A meeting of the Board of Trustees of
the Village of Trenton, NE, was convened in open and public session, Tuesday, February
14, 2017 at 6:30p.m. at the Village Office. Present: Chairman McArthur, Vice-Chairman
Neely, Trustees Lewis, McDonald and Wimer, Attorney Lindstedt, Clerk McKain,
Utility Superintendent Vrbas, Clint Beguin, David Blau, Bob Brown, Larry Evans,
Kelly Cook, Linda Cook, Shelby Cook, Kyle Drain, Wayne Emrich, Larry Evans, Mandy
Hansen, Andrew Ross, Betty Horinek, Kala Meguire, Tracy Propp, Diane Riggs,
Wyona Shackelford, Derek Vap, Lindsay Vap, Chris Williamson, and Greg Wolford.
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.
Public
Hearing: Chairman McArthur
opened the Public Hearing for the One and Six Year Plan of Street Improvements.
Greg Wolford from W Design explained the One year plan. The priority #1 is
replacing and repairing the valley drains at West C & 1st.
Priority #2 is double armor coating East D Street. K. Drain asked about why street
assessments are only applied to residents where the paving would take place.
Wolford explained those residents would benefit most by having the pavement;
however, the village board may change that policy. K. Drain asked why the 6
year items have remained and not moved to a one year item. Wolford explained
that the village residents have not requested paving and 50% of the affected
residents have to approve. McArthur also pointed out budgeting and funding
needs to be in place. Wolford explained that 6 year projects can be moved up
if necessary. Motion by Neely with second by McDonald to adopt Resolution 2017-01-01.
Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION
2017-01-01
Whereas, in accordance
with the statutes of the State of Nebraska and as prescribed by the Board of
Public Roads Classifications and Standards, Notice of Hearing has been given by
publication in the legal newspaper of TRENTON, Nebraska, and by posting in
three public places within the village, of a Hearing on the One and Six Year
Plans of Street Improvements of TRENTON to be held at the VILLAGE OFFICE on the
14th day of February, 2017, at 6:30 P.M. for the purpose of hearing
comments and objections to said plan.
Whereas, upon said
Hearing, the Village Board finds that the Plans submitted are adequate for the
purpose prescribed by law and that the same should be approved.
Now therefore, be it
resolved by the Village Board of TRENTON, Nebraska that the One and Six Year
Plan for specific improvements during the current year are hereby approved and
adopted.
Jessy
McArthur, Chairman
Trenton Board of Trustees
ATTEST:
Wendy L. McKain, Village Clerk
Citizen
Forum: Ms. Horinek
questioned her water usage for the February billing. She stated her usage was
high and did not believe she used the water. Horinek asked when the meters
would be read again, McKain replied beginning February 21, 2017. After
discussion, McDonald suggested that Ms. Horinek not pay the water usage until
the problem can be resolved for the February billing. McArthur instructed
Vrbas to check for leaks at Ms. Horinek’s, along with a weekly reading to
ensure that the meter is working properly. If an issue is found, a new meter
would be installed. Ms. Riggs provided information on Ms. Shackelford’s 2015
water readings and asked the board to write-off $244.41 for high usage during
one month. McArthur asked if the billing had been steady since. Ms. Riggs stated
the readings have been steady since. Evans asked when the last time the
equipment was calibrated. Vrbas does not believe the equipment can be
calibrated. Vrbas was instructed to contact Municipal supply to ensure
equipment is not an issue. After discussion on the water usage problem at Ms.
Shackelfords, Motion made by McDonald with second by Wimer to write off $244.41
of water usage for Ms. Shackelford. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and
Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mr. Emrich questioned the electric readings
at his camp trailer site on East I. He stated there is no way the meter can be
read from a pick up in the alley. Mr. Emrich stated his water readings cannot
be right as the wire is not hooked up in the pit. Neely stated the village
personnel would monitor the electric meter to see if there is an issue with the
meter. Vrbas stated the wire was fixed several months ago. Mr. Emrich
complained about the drainage on the new street building and stated he was
tired of scooping trash and mud. Mr. Emrich complained about the water project
and that it is causing issues with his sidewalk. Mr. Emrich complained that
work orders should be established to show what superintendent and maintenance
person are doing. Mr. Emrich complained about wages and feels “like there is a
lot of goof off time”. Mr. Brown stated his utilities were high this month;
however, he did have a lot of company during the holidays. McArthur stated the
higher utilities for the February billing were higher due to an extra week of
usage. Mr. Brown asked why the village office is closed during lunch and
thought the office should remain open for people to pay their bill. McArthur
stated the village office door is unlocked during the lunch hour most of the
time. The village office may be closed during the lunch hour and afternoon if
meetings, training, or meter reading is being conducted. Andrew Ross with
Nebraska Municipal Power Pool provided information on how the electricity is
provided to Trenton and provided an overview of the electricity transmission.
