City Council - Regular Meeting

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 A of the Nebraska statutes notice is hereby given that a copy of the open speeding act is posted on your 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 Klein here. Shane Shepard here. Mark Graves here. Kevin Alexi here. Klay Anderson here. Could we have a motion to approve the agenda? Approve to or I'll make a motion approve of the agenda. I'll second. Motion by Shane, seconded by Clay. Clay, could we have roll call, please? Klein, yes. Shepard, yes. Graves, yes. Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. I'll make a motion to approve of the consent agenda. I'll second that.

Motion by Shane, second by Mark to con approve the consent agenda. It includes minutes for the city council meeting from April 20th. There's a minutes from the city and advisory view committee and the economic development plan that was held April 9th. special designated licenses that were administratively approved was the Knights of Columbus Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet that was held this on May 2nd, Saturday, Assumption Arena, and one for the Bean Broker Coffee House and Pub for the Eagle Athletic Auction fundraiser at Shatron State College Shaquoin Center that will be on May 22nd. Anyone have any questions about any of those items? If not, could we have roll call, please?

Klene, yes. Shepard, yes. Graves, yes. Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes.

Okay. Um the hour being 602, we're open a public hearing to consider an application submitted by Fur Trade Days, Inc. for LBA40 economic development funds. Would someone like to explain application? Uh I'm Rob Walstrom and I'm on the LB840 uh committee. Uh we met about three weeks ago. Uh we had Gary Dusk, Ben Rustin, and uh Travis Pster, and myself in attendance. U we listened to their presentation of the stage that they uh are asking for uh $50,000 to help purchase. um and went they went through all the parts of the stage and went through the application. Uh we asked them several questions uh relating to funding and and different things uh in regard to that and uh they did a very good job of answering all those uh uh questions. uh when it came down to voting, we voted unanimously to approve it and and move it on to to the council. Um so we're asking for the council to approve it. I think this will be a great addition uh uh not only for bands on Bordeaux but uh the fur trade days committee uh they've also been talking to the college and possibility the college helping to help put some money into it so the college could be able to use it um safety aspect of it uh is so much better if you know the one that we had down at the bands on Berdau

that John Morford and some people built that pretty rickety and then the ones that they had during Free days here. It's also going to be a bigger stage if I understand it. And we have some Carrie and and uh well Kevin was there and things but anyway uh if you have any questions we'd be glad to ask answer them. Now this 50,000 how does it relate to the total cost of the project and where are the other monies coming from? I think we 25 about 25% of the total cost. Uh they can address where the other money is coming from better than I can. So

yeah. So this is a well over $200,000 investment that we're looking at. Um it was kickstarted off with our $87,500 that we got from the Nebraska Arts Council, which we were able to access that grant funding, no match required, um because we did the Open Frontier Creative District through you guys. Um, so that kind of kickstarted our funding off of that. We've had private donors as well. Um, we got they 100 women who care about Shadron. We got one of their grants. The Daw County Travel Board has kicked in money and as Rob mentioned, we are in negotiations currently with the college. The deal is hopefully almost done.

So, um, lots of just bureaucra bureaucracy that you have to deal with when you go through that. Um, so that's kind of the the funding that we're Can't forget the Chamber of Commerce also. Oh, yes. And Chamber of Commerce has also put in money through their bands on Bordeaux account as well. So So just to refresh my memory, uh, and so the public knows where this money is going. It's going to a stage. It's like a It's like on a trailer.

Yeah. So essentially the stage is a trailer. Basically, what it breaks down to is it has a roof that will butterfly out and raise and then it has a floor that will also butterfly out and be the deck surface. Um, the stage that we currently operate is 16 ft deep by 30 foot wide. Uh, it's not a bad size. It's just old and it's seen it's seen its days. Uh, it served its purpose and it's time to hopefully move on from that one. uh as far as the one that the bands on Bordeaux has been utilizing, the amount of effort that it takes to construct that stage every year and then if they end up needing to use the main section of it for something else means they've got to reconstruct it each time. Uh so the time investment in that for each show potentially is is insane. This is a wonderful setup because where it's all hydraulically run,

two people can set this up in under an hour.

