Proceedings Village of Clearwater Board of Trustees

PROCEEDINGS

Village of Clearwater BOARD OF TRUSTEES

March 8, 2023

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Clearwater met for a regular meeting Wednesday, March 8, at 8 p.m., in the fire hall meeting room. Meeting opened at 8 p.m. Notice of Meeting was given in advance by publication in “Summerland Advocate-Messenger” and notice 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: Kyle Petersen, LuAnn Schindler, Tony Blecher, Andrew Blecher, Curt Thiele, Angie Hupp.

Approved minutes of regular meeting on Feb. 13, 2023, with two amendments.

Approved treasurer’s report.

Late water bills presented. Four customers received disconnect notices.

Kerkman explained that he was approached by a former board member who stated that when the lagoon project began, the board was told it would not cost the village more than $1.2 million and that if it went over budget, the state would have to cover the extra. The USDA asked the board to approve a bonds ordinance of $2,109,000 last month. They are also telling the village to charge more for sewer services than was originally agreed. Kerkman asked Hupp to research in previous minutes and report at next meeting.

Approved interest payment of $37,482.56 to Cornerstone Bank for lagoon loans, pending USDA approval.

Discussion held regarding fence line by lagoon. Per discussion last year, the board will wait until the lagoon project is complete to fix area where sand washed away.

Discussion held regarding whether to let Tony and Andrew Blecher purchase village-owned lot at 507 First St.

Motion was made to approve sale, but attorney Kyle Petersen stated more needed to be done and to wait until the April meeting. Motion was withdrawn. Board members have walked the lot and made the decision to approve the purchase by Blechers of $2,000 with an easement for drainage into the existing culvert. A resolution will be presented in April.

Approved special designated liquor license for The Waterhole for June 23-24, 2023, for street dance and concert during rodeo weekend.

Approved special designated liquor license for The American Legion Post 267 for June 23-24, 2023, for street dance and concert during rodeo weekend.

Approved purchase of ambulance cot for $61,916.32, with village fire department and Antelope Co. Mutual Finance Organization funds.

Approved transferring $7,500 from fire savings to fire checking and cashing fire CD #14422 for $22,145.75 and depositing into fire checking to pay for cot.

Discussion held regarding types of projects board would like to see completed around town this summer. They are to bring lists to April meeting. Discussion held regarding wages for summer help. Decision tabled until April meeting.

No sheriff’s report was presented.

No maintenance report presented.

Discussion held regarding non-employees moving snow on village streets. Curt Thiele spoke about what happened in January to bring the discussion to the board. No action was taken.

Discussion held regarding snow removal policy. Once about two inches have fallen, maintenance is to first remove snow from the fire department driveway, Main St., Nebraska St., Iowa St., First St., and Second St., then remaining streets. Alleys will be cleared last. Policy is if the state and county are removing snow, the village is too. If either have suspended removal and/or snow is still falling or blowing, only the main streets will be cleared.

Troy Behnke will research prices for trench box for the village to have when digging is done for plumbing, etc. Hupp will contact several plumbers to see if any are able to work in Clearwater and tap into water mains.

Approved closing the park checking and savings accounts and folding the money into the general funds. Will still be tagged for park use.

Approved tearing down the little building on the northwest corner of the playground.

Library report presented. Discussion on telehealth room and library expansion tabled as there was no new news.

Clerk’s report presented. Office will be closed March 13-17 while Hupp attends conference.

Unfinished business. Will add lagoon field to haying bid notice for remaining two publications.

Confirmed April 10 as next meeting date.

Approved claims and payroll. Claims: $68,416.82; Wages: $5,789.64.

Approved entering executive session at 9:19 p.m. to discuss possible litigation and employee evaluation.

Approved exiting executive session at 9:40 p.m.

Approved sending contempt letter to 307 Montana St. King voted nay.

Approved $1/hr. raise for Troy Behnke, setting wage to $24/hr. effective immediately, with ordinance to be approved at April meeting. Evaluation will be completed at the April meeting when Behnke is present.

Meeting adjourned 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 March 16, 2023

ZNEZ