November 20, 2018

The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on November 20, 2018, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.
PRESENT: Mayor Meyer, Council members Carmichael, Mewes, Neumann

ABSENT: Council member Reedy

OTHER ATTENDEES: City Attorney Andy Carothers, Employee Mike Pike, Connie Mewes, Carol Hughes, Rex Adams


Notice of the meeting/hearing 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. Proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened hearing/meeting was open to public attendance.


At 7:00 PM, Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order and roll call was taken.


Motion, second and vote (Mewes, Carmichael , 3-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the November 6, 2018, Regular meeting.


After review -- motion, second, and vote (Neumann, Mewes, 3-0 affirmative) to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct Payment - NE Dept. of Rev. (10) - $351.46; Payroll - $2,249.91; Beatrice Sand & Gravel - $626.29; Black Hills Energy - $33.79; Farmers Cooperative - $4.50; Lopez Est. c/o Ashley Norris (Met. Dep. Ref.) - $7.43; NE Public Health Environmental Labs - $15.00; One-Call Concepts, Inc. - $4.17; Security First Bank (Pike - IRA) - $55.00; Windstream - $72.71; Wymore Arbor State - $150.36; TOTAL CLAIMS: $3,570.62.


ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (TONY SHEPARDSON INVITED TO ATTEND): Tony Shepardson anticipated to be in attendance at the next Regular meeting (Carothers to invite) . Basic considerations: Presence of certified officer during court proceedings increases credibility - ( per Carothers) --- Timeline 4-6 hours a week; possibility officer might be able to modify regular work schedule to address Municipal nuisance abatement situations (per Rex Adams comment) - (Order of address - “worst cases first”) - (per Attorney Carothers). Carothers noted that amendments to certain ordinances may be necessary.


AGREEMENT WITH HUMANE SOCIETY: Members reviewed copy of an Impoundment/Shelter Agreement for Wymore, and stipulations (as hold-time and posting of impoundment at City) were determined to be acceptable, including anticipated low-count incidents of City reimbursement fees (only if animal - (last resort) needs to be euthanized.) Carothers will tailor the agreement to meet Municipal circumstances, and will provide it for further review/potential approval at the next Regular meeting.



DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE: Asbestos testing has been completed with the exception for two “no access” properties. Findings (not formalized at this time) indicated low incidence of asbestos (pipe wrap at a couple locations). Formalized findings are expected to be provided within the next week. Council member Carmichael expressed concern about “potential City liability issues” resulting from someone’s unauthorized removal of a carport on one of the demolition properties. Attorney Carothers intends to contact one property owner to determine if all “wanted” trim/etc. has been removed. Rex Adams indicated that Fire Chief Robinson is reviewing the possibility of five selected properties in the demolition program being included in “controlled burn/training” procedures, which will impact on a re-bid with the demolition contractor. Carothers stressed that all properties included in “controlled burn/training” exercises need to have in place for compliance with regulatory needs -- proof of asbestos testing/abatement, and authorized sign-off by property owners. Those not meeting the necessary criteria can not be included in the burn process. Carothers will provide Adams with the necessary sign-off forms. Additionally, Carothers will draft a letter to one property owner to provide a deadline for removal of contents prior to inclusion in the burn program.


OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES, ORDINANCE #460: Members reviewed a draft of the ordinance. Carothers will check into “propane use” regulations (as relates to heating homes in the City), and minor corrections will be made to the ordinance, which will be presented for further review/potential approval at the next Regular meeting. It was noted by Carothers that the Ordinance Enforcement Officer would be a great help in the area of notification, proof of ownership or lease, and notice of requirement to “hook up to City utilities,” and citing for ordinance violation in situation of failure to comply within timeline.


CITY PARK/FEIT MEMORIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS OPTIONS/GRANTS, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE): No new information.


“77” ROAD SIGNS, AS PER DIRECTORY INFORMATION FOR WALKING TRAIL, JOHNSON CABIN, CHAMBERLIN MONUMENT, BALLFIELD, FEIT MEMORIAL PARK, CITY PARK, ETC, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE): No new information.

MFO FUNDS: (City of Beatrice Ck # 34071-- $849.28): Members discussed variables, and a decision was made to hold current (and future - to become standardized procedure) MFO funds in the Fire Fund of the City’s General checking account, for availability at such time as the Fire Department requests funds.


CLEAN-UP: Property owner did not show up for court date. Appearance was rescheduled for two weeks. A property owner under current legal scrutiny has complie with the primary address factors (removal of two vehicles and garbage, and wood pile neatly stacked), but another problem has come to light after the relocation of wood - materials classified as “nuisance items” that will need to be removed. Carothers will send a letter requesting abatement of remaining infractions. If property owner does not fall into compliance with request, he will be taken back to court. Carol Hughes inquired about trailers on the property, and Carothers suggested that this, among other situations (other clean-up areas, dog at large issues, etc.) would be a good situation to be addressed by the Ordinance Enforcement Officer when the City has one in place. A storage unit issue has been filed for District Court action.


