July 17, 2023 Minutes

A regular meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:02 pm on Monday July 17, 2023 at the Village Clerk’s Office by Chairman S. Hanes. Notice of the meeting was posted in three public places and availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice. A poster of the “Open Meetings Act” was clearly visible on the wall, and Chairman Hanes directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session.

Present: Chairman Hanes, Trustee Sutton, Trustee Griffiths, Trustee Bohochik (arrived 7:22pm), Trustee McDonald. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, Deputy Clerk D. Burk, members of the public Wade Hanes, Dana Cox, Linda Zahl, Melissa Dailey, Janet Felt, Justine Richardson, Sabrinna Morgan, Chet Bridge, Kevin Ely, and Doug Newcomb.     

Motion made by Hanes and seconded by McDonald to excuse Paul from the June and July regular meetings. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Bohochik. Motion Carried.

OPEN FORUM:

Justine Richardson presented a petition regarding disagreement for development of a culvert and road and the Village responsibility to pay for the culvert and maintenance. Justine believes the access should be on the south side of the property where originally discussed with the land owner at the time of purchase of the property. Justine mentioned that many of the individuals who signed were concerned about retaliation from Wade Hanes. Chairman S. Hanes advised the petition would be taken into consideration. Wade Hanes advised Nebraska law requires to grant access to property. He also stated he spoke with city attorney and Engineer who thought the land would need surveyed and a culvert on the south side would be cost prohibited. Doug Newcomb inquired if the radio read meters would cash flow; he stated consideration of code of ethics has some items that are in violation of 5^th and 14^th amendment of taking a person’s property; Doug stated people already pay when you get an animal and the Village isn’t in the business of giving donations for the McCook Human Society; Doug advised there is an eye sore each direction from his house, the tall weeds are a fire concern when they dry out and when driving around town the weeds are an embarrassment. Linda Zahl asked where the pride in our community is. Sabrina thanked the Village for clean up at tree pit and inquired as to when ruts in the road would be fixed.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Radio Read Water Meters and the need to upgrade as well as cost and questions regarding rate increase was reviewed. Motion by Hanes and second by Sutton to rescind the motion authorizing to purchase radio read meters and equipment from Dutton- Lainson adopted at the December 2022 meeting. Roll call: Ayes:  Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried. Motion by McDonald and second by Jilene to move forward with purchase of radio read meters from Metron in the amount of ARPA grant money received. Roll call: Ayes:  Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

Insurance Claim at 105 Howard: waiting for resident to reply to insurance release form.

Consideration of Adoption of Board Code of Ethics: waiting for review and resolution from Village attorney.

McCook Humane Society Donation Request: Response letter reviewed and discussion regarding cost of surrendering an animal. Clerk Hedrick advised that due to a private donation to the Village covering pet registration fees we may be able to collect donation items in lieu of residents paying the registration fee. The donate items could then be taken to the McCook Humane Society.

NEW BUSINESS:

Representatives from NMPP were not present. Superintendent Petersen stated the suggestion was to have a mutual aid for preventative and normal maintenance items for electric systems in the area. Discussion will be tabled until representatives are available.

Library Board member Janet Felt presented the proposed Library budget for the 2023-2024 budget. Summary of new events and new purchases was given.

Point of order was raised regarding suspending the rules to wave the three readings of Solid Waste Ordinance at the June 19, 2023 meeting due to not having three fourths of members voting in favor and the action as well as the action to adopt the ordinance was declared null and void. Chairman Hanes completed second reading of Proposed Solid Waste Ordinance.

Status and current needs of the trash truck was discussed.  Motion by Hanes and second by McDonald to declare trash truck and all extra parts as surplus equipment. Roll call: Ayes:  Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

Complaint- 411 Boyle tall weeds: Nuisance abatement process reviewed. Discussion was had regarding Health and Welfare Committee members creating a list of all properties for letters to be sent to.

Motion by McDonald and second by Griffiths to approve building permit at 606 Pierce. Roll call: Ayes:  Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

Motion by McDonald and second by Hanes to approve building permit at 508 Baxter. Roll call: Ayes:  Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

Motion by McDonald and second by Griffiths to approve League Association of Risk Management 2023-24 Renewal Resolution. Roll call: Ayes:  Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

Motion by Hanes and second by Griffiths to renew time deposit certificate 141042. Roll call: Ayes:  Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

Certification of semi-annual CDBG program income report was reviewed and signed by Chiarman Hanes.

Motion by Hanes and second by Griffiths to renew FES service agreement. Roll call: Ayes:  Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried.

Employee Report: Motion by Sutton and second by Hanes to enter executive session to prevent the needless injury to the reputation of an individual. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Hanes, Griffiths, Bohochik, Sutton. Nays: None. Motion carried. Executive session entered at 8:07 pm to prevent the needless injury to the reputation of an individual. Motion by Hanes and second by Sutton to leave executive session for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual and enter back into open session. Roll call: Ayes: McDonald, Hanes, Griffiths, Bohochik, Sutton. Nays: None. Motion carried. Open session entered at 8:18 pm.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Superintendent Petersen stated that he believes the lawyer needs to be consulted on the land access for Wade Hanes. Chairman Hanes advised the Village attorney has been contacted. It was noted that survey may need completed. Melissa Dailey asked about when ruts would be fixed on streets. Petersen advised that she could use the access road on that block. Sutton asked if millings were received. Petersen advised street has been fixed with extra millings leftover.

Electricity Committee Report: Sutton inquired about the planned outage for upgrades. No new information has been received at this time. Clerk Hedrick advised SWPPD would like to remind everyone that only approved Village employees are able to request assistance from them. They have had several residents calling and requested work completed.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Superintendent Petersen stated there was land purchased in the north part of town and no sewer hookup at this time. The resident is requesting to install a septic tank as the cost to the Village to install sewer would be substantial. The board would like the resident to put in a request in writing on what they are requesting. Chairman Hanes asked if we have had any updates on when the water tower would be cleaned. Petersen advised we have not gotten a date as of yet.

Finance Committee Report: Date for budget workshop was discussed and August 10^th was agreed upon. Clerk Hedrick presented a letter from WCNDD regarding membership dues. Services available were discussed and board members will keep them in mind if the need should arise.

Health & Welfare Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: The need for and date of clean up at the ball field was discussed. It was mentioned the park and pool area needs cleaned up and maintenance/repair items completed as well. Linda Zahl inquired about unlicensed vehicles at the park. Reminders will be sent out to residents.

Correspondence: Chairman Hanes read a thank you note from Clyde and JoDee Stout.

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

Motion made by Sutton and second by Hanes to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Hanes, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 8:36 pm.