City Council - Regular Meeting

The Columbus City Council meeting for April 20th, 2026 will now come to order. In compliance with the Open Meeting Act, a current copy of this act is posted in this meeting room. Madame clerk, would you please call roll? Balkley here. Allerone. Bar here. He here. Jablonsky here. Lopez here. Palinsky here. Roth here. Schilling. Mayor Bley, the role has been called. Thank you, Mr. Council President.

Our father, thank you for the opportunity to serve our fellow citizens. Please give us your wisdom and guidance to make the proper decisions entrusted in the governmental body. May our conduct show respect, honor, and courtesy to each other as well as to all our citizens. Amen. Amen.

Oh, say by the dawn early in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, sit does that at star spangle banner yet way. Oh, the land of the free. And the warm of the Good evening. I welcome everyone to tonight's council meeting. If at any time during our meeting this evening, anyone in our audience would like to address an item on our consent on our agenda, we'd ask you to please come forward, state your name and address, and we'd ask that you keep any comments to 5 minutes or less. With that, we'll move on to the consent agenda.

Item four, consent agenda. The following items are considered routine by the city council and will be enacted by one motion. And there will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council member or citizen requests in which event the item will be removed from the consent status and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. Item 4 A, minutes of the April 6, 2026 city council meeting. Item 4 B, reappointment of Neil KS Mark Beerman to the board of adjustment for three-year terms. Item 4 C, renewal of solid waste hauling licenses for a sanitation services incorporated. Beamer Lumber LLC doing business as Discount Dumpster. Hilltop Rolloff LLC doing business as Callaway Rolloff. S2 Rolloffs Refu and Recycling. Smash the Trash Sanitation LLC. UNI Sanitation LLC and Waste Connections of Nebraska Incorporated contingent on bond requirements being met. Item 4D, Finance Department report, and item 4E, payroll and bills on file. Mr. Mayor and council, is there anything you would like removed from the consent agenda?

Mr. Mayor, I move the items on the consent agenda be approved as presented. Second.

We have a motion and a second to approve. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. We move on to pre special presentations. This evening I have two proclamations. First one, National Apprenticehip Week. Whereas National Apprenticeship Week annual annually rises awareness of the vital role registered apprenticeships provide in creating and meeting critical industry workforce demands. Registered apprenticeships programs develop the highly skilled workforce that employers need and create pathways for Americans to catapult into high demand, high-paying careers. And whereas registered apprenticeship programs are industrydriven high quality career pathways that enable employers to develop and train their future workforce. And individuals can obtain paid work experience with a mentor, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and nationally recognized credentials. And whereas the city of Columbus recognizes the urgent need to prepare and maintain a highly skilled workforce that is capable of meeting the current and future demands of the industry we serve in fortifying our economy. And whereas the city of Columbus recognized the pivotal role educators, school counselors, and educational institutions serve in not only bringing awareness of registered apprenticeship opportunities to students and parents, but also serving as training providers, program sponsors, and intermediaries. And whereas registered apprenticeship programs are uniquely able to meet the changing demands of the city of Columbus economy. Now, I therefore, James B.

Balkley, mayor of the city of Columbus, Nebraska, do hereby declare April 26 to May 2nd, 2026, as National Apprenticeship Week in the city of Columbus and call upon stakeholders and partners to recognize the value of registered apprenticeships and to promote awareness and expansion during National Apprenticeship Week. I think it's always important to recognize as our world changes the value of apprenticeships for most of many of the trades and we see so many kids that are going that way now and the need for that in the future. I think it's very important and this is this is a very timely uh proclamation. Uh second proclamation, kind Columbus Day proclamation. Whereas acts of kindness, both large and small, have the power to strengthen our community, uplift our neighbors, and create a more connected and compassionate Columbus. And whereas fostering a culture of kindness encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to support one another and contribute to the overall well-being of our city. And whereas Kind Columbus Day is an opportunity to inspire intentional acts of generosity, promote positivity, and recognize the impact that kindness can have on improving lives. And whereas residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations are encouraged to participate in kind Columbus Day by performing simple acts of kindness, volunteering their time, or creating meaningful experiences for others. And whereas by working together to spread kindness, we help build a stronger, more welcoming community for all who live, work, and visit Columbus. Now, therefore, I, James B. Bokeley, the

mayor of the city of Columbus, Nebraska, do hereby proclaim April 28th, 2026 as Kind Columbus Day in Columbus, Nebraska, and encourage all citizens to celebrate this day by sharing kindness, compassion, and goodwill throughout our community. All right, hopefully we don't have to just do that on one day. We can make that something we do all the time here in Columbus. All right, we move on to public hearings.