NEXT AGENDA:
OATH(s) OF OFFICE: MAYOR- LONNIE D. MEYER; WARD 1 COUNCIL - GLENN D. MEWES;
WARD 2 COUNCIL - GENE RADAR REEDY
ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS: which will include: COMMITTEES, PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL, SECONDARY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, TEMPORARY CLERK, CITY STREET SUPT. - KEITH GILMORE - 697A, CITY ATTORNEY & DEPUTY ATTORNEY, AUDITOR, AND EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENTS AND WAGES AND BENEFITS:
EMPLOYEE ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (TONY SHEPARDSON INVITED TO ATTEND) AGREEMENT WITH HUMANE SOCIETY
DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE
OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES, ORDINANCE #460
CITY PARK/FEIT MEMORIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS OPTIONS/GRANTS, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE)
“77” ROAD SIGNS, AS PER DIRECTORY INFORMATION FOR WALKING TRAIL, JOHNSON CABIN, CHAMBERLIN MONUMENT, BALLFIELD, FEIT MEMORIAL PARK, CITY PARK, ETC, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE)
PLANNING & ZONING
CLEAN-UP


Motion to adjourn: By: Mewes Time: 7:40 PM. No objections.


The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved December 4, 2018.


Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session)


City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

November 6, 2018

The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on November 6, 2018, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.

PRESENT: Mayor Meyer, Council members Carmichael, Mewes, Neumann, Reedy

ABSENT:

OTHER ATTENDEES: City Attorney Andy Carothers, Employee Mike Pike, Connie Mewes, Carol Hughes, Chris Canfield, Rex Adams

Notice of the meeting/hearing 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. Proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened hearing/meeting was open to public attendance.

At 7:00 PM, Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order and roll call was taken.

Motion, second and vote (Mewes, Neumann, 4-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the October 16, 2018, Regular meeting.

After review -- motion, second, and vote (Neumann, Mewes, 4-0 affirmative) to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct - Internal Revenue (941) - 1,704.66; Payroll - $4,117.31; Beatrice Iron & Metal - $24.97; Constellation Energy - $9.68; Johnny’s Welding - $568.50; NE Dept. Rev (501N) - $209.15; Nebraska Environmental Products- $942.77; NE Public Health Environmental Labs - $30.00; Norris Public Power - $1,158.61; One-Call Concepts - $5.70; Milton Pike (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Milton Pike (Postage Reimb.) - $24.70; Postmaster - $170.00; Katherine Roche (Reimb - W-2/W-3 software) - $64.00; Security First Bank -(Pike/IRA)- $55.00; Shell - $420.79; T.L. Excavation - $400.00; T. O. Haas - $1,411.68; Milford Woutzke - (Tel. Comp.) - $5.00; Wymore Lumber - $35.42; Wymore Oil Company - $198.93; TOTAL CLAIMS: $11,581.87.


ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER vs. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT COVERAGE: Employee Milton Pike (& Wymore Mayor) indicated that current needs assessment for police coverage in Wymore makes an interlocal agreement inadvisable at this time. Members were in agreement for Attorney Carothers to invite Law Enforcement Officer Tony Shepardson to the next Regular meeting for a discussion of Ordinance Enforcement Officer scope, needs and expectations.

AGREEMENT WITH HUMANE SOCIETY: Attorney Carothers is to provide documentation in time for review at the next Regular meeting.

DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE: Asbestos testing expected to be completed in the next week, with supporting documentation available the following week. Thirteen houses/trailers are to be inspected (2 previously done). An effort will be made to locate documentation of asbestos testing done previously on houses entered in the demolition program. Several houses are strong possibilities for “controlled burn/firemen training” and Fire Chief Brad Robinson will be contacted for “final decision on locations.” Actual demolition is expected during December for those structures without asbestos, and later for those requiring asbestos abatement.

OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES: Attorney Carothers will draft an Ordinance ( # 460) for review at the next Regular meeting so that documentation can be in place for use by the Ordinance Enforcement Officer for this situation.

CITY PARK/FEIT MEMORIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS OPTIONS/GRANTS, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE): Pending further information from Dean Cole as such becomes available..

“77” ROAD SIGNS, AS PER DIRECTORY INFORMATION FOR WALKING TRAIL, JOHNSON CABIN, CHAMBERLIN MONUMENT, BALLFIELD, FEIT MEMORIAL PARK, CITY PARK, ETC, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE): Pending further information from Dean Cole as such becomes available.

CLEAN-UP: Pictures were used to support legal action for one property owner. Several clean-up requirements were accomplished by one property owner, but with one remaining aspect (wood pile - west side of garage), which is currently being addressed. Chris Canfield said he might be able to assist the property owner with the project. Carothers indicated that the pile does not necessarily need to be removed, but it certainly needs to “be stacked neatly,” otherwise it is an invitation to rodents and feral cats. Judge Thimm has given the property owner 2 weeks to complete the task. Property owner is due back in court on Tuesday, the 20th. Pictures are still pending for one property owner and the storage unit infraction is to be addressed legally within the week.


