02/05/2008 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 5, 2008
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.
The Mayor, James Vossler, presided and City Clerk, Debbie Gilmer, recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Dan Fricke, Harlan Schrock, Dale Lawver, and Dan Drake. 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 it was time to open the public hearing for the six year road and street plan for Friend. Motion was made by Drake, seconded by Lawver, to open the public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments relating to the six year road and street plan for Friend. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Schrock, Lawver, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried. Public hearing opened at 7:02 p.m.
Motioned by Fricke, seconded by Schrock, to approve the Minutes of the December 26, 2007 special meeting, the January 2, 2008 regular meeting, and the January 2008 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the Minutes of the December 26, 2007 special meeting, the January 2, 2008 regular meeting, and the January 2008 Treasurer's Report, Lawver, Drake, Fricke, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake, to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for December 2007. On roll call voting aye to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for December 2007, Schrock, Drake, Fricke, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Lawver, seconded by Fricke, 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, Fricke, Schrock, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried.
Carol Hurd, Territory Manager for Weight Watchers, submitted a proposed agreement to rent the Community Building on Monday evenings for Weight Watchers’ meetings. Ms. Hurd has requested they be allowed to use the closet that is currently being used for brooms and mops to store their files and materials. Ms. Hurd said for the exclusive use of this closet Weight Watchers would pay an additional $10 per week. Alternative storage for either the brooms and mops, or for Weight Watchers’ use will be discussed with Patrick Gates for his input. Council discussed and agreed to allow the Weight Watchers group to conduct their weekly meetings at the Friend Community Center on Monday evenings for a fee of $40 per meeting. This fee includes $30 rent for the facility and $10 for secure storage. This motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Fricke. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Drake, Fricke, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: January Payroll, 15,764.50; Ameritas, 1999.23; EFTPS, 5781.66; Alltel Cellular, 434.41; Anderson, Don, re. 237.43; Aquila, se. 1162.73; Baker & Taylor, su. 97.19; Beaver Hardware, su. 134.95; Boys’ Life, su. 24.00; Central States Lab., su. 10,027.00; Crete Lumber, su. 55.56; EMC, fe. 860.00; Eakes, su. 151.79; Farmer’s Coop, su. 1226.68; Galaxy Cable, se. 39.95; Gale, su. 44.93; Patrick Gates, re. 127.79; Gene’s Electric, se. & su. 1082.75; Gilmore & Bell, fe. 450.00; Heiman Fire Equip, su. 576.15; Holiday Inn, fe. 134.00; Houlden Remodeling, se. 1187.03; J.P. Cooke Co., su. 52.61; Johnson Pharmacy, su. 35.70; Kirkham Michael, fe. 6225.00; Konica, fe. 73.05; Jackie Larsen, re. 43.43; Matthew Bender & Co., su. 47.80; Menards, su. 951.29; Midwest Labs, su. 138.00; Michael Mullally, fe. 780.00; NE Dept of Rev, sales tax, 5142.78, SWH, 978.10; NEMSA, fe. 150.00; NMPP, fe. 950.00; NE Public Health Lab, se. 16.00; NE Public Power, su. 41,442.53; Nerud, Deb, fe. 240.00; Norris Public Power, se. 3685.60; Office Cash, su. & re. 219.22; Pioneer Publishing, fe. 303.03; Platte Valley Comm, su. 24.00; Postmaster, su. 175.00; Principal Mutual, fe. 2542.81; Sioux Sales, su. 33.90; Shell, su. 330.19; Marvin Slepicka, fe. 750.00; Steve’s Repair, se. 82.47; The Garbage Co., se. 173.61; Windstream, se. 628.48; Yokel’s, su. 15.88; Young’s, se. 7.51. Total Claims Approved $107,837.72.
Police Chief, Mark McFarland gave his Police Report for January 2008. McFarland said he has plans to meet with the Police Committee regarding applications received for the vacant Police Officer position. McFarland said he will continue to utilize Brian Stork on a part-time basis until the position is filled. Jen Retchless and Mitch Novak from the Sheriff’s office will also be utilized as needed during this time.
Utilities Superintendent, Patrick Gates, gave his report. Mr. Gates said he received correspondence from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regarding the trail application. Gates said we were denied funding for this project at this time. In this correspondence it was highly recommended by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission that we reapply next year after the pond project is complete.
Mr. Gates informed the Council that Van Kirk Brothers Contracting, Inc. submitted the low bid for the Cordova Water Project. Gates said although he had not yet received the contract to accept Van Kirk Brothers bid, he requested Council’s approval for Mayor Vossler to sign the contract with Van Kirk Brothers Contracting, Inc. upon receipt. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Fricke, to approve Van Kirk Brothers Contracting, Inc.’s proposal and to authorize Mayor Vossler to enter into an agreement with Van Kirk Brothers Contracting, Inc. for the Cordova Water Project by signing the contract upon receipt. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Schrock, Lawver, Fricke. Nays none. Motion carried.