Item 7A, public hearing, application from Williams Midwest House Movers on behalf of Jim Conot for a permit to move a house from 1808 East 23rd Street, Columbus to land outside of the city's jurisdiction. The planning commission recommends approval. Is there anyone here this evening to speak against this public hearing? Anyone here this evening to speak for this public hearing? Move the public hearing be closed. Second.

We have a motion in a second to close the public hearing. Any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. Item 7B. Oh no. Sorry. Do you did you do both motions? Looks like there's another. Huh? Yeah, there should be. Um, Mr. Mayor, move the application from Williams Midwest House Movers on behalf of Jim Connet to for a permit to move house from 1808 East 23rd Street, Columbus, Nebraska to land outside the city's jurisdiction be approved. Second.

We have a motion and a second to approve. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed? Nay. Motion passes.

Item 7B, public hearing, application from Advanced Consulting Engineering Services on behalf of Keys Development LLC for final platin development agreement of Dubos Addition, extensions and connections of Isaiah Drive and 44th Avenue. The planning commission recommends approval. Is there anyone here this evening to speak against this public hearing? Anyone here this evening to speak for this public hearing? Mr. Mayor, I move the public hearing be closed. Second. We have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. Any further discussion?

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. Item 7B1, resolution number R26-54, approving the final plat and development agreement. Mr. Mayor, I move for resolution number R2654 to be adopted. Second. We have a motion and a second to adopt resolution number R26-54. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes. Item 7 C, public hearing, application from Clark Grant on behalf of Dr. Jeffrey Gotel and Tammy Gotchel for a final plat and development agreement of JC and TNL Gotchell Second Subdivision, west side of 26th Avenue and 33rd Street. The planning commission recommends approval. Is there anyone here this evening to speak against this public hearing? Anyone here to speak for this public hearing? Mr. Mayor, I move the public hearing be closed. Second. We have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. Any further discussion?

Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. Item 7C1, resolution number R26-55, approving the final plat and development agreement. Mr. Mayor, I move that resolution number R26-55, the final plat for the Gota subdivision be approved.

Second. We have a motion and a second to approve resolution number R26-55. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes.

Item 7D, public hearing, application from Clark Grant on behalf of Dr. Jeffrey Gotchel and Tammy Gotchel to reszone property located in lots 1 2 3 and four block B and lots 1 2 3 4 5 6 and 7 block C JC and TL Gotchell second subdivision to the city of Columbus Plaque County Nebraska to from R1 to R2 to family residential and to amend the future land use map of the comprehensive plan. The planning commission recommends approval. Is there anyone here this evening to speak against this public hearing? Is there anyone here this evening to speak for this public hearing? Mr. Mayor, may the public hearing be closed? Second.

We have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. Item 7D1, ordinance number 26-06, approving the resoning. Mr. Mayor, I move that the rules be suspended in ordinance number 26-60 be read by number only. Second.

We have a We have a motion and a second to suspend the rules and read ordinance number 26-06 by number only. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. Ordinance number 26-06. Mr. Mayor, move that we approve ordinance number 26-06. Second.

We have a motion and a second to approve ordinance number 26-06. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed? Nay.

Motion passes. Item 7E, public hearing, application from Dale and Patricia Lobbins to reszone property located in lots 1 through 4 lying south of Union Pacific Rideway and all of lots 5 through 8, block 73 and lot one, block 74, original City of Columbus, Plaque County, Nebraska from R3 to MLC1 and to amend the future land use map of the comprehensive plan. This is northwest of the corner of 12th Street and 14th Avenue. The planning commission recommends approval.

Is there anyone here this evening to speak against this public hearing? Is there anyone here this evening to speak for this public hearing? Well, come on. I kind of wanted him to get up and say hello to us anyway, you know? I mean, just because you're in the audience, you got to get up and say hello. Fair enough. Hi everybody. I'm Braden Lobbins, 1409 12th Street. I'm here representing my parents on this. Good to see everybody again. It's It's kind of nice and homey to be back here and see all these friendly faces. So, thanks for having me tonight.

