04/07/2015 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 7, 2015
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 received at this time. Comments were received relating to the recently adopted occupation tax for qualifying businesses in the designated Enhanced Employment Area. Linda Gill was in attendance and questioned the occupation tax being imposed on the rent of storage sheds in this designated area. Mrs. Gill stated that the copy of the ordinance that she had did not include storage sheds as a qualifying business. Jim Ryan, on behalf of the Community Redevelopment Authority, said that the omission of storage sheds on the copy of the ordinance Mrs. Gill had was in error and that it should have been included. Mr. Ryan will follow up on this and make necessary changes to correct this error/omission.
Motioned by Krause, seconded by Ryan, to approve the Minutes of the March 3, 2015 regular meeting, and the March 2015 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the March 3, 2015 regular meeting minutes, and the March 2015 Treasurer's Report, Krause, Schrock, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Ryan, seconded by Schrock, to approve the WMH financial statements submitted for the month of February 2015. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Krause, Schrock, Ryan. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Krause, 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, Schrock, Ryan, Stutzman, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: March Payroll, 19,121.52; Ameritas, 2742.81; EFTPS, 6586.45; Adamson Ind, su 164.85; Baker & Taylor, su 368.32; Black Hills Energy, fe 864.93; Blue Blossom, 90.53; Blue Cross/Blue Shield, fe 3840.07; Bruning Law, fe 97.50; Central States, su 15,130.63; Chief Su, su 62.44; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; Coast to Coast, su 297.36; CRA, 2100.84; Culligan, se 51.00; Danko, su 884.72; Lee DeBevoise, se 175.00; Diode Comm, fe 50.45; Discover, su 931.00; Eakes, su 167.44; EMS, se 63.73; Exeter Lumber, su 24.30; Farmers Coop, su 973.08; Gale, su 89.21; Patrick Gates, re 34.04; Gene’s Electric, se & su 8711.47; Debbie Gilmer, re 76.16; Goossen, re 26.57; Paul & Gail Gropp, fe 150.00; Johnsons, su 35.33; Jr. Library Guild, su 59.76; LONM, fe 802.00; Magazine Line, fe 39.00; Menards, su 848.80 & 421.22; Chris Michl, se 470.40; Midwest Labs, su 155.42; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 808.09 & sales tax 5594.83 & 466.00; NLETC, fe 20.00 NE Public Health, se 1018.00; NE Public Power, se 62,572.18; NCSPC, fe 725.02; NeRWA, fe 750.00; Nicks Farm Store, su 172.73; Norris Public Power, se 5201.74; One Call, se 13.25; Postmaster, su 196.18; Principal Mutual, fe 95.29; Ramada Inn, fe 350.00; Mindy Rohrig, re 193.20; Saline Cnty Register of Deeds, fe 34.00; Darlene Samuelsen, se 84.00; Sandy Creek Restoration, fe 650.00; Seward County Independent, fe 52.32; Shell, su 315.91; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1000.00; Phyllis Svehla, se 231.00; Tim Gill Ins, re 49.88; Verizon, se 524.94; Lloyd Warner, su 23.95; Waste Connections, fe 284.04; Windstream, se 920.87; Young’s se 244.80. Total Claims Approved $165,190.82.
BJ Fictum, Coordinator for Saline County Emergency Management and Scott Sobotka, Assistant Manager for the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District, attended the meeting to discuss with the Mayor and Council, their participation in updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan. This is a document that identifies vulnerability to disasters such as flood, drought, earthquake, wildfire, winter storm, tornado, high wind storm, dam failure, etc. The plan establishes goals, outlines specific mitigation options, and prioritizes projects which may reduce or eliminate loss of life and potential damages to property when future disasters occur. At this time Mayor Vossler read proposed Resolution #15-03.
RESOLUTION NO. 15-03
FOR PARTICIPATION IN ALL-HAZARDS MITIGATION
PLANNING UPDATE PROCESS
WHEREAS, a joint All-Hazards Mitigation Plan identifies the vulnerability of public bodies to natural or manmade hazards and the projects that can be implemented to reduce or eliminate vulnerability and exposure, and
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that a public entity must have a current All-Hazards Mitigation Plan in place before they are eligible for Federal funding for hazard mitigation projects and mitigation efforts resulting from natural disasters, and
WHEREAS, the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District and the Little Blue Natural Resources District will serve as the coordinating agencies for the updating of the multi-jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan for their respective districts and the nine-county area including all of Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Nuckolls, Saline, Thayer& Webster counties and all associated local governmental entities for which hazard mitigation planning is desirable, and
WHEREAS, the City of Friend desires to participate in the multi-jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan update process for the benefit of the public we serve,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the governing board of the City of Friend hereby states its willingness to participate in the proposed All-Hazards Mitigation Plan update process described above and will attend necessary meetings and participate in those activities necessary to complete an effective plan for all entities in the nine-county area.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to adopt Resolution #05-03. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Mayor Vossler read proposed Resolution #15-04.
