VILLAGE OF DECATUR REGULAR BOARD MEETING December 11th, 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. Guests signing in were: Kathy McMahon, Larry Mussack, William Mueller, Jan Morgan, Della Kellogg, Martha Lucia Guerrero, Marilyn Anderson. Guests not signing in were Ray and Julie Metcalf. 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: Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes 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: The Board went over the November Police Report. Hire John Sparks as Full-time Officer. Troutman made a motion to go into executive session at 4:32 PM. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman. Troutman made a motion to come out of executive session at 4:55 PM. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree- yes.Troutman made a motion to hire John Sparks as full time police officer at $35.00 an hour, one week of vacation after the first year of employment, sick time will accure immediately after probation period, will have to pass a drug test. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes 2) Lights: Monthly Report No Meters pulled. There was a new transformer put in on East 12th Street. 3) Water & Sewer Monthly Report Water Loss – 9.65% He is not sure where it is going. 4) Parks Monthly Report: Income of $823.60 for November 2025. Everything is closed for the winter. The new fish grinder was delivered. The concrete work will be paid for from the Carson Foundation. 5) Streets Monthly Report: A) December Highway Allocation - $7,090.26 B) Sales Tax for September 2025 paid in November 2025 $7,505.38, $6,041.47 to LB840. We have had more orders for the Veteran Banners; they will be placed on side streets and the park. All of the patch work has been completed. Anderson stated the contractor did a good job. 6) Sears Center: Nothing to Report. Received Adjuster Report. The contractor has that quote for roof claim from the insurance adjuster. Troutman stated he has received compliments on how good the Sears Center looks. She has been doing a good job with snow removal also. Kirschenman stated that we need to really watch the air compressor for the dry fire system. The clerk needs to contact Justice Fire about the monitoring system. 7) City Hall: Monthly Report Electrician was contacted about stage lights. Received the bid from Christensen Electric. The bid was $1,337.42 to replace the five lights on the stage and replace the plugins in the hall upstairs. Hightree made a motion to accept the bid from Christensen Electric for the hall work. Troutman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes. Motion Carries. 8) Property Cleanup Update: The Village is working with Signal and our attorney on ways to get properties cleaned up. 481 West 10 th Street, 481 West 12 th Street, 340 East 9 th Street, 340 East 8 th Street, 540 West 10 th Street, 212 North 4 th Avenue. Troutman asked if we have received any bids for the cleanup? We have not. We will contact businesses that do cleanup to get the bids. Signal was here on Wednesday this week. 6) NEW BUSINESS: 1. Reorganization of the Board of Trustees Anderson made a motion to turn the meeting over to the clerk. Troutman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Anderson-yes, Troutman-yes. The clerk asked for a motion for a temporary Chairman. Troutman made a motion to appoint Hightree as temporary Chairman. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. Troutman made a motion for Anderson to be Chairman for 2026. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-abstain, Kirschenman-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes, McCullock-yes 1. Annual Appointments Park Board: Larry Kellogg 12-2026 1 year term Peggy Haeffner 12-2026 Harold Hayes 12-2026 Vacant 12-2026 Kay Kellogg 12-2026 Darian Haeffner 12-2026 John Maryott 12-2026 Health Board: Chief of Police 12-2026 Chairman of the Board 12-2026 Joyce Cornwell 12-2026 Planning Tracy Davis 12-2027 Commission: Steve Dye 12-2028 3 Year Term Terry Gosch 12-2026 Nick French 12-2027 Tim Slaughter 12-2027 Rod Nelson 12-2027 ADHOC Appointed by the Village Board Kathy McMahon Committee: Appointed by the Senior Center Roger Kirschenman As Hired by the Senior Center Jackie Anderson Appointed by the Village Board Lance Anderson Appointed by the Village Board Jason Troutman Appointed by the Committee Janice Larsen Appointed by the Committee Matt Connealy Appointed by the Committee Judy Connealy Troutman stated we need to have a meeting. For the vacant positions, community members who are interested please inquire at the Village Office. Persons authorized to sign all checks from the Village of Decatur’s Checking and Savings accounts: Chairman-Anderson Vice-Chairman-Hightree Anderson made a motion to appoint Wayne Hightree as