Any questions for Braden? Didn't think so. Thank you for stepping up. Good to see you. All right, we have a motion and a second. All All those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Mr. Mayor, I move those. Oh, we didn't get close. Okay. Sorry. Second. We now have a motion and a second to close the hearing. Without further discussion, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed? Nay. Motion passes. Item 7E1, ordinance number 26-07, approving the resoning. Mr. Mayor, move the rules be suspended and ordinance number 26-07 be read by number only. Second.

We have a motion and a second to suspend the rules and read ordinance number 26-07 by number only. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. Before we go on, I just would like to comment to the public. I think we had four or five items on this public hearing agenda. No questions were asked and I think the reason for that is the work that our planning and zoning committee put together and prepare and and share with us. Um we felt comfortable with everything that was presented and that's the reason you don't have a lot of give and take because that homework has been done. Um just a great example uh of what we get for support. All right, move on.

Item nine, reports of city office. We got number two. We got Oh, sorry. Ordinance number 26-07. Move that ordinance number 26-07 be adopted. Second. We have a motion and a second to adopt number ordinance number 26-07. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. Brings us up to reports from city offices. Item 9A, the 2025 tax increment financing report.

Good evening, council. Uh, it's that time of year to go over the city's TIFF projects. Um, this is all governed by state statute section 18-2117.02. Um, there's a few different line items on here that are required to be uh reported. Number one meaning or being the uh total number of active redevelopment projects within the city that are are currently ongoing and there is 28 of them. Um, of those projects, the total estimated cost for those developments is $397 million, a little almost $398 million. Uh, that's pretty substantial project cost in total, and it's actually up quite a bit from the prior year. So, um, this also required a comparison between the initial projected valuation of property included in each such redevelopment, um, as described in the contract versus what the assessed values currently are. Um and that's on the matrix that's shown every year that we'll get to here in a second. Um the number of such redevelopment projects for which financing has been paid in full during the previous calendar year. Uh we have none that were paid in 2025 during the calendar year 2025 that were finalized. Uh there are two that are coming very very close and we'll talk about those here in a second. um the number of such redevelopment projects that were approved by the governing body in the previous calendar year. There were four of those and we'll see those here in number six. Um those were Cottonwood Heights and then the the areas of where those are as well as the financing and estimated costs are there. Um so that's Cottonwood Heights, Quail Meadows, Cricut and Ziggar Zagger Investments. Um, and then the final thing that's disclosed here is that the city of Columbus is still currently 25% blighted. So that hasn't changed from

the prior year. But if we take a look at the matrix here really quick, which is what is um disclosed here every year, um you can see that there's uh the four new projects up top there, as well as two from previous years that uh do not yet have base valuations or 2025 valuations. Um the reason for that is those have not had notice to divide yet. So uh two of those for sure are coming here really soon I think. Um but overall this schedule uh shows everything with all 28 of the projects that are currently uh ongoing. Um the year that they were approved as well as the amount of the financing. So you can see uh the one column there at the bottom the total financing that has been um approved was a little over $63 million. But the overall estimated project cost is that's almost 398 million. Uh so that's a it's a really sizable chunk. And then probably the most important thing here is the base valuation and the 2025 valuations. Um you can see there that there's a very large uh variation between what these properties were before they were developed and what they are worth now and what the the tax base on those is. Um, so that's a a really good thing for the the community here. Um, and then the uh estimated valuations per the redevelopment plans is just over half a billion dollars there, 53 million. So that's pretty substantial. Um, and then the last thing on here is the actual tiff taxes that were collected. So as you know, the city of Columbus is basically just a pass through on these things. We receive and then we turn around and pay those to the developers or the banks or whoever it may be. So during the 2025 calendar year, there was 2,469,000 and change that was passed through to these projects. You can see which each

one of those are there. So uh the biggest of which is the convergence. So um is there any questions or concerns related to TIFF projects for the 2025 calendar year? That's all I have then. All right. Thank you, Chris. Thanks, Chris. Appreciate it. Item 9B is the update on the Nebraska Department of Transportation Loop River South Bridges project. Mr. Bogus.

