Tuesday, March 15, 2022

March 15, 2022 The Regular meeting of Mayor and Council of Blue Springs, Nebraska was held on the 15th day of March, 2022, at 7PM at the Blue Springs City Hall. PRESENT: Mayor Meyer; Council members Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek ABSENT; Council member Seeman OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney Carothers, Employee Pike, Rex Adams Notice of the Hearing/Regular meeting/hearing was given in advance by posting in at least three public places as shown by the certificate of posting placed on file. Notice of the hearing/meeting was simultaneously given to the Mayor and all members of the City Council and a copy of their acknowledgment of receipt and agenda are placed on file. Availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice and in the advance notice to the Mayor and City Council of the hearing/meeting. Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order at 7 PM. Motion (Neumann), second (Reedy) , and vote (3-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the March 1, 2022 Regular meeting. Motion (Neumann), second (Reedy), and vote (3-0 affirmative) to approve claims as follow: Direct Payment - NE Dept. of Rev. (10) - $104.54; Payroll - $2,413.48; Bear Graphics, Inc. - $165.66; Beatrice Iron & Metal - $21.50; Blue River Area Agency on Aging - (Matching Funds) - $625.00; Constellation Energy - $181.91; Lauby Plumbing/Heating/Air - $13.77; NE Dept. of Rev. (50G) - $100.00; Norris Public Power - $1,155.93; One-Call Concepts, Inc. - $5.94; Milton Pike (Postage Reimb.- Water. Sample) - $27.40; Postmaster (Stamps/Box Rent) - $280.00; Security First Bank - (Pike/IRA) - $55.00; Visa - $363.39; Windstream - $85.67; Wymore Arbor State - $139.72; TOTAL CLAIMS: $5,738.91. MFA/MFO INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT: Motion (Neumann), second (Sedlacek), 3-0 affirmative vote to approve/authorize Mayoral signature on the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY/REVIEW/ ORDINANCE# 466 - First Reading), ANY NEW INFORMATION: Work has been completed by Chris Witulski. A question has been referred to the State for resolution - regarding “highway right-of-way.” DEMOLITION PROJECT: In pursuit of a cost-effective solution, Sedlacek will be making contact (Milford, Ne) regarding acceptance of a “whole house as asbestos.” Pike reported a nearly completed location (possibly a week remaining) and was complimented by members in regard to the containment of demolition materials. Houses chosen with potential additions within a timeline of choice will determine the basis for another Thomas Foundation Grant application. CLEAN-UP: Determination of Spring Clean-Up Day was potentially made: April 21-22 , 2022. After roll off availability discussion with Shelby Temps, and date finalization, residential customers will be notified of particulars by mail. PLANNING AND ZONING/LOT SURVEY PRIOR TO BUILDING APPLICATION APPROVAL/REQUESTED INPUT FROM CAROTHERS: Attorney Carothers indicated that “establishing lot corners” rather than requiring total surveying in situations wherein new structures/fences are planned-- would be a sufficient requirement (with no negative response received from members) and he will work up a narrative for review by members at the next Regular meeting. TEMPS DISPOSAL- CONTRACT RENEWAL/CONSIDERATIONS: Carothers advised that the agreement is being finalized (as per: rate change during term of contract, insurance coverage,) and will be submitted to Shelby Temps for his evaluation and then made available at the next Regular meeting for review by Mayor and Council. US CENSUS BOUNDARY & ANNEXATION SURVEY/ ANDY CAROTHERS: Carothers has received the data packet enabling him to further evaluate/and confirm or correct aspects. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR BLUE SPRINGS AS A SECOND-CLASS CITY TO PURSUE “AT LARGE” STATUS RATHER THAN VOTING WARDS: Constituents have contacted Council members Neumann and Sedlacek -- stating reluctance to make changes on the basis of fair representation. Difficulty finding registered voters interested in serving on the Municipal board presented a counter view. In sense of fair play, “putting it on the fall ballot” (would have to be certified by September with adverting notice cost and narrative cost on the ballot) for the voters to decide was determined by motion (Reedy), second (Neumann), but Sedlacek “abstained,” then he withdrew his decline to vote, and voted “No” -- which returned the topic to the “evaluation” phase. WATER LINE EXTENSION/REVIEW -- as BIDS, CONTRACTOR VS. IN-HOUSE EXECUTION PLANS: Sedlacek advised that Van Kirk “upped their bid by $2,580, and decision was made to notify them that the project has “been put on hold.” Further discussion included need to contact Gilmore: Potentiality exists for adding other blocks and possibilities (as metering devices) to the project, and review of “loan options, PSR, with high loan forgiveness (50/60%?). Arrangements (Sedlacek/McCulty?) will be made to obtain a Needs Study to be duplicated and mailed out to citizens (stressing high-count participation and response) in support of applying for available loan(s). DISPOSITION OF BLUE DODGE: For the next meeting, a list of certain “no longer in use” equipment will be added to the Dodge truck-- with all to be offered on Purple Wave, with Carothers to draft a resolution relevant to disposition. OTHER: City mowing of private property was discussed with difficulty of recuperation of cost noted. Invoice to property owners? Liens against properties? Collection Associate action? NEXT AGENDA PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE # 468 POULTRY 7 FOWLS - 7:00 pm --- Followed by Regular session: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 - First Reading), ANY NEW INFORMATION DEMOLITION PROJECT/THOMAS FOUNDATION GRANT TIMELINE CLEAN-UP PLANNING AND ZONING--ZONING CHANGES REGARDING ESTABLISHING LOT CORNERS TEMPS DISPOSAL- CONTRACT RENEWAL/CONSIDERATIONS US CENSUS BOUNDARY & ANNEXATION SURVEY/ ANDY CAROTHERS REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR BLUE SPRINGS AS A SECOND-CLASS CITY TO PURSUE “AT LARGE” STATUS RATHER THAN VOTING WARDS WATER LINE EXTENSION/ SCOPE/NEEDS SURVEY/ LOAN OPPORTUNITIES There being no further business, a motion was made by Neumann at 8:15 PM to adjourn. The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved April 5 2022. Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

March 1, 2022 The Regular meeting of Mayor and Council of Blue Springs, Nebraska was held on the lst day of March, 2022, at 7PM at the Blue Springs City Hall. PRESENT: Mayor Meyer; Council members Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek, Seeman ABSENT; OTHERS PRESENT: Employee Pike, Shelby Temps Notice of the Public Hearing/Regular meeting/hearing was also given in advance by posting in at least three public places as shown by the certificate of posting placed on file. Notice of the hearing/meeting was simultaneously given to the Mayor and all members of the City Council and a copy of their acknowledgment of receipt and agenda are placed on file. Availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice and in the advance notice to the Mayor and City Council of the hearing/meeting. Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order at 7 PM. Motion (Neumann), second (Reedy) , and vote (4-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the February 15, 2022 Regular meeting. After review -- motion (Neumann) , second (Reedy), and vote (4-0 affirmative) : to approve claims: Direct Payment - Internal Revenue (941) - $1,722.76; Payroll $3,819.89; NE Dept. of Revenue (501N) - $224.48; NE Public Health Environ Labs - $15.00; Milton Pike (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Milton Pike (Reimb - Title/Regis for 2012 Chevy PU) - $10.00; Milton Pike (Truck Key) - $43.83; Security First Bank (IRA/Pike) - $55.00; Temps Disposal Service (Mandatory) - $2405.00; Mike Warren - $109.00; Milford Woutzke (Tel. Comp.) - $5.00; Wymore Oil Co. - $50.00; TOTAL CLAIMS: $ 8,484.96. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 - First Reading), ANY NEW INFORMATION: Excerpt from 3/1 email from Carothers: “I was able to get a hold of Chris Witulski and he came in last week to discuss questions he had with the survey. I believe I was able to answer all of those questions, and he left confident that he would be able to complete the survey. I have not received anything back from him.“ DEMOLITION PROJECT: Per excerpt from 3/1 email from Carothers: “I have contacted the County Court to get dates available for when we can get the inspection warrants to get the three properties inspected. I anticipate that we will be able to get the inspections done within the next 3 or 4 weeks. Employee Pike reported that demolition is nearing closure on one property, with one roll-off remaining. CLEAN-UP: Excerpt from 3/1 email from Carothers: I am proceeding with the Complaint filed. PLANNING AND ZONING: No new applications. HIGHER SECURITY DEPOSITS and WATER-SEWER RATE INCREASES/ ORDINANCE #471: Motion (Neumann), second (Reedy), 4-0 affirmative vote to suspend the rule of three readings. Motion (Neumann), second (Reedy) to approve Ordinance # 471. Ordinance # 471 read per: ORDINANCE NO. 471... AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND WATER RATES; TO AMEND WATER RATES PAID BYCONSUMERS OF WATER SERVICE FROM THE MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM;TO ESTABLISH A MINIMUM MONTHLY RATE AND A PER THOUSAND GALLON RATE TO BE PAID BY CONSUMERS OF WATER SERVICE FROM THE MUNICIPAL WATERSUPPLY SYSTEM BASED ON QUARTERLY CONSUMPTION; TO INCREASE THE SECURITY DEPOSIT TO $175.00; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, NEBRASKA: Section 1. That Chapter 3, Article 1, Section 3-109 of the Municipal Code of Blue Springs, Nebraska, be amended to read as follows: §3-109 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; RATES; MINIMUM CHARGE. (1) Meters shall be read every third month and consumers shall be billed monthly. All water consumers shall be liable for the following minimum rates provided by this section unless and until the consumer shall, by written order, direct the Utilities Superintendent to shut off the water at the stop box, in which case he or she shall not be liable thereafter for the water rental until the water is turned on again: WATER RATES a. Minimum bill of $21.00.b. All gallons used or consumed in any month, $1.85 per 1,000 gallons. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in no event shall the minimum monthly rate be less than $21.00 per month for each tap through which water is furnished.(2) The tariff of water rates established by this section shall be effective with the billing to be sent to customers on April 1, 2022.(3) The deposit required for connection to the Municipal Water Supply System for water and sewer service shall be $175.00.(4) The Municipal Water Department shall require a $50.00 tap-in fee for all new taps to the Municipal Water Supply System.(5) The Governing Body shall review the rates established herein on an annual basis. (Ref.17-542 RS Neb.) (Amended by Ord. Nos. 285, 12/18/79; 290, 04/20/82; 386, 02/04/92; 388,09/01/92; 417, 05/07/02; 429, 02/21/06; 445, 06/15/10) Section 2. That any other ordinance or section passed and approved prior to passage, approval and publication or posting of this ordinance and in conflict with its provisions, is hereby repealed. Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage, approval and publication or posting as required by law. Passed and approved this 1st day of March, 2022... Lonnie Meyer, Mayor, (SEAL), Katherine A. Roche, City Clerk, followed by 4-0 affirmative vote to approve. A copy of Ordinance # 471 will be posted on the website. TEMPS DISPOSAL- CONTRACT RENEWAL/CONSIDERATIONS: Contract anticipated to be ready for the next meeting. US CENSUS BOUNDARY & ANNEXATION SURVEY/ ANDY CAROTHERS: Per 3/1 email from Carothers: Initial survey questionnaire completed on line. Paper map showing what the Census Bureau believes is current boundaries to be received soon. How to Guide has been printed. Carothers asked that he be advised with the map is received. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR BLUE SPRINGS AS A SECOND-CLASS CITY TO PURSUE “AT LARGE” STATUS RATHER THAN VOTING WARDS: Considerations continue. Neumann made a motion to approve “at-large” considerations then withdrew the motion in lieu of need for further discussion/debate. Time remains for getting it on the ballot. WATER LINE EXTENSION/REVIEW OF BIDS, CONTRACTOR VS. IN-HOUSE EXECUTION PLANS: VanKirk bid no longer good, but “willing to work on pricing,” per Sedlacek. Members reviewed City funds for determination of utilization in the program, and Sedlacek will make contacts in reference to locating/evaluating loan/other financial opportunities. Clarification of ARPA fund use deadlines remains under review. ANNUAL AUDIT APPROVAL: Motion (Sedlacek), second (Neumann), 4-0 affirmative vote to approve the annual audit. NEXT AGENDA MFA/MFO INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 - First Reading), ANY NEW INFORMATION DEMOLITION PROJECT CLEAN-UP PLANNING AND ZONING/LOT SURVEY PRIOR TO BUILDING APPLICATION APPROVAL/REQUESTED INPUT FROM CAROTHERS TEMPS DISPOSAL- CONTRACT RENEWAL/CONSIDERATIONS US CENSUS BOUNDARY & ANNEXATION SURVEY/ ANDY CAROTHERS REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR BLUE SPRINGS AS A SECOND-CLASS CITY TO PURSUE “AT LARGE” STATUS RATHER THAN VOTING WARDS WATER LINE EXTENSION/REVIEW OF BIDS, CONTRACTOR VS. IN-HOUSE EXECUTION PLANS COMING SOON: PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE # 468 POULTRY 7 FOWLS - 7:00 pm APRIL 5TH, 2022. There being no further business, a motion was made by Neumann at 7:28 PM to adjourn. The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved March 15, 2022. Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)