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05/02/2006 Regular Meeting

FRIEND CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING

MAY 2, 2006

Mayor Horner 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, Roger Horner, presided and City Clerk, Debbie Gilmer, recorded the proceedings.  The following Councilmembers were present:  Dan Fricke, Gary Tuttle, Harlan Schrock and Dustin Weber.  A quorum being present and the meeting duly convened, the following proceedings were had and done.

Motioned by Fricke, seconded by Tuttle to approve the Minutes of the April 4, 2006 regular meeting, the April 25, 2006 special meeting, the April 2006 Treasurer's Report, and the March 2006 Warren Memorial Hospital Financial Reports as presented and file same.  On roll call voting aye to approve the Minutes of the April 4, 2006 regular meeting, the April 25, 2006 special meeting, the April 2006 Treasurer's Report, and the March 2006 Warren Memorial Hospital Financial Reports, Fricke, Schrock, Tuttle, Weber.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

A motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Tuttle, 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, Weber, Schrock, Fricke, Tuttle.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

The claims approved were as follows:  April Payroll, 15,274.22, Ameritas, 1115.07, 1st Natl, 5266.46; Alltel Cell & Comm, se. 623.97; Alternative Business Systems, fe. 84.47; ACCO, su. 2325.00; Aquila, se. 175.36; BNSF, fe. 750.00; Baker & Taylor, su. 15.55; Central States Labs, su. 14,264.70; Demco, su. 23.13; Eakes, su. 3.54; Ed M. Feld Equip, su. 180.00; Exeter Lumber, su. 27.00; Farmer's Union Coop, su. 1408.84; Ferguson Awards, su. 250.00; First Natl, fe. 15.00; Galaxy, se. 39.95; Gene's Elec, se. 18,889.72; Great Plains One-Call, se. 2.02; HSBC Business, su. 213.98, 608.50; Heiman, su. 234.25; Hometown Leasing, se. 50.83; Kirkham Michael, se. 1687.50; Midwest Labs, se. 187.00; Michael Mullally, fe. 1136.00; Muni Supply, su. 186.40; NE Dept of Rev, SWH 884.96; NE Dept of Rev, sales tax, 3780.51; NE Muni Power Pool, fe. 248.40; NE Public Power, se. 25,879.18; NE Wastewater Operators Division, fe. 10.00; Norris Public Power, se. 3864.75; Pioneer Publishing, su. 168.00; Principal Mutual Ins, fe. 3742.85; Ross Repair, se. 65.75; Saline County Clerk, fe. 27.00; Sioux Sales, su. 91.99; Marvin Slepicka, fe. 750.00; State of NE HHS Lab, se. 32.00; Summit Supply, su. 85.00; Texaco, su. 177.24; The Depository Trust, bond pmt 9712.50; The Garbage Co, se. 332.80; The Penworthy Co, su. 271.66; USA Blue Book, su. 747.91; Ultramax, su. 165.00; Yokels, su. 68.42.  Total claims approved $116,144.38.

Mayor Horner announced that the public hearing for the purpose of hearing comments relating to the City of Friend purchasing real estate in the 100 block of Maple Street (west 40 feet of lot 139, Original Town, City of Friend, Saline County, Nebraska) was now open at 7:03 p.m.

Jim Ryan attended the meeting.  Mr. Ryan said progress continues on the planning and implementation of cleanup efforts of the Maple Street fire.

Terry Meier from Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD), attended the meeting to discuss and answer questions about the blight and substandard study area and the proposals that were received to conduct a blight determination study.  The firms that submitted Blight Determination Study Proposals, both from Lincoln, were Olsson Associates Engineers with a proposed fee in the $6,500 range, and Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C. Community Planning & Research with a proposed fee of $7,500.  After discussion, motion was made by Councilman Tuttle, seconded by Councilman Fricke, to accept the proposed Friend, Nebraska Blight/Substandard Determination Study and Redevelopment Plan submitted by Hanna:Keelan and to authorize Mayor Horner to sign a contract with Hanna:Keelan for this study and redevelopment plan upon receipt of contract.  On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Weber, Tuttle, Fricke.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Patrick Gates, Utilities Superintendent, gave his report.  Gates said hydrant flushing and flow testing are complete.  He said the data will be gathered and a plan will be set up for color coding the hydrants accordingly. 

