February 10, 2021 at 5:00 PM - Council Meeting Agenda

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton opened the public hearing regarding the rezoning of Block 3, Lots 1, 2, 4 of the Industrial Park Addition.

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton opened the public hearing in regards to amending the Future Land Use map at 5:31 P.M. Attorney Theresa Miner spoke in a neutral position on the rezoning and amending the Future Land Use map. She said the Planning Commission is recommending the changes due to the fact that current interest for development in town is based on housing and that the changes to the zoning and Future Land Use map would reflect that.

Discussion:  There was extensive discussion on the potential rezone of the Industrial Tract. Discussion centered on retaining of some real estate for a future fire hall project. Council Person Larry Soderberg expressed a desire to specifically save Block 4, Lot 1 for a potential new fire hall in the future, along with keeping some land available for Industrial use. Mayor Eaton then conducted the first reading of Ordinance 3-2021.

Discussion:  Council Person Val Bard then introduced Ordinance 2-2021, amending the Future Land Use Map of the City of Wakefield, Nebraska, to change certain real estate now designated as Light Industrial to Commercial, and to provide an effective date. Mayor Eaton then conducted the first reading of Ordinance 2-2021.

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton then conducted the second reading of Ordinance 1-2021, amending the customer service charge for users of sewer services provided by the City of Wakefield, repealing all ordinances in conflict therewith, and providing an effective date.

Discussion:  Attorney Theresa Miner addressed the council in regards to Resolution 3-2021. Miner stated that the buyers weren't going begin building right away but that a provision was added to the purchase agreement stating that they would begin building within a year of closing on the real estate to stay consistent with previous purchase agreements.

Discussion:  Jim Stout addressed the council on behalf of Rural Workforce Housing to provide an update on the loan programs they are providing. 

Discussion:  Brady Weaver addressed the council to provide an update on Rural Housing 360. Weaver said Michael Foods Inc. recently held workshops for employees who were interested in utilitzing the program, with 23 families attending those seminars, nine of which have since been qualified through the program. Weaver encouraged the council to continue to pursue more land for residential development

Discussion: 
Steve Munderloh addressed the council on behalf of Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home. He stated they would like to expand and increase their footprint in the community, and remodeling their current facility in Wakefield doesn't make sense financially to do that. Attorney Theresa Miner spoke on three provisions in the purchase agreement that need to take place before construction could begin: C-3 Highway Commercial currently does not allow for funeral homes in the zoning, the covenants in the Dollar General contract do not allow for funeral parlors in certain proximity to their stores, and Munderloh would like to TIF the project.

Discussion:  Jon McQuistan addressed the council on behalf of a splash pad group. McQuistan stated the grant he is requesting the City to apply for is through the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District. The grant is due March 9, 2021 and will award $30,000. He stressed that the group was only asking for approval to apply for the grant, not any commitment to using a specific location. 

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton then announced the following appointments for City personnel, Boards, Committees, and Authorities. He appointed Jim Litchfield as Street Superintendent, Olsson as City Engineer, Adam Ulrich as Fire Chief, Lee Miner as City Attorney, Zach Dolen as Clerk/Treasurer, Jim Litchfield as City Administrator; Larry Soderberg and Val Bard to the Light, Water, Sewer sub-committee; Larry Soderberg and Val Bard to the Street and Alley sub-committee; Ross Hansen and Larry Soderberg to the Finance and Ordinance sub-committee; Scott Hansen and Ross Hansen to the Park and Recreation sub-committee; Ross Hansen and Scott Hansen to the Building and Landfill sub-committee; Val Bard and Scott Hansen to the Police Review sub-committee; Barb Preston to Community Redevelopment Authority; John Torczon to Citizens Advisory Committee; Leslie Bebee, Jim Litchfield, and Mike Pommer to the Project Review Committee; Lisa Salmon, James Bierbower, Julie Thomsen, Brian Miller, and Rich Lamprecht to Business Incubator Board; Scott Hansen, Theresa Soderberg, and Mike Clay to the Park Board; Terry Hoffman to the Planning Commission; Tim Bebee to the Board of Adjustments; Nicki Decker and Bob Berry to the Tree Board; Tom Eaton, Mike Benson, and Renee Burmeister to the Cemetery Board; Mike Benson to the Housing Rehab Board; Sheri Eaton to the Library Board; Mike Mogus, Jon Pretzer, Adam Ulrich, and Paul Gothier to the City Safety Committee; Scott Hansen, Nancy Schulz, Gary Hansen, and Adam Goos to the ADA Compliance Committee; Phyllis Salmon, Renee Burmeister, and Amanda Miller to the Civic Center Board; Andrew Hampl, Ken Paulson, Jim Clark, Jim Stout, Barb Stout, Alan Johnson, Hannah Borg, Matt Farup, and Barb Farup to the Depot Committee; Paul Eaton, Larry Soderberg, Ross Hansen, Jim Litchfield, and Donovan Bjorkland to the Board of Health.

Discussion:  There was extensive discussion on the Mayor's appointments to all Boards, Committees, and Authorities, council subcommittees, and City personnel. Mayor Eaton had a majority of his appointments completed, but action was tabled until all remaining committees could be filled and be appointed at the same time.
 

Discussion:  The council then discussed allowing for the expedited reviews of Redevelopment Plans (Micro-TIF). If a property owner applies for Micro-TIF and completes a property improvement project, then any increase in property valuation as a result of the project would be eligible to be returned to the property owner over ten years.

Discussion:  Craig Reinsch joined the meeting on behalf of Olsson via Zoom. Reinsch briefly discussed funding options for the Water Treatment Plant with the council. After further discussion, Reinsch agreed to attend a special council meeting on March 3, 2021 at 5 P.M. to finalize the City's funding preference before the regular March council meeting.

Discussion:  Adam Ulrich provided the Council a verbal update.