Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Consent Agenda
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
3.A.1. October 15th, 2024 City Council Minutes 
3.A.2. October 15th, 2024 Finance Committee Minutes 
3.A.3. October 15th, 2024 Legislative/ Economic Development Committee Minutes 
3.A.4. October 15th, 2024 Public Safety Committee Minutes 
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
3.C. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
3.D. Crete Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Minutes 
3.E. Airport Advisory Board Minutes 
3.F. Planning Commission Minutes 
4. Items of Business
4.A. Consider the Application for a permit to occupy City of Crete Right-of-Way from Black Hills Energy. 
4.B. Consider Ordinance 2220 Sale of City Farm Property
4.C. Consider adopting Resolution 2024- 23 Year-End Certification of City Street Superintendent 2024
4.D. Consider the Highway Safety Grant Application from the Crete Police Department 
4.E. Consider the Request for Contract Amendment CDBG #20-DTR-002 to extend the original contract end dates from October 4, 2024, to January 4, 2024. 
4.F. Consider the Invitation to Bid for the "Walnut Creek Sewer Repair" project 
4.G. Consider the Walnut Creek Aerial Sewer Bid Documents 
4.H. Consider the amended Stehlik Administrative subdivision, now titled Stehlik Family Acres. 
4.I. Consider enacting Ordinance 2222 amending sewer department billing and collecting
4.J. Consider granting relaxation from sidewalk placement on Iris at Eastgate 
4.K. Consider Resolution 2024-24 Authorizing the termination of the Emergency Medical Services Tiered Response Agreement and negotiation of ALS Transfer Agreement 
4.L. Consider Fire Department grant application for additional ARPA funds 
4.M. Consider the Fire Department purchasing Lucas devices 
4.N. Ordinance 2223 Amending non union salaries 
5. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: November 5, 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 the 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. October 15th, 2024 City Council Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.2. October 15th, 2024 Finance Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.3. October 15th, 2024 Legislative/ Economic Development Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.4. October 15th, 2024 Public Safety 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. Crete Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.E. Airport Advisory Board Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.F. Planning Commission Minutes 
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 Application for a permit to occupy City of Crete Right-of-Way from Black Hills Energy. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this application for a permit to occupy City of Crete Right-of-Way is from Black Hills Energy. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Application for a permit to occupy City of Crete Right-of-Way from Black Hills Energy. 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: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.B. Consider Ordinance 2220 Sale of City Farm Property
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is an Ordinance required by state law for the sale of the City Farm property, and it requires a 30-day remonstrance period, and it also went to Public Works. 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduce Ordinance 2220 and move that the statutory rule requiring three separate readings be suspended 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: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Enacted Ordinance 2220 Sale of City Farm Property 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: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.C. Consider adopting Resolution 2024- 23 Year-End Certification of City Street Superintendent 2024
Discussion:
Council member Dale strehle stated that the Public Works committee met on this. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adopt Resolution 2024- 23 Year-End Certification of City Street Superintendent 2024 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: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.D. Consider the Highway Safety Grant Application from the Crete Police Department 
Discussion:
Chief of Police Gary Young explained that this is for the Radar Mini-Grant Application. The radars were going to be $2,400 and with this grant it would only be $1,200. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Highway Safety Grant Application from the Crete Police Department 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
Attachments:
Subject:
4.E. Consider the Request for Contract Amendment CDBG #20-DTR-002 to extend the original contract end dates from October 4, 2024, to January 4, 2024. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this extension would extend the original contract end date from October 4th, 2024 to January 4th, 2024. Ourada stated that the City of Crete will not be seeking any more extensions. Ourada added that there are possibly two more applicants. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Request for Contract Amendment CDBG #20-DTR-002 to extend the original contract end dates from October 4, 2024, to January 4, 2024. Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald 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 Invitation to Bid for the "Walnut Creek Sewer Repair" project 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that there are two parts to this. One is the invitation to Bid and this is that part. Dane Simonsen with JEO addressed the Public Works committee. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Invitation to Bid for the "Walnut Creek Sewer Repair" project 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.G. Consider the Walnut Creek Aerial Sewer Bid Documents 
Discussion:
Council member Dale Strehle stated that this is the second part of the Walnut Creek Aerial Sewer Bid. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Walnut Creek Aerial Sewer Bid Documents 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.H. Consider the amended Stehlik Administrative subdivision, now titled Stehlik Family Acres. 
Discussion:
City Attorney Anna Burge explained that the county denied the initial submission. The surveyor didn't ask the county and the name had already been taken for the administrative subdivision.  The other part was to clarify that the little triangle on the left side is also part of lot 1. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the amended Stehlik Administrative subdivision, now titled Stehlik Family Acres. 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.I. Consider enacting Ordinance 2222 amending sewer department billing and collecting
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this changes the way sewer rates are calculated. The old way was the lowest three months in the winter and the new way is more defined and is December, January and February. 

