06/07/2011 Regular Meeting
FRIEND
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
June 7, 2011
Mayor, Jim Vossler, presided and City Clerk, Debbie Gilmer, recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Harlan Schrock, Stan Krause, Dale Lawver, and Dan Drake. 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 Krause to approve the Minutes of the May 3, 2011 regular meeting, and the May 2011 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the May 3, 2011 regular meeting minutes, and the May 2011 Treasurer's Report, Lawver, Schrock, Krause, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Lawver, to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital Financial Statements as submitted for March and April 2011. On roll call voting aye to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital Financial Statements as submitted for March and April 2011, Krause, Drake, Lawver, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Krause, seconded by Drake, 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, Krause, Drake, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: May Payroll, 19,797.45; Ameritas, 2663.61; EFTPS, 5566.45; Aflac Insurance, 153.42; Acco, su 1889.35; Art on Display, su 415.00; BVH, su 26.41; Baker & Taylor, su 333.42; Beatrice Concrete, su 1456.02; Beaver Hardware, su 20.19; Black Hills Energy, fe 139.89 & 127.99; BCBS of NE, fe 3752.92; Brandenburgh Disposal, fe 262.72; Brothers Equip, su 32.88; Central Comm College, fe 160.00; Central States Labs, su 11,458.47; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; CRA, re 8571.44; Computer Tutor, se 150.00; Country Woman, fe 12.49; Crete Lumber, su 1.42; Crete True Value, su 5.49; Culligan, su 48.50; Diode, se 91.87; JoAnne Drake, re 27.28; Discover, su 774.06; EMS Billing, se 9.31; Eakes, su 14.99; Emergency Medical Prod, su 343.22; Exeter Lumber, su 25.32; Farmers Coop, se/su 2096.18; Fireguard, su 425.00; First Natl Bank, fe 15.00; Friend Volunteer Fire Dept, re 2500.00; Deborah Gates, se 307.80; Patrick Gates, re 256.33; Gene’s Electric, se 17,103.29; Debbie Gilmer, re 134.58; Great Plains, se 23.71; Gregg Johnson-Ent, se 300.00; Hornady, su 207.50; Johnson Pharmacy, su 103.01; Jr Library Guild, su 100.44; KHs Sports Shop, su 36.00; Kirkham Michael, fe 137.78; Konica, fe 79.20; Jackie Larsen, re 20.00; Lincoln Winwater Works, su 969.15; Ronald McConnell, se 130.00; Mark McFarland, re 26.54; Menards, su 1402.08; Midwest Labs, se 281.92; Michael Mullally, fe 465.00; Muni Emergency Svcs, se 317.72; NDEQ, fe 7343.02; NE DHHS, fe 100.00; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 784.66 & ST 5426.30; NE Public Health Lab, fe 32.00; NE Public Power, se 51,853.21; Nebraska Life, fe 21.00; Nebraskaland Magazine, fe 19.17; Neptune Benson, su 2529.30; Nicks Farm Store, su 127.48; Norris Public Power, se 4710.45; Office Cash, su 76.28; Platte Valley Comm, su 18.00; Postmaster, 192.20; Potter Farms, su 6000.00; Principal, Mutual, fe 99.18; Quartermaster, su 98.71; Reiman Publications, fe 14.98; Ross Repair, su 11.50; Saline County Clerk, fe 5.50; Sargent Drilling, fe 217.50; Seward Electronics, su 473.79; Shell Fleet Plus, su 323.46; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1000.00; Statewide EMS Conference, fe 320.00; The Garbage Co, se 227.76; Verizon Wireless, se 558.79; Jim Vossler, re 41.82; Windstream, se 837.51; Young’s Welding, se 7042.83. Total Claims Approved $154,357.85.
On behalf of Friend Ambulance Service, Harlan Schrock informed the Mayor and Council that the members of the Friend Ambulance Service would like to donate $1000 to the Thompson family as a memorial for the recent loss they suffered with the death of Caleb Thompson. After discussion it was decided that the City’s auditor should be contacted prior to further consideration of this issue to clarify as to whether or not this would be considered an allowable expense for the use of public funds.
