CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY, JUNE 5TH, 2007
As per notice in the Red Cloud Chief, the Mayor and City Council held their regular meeting at the Community Center Conference Room on Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. Members present: Mayor Ratzlaff; Council members Schultz, Olson, Sprague; Attorney Garwood; Administrator Hall; Superintendent Wood and Clerk Meline. Councilman Lambrecht was absent.
Mayor Ratzlaff stated the “Open Meetings Act” is posted on the west wall for public viewing.
First on the agenda was Tim Sutherland, Chief Operating Officer of the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool; met with the council in regards to updating of the distribution system and the power plant. He suggested finishing the 13.8 loop as originally planned back in 1970. This would help the low voltage problems. The estimated cost of this project is 1.5 million dollars. Another option is to increase the internal voltage from 2400 to 4160. This would be the least expensive option. Mr. Sutherland suggested the council obtain a preliminary study for the project. The estimated cost of such a study (analysis of the system) would be somewhere between $8,000 to $9,000. He also stated most of the poles are 30+ years old and in need of replacement. Also clearances of primary and secondary wires on the poles do not meet today’s standards. He then stated the switch gear in the outside gear shed is 50+ years old and the switch gear in the power plant for the engines and circuits were installed around 1955. Both are need of attention or replacement.
Kim Danehey-Nibbe was scheduled to meet with the council for her annual review but will be unable to meet with the council until August.
Laura Roybal met with the council to present the guidelines for the Historic Preservation Grant application. She also presented a list of homes eligible for the grants. Sprague made the motion and was seconded by Schultz to proceed with the funding for the grants. Motion carried. At this time she presented the council with a list of properties being considered for local historic designation at a Public Hearing on June 6th at 4 p.m. She then stated the South Central Economic Development District finally held their first official meeting.
Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Olson to accept the monthly report from Sheriff Disney. Motion carried.
Olson made the motion and was seconded by Sprague to approve the May minutes. Motion carried.
Sprague made the motion and was seconded by Olson to approve the financial reports and city sales tax report. Motion carried. The tax received in May for March was $8,839.77 compared to $9,908.02 for the same time period last year.
Sprague made the motion and was seconded by Olson to approve the claims submitted for payment, excluding the claim for Simmerman Electric. Motion carried.
Clerk Meline had set a tentative date, Wednesday, June 13, to meet with one of the auditors. This date will not work for two of the council members. Clerk Meline will try to set another date, preferable on a Tuesday.
At last month’s meeting, Attorney Garwood presented the council with an ordinance to require a utility service contract and provide for a lien for all utility services. The council tabled the matter to give them time to study the ordinance. The council has concerns about the owner of a property being held liable for the renter’s past due bill. After further discussion the council felt this clause should be removed. Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Olson to table this for Attorney Garwood to make the changes to the ordinance. Motion carried.
Doug Ockinga was scheduled to meet with the council pertaining to the Administrator’s performance. Ockinga was unable to attend so Mike Danehey was there in his place. He asked the council how they felt about the administrator’s performance. Sprague stated she felt he was doing a good job, getting acquainted with the people. Also stated she felt it was important for him to attend all the various local meetings. Schultz stated they were looking for a manager to get things clicking to get things running more efficiently. Also discussion as to lack of finding excess spending and cutting and finding grants. At this point it was pointed out that Red Cloud is a recipient of a share of a $600,000 grant. Laura Roybal stated Red Cloud received this grant because the officials knew Jay and his track record.
Stan Offner met with the council pertaining to a 2 wheel fire cart he is donating to the Fire Department. Originally the plan was to display the cart outside. He stated when he met with the firemen they had concerns about vandalism. The decision has been made to display the cart inside the fire hall. The firemen will build a display area for the cart. He stated he would also like a plaque listing the first charter members of the Junior Firemen.
Several members of the neighborhood cleanup group met with the council to see how the cleanup was progressing. Janet Maruhn was the spokesperson for the group. Administrator Hall stated informal letters have been mailed out asking the property owners to contact him. The next step is a formal letter sent by certified mail or personal service. Administrator Hall stated he had some personal contact also. Several properties were discussed. The council set Tuesday, June 12th at 5:30 p.m. for a special meeting to pursue this matter.
Administrator Hall asked the council if they had any questions concerning his report sent out with the agenda. A question was asked as to the contacts he made pertaining to spraying for mosquitoes. Discussion was held about certification for the spraying and that possibly for now something could be worked out with someone who is certified. He stated that per the NMPP Energy Retail Rate Survey Results that Red Cloud fell into the lowest one-third. Three individuals, Kiley Maudlin, Terry Maudlin and Brad Hajny, will be attending the Energizing Entrepreneurs meeting in Nebraska City. He also brought up the Preserve American Program that he would like Red Cloud to apply for. This program is a matching-grant that provides funding to designated Preserve America Communities to support preservation efforts through heritage tourism, education and historic preservation.