Patrick Gates said work has begun at the swimming pool and plans are set to open Memorial weekend.  Gates met with the two individuals that applied for the manager’s position and they have agreed to co-manage the pool.

In regards to the Palky Subdivision, Stephens and Smith have the concrete out that needs to be replaced.  They should be replacing it this week.  Also, Stutzman Digging has been working on the lift station.

Mr. Gates said there is a problem with the starter on the John Deere tractor.  He talked to an individual with John Deere and found that a starter would cost approximately $565.  Gates asked the Council for their input.  Discussion was had and Dale Lawver, a citizen in attendance at the meeting, volunteered to look at the tractor for Pat and give his opinion of what the problem might be. 

Councilman Weber told Pat Gates that a citizen has expressed concerns about potholes on State Street.  Mr. Gates said repair on potholes, work at the swimming pool, and spraying weeds are priorities on his agenda that will be addressed as time allows.

Councilman Tuttle asked if there was a possibility for the City to renegotiate terms with the NDOR for responsibility of the maintenance on Highway 6 if the layout of the highway is going to change.  Pat Gates said a new contract was agreed upon approximately six months ago, which was prior to the Council receiving the proposal to divide the highway.  Gates said the City currently maintains the shoulder, and the NDOR removes the snow.  Tuttle said if they put dividers in, like the proposal submitted, the shoulders will become part of the main highway, which would require more maintenance.  Mr. Gates agreed that if the layout of the highway does change, the contract should be renegotiated.  Gates asked Mark McFarland, Chief of Police, if he knew what the status was for painting the lines on the highway, as well as what decision has been made regarding the proposed highway project.  McFarland said the NDOR was waiting for recommendation from the Council.  Council discussed and expressed that the decision for any changes to the highway should be determined by NDOR engineers.

Regarding the cleanup project on Maple Street, Jim Ryan said about 4,000 yards of backfill (approximately $4,000 at $1 per yard) will be needed for this cleanup project.  If the dirt was donated, the individual donating it could be eligible for up to a $1600 tax credit through the CDAA (Community Development Assistant Act.)  Anyone interested should contact Jim Ryan.

Police Chief, Mark McFarland gave the Police Report for the month of April 2006.   (Copy of this report is attached.) 

Building Inspector, Mark Stutzman, gave his report for the month of April 2006.  Mr. Stutzman told the Council he had received a few permit applications this month and is anticipating one for a proposed short form subdivision.

Fire Chief, Brent Milton, reported to the Mayor and Council that the Fire Department had received a grant for $850 for a portable drop tank and new fire boots.

Paul Segner attended the meeting to discuss the concession stand at the ballfield.  Mr. Segner said he recently sent letters regarding this to the Mayor and Council, and upon recommendation from the Mayor, and with input from members of the baseball and softball committees, has put together a diagram and gathered figures for a new concession stand.  The proposed building is a 24 ft. by 24 ft. building with a 12 ft. canopy and roof extending out for a picnic/shelter area.  This proposal includes two restrooms (10 ft. x 8 ft.), and equipment storage (7 ft. x 8 ft.).  Mr. Segner said there is a tournament scheduled to be held here in July 2007, and having a new concession stand up and ready for this event would be greatly appreciated.  After discussion, Mr. Segner thanked the Mayor and Council for their consideration regarding this matter.  No action was taken at this time.  (Copy of this proposal attached.)

Mr. Segner took this time to thank the Council for their input and involvement in acquiring the pitching/batting cage at the ballfield.  He said this has been a tremendous asset to the program, as well as to the community, and has been greatly appreciated. 

Mayor Horner asked if there were any objections or comments to be made at this time relating to the City of Friend purchasing real estate in the 100 block of Maple Street (west 40 feet of lot 139, Original Town, City of Friend, Saline County, Nebraska).  No objections or comments were brought to the Council.  Councilman Weber made a motion to close the public hearing relating to the City of Friend purchasing real estate in the 100 block of Maple Street (west 40 feet of lot 139, Original Town, City of Friend, Saline County, Nebraska), which motion was seconded by Councilman Tuttle.  On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Tuttle, Weber, Schrock.  Nays none.  Public hearing was now closed at 7:43 p.m.

