Opened the Public Hearing at 6:01 p.m.
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is for a new liquor license for a new manager for the VFW. 
Closed the Public Hearing at 6:03 p.m. 

Opened the Public Hearing at 6:03 p.m.  for a Retail Liquor License from Smokin' Liquor LLC 1229 Main Ave, Crete, NE 68333. 
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that the owner Im Nuet was present at the meeting and she could answer any questions. Mayor Dave Bauer asked what type of business would be operating. Nuet answered that it would be liquor store and they would also be selling tobacco products, pop and snacks. City Attorney Anna Burge added that main source of revenue has to be liquor. 
Closed the Public Hearing at 6:09 p.m.

City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is an airport advisory list for 2024. This went to the Public Works committee and this is a list of the things that need to get done and it  is informational. 

City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that they would provide notice of termination to Beatrice and begin work with Saline County to develop a contract. 

City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that the city farm is a property of 72 acres. Also, had previously owned a farm to the south of town and did a trade with a family. 
The purpose of owning the property was for sewage purposes and the property directly to the west suits that. There has been discussion in the past about selling the property. Since we have purchased property to the south of town, we have been made aware that there are two or more people interested in the city farm. This went to the Public Works committee and  Council member and Public Works committee member Dale Strehle stated that the City of Crete doesn't usually look to get rid of property but in this situation it does benefit the City to get rid of it. 

City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that this would be an onsite cloud option and that the price has come down. 
Council and Public Works Committee member Dale Strehle stated that this would be a Mytell system.

City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this would appoint both the City Administrator and the City Clerk as agent for the City in making a recommendation and approval or denial for Special Designated Licenses in the CIty of Crete. 

City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that City Attorney Anna Burge overhauled this. It was created in 1976 and amended in the 1990's. Council and Park and Recreation Committee member Ashley Newmyer stated that the Park and Rec Committee recommended this to the City Council. 

City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this form would formalize a process that is outlined in the state statute for Medical Hardship cases as it relates to utility rates. Ourada stated that they do follow this by practice already and this item went to the Public Works committee. 

City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is for the Library and it was put together by IT Director Mike Kalkwarf, Library Director Joy Stevenson, and GIS Technician/IT Emerson Aschoff.

City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that there were not any details on this since it's not necessary for the City Council to consider. The League Association of Risk Management handles this for the City of Crete. The Public Works Committee recommended that this be referred to the League Association of Risk Management. 

City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that there were two changes to add Kennedy Hydrants and Kennedy Valves. They were previously not part of the standards and specifications. 

City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that the two changes are for the wage scale are park and rec driven. One is to establish a training rate of $12.00 an hour and the other is amending for an Assistant Pool Manager/ Assistance Swim Coach and altering the wage for that. 

City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is an application for a loan guarantee for $300,000.00 for the Blue River Arts Council for a short fall from now until the end of the year. Our LB840 Loan Guarantee is tailored made for that. They had originally asked for $255,000.00 and then came back and asked for $300,000.00. Ourada stated that there is an excess of $500,000.00 in the LB840 program. This is fundamentally like a line of credit.  Unless they default this doesn't cost anything. The LB840 Advisory Committee took this up and voted to approve it and this also went to the Legislative and Economic Development Committee. 

• Library Director, Joy Stevenson stated that the first speaker series A Tree Grows in Crete is on Sunday, March 10^th at 2:00 p.m. at the Crete Carrier Community Room. The speakers will be Justin Evertson is the Assistant Director for the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and Rick Brown tree-board member. Stevenson mentioned that with the help of Park and Recreation Director Liz Cody they were able to put it together.
• Parks and Recreation Director, Liz Cody stated the following:

• Stevenson was a huge help.
• Attendees to Sunday’s speaker event will be able to get free tree resources and there will be giveaway of a free tree sapling or shrub to each attendee.
• Thanked city departments that they have been working with.
• Sunday, March 17^th  2024 is the first youth soccer game.
• Thanked HR Coordinator Savannah Anderson with her help with pool applicants and with CPR and First Aid training.
• Will be attending a water safety training in Omaha.

• Mentioned that they did not raise the prices for the programs they offer all summer long.
• Pickleball has been added to the activities offered.
• Slight increase to the camp ground fees.
• Appreciates the collaboration with Crete Public Schools staff they have been working with to make sure City of Crete programs are being shared with the families.
•   Cody stated that she is looking into AED grant funds.

·         They are also waiting to hear back from the pool shade         structure grant
o   Chief of Police Gary Young asked Mayor Bauer to present service awards. The Meritorious Service Medal was presented to Officer Dawn Jonas for her work with the operation under the tree which has been growing every year. The Life Saving Medal was presented to Officer Noah Zach for his hep with a suicidal individual that was threating to jump off the Blue River Bridge on Highway 33. Officer Zach’s actions prevented this individual from serious bodily injury or possibly even death.

• Young stated that the movement towards switching 911 communications to Saline County is the right move.

o   Mayor Dave Bauer stated the following:

• This was a good example of the candidates that have gone through the interviews and have been good candidates. The Crete Police has a strong department and everyone works well together. Bauer stated that he greatly appreciates all the work.

o   Council members Ashley Newmyer, Dale Strehle, Dan Papik and Anthony Fitzgerald thanked the officers for their service and for keeping the community safe.
o   City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
·         Will be having a meeting with the school about a community calendar. Sooner or later, they will find something that works for everyone.

• Meeting with developers on Friday on two new businesses coming to town.
• Purchase agreements have been signed and it will be part of an extensive new subdivision that is 72 acres.
• Going to be applying for a $100,000.00 grant for a DC charger. There is a level 2 charger by City Park now. That cost was $13,000. The DC charger charges up a car in twenty minutes. Ourada will provide more information when the grant is announced.
• There are lots of things happening not just park and recreation and will be talking about adding more staff when that comes up.

Mayor Dave Bauer reminded everyone of the Mayor’s Chili Feed on Thursday, March 7^th from 4-7p.m. at the Crete Carrier Community

6:52 p.m.