Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Consent Agenda
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
3.A.1. October 9th, 2024 City Council Emergency Meeting Minutes 
3.A.2. November 5th, 2024 City Council Minutes 
3.A.3. November 5th, 2024 Public Works Committee Minutes 
3.A.4. November 5th, 2024 Finance Committee Minutes 
3.A.5. November 5th, 2024 Legislative & Economic Development Committee Minutes 
3.A.6. November 5th, 2024 Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes 
3.A.7. November 5th, 2024 Public Safety Committee Minutes 
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
3.C. Approve Yazmin Belk as new volunteer member of the Fire Department. 
3.D. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
4. Items of Business
4.A. Consider the employee policy manual amendments
4.B. Consider Ordinance 2221 Amending Ordinance 2219 to include hearing findings 
4.C. Consider the Crete Carrier Room Grant Application for Apace Choir on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024. 
4.D. Consider the bid from RAFA Roofing for the roof/facade replacement at the Municipal Airport. 
4.E. Consider the cost of service and rate design study letter proposal from JK Energy Consulting, LLC 
4.F. Consider the General Administration Agreement between the City of Crete and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Downtown Revitalization 24DTR001
4.G. Consider the Construction Management Agreement between the City of Crete, Nebraska and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Downtown Revitalization 24DTR001
4.H. Consider the General Administration Agreement between the City of Crete, Nebraska and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Public Works Infrastructure 24WI004
4.I. Consider the Construction Management Agreement between the City of Crete and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Public Works Infrastructure 24PWI004
4.J. Consider approving the Crete Ace Hardware claims in the amount of $2,399.26
4.K. Consider the proposed policy regarding advisory board members attending meetings virtually
4.L. Consider authorizing the Fire Department to apply for the AFG grant. 
4.M. Consider the Department of Public Works Utility account write off in the amount of $10,521.06
4.N. Consider the LB840 Application from Eric Thornburg/Edward Jones for 1344 Main Ave in the amount up to $75,000.
4.O. Consider the LB840 Application from Air Methods in the amount not to exceed $50,000.
4.P. Consider Ordinance 2224 Adding regulations for mobile food vendors 
4.Q. Consider Ordinance 2225 amending permission for structures in public right of way
4.R. Consider the request for increased DTR funds from Angelica Ortiz for 1239 Main Ave. 
5. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: November 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 the Consent Agenda 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. Approve Meeting Minutes
Subject:
3.A.1. October 9th, 2024 City Council Emergency Meeting Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.2. November 5th, 2024 City Council Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.3. November 5th, 2024 Public Works Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.4. November 5th, 2024 Finance Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.5. November 5th, 2024 Legislative & Economic Development Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.6. November 5th, 2024 Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.7. November 5th, 2024 Public Safety Committee Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
Attachments:
Subject:
3.C. Approve Yazmin Belk as new volunteer member of the Fire Department. 
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 employee policy manual amendments
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that there were a couple changes made. One of them being that each employee required to wear a uniform will be furnished with up to 5 serviceable uniforms instead of 3. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the employee policy manual amendments 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.B. Consider Ordinance 2221 Amending Ordinance 2219 to include hearing findings 
Discussion:
City Attorney Anna Burge explained that there had been a blank spot to include the hearing findings. 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduce Ordinance 2221 and move that the statutory rule requiring three separate readings be suspended 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
Motion 2 Carried:
Enact Ordinance 2221 Amending Ordinance 2219 to include hearing findings 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 the Crete Carrier Room Grant Application for Apace Choir on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024. 