OTHER:
Carol Hughes identified community improvement possibilities through association with NGage/ University of NE, Heartland…- information sessions focused on getting people (kids/and adults) involved in determination, assessment, and subsequent action within community to achieve betterment objectives. Members thanked her for the information.

NEXT AGENDA:
ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (TONY SHEPARDSON INVITED TO ATTEND) AGREEMENT WITH HUMANE SOCIETY
DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE
OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES, ORDINANCE #460
CITY PARK/FEIT MEMORIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS OPTIONS/GRANTS, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE)
“77” ROAD SIGNS, AS PER DIRECTORY INFORMATION FOR WALKING TRAIL, JOHNSON CABIN, CHAMBERLIN MONUMENT, BALLFIELD, FEIT MEMORIAL PARK, CITY PARK, ETC, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE)
CLEAN-UP

Motion to adjourn: By: Mewes. Time: 7:42 PM. No objections.

The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved November 20, 2018.

Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session)

City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

October 16, 2018


The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on October 16, 2018, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.
PRESENT: Mayor Meyer, Council members Carmichael, Neumann, Reedy
ABSENT: Council member Mewes
OTHER ATTENDEES: City Attorney Andy Carothers, Employee Mike Pike, Connie Mewes, Carol Hughes, Fred Laber, Rex Adams, Gage County Officer Klaus, Dean Cole


Notice of the meeting/hearing 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. Proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened hearing/meeting was open to public attendance.


At 7:00 PM, Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order and roll call was taken.


Motion, second and vote (Mewes, Carmichael, 3-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the October 2, 2018, Regular meeting.


After review -- motion, second, and vote (Carmichael, Neumann, 3-0 affirmative) to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct - NE Dept. of Revenue (10) - $214.88; Payroll - $2,002.08; Black Hills Energy - $25.25; Constellation Energy - $4.31; Land Survey Tech - $525.00; One-Call Concepts, Inc. - $1.89; Milton Pike (Postage. Reimb.) - $24.70; Security First Bank - (Pike - IRA) - $55.00; Windstream - $72.44; Wymore Arbor State - $221.74; Wymore Lumber - $176.96; TOTAL CLAIMS: $3,324.25
.


ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER vs. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT COVERAGE: Work continues on an intended proposal by Mark Meints. Tabled pending availability of information.


AGREEMENT WITH HUMANE SOCIETY: Pending documentation from Attorney Carothers.


KENO REOPENING PROCEDURE/NEEDS: Anticipated re-opening under the name Lucky Bridge Lounge within ten days from today’s date.


DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE: Asbestos testing information anticipated shortly. Waiting from scheduling information from service provider (Bockman).


OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES: Pending further analysis supported by DeWitt attorney, with reference to possibility of finding some comparative factors within floodplain regulations of that jurisdiction.


CITY PARK/FEIT MEMORIAL PARK - (DEAN COLE): Dean Cole called for consideration for surveying Feit Memorial Park/City Park for the purpose of forwarding potential improvements, and cultivating grant opportunities (as within programs provided by Re-Tree Nebraska, Greener Nebraska, Game & Parks, Legacy Program). Cole indicated that determinations would be needed to engage the SECC Park Plan (Febr.-May project, (measurements) which could be done “without obligation,“ and also --- that putting a 5-year plan in place for “parks” would be a sound decision. No objections were raised to Cole’s intent to pursue improvements through grant applications, and permission of council was thereby given for the matter to proceed. Attorney Carothers will check at courthouse to see if any survey information (as Feit Park - 1976) is available prior to any scheduling of a new “survey” process. Determination of property “corners” is also a possibility to support boundaries, and therefore forward improvement plans/processes. Cole also touched briefly on future interest - as canoeing quarter, wildlife/plant life protection. Cole also requested attention to ruts (from run-off) in the approach to Feit Memorial Park, and the matter will be corrected by the application of gravel to the problem areas. Cole also brought up the need to get the “new basketball” hoops in place. Discussion of this topic included debate over the size/depth of holes needed to support the equipment, and final determination was for Mayor Meyer to check with Norris to see if they could “auger 24”/36” holes to support placement (time-effective) of the equipment by a local service provider (Sullivan). It was noted that Mewes and Reedy are on the Park Committee, so Reedy agreed to work in support of placement of the hoops (with a suggested completion time of November.) Cole indicated that both boys and girls were utilizing the play area, and that improvements to the existing hoops (backboards/decals/etc) would also be a good idea. Cole also requested permission to pursue grant funds and get Highway Department permission for the placement of directory information (on 77- brown signs - for Walking Trail, Johnson Cabin, Chamberlin Monument, Baseball Field, City Park, Feit Memorial Park, etc. No objections were made, and permission was given. Cole was thanked for his interest and information, and Cole voiced appreciation for the topic attention of Mayor and Council .


