City Council - Regular Meeting

like to call this meeting the shattering city council order. Would you please join us in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. As required by section 84-1412 subsection 8 of the Nebraska statutes, notice is hereby given that a copy of the opens meeting act is posted for your examination on the wall inside the door to the city council chambers. Before we have roll call, I'd like to welcome our guest to this evening's meeting. Could we have roll call, please? George Klene

here. Shane Shepard here. Mark Graves absent. Kevin Alexi here. Clay Anderson here. We get a motion to approve the consent of the agenda. I'll make a motion to approve the agenda. I'll second. Motion by Kevin, second by Clay to approve the agenda because we have roll call, please. Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. Klene, yes. Shepard, yes. We have a motion to approve the consent agenda. I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda. I'll second.

Motion by Shane, second by Kevin to approve the consent agenda, which includes minutes for the city council meeting held March 16th. Um, we had attached to it a list of certifications earned by the city employees and I can I just like to kind of read them off. I think it's kind of important. Um, appreciate they're getting certified to do these things. Taylor Murray for in the water department pesticide spraying. Brandon Hartzell in the parks department for pesticide spraying. Steven Standard in the parks department reertification for pesticide spraying. Ben Schaefer in the parks department. Same reertification for pesticide spraying. and Jared Mays in the wastewater department reertification for pesticide spraying. Jared Mays in the wastewater has a grade two wastewater certification. And we have CDLs by Ryan Shield, Dustin Tigs, and Steve Cravy. And Dustin Glass moved from a class B superintendent to a class A superintendent. Um there are special designated licenses that were administratively approved Nights of Columbus and SHA at the for the Shadron State College Healthc Care Professions Banquet Assumption Arena on April 10th. Um and that is all. So, anyone have any

questions or comments about anything on the consent agenda? If not, could we have roll call, please? Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. Klene, yes. Shepard, yes.

Okay. And we are now scheduled to have a public hearing to consider the Chatron 2026 comprehensive plan. And the hour being 604, we're open this public hearing. All right. Thank you, Mayor Klene and members of the council. My name is Emily Weber and I'm a planner with Heirs Associates. Um, today we are going over There we go. There are the slides. Um, the Shattering Comprehensive Plan Update of 2026. So, again, thank you for having me here tonight. Um, you know, my colleagues as well, Josh Olhaba and Lindsay Wilson, who were here throughout the entire process. um they were not able to make it tonight so you are stuck with me but again happy to be here tonight. So um why did we update the comprehensive plan? Um first a comp plan is required by state statute. So um the previous comp plan was last updated in 2020 2015. So um updates are made periodically to make sure that the comprehensive plan is aligning with the community. Um staff um has been working on this throughout the process as well. So, um it's been really great to get to know Janet, Katie, and Tom throughout the entire process. Um but ultimately, um they hired heirs to help with the update. So, um as part of the comp plan, there are goals and strategies that help guide, um zoning decisions, land use um recommendations, as well as like infrastructure updates and and everything like that that the city has to go through and and make these big decisions. So, um the comprehensive plan is just a guiding document that the city

can use as far as um making those decisions and making sure that it aligns with the community priorities. Um having an updated comp plan does help with funding opportunities as well. So, um it makes grant applications stronger by having an updated comp plan and that is part of the effort as well um is just bolstering those um applications. Next slide. So, I'll go over the planning process. It's been almost a year. We started last summer with the kickoff or maybe last June, July. Um, and we start by um taking in previous planning efforts and understanding the um local community and and building on what we already know and and checking in to see what is aligning and what isn't aligning. Throughout the process, we also do a lot of community engagement, which is how I got to know a lot of you all. Um, it was there were multiple efforts throughout the last several months. We um were at we had stakeholder meetings. We had open houses. We were at community events including bands on Berdau and the harvest moon fallest. We went to Shaturn State College. We were at high school classrooms. Um, we had a survey going out. But um so we had lots of different touch points with the community and that was really what guided the goals and strategies that you see in the comp plan. So everything was based either within those you know one-on-one conversations that we had taking in those survey responses and building off of those and um the existing planning efforts. So um the community engagement portion was a big process. From there we gathered the visions and core values, built the goals and strategies and built out the plan. Uh planning commission did review this at their last

well February

February. Um so maybe not their last meeting but planning commission did review this and provide um comments and updates that we incorporated into the draft that you see in your packet tonight. And that is how we are here um at council meetings. So, it's the final phase of um the comp plan effort. Next slide. Here is just um a highlight of the survey responses that we got. So, we did get 357 responses with the survey that went out. Um it was open for a few months. Um but we were really happy with those with that number of responses. Generally, we heard that people really value the community part of Shadin and the people here and really um valued the small town feel that they have. Um they feel safe, they feel comfortable, they like their neighbors. Um so generally the responses were really optimistic and we heard a lot about how great it is to raise a family here. So it was a really good opportunity to hear um from the community. Of course, we also heard that there are challenges. Um, some of the big ones being housing um, as far as just housing options and having those be available to people um, and families and and students. Um, and then we also heard a lot about um, or the priority of maintaining and improving public facilities. We heard a lot about um streets and infrastructure throughout this process, but generally again it was a very optimistic um take and we heard a lot of positive feedback about the community. Um but all of the survey and engagement process is outlined in the comp plan. So that's just a very high level overview. Um but from this engagement that is how like I previously stated we um developed the goals and strategies that you see in the comp plan. Um, next slide, please.

