VILLAGE OF DECATUR REGULAR BOARD MEETING MEETING MINUTES August 13th, 2026 @ 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 TABLE BY THE SIGNIN SHEET. 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: Christy Purcell, Kathy McMahon, Bill Mueller, Julie Metcalf, Ray Metcalf, Judy Connealy. Guests not signing in were: John McFarland, Bonnie Hennig. Anderson stated that the audience members who have questions will have to use the microphone. Anderson stated that he listened to the tape recording of the previous meeting and could not understand what was being said. The minutes are a legal document and the clerk has to be able to understand what is being said. 1) REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN ANDERSON Roll Call: Andersonyes, Hightreeyes, 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. 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 received the Police Report. Anderson asked if the public sees any suspicious activity going on to please call 911. Bill Mueller asked what is going on? He also asked if it is being investigated? Yes, it is. Anderson stated that the Maple Villa garage has broken into and tools and their riding lawn mower was stolen, there also was other riding lawn mowers stolen from residents. 2) Lights: Monthly Report All utility payments were received for July. Hightree wants to remind everyone that the lights will be out in the center and west part of town, as Burt County Public Power will be replacing cutouts, this is a project that was started a year and half ago, and just want to get it finished. An electrical cutout is a device that combines a fuse and a switch to protect electrical circuits and transformers from overcurrent and faults. The power outage today was not the Village’s fault; it was an issue out side of town. The Village Board is having the electric poles in Decatur inspected, the Village has 481 electric poles and some of them are quite old. One of the poles that was just replaced was installed in 1936. 3) Water & Sewer: Monthly Report Layne Christensen was here and inspected the wells, the Village has not heard anything about the inspection as of late. There is a couple of water leaks around town that will be fixed next week. The Engineer will be here next week to look at the sewer plant. The Easement for the Second Avenue Sewer line has been signed. John McFarland came to the podium and asked if the Village tests the water? Troutman stated it is tested monthly and yearly. McFarland asked if there was a report available? Troutman stated there is a yearly and monthly report. McFarland asked for a copy. The clerk will get him a copy of the water testing results. 4) Parks: Monthly Report– July Income of $8,148.00. There was a camper that did not pay for all of his camping. He was going to be towed out of the campground, but left on his own. If you are going to use the shelters and restrooms at the park, please cleanup after yourself. We will review the footage from the cameras. Kathy McMahon asked what will be done with the footage? Troutman stated that it would be turned over to the police for vandalism. The North Park Bathrooms also were closed due to vandalism. 5) Streets: Monthly Report A. August Highway Allocation-$6,941.01 B. May 2026 SalesTax Received in July 2026$6,112.97, $5,657.93 to LB840. They will be working on 5th Avenue in a couple of weeks. The board discussed 1st street, whether a new tube should be installed and at whose cost it would be? They will check to see if it is private property or the street. 6) Sears Center:Monthly Report 1. Sears Center West Entrance Door again. The newly appointed Sears Center board will have to look into getting something done with the door. Hightree suggested calling Gerkin. Hightree will contact them. The Village Engineer has inspected the entrance to the Sears Center Awning. Anderson stated that that this needs to be discussed with the Sears Center Committee. There have been some issues with the lights in the kitchen, Larry will contact the electrician to get them fixed. There was a monthly news letter for the Senior Center sent with the utility bills in July. Julie Metcalf stated that it has helped with their attendance. Anderson stated that he has the list for the people that live in the rural areas that the newsletter can be sent. 7) Community Center Building Report 1. Hightree spoke with a company that does sound proofing. We have not heard from them as of yet. Hightree will try and contact the company again. 