Whitney Anderson

The council held a public hearing to consider the adoption of a one and six-year street improvement program and passed Ordinance No. 795 regarding fees and taxes. Key actions included approving payments for the Lyons Park Improvement Project, authorizing CDBG fund drawdowns, and waiving certain utility charges for the Fire Department. The meeting also covered the approval of a building permit, a janitorial contract, the hiring of summer pool staff, and the procurement of monitoring and fire inspection services. The council authorized a line of credit for a community forestry grant project, reviewed financial reports, and concluded with an executive session regarding a personnel performance review and salary adjustment.

The council meeting addressed several agenda items, including a public hearing regarding the adoption of a One and Six Year street improvement program. Discussions included the adoption of Ordinance No. 795 establishing a fee and tax schedule, approval of financial actions such as pay applications for the Park Improvement Project, CDBG fund drawdowns, and a line of credit for a community forestry grant. Additionally, the agenda covered municipal operations such as approving a janitor contract, hiring pool staff, reviewing department reports, and conducting an employee annual review.

Key discussions during the regular session included public comments pertaining to the resignation of Lacy Hollman, which was later formally accepted by the Board, superseding the mention of "termination" in previous minutes. The Board reviewed the Director's Report, noting February revenue and expenses, and the Treasurer's Report, confirming the current bank account balance. Information was presented by the City Clerk regarding fire alarm inspections and extinguishers, noting the City will assume management of these services moving forward. A motion was carried to set the interim director's wage at $21 per hour.

The regular meeting included routine business, confirming compliance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, and a review of claims for payment, excluding KB's Mini Mart. Key new business items included approving the first payment application for the Park Improvement Project, accepting the 2024-2025 Audited Financial Report, and approving a Campground Host Volunteer Agreement. The Council also approved a street closure for a Car Show, updated campground nightly rates and added a babysitter add-on fee, and approved the hiring of a Pool Manager while keeping 2026 pool wages constant. Building permits were approved for a garage and a new construction home. A drawdown of CDBG funds was authorized, and Class D Liquor License renewals for two establishments were approved. Department reports included updates on police activity, utility matters such as securing cost estimates for a hydro vac and ongoing picnic table repairs, and financial reporting which showed net losses for the General and Utility Funds for the month ending January 31, 2026. The Council finalized a policy for new ATV/UTV/dog license registrations and approved a construction loan for the Park Improvement Project. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss the annual review for Joshua Svendsen, following which a 6% raise was approved for him.

The regular meeting commenced with a Public Hearing concerning the activities for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) related to Public Works grant 23-PWF-003, specifically for park facilities improvements at Brink Memorial Park. The Consent Agenda included the adoption of several ordinances: Ordinance No. 788 establishing a fee and tax schedule, Ordinance No. 789 requiring a permit for electrical utility consumer generators, Ordinance No. 790 amending the Tree Board membership, and Ordinance No. 791 amending the Library Board code sections. New business involved the passage of Ordinance No. 785 regarding the Nebraska Vacant Property Registration Act, Ordinance No. 792 approving an agreement with a Building Condemnation Consultant, Ordinance No. 793 requiring a fee for tapping the city's sewer main, and Ordinance No. 794 establishing another fee and tax schedule. The Council also adopted Resolution No. 2026-01 for an Interlocal Water Operator Agreement and approved an LB840 loan application for Dostal Rentals LLC. Reports were received from the Library Director, Grant Writer, Police Chief, and Utility Superintendent. The Council approved the purchase of a handheld radio, accepted the December Treasurer Report, reviewed fund income statements and budget reports, and approved bids for city office furniture/remodel and picnic tables for the new park pavilion. Commissioner reports covered follow-ups on an underground electric project, playground plans, a tree grant application, and issues at the Community Center and Library. The meeting concluded with the approval of a payment to KB's Mini Mart.