So, with all of the feedback that we received, we were able to compile it all and and categorize it into these four core values. So, we identified these as being the top values from um community engagement and from conversations with people um from you all as well. Um but those four being housing that fits and generally just focusing on attainability, affordability and the you know housing options that are available. Uh we identified connected community that talks a lot about um local economy and supporting um the you know economic vitality here in Shadron and then also collaboration as far as um you know those local and key um leaders within the community and having strong regional partnerships as well. Everyday livability talks about mobility. That's where the transportation and streets and infrastructure comes into play. Um but there we also talk a lot about natural beauty. That was one of the top priorities that people had um when talking about Shadron was just the natural beauty of the area and having access to these amenities. Um and then resilient roots. So this talks about leaderships um engagement that's uh trying to get younger generations involved in in positions like council and planning commission. and then community pride and just beautifification efforts that can take place. Um so all of that was identified through the engagement. Um but then next slide we talk about plan foundations. So these are like the key planning elements that we look at um in a comp plan. We have housing, economic development, transportation, um parks and trails and then utilities and um public infrastructure. So these um foundations we we looked at existing conditions. So

we kind of took a data approach there um and overlaid that with the soft sciences from the engagement to really develop the rest of the plan. Um part of this you see like statute requirements come through with like the energy component that's um in the comp plan and making sure that we align with those requirements. Next slide. Um, as part of this comp plan update, we created a future land use map. Um, this is a again kind of a standard component from a comprehensive plan standpoint. Um, but this is where we look at um how land is currently being used and what it's int or or what it's intended to be in the future. So, um, how to target growth and redevelopment opportunities and what you would like to see on those um particular sites or general areas. So these classific class classifications um are not it's not zoning. So it's not meant to regulate the site or the areas but intended to um you know provide a a guided redevelopment road roadmap essentially. Um this was also brought to some of the engagement efforts. So there were some tweaks that happened along the way to make sure that it was aligning with what people envision um for their community. Next slide. So compiling all of that, we have our community engagement, we have our plan foundations, we have the future land use map, and that all helps um support and identify those goals and strategies. So um we took those four core elements and then outlined the goals and strategies under each of those um values, four core values. Um so I didn't list all of them on the screen. Those are um definitely more in depth in the comp plan, but again identifying those values and um goals and strategies that can come into play within those values.

So we have housing that fits again talking about housing diversity options and availability. Um connected community talking about the local economy and um community partners. Next slide please. Everyday livability. These goals talk about um community amenities, transportation um or like roads and infrastructure and multimodal options um in the trail system and then resilient roots talking about um you know the next generation of leaders and um general beautifification efforts and preserving Shadron's history and showcasing it for that fact. Um so other plan elements um we have the implementation table which takes all those goals and strategies and um identifies potential partnerships and um timelines. We have a housing deep dive which really took a more of a a data approach to the current housing situation in Shadron and talked about the um for sale and for rent market and identified some um you know missing links there. a commercial corridor study. It wasn't a complete study, but it did identify um the core commercial areas along the highways and um you know, we identified some undeveloped or blighted sites and and highlighting opportunities that could come into play within that corridor. Um the alternative truck route looked at different truck routes um getting truck traffic off of Main Street and routing on the west and east side of the town. So we brought that to some community engagement events as well and got feedback on those routes. We have a brownfield program summary which identifies um some of the efforts and the existing and ongoing brownfield grant that you all are working on and how that comes into play with comp plan. Um and then a general engagement summary

which takes all of the engagement events and highlights those core or key takeaways from each of those events and exactly where we were at and when. and in the general data tables and maps. So, um just that you have all the information um used and created to help guide the comp plan effort is in there. Um and that is all I have. Um very high level overview cuz I wanted to provide opportunity or question time for you all to ask me anything or you know talk about it and take public comment.

Okay. I I spent some time last night looking over it. It's far from reading every word, which I would like to if I had the time. But for instance, in housing, could you give us a summary of what you think it should be? because I picked out one thing and that was parking a for lack of a better term constructing a another little house on a house that Mhm. on a lot that already has a house.

