VILLAGE OF DECATUR REGULAR BOARD MEETING February 12th, 2026 @ 4:30 PM NOTE: Everyone must use the microphones at the table. The audience must be quiet during the meeting. If you want to ask a question and you are not on the agenda, you must raise your hand, get permission from the Chairman, and come to the microphone before speaking. If you are on the agenda the same rule applies. THE VILLAGE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE AGENDA AT THE REGULAR MEETING WHEN CONVENED. MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A COPY OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT IS LOCATED ON THE SOUTH WALL. A COPY OF THE MEETING NOTICE WAS POSTED AT THE CITY HALL, POST OFFICE, FIRST NEBRASKA BANK, AND DECATUR EXPRESS. Guests signing in were Kathy McMahon, William Mueller, Rod Nelson. Guests not signing in were Ray and Julie Metcalf, Jo Brewer, Officer Archer, Officer Sparks, Pat French. 1) REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN ANDERSON Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes Quorum Present-yes 2) EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING: All were present. 3) AGENDA AND MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH'S MEETING RECEIVED: Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes 4) APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION AND SUSPENDED READING OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH MINUTES. There were none. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes 5) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES: 1) Police: Monthly Report The Board members looked through the police report. A. Part-time Police Application. Aaron Brensel applied for a part-time position. Interim Chief Hedlund recommended the Board to hire Officer Brensel. Troutman made a motion to hire Officer Brensel at $32.00 per hour as a part-time officer for Decatur. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. B. Family Fun Day Hightree made a motion to allow Officer Sparks and his wife to have a fun day at City Hall on February 28. Troutman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes. Anderson asked about Interim Chief Hedlund’s wage. It is the same as the part-time officers. Anderson stated we need to change this. The Clerk will look into this, and the board will revisit. 2) Lights: Monthly Report A. Bus Stop Street Light It is very dark at the school bus stop. The Village wants to put in three street lights at the bus stop. Troutman made a motion to put in three street lights by the bus stop. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes. Anderson asked why they could not pick up the kids at the City Hall? Troutman stated that they have to off of Main Street. There are two street lights out on the highway. The guys have been working on them to get them to work. The Village is going to replace these poles, to see if this will work. The Village has switched programs for billing. We are working on getting all the problems fixed. Please be patient. B. The two months of Burt County Public Power was due to not receiving the bill in time for the meeting. $26,617.50 was paid in January, 2026. 3) Water & Sewer: Monthly Report A. Water Loss- we are still trying to get this figured out. Anderson asked if we have to put another manhole on second Avenue, Troutman stated yes, we do. Anderson asked if we had a bid for this. Troutman stated that we do have a bid, he will check with the contractor to see if there are any changes. B. Parks: Monthly Report – No Income. Joyce has been meeting with Peggy and Judy to choose the color for the pavilion. Troutman asked when the fence will have to be moved? The Pavilion is supposed to arrive in March. 4) Streets: Monthly Report January Highway Allocation -$6,619.83 Motor Vehicle Fees $1,246.39 Sales Tax-$4,376.14, $3,523.10 to LB840. February 2026 Highway Allocation $6,277.26 Highway Incentive $300.00 paid to Brickyard Consulting (Street Superintendent) A. Approval to advertise again for the 5 th Avenue Street Project. We have the bid documents from our Engineer. Troutman made a motion to advertise for the 5th Avenue Street project in the Burt County Independent and the Sioux City Journal for three weeks. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 5) Sears Center: Monthly Report A. Approval to advertise for bids for the Seras Center, Roof, Gutters and fans. Troutman made a motion to approve the advertising for bids for the Sears Center roof, gutters, and fans. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. B. Justice Fire was here-yearly inspection. There are some things that need to be brought up to code. The Village needs to schedule a ADHOC meeting for everything that is happening at the Sears Center. C. The ladies asked if the restroom stall doors could be changed to open outward? SEI was at the Sears Center working on the doors. They were not locking and now they will not unlock. They stated the control panel is not working. They are replacing it. 6) City Hall-Updates. A. Thrasher was at City Hall; everything is working as it should. B. Justice Fire was here-yearly inspection. There are some things that need to be brought up to code. 7) Property Cleanup Updates 340 East 11th Street, 813 South 3rd Ave, 540 West 7th Street, 653 North 5th Ave, 340 East 10th Street, 441 West 3rd Street, 470 West 6th Street, 410 West 9th Street, 481 West 12th Street, 481 West 10th Street, 340 East 8th Street, 340 East 9th Street, 540 West 10th Street, 212 North 4th Avenue, 602 North Broadway, 350 East 11th Street, 340 East 11th Street, 370 East 11th Street, 380 East 11th Street, 440 West 9th Street. There are four properties that have received their 10-day cleanup notice. We are contacting contractors about the cleanup bids for the properties. The property at 421 West 9 th Street has been cleaned up. Pat French came to the table and asked if his had been served a 10-day property cleanup notice. As far as the Village records, Signal has not given him a 10-day notice. 6) OLD BUSINESS: 1. Employee Maintenance Raises. Additional $.50 per hour for Mike Madsen and an additional $.75 per hour for Skylar McMullin. Hightree made a motion to give Mike Madsen an additional $.50 per hour and to give Skylar McMullin an additional $.75 per hour. Kirschenman wanted to ask the last time they received a raise? Anderson explained to Kirschenman that there is a motion on the table. Troutman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-no, McCullock-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes. Motion Carries. Anderson explained to Kirschenman that these two employees did not receive their full raise in January, due their testing. They have been working with Mike McBride from the State to get this taken care of. Kirschenman stated that he now agrees with the raise. 2. Budget Billing for Customers - Ends in May of 2026. There was discussion on this topic. Hightree stated that the Village will discontinue the budget billing in May 2026. There will be a letter sent in the March 2026 billing stating the budget billing will end in May 2026. Kirschenman made a motion to eliminate budget billing at the end of May 2026. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Hightree-yes. 7) NEW BUSINESS: 1. Jimmy Phelps-Inept ability of the city, requests Public Forum. Did not attend the meeting. Kirschenman asked what the issue was? Troutman stated we had an emergency water leak, and the shut off was not working. The water had to be shut off, and he was very upset. 2. Jo Brewer-Jo came to the table and asked if we had an Economic Development person? Troutman stated that Cindy Chatt is our Economic Development Director for the County, the Village also uses Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District. She asked if we had an economic development plan for the Village and a map of the annexations of Decatur? Troutman said we do, and it was just completed. She asked if she could have a copy? The Board stated she could. The Comprehensive Plan is completed except for the Zoning Ordinances. The Planning Commission needs to go through the Zoning Ordinances. She asked who was in charge of our grant writing? The Board stated that NENEDD has been writing our grants for the Village. She wanted to know what the Boards thoughts on the growth of the Village long and short term? All the Board members want our Village to grow and flourish. William Mueller (from the audience) asked her name? She stated JoLinda Brewer-Wilson. He asked why she had all the questions? If she was a resident? She stated she is a resident and she does not represent anyone but herself. William asked what her interest is? She stated her interest is in the growth of the Village and the Future of Decatur looks like. Her background is entitlements and growths for towns and dying out. She stated she is a whistleblower at the present time. She has had several companies; she is very careful because she knows how chatty this town is, but she has the ability to get grants written for historic towns and growth to put Decatur back on the map. She is very passionate about this. She does not write grants, but she knows someone who does. She is not asking for money. The Board does not want to see Decatur dry up and are trying to do everything we can to keep it going. There was much more conversation on this issue. 