Superintendent Wood informed the council that LB199 will allow MEAN to hold 1 hour meetings via conference calls. This should cut down on the number of meetings he would have to travel for. He then gave the council some highlights from his recent meetings. Stated ACE will be giving monies back to the ACE communities this year. Two new members have been added to MEAN, Wall Lake, IA and Breda, IA. MEAN is also looking at long term resource planning and renewable energy. At the last meeting discussion was held as to cleaning of the water tower. Superintendent Wood presented two estimates: Utility Service Co. - $3,654.00 and Maguire Iron, Inc. - $5,680.00. The council would like Superintendent Wood get a clarification of what chemical is used and to obtain references before they make a decision. Only one building permit was issued since the last meeting: fence for Brad Burgess.
The council was presented with a packet from the current health insurance carrier. There is a 14 % increase from last year. Other options are included in the packet. The council will look through it and discuss at the next meeting.
Mayor Ratzlaff stated there was one employee evaluation, City Administrator Hall, and that Mr. Hall had requested his evaluation be done in open session instead of executive session. There were several concerned citizens in attendance.
Sprague stated that she feels he is doing a good job and making progress. Stated we didn’t get in the mess overnight and it takes time to fix. Olson stated he was not totally satisfied and would like to see his termination with the City of Red Cloud. Schultz stated he agreed with Olson. Felt there was no progress with the City itself but feels he is very good in economic development. Mayor Ratzlaff stated he felt Mr. Hall didn’t listen to him and there was no sufficient improvement in the past 90 days. Mr. Hall stated that he had no orientation for the job. He also stated he would ask for feed back from the council and never receive it. Felt there was no communication with the council. He also felt there have been improvements made. Several of the concerned citizens spoke in support of Mr. Hall stating they felt more time needed to be given, work through problems, better communication and that it takes time to get use to a position. This discussion went on for some time.
As there was no further business to be had and done by the Mayor and City Council, Olson made the motion and was seconded by Schultz to adjourn said meeting at 10:15 p.m. Motion carried.
684 Postmaster, utility bill postage 134.00
685 Kim Danehey Nibbe, May contract payment 870.00
859 Albert Wood, salary 1,224.36
860 Jay D. Hall, salary 1,299.47
861 Mark Simon, salary 903.50
862 Zeb Webber, salary 364.10
863 Jim Glenn, salary 633.79
864 Nick Blankenbaker, salary 626.38
865 Hayes McDole, salary 554.10
866 Arnold Merrill, salary 614.66
867 Cliff Vogel, salary 83.11
868 Sue Meline, salary 867.17
869 Debra Albers, salary 474.41
870 Sam Deisley, salary 726.70
871 Pat Long, salary 762.04
872 Verlin Paul, salary 100.43
873 Donna Lammers, salary 221.30
874 Joyce Beckman, salary 67.57
875 Virginia Welty, salary 269.80
876 Harold Mitchell, salary 70.93
953 Albert Wood, salary 1,224.36
954 Jay D. Hall, salary 1,299.47
955 Mark Simon, salary 896.52
956 Zeb Webber, salary 525.22
957 Jim Glenn, salary 633.79
958 Nick Blankenbaker, salary 626.38
959 Hayes McDole, salary 554.10
960 Arnold Merrill, salary 614.66
961 Cliff Vogel, salary 152.55
962 Sue Meline, salary 867.17
963 Debra Albers, salary 474.41
964 Sam Deisley, salary 704.70
965 Pat Long, salary 775.70
966 Verlin Paul, salary 200.86
967 Donna Lammers, salary 233.77
968 Joyce Beckman, salary 36.55
969 Harold Mitchell, salary 130.03
970 Alltel, cell phones 252.17
971 Starmark, health/life insurance 5,902.59
972 Great Plains Comm., phones 669.90
973 Presto X, exterminating services 180.13
974 Alvin P. Alms, accounting services 390.00
975 Garwood Law Office, professional services 630.50
976 NE Child Support Payment Center, garnishment 249.00
977 Ameritas, retirement contributions 1,093.80
978 Medicare, tr. for 5/16 payroll 370.80
979 Social Security, transfer for 5/16 payroll 1,585.58
980 Withholding, transfer for 5/16 payroll 811.57
981 AFLAC, insurance-payroll deducted 472.52
1005 Katy Cardinal, meter deposit refund 75.00
1006 NE Dept. of Revenue, state income tax 634.67
1007 Visionaries, ads in newsletter 35.00
1008 Johnson Audio Video Productions, down payment 572.50
1009 Business World Products, office supplies 23.75
