May 13, 2026
CITY COUNCIL
May 13, 2026 Louisville, NE
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on May 13, 2026 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 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. Barnes moves, Biesterfeld seconds to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Michelle Daniels reported for the library. Some items discussed: May 13th was the last day of operation before the library is closed for the rehabilitation project, and the contractors believe the work will take thirty days.
There was no report for the Louisville Ball Parents Association.
Council discussed the sidewalk conditions around town and the responsibility of repair by the homeowners. There was a suggestion to post a form for residents to report problem areas so that city crew can notify property owners of the necessary repairs. The clerk will put out a general reminder to homeowners of their responsibility to maintain their sidewalks, and the already identified areas of concern will be directly notified.
Council discussed the speeding concerns on Sandhill Road between the Prairie Ridge Commercial area and Highway 50. Speed bumps were requested by a resident of the area, but the segment of road in question is outside of city limits, as are the other residences on the North side of the street, so speedbumps cannot be installed near the area. Upon requesting the agenda item, the resident was advised to contact Cass County Sheriff’s Office with traffic violations, and following Council’s discussion, that remains the solution.
Dan Witte was present for Dynamite Pete Days’ street closure application. McClun moves, Barnes seconds to close Main Street from South of 2nd Street to North of 3rd Street on Saturday August 15th, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, and Main Street from North of 1st Street to North of 3rd Street on Sunday August 16th, 6:00 am to 4:00 pm for Dynamite Pete Days and the related car show. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Biesterfeld moves, Barnes seconds to approve the Special Designated Liquor License for the beer garden outside of Good Times Saloon on Saturday August 15th from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Council discussed parking on Koop Avenue following a vehicle accident involving a parked boat trailer. A resolution will be prepared to prohibit parking at any time on the North shoulder of Koop Avenue.
Council discussed the new plan premiums for the employee health insurance provided by the city. The wage ordinance will be examined before the next meeting.
A hearing will be scheduled for the potential purchase of two parking lots North of Main Street.
McClun moves, Barnes seconds to accept the offer received for the city owned lot in the Southridge neighborhood, legally described as LOUISVILLE – SOUTH RIDGE LOT 27 BLK 4, contingent upon the publication of the remonstrance notice and no successful remonstrance being presented to the Mayor and City Council. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Council discussed bonding several Water, Wastewater, and Streets projects, and rates will be presented at the next meeting for the amount of $500,000 over 15 years.
Joshua Magee reported for Streets/Water/Wastewater. Some items discussed: Speed bumps have all been installed, crosswalks and parking stalls are set to be repainted in the coming month, and a city crew member has obtained their Grade IV Water Operator’s License.
Written sheriff, fire, and rescue reports were circulated. Sheriff Sorensen was present to answer questions from the council and speak about the reports that are distributed to council.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to approve Resolution 2026-04; Approval of preliminary plans, specifications, and estimates for the 6th street bridge replacement. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Barnes moves, McClun seconds to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 pm. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, 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