September 7, 2021 The 2021-2022 Budget Hearing of Mayor and Council of Blue Springs, Nebraska was held the 7th day of September, 2021, at 7PM. at the Blue Springs City Hall. Notice of the Budget Hearing was published in the Arbor State Newspaper on September 2, 2021. PRESENT: Board Members: Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek, ABSENT; Council member Seeman OTHERS PRESENT: Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers, Curt Hagerman (and minor); Connie Mewes, Jennifer Busboom, Rex Adams, Carol Hughes, Sarah Chadd, Steve Porter, Courtney Luedders Notice of the meeting/hearing was also 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. At 7:00 PM, the Budget Hearing was opened. Motion (Neumann), Second (Sedlacek), vote (Neumann - Aye, Reedy - Aye, Sedlacek - Aye). Three copies of the proposed budget statement were available to the public. Jennifer Busboom (Blobaum/Busboom) made a presentation outlining the key provision of the proposed budget statement as directed in the prepared budget notes, including, but limited to, a comparison with the prior year’s budget, per: 2021-2022 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 $36,000 per year (nearly the same as the last year), and the Keno Fund is not currently producing funds due to the keno lounge being closed. It is estimated that as of October 1, 2021, you will have cash reserves of about $340,000 General and $75,000 Keno. This compares to the prior year amounts of $289,000 General and $92,000 Keno.… For the year 2021-2022, proposed budget property tax has been left at the levy limit of 45 cents, which increases the tax request from $31,409 to $32,716. This increase (of approx. 4.16%) is due to higher total assessed valuation for the City from $6,979,871 to $7,270,316 All of the increased valuation of $290,445 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. $275,,000 has been included in other operating revenues based upon prior years’ estimated Keno game gross proceeds... $398,000 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, $124,000 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 $360,000 for the General All-Purpose Fund and $226,000 (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 $32,716. 2. Establishes an overall expenditure limit-budgeted at $1,108,000.... 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 $1,108,000 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. The floor was then opened for public comment on the proposed budget statement. Public comment ensued. All members of the public wishing to address the governing body were provided a reasonable amount of time to do so. There being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the Budget Meeting by Sedlacek, and seconded by Reedy, (vote: Ayes - Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek: ; Nays - None) Motion passed. The Budget Hearing was closed at 7:05 PM Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Budget Hearing) City Clerk (Budget Hearing) September 7, 2021 The Special Hearing of Mayor and Council of Blue Springs was held on the 7th Day of September, 2021 at 7:06 PM, after the close of the 2021-2022 Budget Hearing at the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, Nebraska. PRESENT: Board Members: Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek, ABSENT; Council member Seeman OTHERS PRESENT: Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers, Curt Hagerman (and minor); Connie Mewes, Jennifer Busboom, Rex Adams, Carol Hughes, Sarah Chadd, Steve Porter, Courtney Luedders Notice of the Special Hearing was published in the Arbor State newspaper on the 2nd Day of September, 2021. The Special Hearing was opened at _7:06 PM. Jennifer Busboom presented the information related to the setting of the final tax levy as published. The related resolution has been prepared. The floor was opened for public comment on the tax levy. Public comment ensued. All members of the public wishing to address the governing body were provided a reasonable amount of time to do so. The Special Hearing was closed at _7:10 PM: There being no further business, a motion was made by Reedy and seconded by Neumann to adjourn the Special Meeting (Ayes: Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek ; Nays: None ) Motion passed. Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Special Hearing) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Special Hearing) September 7, 2021 The Regular Meeting of Blue Springs, Nebraska Mayor and Council was held on September 7, 2021, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE. The Budget Hearing and Special Meeting was held previously on the 7th day of September . Notice of the Budget Hearing, and Special Hearing was published in the Wymore Arbor State on the 2nd day of September , 2021. PRESENT: Board Members: Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek, ABSENT; Council member Seeman OTHERS PRESENT: Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers, Curt Hagerman (and minor); Connie Mewes, Jennifer Busboom, Rex Adams, Carol Hughes, Sarah Chadd, Steve Porter, Courtney Luedders Notice of the 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. Proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened hearing/meeting was open to public attendance. At 7:11 PM, Mayor Meyer called the Regular meeting to order and roll call was taken. Motion (Neumann), second (Sedlacek) and vote (3-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the August 17, 2021 Regular meeting. After review -- motion (Neumann) , second (Reedy), and vote (3-0 affirmative) : to approve claims Bank Direct - Internal Revenue Service (941) - $1,623.55; Payroll $4,727.90; Abbott Portable Toilets - $125.00; Blobaum & Busboom (Preliminary Budget Prep) - $1,380.00; Steve Borgman (Meter Deposit Refund) - $76.15; Constellation Energy - $7.29; NE Dept. of Revenue (501N/August) - $202.00; NE Public Health Environmental Labs - $205.00; Milton Pike (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Jackee Hroch (Meter Deposit Refund) - $88.87; Norris Public Power - $1,079.39; One-Call Concepts, Inc. - $1.54; Security First Bank - (Pike/IRA) - $55.00; Temps Disposal Service (Mandatory Trash/Demolition Cost) - $4,342.10; Ullman Auto Sales - $115.00; Willet & Carothers - $2,434.75; Milford Woutzke (Tel. Comp.) - $5.00; Wymore, City of (Tower - Monthly) - $1,048.24; Wymore Oil Company - $79.00; TOTAL CLAIMS: $17,620.78. 1% Increase in Restricted Funds Authority: A motion was made by Reedy and seconded by Neumann to increase the total Restricted Funds Authority by an additional 1%: (Ayes: Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek ; Nays: None) Motion passed. Budget Approval A motion was made by Reedy and seconded by Neumann to approve the 2021-2022 Budget as proposed (Ayes: Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek ; Nays: None ) Motion passed. Resolution Setting the Property Tax Request Resolution 2021-3 setting the property tax request was read (Busboom), per: (WHEREAS, Nebraska Revised Statute 77-1601.02 provides that the Governing Body of the City of Blue Springs, passes by a majority vote a resolution or ordinance setting the tax request, and WHEREAS, a special public hearing was held as required by law to hear and consider comments concerning the property tax request; NOW, THEREFORE, the Governing Body of the City of Blue Springs resolves that: 1. The 2021-2022 property tax request be set at General Fund: $32,716.00. 2. The total assessed value of property differs from last year’s total assessed value by 4.16%. 3. The tax rate which would levy the same amount of property taxes as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of property, would be 0.432017 per $100 of assessed value. 4. The City of Blue Springs proposes to adopt a property tax request that will cause its tax rate to be 0.449994 per $100 of assessed value. 5. Based on the proposed property tax request and changes in other revenue, the total operating budget of City of Blue Springs will increase or decrease last year’s budget by 1.56 percent. 6. A copy of this resolution to be certified and forward to the County Clerk on or before October 13, 2021. Motion by Reedy, seconded by Neumann to adopt Resolution 2021-3, Voting yes were: Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek ; Voting no were - none. Dated this 7th day of September 2021. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION: Attorney Carothers anticipates remaining questions will be identified/resolved at his Thursday meeting with Chris Witowski. DEMOLITION PROJECT: Attorney Carothers listed properties (with members and Adams, where applicable, providing additional information. Properties/stages of development were discussed within the current demolition planRelated factors: Continuing contact(Carothers) as necessary, with Black Hills Energy for abandonment of lines at involved locations. Understanding: Employee Pike will run the evac machine (to be arranged with B. Schlake, in correlation with Wymore demolitions. Understanding: demolition roll-offs/disposal fees will be billed to the City with One Property at a Time in agreement for reimbursement of some charges to be discussed as applies in the timeline of demolition. Understanding: Sedlacek will contact Jason/Shelby for comparative analysis of roll off fees/land fill charges. CLEAN-UP: Carothers updated information, per: One property owner will be sent a second notice and situation filed again. Another property owner criminal complaint/the District Court to get court order - Round 2) Reedy inquired as to if Tim Hanson had come up with the list of 5 new properties, as per request. It was reported as uncertain, as Hanson has related news of a very tight schedule, which resulted in Sedlacek inquiring as to if Hanson should be asked if he wishes to continue in the position. Contact will be made, and, as necessary, a replacement Ordinance Enforcement Officer pursued (not restricted to a police officer, but a police officer has the advantage/benefit to the City of being able to run license plates.) PLANNING AND ZONING: No new applications. EQUIPMENT(BACKHOES/GRAVE DIGGING RATES): City charge of $65 per grave opening continues under review, based on expenses: two employee’s wages, equipment repair costs and use- backhoe, dump truck and comparative grave opening costs of other communities, as -- $340 - Blue Springs; $1,300 - Beatrice; Hanover/Herkimer? $475; by Carmichael $500.. Reedy suggested broadening the information base to arrive at a resulting assessment that would be cost friendly to both the City and to the cemetery. CHICKENS WITHIN CITY LIMITS: SARAH CHADD: Chadd (realtor) requested consideration of allowing chickens within city limits (has buyer with relevant issue/interest), and members discussed the situation and decided to have Carothers draft an ordinance (comparable to that in Wymore) for review at the next meeting. That Ordinance # will be 468. NEXT AGENDA COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION DEMOLITION PROJECT CLEAN-UP PLANNING AND ZONING GRAVE DIGGING RATES CHICKENS WITHIN CITY LIMITS: ORDINANCE # 468 CAMPING REGULATIONS: SIGNAGE/DROP BOX There being no further business, a motion was made by Neumann at 8:05 PM to adjourn. The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved Sept. 21, 2021. Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session) 

