CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2006
As per published notice in The Red Cloud Chief, the Mayor and City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. held at the Community Center Conference room. This meeting is a continuation of the meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 5th at which there was not a quorum of the council. Members present: Mayor Ratzlaff; Council members Schultz, Ockinga, Olson, Lambrecht; Attorney Garwood; City Administrator Hall and Clerk Meline. Superintendent Wood was absent.
As the Open Meetings Act the Mayor noted to those in attendance that the entire act is displayed on the west wall of the conference room.
The council held a discussion on the Personnel Manual. Administrator Hall presented the council with a copy of recommendation from Attorney Gail S. Perry. She recommends removing the cumbersome procedures that limit the usability of the manual as well as the job descriptions. This should be maintained separate from the manual. Per a Supreme Court decision all earned but unused vacation pay must be paid out. The section pertaining to telephone/internet use has been relaxed from the original manual as long as it does not interfere with work or disrupt the workplace. Also using the phone/computer for business or financial gain is prohibited. She also stated she had reworked the military leave a bit. After further discussion, Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Lambrecht to approve the changes to the Personnel Manual. Motion carried.
Bill Anders, Virgil Zade, Harriet Zade, Norma June Peterson and Barb Wiselogel met with the council in regards to a recent notice about cats published in the Visionary newsletter. Harriet Zade was the spokesperson for the group. She also read a couple of letters from those unable to attend the meeting. The council assured the group it is not their intention to pick up their pets. The problem is the stray cat population. The group and council working together came up with possible good remedies to the problem. It was the consensus of the group and the council to hold a work session to further pursue ways to control the problem.
At the November meeting Jeff Reicks had met with the council to give them the first option to purchase his property up by the old meat pack plant. After a brief discussion, Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Olson thanking Jeff for giving them first option but at this time they feel the land would be of no benefit to the city. Motion carried.
Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Ockinga to approve the minutes from the last meeting. Motion carried.
Olson made the motion and was seconded by Schultz to approve the November financial reports. Motion carried.
Olson made the motion and was seconded by Schultz to approve the claims for payment. Motion carried. These will be listed in full at the end of the minutes.
Sheriff Disney was in attendance. The council asked if he had any questions. The council thanked Sheriff Disney for the job he and the deputies are doing.
Next Administrator Hall brought the council up to date on the repairs being made to the #2 engine at the power plant. He stated there were more problems than just the governor but hopefully all repairs would be completed soon.
A copy of a letter from GSI was presented to the council pertaining to the Cather Foundation plans on renovating five contiguous business bays on Main Street, the Moon Block Building. The purpose of the letter was regarding any environmental impacts the council may identify for the proposed project pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. The only concern the council expressed was what would happen to the existing businesses during construction. The council would also like to see the plans for the renovation.
Next a letter from Sidney Strickland and Associates was received pertaining to the abandonment of 8.41 miles of railroad line near Red Cloud. As part of the environmental report, BNSF needs to know whether or not the proposed action is consistent with local land use plans and if there are any alternate public uses for the corridor such as a highway relocation project and/or recreational trail. Since this is well outside the city limits the council felt this required not action by the council.
Plans for the proposed airport terminal and drive were presented to the council for their approval. It was noted that no municipal funds are needed for this project. Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Ockinga to approve the plans as presented. Motion carried.
Next a company submitting a state bid for road work north of Cowles had inquired about the cost of purchasing water from Red Cloud. They would need 920,000 gallons. Administrator Hall stated they are willing to pay $5.00 per thousand gallons. The council stated a tapping fee should also be collected.
Administrator Hall presented the council a copy of the strategic goals and issues laid out in the 1999 Comprehensive Plan with goals set at 2 yrs., 5 yrs., 10 yrs., and 20 yrs. The council went through noting what has been accomplished and what should be considered as priority.
The council held some discussion as to the fact they would like to have Administrator Hall attend the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool meetings.
Attorney Garwood stated the condemned property at 830 North Seward Street is in the process of being sold and situations concerning the deteriorating property will be handled.
Copies of three building permits were part of the agenda packet. The permits issued since the last meeting were: sign for Jared Lewis, chain link fence and wood fence for Kris Holling at two different locations.