Yeah. And then to me, I said, "Wow, when I drive up and down some of these streets, I I yesterday I was at work and then I had to go to mass at St. Pats and I go down fourth street and there's this one house that has four vehicles out there that haven't pro some of them I don't think have been moved for a long long time." and I thought, my golly, that's gonna just contribute to that kind of problem. Yeah. So, go over what you envision as housing in next 10 years.

So, as part of the housing deep dive, um, some of the areas that could use a little bit more support or focus would be diversifying the housing stock. there's a lot of the um same type of housing options which make it really hard to either move up or down or downsize if you're you know looking to downsize or maybe looking to grow your family. So it limits the possibility of movement within the housing chain and um that was a core theme that we saw in the data as well as um feedback just from hearing people talk about their experience trying to find housing whether that be rental or market. So um you know just limited options as far as moving through um just housing through your life. Um one of the ways to look at that um is looking at accessory dwelling units which is what you are referring to and which we did identify. Um and the recommendation there is looking to see where it would fit. ADUs um do add density to a site, but they often help have some of those um you know multi-generational components or places for um you know people to age in place while still supporting families um or just providing another option which is what it was trying to respond to is just providing another option. Um, those types of units are recommended at on like larger lots that can support the higher density or maybe blend in a little bit more whether it's like within an already existing accessory structure or like a basement unit or you know something like that. Um, but that was where that recommendation came from was trying to help bolster housing options.

Well, all this the housing is especially boils down to available dollars and

um at breakfast this morning I was talking to Emily, my wife, not you. Um, I said, "Okay, we had a couple gentlemen probably 15 years ago now who decided it'd be a great idea to build some housing close to Prairie Pines where they could um people could buy these and they build a duplex there and they weren't able to sell the duplexes, you know, and I don't think They intended to sell the duplex to one person and then that person ran out the other side. I think they undivided building or however they described that in legal terms, but they ended up having to move into it themselves. And in con conjunction with that, they poured a slab for the next one. Well, guess what? That slab's still sitting there.

Mhm. and probably is not usable anymore. I have no idea. Maybe it is. But but how do we overcome that, you know, is is someone who's willing to take a chance on building something like that with the idea that you're going to probably lose 10% of your money if it sells. And and that's um First National Bank in North Plat probably 25 years ago, maybe less, built a couple speck houses and it took them a long time and guess what? They never came back and did another one.

Mhm. Uh because they lost money on it. I I know they did, but um you know, yeah, how do we overcome that?

That is a a a good point. You need to have people taking that chance if they if they want to. But the point of the recommendation was just allowing that to be an option. Um it would have to be, you know, implemented in the zone district. So, it it's, you know, by approving it as a recommendation wouldn't necessarily approve it as a a zoning regulation. Um, but it it's something that we could look at if it's not something that you find would fit. Well,

I I mean, I was glad to see the the options there, the diversity of of possibilities. We we haven't talked much about an ADU a as a living space, but the last couple meetings we've talked about an ADU as as a possible business location for a resident here in town. Um, so while it's nothing set in stone, it's just that, you know, this is where housing could go in Shadron and I I think that's important to have included in the plan. I also had a question um just on the who took the survey. I I was pleased to see, you know, even though it was a small percentage that K through 12 and college student engagement in there. um is is that a requirement to approach those groups or is that something that heirs um just

it's it's not a requirement but it was part of um the conversation that we heard a lot was trying to figure out a way to get you college students involved especially with the lens of thinking of how do we get them to stay here. Um so it was part of the effort. We were intentional about that. We went to um library the library and the dorms and actually like handed out the survey QR code to people and we were like this is really important to be involved. Um so I'm it it was we were happy to see that that effort came through with the results as well.

Yeah. Anyone else have any questions? Anyone out there in the public? I guess I don't know if this is about shattering and but just in general like the the implementation process on other I'm sure you've done more than just shattering. I mean, how how how many of these goals and stuff in general usually get implemented and actually done? Yeah. I mean,

it's one thing to have a plan, but actually do them.

It does take effort as far as staff time and it and that is something that we acknowledge. It takes um you know everyone in this room who's representing staff would you know have to be looking through it and identifying ways to be able to at least approach the subject and start having those conversations. As far as you know what's the percentage that gets completed it varies drastically between city to city and town to town. Um, one thing that is when you when you look back, you know, this is intended to be a 5 10 sometimes 15 10 10 years is usually the sweet spot for an update. Um, and looking back and seeing um what's been done and when we do that, you often see that things are being worked on and talked through, but it takes a long time. So, um, very rarely do we come across like a goal or strategy of, you know, like, oh, I've never even heard of that before. So, um, as far as having like what actually happens, it's different.

