February 21, 2023 Minutes
March 10, 2023
A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Tuesday February 21, 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 the board 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, Michael Hoback with AMGL, members of the public Wade Hanes, Clyde Stout, and Dana Cox.
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m.
Motion by Sutton and seconded by Bohochik to appoint McDonald as Chairman pro tem. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths, Hanes. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM: Member of the public Wade Hanes addressed the board regarding his intentions of a greenhouse on property he owns on Hartford street. Superintendent Petersen inquired as to why Wade didn’t request an easement for access to the property at the time of purchase. Clerk Hedrick reminded Wade that the board had previously requested a drawing with official request regarding access to the property prior to it being addressed again.
Chairman S. Hanes arrived at 7:11pm.
Motion by McDonald and second by Sutton to approve the previous minutes, treasurers’ report and claims. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Third and final reading of Ordinance regarding proposed Annexation of 503 County Avenue completed. Motion by McDonald and seconded by Hanes to adopt Ordinance 212 Annexing 503 County Avenue into the village limits of the Village of Stratton. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 212
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, TO ANNEX CONTIGUOUS PROPERTY TO THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, TO SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBE THE PROPERTY BEING ANNEXED; TO EXTEND THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, NEBRASKA TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; TO GRANT RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES; TO IMPOSE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; AND TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON THAT:
Section 1. Pursuant to the authority granted by the laws of the State of Nebraska, the Village of Stratton, Nebraska hereby declares that the following described property, which is urban or suburban in character and contiguous to said Village, has been annexed to said Village and the corporate limits of the Village of Stratton, Nebraska has been extended to include said property:
SEE EXHIBIT 1
Section 2: That upon the effective date of this Ordinance, (a) an accurate map or plat of the territory being annexed, duly certified by a registered land surveyor or engineer and acknowledged and proved as provided by law, and (b) a certified copy of this Ordinance declaring such annexation, shall be filed with the Hitchcock County Clerk and the Hitchcock County Assessor.
Section 3: That upon the filing of said map or plat and this Ordinance with the County Clerk, the territory described above shall be deemed and held to be a part of the original corporate Village of Stratton, Nebraska and the inhabitants of the territory so annexed shall enjoy the privileges and benefits of such annexation and be subject to the ordinances and regulations of the Village of Stratton, Nebraska.
Section 4: That all Ordinances or sections thereof passed and approved prior to the effective date of this Ordinance and in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance, are hereby repealed.
Section 5: The Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage, approval and publication according to law.
Passed and approved this 19th day of December, 2022.
Motion by McDonald and seconded by Bohochik to adopt Rates Resolution 519 updating water and sewer utility rates. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.
Motion by Hanes and seconded by McDonald to waive the three readings on ordinance establishing water and sewer utilities rates annual increase. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Sutton to adopt ordinance 213 establishing water and sewer utilities rates annual increase. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 213
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, NEBRASKA TO ESTABLISH REVISED WATER AND SEWER RATES FOR THE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE MADE A PART OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, AND THAT THE SECTIONS MAY BE RENUMBERED; TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ORDINANCE AND THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL TAKE EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 21, 2023, AFTER PASSAGE, PUBLICATION, POSTING, AND PROCLAMATION AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, NEBRASKA:
Section 1. That Chapter 50, Section 12, of the Code of the Village of Stratton is hereby amended to read as follows:
50.12. WATER SERVICE RATES; FEES AND COLLECTION; FUTURE RATE REVISIONS.
A. The rates charged by the Village of Stratton for municipal water services on a monthly rate basis shall be as follows:
1. Time period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024:
CLASSIFICAITON MONTHLY RATE
Residential and Commercial $39.75 per month service charge plus $3.40 per 1,000 gallons or fraction thereof of usage.
2. Time period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025:
CLASSIFICAITON MONTHLY RATE
Residential and Commercial $41.75 per month service charge plus $3.50 per 1,000 gallons or fraction thereof of usage.
3. Time period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026:
CLASSIFICAITON MONTHLY RATE
Residential and Commercial $43.75 per month service charge plus $3.60 per 1,000 gallons or fraction thereof of usage.
Section 2. That Chapter 51, Section 12, of the Code of the Village of Stratton is hereby amended to read as follows:
51.12. SEWER SERVICE RATES; FEES AND COLLECTION; FUTURE RATE REVISIONS.
A. The rates charged by the Village of Stratton for municipal sewer services on a monthly rate basis shall be as follows:
1. Time period of January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024:
CLASSIFICAITON MONTHLY RATE
Residential and Commercial $24.00 per month service charge.
2. Time period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025:
CLASSIFICAITON MONTHLY RATE
Residential and Commercial $26.00 per month service charge.
3. Time period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026:
CLASSIFICAITON MONTHLY RATE
Residential and Commercial $28.00 per month service charge.
