Dakota Buesing

The key discussions and actions for the meeting included the authorization for staff to sign amendments and program principles forms related to WAPA. The Board considered a Purchase Agreement and Closing Documents for a specific parcel purchase. Other agenda items involved receiving the 2025 Collection Activity Report, considering approval of the LIHEAP Utility Provider Agreement, and purchases of equipment including a gas pipe trailer and emergency backup generators. Furthermore, the Board addressed affirming an emergency declaration for repairs to a combustion turbine and associated equipment, as well as approving funds for a Lead Line Replacement Project and a contract to design the Fremont Municipal Building renovation.

The Utility and Infrastructure Board meeting agenda included several key items for recommendation to the City Council. Discussions covered the certification of Anna Allen as the City of Fremont Street Superintendent, effective March 16, 2026. Furthermore, the Board recommended approval for the purchase of electric meters required for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System and the purchase of a Vermeer LP873SDT HVY Vac Trailer.

The meeting agenda included calling the meeting to order, reviewing the fund balance, reviewing the quarterly report, considering an amendment request from Wholestone Farms regarding their existing LB840 loan agreement, and receiving Plan Administrator updates on pending applications. The Wholestone Farms amendment request seeks to extend the program term to 2029 and amend the employment commitment from 550 new employees to 300 FTE positions due to increased construction costs, political/regulatory conditions, and shifting investment focus. Financial documents reviewed included the status of LB 840 Funds as of January 31, 2026, and a summary of historical LB840 sales tax revenue economic development projects.

The meeting involved a joint session of the Board of Equalization and the City Council. The Board of Equalization conducted a public hearing concerning assessments for Business Improvement District #1. The City Council agenda included actions on several appointments, such as the appointment of Anna Allen as City Engineer and Street Superintendent, and confirmations for Seth Howard as Police Sergeant, and Daniel Rucker and Darrel Russell as Police Officers. The council also consented to Monica Eby's appointment to the Creative Council. Public hearings were held regarding a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Downtown Revitalization, a Conditional Use Permit for an accessory building near County Road 26 and County Road W, the Pearson Subdivision Re-plat Final Plat, and a zoning text change concerning Primary and Secondary Education use in the General Commercial Zoning District. New business involved resolutions for levying assessments for Business Improvement District #1, approving a contract for the Parks and Recreation Ballfield Fencing Project, authorizing the purchase of electric meters for the AMI System, and authorizing the contract for the 2026 Pavement Rehab Project.

The combined meeting began with the Board of Equalization section, which included a public hearing and subsequent approval of Resolution 2026-039, levying a special tax and assessment on Business Improvement District #1 Properties in the amount of $69,487.84. The subsequent City Council Regular Meeting addressed agenda adoption and several appointments, including Anna Allen as City Engineer and Street Superintendent, Seth Howard as Police Sergeant, and Daniel Rucker and Darrel Russell as Police Officers, as well as Monica Eby to the Creative Council. Public hearings were held regarding the Downtown Revitalization (DTR) grant 23-DTR-007, authorization for an accessory building in the extra-territorial jurisdiction, approval of Pearson's Subdivision Replat 1, and the first reading of an ordinance concerning zoning text changes for Primary and Secondary Education use within the General Commercial (GC) Zoning District. The consent agenda included approval of various claims and resolutions, such as liquidating liquor licenses and approving a loan agreement for the USS Fremont ship's bell, alongside receiving the Fremont Municipal Inland Port Authority Update. New business involved authorizing contracts for Christensen Field Ballfield Fencing, Backstops, and Dugouts, purchasing additional electric meters for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System, and authorizing the contract for the 2026 Pavement Rehab Project.