07/01/2014 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
JULY 1, 2014
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: Harlan Schrock, Dan Drake, and Stanley Krause. Phyllis Ryan was not present. 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. A citizen attending the meeting voiced concerns relating to fireworks. He requested the Council consider revising the number of days and the hours that are currently allowable for the discharge of fireworks. After brief discussion, Council said this could be reconsidered, but no action was taken at this time.
It was brought to the Council’s attention that a fence has been erected at a residence in Friend and is not in compliance with city code, as it is not 12 inches from the adjacent alley. It was also brought to the attention of the Council that the individual reporting this concern is parking in this particular alley and in doing so, is blocking the alley, which is a violation of the city code. Discussion was had, yet no action was taken.
Motioned by Krause, seconded by Schrock, to approve the Minutes of the June 3, 2014 regular meeting, and the June 2014 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the June 3, 2014 regular meeting minutes, and the June 2014 Treasurer's Report, Drake, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Ryan absent. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake, to approve the WMH financial statements submitted for the month of May 2014. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Ryan absent. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock, 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, Drake, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Ryan absent. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: June Payroll, 25,596.37; Aflac, fe 52.78; Ameritas, 3050.31; EFTPS, 7833.67; ACCO, su 247.50; All You, su 20.00; Arnold Pool, su 2544.44; BNSF, fe 950.08; BVH, su 7.37; Baker & Taylor, su 92.07; Beaver Hardware, su 35.79; Better Homes & Gardens, su 20.00; Black Hills Energy, fe 154.37; Blue Blossom, su 305.25; Blue Cross/Blue Shield, fe 5831.91; Bonsall, su 101.80; Central States, su 19,953.71; Chief Supply, su 121.18; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; CRA, fe 32,942.15; Cooking Light, su 24.00; Crete True Value, su 505.01; Culligan, se & su 51.00; Lee DeBevoise, se 400.00; Discover, su 2385.80; Diode, se 50.45; EMS, se 58.16; Eakes, su 219.94; Farmers Coop, se & su 2275.20; Fireguard, su 304.35; Friend Ins, fe 200.00; Patrick Gates, re 683.35;; Genes Elect, se & su 4847.13; Debbie Gilmer, re 167.79; Paul/Gail Gropp, fe 150.00; Johnsons, su 45.53; Jr Library Guild, su 59.76; London Fog, eq 8335.00; Ronald McConnell, se 330.00; Chris Michl, se 470.40; MidAmerica Books, su 95.70; Midwest Labs, se 165.16; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 864.71, Sales Tax, 7149.45; NE Public Health, se 46.00; NE Public Power, fe 77,878.86; Nick’s, su 183.12; Norris Power, se 4865.51; NE Wisconsin Tech, fe 350.00; Principal Mutual, fe 112.42; Mindy Rohrig, re 127.64; Ray Rohrig, re 175.00; Salt Creek, Software, fe 2130.00; Sargent Drilling, se 992.75; Seward County Independent, fe 51.98; Seward Electronics, se 664.20; Shell Fleet Plus, su 605.34; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1000.00; Steves Repair, se 726.49; The Depository Trust, fe 7495.75; Verizon Wireless, se 559.14; Waste Connections, se 267.96; Windstream, se 1028.06; Youngs Welding, se 151.73; Zito, fe 142.55. Total Claims Approved $229,503.14.
Mayor Vossler announced that a request has been submitted to the City for a zoning change on Highway 6. (See proposed Ordinance No. 14-737 below.) Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake, to refer this request for zoning change on Highway 6 from B-1 Highway Business District to B-2 Business District, to the Planning Commission for their review and consideration. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Ryan absent. Motion carried.
First reading was done by Mayor Vossler of Ordinance #14-737 relating to a zoning change on Highway 6 from B-1 Highway Business District to B-2 Business District. Ordinance follows.
ORDINANCE NO. 14-737
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA, ATTACHED TO AND MADE A PART OF CHAPTER 11 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA BY CHANGING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED AND SHOW THEREON (FRIEND CITY E WHITCOMB’S 1ST ADDITION, LOTS 32, 33, 34 AND 35 FROM B1 TO B2).