Beginning January 1, 2017, Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska is providing
Trenton with wholesale electricity. Trenton was able to lock in wholesale
pricing for a five year period. Ross was excited to inform the board that the
preliminary figures for the first year will save Trenton approximately
$100,000. Ross stated this was good news for residents as the electricity rates
may not increase for the next few years. Ross suggested that the board
consider re-investing the savings into the distribution system by purchasing
new meters, lights, and other infrastructure equipment or repairs. Ross also
suggested the board adopt a cash reserve policy. Linda Cook asked what the WMC
charge is on the billing statement. McKain stated it is the Water Meter Charge
and appeared as the WA charge on billing issued from SWPPD. The new billing
system breaks down the charges and does not combine them. Williamson asked who
looks at meters and makes changes and inquired if a full-time lineman would be
necessary. McArthur stated most of the day-to-day issues could be handled by
the current utility personnel. Any items that they are not able to take care
of would be hired out. Ross stated that other operations and maintenance agreements
are available. Drain stated to keep it local.
Motion
made by Neely and second by Lewis to approve agenda. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald,
Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Motion
made by McDonald and second by Neely to approve the January 10, 2017 meeting
minutes. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None.
Motion carried.
Motion
made by Neely and second by Wimer 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: McDonald
stated they were not working on nuisance properties until spring; however, he
encouraged residents to clean up. Wimer stated the board has discussed
providing a dump trailer and volunteers to help residents clean up properties.
Mr. Emrich complained of how “trashy” Trenton is and there were a lot of places
to clean up.
Attorney
Report: Lindstedt
advised the board to adopt new ordinances from the legislative updates of 2016
and provided sample ordinances for the board to review.
Utility
Superintendent Reports: Electric
Department: Vrbas
stated the new lights were received and they have replaced 7. Neely stated he
would like a new light at East 1st and A. Water Department: Vrbas
stated there would be water outages on the East side of town and Main street
business during the connection of the new lines on 2/16 & 2/17. Vrbas
stated the village is still on a boil water advisory. Linda Cook asked if the
whole town was on the boil water advisory and Vrbas replied yes. Vrbas stated
the initial water system assessment was received by NERWA. Vrbas stated he and
McKain will work on yearly water reports this week and get them submitted to
the State. Sewer Department: Vrbas stated the village received the 4
year exemption status for the lagoons from NE DEQ. Trash Department: Vrbas
stated the department is running well. Street Department: Vrbas stated
BSB has started to gravel and smooth streets where it has been torn up due to
the water project. Mr. Drain asked about a speed mover for the village. Vrbas
was instructed to get bids on a speed mover for the next meeting. Park
Department: Vrbas stated the park is winterized for the season. Pool
Department: Vrbas stated he would be painting the pool this year. Ms.
Propp asked about the lighting of the pool. Vrbas stated the lights have been
disconnected and no night swims would be scheduled by the village.
Animal Control: Vrbas stated there were 16 cats and 109
dogs licensed within the village for 2017. There were 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 January, 2017.
Village
Office: McKain provided
the board with additional quotes for conference tables and other tables. Neely
asked McKain to contact Indianola clerks to obtain information on where they
purchased theirs. Wimer suggested contacting CSI for tables. The Board asked
for additional quotes with a few different setup styles. McKain stated the
Ground Water Guardian application and the Ground Water Guardian Green Site
application was submitted. McKain stated a SW Clerks meeting is scheduled for
February 22, 2017 in Curtis and the office would need to close at 11:00am to
attend. Notices will be posted. McKain stated she is working on the US Dept
of Commerce Boundary & Annexation Survey. McKain stated they will be
reading meters beginning February 21, 2017. McKain stated she will be out of
the office on February 27-28, 2017 to attend the mid-winter conference.
Library: Evans provided the board with a copy
of the Library report that is due each February. Evans stated Ms. Borg
resigned from the Library Board due to health issues. Wendy Brown has been
approved by the Library Board as a replacement. Motion by Neely with second by
Lewis to appoint Wendy Brown to the Library Board to finish the term of
Katheryn Borg ending June 30, 2020. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and
Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Planning Commission: No information.
