City of Blue Springs, Nebraska

• July 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, Verlyn/Karen Dodge, Alan Riensche, Jay Woodyard, Phil/Tana Padgett, Rex/Jodi Adams, Mary Ells 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 June 16, 2026 meeting. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS: Motion (Riensche), second (Neumann), 4-0 affirmative vote to approve claims as follow: Internal Revenue Service (941) - $1,478.47; Payroll: $2,892.04; Blue Springs Fire Dept – (MFO) - $10,000.00; Fairbury Journal – News - $91.65; Farmers Cooperative - $60.50; Gowen Const. (Cabin Sign work) - $220.00; NE Dept. of Revenue (941N) - $112.00; NE Dept. of Revenue – Charitable Gaming – 51C - $595.00; NE Public Health Environmental Labs - $15.00; One-Call Concepts - $7.38; Postmaster - $278.00; SENDD – (membership/housing – 27) - $360.00; Temps Disposal Service (Mandatory) - $2,740.50; Willet Carothers - $812.50; Jay Woodyard (Contract Labor) - $384.00; Milford Woutzke (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; City of Wymore (Tower/Individual) - $1,181.69; Total Claims: $ 21,253.73. . PLANNING & ZONING: APPLICATIONS FOR BUILDING PERMITS AS SUBMITTED: In line with P & Z recommendation for approval, motion (Riensche), second (Neumann), 4-0 affirmative vote to approve Jeremy Thomas application for building permit #26-4. Applicant will be notified of approval and fee. DEMOLITION PROJECT Scrap metal remaining at site of controlled burn (D. Bohlmeyer), Reedy to talk to property owner about it. Follow up with A. J. McCrimmon about timeline for removal of debris after burn, then Jared Epp to be contacted to clean up the lot. Focus for next demolition project/asbestos testing was determined. CLEAN-UP/VEHICLES: Letters/ legal complaint action determined for certain locations. A location was identified with woodchuck/opossum problems – reported by V. Dodge..) Verification of ownership and address was determined for vehicles illegally parked--- on second street, Washington and Foust, Lincoln Street. VACATE ALLEY/STREET EASEMENTS: NARRATIVES: Witulski has provided easement description for alley and portion of Main Street between Saunders and Jefferson for preparation of the utility easement and signature of owners. Due to death of owner and needed but difficult to accomplish contact with family members, a second easement for vacating another portion of Main has been delayed, but effort will continue. Also, ownership of property needs to be established (deed transfer). WATER LINE PROJECT: DETERMINATION OF LOCATIONS AND PRIORITY: No information available. To be removed from agenda based on following up after effective timeline is determined. PARK RESTROOM/GRANT OPTIONS/RESTORATION: K. Dodge circulated copies of the Casper construction bid -($84,530.00 plus $1,000 extra concrete, $2,100 sewer and ELE line installed $87,630.00 --not included hook up city water, splash pad control box, length of sewer line estimated--- $2,000 – for an estimated total of $89, 630. (Other considerations: Swing set and teeter-totter will be moved to another location in the park. Handicap ramp will be provided. Solid slab, 20’ by 16’ building, stone outer face option, metal roof, windows to allow light.) A motion (Rainey), second (Neumann) and a 4-0 affirmative vote approved/accepted the Casper Construction bid. Work to begin shortly. INTER LOCAL (LIMITED) WORKFORCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WYMORE AND BLUE SPRINGS: Pending completion. STREET SIGNS/TRAFFIC CONTROL – WALNUT AND BROAD STREETS, AND OTHER STREETS: Pending response from State regarding Speed Study. Removed from agenda pending response. SECOND CLASS CITY VS. VILLAGE CLASSIFICATION/SPECIFICS OF A SPECIAL ELECTION: Pending League of NE Municipality study/change of statute. Needs to be introduced at Legislature. Removed from agenda pending completion of study/determinations. EXCESS EQUIPMENT/RESOLUTION: # 2026-1 -- Selections 1975 Dodge D600 2 ton dump truck; Model 455C backhoe, International Tractor 544; picnic tables): Arrangement/setup completed for photographs to be taken for auction on Purple Wave. Open-close dates to be provided to Carothers to support drafting of Resolution #2026-1 to effectuate the sale. LOCATE TICKETS (ACTIVITY SUPPORT): Paul Valentine were noted as an individual to contact as the time draws near for annual determination of Street Superintendent. Topic to be readdressed as timeline approaches. NEW HIRES/CONSIDERATIONS/DECISIONS: Reedy introduced/welcomed new employees: Jay Woodyard as full time maintenance supervisor with 30+ year experience which includes mechanics, heavy equipment, rock quarry experience, etc, and Alan Riensche part time who has had several years experience doing municipal mowing. RECYCLING/ CARDBOARD: Members agreed to notify Shelby Temps that he may provide a small roll off (at no cost) to the City for cardboard recycling. 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 INTER LOCAL (LIMITED) WORKFORCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WYMORE AND BLUE SPRINGS EXCESS EQUIPMENT – RESOLUTION # 2026-1 --(1975 Dodge D600 2 ton dump truck; Ford 455 backhoe Model 455C, International Tractor 544; Picnic tables) FIRE DEPARTMENT: STREET CLOSING FOR AUGUST 9 CAR SHOW: LEAGUE ASSOCIATION OF RISK MANAGEMENT 2026-2027 RENEWAL RESOLUTION #2026-2 INCREASED CAMPING FEES SPLASH PAD IN CITY PARK (GRANT OPTIONS (THOMAS?) There being no further business, a motion was made by Neumann at 7:49 PM to adjourn. The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved July 21 , 2026. Mayor: Gene (Radar) Reedy (Hearing/Regular Session) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Hearing/Regular Session)