10/07/2008 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 7, 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, Dan Drake, and Harlan Schrock. Dale Lawver was absent. Attorney Mike Mullally was also 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.
Mr. Effken attended the meeting and presented an informative review of the proposed $7.9 million dollar Friend Public School bond issue to the Mayor, Council and members of the audience.
Ray Rohrig, Captain of the Friend Ambulance Service, asked the Council if they would consider amending the proposed and adopted 2008-2009 budget by allocating $3,000 to the Ambulance Service for a possible sinking fund to be established for the future purchase of an ambulance. Discussion was had and Council requested Rohrig bring this issue back to the Council for their consideration at a later date.
Motioned by Drake, seconded by Schrock, to approve the Minutes of the September 2, 2008 regular meeting, the September 12, 2008 special meeting, and the September 2008 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the Minutes of the September 2, 2008 regular meeting, the September 12, 2008 special meeting, and the September 2008 Treasurer's Report, Fricke, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Lawver absent. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Fricke, seconded by Schrock, to accept the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for August 2008. On roll call voting aye to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for August 2008, Drake, Fricke, Schrock. Nays none. Lawver absent. Motion carried.
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. Nays none. Lawver absent. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: September Payroll, 18,457.98; Ameritas, 1573.33; EFTPS, 5844.11; Alltel Cellular, se, 430.46; American Red Cross, fe, 55.00; Anderson, Don, re, 237.43; Aquila, se, 134.34; BVH, su, 1.09; Baker & Taylor, su, 83.87; Beatrice Concrete, su, 2752.51; Beaver Hardware, su, 60.10; Blue Blossom, se, 63.91; BoundTree Medical, su, 203.55; Central States Lab., su, 18,229.88; Keith Clouse, fe, 284.08; Culligan, se, 43.00; D&D Comm, su, 263.50; Discover, su, 503.29; Drake Collision, se, 2206.69; EMS Billing, se, 57.65; Eakes, su, 118.68; Farmer’s Coop, su, 2247.20; Galaxy Cable, se, 39.95; Gale, su, 47.18; Gates, re, 662.95; Gene’s Electric, se & su, 630.00; General Fire, se, 56.75; General Reporting Svc, 37.95; Debbie Gilmer, re, 33.82; Graham Tire, se & su, 226.74; Great Plains One-Call, fe, 14.14; Gregg Johnson-Ent, se, 350.00; Johnson Pharmacy, su, 41.85; Junior Library Guild, su, 38.16; KS State Bank, fe, 8218.16; Konica, fe, 73.05; Kelly Lueders, re, 70.00; Lynn Peavey, su, 69.00; Menards, su, 422.95; Chris Michl, se, 444.40; Midwest Labs, se, 173.13; Michael Mullally, fe, 540.00; NE Dept of Rev, SWH, 880.76 & Sales & Use Tax, 7308.26; NE Law Enforcmt Training Cntr, fe, 30.00; NE Machinery, fe, 2500.00; NE Public Health Env, se, 54.00; NE Public Power, su, 52,869.94; Nick’s Farm Store, su, 18.56; Norris Public Power, se, 3635.28; Office Cash, su, 83.05; Pioneer Publishing, fe, 218.25; Principal Mutual, fe, 3035.37; Ray Rohrig, re, 55.63; Romans, Wiemer, & Assocs, fe, 1075.00; Shell Fleet Plus, su, 179.74; Marvin Slepicka, fe, 750.00; Summit Supply, 84.00; TV Svc, su, 42.88; The Garbage Co, se, 188.46; Treat America Food Svc, se, 18.96; United Seed, su, 460.00; Windstream, se, 679.09; Yokel’s, su, 12.88. Total Claims Approved $113,465.76.
Jeff Hinkeldey attended the meeting to discuss the possibility of requiring all contractors conducting business in Friend to provide the City with a certificate of liability insurance. Discussion was had, no action was taken.
Mayor Vossler read the following proposed resolution:
RESOLUTION # 08-16
APPLICATION TO BECOME DEPOSITORIES
To the Honorable Mayor and City Council, Friend, Nebraska;
Comes now the First National Bank of Friend, Nebraska and Farmers & Merchants Bank of Milligan, Nebraska and herewith respectfully petition and make application to become depositories of the monies and funds of the City of Friend, Nebraska, for coming fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008. Respectfully submitted, First National Bank, Friend, by/ Lorri Milton, and Farmers & Merchants Bank, Milligan, Nebraska by/ Melvin Taylor. The following resolution was then read by the Mayor.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Mayor and the City Council of the City of Friend, Saline County, Nebraska.
WHEREAS; The First National Bank of Friend, Nebraska and the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Milligan, Nebraska have filed applications for the privilege of becoming depositories for the monies and funds of the City of Friend, Nebraska for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008, and
WHEREAS; The First National Bank of Friend, Nebraska and the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Milligan, Nebraska have furnished bond for the safekeeping and securing said monies and funds as required by law in addition to the security given to the City of Friend as a depository by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Friend, Saline County, Nebraska, that the First National Bank of Friend, Saline County, Nebraska, and the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Milligan, Fillmore County, Nebraska are hereby approved as depositories for the monies and funds and in compliance with the terms and provisions of the Section 17-607 of the revised statutes for the year 1943 and all amendments hereto.
After reading the above proposed resolution, motion was made by Drake, seconded by Schrock, to adopt Resolution No. 08-16. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Schrock. Voting nay, Fricke. Lawver absent. Motion carried. Resolution No. 08-16 was passed and approved this 7th day of October 2008.
