July 12, 2023
CITY COUNCIL
July 12, 2023 Louisville, NE
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present were Mayor Rod Petersen, Council Members Jerry McClun, Justin Barnes and Paul Pankonin. Jamion Biesterfeld was absent. Also present were City Attorney Roger Johnson, City Planner 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 asked the Council to review the consent agenda. McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to approve the consent agenda with the exception of a check to Candy McClun for temporary office help. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried. Pankonin moves, Barnes seconds to approve the check to Candy McClun. Roll call vote: ayes – Barnes, Pankonin, Petersen; abstain – McClun. Motion carried.
Mayor Petersen opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. to consider revision of the zoning ordinance regarding fences in the front yard in R-1 zoning district. No public comment was made. Mayor Petersen closed the hearing at 7:03 p.m.
Communications: Dustin Marvel from OPPD reminded all in attendance about the public meeting for the new transmission line from Turtle Creek to Murray substations.
Interim administrator Angela Buglewicz reported for the Care Center. Some items reported: state survey with zero deficiencies, chapel furniture arrived and the introduction of Brenda Knutson as the Director of Nursing.
Jen Rose reported for the library. Some items reported: summer reading with 75-100 in attendance, book fair during Dynamite Pete Days, board accreditation, window leaking, preserving newspapers and budget request to increase hours of operation.
McClun moves, Barnes seconds to approve the contract between LCC and Entegra Procurement Services for food options with Performance Foods subject to legal review. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Barnes moves, McClun seconds to approve the contract between LCC and Consonus Healthcare for pharmacy services. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to approve the street closing request from Cornhusker Music Theater; September 9, 2023 on Main Street from north end of Good Times Saloon to north end of Cornhusker Music Theater from noon to 10:00 p.m. for a music festival fundraiser. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Deputy Hayes from LPS requested the city council consider placing a repeater on the water tower for radio service. City Attorney Johnson will prepare an agreement with LPS for this service to be considered at a later meeting.
Stephen Jensen was present from BUILD regarding funding opportunities for Main Street streetscape. More information will be gathered.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to approve the bid for the 2023 street Improvement/Chip seal with fog coat project to Midwest Coatings base bid and Alternate #3. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Pankonin moves, Barnes seconds to instruct the clerk to amend the fee schedule ordinance to reflect rescue increases as discussed. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Barnes seconds to approve the purchase of UV lighting system upgrade in the effluent trough at the wastewater treatment facility with ARPA funds as presented. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
There was further discussion on the potential water main extension from 7th to Southridge Dr. No council action was taken.
Barnes moves, McClun seconds to instruct the city clerk to amend the fee schedule ordinance to reflect columbarium prices as discussed. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Joel Jones reported for street, water and sewer. Some items discussed: Deantwon operator license, motor on south well, installed AC in well houses, WWTF operations improvements, trail updates, high retaining wall fall protection, speed bumps/humps installation, library events, school project and ball field parking curbs to be installed.
Written sheriff and fire/rescue reports were circulated. McClun reported that the department is looking to purchase a UTV with donations.
A written LBPA report was presented by Kevin Albert.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
Barnes moves, McClun seconds to introduce by title only and suspend the three required statutory readings of Ordinance #1047; lower speed limit throughout town except Highway 66 Streets to 20 MPH. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried. McClun moves, Barnes seconds to adopt Ordinance #1047 by title only on third and final reading. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
No action taken on Ordinance 1048; zoning ordinance revisions regarding fences in the front yard.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to enter closed session at 8:53 p.m. for the protection of the public interest to discuss legal issues regarding the Eastwood culvert. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried. Mayor Petersen reiterated the reason for the closed session. Barnes moves, McClun seconds to reconvene in open session at 9:14 p.m. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Barnes moves, Pankonin seconds to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 p.m. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Barnes, Pankonin; absent – Biesterfeld. 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.
Dee Arias, City Clerk