VILLAGE OF ELMWOOD
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
October 2,2024 7:00 PM
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Meeting Held at Elmwood Village Office
The Village Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday October 2, 2024. Chair Person, Renee Holland, called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Holland stated that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act was posted.
Roll Call: Becky Kicak, Patric Euse, Tony Greise, Heather Scott & Renee Holland.
Consent agenda: Scott motioned to approve the consent agenda, Kicak seconded the motion. RCV: 5-0 ayes Motion carried
Claims Key: Bond Debt(BD)Contract Labor(CL), Electricity (E), Education(ED)Natural Gas (NG), Monthly Allotment (MA), Refuse (R), Fuel (F), Supplies (S) Publication (P), Telephone (T), Mile Reimbursement (MR), Labs (L), Attorney (A), Cellphone(CP), Postage(PO), Payroll Tax(PT), Capital Improvement(CI), Simple IRA(SI), Dues(D), Payroll (PR) Education (EDU) Workman’s Comp Audit (W) Petty Cash Reimbursement(PR), Engineer (EN) , Sales Tax (ST), Truck Repair (TR), Dog License (DL), Street Surface Supplies (SSS), Tech. Repair (TR) Tech. purchase (TP), Debt Service (DS)
Claims: Elmwood C Store (F) 256.87, NE Digging (CL)3865, IRS (PT)2101.59, NE Dept of Rev. (PT)300.49, American (SI)239.46, Intuit(D)40, Payroll (PR)7472.44, American Exchange Bank (D)67.24, NE Dept of Rev. (ST)1101.90, USPS(PO)19.36, Windstream (T)199.14, OPPD(E)4071.08, JEO(EN)8610, NE Labs (L)541, Consolidated Water Solutions(CI)6245, Layne(CL)2100, Voice News(P)276.61, Ulmer Const.(SSS)705, HTM(CI)21381.25, PeopleService(CL)755, Verizon(CP)51.74, Rasmussen(CL)3193, Spickemier(CL)5457.50, Ahern(CL)420, Rice’s Auto(TR)280, James Ronhovde (CL)2800, Midwest Labs(L)152.95, Wirebuilt (D)29, Solheim(A)1500, Elmwood Cultural Arts(Rent)1800, Black Hills (NG)200.45, NE Dept of Rev (D) 25, Cass County Refuse (R)75, Lovell(CL)4850, AMGL(CL)4800, TACSS(D)198, Meeske(S)483.56, Quill(S)382.44, Elmwood Public Library (MA)2916.67
New Business
Discussion/Action JEO here to present findings and recommendations from water study
Sarah Nguyen and Dane Simonson here to present the 99% Preliminary Engineering report. Sarah explained to the board and villagers present about what they’ve found and presented their recommendations. The water treatment system is in poor condition with controls not working, only one active high service pump and overall wear and tear at the water treatment plant. Our three wells only have enough supply to handle peak day demands and our distribution system shows signs of age. The water tower is in good condition. There is another concern that there is no back up power for the distribution system. JEO presented 5 alternatives: Water treatment plant improvements, well building improvements, drilling a new well, regional water connection and water main replacement. Cost break down was laid out for the cost increase per customer. Discussion continued of why we did the water study and needed the help from JEO. To submit to funding agencies for funding we had to have a water study completed. Explained that we will not know the real impact per customer until we receive the funding packages. Sarah & Dane answered community questions. The study was projected for 20 years.
Discussion Well reports from Layne
Reports reviewed. Well 3 was the only well that showed any evidence of sand. They are recommending Well 5 get a VFD. Well 6 has the highest nitrate levels. No action.
Discussion/Action Quote from HTM for pump repair vs. replacement
The board reviewed the estimate from HTM to repair the pump or replace it with a new one. Kevin discussed with the board what is needed/what we have. Euse motioned to approve rebuilding the current motor for $9,425. Kicak seconded the motion. RCV: 5-0 ayes- motion carried.
