A regular meeting of the Board of
Trustees of the Village of Trenton, NE, was convened in open and public
session, Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Office. Present:
Chairman McArthur, Trustees Lewis, Neely and Wimer, Clerk McKain, Deputy Clerk
Rife, Attorney Schroeder (arrived late), Superintendent Vrbas (arrived late), Phyllis
Bach, Bob Brown, Linda Cook, Phyllis Daugherty, Cliff Johnson, Bev and Ron
Seeker and Bob Yonkers. Trustee McDonald was absent. 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 6:35pm and
quorum was verified.
Chairman made “Open Meeting Act”
announcement.
Public Hearing: Chairman McArthur opened the public
hearing at 6:35 p.m. for the purpose of hearing support, opposition, criticism,
suggestions or observations of taxpayers relating to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018
proposed budget. Chairman McArthur reviewed the budget document with comparison
of last year’s tax levy and our current levy. McArthur asked for comments or
questions and hearing none the public hearing closed at 6:45 p.m.
Trustee Neely introduced ordinance No.
807. After the reading of the ordinance Trustee 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, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None.
Absent: McDonald. Motion carried. Motion by Neely with second by Lewis to
pass and adopt Ordinance No. 807 on final reading. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, Neely
and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried. A true copy follows:
ORDINANCE
NO. 807
AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE
BUDGET STATEMENT TO BE TERMED THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION BILL; TO APPROPRIATE
SUMS FOR NECESSARY EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR ITS PUBLICATION AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE
CHAIRMAN AND THE VILLAGE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF TRENTON:
Section 1. That after complying with all
procedures required by law, the budget presented and set forth in the budget
statement is hereby approved as the Annual Appropriation Bill for the fiscal
year beginning October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018. All sums of money
contained in the budget statement are hereby appropriated for the necessary
expenses and liabilities of the Village of Trenton. A copy of the budget
document shall be forwarded as provided by law to the Auditor of Public
Accounts, State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska, and to the County Clerk of
Hitchcock County, Nebraska, for use by the levying authority.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take
effect and be in full force from and after its passage, approval, and
publication or posting as required by law.
Passed and adopted this 14th
day of September, 2017.
Jessy
McArthur, Chairman, Trenton Board of Trustees
ATTEST:
Wendy L. McKain, MBA, MMC, Village
Clerk/Treasurer
A motion was made by Trustee Neely and
seconded by Trustee Wimer to introduce and pass Resolution 2017-09-01. Ayes:
Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion
carried. A true copy follows:
RESOLUTION
2017-09-01
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF TRENTON, NEBRASKA: The Village Board hereby approves
an additional 1% increase on the total 2016-2017 fiscal year funds subject to
limitation by law for the fiscal year 2017-2018.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 14 TH
DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2017
Jessy
McArthur, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
ATTEST:
Wendy L. McKain, MBA,
MMC, Village Clerk/Treasurer
A motion was made by Trustee Neely and
seconded by Trustee Lewis to introduce and pass Resolution 2017-09-02. Ayes:
Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion
carried. A true copy follows:
RESOLUTION
2017-09-02
WHEREAS, Nebraska Revised Statute
77-1601.02 provides that the property tax request for the prior year shall be
the property tax request for the current year for the purposes of the levy set
by the County Board of Equalization unless the Governing Board of the Village
of Trenton passes by a majority vote a resolution or ordinance setting the tax
request as a different amount: and
WHEREAS, a special public hearing was
held as required by law to hear and consider comments concerning the property
tax request; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests
of the Village of Trenton that the property tax request for the current year be
a different amount that the property tax requested for the prior year.
NOW,
THEREFORE, the Governing Body of the Village of Trenton, by a majority vote,
resolves that:
I.
The
2017-2018 property tax request be set at $65,464.16
II.
A
copy of this resolution be certified and forwarded to the County Clerk prior to
September 20, 2017.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THE 14TH
DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2017.
