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PROCEEDINGS FOR BUDGET HEARING, TAX REQUEST HEARING, REGULAR MEETING

Village of Clearwater BOARD OF TRUSTEES

September 11, 2023

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met for a budget hearing Monday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., in the fire hall meeting room. Hearing opened at 7 p.m. Notice of hearing 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, Cody Kester, Brian King, Jeff Schlecht. Others present: Angie Hupp, Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, LuAnn Schindler. Absent: Marsha Hart.

Clerk Hupp presented the budget as prepared by accountant Gina Northcutt, based on the August budget workshop. The village budget estimates expenditures valuing $1,868,443 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Board suggested receiving a quarterly report from Hupp showing how much has been spent in each category so they have a better idea where money needs to go in future Board opened the floor for public participation but none was heard.

Approved adjourning budget hearing at 7:06 p.m.

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met for a tax request hearing Monday, Sept. 11, immediately following the budget hearing, in the fire hall meeting room. Hearing was opened at 7:06 p.m. Notice of hearing 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, Cody Kester, Brian King, Jeff Schlecht. Others present: Angie Hupp, Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, LuAnn Schindler, Rustin Fletcher, Angie Fletcher. Absent: Marsha Hart.

Hupp explained request for additional 1% increase in restricted funds. The Village is only allowed an increase of 2.5% in funds they receive through property, motor vehicle and sales taxes, municipal equalization aid and highway allocations. The purpose of approving the extra 1% is if more of those funds become available, the village will be allowed to receive them. If the board voted against and extra funds became available, the village would not be allowed them. Board opened the floor to public participation but none was heard

Approved closing tax request hearing at 7:08 p.m.

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met for a regular meeting Monday, Sept. 11, immediately following the tax request hearing, in the fire hall meeting room. Meeting opened at 7:09 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, Cody Kester, Brian King, Jeff Schlecht. Others present: Angie Hupp, Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, LuAnn Schindler, Rustin Fletcher, Angie Fletcher, Steve Stearns, Don Zegers, Louis Herley, Melvin Ahlers, Adam Ahlers, Troy Behnke, Randy Schlecht, Cole Scott, Amy Scott, Kyle Petersen, Antonia Martinez, Juan Martinez, Bruce Anderson, Amy Shane, Paola Parra, Sheriff Bob Moore. Absent: Marsha Hart.

Approved minutes for Aug. 14, 2023, budget workshop.

Approved minutes for Aug. 14, 2023, regular meeting.

Approved treasurer’s report.

Late utility bills were presented.

Approved increase to base of restricted funds by 1%.

Approved fiscal year 2023-2024 budget as published and presented at public hearing.

Approved Resolution 2023-15 for fiscal year 2023-2024 final tax levy request and to adopt budget appropriation.

Don Zegers and Louis Herley spoke to the board regarding the recent ordinance passed to change sewer rates and charge the apartment complex for eight sewers, one for each unit, instead of the one they’ve paid for the past five years. The board stated they would further discuss it in executive session and consider a commercial rate to apply to all businesses instead of charging the apartment for each unit, whether they are filled or not. The new rates took effect with the bill due Sept. 1. The board stated the other seven charges would be forgiven this month to give them time to settle the dispute.

Steve Stearns presented a rough cost estimate and 3D rendering of the proposed veterans' memorial park a group wants to place on the lawn south of the library building. Park will include a sign, six flagpoles, veteran definition plaque, two bronze statues, a memorial name wall, sidewalk and park benches. Donations for the project may be left at Cornerstone Bank. Approved allowing use of the lot south of the library building to create a veterans’ memorial park.

Economic development report was presented.

Approved LB840 grant of $22,000 to Kidz Corner Clubhouse for daycare and preschool expansion.

Opened Citizens Advisory Review Committee hearing at 8:06 p.m. Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen presented the report.

Approved closing Citizens Advisory Review Committee hearing at 8:09 p.m.

