Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Consent Agenda
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
3.A.1. April 2, 2024 City Council Minutes 
3.A.2. April 2, 2024 Park and Rec Committee Minutes 
3.A.3. April 2, 2024 Public Safety Committee Minutes 
3.A.4. April 2, 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. Approve Karson Cowan, as a new volunteer member of the Fire Department.
4. Items of Business
4.A. Resolution 2024-05 Recognizing Terry Petracek's 50 years of service to Crete Fire and Rescue.
4.B. Consider the appointment of Jessica Wilkinson as Library Director. 
4.C. Consider pension plan changes 
4.D. Consider the payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,468.99. 
4.E. Consider adopting Resolution 2024-04  Authorizing the termination of the Emergency Dispatch Service Interlocal Agreement with Beatrice and the City of Crete.  
4.F. Consider the Master Fee Schedule amendment 
4.G. Consider the Mutual of Omaha Insurance contract changes. 
4.H. Consider the SCADA System 
4.I. Consider the Drug and Alcohol Policy for Part-Time and Seasonal employees. 
4.J. Consider the liquidated damage proposal 
4.K. Consider to ratify LARM's insurance action on North 15th St. 
4.L. Consider to ratify LARM's insurance action on South 15th St. 
4.M. Consider the Family Learning Community Network Commitment Agreement 
5. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: April 16, 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. April 2, 2024 City Council Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.2. April 2, 2024 Park and Rec Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.3. April 2, 2024 Public Safety Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.4. April 2, 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. Approve Karson Cowan, as a new volunteer member of the Fire Department.
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. Resolution 2024-05 Recognizing Terry Petracek's 50 years of service to Crete Fire and Rescue.
Discussion:
Mayor Bauer recognized Terry Petracek for his dedication and commitment to the Crete Fire and Rescue Department. Upon receiving the recognition, Terry Petracek addressed the mayor and city council. Petracek thanked the mayor and council fo the recognition, saying he was proud to serve. He also thanked the department members of 50 years ago. He encouraged people in the area to think about volunteering as firefighters because 50 years goes by fast. 
 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adopt Resolution 2024-05 Recognizing Terry Petracek's 50 years of service to Crete Fire and Rescue. 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.B. Consider the appointment of Jessica Wilkinson as Library Director. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that Library Director Joy Stevenson submitted her resignation in March and her last official day is April 30th. Jessica Wilkinson is coming from Columbus where she was on staff at the Columbus Public Library and will start on May 1st 2024 here at the Crete Public Library. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the appointment of Jessica Wilkinson as Library Director. 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.C. Consider pension plan changes 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this change mandates roll over. This went to the Personnel Committee. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved pension plan changes Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Ashley Newmyer.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.D. Consider the payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,468.99. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,468.99. 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.E. Consider adopting Resolution 2024-04  Authorizing the termination of the Emergency Dispatch Service Interlocal Agreement with Beatrice and the City of Crete.  
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada mentioned that this went to the Public Safety Committee. This is one stipulation of what is required to terminate the agreement with Beatrice Southeast 911. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Introduce and adopt Resolution 2024-04 Authorizing the termination of the Emergency Dispatch Service Interlocal Agreement with Beatrice and the City of Crete. Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Dale Strehle.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.F. Consider the Master Fee Schedule amendment 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that there wasn't enough time for this to go to committee. Ourada explained that the change for the Master Fee Schedule is primarily for the garbage adjustment annually. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approve the Master Fee Schedule amendment 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.G. Consider the Mutual of Omaha Insurance contract changes. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that these changes also went to the Personnel Committee and the substance of this change was to change the renewal date to 7/01/2024 instead of 10/01/2024. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Mutual of Omaha Insurance contract changes. 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
Subject:
4.H. Consider the SCADA System 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that the SCADA System went to the Public Works Committee. This is a replacement system in the $250,000 range with Kidwell doing some of the work with hardware and Olsson doing the programming work. This controls the electric water and waste water systems. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the SCADA System 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.I. Consider the Drug and Alcohol Policy for Part-Time and Seasonal employees. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this went to the Personnel Committee. The substance of this policy is basically to test only for cause either by accident or incident. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Drug and Alcohol Policy for Part-Time and Seasonal employees. 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.J. Consider the liquidated damage proposal 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that the general contractor for 22nd street twin box culvert project incurred significant liquidated damages for their lateness in completing the project. They proposed trading work resources in lieu of cash liquidated damages. This went to the Public Works Committee. Dale Strehle stated that they felt there was no way they could use the machine for $50,000 and it is their recommendation that they do not accept the proposal. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved not to accept the liquidated damage proposal 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: Aye
Subject:
4.K. Consider to ratify LARM's insurance action on North 15th St. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that the City's insurance or risk provider, League Association of Risk Management, has been dealing with a couple of insurance claims. The first one being on 15th Street on the north side. This did go to the Public Works Committee on two separate occasions. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved to ratify LARM's insurance action on North 15th St. 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: Aye
Subject:
4.L. Consider to ratify LARM's insurance action on South 15th St. 