Jessy
McArthur, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
ATTEST:
Wendy L. McKain, MBA, MMC, Village
Clerk/Treasurer
Citizen Forum: Mr. Seeker commended the board on
their work for cleaning up as there is an improvement. Mr. Seeker asked if
there was something that can be done for the habitual properties. McArthur
stated procedures have to be followed; however, the village is working to get
better procedures and follow-up.
Mr. Yonkers has several concerns with
streets and curbs, weeds, not running all the equipment, not finding employees
when needed, and using a shovel to get dirt out of gutters. McArthur stated he
is working on more follow-up with departments. Mr. Yonkers suggested having
McDonald as a “task master” for the utility departments. Neely stated only one
person could be overseeing the utility department; otherwise, employees would
have five bosses. Mr. Yonkers asked about children being at office. McArthur
explained a lot of things were going on. Rife is on maternity leave and is
only helping out; babies cannot go to daycare until they are six weeks old.
During this time the board approved of Rife brining kids to office as we are a
small community and we all need to work together.
Motion made by Neely and second by Wimer
to approve agenda. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent:
McDonald. Motion carried.
Motion made by Lewis and second by Wimer
to approve the August 21, 2017 special meeting minutes. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
and Wimer. Nays: None. Abstain: Neely. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.
Motion made by Lewis and second by Neely
to approve treasurer’s report. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays:
None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.
Park/Pool Committee Report: No report.
Utility/Street/Trash Committee Report:
McArthur stated the
village will host another free clean-up day on October 7, 2017 from 8am to 6pm.
This will also be a day of board members and volunteers working to help
residents who do not have the ability to clean property. Please contact the
village office if you are in need of help cleaning property or are interested
in volunteering your time on October 7, 2017.
Attorney Report: McKain stated the issue with Mr.
Reiners has been investigated and $468.41 should be credited back to Mr.
Reiners for a mishook-up from SWPPD. Motion made by Neely and second by Lewis
to approve a credit on account to Reiners for electric usage in the amount of
$468.41. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent:
McDonald. Motion carried. McKain stated Attorney Schroeder is working with a
labor attorney in Lincoln and recommends entering an agreement with Pamela J.
Bourne with Woods & Aitken, LLP. Motion made by Neely and second by Wimer
to approve entering into an agreement with Pamela J. Bourne with Woods &
Aitken, LLP for labor issues. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays:
None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.
Utility Superintendent Reports: Electric Department: Vrbas
stated Chris Williamson would like additional outlets for BBQ competitions.
Vrbas suggested having outlets for electrical hook-ups that could be used for
smokers or campers. Vrbas stated there were 10 spaces that could be made.
Vrbas was asked to get bids on the cost to install the 10 hook-ups. Wimer
stated the booster club would like to use the bucket truck to install a new
sound system, after discussion the board stated they would allow it with one of
our operators. Water Department: Vrbas stated the Dari Crème would like
the shut-off in a bathroom. After discussion the board stated a shut off would
be installed at the property line. Vrbas stated a request for a water line has
been made and he thought the line would have to come from B street. After
discussion the board stated Vrbas may contact the owner to discuss installation
of a line at the owner’s expense. Sewer Department: Vrbas stated a
complaint from Marilyn Barnett was received and he would contact her to see
exactly what the issue is. Vrbas stated the road to the sewer lagoon was
fixed. Trash Department: Vrbas stated the trash department was running
smoothly. A discussion on the fall/winter hours was made. Motion made by Wimer
and second by Neely to approve fall/winter hours for the tree branch site to be
Tuesdays 1pm to 5pm and Saturdays 1pm to 5pm with the first Saturday of each
month being 8am to noon and 1pm to 5pm beginning October 1, 2017. Ayes: Lewis,
McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried. A
discussion on the tree branch operator wages was made. Motion made by Wimer
and second by Neely to approve an increase to $10 per hour for the tree branch
site operator beginning with the 09/18/17 pay period. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried. Street
Department: Vrbas was asked to contact the RR on a valley drain for West
3ed. Park Department: Vbras stated the park was good. Pool
Department: Vrbas stated the pool closed on September 3, 2017 and they
have started draining the pool.