August 17, 2021 The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on August 17, 2021, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE. PRESENT: Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek, Seeman ABSENT; OTHER ATTENDEES: Employee Mike Pike, Valerie Hazen, Steve Porter, Courtney Luedders 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 (Neumann), second (Seeman) and vote (4-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the August 3, 2021 Regular meeting. After review -- motion (Reedy) , second (Neumann), and vote (4-0 affirmative) : to approve claims Bank Direct - NE Dept. of Revenue (10) - $311.29; Payroll - $2,288.29; Black Hills Energy - $34.88; Blue Springs Fire Dept. (Neapco Car Show Donation Reallocated) - $500.00; Farmers Cooperative - $54.69; Lauby Plumbing/Heating/Air - $49.36; Brianna Luke (Meter Deposit Refund) - $100.00; NE Code Consulting/Inspection (to be OPAT reimbursed) - $339.90; NE Public Health Environmental Labs - $15.00; Security First Bank - (Pike/IRA) - $55.00; Straight-Line Striping - $488.88; Visa - $593.81; Windstream - $78.98; Wymore Super Foods - $21.17; TOTAL CLAIMS - $4,931.25. 7:00 PM ---PUBLIC HEARING / CDBG $315,000 OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM GRANT: Motion (Reedy), second (Sedlacek), 4-0 affirmative vote to open the Public Hearing. Comments/Discussion - 16 applications have been received. Motion (Reedy), second (Neumann), 4-0 affirmative vote to close the Public Hearing. Followed by: SIGNATURE AUTHORIZATIONS FOR THE OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING REHAB GRANT APPLICATION: Resolution #2021-2 was read. Motion (Reedy), second (Sedlacek), vote (4-0 affirmative) to approve Resolution # 2021-2 Authorizing Chief Elected Official to Sign an Application for CDBG Funds - and includes: Certification of Chief Elected Official for Application, Citizen Participation Plan, Residential Anti-Displacement & Relocation Assistance Plan, Procurement Process Completed Prior to Application, Officials of the Grantee Acting in Their Official Capacity Through an Interlocal Agreement with the Economic Development District, and Applicant’s Statement of Assurances and Certifications. MUNICIPAL ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF PROGRAM COMPLIANCE 2021 - RESOLUTION 2021-1, WITH PROGRAM COMPLIANCE SIGNATURE FORM: Resolution 2021-1 was read. Motion (Reedy), second (Neumann), vote (Neumann - Yes; Reedy- Yes; Sedlacek- Yes; Seeman- Yes), and which denotes approval of the Mutual Annual Certification of Program Compliance to Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards 2021. COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 - first reading--( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION: Tabled until the next Regular meeting and attendance of City Attorney. DEMOLITION PROJECT: Employee Pike indicated that demolition has begun at one location. CLEAN-UP: Tabled until next Regular meeting and attendance of City Attorney (information from Ordinance Enforcement Officer Hanson). PLANNING AND ZONING: No new applications. EQUIPMENT (PRIMARY FOCUS: BACKHOES, which may include initial review of Grave Opening Rates: Employee Pike reported that all equipment is working at the present time. Tabled for additional review of sales/purchase options and comparison with other communities (grave opening rates - by Kandi Seeman). NEXT AGENDA: 2021-2022 BUDGET HEARING 7:PM Followed by: COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION DEMOLITION PROJECT CLEAN-UP PLANNING AND ZONING EQUIPMENT(BACKHOES/GRAVE DIGGING RATES) Motion to adjourn: 7:12 P.M. - Neumann - No objections. The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved Sept. 7, 2021. Mayor: Lonnie D. Meyer (Regular Session) City Clerk: Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