So, there are um they're on schedule. Everything's going fine. What they're doing is they're working on um basically pier one and maybe a little bit of pier 2's left to be done. So pretty soon um you'll be able to stop hearing the major pounding that's here around town for for all that um long as the testing goes out well. Then they're also working on a butman one which is a south one. So that kind of finishes up that south side and they're estimating that maybe around that starting May 11th that week they'll start putting up the last of the girders. So that'll be another big huge step there and kind of move on from there. So things are going pretty well. um the the dip or the bump, whatever you want to call it, on the other side is obviously still there if you've traveled over it. It the good thing is it's not getting any worse and so right now they're just monitoring it and we'll if it doesn't get worse they'll kind of I think they're just going to kind of leave it. They do have emergency backup plan though in place. They might have to put a asphalt wedge in or something if they if it gets any worse but right now it's not.

And um yeah, otherwise things are going fine. Any questions for Rick on the bridge project? All right. Thank you, Rick. Item 9C, Columbus and focus from our general services team.

Hey everybody, I'm Matt Lindberg, the public communications manager. Um, I'm here again to present. I've realized because communications is in my title, I'm the de facto person who has to stand up here and talk, but that's okay. Um, this time, last time I spoke to you guys about the general admin team. This time I'm talking to you about the general services team. So, um, you can click that along. Thank you. So, the general services team is made up of Betsy Ahart, our director of general services, myself again, the public communications manager, uh, planning and economic development coordinator, Gene Vanipin, our library director, uh, Jerry K. Hopkins and our parks director Sydney Moroch. Uh I've put this quote up here from Michael Jordan because it's indicative of our group. That quote is, "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen." For the first couple months we were together, uh we spent a lot of time talking about ideas we wanted to do to bring the community together and increase or improve the quality of life. I would say in the last month and a half, two months, we've really committed ourselves to figuring out plans of how we're going to make those things happen. So, we have something tangible to show not just the council, but our community. Uh so, we'll just break down what uh we work collectively as a group, but we also are doing things individually uh while we collaborate. So, public communications, um, I've worked with the parks department, the trackside district, the library, and the tracks creative district to create consistent branding for, uh, kind Columbus, which we have facilitated or, uh, disseminated out there in the community. And now we're seeing, um, a pickup of businesses wanting to participate in what the uh, idea is. Um, I'm trying to read that from afar. Sorry guys, I'm getting older. And thank you, Sher. Uh,

I recommend you don't use black as a background next time. Fair enough. Uh, trying to be artsy. See, that's that's your guys's thing, not me. Could have used pink. What? Should have used pink.

Uh, we've been producing reels and other videos with city staff and our elected officials. Um, our kind Columbus reel has generated more than 12,000 views uh as of today uh since its release. And that video featured people speaking in English, Spanish, and Polish. Um, so, yep. Thank you, Rich. Uh, we're working with uh I'm working with the parks department, trackside district, and tracks creative district on creating marketing plans inspired by the marketing plan we rolled out for city hall earlier this year. Uh, I've been working with the police department, fire department, public works, and the JCC uh, and general services on more than two dozen forms of public messaging to keep people informed. Uh, and I responded and interacted with 15 members of the public who sent direct messages to the city on social media and put them in touch with our fine department heads and elected officials. So, if you got any phone calls from residents, maybe that's because they reached out to the city. Uh, I'm going to go ahead and pass it over to Jean.

Jean Vanipern, planning and economic development coordinator. part of my job is to oversee the creative district which includes our art gallery here in the building and the sculpture rock and that type of things downtown. So in the last 60 days we've had um a new gallery show in the gallery runs through this month. It's the Columbus Area Artist Association has their jured show. um we will be switching that out at the end of the month and um we're bringing in a three different artists from Omaha who do more urban style art. So that's something to look forward to. We also this month had a artist come from Omaha and she held two different artist and residency programs. One with a senior center so that the older adults over 55 could experience art at you know could do something with art. And then we also had one in the um Columbus Public Library for the teenagers and that culminated with a one canvas reception on Friday. We had over 114 people attend the reception where everybody showcased everything that they created within that two-eek period of time. Um, for that two-eek program, we had 20 to 25 kids per day participate in the program that was in the library. And at the senior center, we had anywhere from four to six seniors that participated. Um, since we started that program at the senior center, we did have a couple of retirement um, homes reach out to us. Cottonwood is one of them. Um, the senior center is also interested in doing maybe a quarterly program. So, we're really excited about that. So, um that's kind of what we've been up to.

