June 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM - Council Meeting Agenda

Discussion:  No action taken on the Master Fee Schedule.  

Discussion:  discussion on whether or not to have Luke Henderson take over the case.  There is very little left.  No real action because everything takes time. 

Discussion:  Mike has not received any resumes for the position.  He has Indeed.com all set up but needs to pay the fee with the office credit card.

Discussion:  No action was taken on the Civic Center cleaning position.

Discussion:  Scott Hansen noted that Eric Riewer would serve on the Planning and Zoning Committee.  Because Riewer is also on Wakefield School Board, Attorney Henderson noted he would double check Riewer's eligibility for the committee.
 

Discussion:  Over the past month, Administrator Mogus and council members Geiser and Hanson have discussed issues for the Building and Landfill sub-committee.  Mogus is obtaining bids for a steel roof at the shop; suggested using the Waterworks building to store off season equipment such as the mowers and also holiday decorations.  Hansen asked if the tree and grass piles could be keep down especially over weekend.  Geiser drove to the landfill and reported that all looks good.  

Discussion:  Attorney Henderson noted that he will not be present at the July council meeting as he will be at trial; however, his associate, Preston Koehler, will be present for the meeting.  Henderson went on to report that after speaking with the League regarding the Open Meetings Act, he learned that during the Public Comment period at a council meeting, council members can ask clarifying questions, but cannot engage the speakers otherwise.  This is due to the topic not being on the agenda. The League is becoming more strict regarding the Open Meetings Act and especially the public comments/open forum period. 

Discussion:  Dixon County Sheriff Tom Decker stated that his department is fully staffed, and the deputies are now working 12-hour shifts during the week and 24-hour shifts on the weekends.  The sheriff's office is also working on their budget and will be presenting it soon.  

Discussion:  Because Administrator Mogus was in Omaha for classes, he provided a written report.  He asked that anyone with questions or concerns to contact him.

Discussion:    Clerk Vander Veen asked that the Council read the attached article that recently appeared on KTIV4.com regarding recent violations of municipalities from the Nebraska State Auditor's office.  Vander Veen would like Council to have a discussion at next month's meeting to make sure that the City of Wakefield is following best practices with good internal controls.  
 

Discussion:  Jim Lehmkuhl declared a conflict of interest since JL3P Properties is his company that applied for LB840 monies.  Attorney Henderson noted Lehmkuhl needs to fill out a form and give to Clerk Vander Veen to have on file.  The Project Review Committee is recommending the approval of the $25,000 loan pending what the City Attorney finds out about whether or not Lehmkuhl is even eligible to use the LB840 monies.  Henderson stated that there is nothing in the program guidelines or statutes expressing that the mayor cannot receive the LB840 funds once his conflict of interest has been declared.  Lehmkuhl has purchased Uncle Fred's and plans on an $85,000 project with 10% of his own money invested.  The ten-year loan is for $25,000 with an interest rate of half of what the bank is offering (currently around 3.5%).  The building will be used as collateral for the loan and will have a lien on it.   

Discussion:  Councilman Dolen expressed his desire for no mid-year raises.  Administrator Mogus stated that Kratke is required to hold a Grade IV license and be an apprentice for a minimum of two years before he can obtain the Grade III license.  

Discussion:  Matt Kalin with JEO presented information to the council on the options the City has regarding purchasing power once our contract is up with Big Rivers.  The City could become is own market participant which is what South Sioux City does.  This option allows the most flexibility but there is an added maintenance cost.  The next option is to become part of Northeast Power's Portfolio like the Village of Emerson.  The third option is to purchase capacity from the City of Wayne; however, becoming part of NMPP has the lowest risk and would be similar to what the City was doing prior to BREC.  Kilowatt cost would differ in the summer as compared with winter.  No decision needs to be made at this time.  Nonetheless, if the City wants to use JEO's professional services to help determine the best route, an agreement must be approved

Discussion:  Per the City's code book, Article 9-101, the City's building inspector must be appointed by the Mayor.  If Adminstrator Mogus is not approved as the City's building inspector, the job reverts to Clerk Vander Veen.

Discussion:  Brenn and Hansen drove the City last week and noted several nuisance properties.  Mogus over 50 door tags so far.  Henderson 'be consistent'.  

Discussion:  Lots of complaints.  Mackling has 180 days to begin construction on his building.  Dolen states Mackling is waiting for Kay Construction to complete a job on South Main before they come dig footings for his building.  He anticipates this will be done in August-September.  Mackling stated his insurance is requiring him to have the fence, and he is willing to remove the fence if the City signs off on the liability.  Mogus is going to ask for the removal of the screen which impairs vision at the alley and Winter Street intersection.  

Discussion:  Lorence Johnson addressed the Council regarding the safety issue with Mackling fence.

Discussion:  The Wednesday, July 9, 2025, meeting will be at the regular time.