VILLAGE OF DECATUR REGULAR BOARD MEETING August 14th, 2025 @ 4:30 PM NOTE: Everyone must use the microphones at the table. The audience must be quiet during the meeting. If you want to ask a question and you are not on the agenda, you must raise your hand, get permission from the Chairman, and come to the microphone before speaking. If you are on the agenda the same rule applies. THE VILLAGE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE AGENDA AT THE REGULAR MEETING WHEN CONVENED. MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A COPY OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT IS LOCATED ON THE NORTH WALL. A COPY OF THE MEETING NOTICE WAS POSTED AT THE CITY HALL, POST OFFICE, FIRST NEBRASKA BANK, AND DECATUR EXPRESS. The Village Board reserves the right to go into executive session for matters appropriate under the Nebraska Open Meetings Act. Guests signing in were: Elmer & Jane Armstrong, Chad Carrier (Carrier Container), David Poe (S2 Roll Offs), Kailey Irwin (King Disposal), Ryan Chytka, Stan Teutsch, Patty Mohr, Robert Sparks, Rod & Jean Nelson, Jackie Anderson. Guests not signing in: Ray & Julie Metcalf, Officer Scott Burgett, Officer John Sparks, Kiley Worley. 1) REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN ANDERSON. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes. Quorum Present-yes 2) EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING: All were present. 3) AGENDA AND MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH'S MEETING RECEIVED: Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes. 4) APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION AND SUSPENDED READING OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH MINUTES. There were none. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes. 5) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES: 1) Police: Monthly Report Police report received by the board. The Board was very pleased with the police report. We have had an officer on duty almost daily. There is a sign placed at the Green Lantern that makes it very hard to see coming off of North Broadway from the North. The Board will ask if can be removed. Anderson asked Officer Sparks to stop and speak with anyone that is mowing grass clippings in the street. The Ordinance for this was sent with the August 2025 billing to everyone. 2) Lights: Monthly Report A. No meters pulled. B. Received the five transformers, but had they to use two of the K25 at the water treatment plant. There was a limb that fell and landed on a primary line on West 13th street, that caused a power outage. The power was restored. There were 2 transformers that had to be replaced at the water treatment facility, the meter, surge protector and battery back-up was also burnt up, due to a lightening stick. Kirschenman suggested putting lightening suppressors at the water plant. 3) Water & Sewer: Monthly Report A. Water leak on the Broadway Bridge, Steve Cass came and helped get it fixed. It will be fixed properly and insulation put back on it in September. Anderson stated that he wanted to thank Steve Cass, he was called at 2:30 AM, and he was here before 5:00 AM. The water meter has been replaced at the water treatment plant. 4) Parks: Monthly Report A. July 2025 income-$7,334.24. B. New Information Center has been installed at the Campground that was donated by the Judy Anderson Family, in memory of Mike Marr. C. Two new flag poles have been ordered and received for the Mike Farber Memorial Field. The Village is going to purchase 2 four-foot sleeves to put the poles into. The park was supposed to receive red rock for Beck Park, but it continues to rain. The Board discussed decreasing the hours for the splash pad, due to school starting. It would be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Board agreed to open on the Monday of Labor Day also. 5) Streets: Monthly Report A. August Highway Allocation-$7,031.88. B. May 2025 Sales Tax received in July was $14,225.57, $5,304.46 to LB840. Bid notices for 5th Avenue are in the newspaper, the bid will run for three weeks. Bid opening is scheduled for August 22, 2025. Hightree will contact Boden Construction to see when they can start the project that they bid and was awarded. There is one small project to see if they can do along with this one. The new employee Michael Madsen will start Monday, he did have a vacation planned from August 14th through August 20th, but will return on August 21st. He seems to be eager to work. 6) Sears Center: Monthly Report A. There are some shingles missing from the Sears Center. Anderson stated he will have Larry put him in the basket truck to take a look to see what has happened. Kirschenman has been receiving complaints on the TV’s not working at the Sears Center. Anderson stated that the clerk has called Engelhart in West Point to look and see what is wrong. Anderson has cleaned the Dr’s office at the Sears Center, due to the Chiropractor starting on Monday, August 18th. The food pantry outside the Sears Center will be moved, so that it will be in the shade. 