It's hard to Sure. It all depends on the economic Well, right. And a lot of it does depend on funding. Um, so whether that's funding through the city or through grant efforts, that makes a big difference. So,

uh could you describe a little bit more on like what you found for economic development?

Yeah, that one um is tricky because again it takes local investment and in dollars. Um the market is is the market and so we have limited control there. Um but as far as um the the conversation that we often came through was you know how can we um create those connections between like the college local workforce and get people involved in talking to each other that helps um maintain the local workforce here so that when people come to school here that they can um find a job here as well. And so part of our um strategies was, you know, finding ways to to create those conversations and and maybe create programs that would help support like internship opportunities or or um those type of collaborations between local workforce and and like who is here I guess the college students. Was there much discussion on like entrepreneurship and trying to bring in new businesses and finding ways to get them to stay?

Yeah, I that is part of it. It was part of the conversation of of just having a strong local economy, but understanding that these the large players that we do have here are also important as far as a regional draw. So um there's a balance there to be had with you know having a big box store and having local shops. So it is that that was part of the conversation of recognizing that we want to bolster the local economy economy but support the regional draws that we get from some of the bigger box stores. Anyone else have any questions? Um, I'm sure that we need to spend some time obviously reading the whole document.

Um, but the hour being 6:29, it is lengthy. Close this public hearing. Awesome. Thank you. Thanks.

Ordinance number 1446 is before the council for its first reading. Please read ordinance number 1446 by title. An ordinance to amend chapter 4, city planning and zoning, article 5, comprehensive plan of the municipal code of the city of Shatter, Nebraska, to repeal all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict therewith, directing the publication of the ordinance, and prescribing the time when this ordinance shall be in full force in effect.

Okay. discussion on this. Um this is an ordinance to adopt this uh comprehensive plan that we just we have it in I understand draft form and it'll be will that be formal final form before we do the final ordinance the reading or yes please

so It's in in draft form right now. We have a few minor edits um highlighted from staff of just typos or hyphen fixes and um of that nature, but it it the unless directed the content wouldn't change.

Okay. Any discussion about what the probably the time that it'll take? Um, you know, we could have two readings, we could have three readings. Um, actually, as thick as it is, and I think the time it ought to be devoted to it, I would suggest maybe having the second reading, not maybe at the next meeting, but the following meeting. But that's just my suggestion. I don't know what the rest I mean

others want to think about it. When when when I got the email saying here it is and then I clicked on it and saw it was 132 pages. I said I cannot read 132 pages on the computer screen and I don't have time to read the whole thing. So I didn't bother to print it. I borrowed Janet's copy to to look at over the weekend. So that's where I Yeah, I'm okay with that. Yeah.

Is it I mean I don't think it's hurt anything. Have the second reading on the May 4th. Sure. Yeah. But I think the key is on something like this, if you have questions or any kind of concerns, if you could relay that to the staff so we can give it to Emily and and have them be able to research or give us any more updates that they may have or right, you know, like she said, it's not a all-encompassing everything. It's it's a suggestions. It's giving us some ideas, things that we haven't looked at in the past or possibly could. So, but it's communication from the council.

Okay. With that being said, we will move on to Mike True Blood, community service officer, his report.

All right. So, I don't have a whole lot since the last meeting. We were going to work on snow and snow removal and you know that didn't work out. That wasn't too hard, was it? No, that that was the easy part. You know, won't take a half hour to explain the tribulations. There was snow removal this winter.

No, everybody did a really good job cuz we didn't have any. So, um, but if you looked at that report, um, out of 131 violations for vegetation and sight obstructions, 124 been taken care of, and that's pretty close to 95%. So, that's pretty good. And then, uh, oh, we got rid of some trailers on the street. Abandoned pickup and and a trailer got taken care of. um vehicles parked over a sidewalk for months that finally got moved so on 10th Street. So, we did that. Um other than that, we're just I'm working on an abandoned vehicle now and we're going to be working on weed violations and looking for more trees and bushes and that kind of stuff. So, we'll get busy.

Like looking at your like violations to what got fixed, it looks like it's really good. Yeah, it's pretty it is pretty good. Is it most time people just don't know or or don't? Yeah, most of the people Well, I don't know if they didn't know or not. I haven't talked personally to all of them. You know, we sent out letters, but a few people didn't know. Yeah. That they got back to me and most people take care of it pretty quick.

