February 11th, 2026
CITY COUNCIL
February 11, 2026 Louisville, NE
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on February 11 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present were Mayor Rod Petersen, Council Members Jerry McClun, Paul Pankonin, Justin Barnes, and Jamion Biesterfeld. 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, Barnes seconds to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Michelle Daniels, the Library Director, presented the library report. Some items discussed: The work to be performed at the library will include new flooring, paint, drywall repairs, and countertop repairs.
There was no Louisville Ball Parents Association report.
Julie Bauman presented and council reviewed the audit report for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Pankonin moves, Biesterfeld seconds to enter into a contract with JEO Consulting Group for a topographic survey of the State Recreation Trail project which would connect Main Street to Louisville Lakes State Recreation Area. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Barnes seconds to enter into a contract with JEO Consulting Group for preliminary and final design services for the State Recreation Trail project to connect the City to Louisville Lakes State Recreation Area, with the work to be performed by summer interns at no cost to the City. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
The library will publish for bids for their flooring and renovation project.
McClun moves, Biesterfeld seconds to approve the reimbursement to the city attorney in the amount of $250 for his attendance of the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Conference. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
An updated resolution for the city credit card policy will be presented at a future meeting.
Pankonin moves, Biesterfeld seconds to direct the preparation of a resolution to add Deputy Clerk Jessica Johnson as an authorized signor on the city’s accounts at Pinnacle Bank. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Biesterfeld moves, Barnes seconds to approve the purchase of ArcGIS Mapping software, the contract having been reviewed by the City Attorney and comments provided to Mr. Jones, the Public Works Director. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Pankonin moves, Biesterfeld seconds to renew the Ballfield Use and Operating Agreement with Louisville Ball Parents Association at the current rate for a period of three years. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Biesterfeld moves, Pankonin seconds to renew the Ballfield Use and Operating Agreement with Louisville Public Schools at the current rate for a period of three years. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
A letter from Mr. James Lang, the attorney for Melvin Sudbeck Homes, was reviewed. No action was taken.
Keep Cass County Beautiful’s investment request at the $500 level was reviewed, and it was noted that their 2025 recap included no mention of Louisville. The clerk will reach out to them regarding community engagement and council will consider the item at a future meeting.
Pankonin moves, Biesterfeld seconds to grant Public Works Director Joel Jones and City Clerk/Treasurer Tava Tomanek-Powell authorization to form an ad hoc committee to continue work on the trail project during Joel’s deployment. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
In regards to the parking lot at 106 Main St currently for sale, Joel Jones will work with the seller on a purchase contract to present to Council.
Pankonin moves, McClun seconds to order the replat of the Southridge turnaround and lift station lots. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Joel Jones presented on the refurbishment and relocation of the State Champion sign. The Northwest corner of the Highway 66 and Louisville Road intersection would likely be the best location, and refurbishment would include new metal sign faces, vinyl lettering, and materials reused from the current sign’s base. He would like clarification on the sports that should be displayed on the sign before he begins the process of moving it. After much discussion, Mr. Jones will gather more information from the community before printing on the sign.
Joel Jones reported for Streets/Water/Wastewater. Some items discussed: Both the water and wastewater plants have been experiencing issues in the past few weeks, specifically electrical and alarm issues. They are working to identify and fix the causes of those issues, but the age of certain equipment and some heavy construction traffic lately have affected both plants.
Written sheriff, fire, and rescue reports were circulated.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to introduce by title only and suspend the three required statutory readings of Ordinance #1078; An ordinance designating City Council to act as the Board of Adjustment. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried. McClun moves, Biesterfeld seconds to adopt by title only on third and final reading Ordinance #1078. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Barnes moves, McClun seconds to adjourn the meeting at 9:56 p.m. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes; 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