August 21, 2023 Minutes
September 05, 2023
A regular meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Monday August 21, 2023 at the Village Clerk’s Office by Vice Chairman J. Griffiths. 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 Vice Chairman Griffiths directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session.
Present: Trustee K. Sutton, Trustee J. Griffiths, Trustee P. Bohochik, Trustee M. McDonald. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, Deputy Clerk D. Burk, Assistant Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, members of the public Wade Hanes, Melissa Dailey, Justine Richardson, Sabrinna Morgan, Michael Schrader, and Barbra Sydow.
Motion made by McDonald and seconded by Bohochik to excuse Hanes from the current regular board of Trustees meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, McDonald, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried.
OPEN FORUM:
Member of the public Sabrina Morgan inquired as to when the road at the tree dump would be fixed and stated items are being dumped in the wrong areas. Peterson advised he would repair it when equipment was available. Clyde Stout asked about the location for his new trailer. Clerk Hedrick advised the issue was a line item and would be discussed during new business.
Motion by Griffiths to approve the previous minutes, claims and treasurers report. Member of the public Wade Hanes addressed his concern regarding wording that he didn’t believe should be in the minutes due to not protecting individuals reputation. Discussion was had regarding the previous minutes. Hedrick advised the Board if they would like to amend the minutes, to strike anything or adjust anything now was the time. Wade stated he would like the Board to take it into consideration before they approve them. Motion second by McDonald to approve the previous minutes, claims and treasurers report as presented. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Bohochik, Sutton, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Insurance Claim at 105 Howard: Letter reviewed from residents’ legal representation. Clerk Hedrick advised that our insurance had been in communication with them and advised us not to pay over the approved amount. No action taken.
Third reading was completed for proposed Solid Waste Ordinance. Motion by Griffiths and second by Sutton to adopt Solid Waste Ordinance 215. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried.
VILLAGE OF STRATTON
ORDINANCE NO. 215
AN AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25 OF CHAPTER 91 OF TITLE IX RELATING TO THE DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE (GARBAGE), ORDINANCE 192; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, NEBRASKA:
SECTION 1. Section 25 of Chapter 91 of Title IX entitled “The Disposal of Solid Waste (Garbage)”, Ordinance 192 of the Municipal Code of the Village of Stratton, Nebraska is hereby amended by amending and/or adding the following:
§91.26 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT; OPERATING AND FUNDING
The Governing Body, for the purpose of defraying the cost of the care, management and maintenance of the Municipal Solid Waste Management System may each year levy a tax not to exceed the maximum limit prescribed by State law on the actual valuation of all real estate and personal property within the corporate limits that is subject to taxation. The revenue from the said tax shall be known as the Municipal Solid Waste Management Fund and shall remain the custody of the Municipal Solid Waste Management System. The Governing Body shall have the authority to adopt rules and regulations for the sanitary and efficient management of said system. The Governing Body shall provide by resolution for the management and operation of said system and shall set the rates to be charged for services rendered by resolution and file the same in the office of the Municipal Clerk/Treasurer for public inspection at any reasonable time. (Ref Neb Rev Stat §19-2101 through §19-2112)
§91.27 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT; LOCAL REGULATIONS
The Municipality shall adopt solid waste disposal regulations that consider collection, transportation, storage, processing, resource recovery and disposal of solid waste, developmental and operation plans for solid waste disposal areas, fire prevention, ground water protection, handling of liquid and hazardous materials, insect and rodent control and the methods of disposing of accumulations of junk outside of solid waste disposal areas.
§91.28 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT; COMPLIANCE WITH NEBRASKA INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT
The Municipality shall operate and manage its municipal solid waste management system in conformance to the Nebraska Integrated Solid Waste Management Act. (Ref Neb Rev Stat §13-2001 through §13-2043)
SECTION 2. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall be published or posted and shall be in full force and take effect August 21, 2023.
Passed and approved this 21st day of August, 2023.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion by McDonald and second by Griffiths to approve special designated license for the Recreation Club. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried.
