June 15, 2026 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Monday, June 15, 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 the 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 H.A. Windecker, Trustee K.R. Moore. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent J. McCorkle, Clerk T. Hedrick, Assistant Utilities Superintendent Stout, Deputy Clerk D. Burk and members of the public Cricket Reagan, Sabrinna Morgan, Katrina League, Greg Willhite, John Steen, Jennifer Jones, and Denise Willhite.

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

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan thanked Assistant Utilities Superintendent Stout for information regarding the electric system at Grandview. Member of the public Denise Willhite inquired if there was any possibility of relocating the speed limit sign by the east entrance to town. Hanes advised that the sign was under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, but there may be a possibility after the ongoing highway project is completed. Willhite also inquired if the sewer drain by her property could be cleaned out. McCorkle stated he would clean it out.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Utilities Superintendent McCorkle stated that he is waiting on a truck to pick up five transformers that are needing testing. He advised that any transformers that fail testing must be dispose of and cost of disposal is $1.50 per pound with the transformers weighing approximately 550 pounds each. He advised average testing will cost from $25 to $1800. With no objection it was agreed to have three of the transformers tested at this time. Discussion was also held regarding a company that sells refurbished transformers.

Backflow Testing Inspection Fee: McCorkle advised that the cost of a rebuild kit for the Village backflow device cost $432.85; however he has not had contact with the other locations with backflow devices regarding their interest or availability. Testing of the device is not required until later this year. The test fee will be tabled until interest can be confirmed.

Employee refreshment and travel meal policy was reviewed. Motion by Hanes and second by Windecker to adopt the employee policy as presented. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart, Bohochik. Motion carried.

The submitted water tower design was reviewed. Motion by Hanes and second by Moore to approve the submitted design with the stipulation that the maintenance quote does not increase. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart, Bohochik. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Discussion was held regarding the repair of water curb stop and pit at 412 Bristol Street. After review the board instructed McCorkle to contact the home owner and lower the meter pit to ground level and going forward, a specific date should be scheduled for replacements and repairs with the property owners in order for them to be present if desired.

McCorkle reported that Sharanda Viter is scheduled to paint the village welcome signs this coming Saturday, June 20^th. McCorkle advised that once the paint is dry the lights will only take minutes to install.

Motion by Hanes and second by Windecker to approve fence permit at 410 Bayard Street. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Discussion held regarding tree trimming near the county bridge south of town. The board had no objection with providing mutual support to the County Department.

Motion by Hanes and second by Windecker to renew time deposit certificate. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Employee Report: McCorkle advised Assistant Utilities Superintendent Stout is scheduled to take the water operator examination on July 6^th.

Streets, Alley and Landfill Report: McCorkle reported Figgens will be in town within the next week to complete street repairs. Discussion was held regarding excess gravel needing to be removed from Bailey Street.

Electricity Committee Report: McCorkle reported that he repaired a line to a streetlight that was damaged by farm equipment. McCorkle also stated that power would need to be disconnected on the west side of town to trim more tree limbs and connect a new service.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: McCorkle reported that only four water meters remain in need of repair.

Finance Committee Report: Letter of acknowledgment of responsibilities for budget report with AMGL was signed by Chairman Hanes. Hanes reminded staff and board trustees to begin preparing for budget workshop.

Health & Welfare Committee: Nothing new to report.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: McCorkle advised that he had a load of limestone had been applied to the park parking lot. He stated the swimming pool sand filter had been raked once but he believed the chlorinator isn’t working correctly. There was discussion on responsibilities and communication at the swimming pool with adding and recording chlorine and pool shock. Windecker asked for clarification on swimming pool season pass holders. It was agreed that all family members on each season pass must reside in the same household. Windecker stated the swimming pool manager requested to close the swimming pool on Father’s Day. It was agreed that the swimming pool would be open for regularly scheduled days including Father’s Day and Independence Day. McCorkle reported that there has been no further graffiti or damage at the park, however one camera isn’t getting sufficient sunlight to keep the battery charged and will be moved and another need reset often due to not properly syncing. Stout asked about posting video surveillance signs.

Motion by Hanes and second by Moore to adjourn the meeting. Moore advised that he will be absent from the July regular meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Windecker, Moore, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Bohochik, Stewart. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday July 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.