7) City Hall A. Nothing to report. 8) Property Cleanup Update 1052 South Broadway, 1142 South Broadway, 1112 South Broadway, 470 West 10th Street, 481 West 10th Street, 340 East 8th Street, 410 West 9th Street, 421 West 9th Street, 430 West 9th Street, 400 West 9th Street-Property sold working on the cleanup,1502 Riverview Drive, 340 East 9th Street, 481 West 12th Street, 1302 South 2nd Avenue, 540 West 10th Street, 451 West 9th Street, 311 East 9th Street (case closed). Troutman asked when is enough, enough? Can tickets be issued? There have been properties that he has been working on since the beginning. Do we need to get the officer involved with Signal, to get things taken care of. Elmer Armstrong came to the table. He stated that he appreciates everything that is being done with the property clean-up. He asked if the board would take a 10-minute recess and take a look at the property that is located at 1502 Riverview Drive. He asked them to take a look at the south side of the property at the working condition of the boats. He stated that the home owners on 2nd Avenue and Riverview Drive would appreciate it. Troutman asked if 1502 Riverview Drive was closed? The Clerk stated it was closed, but reopened due to the complaint that was filed. Shane Wimer from Signal told the property owners wife that if the boats continued to be put back on Village Right-of-Way that they would be towed. There was conversation in the audience. Anderson stated that some of the Board members have already drove to this property and looked. Troutman and Hightree will check the ordinances tomorrow and talk with Shane. 6) NEW BUSINESS 1. Garbage Bids Kings Disposal- one 96-gallon can provided per household $18.71, - two 96-gallon containers per household $20.71, Kailey stated that they help some people get their garbage to the curb. S2 Refuse and Recycling with one 96-gallon can provided per household - $21.00, two-96-gallon containers $24.00 per household. 3-dumpsters provided for city hall and Beck Park - $100.00 per month for each dumpster. one 40 yard roll off container for spring and fall community cleanup. Brummond Disposal-no container $20.00 per household, one 96-gallon container provided per household $25.00. 5% increase every year after year one. one-6-yard dumpster and two-2-yard dumpsters also provided for city hall and Beck Park. Carrier Container-one 96 gallon provided per household $22.75, $12.25 per household for each additional 96-gallon can provided. Special Services-City Hall – 1.5-yard dumpster, Beck Park – 1-2 yard and 1 6-yard dumpster weekly April through October, up to five 20-yard roll-off dumpsters for city wide cleanup, one 15-yard roll-off dumpster for one City sponsored event annually. A representative from each company was here except Brummond Disposal. There was much discussion, and figuring done by the Board members. Troutman made a motion to accept King Disposal Bid of $18.71 per month with no cans provided, trash pickup to start after 7:00 AM, and wave the administration fee of $.75. Total cost of trash pickup monthly would be $19.71 with the $1.00 cleanup day fee. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. Motion Carries. 2. Blight and Substandard Determination Study, Comprehensive Planning Program. There has to be a Public Hearing with the Planning Commission and Certified Letters sent before this can be voted on with the Village Board. This has been tabled, there is much more to be done before this can be accepted. 3. Late Fees for Commercial Utilities. The Village has been waving the late fee for some of the Commercial utilities. The Board stated that we have ACH that they can sign up for. Hightree stated that we change the billing date to the 20th of each month. 