A meeting of the Board of Trustees of
the Village of Trenton, NE, was convened in open and public session, Tuesday, January
10, 2017 at 6:30p.m. at the Village Office. Present: Chairman McArthur, Vice-Chairman
Neely, Trustees Lewis, McDonald and Wimer, Clerk McKain, Deputy Clerk Rife, Attorney
Schroeder, Lacey Alig, Tyson Bardsley, Bob Brown, Larry Evans, Aaron Leggott, Colleen
McVicker, Tracy Propp, Bob Seybold, and Merlin Shaffer. Availability of the
agenda was communicated in advance notice and in the notice sent to the
Chairman and Trustees of the meeting. All proceedings hereafter shown were
taken while the meeting was open to the public.
Roll Call was taken at 6:30pm and quorum
was verified.
Chairman made “Open Meeting Act”
announcement.
Citizen
Forum: Mr. Shaffer
requested a closed session for his utility issue. McArthur requested the
closed session be later in the meeting. Ms. Propp provided information on her
utility bill and felt that the penalties the village imposes are excessive.
She stated that a single mother of two children working part-time makes it
difficult to pay penalties. McArthur stated the village is making an effort to
no longer carry utility balances as the village has had to write off accounts
that have not paid. Ms. Propp questioned why there were two full-time
employees in the office when other villages/cities do not. Ms. Propp provided
information that she gathered from other villages/cities, noting McCook only
had one full-time clerk. Neely stated that calling to make arrangements would
be beneficial for persons who are unable to pay on the 10th. Bob
Seybold asked if residents were able to make a monthly payment of the same
amount. McKain stated the new system was able to budget people to make a set
monthly payment based on the previous years billing with a settlement payment
in the 12th month. Other discussion was made on the penalty fees.
Mr. Brown asked how long the MEAN contract was for. McArthur stated 5 years.
Ms. Alig asked if a “round-up” on utility bills would be feasible to help fund
the proposed daycare. This would allow residents to donate a small amount each
month for the daycare to get started. Attorney Schroeder will check into the
ability for the village to collect funds. Mr. Seybold asked about how the
village is funding the daycare project. McDonald stated the village was not
funding the daycare.
Motion
made by Neely and second by Wimer to approve agenda. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald,
Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Motion
made by Wimer and second by McDonald to approve the December 13, 2016 meeting
minutes. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None.
Motion carried.
Motion
made by Neely and second by Lewis to approve treasurer’s report. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Park/Pool
Committee Report: No
Report.
Utility/Street/Trash
Committee Report:
Nuisance properties. McDonald stated he and Lewis identified quite a few;
however, during the winter months not much would be done. They will check
again in spring. McDonald would like to start a sign-up sheet for persons who
would be able to volunteer time and equipment to help residents clean up
yards. McArthur stated the village may be able to have more clean up days and
a possible day that village board members would volunteer their time and a dump
trailer to help residents.
Attorney
Report: Schroeder
reported he has worked on the DEQ Loan documents for the water project, EEOC
and DHHS claims for El Dorado, as well as assisting with a set up for a
non-profit corporation to start a daycare center. His office is reviewing the
updated ordinances sent by American Publishing and will advise the board in
February on which ones to adopt.
Utility
Superintendent Reports: Electric
Department: Leggott
stated Vrbas is attending the utility conference in Lincoln on January 12-13,
2017. Leggott will be attending electric training in Imperial on Wednesday,
January 11, 2017. Leggott stated Stratton personnel would come to Trenton if
needed. Water Department: Leggott stated the water conference is in
Kearney March 13-15, 2017. Motion made by Neely and second by Wimer to approve
Vrbas to attend the Water Conference in Kearney. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried. McArthur stated in
September 2015 a large amount of water was billed to a resident with no apparent
leak. After discussion, Motion made by Neely and second by Wimer to offer a
50/50 split on the outstanding balance. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely,
and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Sewer Department: Leggott
stated the department is running well. Trash Department: Leggott stated
the department is running well. Street Department: Leggott stated department
is running well; however, the streets are torn up due to the water project. Park
Department: Leggott stated the park is winterized for the season. Pool
Department: Leggott stated the pool is winterized for the season.
Animal Control: Leggott stated there were 11 cats and
60 dogs licensed within the village for 2017. There was no warnings for
failure to license, no warnings for running at large, no citations for failure
to license and no citations for running at large during the month of December,
2016.
