Finance Committee Chair Travis Sears reported that Marcy Luth of AMGL reviewed the annual audit report with the Finance Committee via Zoom video call earlier today. She reviewed a spreadsheet of information comparing the audited information with previous years' information, other cities similar in size to the City of Crete and recommendations/targets by the firm for the City. The City is meeting all the parameters set out by the firm except for operating income for the water fund, which is being addressed with a water rate study. Also noted was that the valuation of the city is below the peer communities, so the property tax levy and state aid received is higher. 
 

Due to some meeting notice publication irregularities, the past meeting actions will be acted on again.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that this payment is for the work completed in the last quarter of 2021 on the new splash pad at the Wildwood Pool.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that this vehicle may be used as a K-9 unit, but there are some answers still needed as far as the operations would be handled. The vehicle will be purchased regardless if it is a K-9 unit or not.

City Administrator reported that the recent water rate change did not generate the income that was projected so an update to the study is required to adjust the rates further.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that a revenue bond to refinance the R-1 Series USDA Loan on the WWTP would save some interest funds over the life of the bonds. The R-2 and R-3 Series USDA Loans have lower interest rates and will not be refinanced with this issue.

Due to some meeting notice publication irregularities, the past meeting actions will be acted on again.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that the Isis Theater remodel demolition work is now complete. The pay application is reviewed by the Blue River Arts Council and City staff before being presented for payment.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that this final round of awards in the second DTR Grant Cycle have been reviewed by the committee and meet the requirements for the grant. These projects encompass 11 addresses on Main Avenue and 13th Street and will be noticeable this spring when completed.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that this ordinance is very comprehensive and will make some changes to the nuisance and hearing procedures that will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that the Liquor Control Commission is looking for a recommendation by the City Council on a new manager for the College Heights Country Club Class C Liquor License.

City Administrator reported that HR Coordinator Wendy Thomas has done a very good job of getting quotes on insurance coverage for the employee of the City. Representatives from Benefit Management reviewed the quotes with the Finance Committee earlier today.
Finance Committee Chair Travis Sears reported that after reviewing the information, the Finance Committee recommends that the employee health insurance renewal with BlueCross BlueShield of Nebraska be approved. They al;so recommend that the employee dental insurance renewal with Principal be approved.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that the public schools request is similar to requests in the past, each approved by different means. Council discussion led to a consensus that a comprehensive process of application and approval needs to be developed to address banners on city poles.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that City staff and the Legislative Development Committee have reviewed the LB840 application of Becker Industries. The request is for building renovations to house a Hotworx franchise.
Katie Becker, part owner, reported that the membership sales are over 50% of the goal that was set for opening in late spring 2022.
Legislative Development Committee Chair Ryan Hinz reported that the committee met and reviewed that application and after applying the matrix for award to the request, recommend an award of $75,869 to Becker Industries LLC.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that there is only finish work to be completed on this project and there are still two change orders that have not been received yet.
Finance Committee Chair Travis Sears reported that the committee reviewed the application and recommends payment.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that the bids were over the engineer's estimate by over $100,000. With the increase in materials and fuel, this was expected. The engineers recommend that both contracts be awarded to General Excavation for a total of $1,238,478.60.
The Public Works Committee Chair Dale Strehle reported that the committee reviewed the bids and recommendations. This project has needed to be done for a long time and recommends that the engineers recommendations be approved.

City Administrator Tom Ourada reported that the 2022 Street Improvement Plan contains 13 projects. Project #1 was approved in the previous agenda item. Projects 2-11 are gap paving projects on the north side of the City. The total cost of the gap paving projects is approximately $3,000,000 with approximately 1/2 of that being general obligation.
The Public Works Committee Chair Dale Strehle reported that the committee has reviewed the 2022 Street Improvement plan and recommend adopting the plan. The committee also would like to see gap paving projects 2-8 completed in 2022.
 

• The Dolly Parton’s  Imagination Library, spearheaded by the Friends of Crete Public Library, has 60 kids signed up in the first couple of days; 
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has 10 people signed up in two days and continues to be very well received; 
• The library’s Blind Date with a Book starts in February

• Work on a Railway Transportation Safety District will be started so that safety study can be done with possible results being a quiet zone and/or improved railroad crossings.
• The Tuxedo Park improvement planning meeting had to be postponed due to scheduling conflicts;
• Nestle has been contacted about the truck traffic on the highway, but we have not gotten a reply yet.

• The Public Works Committee substation engineer interviews are Wednesday and Friday at the Crete Carrier Community Room.

• There will be a wholesale electric rate increase of 2-3%, so meetings with MEAN representatives will be scheduled to discuss a possible retail rate review;

• The solar project can go to 3.8 MW, which would not fit on the City's property. Other property owners have been contacted about putting additional solar on the acres adjacent to the city owned property.

The meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.