Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Consent Agenda
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
3.C. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
3.D. Approve Statements 361925-361929 for legal services provided by Cline Williams in the amount of $21,816.43
3.E. Approve Committee and Board Appointments 
4. Items of Business
4.A. Consider LIGHT Health Insurance Renewal. 
4.B. Consider on second reading Ordinance 2170: An ordinance to annex Area #5 into the corporate limits of the City of Crete, Nebraska. 
4.C. Consider enacting Ordinance No. 2172 Amending the Crete Municipal Code pertaining to Appointed and Hired Officials. 
4.D. Consider Western Area Power Administration-Upper Great Plains Region Renewable Energy Certificate Letter and Option Form.
4.E. Consider waiving the outstanding fines and fees from the library in the amount of $5,739.59 that have accrued from prior to 2015 as determined as uncollectible. 
4.F. Consider approving payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,519.82.
4.G. Consider implementing a key policy for the transfer station gate. 
4.H. Consider allowing Mutual of Omaha Accident and Critical Illness elective coverage for employees. 
4.I. Consider Nexlink Water Tower Site Lease Agreement. 
4.J. Consider Change Order Request No.004 from Kingery Construction Co. in the amount of $28,935.00 for the Crete Isis Theatre Phase I
4.K. Consider the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $5,200 from 1334 Main Avenue. 
 
5. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: May 16, 2023 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 Consent Agenda Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
Attachments:
Subject:
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
Subject:
3.C. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
Attachments:
Subject:
3.D. Approve Statements 361925-361929 for legal services provided by Cline Williams in the amount of $21,816.43
Attachments:
Subject:
3.E. Approve Committee and Board Appointments 
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 LIGHT Health Insurance Renewal. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that this was covered at the last Finance Committee. Committee Chair Kyle Frans mentioned that they recommend it be approved. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the LIGHT Health Insurance Renewal. Carried with a motion by Kyle Frans and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.B. Consider on second reading Ordinance 2170: An ordinance to annex Area #5 into the corporate limits of the City of Crete, Nebraska. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Introduced Ordinance 2170 moved that it be approved for its second reading and that its title be read and approved. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.C. Consider enacting Ordinance No. 2172 Amending the Crete Municipal Code pertaining to Appointed and Hired Officials. 
Discussion:
Council member Tom Crisman explained that the Personnel Committee reviewed this and recommended it be approved.
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduced Ordinance 2172 and waive the rule it be read on three different days. Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Enact Ordinance 2172 on final reading Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.D. Consider Western Area Power Administration-Upper Great Plains Region Renewable Energy Certificate Letter and Option Form.
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that by selecting option #2, the City of Crete would designate the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska to manage the Western Area Power Administration-Upper Great Plains Region Renewable Energy Certificate and letter. This is something that they are able to do.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved to designate the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska to manage the Western Area Power Administration-Upper Great Plains Region Renewable Energy Certificate Letter. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.E. Consider waiving the outstanding fines and fees from the library in the amount of $5,739.59 that have accrued from prior to 2015 as determined as uncollectible. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that the Library Board Collection Agent won't collect anything over 5 years or older. The auditor asked to take off the books anything over 5 years. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved waiving the outstanding fines and fees from the library in the amount of $5,739.59 that have accrued from prior to 2015 as determined as uncollectible. Carried with a motion by Kyle Frans and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.F. Consider approving payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,519.82.
Discussion:
Mayor Dave Bauer explained that normally the bills are paid through the consent agenda. However, since a council member's business is involved. It is put on the items of business on the agenda and he abstains from voting with conflict. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,519.82. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Abstain (With Conflict)
Attachments:
Subject:
4.G. Consider implementing a key policy for the transfer station gate. 
Discussion:
Council member Dan Papik explained that the Public Works Committee met on this and once the key policy has been drafted, the City Attorney will review it and then it will go to the committee and then city council. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Tabled implementing a key policy for the transfer station gate. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.H. Consider allowing Mutual of Omaha Accident and Critical Illness elective coverage for employees. 
Discussion:
Human Resource Director Wendy Thomas, stated that this is supplemental elective coverage for employees and doesn't have a cost to the employer. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved allowing Mutual of Omaha Accident and Critical Illness elective coverage for employees. Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.I. Consider Nexlink Water Tower Site Lease Agreement. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that there were back and forth conversations with Nextlink to create an agreement. City Attorney Alison J Borer reviewed the agreement and it will have to be renewed every five years. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Nextlink Water Tower Site Lease Agreement. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.J. Consider Change Order Request No.004 from Kingery Construction Co. in the amount of $28,935.00 for the Crete Isis Theatre Phase I
Discussion:
Shaylene Smith explained that this change order is for the addition of sales tax on phase I. The Blue River Arts Council is not a tax free entity. It is for the same work that was done in the change order that came to council last time. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved Change Order Request No.004 from Kingery Construction Co. in the amount of $28,935.00 for the Crete Isis Theatre Phase I Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.K. Consider the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $5,200 from 1334 Main Avenue. 
 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this had been tabled from the last meeting so that Mr. Skala could provide more information on the request. After reviewing the documents submitted, the $5,200 request for increased DTR funds is within the amount Mr. Skala could qualify for. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $5,200 from 1334 Main Avenue. Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Jack Oelschlager: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
5. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
Rationale:
  • Citizen 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.
Discussion:
  • Steven Reisdorff, 520 Iris Ave, Crete, NE 68333 addressed the council to express the following concerns:
  • Suggested a weight requirement for trucks and signs on where trucks can come in to town.
  • Would like the City to review contract with Southeast Nebraska Communication and exploring options of partnership with Saline County
  • Asking the City to generate information on Tax Increment Finance
  • Reisdorff mentioned on the ordinance that was passed tonight that the Council can delegate authority but can not delegate responsibility.
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:
 
