April 28, 2021 at 6:30 PM - Council Meeting Agenda

Discussion:  The Mayor opened the public hearing regarding the purchase of real estate located at 203 Michener, legally described as the West 100 feet of Lot 1 and the west 100 feet of the north half of Lot 2, Block 25, South Addition to the City of Wakefield, Dixon County, Nebraska, from Ruth Schopke as Seller at 6:31 P.M. There was brief discussion about the property previously having a garage listed on the County Assessor's page and what size structure could go back on the property.

Discussion:  The council then discussed three proposals presented by Big Rivers Electric Corporation. One proposal was to buy out the contract, one was to finance the debt for the remaining five years of the contract, and the third was to pay the approximate $1.1 million dollars up front and proceed on with the normal contract. There was consensus to pursue the option to pay BREC the amount owed. The council advised Administrator Litchfield to provide estimates for the City to recoup options of 50% and 75%, along with resident payback periods of two and four years. There was also discussion about what, if anything, was in place to prevent this from happening again in the future. No action was taken.

Discussion:  The council then discussed a bid from Knife River for asphalt overlay of the older stretch of the Trail. The council requested Administrator Litchfield solicit an additional bid for comparison before any action be taken.

Discussion:  The council then returned discussion to the property located at 203 Michener Street. There was brief discussion on the location of utilities on the property and the potential need for a utility easement.

Discussion:  The council then briefly discussed funding options for the Water Treatment Facility Project. Bids for equipment procurement will be opened May 5, 2021. Administrator Litchfield advised the council that he had been in touch with Steve McNulty from the State Revolving Loan Fund. McNulty said there is potential legislation in Congress that could offer more funding options for infrastructure project, but he was unsure of a timeline.

Discussion:  The council discussed extending the contract of the City Administrator. There was extensive debate about the legality to enter into executive session. City Administrator Litchfield requested that personnel matters relating to him remain in the public meeting. Council Member Soderberg requested an executive session to discuss the administrator contract and job duties. Attorney Miner then advised against the council entering into executive session against the wishes of the employee. 

There was talk about restructuring the duties of the next administrator hired, and also the possibility of having the administrator roles spread out amongst current staff.
After the motion that was denied by Administrator Litchfield, the council resumed discussion on the City Administrator position. Debate centered on the current Administrator role, and potential changes in the duties for the next administrator. 
 

Discussion:  The council then discussed the job descriptions and responsibilities of employees. There was extensive discussion on the potential to combine duties. No action was taken.

Discussion:  Review of employee salaries was tabled.