City of Blue Springs, Nebraska

February 20, 2024 The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council of Blue Springs, Nebraska, was held starting at 7 PM, February 20, 2024, 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: Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers, Connie Mewes, Jodi Adams, Rex Adams, Deb Dorn, Deb Malchow, Mary Ells, Robert Harrison Notice of the Hearing/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 (Riensche), second (Neumann), 4-0 affirmative vote to approve the minutes of the February 6, 2024 Regular meeting. Motion (Neumann), second (Riensche), 4-0 affirmative vote to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct - Nebraska Dept. of Rev (10) - $103.24; Payroll - $2,929.65; Black Hills Energy - $90.79; EMC Insurance - $321.00; Fairbury Journal-News - $39.19; Lauby Plumbing/Heating/Air- $42.11; League of Ne Municipalities - Utilities (Pike Workshop) - $65.00; NE Dept of Revenue (50G) - $100.00; Norris Public Power - $1,239.08; Milton Pike - (Postage Reimb./Water Sample) - $30.95; Postmaster - $242.00: Roehr’s Machinery - $138.65; Security First Bank (Pike/IRA) - $55.00; Visa - $1,411.66; Windstream - $96.65; TOTAL CLAIMS: $ 6,904.97. PLANNING & ZONING - APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS (as submitted): After recommendation for passage by the Planning & Zoning Commission, two applications for building permits (24-1 - Deb Malchow, and 24-2 Robert Harrison) were reviewed by Mayor and Council, after which a motion (Reedy), second (Sedlacek), and a 4-0 affirmative vote approved 24-2 Harrison, and a motion (Neumann), second (Riensche) and a 4-0 affirmative vote approved 24-1 Malchow. Mewes cited incidents wherein people have completed building projects without applying for permits, and also suggested that the meeting agenda for the Mayor and Council be posted on the website to encourage community attendance at the meetings. DEMOLITION PROJECT: Asbestos testing for several houses determined. ARRANGEMENTS FOR CITY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY - 300 W 2nd St, Lot 38, Jacob Casebeers Addition #006872000, Final/closing or ASBESTOS TESTING AND DEMOLITION PLAN: This matter has been completed/purchase closed. Contact to be made with Midwest Process servers for notice to terminate tenancy (d/l April 1). CLEAN-UP/VEHICLES: Complaints filed in district court for three individuals Inoperable vehicles (6) added to the list. CRACK-SEALING SUB-CONTRACTING: Sedlacek to make contact for on-site evaluation of needs. Evaluation of armor coating needs also possible. CHANGE NAME OF BROAD STREET TO CHAMBERLIN /OR/ CITY PARK: No new information. PARKS, ETC, (DEAN COLE): Cole spoke about the tree survey of Blue Springs, the Cemetery, and the Parks. He indicated that Graham Herst would be willing to come down to assist with a City plan related to “Greening America” - for planting trees, and the creation of a 5 to 10 year plan for moving forward with various aspects of the tree program, perhaps with Shafer, Pinkerton, Kindler utilized for additional program support. Cole also shared information about the creation of a focus group which ideally would include the Mayor, one Council member, and key members of the community. Cole volunteered to help with grant applications, as to help arrange for a licensed arborist to address the needs of older trees (on city property only). A motion (Reedy), second (Neumann) and a 4-0 affirmative vote approved inviting Graham Herst and initiating a focus group. No cost is associated with that endeavor. Also, Peterson (associated with Gage County Foundation) could be instrumental for city efforts of fund raising, also federal funds might become available.. And perhaps our small community might serve as a model. NEXT AGENDA: APPROVAL OF MINUTES APPROVAL OF CLAIMS PLANNING & ZONING - APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS (as submitted) DEMOLITION PROJECT CLEAN-UP/VEHICLES CRACK-SEALING/ARMOR COATING CHANGE NAME OF BROAD STREET TO CHAMBERLIN /OR/ CITY PARK APPROVAL OF ANNUAL AUDIT STRATEGY/PLAN FOR STREET SIGN REPLACEMENT/REPAIR There being no further business, a motion was made by Neumann at 7:40 PM to adjourn. The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved March 5, 2024. Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Hearing/Regular Session) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Hearing/Regular Session)