  • Police Captain Jon Pucket mentioned that Chief of Police Gary Young was in Washington D.C. for Police National Police Week.
  • When came to the council and talked about the benefits of getting a k-9 unit and now you can see the benefits
  • 16 other police officers in town working and there were 2 Crete Police officers and having the ability to do that because the council approved the k-9 unit has a great impact in our ability to keep the community safe. Thanked the City Council.
  • Noah Zach is at the Police Academy and has completed his first week.
  • Parks and Recreation Director, Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Mid-way CPR/Lifeguard training
  • Will be opening the pool with at least 10 returning lifeguards and 13 enrolled, 7 cashiers and 2 pool managers
  • The pool manual is being reviewed by former and current pool staff
  • Swim practice starts next week with 64 registered swimmers
  • City Inspector Brad Bailey inspected the pool and provided a list of things to do
  • The City of Crete Wildwood Pool will be opening on Saturday, May 27th 2023- Memorial Day weekend.
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • Last year partnered with Doane University Engineering professor and his students on comprehensive plan elements for some of the following projects; southside sports complex, eastside annexation and housing, main avenue economic report, railroad quiet zone report, water and treatment report.
  • The community will have the opportunity to participate in the design and voting on whether we should do something like that. This is up to the city council not up to the City Administrator.
  • My job is to bring you ideas with the best information that I can and help the community move forward.
  • Bid opening for a 10 MVA Substation Class Distribution transformer and for the Substation Class Power Distribution Center on May 31st at 10am.
  • Will be in Kearney on Wednesday and Thursday for the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska board meetings and Ourada is chair of the Governance Review Committee and Power Supply. The organization is being restructured.
  • There will be two interviews for City Attorney on Friday, May 19th 2023
  • Wage data came in and will review it with Mayor Bauer and City Attorneys to see how it compares with the Cities, array, PD, and market.
  • Attended funding workshop and looking to possibly do owner occupied rehabilitation project again.
  •  Rural workforce housing have been constructed we put in $280,000 and got a match from the state. We will turn around and flip that and looking to get a little over one million dollars and construct more housing.
  • Learned how to proceed with some grant money and a very low interest term loan for the fire station expansion.
  • Mayor Dave Bauer stated the following:
  • The Cinco de Mayo celebration at City Park went well and thanked all the employees who helped to get event ready.
  • Appreciates the Fire Department cleaning Main Ave
  • Tonight is Jack Oelschlager’s last night as council member and thanked him for all the years he served on the council and worked hard for the City of Crete.

Meeting adjourned at 6:47pm
 
Attachments:
Subject:
7. Adjournment
 

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