A lot of times I think when Mike is talking to them, they're it's more of a refresher. They know about it, but they see it time and time again, and you know, you just walk right by it. But now that it's being pointed out and with what Mike is doing, he's been very good about communicating with the the public and getting his list of contacts up and getting his knowledge of what the everything needs to be done. He's really um enhanced a lot of areas and there's still more work to do, but he's still fairly new in this position and it is a a new position itself uh for the city uh for what we're asking Mike to do. So, um, yeah, he's he's still got some more Yeah, it's great

learning curve to do, but what he's done has been very, very good with the help of Janet and the, uh, Rick Hickstein and the police force been very helpful helping him go through this stuff. A lot of people said, "Oh, I've been meaning to get to that." You know, they just hadn't done it yet. So, so yeah, for heard all good things. So good. I I note there's not too many parking violations there. No. Um ju just kind of what we were talking about before where George has seen a lot of cars uh you know some some density of on street parking that there's that may be the case if there's not off- streetet parking but we don't have a lot of abandoned vehicles or anything like that.

No no not really because you know as long as their tires are up and their plates are good they're not abandoned usually. So, but we had a lot of um vehicles go to the salvage yard that um that they think are attributed to us, but it's not. Oh. Oh, maybe people are just trying to clean stuff up, you know, knowing that we're paying attention. You're you're striking fear into people's heart.

That's probably it. Yeah, that's probably it. Well, yesterday I drove past a place and I've driven past it many, many times and thought about it, but I said, "Aha, I got something for Mike." Um, there are some shrubs growing fairly close to the curb. My belief is that the land owner, the property owner intentionally lets those grow so that people can't park there without parking two or three feet away from the curb. That's those should be cut down. Is that correct? Or or trimmed up by

I don't know without looking. You know, they're they they plant planted a bush uh within couple 3 ft of the curb, you know, it's going to cause problems when it gets big. Well, as long as it's not hanging over the street, you know, but they're in infringing on what would normally be parking for vehicles. I would have to look. Okay, I'll give you the address. Okay.

And that's one of the things, too. I mean, I think a lot of people will plant a tree thinking it's going to stay their size or or they plant a tree saying this is what they're hoping it will be, but then they forget to prune it or they forget to do XYZ. And so this is this is a good opportunity for for Mike to be able to see some of the things that are going on and just re-educate what uh the city standards and codes are requiring.

Yeah, I'll be glad to take over, George. And you will get a lot of calls from me in the summertime about the weeds growing out of the press block on Third Street. I swear that when they poured that concrete, there's weed seed in that concrete. So,

but yeah, that's all I have. If you guys don't have any questions or No. Thanks, Mike.

Okay. Thanks. Thank you. Okay, Gail. Proclamation of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Um yeah, the week of April 12th through 18th will be National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and um and we are glad that the city's doing our proclamation for us again. think gives us a chance to put that into uh Facebook, the paper perhaps and get a little bit of recognition in the public interest boost from this sort of a thing.

Okay. Would you please read the proclamation as if you were standing in front of the

All right. President of the United States. Whereas emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire or emergency medical services. And whereas when an emergency occurs, the proper response of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics is crucial to the protection of life and preservation of property. And whereas the safety of our police officers and firefighters is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who telephone the Dod County 911 communication center. And whereas public safety telecommunicators are the first and most crucial contact our citizens have with emergency services. And whereas public safety telecommunicators are the single vital link for our police officers and firefighters by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them with information and ensuring their safety. And whereas public safety telecommunicators of the Shattering Police Department have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires, and treatment of patients. And whereas each dispatcher has exhibited compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year. Therefore, I, George Klene, mayor of the city of Shatter, Nebraska, do hereby proclaim the week of April 12th to the 18th, 2026 to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Chadin in

honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our citizen and citizens safe. Sign this sixth day of April, 2026. Thanks, Gale. All right. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay. Next on the agenda, motion to appoint I'd like to make a motion to appoint Dustin Glass as superintendent um with a class A street superintendent license. I'll second.

Okay. Motion by Shane, seconded by Clay to appoint Dustin Glass as street superintendent with class A street superintendent license retroactive to January 1st, 2026. Um, the result of this with Dustin receiving his class A license, the city's highway incentive payment increases from $3,000 to $6,000, which is an annual amount. So, any questions about that? If not, could we have roll call, please? Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes.

Klein, yes. Shepard, yes. Okay. Like to introduce resolution 2026-28. Move for it approval. I'll second. Motion by Shane, second by Kevin for resolution 26 2026-28, which is to approve the plans and specification for the East Sixth Street to Cedar Street or Six East 6th Street, Cedar Street to Spruce Street improvement project and authorized notice to biders.

Good evening, council. Dustin Glass, street superintendent for the city of Shader in 1013 East Naya. Yep. So, we were going to go out for another section of road. It's pretty tore up right now. Um, we'd like to do more on that section, but with our previous or our other project that we had to piggy back off for the state, we can only we had to knock it down to one block this year. So now the existing surface is asphalt. Is it going back to asphalt? No, it's going to be concrete. Concrete. Curb to curb. Okay. Nice.

