CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY, MAY 8TH, 2007
As per notice in the Red Cloud Chief, the Mayor and City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Said meeting was held in the Red Cloud Community Center Conference Room. Members present: Mayor Ratzlaff; Council members Schultz, Lambrecht, Olson, Sprague; Attorney Garwood; City Administrator Hall; Superintendent Wood and Clerk Meline.
Mayor Ratzlaff stated the “Open Meeting Act” is posted on the wall for public viewing.
Before the meeting began, Administrator Hall introduced Megan Boyd to the council who has been hired as the manager of the swimming pool.
First on the agenda was Kim Danehey-Nibbe with a report from the Community Center but she did not make the meeting.
Liz Rasser met with the council in regards to the Starke Round Barn east of town. The Rasser family, owner of the barn, would like to restore and preserve the barn. She stated they would like to apply for a TDI(Tourism Development Initiative) Grant. This grant has to be administered by a local government entity. The entity can claim an administrative fee for this grant. She also wondered if it would be possible to set up with the city for individual &/or organizations to make tax deductible donations for the project. Attorney Garwood stated one possible way would be if the barn would fall under the Conservation Easement Provisions. The council would like her to meet with the County Commissioners about this project. However, it was the consensus of the council that if Attorney Garwood found a way in which the city could legally collect donations for the project they would consider it at that time.
Leroy and Janet Maruhn along with a number of concerned citizens met with the council to express their concerns about the appearance of many unsightly properties around town, especially around the football field and the Elementary School. Leroy read a couple of letters from concerned citizens unable to attend the meeting. There was a lengthy discussion about the problem. The council stated they are also concerned about the problem but there are legal steps that need to be taken. Administrator Hall stated the first step was his articles in the newspaper to make the public aware of the problem. Now the next step is to contact the property owner(s) by letter &/or personal contact making them aware of the problem. If the owner(s) take no action then the next step is for the council to pass a resolution declaring the property a nuisance with a deadline to comply and allowing them a hearing with the council. The last and final step is to take the property owner(s) to court. Administrator Hall stated he most likely will do both a letter and make personal contact with the owner(s).
Sheriff Disney had submitted a monthly written report for the council. Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Lambrecht to accept the report. Motion carried.
Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Sprague to approve the April meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Sprague made the motion and was seconded by Schultz to approve the April financial reports. Motion carried. The City Sales Tax was $6,527.21 compared to $6,921.35 for the same time period last year.
Sprague made the motion and was seconded by Olson to approve the claims for payment. Motion carried. These will be published in full at the end of the minutes.
Next was Resolution #477, appointing a representative and alternate to NMPP Council, MEAN Management Committee, MEAN Board of Directors and Ace Board of Directors. After a lengthy discussion was held as to the importance of these Boards and meetings, Sprague made the motion and was seconded by Olson to pass Resolution #477: Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved by the City Council of the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska, that: 1. Such City be and hereby is a member of the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool. 2. The City Council of the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska, does hereby appoint Albert Wood as the representative of the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska, to the Member’s Council of the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool. 3. The City Council of the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska, does hereby appoint Jay Hall as the alternate representative of the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska, to the Member’s Council of the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool. Whereas, the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska, is a part to the Electrical Resource Pool Agreement and, pursuant to the terms of such Agreement, it is the responsibility of the City of Red Cloud to designate a representative and alternate representative to the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska Management Committee provided for under the terms of said Agreement. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska, that: 1. The City Clerk is hereby directed to give written notice to the Municipal energy Agency of Nebraska of the appointment of Albert Wood as representative to said MEAN Management Committee. 2. The City Clerk is hereby directed to give written notice to the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska of the appointment of Jay Hall as alternate representative to said MEAN Management Committee. This is to certify that the City Council of the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska duly appointed Albert Wood to serve as director to represent the City of Red Cloud on the Board of Directors of the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. The appointment will run for a term of three (3) years with the powers and duties incident to such office. This certificate is issued in compliance with the Municipal Cooperative Financing Act contained in the Nebraska Revised Statues 18-2401 et. Seq. (1987) This is to certify that the City Council of the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska duly appointed Jay Hall to serve as alternate director to represent the City of Red Cloud on the Board of Directors of the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. The appointment will run for a term of three (3) years with the powers and duties incident to such office. This certificate is issued in compliance with the Municipal Cooperative Act contained in the Nebraska Revised Statures 18-2401 et. seq. (1987) Whereas, the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska, is a party to the Interlocal Agreement creating the Public Alliance for Community Energy and, pursuant to the terms of said Agreement, it is the responsibility of the City to designate a representative of the City of Red Cloud to the Public Alliance for Community Energy Board of Directors provided for under the terms of said Agreement. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Red Cloud, that 1. The City Clerk is hereby directed to give written notice to the Public Alliance for Community Energy of the appointment of Albert Wood as the City’s representative to said Board of Directors. 2. The City Clerk is hereby directed to give written notice to the Public Alliance for Community Energy of the appointment of Jay Hall as the City’s alternate representative to said Board of Directors. This is to certify that the appointment set out above were approved by the City Council of the City of Red Cloud, State of Nebraska, at their meeting on May 8th, 2007. Motion carried.
