Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Consent Agenda
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
3.A.1. January 6th, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes 
3.A.2. January 6th, 2026 Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes 
3.A.3. January 6th, 2026 Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes 
3.A.4. January 6th, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 
3.A.5. January 6th, 2026 Legislative/Development Committee Meeting Minutes 
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
3.C. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
3.D. Approve Melanie Sawtelle as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
3.E. Approve Donavin Viger as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
3.F. Approve Landon Widick as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
3.G. Approve Mikalynn Wylie as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
3.H. Approve Nathan Cochnar as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
4. Items of Business
4.A. Adjourn City Council to a meeting of the Community Development Agency (CDA)
4.B. Consider the Cardinal Ventures Second Amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement 
4.C. Consider the Cardinal Ventures Certificate of Completion 
4.D. Adjourn the Community Development Agency (CDA) to the City Council 
4.E. Consider Resolution 2026-03 master fee schedule. 
4.F. Consider the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,688.25
4.G. Consider the purchase of a 2025 Mack MD6 Dump Truck Stock# N076841
4.H. Consider Ordinance 2264 Amending 2-1204 authorizing the appointing authority to appoint members of the commission
4.I. Consider Ordinance 2265 Amending Section 5-402 of  Bureau of violations process
4.J. Consider Ordinance 2266 Amending 2-1514 Dead or hazardous tree removal 
4.K. Consider authorizing to apply for the Tree City Application 
4.L. Consider amending the Waste Connections Agreement adding 2 carts and 3 carts 
4.M. Consider the Crete Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department By-law concerning EMT requirements.
4.N. Consider the Keno Audit 
5. Petitions - Communications - Resident Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
6.A. December 2025 Permit Log and 2025 Calendar Year 
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: January 20, 2026 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.
Subject:
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved Meeting Minutes Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
3.A.1. January 6th, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.2. January 6th, 2026 Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.3. January 6th, 2026 Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.4. January 6th, 2026 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.5. January 6th, 2026 Legislative/Development Committee Meeting 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:
3.D. Approve Melanie Sawtelle as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
Subject:
3.E. Approve Donavin Viger as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
Subject:
3.F. Approve Landon Widick as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
Subject:
3.G. Approve Mikalynn Wylie as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
Subject:
3.H. Approve Nathan Cochnar as new volunteer member of the Fire Department 
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. Adjourn City Council to a meeting of the Community Development Agency (CDA)
Discussion:

 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adjourned City Council to a meeting of the Community Development Agency (CDA) Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.B. Consider the Cardinal Ventures Second Amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement 
Discussion:
CDA Chair Dan Papik called the CDA meeting to order 

2. Roll Call
Dale Strehle:   Present  
Tom Crisman:   Present  
Anthony Fitzgerald:   Absent 
Kyle Frans:   Present  
Ashley Newmyer:   Present  
Dan Papik:   Present  
Present: 5, Absent: 1.

Attorney Alison J Borer and TIF Counsel to the City of Crete explained that at the last City Council meeting the idea of an extension to the project and extending the TIF timeline for two years. This would push back the project completion date to December 31st 2031 and provide for 8 phases of construction instead of 6. The City Council was in favor of that and the developer was present at that meeting to explain the reasoning for the request. Borer explained that this amendment to the redevelopment agreement would implement all the things that were discussed, including the language that was discussed regarding the last phase of the project. Regardless of where they are on construction, they will divide on each lot on the last phase and start the 15-year clock. This way, everyone will be on the same page on what is going to happen on the last phase of the project. The redeveloper is going to reimburse the City $2,500 of legal fees associated with the amendment. The redevleoper has reviewed and approved this as well. 
 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Cardinal Ventures Second Amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Ashley Newmyer.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.C. Consider the Cardinal Ventures Certificate of Completion 
Discussion:

