November 8, 2023
CITY COUNCIL
November 8, 2023 Louisville, NE
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Louisville was held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present were Mayor Rod Petersen, Council Members Jerry McClun, Paul Pankonin and Justin Barnes. Jamion Biesterfeld was absent. 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, Pankonin seconds to approve the consent agenda with the exception of the check to Jerry McClun for conference attendance reimbursement and the check to General Excavating to be discussed later in the meeting. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried. Barnes moves, Pankonin seconds to approve the check to Jerry McClun. Roll call vote: ayes – Pankonin, Barnes, Petersen; abstain – McClun; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Angie Buglewicz reported for the Care Center. Some items discussed: insurance renewal, health insurance increases and renewal, staffing changes, fence installation, Medicaid beds additions, and temporary staffing.
Kari Burgert reported for the Library Board. Some items discussed: discontinuation of the newsletter, policies and December 3rd Christmas event with Santa.
Nate Krcilek was present to discuss a practice burn at the property on 5th and Main with the National Guard as a training exercise. He is seeking approval to move forward with the State owned property and will go through all the proper channels with the Fire Marshal and the local department. Jason McClun had said they would have to make it a dual training opportunity and he will coordinate.
Josh Charvat was present from CCNEDC to discuss a Community Funding Agreement. The agreement will be reviewed by the attorney and discussed at the next meeting.
Josh Charvat also gave a year-end update for CCNEDC. Some items reported: a NIFA grant for a housing study, more involvement with MAPA and BUILD, invitation to monthly meetings, and the lack of shovel ready sites in the county.
Pankonin moves, McClun seconds to approve a security camera system from HD Sight & Sound in the amount of $18,574.74 for the water plant, sewer plant and ball field. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Mike Hoover is frustrated with parking in posted no parking areas and the sheriff not writing tickets. The County Sheriff will be contacted.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to approve one-way traffic on 2nd Street westbound between Main Street and Cherry Street and reconstruction of the curbs to accommodate subject to engineer’s guidelines. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
One-way traffic on Cherry Street between 2nd and 3rd was briefly discussed. No council action taken.
Pankonin moves, McClun seconds to approve Maintenance Agreement No. 55 with NDOT renewal. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to approve Certificate of Completion with Maintenance Agreement No. 55 with NDOT. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Pankonin moves, McClun seconds to approve pay applications #1 and #2 final for General Excavating for the 3rd Street Bridge Project in the amount of $149,197.12 to be paid from the street sales tax fund. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Joel still collecting data on the water main extension on the south side of town.
Nothing new on the culvert at Eastwood Dr. and Highway 66.
Nothing new on special event street closure policies.
Columbarium policies were discussed.
Joel Jones reported for street, water and sewer. Some items discussed: high service pump still in process, lift station on Sandhill Road generator installed, lights at sewer plant installed, concession stand window ordered, work zone safety training class held, and purchase of hard hats and reflective coats.
Written fire report was circulated. No report from the sheriff. Mike Hoover reported that he is working on rescue operating procedures. Council Member McClun reported that UP Railroad is presenting a training class on November 18th from 9:00 – 3:00.
Bill Lueder reported for LBPA. Someone vandalized the garage door at the ball field and will have to be replaced. The LBPA board is purchasing sun shades and will need help with installation in the spring. He also stated they have need of new 10-row bleachers.
An internal audit was conducted verifying checks to invoices by the council members.
McClun moves, Pankonin seconds to approve Resolution 2023-16; various equipment declared surplus. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Pankonin moves, McClun seconds to approve Resolution 2023-17; signing of year-end certification of City Street Superintendent 2023. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Barnes seconds to introduce by title only and suspend the three required statutory readings of Ordinance #1057; to amend Chapter 1, Article 11 of the Municipal Code related to Parks and Recreation, ballfields, Board. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried. McClun moves, Barnes seconds to adopt Ordinance #1057 by title only. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
McClun moves, Barnes seconds to enter closed session to protect the public interest to discuss the possible sale of City-owned real estate generally described as Louisville, outlots L38 Esc 2A W of Creek & SL 4 & 4 of 38 & Frac pt S of SL5 of 38 & SW ¼ NE ¼ 22-12-11 and sale of related personal property owned by the City at 9:03 p.m. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried. Mayor Petersen restated the reason for the closed session. Barnes moves, Pankonin seconds to exit closed session and reconvene to regular session at 9:22 p.m. Roll call vote: ayes – McClun, Pankonin, Barnes; absent – Biesterfeld. Motion carried.
Mayor Petersen adjourns the meeting at 9:23 p.m.
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