Yep. The price of concrete compared to asphalt. Right now asphalt is actually higher than concrete due to the oil. Will it require new curb and gutter? Yeah, that's all new curb gutter. All new curb and gutter. Are there any um handicap accessible curbs? Two. Yes. Yeah. Two. Yeah. So, it be from cedar.

Yes. Cedar right there at the drain pan where it's at or concrete already to just past Spruce Street like I think like 100 ft maybe. So that when they go when we come back for the next section, they're not messing around with the intersection right at Spruce. Gotcha. I see. So it'll go it'll go it'll take care of the intersection. Yep. The intersection at Spruce. It'll just go right past it. Cool. Probably helps with drainage, too. So

cool. Awesome. Any other questions of Dustin? If not, could we have a roll call, please? Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. Fine. Yes. Shepard. Yes. Item H on the agenda. Someone care to introduce that? I'll introduce resolution 2026-29 and move for its approval. Second that.

Motion by Kevin, second by Shane for resolution 2026-29, which is to approve the agency agreement and any related documents between the city of Shatin and the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics for the snow removal equipment, otherwise known as SR building at the Shatan Municipal Airport. Project number 3-31-001-17- 0223 dash 2026 open parentheses B05 close parenthesis. Um, do we have any questions or comments from staff or anything about

Scott Shurmer was not able to attend due to uh not feeling well, the bugs going around again. Uh basically what this is is is the uh allowance for the city to be in agreement with all of the state and federal requirements for us to go through the process for the funding mechanisms and the building itself for the specs to be able to be approved by those those people. A lot of paperwork to do those things. So and that's what the gist of this part of this agreement was. So, so we're to sign a bunch of documents. Yes. And if you look through it, I get to sign my name a lot. A lot.

Yep. That's fun. I enjoyed that each of those attachments came with a paperwork reduction act statement on it. Mo most attachments I've seen on a resolution. Okay. So, no further questions or comments. Could we have roll call, please? Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. Klein, yes. Shepard, yes. I'll introduce resolution 2026-30 and move for it approval.

I'll second. Motion by Shane, seconded by Kevin for resolution 2026-30, which is to approve plans and specification for the construction of the snow removal equipment S sur building access drive and approach for the AIP project number 3-31-0017-0223 at the Shatan Municipal Authorized air municipal airport and authorized notice to biders

and again Scott is not going to be able to attend for this uh but is just the plans and the specs for us to go out for bidters to give us an opportunity to see what we have. Um if you seen in your maps in there that is as you're going into the airport on the um west side of where the buildings are um is where this building is going to be placed. Um, we did have to extend out the drive just a little bit because of some of the fire marshall requirements. Uh, but, uh, moving some things around. Um, we we should be able to still fit it into where we need it to to do a good job for us as we go. It will be a three bay building with heat and drainage to be able to come out of that building itself. Along with that, uh, we're hoping that it'll be something that we could potentially expand if need be down the road, um, for any other equipment andor office space or or whatever else down that u might come around.

At the agenda meeting, I made the comment that having the front doors to the east was going to be a really nice thing for snow removal equipment. Mhm. Yep. It's a good idea.

So, and it's going to be nice because then we're going to be able to get all this snow removal equipment in one building and so it'll allow the staff to be able to get to those things um a little easier and be able to do work on it, do whatever we need to. Um a little quicker on responses, but overall protection of the equipment is huge. Um, everybody that's ever had anything stay out in the sun knows that the sun is our most destructive item that we have for our equipment. So, protecting it is huge. Yep. Any other questions or comments? If not, I have roll call, please. Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. Klein, yes.

Shepard, yes. Item J on the agenda. I I can introduce resolution 2026-31 and move for its approval. I'll second. Motion by Shane, seconded by Clay for resolution number 2026-31, which is to recommend award of bid for the sanitary sewer extension district number 71, which would be Cedar Boots Drive. Um, want to give us a summary?

Yeah. So, we uh did bids. Um we had a total of uh four bids received for this project. Um and basically um I'll read them out here. Um Ver Construction came in at a total bid of 1,000 or 130, $20 even. Mark Chrisman Trucking came in at 134,500. uh corrected Hayworth Enterprises LLC came in 135,456 and Kale Woods came in at 147,460. Um engineers estimate on that project was 124,560. Um after all the bids were placed, uh bender construction was the low bid on that at $130,000 and $20. Um we recommend taking u bner on that. As far as the bid goes on that for that project, um if that does fall through, uh Mark Chrisman Trucking would take it after that point. Um, I can kind of give you a rough description of this, I guess. Um, there's a manhole behind Royal Courts and basically they're going from right behind that one back to the east to about the fence line um on those empty lots back there on Cedar But

and then they're putting a manhole in there then turning the corner and they're doing two more I believe after that for manholes up the way to the south and that's to just put that infrastructure for the sewer in. We've already got water there in that area. So, and also in that project, they're gonna have to lower the water line to get the grade for the sewer. But that it's pretty straightforward project, I think. So, should go pretty well. And the most important thing I think is I mean people have been asking for more building sites and these are going to have some more building sites for people to have some housing opportunities up there with the replatting of what we did up there in Cedar but um it'll it'll open up lots and that's one of the biggest things that we're we're trying to get done

as per consil's recommendation when we were working on our budgets this last year is to find more of these properties. properties that we can with u some monies put into it to to make them viable construction areas. Okay, any other questions? It' be nice to have that available and done that lots available. Okay. is the higher prices just because the rising cost of goods lately.

