January 20, 2026 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Tuesday January 20, 2026 at the Village Office by Chairman S. Hanes. Notice of the meeting was posted in three public places: Village Clerk’s Office, MNB Bank Stratton, and United States Post Office Stratton. 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 J. Stewart, Trustee P. Bohochik, Trustee K.R. Moore. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent J. McCorkle, Assistant Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, Clerk T. Hedrick, Village Attorney Jon Schroeder, and member of the public Jen Moore.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to excuse the absence of H.A. Windecker from the current regular board meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Stewart, Moore, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried.           

OPEN FORUM:

No comments.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Unsafe buildings: Attorney Schroeder reviewed the process to declare a property unsafe and procedures to put the property in compliance with ordinances. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to approve Resolution to appoint Kenneth Rick Moore as building inspector for the Village of Stratton. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Stewart, Moore, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried.

Ordinance was read on Permit of Use of Village Streets and Property. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to approve second reading of Ordinance to Allow for Permit of Use of Village Streets and Property. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Stewart, Moore, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried on second reading of Ordinance and third and final reading scheduled for the next regular board of trustees meeting.

Security camera quotes reviewed and discussed. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to look into the Night Owl cameras for the shop with a limit of $1500. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Stewart, Moore, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried. Trustee Stewart will research quotes for discussed specifications.

Chairman Hanes called a short recess at 7:46pm. Meeting called back to order at 7:49pm.

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by Hanes and second by Moore to approve Program Income Report for CDBG OOR. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Stewart, Hanes, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried.

Motion by Stewart and second by Hanes to approve de-obligating CDBG Owner Occupied Rehab funds and donating the funds to Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Stewart, Hanes, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried.

Motion by Hanes and second by Stewart to approve fence permit at 508 Nebraska. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Stewart, Hanes, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried.

Motion by Stewart and seconded by Hanes to approve building permit at 510 Baxter. Roll call: Ayes: Stewart, Hanes, Moore. Nays: None. Abstain: Bohochik. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried.

Motion by Stewart and seconded by Hanes to approve park mowing and maintenance bid for 2026 from Andrew’s Landscaping as presented. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Stewart, Hanes, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried.

Employee Report: Utilities Superintendent McCorkle discussed backflow & cross connection control certification and pesticide applicator certification that he would like to attend. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to approve Utilities Superintendent McCorkle to attend backflow & cross connection control certification and pesticide applicator certification training. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Stewart, Hanes, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried. McCorkle will continue to look into electrical training. Trustee Stewart reviewed the employee handbook and noted several items that he believed needed updated. Updated employee handbook will be considered for approval at the next regular meeting. It was noted that the cleaning employee will continue to be on leave for approximately eight more weeks. With no objection, leave without pay for this time was approved.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: McCorkle reported that many potholes have been repaired.

Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: McCorkle reported that a Level II assessment was triggered due to a second positive coliform sample within 12 months and disinfection process has begun.

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Health & Welfare Committee: McCorkle reported they sent notice of trash nuisance at one property. Discussion on living conditions of the property.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: McCorkle will be working on tree trimming at the park

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Stewart, Moore, Bohochik. Nays: None. Absent: Windecker. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday February 17, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.