Motion by McDonald and second by Sutton to approve closing Bailey Street for activities on September 30th for the Stratton Harvest Festival including parade, BBQ and street dance. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried.
Ballfield clean up/Mud Bog: McDonald inquired about getting Work Ethic Camp workers to assist with clean up. Petersen advised most of the fencing and other items have been moved and mud bog area should be cleaned up. Options for replacement fencing were discussed. Mike inquired if the unused power pole could be used to replace the broken post. Without objection it was agreed it could be used. Mike advised he would have a cleanup crew to finish cleaning up the area of weeds and branches. Petersen stated he had one more load of tree limbs and then finished with clean up due to other tasks he needed to focus on. It was agreed that the Village dump trailer could be provided to assist with clean up. Discussion was had on water meters for the pits. Without objection water will be provided for use in the pits at no cost. Village backhoe will be provided if needed. Mike also requested to have permission for Rob Kliessen to come spray the pits for weeds. There was no objection.
Motion by McDonald and second by Bohochik to approve Resolution 524 signing of the municipal annual certification of program compliance. Questions answered on what the certification stated. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried.
Options of disposing of surplus property were discussed. An online auction was discussed and board members would like to look into options. Motion by Sutton and second by McDonald to approve Resolution 525 Declaring Champion/Challenger Trash Truck surplus property and authorize Chairman and Utilities Superintend to do all acts necessary to dispose of this property. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried.
Consideration of purchase of pick up: McDonald stated he believes we need a new pick up. Other board members agreed a new pick up would give us a backup. Utilities Superintendent reviewed options and answered questions to purchase a new pick up from state contracts. Sutton requested quotes for pick up from the contracts. McDonald wants to table the issue until next meeting. Sutton agreed we needed numbers for the next meeting.
Building permit for 1008 Railway Street was reviewed and questions answered by property owner. Motion by McDonald and second by Sutton to approve building permit for 1008 Railway Street. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried.
Motion by Griffths and second by Sutton to go into executive session to protect the public interest due to pending litigation. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, Bohochik. Nays: McDonald. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried. Member of the public Wade Hanes inquired what the executive session was about. Clerk Hedrick advised it was for pending litigation. Wade stated it wasn’t on the agenda. Hedrick advised it was pending litigation regarding property access on Boyle Street. Wade said he didn’t see a reason for executive session. Hedrick asked if he was officially objecting to the executive session. Wade replied yes he was. Hedrick asked if the board would like to overrule the objection or stay in open session. Griffiths made a motion to overrule the objection and continue into executive session. Wade asked what reputation they were protecting. Hedrick advised it was due to pending litigation to protect the public interest. Second by Sutton to overrule the objection and continue into executive session. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, Bohochik. Nays: McDonald. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried. Executive session entered at 7:42 to protect the public interest due to pending litigation. Motion by Griffiths and second by Bohochik to leave executive session to protect the public interest due to pending litigation and enter back into open session. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried. Open session reentered at 7:51. Motion by McDonald and second by Bohochik to request for and pay for a survey on Boyle Street. Roll call: Ayes: Sutton, Bohochik, McDonald. Nays: Griffiths. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried.
Complaint regarding maintenance of curb and water shut off at 508 Bailey was reviewed and discussed. Petersen stated they had to cut out sidewalk and repair shut off and haven’t made it back. Location of water meter and ability to replace with new meter was discussed. Petersen advised the damage by the curb is fixable once it dries out. Sutton suggested finding out where the water was coming from.
Employee Report: Nothing new to report.
Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Nothing new to report.
Electricity Committee Report: Superintendent Petersen reviewed recent power outage due to a blown fuse at the substation. McDonald asked about planned outage for substation repairs. Petersen stated they are backed up due to recent storms. McDonald asked about replacing REA pole by railroad tracks. Petersen will check on it.
