May 8, 2024
CITY COUNCIL
May 8, 2024 Louisville, NE
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on May 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present were Mayor Rod Petersen, Council Members Jerry McClun, Jamion Biesterfeld, Justin Barnes and Paul Pankonin. Also, present were City Attorney Roger Johnson, Utility Supervisor Joel Jones and guests. Mayor Petersen stated that the Open Meetings Act is posted at the rear of the room and a copy of all meeting materials is available with the clerk.
Notice of the regular meeting was given in advance thereof 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 Petersen called the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Biesterfeld moves, Barnes seconds to approve the consent agenda with the exception of the appointments to the Care Center Advisory Board and the Louisville Housing Agency Board. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes. Motion carried.
Angie Buglewicz reported for the Care Center. Some items discussed: board approval to remove the casual category from hiring incentives, involvement in Dynamite Pete Days and summer vacation schedule.
Jennifer Rose reported for the library. Some items discussed: trust information gathering, Easter Egg hunt feedback, upcoming budget items and discussions on unattended children at the library.
Steve Parr, the City Street Superintendent from JEO was present to review the one & six year road plan. Some adjustments will be made as discussed.
No action taken on the Blight and substandard study presented by JEO for the East Ridge project.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to terminate the contract with Olsson Associates for the trail design. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes. Motion carried.
There was a general discussion on utility rates and associated fees.
Modifications to the agreement with the Village of Manley for sanitary sewer service will be made and presented at the next meeting.
There was a general discussion on modifications to the fee schedule ordinance regarding hourly rates for machine hire.
Barnes moves, Pankonin seconds to approve the Public Works Foreman job description as presented. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes. Motion carried.
Traffic control measures for NE Army National Guard on July 12-14, 2024 at 5th & Main for house smoke training was discussed. Some concerns will be addressed before the final approval is made.
Liability issues will be addressed for the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Louisville, NE DOT and NE Army National Guard for house burn at 422 Main St.
No action taken for the street closure request from Cornhusker Music Theater for festival on September 7, 2024.
Library request to be open on Tuesdays was tabled until the next meeting.
Biesterfeld moves, McClun seconds to approve the agreement with TextMyGov for communications with the residents. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes. Motion carried.
Pankonin moves, McClun seconds to approve the speed bumps/humps/tables placement as presented using asphalt. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes. Motion carried.
The attorney was directed to send a letter to Sudbeck’s attorney regarding the deadline to install the culvert at Eastwood Drive and Highway 66 intersection.
Joel reported for street, water and sewer. Some items discussed: 2nd Street one-way project, trail update including the reward of $25,000 grant for design and open house of the bike trail, city hall roof repairs, ball field shades, nuisances in ETJ, and radio receiver for school on water tower.
Written sheriff, fire and rescue reports were circulated.
No report for LBPA.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
Pankonin moves, Biesterfeld seconds to introduce and suspend the three required statutory readings of Ordinance 1063; to establish wages and benefits for Louisville Care Center employees. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes. Motion carried. Pankonin moves, Biesterfeld seconds to adopt Ordinance 1063 by title only on third and final reading. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Barnes seconds to enter closed session at 9:26 p.m. to protect the public interest to discuss the business structure, finances, rates and other charges as related to the Louisville Care Center. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes. Motion carried. Mayor Petersen restated the reason for the closed session. Biesterfeld moves, Pankonin seconds to exit closed session and reconvene to regular session at 9:45 p.m. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes. Motion carried.
Mayor Petersen adjourned the public meeting at 9:46 p.m.
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