Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Consent Agenda
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
3.A.1. Fire Department Meeting Minutes 
3.A.2. April 15th, 2025 City Council Minutes 
3.A.3. April 15th, 2025 Public Works Minutes 
3.A.4. April 15th, 2025 Public Safety Minutes 
3.A.5. April 15th, 2025 Legislative/Economic Development Minutes 
3.A.6. April 1st, 2025 Public Works Minutes 
3.B. Accept the City Treasurer's Report
3.C. Approve the Payment of Claims Against the City
3.D. Mayor Bauer's appointment of Jaden Hilkemann to the LB840 Advisory Committee 
3.E. Consider the Interlocal agreement addendum#2 with Zuercher (Central Square) 
3.F. Approve Janina Bakker and Zach Vyhnalek as new volunteer members of the Fire Department. 
4. Items of Business
4.A. Swear in Lisa Wiedemeyer as City of Crete Police Officer. 
4.B. Adjourn the City Council to a meeting of the Community Development Agency (CDA) 
4.C. Consider the Certificate of Completion for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project (CDA Chairperson and CDA Secretary) 
4.D. Consider the Closing Statement for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project (CDA Chairperson) 
4.E. Consider the TIF Note for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project (CDA Chairperson, CDA Secretary, and City Treasurer) 
4.F. Adjourn the CDA to the City Council meeting. 
4.G. Public Hearing for Retail Liquor License from 1750 Station LLC, at 1750 Hawthorne Ave, Crete, NE 
4.H. Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the Zoning Change Request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area .
4.I. Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the future land use Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area.
4.J. Consider the proposed Zoning Change request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. 
4.K. Consider the proposed future land use  Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. 
4.L. Consider the Application for Special Event Permit SE25-04 Rooted Movement Bounce Party
4.M. Consider the proposed Ordinance 2244 setting municipal electric rates 
4.N. Consider approving the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $79.86
4.O. Consider Airport Rules and Regulations 
4.P. Consider the Final reading of Ordinance 2242 Sale of 1209 and 1211 Main Ave 
4.Q. Consider amending the Master Fee Schedule 
4.R. Consider the Special Exception Application from Andrew Hardenburger for Northern Natural Gas. 
4.S. Consider Resolution 2025-4 metering of solar generation facility 
4.T. Consider Resolution 2025-5 NPPD Agreement 
5. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
6. Officers' Reports
7. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
 
Meeting: May 6, 2025 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.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
3.A. Approve Meeting Minutes
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.1. Fire Department Meeting Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.2. April 15th, 2025 City Council Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.3. April 15th, 2025 Public Works Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.4. April 15th, 2025 Public Safety Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.5. April 15th, 2025 Legislative/Economic Development Minutes 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.A.6. April 1st, 2025 Public Works 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. Mayor Bauer's appointment of Jaden Hilkemann to the LB840 Advisory Committee 
Subject:
3.E. Consider the Interlocal agreement addendum#2 with Zuercher (Central Square) 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.F. Approve Janina Bakker and Zach Vyhnalek as new volunteer members 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. Swear in Lisa Wiedemeyer as City of Crete Police Officer. 
Subject:
4.B. Adjourn the City Council to a meeting of the Community Development Agency (CDA) 
Discussion:
Adjourned the City Council to a meeting of the CDA at 6:05 p.m.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adjourned the City Council to a meeting of the Community Development Agency (CDA) Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.C. Consider the Certificate of Completion for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project (CDA Chairperson and CDA Secretary) 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this recognizes the completion of the project. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Certificate of Completion for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project (CDA Chairperson and CDA Secretary) Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.D. Consider the Closing Statement for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project (CDA Chairperson) 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that the CDA would want to accept the closing statement. Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked what this is for and City Attorney Anna Burge explained that these are the costs that they paid to the City of Crete for all the work that has been done. City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is normal and customary and happens on every project that is done. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Closing Statement for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project (CDA Chairperson) Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.E. Consider the TIF Note for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project (CDA Chairperson, CDA Secretary, and City Treasurer) 
Discussion:
City Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked if there is a performance metric for the project and City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that there is. Ourada explained that if they haven't maintained their property tax or a subsequent buyer and they don't maintain it then the gap between the tax increment finance and the tax due has to be made up by the owner. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the TIF Note for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project (CDA Chairperson, CDA Secretary, and City Treasurer) Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.F. Adjourn the CDA to the City Council meeting. 
Discussion:
Adjourned the CDA to the City Council meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adjourned the CDA to the City Council meeting. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.G. Public Hearing for Retail Liquor License from 1750 Station LLC, at 1750 Hawthorne Ave, Crete, NE 
Discussion:
Opened the Public Hearing at 6:11 p.m. for Retail Liquor License from 1750 Station LLC, at 1750 Hawthorne Ave, Crete, NE 
The applicant and owner of 1750 Station LLC Behnam Ebrahimi explained that he is planning to run the business himself and he plans to sell the same products. 

