City Council Minutes - July 9, 2008

Notice of the regular meeting was given in advance thereof by publication in the Plattsmouth Journal and by posting in three (3) public places as shown by the certificate attached to these minutes.  Notice was simultaneously given to all council members.  Their acknowledgement of receipt of notice and the agenda is attached to these minutes.  All proceedings thereafter were taken while the convened meeting was open to the public. 

Mayor Mueller called the meeting to order and asked the Council to review the consent agenda. Behrns moves, Petrzilka seconds to approve the consent agenda with the exception of the pay applications to Eriksen Construction and Sargent Drilling. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Kari Wockenfuss reported for the Louisville Care Community. They are in the middle of their budget. Census still holds, in fact, they were full the latter part of June and some of the long-term staff at the facility can’t remember when the last time was that the center was full. Mayor Mueller wanted the council to think about terms for repayment of the interfund loan from the Care Center to the water fund.

There was no report from the library.

The residents that requested a stop sign at the corner of 7^th & Oak Streets were not in attendance, so the issue has been tabled.

Cory Chubb was present to request reserved parking for a poker run on Saturday, July 26, 2008. Cory stated this is a big event that benefits cancer research and they expect close to 500 motorcycles to arrive in waves. Good Times is the third stop and they are expecting a three hour time frame. There was a lengthy discussion regarding which spots Cory wants to reserve. Council Member Sherman stated that Saturday is the only day the Art Gallery is open so the reserved parking would potentially be a problem. John Plucknett offered the spots in front of the bank as well as the bank parking lot to be reserved. Sherman moved, Behrns seconds to approve the reserved parking for the poker run on July 26, 2008 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. as follows: from the library south to the corner or 3^rd St., around the corner of 3^rd to the alley west of Main St. and in front of Home State Bank. Roll call vote: ayes – Petrzilka, Behrns; nay – Sherman; absent – Derby. Motion carried.

John Plucknett was present with a request for support for the Cass County Economic Development Council. This was presented at last month’s meeting and the council was waiting for a sample agreement. An agreement between the City of Plattsmouth and CCEDC was included in the council packets for comments. John updated the council on the progress of the committee since the last meeting. They have coordinated with the Greater Omaha Economic Development and applications have been accepted for the director position. John stressed the importance of having financing in place when they are interviewing the potential applicants. He reiterated what was requested last month; a $5,000 annual support commitment. The sample agreement is geared toward industrial sites, which Louisville doesn’t have. It was agreed that the agreement will have to be edited. Another comment was that the City of Louisville would like to have representation, such as Plattsmouth does. John explained that at the $5,000 level, the city would be entitled to a “front row seat” for any development but not board representation. Council Member Behrns commented that $5,000 is a pretty big bite with all the other projects that Louisville has already taken on. Some projects being discussed are a new ball field and the Louisville Bypass. Mayor Mueller said it’s important to be involved at some level, but it’s up the council to determine the level. It was clarified that LB840 funds could be used for this support. The balance and revenue in the LB840 fund was discussed. The revenue to that fund was just cut with the recent election by allocating more to the debt reduction of the water treatment facility. John stated that the official request is a three year commitment. Council Member Petrzilka stated that the level of involvement is his biggest concern. John stated that they are following the model of Sarpy County with that portion of the request. The brochure states that the $5,000 level entitles the organization up to 10 member participants in strategic planning sessions and special limited sponsorship opportunities. Mayor Mueller stated that the possibility of locking the City out of other projects by committing this money makes this a balancing act. Council Member Sherman asked if the CCEDC concentrated on industrial-type businesses only. John assured the council that it’s general economic growth but focuses on job creation, not so much residential or retail growth, but primary jobs. Mayor Mueller asked if Weeping Water had made a commitment yet and John stated he wasn’t aware of any yet. Council Member Behrns asked again if the City would have a board member with a $5,000 commitment. John stated that the board is set by board elections and giving support doesn’t automatically get the contributor representation. He stated that he sits on the board as well as Paul McManis so feels that Louisville is well represented. He stated that the Plattsmouth City Administrator is and ex-officio member with non-voting rights. He also stated that the meetings are not closed to the public and everyone is invited to attend. John said that the city council could appoint a liaison to attend all the meetings. It was agreed that the City should participate, but the amount was in question as well as the length of the commitment. Behrns moves, Petrzilka seconds to join the CCEDC for one year at the $5,000 level contingent upon terms of the agreement being reached. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Petrzilka moves, Sherman seconds to approve Change Order #5 Revised for Eriksen Construction for a net increase of $7,358.61 for the emergency lighting, additional electrical outlet and chemical storage tanks. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Behrns moves, Sherman seconds to approve pay application #12 to Eriksen Construction for the water treatment plant in the amount of $90,431.96. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Behrns moves, Petrzilka seconds to approve a special designated liquor license for a beer tasting at the Louisville Art Gallery featuring Nebraska Brewing Company on July 27, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the Last Hot Sunday in July event. Roll call vote: ayes – Petrzilka, Behnrs; abstain – Sherman; absent – Derby. Motion carried.