So, and it has a roof. And it it has a roof. Uh it will have a backdrop that will go around behind it. Uh it will have front skirts that go across it for looks. Um that has a lot of rigging options. And by that I mean you'd be able to hang whether it's PA lights, all of these kind of things from the stage. So the size of it ultimately is 24T x 24T deck with a 17 ft trim height. Uh, so that allows for sound to be up in the air and the overall square footage allows us to get uh possibilities if should we ever want to like smaller touring acts uh smaller national touring acts uh like bands you would have heard on the radio in the past or something. Not that that's the first thing we're going to do with it, but it gives us options. So that's why we went with that particular size. I was reading in here that it says uh that the stage is expandable up to 40 by 32.

Yes. So generally the main deck surface that is provided on the stage proper would be your playing area. uh you can add extra floor square footage via panels and legs that are a separate purchase which is something that we are looking into uh should we be able to get in our deal with the college uh with this particular funding that we're considering right now. Uh that would just pay for the main portion of the stage. Um, but the expansion generally those those decks and whatnot, you would use that for extra equipment to clean up the stage, so to speak. Um, so that the band doesn't have all of their equipment right there on the stage with them. They'd be able to kind of hide it in the wings. Or say if you got somebody who had a a big ego on them and thought they needed a catwalk that walked down the front and in the crowd or something, it's that's what those types of things could be used for. um projected maintenance and when you say hydraulic I say

Yep. Yep. those things need obviously every year we would have to have uh make sure that all of that gets inspected by somebody who knows what they're doing better than me. Uh brakes, tires, things of that nature. All of those have to be factored in to what it's going to cost us annually to to maintain it. So that is another thing with any funding that we would receive from other sources would be future maintenance. So is this would this be able to be used for more than just the fur trade days? Absolutely. More of a community.

Yep. So we we fully we completely understand that for trade days is only used as a stage for two days a year and that would be completely ridiculous to only use it for those two things. Uh so there it is being planned to use four bands on Bordeaux. Uh if Harvest Moon were interested in using it, it would be available for that. Uh like we said, the college has expressed interest in utilizing it for a certain number of days a year for a number of years. Uh and then if other things were to come up, obviously they would be considered as well. And wouldn't necessarily be just located in Shattering. Would it be able to like other communities if they were wanting it

potentially? Yes. Yeah. So, part of that also runs into it's it's it's a large enough trailer that it requires certain uh driving requirements to be able to pull it down the highway. So, we do have an individual who is signed up with us to be able to pull that around legally, so to speak. And uh with that, if it needs to go down the road to a community that wants to use it, obviously we would have to work out a deal with them for usage. Uh and then also setup and tear down. One of the things with this company is they will come out and train us on operating for setup, tear down, making sure everything is safe for all involved. Uh and they do provide certifications for us after we've been trained. So, if it's going to go down the road and it's going to be in another community just like our own, it has to be operated, set up, tore down by somebody who is certified and that is something that our that our uh insurance is requiring as well. So,

and we are working with those other sponsorship partners like Bands on Bordeaux and stuff that when that training comes in, they're going to have some representatives there. Um, so that it doesn't just fall on the fur trade days board. Um, you know, so Bans on Bordeaux can get it and set it up and deal with it on their nights, for example, and we can take it up to the college and their maintenance crew can deal with that on their nights or whatever. So, and this 50,000 gets you to the the goal that you you need. It it'll get us it'll get it to town at this point. Yep.

I think it's it's a overdue needed thing in this community as those stages are old. So they're showing their age and uh and it becomes a safety issue as Rob mentioned, you know, not only for the bands but for the you know guys putting them up and taking them down um during those events as well. So

no, I've seen I've seen these stages and they're they're pretty nice. Very nice. One example is if you've ever been to Rapid City for their downtown Friday nights or whatever they're calling it summer nights, they they also have a slightly smaller version than what we are going with. Uh and actually I'd had conversations with the the main operator of that stage and he told me he said if it would have been available when they purchased their stage, they would have went with this size. They would have went with this one. Exactly. So, well, sounds like you've done your homework and it's it's not something that you've just a snap judgment. You've been working on it for quite some time. So, it's a good

definitely. So, this kind of all came around four or five years ago. Several years ago, we started talking about it. Uh, but it wasn't until we got that first grant that it really got the the good good push to do it. So, Any other questions? If not, the hour being 614, we will close this public hearing. I'd introduce resolution 2026-36 and move for its approval.