8) Cleanup Updates from Signal 410 West 9th Street, 481 West 10th Street, 652 West 7th Street, 1132 South 4th Avenue, Pipeline Lot on Riverview, 1053 South Broadway, Parcel #530501400, 340 East 11th Street, (431 B West 6th Street to be demolished), 540 West 7th Street, 653 North 5th Avenue, 340 East 10th Street, 470 West 6th Street, Parcel #110801600, 441 West 3rd Street, 340 East 8th Street, 340 East 9th Street, 540 West 10th Street, 212 North 4th Avenue, 351 East 8th Street, 370 East 11th Street, 471 West 11th Street. Kathy McMahon asked what the community could do to help with the cleanup process of properties? If it was elderly or disabled people that we could get some volunteers to help. Troutman stated that if the residents are showing progress on the cleanup, Signal will work with them. For those residents who just do not want to cleanup, the Village will have to take action. 6) NEW BUSINESS 1. Add Paul Tippery to the Tree Board. Troutman made a motion to appoint Paul Tippery to the Tree Board. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, McCullock-yes. 2. Recommendations from the Tree Board on Bids for Tree Removal and Planting. Awarding Bids for Tree Removal and Tree Replacement. There was much discussion with the bids for tree removal Troutman made a motion to have a working session on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 4:30 PM. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 3. Landscaping and Future Maintenance of the Pavillion. Judy Connealy came to the podium; she stated that Jeanie Carson was okay with using rock for the landscaping at the pavilion instead of mulch. Hightree made a motion to sign the agreement with the change to washed river rock. Troutman seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes. 4. Change status of the Sears ADHOC Committee to a Standing Committee. Kirschenman made a motion to change the Sears ADHOC Committee to a Standing Committee (Sears Operational Committee). Kirschenman made a motion to change the ADHOC Committee to the Sears Center Operational Committee. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Hightree-yes. 5. Appoint Christy Purcell and Kylea Punke to the Sears Operational Committee. Troutman made a motion to appoint Christy Purcell and Kylea Punke to the Sears Operational Committee. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 6. Resolution #224 SIGNING OF THE MUNICIPAL ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF PROGRAM COMPLIANCE 2026 WHEREAS: State of Nebraska Statutes, sections, 39-2115, 39-2119, 39-2120, 39-2121, and 39-2520(2), requires an annual certification of program compliance to the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classification and Standards; and WHEREAS: State of Nebraska Statute, section 39-2120 also requires that the annual certification of program compliance by each municipality shall be signed by the Mayor or Village Board Chairperson and shall include the resolution of the governing body of the municipality authorizing the signing of the certification. Be it Resolved that the Village Board Chairperson of Decatur, Nebraska is hereby authorized to sign the Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance. Troutman made a motion to approve the Village Board Chairperson of Decatur; Nebraska is hereby to sign the Municipal Annual Certification for Program Compliance. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. Lance Anderson Chairman ATTEST: Therese Magill Village Clerk 7. Signing Agreement between Owner & Engineer (Brickyard Consulting) for Study & Report Professional Services. Hightree made a motion for the Chairman to sign the Agreement Between Owner & Engineer for Study & Report Professional Services for the USDA Grant. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes. 8. Signing of the Water /Wastewater System Grant Agreement from USDA. Troutman made a motion for the signing of the Water/Wastewater System Grant Agreement from USDA. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, McCullock-yes. 9. Bid for Cleanup @ 481 West 10th Street and 410 West 9th Street. The only bid received was from Dallas Wimer in the amount of $7,000.00 to $10.000.00, in which Dallas Wimer called and stated the bid would be on the higher end of the bid. John McFarland came to the podium, he stated that Signal has never told him to clean-up his property. The Clerk went to the office and retrieved the file on his property. He was sent a notice in the mail to which he signed for, he stated he never read it. He has had over two years to cleanup the property. He was also served by Signal. He stated that someone called him and told him that his property was on the agenda to be cleaned up. He stated that no one is coming on his property. He continued to argue with the board, and Anderson asked Officer Sparks to escort him from the meeting. Kirschenman made a motion to accept the bid from Dallas Wimer for the higher amount for the properties located at 481 West 10th Street and 410 West 9th Street. