August 15, 2022 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday, August 15, 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, Trustee M. McDonald, Clerk T. Hedrick, Utilities Superintendent D. Magley, Deputy Clerk D. Burk, members of the public Terra Riggs, Barbara Sydow, Wade Hanes, Chet Bridge and Melissa Dailey.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

OPEN FORUM:

Trustee McDonald stated that he was approached by Joel Richardson requesting to donate a new hydrant and water connection at the ball field. Dolores Burk requested use of Village UTV to assist during the parade at Stratton’s Harvest Festival. Terra Riggs suggested use of her personal golf cart instead and no further inquire was made on Village equipment. Wade Hanes approached the board and stated that he believed the recent budget workshop violated 84.1410 and was a planned meeting not called by chance and was not posted on Facebook. Wade asked about the status of purchasing an electric sign like the church has to make announcements. Wade stated the board can’t make decisions outside of board meetings. Wade stated that sewage was going to back up and asked questions regarding maintenance and preventive maintenance plans and believes these need addressed. Wade stated the superintendent can only do what the board says. Wade stated he believes people of the community deserve respect and updates and to have electricity during an emergency situation and to have open board meetings.

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, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

An ordinance regarding license of cats, setting a limit on the number of cats and prohibiting feeding feral animals was reviewed. Chet Bridge presented some papers to the board and requested them to be read by Trustee Jones. Chairman Griffiths reviewed the papers and then read out loud the contents of the papers which consisted of Nebraska State Statute 28-1008 Miscellaneous Animal Statutes Terms defined and Nebraska State Statute 28-1009 Abandonment; cruel neglect; harassment of a police animal; penalty. Wade Hanes then stated 28-1009 doesn’t allow for trapping of cats. Trustee Jones stated that the statute just read out loud does not prohibit or address trapping of cats and that the proposed ordinance does not address trapping or cruel neglect of animals. It was noted that the only one cat that was trapped by the Village was released at the Village lift station to help with the mouse problem in the buildings. Trustee Jones suggested having our attorney review and give his suggestion on the proposed ordinance prior to taking any action on it. Tabled until attorney opinion can be obtained.

Park and recreation hours of operation and use was discussed. Clerk Hedrick advised she has not had time to do any research on this subject. The board would like to limit the use of the park after hours or camping without prior permission. Trustee Jones stated the Village of Trenton may have information that could assist in drafting guidelines for park use. Tabled until more information can be gathered.

Vagrant ordinance: Clerk Hedrick advised she has not had time to do any research on this subject. Tabled until more information can be gathered.

Chicken Ordinance: Terra Riggs stated she was concerned that people may not care for or clean the chicken coops. There is also the concern of chickens escaping from their pens. Clerk Hedrick voiced concern on how successful they would be in having the time to inspect the pens and issue license to those who applied and enforce the proposed ordinance of those not in compliance. More discussion on the terms of the proposed ordinance was had. No action was taken.

Clerk Hedrick read the two bids received on outdoor shelters for 409 Bailey. The shelter requested would be similar to the one already at the Village Park to cover the three picnic tables and purchased with grant money received for community betterment projects. The board would like to continue to receive bids and would like to reach out to local contractors and inform them of the project.

Annexation of 503 County Avenue: Clerk Hedrick advised that the Village attorney has been in contact with the county planning commission and believes he has provided them with all requested information and statues regarding making a recommendation on the annexation. However, he has not received a response back as of this date.

NEW BUSINESS:

Excused absence: Trustee M. McDonald was absent from July regular meeting.

Nuisance properties were discussed. Terra Riggs approached the board and advised that she would be willing to mow the nuisance properties if that would help the Village. Clerk Hedrick will advertise for the position of part time mowing. Clerk Hedrick also advised she had contacted West Central Nebraska Development District for information on nuisance abatement assistance program. They advised they could complete the program for Stratton at an estimated $35,500. The board felt that other options would be best for the Village at this time. Trustee T. Jones mentioned several buildings and empty homes that may become or already are safety concerns and would like to see a list created of other properties in the village. A list will be created of all nuisance properties and letters sent to the properties owners.

Trustee T. Jones stated that after the conversation with individuals from Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) regarding the location of the speed limit signs on the east side of town the sign was moved. However, the 50mph sign was moved closer to town rather than the 35mpg sign moved farther out. Trustee T. Jones stated he was informed by the NDOT that a speed study would need completed in order to move both signs farther out. Trustee T. Jones noted that if a speed study was completed the limits may show the need to be increased and they would have no choice in the increased limit. Item was tabled.

Applications for assistant utilities superintendent were reviewed. No further action taken on the current applicants and Clerk Hedrick was directed to continue to run the help wanted advertisement. Clerk Hedrick advised that former employee Patrick Shelton had contacted the office in regards to working temporarily as needed per his availability of his current job schedule. Discussion was had regarding needed assistance on certain routine duties. Motion made by T. Jones and second by M. McDonald to hire Patrick Shelton as temporary employee to read meters and other jobs as assigned by the Utilities Superintendent. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried.  Motion made by T. Jones and second by M. McDonald to advertise for a part time nuisance and park mowing position. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried. 

Motion made by M. McDonald and second by T. Jones to approve the special designated liquor license for the Stratton Recreation Club for the date of Saturday September 24, 2022. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried. 

Motion made by M. McDonald and second by J. McDonald to close Bailey Street for parade, dinner and dance activities for Stratton fall festival on Saturday September 24, 2022. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried. 

The local match request for Hitch & Hay Public Services was reviewed. Trustee T. Jones stated he would like a representative available at the meeting to answer questions. Tabled until a representative from Hitch & Hay Public Services can be available.

Motion made by T. Jones and second by J. Griffiths to adopt Resolution amending solid waste disposal rates for the residences of the Village. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones Nays: J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Absent S. Hanes. Motion lost. 

Motion made by M. McDonald and second by J. McDonald to approve building permit at 612 Nebraska. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried. 

Motion made by M. McDonald and second by J. McDonald to approve fence permit at 612 Nebraska. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried. 

Prepaid propane bids were reviewed. Motion made by M. McDonald and second by J. McDonald to approve purchasing 3000 gallons of propane from Farmers Cooperative Grain & Supply Co. for the 2022-2023 year. Roll call: Ayes: J. Griffiths, T. Jones, J. McDonald, M. McDonald. Nays: None. Absent S. Hanes. Motion carried. 

Employee Report: Superintendent Magley reported that he is signed up for water operator training in December 2022 in Grand Island.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Trustee M. McDonald inquired about the status of the drainage on Railway Street. Magley is working on a quote for cement for several projects which includes this one. Magley was instructed to check into the status of armor coating. Trustee M. McDonald would like a letter sent to the resident on Barton Street regarding parking of semi-trucks.

Electricity Committee Report: Trustee Jones stated his concern regarding availability of new electrical equipment due to shipping constraints.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Discussion was held regarding the possibility of overhead water service for filling tanks at the ballfield location where the donated service will be located. The board would like to have documentation of the donation from Mr. Richardson prior to work being started by the individual.

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Health & Welfare Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick received correspondence from JEO Consulting Group regarding Hazard Mitigation Plan update and a meeting that will be taking place on August 24^th. One Village representative will need to attend in order to be eligible for FEMA funding with this program. Trustee M. McDonald stated he would attend.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Equipment rental policy was reviewed. Superintendent Magley was directed to ensure all work done at the ball field is being tracked and billed correctly.

Chairman J. Griffiths declared the meeting adjourned at 8:49 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.