January 17, 2023 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Tuesday January 17, 2023 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 S. Hanes, Trustee K. Sutton, Trustee P. Bohochik, Trustee M. McDonald, Clerk T. Hedrick, Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Deputy Clerk D. Burk, members of the public Wade Hanes, Clyde Stout, June Boyd, Peter Boyd, Roy Shapley, Cricket Reagan, Alexis Windecker, Jerhome Windecker, and Amanda Reheus.

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

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Wade Hanes addressed the board regarding the drainage under Highway 34 that was discussed at the last regular board meeting. Utilities Superintendent Petersen has already addressed the situation and will finish the project this spring when weather allows.

Motion by McDonald and second by Sutton to approve the previous minutes, treasurers’ report and claims. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Sutton, Bohochik, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent Griffiths. Motion carried. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

With no objection second reading of Ordinance to annex 503 County Avenue was completed by Chairman Hanes.

Dog complaint on Nebraska Avenue was reviewed. No new information has been received from witnesses or complainant. Unable to determine if attack was unprovoked. No action was taken, complaint will be placed on file.

Water and sewer rate study completed by Randy Hellbusch with Nebraska Rural Water Association was reviewed and questions answered. Motion by Hanes and seconded by McDonald to approve rural and commercial sewer rate increase to $22.00 per month and commercial usage fee increase to $2.00 per 1000 gallons used based on water usage effective with March 2023 billing as well as increase the flat rate by $2.00 each January for the next three years. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Sutton, Bohochik, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent Griffiths. Motion carried. Motion by McDonald and seconded by Hanes to increase rural and commercial water rates to $37.75 per month plus $3.30 per 1000 gallons of water use for the first 50,000 gallons then thereafter $0.95 per 1000 gallons of water use effective with March 2023 billing as well as increase the base water rate by $2.00 and the usage by $0.10 for 1000 gallons of use each January for the next three years. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Sutton, Bohochik, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by McDonald and seconded by Hanes to approve Public Funds Resolution. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Sutton, Bohochik, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried. Signature cards were signed by board members present.  

Motion by McDonald and seconded by Bohochik to approve wage increase of Board Trustees to $1000 per year and Board Chairman to $1200 per year effective for the 2023 pay period. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Bohochik, Hanes. Nays: Sutton. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.

Motion by McDonald and seconded by Sutton to approve intent of financial support for Hitch and Hay Public Transit. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Bohochik, Hanes, Sutton. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.

A quote for review of the employee handbook was received. It was noted that the cost was more than what the board was wanting to spend on a review. No action was taken.

A fence permit application for 509 Hamilton was reviewed. Hanes inquired if neighbor consent had been obtained. It was noted that contact was attempted but unable to locate the neighbors to the east. It was also noted that a survey is planned to be completed as soon as the company is available. Motion by McDonald and seconded by Hanes to approve fence permit for 509 Hamilton. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Sutton, Bohochik, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.

Dog complaint at 509 Hamilton was reviewed. June Boyd addressed the board regarding a dog attack by the dogs residing at 509 Hamilton which resulted in the death of her dog. June stated a big black dog had smashed her dog on the ground and that she is concerned about all three dogs at this residence attacking again and feels that a fence wouldn’t be enough to prevent another incident. June submitted a necropsy report from her vet stating the cause of death was loss of blood due to bite trauma and puncture of the femoral artery. Alexis Windecker addressed the board regarding her dogs, which are the alleged dogs in the complaint. Alexis submitted many statements from other individuals on behalf of the behavior of her three dogs as well as an incident regarding Boyd’s dogs. Alexis stated that her own dogs as well as Boyd’s dogs have both been at each other’s residences and it is an ongoing problem. Alexis also was concerned that there was no indication of blood on her dogs and also mentioned that the Boyd’s recollection of the incident had changed several time. June stated that the white and brown dog was seen by a relative biting her dog’s leg, which Alexis identified as the dog names Sven. With no objection Chairman Hanes stated that the complaint would be placed on file and hopes that the previously approved fence permit would solve the problem with both resident’s dogs roaming to the adjoining properties.

A sewer complaint on Railway Street was reviewed. Superintendent Petersen stated he has taken care of it for now. He stated there is a root problem to address this spring as well as the sewer line is in a flat and low flow area. Member of the public Clyde Stout stated he has had no recent problems with the sewer at his residence.

Chairman Hanes addressed the board regarding an inter-local agreement with the Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Department and the Village of Culbertson. Hanes stated that the Village of Palisade had also been approached by the Sheriff’s Department. Hanes stated that the board may need to consider an agreement with the Sheriff’s Department in the future as well. The board agreed that they would be interested in hearing what ordinances the Sheriff’s Department would be willing to enforce.

Employee Report:

Clerk Hedrick stated that she would be needing to take extra time off work due to lack of staff at the daycare she utilizes. Deputy Clerk Burk will be covering days that she is available however there may be many days that the office will need to be closed. Clerk Hedrick will post closures in advance if possible and have contact information posted. Hedrick will also be available as much as possible via phone or message. The situation will be reevaluated in approximately one month.

Clerk Hedrick inquired about unapproved after hours on payroll. Hanes stated he will speak with the individual again regarding coming to work on time and only working after hours if approved by his supervisor. Board members inquired how many times this conversation would take place. It was agreed that this would be a final written warning.

Streets, Alley and Landfill Report: McDonald inquired if the center lane of Bailey Street in front of businesses could have the snow removed. Superintendent Petersen stated that he is aware this is wanted done however other priorities come first, such as the prior discussed sewer problems.

Electricity Committee Report: Replacement of the electric pole by Railway and Beaver was discussed. Superintendent Petersen stated that there may be a possibility to remove the pole and will look at it when he can.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Finance Committee Report: A donation from the Condon Family Foundation was received. Ideas were discussed and will be considered in the future.

Health & Welfare Committee Report: A complaint regarding aggressive dogs at large at 411 Nebraska was received. The board directed Clerk Hedrick to send the owner of the dogs a warning letter.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick inquired if the board would like to start advertising for employees for the swimming pool. It was agreed to advertise. Superintendent Petersen informed the board that the sprinklers at the park had not been turned off last fall and the air break would need replaced.

Motion by McDonald and second by Hanes to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Sutton, Bohochik, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8 :34 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.