Animal Control: Leggott reported there are 21 cats
and 146 dogs licensed for 2017. No warnings or citations were issued for the
month of August.
Village Office: McKain stated she had submitted
information to the US Census 2020 Local Update. McKain stated meter reading
would be September 20-22, 2017; however, assistance is needed as she will be at
a conference. McArthur stated Vrbas and Leggott would do meter reading on
September 20th. McKain stated she is working on the Public Water
System Security Grant as we were approved for up to $10,000. McKain stated she
is working with El Dorado on some issues. McKain stated she will be out of the
office on September 20-22, 2017 for the LONM Annual Conference in Lincoln.
McKain stated she would have the budget submission completed to the county and
state before she leaves. McKain stated a PowerManager refresher course is
scheduled for October 10, 2017 in North Platte and would like Rife to attend,
the board approved for Rife to attend. McKain discussed writing off $3,643.03
in bad debt, this would be accounts that we are unable to locate good addresses
for. Motion made by Neely and second by Lewis to approve a bad debt write-off
of $3,643.03. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent:
McDonald. Motion carried. McKain discussed having a pro-rated utility charge
for residents who move-in or out in the middle of the month. Motion made by
Wimer and second by Lewis to approve pro rating utilities for move in or out.
Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald.
Motion carried.
Library: No information provided
Planning Commission: No information provided.
El Dorado: No information provided.
Housing Authority: No information provided.
Tree Board: No information provided.
Board of Health: No information provided.
Unfinished Business: None.
Ordinance and/or Resolution: Ordinance #807 and Resolutions
2017-09-01 and 2017-09-02 were approved earlier in the meeting.
New Business: Discussion on firefighter
application of B. Caddick was made. Motion made by Wimer and second by Lewis
to approve B. Caddick’s application for firefighter. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried. Discussion
was made on propane bids. Motion by Neely and second by Lewis to pre-pay 1,000
gallons of propane from the Farmers Co-op for the Library and no new purchases
from Bosselman’s as there is already a credit balance on propane. Ayes: Lewis,
McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.
The Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month for October was
discussed. Motion made by Neely and second by Lewis to approve the
Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month for October. Ayes: Lewis,
McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.
The MEAN Electrical Resources Pooling Agreement Policies and Procedures update
was discussed. Ms. Cook asked the board to help with repairs on the Legion
Hall at the Pow Wow grounds. Ms. Cook stated Trenton Recreation Association
would be applying for some grants. The board asked that Ms. Cook let them know
what the funding requirement would be. Motion by Neely and second by Wimer to
go into Executive Session 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 at 8:16pm. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried. Motion made
by Neely and second by Lewis to come out of executive session at 9:15pm. Ayes:
Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion
carried. Motion by Neely and second by Lewis for the Village Clerk to take
over financial responsibility of El Dorado Nursing Home and Assisted Living,
including accounts receivable, accounts payable, billing, and payroll. Ayes:
Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion
carried.
Correspondence: 0El Dorado Manor Newsletter, FES, GP
Com Connections, Little Village Daycare, NE DOT Law Enforcement Luncheon, NE
Pipeline Safety, NE Rural Water, NMPP Energy Newsletter, and Rural Electric
Nebraska.
Motion made by Neely and second by Wimer
to approve Operating claims, KENO claims, Library claim L1 and L3 and NOT L2,
and Meter Deposit claims. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur, Neely, and Wimer. Nays:
None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.