Sorry. I'm Jerry Hopkins. I am the library director of some of the things that we have been doing. I just want to first mention that to this week is National Library Week. So, we have um bags that people can pick up at the library. Um we're also the maker space is finally open and fully open. We have it open all day long and we have a system in place where people can learn how to use it and then can use it whenever they need to use it. Um but we also have staffed hours now for a total of nine hours a week. Um, Kelly recently, you can see her up there. She went to the week of the young child with the United Way and she helped that and they were highlighting how you can read to your children and she made balloons and gave them out to the kids. Um, story time, we always have story time on Thursdays. We have, but we have expanded that to include Monday evenings and Saturdays, the first Saturday of the month. Well, and the first Monday of the month. Um, so now we're averaging over 300 people um, for our story time per month. Um, the friends of the library up there, you can see they had um, this day forward which was a presentation of um, wedding dresses from the 1800s forward and we had 38 people attend and I worked downstairs at the desk during that and the people were really loved it. They all commented on how amazing that program was. And finally, I just want to say that um the community building is averaging 13,000 visit visitors a month in the building coming in the front doors. So that's what's going on at the library and in the community building. Thank you.

Okay. Betsy Ehart, director of general services and I'm going to be representing parks and recreation. Um, since Sydney is still out in the month of March, we had the youth signup day and 358 kids attended with their parents in this very room. Um, we had a trivia night with 16 couples that attended, a floral arrangement with 16 attendants. Um, and that's what that picture is there. That was all held in this room. Our summer brochure is officially published and all programs are ready for registration. We've taken 54 teenagers um through the lifeguard certification course that is both for our pool but then also local area pools as well. Over 50 kids attended the underwater Easter egg hunt. 88 people attended the glow-in-the-dark swim night. Um, we worked these past two months with JEO across both the golf and parks departments to conduct the tree inventory and findings for that will be coming early this summer. And we collaborated with the tracks creative district and the artist and residency projects at the senior center.

Next, wake up down there. Yeah. So, we just want to highlight that we are one team with one mission which is connecting, growing, creating, and inspiring. And together, we shape the everyday experience for our community. Do you guys have any questions about what the general services team is doing? No questions. All right. Thank you all. Keep it up. Good work.

Item 10 is reports of council committees. Item 10A, public property safety and works committee of April 20th, 2026. Item 10 A1 is the permanent utility easement located on lot one JLO subdivision to the city of Columbus Plat County, Nebraska Howard. This is at Howard Boulevard in Evans Lane. Mr. Mayor, I move the report be adopted. Second, sir. We have a motion and a second to adopt this committee report. Any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes.

Item 10 A2, minutes of the January 21st, 2026 Americans with Disabilities Compliance Committee meeting. The committee recommends approval. Mr. Mayor, move the this report be adopted. Second. Second. We have a motion and a second to adopt this committee report. Any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes. Item 10 A3, traffic control device committee report for the first quarter of 2026. The committee recommends approval. Mr. Mayor, I recommend the report be adopted. Second. We have a motion and a second to adopt this committee report. Any discussion? Yes. I'd like to make a comment. Yes, sir.

Um, the flashing stop sign at 38th Street and 18th Avenue, I think, is a great addition to to our uh stop sign, so to speak. Any It's a It's a good It works good. Thank you. Yes. Very good. So, what uh C what Councilman Roth is referring to is the recommendation of the traffic control device committee was to install one of those flashing stop signs at the intersection of 38th Street and 18th Avenue. That will happen soon. It's done. It is installed.

All right. Well, that's great. Obviously, I haven't been on 38th Street and 18th Avenue. Or if I did, I wasn't paying attention. All right, that was a motion and a second to approve. All those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. That brings us up to new business. Item 13A, appointment of Greg Celock to the Civil Service Commission for a 5-year term.

Council, with your permission, the mayor wishes to submit the following name to you for consideration and appointment of or at the April 20th 26 city council meeting per city council rules. Civil Service Commission, 5-year term. Greg Celock. Greg Celock grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from Lincoln Pas School in 1989. and he received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska Carney in 1993. And in 1994, he was hired as a police officer for the city of Columbus. During his 28-year career with the Columbus City Police Department, he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, criminal investigator, drug investigator, polygraph examiner, sergeant, and field training supervisor. Greg retired from CPD in 2022. Following his retirement, Greg attended mortterary school and graduated with an associate degree in mortterary science from De Moine Metropolitan Community College. Greg is now licensed a licensed funeral director for Gas Haney Funeral Home. He and his wife Cara have three children, Amanda and Nathan Frerenberg, Hannah and Zach McDuffy, and Micah Seelock. Signed, James B. Bokeley, mayor. Uh council, do I have a recommendation?