vice-chairman. Troutman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Kirschenman-yes, Hightree-abstain, McCullock-yes, Anderson-yes, Troutman- yes. Motion Carries. Village Clerk-Therese Magill Anderson made a motion to reappoint Therese Magill as Village Clerk. Troutman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Anderson-yes, Troutman-yes. For the year of 2026: Light Commissioner-Hightree Water/Sewer Commissioner-Troutman Street Commissioner-Kirschenman Park Commissioner- McCullock Village Banking Institution: First Nebraska Bank Commercial Insurance: LARM Employee Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield Market Place Village Attorney Goosman Law/Matthew Munderloh Village Power Supplier: Burt County Public Power Legal Newspaper: Burt County Independent Village Accountant: Williams & Company Village Engineer Garrett Johnson, Brickyard Consulting Street Superintendent Garrett Johnson, Brickyard Consulting Maintenance Supervisor Larry McCullock Village Clerk Therese Magill Village Building Inspector: Jeff Meyer Chief of Police Brittany Hedlund Interim Two (2) Checking Accounts General-Interest Rate 0.50% LB840-Interest Rate 0.50% Utility Money Market Account 1.65% Three (3) CD’s Sewer CD 3.60% Water CD 3.60% General CD 0.30% 2024 Ford Pickup Loan Public Places for Notices: First Nebraska Bank, Post Office, City Hall, Decatur Express. read the previous appointments. Troutman made a motion to leave everything the same with the new additions. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes 2. Bill Mueller and Marilyn Anderson– Update on Business Advisory Group and Website Development, and update on grant for trees. Bill came to the table to update the Board on the Business Advisory Group. He has several business owners who are getting involved. Bill Mueller, Mark Kwikkel, Cindy Chatt, Matt Connealy, Jennifer Penny. Bill is working on the website to do updates. Bill is working on a tree grant for the Village, the deadline is March 31, 2026. Marilyn Anderson stated that we have to do the work and then get reimbursed. We would have three years to complete the project. The Decatur Museum has already received a Tree grant for up to $10,000.00. We need to reform the Tree Board. Anderson asked Bill if he would be interested in being on the Tree Board? Bill Mueller, Larry Mussack, Ray Metcalf all stated they would be interested in being on the Tree Board. Two other names were brought up-Jennifer Hittle and Bonnie Hennig. Anderson asked the Clerk to put this on the agenda for January 2026. 4. Martha Lucia Guerrero Ruiz (Massage Therapist) – Rental Proposal. Lucia came to the table to discuss using the one of the rooms in the clinic area so she could do massages. She is a licensed massage therapist in Nebraska. Troutman made a motion to allow Lucia to use one of the rooms in the clinic for Massage Therapist for three months’ rent free, and will revisit on March 12, 2026 at the Board meeting. She will be starting December 22, 2025 on Mondays. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 5. Kathy McMahon – Winter Coat Drive Kathy came to the table to discuss putting boxes out to start a winter coat drive for children and adults. The Board thought this was a great idea. There would be three boxes adult coats, children’s coats and one box for gloves, scarfs and hats will be at City Hall for people to donate. Troutman made a motion to allow Kathy McMahon to start a winter coat drive. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. 6. Ruvan King – Water Did not attend the meeting. 7. Larry Mussack – Cemetery Larry came to the table to discuss with the Village the plowing at the Cemetery. The Cemetery Board is grateful and thankful for the maintenance crew for the snow removal. Larry is wondering if we need a more formal arrangement for snow removal, he stated not all of the time, but is needed when there is a funeral. The Village Board does not want the Cemetery Board too have to pay for a private contractor for snow removal. The Clerk will check with our insurance and our attorney to see who is responsible if something would happen to a stone. Larry stated that the Foundation gave the cemetery a grant for tree removal at the cemetery. They are not going to replant at this time. 8. Year-End Certification of Village Street Superintendent. 9. Resolution #216-Signing of the Year-End Certification of the Village Street Superintendent 2025. The Clerk read Resolution #216. Troutman made a motion to approve Resolution #216 Signing of the Year-End Certification of the Village Street Superintendent 2025. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes. Resolution # 216 is available at the Village Office. 10. Quote for Key Entry to Sears Center. The Board received a quote for a key entry for the front door at the Sears Center from A- United Automatic Doors in the amount of $2,340.30. Hightree made a motion to accept the bid from A-United Door in the amount of $2,340.30. