City of Blue Springs, Nebraska

May 16, 2023 The Regular meeting of Mayor and Council of Blue Springs, Nebraska, was held 7:00 PM, May 16, 2023, at the Blue Springs City Hall. Mayor Meyer called the meeting to order, and roll call was taken. PRESENT: Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Reedy, Riensche, Sedlacek ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney Andy Carothers, Employee Milton Pike, Connie Mewes, Ronnie Rainey, Gage County Officer Jason Sharp, Rex Adams, Ron Cary, Jackie Halterman, Carol Hughes Notice of the Regular meeting 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. Motion (Neumann), second (Riensche), 4-0 affirmative vote to approve as sent minutes for the May 2, 2023 Regular meeting of Mayor and Council. Motion (Riensche), second (Neumann), 4-0 affirmative vote to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct - NE Dept. of Revenue (10) - $83.39; Payroll - $2,646.25; Abbott Portable Toilets - $125.00; Black Hills Energy - $49.31; Fairbury Journal - News - $62.93; Nationwide (Annual Surety Bond) - $100.00; Norris Public Power - $1,019.37; Milton Pike (Postage Reimb. - Water Sample) - $28.75; Postmaster - $222.00; Security First Bank (IRA/Pike) - $55.00; Temps Disposal Service (Mandatory Trash Adjustment) - $420.00; Visa - $511.78; Windstream - $89.72; TOTAL CLAIMS: $5,413.50. PLANNING & ZONING - APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS (as submitted): No new applications. DEMOLITION PROJECT: Six houses included in the next round. Current activity: Need to knock hole in foundation of one property for asbestos abatement. Schlake may be requested to operate the trac machine for the upcoming demolition project. Attorney Carothers will prepare consent form for consent for asbestos inspection. Ron Cary was notified about the need for the removal of volunteer trees, but reported financial hardship for the demolition cost of two houses. He expressed desire to maintain ownership of the property after demolition. Arrangements will be made in support of that scenario. PROPERTY ACQUISITION DRAFT AND ANTICIPATED SCHEDULING OF PUBLIC HEARING TO DECLARE INTENT TO PURCHASE: A signed agreement between parties is in place . A PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled for June 6th - 7PM - Blue Springs City Hall to address City acquisition of the Rainey property adjacent to the school. Further, review will be made of title insurance, 30-day notice for occupants in violation of contractual rent/purchase agreement, with eviction to be pursued as necessary. CLEAN-UP: Another letter was sent to one property owner . District Court date schedule pending for another. Review will continue for another property. Adams asked if members were willing to now (since after Clean-up day) address inoperable/unlicensed/junked vehicles. Not only will the OPAT group (with consent of Mayor and Council) compile at their upcoming meeting a list of the 5 worst offenders. but Mayor Meyer suggested that members review the situation to assure a mutual focus on infractions. Adams identified a tall weed situation and discussion resulted in the request for a letter to property owners, but also identified it as a problematic situation created by a disputed divorce, legalities, and so the anticipated length of time before correction of infractions might be expected. In another issue, Mewes expressed disappointment regarding a personal interest property pictured in the blight study, which she was advised was part of a photographic record compiled by Hanna Keelan and not the City. ZITO MIDWEST CONTRACT/ORDINANCE #473: Despite conflicting schedules which have prevented resolution of contractual differences of opinion, efforts will continue toward reaching mutual agreement. BLUE SPRINGS CITY PARK PROJECT 2023, INCLUDING PLANS, MATCH-FUND POSSIBILITIES/IN-KIND DETERMINATIONS, TIMELINES, ETC.: No new information. BRIDGE/NORTH SIDE APPROACH (BY CITY PARK/ DETERMINATION OF BRIDGE OWNERSHIP: No new information. Review continues. INCREASE OF LIFT STATION INSURANCE COVERAGE/PREMIUM: Motion (Reedy), second (Neumann), and a 4-0 affirmative vote approved raising lift station insurance to $150,000, with premium increase in the area of $723 for the remaining portion of the coverage period. WATER LINE: MEWES: Still waiting for State fund availability for the project. FIRE DEPARTMENT NON-STANDARD USE OF WATER/EQUIPMENT (HALTERMAN): Halterman addressed members about an incident described as tanker used to fill a private swimming pool. Carothers said the council was a good starting point for her to state her case, a situation she described as undesirable due to drought condition and financial and public accountability questions, but she should take it to the Rural Fire Protection Board. Halterman thanked members for their time and the guidelines provided. NEXT AGENDA: PUBLIC HEARING: 7 PM, June 6 - BLUE SPRINGS CITY HALL PROPERTY ACQUISITION (Rainey - adjacent to School) Followed by Regular Session: PLANNING & ZONING - APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS (as submitted) DEMOLITION PROJECT CLEAN-UP ZITO MIDWEST CONTRACT/ORDINANCE #473 BLUE SPRINGS CITY PARK PROJECT 2023, INCLUDING PLANS, MATCH-FUND POSSIBILITIES/IN-KIND DETERMINATIONS, TIMELINES, ETC. BRIDGE/NORTH SIDE APPROACH (BY CITY PARK/ DETERMINATION OF BRIDGE OWNERSHIP WATER LINE: MEWES KENO WRITER DENIAL/DISQUALIFICATION There being no further business, a motion was made by Neumann at 7:45 PM to adjourn. The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved June 6, 2023. Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Hearing/Regular Session) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Hearing/Regular Session)