03/04/2008 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 4, 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, Dale Lawver, Dan Drake, and Harlan Schrock. 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.
Motioned by Drake, seconded by Lawver, to approve the Minutes of the February 5, 2008 regular meeting, and the February 2008 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the Minutes of the February 5, 2008 regular meeting, and the February 2008 Treasurer's Report, Schrock, Fricke, Lawver, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Fricke, seconded by Schrock, to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for January 2008. On roll call voting aye to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for January 2008, Lawver, Drake, Fricke, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Schrock, 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, Schrock, Fricke, Lawver. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: January Payroll, 14,289.29; Ameritas, 1620.03; EFTPS, 4890.70; Alltel Cellular, 508.31; Anderson, Don, re. 237.43; Aquila, se. 1021.85; Baker & Taylor, su. 61.99; Beaver Hardware, su. 30.91; Brothers Equip, su. 9.60; Castle Construction, fe. 67,765.32; Central States Lab., su. 8,672.11; D&D Comm, se. 151.76; EMS Billing, se. 83.76; ERC Comm, su. 499.00; Eakes, su. 117.97; Ed M. Equip, se & su, 710.00; Farmer’s Coop, su. 1753.07 & 37.66; Follett Software, fe. 799.00; Friend Chamber, fe. 50.00; Friend Medical Center, fe. 187.00; Galaxy Cable, se. 39.95; Gale, su. 44.93; Galls, su. 45.49; Gene’s Electric, se. & su. 11,970.70; Debbie Gilmer, re. 120.00; Great Plains One-Call, fe. 4.87; Gumdrop Books, su. 29.95; Heiman Fire Equip, su. 82.45; Holiday Inn, fe. 70.00; Johnson Pharmacy, su. 39.90; Kirkham Michael, fe. 5022.80; Konica, fe. 73.05; Jackie Larsen, re. 27.27; League of NE Municipalities, fe. 100.00; Menards, su. 169.00; Midwest Labs, su. 8.18; Michael Mullally, fe. 1404.00; NHHS, fe. 40.00; NE Dept of Rev, SWH, 797.51; NE Public Health Lab, se. 18.00; NE Public Power, su. 37,872.42; Norris Public Power, se. 3685.60; OMB Guns, equip, 395.00; OMB Police Supply, equip, 44.98; Pioneer Publishing, fe. 58.61; Platte Valley Comm, su. 32.50; Postmaster, fe. 175.00; Principal Mutual, fe. 2606.49; Saline County Treas, fe. 820.11; Sargent Drilling, re. 603.85; Sioux Sales, su. 135.45; Shell, su. 295.53; Marvin Slepicka, fe. 750.00; Southeast Library System, fe. 30.00; The Garbage Co, se. 178.35; The Penworthy Co, su. 56.25; Sara Thomsen, re. 126.48; Upstart, su. 96.77; Warren Memorial Hospital, fe. 160.40; Windstream, se. 625.09; Yokel’s, su. 73.19. Total Claims Approved $107,964.20.
Becky Haufle from Inspro Insurance attended the meeting to discuss valuations of certain city-owned buildings with the Council. After discussion, motion to approve certain city-owned building valuations for insurance purposes at replacement cost as presented (see attached report), with the exception of the pool bathhouse and storage building, and the Friend Community Center, which shall be insured for actual cash value as presented, was made by Drake, seconded by Lawver. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Lawver, Drake. Voting nay, Fricke. Motion carried.
Discussion as had regarding the City paying dues for membership to the Friend Chamber of Commerce. Council had no objections.
Council reviewed and discussed correspondence from Cynthia Cassel proposing that she and the Boy Scouts be in charge of inspecting and cleaning the Friend Community Center after each use. After discussion Council denied this proposal.
Mayor Vossler informed the Council that the Farmers Union Coop has plans to donate 20 new tables for the Friend Community Center. Stan Krause, Second Assistant Fire Chief, added that the Friend Fire Department has also received a $300 donation for tables at the Community Building.
Harlan Schrock informed the Council that the Farmers Union Coop has a considerable amount of iron to contribute to the collecting efforts of the Fire Department for their fireworks display.
Dale Lawver stated that he has been approached by a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber is planning to schedule the City-wide clean-up day either the last weekend in April or the first weekend in May.
Patrick Gates, Utilities Superintendent, gave his report. Mr. Gates reported on the status of the Cordova Water Project. Gates said work on the transmission main should begin soon, probably next week.
Gates reported on the status of the Friend Lake Restoration Project.
Mr. Gates informed the Council that he received notification of award for the Safe Routes To School Program for a grant of approximately $167,000 for sidewalks.
As a result of recommendations from the City’s insurance carrier, the two-meter diving board at the swimming pool must be removed. Gates said it is his intention to remove the two-meter board, rebuild the deck and put the existing one-meter board in the middle of the deck with life guard stands on both sides. Gates then proposed that the Council consider purchasing a water slide and presented to them several available options. After discussion, motion was made by Fricke, seconded by Schrock, to purchase a water slide (Big Sky Slide) to provide entertainment for the pool patrons. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Lawver, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Police Chief, Mark McFarland gave his Police Report for February 2008. McFarland said he has drafted a contract for the new Police Officer and has forwarded this to Attorney Mullally for his review.
McFarland also said he would like permission from the Council to liquidate some of the contents of the old depot building. McFarland said there were several old bicycles and other junk that he wants to dispose of. Council discussed and had no objections.
Building Inspector, Mark Stutzman, had no report.
Fire Chief, Brent Milton, had no report.
Mayor Vossler announced that the proposed Hospital District was approved by the Saline County Board of Commissioners and will be included on the May Primary Election.
Discussion was had regarding the Friend City Code book and the possibility of adopting the Nebraska Basic Code from American Legal Publishing. It was decided to continue utilizing the current Friend City Code.
Dan Drake informed the Council that he would be unable to attend the Council meeting on April 1st. After discussion, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Lawver to reschedule the regular Friend City Council meeting from April 1st to April 8th. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Fricke, Lawver, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
For the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, motion to enter into executive session for discussion was made by Drake, seconded by Fricke. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Lawver, Fricke, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried. Executive session began at 9:00 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 9:20 p.m.
With no further business to come before the Council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Drake, seconded by Lawver. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Lawver, Fricke, Schrock. Nays none. Meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
