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. Mayor's appointment of James Dux to the Airport Advisory Board. 
4. Items of Business
4.A. Mayor's appointment of Ward III Council Member. 
4.B. Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of, in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to a proposed special exception use permit requested by Sandhills Energy LLC to erect a utility facility in the form of a Solar Farm on parcel number 760147235, Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. 
4.C. Consider the special exception use permit requested by Sandhills Energy LLC to erect a utility facility in the form of a Solar Farm on parcel number 760147235, Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. 
4.D. Approve payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,688.29.
4.E. Consider the Saline County Fair Parade Application SE23-03.
4.F. Consider Resolution No. 2023-12 related to the closing of Nebraska Highway 33 for the Saline County Fair Parade. 
4.G. Consider the Change Order Request No.005 from Kingery Construction Co. in the amount of $42,679.00 for the Crete Isis Theater Phase I. 
4.H. Consider the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $9,500 from 1229 Main Ave. 
4.I. Consider the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $11,000 from 1302 Main Ave, $9,000 from 1314-1316 Main Ave, and $1,000 from 120 E 13th St. 
4.J. Consider a contract amendment for construction inspection for 22nd Street Box Culvert from Speece Lewis Engineers. 
4.K. Consider approving the Police Department to apply for the TC Energy Build Strong Grant.
4.L. Consider Resolution 2023-13 authorizing the City of Crete to become a participant of the Nebraska CLASS Trust; and the Declaration of Trust and Interlocal Agreement.
4.M. Consider the Omnify Cafeteria Renewal. 
4.N. Consider the request from Dittmer & Dittmer for the Administrative Subdivision of Lot 2 of the East Ridge 1st Addition. 
5. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: June 20, 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 Dan Papik and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
3.A. Approve 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. Mayor's appointment of James Dux to the Airport Advisory Board. 
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. Mayor's appointment of Ward III Council Member. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved Mayor's appointment of Ward III Council Member and standing committees. Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.B. Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of, in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to a proposed special exception use permit requested by Sandhills Energy LLC to erect a utility facility in the form of a Solar Farm on parcel number 760147235, Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that this is a triangular piece of city property that would be used for a solar farm and a new municipal water well. The City also has a long term power purchase contract with Sandhills at a very attractive rate. 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Opened Public Hearing at 6:06pm to hear testimony in favor of, in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to a proposed special exception use permit requested by Sandhills Energy LLC to erect a utility facility in the form of a Solar Farm on parcel number 760147235, Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Closed Public Hearing at 6:08pm to hear testimony in favor of, in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to a proposed special exception use permit requested by Sandhills Energy LLC to erect a utility facility in the form of a Solar Farm on parcel number 760147235, Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.C. Consider the special exception use permit requested by Sandhills Energy LLC to erect a utility facility in the form of a Solar Farm on parcel number 760147235, Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that the Public Works Committee, City Attorney John Zimmer and himself reviewed the eight application findings required. They found which ones did not apply and which ones did not impact anything and the ones that applied in favor. 

Council member Dale Strehle mentioned that all of the committee questions were answered by City Administrator Tom Ourada. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the special exception use permit requested by Sandhills Energy LLC to erect a utility facility in the form of a Solar Farm on parcel number 760147235, Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.D. Approve payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,688.29.
Discussion:
The claims against the City usually go in the Consent Agenda. However, since council member Dan Papik has a conflict as he is the business owner he is abstaining from the vote on this item. He is able to vote on all the items that are listed on the Consent Agenda. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,688.29. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Abstain (With Conflict)
Attachments:
Subject:
4.E. Consider the Saline County Fair Parade Application SE23-03.
Discussion:
Council member Anthony Fitzgerlad stated that Chief of Police Gary Young had explained the parade route and its advantages for efficient traffic control. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Saline County Fair Parade Application SE23-03. Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.F. Consider Resolution No. 2023-12 related to the closing of Nebraska Highway 33 for the Saline County Fair Parade. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that the Nebraska Department of Transportation requires a resolution and proof of insurance anytime there is use of the highway. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Introduced and approved Resolution No. 2023-12 related to the closing of Nebraska Highway 33 for the Saline County Fair Parade. Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.G. Consider the Change Order Request No.005 from Kingery Construction Co. in the amount of $42,679.00 for the Crete Isis Theater Phase I. 
Discussion:
The Executive Director of the Blue River Arts Council, Shaylene Smith, explained the structural steel is necessary for the retractable screen and the new marquee and those contracts are already signed. Plans now call for leaving eaves exposed, making additional cross-bracing necessary while the contractor is already there. They already have this funding available. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Change Order Request No.005 from Kingery Construction Co. in the amount of $42,679.00 for the Crete Isis Theater Phase I. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.H. Consider the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $9,500 from 1229 Main Ave. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that this request is from Jaime Casteñeda and has been fully reviewed by the Southeast Nebraska Development District. Council member Anthony Fitzgerald commented that the Community Development Committee have reviewed the additional costs and reasons for the increases. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $9,500 from 1229 Main Ave. Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.I. Consider the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $11,000 from 1302 Main Ave, $9,000 from 1314-1316 Main Ave, and $1,000 from 120 E 13th St. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada mentioned that this request was from Mary Moser and was reviewed by various staff changes from SENDD and the City of Crete. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $11,000 from 1302 Main Ave, $9,000 from 1314-1316 Main Ave, and $1,000 from 120 E 13th St. Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald and a second by Dale Strehle.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.J. Consider a contract amendment for construction inspection for 22nd Street Box Culvert from Speece Lewis Engineers. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this request was from the design and inspection engineer not the contractor and it increased the costs from construction day overruns up to $48,500. 