I'll second. Motion by Shane, seconded by Clay for resolution 2026-36, which is to approve the application submitted by Fur Trade Days, Inc. for LB840 Economic Development Funds in the amount of $50,000. Any questions? If not, could we have roll call, please? Klein. Yes. Shepard, yes. Graves, yes. Alexi, abstain. Anderson, yes. Okay,

thanks, Robert. Okay, next on the agenda is a proclamation for police week. Chief, front and center.

Mayor, council, Rick Hickstein, 125 Main Street, representing the Shatter Police Department. It's my honor to read this proclamation for National Police Week 2026. Whereas there are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the Shatter Police Department. Whereas since the first recorded death in 1786, there are currently more than 24,500 law enforcement officers in the United States that have made the ultimate sacrifice and been killed in the line of duty. Whereas the names of these dedicated public servants are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Whereas the service and sacrifice of all officers killed in the line of duty will be honored during the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's 38th candle light vigil on the evening of May 13, 2026. Whereas the candlelight vigil is part of National Police Week, which will be observed this year May 11th through the 16th. Whereas May 15th is designated as peace officer officers memorial day in honor of all fallen officers and their families and US flags should be flown at half staff. Now therefore, I, George Klein, mayor of the city of Shatin, do hereby proclaim May 11th through the 16th, 2026 as National Police Week in Shatter, Nebraska, and publicly salute the service of law enforcement officers in our community and in communities across the nation. Dated this fourth day of May, 2026.

Thank you guys. Thank you, Hickstein. Okay, next on the agenda, update on the shattered public library renovation.

Mr. Mayor, council members, good evening. I am Rosalesh the Shon public library director and uh I'm here to provide information on the uh on the move and to of the public library to the temporary location. All right. So basically um the library closes door March 16, 2026 to prepare for the move to 20 uh to 2001 West 2nd Street and uh just to give a scope of what we did the Shon Public Library it's 5,500 square ft has many collections actually 36 plaques and also Japanese doll collection, archival materials and seashells collections. We have a 19 computers dedicated to the public and six for the staff, a maker space and then a photocopier and a fax machine. The place, the temporary place known formerly as pink is 200 2,400 square ft and there was no shelving. So here we have some pictures of um the containers that we use and I will explain in a few minutes. The one pulled by the track, it's a a 40 ft container. The other two are 25th long. So, uh preparations

I and my staff start to contact librarians with previous experience of such endeavor and also the Western Library system specialist. They are the field uh office of the Nebraska Library Commission in Scots Bluff. We studied lots of information on the internet. We scouted possible locations. Actually, we took seven into consideration and um so then we prepared storage space. the containers have that you have se seen and also a container that graciously the Shaon Public Library Foundation has given us to use and they are paying for it. And um also they gave us the use of the garage south of the library and u then we also uh put some stuff up the attic. So uh we also comp uh comp compiled a list of volunteers. Lots of people when they heard that we were doing this came and um contacted us say hey called us when you are going to be ready. Um then we met with the owner of the selected temporary location and then we had the visit to the location with Mrs. Johnson because we wanted to be sure that was appropriate for the library. So, here it's a a photo of the shelves already empty. Uh the first photo um green and blue, it's of uh the

downstairs, the children's room. The one with the red shelves, it's of uh upstairs of the adult section. Here are two containers. Um you can see that the one on the right, it's already rather full. At that point, what is empty? It's basically this space that it's underlined by that black thing. and we were able to even fill that. Um, the second container, it's where we store all the metal shelves, many, many metal shelves. And then we finish with um a lot of other material. And the third day, it's not there the photo, but it's full of furniture. The furniture went in the 40 ft 45 feet uh feet, sorry, um container. So some of the photo of uh pink um before uh we start the transformation the space with uh the tiles it's where we put the children and youth room. The other photo it's uh where we created a reading place. So the move in itself uh before that we tested different types of boxes and possible breaking coefficient of those. Basically, um, Carl and I filled up different type and sides of boxes