NOV 10. HALL RENTAL (FEE WAIVED) SB TRAIL MEETING - (DEAN COLE): All members in agreement for fee-waived use of the hall for “dedication ceremony” for approximately 20-25 people (Noon - 2PM) on November 10th, 2018.


STORAGE CONTAINERS - (Connie Mewes): Objection from attendee Laber was made to permitting placement of storage units within residential areas. Council member Reedy also objected. Attorney Carothers stated that allowance of storage units in residential areas could set precedent for other types of storage. Connie Mewes withdrew the topic from further consideration at this time. Carothers will “get on” another legal issue.


CLEAN UP: Two properties were removed from the clean-up list due to full/or expected timely resolution of infractions. Attorney Carothers requested pictures of clean-up infractions on one property. Some improvement was noted on another property with upcoming court scheduling.


NEXT AGENDA:

ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER vs. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT COVERAGE

AGREEMENT WITH HUMANE SOCIETY

DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE

OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES

CITY PARK/FEIT MEMORIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS OPTIONS/GRANTS, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE)

“77” ROAD SIGNS, AS PER DIRECTORY INFORMATION FOR WALKING TRAIL, JOHNSON CABIN, CHAMBERLIN MONUMENT, BALLFIELD, FEIT MEMORIAL PARK, CITY PARK, ETC, AS PER AVAILABLE INFORMATION (DEAN COLE)

CLEAN-UP

Motion to adjourn: By: Reedy Time: 7:40 PM. No objections.


The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved November 6, 2018.

Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session)

City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

October 2, 2018

The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on October 2, 2018, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.

PRESENT: Mayor Meyer, Council members Carmichael, Mewes, Neumann, Reedy

ABSENT:

OTHER ATTENDEES: City Attorney Andy Carothers, Employee Mike Pike, Connie Mewes, Carol Hughes, Chris Canfield

Notice of the meeting/hearing 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. Proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened hearing/meeting was open to public attendance.

At 7:00 PM, Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order and roll call was taken.

Motion, second and vote (Mewes, Neumann, 4-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the Sept. 18, 2018, Regular meeting.

After review -- motion, second, and vote (Carmichael, Mewes, 4-0 affirmative) to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct - Internal Revenue Service - (941) - $1,736.14; Payroll - $3,366.39; Abbott Portable Toilets (Municipal Publicity) - $375.00; Blue Valley Door - $789.00; NE Dept. of Revenue (51C) - $1,149.00; NE Dept. of Revenue (941N) - $212.72; NE U.C. Fund - $34.12; Norris Public Power - $1,166.83; Office Supply - $394.05; Milton Pike (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Postmaster - $170.00; Security First Bank (Pike-IRA) - $55.00; Shell - $472.43; Milford Woutzke (Tel. Comp.) - $5.00; Wymore Arbor State - $158.86; Wymore, City of (Tower/Individual) - $5,407.66; TOTAL CLAIMS: $15,517.20.

ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER -CONTINUED: Discussion of interested applicants was followed by determination (suggestion of Mayor Meyer) to obtain a cost-analysis from Wymore in reference to potentiality of an inter-local agreement between communities for law enforcement coverage, and with that information to be weighed against the pros and cons of possible alternate determination for an Ordinance Enforcement Officer only. Clarification was made (Carothers - based on comment by Hughes) that presently Wymore Law Enforcement does not enter into City (Blue Springs) disturbance issues unless support is solicited by Gage County Law Enforcement, whereas within an inter-local agreement with Wymore, not only would routine patrol (as per agreement parameter) be in effect, but response to disturbance issues would be automatic.

ANNUAL CITY CELEBRATION (FINANCIAL RECAP): Celebration cost was below the $5,000 budget allowance, closing at $4,021.50.

PLANNING & ZONING: No new applications.

DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE: Carothers reported that scheduling (Bockmann - asbestos testing) has been arranged for a day within the next two weeks, with Council member Reedy taking time from work in all probability, to stand in for Dan Disney who may not be available as initially believed to accompany and provide access to designated/program-approved properties.

OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES: Attorney Carothers will attempt secondary contact (first choice did not respond), to pursue particulars of response by that community (DeWitt) for this type of situation.