3. William Mueller-Village Website and Disposal of Village Ash Trees. William came to the table to discuss the Decatur webpage. It is almost ready to go live. Troutman stated that he does not like the picture of the girl with a fish on the website, and asked if we could change it? All the Board members are in agreement with the website after the picture is changed. William stated that this website is mainly for tourism. He stated that if we ever wanted to do more of a government-based website, we could modify this website or do an additional website, if the Board so chooses. The Board asked the clerk to check with the village attorney about this. The Tree Board has had one informal meeting, they have been mapping all of the trees, and working with the Arborist for the Tree Grant. The Arborist stated that any ash trees that are taken down have to be destroyed (burnt), it is better to do this in the winter because the beetles are dormant. When we receive some snow and the wind is blowing in the right direction the tree dump will be burnt. Any wood that is cut has to be burnt this winter. Anderson stated that the trees along main street are looking pretty bad. Mueller asked if one of the board members could go along with him to look at the trees. The first public meeting for the tree board is scheduled for February 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the City Hall. Mueller asked about the entrances to Decatur. He thinks it would help to put some trees at the entrances. 4. Signing of the NENEDD Service/Consultant Agreement for General Administration of the Planning Grant. Troutman made a motion to allow Anderson to sign the NENEDD Service/Consultant Agreement for General Administration of the Planning Grant. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 5. Permission for Therese and Kathy to attend the Clerks Academy on March 18-20, 2026. Troutman made a motion to allow Therese and Kathy to attend the Clerk Conference in Lavista, NE March 18 th all day, 19 th all day, 20 th until noon, the Village office will be closed on those days. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 6. Revisit Conex Containers. We had a business in town that would like to have a Conex container added to her building. We read the Ordinance and it states they can be in commercial zoning. But there are residents in town that would like to have a smaller Conex container as storage because they are cheaper, water resistant. and rodent resistant and will last forever. There would be stipulations as to how they look. Rod Nelson (Planning Commission) stated he would like to comment on this. The Board asked him to come to the table. He stated he doesn’t think we should revisit this, it has been through the Planning Commission and we have an Ordinance for this. He stated he has spoken with a couple of residents and Planning Commission members who do not think this is the time to revisit. He thinks it should be restricted to commercial businesses, temporary construction sites. He said if you check with other places and Iowa, they are not allowing them. Anderson stated that he doesn’t agree, Omaha is using them for tiny homes and regular size homes. Nelson stated that the State does not know how to tax a Conex container. He stated that a lot of towns are banning them and are not grandfathering them in. He would not like one of them next to his property. The Board agrees that a 20-foot container that matches your residence would not be so bad. Kirschenman stated we should leave the ordinance the way it is. Troutman stated to table this until the March meeting and see how the community feels about this issue. All board members would like to talk about this again at the March meeting. Nelson asked if the Planning Commission would be involved? Anderson stated yes, but if the board feels this is something they would like to do, that the Planning Commission recommendation can be over written. 