11/03/2020 Regular Meeting
FRIEND CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES-REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 3, 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: Stan Krause, Harlan Schrock, and Shane Stutzman. 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 the Oath of Office would be given to Jeremy Collier. Richard Smith attended the meeting regarding publication notice for the council vacancy position. Mayor Knoke informed Mr. Smith that after consulting with City Attorney Katie Spohn and legal counsel from the Nebraska League of Municipalities, proper notice was provided by posting notice of the vacancy in three places around town.
Mayor Knoke announced that it was time to open the public hearing to receive comments for the One and Six Year Road and Street Plan for Friend. Motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock, to open the public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments relating to the One and Six Year Road and Street Plan for Friend. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Schrock and Krause. Nays none. Motion carried. Public hearing opened at 7:07 p.m.
Councilman Krause recommended that the City include future street improvements for Second, Fifth and Sixth Streets in the One and Six Year Plan. No other comments relating to the One and Six Year Road and Street Plan were offered.
Motioned by Schrock, seconded by Krause, to approve the Minutes of the October 6, 2020 Regular and October 22, 2020 Special Meeting, and the October 2020 Treasurer's Report as presented and file same. On roll call voting aye to approve the October 6, 2020 Regular and October 22, 2020 Special Meeting and the October 2020 Treasurer's Report, Stutzman, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motioned by Krause, seconded by Schrock, to approve the Friend Community Healthcare Systems Financial Reports for September 2020. On roll call voting aye Stutzman, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Krause, seconded by Stutzman, 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, Schrock, Stutzman, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried.
The claims approved were as follows: October Payroll, 26,526.80; Ameritas, 2,773.31; EFTPS, 8,408.45; NE Dept of Rev SWH, 702.82; Baker & Taylor Books, su 67.32; Bartels Body Shop, se 90.75; Black Hills Energy, se 301.98; BlueCross BlueShield of NE, se 7607.17; Border States, su 608.61; Carrothers Construction, fe 259,868.00; Center Point Large Print, su 88.68; Jacob & Johnathan Clouse, fe 450.00; CRA, 1547.17; Computer Concepts, su 53.51; Core & Main, su 784.00; Crete Ace Hardware, su 10,800.00; Culligan, se & su 240.25; Diode, fe 46.45; Dollar General, su 62.40; Eakes, se & su 1487.09; First Wireless, su 62.00; Gale, su 44.98; General Fire & Safety, se 102.25; Lamp Rynearson, fe 19,500.00; Lothrop Animal Clinic, fe 86.00; Mastiff Systems, se 675.00; NE Public Health Environ Lab, se 46.00; NE Public Power, se 60,352.25; Norris Public Power, se 5302.44; Diane Odoski, re 114.80; One Call Concepts, se 15.76; Orkin, se 60.32; Principal Mutual Life, fe 63.12; Qwik 6, su 1076.89; Sargent Drilling, se 280.00; Seward County Independent, fe 172.73; Marvin Slepicka, fe 1250.00; Visa, se 899.62; Waste Connections, se 310.16; Darla Welch, fe 450.00; White Electric, su 46.24. Total Claims Approved $413,425.32.
Mayor Knoke read a note, received from Nebraska Rural Water Association, thanking the City of Friend for the $500 donation to their equipment fund.
Mr. David Kraus attended the meeting to discuss further details of the 30x48 greenhouse that Friend Public School wishes to build. The school is looking to put this on the same lot as the newer garage. Tom Clouse stated he would like it to not encroach the north property line. It is Council opinion that the school will be able to proceed with this under a special use permit.
Christy Svehla and Jen Stutzman were at the meeting to discuss plans and ideas for Friend’s 150th Celebration. The initial thought for this special celebration will be to incorporate it into the 4th of July weekend activities. Some ideas the committee has are: a farmer’s market, vendor fair, parade, live music at the country club, fishing and sand volleyball tournaments as well as pickleball and softball. The committee would also like to have a community church service on Sunday, along with presentation of the Quilts of Valor in the San Carlo room. Ms. Svehla stated it will take involvement from everyone to make this a true community event.
Ms. Dorothy Hamilton attended the meeting to seek direction on the property behind her house on Fifth Street. She would like to sell a portion and wanted to know her next steps on being able to get water and sewer to that parcel. Council recommended she discuss further plans with the Planning Commission.
Tom Clouse asked if he could request help from the Public Works department with assistance in locating the shut-off for the water line to his houses off Highway 6. Billy said he would look at when their schedule would allow the guys to help out.
Kristen Milton was in attendance to discuss a Change Order for the pool. The Pool Committee is requesting to extend the deck portion on the south side of the pool at an approximate cost of $3,871. This will be discussed again at the December meeting. Ms. Milton said that the contractors are still confident with their timeline to finish by next summer.
Mayor Knoke presented for the third of three readings, Ordinance No. 20-767.