Mr. Mr. Mayor, I move for the appointment of Greg Celock to the Civil Service Commission for a 5-year term. Second. Second. I have a motion and a second to approve. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes.

Item 13B, appointment of Brett K to the board of adjustment for a three-year term. Council, with your permission, the mayor wishes to submit the following name to you for appointment at the April 20th, 26 city council meeting for council rules. Board of adjustments, three-year term, Brett KMF. Brett KF grew up in the Columbus in a family with a strong community roots. His father, Tom Kf, was a long longtime realtor for former Columbus City Council member. Uh Brent graduated from Columbus City Central Catholic High School in 1981 and received his business degree from Midland College in 1985 where he also played basketball and golf. Brett has been in real estate industry for 26 years, currently working with Century 21 realy team. Prior to his career career in real estate, he managed the Diamond Vogal paint store in Columbus for 13 years, building strong relationships throughout the community. Brett and his wife Connie have been married for 21 years. They have three growing daughters, all married and seven grand great or grandchildren. In his free time, Brett enjoys the outdoors and staying connected with the community. Signed, Mayor Jim James B. Bokeley. Do I have a motion from the council?

Move for the appointment. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve this appointment. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed? Nay. Motion passes. Item 13 C, appointment of Russley to the board of adjustment for a three-year term.

Council, with your permission, the mayor wishes to submit the following name to you for appointment at the April 2026 city council meeting for city council rules. Board of adjustment, three-year term. Russ Staley. Russ Staley was born and raised in Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School in 1978. He then attended Central Community College for two years where he studied architectural drafting and structural welding. Russ worked in construction industry until 1994 when he accepted a position as trust shop manager at me lumber in Columbus. In 1998, he founded Russley Construction and Design specializing in light commercial and residential construction. in 2008 established Straley Building Solutions Incorporated, a material sales company that assists area contractors with drafting services and building material supply. 2016, he closed Russley Construction designed to focus extru exclusively on growing straley building solutions incorporated. Russ served the last five years as a member of the city service commission for Columbus. Russ and his wife Lynn have two grown children and one granddaughter. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve on this committee and give back to the Columbus community which was provided him with many opportunities and a safe place to raise his family. Signed Mayor James B. Bokeley. Does the council have a motion?

I move the mayor's appointment of Russia as a board of adjustment be ratified. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve. Any discussion? Yes, sir. Um just maybe for the viewing public can somebody explain what the board of adjustment does? Sure I can. The board of adjustment um is a group of professionals in the generally in the building um and construction fields that um see applications for variances from our minimum code. So they receive those inquiries and then make um decisions on them.

And so they're they're and they just report directly to us. They don't to the planning commission or uh they are they make decisions. They are the only other board outside of the city council that does make final decisions. Final we don't we don't ratify any or we don't do anything. They're it. They're the end all. Okay. I think the public would be interested because you hear board of adjustment it does is it's pretty vague. Thank you. Yep. All right. We have a motion and a second to approve. All those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes. Item 13D, appointment of Michael Duceman to um as an alternate to the board of adjustment for a three-year term.

Council, with your permission, the mayor wishes to submit the following name to your appointment at the April 2026 city council meeting per council rules board of adjustment three-year term. Michael Duceman, alternate Michael Duceman grew up in Humphrey, Nebraska, and attended St. Francis High School before continuing his education at the University of Nebraska where he earned a master's degree in accounting with a minor in computer science. Following college, Michael began his 33-year career with Fisberg Fiserve in Lincoln, Nebraska in a variety of roles, including chief technology officer for the financial division. He retired from Fiserve in 2022 and now lives in Columbus with his wife Sally. Michael currently serves as secretary treasurer for the Wagner's Lake Association and also provides consulting services for other organizations. Signed, James B. Bokeley. Mayor Council. Do you have a wish for a motion?