Yeah, cost of cost of materials has raised quite a bit. Um, everybody's going up it seems like. So, it just kind of depends. I mean, right now it could be this and then few months down the road it could be more. But yeah, price of the pot, the oil products as far as the piping is one of the biggest things that they're having. But even like the concrete is also uh issues that we're having for the manholes that they're going to be putting in. So and they're deep manholes. Yes.

Is this this going to be pretty deep up there? Mhm. in order to get the the grade, right? Right. How deep are they going to have to go? Do you know? I think that one's 10 ft. Oh, well. So, they'll go right up to the that last built house that's on the No, no. We'll be um we're only going to go to just into lot three. So, it'll be shy of that that house about 100 ft. Gotcha. So, this will cover how many lots? All of them? No. No. Be five of four of them, won't there?

Seven, I think. Seven. Seven total. Gotcha. It's either six or seven. Four on the east side with three platting because it would be one, three on the other side. It might only be six, right? turns those three into two. So it might be six. Is this where we go? 67. Yeah. Okay. I got there questions, comments. Can we have roll call, please? Alexi, yes.

Anderson, yes. Klein, yes. Sheepard. Yes. Okay. I'd like to make a motion to approve the claims as submitted in our packet.

I'll second that. George motion by me, seconded by Shane to approve the claims. Um I noticed we have a billing from AMGL and we had a billing in February. We did not get it paid and they assessed us a $710 cent service charge and I wrote down really. So, shame on me. Um, other thing I noticed, um, paying liability insurance for the library that's not covered under alarm or

where where are you at here? on the second page about 10 from the bottom for in the amount of $1,52 from all for USI. I'm lost. Oh, from the bottom. I was going from the top. I need to listen better. I I don't know. I don't have an answer for that one, George. I'd have to ask. I don't know. We can find out.

No, I assume that's the case. It's just cuz except for I I know we have a separate policy for the council members in case we do something wrong. uh that's not covered by the regular alarm, but I I was wondering what kind of special liability that the library might have that alarm might not cover. I don't have an answer. I'll have to report back to you.

Okay. And I did notice that we paid for the removing the pink sign at the temporary location for the library. Mhm. Which I was concerned about until I figured I thought maybe the landlord would take care of that, but no such luck. Nope. Um, so anyone else have any questions?

I I was curious what goes into training on timekeeping software. Um, we're actually uh developing a new software for and Kelsey's the one that's actually doing it through Tyler Systems in which we're going to switch from our paper to a an electronic system that uh should increase the efficiency not only for our employees but for the payroll staff that's doing it too as well. Um, and it's going to be something that it would be up to-date information at all times. And so that's the the part of it what we're doing is trying to get this system go up and going. Cool.

Sounds good. I I have a job where I clock in and out, you know, at beginning and end of the day and for lunch. So it's I know it's important, but it is

that's good good that there's a uh you know, better technological option for you. And it is it's one of those things that where people are asking for time off. The supervisors are going to be able to see how it overlaps uh for the calendars as well. Um it'll also help calculations so we eliminate some of our mathematical errors that we have every once in a while. Not saying we have a lot but it just is another stepping stone for us to to improve our efficiencies with what we're doing. And um it's going to be implemented on a April 8th. Okay. So is it going to include like an app or something where they can clock in and out on their phone and

not on their phones where what we've done is all the public works are going to have the capability of doing that on a a central location for their areas. Uh the police department's going to be a little bit different. they're going to have um on the apps on their phones themselves because of of their responsibilities that they need to have to do, but every department's got a little bit of a some wiggle things that we have to do. Um and that's what Kelsey and Autumn have been doing is working through with all of them to try to eliminate all the possibilities. But like I said, they'll have the up-to-date how much sick time they have. They'll have the upto-date for uh vacation time or anything else. Um, the holidays won't be something that somebody forgets. I mean, uh, police department, they have to work, you know, 365 days out of every year that we have. And sometimes we forget it was a holiday when when people are being called out for some of those things. And just those little things that'll be more efficient for what they're doing. So, it's a it's an up-to-date uh, unit. Hopefully, it'll pan out the way we hope it to do it. Um, I did notice that the Legion is getting their um items that they got the LBA40 money for. So, that's kind of nice. Um,

so any any other questions or comments? If not, can we have a roll call, please? Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. Klene, yes. Shepard, yes. Okay. I move to introduce resolution 2026-32 and excuse Mark Graves. I'll second. Motion by Shane, seconded by Clay for resolution 2026-32 to excuse Mark Grace from this meeting. Any discussion? Could we have roll call, please? Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. Klein, yes.