Village
Office: McKain
stated the codification project is completed and adoption is on the agenda in
the Ordinance section. McKain stated the employee handbook is ready for
approval of the board. Motion made by McDonald and second by Neely to approve the
2017 Employee Handbook. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer.
Nays: None. Motion carried. The Tree City USA application was submitted
December 30, 2016. Three tobacco licenses were issued for 2017. McKain
provided the board with two quotes for conference tables. The Board asked for
additional quotes with a few different setup styles. McKain stated the Ground
Water Guardian application for 2017 is due February 15, 2017 and she is working
on it. Motion made by Neely and second by Lewis to approve McKain attending
the Mid-Winter Conference in Lincoln on February 27-28, 2017. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion made by Lewis
and second by Neely to approve Rundel and McKain to attend the MEAN Annual
Meeting and Conference in South Sioux City on March 28-30, 2017. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Library: Motion made by Neely and second by McDonald
to go into executive session at 7:52pm for the purpose of discussing strategy
sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate purchases, pending
litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidence by communication of a
claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion made by McDonald
and second by Lewis to come out of executive session at 8:15pm. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Motion
made by Neely and second by Wimer to go into executive session at 8:19pm for
the purpose of discussing strategy sessions with respect to collective
bargaining, real estate purchases, pending litigation, or litigation which is
imminent as evidence by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or
by the public body. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays:
None. Motion carried. Motion made by Wimer and second by Lewis to come out of
executive session at 8:32pm. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer.
Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion made by Neely and second by Lewis to have
Attorney Schroeder provide an agreement for Merlin Shaffer. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Planning Commission: No information.
El Dorado: McKain stated there was no update on
the generartor project. McKain stated the search for a new administrator is
being conducted.
Housing Authority: No information.
Tree Board: McKain was asked to
contact Wertz on the status of the board meetings.
Board of Health: No information.
Unfinished Business: Tyson Bardsley of Miller &
Associates provided information on the water main project. Bardsley provided
information for the payment application #2 in the amount of $52,629.40 to be
paid to BSB and a change order for an isolation point on the East side of town.
Motion by Neely with second by Wimer to approve payment application #2 to BSB
in the amount of $52,629.40 and a change order for the isolation point on the
East side of town. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays:
None. Motion carried. McDonald inquired on the security of the main street
building. Leggott stated they had boarded up windows and locked the building.
McKain stated she had been in contact with the state on a recycling grant.
McKain stated that due to a family issue Mr. Ross was unable to attend to
provide an update on the electric financial plan; however, Mr. Ross plans to be
at the February meeting.
Ordinance and/or Resolution: Vice-Chairman Neely introduced Ordinance
No. 799. After the reading of the ordinance. Vice-Chairman Neely made a motion
which was seconded by Trustee Wimer to suspend the statutory reading of the
ordinance on three separate days. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer.
Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion by Neely with second by Lewis to pass and
adopt Ordinance No. 799 on final reading. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely,
and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried. A true copy follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF
TRENTON, TO REVISE ALL THE ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF TRENTON, NEBRASKA; TO
REPEAL PRIOR ORDINANCES; TO REQUIRE FILING, AND TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion by Neely with second by McDonald
to publish Ordinance No. 799 in pamphlet form. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald,
Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
New Business: McKain stated that Mr. Ross would
attend the February 2017 meeting to provide the new board members with
information on MEAN. McKain stated that the airport leases all have different
due dates and she is working to get them all on the same timeframe. Wimer
provided information on the village fire truck. Wimer stated the rural fire
department is searching for a newer truck and asked if the village could
negotiate for the purchase of the rural fire department truck. Wimer will set
up a meeting to discuss the fire trucks. Motion by Neely with second by Lewis
to approve volunteer firefighter application of Morgan Wimer. Ayes: Lewis,
McArthur, McDonald, and Neely. Abstain: Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Correspondence: El Dorado newsletter, Essent newsletter,
Great Plains Communications 2016 Annual Customer Notice, Rural Electric
Nebraskan.
Motion made by Neely
and second by Wimer to approve Operating claims, KENO claims, Library claims
excluding L2 and L3 for bonuses and Meter Deposit claims. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
OPERATING CLAIMS:
1. Payroll (2 pay
periods)............................................................................... $21,918.45
2. EFTPS, FED (Dec
payroll tax)...................................................................... 4,696.12
3. NE Dept. of Revenue (Dec
payroll tax)........................................................... 483.27
4. NE Dept. of Revenue (Dec
sales tax)........................................................... 4,803.61
5. 7-D Lockshop (Keys)............................................................................................ 6.00
6. Aflac (Sup. Ins.).................................................................................................. 32.70
7. American Agricultural
Lab (water samples)....................................................... 17.50
8. American Legal
Publishing (Codification)..................................................... 7,431.00
9. Barnetts (supplies)............................................................................................ 104.99
10. Blue Cross Blue
Shield (Dec premium medical/dental)................................ 2,745.65
11. City of McCook
(transfer station tickets)...................................................... 3,072.10