CLEAN UP: Deadline compliance (removal of truck bed loaded with debris) of 10/2 for one property on the clean-up list will be determined by drive-by (Carothers, after meeting), and if not accomplished will be addressed by legal means. Another property owner on the clean-up list who expressed hardship in meeting a previous deadline, and who has made some progress, will be given until 10/20 to resolve issues or will be “continued to 10/24 11 AM.” - Carothers. Carothers will also “move forward on a previous …‘container removal’ issue.” Connie Mewes inquired as to rationale for not allowing them (storage containers) in non-residential areas, and discussion of stipulations in place for other communities (as Beatrice - 2 allowed in commercial/industrial zoned areas - Glenn Mewes) was discussed. Connie Mewes also inquired as to the need for building permits for “greenhouses” and three were noted in the community. Due to need to assure compliance with set-back regulations, determination was made that these structures would not be excused from routine building permit application procedure. Considered resolved, another issue was removed (illegal dumping) from the clean-up list. Council member Carmichael questioned practice comparable to “nit-picking” for clean-up issues, and Carothers stated that preferred address is “worst properties first.” Council member Reedy suggested that an Ordinance Enforcement Officer would be valuable in determination of focus and action, and members agreed.

NEXT AGENDA:

ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER vs. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT COVERAGE
AGREEMENT WITH HUMANE SOCIETY
KENO REOPENING PROCEDURE/NEEDS
DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE
OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES
CLEAN UP


Motion to adjourn: By: Reedy Time: 7:30 PM. No objections.


The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved October 16, 2018.

Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session)

City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

eptember 18, 2018


The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on September 18, 2018, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.

PRESENT: Mayor Meyer, Council members Carmichael, Mewes, Neumann, Reedy

ABSENT:

OTHER ATTENDEES: City Attorney Andy Carothers, Employee Mike Pike, Connie Mewes, Carol Hughes


Notice of the meeting/hearing 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. Proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened hearing/meeting was open to public attendance.


At 7:00 PM, Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order and roll call was taken.


Motion, second and vote (Neumann, Mewes, 4-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the Sept. 4th - 2018-2019 Budget Hearing and Regular meeting.


After review -- motion, second, and vote (Carmichael, Mewes, 4-0 affirmative) to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct -NE Dept. of Revenue (10) -$272.15; Payroll-$2,374.09 Arbor Ink -$98.26; Black Hills Energy -$24.89; Eakes Office Solutions (Municipal Publicity) -$7.00; Farmers Cooperative-$15.44; KWBE -Flood Communications -(Municipal Publicity) -$1,512.00; Municipal Supply-$157.93; Verona Neumann (Door Prize Reimb. -Tractor Show-$100.00; Milton Pike-(Postage Reimb.) -$24.70;Gene (Radar) Reedy - (Van’s Chicken Reimb.-Car Show -Municipal Publicity) -$90.00: Security First Bank (Pike - IRA) -$55.00; Willet & Carothers -$3,778.67; Windstream -$72.30;Wymore Lumber -$101.15; TOTAL CLAIMS $8,683.58.


ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER -CONTINUED: Carothers advised that contact has been made with Sheriff Gustafson to determine interest within the officer base. Interested candidate(s) will be invited to attend a future meeting. (Estimated hourly rate for a part-time (2 hrs. week?) municipal officer is $28-30.)


ANNUAL CITY CELEBRATION (FINANCIAL RECAP): Pending remaining invoices. Current Status Cost: $3,646.50, with at least one outstanding bill. Participation : 23 tractors, 55 cars.


PLANNING & ZONING: No new applications.

DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE: Per Carothers, one property remains for “sign-off approval” for asbestos testing. Asbestos testing currently being scheduled (Bockman). Dan Disney was determined for “locating” support. It is anticipated 4-5 houses will need remediation. Demolition scheduling will follow.


OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES: Carothers reported that there is no adjacent community code (Beatrice) to address this issue. Reedy noted that one community (DeWitt) does have (within its floodplain restrictions) a ruling regarding houses that remain vacant for a determined length of time and that then requires inspection before occupancy. Review will continue.


KENO- (City Authorization/Resolution #2018-3 (or) Ordinance (#459/ and Operator’s Agreement): Carothers advised: “No license, State ID, liquor license, completed background check yet for applicant, and that “ball-drop” continuance will be given close State scrutiny initially,” --- and he provided Ordinance #459. A motion (Reedy), second (Neumann) and a 4-0 vote suspended the rule of three readings. A motion (Reedy) and second (Mewes) were made to approve Ordinance # 459, and the ordinance was read (Carothers) , per: AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE LUCKY BRIDGE LOUNGE, LLC, AS THE CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS’ KENO CONTRACTOR; TO GRANT LUCKY BRIDGE LOUNGE, LLC, THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO OPERATE FOR THE CITY A KENO STYLE LOTTERY WITHIN THE CITY’S CORPORATE LIMITS; TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE THE LOTTERY OPERATOR AGREEMENT; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR SECTIONS; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A 4-0 affirmative vote followed to approve Ordinance 459.


CLEAN UP: Carothers advised that he has drafted a letter to one property owner, giving an October 2nd deadline for removal of infractions. No progress to remove infractions on another property resulted in continuance of legal action. A letter (with November 1, 2018 deadline) was determined for a property owner who placed branches/limbs on City right-of-way. Another property will continue under the review process due to lack of continued progress, but with anticipation that the problem will be resolved shortly. Council member Reedy volunteered to provide Carothers with pictures of another property with on -going infractions. A letter has been drafted for illegal dumping.