OPERATING CLAIMS:
1. August Payroll (2 pay
periods).................................................................. $19,298.51
2. EFTPS, FED (August
payroll tax)................................................................. 4,414.97
3. NE Dept. of Revenue
(August payroll tax)....................................................... 198.35
4. NE Dept. of Revenue
(August sales tax)...................................................... 3,847.44
5. Aflac (Sup. Ins.).................................................................................................. 32.70
6. American Agricultural
Lab (water samples)....................................................... 17.50
7. Blue Cross Blue
Shield (Sept premium medical/dental)............................... 3,310.40
8. Bosselman Energy
(Chemicals)....................................................................... 484.84
9. Bosselman Energy
(Prepaid Propane)........................................................ (3,431.09)
10. City of McCook
(transfer station tickets)...................................................... 3,255.62
11. Colonial Life (Sup.
Ins.).................................................................................... 251.13
12. Danko Emergency
Equipment (Compressor)................................................. 349.50
13. Dewey, Nadine (August
library payroll)............................................................ 274.28
14. Eakes
(supplies/copier).................................................................................... 406.77
15. Evans, Larry (August
library payroll)................................................................ 265.96
16. Fanning Farm Repair
(#16 repairs)............................................................... 9,528.86
17. Farmers Co-op
(fuel/shop supplies).............................................................. 1,128.22
18. First Bankcard
(software, repairs, postage, pool)............................................ 202.33
19. Foley Industries (#9
repair)................................................................................. 60.82
20. Great Plains
Communications (Phone/internet)............................................... 609.04
21. Ideal Linen Supply
(shop towels)........................................................................ 17.22
22. Kansas City Life
(Sept Vision)............................................................................ 69.35
23. LARM (Add #30 &
#31)...................................................................................... 14.25
24. LARM (Gen/Auto
Insurance)....................................................................... 20,950.65
25. Little Village
Daycare (Round up funds)............................................................. 15.91
26. LONM (Conference)........................................................................................ 420.00
27. Madison National
Insurance (Sept life, ad&d prem).......................................... 25.56
28. Midlands Toxicology
(Drug Testing)................................................................... 70.00
29. Municipal Supply
(Water supplies)................................................................ 1,441.22
30. Nebraska Dept of Ag
(Animal Shelter)............................................................. 175.00
31. Nebraska Dept of
Corrections (#30 & #31)................................................. 19,250.00
32. Nebraska Dept of
Revenue (Waste Reduction)................................................ 25.00
33. Nebraska Municipal
Power Pool (July Billing)............................................ 32,139.72
34. One Call Concepts
(Diggers hotline locates).................................................... (15.44)
35. Orschlen (Supplies)............................................................................................ 36.36
36. Quill (supplies).................................................................................................. 286.42
37. RW Welding (#14A
repairs)................................................................................ 32.58
38. Schamel’s Auto (#30
repairs)............................................................................. 59.96
39. Schroeder &
Schroeder (Attorney fees)....................................................... 6,350.25
40. Scoop Media
(Publications).............................................................................. 169.77
41. SWPPD (airport
$30.91; north well $548.62; south well $609.38)................ 1,188.91
42. T and J Repair (#30
Battery).............................................................................. 59.95
43. TD Ameritrade (August
IRA)............................................................................ 929.62
44. Verizon (Cell
Service/Phones)......................................................................... 160.46
45. Village of Trenton
(August utilities)................................................................ 2,795.58
46. W Design (Engineering
service – 3rd Ave)....................................................... 500.26
47. Walmart (Supplies)............................................................................................. 63.93
KENO CLAIMS (Keno
Checking Account): NONE
LIBRARY CLAIMS (Library
checking account):
L1. First
Bankcard (amazon.com)........................................................................... 230.58
L2. Gary’s Country Peddler (T-shirts).................................................................. 1,417.75
(unable
to process due to lack of funds in checking account)
L3. Nebraska Overdrive (17-18
subscription)......................................................... 500.00
METER DEPOSIT CLAIMS
(Meter Deposit Checking Account):
M1. Meter
Deposit Refund issued to VOT, #92, #313, #385, #433, #657.............. 850.00
With no further business, motion made
by Neely and second by Wimer to adjourn meeting at 9:35pm. Ayes: Lewis, McArthur,
Neely, and Wimer. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.
A special meeting on September 25,
2017 for approval of grant application at 6:30pm in the Village Office.
Next regular meeting will be October
10, 2017 at 6:30pm in the Village Office
Jessy
McArthur, Chairman
Trenton Board of Trustees
ATTEST:
Wendy L. McKain, MBA, MMC
Village Clerk/Treasurer
