11/04/2008 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 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: Dale Lawver, Dan Drake, and Harlan Schrock. Dan Fricke 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.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake, to open the public hearing to receive comments relating to an amendment to the General Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Area #1; and to receive comments relating to a second amendment to the General Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Area #1. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Drake, Schrock. Nays, none. Fricke was absent. Motion carried.
Brian Claycomb with JEO Consulting Engineers attended the meeting on behalf of the Village of Cordova. Relating to the Cordova water system improvements and transmission main, Mr. Claycomb presented to the Council for their consideration and approval the following:
- Change Order #1 (for Van Kirk Brothers) to deduct $1,126.26;
- Application for Payment #2 (final) of $13,531.28; and
- Recommendation of Acceptance of Project.
After discussion, motion was made by Lawver, seconded by Schrock, to approve the Application for payment #2 (final) of $13,531.28 from Van Kirk Brothers Contracting, Inc, for the 2007 Water System Improvements & Transmission Main, CDBG No. 05-WW-007. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Schrock, Lawver. Nays none. Fricke absent. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Drake, seconded by Lawver, to approve the Recommendation of Acceptance from Van Kirk Brothers Contracting, Inc. for the 2007 Water System Improvements and Transmission Main, Cordova, Nebraska, CDBG No. 05-WW-007–Group A. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Drake, Lawver. Nays none. Fricke absent. Motion carried.
Ray Rohrig, Captain of the Friend Ambulance Service, talked to the Council about the possibility of purchasing a $5,000 certificate of deposit with Ambulance Service funds from Tier One Bank in Crete at 3.75% interest. After discussing, Mayor Vossler and Council directed Rohrig to check with First National Bank in Friend and Farmers & Merchants Bank in Milligan on matching this interest before considering utilizing a financial institution that has not previously requested to be considered a depository for the City of Friend.
Motioned by Drake, seconded by Lawver, to approve the Minutes of the October 7, 2008 regular meeting, and the October 2008 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the Minutes of the October 7, 2008 regular meeting, and the October 2008 Treasurer's Report, Schrock, Lawver, Drake. Nays none. Fricke absent. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Lawver, to accept the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for September 2008. On roll call voting aye to approve the Warren Memorial Hospital financial reports for September 2008, Drake, Schrock, Lawver. Nays none. Fricke absent. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Lawver, 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. Nays none. Fricke absent. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: October Payroll, 25,172.88; Ameritas, 2350.86; EFTPS, 8306.53; Alltel Cellular, se, 515.30; Anderson, Don, re, 237.43; BVH, su, 5.64; Baker & Taylor, su, 52.32; Barco Supply, su, 589.42; Black Hills Energy, fe, 54.92; Brothers Equip, su, 20.75; Central States Lab., su, 10,550.11; Keith Clouse, fe, 250.00; Crete Lumber, su, 114.96; D&D Comm, su, 346.50; Discover, su, 1507.07; EMC Ins, fe. 859.00; Eakes, su, 94.53; Exeter Lumber, su, 113.92; Farmer’s Coop, su, 1773.41; Friend School, su, 225.00; Galaxy Cable, se, 39.95; Gale, su, 47.18; Gene’s Electric, se & su, 5551.90; General Fire, se, 68.25; Goldsmith Tree Svc, se, 400.00; Great Plains One-Call, fe, 12.12; Herpolsheimers, se, 1531.91; Highsmith, su, 22.88; Inspro, fe, 400.00; John’s Used Furniture, 240.00; Johnson Pharmacy, su, 19.97; Junior Library Guild, su, 38.16; Konica, fe, 73.05; Jackie Larsen, su, 35.00; Lynn Peavey, su, 27.93; Menards, su, 114.49; Moore Wallace, su, 105.48; Michael Mullally, fe, 480.00; Music Boosters, fe, 1500.00; NE Dept of Rev, SWH, 1297.48 & Sales & Use Tax, 5441.67; NE Muni Power Pool, su, 342.94; NE Public Health Env, se, 42.00; NE Public Power, su, 37,107.43; NMC, Inc. su, 122.82; Nabers Helping Neighbors, se, 361.00; Nick’s Farm Store, su, 500.00; Norris Public Power, se, 3635.28; Pioneer Publishing, fe, 389.11; Postmaster, fe. 183.50; Principal Mutual, fe, 3035.37; Saline Cnty Clerk, fe, 6.50; Saline Cnty Treas, fe, 216.30; Sewer Equip, su, 381.12; Shell Fleet Plus, su, 31.06; Marvin Slepicka, fe, 750.00; Steve’s Repair, se, 476.94; Tuttle Inc., se, 283.08; The Garbage Co, se, 188.46; USA Blue Book, su, 5468.39; Village of Cordove, re, 376.38; Warren Memorial Hosp, fe, 209.67; Windstream, se, 904.55; Yokel’s, su, 111.17; Young’s Welding, se, 25.75; ZOLL Medical Corp, fe, 237.68. Total Claims Approved $125,974.47.