completely with books. And we asked people to lift it to see which one they could lift over and over and over without getting uh tired because that is important. We didn't want to tire our volunteers or our staff. And then Carl and I uh stood on the green bench in front of the library and threw some of those boxes down on the floor to see which one were weak enough to break because uh we couldn't afford to have that kind. We then decided to acquire uh boxes that they were 15 by 12 by 10 was the perfect size. It was very important that the boxes were all of the same size because that way we could store more. We could make like a walls of uh of boxes. also was important that whatever was in contact with the books and the other material was clean and didn't contain parasite or insect that you know the wrong ground could chew in the store books. So we did that. Um so uh after that we began boxing those boxes. It took two weeks of boxing with the help of many volunteers and of city of Shaun employees and we are very very grateful to everybody. We reserved out of a boxes 4,900 collection items to bring with us at pink. Um we work with intral links and with the great planes communication to move the servers and

with the great planes for the phone and the fox lines. Um we moved hundreds of item to storage and city hall attic that was really extremely physical because they are 21 step up with weight. So, um, it was a challenge. Volunteers and city of Shadowon employees helped to move the furniture to be used at our temporary location with racks and flat beds. All shelves were disassembled, the one at the library and store in container number two. And um in the new location we had to demolish two partition of old foam that were up on the upper part of the walls. Okay. So then after we moved and we had two disasters, one uh at the old library and one at pink, we had to create a new library out of the of that. The first uh department that we were able to set up was the youth department. It was the first one we had completely moved because lots of the asbestos was uh there and the first work of the renovation was to move the asbestos and that work started on April 20 and I'm really happy to say that all asbestos has already been removed. So the library is the 507 Bordo Street building. It's ready for further renovation. Um continuing of creating our new place,

we utilized bookshelves and furniture from 507 Bordeaux Street. And also we had to purchase some shelves at the local stores. Basically, we purchase the classic garage uh shelves. So, we plan to reuse them when we go back for the basement for the what we call the dungeon where we keep um and store things. So um after that uh we reassembled the computer lab, the maker space and the b check in desks. We scanned barcodes of 4,00 items to recreate a working catalog. So basically with the majority of our items in storage, we had to ask Biblionics which is our provider for uh catalog to obscure everything that it's in our catalog and then create a new catalog that has only the 4,900 items. In order for them to do that, we had to scan every single barcode with a little scanner. So, that took a little bit. Um, they really did a good job in creating this mini catalog that now we have. And the last thing was creating reading and working corners for the public. Okay, here are some of the photos of uh the

temporary location. Now, the up photo, the one in top, it's uh a v a view of um the children's youth room. the the one below it's uh a photo of the reading room and the last one with the pink arches it's the one of the adult services. Okay, another view more clues of the reading room. So uh we would have not been able to do this without the helpers and volunteers and uh the helpers were the city of Shadan employees. They came and help us in many many ways. Like I said, a boxy uh moving lots of the furniture and implement private citizens job course came and they really help us a lot. They help us to move lots of stuff to pink and inside the container. Same thing with uh the students um of Shadron State College during the big event. That was the last push. Um and that was very important. Also organizations such as Friends of the Library and Shon Public Library Foundation members help us and of course our staff, they were good gamers and they work very hard. So nothing would have happened without all of those people. Some of the cost certainly not everything because I have not received

the invoices all invoices yet. So, the temporary site lease, uh, we had to put down $1,300 for dep sorry, for deposit and $1,300 per month. The containers, uh, it's 150 per month for the four 40 ft unit and, um, 95 for the 20 ft. Um it was a 900 um cost for the delivery of those two. Disassembling and storing the bookshelf was 2,225. Preparations and cleaning that included also the demolition of the two foamy partition 3,345 and packaging supplies and boxes $900. The Shon Public Library reopened its doors to the public on April 27 at the location 2011 West Second Street and we had the elephant in the puddle at that point. Any questions?

Well, I I know it was a a tremendous amount of work. Um, it was a challenge. I was very frightened when we start but uh I have learned so many things so many things about myself about people and about libraries so I'm very grateful and also was good workout. So, have you heard anything from the general contractor about what they're doing or um so preparing to work or

um so uh there was of course a bid process and the bid was won by filler and they I know that there is preparing the contract and then we can move but the library the building the 507 building is ready and If you want to sometime to see it before they start uh um the works, it's very interesting because it's just the bones. Mhm. Very interesting. So

yeah, sounds like a huge project already that you've done. I I when I saw the elephant in the bottle at the beginning, now I understand. Thank you. Very good. I had an opportunity to stop in to the the new location and it uh looks good. There was already people. I think it was the morning the that that it opened that there was quite a few people quite a few people in there already and it was early in the day. So yeah, we are planning a grand opening for the end of May. So, I

I did notice one thing when you were going through this. I think second hall is or it's second floor, not the attic that you put things in. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Second floor. Actually, it's a very beautiful place. The those 21 steps though, they are interesting. Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay. Um we're dealing with next item in the agenda regarding the comprehensive plan. Would someone Care to introduce ordinance number 1446? I wish to introduce ordinance number 1446.