7. Resolution #220-Allowing the Chairperson to sign the Environmental Services Supplemental Agreement between Village and Felsburg Holt & Ullevig. (Broadway Bridge) Resolution Environmental Services Agreement – BK2265-002 Village of Decatur Resolution No. 220 Whereas: Village of Decatur and Felsburg Holt & Ullevog have previously executed an Environmental services agreement for a transportation project for which the Local Public Agency (LPA) would like to obtain Federal funds; and Whereas: Village of Decatur understands that it must continue to strictly follow all Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines applicable to the funding of this Federal-aid project; and Whereas: Village of Decatur and Felsburg Holt & Ullevig wish to enter into a supplemental Environmental services agreement, setting out modifications and/or additional duties and/or funding responsibilities for the Federal-aid project. Be It Resolved: by the Village Council of Decatur, Nebraska that: Lance Anderson, Chair of the Village Council of Decatur, is hereby authorized to sign the attached Environmental services Supplemental Agreement No. 2 between Village of Decatur and Felsburg Holt & Ullevig. NDOT Project Number: BRO-7011(14) NDOT Control Number: 32412 NDOT Project Description: Broadway Street-Decatur Troutman made a motion to allow Lance Anderson, Chairman to sign the Environmental Services Supplemental Agreement between Village and Felsburg Holt & Ullevig. (Broadway Bridge) Resolution Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes. Adopted this 12th day of February, 2026 at Decatur Nebraska. Lance Anderson Chairman ATTEST: Therese Magill Village Clerk 8. Cleanup Day either April 25, 2026 or May 2, 2026. Carrier Containers. The Board decided on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. If you DO NOT pay garbage or the cleanup fee to the Village of Decatur, (you will have to show a copy of your utility bill) or you will have to pay a fee to dispose of anything on that day. 8) CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Next Regular Board Meeting Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at 4:30 PM. 2. Anita Swanson called and stated that she appreciates Joyride, the people are very friendly. She wanted to thank the board for supporting this. 3. Are there any questions or comments from the audience? Kathy McMahon asked if we could store the coats that were donated or donate them to a shelter? The Board would like to store them for one more year. The Board stated that they could be stored at the city hall in totes. Julie Metcalf asked if the door on first stall in the lady’s bathroom at the Sears Center could be changed to swing out? Anderson stated they would talk to Bree Sparks Freemont to see if she can change it, if not we will have the maintenance crew do it. Troutman asked if the picture on the website and Facebook page could be changed? William Mueller asked if Troutman could send him some different pictures? Troutman stated he would. Ray Metcalf asked if he could get a copy of the map with the alley closings near him? The clerk will get that for him in the morning. 9) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS: 1) Claims preapproved by Hightree, Troutman and Anderson. 2) Motion to Approve the Claims as submitted Troutman made a motion to approve the claims as submitted. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. 10) MOTION TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING: Troutman made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Adjournment Time 7:00 PM. Lance Anderson Chairman Therese M Magill Village Clerk CLAIMS REPORT - February 2026 Allen’s Septic-$1,770.00, Assurity -$342.44, BEAM-$157.44, Black Diamond-$1,369.98, Bomgaars-$166.29, Border States-$983.40, Brickyard Consulting-$300.00, Burt County Economic Development Corporation-$1,400.00, Burt County Independent-$32.72, Burt County Public Power-$1,730.31, Burt County Public Power (2 months)-$55,217.42, Cass Plumbing & HVAC-$3,255.23, Christensen Electric-$842.72, CNH Capital-$304.35, Decatur Express-$787.13, Eakes-$208.35, First Nebraska Bank-$900.00 (Pickup Payment), First Nebraska Bank Credit Card-$23.51, Gene Steffy-$6,265.86, Goosmann Law-$1,739.50, Great Palins Uniforms-$137.99, Hometown Leasing-$194.40, Jack’s Uniforms-$205.99, JanX-$303.13, Joyce McCullock-$333.45, JoyRide-$1,500.00, JS Tree Service-$3,000.00, Justice Fire-$843.00, King Disposal-$3,704.58, Lane’s Repair-$951.66, Maslowsky Grading-$1,000.00, Larry McCullock-$1,091.20, Menards-$509.00, Midwest Labs-$362.57, Mike Madsen-$319.12, Mutual of Omaha-$19.08, Nebraska Department of Revenue-$4,075.76, Nebraska Public Health Lab-$30.00, Nebraska Rural Water-$250.00, NNNTC-$629.42, One Call-$10.66, One Office-$362.45, postmaster-$67.60, Power Wash USA-$20.00, Quadient Finance-$958.25, Quadient Leasing-$171.33, Quality Machine & Manufacturing (Fish Cleaning Station)-$54,750.00, Radar Sign- $4,037.00, Red Barn-$85.00, Richards Parts & Service-$222.93, Roto-Rooter-$1,600.00, Security Shredding-$40.00, Signa Pay-$19.94, Signal 88-$1,150.00, Skylar McMullin-$360.91, Steiny’s-$180.67, Therese Magill-$491.66, Verizon-$39.02. Total Accounts Payable: $161,824.42 Payroll/FICA/State Taxes: $36,466.98 Report Total: $198,291.40 ZNEZ BCI 03/05/26
