Sally Einspahr

The City Council meeting included administrative items such as calling the meeting to order, stating the Open Meeting Statement, and receiving requests for future agenda items. Key discussions involved the potential purchase of carpet for the St. Paul Police Department Offices and discussing/approving/denying Change Order #2 from Diamond Engineering Co. concerning the St. Paul Tennis & Pickleball Courts, which adjusts the Substantial Completion and Ready for Final Payment dates. The agenda also covered approving consent items, acknowledging a schedule change for the second February meeting due to a holiday, addressing city nuisances, receiving updates from the Chief of Police and Utilities Superintendent, and Mayor updates regarding the State of NE Patrol lease termination. A closed session was planned to discuss pending litigation, strategy for real estate purchase, and reputation protection.

The City Council meeting agenda included discussions and potential actions regarding residential uses in the Business District, and the potential sale of lots in the Middle Loup River Subdivision to Rasmussen Auto Sales, which was planned for a closed session strategy discussion. The council was scheduled to discuss and potentially approve or deny the consent agenda, which included minutes from December 15, 2025, and disbursements from January 5, 2026. Other significant topics involved approving or denying agreements with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) for snow removal services totaling $7,497.00 for 2026. Further discussion items covered regulations for electric scooters, electric bikes, hoverboards, and mopeds, as well as establishing a timeline for advertising the City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer position. The Chief of Police was slated to provide updates on city nuisances and activity reports, and the Mayor reported a decrease in the IntraFi account interest rate.

The City Council meeting includes discussions and potential approvals for various items such as Howard County Medical Center hosting a 5k run, a resolution approving the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Howard County for the creation of the City of St. Paul / Howard County joint Middle Loup River stabilization agency, mailing second notices for nuisance properties, a Property Improvement Project application for Leth Auto Repair, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce budget funds, consent agenda items, a change order for the St. Paul Tennis/Pickleball Court Engineer's Project, a financial contribution to Willow Rising, Inc, updates from the Utilities Superintendent and Chief of Police, and the consideration of the City of St. Paul's 2025-2026 Budget Hearing and Budget Summary.

The meeting included a public hearing for the proposed 2025-2026 budget, discussion of a south "Middle Loup River" erosion problem, and consideration of extensions for residents to abate property nuisances. Also on the agenda were discussions regarding an agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, transferring city funds, and city attendance at the League of NE 2025 Annual Conference. Updates from the Utilities Superintendent, Chief of Police, and Mayor were provided. The council also reserved the right to go into a closed session.

The City Council meeting agenda included discussions and decisions on vacating an alley, property ownership, water main relocation, the treasurer's report, financial statement transfers, police officer hiring (full-time and part-time), and a downtown revitalization project. Updates were provided by the Utility Superintendent and Chief of Police. The mayor reported on reimbursements received and city savings. The meeting also included public comment, announcements, a closed session, and informational items such as certificate of deposits, revenue and expenditure guidelines, and keno information.