05/05/2009 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
MAY 5, 2009
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, Dale Lawver, Dan Drake and Harlan Schrock. City Attorney, Mike Mullally was unable to attend. 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 offered.
Motioned by Drake, seconded by Schrock to approve the Minutes of the April 7, 2009 regular meeting, and the April 2009 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the Minutes of the April 7, 2009 regular meeting, and the April 2009 Treasurer's Report, Lawver, Drake, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Lawver, to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for March 2009. On roll call voting aye to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for March 2009, Krause, Schrock, Lawver, Drake. 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, Drake, Lawver, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: April Payroll, 24,768.87; Ameritas, 2738.59; EFTPS, 8398.21; Alltel Cellular, 427.07; Don Anderson, re 237.43; BVH, su 10.66; Baker & Taylor, su 197.58; Beaver Hardware, su 130.05; Black Hills Energy, fe 420.86; Blue Blossom, se 88.41; Brothers Eq, su 9.69; Burlington Northern, fe 819.55; Central States Lab., su 23,578.19; Keith Clouse, fe 250.00; Crete Lumber, su 167.40; Crete True Value, su 911.45; Culligan, su 60.00; D&D, Comm, se 105.00; EMS Billing, se 484.69; Eakes, su 176.78; Exeter Lumber, su 46.25; Exeter Lumber, su 239.00; Farmers Coop, su & se 1108.21; Friend Sentinel, fe 87.43; Galaxy Cable, se 39.95; Gale, su 123.25; Patrick Gates, re 850.37; Gene’s Electric, se & su 1745.55; Johnson Pharmacy, su 49.13; Jr Library Guild, su 38.16; Kirkham Michael, fe 495.00; Konica, fe 73.05; Jackie Larsen, re 71.79; Menards, su 430.05; Michael Mullally, fe 384.00; NE Muni Power Pool, fe 342.97; NE Crime Commission, fe 7.00; NE DHHS, fe 100.00 & 92.90; NE Public Power, su 34,905.52; NE Dept of Rev, SWH, 1320.66, Sales & Use Tax, 4958.18; Norris Public Power, se. 3875.85; Principal Mutual, fe 3027.83; Ross Repair, su 11.00; Shell Fleet Plus, su 152.32; Sioux Sales, su 640.79; Marvin Slepicka, fe 750; Southeast Library System, su 15.00; State of NE, 8500.00; TV Svc, su 18.00; The Garbage Co, se 203.07; The Radar Shop, fe 117.00; Upstart, su 51.50; Warren Memorial, su 26.80; Windstream, se 673.47 & 43.23. Total Claims Approved $129,594.76.
Lisa Wells submitted a plan to the Mayor and Council regarding improvements to the Friend City Ball Park. The plan proposes that concrete be in place from the field fence and dugouts to the west fence, up to the existing concrete around the new concession building. Lisa included an outline of proposed funding from various groups and asked if the Mayor and Council would consider budgeting funds to contribute to this project. (Copy of this plan is attached.) No action taken at this time.
Discussion was had relating to a proposed resolution, application of American Legion Post #183 for a special designated permit to sell liquor at the Friend Chamber of Commerce 4th of July “Rib Fest” to be held at the Friend City Park. Questions were raised about insurance for this event. More information relating to liability issues and insurance will be obtained by Mayor Vossler and Ron Corbett. Proposed resolution (No. 09-07) will be considered at the next City Council meeting.
Utilities Superintendent, Patrick Gates, gave his report. Gates informed the Council about a recent issue with the concrete on Chestnut Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Out of three sections of concrete, two are completely falling apart. After discussion, Patrick recommended that a flowable fill be used to temporarily repair the street. Gates said although this is a temporary fix, it is something that can be done so the street can be opened now for a cost of around $500. The Mayor and Council agreed and directed Gates to do this. Gates will keep the Mayor and Council informed on what needs to be done to permanently repair the street.
At this time, Dale Lawver reported on the status of the Hazard Mitigation Plan/Process. Councilman Lawver attended a meeting relating to this and relayed that currently we are in the “risk assessment” stage of this plan, which is stage number one of five. Lawver said he does not expect to see any funding available through this plan for at least a year. The completed STAPLEE Action Evaluation Table form has to be forwarded to Olssen and Associates for their review. Projects on the Table for the City of Friend include backup generator for the wastewater treatment system, storm shelters/safe rooms, warning siren (tornado), and storm water systems improvements. Olssen and Associations will tally the information from Friend and other communities and send it on to the Federal Emergency Management Association for their compilation and prioritization.
Gates reported on the pool. He said the water slide has been approved and will be opened for use this year. Painting is complete at the pool and just a few minor projects need to be completed prior to opening. There are two drain covers that need to be replaced. These covers should be here within the next week.
Patrick provided to the Mayor and Council a list of applicants for the swimming pool. McKenzie Fricke and Cory Goplin have shown interest in being co-managers. There have been twelve applicants for guards, with four being experienced and eight being first year. It was Gates recommendation that all applicants be offered employment. Council had no objections. Gates said he intended to meet with McKenzie and Cory to draft guidelines and rules for the slide, as well as general policy for the pool, including hours the pool will be opened. Gates will get this information to the Council for their review prior to a special meeting that will be scheduled for the purpose of reviewing and approving these guidelines, as well as discussing the status of the concrete issue on Chestnut Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets.
Police Chief, Mark McFarland reported on the Police Department for the month of April. (Copy of this report is attached.) McFarland informed the Mayor and Council that received 30 calls for service during the month.
Building Inspector, Mark Stutzman, gave his report. Stutzman reported that plans for the location of the cell tower that has been discussed in previous meetings for Cellular One will be on Dave Stutzman’s property.
Stan Krause reported on behalf of the Fire Department. Krause said the Department has applied for a grant through FEMA to pay for air packs that are in need of replacement.
Dan Drake reported on behalf of Warren Memorial Hospital.
Ray Rohrig, Captain of the Friend Rescue Squad, approached the Council with a request for approval to purchase a power cot for the ambulance. After discussion and review of information provided by Rohrig, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake, to authorize the Friend Rescue Squad to purchase an Ambulance Power Pro Cot for $10,692.36 from Conrad Fire Equipment, Inc. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Krause, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Discussion was had relating to yards with overgrown grass/weeds, as well as yards cluttered with junk. McFarland will address these issues.
On behalf of the Friend Chamber of Commerce, Mark Stutzman requested the Mayor and Council allow Charles Beckler to set up a lighted display during the winter holiday season on the City’s empty lot located on Maple Street and Highway 6. Mayor and Council had no objections.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Lawver, Schrock, Krause. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
