Lisa Kohout

The board approved the Treasurer's report and the payment of various municipal bills. A discussion was held regarding proposed subdivision development on Ash Road, including concerns about water and sewer capacity, zoning fees, and infrastructure requirements. The board passed several ordinances related to water utility installation procedures, municipal licensing, animal control, business license tax levies, board organization, and open meeting procedures. A resolution was adopted to establish new tap fees and water meter fees. Additionally, the board authorized an application for a Farmers Coop Grant, addressed property nuisance and code violations, received updates on museum and community activities, and approved the purchase of a new GPS mapping machine for maintenance purposes.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of various bills, with a late submission from the Fire Department for the Awards Banquet cost being included. The Board reviewed the audit performed by Blobaum and Busboom, retroactively making suggested cash transfers to September 30, 2025, and formally approving the Auditors Report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. Regarding the Community Center roof repair due to hail damage, three bids are required, with specific considerations for cosmetic damage coverage. The Nextlink contract renewal terms were reviewed. Extensive planning for the Summer Kickoff Celebration, scheduled for May 29th and 30th, was discussed, including sponsorships, activities, and potential scheduling adjustments. Responsibilities for Water Service Lines between the Village and homeowners are being clarified. The Board passed Resolution 2026-01, designating the Design Build contract delivery system for the Community Center Improvement project under the Nebraska Political Subdivision Construction Alternatives Act. Updates on nuisance properties indicated agreement to move forward with civil action where appropriate. The Museum reported a successful fundraiser and discussed future projects, including garage renovation. Maintenance updates covered moving voting to the Community Center due to ADA compliance progress and planning for water line GPS installation. Finally, the Board approved the 25% Highway Allocation Match.

The special meeting agenda was focused exclusively on the approval of a bid for street crack sealing. Discussion involved determining the scope of the work to be included as general maintenance, specifically detailing the street segments requiring sealing, such as Map Street, Sheridan Street, Apple Road, Second Street, Fifth Street, Highland, Lincoln, Sherman, Vermont Street, Fourth Street, and Third Street. The Board subsequently approved the proposal submitted by Pavers, Inc. for the amount of $9600.

The meeting included the approval of various bills for payment. Significant discussions focused on the Reorganization of the Board for 2026, which included approving the Chairperson, Village Attorney, Street Superintendent, and Village Clerk/Treasurer. Appointments for the Planning & Zoning Committee were also renewed. A public hearing was held regarding the 1 & 6 Year Street Improvement Program, which was subsequently adopted via Resolution #2025-07. Building permits were reviewed, including the approval of a wood fence and the postponement of another permit pending neighbor confirmation. Written complaints regarding exterior lighting and property drainage issues were discussed. The status of nuisance properties, including the Barta Property estate and the Carlson property (which will face a court appearance), was addressed. Miscellaneous topics included updates on a playground grant, inquiries about village signage, preliminary drawings for Community Center renovations, scheduling the ballpark cleanup day, and ordering a replacement battery for the AED unit at the Community Center. Finally, the 25% Highway Allocation Match was approved.

The board meeting included the approval of bills presented from various vendors, including AKRS Equipment Solutions and Beatrice Area Solid Waste Agency. A public hearing was held concerning the revision and clarification of recreational designations in the Comprehensive Development Plan, specifically designating the Homestead Trail parcels as parks and recreational land use. The board decided not to hold a public hearing for the addition of recreational zoning districts, concluding that the Planning and Zoning (PZ) Committee should develop this district first. Discussions regarding nuisance properties covered the Tredz property tires and trailers being displayed for sale, and ongoing issues with a property concerning chickens. Updates were provided on building permits for residences and Windstream fiber optic line installations. The board also reviewed the lease agreement with Nextlink and initial steps for a design-build contract system for the Community Center renovation. Maintenance discussions involved ordering orange flags and solar-powered flashing lights for speed limit signs, and investigating the Community Center roof leak, suggesting reinspection by insurance and obtaining new bids. Finally, the board approved the 25% Highway Allocation Match.