Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Consent Agenda
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
3.A.1. March 5, 2024 City Council Minutes 
3.A.2. March 5, 2024 Finance Committee Minutes 
3.A.3. March 5, 2024 Legislative & Economic Development Committee Minutes 
3.A.4. March 5, 2024 Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes 
3.A.5. March 5, 2024 Personnel Committee Minutes 
3.A.6. March 5, 2024 Public Safety Committee Minutes 
3.A.7. March 5, 2024 Public Works Committee Minutes 
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
3.C. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
3.D. Permit Log 
3.E. Approve RESCO PO Number 1561 for the amount of $380,159.78
4. Items of Business
4.A. Consider City property lease options 
4.B. Approve payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,507.62
4.C. Consider the East Ridge 4th Addition Administrative Subdivision 
4.D. Consider the East Ridge 5th Addition Administrative Subdivision 
4.E. Consider the write-off of miscellaneous accounts receivable. 
4.F. Consider fee schedule amendment 
4.G. Consider the sale of City farm
4.G.1. Establish a minimum bid for the sale of City farm
4.H. Consider altering street right-of-way on Block 27
4.I. Consider having City Engineer prepare City Park bathroom specs
4.J. Consider request for a beer garden at City Park for Cinco de Mayo
4.K. Consider authorizing to apply for the LARM Safety Grant
4.L. Consider authorizing to apply for the Walmart Spark Good Local Grant 
4.M. Consider police sergeant timeline
5. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: March 19, 2024 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
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
Subject:
3.A.1. March 5, 2024 City Council Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.2. March 5, 2024 Finance Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.3. March 5, 2024 Legislative & Economic Development Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.4. March 5, 2024 Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.5. March 5, 2024 Personnel Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.6. March 5, 2024 Public Safety Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.7. March 5, 2024 Public Works Committee 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. Permit Log 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.E. Approve RESCO PO Number 1561 for the amount of $380,159.78
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 City property lease options 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained there were some options of crop share or straight lease. They decided to go with the cash rent lease of $204 an acre. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved City property cash rent lease at $204 an acre. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.B. Approve payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,507.62
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,507.62 Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Abstain (With Conflict)
Attachments:
Subject:
4.C. Consider the East Ridge 4th Addition Administrative Subdivision 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that there are 2 lots on East Ridge. This is one of those lots. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the East Ridge 4th Addition Administrative Subdivision Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.D. Consider the East Ridge 5th Addition Administrative Subdivision 
Discussion:
This is the other 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the East Ridge 5th Addition Administrative Subdivision Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.E. Consider the write-off of miscellaneous accounts receivable. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourda stated that multiple attempts have been made to collect payment. Finance Committee and Council member Kyle Frans stated that they reviewed this, and they recommended the write-off. Mayor Bauer added that in the past this was handled differently and, since some of the accounts have aged, there are not many options. However, now that the City has a new attorney, there is a new plan moving forward. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the write-off of miscellaneous accounts receivable. Carried with a motion by Kyle Frans and a second by Ashley Newmyer.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.F. Consider fee schedule amendment 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approve fee schedule amendment Carried with a motion by Kyle Frans and a second by Ashley Newmyer.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.G. Consider the sale of City farm
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that the Public Works Committee did consider this. It was suggested that a minimum sealed bid be set. The two considerations were the assessed value and the appraised value. They decided the minimum sealed bid of $356,000.00 2022 appraised value. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the sale of City farm with minimum sealed bid of $356,000.00 2022 appraised value. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.G.1. Establish a minimum bid for the sale of City farm
Subject:
4.H. Consider altering street right-of-way on Block 27
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that there is no action required for this item. 
Subject:
4.I. Consider having City Engineer prepare City Park bathroom specs
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that they sought out local bids but were not able to secure any bids. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approve having City Engineer prepare City Park bathroom specs Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.J. Consider request for a beer garden at City Park for Cinco de Mayo
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that Xochitl Boughtin with the Corner Liquor Store asked to have a beer garden on City Park property for Cinco de Mayo. It was discussed at the Park and Recreation Committee and the discussion will now be continued at City Council.
Parks and Recretion Committee and City Council member Ashley Newmyer stated that they discussed this item and approved the request to have a beer garden on the street but on City Park Property. 