Ordinance number 1446 has been introduced. Please read ordinance number 1446 by title. An ordinance to amend chapter 4 city 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 and effect. Okay. Um, we had talked about this earlier if we want to have a regular reading or do we want to suspend the rules and adopt this ordinance at this meeting. If we want to do that, um, we need someone to introduce the suspension of rules.

Is is there a is there a need to to fast track it or do we want to give the public one more opportunity to come in? Uh, I mean, if there's a reason that we need to get it done sooner, I'm all for this. Well, we we discussed this at the agenda and I was in favor of doing that and then I got to thinking about it and then I said and then I picked up the book, looked at that and said, "Is anyone have really a lot of time to read that? Will there be any change?" And I got no answers from when I looked in the mirror in the bathroom to both of us. I I've spent some time uh reading over the draft and it is a good document. I mean maybe one or two little typos but no factual errors or anything in it. Um, so I I'm comfortable with it as written. Um, but I I can also see what Mark's saying if if we do want to allow for additional public input. Um, we could, but I would I would be in favor of approving it this evening if uh others feel the same way.

Have we had any public input since we started these readings? Obviously, there's uh No one no one here to give any input. So maybe it's a maybe it's a non-issue. The staff hasn't received anything. Right, Katie? No. I'll make a move that the statutory rules in regard to the passage and adoption of ordinance number four46 be suspended so that the ordinance number 1446 might be introduced, approved, and passed at the same time.

I'll second. Motion by Clay, seconded by Kevin. Is there any discussion? Are there Kevin? You mentioned that you spent some time. You have highlights to you can recall thinking about. Uh, I mean it's a big it's over I want to say it's like 150 pages with all the appendixes and every you know the citations and other studies they've done. But I I think the way they've broken the data down um you know it's it's a good uh I I've kind of glanced at the old comprehensive plan and I like the way they've they've broken up some of the um goals and directions we you know the the community could go. Um it's you know this this document isn't set in stone. It's just kind of where people would like to see Shadron go. Um, and I, you know, I feel good about the land use study, the, you know, where housing could go, um, the proposed, um, alternate truck routes through town, that those things look good to me. Um, yeah, lot lots in there, but, uh, I I think overall it's a positive document and a good direction to to hope to move the the city of Shadron. Any other discussion? If not, could we have roll call on the motion to suspend the rules?

Klein, yes. Shepard, yes. Graves, yes. Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. I declare that the statutory rules in regard to the passage and adoption of ordinance number 1446 be suspended so that ordinance number 1446 may approve be approved and passed at the same meeting. I'll introduce resolution yet. Oh, that's right. You're right. Gotcha. I I'll move for final passage of ordinance number 1446.

I second the motion. Motion by Kevin, seconded by Clay. Is there any discussion about the final passage of ordinance number 1446? If not, ordinance number 1446 has been read by title and move for passage. The question is, shall ordinance number 1446 of the city of Shatron, Nebraska, finally pass? Could we have roll call, please? Klein, yes. Shepard, yes. Graves, yes. Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes.

Ordinance number 1446 is hereby passed and adopted. Okay. Moving on, then I'll introduce resolution 2026-7 and move for its approval. Second that motion by Mark, second by Shane for resolution number 26, 2026-37, which is to approve change order number one to Paul Reed Construction and Supply for the Stock A Road Improvement Project. U city manager, would you take care to comment on that?

