Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Consent Agenda
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
3.A.1. November 4th, 2025 City Council Minutes 
3.A.2. November 4th, 2025 Public Works Minutes 
3.A.3. November 4th, 2025 Legislative & Economic Development Minutes 
3.A.4. November 4th, 2025 Public Safety Minutes 
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
3.C. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
4. Items of Business
4.A. Consider Ordinance 2261 Reestablishing the .5% sales tax and economic development program 
4.B. Ordinance 2262 amending 2255 Setting municipal water and sewer rates 
4.C. Consider authorizing the Crete Police Department to apply for the Highway Safety Grant for child safety seats. 
4.D. Consider the Special Event Permit SE25-10 for the Crete Cares Food Distribution on December 13th, 2025 
4.E. Saline County Rural Fire Protection District Award Letter 
4.F. Consider the Crete 24PWI004 Payment Request 3 
4.G. Consider the Crete 24DTR001 Payment Request 3 
4.H. Consider the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,928.99
4.I. Consider Waste Connections Agreement 
4.J. Consider amendments to the Master Fee Schedule 
4.K. Consider the farm leases on City property. 
4.L. Authorization of deviation from City spec for sidewalk placement at 1044, 1100, 1110, and 1120 Jasmine Ave. 
4.M. Consider JEO's recommendation for the street and alley paving CDBG Project No. 24-PWI-004
4.N. Consider a bid date for the sale of A row hangars 
5. Petitions - Communications - Resident Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: November 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Crete City Council Regular Meeting
Subject:
1. Open Meeting
Rationale:
  • In accordance with Nebraska law, a copy of the Open Meetings Act can be found in the back of the Council Chambers.
  • Items listed on the agenda may be considered in any order.
  • Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Subject:
2. Roll Call
Rationale:
  • Attendance of members will be recorded to determine the presence of a quorum for official actions.
Subject:
3. Consent Agenda
Rationale:
  • All items listed on the consent agenda will be approved by one motion and vote. No separate discussion of these items will occur unless the Mayor, a Councilmember, or a citizen so requests. If such a request is made, the item will be moved out of the consent agenda and considered separately.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Consent Agenda Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
Subject:
3.A.1. November 4th, 2025 City Council Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.2. November 4th, 2025 Public Works Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.3. November 4th, 2025 Legislative & Economic Development Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.4. November 4th, 2025 Public Safety Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
Attachments:
Subject:
3.C. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
Attachments:
Subject:
4. Items of Business
Rationale:
  • Action may be taken to discuss/limit discussion, to hear testimony in favor of or in opposition to, and to approve or disapprove any matter presented under this title.
Subject:
4.A. Consider Ordinance 2261 Reestablishing the .5% sales tax and economic development program 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this ordinance is to reestablish the .5% sales tax and the economic development program. 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduced Ordinance 2261 and moved that the statutory rule requiring three separate readings be suspended Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Enact Ordinance 2261 Reestablishing the .5% sales tax and economic development program Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.B. Ordinance 2262 amending 2255 Setting municipal water and sewer rates 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduced Ordinance 2262 and moved that the statutory rule requiring three separate readings be suspended Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Enact Ordinance 2262 amending dates for 2255 Setting municipal water and sewer rates Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.C. Consider authorizing the Crete Police Department to apply for the Highway Safety Grant for child safety seats. 
