April 20, 2020 Minutes
April 28, 2020
A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday April 20, 2020 at 7:00 pm CT at the Village Clerk’s Office. Notice of the meeting was posted and availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice. A poster of the “Open Meetings Act” was clearly visible on the office wall, and Chairwoman P. McDonald directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session. Present: Chairwoman P. McDonald, Trustee F. Priddy, Trustee J. McDonald, Trustee T. Jones, Superintendent K. League, and Clerk T. Hedrick.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm.
OPEN FORUM
A letter from Logan McDaniel regarding keeping a miniature Juliana Pig on her residence was reviewed and discussed. The board agreed that the current Village Ordinance prohibits such animals and didn’t feel that the situation warrants review or change of the Ordinance. Clerk Hedrick will contact the individual regarding housing the animal outside of Village limits.
Motion by T. Jones and second by J. McDonald to approve the previous minutes, treasurers’ report and claims. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Absent J. Richardson. Motion Carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
An update was given regarding the Library/Village Office building that is being constructed. Dirt work will continue into next week. The adjusted budget was reviewed which accounts for construction contingencies, geotechnical testing and legal fees. There was also an added expense for removal of cement footings that was not included in the original engineering estimate. Clerk Hedrick updated the board on grants and donations received to date and is continuing to work on requesting more.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion made by T. Jones and seconded by F. Priddy to approve building permit for 409 Bailey. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Absent J. Richardson. Motion carried.
Discussion was had regarding the sale of property of the current buildings for the Village Office and Public Library. The board agreed that an appraisal should be obtained and then discuss further on when the buildings should be listed for sale. Clerk Hedrick will contact someone to conduct the appraisal and report back to the board after acquiring the information.
Due to COVID-19 many municipalities are waiving late fees and/or disconnection of utilities. The Village of Stratton understands that COVID-19 is having unprecedented disruptive effect on some customers and therefore will create an application in which customers can request to be considered for a payment plan during this time. Clerk Hedrick will create a form to address the qualifications and stipulations.
Motion made by T. Jones and second by J. McDonald to accept employee resignation from R. Grier. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Absent J. Richardson. Motion carried.
Motion made by F. Priddy and second by J. McDonald to hire D. Magley as Assistant Utilities Superintendent. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Absent J. Richardson. Motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding cost of maintenance and social distancing and the effect it could have on the swimming pool opening this summer. Motion made by F. Priddy and second by T. Jones to hire the current applicants for swimming pool employees contingent on being able to complete training and the pool being operational. Roll call: Unanimous Ayes. Absent J. Richardson. Motion carried.
Chairman P. McDonald declared a state of emergency authorized under Nebraska Statute R.R.S. 81-829.50 on behalf of the Village of Stratton, and will execute for and on behalf of the Village of Stratton, the expenditure of emergency funds from all available resources, the invoking of mutual aid agreements, and the applying to the State of Nebraska for assistance from the Governor’s Emergency Fund and any other resources that she deems necessary in the fulfillment of her duties.
Streets, Alleys, & Landfill Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Water & Sewer Committee Report: Superintendent League informed the board that there are minor repairs that were completed at Well 2 and Well 1 needs to be tested.
Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Health & Welfare Committee Report: Board members discussed the need for removal of debris at 981 Railway. Clerk Hedrick will send a letter to the owner to discuss options available.
Park & Recreation Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday May 18, 2020 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.