June 20, 2022 Minutes
June 27, 2022
A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday, June 20, 2022 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 board room wall, and Chairman J. Griffiths directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session. Present: Chairman J. Griffiths, Trustee J. McDonald, Trustee T. Jones, Utilities Superintendent D. Magley, Assistant Utilities Superintendent P. Shelton, Clerk T. Hedrick, Deputy Clerk D. Burk, Elizabeth Stagemeyer and Kurt Vosburle with Department of Transportation, members of the public Wade Hanes, Lisa Bender, Janet Felt and Barbara Sydow.
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm.
OPEN FORUM:
Wade Hanes addressed his concern about the open meeting notice of the June 3, 2022 meeting. No violations were noted. Hanes stated he would like to see a Village ordinance passed banning vine weed growing at residences around town. Trustee T. Jones stated he would check with the County Weed Department regarding noxious weeds. Hanes stated he had a dog complaint at one of the homes near the pool. No address or dog violation was identified. Hanes also stated he had a concern of the sewer of a resident on Railway Street after repairs had been made at another residence on Railway Street. No complaints from the resident have been received to date.
Motion by J. McDonald and second by T. Jones to approve the previous minutes, treasurers’ report and claims. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes and M. McDonald. Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Janet Felt and Lisa Bender addressed the board regarding a concern of the number of feral cats in their neighborhood. They both reported damage to their property and a concern of the amount of feces on their lots. The board agreed to set live animal traps at their residents in order to relocate the feral cats. A concern regarding the cats being cared for by another resident was brought forward. Clerk Hedrick was instructed to look into ordinance regarding limiting the amount of cats per residence and prohibiting cats at large.
NEW BUSINESS:
Members from the Department of Transportation presented information to the board regarding a proposed highway project which would change the current four lane through town into a three lane. The median would be removed and a middle turning lane would be added with only one lane of traffic each direction. With the board's approval the project is anticipated to begin in 2025. The board would like more information as well as input from the two absent Trustees prior to giving approval of the project.
507 Baxter water repair and damage was discussed. Jay Spearman joined the meeting via phone call. The damage to the sidewalk and front steps were discussed by Jay. Utilities Superintendent Magley stated he was told the cement was to be removed and was under the impression that he was okay to remove what was needed to get to the water line. Jay and Magley agreed that there was a miscommunication regarding what was all to be removed. Chairman Griffiths declared a short recess as Trustee Jones stepped out of the meeting at 7:58pm. Trustee Jones returned at 8:02 and the meeting was called back to order. The Village insurance has offered a payment on the claim which was refused. A separate adjuster was contacted by the insurance company and will be coming out this week to view the property. The board tabled the issue until after a report from the adjuster can be viewed.
Motion made by J. McDonald and seconded by T. Jones to approve CDBG 19WW001 Drawdown #14. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent M. McDonald and S. Hanes. Motion carried.
Building permit at 711 Howard was reviewed. Magley hadn’t had the chance to review the permit application. The board would like to see a drawing of the location of the proposed new build to ensure that setbacks are observed.
Street repairs were discussed. The board discussed putting cement and a grate at the corner of Railway Street where a drainage project had taken place. Magley discussed purchasing millings for armor coating. The board would like to see armor coating on Pierce Drive and continue onto Hamilton Street up to Bayard Street to where armor coating was completed last year. If budget allows on current pricing the Board would also like to have one block of Hitchcock Street armor coated.
The use of water hydrants to fill tanks for companies was discussed. The board would like the hydrants to have a meter that is secured to allow for proper billing of the water usage. The board will also look into a separate rate for nonresidents to account for the extra time and expense of connecting the meter and backflow device for their use.
Hours of use of the park and ballfield were discussed. The board would like to see something regarding the ban of camping at the ballfield as well as limit the hours of use at both locations without prior approval.
The board discussed creating an ordinance regarding vagrants. More information will be gathered and discussed at the next regular meeting.
Motion by T. Jones and second by J. McDonald to renew time deposit certificate 141867 for 12 months. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent M. McDonald and S. Hanes. Motion carried.
A dog complaint at 407 Boyle regarding dogs at large was reviewed. Magley was instructed to issue a citation for failure to license and dog at large.
A dog complaint at 805 Bailey regarding the attack and death of pet rabbits was reviewed. Motion by T. Jones and second by J. McDonald to declare the two dogs identified in the submitted pictures as vicious animals. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent M. McDonald and S. Hanes. Motion carried.
A dog complaint at 810 Bailey regarding the attack of an individual was reviewed. Motion by T. Jones and second by J. McDonald to declare the animal as prohibited and instruct the owner of the dog located at 806 Bailey to dispose of the animal. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent M. McDonald and S. Hanes. Motion carried.
Creating an ordinance to temporarily allow for the harboring of chickens in Village limits was discussed. Restrictions and limits were discussed. An ordinance will be drafted for review and consideration at the next regular board meeting.
Magley informed the board that due to water runoff the ground under the propane tank at the Village shop has shifted causing displacement of the propane tank. Magley requested to pour a cement pad the entire length behind the Village shop to prevent any future issues and correct the current problems. The board would like to see price quotes for the project.
The need to send employees to water operator training was discussed. Clerk Hedrick stated that the next class wasn’t until September in Fremont and another in December in Grand Island. Training of new employee has been difficult due to many equipment issues lately and being behind schedule on other routine items.
Assistant Utilities Superintendent Shelton submitted a list of maintenance items currently needed on Village equipment. The board reviewed the list and noted on items that needed to be addressed soon such as oil change in the pickup, repairs to the trash truck, window replacement in the backhoe and skid steer and control of rodents around the shop.
Employee Report: Deputy Clerk Burk reviewed the time off and overtime policy. The board discussed if work hours needed to be adjusted. It was agreed to keep them as they are. Shelton discussed the need for more tools to prevent hunting down items needed when working on jobs as well as some safety items needed.
Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: The need to review trash rates in regard to the rise in fuel prices was noted.
Electricity Committee Report: Meters at Grandview Activity Center have become difficult to see do to age and wear of the numbers as well as location of the meters. Magley will contact Southwest Public Power District to arrange a time this fall to relocate the meters to a more accessible location.
Water & Sewer Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Finance Committee Report: An agreement of services for budget and audit from AMLG was signed by Chairman Griffiths.
Health & Welfare Committee Report: Access to trash service by a resident on Hartford and Bonner Street was discussed. For the time being the roll out container will be allowed to be used if able. Magley will work on reworking the location and assigned houses of current dumpsters.
Park & Recreation Committee Report: Shelton reported that maintenance was done on the Grasshopper mower and is now back in use and sprinklers had been left off but are back in operation as well.
Motion by J. McDonald and second by T. Jones to adjourn the meeting at 10:05pm. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes and M. McDonald. Motion carried.
The next meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.