Also relating to the Cordova Water Project, Patrick Gates requested that the Council approve the water purchase agreement between Friend and Cordova and to authorize Mayor Vossler to sign the agreement upon receipt. This motion was made by Fricke, seconded by Schrock. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Fricke, Schrock, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried. (Resolution No. 08-03 authorizing Mayor Vossler to sign and execute the Water Purchase Contract with the Village of Cordova is available for inspection at City Hall during regular business hours.)
Discussion was had regarding the claim that was submitted to the City from Jim Winter for water damage to his basement. Council reviewed a report that was prepared by the City’s insurance adjuster for this claim. Based on recommendation from the insurance adjuster and information reflected in his report, motion was made by Fricke, seconded by Drake, to deny Mr. Winter’s claim. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Lawver, Fricke, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried.
Patrick Gates told the Council he had received correspondence from Inspro Insurance regarding values of various City-owned property/buildings. After discussion, it was agreed upon that Mr. Gates contact Inspro and request that a representative attend the March meeting for further discussion on this issue.
Dan Fricke said he had contacted Jeff Greenwald from Inspro Insurance to discuss their loss control recommendation to the City regarding the high diving board at the swimming pool. Fricke said if there is absolutely no possibility the City can retain the high board he feels strongly that consideration be taken to replace it with something comparable, such as two boards (one being a two-meter board), or a new board and a slide.
The condition of the gravel road north of the tracks was discussed. Patrick Gates said he plans to discuss with the County the possibility of them contributing to the maintenance of this road.
Fire Chief, Brent Milton, reported that the recent scheduled house burning on Highway 6 was successful. Work is still in process to clear the debris.
Mayor Vossler announced that it was time to close the public hearing for the six year road and street plan for Friend. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake, to close the public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments relating to the One and Six Year Road and Street Plan for Friend. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Lawver, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried. Public hearing closed at 8:02 p.m.
Harlan Schrock asked what the requirements are to get a project on the One and Six Year Plan. Gates said it is his understanding that if a project is not on the Plan, it can’t be done and that to get a project on the Plan it is necessary to make the City Engineer aware of the desired project. The City Engineer will consider the project and incorporate it into the Plan accordingly.
Mayor Vossler read by title the following resolution.
RESOLUTION #08-02
“WHEREAS, the City Street Superintendent has prepared and presented a One and Six Year Plan for Street Improvement Program for the City of Friend, Nebraska, and
WHEREAS, a public meeting was held on the fifth (5th) day of February, 2008, to present this plan and there were no objections to said plan;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Mayor and City Council of Friend, Nebraska, that the plans and data as furnished are hereby in all things accepted and adopted.”
Motion to approve proposed Resolution No. 08-02 was made by Lawver, seconded by Fricke. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Fricke, Lawver, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried. Resolution No. 08-02 was passed and approved February 5, 2008.
Harlan Schrock addressed the Council with information he has obtained regarding the ADA. Schrock suggested that the Council consider performing a self-study/evaluation on the City relating to ADA issues. Schrock also suggested the Council consider forming a “grievance committee” so that in the event a claim relating to an ADA issue should arise or be filed against the City, this committee will be established. Schrock is waiting for additional information regarding these issues and will provide this information to the Council as he receives it. No action taken at this time.
John Alfredson attended the meeting on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce to discuss various signs for Friend on Highway 6. Mr. Alfredson presented proposed plans/designs for “Welcome” signs and discussed possible placement of the signs. Plans are to place one of the signs on Milton’s property (same location as the existing “Friend” sign), and the other on the west end of the Daisy Queen property. Mr. Alfredson requested that the City consider providing necessary electric work to the sights, as well as acquire any necessary permits for the sign placements. Council had no objections and suggested Attorney Mullally be directed to draft an agreement requesting an easement from the aforementioned property owners.
Mr. Alfredson has been in contact with the State Department of Roads about a “City Park” sign. According to the NDOR, a “City Park” sign is eligible for signing on Highway 6. Upon approval of the City Council, this sign could be mounted on Highway 6 directing traffic down either Maple Street or Chestnut Street. After discussion, it was decided to table this issue until more information becomes available about signage for the City pond.
Discussion was had on updating the current Friend City Code book. Council requested that Debbie Gilmer obtain a copy of the Nebraska Basic Code for their review and consideration for the next meeting.
Librarian, Jackie Larsen, submitted the Gilbert Public Library Annual Report, as required by Revised Statute 51-213. Motion to accept the Gilbert Public Library Annual Report for the year of 2007 as presented was made by Lawver, seconded by Fricke. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Fricke, Lawver, Scrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
For the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual(s), motion to enter into executive session for discussion was made by Drake, seconded by Schrock. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Lawver, Schrock, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried. Executive session began at 8:28 p.m.
Motion to return to regular session was made by Fricke, seconded by Schrock. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Schrock, Drake, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried. Regular session resumed at 8:44 p.m.
With no further business to come before the Council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Schrock, seconded by Lawver. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Fricke, Schrock, Lawver. Nays none. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