NEXT AGENDA:

ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER -CONTINUED

ANNUAL CITY CELEBRATION (FINANCIAL RECAP)

PLANNING & ZONING

DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE
OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES
CLEAN UP


Motion to adjourn: By: Reedy Time: 7:45 PM. No objections.


The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved October 2, 2018.


Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session)

City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

August 21, 2018

The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on August 21, 2018, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.

PRESENT: Mayor Meyer, Council members Carmichael, Mewes, Reedy

ABSENT: Council member Neumann

OTHER ATTENDEES: City Attorney Andy Carothers, Connie Mewes, Rex Adams, Carol Klee, Chris Canfield, Mike Widick, Carol Hughes
Notice of the meeting/hearing 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. Proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened hearing/meeting was open to public attendance.
At 7:00 PM, Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order and roll call was taken.
Motion, second and vote (Mewes, Carmichael, 3-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the August 7, 2018 Regular meeting.
After review -- motion, second, and vote (Carmichael, Mewes, 3-0 affirmative ) to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct - NE Dept. of Revenue (#10) - 323.42; Payroll - $2,222.60; Black Hills Energy - $6.26; Blue River Area Agency on Aging - $625.00; Display Sales - $503.00; Jerry’s Diesel Service - $92.00: Lincoln Journal Star (Municipal Publicity) - $15.00; NE Public Health Environmental Labs - $205.00; Pike Rentals - $500.00; Gene (Radar) Reedy - Municipal Publicity - Car Show Reimbursements - $500.00; Security First Bank (Pike - IRA) - $55.00; T. L. Excavation - (Park) - $1,275.00; Windstream - $68.08; Wymore Lumber - $308.44; TOTAL CLAIMS: $6,698.80.

DISCUSSION OF LEVY FOR 2018-2019 BUDGET (SAME/CHANGE?): No bonding issues, no new applicable interlocal agreements impacted on levy setting which is currently at the .45 cent maximum request allowance, so no changes were made.

ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: Expedience was encouraged by Rex Adams. Further review was designated, including contact by Council member Reedy to representatives of comparable communities (as Adams, DeWitt) that have ordinance enforcement officers in place for weed, trash, various nuisance ordinance compliance. Relevant issues included, but was not all-inclusive to the following factors: Hourly need determination and cost ($28-30 per hr.); uniform code, workers’ compensation, evaluation of positive impact of existing programs.

ANNUAL CITY CELEBRATION (RECAP OF EVENT): Rainfall impacted on attendance, but cars numbered 55 entries, tractors 22-23. Bounce house was delivered, but cancelled, resulting in mutual agreement between Council member Reedy and product supplier-- for billing at a half-rate. ($537.50)

PLANNING & ZONING: Two applications which received approval at the last P & Z Commission meeting were reviewed. Motion, second, vote (Reedy, Mewes; 3-0 affirmative) approved the Art Linsenmeyer application for an add-on and the Larry Zimmerman application for a fence. Applicants will be notified of approval and fee.

DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE: The program is underway, with the following factors noted: 6 out of 12 owners have signed, with the 7th approval expected soon. Stipend payments are under consideration for two properties. Two properties initially determined for the program have been removed, and one added. Two properties: Widick, Maxson) have had asbestos testing, and plans are in place for remaining asbestos testing/removal. Inspections are anticipated to be scheduled in correlation with that for another community (Wymore) for cost-effective results. Rex Adams inquired as to the recommendation and benefit of “burning” certain houses in the program, and Attorney Carothers indicated it would be a beneficial method (decreasing clean-up (Paul and Joel) cost, but that signed (by owner) Fire Training notification requirements must be met. Council member Reedy will make contact to substantiate asbestos testing completion at one test site, and for remaining asbestos testing considerations.

REQUEST TO VACATE STREET (57 FEET EAST OF WATER MAIN LOCATED IN FRONT OF 526East 2nd to RIVER DRIVE)/Property Description: COM ON E OF GAMBEE’S Add 498 S OF N LINE SE S 189‘ E to CEN OF RI UP CEN OF RI TO PT DUE E OF BEG W 357’ TO POB EX N 124’ OF W 150 (1.--: Carol Klee, INCLUDING: STREET DAMAGE, OVER-HANGING TREES, ON 500 BLOCK EAST 2ND : Work has been done by City crew to minimize drainage problems, with gravel to be applied, as well as further work (as culvert) if proven necessary in the future. Carol Klee advised and provided documentation wherein she withdrew her previous request to vacate the street, and that correspondence is attached to the office copy of minutes.

