08/04/2020 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
August 4, 2020
Mayor Knoke 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.
Mayor Judith Knoke presided, and City Clerk Kim Goossen recorded the proceedings. The following Councilmembers were present: Shane Stutzman, Stan Krause, Harlan Schrock, and Phyllis Ryan. 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 Knoke 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.
Mayor Knoke announced that public comments would be received at this time. Kent Rinne and Alex Bell attended the meeting stating their interest in purchasing The Tipsy Cow and what would be required to put up a permanent beer garden. It was recommended Mr. Rinne contact Mark Stutzman to discuss building options.
Kristen Milton reported on behalf of the Pool Project committee. Milton reported the movie event in the park went well and gave a big thank you to public works department for getting the park ready. Kristen states they will be doing progress meetings and wanted to know a list of who want to participate. The first meeting will be held on August 27 via Zoom. Milton reported the asbestos report came back negative and that has been given to Carrothers. Demolition is scheduled to begin end of August. Plans for construction will be sent to the State end of this week and can take 2-3 weeks for approval. During this time, rebar drawings will be completed and approved; every piece of rebar will be ordered, cut and delivered. Plans will be sent to sub-contractors to receive quotes from them.
Motioned by Krause, seconded by Stutzman, to approve the Minutes of the July 7, 2020 regular meeting, and the July 2020 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the July 7, 2020 regular meeting minutes, and the July 2020 Treasurer's Report, Schrock, Ryan, Stutzman, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motioned by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to approve the Friend Community Healthcare Systems Financial Reports for June and July 2020. On roll call voting aye Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Ryan – abstain. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock, that payroll and claims be approved after review, 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, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: July Payroll, 28,799.99; Ameritas, 2,333.33; EFTPS, 8,797.02; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 1,408.18; Baker & Taylor Books, su 33.39; Barco Municipal Products, su 785.39; Baxter Chry Dodge Jeep Ram, su 29,685.00; Black Hills Energy, se 157.72; BlueCross BlueShield of NE, se 6312.84; Border States, su 105.08; Brother's Equipment, su 10.51; Bruning Law, fe 5200.50; Center Point Large Print, su 88.68; Jacob & Johnathan Clouse, fe 450.00; CRA, 3506.31; Creative Product, su 542.88; Culligan, se & su 74.25, Danko, su & se 4374.38; Diode, fe 46.45; Drake Refrigeration, se 147.60; Eakes, su 290.27; FES, fe 2000.00; Paul and Gail Gropp, fe 450.00; Iowa Pump Works, su 4606.94; Johnson Pharmacy, su 25.99, Jones Automotive, se 8347.87; Kaw Valley Engineering, se 4985.00; Lamp Rynearson, fe 74,100.00; Leage of NE Municipalities, fe 2271.00; Lynn Peavy, su 53.50; Rosemarie Markus, se 50.00; Midwest Labs, su 356.83; NE Public Power, se 77,478.44; NE Statewide EMS Conf, fe 2000.00; NE Power Review Board, fe 160.66; Norris Public Power, se 5571.72; Diane Odoski, re 13.91; One Call Concepts, se 13.45; Orkin, se 60.32; Popular Mechanics, su 15.00; Popular Woodworking, su 18.00; Principal Mutual Life, fe 63.12; Ray Rohrig, re 450.00; Schindler Elevator Corp, se 173.40; Seward County Independent, fe 88.47; Charles Slama, re 14.67; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1250.00; Sudrla Water Svc, se 2700.00; Richard Thompson, re 450.00; Verizon, se 95.88; Waste Connections, se 310.16; Woman’s World, su 59.60; Young's Welding, se 17.44. Total Claims Approved $281,401.14.
Discussion was had on employee timekeeping/timeclock agenda item. It was brought up to research on what the cost would be for badge specific capability and bring it to the September meeting. Motion to table agenda item Employee Timekeeping/Timeclock made by Schrock, seconded by Ryan. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on the invoices received from Sudrla Water Service regarding work done on several water main issues in town. Mayor stated according the code book, the City is responsible at the main and the homeowner responsible from the main to their home. Motioned by Stutzman, seconded by Schrock to approve paying Sudrla Water Service invoices for work performed at the main. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Ryan, Schrock, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
Billy Baugh reported on behalf of the Public Works department. Baugh reported Johnson Service will be working on Phase 2 of the sewer cleaning beginning Wednesday, August 5. Crowl Tree Service should be here by month’s end. All of depot, except for north side, has been painted and windows glazed. Discussion was had on the evergreen tree at the depot. It was suggested to find out, if this is property of the railroad and is it possible to remove the tree to replace with smaller trees and a berm. Public Works guys will work to install the new pond lights later this week and will work on the culvert project next week at Bill Bode’s house.
Police Chief Shawn Gray reported on behalf of the Friend Police Department. Gray states they are over 100 calls ahead of last year. Gray reported the new truck is up and running and the new decals have been ordered. The old vehicle has been stripped of equipment and decals, cleaned, and ready to post for sale. Gray states they are still under budget on the Capital Outlay Equipment which led him into the quotes from Jamar Technology and Laser Technology. The information from Jamar is for a data collection unit that will track how many cars, the speed and time of day. This is not an enforcement action tool it would simply provide Police Department with an area to focus and time of day. It is portable and can be used at various locations.
Motion by Schrock, seconded by Ryan, to approve the purchase of the data collection equipment from Jamar Technology. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Krause, Ryan, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Chief Gray also discussed two quotes from Laser Technology. One quote is for one handheld LiDar laser speed detection & distancing unit while the second quote would be for two units. Having two units would allow more focused, specialized activities. It was decided to hold off on the purchase of the LiDar radar units at this time. Chief Gray also discussed light up radar signs and the application process through the State. Gray will do more research on this.
There was no Building Inspector report.
Stan Krause reported on behalf of the Friend Fire Department. Krause states the Fire Department received the forestry grant he applied for at a 50% match. They will need to spend $8400 to get $4200 back. Krause reports they will be changing radio system so the grant will help purchase radios for the fire department.
Mayor Knoke gave the hospital report. Friend Community Healthcare Systems received about two million dollars to be used specifically for infection and disease control projects.
Jim Ryan presented to the Mayor and Council the Friend Community Redevelopment Authority mid-year financial report for cash received and disbursed from Tax Increment Financing. (See attached report/statement.) Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to accept and approve the mid-year financial reports and cash statements submitted by the Community Redevelopment Authority as presented for Tax Increment Financing. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Jim Ryan presented to the Mayor and Council the mid-year financial report for cash received and disbursed for the Friend Community Redevelopment Authority Occupation Tax. (See attached report/statement.) Motion was made by Krause, seconded by Ryan, to accept and approve the mid-year financial reports and cash statements submitted by the Community Redevelopment Authority as presented for the Occupation Tax from the Enhanced Employment Area. On roll call voting aye, Schrock, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
Discussion was had on nuisance properties. In accordance with City Code and Ordinances, a notice will be given to homeowner not in compliance. After the second notice is given, a citation will be issued and enforced.
Motion by Stutzman, seconded by Krause to allow Direct Deposit for Employee Payroll. On roll call voting aye, Ryan, Schrock, Krause, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman, to approve a 1% increase in the 2019-2020 funds subject to limitation (as allowable by law) for fiscal year 2020-2021. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Ryan, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Krause, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Ryan, Krause, Schrock. Nays, none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.