Attorney Alison J Borer and TIF Counsel to the City of Crete explained that one of the requirements of the redevelopment agreement is that the developer submit the Certificate of Completion when they have completed all the public improvements associated with the project. This Certificate of Completion is that they have completed all the public infrastructure as part of this redevelopment project. The CDA's task is to accept this certificate that they have submitted. City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that there is another process that the City will engage with them shortly. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Cardinal Ventures Certificate of Completion Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Ashley Newmyer.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.D. Adjourn the Community Development Agency (CDA) to the City Council 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adjourned the Community Development Agency (CDA) to the City Council Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Ashley Newmyer.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.E. Consider Resolution 2026-03 master fee schedule. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adopt Resolution 2026-03 master fee schedule. Carried with a motion by Kyle Frans and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.F. Consider the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,688.25
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,688.25 Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Abstain (With Conflict)
Attachments:
Subject:
4.G. Consider the purchase of a 2025 Mack MD6 Dump Truck Stock# N076841
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this went to the Public Works committee and it allows for the City purchase this vehicle directly under state bid under the Sourcewell Midwestern State Bid. Public Works Committee Chair and City Council member Dale Strehle explained that the price came under at $125,000
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the purchase of a 2025 Mack MD6 Dump Truck Stock# N076841in the bid amount of $125,000. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.H. Consider Ordinance 2264 Amending 2-1204 authorizing the appointing authority to appoint members of the commission
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is a modification to comply with state law. 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduced Ordinance 2264 and moved that the Statutory rule requiring three separate readings be suspended Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Enact Ordinance 2264 Amending 2-1204 authorizing the appointing authority to appoint members of the commission Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.I. Consider Ordinance 2265 Amending Section 5-402 of  Bureau of violations process
Action(s):
Motion Tabled:
Table Ordinance 2265 Amending Section 5-402 of Bureau of violations process Tabled with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.J. Consider Ordinance 2266 Amending 2-1514 Dead or hazardous tree removal 
Action(s):
Motion Tabled:
Table Ordinance 2266 Amending 2-1514 Dead or hazardous tree removal Tabled with a motion by Ashley Newmyer and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.K. Consider authorizing to apply for the Tree City Application 
Discussion:
Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody explained that the City of Crete has been part of Tree City USA for over 30 years. This is the same application that is submitted every year with data on the work the City has been doing. This year the City is also eligible for the additional growth award. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved to authorize to apply for the Tree City Application Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.L. Consider amending the Waste Connections Agreement adding 2 carts and 3 carts 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this had not been included in the original agreement and Waste Connections is going to charge for adding 2 carts and 3 carts. The recommendation was $6 in addition for 2 carts and $12 for 3 carts. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved amending the Waste Connections Agreement adding 2 carts and 3 carts Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Dale Strehle.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.M. Consider the Crete Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department By-law concerning EMT requirements.
Discussion:
Fire Chief Tod Allen explained that this would be a way to keep good people in the department that can't get their EMT license. Mayor Dave Bauer explained that the Public Safety Committee had a discussion on this.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Crete Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department By-law concerning EMT requirements. Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Dale Strehle.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.N. Consider the Keno Audit 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Keno Audit Carried with a motion by Kyle Frans and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: 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:
  • Chief of Police Gary Young and Human Resource Coordinator Jody Fiehtner introduced the following employees:
  • John Hensel as temporary Police Officer. He has experience working with Thayer County Sheriff’s Office and Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Jail Administrator Experience.  Hensel is going through the hiring process with the Civil Service Commission.
  • Asbel Barrientos as the new part-time Administrative Assistant at the Police Department.
  • Fire Chief Tod Allen introduced the following as new volunteer members of the Fire Department; Melanie Sawtelle, Donavin Viger, Landon Widick, Mikalynn Wylie, and Nathan Cochnar.
  • Phil Oelschlager is teaching EMT classes at the fire department.
  • February 7th, 2026 is the Fire Department’s Dinner Dance
  • A citizen donation was used for radiant heat in the department.
  • Library Director Jessica Wilkinson stated the following:
  • The Crete Public Library and Doane University are offering free state and federal tax assistance through the VITA program on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. beginning January 31st, 2026.
  • Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • The Lion Fountain was damaged due to high wind.
  • Met with Ag Society to recruit their help in notifying PD in the event of vandalism or damage in the park.
  • Youth soccer registrations opens on January 26th, 2026.
  • The Tree City USA & Growth Award recognizes the City’s annual community forestry work
  • 2025 IRA Urban Community Forestry Grant will begin in February and assist with this work.
  • Building Inspector Trent Griffin explained the December 2025 Permit Log and the 2025 Calendar Year Permit Log. Trent explained that he is working on getting nuisance structure letters mailed out.
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • Had a discussion with another town about the City of Crete helping with a part-time building inspector.
  • There will be a board of adjustment meeting in February.
  • The Railroad Transportation Safety District didn’t meet due to not having quorum. The president position rotates from a City representative to a County Representative for 2026.  
  • The City is advertising for the Police Officers
  • The City Audit is done and just got the draft.
  • Continuing to apply for grants. One of the railroad crossing study grant match will be lower to around $135,000 and Burlington will be putting an equal amount. Currently getting letters of support.
  • The Housing Study is done and will be presented soon. There were some comments with some things that were not accurate and those changes were made.
  • The paving district preconstruction meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, January 29th, 2026. The contractor was going to start June 1st but they are wanting to come in this week and that can not be done since people have to be notified first.
  • Got competitive quotes for the City Park pavilion and restrooms.
  • The Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) is one grant the City of Crete will be applying for matching funds up to $385,000. There is also a generous benefactor a local LLC that is also willing to contribute.
  • Mayor Dave Bauer stated that once there is notification on this grant they will bring ideas on the project at City Park. There are stipulations on the donation that is being made for City Park.
Subject:
6.A. December 2025 Permit Log and 2025 Calendar Year 
Attachments:
Subject:
7. Adjournment
Discussion:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
 
 

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