Mayor Bauer added that they are in the process of doing renovations to City Park and adding some handicapped equipment. Bauer stated that he always thought of City Park as being a park for the kids, and it's centrally located, making it easy for them to bike there. Bauer stated that he worries that if they allow alcohol in City Park, that would set a precedent and other organizations could request a permit and that can't be denied since it was allowed before. Bauer mentioned he would like to keep City Park a place without alcohol, and it is allowed at Tuxedo Park.

 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approve request for a beer garden for the Cinco de Mayo celebration on the street and not on City Park Property. Carried with a motion by Ashley Newmyer and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.K. Consider authorizing to apply for the LARM Safety Grant
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this grant would be for first aid kits. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approve authorizing to apply for the LARM Safety Grant Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.L. Consider authorizing to apply for the Walmart Spark Good Local Grant 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this matching grant would be for an AED. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved authorizing to apply for the Walmart Spark Good Local Grant Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.M. Consider police sergeant timeline
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that the last time this position had opened up there were no viable applicants. They have now identified some funding sources and the FOP has mentioned two key concessions that would help to make this possible. Mayor Bauer stated that our Police Department is very busy, this is a position we need, and this would be good for the City of Crete. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the police sergeant timeline Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Tom Crisman.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
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:
  • Police Captain Pucket stated he appreciates the council action on the sergeant timeline.
  • Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Water Safety instructor curriculum is complete.
  • Accepting applications for seasonal aquatics staff and parks staff until April 15th   2024.
  • Didn’t receive a shade grant for the pool. The odds were 1 in 15 there was a 93% rejection rate.
  • Youth Soccer began last Sunday with 190 registrations and 18 teams. Micro Soccer will begin April 3rd with almost 125 participants.
  • Any interest in volunteer coaches should reach out to Dan Dunaway at dan.dunaway@crete.ne.gov.
  • Swim Team registration opens April 1st and practices begin end of May and Crete is scheduled to host the league meet on June 15th 2024.
  • Campgrounds open to the public on April 1st 2024.
  • Thanked Friends of the Library and Justin Evertson, Rick Brown for their participation in A Tree Grows in Crete..
  • Continuing to work on Crete’s Community Forestry Toolkit.
  • Human Resource Coordinator Savannah Anderson introduced Brenden Hooper as a water operator for the City.
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
    • Letters have been sent to property owners in the 9th and Quince area. Both property owners stopped in and voiced a desire to purchase their half of the street at a $1 a square foot.
    • The inaugural Railroad Transportation Safety District Board met last week. Stephanie Krivohlavek was voted President of the Board, Dale Strehle was voted Vice President of the Board, Kyle Frans was voted Secretary of the Board and Ourada mentioned he was appointed Executive Director. Anna Burge was appointed Attorney, Debbie Spanyers was appointed Treasurer, and Diann Nettifee was appointed Clerk. This is the fourth RTSD in the state.
    • Council members Dale Strehle and Anthony Fitzgerald mentioned that there are many benefits to having a RTSD.
    • Ourada mentioned they are working on a utility plan for the northeast Crete area that was annexed last year. There is a lot going on there and they have had meetings with developers. Some want to be up and running by the end of the year.
    • Paving projects for next year. The Public Works Committee and City Council will make some decisions coming up soon. There are several gap paving projects that do make sense to get into the design for construction for next year. There is very little City cost for those. There is an alley that is no cost to the City that was petitioned in. There are a couple northside paving projects that were asked for.
    • One of the big paving projects is 15th street. We need to make a hard decision on how we are going to do that. Ourada mentioned 2/3 1/3 isn’t a bad idea for a possible enticement. The City Council does have the authority to create a paving district 51% would have to protest it out. Ourada mentioned he would get proposed cost per square foot. 
    • The other 1- and 6-year projects are not viable without federal grant funding. We are going to be reaching out to Senator Deb Fischer for funding for the pedestrian walkway and Representative Adrian Smith for the Iris Projects.
    • Ourada and Mayor Bauer met with Jason Maly about a decorative wall that will separate the park from the highway. 
    • The City Park fountain will start up soon it will be a joint effort between the Park and Rec and Public Works departments.
    • Ourada will be at NMPP Energy meetings for the next couple days in Lincoln. Ourada will start his term as Chairperson of the Board on April 1st 2024.
  • Mayor Dave Bauer welcomed the scout group and invited them to stay after to visit with him.
Subject:
7. Adjournment
Discussion:
6:36 p.m.
 

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