August 3, 2021
    The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on August 3, 2021, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.
PRESENT:  Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek
ABSENT;     Council member Seeman                                                   
OTHER ATTENDEES:  Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers, 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 (Neumann), second (Sedlacek) and vote (3-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the July 20, 2021 Regular meeting.
    After review -- motion (Neumann) , second (Reedy), and vote (3-0 affirmative) :  to approve claims Bank Direct - Internal Revenue - (941) - $2,099.74; Payroll - $3,596.85; Black Hills Energy - $21.38; Blue Springs Fire Department (Donation with receipts required - Car Show) - $1,200.00; League of NE Municipalities - (Membership Dues) - $286.00; 888-Log Guys (Chinking Overlay - Grant Funds) - $2,830.00; NE Dept. of Revenue (501N-July/2021) - $313.00; Norris Public Power - $1,055.32; Office Depot - $274.98; One-Call Concepts, Inc. - $1.15; Milton Pike - (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Milton Pike - (Postage Reimb.- Water Sample) - $26.75; Postmaster - $200.00; Security First Bank (IRA/Pike) - $55.00; Temps Disposal Service (Mandatory Trash) - $2,543.50; Willet & Carothers - $3,622.32; Milford Woutzke (Tel. Comp.) - $5.00; Wymore Arbor State - $$246.04; TOTAL CLAIMS: $ 18,402.03.