Discussion/Action Rosenow building permit with utility lines and hook ups
The board reviewed the building permit and bids for utility hook ups to get the sewer main to within 100 feet of the property. Discussed bids. Scott motioned to approve Nebraska Diggings bid of $14,985 to run approximately 200 ft of sewer line for the duplex at 388 N 2nd Street. Greise seconded the motion. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action Letter & building permit for variance allowance at 317 N 3rd Street- new garage
The board reviewed the variance letter and building permit application. Robert Marsh from the planning & zoning committee in attendance to explain why P&Z did not recommend approving the variance. The new building cannot impede the property line, the garage should match the façade of the home and accessory buildings should not exceed current yard requirements. Scott motioned to deny the variance and building permit application. Kicak seconded the motion. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion Rezoning/Conditional use for 101 East D Street – rezone from C2 to R2
This item came with a positive recommendation from the planning committee. The board discussed the implications of approving a rezoning with the current situation of someone living on main street. John Stephens here to discuss his reasons and share his experience with trying to sell this building. Scott motioned to approve moving forward with rezoning procedure. Greise seconded the motion. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action NDOR stopped in on 9/26 to inform us of a major construction & resurfacing project that will start in 2026. Discussed changes with Ethan Homan and his bid for the sink hole on 4th street will be updated
Board discussion. Alicia explained what she and Kevin learned from NDOR and that they plan to start the project in late 2025. Scott motioned to approve updated bid from Ethan Homan. Euse seconded. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried
Discussion/Action Tree removal bids- tree down in the park
The board reviewed bids from Petersen Property Management, Topple Tree Service, Christensen Tree Service and A&W Services. Euse motioned to approve A&W Services bid to remove tree down in the park including brush and stump for$1500. Kicak seconded the motion. Greise and Scott abstained. 3 ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion/Action Tree removal bids- 124 East C Street
Reviewed bids from Christensen, Topple & Petersen. Euse motioned to approve bid from Petersen for $2700. Kicak seconded. Greise abstained. 4 ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion/Action Brush pile bids
Reviewed bids for removal of all trees and brush from the community brush pile. Bids received from Topple, Christensen and Agri-builders. Kicak motioned to approve the bid from Agri-builders for $25,000. Scott seconded. Greise abstained. 4 ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion/Action bids to lift canopy- West F from 4th – 1st
Reviewed bids from Petersen, Christensen and Topple. Scott motioned to approve the bid from Petersen to lift the canopy on F Street from 1st-4th for $600. Euse seconded. Greise abstained. 4 ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion/Action Year 2 alleys to be rocked
Euse as the street commissioner provided a schedule of the next alleys to be rocked. Board discussion on material to use. Community member recommended checking into the guidelines for using asphalt as it cannot be buried. Discussion continued. Greise motioned to approve the estimate from Westover Rock for ¾ crusher run for 5 alleys at $5544. Euse seconded the motion. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action Bid for wood chips at the park
Kicak motioned to approve the bid from Hughes trees to add wood chips to the park for $2675. Greise seconded the motion. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action Bid from HTM to replace drive belts on compressors at the WWTP
Scott motioned to approve bid for $1078.75 to install new belts on the compressors at the WWTP. Greise seconded. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action Replacement of cutting edge on snowplow (blue truck) as well as connectors on spreader
Reviewed the estimates for replacement of cutting edge on snowplow and maintenance on spreader. Euse motioned to approve total of $1416 at Nebraska Snow Equipment. Scott seconded. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action Replacement of cutting edge and diffuser on white truck
Reviewed the estimates for replacement of cutting edge on snowplow and maintenance on spreader. Euse motioned to approve total of $1416 at Nebraska Snow Equipment. Scott seconded. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action Replacement of curb stop/curb box at 209 West D Street
The board reviewed the bids from Lovell Excavating, Kuhl Trenching and NE Digging. The curb stop does not turn off the water at this location and it needs to be fixed in order for the homeowner to fix a leak. Greise motioned to approve the bid from Lovell for $1350. Euse seconded. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action Replacement of curb stop/curb box at 201 South 2nd Street
The board reviewed the bids from Lovell Excavating, Kuhl Trenching and NE Digging. The curb stop is leaking at this location. Euse motioned to approve the bid from NE Digging, not to exceed $1950. Greise seconded. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action Kevin attending continue education on October 23rd in Aurora
Board approved Kevin attending CE class in Aurora and stated that he can drive the village vehicle. Euse motioned to approve Kevin attendance to the continuing education class hosted by NeRWA in Aurora on October 23rd. Kicak seconded the motion. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Discussion/Action Resolution No. 10012024 to establish time limits for vehicles parking on public streets
The board discussed the need for this resolution. Jena Mahin stated that our ordinances cover abandoned vehicles and we may not need to set another resolution for on street parking. Village member concerned with who will be enforcing these ordinances and resolutions. He was instructed to fill out an official complaint form if there is something he notices around town. No action taken.