Motion was made by Lawver, seconded by Schrock, to close the public hearing to receive comments relating to an amendment to the General Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Area #1; and to receive comments relating to a second amendment to the General Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Area #1. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Schrock, Lawver. Nays, none. Fricke was absent. Motion carried. Public hearing closed at 7:23 p.m.
Council Member Dan Drake then introduced a resolution (the “Plan Amendment Resolution”) and moved its passage and approval:
RESOLUTION NO. 08-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA, RECOMMENDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR REDEVELOPMENT AREA #1, INCLUDING A REDEVELOPMENT CONTRACT; APPROVING CERTAIN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITHIN REDEVELOPMENT AREA #1; APPROVING A COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS FOR SUCH PROJECTS; AND APPROVING RELATED MATTERS.
Council Member Dale Lawver seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the following Council Members voted in favor of the motion: Harlan Schrock, Dale Lawver, Dan Drake; the following Council Members voted against the motion: none; the following Council Members were absent or did not vote: Dan Fricke. The passage of the Plan Amendment Resolution having been agreed upon by a majority of the Council, the Mayor declared the Plan Amendment Resolution passed and, in the presence of the Council, signed and approved the Plan Amendment Resolution. The Clerk attested to the passage of the Plan Amendment Resolution by signing the same and affixing the seal of the City to the Plan Amendment Resolution. A true and complete copy of the Plan Amendment Resolution is available for inspection at City Hall upon request.
Council Member Harlan Schrock then introduced the Second Plan Amendment Resolution titled as follows and moved its passage and approval:
RESOLUTION NO. 08-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA, APPROVING A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR REDEVELOPMENT AREA #1; RATIFYING CERTAIN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITHIN REDEVELOPMENT AREA #1; AND APPROVING RELATED MATTERS.
Council Member Dan Drake seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the following Council Members voted in favor of the motion: Dale Lawver, Dan Drake, Harlan Schrock; the following Council Members voted against the motion: none; the following Council Members were absent or did not vote: Dan Fricke. The passage of the Second Plan Amendment Resolution having been agreed upon by a majority of the Council, the Mayor declared the Second Plan Amendment Resolution passed and, in the presence of the Council, signed and approved the Second Plan Amendment Resolution. The Clerk attested to the passage of the Second Plan Amendment Resolution by signing the same and affixing the seal of the City to the Second Plan Amendment Resolution. A true and complete copy of the Second Plan Amendment Resolution is available for inspection at City Hall upon request.
Patrick Gates, Utilities Superintendent, gave his report. Gates’ report included discussion on the following: the proposed site for the new well has been accepted and approved by the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Gates has contacted Sargent Drilling about drilling a test well; repair work is planned for the sidewalk in front of the Community Center; the Cordova water system is now on line and is pumping water; the south well, with the recently elevated nitrate level, is well within limits and is back on line; Gates will be attending a meeting on November 20th at Mahoney Park to answer questions and to address any issues or concerns regarding the pond/trail project.
Mayor Vossler asked if all the bricks were on the concession building at the ballfield. Gates said all bricks were on the building. Gates said a few pieces of trim need to be put up and some caulking is needed to complete this project.
