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REGULAR PROCEEDINGS

Village of Clearwater

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

August 14, 2023

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met for a regular meeting Monday, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m., in the fire hall meeting room. Meeting opened at 8:05 p.m. Notice of Meeting was given in advance by publication in Summerland Advocate-Messenger, was posted at US Post Office in Clearwater, Clearwater Market, and Cornerstone Bank-Clearwater and was given to board members prior to meeting. Public was informed of location of Open Meeting Act poster.

Present: Kelly Kerkman, Marsha Hart, Cody Kester, Brian King, Jeff Schlecht. Others present: Angie Hupp, Kyle Petersen, Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, Troy Behnke, LuAnn Schindler, Steve & Michelle Stearns, Mike Klabenes, Tony Blecher, Andrew Blecher, Amy Shane, Curt Thiele, Reed Miller, Sheriff Bob Moore, Bobbi Pettit, Lowell Schroeder.

Approved minutes from July 10, 2023 regular meeting.

Approved treasurer’s report.

Late utility bills presented.

The owners of 101 Nevada St. did not attend to discuss their plumbing bill so no discussion was held.

Steve Stearns presented the idea of a veterans’ memorial mural and park idea for the south side of the library building that a group of citizens is interested in creating. The board stated they wouldn’t be opposed to the idea and to bring a plan to the next meeting.

Kerkman asked to table a hearing for a catering endorsement for the American Legion Post 267 liquor license until new names were listed on the license.

Approved building permit for Tyler Hubert at 201 Colorado St. for privacy fence along south side of his property.

Maintenance report presented. Troy Behnke to get quotes for gravel and blading on Neuer St.

Approved pay request #2 for $4,095 to Five Rule Rural Planning for DTR planning with $409.50 being paid for with the village’s local match funds.

Bobbi Pettit from Five Rule Rural Planning presented the timeline for the downtown revitalization planning.

Pettit presented a proposal for vacant property enforcement through Five Rule Rural Planning. After some discussion, she withdrew her proposal.

Public hearing for one- and six-year street improvement plan opened at 8:45 p.m. Reed Miller from Miller & Associates presented the information that was approved last year and explained the village would be receiving about $6,000 more in State highway allocation funds this year. No public participation was heard.

Approved closing one- and six-year street plan hearing at 8:49 p.m.

Approved Resolution 2023-13 setting one- and six-year street improvement plan.

Approved Resolution 2023-14 certifying annual compliance with the Nebraska Board of Public Roads classifications and standards street superintendent program.

Discussion held regarding the possibility of building houses over the small baseball field. Decision was made to leave as is for now.

Economic development report presented.

Approved 2023-2024 economic development contract with City of Neligh.

Discussion was held regarding status of burned trailer at 207 Colorado St. The State will pay for removal, which Spud Trucking will provide within a few weeks. Denied request by Norfolk church group to place a port-a-potty or RV on the property. Discussion held regarding dogs in remaining trailer. Clerk Hupp will check state statutes on maximum number of dogs allowed without kennel license. Sheriff Moore stated he would need a court order to forcibly remove the dogs. Attorney Petersen will look into the possibility of obtaining one.

Library report presented. Due to lack of remodel bids, fundraiser slated for Sept. 9 has been canceled. Tabled decision on replacement of front wall of library until more bids could be received.

No park or clerk reports presented.

Tony Blecher asked for clarification on easement requirements for purchase of 507 First St. and presented old survey, asking if it was agreeable. Will pay $400 to village for attorney fees along with $2,000 purchase price and ordinance will be approved at September meeting.

Sheriff’s report presented. July’s hours were 60.23 with 10 911 calls.

Kerkman presented an article Stuart runs in their local paper once or twice a year with explanations of local ordinances. The board agreed that they would like to see something like this in Clearwater and asked for help from LuAnn Schindler.

Late fees for unlicensed dogs will be assessed if dogs are caught running at large.

There is a local farm willing to take stray cats out of the community. Discussion was held on how much the village needed to be involved and whether an ordinance should be passed first. Decision tabled until next month.

Discussion regarding Bud’s Sanitary decision to provide trash totes. Board decided to begin process before January renewal date. Clerk will contact Bud’s and board will sign amendment to contract at the September meeting.

King asked about the possibility of having the State assist with extending the sidewalk on the west side of Main St. going from the grocery store, across the highway, to the sidewalk by Clearwater Feed to create an easier and safer way to cross. Clerk will talk to State representatives.

Confirmed Monday, Sept. 11 as next meeting date.

Approved entering executive session at 9:59 p.m. to discuss ongoing litigation and to prevent needless injury to individuals. Asked Sheriff Moore to stay for the discussion.

Approved exiting executive session at 10:16 p.m.

Approved Schlecht Trucking bill for $9,079.59 for armor coating rock delivery. Schlecht abstained.

Approved remaining claims and payroll. Claims: $72,379.70; wages: $7,668.92.

Approved waiving three readings of Ordinance 2023-6 setting a $150 deposit for all new utility customers.

Approved Ordinance 2023-6 setting a $150 deposit for all new utility customers.

Approved waiving three readings of Ordinance 2023-7 setting sewer rates to $43.50.

Approved Ordinance 2023-7 setting sewer rates to $43.50/month for residents and most commercial, $87/month for the ESU Learning Center and $43.50/month per unit at the apartment complex.

Approved adjourning the meeting at 10:27 p.m.

A complete copy of the minutes is available at the Clerk’s office during regular business hours.

Angie Hupp,

Village Clerk

Published August 31, 2023

ZNEZ