City of Blue Springs, Nebraska

July 2, 2024 The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council of Blue Springs, Nebraska, was held starting at 7 PM, July 2, 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 ABSENT: Council member Sedlacek OTHERS PRESENT: Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers, Rex Adams, Tom Creek, Becky Reedy, Rosalie Reedy, Jared McKeever, Janice Cohorst, Deb Dorn, Devin Dorn, Verlyn Dodge, 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 (Neumann), second (Riensche), 3-0 affirmative vote to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2024 Regular meeting. Motion (Neumann), second (Reedy), 3-0 affirmative vote to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct . Internal Revenue Service -(941) - $2,632.56; Payroll: $4,613.74; Arbor Ink - $234.13; Electric Pump (New Lift Station Pump) - $20,189.10; Fairbury Journal-News - $46.96; Farmers Cooperative - $310.50; Municipal Supply - $57.74; NE Dept. of Revenue (941N) - $311.00; NE UC Fund - $16.20; Milton Pike (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Milton Pike (Postage Reimb./Water Sample) - $30.95; Postmaster - $242.00; Roehr’s Machinery - $95.38; Security First Bank (Pike/IRA) - $55.00; SENDD - (Membership/Housing 24-25) - $360.00; Temps Disposal Service (Mandatory) - $2,646.00; Milford Woutzke - (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Wymore, City of (Tower/Individual) - $1,033.80; Wymore Oil Company - $30;00: TOTAL CLAIMS: $32,955.06. PLANNING & ZONING - APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS (as submitted): Upon recommendation by P & Z Commission (and a 4-0 affirmative vote) , the application for a building permit #24-5 (Devin Dorn - Fence), was approved - motion by Riensche , second by Neumann, and a 3-0 affirmative vote. DEMOLITION PROJECT: Three structures are in place for demolition (controlled burn being arranged). Another house is in line for demolition after that. Hearing moved for property recently acquired by the City- with Writ of Restitution to be served by Sheriff (time/date to be determined) , with City backhoe in place for demolition directly following. Except for electrical, services have been discontinued on that site, and arrangements will be made (Meyer) with Norris for disconnect. CLEAN-UP/VEHICLES: One property owner has court date next week. Carothers to draft a letter to another property owner. The letter will include a copy of the vehicle ordinance for clarification. Carothers will draft a letter for City signature regarding a camper being lived in and a copy of the ordinance will be included. CRACK SEALING BIDS: Tiemann has contacted Pike regarding the project and it will be bid “two different ways” (Tiemann/Eric). Work expected to be done in fall. PAPA B’S (BORGMAN) VACATING A PORTION OF THE ALLEY, EASEMENT: Carothers will draft (Ordinance #478) for consideration first by Planning/Zoning - to vacate the alley, and he will correspond with property owners Borgman and Hughes about specifics and results of the vacating and of establishing a 20’ easement. He will also contact parties (as electrical, telephone, etc.) needing on-going access to the property. SCHOOL - PORTABLE;TEMPORARY STOP SIGN AT CROSSWALK, ORDINANCE # 477: Additional information was sought to enable Carothers to draft the ordinance. Primarily, narrative changes will be needed to establish the crosswalk as the location for the placement of a temporary stop sign two times a day (7:30 - 8:30 AM and 3:00 - 4:00 PM) on days school is in attendance. FIRE DEPARTMENT - CAR SHOW(STREET CLOSING/DONATI0N (T. Creek): Tom Creek addressed members, requesting street closing (Broad Street from A to Johnson - block past Fire Hall - morning through afternoon - August 11th ) for the Annual Car Show. A motion (Riensche), second (Reedy), and a 3-0 affirmative vote approved that street closing as well as a $900.00 donation (for two bouncy houses) . DOG ATTACKS (REEDY): Reedy addressed members regarding a recent incident. Becky Reedy provided particulars. Pictures have been obtained (will be provided to Carothers), and dog owners have been identified. Owners will be sent a courtesy letter regarding the “dog at large” incident that resulted in the death of pets… and in another incident an individual being chased by a dog while mowing. Reedy suggested looking on Dog Bite.Org, also review and evaluation of the last three ordinances regarding dogs, and that consideration be given to revisions that might bring about the most desirable results. Options may include Gage County Sheriff continuing as Animal Control Authority / vs./ reinstating previous municipal ordinances /vs./ hiring a part-time Ordinance Officer. ORDINANCE OFFICER (REEDY): See above. WYMORE/BLUE SPRINGS AREA FUND (BIG GIVE) (ROSALEE REEDY): Jared McKeever and Rosalie Reedy provided information about previous supported community improvements , as at Wymore’s McCandles Park and the Arbor State Park. They asked what they might work on for the City of Blue Springs. “Maybe tables, benches, a bathroom, water fountain.” Adams indicated that OPAT may be able to help with benches/tables, but the larger projects would be better served by the Wymore/Blue Springs Area Fund, perhaps in correlation with grant funds from the Thomas Foundation. Members will discuss what might be of the greatest benefit to the citizenry. OTHER: Members were encouraged (by Adams, McKeever, R. Reedy) to look into ways in which the City might be “inviting” during the Cattleman’s Ball Event (lst week of June/’25 - Potential of 3,000 visitors daily) Cabin Opening? Welcome Banner? Utilization of the Fireman’s Memorial Hall for some type of event? Etc. NEXT AGENDA: APPROVAL OF MINUTES APPROVAL OF CLAIMS PLANNING & ZONING - APPLICATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS (as submitted) DEMOLITION PROJECT CLEAN-UP/VEHICLES CRACK SEALING BIDS PAPA B’S (BORGMAN) VACATING A PORTION OF THE ALLEY, EASEMENT/ORDINANCE #478 SCHOOL - PORTABLE;TEMPORARY STOP SIGN AT CROSSWALK, ORDINANCE # 477 There being no further business, a motion was made by Riensche at 7:50 PM to adjourn. The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved July 16, 2024. Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Hearing/Regular Session) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Hearing/Regular Session)