Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Consent Agenda
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
3.A.1. August 15, 2023 Leg.Econ.Development minutes 
3.A.2. August 15, 2023 City Council minutes 
3.A.3. August 29, 2023 City Council Budget Work Session minutes 
3.A.4. August 29, 2023 Personnel Committee minutes 
3.A.5. August 28, 2023 Cemetery Board minutes 
3.B. MEAN Minutes 
3.C. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
3.D. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
4. Items of Business
4.A. Consider the approval of negotiating the purchase of property for a sports complex project.
4.B. Consider on second reading Ordinance No. 2176; An Ordinance of the City of Crete, Nebraska Relating to Annexation; To annex certain contiguous or adjacent land in part of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 33, T8N, R4E; and to extend the corporate limits of the City. 
4.C. Consider approving the payment of claims to  Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $223.53. 
4.D. Consider the Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R) Domestic Law Enforcement Support Mutual Agreement For The Receipt of Contributions from the Crete Police Department. 
4.E. Consider the Quitclaim Deed to Clevette Rentals, L.L.C. located at The West forty (40) feet of vacated Mill Street, located in the Original Town of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska.
4.F. Consider the Application for Special Event Permit SE23-04 for the Crete High School Homecoming Parade. 
4.G. Consider the Application for Special Event Permit SE23-05 for a bonfire and Homecoming Kickoff celebration at Tuxedo Park by the Crete Booster Club. 
4.H. Consider the Special Event Permit application SE23-06 for a Homecoming bonfire at Tuxedo Park from Doane University. 
 
4.I. Consider the College Park 1st Addition Administrative Subdivision from Dittmer & Dittmer L.L.C. 
4.J. Consider amending the Employee Rules and Regulations regarding Sec. 3.07 Timekeeping.
4.K. Consider a retirement contribution correction. 
4.L. Consider approval of the FOP Agreement for Fiscal year 23-24.
4.M. Consider authorizing to apply for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program. 
4.N. Consider approving Change Orders for the Isis Theater renovation project.
5. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
6.A. Swear in of Noah Zack as Police Officer. 
6.B. A Joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting will be held on October 3rd, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Confluence will be giving a presentation on the Comprehensive Plan with updates from the steering committee. 
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: September 5, 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.
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.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
3.A.1. August 15, 2023 Leg.Econ.Development minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.2. August 15, 2023 City Council minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.3. August 29, 2023 City Council Budget Work Session minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.4. August 29, 2023 Personnel Committee minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.5. August 28, 2023 Cemetery Board minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.B. MEAN Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.C. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
Attachments:
Subject:
3.D. 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 the approval of negotiating the purchase of property for a sports complex project.
Discussion:
City Council member Ashley Newmyer stated that she had multiple discussions with City Administrator Tom Ourada and the Parks and Recreation Committee made a recommendation to the City Council to approve the negotiating the purchase of the property for a sports complex project. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the negotiating the purchase of property for a sports complex project. Carried with a motion by Ashley Newmyer 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.B. Consider on second reading Ordinance No. 2176; An Ordinance of the City of Crete, Nebraska Relating to Annexation; To annex certain contiguous or adjacent land in part of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 33, T8N, R4E; and to extend the corporate limits of the City. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Introduced and approved second reading Ordinance No. 2176; An Ordinance of the City of Crete, Nebraska Relating to Annexation; To annex certain contiguous or adjacent land in part of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 33, T8N, R4E; and to extend the corporate limits of the City. 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.C. Consider approving the payment of claims to  Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $223.53. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $223.53. 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.D. Consider the Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R) Domestic Law Enforcement Support Mutual Agreement For The Receipt of Contributions from the Crete Police Department. 
Discussion:
Chief of Police Gary Young explained that Investigative Sergeant  Lincoln Morehouse had worked with a privately funded organization. They have offered the software which will help Sgt. Morehouse open up data from apple, and other devices that he would have not been able to before. City Attorney Anna Burge reviewed the contract. They plan to look for funding to continue the contract but if they are not able to they will have the ability to cancel. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R) Domestic Law Enforcement Support Mutual Agreement For The Receipt of Contributions from the Crete Police Department. 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.E. Consider the Quitclaim Deed to Clevette Rentals, L.L.C. located at The West forty (40) feet of vacated Mill Street, located in the Original Town of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska.
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that this is an area by Old Mill Park that the city had already considered vacated and this went to the Public Works Committee for their recommendation. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Quitclaim Deed to Clevette Rentals, L.L.C. located at The West forty (40) feet of vacated Mill Street, located in the Original Town of 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.F. Consider the Application for Special Event Permit SE23-04 for the Crete High School Homecoming Parade. 
Discussion:
Council member Dan Papik stated that the Public Safety Committee reviewed this application and it is their recommendation to consider the application. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Application for Special Event Permit SE23-04 for the Crete High School Homecoming Parade. Carried with a motion by Dan Papik 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.G. Consider the Application for Special Event Permit SE23-05 for a bonfire and Homecoming Kickoff celebration at Tuxedo Park by the Crete Booster Club. 
Discussion:
Council member Dan Papik stated that the Public Safety Committee reviewed this application and it is their recommendation to consider the application. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Application for Special Event Permit SE23-05 for a bonfire and Homecoming Kickoff celebration at Tuxedo Park by the Crete Booster Club. 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.H. Consider the Special Event Permit application SE23-06 for a Homecoming bonfire at Tuxedo Park from Doane University. 
 
