VILLAGE OF DECATUR REGULAR BOARD MEETING February 13th, 2025 @ 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 NORTH 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: Shane & Ethan Wimer-Signal, MarJean Hightree-Maple Villa, Debbie Krutilek-Maple Villa. Guests not signing in were: Jeanice Bowers-Maple Villa, Ray & Julie Metcalf, Jesse Jump, Larry McCullock. 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 no corrections. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes. 5) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES: 1) Police: Monthly Report No report given. Officer Archer was fitted for his vest. Kirschenman asked about the Police Academy? Troutman explained to Kirschenman that the Cadets at the academy usually are already with a Municipality. Anderson stated that we will run an ad in the newspaper. 2) Lights: Monthly Report- No meters were pulled. 1. City of Laurel, Nebraska is selling used electrical meters. Single Phase are $5.00 each, 3-phase meters are $15.00 each. Troutman made a motion to purchase 24 of the single-phase meters and 2 of the 3-phase meters from the City of Laurel. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Hightree-yes, Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. Hightree stated that if they would hold onto the meters, that he would go to Laurel and pick them up. Troutman stated there is another company that sells transformers and we can get them right away. The Village owes Burt County Public Power four transformers. 3) Water & Sewer: Monthly Report- 1. Water Loss-89.59%. Rural Water was in Decatur and found a lot of water leaks. There are five water leaks at Beck Park, one fire hydrant, and one residential leak, and he has been notified and is working on getting it fixed. One resident had a severe water leak inside. The Board asked if anyone sees a water leak to please report it to the Village. The Board is working on getting a bid for replacing the fire hydrant. Anderson stated that both of the maintenance crew have received their water and wastewater books to begin getting certified. 2. Bid from Cass Plumbing and Heating for adding second manhole on 2nd Avenue. $8,100.00. Troutman stated that he thinks the Board should accept Cass Plumbing and HVAC’s bid There are a lot of things that need to fall in place before this can be done. Hightree made a motion to accept the bid from Cass Plumbing and HVAC in the amount of $8,100.00. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes. Anderson stated that the sewer plant looks like a new place. The maintenance crew has been working hard to get it into shape. The maintenance crew have been starting early with the snow removal so that it doesn’t get packed on the streets. 4) Parks: Monthly Report. 1. Income of $824.42. 2. Bid from Electric Pump for Fish Grinder. $8,805.00. McCullock asked if the Village was going to accept that bid for the grinder? Anderson stated that our Engineer is working with us to possibly get funding from FEMA for funding with the grinder and the pedestrian bridge due the flood in June of 2024. McCullock stated that we need the fish cleaning station. Troutman stated that maybe we need to make the opening smaller. People drop their pliers in the grinder and try to stuff it full instead of doing small batches, it then pulls to many amps and burns the motor up. McCullock asked if the camper that is at the park will be there indefinitely? When it warms up the water will have to be turned off to replace the hydrants that are leaking. Anderson stated he will have to be notified if the water is turned off. 3. Park Rates McCullock asked with the cost of everything rising, to raise the rates for the campground. E current rates are $22.00 on lower level, $25.00 on the upper level and $500.00 for monthly. She was thinking $24.00 for the lower level, $27.00 for the upper level and $550.00 for the monthly rate. The Clerks checked rates around the area, and we are one of the lowest. Hightree made a motion to raise Beck Park rates to $25.00 for lower level, $28.00 for the upper level and $575.00 for monthly rate. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-no, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes. Larry McCullock took a picture of the company that built the walk bridge. The clerk will call the company tomorrow. There are also pictures of the walk bridge and a note from the Engineer, from last week. 5) Streets: Monthly Report 1. February Highway Allocation: $6,555.03 Incentive: $300.00. 