October 19, 2026 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00pm on Monday October 19, 2026 at the Village Office by Clerk T. Hedrick in order to establish quorum. 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: Trustee H.A. Windecker, Trustee K. Moore, Trustee J. Stewart. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent J. McCorkle, Clerk T. Hedrick, and members of the public Cricket Reagan, Louis Hoak, Linda Zahl, Lisa Fox, Jen Moore, Rick Hageman, Katrina McCorkle, Sabrinna Morgan and Dustin Ladenburger.

Motion by Windecker and seconded by Stewart to appoint Moore as Chairman pro tempore. Roll call: Ayes: Windecker, Stewart, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried and Moore assumed the position of Chairman pro tempore.

Clerk Hedrick advised both Chairman S. Hanes and Vice-Chairman P. Bohochik had reported that they would be absent from the meeting. Motion by Stewart and second by Windecker to approve the absence of Hanes and Bohochik from the current meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Windecker, Stewart, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Louis Hoak expressed concerns regarding the submission of surveys or neighbor agreement for fence permits issued. Village Ordinance was reviewed.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Utilities Superintendent McCorkle advised the company scheduled to do transformer testing was having issues with its delivery company and expected to have an update during the week.

Trustee Windecker reported that she had been in contact with the individual completing welcome sign updates. The individual advised that the signs would be completed by October 31, 2026.

Discussion was held regarding the nuisance property abatement program. A representative from West Central Nebraska Development District was not present. Clerk Hedrick will follow up and invite a representative to attend the next regular meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Discussion was held regarding ditch maintenance. Utilities Superintendent McCorkle reported employees have been working on removing debris. McCorkle expressed concerns about fiber lines in the area and discussed the need to leave the culvert one third full to prevent wash outs. Drainage levels and grades were discussed.

Routine Village Maintenance Items: Utilities Superintendent McCorkle advised the majority of the complaints have been addressed. Trash items are being stored at the lift station until a full load is gathered to take to the transfer station. Discussion was held on the continued use of work orders to improve tracking and documentation of maintenance activities. Discussion was held on the replacement and repair of benches at the Village park. Members of the public expressed concern about potential future vandalism. McCorkle stated no vandalism has taken place since security cameras were installed. Member of the public Lisa Fox expressed a preference for matching benches to create a uniform look. McCorkle will get a total count on benches needing replacement or repair.

Truck Parking Violation was discussed. Utilities Superintendent McCorkle stated he has spoken with the individual regarding parking on private property. Trustee Stewart discussed weight requirements outlined in Village truck parking ordinance.

Motion by Stewart and second by Windecker to postpone review and consideration of increase of customer electric rates to the next meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Windecker, Stewart, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Discussion was held regarding employee on-call compensation. Motion by Stewart and second by Moore to table the consideration of on-call compensation until the next meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Windecker, Stewart, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Purchase of skid steer angle broom attachment was discussed. Utilities Superintendent McCorkle explained that the proposed attachment is not a containment unit, unlike the unit currently owned by the Village. McCorkle reported a purchase price of $9700 with $2000 trade-in credit for the existing broom attachment. Motion by Stewart and second by Moore to approve purchase of skid steer angle broom attachment for $9700 with $2000 credit for trade in for a total cost of $7700. Roll call: Ayes: Windecker, Stewart, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Cost and need of replacement streetlights was discussed. McCorkle reported that if purchasing ten or more lights the cost would be close to $200 rather than $230 per light. Motion by Windecker and second by Stewart to purchase ten replacements streetlights. Roll call: Ayes: Windecker, Stewart, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Hanes, Bohochik. Motion carried.

Solid waste dumpster repairs discussed. Utilities Superintendent McCorkle reviewed cost of purchasing a new dumpster. Potential contacts for companies that can repair the existing dumpsters were discussed. McCorkle will complete an inventory of dumpsters needing repairs.

Member of the public Louis Hoak asked for clarification regarding the Village’s response to his question about reimbursement for property damage. Hoak was requested to submit documentation of the damage, receipts of replacement or repair cost, or an estimate from insurance claim. Louis Hoak inquired about repairs completed at Trustee Windecker’s property. Windecker explained that previous employees had scheduled the repairs but due to staff changes the repairs hadn’t been completed. Hoak inquired about maintenance of the ditch near his neighbor’s property. McCorkle explained that maintenance will continue on the ditches throughout town.

Employee Report: Nothing new to report.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Projects for the 1&6 Year Plan were discussed.

Electricity Committee Report: Trustee Moore inquired about upgrading the fence around transformers. Utilities Superintendent McCorkle advised that the transformers needed to be replaced and then the fence would no longer be necessary. McCorkle was instructed to begin obtaining quotes and reviewing options for the repairs.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Utilities Superintendent McCorkle advised the water tower painting should be finished this week.

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Health & Welfare Committee: Nothing new to report.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: McCorkle reported the trees near the welcome sign had been trimmed but may need additional trimming. Trustee Windecker inquired about scheduling a committee meeting to discuss swimming pool maintenance items. McCorkle will schedule a meeting after the swimming pool is drained.

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

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday November 16, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.