Gates shared with the Mayor and Council that he had been contacted by Tom Klein, the owner of the Daisy Queen. Mr. Klein is upset about recent power outages that have occurred in Friend. Klein asked if the City would consider compensating him for the amount of time he was without power ($100 per hour for 7 hours). Brief discussion was had, no action was taken as the outages were not the result from negligence of the City.
Other items in Mr. Gates’ report included the location at the city pond of the pergola that has been gifted to the City by Dave and Ann Bruntz, the tennis court project, and the swimming pool.
Police Chief, Mark McFarland, gave his report. Harlan Schrock informed McFarland that it his interpretation of the Friend City Code, relating to a certain property considered to be nuisance, that convening a meeting of the Health Board is necessary. Discussion was then had relating to the abatement process and Officer McFarland was directed to follow-up and to proceed with this property accordingly.
Stan Krause, representing the Friend Volunteer Fire Department, reported that the department will be applying for a grant for a new building. Krause will report to the Mayor and Council on status of this as information becomes available.
Friend Development Group, Inc. board member, Jim Ryan, presented to the Mayor and Council for their consideration, a recommendation regarding future annexation of certain properties. (Copy of this proposal/recommendation is attached.) Mr. Ryan suggested Council also consider annexing properties into the city limits where city services are available and are currently being utilized (electricity, water, sewer). No action was taken at this time. Further discussion will be had at the August 1st meeting.
Mayor Vossler reported on behalf of the Friend Community Healthcare System. Mayor Vossler informed the Council that their audit is complete and upon acceptance from the state auditor’s office, Friend’s highway allocation funds will be released.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Schrock, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Krause, Schrock, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m