Discussion/Action Patric Euse asking for additional watering days for seeding
Patric Euse presented his need for more frequent watering due to over seeding. Greise motioned to approve Euse watering daily for 2 weeks, not to exceed 1 hour per day. Scott seconded. RCV: 5-0 ayes, motion carried.
Reports/Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Library: Approved minutes from 8/5/24. Meeting on 10/1. They are still looking for a board member and are currently hiring another part timer.
Park: Should we wait until spring to get new wood chips? Park bench from KCCB will be set by the basketball court
Streets: Blue truck in for service on spreader & plow. Alicia & Kevin have been trimming/moving when available
Water: 4 leaks- West & Adams, 209 West D, 29314 Adams, 201 S 2nd. Getting bids to repair. Will be working towards adding meters to locations in the village that are not metered; Firehall, park, ball field concessions/bathrooms & WTP. JEO will include these meters in our water project. Water leak at 4th & A fixed as of 9/5. Well inspection completed on 9/16- no immediate recommendations. New meter installed 208 West E street at owners request- reading continuous flow even after new meter installed. 17 gate valves- 9 broken/8 full of dirt and need to be cleaned out and exercised- bid coming from NE Digging. Hydrant on 2nd & C needs replaced- leaking from the top and doesn’t drain back
Sewer: valves exercised and working, sewer back up on 2nd & E St with broken main- fixed by Lovell after Point Repair cleaned and diagnosed. 3 blowers need new belts-parts in, cog needs replaced between new pump and motor. 6th & E sewer main repair completed by Point Repair. Sewer clean out marked incorrectly as water main/ replaced with sewer cleanout cap.
Planning/Zoning: Met on 9/29- see minutes
Public Comment Period
Pat Beckman 209 East F Street.
The day after Harvest Moon Hustle there was something going on at the park. I was coming up the street to turn onto F Street and came head to head with another vehicle. Please consider placing no parking signs on one side of the street so they aren’t double parking.
Dick Romshek 210 South 2nd Street.
I just want to commend you for starting your meeting on time.
Karen Fleischman 525 West D Street.
We have cattle and would like to have a maximum set for our sewer from March until late fall when the cattle leave.
Linda Blunt 104 Railroad Ave. Light bulbs and furnace filter need changed at the old village office and the toilet is possibly leaking. I’m not sure if that is our responsibility or the villages. The clerk with check the rental agreement.
BJ Burrows – does not live in town but is a business owner in town.
Thank you for getting lawns mowed around town. It was getting bad and it makes a difference.
Correspondence: Meat Plant owner called after receiving the letter we sent, and he is in the process of getting bids to construct a fence along D Street. C-store no longer accepting Frontier cards, Kevin/Nick have been coming into grab the village debit card to pay for gas. Letter from Pink Gorilla w/ donation to the park for Harvest Moon Hustle
Personnel: Alicia’s 1 year review. Scott motioned to move into executive session for Alicia’s review. Kicak seconded the motion. RCV: 5-0 ayes. Tony excused himself. Regular session ended and executive session started at 9:10 pm.
Scott motioned to leave executive session at 9:21 pm, Kicak seconded. RCV: 4-0 ayes. Greise absent.
Regular session resumed at 9:21pm.
Kicak motioned to increase Alicia Greise’s pay rate by 5% after her annual review. Scott seconded the motion. RCV: 4-0 ayes, Greise absent. motion carried.
Scott motioned to adjourn regular session at 9:23 PM, Kicak seconded. RCV: 4-0 ayes.
Adjournment: 9:23 PM