Mayor Horner introduced the following resolution.

RESOLUTION NO. 06-05

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY.

WHEREAS, the City of Friend is in the process of assisting in the re-development of certain real estate within the 100 block of Maple Street in the City of Friend, and in this process is acquiring by gift or purchase real estate deemed necessary for re-development purposes; and,

WHEREAS, the City has negotiated with a landowner for the purchase of certain real estate deemed necessary for these purposes; and,

WHEREAS, a public hearing has been held to receive comments from the citizens of the City as to the necessity and need for such purchase; and,

WHEREAS, the City Council wishes, after public hearing, to authorize the purchase of the real estate upon the terms and conditions tentatively agreed to between the City and the landowner;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

1. The City Council hereby authorizes the purchase of the real estate legally described as follows:

The West 40 feet of Lot 139, Original Town, City of Friend, Saline County, Nebraska

from the landowner, Johnny Copelin, for a purchase price of $2,500, with 2005 property taxes paid by Seller, 2006 property taxes pro-rated to closing, and all remaining closing charges to be paid by the City. The Mayor is authorized to execute all contracts and other documents deemed necessary to complete the purchase of this real estate.

Motion to approve Resolution No. 06-05 authorizing the purchase of certain real property, The West 40 feet of Lot 139, Original Town, City of Friend, Saline County, Nebraska, was made by Councilman Schrock.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Fricke.  On roll call voting aye, Weber, Tuttle, Schrock, Fricke.  Nays none.  The Mayor declared Resolution No. 06-05 adopted.

Bill White, Seward County Commissioner, submitted a letter to the Mayor and Council regarding an expansion of the Milford Landfill.  Mr. White requested in his letter that if the Council supports this expansion, they take affirmative action at the Friend City Council Meeting and forward a copy of the minutes reflecting this affirmative action to him.  Councilman Weber made a motion to support G&P Development’s efforts to expand the landfill south of Milford, Nebraska.  This motion was seconded by Councilman Schrock.  On roll call voting aye, Tuttle, Fricke, Schrock, Weber.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Mayor Horner said he had been in contact with a gentleman from the landfill regarding the cleanup of the Maple Street fire rubble.  This gentleman said he would reduce the dumping fee 50% for this project.  The City would simply need to contact him and provide the name of the contractor(s) that would be dumping debris from this site and he would give a 50% discount to them.

A contribution request of $2226 from the Saline County Eldercare Coalition for their 2006-2007 fiscal year was submitted to the Council.  This contribution request for local support will be used to maintain the level of services currently available to Saline County residents.  Councilman Tuttle made a motion to approve the request for a contribution of $2226 from the City of Friend to the Saline County Eldercare for their fiscal year 2006-2007.    This motion was seconded by Councilman Weber.  On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Tuttle, Weber, Fricke.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Mayor Horner said the city-wide cleanup was this Saturday.  He said the City has paid the dumping fees in the past of approximately $200, and asked if the Council supported paying the fees again this year.  Councilman Schrock motioned approval for the City to pay for the dumping fees (approximately $200) for the 2006 City-wide Cleanup Day.  This motion was seconded by Councilman Fricke.  On roll call voting aye, Weber, Fricke, Schrock, Tuttle.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Discussion was had regarding the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with rural fire protection districts of the State of Nebraska to create a mutual finance organization as authorized by the Nebraska Municipal Finance Assistance Act.  This mutual finance organization shall be known as the Saline County Rural Fire Protection Mutual Finance Organization.  Motion to enter into this agreement was made by Councilman Fricke, seconded by Councilman Schrock.  On roll call voting aye, Tuttle, Weber, Schrock, Fricke.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

Meeting date for the July 2006 Friend City Council Meeting was discussed.  It was decided to hold this meeting on Monday, July 3, 2006, as the regular scheduled meeting date falls on the Fourth of July.

With no further business to come before the Council, motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Tuttle, seconded by Weber.  On roll call voting aye, Fricke, Weber, Schrock, Tuttle.  Nays none.  Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.