KENO REVIEW: City Attorney Carothers provided buyer information which included: potentiality of shared Manager‘s License (Morris w/ new buyer) for the duration of time needed for completion of new application processing, and contact person (Carri Fitzgerald, Licensing Specialist - Nebraska Department of Revenue, Charitable Gaming Division (402) 471-5949 /carri.Fitzgerald@Nebraska.gov). 60-90 days would be required for review and issuance of liquor license. Expected potential buyer (Lillibridge) was not in attendance, so current status or continuing interest and intent is not known.

CLEAN UP: It was noted that one vehicle has been removed by a property owner on the clean up list, and that location was removed from the list. Limited clean-up progress at two locations will result in legal action. Chris Witowski will be contacted for boundary determination at another site. Two certified letters will be mailed.


NEXT AGENDA:
2018-2019 BUDGET HEARING (Followed by Regular Session topics)
ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
ANNUAL CITY CELEBRATION (FINANCIAL RECAP)
PLANNING & ZONING
DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE
CLEAN UP

Motion to adjourn: By: Mewes Time: 8 PM. No objections.

The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved September 4, 2018.


Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session)


City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

September 4, 2018

The 2018-2019 Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on September 4, 2018, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.

PRESENT: Mayor Meyer, Council members Carmichael, Mewes, Neumann, Reedy
ABSENT:

OTHER ATTENDEES: City Attorney Andy Carothers, Brian Blobaum, Employee Mike Pike, Connie Mewes, Mr./Mrs. Chris Canfield, Carol Hughes, Rex Adams, Dan Disney, Steve Porter

Notice of the meeting/hearing 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. Proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened hearing/meeting was open to public attendance.
At 7:00 PM, Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order and roll call was taken.
Motion, second and vote (Neumann, Mewes, 4-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the August 21, 2018 Regular meeting.
After review -- motion, second, and vote (Neumann, Carmichael, 4-0 affirmative ) to approve claims as follow: Bank Direct - Internal Revenue Service (941) - $2,071.55; Payroll 3,145.66; Blobaum & Busboom (Budget Support) - $1,300.00; Constellation Energy - $3.71; Fireman’s Memorial Hall - $100.00 - (Municipal Publicity); More Than Games (Municipal Publicity) - $537.50; Municipal Supply - $126.88; NE Dept. of Revenue (501N) - $287.72; Norris Public Power - $1,198.36; Milton Pike (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Postmaster - $170.00; Katherine Roche (Cert. Letter Reimb.) - $13.40; Security First Bank (Pike-IRA) - $55.00; Shell - $219.36; Sullivan Construction - $360.00; Tractor Supply - $207.91; Uhl’s Sporting Goods - (Municipal Publicity) - $1,895.00; Weyer Repair - $15.00; Milford Woutzke - (Tel. Comp.) - $5.00; Wrenchman Service - $153.52; Wymore Oil Co. - $130.01; - TOTAL CLAIMS: $12,020.58; -- and Blue Springs Keno $415.19 from the Keno Proceeds Checking Account - (July Report).