2. December 2024 Sales Tax: $9,458.15 part to LB840. Kirschenman stated that 2nd avenue, the park entrance and 3rd avenue needs work where the manhole is, when the weather permits. 6) Sears Center: Price for water softener from Cass Plumbing & Heating, $4,597.00. The softener was installed on January 28th. The shelves have been installed and the faucet has been fixed at the Sears Center. Julie Metcalf (she works at the Senior Center) stated that the water is brown when they first turn it on. They have to let it run for a while and then it clears up. Anderson stated that it is probably from the water turned off while installing the softener. 7) OLD BUSINESS 1. Greg Jump Building Permit and Sewer Agreement. The board members read the draft agreement that Matt Munderloh drew up. They were all in agreement with what was written. Greg and Amy Jump will both have to sign the agreement in front of a notary, if they are in agreement. 6) NEW BUSINESS: 1. Shane Wimer-Ordinance Enforcement. Shane Wimer from Signal Security came to the table to discuss their code enforcement program. They would come once a week and drive the community to check out properties that they believe are in violation of our Ordinances. They will work with the residents to get the problem solved. The board is very interested in what he has to offer. The board was in agreement that the Village needs to work on the schedule of fees for Code Violations. The Clerk will talk with the Village Attorney on the fine schedule. Anderson stated that our goal is to keep Decatur on the map. He also stated that the board is no trying to knit pick at people, that is not this boards thing. He stated that if he decides to move away someday for his job, he is coming back, because this is home. He wants to see Decatur thriving and that is why we are trying to keep the bridge here. Troutman made a motion to have Shane speak with our Village Attorney about any problems with the Village’s codes and Fine Fee Schedule. Hightree seconded the motion. Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. The Board thanked Shane for coming to the meeting and explaining the Signal Program. 2. Sealed Bids for 2001 Crown Victoria. Dan & Kent Tranmer-$301.00 Walker Lane-$500.00 Troutman made a motion to accept the bid of $500.00 from Walker Lane for the 2001 Crown Victoria. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Anderson-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 3. Mower Bids. Troutman and Anderson and Larry McCullock went to look at mowers. John Deere- Suggested Price-$25,853.00 Quote Price $17,200.00 for a John Deere Z994R Diesel Commercial ZTrak with hard tires. John Deere- Suggested Price-$24,279.00 Quote Price $16,175.00 for a John Deere Z994R Diesel Commercial ZTrak with air tires. Grasshopper-Model 900D-1.3L Diesel List Price-$22,310.00, Sale Price-$18,594.00. Grasshopper-Model 725DT with 3572RPF List Price-$28,390.00, Sale Price-$21,860.30, with trade-in of old Scag mower of $3,500.00-total price of $18,5594.00. Scag-Cheetah-List Price-$17,999.00, Cost-$13,859.00. Scag-Turf Tiger-List Price-$25,399.00, Cost-$19,303.24 McCullock made a motion to order the Grasshopper Model900D-1.3L Diesel for $18,594.00 with trade in of the old Scag mower of $3,500.00. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes, McCullock-yes, Kirschenman-yes. 4. Comprehensive Plan. Anderson explained that we need to do this in order to get any grants from USDA or other organizations. Hightree made a motion to move ahead with the Agreement with Hanna:Keelan Associates with the Comprehensive Plan, updating the Zoning Regulations, updating the Subdivision Regulations, Blight and Substandard Determination Study. The Village will pay $6,000.00 in February 2025, $6,000.00 on June 1, 2025, and the final payment of $12,000.00 on September 1, 2025 at 100% completion of the Plan and Study. Hightree made a motion to move forward with the Agreement with Hanna:Keelan Associates with the Comprehensive Plan, updating the Zoning Regulations, updating the Subdivision Regulations, Blight and Substandard Determination Study. Troutman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes. 5. Move forward with Attitude Surveys with Northeast Nebraska Economic Development. Troutman made a motion to move forward with the Attitude Surveys with Northeast Nebraska Economic Development. The first survey that was sent out, the Village achieved their goal with the returns of the survey. