05/01/2007 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
MAY 1, 2007
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.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Fricke, to open the public hearing to accept comments regarding a CDBG application submitted by Thomas Clouse. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Lawver, Fricke, Schrock. Nays none. Public hearing opened at 7:03 p.m.
Mayor Vossler announced that comments and/or questions would be accepted from audience members.
Jeff Soukup attended the meeting and informed the Council that the Lions Club is in the process of getting covers made for the BINGO boards at the Community Center. Mr. Soukup also reported that the Club continues to work on plans and ideas for the project of making the front entrance of the Community Center handicap-accessible.
Jean Talley was present at the meeting and asked the Mayor and Council who the City Physician was. Mrs. Talley was informed that Dr. McKeeman is the City Physician. Shirley Milton was also present at the meeting and stated that there seems to be a conflict of interest with Dr. McKeeman serving on a City appointed Board as the City has been sued by Dr. McKeeman. Concern was expressed about Dr. McKeeman being paid to serve as the City Physician. Attorney Mullally explained that the City Physician serves on the Health Board in an advisory capacity relating to health issues that may arise and clarified that Dr. McKeeman receives no monetary compensation for this.
Houston Volk attended the meeting to submit to the Council a proposal to construct a handicap-accessible ramp for the Community Center as his Eagle Scout Project. Mr. Volk told the Council that before he can approach the Advancement Committee with his plans for this project, he needs permission from the Council to proceed. Following discussion, Mayor Vossler stated that a project such as this will require complete compliance with
Paul Segner addressed the Council by saying that on behalf of the boys’ baseball program he wanted to thank them for the new concessions stand at the ballfield. Mr. Segner said this is a big improvement and a very nice addition to the ballfield. Mr. Segner said he wanted to publicly thank the Council, even though not all members of the present Council were serving at the time plans for this project began, for their support in “getting the ball rolling” and for their continued support throughout the construction and completion of this facility. Mr. Segner also acknowledged Patrick Gates with a special thanks for the work he did in heading up the project, for making the facility so user friendly, and for doing such a fine job. Mr. Segner thanked all of the City employees for their hard work and the time they dedicated to the construction of this and assured them that their efforts did not go unnoticed. Mr. Segner invited all to attend a grand opening that will take place at one of the home games. Date of this event is not known at this time, but will be advertised. The field and facilities will be used to their fullest capacity as the ballfield is currently being utilized by 12 teams.
Motioned by Fricke, seconded by Lawver, to approve the Minutes of the April 3, 2007 regular meeting, and the April 2007 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the Minutes of the April 3, 2007 regular meeting, and the April 2007 Treasurer's Report, Drake, Schrock, Lawver, Fricke. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Drake, seconded by Schrock, to approve the
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, Schrock, Fricke, Lawver, Drake. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: April Payroll, 15,325.13; Ameritas, 1766.75; EFTPS, 5418.87; IRS, fe. 507.27; Alltel Cellular, 498.20;
Mayor Vossler announced that if there were no comments regarding the CDBG application for Thomas Clouse it was now time to close the public hearing. Motion to close the public hearing was made by Schrock, seconded by Drake. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Fricke, Schrock, Lawver. Nays none. Public hearing closed at 7:34 p.m.
Mayor Vossler read the following resolution.
RESOLUTION #07-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, SALINE COUNTY, NEBRASKA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION OF THE FRIEND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, FOR A SPECIAL DESIGNATED PERMIT UNDER THE NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL ACT, TO SELL LIQUOR, BEER AND WINE AT THE FRIEND ALUMNI BANQUET TO BE HELD ON MAY 26, 2007 IN THE CITY OF FRIEND. THE SAID SPECIAL DESIGNATED PERMIT TO BE LIMITED TO THE INSIDE AREA OF THE FRIEND COMMUNITY BUILDING (AND THE FENCED AREA SPECIFIED ON LICENSE APPLICATION) LOCATED AT 147 MAIN STREET FOR THE FRIEND ALUMNI BANQUET TO BE HELD BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10:00 A.M. ON SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2007 AND 1:00 A.M. ON SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2007, PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, AND THE NEBRASKA LIQUOR CONTROL ACT.
Motion was made by Drake, seconded by Schrock to adopt Resolution #07-22. On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Schrock, Drake. Nays none. Lawver abstained. Resolution #07-22 was passed and approved May 1, 2007.