Discussion:
Mayor Dave Bauer encouraged everyone to attend the event if they are able to go. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Crete Carrier Room Grant Application for Apace Choir on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024. Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald 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.D. Consider the bid from RAFA Roofing for the roof/facade replacement at the Municipal Airport. 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this went to the Airport Advisory Board, and they recommended this to the City Council. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the bid from RAFA Roofing for the roof/facade replacement at the Municipal Airport. 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.E. Consider the cost of service and rate design study letter proposal from JK Energy Consulting, LLC 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained this is a proposal from JK Energy for the cost and service and rate design study. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the cost of service and rate design study letter proposal from JK Energy Consulting, LLC 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 General Administration Agreement between the City of Crete and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Downtown Revitalization 24DTR001
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the General Administration Agreement between the City of Crete and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Downtown Revitalization 24DTR001 Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald 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 Construction Management Agreement between the City of Crete, Nebraska and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Downtown Revitalization 24DTR001
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Construction Management Agreement between the City of Crete, Nebraska and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Downtown Revitalization 24DTR001 Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald 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.H. Consider the General Administration Agreement between the City of Crete, Nebraska and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Public Works Infrastructure 24WI004
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the General Administration Agreement between the City of Crete, Nebraska and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Public Works Infrastructure 24WI004 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 Construction Management Agreement between the City of Crete and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Public Works Infrastructure 24PWI004
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Construction Management Agreement between the City of Crete and Southeast Nebraska Development District for the Crete Public Works Infrastructure 24PWI004 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 approving the Crete Ace Hardware claims in the amount of $2,399.26
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Crete Ace Hardware claims in the amount of $2,399.26 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.K. Consider the proposed policy regarding advisory board members attending meetings virtually
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the proposed policy regarding advisory board members attending meetings virtually Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald 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.L. Consider authorizing the Fire Department to apply for the AFG grant. 
Discussion:
Mayor Dave Bauer stated that the Council is deferring this until the next meeting. 
Action(s):
Motion Tabled:
Tabled to authorize the Fire Department to apply for the AFG grant. Tabled with a motion by Dan Papik 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 Department of Public Works Utility account write off in the amount of $10,521.06
Discussion:
Mayor Dave Bauer stated that the auditor mentioned this needs to be done. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Department of Public Works Utility account write off in the amount of $10,521.06 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.N. Consider the LB840 Application from Eric Thornburg/Edward Jones for 1344 Main Ave in the amount up to $75,000.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the LB840 Application from Eric Thornburg/Edward Jones for 1344 Main Ave in the amount up to $75,000. Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald 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.O. Consider the LB840 Application from Air Methods in the amount not to exceed $50,000.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the LB840 Application from Air Methods in the amount not to exceed $50,000. Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald 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.P. Consider Ordinance 2224 Adding regulations for mobile food vendors 
Action(s):
Motion Tabled:
Tabled Ordinance 2224 Adding regulations for mobile food vendors Tabled 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.Q. Consider Ordinance 2225 amending permission for structures in public right of way
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduced Ordinance 2225 and move that the statutory rule requiring three separate readings be suspended 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
Motion 2 Carried:
Enacted Ordinance 2225 amending permission for structures in public right of way 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.R. Consider the request for increased DTR funds from Angelica Ortiz for 1239 Main Ave. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the request for increased DTR funds from Angelica Ortiz for 1239 Main Ave. Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald 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:
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:
Officer’s Reports
 
  • Chief of Police Gary Young stated the following:
  • The Police Department has been working on records management with the Saline County Sheriffs Office and they are schedule for April 2025.
  • Working with IT Director Mike Kalkwarf and GIS Technician/IT Emerson Ashoff and Southeast Communications.
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked about the trainings they had at Tuxedo. Chief Young stated that the Police Department had driving training at Tuxedo Park and Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody helped to get the park ready.
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald thanked Chief Young for offering the Police Station for the deer check. The Nebraska Games & Parks Commission had a Firearm Deer Season Check Station on November 16th, 17th and will be there again November 24th, 2024.
  • Library Director Jessica Wilkinson stated the following:
  • Crete Reads! book "No Two Persons" author Erica Bauermeister gave an author Talk on Saturday, November 16th 2024 and there were over 80 people that attended the event.
  • During the month of October there were 42 programs with 2,892 participants.
  • Bluey was at the library on October 26th, 2024 and over 200 people attended.
  • Board Game Library available to check out games.
  • Winter book sale starting December 1st, 2024.
  • Princess Tea Party Saturday, November 23rd, 2024.
  • Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Tuxedo Park is reopened to the public.
  • The Food Bank of Lincoln Distribution date has been changed for this month to Wednesday, November 27th 2024, at Tuxedo Park.