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION:  Survey considerations continue, with results anticipated to be available for review of Mayor and Council at next Regular meeting.  Carothers has spoken to Trevor Lee of N Gage, who indicated, “there is no big rush.”

DEMOLITION PROJECT: One Notice and Order expected to be served Thursday.  Rex Adams spoke on behalf of One Property at a Time, indicating that two other properties are suggested for  building inspection, with inspections to be paid for by One Property at a Time.  Mayor Meyer and Council member Sedlacek voiced concern regarding demolition plans for houses that might be renovated rather than torn down, subsequent loss of tax revenue, situations wherein owners might still occupy the homes in some limited sense, etc. It was also noted by Adams and members that it is not anticipated that “flipping” houses would be a significant action, nor rebuilding, so the situation becomes unpredictable and a quandary.  Discussion was followed by a motion by Reedy, second by Neumann, and vote of Reedy - Yes; Neumann - Yes; Sedlacek “Abstain.” to add the two debated additional properties to the list for building inspection.  On currently addressed issues it was noted that one property owner insists that the “house only” be included in demolition plans, and that any remaining structures on the properties “not be touched.”  A few days remain prior to results of asbestos testing on another property before demolition may begin. 

CLEAN-UP:  Carothers noted that one property owner has an August 17th court date. He also shared that he drafted a letter to one individual in hopes of accelerating clean-up efforts on one property.  Tim Hanson, Ordinance Enforcement Officer, will be down (was notified July 22nd of a 30-day timeline) and will determine five new properties to address for clean-up infractions.

PLANNING AND ZONING: Motion by Reedy, second by Neumann, and a 3-0 affirmative vote approved the application for a building permit (addition to home), for Alan and Janet Riensche.  The P& Z had advised approval prior to considerations by Council.   Applicant will be notified of approval, and fee.

EQUIPMENT(PRIMARY FOCUS: BACKHOES): Discussion included the drawbacks of both backhoes.  One is size-suitable for grave opening, but is not reliable, having gone down in mid process recently.  The larger unit is too large for that purpose, has had many repair problems, and, per Employee Pike, is limited in use capacity because “it does not have a claw” which would be of benefit for storm clearing, picking up brush, demolition issues.  There was a difference of opinion about the need for attachments. Employee Pike was asked to research availability (Scott) of a good replacement unit, with the ultimate option to sell the two owned backhoes and replace them with one highly functional/dependable unit.  Pike will also contact individuals in adjacent communities to compare receipts for opening a grave (the City charges the Cemetery $65 for each opening), and that may open discussion about either moving away from the grave opening process, or raising the price. 

ARMOR COATING:  It was not anticipated that action would be taken yet this year; rather that Employee Pike enter into a crack-sealing schedule within the optimal timeline for such repairs, with armor coating potentially to be addressed in the Spring. 

2021-2022 BUDGET: DISCUSSION OF TAX LEVY:  Within discussion, it was determined that there is little margin for raising the tax levy at this time, and per, Carothers, and input and agreement of members, that valuation is expected to increase revenue. No recommendation was made to increase the tax levy at this time, with this decision to be made formally as part of the 2021-2022 Budget Hearing process.