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 6. Bids for Demolition at 481 West 11th Street/Asbestos Removal. ABC Abatement for Asbestos Removal-$1,900.00 Jamco Abatement for Asbestos Removal-$1,440.00 Maslowsky for Demolition-$11,000.00 Kelly for Demolition-$11,925.00 Cooney for Demolition-$11,455.00 It was asked from the audience if the fire department could use it for training? Troutman stated that the house is in too bad of shape for training. Kirschenman asked if the Village could sell the garage? The Village cannot because we do not own it. Troutman made a motion to accept the lowest bid for asbestos removal and demolition of the two buildings on 481 West 11th Street. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 7. Maple Villa Troutman made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss the Maple Villa at 6:26 PM. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. Troutman made a motion to come out Executive Session at 7:47 PM. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. Reason for Executive Session; Discussion with three of the members of the Maple Villa Board. 7) CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Next Regular Board Meeting Thursday, March 13th, 2025 at 4:30 PM. 2. Email from William Mueller 420 Wesst 8th Street. William Mueller who bought the house at 420 West 8th Street, is planning to put in a tall grass and wildflower meadow where the black plastic is placed. His is working with The Prairie Plains Resource Institute in Aurora, NE to develop a seed mix of plants native to eastern Nebraska prairie. This would be a small habitat for local birds and pollinators, and display native wildflowers throughout the year. He would like to mow a winding north-south path through the meadow, with perhaps a small open space in the middle with chairs, so that people could walk through and enjoy the plants, birds, and bees. He would put up a sign to let everyone know that it is open for public enjoyment. 8. JoyRide Public Transportation Information. JoyRide has purchased 3 more vans to accommodate the growing demand for transportation. The Village office has more information on this public service. 9. Are there any questions from the audience? There were none. 8) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS: 1) Claims preapproved by Anderson and Hightree. Two added claims after preapproval. Christensen Electric-$90.00, Nebraska Public Health Lab-$268.00. 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 (without his claim), McCullock-yes (without her claim), Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. 9) MOTION TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING: Motion to adjourn the meeting: Troutman made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Adjournment Time 8:10 PM. Lance Anderson Chairman Therese M Magill Village Clerk CLAIMS REPORT- February 2025 Barco-$830.63, Blue Cross-$3,633.60, Boden Construction-$42,300.00, Bomgaars-$138.83, Bonine Garage Doors-$2,270.00, Border States-$1,535.83, Brickyard Consulting-$1,210.00, Burt County Economic Development Corp.-$1,400.00, Burt County Public Power-$333,130.95, Cass Plumbing-$5,048.78, Christensen Electric-$90.00, David Fannon-$850.00, Decatur Express-$854.98, Electric Pump-$4,682.88, Elite Computers-$280.36, First Nebraska Bank-$1,729.75, First Nebraska Bank Insurance-$40.00, Floor Maintenance-$236.52, gWorks-$300.00, Hanna:Keelen-$6,000.00, Hometown Leasing-$183.31, Jack’s Uniforms-$138.75, Johnson & Mock-$1,230.00, Joyce McCullock-$178.60, JoyRide-$1,500.00, Justice Fire-$1,433.00, Keith Stillman Construction-$2,130.00, King Disposal-$3,872.82, Lane’s Repair-$1,230.86, League of Nebraska Municipalities-$100.00, Love Signs-$22,768.04, Lowe’s/Wayne Hightree-$6,561.50, Lyons Mirror-Sun-$266.33, Midwest Labs-$384.57, Mutual of Omaha-$26.28, Nebraska Department of Revenue-$3,685.66, Nebraska Public Health Lab-$268.00, Nebraska Rural Water Association-$250.00, Northeast Nebraska Telephone Co-$501.99, One Call-$2.46, One Office Solutions-$591.58, Postmaster-$171.30, Quadient-$198.15, Rasmussen Lumber-$154.98, Red Barn-$85.00, Richards Parts & Service-$353.91, Schuyler Dept of Utilities-$102.72, Security Shredding-$40.00, SignaPay-$10.01, Utility Deposit Refund $57.75, Verizon-$54.02. Total: $155,125.35 Payroll: 01/11/2025 through 02/07/2025 $20,669.81. Report Total: $175,795.16 ZNEZ LMS 02-27-25