Yes, I would. Thank you, mayor. Um, the biggest issue we had is when we were designing or having the initial design on this was to have the street lights on the east side of the uh stockade road out there. Uh once through oversight from not only from the city but also our engineers when they were doing the things uh we realized that we'd be placing these on top of the sewer main out there once they were out there. And so we started looking at any alternatives that we had and the best alternative we have is to put it as close as we can to the road on the west side. Um but unfortunately the pads have been poured already. Uh so hence the boring has to be done um after the fact as we were doing these and uh the boring uh is going to add another 3861 to our overall project of which the city's cost will be raised up from the $9,966 to the $13,828. um which is still a a very good deal for the city as the state of Nebraska is going to be paying for the rest of the project itself. The lighting was our our issue for us

and you still would have had to do some bores on the the east side of the road. Yes, we would have had to do some of them on that east side too no matter what because they had poured several of them too. So, but we had to add just a little bit more on this other side. Yep. Any other questions? If not, could we have a roll call, please? Klein, yes. Shepard, yes. Graves, yes. Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes. Like to make a motion to approve the claims as presented. I'll second.

Motion by me, seconded by Kevin to approve the claims. Um there was like cons 18,000 for reservoir cleaning sand removal. Um Tom could you tell us is this a normal process every year process? So it's a it's a state statute that we have to um by the state of Nebraska of under title 179 in which all the reservoirs need to be cleaned and properly inspected every 5 years on a basis. Uh we've had uh the east tank inspected several more times on some of those. Uh and that's uh part of what we had gotten done with this with Midco. Um but the rest of the reservoirs, meaning the hilltop, the wellfield, um the hidden valley, and obviously our clear well, all were inspected along with the west tank. Um so that's all part of it. when you start dividing them out by the tank itself. They actually send a diver into these tanks. They clean them all out. They physically inspect it. We get a report from them. Um and letting us know potential issues or problems that they can see from this. Um it is just one of those maintenance issues that we have to do on a regular basis unfortunately and it gets more expensive every year. So in the sand removal, is that a huge amount of sand or just

No, generally the most sand that we get is less than maybe a quarter of an inch to half an inch that's in our system. Um, and that's basically from well number four out there. Well number four used to have a sand separator out there and most of the sand is actually caught out in the well filled tank and that one's usually less than maybe an inch and a half to two inches. So it's not a lot. It's just very little. And we can show you guys pictures of it if you guys would like to see how much sand we're talking about. It's not very much but it's necessary just to help maintain. Uh, and the reason why we have to remove it is that's just a hiding spot for the bacteria to grow. And so if we can eliminate some of those areas, that actually improves the water quality.

On the another line item on this, the brownfield grant stuff. What was that? Um, for that we it was like a couple grand or something like that. What was it? Oh, for the heirs associates. What was that for? That that is for that uh comp plan. Uh different studies that they were doing on different areas helping out with some zoning things that they're trying to develop for different areas um for the properties that were identif Yes. That's part of that whole grant. This is all going to be reimbursed.

Mhm. Uh the other part though that errors was both of them did both the comp plan and the brownfield. So brownfield covered some of it. The comp plan obviously will be covered by the city. Yeah. So I'm sorry. Wanted to just make sure I clarified that for you. Any other questions? If not, could we have roll call, please? Klein, yes. Shepard, yes. Graves, yes. Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes.

Okay, we do not need to excuse any council members. Uh, at this time, anyone wishing to address the council on a matter not on this agenda may now do so. Individuals are all allowed a total of three minutes to speak. I see that that's going to go by the wayside. U city manager report.

Thank you, mayor. Uh just a really couple quick things. Uh with the some of the moisture that we are receiving, just wanted to remind the citizens of the weeds and trees, make sure that they're looking at their own properties. and uh we are going to be starting to go around and and just helping people to remind them of the ordinances that we're asking to be followed by on a consistent basis. Um this is not uh one that we're we're just find an individual. We uh look at complaints obviously first and then we try to go methodically throughout the entire town. Um, so and I think he's gone through it once at least through all the alleys and now he's going back again uh starting in the same area on the east side and starting to work his way to the west. U so those are some of the things that we have. Um the other thing uh as far as if people need help um I believe Dustin said that he had five or four um dialer trucks out this last weekend alone. Um, people are using them, but I want to remind people they have to follow the rules of what Swan is dictating for us means no mix loads. Um, because if it's a mix load, our city staff has to sit there and unmix them and that takes up a lot of time and effort on it. And it's a one strike and you're out. We will not allow those people to use those again. Um it's unfortunate, but it's one of those things that we do it as a benefit to the citizens. Uh but it does cost us a lot of time and effort to do that. We had one of the loads that did come back to us. And when we talk about mixed loads, uh we're talking about they had tires, appliances, lumber, grass, branches, multiple things in there. They need to just make sure that it's one thing. And and citizens of SAD can get these on a regular basis. So, it's not like you

