05/03/2011 Regular Meeting
FRIEND
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
May 3, 2011
Mayor, Jim Vossler, presided and Bookkeeper, Viola Foley, recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Harlan Schrock, Dan Drake, Dale Lawver, and Stan Krause. Attorney Mike Mullally was in attendance. 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. No comments were offered.
Motioned by Drake, seconded by Lawver to approve the Minutes of the April 5, 2011 regular meeting, and the April 2011 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the April 5, 2011 regular meeting minutes, and the April 2011 Treasurer's Report, Krause, Schrock, Drake, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried.
No Warren Memorial Hospital Financial Statements submitted.
A motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock, 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, Drake, Lawver, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: April Payroll, 19,341.27; Ameritas, 2591.74; EFTPS, 5350.98; Aflac Insurance, 153.42; B&D Diamond Pro, su 5350.00; BVH, su 26.26; Baker & Taylor, su 385.55; Beaver Hardware, su 150.71; Black Hills Energy, fe 467.09; BCBS of NE, fe 3752.92; Burlington Northern, fe 869.46; Central States Labs, su 21,233.61; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; CRA, re 3154.15; Culligan, fe 50.00; D&D Comm, su 48.25; Diode, se 59.93; Discover, su 2206.81; EMS Billing, se 146.11; Eakes, su 160.05; Exeter Lumber, su 119.04; Farmers Coop, se/su 1778.07; Bonnie Felt, re 11.98; First State Ins, fe 5207.00; Patrick Gates, re 588.25; Highsmith, su 44.64; Johnson Hardware, su 552.97; Johnson Pharmacy, su 41.89; Kirkham Michael, fe 413.35; League of NE Muni, fe 255.00; Menards, su 1192.47; Midwest Labs, se 95.37; Michael Mullally, fe 600.00; Muni Supply, su 3202.26; NDEQ, fe 150.00; NE DHHS, fe 50.00; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 734.60 & ST 5348.77; NE Public Health Lab, fe 619.00; NE Public Power, se 44,523.19; Nicks Farm Store, su 2995.00; Norris Public Power, se 4710.45; Overhead Door, se 371.18; Pioneer Publishing, su 90.30; Postmaster, 192.20; Potter Farms, su 1200.00; Principal, Mutual, fe 2318.53; Reader’s Digest, su 17.98; Ray Rohrig, re 230.00; Romans, Wiemer & Assoc, fe 4550.00; Sargent Drilling fe 317.00; Seward County Independent, fe 323.99; Shell Fleet Plus, su 349.35; Sioux Sales, su 635.79; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1000.00; Kathy Spicka, re 126.54; Sport Supply, su 777.92; The Garbage Co, se 223.56; Trauernicht Tree Svc, se 1100.00; Verizon Wireless, se 584.81; Windstream, se 820.09; Young’s Welding, se 147.00. Total Claims Approved $154,357.85.
The City of
Proposed Resolution #11-10 was introduced and read by Mayor Vossler.
RESOLUTION NO. 11-10
City-wide Solid Waste Collection Services
WHEREAS, Nebraska Revised Statute 18-1752.01 allows a municipality the ability to, by resolution, state its intention to provide or expand municipal solid waste collection service within an area where such collection has been provided by a private entity; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to commence solid waste collection services within the municipal limits; and;
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to state its intention to provide such services;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, IT IS RESOLVED by the City of Friend, Nebraska as follows:
That it is the intention of the City of Friend, Nebraska to commence solid waste collection services within the municipal limits of the City, by either the use of municipal employees and equipment or by contract, the commencement of such services to occur no earlier than one year following the date of the adoption of this resolution.
Motion to adopt Resolution Number 11-10 was made by Drake, seconded by Schrock. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Krause, Schrock, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried. Resolution Number 11-10 was passed and approved this 3th day of May, 2011.
Patrick Gates, Utilities Superintendent, gave his report. Gates reported that the baseball field project was almost finished and should be ready to go by the first ball game. He also reported the Maple Street project (relating to low/poor water pressure) has been completed, and that the hole on 5th Street has been filled in. Patrick stated that there were repairs needed on Par 3 Drive and feels this is a project that should be contracted out. Patrick submitted to the Council applications for lifeguards and managers at the swimming pool and stated that we have received our pool permit but are still waiting on the new drain covers. Gates commended Brandon Dyer for his Eagle Badge project. Brandon installed 6 benches in the pond area. The final inspection of the pond project will be done the week of May 23, 2011.