Ockinga made the motion and was seconded by Schultz to approve the following nominations to the City Boards: Kipp Pettersen and Barb Wiselogel – Library Board; Monica Schmitz, Jan Wilson, Laura Roybal and Helen Mathew – Historic Preservation Commission; Rex Paul, Tony Hilburn – Planning Commission; Paula Hammond, Virgil Goos, Mike Delka – Zoning Board of Adjustment; Rita Reicks, Don Miner – Cemetery Board; Rollie Redeker – Housing Authority; Darrel Caraway, Anna Eberly, Teri Theobald, Mike Kenny, Laura Roybal, Gary Thompson, Don Theobald, Steve Wilson – Economic Development Committee. Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Olson to combine the Tree Board/Park Board with the following: Jim Fitzgibbon, Janet Maruhn, Kim Nibbe, Dan Albers with Ellen Hoffman as the alternate. All motions carried.
Olson made the motion and was seconded by Lambrecht to move the date of the January 2007 meeting from the 2nd to the 9th. Motion carried.
Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Olson to pass Resolution #471: Be it resolved by the Mayor and City Council of Red Cloud, Nebraska, that alcoholic liquor, including beer and wine, may be consumed on the premises of the Red Cloud Interlocal Fire Hall located at 137 East 5th Avenue from December 5th, 2006 to December 4, 2007. Motion carried.
Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Olson to approve Resolution #472: Be it resolved by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Red Cloud, Nebraska, that on Sunday, January__, 2007 an “Employee Recognition Dinner: will be held at the Palace Lounge at 6:30 p.m. The date has not been determined as of yet. Motion carried.
Next the council turned their attention to the portion of the agenda termed “Old Business”. Olson made the motion and was seconded by Lambrecht to remove the utility rates. Motion carried. Olson made the motion and was seconded by Ockinga to come up with the top five to ten properties deemed as nuisance properties and put them on the January agenda and remove from old business. Motion carried. It was also stated to remove the fee schedule for building permits as this will be handled along with the brochures Administrator Hall is preparing.
Administrator Hall informed the council that the Joan Reznicek requested a cross walk be marked at 3rd and Cherry. After granting permission for this he found the council needs to pass a resolution for the creation of the cross walk. This will be prepared for their consideration at the January meeting.
Mayor Ratzlaff stated Administrator Hall and he had attended a bio-diesel meeting at Ord today. They both stated it was a very informative meeting and that there was a good contingency of individuals from Red Cloud and Webster County at the meeting.
Ockinga proposed a change in the annual compensation for the Mayor and City Council. Currently the mayor receives $1,500 annually, while the council members receive $1,200 annually. Ockinga proposed the mayor receive $175 per meeting, while the council would receive $125 per meeting. The mayor and council members would not receive pay for a missed meeting. This proposal pertains only to the council and mayor, not any other compensated positions. Ockinga made the motion and was seconded by Schultz to approve these changes. Motion carried. Attorney Garwood will draw up the necessary paperwork for the January meeting.
At this time Mayor Ratzlaff presented Doug Ockinga with a key to the city and to thank him for his service. Ockinga replaced Brad Burgess on the council in October of 2003. The rest of the council members also thanked Ockinga for his service. Ockinga stated he had enjoyed serving on the council.
Ockinga made the motion and was seconded by Lambrecht to close the old business and to open the meeting to new business.
Clerk Meline then proceeded to swear in Gary Ratzlaff, Fred Schultz and Barbara Sprague to the council.
Mayor Ratzlaff nominated Fred Schultz to remain as President of the Council. Lambrecht made the motion and was seconded by Olson to approve this nomination. Motion carried.
Sprague made the motion and was seconded by Schultz to name Ron Lambrecht and Ron Olson to the Finance Committee. Motion carried.
As there was no further business to be had and done by the Mayor and Council, Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Lambrecht to adjourn said meeting at 9:53 p.m. Motion carried. The next meeting of the council will be Tuesday, January 9, 2007.