have to do all of it at one time if possible. Um, but it is something that it's it's a service and if people abuse it, they're not allowed to use it. I mean, our guys don't have time to sit there for a couple hours to unmix loads. Uh the other thing I wanted to mention is uh May 3rd um was when we started uh taking the water out of the pool and uh that's going to be closed until May 24th or 25th depending on how it is. That's a little bit longer than we normally have. Uh but we had to do a little bit extra maintenance. We're going to do some sand blasting in the pool. Um, we had some severe uh paint chipping that was going on that needed to be just done a little bit better. Um, and we're hoping with what we're doing now uh may help us prevent more downtime down the road. Um, this all gets into the filters, gets everything else. And then the other thing too is that we're required um once the the filter media gets down to a certain particulate side size uh we are required to remove that filter media and replace it. And so that's requiring these guys to crawl into a container that's I believe roughly around two two to four ton per container that we have to remove um out of those containers. there's two of them back in there. Um, which is going to take extra time for us to get that all taken care of as well. So, this is some of the things that we're trying to do is plan those out when we have a little more time to do some of those things. So, I apologize for taking a little longer, but in the long run, it's going to be definitely a better thing for us. And I believe that's it. Thank you, ma'am.

I just had a question on the dial truck. Do do most people call to use that or do they go through the website or is it you I couldn't tell you on that. I I know he gets calls and they're they get some through the website themselves. We got it on the website. So I directed a friend there recently and and opened it myself and I I'd never looked at it before, but I I saw that it was all split out what type of waste is going into that truck. Yep. I just I didn't know if people when they call they get that same um little lesson on what needs to be in there.

Yes, they're actually given that information too uh when they call up to the guys and everything else. And then when we have a load if if there was an, you know, something unusual happens, we're not going to penalize people for that, but if there's, you know, like tires and lumbers and where it's obviously listed out, we we just can't we can't do those kind of things. It it takes enough time for these guys to use that and we're utilizing our equipment. But yes, they are given that same information to do that. Every chance to do it correctly.

Yes, every chance to do it correctly before before anything else happens. So, um but I'm glad you brought that up though. We do have that available on the website and I hope people are looking at the website. We did update it and uh there is some different things, different forms on there so people have any questions or concerns. Um, I do know, uh, one of the other things, and I'm glad I that you mentioned the website. Um, the utility, uh, we're we're having some issues with people mailing in their checks for our utility bills. Um, and no fault of anybody, but some of those utility billing is not getting into us on a timely manner. And so, um, there are different options other than mailing checks all the time or dropping them off downtown here. Uh, they are able to do what they call a bill pay through the banks and or they can do something set up through the city itself. Um, and I would encourage people that um, it just helps them to remember that it is because it's a recurring bill that you can put up and set up allowing their the electronics to help us out. So, And that's all I have for tonight. Thank you.

Well, it's been a kind of an interesting couple of weeks. Um, my principal item or the first item on my list here is uh Ralph Bley who was a a good friend, a long time resident of Shadron and his father had Bley's Bakery for a number of years. Um, and Ralph built the Best Western Motel when he quit working for the railroad and he and Linda moved back to town and she started the Inkwell and they and Linda passed away last year and now Ralph this year. Um, but they they were always good friends and Ralph was the chair of the Centennial in 1985. And I remember Carl Dirks, who was the city manager, saying, "Yes, I got a chair when Ralph agreed to do it." And and we did put on quite quite a celebration for the centennial. Um, and then another community member that uh passed away recently, Wanda Hler, and she was most recently did the food preparation at the hospital. So, and I think she had quit doing that um probably because of ill health, but she was missed. Uh thanks to the quilters for a successful quilt festival this year. It brings lots of guil quilters and visitors to town. Um want to mention Shatron High School and

Shatter State College. We'll both be having graduation ceremonies. Um wish you success in your future endeavors. And adding to that, the neighboring communities graduates. Um weekend of April 25th 26th was a busy one here in Chadan. I was impressed by the trails event that was held in the afternoon of April 25th. And of course attending the Nebraska volleyball game was an opportunity most of us would not have otherwise had. The excitement was nice to see. Um, coming up this Wednesday at the American Legion, there's a celebrating the Dawze County Honor Guard which starts at 6:00. Um, lasts for about an hour. Uh there's refreshments will be served and everyone's be welcome and thankful for the moisture that we received this past week. Uh everything's to be greening up a little including the weeds. So we got a little challenge on that. U but keep praying for rain. Um it helps a lot. Um that's all I had. Um, I would like to uh talk a little more about um Ralph Barley. Uh, he uh he had moved out of Shaturn uh many years ago, but some of us um Shatter Knights I guess um that was long time. We know him really well. He's he's definitely a good businessman. I think to add to his business endeavors

was the Hardies building too.