4. Resolution #207 LARM 2025-2026 Renewal. The Clerk read the Resolution Troutman made a motion to approve Resolution #207 League Association of Risk Management 2025-2026 Renewal Resolution with is provide written notice of termination at least 180 days prior to the desired termination date, which date shall be no sooner than September 30, 2028. (180 day and three-year commitment; 5% discount. McCullock second the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, McCullock-yes. 5. LB840 Grant Application for Chiropractic Group of Nebraska, LLC. Whit Brummond with Chiropractic Group of Nebraska, LLC is asking for $8,500.00 to purchase a bed for his business that he is starting on Monday, August 18, 2025 at the Sears Center. Troutman made a motion to approve the Grant for Whit Brummond with Chiropractic Group of Nebraska, LLC in the amount of $8,500.00 and to stay open for one year or pay back half of the LB840 money. Hightree second the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. Motion Carries. 6. LB840 Loan Application for Cole & Kiley Worley (Green Lantern). Anderson asked Kiley Worley to come to the table. He asked if they could remove the sign that is blocking the view at the on the north intersection of Broadway and 7th Street. She stated that it would be taken care of. There is a recommendation from the LB840 Loan Committee to loan the Worley’s $12,000.00 with no interest, and repay the loan at $1,200.00 a year for the next 12 years. The Village Attorney has drawn up the paperwork, for both the Worley’s and the Village to sign. Kiley asked if they could pay monthly. It was stated they could. Kirschenman asked if this was going to be a business loan? The rest of the Board stated it is. Troutman made a motion to approve the LB840 Loan Application for the Green Lantern in the amount of $12,000.00 with 0% interest and be paid off in 10 years. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-no, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. Motion Carries. 7. LB840 Application Ryan & Ann Chytka. Ryan came to the table. They are asking for $14,575.00 to pay for half of the cost of the roof being replaced on their building which houses two of the four apartments on the north side of the building. Kirschenman asked what does this do for Decatur? Anderson and McCullock both stated that it provides housing. Ryan stated that this is a huge responsibility and he takes care of the maintenance. Kirschenman asked if they had insurance? They do but it did not cover their flat roof. Kirschenman asked if this could be a loan? Troutman stated it would have to go to the Loan Committee first. Troutman stated that he thought the LB840 was something new being brought to Decatur, these have already been established, and this would be maintaining the property. The Village Attorney stated that this would be covered under the LB840. Anderson stated that he does not want the building to deteriorate anymore, he suggested giving half of what they are asking as a grant and half as a loan. There was discussion on the application. It was decided to table this application and sent to the committee for review. 8. Marilyn Andersen & Jackie Anderson-Stove for Senior Center. Jackie came to the table and asked if the Village could purchase the new stove for the Senior Center under the Village. The stove has to be hooked up by a certified company, Sapp Brothers is certified to do that. Hightree made a motion to allow the Village to purchase the stove for the Senior Center and be reimbursed. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-abstain, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes. 9. Wage for New Employee. The Board did not state a wage for Michael Madsen when he was hired last month. Kirschenman made a motion to hire Michael Madsen at $19.00 per hour. Troutman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Hightree-yes, Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes. Motion Carries. 10. Prepay Propane Prices. The Board received 3 bids for 6000 gallons of prepay propane. Sapp Brothers-$1.25 Smith’s-Pender-$1.279 Butch’s Propane-$1.37 Troutman made a motion to accept the bid from Sapp Brothers for $1.25 per gallon. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Kirschenman-yes, Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 11. Burt County Independent as Legal Newspaper. The Lyons Mirror-Sun and the Oakland Independent have combined as the Burt County Independent and Lee-Agra has stopped publishing the Plaindealer. The Lyons Mirror-Sun was the legal paper for the Village; the Village will use the Burt County Independent. 12. Greg Jump-Plans for 400 West 9th Street. Greg did not come to the meeting. 13. Water Meter for Splash Pad. Hightree made a motion to install the water meter at the Splash pad. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes. Motion Carries. 14. Order three more K25 transformers. These have been ordered. Anderson asked if the backup battery and surge protector could be an insurance claim? Troutman stated to wait and see what the costs are. Troutman made a motion to order three more K25 transformers. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, McCullock-yes. Motion Carries. 15. Discuss Employee Raises (January) for the 2025-2026 budget. Anderson stated that we have never really put a true figure into the budget for pay raises, due to the raises never happening until January of the next year. Troutman made a motion to go into executive session at 6:56 PM. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. Troutman made a motion to come out of executive session at 7:23 PM. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. Troutman made a motion to give $8.00 per hour between all employees. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes. McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes Motion Carries. 16. Vision & Dental Insurance for Employees. Jason Stammer with RC Risk Advisors. Anderson stated since the health insurance has changed and is cheaper, that the Village could possibly provide paid dental and vision insurance for full-time employees, and also the part-time employees could purchase and have it as a payroll deduction. Jason explained the dental and vision insurance coverage, this would be locked in for two years. The total cost for the Village would be $1,812.00 yearly. Hightree made a motion to provide paid dental and vision insurance, and offer it to part-time employees as a payroll deduction. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes. Motion Carries. 17. Weed Sprayer from Bomgaars, $755.00. Hightree made a motion to purchase a 45 gallon, 4 ½ gallon a minute pump, 25 food sprayer wand UTV weed sprayer from Bomgaars at the price of $755.96. Hightree made a motion to purchase the sprayer from Bomgaars. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes. Motion Carries. 7) CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Next Regular Board Meeting, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM. 2. Virtual Meeting with FEMA on August 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Anderson stated to close the office during this virtual meeting so there are no interruptions. Hightree and McCullock will attend the virtual meeting. 3. Thank you to Paul Richards for mowing the two lots in town. He has also started on the trees at the sewer plant. 4. Are there any questions or comments from the audience? There were none. 8) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS: 1) Claims preapproved by Anderson, Hightree and Troutman. 2) Motion to Approve the Claims as submitted. Troutman made a motion to approve the claims as submitted. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. 9) MOTION TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING: Motion to adjourn the meeting: Troutman 2nd Hightree Adjournment Time 7:25 PM Lance Anderson Chairman Therese M Magill Village Clerk CLAIMS REPORT- August 2025 Aqua Chem-$646.20, Bomgaars-$155.33, Border States-$561.60, Brickyard Consulting-$4,895.00, Burt County Public Power-$40,845.34, Cass Plumbing & HVAC-$1,713.25, Chem 75-$330.00, Decatur Express-$705.85, Dutton-Lainson-$15,766.47, Eakes-$138.86, First Nebraska Bank-$2,449.28, Floor Maintenance-$190.77, Hometown Leasing-$183.31, Johnson & Mock-$1,323.05, Joyce McCullock-$178.60, King Disposal-$3,807.59, Lane Repair-$161.39, LARM-$1,815.99, Larry McCullock-$1,364.05, League of NE Municipalities (Dues)-$1,646.00, Lee Agri-Media-$280.00, Lyons Mirror-Sun-$535.92, Mel’s Small Engine-$182.50, Mid America Meter-$947.05, Midwest Lab-$392.57, Milestone Land Surveying-$850.00, Municipal Supply-$519.80, Mutual of Omaha-$19.08, Nardini Fire-$223.00, NE Assigned Pool Risk-$9.00, NE Department of Revenue-$4,382.41, NE Public Health Lab-$15.00, NNTC-$575.13, One Call-$6.56, One Office Solutions-$46.76, Poster Compliance Center-$89.95, Postmaster-$127.45, Power Wash USA-$10.00, Power Manager-$14,440.00, Quadient Leasing-$171.27, Quadient Finance-$400.00, Sapp Brothers-$727.30, Security Shredding-$40.00, Signal 88-$1,150.00, SignaPay-$10.00, Skylar McMullin-$562.68, Therese Magill-$1,061.06, Uline-$334.86, Utilities Section League-$420.00, Utility Deposit Refund-$125.49, Verizon-$249.02. Total Accounts Payable: $107,791.24 Payroll/FICA/State Taxes: $18,620.52 Report Total: $126,411.76 ZNEZ BCI 08-28-25