Behrns moves, Sherman seconds to approve Carolyn Baker as the manager of American Legion Post 353 located at 117 Main Street. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

There was a discussion about the city’s participation in the decorative lighting on Main Street. B.U.I.L.D. is working to take over the entire project, but funds are limited. They are doing fundraising, but need help. Mayor Mueller asked the attorney to look at the possibility of using CRA money on the project. The attorney stated that LB840 funds could be used too. The matter was tabled until the next meeting when more information is available.

Petrzilka moves, Sherman seconds to approve the dues request for Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) in the amount of $1425. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Petrzilka moves, Sherman seconds to approve the housing dues request for SENDD in the amount of $314. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Behrns moves, Sherman seconds to approve Resolution 08-08; mileage reimbursement. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Petrzilka moves, Behrns seconds to approve the recommendation of acceptance to Kerns Excavating Company for the 2007 North Depot Street Water, Sewer and Paving Improvements. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Petrzilka moves, Sherman seconds to approve pay application #5 and Final to Sargent Drilling for the municipal wells project in the amount of $46,140.80. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Berhns moves, Sherman seconds to approve recommendation of acceptance to Sargent Drilling for the Municipal wells 2006-1 & 2006-2. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Mayor Mueller tabled the drainage work and easements according to study done in 2005 from Elm to Vine south of 7^th Street.

Citizen complaints about property conditions were discussed, including unlicensed vehicles, dangerous buildings and litter. Nuisance procedures according to the city code were outlined. Pictures have been taken and the next step is to send certified letters. Behrns moves, Petrzilka seconds to direct the code enforcement officer to give notice to the properties identified in the photographs presented at the meeting of nuisances. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

Mayor Mueller presented correspondence regarding the Louisville Bypass. He is planning to attend a meeting at the end of July and will have more answers at that time. The US Department of Transportation and NDOR are looking for a commitment of how much the City is going to fund for the project.

Dan reported that the water treatment plant is up and running as of 3:30 Monday, July 7, 2008. There will be a period of adjustments, but the water tested coming out of the plant shows good results as far as removing the iron and manganese. He explained the workings of the plant and offered a tour after the meeting. The fire hydrants were flushed extensively Tuesday and Wednesday and will continue next week.  Dan said valve installation will resume after the kinks have been worked out at the treatment plant.

Dan also reported for the sewer and street department. He said the sewer had several flooding issues in the last month, but some pumps have been changed to alleviate the problem. Dan stated some streets that need work as well, specifically 2^nd Street between Walnut and Vine. He also reported that work on the Care Center garage is moving forward.

There was a written sheriff’s report circulated. There were no reports for fire and rescue.

Petrzilka moves, Behrns seconds to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. Roll call vote; ayes – three, absent – one. Motion carried.

I, the undersigned clerk, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the proceedings had and done by the Mayor and City Council of Louisville.  To the best of my knowledge, the agenda was kept continually current and available for public inspection; and the minutes were in written form and available for public inspection within 10 working days.  The minutes are published in summary form.  Upon request a complete copy is available at City Hall.

Dee Arias, City Clerk