Other:  Adams inquired if there was anything that can be done to encourage the reopening of the Keno Lounge.  It was noted that the Operating License and Liquor License have been approved, and the delay is primarily contractor unavailability or delay.

NEXT AGENDA:
7:00 PM ---PUBLIC HEARING / CDBG $315,000 OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM GRANT
    Followed by:
SIGNATURE AUTHORIZATIONS FOR THE OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING REHAB GRANT     APPLICATION.
MUNICIPAL ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF PROGRAM COMPLIANCE 2021 - RESOLUTION 2021-1,
    WITH  PROGRAM COMPLIANCE SIGNATURE FORM
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY     REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION
DEMOLITION PROJECT
CLEAN-UP
PLANNING AND ZONING
EQUIPMENT(PRIMARY FOCUS: BACKHOES)

Motion to adjourn:     7:55 P.M.  -Neumann    -  No objections.

The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved August 17, 2021.

Mayor:  Lonnie D. Meyer  (Regular Session)

City Clerk:  Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)
 

 July 20, 2021
    The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on July 20, 2021, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.
PRESENT:  Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Sedlacek, Seeman
ABSENT;      Council member Reedy                                               
OTHER ATTENDEES:  Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers,  Tom Creek
    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 (Neumann), second (Seeman) and vote (3-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the July 6, 2021 Regular meeting.
    After review -- motion (Neumann) , second (Seeman), and vote (3-0 affirmative) :  to approve claims Bank Direct - NE Dept. of Revenue - (10) - $190.90; Payroll - $2,334.44; Abbott Portable Toilets - $125.00; Lauby Plumbing - $5.37; NE Public Health Environmental Labs - $15.00; Verona Neumann - (Tractor Show expenditures - with non-use refundable status)- $1,200.00; Milton Pike (Water Sample Postage Reimb.) - $26.75; Schuster’s Outdoor & RV - $693.98; Security First Bank (IRA/Pike) - $55.00; Visa - $431.12; Sterling West (Playground Mulch) - $9,935.00; Windstream - $78.62; Wymore Arbor State - $157.96; TOTAL CLAIMS: $15,249.14.

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION: Chris Witulski, Land Survey Tech, is in the process of determining survey area and legal description.  Verification/clarification will be made with Register of Deeds, and review with Attorney Carothers will follow (Friday).  It is anticipated that the survey and legal description will be available at the next Regular meeting.  Carothers will share information with other interested parties.  

DEMOLITION PROJECT: Per information received from Rex Adams, “no substantial movement thru One Property at a Time since last report.  Sedlacek has completed and submitted two more asbestos testings. Notice & Order for one property is pending. Another property is yet to be tested for asbestos (still occupied). Sedlacek intends to retest one property for asbestos . Two properties (City responsibility:  Hobaugh/Stipe and Lance) are on the list for October demolition, as are three properties selected by One Property at a Time.  Employee Pike inquired it he could begin demolition on one property and was told he could remove certain materials from the property (household/clothing/tin), but could not complete demolition until results of asbestos testing.  Mayor Meyer shared information from a resident (Hugh Carmichael) who would like to pursue inclusion in the demolition program, in exchange for “roll-off payment,” and since the concern was looked upon favorably by all members, Meyer will further discuss the matter with Carmichael to determine if “dump fee and roll-off charges would be combined.”

CLEAN-UP: Carothers plans to contact Hanson after the meeting to clarify City determination of a 30-day period given to Hansen to activate clean-up efforts on 5 new properties (of his own selection)  Other related action:  Indicate to Hanson that one of the initial selections designated for clean-up action is twice as bad as originally documented, and he (Carothers) will write to the property owner  to solicit cooperation with necessary clean-up effort.  Employee Pike was asked to take pictures of the property, with emphasis on problem areas:  vehicles, area between garage and house, etc.) District court (Abatement Order) may well be the next action taken.   Another property owner has an August 17 Court Date (8 qualifying counts - vehicles).  Another individual has been notified (lawyer to lawyer) to determine and effectuate removal (by trailer) of two vehicles to another location (Liberty). It was noted that one contacted person has made satisfactory progress in clean-up efforts, and review will continue.   

PLANNING AND ZONING: No new applications.   

FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR CAR SHOW FUNDS/REQUEST TO BLOCK STREET:  Creek addressed members, requesting permission to close a portion of Broad Street for the day of the Car Show, and no objections were raised.  The Fire Department will take a cooperative stance in regard to businesses impacted by the street closing.   A donation was requested from the City, and described as payment for the Bounce House/Mechanical Bull activities for children.  Price for both would be $800.  Carothers offered to put a waiver together for participants.  A motion was made by Seeman, seconded by Neumann, and approved in a 3-0 affirmative vote to donate $1,200 to the Fire Department, with receipts to be provided to the City, and reimbursement to be made to the City for any non-qualifying (non-event) expense/unused funds.

Other:
Employee Pike asked that consideration be given to selling both backhoes and getting a new/newer one with a claw.  Adaptation of present equipment would not be cost-effective, nor work-efficiently.

Mayor Meyer asked that Armor Coating be put on the next agenda.

NEXT AGENDA:
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY     REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION
DEMOLITION PROJECT
CLEAN-UP
PLANNING AND ZONING
EQUIPMENT(PRIMARY FOCUS: BACKHOES)
ARMOR COATING 

2021-2022 BUDGET/TAX LEVY DISCUSSION

Motion to adjourn:    7:40  P.M.  - Neumann  -  No objections.

The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved August 3, 2021.

Mayor:  Lonnie D. Meyer  (Regular Session)

City Clerk:  Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

 July 6, 2021

    The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on July 6, 2021, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.
PRESENT:  Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek, Seeman
ABSENT;                                                
OTHER ATTENDEES:  Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers, Heather McKinney, Rex Adams, Valerie Hazen
    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 (Neumann), second (Seeman) and vote (4-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the June 15, 2021 Regular meeting.
    After review -- motion (Neumann) , second (Sedlacek), and vote (4-0 affirmative) :  to approve claims Bank Direct - Internal Revenue Service (941) - $2,168.01; Payroll -$4,843.48; Abbott Portable Toilets - $125.00; Constellation Energy - $35.06; Johnny’s Welding - $254.18; Lincoln Winwater Works Co. - $234.78; NE Dept. of Revenue (941N) - $222.00; NE Public Health Environmental Labs - $15.00; NE U.C. Fund - $24.93; Norris Public Power - $1,057.40; Milton Pike (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Milton Pike (Postage Reimb. ) - $17.90; Postmaster (Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Survey Mailing) - $110.00; Security First Bank - (IRA/Pike) - $55.00; Temps Disposal Service - (Mandatory Trash) - $2,555.50; Milford Woutzke (Tel. Comp.) - $5.00; Wymore, City of (Tower/Individual) - $3,009.34; TOTAL CLAIMS: $14.757.58.

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION: Chris Witulski. (Survey Land Tech regarding annexation legal description) still unavailable. Per Trevor Lee (NGage) and others contacted -- Dynamics have changed to slow the investor/developer progress of a previously identified potential commercial interest.

DEMOLITION PROJECT: One property has been inspected with results pending.  Efforts continue for inclusion of properties in October demolition plans. Other properties proceed in earlier stages, as asbestos inspection where applicable, and demolition.

CLEAN-UP:  Clean-up efforts continue, some “filed.” Concern was expressed regarding one property for which there was a recent change of ownership and focus on potentially preventing “increasing” conditions requiring clean-up (Rex Adams) .  Plans are being put in place to “pick up the pace” regarding elimination of clean-up infractions.  Toward that end, and made official by a motion by Reedy, second by Seeman, and a 4-0 affirmative vote, Tim Hanson, Ordinance Enforcement Officer, will be requested to identify and begin action on five new nuisance locations within the next 30 days.  Adams summarized clean-up progress  (20 structures down, 52 touched by various aspects of clean-up) and positive statements made (Todd Wilcox) to recognize/appreciate community efforts (One-Property-at-a-Time/Mayor & Council).  

PLANNING AND ZONING: As (combination of properties):  Heather McKinney:   No prohibitive factors were identified to prevent consideration of adjoining adjacent structures having same owner, and either combining utilities, or leaving separately billed, as per decision of owner.  An application for a building permit was provided and will be completed by the owner and returned to the City Office for distribution of copies to the Planning & Zoning Commission for initial review and recommendation to Mayor and Council at a future meeting.  

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK- APPROVAL OF CHANGES:  Motion by Sedlacek, second by Seeman, followed by a 4-0 affirmative vote to accept/approve the handbook with requested changes.  A copy of the handbook is attached to the office copy of the minutes and available for further review.  