RESOLUTION #15-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, SALINE COUNTY, NEBRASKA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION OF MAVERICK GROUP LLC, DBA CHEZ BUBBA CAFE, FOR SPECIAL DESIGNATED LICENSE UNDER THE NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL ACT, TO SELL, SERVE AND/OR CONSUME BEER, WINE, AND DISTILLED SPIRITS ON MAY 23, 2015 IN THE CITY OF FRIEND. THE SAID SPECIAL DESIGNATED LICENSE TO BE LIMITED TO THE INSIDE AREA OF THE FRIEND COMMUNITY BUILDING, 147 SOUTH MAIN STREET, TO BE HELD BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 3:00 P.M. AND 12:00 MIDNIGHT PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, AND THE NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL ACT.
Motion to adopt Resolution #15-04 declaring governing body’s approval of special designated liquor license as applied for by the Maverick Group LLC, dba Chez Bubba Care, for event to be held May 23rd was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried and Resolution #15-04 was passed and approved this 7th day of May 2015.
Patrick Gates gave his utility report. Mr. Gates reported that Harold Brown has inquired about connecting to City water. Mr. Gates asked if council had any objections to this and no objections were offered.
Patrick Gates has looked into getting a Grasshopper mower and a bagger for the current mower. After discussion, motion was made by Krause, seconded by Ryan, to approve Patrick Gates to proceed with purchasing a Grasshopper mower and to purchase bagger for their current mower. On roll call voting, Schrock, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause.
Other items in Patrick Gates’ report included:
-progress continues on the new park clubhouse;
-ballfield will be ready and available after April 15th;
-the Friend neon sign should be in place sometime this week; and
-the wastewater operator position remains vacant and will be advertised locally.
Mark McFarland, Police Chief, gave his report. After discussion about having weight/tonnage signs on 3rd Street, McFarland was directed to draft necessary resolution to be considered at the May meeting for placement of these signs.
Mark Stutzman, Building Inspector had nothing to report.
Stanley Krause reported on behalf of the fire department. Krause reported that the fireworks have been ordered. He informed the Council that the Fire Department received $1300 from scrap iron that was recycled from the apartment building located at 202 Maple Street to apply toward cost of 4th of July firework display. Krause also reported that the Department is ahead of schedule on paying off the grass rig.
Mayor Vossler reported on behalf of Warren Memorial Hospital.
Discussion was had regarding a checking account for the Community Redevelopment Authority at the First Bank of Friend. This account would be used for funds from the recently imposed occupation tax that will be collected from qualifying businesses in the designated enhanced employment area in Friend. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman to approve the Community Redevelopment Authority open a checking account at First Bank of Friend to be used for funds from the recently imposed occupation tax collected from qualifying businesses in the designated enhanced employment area in Friend, and that such account shall require two signatures, one being a member of the Community Redevelopment Authority and the other being either the Mayor or the City Clerk. In addition, Schrock motioned, seconded by Stutzman that two signatures shall be required for the account that is already established for tax increment financing funds (TIFF) and that, again, signatures shall be that of a member of the Community Redevelopment Authority, and the Mayor or City Clerk. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
After discussion and review of proposed agreement granting permanent public easement for use and maintenance of driveway on a certain real property located on 3rd Street, motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock, to approve agreement to provide a permanent easement for the purpose of permitting and enabling present and future owners of the Sandy Creek Restoration Parcel and the City of Friend Parcel, their heirs, successors and assigns to pass over the land of the City of Friend Parcel for the purpose of ingress and egress to and from said parcels for pedestrian and motor vehicle use, and that the Sandy Creek Restoration, their heirs, successors and assigns shall be responsible for all costs to maintain the driveway herein created, in a manner which is consistent with the public health, safety and welfare, to provide an adequate surface of the driveway, and to maintain said surface in at least as good condition as of the date of this Agreement. (Copy of this Agreement is attached.) On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Discussion was had relating to a recently proposed property trade between Brad Drake and the City of Friend. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan, to advertise intent to sell property and to proceed with steps necessary to complete this transaction. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Krause abstained. Nays none. Motion carried.
As discussed at previous meetings, the Friendship Terrace has requested the Council consider changing the zoning of property they are in the process of purchasing from the Community Redevelopment Authority. Said property is located across the street from Friendship Terrace on 2nd Street. Motion was made by Stutzman, seconded by Schrock, to approve request of Friendship Terrace to change the zoning of property they are in the process of purchasing from the Community Redevelopment Authority located across from the Friendship Terrace on 2nd Street from Residential R-1 to Business B-1. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Krause, Schrock, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried. (For legal description of property, see attached copy of letter submitted to Board of Education from the Friend Housing Authority.)
Discussion was had regarding an interlocal agreement to create a mutual finance organization as authorized by the Nebraska Municipal Finance Assistance Act. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to enter into agreement by and between certain cities, villages and rural fire protection districts of the State of Nebraska to create a mutual finance organization, known as the Saline County Rural Fire Protection Mutual Finance Organization, as authorized by the Nebraska Municipal Finance Assistance Act by authorizing Mayor Vossler to sign necessary documentation upon receipt. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Krause, seconded by Ryan, to accept and approve the City’s Financial Statements and Supplemental Data (audit for year ending September 30, 2014). On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Stutzman, Krause, Ryan. Nays none. Motion carried.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Krause, Ryan, Schrock. Nays, none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.