Opened liquor license hearing at 8:09 p.m. to discuss Class D liquor license application for Western Oil II, LLC dba Speedee Mart #2880 that purchased Hi-Way Mart at 303 Hwy. 275, effective Sept. 1. Kerkman stated this was to change business names and owners as Hi-Way Mart already had a liquor license.

Approved closing liquor license hearing at 8:10 p.m.

Approved Class D liquor license application for Western Oil II, LLC dba Speedee Mart #2880.

No discussion held regarding plumbing bill for 101 Nevada St. as owners did not attend meeting. Board decision upheld that the owner owes for the repair.

Maintenance report presented.

Cole and Amy Scott presented a jar of water filled with manganese. They’ve had a problem with slime in their water filter and have had to replace the filters weekly since the fire hydrant near their house was replaced. Troy Behnke has flushed the hydrant multiple times but the water is clear. Behnke suggested the board forgive the water portion of Scott’s bill for one month and let them run an outdoor hydrant on their property for an extended time to clear their lines. Behnke also plans to run light chlorine through the well lines this month. Discussion was held regarding the plugged culvert by their land that the county needs to clean out and the status of their road. The board will ask to be on the county commissioners' agenda for Oct. 3 to discuss River Rd. north of the highway and Nebraska St. east of River Rd. Kerkman encouraged Cole and Amy Scott to attend as well.

Approved hiring Steve Hankla to help with mowing for the remainder of mowing season at a rate of $15 per hour.

Library and park reports presented.

Opened hearing for American Legion Post 267 catering endorsement on liquor license at 8:33 p.m. The Legion is only allowed so many special liquor licenses a year unless they have a catering endorsement.

Approved closing hearing at 8:34 p.m.

Approved catering endorsement application for American Legion Post 267.

Approved Clearwater Chamber’s special liquor license for June 28-30, 2024, rodeo.

Approved American Legion Post 267 special liquor license for June 28-29, 2024, street dance and concert.

Approved Waterhole special liquor license for June 28-29, 2024 street dance and concert.

Clerk report presented.

Approved Stearns Construction contract for construction of NAHTF grant duplex.

Approved auditor services for fiscal year 2022-2023 with Lengemann & Associates.

Approved transferring $300,000 from grant checking to a CD to be used as water/sewer reserve fund as required by USDA.

Approved designating $30,000 in general checking toward street fund to balance fund for the fiscal year.

Approved contract amendment with Bud’s Sanitary Services to provide totes for trash collection.

No discussion held regarding feral cats. Board believes community members should trap and re-home cats on their own without involving the village.

Approved approaching state with suggestion to extend culvert along Main St., at Hwy. 275, to connect sidewalks on either side to crosswalk.

Agreed to have Hupp locate all remaining unlicensed vehicles in town and send owners another letter asking them to license or remove them.

Approved waiving three readings of Ordinance 2023-8, selling 507 First St. to Tony Blecher, with drainage easements.

Approved Ordinance 2023-8 selling 507 First St. to Tony Blecher with drainage easements.

Approved waiving three readings of Ordinance 2023-9, setting new trash rates.

Approved Ordinance 2023-9 setting new trash rates.

Discussion held with owners of 207 Colorado St., with the assistance of interpreter Paola Parra, regarding the status of their property. Spud Trucking should be removing the remains of burned trailer within the week. Approved setting up mediation with the owners to see about cleaning up the property and allowing a livable building to be brought in before winter.

Sheriff’s report presented.

Approved two-year contract with Antelope County for law enforcement services at a rate of $1,302.25 per month.

Confirmed Monday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m., as next meeting date.

Approved claims and payroll. Claims: $30,452.99; wages, $6,784.01.

No attorney report presented.

Approved entering executive session to prevent needless injury to individuals at 9:19 p.m.

Approved exiting executive session at 9:42 p.m.

Approved adjourning the meeting at 9:43 p.m.

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

Angie Hupp,

Village Clerk

Published September 21, 2023

ZNEZ