TRACTOR SHOW REQUEST FOR FUNDS (NEUMANN);  Council member Neumann requested a $1,200 budget for the tractor show, anticipating that “not that much will be needed, and excess will be returned to the City.”  The request was approved by motion by Reedy, second by Seeman, and a vote of Reedy - yes; Seeman - yes; Sedlacek - yes, Neumann - abstain.


NEXT AGENDA:
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY     REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION
DEMOLITION PROJECT
CLEAN-UP
PLANNING AND ZONING
FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR CAR SHOW FUNDS/REQUEST TO BLOCK STREET

Motion to adjourn: Neumann   -   7:50 P.M.  -  -  No objections.

The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved July 20, 2021.

Mayor:  Lonnie D. Meyer  (Regular Session)

City Clerk:  Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

 June 15, 2021

    The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on June 15, 2021, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.
PRESENT:  Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Reedy, Sedlacek, Seeman
ABSENT;                                                
OTHER ATTENDEES:  Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers,
    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 (Neumann), second (Seeman) and vote (4-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the June 1, 2021 Regular meeting.
    After review -- motion (Seeman) , second (Neumann), and vote (4-0 affirmative) :  to approve claims Bank Direct -NE Dept. of Revenue (10)- $191.95; Payroll - $2,334.44;Arbor Ink - $71.52; Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Old father -$70.00; Lauby Plumbing/Heating/Air - $41.50; Mars - City of Beatrice - $300.00; O’Reilly Automotive - $25.78; Milton Pike (Water Sample Postage Reimb.) - $26.75; Postmaster - $182.00; Security First Bank - (Pike/IRA) - $55.00; Sta-Bilt Construction (Armor Coat) - $12,992.42; Temps Disposal Service (Mandatory Trash) - $2,617.50; Visa - $498.85; Windstream - $78.64; Wymore Arbor State - $247.56; Wymore Super Foods - $9.58; TOTAL CLAIMS : $19,743.49.  

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION: Chris Witulski (Land Survey Tech) has not been available for contact.  Attorney Carothers will continue with efforts to reach him, but provided contact information to members and suggested they try to make contact also.

DEMOLITION PROJECT:  Demolitions are slated for October.  Carothers advised that One-Property-at-a-Time has been awarded a Thomas Foundation Grant and will pay for demolition of certain properties. One demolition property (Woutzke - burned house) has been determined for demolition as a City-financed/manned project.  It is believed that approval may have been signed by the property owner, but contacts will be made to validate that assumption or further pursue the signatures of approval.  It was determined to go ahead with asbestos testing (Sedlacek) on this property.

CLEAN-UP: Tim Hanson (per Carothers) will run the plates on several vehicles to determine violation based on “unlicensed/inoperable/junked vehicle” City ordinance, and Carothers will be prepared to file, as applies, after results are in.

PLANNING AND ZONING:  No new applications.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:  REVIEW/APPROVAL OF CHANGES TO  THE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE  - COMP vs. OVERTIME (POSSIBLY: SICK TIME/ EARNINGS/ CEILING/ ETC: Discussion resulted in the following determinations:  Sick Leave - earn 96 hours on anniversary of hire, with 480 hour cap/carryover.    Sick leave will be added to the current Covid-19 designations (Covid policy may be reviewed/changed in the future).  OVERTIME PAY vs. COMP TIME:  This will be discretionary, but with no more than 16 hours comp time carried on the books.  Changes will be made to the employee handbook, and approval is expected at the next Regular meeting (July 6).



NEXT AGENDA:
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY     REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION
DEMOLITION PROJECT
CLEAN-UP
PLANNING AND ZONING
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK- APPROVAL OF CHANGES

Motion to adjourn  - 7:25  -   P.M.  -Neumann  -  No objections.

The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved July 6, 2021.

Mayor:  Lonnie D. Meyer  (Regular Session)

City Clerk:  Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)

 June 1, 2021

    The Regular Meeting of Mayor and Council was held on June 1, 2021, in the Blue Springs City Hall, Blue Springs, NE.
PRESENT:  Mayor Meyer, Council members Neumann, Sedlacek, Seeman
ABSENT;     Council member Reedy                                           
OTHER ATTENDEES:  Employee Mike Pike, Attorney Andy Carothers, Connie Mewes, 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 (Neumann), second (Seeman ) and vote (3-0 affirmative) to approve as sent minutes for the May 18, 2021 Regular meeting.
    After review -- motion (Neumann) , second (Sedlacek), and vote (3-0 affirmative) :  to approve claims Bank Direct - Internal Revenue Service (941) - $1,670.24; Payroll - $6,634.20; Blue Springs Cemetery (Annual Taxes) - $2,800.00; Blue Springs Rural Fire -(Annual Taxes) - $2,900.00; Constellation Energy - $36.04; League of NE Municipalities - $55.00; NE Dept. of Revenue (501N) - $220.00; NE Public Health Environmental Labs - $15.00; Norris Public Power - $1,064.34; Security First Bank (Pike - IRA) - $55.00; Milton Pike (Tel. Comp.) - $25.00; Milford Woutzke - (Tel. Comp.) - $5.00; TOTAL CLAIMS: $15,479.82.