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes. Julie Metcalf stated that the boxes for the thermostats have been removed. These need to be replaced so that no one can get to the thermostat. Anderson stated that Cass Plumbing and HVAC are going to replace the boxes. 11. Resolution #217 Sewer Rates. The Clerk read Resolution #217. There was much discussion on a rate. There was feedback from the audience also. None of the Board members want to do this, but it is needed. Rates have not been raised since August 2023. Kirschenman made a motion to raise sewer rates from $21.00 a month to $26.00 a month. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Hightree-yes. 12. Employee Wages McCullock made a motion to approve these raises. Larry raise of $2.50 per hour $31.00 Mike raise of $.50 per hour $19.50 will receive another $1.00 per hour after passing sewer test. Skylar raise of $.50 per hour $19.50 will receive another $1.00 per hour after passing sewer test. Therese raise of $1.50 per hour $24.00 Kathy raise of $1.00 per hour $19.00 Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Kirschenman-yes, Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes. The Janitor will be getting a $.50 raise after her probation period. $15.50 Troutman made a motion to approve Bree Sparks Freemont $.50 raise Kirschenman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. 13. Extend 40 hours of carry over vacation with Board approval. Troutman made a motion to let employees carry over 40 hours of vacation instead of 24 with Board approval. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. The clerk will change this in the employee handbook and have the Village Attorney approve the wording. She will have all employees sign a new handbook. Anderson would also like to add after 20 years of employment employees would receive 4 weeks of vacation. Troutman made a motion to change the Policy manual for carrying up to 40 hours of vacation with Board approval. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 14. Resolution #218 Electric Rates. The Clerk read the resolution. The Resolution is available at the Village office. There was much discussion on this resolution. BCPP has raised our rates every year, we have not changed rates since February of 2022. The Board members DO NOT get their electrical rates at cost. They also get no salary for being on the board. There are only two employees that get their rates at cost. Troutman made a motion to raise the flat rate of electric to $40.00 a month. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 15. Resolution #219 Plan-In-Hand Report Approval Broadway Bridge. The Clerk read Resolution #219 The Resolution and plans are available at the Village Office. Troutman made a motion to approve Resolution #219 Plan-In-Hand Report Approval Broadway Bridge Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 7) CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Next Regular Board Meeting January 8th, 2025 at 4:30 PM. 2. Received Water Mapping Grant from DWEE. 3. Received Down Town Planning Revitalization Grant. 4. Received the Scrap Tire Grant. This will be in the spring; we have to work with the contractor. Anderson wanted to thank Joyce, Kathy and Therese for helping with the setup of the trees and lights at City Hall. 5. Are there any questions or comments from the audience? There were a lot of comments from the audience. 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 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 2 nd Kirschenman Adjournment Time 7:40 P.M. Lance Anderson Chairman Therese M Magill Village Clerk CLAIMS REPORT- December 2025 Beam-$157.44, Bomgaars-$76.90, Border States-$735.09, Burt County Public Power-$24,549.56, Cass Plumbing & HVAC-$1,110.79, Decatur Express-$716.80, Display Sales-$564.00, Eakes-$68.55, Electric Pump-$1,463.39, First Nebraska Bank-$1,196.22, Goosman Law-$424.50, Hometown Leasing-$194.40, Hy-Vee-$364.78, Jeff Meyer-$337.50, Johnson & Mock-$639.50, Joyce McCullock- $178.60, King Disposal-$3,585.80, Lane’s Repair-$160.65, Larrry McCullock-$254.25, Menards- $152.41, Midwest Lab-$283.15, Midwest Service-$360.00, Mike Madsen-$38.85, Municipal Supply- $501.48, Mutual of Omaha-$19.08, Nebraska Dept of Revenue-$3,487.03, Nebraska Public Health Lab-$15.00, NNTC-$619.69, One Call-$30.73, One Office-$503.87, Postmaster-$33.40, Power Manager-$5,446.30, Richards Parts-$248.42, Security Shredding-$40.00, SEI-$1,382.59, Signal- $1,150.00, Signa Pay-$10.02, Siouxland Trailer Sales-$931.64, Skylar McMullin-$313.79, Sunflower Restaurant Supply-$8,055.00, Therese Magill-$530.53, TR Harris-$49,852.00, Verizon-$54.02, Williams & Company-$37,375.00. Total-$148,212.72 Payroll-$22,222.58 Pay dates 11/15/2025 through 12/12/2025 Report Total-$170,435.30 ZNEZ BCI 12.25.25