I move the mayor's appointment of Michael Duceman as an alternate to the board of adjusted be ratified. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve this appointment. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes. Item 13E, plans, specifications, and estimate of cost in the amount of $24,59 and authorization to advertise for bids for the Columbus Loop River Bridge Mitigation 2026 project. Plans and specs are on file in the engineering department. This is CIP25-25.

Mr. Mayor move the plan, specifications, estimate of cost, and authorization to advertise for bids for Columbus Loop River Bridge Mitigation 2026 be approved. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve. Any discussion? Yes, sir. Just once again, maybe for the public to explain what we're we're trying to do here. Absolutely. Rick, would you like to explain that?

Sure. So, um, the Loop River Bridge that's now tore down, the one that we talked about earlier getting rebuilt, um, was historic. And so, um, in order to you have to mitigate the historic loss of that bridge, it's a requirement from the federal government through the state of Nebraska down to the city of Columbus. And so, um, it's run by the state do and they work with all the agencies to find out what that best mitigation is. And so this plan that's here today to go out for bids is what that they came up with. Um the cost of this is at no is not at no cost to the city. It's entirely 100% reimbursed by the state of Nebraska from the federal government. So there is no cost for that. But it's a requirement in order for the NDOT to get the funds to do the bridge project to build.

Thank you. So, if I understand right, we've torn down a bridge and then we're going to build a mini bridge so people can remember to see the bridge and it's not going to cost us a thing, but it's going to cost somebody something because all dollars come from everybody, right? Well, that's all true. Yep. Okay. I just wanted to make sure I was on the same page every page. Okay. And and it is a requirement and it is Well, I was just going to say and we have to do it. Uh if you kind of felt a sarcastic tone in my voice, it it's true. I I would not be in favor of spending this kind of money, but this is something we have to do to move forward with the project. Yeah, it is what it is. Yep. All right.

It It would be nice if the bridge went over something. It goes over the trail. Yeah, it's going to go over the trail. It's going to go over the trail. It's over an existing trail. I thought it was along the trail or No, it's over the top. You'll walk underneath it. All right. Through it. All right. Uh, let's see. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion passes.

Item 13F, comments from the mayor and city council members in compliance with the open meetings act. No discussion may be held on this item.

Any comments from council members this evening? My only comment this evening would be to remind the public that uh Saturday morning from 9 to 10. I will be in the library on the first floor of the community building uh operating my forum uh for the public for anyone that wants to come forth and have a visit with the mayor. So all right, we'll move on to resolutions. Item 14A, resolution number R26-56, approving and accepting the permanent utility easement with JLO Properties LLC located in lot one JLO subdivision to the city of Columbus Plat County, Nebraska. This is at Howard Boulevard and Evans Lake or Ev.

Mr. Mayor, I move that. Sorry. No, it's good. Mr. Mayor, I move that resolution number R26-56 be adopted. Second. We have a motion and a resol motion and a second to approve resolution R26-56. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes. Item 14B, resolution R26-57, awarding the contract to Midlands Contracting doing business as Johnson Services Company and the amount of $133,49.75 for sanitary sewer rehabilitation 2026. This is CIP20-94. Mr. Mayor, I move resolution number resolution number 26-57 be adopted. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve resolution number R26-57. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes. Item 14 C, resolution R26-58, approving the professional engineering services agreement with Kirkham Associates Incorporated in the amount of $125,384.19 for the airport runway and taxiway lighting improvements reallocated CIP26-15. Mr. Mayor, I move for the adoption of resolution number R26-58.

Second. We have a motion and a second to approve resolution R26-58. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Speak now or forever hold your peace. Motion pass. Item 14D, resolution R26-59, approving the professional engineering services agreement with Kirk Michael and Associates Incorporated in the amount of $20,000 to provide geographical information system and AutoCAD files for the runway approach zones for the municipal airport located or this, excuse me, this is a reallocation from CIP26-15.

Mr. Mayor move resolution number R26-59 be adopted. Second. We have a motion and a second to adopt resolution number R26-59. Any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor signify by I. Those opposed nay. Motion passes. Item 14E, resolution number R26-60, amending the award of the community development block grant funds to the amount of $19,126.70 to Melissa Spearman for a downtown revitalization project.

Mr. Mayor, I moved that resolution number R26-60 be adopted. Second. We have a motion and a second to adopt resolution number R26-60. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by I. Those opposed, nay. Motion pass. Meeting adjourned. We will have our community development meeting as soon