City of Blue Springs, Nebraska

• April 7, 2026 Regular Session: 7:00 PM – Blue Springs City Hall – Mayor Reedy called the meeting to order, and roll call was taken. PRESENT: Mayor Reedy, Council members Dorn, Neumann, Rainey, Riensche ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Attorney Andrew Carothers, R. P. Harrison, Phil/Tana Padgett, Devin Dorn, Carol Hughes, Gene Reedy Sr. 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion (Neumann), second (Rainey) , 4-0 affirmative vote to approve minutes of the March 17, 2026 meeting. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS: Motion (Riensche), second (Neumann), 4-0 affirmative vote to approve claims as follow: Internal Revenue Service (941) - $1,020.22;Payroll $3,676.12; Arbor Ink - $64.40; Bockman, LLC - $411.00; Constellation Energy - $288.04; Fairbury Journal-News - $65.42; Lammel Plumbing - $6,588.50; NE Dept. of Revenue (941N) - $95.00; NE Dept. of Revenue (51C) - $717.00; NE Public Health Environmental Lab - $15.00; One Call Concepts - $9.80; Temps Disposal Service (Mandatory Trash) - $2,729.00; Willet & Carothers - $1,514.94; Milford Woutzke – (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Wymore, City of (Tower/Individual) - $1,600.91; TOTAL CLAIMS: $18,820.35 . PLANNING & ZONING: APPLICATIONS FOR BUILDING PERMITS AS SUBMITTED: No new applications. DEMOLITION PROJECT: Asbestos testing completed on one property/none found. Controlled burn planned but burn ban in effect until 4/11, and most likely longer due to dry weather. At another demolition project site rocks have been removed and a gazebo is planned by family. Carothers will follow up with Jared Epp regarding removal of limestone, etc. CLEAN-UP/VEHICLES: Courtesy letters were provided by Carothers for two properties. Certified letter planned for another location. Carothers will check another property for nuisance violations. Another structure has broken windows. Continuing review of two issues, one for closure of City acquisition/delinquent taxes and another the relocation/removal of a semi trailer . VACATE ALLEY/STREET EASEMENTS: NARRATIVE: (Reference: Alley: Borgman/Hughes and Main Street area: Padgett/ Harrison: Christ Witulski has experienced a reduction in staff, and is under time constraints. It may be necessary to look for another surveyor (Mcallister​​ ​?/Jasnowski?). WATER LINE PROJECT: CDBG /REEDY: (Determination of what City has for match): No fund determination was made, but Mayor Reedy will contact Mike Schultis again next week to get things started on the priority rating and cost analysis of areas in greatest need of water (and sewer) line replacement/repair. PARK RESTROOM/GRANT OPTIONS: Carothers will initiate a revised and a new application to the Thomas Foundation after completion of the last controlled burn in the current demolition project. Discussion briefly touched on the possibility of updating the current restroom next to City Hall. When the Park Board meets at a yet to be designated day next week, discussion will relate to both a new park restroom and potential renovation of the current restroom, and suggestions will be directed to members at the next meeting. INTER LOCAL (LIMITED) WORKFORCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WYMORE AND BLUE SPRINGS: Carothers has not yet completed the initial draft, but will be working on it. NEW P & Z MEMBER SELECTED TO FILL VACANCY: Mayor Reedy put forward the name of Devin Dorn. Motion (Rainey), second (Neumann) and a 4-0 affirmative vote appointed Dorn as the new member of the P & Z Commission. EVOLIS VISION RADAR SPEED SIGN: Speeding vehicles have become a problem on Broad and Walnut Streets. The radar speed sign was described as costly, and ineffective due in part to enforcement issues, and a decision was made to instead pursue information regarding the possibility and cost of speed bumps. Although speed bumps create problems during snow removal, there is a removable type. Reedy asked Rainey to research service providers, types and cost. Identification markers for drivers were also brought up. SECOND CLASS CITY VS. VILLAGE CLASSIFICATION ON THE BALLOT FOR GENERAL ELECTION/RESEARCH BY CAROTHERS: Carothers provided copies of 17-306. City of the second class; reorganization as village, petition, election, and described pros and cons of general election inclusion and a special election. Preference was given to the possibility of a Special Election, due to the voter confusion that would result from General Election specifics already in effect for Mayor and two Council seats and the necessary determination of trustees within the village format. The County Clerk will be contacted by Carothers to determine/settle certain issues as: cost of the Special Election, filing date for board seats etc. This information will be shared with members at an upcoming meeting. RURAL WATER RATE STUDY: Randy Hellbusch to be at City Office 4/16 for initial review. EXCESS EQUIPMENT: (POTENTIAL OPTIONS: 1975 Dodge D600 2 ton dump truck; Ford 455 backhoe Model 455C, Serial ABD435D; International Tractor 544; caterpillar 1958 N 112, road grader; sweeper) By the next Regular meeting, selections will be firmed with intent to offer on Purple Wave (with Resolution drafted). BUILDING INSPECTOR (REEDY): It was determined advisable to pursue a certified building inspector which would involve the adoption of the International Building Code (2018 Residences) and activate a study of factors, as cost and availability, for such service. TAPPING FEES: NEW SERVICE) In order to arrive at a fair and accurate determination of charges to the new customers involved, Mayor Reedy will meet with one service provider (Lammel) for a breakdown of charges billed to the City. Other: It was mentioned that Jason Moore would be available to sweep the street for $150 an hour. Gene Reedy Sr told that Jan Morris has arranged for members of the State Wide Museum Group to be at the cabin April 13th from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, and solicited attendance for the event. Jan also requested a sign for the Blue Springs cabin. NEXT AGENDA: APPROVAL OF MINUTES APPROVAL OF CLAIMS PLANNING & ZONING: APPLICATIONS FOR BUILDING PERMITS AS SUBMITTED DEMOLITION PROJECT CLEAN-UP/VEHICLES VACATE ALLEY/STREET EASEMENTS: NARRATIVES WATER LINE PROJECT: DETERMINATION OF LOCATIONS AND PRIORITY PARK RESTROOM/GRANT OPTIONS/RESTORATION INTER LOCAL (LIMITED) WORKFORCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WYMORE AND BLUE SPRINGS SPEED BUMPS – WALNUT AND BROAD STREETS SECOND CLASS CITY VS. VILLAGE CLASSIFICATION/SPECIFICS OF A SPECIAL ELECTION RURAL WATER RATE STUDY EXCESS EQUIPMENT BUILDING INSPECTOR There being no further business, a motion was made by Riensche at 8:14 PM to adjourn. The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved April 21, 2026. Mayor: Gene (Radar) Reedy (Hearing/Regular Session) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Hearing/Regular Session)