August 17, 2026 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Monday, August 17, 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 copy of the “Open Meetings Act” was available. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session.

Present: Trustee S. Hanes, Trustee H.A. Windecker, Trustee P. Bohochik, Trustee K. Moore, Trustee J. Stewart. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent J. McCorkle, Clerk T. Hedrick, and members of the public Lisa Fox, Linda Zahl, Cricket Reagan, Phyllis Medrano, and Tyler Horacek with Ozon Roofing. 

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Lisa Fox addressed the board regarding information that a past visioning session had identified a need for property beautification. Lisa asked that the board keep the Stratton Community Foundation in mind for possible financial assistance for any future projects regarding nuisance property clean up.

Member of the public Phyllis Medrano discussed needed repairs she has noticed at the public swimming pool and stated that there are several members of the public that have expressed interest to her in volunteering labor and tools to complete the maintenance.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

The insurance appraisal for recent storm damage claim was reviewed.

The Board reviewed and discussed the bids received for the Village Office roof replacement. The Board agreed to further evaluate the submissions prior to making an award. Consideration of the bids was continued to a special meeting for Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm.

Utilities Superintendent McCorkle advised that it would be another week before transformers were picked up for testing.

Motion by Stewart and second by Moore to approve Rates Resolution 551 establishing backflow testing inspection fees. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Utilities Superintendent McCorkle advised the painting of welcome signs are still being completed.

Motion by Windecker and second by Bohochik to approve Resolution 552 establishing a stop sign on northbound traffic on Bristol Street at the intersection of Hamilton Street. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by Stewart and second by Hanes to recommend approval of a Special Designated License for the Recreation Club and closure of Bailey Street from Howard to Railway Street for the BBQ and dance for September 26, 2026. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Hanes and second by Stewart to recommend approval of a Special Designated License for the Recreation Club at 101 Howard Street for September 26, 2026. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Bohochik and second by Windecker to approve street closure of Bailey Street from Hitchcock to Howard Street for public parade on September 26, 2026. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Stewart and second by Hanes to approve building permit at 305 Boyle. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Windecker and second by Stewart to approve Resolution 553 Signing of the Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance 2026. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Employment application for coverage of remaining days open at the swimming pool was reviewed. Motion by Bohochik and second by Stewart to approve the application. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion by Windecker and second by Stewart to hire Jyssica Forch as lifeguard for the remaining swimming pool season at the wage of $15.00 per hour. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Discussion was held regarding compensation to lifeguards for scheduled workdays on which the board-ordered pool closure prevented them from working. The Board discussed appreciation for the three lifeguards who continued working through the remainder of the pool season. Motion by Windecker and second by Bohochik to approve a one-time wage adjustment for swimming pool employees Selah Lozano in the amount of $308.00, Molly Ladenburger in the amount of $231.00, and Autumn Sutton in the amount of $231.00. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

The need to increase water usage rates was discussed. Board members would like to see a water rate study completed and discussed billing a separate rate for bulk water supply.

Clerk Hedrick submitted past-due accounts for which previous collection efforts had been unsuccessful. Motion by Stewart and second by Hanes to write off three past-due accounts. Roll call: Ayes: Moore, Windecker, Hanes, Stewart, Bohochik. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Employee Report: Nothing new to report.

Streets, Alley and Landfill Report: McCorkle advised that alley maintenance is needed due to recent rains. The tree dump has been left open for the State of Nebraska Department of Transportation to access to bring in concrete and the grass dump has been left open due to hornets inside the gate. Discussion on asphalt and millings available for street repairs.  

Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: McCorkle advised he will be working on a water leak at a meter pit tomorrow. Sewer jetter use was discussed.

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Health & Welfare Committee: Clerk Hedrick submitted a letter from West Central Nebraska Development District regarding membership with them. Benefits were discussed and considered. Trustee inquired about the USDA Rural Development Grant Program. Clerk Hedrick also inquired about nuisance property clean up process and the availability of funding from Stratton Community Foundation.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Trustee Hanes inquired as to when the contract ended with the mowing company. Member of the public Linda Zahl expressed concern regarding continuing maintenance of the grass at the park if it’s no longer contracted to the mowing company.

Motion by Hanes and second by Windecker to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Windecker, Bohochik, Hanes, Moore, Stewart. Nays: None. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:21 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday September 21, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.