September 21, 2026 Minutes

A Public Hearing of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was held on Monday September 21, 2026 at 7:00 pm CT at the Village Office. Notice of the hearing was posted and availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice. Present: Chairman S. Hanes, Trustee P. Bohochik, Trustee H.A. Windecker, Trustee K.R. Moore. Also in attendance were: Clerk T. Hedrick, and members of the public Joel Richardson, Cindy Richardson, Chet Bridge, Louis Hoak, Linda Zahl, Jennifer Moore, Sabrinna Morgan and Deb Clingan.

Chairman Hanes declared the Public Hearing for comments for the Village Budget open at 7:01pm. The Village budget was reviewed. There were no questions or comments made by the public. Chairman Hanes declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:03pm.

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:03pm on Monday September 21, 2026 at the Village Office by Chairman 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 copy of the “Open Meetings Act” was available. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session.

Present: Chairman S. Hanes, Trustee P. Bohochik, Trustee H.A. Windecker, Trustee K. Moore. Also in attendance were: Clerk T. Hedrick, and members of the public Joel Richardson, Cindy Richardson, Chet Bridge, Louis Hoak, Linda Zahl, Jennifer Moore, Sabrinna Morgan and Deb Clingan. Chairman Hanes noted that Trustee Stewart had called that he would be unable to attend the meeting.

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan inquired whether chickens and rabbits are permitted within the Village. It was stated that chicken are not permitted and there are no restrictions on rabbits. Member of the public Jennifer Moore spoke on behalf of the Stratton Community Foundation regarding financial assistance with property cleanup. Moore discussed the benefits of utilizing services from an organization such as West Central Nebraska Development District for nuisance abatement. Moore would like to invite a representative to speak to the board at the next regular meeting. Member of the public Deb Clingan asked about abandoned vehicles on private property. Village ordinances will be reviewed. Clingan also inquired about the use of funds collected through permit fees and whether fees could be charged for inoperable vehicles. Member of the public Louis Hoak discussed the continued drainage issue near his property. Hoak stated that Village employees had informed him that they would no longer be mowing ditches. Hoak inquired about spraying and mowing weeds on Village property. Hoak was informed the issue of ditch drainage will be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting. Hoak also inquired about the use of Village equipment by Board members and employees and requested clarification regarding the issuance of and refusal to sign ordinance citations. Member of the public Linda Zahl spoke regarding welcoming new residents to the community and expressed her desire for weeds to be cleaned up throughout the Village, stating that she believes such efforts make a difference throughout the community. Discussion was held regarding community cleanup and trimming tree and bushes near the west welcome sign in the park.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Utilities Superintendent McCorkle was not present but left a note stating that the company was scheduled to pick up transformers for testing on Thursday or Friday.

Utilities Superintendent McCorkle left a note that the individual completing the painting project on welcome signs still needed to complete touch up painting on one sign and apply sealant on the other. No timeframe for completion was communicated. Trustee Windecker will contact the individual regarding completion of the project.

Nuisance property process and enforcement will be discussed further after representative from West Central Nebraska Development District has presented to the board at a later meeting. Member of the public Tara Hedrick expressed her desire for the Board to follow up regarding the consequences of nuisance letters that have been sent to properties.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution 555- Property Tax Request: Motion by Bohochik and seconded by Hanes to approve Resolution 555 setting the property tax request. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Windecker, Moore, Hanes. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

2026-2027 Budget Ordinance: Motion by Bohochik and seconded by Moore to suspend the three readings of 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Hanes, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Motion by Windecker and seconded by Hanes to adopt 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance #223. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Hanes, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Ordinance 223

2026-2027 Budget Ordinance

AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE BUDGET STATEMENT TO BE TERMED THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION BILL; TO APPROPRIATE SUMS FOR NECESSARY EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CHAIRPERSON AND THE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON:

Section 1.  That after complying with all procedures required by law, the budget presented and set forth in the budget statement is hereby approved as the Annual Appropriations Bill for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. All sums of money contained in the budget statement are hereby appropriated for the necessary expenses and liabilities of the Village of Stratton. A copy of the budget document shall be forwarded as provided by law to the Auditor of Public Accounts, State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska, and to the County Clerk of Hitchcock County, Nebraska, for use by the levying authority.

Section 2.  This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage, approval, and publication or posting as required by law.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 21^st DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2026.

The bucket truck invoice from Richardson Industries for stabilization of an electric pole was reviewed. Chairman Hanes inquired whether Richardson Industries had comparable invoices or documentation showing the rate charged. Other estimates, obtained for comparison from other companies, were also reviewed. Cindy Richardson stated that the Utilities Superintendent was aware of the pole being compromised approximately two weeks prior to the pole falling. No Board members present indicated they had been informed of the situation with pole prior to the Friday it fell. Joel Richardson advised that he charged his standard rate. Discussion was held regarding the fact that no rate had been discussed prior to the work and the emergency conditions of the situation. Richardson stated that Utilities Supeintendent had refused to come back to town on the Friday the pole fell and that Richardson Industries was called to hold the pole up. Richardson further stated that no one requested an estimate until three days after the bucket truck arrived. Chairman Hanes inquired whether Richardson was willing to negotiate the amount charged. Richardson indicated that he was not willing to change the rate. Chairman Hanes requested that Richardson Industries provide comparable invoices demonstrating the rate charged, after which the Board will discuss the matter further.

Fence permit on Railway Street for the Farmers Co-Op was reviewed. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Windecker to approve fence permit application on Railway Street for the Farmer Co-Op. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Hanes, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Fence permit for 507 Bayard was reviewed and discussed. Motion by Bohochik and seconded by Moore to approve fence permit application at 507 Bayard. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Abstain: Hanes. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Windecker to approve prepaid propane purchase of 3000 gallons from Farmers Cooperative for the 2026-2027 year. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Hanes, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Hitch & Hay local match request was reviewed. Motion by Windecker and seconded by Moore to approve paying local match request to Hitch & Hay in the amount of $2588.00. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Hanes, Windecker, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Discussion regarding damage to sidewalk at 509 Hamilton. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to remove the dead tree due to water maintenance in lieu of replacing the concrete at 509 Hamilton. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Hanes, Moore. Nays: None. Abstain: Windecker. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Employee Report: Nothing new to report.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan inquired about installing curb and gutter on the south side of Howland Street. Utilities Superintendent McCorkle will be instructed to investigate drainage on this street. Member of the public Linda Zahl inquired about the review and maintenance of sidewalks. Trustee Bohochik inquired about truck parking on Village streets.

Electricity Committee Report: Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan stated that Utilities Superintendent McCorkle had informed her last spring that her electric meter would be moved from her house to the pole. Morgan stated that she would be having new siding installed in a few weeks and would appreciate having the meter moved prior to that work. Clerk Hedrick informed the board that the annual meeting with Southwest Public Power District needed to be scheduled, and availability was discussed.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Water tower maintenance project was discussed. Discussion was held regarding the use of a different location for pressure relief and water runoff. Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan mentioned damage to lawn sprinkler at Grandview caused by a company vehicle driving on the lawn.

Finance Committee Report: Utility Department employees are requesting compensation for on-call hours. The matter will be discussed at the next regular board meeting for consideration. Status of implementing the new time clock system was discussed.

Health & Welfare Committee: Nothing new to report.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Updates regarding swimming pool repairs from storm damage were discussed. It was noted that water will remain in the swimming pool while the water tower is offline for backup emergency use by the fire department. It was noted that concessions performed well during the season. A thank you letter was submitted from community members expressing appreciation for a successful swimming pool season.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Windecker to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Windecker, Hanes, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday October 19, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.