Discussion:
Chief of Police Gary Young explained that they had applied for this grant earlier in the year and the car seat event they had was successful. Since it is the start of a new fiscal year they are going to apply for this grant again for more car seats. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved to authorize the Crete Police Department to apply for the Highway Safety Grant for child safety seats. Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.D. Consider the Special Event Permit SE25-10 for the Crete Cares Food Distribution on December 13th, 2025 
Discussion:
Chief of Police Gary Young explained that the Crete Cares Food Distribution event. Vehicles will enter through the Crete Public Schools Welcome Center and line up to go through to the Bus Barn and around to exit. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Special Event Permit SE25-10 for the Crete Cares Food Distribution on December 13th, 2025 Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.E. Saline County Rural Fire Protection District Award Letter 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this award letter is for a little more than in previous years. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Saline County Rural Fire Protection District Award Letter Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.F. Consider the Crete 24PWI004 Payment Request 3 
Discussion:
This is a payment request from SENDD in the amount of $1,505.00
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Crete 24PWI004 Payment Request 3 Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.G. Consider the Crete 24DTR001 Payment Request 3 
Discussion:
This is a payment request from SENDD in the amount of $1,295.00
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Crete 24DTR001 Payment Request 3 Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.H. Consider the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,928.99
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,928.99 Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Dan Papik: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.I. Consider Waste Connections Agreement 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that this is for the same terms, updating rates and recycling for every other week. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Waste Connections Agreement Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Dan Papik: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.J. Consider amendments to the Master Fee Schedule 
Discussion:
These amendments included the 3D printing rate and sewer and water rates. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the amendments to the Master Fee Schedule Carried with a motion by Kyle Frans and a second by Dale Strehle.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Dan Papik: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.K. Consider the farm leases on City property. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that there were two bids. Each bid for a portion of the farm on City property and the bids were competitive. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the farm leases on City property. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Dan Papik: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.L. Authorization of deviation from City spec for sidewalk placement at 1044, 1100, 1110, and 1120 Jasmine Ave. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this was discussed at the Public Works Committee. Generaly the topography with the slopes doesn't lend its self to match City ordinance. The solution by the developer was unique to get around the corner to bring the rest of it into compliance.  Property owner Paul Heath mentioned that with the way the land is they are doing their best to stay on code and these sidewalks will also be ADA compliant. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved to authorize the deviation from City spec for sidewalk placement at 1044, 1100, 1110, and 1120 Jasmine Ave. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Dan Papik: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.M. Consider JEO's recommendation for the street and alley paving CDBG Project No. 24-PWI-004
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained this also went to the Public Works committee. The City had very favorable bids and it was almost $300,000 under the engineers' estimate. The City doesn't have experience with this contractor but one City Council member did and spoke about it and the engineer also vetted the contractor. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved JEO's recommendation for the street and alley paving CDBG Project No. 24-PWI-004 Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Dan Papik: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.N. Consider a bid date for the sale of A row hangars 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved a bid date for the sale of A row hangars for Thursday, December 18th, at 10:00 a.m. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Dan Papik: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
Subject:
5. Petitions - Communications - Resident Concerns
Rationale:
  • Resident testimony may be limited to 3 minutes per person.
  • Please do not repeat testimony that has already be heard.
  • No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.
Subject:
6. Officers' Reports
Rationale:
  • Reports may be given by Officers, Departments, Committees, or Councilmembers concerning the current operations of the City.
  • No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.
Discussion:
 
  • Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Thanked Tau Sigma Zeta for their help on Sunday November 9th with City Park and the ongoing community food drive 
  • Thanked Angelo Franco, Doane service leadership student who completed over 35 volunteer hours in the past 3 months
  • Removed a large at risk hackberry from City Park, thanks to funds from 2024 IRA UCF grant award which helped provide both staff training in completing review of tree health in city parks and funds for removal of at risk trees. Recently received approval for funding for 3 years of funds from the 2025 IRA UCF grant application cycle.  
  • Ongoing Park, playground and facility inspections, renovations, and tree removals 
  • Food Bank distribution at Tuxedo Park will be held Wed. Nov. 26 due to Thanksgiving holiday 
  • Chief of Police Gary Young stated that Code Enforcement Officer Hermes Trujillo has been working on nuisance properties and making sure people are parking on hard surfaces on their properties. Trujillo has worked on over 64 citations and he is knocking on people’s doors instead of waiting to mail them out. He is also helping with traffic control and getting documents translated to Spanish. An Admirative Assistant part-time position has been approved and posted.
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked City Administrator Tom Ourada if the council members can get a list of the nuisance properties being worked on. Ourada referred to City Attorney Alison Janecek Borer who stated she is going to be reviewing the matter.