El Dorado: Linda Cook provided an update on the
generator project. She stated the generator is set; however, installation will
take approximately two days of the heating/cooling system to be shut down. She
stated the cost was $31,450. She stated Rundel had previously stated the
village would help with the expense and asked that the board consider paying
for the generator. Motion by Neely with second by Lewis to approve an expenditure
of $31,450 for the new generator placement at El Dorado Manor. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Linda Cook stated El
Dorado is disputing a fine imposed by the state and she is not sure what will
happen. Linda Cook thanked Vrbas for replacing the lights. Linda Cook stated
they are still searching for a new administrator at El Dorado.
Housing Authority: No information.
Tree Board: Wertz
requested by phone that Robert Scott be considered for the Tree Board to
replace Dale Bailey. Motion
by Lewis with second by McDonald to appoint Robert Scott to the Tree Board to
finish the term of Dale Bailey ending December 31, 2017. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Board of Health: No information.
Unfinished Business: David Blau of Miller &
Associates provided information on the water main project. Blau provided
information for the payment application #3 in the amount of $53,067.21 to be
paid to BSB. Motion by Neely with second by Wimer to approve payment
application #3 to BSB in the amount of $53,067.21. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald,
Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Neely had a concern on the
placement of the water meter at Great Plains as there are several fiber optic
lines and requested that Chris or Bill be contacted before they proceed. Ross
stated he did not need to add additional information to the board. He
encouraged the board to continue to be pro-active with electric rates and begin
looking approximately 2 years prior to the end of the contract. Wimer did not
have an update on the fire truck purchase. McKain stated she did not have an
update on the recycling grant.
Ordinance and/or Resolution: Resolution 2017-01-01 was approved
during the public hearing.
New Business: Mr. Williamson asked that a power
drop be placed on the east side of the pow-wow grounds. Williamson would like
to have a BBQ contest the last weekend in April. Vrbas was instructed to get
an estimate on the cost. Williamson also requested the meter pit for the Dari
Crème be moved back to its original spot on the property. Currently the water
meter pit is on El Dorado’s property. Vrbas was instructed to have BSB provide
an estimate. Mr. and Mrs. Vap were present to answer any questions on the
liquor license application for Lakeside Liquor & Boutique. Motion made by Neely
and second by Lewis to approve the liquor license application for Lakeside
Liquor & Boutique. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer.
Nays: None. Motion carried. A review of the medical and dental insurance rates
was made. The board would like additional information on the plans. McKain
was instructed to contact NACO for a representative to provide additional
information at a special meeting. The board did not make a policy change to
add a $5 fee to the penalty for disconnection letters. Kelly Cook addressed
the board with a concern that disconnection of services is not being done
correctly or fairly. He stated the clerk is to provide a certified letter to
the resident and a case worker if the resident is on welfare. He found this
information on the internet. McKain stated she had called DHHS to discuss the
information he had found. McKain was told by DHHS the website did not have the
correct information and that DHHS would notify and request that the website be updated.
Mr. Cook stated he felt the reconnection fees were excessive. McArthur stated
that McKain had spoke with him concerning people who were scheduled for disconnection
and McArthur told McKain to disconnect. Linda Cook stated she felt the late
fees were excessive and hard for these single parents to make, especially the
$25 door hanger fee. Neely stated the board felt the door hanger fee was an
incentive to pay the bill before they received it. McArthur stated the board
will be reviewing the penalty and disconnection policies. The board discussed
pool personnel advertising. McKain is to place an advertisement for pool
personnel. Wages for pool personnel will be reviewed at a later meeting.
Motion made by Neely with second by McDonald to go into executive session for
the purpose of discussing the evaluation of the job performance of a person
when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if
such person has not requested a public meeting at 9:24pm. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely,
and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion made by McDonald with second by Lewis
to come out of executive session at 10:10pm. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays:
None. Motion carried. The board did not take action on the employee
evaluations.
Correspondence:
Essent Newsletter,
El Dorado Newsletter, Great Plains Communications – new channels and new rate
notice, John Cook, MADD – 2017 Hero awards and recognition, Keep Nebraska
Beautiful, DEQ – Solid Waste Management Programs, West Central Nebraska
Development District – 2017 contact information and designate representative
and alternate.
Motion made by Neely
and second by Lewis to approve Operating claims with a correction to the total
payment on claim 38 to be $53,362.70, KENO claims, Library claims, and Meter
Deposit claims. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays:
None. Motion carried.