Water & Sewer Committee Report: Superintendent Petersen advised that property owner on Railway Street is having issue with sewer. Petersen reported he has jetting most of sewer on Railway and other residents are draining. Petersen reported Chris Williamson is coming soon and will be able to determine if the problem is on residents’ side or in the main. No other residents in the area have complained. Clerk Hedrick advised they had an application for new connection on the north section of town. Sewer map reviewed and options discussed of where tap could have access. Petersen stated they would be able to let her have a septic tank if they took her out of town. Board members present didn’t feel they wanted to set that precedent. It was agreed to discuss this at the next regular board meeting.
Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Health & Welfare Committee Report: Sutton brought up the weed situation and that some are more like trees and will be a problem to mow. Griffiths advised she would like to get a group together to pull weeds or weed eat along Bailey and Howard Streets. Clerk Hedrick stated last month they decided board members would compile a list for weed letters and she still hasn’t received any addresses. Sutton advised he would make a list. Sutton was concern about what they would be able to do about the tall weeds. Hedrick wanted to know how many per week they would be able to handle. Member of the public Sabrina Morgan inquired about if there was a noise ordinance for how early a person could start mowing. The board replied there isn’t a village ordinance for time but may be one for the county.
Park & Recreation Committee Report: Member of the public Justine Richardson stated there is weeds and dirt on the sidewalks at the park and gofer mounds. Petersen advised there are less gofers then there used to be. Wade stated it would take time to repair the damage at the park from the flood. Petersen advised they spray the weeds and mow every week. Justine advised that she thinks if the sidewalks were scraped and edged it would help.
The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday September 18, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.
Motion made by Sutton and second by McDonald to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Griffiths, Bohochik, Sutton, McDonald. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
| Vendor | Description | Amount |
| American Agricultural Laboratory | Water testing | $21.50 |
| Culligan Water Conditioning | Monthly Rental | $36.93 |
| Deveny | Equipment Maintenance | $1,917.56 |
| Eakes | Supplies | $156.58 |
| Farmers Cooperative Grain & Supply | Fuel | $1,053.38 |
| Filament Essential Services | Web Hosting | $1,500.00 |
| Great Plains Communication | Phone Service | $441.00 |
| JA Automotive and Repair | Equipment Maintenance | $99.04 |
| Lakeside Sand & Gravel | Armor Coat | $1,434.96 |
| League Builders Supply | Supplies | $67.61 |
| League of Nebraska Municipalities | Membership Dues | $612.00 |
| League of Nebraska Municipalities- Utilities Section | Membership Dues | $400.00 |
| McCook Ace Hardware | Supplies | $92.98 |
| Miller & Associates | 1&6 Year Services | $600.00 |
| Nebraska Department of Agriculture | Dog License Fee | $75.64 |
| Nebraska Public Health Environmental Lab | Water testing | $16.00 |
| Northern Tool & Equipment | Supplies | $59.99 |
| Northwest Fire Extinguisher | Service Inspection | $114.00 |
| Schroeder & Schroeder | Professional Services | $218.75 |
| Scoop Media | Publications | $376.35 |
| Southwest Public Power District | Power cost | $23,122.20 |
| Stratton Auto Parts | Equipment Maintenance | $61.90 |
| TD Ameritrade | Retirement Contribution | $415.68 |
| Teri Faimon | Reimbursement | $45.85 |
| US Bank | Payroll Fee, Books, supplies | $530.00 |
| USPO | Postage | $234.00 |
| Verizon | Cell Phone Service | $160.56 |
| Waste Connections of Nebraska | Town Disposal Charge | $4,117.60 |
| Mandatory Disbursements: | ||
| Aflac | Employee Withholding | $120.06 |
| MNB- Stratton | ACH Fees | $38.15 |
| Nebraska Department of Revenue | Sales Tax | $2,572.89 |
| Payroll | ||
| Gross Salaries | Salaries | $13,615.94 |
| Social Security | Employer Contribution | $842.30 |
| Medicare | Employer Contribution | $196.99 |
| Total Claims | $37,982.06 | |
| Total Mandatory Disbursements | $2,731.10 | |
| Total Payroll | $14,655.23 | |
| Total Claims Report | $55,368.39 |