Closed the Public Hearing at 6:12 p.m. for Retail Liquor License from 1750 Station LLC, at 1750 Hawthorne Ave, Crete, NE 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Opened the Public Hearing for Retail Liquor License from 1750 Station LLC, at 1750 Hawthorne Ave, Crete, NE Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Closed the Public Hearing for Retail Liquor License from 1750 Station LLC, at 1750 Hawthorne Ave, Crete, NE Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.H. Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the Zoning Change Request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area .
Discussion:
Opened the Public Hearing at 6:14 p.m. to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the Zoning Change Request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. 
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this went to the Planning Commission and a public hearing was held and multiple people attended and had questions about apartments being built there and he explained that is not allowed. 
Closed the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the Zoning Change Request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area .
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Opened the Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the Zoning Change Request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area . Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Closed the Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the Zoning Change Request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area . Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.I. Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the future land use Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area.
Discussion:
Opened the Public Hearing at 6:18 p.m. to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the future land use Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area.
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is for the comprehensive plan for the future land use zoning map amendment. 
Closed the Public Hearing at 6:19 p.m.to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the future land use Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area.
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Opened the Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the future land use Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Closed the Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the future land use Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.J. Consider the proposed Zoning Change request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the proposed Zoning Change request from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.K. Consider the proposed future land use  Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the proposed future land use Zoning Map Amendment from C3 to C2 on west Highway 33 area. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Subject:
4.L. Consider the Application for Special Event Permit SE25-04 Rooted Movement Bounce Party
Discussion:
This went to the Park and Recreation Committee and then the City Council recommended to table this item and for City Administrator Tom Ourada and Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody to work with the applicant to amend the application. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Tabled the Application for Special Event Permit SE25-04 Rooted Movement Bounce Party Carried with a motion by Anthony Fitzgerald and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.M. Consider the proposed Ordinance 2244 setting municipal electric rates 
Discussion:
John A. Krajewski, P.E. with JK Energy Consulting, LLC. provided a presentation on the cost of service/ Rate Design Study for the City of Crete. Krajewski stated that they propose a 7% rate increase needed in FY 2026 and FY 2027. The cose of service for customer-related service is $24.95/ month for residential and currency, the minimum charge is $19.50/month. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Introduced Ordinance 2244 and approved the first reading. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.N. Consider approving the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $79.86
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the claims from Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $79.86. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Kyle Frans.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Abstain (With Conflict)
Attachments:
Subject:
4.O. Consider Airport Rules and Regulations 
Discussion:
City Administrator Tom Ourada explained that this is something that they have been working on with the Airport Advisory Board for a while and this went to Public Works and there were some concerns. They did modify it a little bit and did some more research for the FAA and brought back another draft. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Airport Rules and Regulations Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.P. Consider the Final reading of Ordinance 2242 Sale of 1209 and 1211 Main Ave 
Action(s):
Motion 1 Carried:
