Janet M. Riensche

The council discussed operational and administrative matters, including the management of dilapidated city properties and the authorization for asbestos removal. The council addressed permitting and safety logistics for an upcoming vendor fair, specifically authorizing a street closure for food truck access. Other topics included the current status of police department audits, committee updates regarding recruitment, and a discussion regarding the scheduling of EMS education approvals. The meeting concluded with an executive session focused on the protection of individual reputations.

Key discussions included the status of the Revitalize Rural Nebraska Grant Program, which has not been funded, necessitating alternative financing for downtown building demolitions. The Council discussed utilizing the Micro TIF program for new housing development and the need for liability insurance on acquired city properties. Public comments addressed employee bonuses and insurance requirements for cemetery mowing contractors. Staffing plans for the public pool were approved, including wage adjustments for the Pool Manager, supervisors, and lifeguards. The City Treasurer received approval to register for the LONM Mid-Winter Conference recordings only. Council also approved the acceptance of a higher bid for the Sam Wymore Days fireworks show and authorized the use of city facilities for the celebration. The discussion regarding Education Approval for EMS was tabled to the next meeting. The Police Department reported on the upcoming Dog Clinic and the ongoing search for new personnel, requiring follow-up on a potential police department settlement.

Key discussions included processing a quitclaim deed for dilapidated property and preparing for the Rural Revitalization Grant concerning asbestos inspection and abatement costs for two buildings. The council approved an SDL for the Sam Wymore Days beer garden. They also approved the annual certification for volunteer emergency responders and decided to move forward with the testing process for applicant Tim Anderson for a public safety position. The fees list was revised to include the sale of millings. The council permitted the Sam Wymore Days Committee to host a bingo night and spaghetti feed fundraiser in the community center, waiving fees for the event scheduled for March 13th, and requested a cost estimate for fireworks for the event. Approval was granted for city crew attendance at the Excavation Safety Summit on February 25th. The council accepted the library director's resignation and requested further information regarding a proposed full-time library position, intending to invite the library board chairman and Austin Jackson to the next meeting to discuss it. Finally, the council authorized the City Attorney to invite Andrew Willis to explain the benefits of Micro-TIF for smaller projects.

Key discussions included granting inspection warrants for three dilapidated residential properties, with inspections scheduled for December 6th. The council held a public hearing and set the employee appreciation gift at $50 in community cash for full-time employees and $25 for part-time employees. The council decided against using taxpayer dollars to donate to Roy Lauby's food bank fundraiser. Potential properties for applying for another Down Town Revitalization Grant were discussed, with actions assigned to coordinate with property owners. The council re-elected Susan Sapp as Council President, approved the 2025-2026 EMS Officers, and appointed JEO Consulting as City Engineers and Even Wickersham as the 2026 Street Superintendent. Modifications were approved for the Board of Adjustments and the Police Department Advisory Committee, including reducing the latter's membership from nine to five. The council also approved renewing the Physician Medical Director's contract with Dr. Jason Kruger for another year and decided to proceed with Nebraska Municipal Code Services to recodify the municipal code book.

The meeting included the approval of claims and payroll, with specific checks being approved separately. Discussions covered dilapidated buildings downtown, with an attorney reporting on inspections and plans to move forward with asbestos inspections pending grant application submission. A public hearing was held regarding the acquisition of property at 215 South 7th Street, where the council approved paying back taxes and obtaining a quit claim deed. The council also approved a final contractor pay request. A motion regarding the city's fees list, including modifications for water meter hookups, EMS charges, and ATV permits, was tabled until the next meeting. Approval was granted for two 2026 conferences for up to nine people. An ordinance to update the number of members on the Police Department Advisory Committee was approved after suspension of the three readings. The need for a new comprehensive plan for the city was discussed, but no action was taken.