ORDINANCE NO. 20-767
AN ORDINANCE TO GRANT A SUBDIVISION OF LOT 8, BLOCK 2 JJ AINSWORTH’S ADDITION, in THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
WHEREAS, The Municipal Code of the City of Friend permits the subdivision of lots in the M-1 Commercial District and there is currently no minimum size of lots for said District; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council find subdivision of Lot 8, Block 2 JJ Ainsworth’s addition is in the public interest and does not nullify the intent and purpose of the comprehensive plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIEND, NEBRASKA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That subdivision of Lot 8, Block 2 JJ Ainsworth’s addition consistent with the plans submitted to the Planning Commission at its August 18, 2020 meeting.
Section 2. That all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby specifically repealed.
Section 3. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, or word of this Ordinance hereby adopted be declared for any reason to be invalid, it is the intent of the Mayor and Council of the City of Friend, Nebraska, that it would have passed all other portions of this Ordinance independent of the elimination hereof of any such portion as may be declared invalid.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take full force and effect beginning on, and continuing thereafter, the date of its passage, approval, and publication or posting as required by law.
Motion acknowledging the third of three readings on proposed Ordinance No. 20-767, was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Motion to approve proposed Ordinance No. 20-767 was made by Stutzman, seconded by Schrock. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Schrock, Stutzman. Nays none. The passage and adoption of said ordinance, having been concurred and by a majority of all Members of the City Council, Ordinance Number 20-767 was adopted this 3rd day of November 2020.
Mayor Knoke announced that it was time to close the public hearing to receive comments for the six year road and street plan. Motion was made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman to close the public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments relating to the One and Six Year Plan for City Improvements for Friend. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Mayor Knoke presented and read by title proposed Resolution #20-14
RESOLUTION #20-14
WHEREAS, the City Street Superintendent has prepared and presented a One- and Six- Year Street Improvement Plan for the City of Friend, Nebraska, and
WHEREAS, a public meeting was held on the third (3rd) day of November, 2020, to present this plan and there were no objections to said plan;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Mayor and City Council of Friend, Nebraska, that the plans and data as furnished are hereby in all things accepted and adopted.
Motion was made by Krause, seconded by Schrock to approve Resolution #20-14. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Schrock, Krause. Nays none. Motion carried. Resolution #20-14 was passed and approved this 3rd day of November, 2020.
Motion made by Schrock, seconded by Stutzman to approve the purchase of time clocks through Crown Security. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Stutzman, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
Councilman Schrock recommended that Council look further into what Sparq Data can provide that would encompass all of what the City would like to see as far as electronic meetings. Mayor Knoke recommended cancellation of Eakes doc Mgt program effective immediately.
Discussion was had regarding the two lots for sale in the Palky Addition. Mr. Palky informed the City that he has a very interested buyer in Lot 1 and would like to know if the City is still interested in purchasing that along with Outlot A. The Council determined they did not wish to pursue the purchase of Lot 1 and would let that go to the interested buyer. Continued discussion will be held regarding the purchase of Outlot A.
Oath of Office was read and administered to incoming council member Jeremy Collier.
Mayor Knoke reported on behalf of the Friend Community Healthcare System. Darrell Eastin reported that the building site plan was not approved at the Planning Commission meeting as there were still questions regarding the plans. These questions will be addressed and scheduled for another meeting with the Planning Commission.
Stan Krause reported on behalf of the Friend Volunteer Fire Department. Krause states one of the trucks will be out of service for about a week to have repair work done on the pump.
Building Inspector, Mark Stutzman, reported he was approached by Dave Nickel regarding Doc Huff’s building that sits on a portion of Nickel’s property. Nickel cannot obtain a clean title to sell his property unless this issue is resolved. Stutzman recommends that Huff and Nickel discuss options toward a solution.
No Police report.
Billy Baugh reported on behalf of the Public Works department. Items he reported on included the following:
-set fee for hook-up at the park at $15 per day;
-look at putting up guard rails on the east side of the alley by the Congregational Church;
-removed the non-working oven from the Grange and installed a new one;
-stated they have sold additional old, unused equipment;
-discussed purchase of pickup from Nebraska Federal Surplus Property for Public Works department
Motion by Stutzman, seconded by Schrock to approve the Public Works department purchase a pickup at a cost of $18,500 and a trailer for the mini-X at a cost of $7,500. On roll call voting aye, Krause, Schrock, Stutzman, Collier. Nays none. Motion carried.
Stan Krause attended the last Saline/Seward County Solid Waste Management meeting. He reports that due to an extreme decrease in funds, this Committee needs to look at other options for recycling reimbursement. Council will continue discussion of this at a later meeting.
After discussion regarding the invoice from Brother’s Equipment on work done by Sudrla on the building uptown, motion by Stutzman, seconded by Krause to pay half of the bill. On roll call voting aye, Collier, Schrock, Krause, Stutzman. Nays none. Motion carried.
Chief Gray was not in attendance at the meeting, but provided Council with his recommendation of a $1.00/hour wage increase for Officer Lombardo. After discussion, motion by Schrock, seconded by Krause to approve an increase of $0.35/hour for Dominic Lombardo. On roll call voting aye, Stutzman, Collier, Krause, Schrock. Nays none. Motion carried.
No further business to come before the City Council, motion was made by Krause, seconded by Stutzman, to adjourn the meeting. On roll call voting aye, Collier, Schrock, Stutzman, Krause. Nays, none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m.