Becky Hauffle from Inspro Insurance presented a check to the city for a safety group dividend in the amount of $7,096.78.
Mark McFarland, Police Chief had nothing to report.
Mark Stutzman, Building Inspector, gave his report. Stutzman reported that he approved an application from Bobby Milton for a permit to build a home. He stated Pastor Gill was no longer interested in putting up a garage at the 2nd street address, and the discussion of the construction of a mini golf course was tabled by the Planning Commission, as they felt they needed more information before making any recommendations on this project. Mark said he has had conversation with Roger Brandt about Mr. Brandt putting a garage east of his house. Mark said this structure would be out of compliance because of setback requirements. However, the Planning Commission approved this application due to the fact that the proposed garage would not encroach as far into the setback as an existing building currently on the property, which Mark stated was also out of compliance. Council voiced no objections to Mr. Brandt’s application, but stated that the proper procedure for this issue would be to have it reviewed by the Board of Adjustments for their consideration and approval of a variance.
Stan Krause reported on behalf of the Friend Fire Department. Stan stated they will possibly be ordering a different style of boots next week. He also reported that the hamburger feed/fireworks fundraiser will be June 5, 2011.
Dan Drake reported on behalf of
Discussion was had relating to the City’s contribution to this year’s Fourth of July fireworks. Stanley stated that the show will be the same as last year with an approximate cost of $9,000. The Chamber will contribute $800, $1000 has been received from a donation, and the Fire Department plans to donate $1000. Krause reported that some funds are available in the fireworks account however he was not sure of the exact amount at this time. Ideas of how to raise money for the fireworks were discussed including the possibility of walking the crowd. Council decided not to take action on the amount of their contribution at this time until knowing the proceeds from the hamburger feed fundraiser on June 5, 2011. This will be discussed at the June Council meeting.
On behalf of the Rotary Club, Jim Ryan discussed the upcoming Hike or Bike Event. He asked if the city clubhouse would be available on Saturday the 14th in case of inclement weather. In checking the calendar the clubhouse was open and available for their use on that date. Mr. Ryan informed all, including local law enforcement, of the route they would be taking and asked if there would be any opposition to members of the Rotary Club driving golf carts to set up signs. Council had no objections but did advise Mr. Ryan to contact the County about this event to ensure compliance with any regulation they may require.
Amy Hansen, Program Director, Saline County Eldercare presented to the Mayor and Council the annual report for the Saline County Eldercare Coalition and explained some of their new programs. Ms. Hansen requested the City of Friend contribute $2,761, which was the same amount of funding that they gave last year. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause, to approve the request from Saline County Eldercare Coalition to allocate $2,761.00 for financial support for their fiscal year 2011-2012. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Lawver, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Lawver, seconded by Schrock to adopt the proposed City of Friend Employee Handbook. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Schrock, Drake, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried
Discussion was had relating to the Code of Decorum that was proposed at a previous meeting. It was agreed upon by the Mayor and Council that this code should be adopted, but questions were raised as to where this should be incorporated; either in the Friend City Code, in the City of Friend Employee Handbook, or simply adopted in the form of a resolution. Even though no decision was made at this time as to where this code should be incorporated, motion was made by Drake, seconded by Lawver to adopt the Elected Officials Code of Decorum. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Drake, Lawver, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Discussion was had relating to codification or supplementation of the Friend City Code Book. After discussion and consideration, motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock to approve entering into an agreement with American Legal Publishing to bring the Friend City Code current through their recodification program and to accept the payment plan offered by American Legal to spread the project cost of $5,800 over two fiscal years. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Krause, Schrock, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried.
Discussion was had about the possibility of hiring a part time person to help with the city’s mowing this summer. Patrick Gates suggested placing an ad in the paper requesting bids for mowing the four city lots downtown. No action taken at this time.
Patrick Gates informed the Mayor and Council that he had been approached by the Girl Scouts needing community service for the purpose of earning a scout badge. Patrick requested Council’s approval to allow the Girl Scouts to earn community service credit by planting plants at the City pond. Council had not objections.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Lawver, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Schrock, Drake, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.