March 11th, 2026
CITY COUNCIL
March 11, 2026 Louisville, NE
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on March 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 with the exception of a claim for Jerry McClun. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried. Barnes moves, Pankonin seconds to approve the claim for Jerry McClun. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, Barnes; nays – none; abstain – McClun. Motion carried.
Michelle Daniels reported for the library. There were no bids submitted during the bidding period, however, Michelle will continue to solicit estimates to be discussed at a future meeting.
Kevin Albert reported for the Louisville Ball Parents Association. The first home baseball game is on March 24th, and registration was completed with average turnout. Home plates were installed, a new flag needs to be ordered, and they received a quote for sprinkler repairs.
Theresa Savage was present to discuss her use of the Louisville Recreational Complex for the workout bootcamp that she owns and operates. Her clients sign waivers and their sessions do not take place on any of the fields, therefore a use agreement is unnecessary and she is permitted to continue her training sessions.
Joel Jones spoke with NDOT about the possibility of placing the Louisville State Champs sign at the intersection of Louisville Road and Highway 66. NDOT informed Joel that they do not permit signs in their right of way unless they’re on private property. Joel is working on other options.
Joel Jones reported on the repair or relocation of the sanitary sewer line at 5th and Main Streets following inspection of the condition. The line was scoped and found to be impassable at points, and no clean-out for the line was ever located. Due to the upcoming Highway 66 connection, the line will need repair before the road is paved over top of it. McClun moves, Barnes seconds to proceed with the repair and relocation of the sanitary sewer line at 5th and Main Streets. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Roger Behrns gave an organizational update on Keep Cass County Beautiful and highlighted some events and programs they have coordinated in Louisville. McClun moves, Biesterfeld seconds to fulfill the $500 investment request from KCCB. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Joel Jones reported for Streets/Water/Wastewater. The helisieve that was ordered last year was installed with some minor wiring work yet to do, the Eastwood culvert project is nearly finished, and a new door is on its way to be installed at the Civic Center.
Written sheriff, fire, and rescue reports were circulated. There was discussion about the frequency and duration of duty in Louisville, as well as questions about what locations can be considered as part of service for the city.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
Barnes moves, Pankonin seconds to approve Resolution 2026-02; A resolution identifying city employees with signature authority on the city’s financial accounts at Pinnacle Bank. Roll call vote: ayes – Biesterfeld, Pankonin, McClun, Barnes; nays – none. Motion carried.
Mark Patton was present to introduce himself as a candidate for the Lower Platte South NRD in District 2.
McClun moves, Biesterfeld seconds to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 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