Mayor Vossler read the following resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 07-23
WHEREAS, THOMAS CLOUSE, has made application for loan funds from the CITY OF
WHEREAS, pursuant to this application certain loan documents, including the loan agreement, promissory note and security instruments, will be prepared by the Friend City Attorney, and approved by the City Council, the Mayor, and the applicant prior to the issuance of this loan.
WHEREAS, all pertinent and necessary financial information was provided to the City by the applicant and reviewed by the City, and after notice and public hearing the Council and Mayor wish to signify its acceptance, on behalf of the City of the loan application, and the desire of the City to make a loan to the applicant in the amount stated above.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these facts, the City Council takes the following action:
BE IT RESOLVED that the loan to THOMAS CLOUSE in the amount of $40,000.00 from the program income reuse fund under previous Economic Development loans be and hereby is approved, subject to approval by the City Council, Mayor, and the applicant of the necessary loan documents. The terms and conditions of this loan as recommended by the Friend Industrial Development Corporation in letter dated April 3, 2007 are approved by the City Council and incorporated herein by reference to that letter as if fully set forth. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute all loan documents necessary for the completion of this transaction, on behalf of the City.
Motion to adopt Resolution #07-23 was made by Lawver, seconded by Fricke. On roll call voting aye, Drake, Schrock, Fricke, Lawver. Nays none. Resolution #07-23 was passed and approved May 1, 2007.
Jim Ryan attended the meeting to inform the Council on the status of the community assessment discussed at last month’s meeting. Mr. Ryan said he has been working with Terry Meier from SENDD (Southeast Nebraska Development District) on a survey/questionnaire to be submitted to members of the community. Mr. Ryan requested that the Council and Mayor provide him with input and any questions they would like to have included on this questionnaire. Mayor Vossler asked Mr. Ryan to provide sample copies to him and the Council of questionnaires that have been utilized in other communities. Mr. Ryan said he doesn’t anticipate the final questionnaire being ready for another month or so.
Utilities Superintendent, Patrick Gates, gave his utility report. Gates informed the Council that the cleaning of the water tower should be complete tomorrow.
Discussion was had regarding the status of paving issues in the Palky Addition. Mike Mullally had requested more test results be sent to our engineers. Rich Robinson from Kirkham Michael Consulting Engineers reviewed these and found that none of the faulty results came from the main area of concern. Because of this, as well as the fact that the road is in need of immediate repair, Mr. Robinson suggested that perhaps the City approach John Palky with an offer to pay for one-third of the repair cost. Prior to contacting Mr. Palky with any offer, Attorney Mullally will discuss this further with Mr. Robinson. Total cost for this repair has been estimated to be $15,000. Patrick Gates reminded the Council that some time ago, John Palky had discussed splitting the cost to repair the street in thirds, one-third paid by Mr. Palky, one-third paid by the contractor, and one-third paid by the City. At that time, this arrangement was not agreeable to the contractor.
Discussion was had regarding the street that is raised a few inches around a manhole at the Palky Addition. Patrick Gates will investigate this further and consult with Rich Robinson in an attempt to find the cause.
Patrick Gates told the Council that the old scoreboard from the ballfield has been in storage for some time and said, with Council’s permission, he would like to donate this scoreboard to Cordova. Council had no objections and approved this request.
Kirkham Michael Consulting Engineers will have the sewer/water rate study completed by June. Rich Robinson will be unable to attend the June 5, 2007 Council meeting to review the results of this study. Council discussed and decided to reschedule the regular Council meeting date from Tuesday, June 5th to Monday, June 4th so that Mr. Robinson can attend to present the study results to the Council and be available for any questions and/or concerns that may arise.
Gates reported he had no new information on the pond grant funds at this time.
The sidewalk grant meeting for the Safe Routes to School Program is scheduled for next week. Gates plans to attend this meeting.
Review of property on
Discussion was had regarding Cordova already acquiring property south of
At the point of the last meeting the Cordova Board had with Roger Horner, although Pat Gates was not included in any of these on-site meetings, it was Pat Gates’ understanding that the pumping station was going to be placed on the Milton side of the property on the corner abutting Blatter’s property. Later, plans for placement of the pumping station was changed to the corner by the property owned by Bardells. The engineer for Cordova, Eric Obert from JEO Consulting Group, expressed to Pat Gates that it was unfortunate the station could not be located along Highway 6, which was the Friend City Council’s recommendation and request, as well as Gates’, but that all possibilities had been exhausted to acquire this property from Blatters. Cordova Boardmember, Lance Larsen, said Eric Obert never mentioned attempting to purchase the Blatter property and that the only reference he recollects of the Blatter property was during discussion between the Cordova Board and Mr. Obert about acquiring easement rights from the Blatters to run the line. Recently, Patrick Gates discovered that there never had been an attempt to acquire the Blatter property. In conversation, Mr. Obert indicated to Pat Gates that if the Blatter property could be acquired, he would have no problem changing the plans by moving the site of the station. Gates pursued this and found that the Blatter’s would consider selling their property, which would make it possible for the pumping station to be located along the highway where the City had originally requested.