City Attorney Anna Burge explained that the Ordinance 2222 is the Ordinance that was motioned to recommend for approval to the City Council. The attachedment is the only thing that had the wrong number. 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduce Ordinance 2222 and move that the statutory rule requiring three separate readings be suspended 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: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Enacted Ordinance 2222 amending sewer department billing and collecting as posted in the Public Works Committee 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: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.J. Consider granting relaxation from sidewalk placement on Iris at Eastgate 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is a requirement by ordinance anytime a sidewalk deviates from the standard that the City Council has officially approved. The rest of the sidewalk was done according to the State of Nebraska and federal standards. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved granting relaxation from sidewalk placement on Iris at Eastgate 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.K. Consider Resolution 2024-24 Authorizing the termination of the Emergency Medical Services Tiered Response Agreement and negotiation of ALS Transfer Agreement 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this was the result of council action and  a discussion between Mayor Bauer, City Administrator Tom Ourada, City Attorney Anna Burge, Stephanie Boldt President/CEO with Crete Area Medical Center, and Julie Lacy Chief Financial Officer for Crete Area Medical Center. CAMC agreed to a three-month transition period away from rescue paramedic assistance and agreed that we would enter into negotiations on ALS transfer assistance. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adopted Resolution 2024-24 Authorizing the termination of the Emergency Medical Services Tiered Response Agreement and negotiation of ALS Transfer Agreement Carried with a motion by Kyle Frans 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.L. Consider Fire Department grant application for additional ARPA funds 
Discussion:
Assistant Fire Chief James Yost stated that they had applied for this grant two years ago and the application was denied. They would like to apply again for funds to be able to purchase Lucas devices. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved to authorize the Fire Department grant application for additional ARPA funds Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.M. Consider the Fire Department purchasing Lucas devices 
Discussion:
Assistant Fire Chief James Yost stated that the old Lucas devices are no longer serviceable, and they would be able to buy three new ones and every truck would have one. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Fire Department purchasing Lucas devices Carried with a motion by Dan Papik and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.N. Ordinance 2223 Amending non union salaries 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that the only change is amending the Airport Manager's salary. In the past the Airport Manager was only managing the airport. Ourada stated that he asked for this change to reflect the possibility of an Airport Manager who would also be a Fixed Based Operator and a mechanic. 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduce Ordinance 2223 and move that the statutory rule requiring three separate readings be suspended Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman and a second by Dale Strehle.
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Ashley Newmyer: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Enacted Ordinance 2223 Amending non union salaries Carried with a motion by Tom Crisman 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:
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 Gary Young stated the following:
  • The Trunk or Treat was well attended and a success.
  • There will be other k-9 units in town. Captain Pucket is going to be helping other agencies with extra training for their certification. The City of Crete’s Police Department’s K-9 certification is going to be in 2 months.
  • Tod Allen, Fire Chief stated the following:
  • Introduced Yazmin Belk who will be on the next council agenda to be approved as a new volunteer member of the Fire Department.
  • Chief Allen thanked the Mayor and City Council for the Lucas Devices.
  • Library Director Jessica Wilkinson stated the following:
  • They will be hosing a winter book sale
  • The Princess Tea party is going to be November 23rd, 2024
  • Two additional book clubs will be added in the coming months
  • Over 200 people attended the Bluey program a few weekends ago
  • The concrete pad for the musical instruments is completed.
  • Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Crete was one of 4 communities selected to receive a tree nursery from the Nebraska Forest Service/Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.  They selected a nursery site on the Doane campus next to the Nature Explorers outdoor classroom.  On Nov. 1st 2024, Doane Grounds staff and Parks department staff planted 32 young trees with the help of local volunteers Justin Jones and Dave Jurena.  During the event, arborists Graham Herbst and Gregg Lemke shared their advice on planting depth, root health, young tree care and information about the trees, including oaks, hickory, and more.
  • As part of their ongoing IRA grant projects Cody will attend arborist training on November 14th and 15th 2024 in Ashland with the Nebraska Arborists Association.  Additional training or exam opportunities will be available this fall to sit for the arborist certification exam.
  • Anyone is welcome to participate in a free arborist education and test prep program by Graham Herbst with the Nebraska Forest Service.
  • Tuxedo Park Campgrounds closed for the season on November 1st 2024 and their groundskeeper is working to winterize all park locations.
  • Tuxedo Park entrances and roads will be closed for training purposes on Nov. 13-16th 2024.
  • The Nebraska Game and Parks offers a Watchable Wildlife Grant of up to $6000 to promote opportunities to observe local wildlife.  Eligible activities such as a nature explorers backpack program, would facilitate collaboration between the Parks department, the library, and Public Health Solutions.
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • City Hall will be closed next Monday, November 11th, 2024 for Veterans Day.
  • Went over the draft financial for the last fiscal year and sales tax finished a little over $2.5 million dollars, over our projections, despite numerous refund submissions.
  • There were a number of sales tax refunds and there is another this month.
  • Ourada will have a total of the number of refunds issued in the last year for the next City Council meeting.
  • There are a couple of interested parties in the City owned buildings downtown. Since there are more than one there is going to be a process with it. There will be performance stipulations with the sale of the buildings.
  • JK Energy Consulting, LLC is sending a proposal on electric cost of service study.
  • The City has been very active and making progress on nuisance properties and will probably have five more cases this month.
  • Ourada was going to ask City Attorney Anna Burge, Finance Director Wendy Thomas and City Clerk Nancy Tellez to give a report on the Department of Transportation trip to Washington D.C. However, Wendy Thomas was not at the City Council meeting since she was getting awarded the 2024 Cornhusker State Games Female Athlete of the Year for Tennis from the Nebraska Sports Council.
  • Ourada has been having Media Specialist Jenn Lampila put picture highlights of success stories of business utilizing the LB840 program.
  • LB840 sunsets next year and to be renewed the City Council would put it on the ballot. Money can be used to promote it until it gets put on the ballot then we cannot.
  • The goal is to put 2 or 3 pictures and stories so that people understand how valuable LB840 has been in the Crete community to businesses and infrastructure over the course of the last 15 years.
  • Ourada stated that there is strong interest of an Airport Manager who is a very experienced mechanic and a fixed based operator. He has a very strong clientele and wants to move here and bring a ton of business and airplanes with him. The salary adjustment that the City Council approved goes a long way towards that.
  • Mayor Dave Bauer stated that in December it is going to be time for committee assignments and he may do some new assignments. Bauer informed the council members that if they have an interest in a specific committee to let him know so that he can consider that.

 
Subject:
7. Adjournment
Discussion:
6:48 p.m.
 

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