The following is a complete list of the claims approved for payment:
PAID OUT OF MULTIPLE FUNDS:
Ameritas, retirement contribution for 11/16 payroll 1,120.77
ALLTEL, cell phones 229.84
Medicare, transfer for 11/16 payroll 366.92
Social Security, transfer for 11/16 payroll 1,568.94
Withholding, transfer for 11/16 payroll 849.82
Starmark, health/life insurance 5,902.59
Presto X, exterminating services 167.67
AFLAC, cancer insurance-payroll deducted 431.42
Great Plains Comm., telephones 665.43
Jay Hall, reimbursement for decorations, etc. 991.83
Withholding, transfer for 12/1 payroll 877.83
Social Security, transfer for 12/1 payroll 1,491.58
Medicare, transfer for 12/1 payroll 348.82
NE Dept. of Revenue, November state income tax 735.32
Principal, dental insurance 500.94
Kucera Disposal, trash hauling 215.50
Various, December tr. to business insurance 3,670.85
Various, December tr. to Administrator 2,125.28
Various, December tr. to officer’s salary 650.00
Petty Cash, extra postage, supplies 65.04
Ameritas, retirement contribution for 12/1 1,088.35
Farm Plan, parts 166.97
Farmers Coop, fuel 474.09
Western Uniform & Towel, mops & towels 139.90
Red Cloud Hardware, supplies 115.48
Chief Electric, CC & Park lights 2,379.65
Kenny’s Lumber Center, lumber & supplies 478.94
Olson Auto Tech & Tire, fuel 156.86
Kinder Morgan, natural gas service 2,342.37
Village Pharmacy, office supplies 32.20
AT & T, toll charges 66.28
ELECTRIC
MEAN, purchased power for October 35,137.51
Albert Wood, mileage to meetings 158.42
Electric, December transfer to bond & interest 1,320.00
Electric, December payback to cash management 1,661.70
Jared’s Auto Expert, fuel filter 68.11
Wesco, light meters 1,160.50
Hydraulic Equipment Service, bucket liner 389.08
Quality Inn & Suites, lodging 74.05
Kriz Davis, weather heads & conduit 56.99
WAPA, purchased power for November 4,369.22
Salaries 10,042.44
WATER
Water, December transfer to cash management reserve 625.00
State of NE HHS Lab, water analysis 52.00
Nebraska Rural Water Assn., schooling 75.00
Municipal Supply Inc., water meters & supplies 1,725.24
Great Plains One Call, line locates 10.93
Hawkins Inc., hydrofluosilicic acid 275.30
SEWER
Sewer, December transfer to cash management sewer reserve 625.00
Salaries 2,862.50
MISC. GENERAL
Red Cloud Chief, legal printing 420.72
Personnel Concepts, NE & Federal Law Posters 84.85
Postmaster, postage on utility bills 162.32
Postmaster, 1st class presort fee for utility bills 160.00
Heritage Hwy. Assn., membership dues 10.00
Keep Nebraska Beautiful, membership dues 50.00
Computer Solutions, backup server license 149.00
Eakes, office supplies 389.16
General to police fund 1,347.47
Webster County Treasurer, property taxes 21.46
Garwood Law Office, professional services 270.00
The National Arbor Day, annual membership dues 15.00
HIGHWAY/STREET
NE Child Support Payment Center, garnishment 188.00
Catherland Auto Parts, parts 303.27
Rose Equipment, sweeper parts 148.00
McDole Welding Shop, welding rod for stock 15.00
Salaries 3,324.62
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Olsson Assoc., blight study – proposed ethanol plant 297.05
Visionaries, payment for ads 35.00
Loup Basin RC & D, registration fees 50.00
Amy Springer, economic development grant 1,000.00
John English, economic development grant 1,000.00
Meadow Creek, economic development grant 650.00
FIRE
Mid Rivers 911, December user fee 200.00
Platte Valley Comm., pagers, etc. 1,706.30
Fyr Tek, bunker gear 798.69
Kenny’s Lumber Center, materials for Fire Hall 32.55
Island Supply Co., cylinder rent 23.40
LIBRARY
Doubleday Large Print, books 39.98
Baker & Taylor, books 394.23
Salaries 581.38
COMMUNITY CENTER
Kim Danehey-Nibbe, contract labor 800.00
Pinpoint, cable TV 45.03
Dial Heating, service call on heater 60.00
PARK
Superior Outdoor Power, repair on trimmer 65.77
Salaries 246.12
ADMINISTRATOR
Viaero, cell phone 29.44
Salaries 2,611.81
FIRE TRUCK BONDS
Principal and interest payment on bonds 6,284.50
POLICE
November police contract payment 3,463.00
CITY SALES TAX
December transfer to community center reserve 408.34
COMPOST
Salaries 301.43
OFFICER’S SALARY
Sue Meline, Clerk/Treasurer & cemetery records 1,700.00
Ron Olson, Councilman 1,200.00
Ron Lambrecht, Councilman 1,200.00
Doug Ockinga, Councilman 1,200.00
Fred Schultz, President of the Council 1,200.00
Gary Ratzlaff, Mayor 1,500.00
TOTAL EXPENSES $127,289.36
Gary Ratzlaff, Mayor
ATTEST: Sue Meline, City Clerk