Attorney Garwood presented Resolution #478: Resolution Terminating Notice of Condemnation. Whereas, the Resolution Condemning Buildings on the following described real estate, to wit: Lots Eight(8), Nine(9) and Ten(10), Block (2), Miner’s Subdivision of Annex Lot Twenty-seven(27) by Ordinance to Red Cloud, Webster County, Nebraska, commonly known as 213 North Walnut Street, AND Lots Sixteen(16), Seventeen(17) and Eighteen(18), Block Eight(8), Smith & Moore’s Addition to Red Cloud, Webster County, Nebraska, commonly known as 830 North Seward Street, owned by Dorothy Lang, a single person, was duly filed for record on July 12, 2004, in Book 2004, page 1340, of the records of Webster County, Nebraska; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the above described Resolution Condemning Buildings be canceled and this resolution be recorded to release the property from the requirements and liability arising from said Resolution. Motion carried.
Next the council discussed an ordinance that would amend Section 3-405 of the Red Cloud Code to require a utility service contract and provide for a lien for all utility services. After some discussion the council decided they would like to table this to give them time to look over the ordinance and contracts.
Sprague made the motion and was seconded by Lambrecht to pass Resolution #479: Be It Resolved by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Red Cloud, Nebraska, that the “Moon Block” owned by the Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation, and described as follows: The South 3.5 feet of Lot 3 and all of Lots 4,5,6, 7 and 8, Block 5, Original Town of Red Cloud, Webster County, Nebraska; is a necessary adjunct to the general community redevelopment program of the City and; Further Resolved that a part of the redevelopment plan of the City involves the owner’s repair and re-construction of the buildings on said land, to include taxable business space and residential apartments, and such plan will contain a provision for dividing ad valorem taxes as provided in Nebraska R.R.S. 18-2147(1). Motion carried.
Administrator Hall informed the council Zeb Webber was working 8 hour shifts this week and does not require back surgery. He also stated the city has obtained a Water Security Grant to install a new chain link fence around the South Wells, North of town. Street paving has begun and nearing completion. Thirty blocks are being done this year. Administrator Hall asked the council if they would like to leave the $30,000 designated for brick street repair or use it to pave more roads. It was the consensus of the council to leave the money for the repair of the brick streets. Administrator Hall stated he has found only two companies that specialize in this type of work. Samantha Mousel has been hired for this year’s summer help. Corrinne Pedersen, with NMPP Energy, will be meeting with the City employees on May 21st in the afternoon and then in the evening with the Economic Development Committee. She would also like to meet with the Mayor and Council in June. The council stated they would rather hold the meeting in the fall. Some discussion was held on the promotional film. So far enough money has been pledged from businesses and organizations to make seven payments. The question to the council is if enough money is not raised if the city would be willing to fund the remaining balance. The council would like to wait and see how much money is collected before making a commitment. Administrator Hall asked the council if they would like to meet with Tim Sutherland, from NMPP Energy, to discuss the upgrading of the power distribution system. The preliminary cost of this project is 1.5 million dollars. The council would like to meet with Mr. Sutherland. Administrator Hall provided the council with copies of the 2006 audit. The council would like to meet with one of the auditors at a special meeting. Clerk Meline will arrange this meeting.
Superintendent Wood informed the council the pool was in the process of being painted. He stated engine #3 had a water leak, there had been a theft of services, two dogs were impounded, lock at the Library has been changed, installed transformer at Kenny’s Condo’s along with the sewer tap and water service. He also stated two building permits were issued since the last meeting: fence for Ezra Harris; garage to be demolished and replaced with a storage shed for Richard and Barbara Lawson. He also re-approved a garage permit for Kenneth Moore. Olson asked if the outside of the water tower could be cleaned. Superintendent Wood stated the city does not have the equipment to clean it and it would have to be hired done. The City staff will look into the matter.
Lambrecht made the motion and was seconded by Schultz to enter into executive session for three employee evaluations at 9:21 p.m. Motion carried.
As per the “Open Meetings Act” Mayor Ratzlaff stated the employee evaluations was the sole purpose of said executive session.
Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Olson to resume the meeting at 9:50 p.m. Motion carried.
Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Sprague to give raises to the Head Lineman, utility worker and park/cemetery sexton. Motion carried.
As there was no further business to be had and done by the Mayor and City Council, Schultz made the motion and was seconded by Lambrecht to adjourn said meeting at 9:54 p.m. Motion carried. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 5th at 7 p.m.