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Hightree-yes. 10. Extension for Skylar McMullins Wastewater Certification. Kirschenman made a motion for a 30-day extension for Skylar to get his wastewater certification. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Hightree-yes. 11. Possible Employee Raises for Budget. Troutman made a motion to go into executive session at 6:23 PM. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderosn-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, McCullock-yes. Troutman made a motion to come out of executive session at 7:02 PM. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, McCullock-yes. 12. Purcell’s Property on Riverview. Per Attorney, there is nothing that we can do until we receive a copy of survey. 13. Pre pay Propane Bids Bids received Butch’s Propane-$1.25, CVA from Pender $1.25, Sapp Brothers-$1.24. Troutman made a motion to go with Sapp Brothers Propane at $1.24 per gall for 6000 gallons of propane. Kirschenman seconded the motion. Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Kirschenman-yes. 14. Copier Lease with JQ Office Torrence Watson from JQ Office gave the Village a quote for a new copier lease. JQ Office will buy out the old lease with Eakes. Troutman made a motion to accept JQ Office bid for a new lease for a copier. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 15. Jim Eagleton Sign Bid for Beck Park The board received two bids for a new Jim Eagleton and Beck Park sign by the boat ramp. Ideal Wheel bid for two of each of the signs was $904.25. Tricity Sign $1,940.00 for two of each of the signs. Troutman made a motion to accept Ideal Wheel bid for the two signs. McCullock seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Hightree-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, McCullock-yes. 16. The new owners of 431-B are asking for another 30-day extension, as their abatement contractor can not do the abatement until after Mid-September. Troutman made a motion to give a 45-day extension to Cassandra Taylor. Hightree seconded the motion. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, McCullock-yes, Kirschenman-yes, Troutman-yes, Hightree-yes. 7) CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Next Regular Board Meeting, Thursday, September10th, 2026 at 4:30 PM. 2. Rickers Two Driveways, Trench, backfilled with quality topsoil, properly graded, and seeded, area around lift station filled with topsoil, grading and asphalt chunks removed, and reseeded. 3. Letter from Lucia Guerrero. She thanked the Village Board for letting her try her massage business at the Sears Center, she also donated $200.00 to the Sears Center. 4. Weather permitting the dump will be open the 1st and 3rd weekends. Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM 5. Are there any questions or comments from the audience? There were none. 8) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS: 1) Claims preapproved by Hightree, Anderson, and Troutman. 2) Motion to Approve the Claims as submitted Hightree 2nd by Troutman. Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kirschenman-yes, McCullock-yes, Hightree-yes, Troutman-yes 9) MOTION TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING Troutman 2nd Hightree Adjournment Time:7:03 PM CLAIMS REPORT-August 2026 American Heritage-$16.08, Applied Connective-$702.89, Assurity-$684.88, Beam-$118.08, Bomgaars-$287.91, Burt County Independent-$670.68, Burt County Public Power-$42,900.64, Burt County Public Power(2 new poles at Marina)-$2,903.70, C&J Auto-$581.00, Cooney Construction-$6,500.00,David Hause-$437.76,David Hause-$437.76, David Fannon-$850.00, Decatur Express-$1,605.22, DWEE-$300.00, Eakes-$194.70, Electric Pump-$2,468.50, First Nebraska Bank-$951.00 (Pickup payment and bank fees), First Nebraska Bank Credit Card-$8.57, Goosmann Law-$1,445.50, HDR Engineering-$550.00, Hometown Leasing-$194.40, Jamco-$1,050.00, Joyce McCullock-$831.00, Kings Disposal-$3,815.71, Lane’s Repair-$75.06, Larry McCullock-$831.85, League-$1,781.00, Midwest Lab-$392.57, Municipal Supply-$1,700.08, Mutual of Omaha-$11.88, Nebraska Department of Revenue (State sales Tax, Beck Park Sales Tax, Lodging Tax)-5,588.71, Nebraska Public Health Lab-$174.00, NNTC-$523.84, One Call-$8.16, One Office-$788.63, Post Master-$36.35, Quadient Financing-$600.00, Quadient Leasing-$171.27, Security Shredding-$40.00, Signal 88-$1,248.69, SignaPay-$19.96, Skylar McMullin-$536.91, Swanson Septic-$1,200.00, Therese Magill-$491.66, Uline-$99.58, USA Bluebook-$889.07, Utilities Section League-$442.00, Verizon-$69.97. Total Accounts Payable: $87,789.46 Payroll/FICA/State Taxes $24,904.48 Report Total: $112,693.94 ZNEZ BCI 8/27/26
