PROCEEDINGS – VILLAGE OF MEAD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

April 9, 2024

A Regular Meeting of the Chairman and Board of Trustees of the Village of Mead, NE was held April 9, 2024 at the Mead Community Building. Chairman Thorson called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Notice of the meeting was provided in advance thereof by posting notice at the Bank of Mead, U.S. Post Office, and the Village Office as shown by the certificate of posting notice attached to these minutes. Advance notice was also provided in the Wahoo Newspaper and to all members of the Board of Trustees. All proceedings were held while the convened meeting was open to the public.  Answering roll call were Board Chairman William Thorson and Trustees Jason Felty, Daniel Simon, and Richard Wielage. Absent was Trustee Jason Lee. Also, present was Clerk June Moline. Guests were Keith Marvin, Mason Herrman, Andy Jackson, Josh Girmus, Kylee Hickman, Kathy Robertson, Jay Spearman, Levi Durnal, and Patty Thorson.

The posting of the Open Meetings Law was noted.

Motion by Wielage, second by Simon, to adopt the agenda. Vote:  Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes; motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Simon, second by Felty, to adjourn to a Public Hearing at 6:00 pm. Vote: Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent; motion carried 4-0.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Thorson called the hearing to order at 6:00 pm. Roll call showed the following members present: Chairman Thorson; Trustees Felty, Simon, and Wielage. Absent Lee.

Motion by Simon, second by Felty, to adopt the agenda. Vote: Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes; motion carried 4-0.

Thorson stated the purpose of the hearing was to hear testimony on adoption of the amended Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations of the Village of Mead.

Keith Marvin and Mason Herrman representing Marvin Consulting, presented the new Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Regulations, Subdivision Regulations, and Official Zoning Map that were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at their Aprill 2 meeting.

Thorson called for public input.

Motion by Wielage, second by Felty, to adjourn to a Public Hearing at 6:07 pm. Vote: Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes; motion carried 4-0.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Thorson called the hearing to order at 6:07 pm. Answering roll call were Chairman Thorson; Trustees Felty, Simon, and Wielage. Absent was Lee.

Motion by Felty, second by Wielage, to adopt the agenda. Vote: Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent; motion carried 4-0.

Thorson stated the purpose of the hearing was to hear testimony of support, opposition, criticism, suggestions, or observations on a petition from Colby Properties LLC for a variance to amend Zoning Regulation Article 3 District; 11-307, District (R-2) Multiple Family Residential District; D.2.a. Front yard depth; from 25’ to 15’ on property described as Lot 10 & ½ of Lot 11, Block 16, Anderson & Carlson Subdivision Mead, Mead, Saunders County, Nebraska.

Thorson stated the reason for the request was that the property is located in a part of town where the lot setback requirements were once authorized but had since been amended to a larger setback requirement even though the lots from the past were quite small.

Public input was called.

Motion by Simon, second by Felty, to adjourn at 6:10 pm to a Board of Adjustment meeting.

The board returned to Regular Session at 6:15 pm.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Motion by Felty, second by Wielage, to suspend rules in regard to the second reading of Ordinance No. 824. Vote: Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes; motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Felty, second by Wielage, to adopt Ordinance No. 824; Non-exclusive Trash Franchise Agreement with Roadrunner Transportation. Vote: Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes; motion carried 4-0.

ORDINANCE NO. 824

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, SAUNDERS COUNTY, NEBRASKA, TO GRANT TO ROADRUNNER TRANSPORTATION LLC, A NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO COLLECT AND DISPOSE OF THE GARBAGE OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, PURSUANT TO THE COMMERCIAL GARBAGE HAULERS FRANCHISE ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, NEBRASKA.

NEW BUSINESS:

The minutes of the March 12 Regular Meeting were accepted.

Motion by Wielage, second by Simon, to approve the Treasurer’s Report showing $1,239,627.77 total checking/savings balance ending March 31. Vote: Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent; motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Simon, second by Felty, to approve the claims of $115,461.84 for payment. Vote:  Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes; motion carried 4-0. Claims being:

Simon introduced and motioned to waive three readings of Ordinance No. 828. Felty seconded the motion. Vote: Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes; motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Felty, second by Thorson, to adopt Ordinance No. 828; Amended Comprehensive Plan, contingent upon requested changes. Vote: Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes; motion carried 4-0.

ORDINANCE NO. 828

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, NEBRASKA TO APPROVE AND ADOPT A  COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, NEBRASKA, BY REFERENCE, INCLUDING THAT AREA WITHIN ONE-MILE OF THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, NEBRASKA.

Wielage introduced and motioned to waive three readings of Ordinance No. 829. The second was made by Simon. Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-yes; motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Simon, second by Wielage, to adopt Ordinance No. 829; Amended Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, contingent upon requested changes. Vote: Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes; motion carried 4-0.

ORDINANCE NO. 829

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, NEBRASKA TO APPROVE AND ADOPT A ZONING AND SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE FOR THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, NEBRASKA, BY REFERENCE, INCLUDING THAT AREA WITHIN ONE-MILE OF THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, NEBRASKA.

Motion by Felty, second by Simon to remove from the table, Resolution 24-04. Vote: Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes; motion carried 4-0.

Felty introduced and motioned to adopt Resolution 24-04; Obligating American Rescue Plan Funds in the amount of $42,100.00 to Olsson for installing a GIS System and $22,100.00 to Marvin Planning Consultants LLC for amending the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. Second by Wielage. Vote: Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes; motion carried 4-0.