Proposed Resolution #11-11 was introduced and read by Mayor Vossler.
RESOLUTION NO. 11-11
WHEREAS, Section 5-403 of the Municipal Code of the City of Friend, Nebraska provides that the City Council may by resolution set aside any street or portion thereof where the parking of vehicles shall be prohibited; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary to so designate certain areas indicated below within the City as no parking areas for the protection of the public;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA as follows:
Parking shall be prohibited of any vehicle on either side of 6th Street between Main Street and Pine Street. No vehicle prohibited from parking thereon shall stand or be parked adjacent to the curb of said street, or portion thereof, longer than a period of time necessary to load and unload freight or passengers. Signs shall be erected and located in the necessary manner to so identify and designate this area.
Council discussed possible changes to this proposed resolution. It was decided that rather than designating this area as “no parking”, it would be more appropriate to designate it as loading and/or unloading, and to stipulate a 30 minute time limit. Motion was made by Drake, seconded by Lawver, to table proposed Resolution No. 11-11 until the July 5, 2011 meeting, for consideration after discussed changes are made relating to designating the area on either side of 6th Street between Main Street and Pine Street as loading and/or unloading rather than “no parking”, and to stipulate a 30 minute time limit. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Schrock, Lawver, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried.
Proposed Resolution #11-12 was introduced and read by Mayor Vossler.
RESOLUTION NO. 11-12
WHEREAS, Section 5-403 of the Municipal Code of the City of Friend, Nebraska provides that the City Council may by resolution set aside any street or portion thereof where the parking of vehicles shall be prohibited; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary to so designate certain areas indicated below within the City as no parking areas for the protection of the public;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA as follows:
Parking shall be prohibited of any vehicle on the west side of Pine Street between 2nd Street and 3rd Street. No vehicle prohibited from parking thereon shall stand or be parked adjacent to the curb of said street, or portion thereof, longer than a period of time necessary to load and unload freight or passengers. Signs shall be erected and located in the necessary manner to so identify and designate this area.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake, to approve proposed Resolution No. 11-12. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Drake, Schrock, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried. Resolution No. 11-12 was passed and approved this 7th day of June, 2011.
Proposed Resolution #11-13 was introduced and read by Mayor Vossler.
RESOLUTION NO. 11-13
WHEREAS, Section 5-403 of the Municipal Code of the City of Friend, Nebraska provides that the City Council may by resolution set aside any street or portion thereof where the parking of vehicles shall be prohibited; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary to so designate certain areas indicated below within the City as no parking areas for the protection of the public;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA as follows:
Parking shall be prohibited of any vehicle on the west side of Summer and Spring Streets 40 feet north of 2nd Street. No vehicle prohibited from parking thereon shall stand or be parked adjacent to the curb of said street, or portion thereof, longer than a period of time necessary to load and unload freight or passengers. Signs shall be erected and located in the necessary manner to so identify and designate this area.
Motion was made by Krause, seconded by Lawver, to approve proposed Resolution No. 11-13. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Lawver, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried. Resolution No. 11-13 was passed and approved this 7th day of June, 2011.
Proposed Resolution #11-14 was introduced and read by Mayor Vossler.
RESOLUTION NO. 11-14
WHEREAS, Section 5-205 of the Municipal Code of the City of Friend, Nebraska directs that the City Council may by resolution provide for the placing of signs or signals in any street under the jurisdiction of the City for the purpose of regulating traffic thereon, and
WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary to place such sign(s) at the appropriate location for the protection of the public;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLOVED BY THE MAYOR
A stop sign is hereby designated to be erected, maintained and rules to be enforced in accordance with Nebraska State Statute (60-6,148; 60-6,121; 60-686) on the northwest corner of the intersection of 2nd and Summer Street, replacing the current existing yield sign.
It shall be unlawful for any driver approaching 2nd Street on Summer, from the north, except when directed by a peace office or other traffic control signal and/or device, to proceed in a manner deemed a violation of the Nebraska State Statue.
Motion was made by Drake, seconded by Lawver to approve proposed Resolution No. 11-14. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Lawver, Schrock, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried. Resolution No. 11-14 was passed and approved this 7th day of June, 2011.