It was suggested that the Cordova Village Board and their engineer meet with the Friend City Council to resolve any issues relating to the Cordova water project. Lance Larsen stated that he felt the only frustration and objection the Cordova Board may have in regards to changing their plans for placement of the pumping station is that, at the advise of their engineer they have negotiated and pursued purchasing property from Milton’s and have incurred various expenses that are unrecoverable.
Discussion was had and it was decided that the Board of Cordova, their engineer, and the Friend City Council meet in special session. Lance Larsen will contact Debbie Gilmer to arrange this meeting.
Police Chief, Mark McFarland gave the Police Report for the month of April 2007. (Copy of this report is attached.)
Building Inspector, Mark Stutzman discussed with the Council a survey record from Stan Houlden for property on Spring Street. Mr. Houlden is requesting permission to subdivide this property. (Copy of Survey Record is attached.) Motion was made by Lawver, seconded by Schrock to approve Stan Houlden’s request to subdivide property on the corner of
Mark Stutzman also shared with the Council a concern he had regarding a garage that has been moved to town. Mr. Stutzman said the building permit for this has expired. He will follow up on this and, if necessary, will utilize Attorney Mullally’s services should further action be required to get this project moving.
Stanley Krause, 2nd Assistant Chief for the Friend Fire Department, reported that the 6 X 6 fire truck is back in our possession. The Dorchester Fire Department declined on purchasing this truck. Mr. Kraus said as no other bids were received the Friend Department is considering advertising sale of this truck in the Smoke Eater.
The annual contribution request from the Saline County Eldercare Coalition for 2007-2008 was discussed. Councilman Drake questioned the expense listed in their budget of $800 for home delivered meals in Wilber. Phyllis Svehla was in attendance on behalf of the Saline County Eldercare Coalition and informed Mr. Drake that the $800 is reflected in their budget as an expense. However $800 is also shown as a revenue as it is completely reimbursed from the USDA. No portion of the $800 for home delivered meals in Wilber is collected from other communities. The request of Friend’s support is to maintain the level of services currently available to
On behalf of the Friend Historical Society, Mark Stutzman approached the Mayor and Council requesting their support to apply for a grant from the NDOR. The State of Nebraska Department of Roads offers a Transportation Enhancement Act grant, known as a TEA21. This grant program provides funding to local, regional and state governmental entities to construct and restore transportation facilities. This includes projects like bike trails, scenic byways and restoration. The State requires the projects be directly related to historic, current, or future transportation infrastructure. The Friend Historical Society is interested in the restoration of a transportation facility and hope to convince the State that the Warren Opera House was a facility that was created because of transportation, enjoyed years of livelihood and brought entertainment to Friend because of transportation, and that it is and is worthy of a restoration grant. Because the NDOR recognizes that many private nonprofit and civic organizations will have a strong interest and support for use of these funds, interested advocacy groups are encouraged to work with the appropriate local, regional, and state governmental units to develop project applications as funds can only be awarded to a government entity that must assume responsibility for ownership and maintenance. The Friend Historical Society is asking Council’s approval and support to be the sub-recipient of the grant. The Southeast Nebraska Development District would assist with providing the City with this agreement. All applications, paperwork, presentations and grant reporting would be done by the Society. Drake made a motion to approve and support the Friend Historical Society to participate in the Nebraska Department of Roads Transportation Enhancement Program and to proceed with the application process to receive a TEA21 grant for restoration of the Warren Opera House. This motion was seconded by Lawver. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Drake, Lawver, Fricke. Nays none.
Councilman Fricke informed Mayor Vossler that he will be unable to attend the July 3, 2007 meeting. Mayor Vossler suggested changing the date of the July meeting so that Mr. Fricke can attend. This will be discussed at the June meeting.
With no further business to come before the Council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Schrock, seconded by Fricke. On roll call voting aye, Lawver, Drake, Fricke, Schrock. Nays none. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.