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA:
Section 1. That the Official Zoning District Map of the City of Friend, Nebraska attached to and made of Chapter 11 of the Municipal Code of the City of Friend, Nebraska, be and it hereby is amended by changing the boundaries of the Districts established and shown on said map as follows:
Friend City E Whitcomb’s 1st Addition, Lots 32, 33, 34 and 35, Friend, Saline County, Nebraska;
be and they hereby are transferred from the B1 Highway Business District to the B2 Business District and are hereby made a part of the B2 Business District and governed by all the provisions and regulations pertaining to the B2 Business District.
Section 2. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage, approval, and publication as required by law.
Proposed Resolution #14-10 authorizing and directing submittal of the question of establishing and conducting a Keno Lottery to a vote of the people on November 4, 2014 election ballot was introduced and read by Mayor Vossler.
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING SUBMITTAL OF THE QUESTION OF ESTABLISHING AND CONDUCTING A LOTTERY TO A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE ON NOVEMBER 4, 2014.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA:
THAT the City Council hereby directs that the following question be placed upon the ballot at the general election to be held on November 4, 2014:
SHALL THE CITY OF FRIEND ESTABLISH AND CONDUCT A LOTTERY AS PERMITTED UNDER THE NEBRASKA COUNTY AND CITY LOTTERY ACT FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMUNITY BETTERMENT AS DEFINED IN THE ACT?
YES (FOR SUCH LOTTERY)
NO (AGAINST SUCH LOTTERY)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk/Treasurer is directed to certify a copy of this Resolution to the Election Commissioner for Saline County on or before September 1, 2014, for the purpose of placing the above question on the ballot within the corporate limits of the City of Friend.
Motion was made by Krause, seconded by Drake to approve Resolution No. 14-10 authorizing and directing submittal of the question of establishing and conducting a Keno Lottery to a vote of the people on November 4, 2014 election ballot. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Drake, Krause. Nays none. Ryan absent. Motion carried. Resolution No. 14-10 was passed and approved this 1st day of July 2014.
Patrick Gates reported a summary of a recent light rate study conducted and as a result of the findings recommended to the Council they consider an 8% increase in rates to be implemented immediately, and then in the following two years an increase of 4% each year beginning with the billing cycle that starts on or about July 15. According to Gates, based on a summary of the numbers over the past four years and eight months, the light department revenues are averaging 6.725% below balancing that fund. He explained that the biggest reason for this is that wholesale rates have increased and we have done nothing to keep up with them. Proposed resolution (Resolution #14-11) reflecting this increase was read by title by Mayor Vossler. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake, to approve Resolution #14-11 establishing electrical rates and charges for electrical service for customers of the City of Friend electrical system; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances; and providing an effective date of implementation. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Ryan absent. Motion carried. Resolution No. 14-11 was passed and approved this 1st day of July 2014. (Resolution No. 14-11 has been published in pamphlet form and a complete copy is available for review upon request at City Hall during regular office hours.)
Patrick Gates requested the Mayor and Council consider approving the purchase of a new fogger. Gates informed the Council that the City’s fogger is 30 years old and in need of being replaced. Gates reported that he has found a fogger machine to replace the City’s current machine for $8350. Council agreed and approved Gates pursue the purchase of a new fogger machine.
Patrick Gates informed the Mayor and Council that this year’s manager at the swimming pool, Allison Riley, is working out very well and doing an excellent job.
Mark Stutzman, Building Inspector, reported that he issued a building permit to Eldon Eklund.
Stanley Krause reported on behalf of the Friend Volunteer Fire Department. Krause asked Council to consider their annual donation toward the firework fund. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake, to donate $3000 toward the cost of the City’s Fourth of July firework display. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Ryan absent. Motion carried.
Dan Drake reported on behalf of Warren Memorial Hospital.
Jim Ryan, representing the Community Redevelopment Authority, attended the meeting to give the Mayor and Council an update on the Enhanced Employment Area
Motion to enter into executive session at 7:55 p.m. to discuss legal issues was made by Drake, seconded by Krause. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Krause, Drake. Nays none. Ryan absent. Motion carried.
Motion to reconvene regular session was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried. Regular session resumed at 8:10 p.m.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Drake, seconded by Schrock, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Schrock, Drake. Nays none. Ryan absent. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.