Discussion:
Council member Dan Papik stated that the Public Safety Committee reviewed this application and it is their recommendation to consider the application. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Special Event Permit application SE23-06 for a Homecoming bonfire at Tuxedo Park from Doane University 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.I. Consider the College Park 1st Addition Administrative Subdivision from Dittmer & Dittmer L.L.C. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that this is an attempt at an Administrative Subdivision from Dittmer & Dittmer L.L.C. It is not perfect. It does technically meet the standards but could be better it. It did go to the Public Works Committee for review. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the College Park 1st Addition Administrative Subdivision from Dittmer & Dittmer L.L.C. 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.J. Consider amending the Employee Rules and Regulations regarding Sec. 3.07 Timekeeping.
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is meant to provide incentives for people getting their timekeeping in on time across all departments. This used to be in the policy but when there were updates it was taken out. There are issues from time to time and this creates delays for Human Resources. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved amending the Employee Rules and Regulations regarding Sec. 3.07 Timekeeping. Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Ashley Newmyer.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.K. Consider a retirement contribution correction. 
Discussion:
Tabled this item until there is additional information. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Tabled a retirement contribution correction. 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.L. Consider approval of the FOP Agreement for Fiscal year 23-24.
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that this item went to the Finance Committee where the city's employment attorney from Cline Williams, Henry Wiedrich provided information on the negotiations. Wiedrich explained that they had sessions with the Fraternal Order of Police. Over the last couple of years there have been a major shifts in compensation with law enforcement. The comparability with other municipalities. and market rates were all reviewed. They were expecting high wage increase requests from the union. This will be a one-year contract even though the city wanted a multi-year deal. WIth the new pay plan the officer starting wage for step 1 will have a 17% increase and step 8 will have a 14% increase. Sergeants will have a 13% increase and 11% increases at step 1 and step 8.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the FOP Agreement for Fiscal year 23-24. Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Ashley Newmyer.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: No
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: No
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.M. Consider authorizing to apply for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program. 
Discussion:
The Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program has a total of $1 billion in grant funding. Planning Grants are available up to $2 million with Capital Construction Grants no less than $5 Million; total federal assistance may not exceed 80% for standard grants and 100% for Disadvantaged Communities. The City will be applying for a grant to connect the south side of town to the northside. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Authorized to apply for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Ashley Newmyer.
  • Kyle Frans: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.N. Consider approving Change Orders for the Isis Theater renovation project.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved Change Orders for the Isis Theater renovation project. 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.
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 Young stated the following:
  • The phone lines were down. There were technical difficulties with the 911 centers in the area.
  • Human Resource Coordinator Savannah Anderson introduced Cody Benson as the new Waste Water Operator and Kelsey Sisouvong as Book Keeper.
  • Council member Dale Strehle explained that his vote against the FOP Agreement doesn’t mean that he doesn’t support the Police Department. He voted no because he believed that it was not in the best financial interest for the City.
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald stated that he also voted against the FOP Agreement because he believes that there needs to be deeper discussions on department operations.
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • Thanked the City Council and Council member Ashley Newmyer on their commitment on what will be a good idea going forward with the sports complex.
  • Met with Mayor Bauer, Saline County Sheriff, and a county commissioner to explore opportunities with the county to do dispatch.
  • Cline Williams attorney Henry L. Wiedrich did a stellar job on negotiating the FOP agreement representing the City and the community’s views.
  • City Budget tax levy is going down by $.05. People will see that on their property tax schedules. The Budget is looking good.
  • The 2023 League of Nebraska Municipalities Annual Conference will be on September 27th-29th at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska.
  • Mayor Dave Bauer thanked everyone that worked on the budget. The levy going down $.05 is very positive for the community. Bauer informed that on October 3rd there will be a joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting at the Crete Carrier Community Room, 1515 Forest Avenue, at 6p.m.
Subject:
6.A. Swear in of Noah Zack as Police Officer. 
Discussion:
  • Clerk-Treasurer Jerry Wilcox swore in Noah Zack as Police Officer.
Subject:
6.B. A Joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting will be held on October 3rd, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Confluence will be giving a presentation on the Comprehensive Plan with updates from the steering committee. 
Subject:
7. Adjournment
 

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