RESOLUTION 24-04

RESOLUTION OBLIGATING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS (CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS) FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY.

WHEREAS, the United States Congress has adopted the “American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” (ARPA), and it has become law; and

WHEREAS, Section 603 of the ARPA provides for financial assistance for counties, cities and non-entitlement units of local government for eligible expenses in accordance with the “Interim Final Rule” issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury; and

WHEREAS, the City is eligible to receive $100,352.06 to be distributed in equal tranches, half in 2021 $50,176.03 and the remaining half in 2022 $50,176.03; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Treasury has issued interim guidance on how the City can utilize the funding, with funds having to be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the City Board of Trustees hereby obligates American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds (Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds) from the U.S. Department of Treasury in a total amount of $64,200.00 for the purpose of water improvements and more specifically, to Olsson for installing a GIS System in the amount of $42,100.00 and the purpose of community planning and more specifically, to Marvin Planning Consultants LLC for amending the Comprehensive Plan including Zoning Regulations and Subdivision Regulations in the amount of $22,100.00; and, be it further

Jay Spearman presented the Street Improvement Bond Anticipation Notes in the amount of not to exceed $950,000.00 for the purpose of street paving construction costs.

Wielage introduced and motioned to waive three readings of Ordinance No. 830. Simon seconded the motion. Vote: Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes; motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Wielage, second by Simon, to adopt Ordinance No. 830; Issuance of Street Improvement Bond Anticipation Notes not to exceed $950,000.00 for street paving improvement costs. Vote: Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes; motion carried 4-0.

ORDINANCE NO. 830

AN ORDINANCNE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF STREET IMPROVEMENT BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES, SERIES 2024, IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($950,000) FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING THE COSTS OF CONSTRUCTING PAVING IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, NEBRASKA, AND NECESSARY APPURTENANCES THERETO; PROVIDING FOR A PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR OF THE NOTES; AGREEING TO ISSUE BONDS TO PAY THE NOTES AND ACCRUED INTEREST AT MATURITY; PRESCRIBING THE FORM OF THE NOTES; AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND DELIVERY OF THE NOTES TO THE PURCHASER AND ORDERING THE PUBLICATION OF THE ORDINANCE IN PAMPHLET FORM.

Review of the application for summer maintenance was held.

Motion by Thorson, second by Simon, to hire Tristan Zwiener for summer maintenance for 20 hours per week, with more as necessary to complete tasks. Vote: Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes; motion carried 4-0.

Thorson introduced and motioned to waive three readings of Ordinance No. 831, second by Simon. Vote: Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent; motion carried-4-0.

Motion by Thorson, second by Wielage, to adopt Ordinance No. 831; Set Wage for Summer Maintenance. Vote: Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes; motion carried 4-0.

ORDINANCE NO.  831

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, SAUNDERS COUNTY, NEBRASKA, TO PROVIDE FOR AMENDMENT OF THE WAGE OR SALARY OF THE SUMMER MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEE OF THE VILLAGE OF MEAD, NEBRASKA.

Motion by Simon, second by Wielage, for local governing body approval to Karen’s Spirits and Smokes to serve alcohol on May 4 at the Mead Community Building for a fundraiser sponsored by the Ithaca Fire Department. Vote: Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes; motion carried 4-0.

Discussion was held on a verbal request from a business owner to enact a four-way stop at the intersection of Fifth and Spruce Streets. No action was taken.

SCHEDULED GUEST:

Kathy Robertson spoke on behalf of a solution for controlling feral cat colonies within the village. She suggested that village residents create a committee to support spay/neuter of the cats which would be financed with donations and fundraisers sponsored by the committee members. She presented an ordinance requiring all outside cats to be spayed or neutered, whether they are resident owned or ferals.

UTILITIES/MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT REPORT: Shannon Luetkenhaus

A written report was submitted by Luetkenhaus: trees removed at the park; working on lead/copper surveys; daily water monitoring; park maintenance; filling lagoon; dump maintenance; and dugout replacement at the park. It was discussed that a hydrant leak on Oak Street has been

addressed, pursuing replacement and repairs of fire hydrants, and automatic sprinklers at the softball field are scheduled to be installed on the weekend.

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT:

The minutes of the Aprill 2 Regular Meeting and three Public Hearings were accepted.

Discussion was held on a Building Permit request that includes a village right-of-way.

Motion by Simon, second by Felty, to approve an Agreement with Melissa Burke and The Burke District, LLA d/b/a “Mead Me At The Goat” contingent upon completion of all terms of the agreement. Vote: Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent; motion carried 4-0.

ZONING/BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:

Permit 24-05, Gerald and Stacie Feauto, 313 S. Elm St. (R-2) to erect a storage/garage/shed was approved.

LIBRARY REPORT:

The April 2 Library Board Meeting minutes were accepted.

CLERK REPORT:

Moline reported low outcome for the Pet Vaccination / License Day on March 30. She inquired if the event should continue after 25 years. The board felt if Dr. Dobesh is willing to attend that we should continue for another year. Two delinquent water/sewer accounts were presented for future action. Discussion was held on two accounts that do not use village water service.

Motion by Thorson, second by Felty, to present a $100.00 Gift Card to Levi Durnal in appreciation for his service on the Planning Commission. Vote: Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes, Felty-yes, Lee-absent; carried 4-0.

Motion by Simon, second by Thorson, to adjourn at 7:36 pm. Vote: Felty-yes, Lee-absent, Simon-yes, Thorson-yes, Wielage-yes; motion carried 4-0.

William Thorson, Chairman

June Moline, Clerk