Um which he put a lot of teenagers um to work there um amongst the motel and the inkwell. Um him and Linda were good people. Um also I'd like to uh congrat congratulate all the um Shatron State and Shatron High uh graduates this year. Um, it's always sad to see the college leave. The the the town isn't as loud as it usually is. You can definitely tell it. Um, and also it's that time of year again that uh weeds weeds are coming up and grass needs mowed. So, keep on it. It's not not as hard as it is when it gets long. So, Well, Shane and I and a a group of guys had the opportunity to mountain bike in in Moab, which is a a town virtually the same size as Shadron, but uh the amenities that have has as far as businesses and uh seems more like a town of 50,000. And that's because it's a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. And I know Sadron's not Moab, but I think our uh geographic location has a lot to offer. And seeing some new trails go in at the state park and the uh first mile uh coming out of Shadron for the cowboy trail. I think these are steps uh to help Shadron maybe become more of a destination for for people that like the outdoors. if it's mountain biking or or road biking or gravel biking, uh running, hiking. Uh so I I I hope in the future that Shatter can uh can get some of what some of those other places like Moab has.

I I'm going to harp on that first mile of the the cowboy trail one more time as well. Um I I attended that ribbon cutting and it it was for how chilly it was and for how much else was going on in town. Um I thought it was really well attended and people were excited and you know great to see lots of kids uh riding their bikes down that mile. They had a little uh bike race for the kids. Um, but there was there was also a representative of the national um railstora program from Washington DC and I didn't realize that that the cowboy trail is part of uh what could eventually reach from coast to coast. Um, so I like Mark's saying, I I think there is uh, you know, a lot to uh, look forward to with the the completion of the additional miles on that because eventually that Nebraska could have the largest piece of that National Rails to Trails uh, corridor. Um, so we might see some uh, you know, tourism coming out of that as as a trail town and getting that designation and having the the trail completed uh, last mile and the additional two I think that have to go to to connect up with the rest of it. Um, and then I also just wanted to thank and recognize um, Sadron PD, the Do County Sheriff, and I think State Patrol um, just for everything that went into uh, making that Nebraska volleyball visit safe and and well organized. And I kind of forgot uh, what was going on that weekend, believe it or not. And I I drove down Second Street and was like, why is this blocked off? Uh, and later learned it was because the team was having dinner at the Bean Broker. Um, I I was glad to see from one of their social media posts they got to meet one of uh, Shadron's most important residents, Totty the Bean Broker cat.

Uh, and I've I've heard that there's no photographic evidence, but uh, I I heard uh that when they took a photo in the Bean Broker, someone said, "Where's the cat?" and our chief of police, Rick Hickstein, came around the corner with Toddy to present to the volleyball players so that he could be in their their photo. So again, thank you to the PD law enforcement um for making that a safe and successful weekend. I know there was a lot of moving parts to it. So,

uh, yeah, I just want to say it's good to see all the successful activities that have happened over the last couple weeks. And then I would, for me, I just want to point out that May is mental health awareness month. Since 1949, this month has served as a reminder for mental health as a core part of community health. and that today one in four Americans, adults in general uh in the United States experience mental health conditions each year. Even the smallest acts of connection can ma can matter. Recent studies have shown just a few minutes of genuine listening can reduce feelings of isolation and improving the well-being. Uh if you are struggling, we do there is the 988 hotline available 247. Uh so let's continue to build a community where people feel seen and supported and never alone. That's all I've got.

Oh, and may the fourth be with you. I moved we adjourn. I'll second motion by Shane, second by Kevin to adjourn. Could we have roll call, please? Klein, yes. Shepard, yes. Graves, yes. Alexi, yes. Anderson, yes.