2018-2019 BUDGET HEARING/ Resolution 2018-2
Motion (Carmichael) and second (Mewes) to open the Budget Hearing: (Vote: 4-0 affirmative).
Call for comments and questions (none), summarization by Blobaum of the Budget Notes (herein included) :
2018-2019 Budget Notes: The City appears to be continuing to produce revenues in excess of regular operating expenditures. The General All-Purpose Fund is producing roughly $37,000 per year (nearly the same as last year), and the Keno Fund is producing roughly $20,000 per year (a decrease from the previous year). These funds produced are held in reserve available for capital outlays (paving, new equipment, water lines, etc.)... It is estimated that as of October 1, 2018, you will have cash reserves of about $300,000 General and $220,000 Keno. This compares to the prior year amounts of $260,000 General and $230,000 Keno.… For the year 2018-2019, proposed budget property tax has been left at the levy limit of 45 cents, which increases the tax request from $29,366 o $29,836. This increase (of approx. 1.6%) is due to higher total assessed valuation for the City from $6,525,958 to $6,630.423. All of the increased valuation of $104,465 is attributable to new growth… Other operating revenues have been estimated conservatively at $120,000 based on the prior year amounts for the general funds. $600,000 has been included in other operating revenues based upon prior years’ estimated Keno game gross proceeds... $543,000 has been budgeted as potential capital outlay in the General All-Purpose Fund and no capital outlay has been budgeted in the Keno Fund beyond your normal operating expenditures. However, $311,000 has been budgeted to be transferred from the Keno Fund to the General All-Purpose Fund to assist in financing potential capital outlay projects. Normal operating expenditures have been budgeted liberally at $330,000 for the General All-Purpose Fund (this includes $60,000 for distribution of demolition grant and match) and $510,000 (includes game winner payoffs) for the Keno Fund at 85% payout... The budget process and document perform two legal functions: 1. Sets the property tax request-budgeted at $29,836. 2. Establishes an overall expenditure limit-budgeted at $1,694,000.... The budget must be adopted by September 20. The property tax requested in the budget will be final; however, the expenditure limit may be amended, if needed, throughout the year...The expenditure limit included in the proposed budget allows for expenditure of nearly all cash reserves which are expected to be available. Since some cash reserves will be necessary, we don’t expect, nor do we recommend, that the full amount budgeted of $1,694,000 be spent. GENERAL BUDGETING NOTES: The lid law is assigned to limit the growth of non-utility government revenues to inflationary increases. Exceptions are allowed for revenues required to pay off bonded debt, real estate improvement capital outlays, and interlocal agreements... Due to the Lid Law restrictions, it continues to be advantageous to pay real estate capital outlays, pay off of bonded debt, and participate in interlocal agreements from funds where property tax, sales tax, and state pass-through revenues are deposited (i.e. General and Street). This will help keep this law from limiting your non-utility source revenues...The lid law has become a significant factor for future budgets. Although you have adequate unused budget authority at this time, this is a factor that should be monitored.
Motion, second, and vote (Reedy, Neumann, 4-0 affirmative- Carmichael, Mewes, Neumann, Reedy) to approve/accept a 1% allowable additional increase in the Restricted Funds Authority.
Since no changes were required to the Budget, motion (Reedy) second (Neumann) to accept the 2018-2019 Budget: (Vote: 4-0 affirmative = Carmichael - Yes, Mewes - Yes, Neumann - Yes; Reedy - Yes) .
Motion (Mewes) and second (Carmichael) (,vote 4-0 affirmative) to open a Special Budget Meeting within the Budget Meeting.
Resolution #2018-2 was read (Blobaum)--- (WHEREAS, Nebraska Revised Statute 77-1601.02 provides that the property tax request for the prior year shall be the property tax request for the current year for purposes of the levy set by the County Board of Equalization unless the Governing Body of the City of Blue Springs passes by a majority vote a resolution or ordinance setting the tax request at a different amount and WHEREAS, a special public hearing was held as required by law to hear and consider comments concerning the property tax request, and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the City of Blue Springs that the property tax request for the current year be a different amount than the property tax request for the prior year. NOW, THEREFORE, the Governing Body of the City of Blue Springs by a majority vote, resolves that-- 1. The 2018-2019 property tax request be set at $29,836. 2. A copy of this resolution be certified and forwarded to the County Clerk prior to October 13, 2018.
Motion (Reedy), second(Carmichael), vote (4-0 affirmative - Carmichael, Mewes, Neumann, Reedy) to adopt Resolution #2018-2 for a property tax amount different than that of the previous year, and the dollar amount ($29,836.00).
Motion (Mewes), second (Carmichael) (vote 4-0 affirmative - to close The Budget Hearing and return proceedings to Regular session.

ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: Council member Reedy noted that one community he reviewed (DeWitt) designates $2,500 annually for the service. Another community (Odell) may be contacted for comparison. Rex Adams summarized his previous information which was comparable to information Carothers offered: $28-30 hourly rate, liability-worker’s compensation possibilities, need for designation of uniform/clothing. Carothers will “reach out” to Gustafson to determine interested off-duty officers (primary, or alternating) for the position, and to see if interested person(s) might attend a meeting for more pervasive discussion of alternatives and degree of involvement. Also touched upon was the possibility (suggested by Adams) of Gage County interest in getting monetary support of communities without law enforcement officers and also the benefit of routine availability of City Hall (for paperwork) to officers on duty through the community.


ANNUAL CITY CELEBRATION (FINANCIAL RECAP): Insufficient information available for final analysis.

PLANNING & ZONING: No new applications.

DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE: City Attorney Carothers reported: All but two authorizations are signed. Those not signed were noted to have deteriorated exterior and interior condition to support inclusion in the demolition program. Carothers will make necessary contact for remaining asbestos testing needs (Bockman/Ron Thompson) and demolition (Fossler) aspects. Rex Adams and Dan Disney provided information regarding the training of a local (Mike Plihal) for asbestos testing (and later on - asbestos abatement), and the benefit of utilizing Plihal services (Adams: “If not now, in upcoming asbestos testing”, due to cooperative stance between One Property at a Time and Plihal that would have cost-effective results. Controlled burns was discussed, as well as the necessary documentation (signed Fire Training Notification forms to State).

CLEAN UP: Carothers advised that one property owner on the current clean-up list is scheduled for court in two weeks. He will drive by another property after the meeting and determine advisable legal action. It was noted that no response has yet been received from Witowski in reference to boundary designation (property owner-City), and a second contact will be made. A property showing improvement will continue in the review process. Carothers requested pictures of another property.


NEXT AGENDA:
ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER -CONTINUED
ANNUAL CITY CELEBRATION (FINANCIAL RECAP)
PLANNING & ZONING
DILAPIDATED HOUSES: ONGOING PROCEDURE
OCCUPIED DWELLINGS WITHOUT UTILITIES
CLEAN UP

Motion to adjourn: By: Reedy Time: 7:49 PM. No objections.
The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved September 18, 2018.

Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session)

City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)