Gates reported that the Friend band students completed the project of painting fire hydrants. Gates said this consisted of painting approximately 100 hydrants and stated that all involved in this project did an excellent job. Motion to contribute/donate $1500 to the “Music Boosters” for their efforts in completing this project was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Schrock, Drake. Nays none. Fricke absent. Motion carried.
Continued discussion was had relating to the Council allowing an interested party to take the recycling trailer to the recycling center in York. After discussion, the Mayor and Council directed Debbie Gilmer to obtain information from the City’s insurance carrier relating to how this may impact the City’s insurance premiums.
Patrick Gates provided to the Council a final project report for the Friend Lake Restoration project. Some finish grading, seeding, and some planting still needs to be done.
Patrick Gates discussed with the Council an issue with Castle Construction relating to the final payment on the work they did on the pond project. Rich Robinson will be attending the December Friend City Council meeting and will report further on this at that time.
Dan Drake asked Patrick Gates if something could be done about the cracks on Edward Street. After discussion, Gates said he would apply some caulking or pack patching into these cracks to keep water out.
Dale Lawver expressed concerns relating to the drainage at the pond after recent heavy rains.
Police Chief, Mark McFarland submitted his Police Report for October 2008. McFarland said there were 25 calls for service during this month. (Copy of this report is attached.)
Building Inspector, Mark Stutzman reported that Christ and Anita Meyer are considering putting living quarters in the back of their building located at 133 Maple Street.
Stan Krause reported on behalf of the Fire Department and informed the Council that all members of the Department, as well as all members of the Friend Ambulance Service, have successfully completed the NIMS (National Incident Management System) course. Certification is required of all active members in order for the Fire Department or the Ambulance Service to be eligible for federal grants they may submit application(s) for.
Dan Drake reported on behalf of Warren Memorial Hospital. Drake stated that a contribution of $198,000 had been received by the Hospital. The Hospital Board has designated three-fourths of this contribution to be applied to the tax anticipation note that the City has at First National Bank. This note was originally issued in 2006 for the purpose of paying costs of certain expenses of the Hospital.
Mayor Vossler announced his recommendation of Anita Meyer as a member on the Community Redevelopment Authority to complete the term of Jim Moore, as Mr. Moore contacted Mayor Vossler and requested to be replaced on this committee. Motion was made by Drake, seconded by Lawver, to approve Mayor Vossler’s appointment of Anita Meyer to the Community Redevelopment Authority, to complete Jim Moore’s term. (Mr. Moore’s term is through 2009.) On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Drake, Lawver. Nays none. Fricke absent. Motion carried.
Mayor Vossler announced that as Council Member Dan Fricke did not elect to file for re-election to the Friend City Council, a vacancy in the office of City Council for Ward #1 will commence on December 2, 2008. The length of the unexpired term of this office will be four years. Persons interested in serving in this position may contact City Clerk, Debbie Gilmer, or Mayor Jim Vossler for further information, or to submit their name for consideration.
Discussion was had relating to proposed changes to the City employees’ wages and employment benefit policies and practices. City Clerk, Debbie Gilmer, was directed to provide copies of proposed changes to employees and to schedule a meeting between the Council and employees so that employees have the opportunity to express their concerns and offer input relating to these changes.
Dates for the annual employee appreciation dinner were discussed. Debbie Gilmer was asked to contact the Friend Country Club to find out what dates may be available in January. Further discussion will be had at the December 2, 2008 meeting.
As the Friend Elementary School music program is scheduled for December 2nd at 7:00 p.m., the Friend City Council meeting will commence at 8:00 p.m., rather than the regularly scheduled time of 7:00 p.m.
Motion to enter into executive session to discuss personnel was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Schrock, Lawver. Nays none. Fricke absent. Motion carried. Executive session began at 8:18 p.m.
Motion to return to regular session was made by Schrock, seconded by Lawver. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Lawver, Schrock. Nays none. Fricke absent. Regular session resumed at 8:36 p.m.
With no further business to come before the Council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Drake, seconded by Schrock. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Schrock, Drake. Nays none. Fricke absent. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