Discussion:
This also went to the Public Works Committee, and it is another claim on 15th St but on the south side. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved to ratify LARM's insurance action on South 15th St. 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: Aye
Subject:
4.M. Consider the Family Learning Community Network Commitment Agreement 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that there is information that Community Assistance Director Marilyn Schacht would like to find out. There is other information that they would work on concerning the office that they have and other things they want to talk to the council about going forward. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Tabled to consider the Family Learning Community Network Commitment Agreement 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: 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:
  • Assistant Director & Outreach Services Librarian, Laura Renker stated the following:
  • Had the "A Tree Grows in Crete" program with the help of Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody.
  • Celebrated National Library Week with the Eclipse Program and had the telescope available.
  • Carol Vlasin was recognized for her volunteer efforts with the 2024 Outstanding Library Volunteer Award from the Nebraska Library Association.
  • 6 outdoor games have been added
  • Had another successful puzzle race party with 19 teams.
  • Will be having a family puzzle race party in June.
  • Chief of Police, Gary Young stated the following:
  • The records management system at Southeast Communications in Beatrice was shut down until today due to an update. Young thanked city IT staff Mike Kalkwarf and Emerson Aschoff, who have worked with Beatrice to help with getting it up and running.
  • Testing for sergeants will be on April 30th 2024.
  • Jaden Acevedo will be going to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy this month.
  • Fire Chief, Todd Allen stated the following:
  • Thanked the Mayor and City Council for the resolution for Terry Petracek. The department will be hosting an open house on Sunday, April 21st from 1-3 p.m.
  • Members will take a rig to Officer Barlett’s funeral in Ceresco.
  • Their ambulance has been requested by the manufacturer to go to fire school for demonstrations in May.
  • Allen introduced Karson Cowan as the newest member to the department.
  • Parks and Recreation Director, Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Welcomed back pool manager Luke Bonifas and swim coach Kourtney Martin for their 2nd year
  • Swim team parent’s meeting is Wednesday, April 17th in the Crete Carrier Community Room
  • Swim team registration and T-Ball registration are both open until May 3rd and parent volunteers are needed. If interested in coaching please contact Recreation Coordinator Dan Dunaway.
  • Seasonal staff hiring is underway with Human Resource Coordinator Savannah Anderson’s diligence they have received over 55 applicants.
  • They always appreciate receiving inquiring about concerns in the park, such as possible safety hazards. Council member Strehle mentioned the bridge to the baseball area has a tripping hazard.
  • City Council member Tom Crisman thanked Officer Audrey Arbuckle for serving on the district’s American Legion post selection board and introduced them to K9 Hunk. Thanked Chief Gary Young for assisting them with that and letting everyone know what a great dedicated officer she is and doing that on her own time.
  • City Council members Ashley Newmyer, Dale Strehle, Dan Papik and Anthony Fitzgerald welcomed the new Library Director Jessica Wilkinson and Fire Department member Karson Cowan.
  • City Administrator, Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • The City of Crete received a Freedom of Information Act request from Kathryn Doll of Blair, who wanted to know the city’s relationship with Welcoming America. The city responded to that and redacted any personal information. The city gets these requests from time to time.
  • There is a subdivision request for the Planning Commission. It is still incomplete but there is interest in the northeast area of Crete.
  • Reminded of the nuisance hearings on Thursday, April 25th 2024.
  • The bid opening is on April 26th 2024 for the city farm property.
  • They are close to purchasing an ADA playground structure for City Park and are working out funding details.
Subject:
7. Adjournment
Discussion:
Meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
 

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