Village of Pender

The Village Board of Trustees held a regular meeting to discuss several topics. The board discussed running fiber cables in the village right-a-ways, a community cleanup day, a contribution to the Pender Beautification Committee, and a commitment with the Rural Fire to acquire a drawing from an architect for the renovation of the Fire Hall. The board also approved a zoning change, the appointment of a new Street Superintendent, pool wages, hiring of pool applications, a Special Liquor License for the Pender Betterment Group fundraiser, a transfer of funds for the Rattlesnake Creek project, and a resolution for the detour of Main Street during the annual alumni celebration. Rate increases on water and gas were discussed, and the final reading and adoption of several ordinances setting new rates were approved. A brief discussion was held about private pools and fencing, and department reports were given.

The meeting addressed the laying of fiber in village right-of-ways, new lifeguard applications, and moving the second meeting in May due to Memorial Day. The board approved awarding the bid for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Discussions were held regarding private pool fencing, village fee schedules, and inactive accounts for savings funds. The transfer of rescue funds was approved. Department reports covered collection system bids, US Army Corps of Engineers dike tour, generator unit testing, swimming pool maintenance, Verizon tower site plans, Rattlesnake Creek land acquisition, fire hall architect visit, and a voltage project. The board also approved purchasing equipment and a program for locating and mapping. An executive session was held to discuss protocols and finances.

The board discussed proposed percentage increases to water and gas rates for non-annexed customers, addressing questions about the rationale behind the increases and the allocation of funds. The second readings of ordinances for new electric, water, and gas rates were approved. Discussion also included a request from Quick Current-Nebraska LLC to lay fiber, and the Rural Fire Board's intention to discuss plans for a new fire hall at the next meeting.

The meeting focused on the first readings of new ordinances for electric, water, and gas rates, all set to take effect on April 25, 2025. Payment to EMC Insurance was approved. Discussions were held regarding storm drain cleaning after rain, a customer's water meter, the management of dump keys given to customers, and the age requirement for dump employees (decided to be at least 18 years of age).

The Village Board of Trustees meeting addressed several key issues. A discussion was held regarding an email security breach, including steps taken to mitigate the breach and provide credit monitoring to affected individuals. Dog license fee enforcement and the potential for a fire tax were also discussed. The board approved a special liquor license, a request for qualifications for an engineering firm for the Rattlesnake Creek project, and final payment to a contractor. A park well water filling fee was approved. Department reports included updates on various projects and issues, including water spills, power generation, ambulance repairs, pool manager applications, and insurance quotes. The budget, expenditures, claims, transfers, and payroll were approved. Finally, an executive session was held to discuss a job offer for the Utility Superintendent position, resulting in the approval of a job offer to Matthew Smith.