Passed and approved this 21ST day of February 2023
Motion by Hanes and seconded by McDonald to waive the three readings on ordinance establishing salaries and compensation for the appointed offices and employees of the Village of Stratton. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried. Motion by Hanes and seconded by McDonald to adopt ordinance 214 establishing salaries and compensation for the appointed offices and employees of the Village of Stratton. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 214
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH AND FIX THE SALARIES AND COMPENSATION FOR THE APPOINTED OFFICES AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, NEBRASKA, FROM AND AFTER FEBRUARY 21, 2023, AND FOR THE REPEAL OF ANY ORDINANCE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO PROVIDE FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CHAIRPERSON AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, NEBRASKA:
Section 1. Pursuant to the authority of section 17-108, RRS 1943, the Chairperson and the Board of Trustees of Stratton, Nebraska, do hereby establish and fix the following salary and compensation for the employees of the Village of Stratton, Nebraska.
Board Chairperson: $1200/year Librarian: $9.00/hr- $19.00/hr
Board Trustee: $1000/year Assistant Librarian: $7.25/hr- $14.00/hr
Superintendent: $35,000/year- $58,000 Custodian: $9.00-$20.00
Assistant Superintendent: $12.50/hr- $25.00/hr Pool Manager: $8.50/hr- $14.50/hr
Clerk/ Treasurer: $12.50/hr- $25.00/hr Assistant Pool Manager: $7.50/hr- $13.50/hr
Deputy Clerk: $8.50/hr- $25.00/hr Lifeguard: $6.50/hr- $12.25/hr
Section 2. The salaries and compensation for the above employees in the amounts herein above set forth opposite their respective position shall be, and are effective from and after February 21, 2023.
Section3. Employees may receive wage adjustments up to $500.00 annually for merit recognition.
Section 4. Any and all other ordinance or section thereof passed and approved prior to the passage, approval, and publication or posting of these ordinances and in conflict with its provisions, is hereby repealed.
Section 5. This ordinances shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage, approval, publication, and/ or posting as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 21st DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2023.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by McDonald and seconded by Sutton to excuse the absence of Griffith from the January 17, 2023 and current board meetings. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.
Michael Hoback from AMGL reviewed the results of the financial audit from the 2021-2022 year.
Questions from board members were answered. With no objection the audit was accepted and approved as presented and reviewed at the current meeting.
Motion by McDonald and seconded by Hanes to approve placing a No Outlet street sign at the beginning of Pierce Drive. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent:
Griffiths. Motion carried.
Dog complaint at Hamilton and Bayard was reviewed and member of the public Dana Cox voiced his concern of unleashed dogs on public property. Clerk Hedrick was directed to send a letter to the owner of the alleged dog with a reminder of Village ordinance and consequences of continued violations.
Concern of snow removal by private residents was addressed and snow removal ordinance was reviewed. Clerk Hedrick was directed to put out a reminder regarding the snow removal ordinance and need to organize the removal to prevent liability and potential damages to streets, utilities and equipment.
The current status of trash service and repair of equipment was discussed and bids presented at prior meeting were reviewed. Motion by McDonald and seconded by Bohochik to accept trash service bid from Waste Connection. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.
With no objection purchase of new trash dumpsters was tabled until after contract with Waste
Connections could be determined.
Customer complaint regarding trash service pick up was reviewed. It was agreed that although late, trash service was still provided and no credit would be issued.
Complaint regarding damage to a fence by the tree dump was reviewed. Superintendent Petersen stated he had been in contact with the owner of the fence and he has repaired it and was believed to be caused by another employee moving an impounded vehicle at this location.
It was noted that several street lights needed repairs and Superintendent Petersen stated he will address the repairs when able.
A proposal for armor coating was submitted for the coming fall street maintenance. The current 1 and 6 year street plan was reviewed. The proposal was tabled until after snow has melted and current status of the streets could be assessed.
Employee Report: Hours claimed on timesheets were discussed. Utilities Superintendent Petersen stated there were not many days the employee had arrived on time. It was also noted that a valid drivers license had still not been obtained. Motion by Sutton and seconded by Hanes to terminated employment of Edward Barbour effective immediately. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried.
Clerk Hedrick requested approval to attend Municipal Clerk Training in March. With no objection the training was approved.
Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Nothing new to report
Electricity Committee Report: A meeting with Southwest Public Power District representatives took place. Representatives stated that rates would be increasing but a credit would be available that allowed final rates to remain near the same. SWPPD will also be applying for a grant in order to do upgrades to transformers to better service the area. The planned power outage for this spring has been moved back to May. More information will be communicated as the date approaches.
Water & Sewer Committee Report: Radio read water meter upgrades were discussed. Superintendent Petersen was directed to get the order placed for the software and reading equipment as well as a starting supply of water meters and ERTs.
Finance Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick advised that an unemployment claim had been submitted and if approved the unemployment CD would need to be used to cover the claim.
Health & Welfare Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick requested that the board members review the proposed mitigation plan and submit any changes or additions needed prior to approval of the plan in the next month.
Park & Recreation Committee Report: Sutton advised that one of the pieces of play equipment at the park needed repaired.
Motion by Hanes and seconded by McDonald to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Griffiths. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:53pm.
The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.