The following is a list of the claims approved for payment:
PAID OUT OF MULTIPLE FUNDS:
Kinder Morgan, natural gas service 2,138.15
AT & T, toll charges 78.11
Medicare, transfer for 4/16 payroll 349.18
Social Security, transfer for 4/16 payroll 1,493.10
Withholding, tr. for 4/16 payroll 747.35
NE Child Support Payment Center, garnishment 249.00
Ameritas, retirement contribution for 4/16 payroll 1,052.22
ALLTEL, cell phones 351.89
Starmark, health/life insurance 5,902.59
Presto X, exterminating services 180.13
Great Plains, phones 669.90
AFLAC, insurance –payroll deducted 472.52
Kucera Disposal, trash hauling 215.50
Withholding, transfer for 5/1 payroll 823.73
Social Security, transfer for 5/1 payroll 1,574.96
Medicare, transfer for 5/1 payroll 368.36
Ameritas, retirement contribution for 5/1 1,096.30
NE Child Support Payment Center, garnishment 249.00
NE Dept. of Revenue, state income tax 609.88
Petty Cash, extra postage, supplies 112.66
Various, May transfer to officers’ salary 650.00
Various, May transfer to Administrator Fund 2,125.28
Various, May business insurance transfer 3,670.85
Principal, dental insurance 500.94
Red Cloud Hardware, supplies 80.93
Superior Outdoor Power Center, Inc., repairs and parts 406.41
Olson Auto Tech & Tire, fuel 222.97
Western Uniform, towels and mops 212.85
Catherland Auto Parts, parts & oil 96.05
Farm Plan, oil & rent 61.35
Farmers Coop, fuel 918.84
Kenny’s Lumber Center, lumber, building, supplies 4,344.02
Kinder Morgan, natural gas service 2,058.13
AT & T, toll charges 67.93
ELECTRIC
MEAN, purchased power for March 33,084.06
WAPA, purchased power for March 4,556.88
Albert Wood, mileage & meals 371.86
Continental General, supplemental insurance for May 180.63
NMPP, registration fees 150.00
Electric, May transfer to bond & interest 1,320.00
Electric, May transfer to cash management 1,661.70
NE Municipal Power Pool, DEQ air emission inventory 950.00
Meadow Creek, flowers for Secretaries Day 25.03
Kriz Davis, wire & line supplies 81.78
WAPA, purchased power for April 4,353.15
MEAN, purchased power for April 28,932.82
Continental General, supplemental insurance for June 180.63
Salaries 10,109.04
WATER
Water, May transfer to cash management water reserve 625.00
State of NE HHS Lab, water analysis 143.00
Great Plains One Call, line locates 10.93
SEWER
Sewer, May transfer to cash management sewer reserve 625.00
Municipal Pipe Tool Co. Inc., valve for sewer machine 41.65
Salaries 2,350.12
MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL
Red Cloud Chief, legal advertising 678.38
Postmaster, utility bill postage 187.43
Computer Solutions, delivered repaired monitor 49.00
Eakes, printer cartridge 129.96
Business World Products, office supplies 128.70
General, May transfer to Police Fund 1,347.47
Village Pharmacy, office supplies 12.29
Eakes, office supplies 242.91
Red Cloud Auto, towing of vehicle 35.00
Red Cloud Chief, legal printing 514.66
Allied Insurance, performance of duty bond 146.00
LIBRARY
Republican Valley Library System, annual book loan program 50.00
The Literary Guild, books 45.43
Mystery Guild Book Club, books 15.98
Doubleday Large Print, large print book 23.98
Baker & Taylor, books 694.95
Donna Lammers, mileage to work shop Blue Hill 19.40
Salaries 499.88
FIRE
McDole Welding, welding gas 36.74
Fire, May transfer to cash management account 386.12
Mid Rivers 911, May 911 user fee 200.00
Fyr-Tek, helmet 214.99
Cornhusker Cleaning System, chemical cleaner 55.54
Platte Valley Communications, radio repairs 249.00
COMMUNITY CENTER
Kim Danehey-Nibbe, contract labor 800.00
Pinpoint, cable TV 45.03
Sundown Services, cleaning carpets & furniture 421.00
Body Basics-Lincoln, cable for weight machines 49.00
Chamber, return deposit 100.00
HIGHWAY/STREET
Bladen Sand & Gravel, armor coat sand 4,684.89
Kohmetscher Feed Service, dog food for impounded dogs 16.10
Dultmeier Sales, sprayer parts 27.91
Earl May, tree 100.49
Figgins Construction Inc., cold mix & armor coating 22,255.10
Salaries 3,036.95
CONSUMERS
City of Red Cloud, deposit applied to utility bill 70.51
City of Red Cloud, deposit applied to final bill 150.00
Bree Phoenix, refund of balance of deposit 79.49
Jay Hall, deposit returned 150.00
FIRE TRUCK OBLIGATION BONDS
Various, interest payment 1,154.50
Ameritas Investment Corp., annual processing fee 308.00
PARK
Red Cloud Athletic Assn., annual donation to ball club 1,000.00
R & D Lawn Service, roto tilling ballfield 40.00
Smitty’s Electric, repair ballfield lights 1,000.00
Salaries 328.24
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Viaero, cell phone 49.29
Salary 2,598.94
CITY SALES TAX
City Sales Tax, May transfer to community center reserve 408.34
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Visionaries, ads in newsletter 35.00
CEMETERY
Green Acres Mowing Service, contract mowing 992.00
Arrow Seed Company Inc., grass seed 444.57
POLICE
Webster County Sheriff, April contract payment 3,463.00
COMPOST
Salary 265.97
Total Expenses $173,942.49
Gary Ratzlaff, Mayor
ATTEST: Sue Meline, City Clerk/Treasurer