RECYCLING TRAILER/”ALLEY CAT”: Owner of trailer was verified by Attorney Carothers - Beatrice.  Carothers covered options.  1.  Continue recycling and paying the fee.  2.  Surcharge on garbage billing to customers.  3.  Get own trailer (Sedlacek advised of grant opportunity in the future), and take loads to another available recycling  location. Mayor Meyer suggested surrendering trailer to owner.  Motion (Seeman), second (Neumann) and a 3-0 affirmative vote approved “termination of the recycling contract,” A copy of these minutes will be provided to the trailer owner as notification of termination, with other documentation to be provided as requested.  Employee Pike will call (Jason), and ask where they want the trailer left.    

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION: Carothers advised that Witulski is not quite done. Carothers suggested that members (at the next meeting) ask questions/make comments about the Proposed Blight and Substandard Study and Redevelopment Area, and told that the first reading of the Ordinance could be at that meeting on June 15th.  There was also some discussion about the price range of expectations for new home construction, with $250,000 an unrealistic prospect and something comparable to Summerfield homes more in line of possibility.  

DEMOLITION PROJECT:  Asbestos testing: Hobaugh property tested “clean.”  Lance property results not yet received, but depending on outcome, possibility exists for removal of structure without remediation, -- “as all.”  Brent Schlake has expressed genuine concern for the community and is prepared to make his equipment available for demolition at a reasonable contracted price ($500? Each incident/$500 repairs cap), providing timeline for delivery of it to site will not conflict with his other activities.  It is hoped that Wymore and Blue Springs can utilize the equipment on a joint timeline, and split the fees .  Rex Adams will contact Brent Schlake to clarify issues/timeline/cost.  Since stipulations have been set on several properties (need 90-days for removal of valuable items from structures/and other concerns - Izer - 3),  Carothers suggested November demolition. This would give ample time to firm participation issues, contact the landfill for estimate of costs, talk to Shelby Temps (Sedlacek) about roll-offs, and give Black Hills Energy notice, and to advise property owners of timeline.   It was decided to give the Bill Woutzke home (burned) first place in the lineup.

CLEAN-UP:   Some complaints have been filed.  A complaint is being filed.  Another complaint is pending.

PLANNING AND ZONING: Attorney Carothers will contact County Assessor to discuss a property  that is in Commercial Zoning but is carded as “single family” on record, with intent to change the card coding to “Commercial.”

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:  REVIEW/APPROVAL OF CHANGES TO  THE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE  - COMP vs. OVERTIME (POSSIBLY: SICK TIME/ EARNINGS/     CEILING/ ETC: Tabled until all members are present.   

Other:  Employee Pike indicated that Topkote will be doing the Cemetery road, and wanted to know if the City wanted to do the remaining 4-5 blocks (A’ Street) to the stop sign at Broad Street.  Discussion resulted in determination to take advantage of the cost-effective opportunity there and at 2 other minimal locations while other work was being done, with all members in agreement to proceed.  Employee Pike will make the necessary contacts.

NEXT AGENDA:
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT/TAX INCREMENT FINANCING/ BLIGHT STUDY     REVIEW/ORDINANCE# 466 ( as applies), ANY NEW INFORMATION
DEMOLITION PROJECT
CLEAN-UP
PLANNING AND ZONING
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:  REVIEW/APPROVAL OF CHANGES TO  THE EMPLOYEE     BENEFITS PACKAGE  - COMP vs. OVERTIME (POSSIBLY: SICK TIME/ EARNINGS/             CEILING/ ETC.

Motion to adjourn  -  Neumann - 8   P.M.  -  -  No objections.

The minutes of the Regular meeting were read and approved June 15, 2021.


Mayor:  Lonnie D. Meyer  (Regular Session)

City Clerk:  Katherine A. Roche (Regular Session)