Council member Dale Strehle stated that this is needed to get the project done but they are disappointed at how long it has taken to complete. 

 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved a contract amendment for construction inspection for 22nd Street Box Culvert from Speece Lewis Engineers. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.K. Consider approving the Police Department to apply for the TC Energy Build Strong Grant.
Discussion:
Chief of Police Gary Young explained that Saline County is switching radio systems, which includes the city's fire department, as part of the change. The police department must install a mini trunking system for interoperability with about $10,000  is able to pay for it and is working with the fire department to split the cost 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Police Department to apply for the TC Energy Build Strong Grant. Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.L. Consider Resolution 2023-13 authorizing the City of Crete to become a participant of the Nebraska CLASS Trust; and the Declaration of Trust and Interlocal Agreement.
Discussion:
City Clerk-Treasurer Jerry Wilcox  stated that this is an interlocal agreement between the City, other municipalities, and a third party provider, which may be able to provide more competitive lending terms than local lenders. This third party works nationally and could provide the city with additional opportunities. This agreement doesn't mean the City has to use the third party, it merely provides for competition with local entities. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Introduced and adopted Resolution 2023-13 authorizing the City of Crete to become a participant of the Nebraska CLASS Trust; and the Declaration of Trust and Interlocal Agreement. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.M. Consider the Omnify Cafeteria Renewal. 
Discussion:
Mayor Dave Bauer stated that this is a renewal of the employee plan for deferred tax contributions towards things such as daycare and healthcare. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Omnify Cafeteria Renewal. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.N. Consider the request from Dittmer & Dittmer for the Administrative Subdivision of Lot 2 of the East Ridge 1st Addition. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained this administrative subdivision is similar to one approved at the last City Council meeting and is intended for individual ownership of the subdivided lots, which have completed two-unit residence/townhomes. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the request from Dittmer & Dittmer for the Administrative Subdivision of Lot 2 of the East Ridge 1st Addition. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: 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:
Steve Reisdorff commented on the following:
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and what he believes were misunderstandings about what it should be used for
- He believes the taxpayers' money has been given away for 15 years. 
- He provided a copy of the statue 18-2116. Plan; approval; findings 
- He commented on moving the dispatch center to Wilber and he believes the City could be saving $300,000 a year and keep the services consolidated 
Mayor Dave Bauer stated that City Attorney Alison J Borer had done a super job explaining the TIF process. The council did the right thing. We are expanding our community and local housing development is not keeping up with our demands. 
Council member Anthony Fitzgerald mentioned that the other developer requesting TIF is a local builder and is partnering with an outside developer to build senior housing which is needed. 
Theresa Vernon mentioned the plan to move the ballfields and also issues at Tuxedo park. 
Mayor Baurer stated that the City is still in discussions about other property. However, nothing is active currently and we do need to know about the park issues so we can find solutions. 


 
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 mentioned the following:
  • Police Officer Audrey Arbuckle has won Regional Officer of the Year and now she has won National Officer of the Year and will be going to North Carolina. She has also been asked to speak at a Jr. Cadet Legion Program.
  • Joy Stevenson, Library Director commented the following:
  • Summer Reading Program has been going gangbusters; Youth Librarian Maridza Vasquez is doing a wonderful job.
  • Thanked City Administrator Tom Ourada for allowing City employees to participate for the 2023 Reading with Friends program.
  • The Food Truck Thursdays have been going well and they have a slot open for August. Will continue the rest of the summer.
  • Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director stated the following:
  • Pool managers Luke Bonifas and MaShayla Burnett and swim coach Courtney have been growing and doing well.
  • Regional Swim meet will be on July 1st 2023.
  • Thanked Theresa Vernon for her comments. Tuxedo park is an area that needs our attention.
  • Tom Ourada, City Administrator mentioned the following:
  • Reminded that before the next council meeting bid opening for the Transformer. Will be learning what the market is and the delivery expected time.
  • FOP negotiations on the morning of June 28th 2023.
  • City Park expansion project will be starting on July 24th 2023.
  • Will be meeting to discuss possible airport privatization.
  • A financial policy has been put together and modeled somewhat after Hastings and Norfolk. Will be reviewed by the Mayor and then the Finance Committee.
  • Will be starting to work on the budget in early July with the department heads and Finance Committee.
  • Mayor Dave Bauer
  • Welcomed new council member Ashley Newmyer
  • Reminded everyone that the next regular meeting will be moved to July 5th in observance the July 4th holiday on Tuesday.
  • Reminded residents that it’s easy to be brought down by negative things but there are lots of positives. The City of Crete is blessed by things that are happening. People want to come back to Crete and that is why we are having the housing problems.

Meeting adjourned

6:55pm
 
Attachments:
Subject:
7. Adjournment
 

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