Patrick Gates, Utilities Superintendent, gave his report. Gates’ report included discussion on the following: contract for engineering services for wastewater treatment plant ultraviolet light improvements; contract for engineering services for new water well; and West 3rd Street property lease/sale to Dave Nickel.
Motion was made by Fricke, seconded by Drake to accept a proposal submitted by Kirkham Michael Consulting Engineers for professional design engineering services for wastewater treatment plant ultraviolet light improvements for $9,900. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Drake, Fricke. Nays none. Lawver absent. Motion carried.
Patrick Gates told the Council that he had been contacted by a citizen regarding the recycling trailer. The individual requested that the City consider allowing him to take the recycling trailer to the recycling center in York on a regular basis (every two weeks). Council suggested Mr. Gates contact the City insurance carrier before considering this offer.
Wayne Milton approached Patrick Gates about the possibility of the band kids painting the fire hydrants in town as a fundraising project. Gates suggested the Council consider extending this fundraising opportunity to the FPS band, with the City supplying the paint and paying the band $1500 to complete this project. (There are approximately 100 hydrants.) Council discussed and approved.
Relating to the Safe Route to School Program, one of the initial steps for this project was to solicit proposals for consulting engineers. Requests for proposals were sent to JEO, Olsson & Associates, and Kirkham Michael. Of these three, proposals were received from Olson & Associates and Kirkham Michael. A required process included a Selection Committee being chosen to review and score the proposals based on information provided. Both consulting firms scored well, however Kirkham Michael scored slightly higher. Kirkham Michael reported relative experience of 36 trail projects, while Ollsen & Associates reported 18 trail projects. Kirkham Michael also scored higher for office proximity, as they have an office in York, while Ollsen & Associates is based out of Lincoln. Based on the scoring results, Gates reported that it is the recommendation of the Selection Committee for the City Council to award this project to Kirkham Michael. After discussion, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake to accept the Selection Committee’s recommendation and award this Safe Route to School project to Kirkham Michael for professional engineering services.
Gates requested confirmation from the Council that they budgeted and agreed to spend $34,837 (20% match) for the pond trail project. Confirmation of this commitment is required to submit with the pond trail project grant application. Motion was made by Fricke, seconded by Schrock, confirming that $34,837 has been budgeted and that the Council has agreed to spend this for the pond trail project.
Regarding the wells and the nitrate levels, Gates said he took samples from the north well and the tower well and the results showed undetectable levels. Gates took samples from the south well after flushing it out, and results showed 6.4, with 10 being the maximum level. Therefore it is Gates’ recommendation that this well be put back on line. Gates will first contact the State to verify that this is acceptable.
Nebraska Machinery contacted Mr. Gates and informed Gates of a program they offer government entities to lease skid loaders for $2500 per year. This allows 250 hours per year and $10 per hour after 250 hours. After a year, the City would have the opportunity to purchase the loader at a special price, or enter into an agreement to lease another. Council discussed and granted authority to Gates to arrange this lease/purchase with Nebraska Machinery, and authorized Mayor Vossler to sign for the City of Friend the required documents to execute this lease/purchase.
Mayor Vossler asked when the concession stand was going to be complete. Gates said plans are to finish putting up the bricks next week.
Police Chief, Mark McFarland submitted his Police Report for September 2008. (Copy of this report is attached.)
Building Inspector, Mark Stutzman, had nothing to report.
Friend Fire Department had nothing to report.
Discussion was had relating to a proposal to serve as special TIF counsel from Gilmore & Bell regarding the Tax Increment Financing Project of Mark Stutzman. (Copy of this proposal is attached.) After review of said proposal, motion to accept this engagement was made by Fricke, seconded by Schrock. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Schrock, Fricke. Nays none. Lawver absent. Motion carried.
On behalf of the Friend Industrial Development Corporation, Jim Ryan presented a recommendation to the Council to increase the loan commitment to Mark Stutzman, dba Hardwood Artisan, L.L.C. from $75,000 to $100,000 from the CDBG recycle loan fund. Motion was made by Drake, seconded by Schrock, to approve the recommendation of the Friend Industrial Development Corporation to increase the loan commitment to Mark Stutzman, dba Hardwood Artisan, L.L.C. from $75,000 to $100,000. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Lawver absent. Motion carried.
Mr. Ryan presented a recommendation from the Friend Industrial Development Corporation to the Council to make a loan of up to $17,500 from the CDBG recycle loan fund to Kim Moore, dba Little Friends Development Center. Motion to approve the Friend Industrial Development Corporation’s recommendation to extend a loan of up to $17,500 from the CDBG recycle loan fund to Kim Moore, dba Little Friends Development Center, was made by Schrock and seconded by Fricke. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Schrock. Drake abstained. Lawver absent. Motion carried.
Discussion was had relating to the City selling property located at First Street and Maple Street. After discussion, Council agreed to consider acceptance of offer(s) for this property at a minimum amount beginning at no less than $75,000. (No official action taken at this time.)
On November 4th the voting location for Ward 2 is in the City Hall meeting room. Therefore, it was decided to move the November 4th Friend City Council meeting to the fire barn.
Motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel and potential legal matters was made by Fricke, seconded by Schrock. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Fricke, Schrock. Nays none. Lawver absent. Motion carried. Executive session began at 8:20 p.m.
Motion to return to regular session was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Lawver absent. Regular session resumed at 8:46 p.m.
Further discussion was had on the engineering services relating to the planning and construction of a new well. No action taken at this time.
Discussion relating to employee salaries was tabled until the November 4, 2008 meeting.
With no further business to come before the Council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Drake, Schrock. Nays none. Lawver absent. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