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • The City has used four Cline Williams Attorneys over the past couple months.  John Zimmer is litigating a tax issue and two other attorneys are working on personnel matters. City Attorney Alison Janecek Borer has put in many hours and Ourada is happy with how things have been going. Ourada stated he sees all the work going on and it may be possible the Council doesn’t see it all.
  • Had a meeting with the Clevettes and they are interested in volunteering to plan shrubs and flowers. Ourada stated that it may be possible that in a larger scale they create an organized group in order to do that and connect them to Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody.
  • LB840 passed fairly comfortably and reaffirms people’s confidence in what the City is doing and following the plan. The City takes this responsibility seriously.  Ourada stated the editors from the Crete News helped. Mayor Bauer also stated that Amy Hausman helped with the Crete News and did a lot of work with the Crete Chamber of Commerce.
  • Generated the number 7 unit which is a 6-megawatt unit. Southwest Power Pool called and the City started it up in the afternoon till the evening.
  • Had a preliminary discussion of the idea of Crete investing in a combustion turbine 20-megawatt generator.  MEAN and SPP and Power Pool are looking for resources. A CT unit in the 20-megawatt range would really fit in Crete. More on that to come.
  • Ourada will be attending the MEAN Committee and Board meetings in Kearney, NE on Wednesday, November 19th and Thursday, November 20th, 2025.
  • We do so many grants it hard to keep track of all of them and we are working on a couple with the fire department.  Ourada stated that Liz Cody’s grant is in excess of $250,000 for 3 years of funds from the 2025 IRA UCF grant and Chief Young’s grant for car seats.
  • Had a call today with Southeast Nebraska Development District and the Economic Development Administration to try applying for those $5-7 Million in a 80-20 or 75-25 grant. That’s the nature of today’s world for municipalities.
  • The Police Department’s personnel is down several police officers. There is one candidate that will be evaluated in January and down the road will look at filling other positions.
  • Waiting on bids for the public restroom and pavilion at City Park.  There is some grant money available and maybe some other funding. That will enhance the park and free up the bathroom downstairs to do some internal things at City Hall.
  • The Board of Adjustment meeting will be on Thursday, November 20th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.
  • Ourada spoke to Mayor Bauer and Council President Strehle about a customer that has a request that they only have to pay half of their utility rate. Will be talking to the City Attorney but there is not a lot of interest in doing an arbitrary rate reduction.
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked if the City has a comprehensive landscape and irrigation plan for City Park and Ourada stated that not yet and Fitzgerald asked if funding would define the full scope and Ourada stated exactly.
  • Fitzgerald asked about a maintenance shed at Tuxedo Park and if there is a plan to demo or fix the roof and Ourada stated that is being addressed and they plan to continue using it.
  • Fitzgerald asked about putting more storage shipping containers out at Tuxedo Park and Ourada stated that technically those are not allowed out there and it’s a zoning issue. The City Council provided special permission and Ourada stated this is something he would recommend the Council to revisit.
  • Fitzgerald asked that the target date for a deliverable from the Zoning consultant. Ourada stated 9 to 12 months but the City provided them with a great deal of information and they think it will be sooner.
  • Fitzgerald asked about the fire department’s numbers being way down and the changes with rules and regulations to allow folks to join if they are non-EMS. Ourada stated that he has not had a conversation with Chief Allen but he was aware of departments doing that even when he was a member. Change of bylaws has to come to the City Council for ratification.
  • Mayor Dave Bauer stated that it was a general discussion and he isn’t aware of them actually pursuing that at this time.
  • Would be possible to get an update of projects from the street department for the City Council to see.
  • If the City would have the new road grader for the 2025-2026 snow season and what are the upgrades. Ourada stated that would be nice but they got it from the Midwest bid and now waiting on delivery. Ourada stated that he left that to the street department.
  • Asked about the other 3 graders and if they need to be surplused. Ourada stated one is fairly new and with the other two one is operational and the other isn’t but they are going in on trade and for both it will be about $29,000.
  • ETA for the tar kettle unit and Ourada stated that within the next couple weeks.
Subject:
7. Adjournment
Discussion:
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
 
 

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