May 14, 2025
CITY COUNCIL
May 14, 2025 Louisville, NE
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on May 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present were Mayor Rod Petersen, Council Members Jerry McClun, Justin Barnes, Jamion Biesterfeld and Paul Pankonin. 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, McClun seconds to approve the consent agenda with the exception of the appointment to the Housing Agency. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Angie Buglewicz reported for the Care Center. Some items discussed: A special LCC Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Monday and renovations/additions are underway.
Biesterfeld moves, Barnes seconds to direct the clerk to begin the Resolution process to adopt the library’s Code of Conduct and Unattended Children Policy. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
There was no LBPA report. Joel Jones updated Council on repairs being made at the ballfield.
Biesterfeld moves, Pankonin seconds to approve the same street closure request as last year submitted by Dan Witte for the Dynamite Pete Days Car show. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Good Times presented a Special Designated Liquor license request for a beer garden during Dynamite Pete Days; Saturday July 19, 2025 from 3:00 p.m.to 12:00 a.m. on Main Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets and Sunday July 20, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by stage on 3rd Street. Biesterfeld moves, Barnes seconds to approve the request from Good Times to procure a Special Designated Liquor license for those dates. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Dave Wedekind was present to discuss community development and growth ideas such as possible TIF projects.
Pankonin moves, Biesterfeld seconds to approve the request from a representative of the American Legion to reserve parking on the East side of Main Street from 1st to 2nd Streets on June 14, 2025 from 9:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a poker run. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Dan Witte was present as a representative of the school board to discuss the one-way on Cherry Street from 2nd to 3rd Streets. The school suggests one-way for high traffic times only, but there are concerns about the efficiency. Barnes moves to make Cherry Street between 2nd and 3rd streets permanently one-way going South. The motion died for lack of a second. Further research will be conducted.
Upon having a water rate study done, the recommendation to raises water rates incrementally over a period of 3 years was discussed. Ordinance preparation for the scope of the rate raise will be conducted.
Due to the upcoming 6th St Bridge project, NDOT requires that the city provide an equally accessible route to account for the bridge closure. NDOT suggest placing barricades to separate a portion of the street to act as a makeshift sidewalk from the intersection of 6th and Maple down to Koop and Maple. Joel will continue to work with NDOT on a solution.
Joel Jones was present to discuss moving the State Champ sign from the Main St/Hwy 50 intersection to the South entrance of the school. The sign will also be maintained as it is moved and KENO money will be utilized to complete the project.
The owner of 108 Main St requested to build a fence around the backyard of the property which faces Main St. Due to the unusual nature of the property, a fence is permitted.
Joel Jones has organized a Trail Project Kickoff slated for July 16, 2025.
The city was made aware on May 9th that a fire hydrant had been tapped, but could not find the individual that took water from it. On May 10th, city employees found the water truck on N Depot St tapping another hydrant. They were made aware that this was illegal and considered theft, and Joel got in contact with Cass County Sheriff’s office as well as NDOT. The city will fine the company.
City insurance through the LARM Pool LIGHT was discussed in further detail and the clerk will draft an updated wage ordinance to be presented at a future meeting.
Term limits for various boards in the city were discussed. Following September 10, 2025, the Board of Adjustments can be dissolved. Appointment of existing members in June will be reassessed.
Joel Jones updated the council on the culvert project at Highway 66 and Eastwood Drive. JEO has drafted plans that the city is happy with and they will move forward on submitting said plans to the state.
Demolition is underway for Ed Noyes; regarding nuisance property located at E 54’ of lots 271-272 and 2’ of E 54’ of lot 270; original town, Louisville, NE.
No update on the Hazel Street lots outside of city limits.
Joel reported for street, water, and sewer.
Written sheriff, fire and rescue reports were circulated.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
There was no public comment.
McClun moves, Barnes seconds to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 p.m. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, 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