1010 Eakes, office supplies 323.95
1011 University Subscription Service, magazine renewal 29.95
1012 Auld Public Library, reimbursements 135.89
1013 Paper Crafts, 1 yr. subscription 16.97
1014 Motor Trend, 1 yr. subscription 12.00
1015 Reminisce, 2 yr. subscription 29.98
1016 Baker & Taylor, books 297.44
1017 Kirkham Michael, NBCS Report/ 1 & 6 yr. plan 1,000.00
1018 Webster County Sheriff, May contract payment 3,463.00
1019 Electric, June tr. to cash management 1,661.70
1020 Various, June tr. to officer’s salary 650.00
1021 Various, June tr. to administrator fund 2,125.28
1022 General to Police fund 1,347.47
1023 Various, June tr. to business insurance fund 3,670.85
1024 Mid Rivers 911, June 911 user fee 200.00
1025 Kucera Disposal, trash hauling 215.50
1026 City Sales Tax, June tr. to CC reserve 408.34
1027 Fire, June tr. for cash management 386.12
1028 Electric, June tr. to bond & interest 1,320.00
1029 Sewer, June tr. to cash management sewer reserve 625.00
1030 Water, June tr. to cash management water reserve 625.00
1031 City of Red Cloud, deposit applied to final bill 99.44
1032 Adolph Kiefer & Associates, pool expense 747.45
1033 Viaero, cell phone-Administrator 49.29
1034 Allied Insurance-employee faithful performance bond 587.00
1036 Medicare, transfer for pool 6/1 payroll 29.70
1037 Social Security, transfer for pool 6/1 payroll 126.98
1038 Withholding, transfer for pool 6/1 payroll 23.97
1039 Medicare, transfer for pool 6/1 payroll 438.52
1040 Withholding, transfer for 6/1 payroll 1,040.91
1041 Social Security, transfer for 6/1 payroll 1,874.84
1042 Principal, dental insurance 500.94
1043 City of Red Cloud, deposit applied to utility bill 150.00
1044 Ameritas, retirement contribution 1,152.12
1044A St. of NE HHS Lab, water analysis 43.00
1045 NE Child Support Pymt. Center, garnishment 249.00
1045A Ace Irrigation Mfg., culvert & bands 1,169.42
1046 Farmers Coop, fuel 850.43
1046A Green Acres Mowing Service, contract mowing 1,984.00
1047 Zep Manufacturing, janitorial supplies 691.68
1047A Catherland Auto Parts, parts 145.33
1048 Western Uniform & Towel, mops & towels 141.90
1048A Midwest Turf & Irrigation, air filter 38.63
1049 Olson Auto Tech & Tire, fuel 617.62
1049A Quality Inn & Suites, lodging 72.93
1050 Farm Plan, parts 126.76
1050A Hawkins Water Treatment, hydrofluosilicic acid 340.80
1051 Village Pharmacy, office supplies 108.01
1051A B-Green Lawn Care, sprinkler repair 265.60
1052 Computer Solutions, computer repairs 51.00
1052A T & R Electric, transformer(Kenny Condo’s) 903.00
1053 Kenny’s Lumber Center, supplies 1,108.37
1053A Municipal Supply Inc., metersetters & lids 1,470.96
1054 Auld Public Library, reimbursement 266.97
1054A Jameson Painting, sandblast & paint pool 12,823.10
1055 Nebraska Life, subscription 21.00
1055A Figgins Construction, armor coating(final bill) 3,681.20
1056 Arthritis Today, subscription renewal 12.95
1057 SourceGas, natural gas service 2,453.48
1058 Albert Wood, mileage 172.66
1059 Platte Valley Communications, pager repairs 88.00
1060 Cobra Chemical Supply, pool chemicals 4,753.85
1061 Red Cloud Concrete, concrete & fill sand 184.38
1062 AT & T, toll charges 71.33
1063 Kriz Davis, meters & photo eyes 1,072.61
1064 Nebraska Rural Water Assn., dues 150.00
1065 Bladen Sand & Gravel, armor coat sand 4,173.08
1066 Red Cloud Hardware, supplies 596.08
TOTAL EXPENSES $101,032.27
_________________________________
Gary Ratzlaff, Mayor
ATTEST:_____________________________
Sue Meline, City Clerk/Treasurer
I, Sue Meline, City Clerk/Treasurer of Red Cloud, Nebraska, do hereby certify the foregoing is a true and exact copy of the proceedings had and done by the City Council on Tuesday, June 5, 2007; that all subjects included in the foregoing proceedings were contained in the agenda kept continually current and available for public inspection at the office of the Clerk; that at least one copy of reproducible material discussed at the meeting was available at the meeting for examination and copying by members of the public; that said minutes were in written form and available for copying by members of the public; that said minutes were in written form and available for public inspection within ten working days and prior to the next meeting of said body; that news media requesting notification concerning meetings of said body were provided notification of the time and place of said meeting and the subjects to be discussed at said meeting.
_____________________________
Sue Meline, City Clerk/Treasurer