  • Attended an arborist training on November 14th and 15th, 2024 in Ashland with the Nebraska Arborists Association.
  • City Council member Tom Crisman asked City Administrator Tom Ourada about the street tarring. Ourada stated that they have been working on that and doesn’t know where they are at.
  • City Council member Ashley Newmyer stated that the Author Talk event at the library was great and all the things The Parks and Recreation department are doing is wonderful.
  • City Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked City Administrator Tom Ourada about the Solar Farm. Ourada stated that it might be operational by early Spring and it will be 1.8 megawatt.
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • It is official the City of Crete is certified as a Welcoming Community by Welcoming America as a two-star community.
  • For the people that worry that means a sanctuary city that is not what it is. We are the first certified Welcoming Community in Nebraska. Lincoln is trying and they may or may not get it. What that means it that we know what we are doing. We did not address immigration but addressed helping people to become assets to the community and be self-sufficient.
  • Ourada stated that there is a gal in Lincoln that works in Crete often and she is on the National stage. Someone called her and asked her where she is from and she said Lincoln and that person asked if that is close to Crete. They identified Lincoln by its proximity to Crete.
  • Crete Public Schools, Public Health Solutions, CAMC, The Center for Rural Affairs and Doane University have been great partners. There were people that traveled for a couple hours to be here for the certification interviews. The two ladies that came were very impressed with Community Assistance Director Marilyn Schact’s work and what the office has done.
  • Ourada has been very impressed with Community Assistance Director Marilyn Schacht. What the office has done to impower people to be productive in the community.
  • Schacht helps people in a strategic way in that if there is not a job opportunity for them here, she sends them off to other communities where there is work.
  • The asset that she is to the community and the office speaks volumes.
  • City Attorney Anna Burge, Finance Director Wendy Thomas and City Clerk Nancy Tellez attended the Department of Transportation Thriving Communities Convening in Washington D.C. completely funded through the grant.
  • A PowerPoint presentation was shown during the City Council meeting summarizing what was learned during the convening.
  • Finance Director Wendy Thomas explained that the Thriving Communities Program is part of the Build America Bureau through the Department of Transportation. Thanks to City Administrator Tom Ourada for applying for the grant program, and the City of Crete was the only community in Nebraska awarded to participate.
  • City Clerk Nancy Tellez stated that during the convening they had the opportunity to meet with other city officials from around the country while getting technical assistance to seek grant funds.
  • City Attorney Anna Burge stated that some of the goals for future grants are an overpass pedestrian bridge at Boswell Ave, over Hwy 33/BNSF Railroad. Traffic studies to find best solutions for Iris Ave at 13th St and High School/Middle School intersection and Emphasis on trial walk-ability and connectivity.
  • Burge stated that during the convening she was able to talk to someone the Federal Railway Administration. Burge has been in contact with someone from the government relations for the state of Nebraska BSNF. Someone with the NE BSNF came to Crete to do an inspection on the Main Ave crossing and said it was not that bad that they are within normal wear.
  • A second inspection will be conducted by the Federal Railway Administration.
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the City of Crete has been selected for CDBG Public Works funding in the amount up to $480,000 with no match required.
  • The City of Crete has also been selected by The Nebraska Department of Economic Development for funding in the amount up to $435,000 for CDBG Downtown Revitalization. There will be a little bit of a match required and typically the LB840 program is used for this.
  • City Council member Dale Strehle asked City Administrator Tom Ourada about zoning changes. Ourada explained that those changes will be very beneficial to the community and will address some housing and other issues. Once that is ready, it will go to the Planning Commission and various committees and the City Council. This will probably be a year long process.
  • Mayor Dave Bauer thanked Community Assistance Director Marilyn Schacht for all the work she is doing in the office and with helping the City of Crete. He also thanked City Attorney Anna Burge, Finance Director Wendy Thomas and City Clerk Nancy Tellez for attending the Department of Transportation Thriving Communities Convening in Washington D.C. and for taking action on future grants.



 
Subject:
7. Adjournment
Discussion:

                    Meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
 

Web Viewer