Nancy Lindell

The regular City Council meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call. Key discussions included thanking the videographer and announcing an upcoming Big Band Jazz event sponsored by several local organizations. The city administrator provided updates regarding two sealed bids for airport equipment (a John Deere tractor/loader and a snowblower attachment) due on February 10th. Following citizen comments, the council approved the consent agenda, which covered bills to be paid and the minutes from the January 19th work session and regular meeting. New business involved acknowledging the repayment of a small business revolving loan from Top Dog Brewing LLC, authorizing the voiding of security laws, and approving an application for a 5-year, 100% tax exemption for new residential construction at 5.6 East Circle. Finally, Troy Gro was appointed to the tree board, with the meeting adjourning shortly thereafter.

The meeting commenced with the Mayor calling the session to order following the Pledge of Allegiance, and the agenda was approved. A proclamation was read declaring January 2025 as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Updates were provided regarding various recreation programs, including youth basketball, a pickleball league, family dodgeball night, and the snow sculpture contest. Under New Business, the council approved the third reading and adoption of an ordinance amending the zoning classification for a lot on East Spruce Street from multifamily to RS60 single family. Reports on Hotel Motel Tax revenue utilization were presented by representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and the Camp Alona Museum, detailing expenditures on advertising, events like Band Day and the Craft Show, and museum operations including utilities and staff support. A resolution was approved regarding the repayment of a revolving loan fund loan for Hamilton Daycare. The council also approved a five-year consulting agreement for airport services with Boland Bank and authorized a pay application for $638,180.00 for Pay Application Number 8 on the wastewater treatment project. Finally, the council addressed agenda item 14 concerning the 2025 ash tree removal, approving the notice to bidders with plans to award the contract based on the total sum amount after bids are received.

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and approval of the agenda. Key discussions involved updates from the City Administrator, who was recognized for a presentation to the Rotary club. A public hearing notice was issued for the property tax levy public hearing scheduled for April 7th. The Recreation Manager provided updates on the conclusion of winter programs (like basketball and indoor pickleball) and the opening of registrations for spring and summer activities including baseball, softball, spring soccer, and S volleyball, as well as hiring for Aquatic Center staff. Citizens addressed the council regarding two main issues: concerns about encroachment, illegal dumping (including blue barrels with unknown chemicals), and vehicle parking on city property near a bike path; and neighborhood nuisances related to excessive vehicle parking, garbage accumulation, and property line disputes involving a neighbor's garage placement. The majority of the meeting focused on opening and closing four separate public hearings related to the proposed issuance of 2025 General Obligation Bonds (up to $5 million) for Capital Improvements. Specific hearings addressed a capital loan note for street improvements ($2.37 million), a loan for the street department facility/relocation ($930,000), a loan for parking facilities improvements ($930,000), and financing sources for downtown commercial district street improvements ($810,000 via tax increment financing). Following the hearings, the council proceeded to approve resolutions pertaining to the debt issuances for street improvements, the street department facility, parking facilities, and downtown urban renewal capital loan notes.

The City Council meeting addressed an update from the City Administrator concerning recent snowfall, including reminders about emergency declarations, snow removal ordinances for downtown parking lots and sidewalks, and the completion status of the Nebraska Thorington Street project. The Administrator confirmed the street and parking lot were open, although some concrete work, permeable parking stall striping, and plantings will be finished next spring, with final completion by June 1, 2026. The primary agenda item involved accepting the 2026 budget for Alona Municipal Utilities. The utility budget projected an anticipated revenue of $33,173,1XX and expenses of $32,720,576, resulting in an excess of $452,425. Major capital expenditures planned for 2026 include $7.9 million for electric utility projects, such as the Fiber to the Home project and capital expenditures for the NEO4 power plant ownership share, as well as converting overhead lines to underground infrastructure along Hungry Hollow Road and from the west substation to the four corners area. Water projects totaling $615,000 are planned, including replacing a water main near East Lawn Cemetery due to frequent breaks and looping water mains on Hall Street and near the Good Samaritan campus. Communications capital improvements include replacing a battery plant.

The regular city council meeting commenced following a pledge of allegiance and roll call. Key updates from the city administrator included advertising for bids for the 2025 ash tree removal project, noting the bid opening date, and announcing that park shelter reservations for the calendar year are open. The administrator also detailed several open seasonal positions, including roles at the Aquatic Center and for softball/baseball umpires. During the citizen's opportunity to address the council, a resident expressed concerns regarding proposed changes to the emergency medical services (EMS) dispatch funding formula, specifically the city's potential liability related to a large bill and the sustainability of the volunteer service. The council then moved to approve the agenda, minutes from the January 21st council meeting and January 27th work session, and bills to be paid. A public hearing was held regarding the specifications and cost estimate for the 2025 Public Library exterior phase two project, which involves installing new facade materials, windows, and utility improvements, with the architect's estimate at $600,000. New business addressed the library project rebidding, noting the low bid of $734,000 (or $646,000 with deduct alternates) was still above the architect's estimate; the recommendation was to table the resolution to award the contract until the February 17th meeting to investigate cost-saving measures and funding sources. Finally, the council addressed a resolution for Work Order Number Three of the airport Professional Services Agreement to engineer snow removal equipment specifications, which is 90% federally funded, and approved the resolution.