12. Colonial Life (Sup.
Ins.).................................................................................... 251.13
13. Data Technologies
(Data Conversion).......................................................... 1,000.00
14. Dewey, Nadine
(library payroll)........................................................................ 232.73
15. Evans, Larry (library
payroll)............................................................................ 315.84
16. Farmers Co-op
(fuel/shop supplies).............................................................. 1,043.42
17. Farmers Co-op
Pre-paid Propane
a. Library............................................................................................... (1,069.77)
b. Sewer Plant........................................................................................... (48.45)
18. First Bankcard (software,
postage, travel)....................................................... 316.66
19. Great Plains
Communications (Phone/internet)............................................... 509.03
20. Hitchcock County
Schools (Tobacco lic proceeds)........................................... 30.00
21. Hitchcock County
Treasurer (Election expenses)........................................... 239.01
22. Ideal Linen Supply
(shop towels)........................................................................ 26.04
23. Jacobsenorr (Legal
services)............................................................................. 31.00
24. Kriz-Davis (Electric
supplies)............................................................................ 697.20
25. Lakeside Sand &
Gravel (Road base).............................................................. 288.50
26. LARM (Auto Ins)................................................................................................. 32.37
27. League Builders
(supplies).................................................................................. 27.81
28. LONM (Utility Conf).......................................................................................... 445.00
29. Lifetime Benefit
solutions (Dec vision premium)................................................ 80.93
30. Miller &
Associates (Water Project)............................................................. 21,565.05
31. Municipal Supply
(Supplies)............................................................................. 777.36
32. National Insurance (Dec
life, ad&d prem).......................................................... 25.56
33. One Call (locates)............................................................................................... 54.93
34. Orscheln (supplies)............................................................................................. 51.65
35. Railroad Mgmt
(Leases)................................................................................... 583.65
36. Schamel’s Auto
(fitting)........................................................................................ 3.87
37. Schroeder &
Schroeder (Attorney fees)....................................................... 4,162.57
38. Scoop Media
(Publications).............................................................................. 218.27
39. SWPPD (Nov billing $28,229.83;
airport $51.94; north well $435.21;
south well $526.36, Software $100.00,
Construction 918.00)..................... 30,261.34
40. TD Ameritrade (Dec
IRA)................................................................................. 756.46
41. Titan Machinery (#8
repairs)............................................................................ 297.68
42. Utility Service
(Tower cleaning).................................................................... 4,123.09
43. Village of Stratton
(supplies)............................................................................. 492.86
44. Verizon (Dec billing).......................................................................................... 131.33
45. Village of Trenton (utilities)............................................................................ 2,896.01
46. Volz (Fire barn
heater)...................................................................................... 105.00
47. Walmart (winterizing).......................................................................................... 40.86
KENO CLAIMS (Keno
Checking Account):
K1. Danco
(Bunker gear).................................................................................... 4,505.68
LIBRARY CLAIMS (Library
checking account):
L1. Firstbank
Card (amazon.com).......................................................................... 213.87
L2. Dewey, Nadine (Bonus–pending documentation)............................................. 138.52
L3.
Evans, Larry (Bonus-pending documentation).................................................. 184.70
METER DEPOSIT CLAIMS
(Meter Deposit Checking Account)
M1. Cust# 191......................................................................................................... 200.00
M2. Cust# 42
(Applied to account).......................................................................... 200.00
M3. Cust# 311
(Applied to final billing)...................................................................... 99.15
M4. Cust# 311
(Refund).......................................................................................... 100.85
M5. Cust# 8
(Applied to account)............................................................................ 200.00
M6. Cust# FB
(Applied to final billing)....................................................................... 40.96
M7. Cust# FB
(Refund)........................................................................................... 159.04
Bob Seybold asked about Keno funds
being sent to Hitch & Hay. Seybold inquired why the new street building
was not handicapped accessible. McArthur stated the building is not completed
and a handicapped accessible entrance will be made. Seybold inquired why the
new trash truck was setting and not being used. McArthur stated the truck is
in need of a repair. Seybold inquired if village would still allow semi-trucks
on streets after new water line. McArthur stated the village cannot keep
semi-trucks off state highway.
With no further business, motion made
by Neely and second by Lewis to adjourn meeting at 9:05pm. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Next regular meeting will be February
14, 2017 at 6:30pm in the Village Office.
Jessy
McArthur, Chairman
Trenton Board of Trustees
ATTEST:
Wendy L. McKain, Village Clerk
