April 15, 2024 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:02 pm on Monday April 15, 2024 at the Village 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: Trustee S. Hanes, Trustee P. Bohochik, Trustee J. Stewart, Trustee J. Griffiths. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, Assistant Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, and members of the public Sabrinna Morgan, and Chester Bridge.

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Sabrina Morgan addressed the board and apologized regarding the miscommunication on where to dump weeds. Sabrina inquired as to how large the weeds would need to be to go in the tree pit rather than grass area. Utilities Superintendent Petersen indicated it was difficult to burn weeds and grass clippings in the tree pit and needed to keep them separated.  Petersen stated that weeds of all heights should go in with the grass clippings.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Armor Coating bids were reviewed. Motion by Hanes and second by Stewart to accept proposal from Topkote. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried. Discussion on how many streets to armor coat was discussed. There was discussion on streets that needs millings prior to armor coating. Motion by Griffiths and second by Bohochik to complete armor coating on Hamilton Street from Bayard to Baxter in addition to the streets on the one year plan. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Purchase of drainage tubes for property access was discussed. It was noted that the County Department may have a tube appropriate for the needs on Boyle Street. Motion by Griffiths and second by Stewart to purchase a 40 foot, 18 inch plastic drainage tube for County Avenue access. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

The status of the fence at the ballfield was discussed. It was noted that damage from flooding had caused the outfield fence to be knocked down. Discussion took place regarding logistics of removing the fence for access of upkeep of the grounds. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Griffiths to remove the damaged fence at the ballfield. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

Discussion was had regarding continuing accepting of appliances for disposal. With no objection the subject will be postponed until Waste Connections can be contacted to inquire about their availability to accept appliances.

Discussion was had regarding fence setback requirements from streets. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Griffiths to approve fence permit at 804 Hamilton with the condition that the fence complies with four foot setback from right-a-way on the east side of property. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

Setbacks for buildings were reviewed. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Griffiths to approve building permit at 406 Bonner. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried.

Clerk Hedrick reported that there was only one application submitted for employment at the swimming pool. With no objections it was agreed that the Stratton Swimming Pool would be unable to open for the 2024 season.

Possible use of the football field/track north of the old school building was discussed. Trustee Griffiths proposed obtaining the property for use for public walking. Other board members suggested the public park walkways as a suitable public walking areas and inquired about the ability for additional ground maintenance by staff. It was also mentioned that if there are problems with dogs at large at the park the public needs to put in an official complaint at the Village Office.

Employee Report: Nothing new to report.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Chairman Hanes inquired about piles of wood and brush that were still at a property on Railway Street from the flooding. Utilities Superintendent Petersen advised they will remove it.

Electricity Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick inquired about the use of electric poles on Bailey Street for decorating for Chamber sponsored holiday events. With no objection to the use of the poles there was discussion on time limits and removal of decorations as well as restrictions on size. Chairman Hanes inquired if new holiday decorations had been purchased for hanging on poles. Utilities Superintendent Petersen advised they had not yet.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Utilities Superintendent Petersen reviewed recent sewer cleaning that was performed on Railway Street and sewer line to the lift station.

Finance Committee Report: Clerk Hedrick reviewed options for utility billing software. It was agreed to upgrade the current software.

Health & Welfare Committee: Clerk Hedrick reminded Safety Committee members that a safety meeting would need to take place soon. Hedrick reported nine unlicensed dogs, citations will be sent the end of the week for those still not in compliance. Hedrick reported two reminder letters had been sent to residents regarding parking trucks being unauthorized on Village streets.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Discussion on the status of the park was had. Sprinklers continue to be worked on. Tree removal and replacement was discussed. Estimates will be requested in order to apply for the Nebraska Forest Service grant. Bohochik will research into costs and possibility of new playground equipment.

Motion by Griffiths and seconded by Bohochik to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 8:11 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday May 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.