Shepard, yes. Okay. At this time, anyone wishing to address the council on a matter not on this agenda may now do so. Individuals are allowed a total of three minutes to speak. Do we have any takers? Can you talk about your new road in front of your house?

I'll just come and see if I can get any new information. We're going to set up. Okay. Okay, appears not. So, city manager report.

Thank you, mayor. I just got a couple things. Uh, one, as we're starting to head into the spring and summertime, encourage everybody to take a look around their own properties and see uh what needs to be helped. And I would encourage them to use uh Mike True Blood uh as far as uh finding contractors that might be able to help them out. Um but also to use some of the city services such as our dial truck and uh to help remove some of the things that need to be taken care of and just help out wherever they can for that thing. And then the last thing I've got is uh Choice Gas is going on right now and I want uh everybody to take an opportunity to do that and if they listen to the advertisements and see what they have. Um this is also one of those things that um the public alliance for community energy is where we get some of our funding for some of the grants that we offer for the city. And so it's important that you do take the time and do your choice gas um for what you need and and be active in how you can help control some of your own costs for your own utilities. And that's all I have for tonight.

Okay. Okay. Council closing. Anyone have any questions for Tom that we want the whole world to see here? Okay. Um, council closing comments. Start with Kevin. Kevin.

And I actually don't have any comments this evening. Um, I I guess I will just say uh thank you to Emily for being here. I'm I'm uh again I'm I'm happy with the progress of the the uh comprehensive plan. And I I feel good about the draft that we've been given at this point. Um and like George has said, I look forward to reading it a little more fully. uh kind of skimmed through it, but it is it is quite lengthy, which it needs to be. So, that's good. I just want to congratulate all the city employees on their certifications and reertifications. Dustin on it getting his class A. Uh starting to warm up and still not enough moisture. So, make sure you're watering your yards well enough and we'll be seeing lots of bugs flying around lately. But should be should be a good spring hopefully.

Mhm. Hey, um like to mention um the volunteer fire department had an awards evening uh a week ago or a week and a half. U and congratulations to those individuals who received awards and thanks to all the um members of the volunteer fire department. there and they're very important to us. Um, several se long long time ago, Carl Durk's former city manager told me probably in secret or whatever that you you got to probably you definitely need to keep the volunteer fire department happy. Now, you don't have to go overboard with it, but they they are a lifeblood to the community and um the dollars that it would take to replace them are just astronomical. So, um I always appreciate them. Um also in the on KCSR there was an article about quality water on tap. Um, you know, I think pretty well we've trying to get rid of the bottled water here at the council meeting. Let's see. We I see a violation here.

I did forget my water bottle. See,

but we will try harder. Um, and I'm sure um Shane will mention the circle of light coming up this Friday. And then also on my list and Tom beat me too. it was the choice gas selection um to pay attention and you know some of the companies that sell that they support 4 and FFA but um the our local thing which was the ACE um it helps us with our a little bit with our monies. So keep that in mind.

My turn. Um I would just like to say uh say something about u um there was a I don't know if you've all read about uh University of Nebraska buying the Cabela's um store in Sydney. Um, I think when they uh had their press conference, they forgot to mention that Shatron State is the only four-year um college here in the panhandle. And uh and it's a very good four-year college. Um I I graduated from there. My brother got his uh masters from there. I think George's wife worked there many years. My mom and dad met there. And uh I I don't think the university uh um gave it much thought about um whether it's going to hurt Shatter State uh or not. But I would just like to give a shout out to Shaton State. Um then I would also like to uh like George said um mention Circle Lights. It's a good um it's a good fundraiser for the community. Um and with with people with cancer, local this all goes to local people um in need with cancer. Um um either even finding the means to to to go and get some um uh traveling to and from. um it helps with funding for that. Um but it's it's a good it's a good uh fundraiser. And then this weekend um also Shatter State um they put on a big event um Saturday.

I think the doors are closed for getting help, but they sure uh clean up the community. And I'm sure the dumpsters are going to be full. So, I hope Swan uh maybe gives them a little break if they see something a little too full. But uh that's all I had to say. I make a motion we adjourn. Second. Motion by me, second by Clay. Any discussion? If not, could we have a roll call, please? Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. Klein, yes. Shepard, yes. Thank you all for coming.