Proposed Resolution #11-15 was introduced and read by Mayor Vossler.
RESOLUTION #11-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, SALINE COUNTY, NEBRASKA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION OF THE FRIEND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, FOR A SPECIAL DESIGNATED LICENSE UNDER THE NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL ACT, TO SERVE WINE ON JUNE 11, 2011 IN THE CITY OF FRIEND. THE SAID SPECIAL DESIGNATED LICENSE TO BE LIMITED TO THE INSIDE AREA OF 511 SECOND STREET, SUITES B AND C AND TO BE HELD BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 4:00 P.M. AND 11:00 P.M, PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, AND THE NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL ACT.
Motion was made by Drake, seconded by Schrock, to approve proposed Resolution No. 11-15. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Lawver, Schrock. Nays none. Krause abstained. Motion carried. Resolution No. 11-15 was passed and approved this 7th day of June, 2011.
Patrick Gates, Utilities Superintendent, gave his report. Gates reported that he will have Dan Troyer tear out and replace the bad panels on Par Three Drive. The cost for this is to be less than $4000. Gates also reported that he and the city crew will be patching the street south of the speed bump by the ballfield. Rock has been put on this street which has improved its condition, but patching is still necessary. Gates said he will discuss the intersection of 9th and Chestnut with Dan Troyer to find out what the cost would be to repair this area. Gates reported that the swimming pool opened on time. Gates said the trail project inspection has been delayed until June 23rd. Sodding and other cosmetics for this project should be complete this week. Water problems continue on Maple Street. Continued discussion was had relating to hiring part time help. Motion was made by Dale Lawver, seconded by Krause, to hire a part time employee to assist with mowing and various duties for the City. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Krause, Schrock, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried.
Mark McFarland, Police Chief gave his report. McFarland said he will prepare a resolution for Council’s consideration at the July meeting relating to the speed limit around the school.
Mark Stutzman, Building Inspector, gave his report. Stutzman reported that he received a building permit application from Roger Rotschafer. Stutzman said he needed to discuss this application with Mr. Rotschafer further before reporting to the Council or requesting any action from them.
Dan Drake reported on behalf of Warren Memorial Hospital.
Continued discussion was had relating to the City’s contribution to this year’s Fourth of July fireworks. Stanley Krause stated that with the proceeds from the recent fireworks’ fundraiser, and considering the City contributes the same amount ($2500) that they did last year, they will be approximately $1100 short. After discussion, Schrock made a motion to contribute $2500 toward the expense of this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display. Motion was seconded by Drake. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Krause abstained. Motion carried.
Representing the Andrew Cemetery Board, Bob Theis presented to the Mayor and Council documentation relating to the Cemetery’s financial state. Mr. Theis expressed his concern of this situation and informed the Mayor and Council of the Cemetery Board’s concern regarding their ability (or inability) to cover future expenses for operation and maintenance. Mr. Theis discussed some of the Cemetery’s current needs that include the following; the dump truck is 48 years old, in poor condition, and in need of replacement; trees are in need of replacing; crushed rock is needed for the roads; and the mower is traded in every two (2) years. Options that Mr. Theis relayed to the Council that the cemetery board has discussed for consideration are to continue operating as they have been and cash CDs for expenses until all funds are spent, receive financial assistance from the City until interest rates rebound on the Cemetery’s CDs, or reduce the level of maintenance in an effort to reduce expenses. After discussion, Attorney Mullally said that he would check into options that may be outlined in the Nebraska State Statutes for the possibility of imposing a separate levy to assist in supporting the cemetery financials and report his findings to the Mayor and Council.
Regarding employees’ accrued compensation time earned prior to adopting the employee handbook in May 2011, Dale Lawver will get necessary information from Debbie Gilmer to use in preparing a proposal for Council’s consideration at the next meeting.
Motion to enter into executive session at 8:20 p.m. for discussion of a personnel issue was made by Lawver, seconded by Krause. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Lawver, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion to reconvene regular session of the Friend City Council was made by Lawver, seconded by Schrock. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Lawver, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Regular session resumed at 9:04 p.m.
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, Drake, Krause, Lawver, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.