Introduced and approved the final reading Ordinance 2242 Sale of 1209 and 1211 Main Ave Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Motion 2 Carried:
Enacted Ordinance 2242 Sale of 1209 and 1211 Main Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Anthony Fitzgerald.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.Q. Consider amending the Master Fee Schedule 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved amending the Master Fee Schedule Carried with a motion by Kyle Frans and a second by Dale Strehle.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.R. Consider the Special Exception Application from Andrew Hardenburger for Northern Natural Gas. 
Discussion:
Andrew Hardenburger discussed that there is a high-consequence area caused by the Crete High School gymnasium, and they do not have the ability to shut off the line for pressure tests.  They plan to relocate the Crete #1 TBA station to the north side of Martell Road by the take-off. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Approved the Special Exception Application from Andrew Hardenburger for Northern Natural Gas. Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.S. Consider Resolution 2025-4 metering of solar generation facility 
Discussion:
City Administrator, Tom Ourada, explained that this is required by the Nebraska Public Power District. This is for NPPD to install metering on the solar generation facility for Sandhills. This is needed for Sandhills to do test runs, get certified, and operate moving forward. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adopted Resolution 2025-4 metering of solar generation facility Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: Aye
  • Kyle Frans: Aye
  • Dale Strehle: Aye
  • Dan Papik: Aye
Attachments:
Subject:
4.T. Consider Resolution 2025-5 NPPD Agreement 
Discussion:
City Administrator, Tom Ourada, explained that this is the operation of the solar farm, and we have obligations with NPPD for severe overfault conditions. We are to provide overvoltage protection on NPPD's system. This agreement gives the City 3 years to tie into the fiber and have the landing points to signal to drop the solar farm and the generators. 
Action(s):
Motion Carried:
Adopted Resolution 2025-5 NPPD Agreement Carried with a motion by Dale Strehle and a second by Dan Papik.
  • Ashley Newmyer: Absent
  • Tom Crisman: Aye
  • Anthony Fitzgerald: 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:
  • Training has been ongoing Lisa Wiedemeyer and Zachary Funk
  • Used Grant towards April Distracted Driving month and there were 220 contacts. Also, to be at the Cinco de Mayo Celebration.  
  • There are 68 nuisance cases and 58% compliance
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada asked Chief Young to explain the difference with the two officers: Young stated that Lisa Wiedemeyer is a certified officer and Zachary Funk is not certified yet and will need to go to the training center. 
  • Fire Captain Harrison Gaman introduced Janina Bakker and Zach Vyhnalek as new volunteer members of the Fire Department.
  • Library Director Jessica Wilkinson stated that registration for the summer reading program started on May 1st, 2025. There will be a new magic show featuring tricks that highlight colors, art, creativity and reading.
  • Human Resources Coordinator Jody Fiehtner introduced Tyler Schmidt as the new Power Plant Operator. City Administrator Tom Ourada added that Schmidt went to school to be a Power Plant Operator and has seven years of experience.
  • Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated that out of the eleven parks there is work going on at eight parks.
  • The Wildwood Pool got a fresh coat of paint and the bathhouse got a new roof.
  • The grant application to the Toro Company/Equipment and Irrigation Donation Program got a approved for a new mower.
  • Council member Tom Crisman stated he was thankful for the pot holes by the railroad being filled. City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that this was one of the outcomes of the creation of the Saline County/Crete Railroad Transportation Safety District. County Commissioner and RTSD member Brian Pribyl was able to communicate with someone from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and they stated that they would flag and the City could fill in the pot holes.
  • Council member Dale Strehle stated he would be looking more into the questions about recycling.
  • City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • The City of Crete will be having an employee picnic. Council members Dale Strehle and Dan Papik will be helping to grill burgers and hot dogs and Mayor Bauer will also be contributing.
  • Talked with Mayor Bauer about the noise ordinance for vehicles that the City has and looking into ordinance violations for having cut offs and removing catalytic converters.
  • Mayor Dave Bauer stated the goal of the City is for all departments to be working together. Also, with organizations in town helping for example on Friday, May 9th, 2025 the Doane Football team will be helping downtown to put new mulch and getting the pots ready for planting.



 
Subject:
7. Adjournment
Discussion:

The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
 

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