October 8, 2025
CITY COUNCIL
October 8, 2025 Louisville, NE
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on October 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present were Mayor Rod Petersen, Council Members Jerry McClun, Paul Pankonin, and Jamion Biesterfeld. Justin Barnes was absent. Also, present were City Attorney Roger Johnson, Public Works Director 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, Pankonin seconds to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun; nays – none. Motion carried.
Jen Rose reported for the library. Some items discussed: Kim Benson is the new library board president, the library is planning events for Hometown Holidays, and the board would like to discuss accounting procedures.
There was no LBPA report.
Dave Wedekind was not present to discuss his latest subdivision plan as approved by the Planning Commission. The item was postponed.
Council discussed the request for reimbursement by Chrystena Chism for pest control services at her residence. She claims that the overgrown property next door is the source of pest issues in her home and the city should reimburse her for the $100 pest control bill due to neglect of the property. McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to deny the reimbursement request from Chrystena Chism as it is a private matter between the residents. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun; nays – none. Motion carried.
Joel Jones discussed builder non-compliance and code enforcement issues. There are some builders in the city that have continually altered approved plans, causing them to fall short of code requirements that they are intentionally ignoring. Council suggested a reinspection fee or an increase in building application fees, which will be worked on before the next meeting.
Joel Jones inquired about flag protocol and council’s opinions on flags in the city that can’t be lowered to half-mast. Council suggests Joel make a plan to reduce the number of flagpoles in the city and replace the remaining poles so that they all have the functionality to raise/lower.
McClun moves, Biesterfeld seconds to approve the Economic Development Committee’s recommendation of a $15,000 loan for Dayspring Sandhill Road at 0% interest, to be paid back over the next 3 years. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun; nays – none. Motion carried.
Joel Jonoes spoke about the need for cameras in and around City Hall after an incident occurred this past month. The council agrees that cameras are needed, and Joel will have estimates for the next meeting.
The culvert installation at Eastwood Drive and Highway 66 was discussed. The project will begin by the end of the month and is projected to be finished by the end of the year.
Joel Jones reported for Streets/Water/Wastewater. Some items discussed: Meadow Oaks subdivision is still interesting in connecting to the city’s water supply. The new high service pump will be here in late October. There was a sewer main break at 3rd and Cherry Streets. The city crew is almost fully staffed and interviews are being conducted for the final spot.
Written sheriff, fire, and rescue reports were circulated.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
McClun moves, Biesterfeld seconds to approve Resolution 2025-17; Environmental Services Supplemental Agreement NO. 2. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun; nays – none. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Biesterfeld seconds to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld; nays – none. 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.
Tava Tomanek-Powell, City Clerk