January 8, 2025
CITY COUNCIL
January 8, 2025 Louisville, NE
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on January 8, 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 Foreman 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: Census update and state surveyors are working there for the next week.
Jen Rose reported for the library. Some items discussed: A computer was donated and they have obtained $4,000 in donations to work on digitizing newspapers. Needs for new flooring and paint were addressed, as well as a suggestion to set up a GoFundMe, which the city attorney will be looking into. The library was given 100 books by a state funded program, the goal being to pass those books along to other rural and small-town libraries. After 5 years, they have been passed along to Avoca. Next library board meeting is set for February 10th, 2025.
There was no report for LBPA.
The audit review by Julie Bauman will be held at the February meeting.
Josh Charvat from Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council gave a review on ongoing projects in the area, such as Cass/Sarpy Health’s upcoming move into Main Street, the housing study performed last year, and a workshop held in Weeping Water with good Louisville turnout. They have connected with LPS Superintendent Colin Haecker in effort to work with the school and students on some of their surveying and projects. They would also like to look into retail opportunities in Louisville to keep business local, utilizing a downtown business survey to gather thoughts.
Biesterfeld moves, Barnes seconds to approve pay application #2 and final to Midwest Coating Company in the amount of $7,375.00. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to approve paying one third of City Attorney’s cost to attend the League Conference. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Biesterfeld seconds to approve the membership renewal request from Keep Cass County Beautiful at the Diamond Level for $500.00 with request for more information on the benefits of donation tier levels. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
There was an update on the culvert installation at Eastwood Dr. following a meeting with JEO Engineering. A hydrology study was performed and conceptualization has begun with plans for twin 60” pipes.
Mark Zebley was present on behalf of Ed Noyes to discuss nuisance property located at E 54’ of lots 271-272 and 2’ of E 54’ of lot 270. After lengthy discussion, Ed and Mark will be notified of next steps at a later date following discussion with the city attorney.
Joel reported for street, water and sewer. Some items discussed: The city has completed 47 of the 54 new water meter replacements and will move onto the next batch of 54. The city has become aware that the Meadow Oaks neighborhood across the river has two failing wells and are looking for other providers. More details will be explored at the February meeting.
Written sheriff, fire and rescue reports were circulated. Council discussed the lack of citations last month from the Sheriff’s office, further action will be discussed at a later date.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
Pankonin moves, Biesterfeld seconds to approve Resolution 2025-01; mileage reimbursement. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
There was no public comment.
Biesterfeld moves, Barnes seconds to enter closed session at 7:47 p.m. for the protection of the public interest to discuss the business structure, finances, management and other arrangements as related to the Louisville Care Center. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried. Mayor Petersen reiterated the reason for the closed session.
Barnes moves, Pankonin seconds to exit closed session and reconvene in regular session at 7:54 p.m. Roll call vote: ayes –McClun, Pankonin, Biesterfeld, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Pankonin moves, Biesterfeld seconds to approve the management agreement with Nye Health Services regarding the management of the Louisville Care Center. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Biesterfeld seconds to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 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