OPERATING
CLAIMS:
1. Payroll (2 pay
periods)............................................................................... $15,174.47
2. EFTPS, FED (Jan
payroll tax)...................................................................... 3,580.16
3. NE Dept. of Revenue (Jan
payroll tax)............................................................ 440.58
4. NE Dept. of Revenue (Jan
sales tax).............................................................. 310.45
5. Aflac (Sup. Ins.).................................................................................................. 32.70
6. American Agricultural
Lab (water samples)....................................................... 95.50
7. American Electric
(Elec supplies).................................................................... 152.02
8. Blue Cross Blue
Shield (Jan premium medical/dental)................................. 2,745.65
9. Bosselman Energy
(Tree site propane).............................................................. 32.22
10. Bosselman Energy
Pre-paid Propane
a. Fire Barn........................................................................................... (3,430.56)
b. Light Plant............................................................................................ (744.05)
11. BSB Construction
(Water project pay app #2)............................................ 52,629.40
12. City of McCook
(transfer station tickets)...................................................... 2,147.68
13. Colonial Life (Sup.
Ins.).................................................................................... 251.13
14. D & L Pest
Control (pest control)........................................................................ 53.00
15. Dewey, Nadine (Jan
library payroll)................................................................. 232.73
16. Eakes (envelopes).............................................................................................. 39.99
17. Evans, Larry (Jan
library payroll)..................................................................... 232.73
18. Farmers Co-op
(fuel/shop supplies)................................................................. 949.82
19. Farmers Co-op
Pre-paid Propane
a. Library.................................................................................................. (937.99)
b. Sewer Plant........................................................................................... (48.45)
20. First Bankcard (software,
postage, travel)....................................................... 973.21
21. Great Plains
Communications (Phone/internet)............................................... 569.05
22. Hitchcock County
Schools (Tobacco lic proceeds)........................................... 10.00
23. Ideal Linen Supply
(shop towels)........................................................................ 17.52
24. Kriz-Davis (Electric supplies)............................................................................ 707.17
25. League of NE
Municipalities (Conf reg)........................................................... 350.00
26. Lifetime Benefit
solutions (Jan & Feb vision premium).................................... 161.86
27. Miller &
Associates (Water Project)............................................................... 9,420.90
28. National Insurance (Jan
life, ad&d prem)........................................................... 25.56
29. Nebraska DHHS (Pool
permit)........................................................................... 40.00
30. Nebraska Municipal
Clerk Institute (Conf reg)................................................. 616.00
31. Nebraska Municipal
Power Pool (Conf reg).................................................... 220.00
32. Nebraska Rural Water
(Conf reg).................................................................... 375.00
33. Orscheln (supplies)............................................................................................. 59.94
34. Schamel’s Auto
(fitting)...................................................................................... 11.52
35. Schroeder &
Schroeder (Attorney fees)....................................................... 2,375.00
36. Scoop Media (Publications).............................................................................. 295.71
37. Southwestern
Equipment (#8 repairs)................................................................ 37.18
38. SWPPD (Nov billing $36,636.98;
airport $39.71; north well $536.21;
south well $560.29, Construction
15,589.51).............................................. 30,261.34*
39. TD Ameritrade (Jan
IRA)................................................................................. 902.76
40. Titan Machinery (#8
repairs).............................................................................. 48.69
41. Verizon (Jan billing).......................................................................................... 131.27
42. Village of Trenton
(Jan utilities)..................................................................... 3,752.86
43. W Design (Street
Engineering)...................................................................... 2,329.10
44. Walmart (winterizing)............................................................................................ 8.97
KENO CLAIMS (Keno
Checking Account): NONE
LIBRARY CLAIMS (Library
checking account):
L1. Firstbank
Card (amazon.com).......................................................................... 242.77
METER DEPOSIT CLAIMS
(Meter Deposit Checking Account)
M1. Customer
#56 – to Village of Trenton.............................................................. 200.00
M2. Customer
#391 – to Village of Trenton............................................................ 100.00
M3. Customer
#488 – to Village of Trenton............................................................ 200.00
M4. Customer
#649 – to Village of Trenton............................................................ 101.54
M5. Customer
#649 Refund from final billing........................................................... 98.46
*Correction
noted to claim #38 as the total was incorrectly shown for board meeting and
adjusted to $53,362.70 upon the motion to approve by Neely.
With no further business, motion made
by Neely and second by Lewis to adjourn meeting at 10:33pm. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
McDonald, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Next regular meeting will be March 14,
2017 at 6:30pm in the Village Office.
Jessy
McArthur, Chairman
Trenton Board of Trustees
ATTEST:
Wendy L. McKain, Village Clerk
