Village of Brainard Board of Trustees
- Joel Vrbka, Chairman of the Board
- Jeff Karber, Board of Trustee
- Randy Robeson, Board of Trustee
- Tom Pesek, Board of Trustee
- Steve Hummel, Board of Trustee
The Village Board of Trustees meet on the third Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall located at 111 East Washington Street Brainard, NE. If you have a specific topic item you would like the Village of Brainard Board of Trustees to discuss, submit a Request for Future Agenda Items.
Village of Brainard Staff
Mitchell Janak, Utilities Superintendent, 402-803-9218
Carla Sander, Village Treasurer, 402-545-2701
Yolanda Bailey, Village Clerk, 402-545-2701
The Village of Brainard
Board of Trustees Board Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2026
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Brainard held a regular meeting on August 17, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. at City Hall. The meeting notice and agenda were posted at three public places: City Hall, the Community Bulletin Board, and the Brainard Post Office. The agenda is kept current at the City Clerk’s Office and available for public inspection. This method is designated by the public body.
Pledge of allegiance. Chair Vrbka directed attendees to the posting of the Open Meetings Act and called the meeting to order.
Roll Call: present: Joel Vrbka, Steve Hummel, Tom Pesek, Randy Robeson, and Jeff Karber.
Staff Present: Treasurer Sander, Clerk Bailey, and Maintenance Supervisor Janak.
Guests included: Brian Foral, Elaine Fortik, Mike Eldridge, McKensie Snyder, Scott Zeilinger, Kent Rezac, Don Ingwerson, and Chris Grooms.
Business:
Five minutes comment period for visitors:
A resident is asking the Board if they can have the water meter disconnected at their “storage house” on 112 S Lincoln Street. No one lives there, but they would like the electricity to stay on. The Board asked the Clerk to review Ordinances to see what the current rules are.
A resident who is being impacted by the ongoing construction shows the Board a picture of a muddy water-filled ditch outside his house, and is asking the Board when the area will be filled in and cleaned up. The Board is sympathetic, and explains this was due to some electrical work we hired Spark to do, and they will ask the engineers about the specific area to see where things are at there and if anything can be done about it soon. He would like someone to contact him if any more work is going to be happening by his house.
- Discuss and approve Keno paperwork w/Scott Zeilinger. * Agreement with Daily Double Keno Outlets, Forms 50G, 50G Sch 1, 50G Sch II, 50G Sch III (4 of these), Res #2026-04, Res #2026-05, Res #2026-06, and Ord #331
- Scott Zeilinger and McKensie Snyder introduce the paperwork that is needed to have Keno at the Onyx Social Club in Brainard. Scott has agreed to set up a Bond account for the Village regarding Keno.
Motion: Trustee Robeson makes a motion to approve the Agreement with Daily Double Keno Outlets, seconded by Trustee Karber.
1st Robeson 2nd Karber
Ayes: Robeson, Vrbka, Karber, Hummel, and Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
Motion: Trustee Robeson makes a motion to approve Resolution #2026-04-Setting Qualifications Standards, seconded by Trustee Karber.
1st Robeson 2nd Karber
Ayes: Robeson, Karber, Vrbka, Hummel, and Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
Motion: Trustee Vrbka makes a motion to approve Resolution #2026-05-Establishing Restrictions on Participation, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
1st Vrbka 2nd Pesek
Ayes: Vrbka, Pesek, Karber, Hummel, and Robeson.
Nays: none
The motion passed
Motion: Trustee Hummel makes a motion to approve Resolution #2026-06-approve Daily Double as Keno lottery operator, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
1st Hummel 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Hummel, Robeson, Vrbka, Karber, and Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
Motion: Trustee Karber makes a motion to introduce Ordinance #331-Setting Rules for Keno in Brainard, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
1st Karber 2nd Pesek
Ayes: Karber, Pesek, Vrbka, Hummel, and Robeson.
Nays: none
The motion passed
Motion: Trustee Robeson makes a motion to accept the first reading of Ordinance #331, and waive the 2nd and 3rd readings, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
1st Robeson 2nd Hummel
Ayes: Robeson, Hummel, Vrbka, Karber, and Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
Motion: Trustee Hummel makes a motion to adopt Ordinance #331, seconded by Trustee Karber.
1st Hummel 2nd Karber
Ayes: Hummel, Karber, Vrbka, Robeson, and Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
b. Discuss and approve Lengemann and Assoc. budget contract for $4,400, and discuss levy, class totals, and large expenditures.
Motion: Trustee Pesek makes a motion to accept the contract for the Budget by Lengemann & Assoc. for $4,400.00, seconded by Trustee Vrbka.
1st Pesek 2nd Vrbka
Ayes: Pesek, Vrbka, Karber, Hummel, and Robeson.
Nays: none
The motion passed
Discussion follows on the budget hearing coming up, and what large expenditures we might need to plan for. Things to consider include the sewer pipe situation under East Butler – which Chairman Vrbka will discuss with Dane Simonsen. Other possibilities for new expenditures include the potential sidewalk program, pool renovation, street repairs, and electrical transformers we need to purchase.
- c. Discuss sidewalk repair program.
- Trustee Pesek reports he called the Attorney, Maureen Freeman-Caddy, and inquired about potential liability issues with the sidewalks program. She reported to him we are liable for sidewalks in any case, and the residents are liable for keeping them in good shape. The Attorney said this is a good time to visit this, as we can plan for it in the Budget, but the new Board in January of 2027 can decide on the project. She relayed these projects usually start at the Central Business District and move out from there. Trustee Pesek suggests the Board members walk up and down Madison St., and take note of the areas that need improved. Discussion continues on what should be the first priority for sidewalks; the sub-division path to school for the kids, or the entire length of Madison Street? Some ideas thrown around include assessing the property owners the cost and having one big project for improvement. Discussion on how long will a project like fixing Madison Street take – and it was surmised at least 5 years. It was decided to put some money in the budget for this. It was decided to revisit the path forward next month.
- d. Discuss drainage issues on E Lowell St. between Madison and Lincoln Streets.
- Discussion on some standing water on E Lowell between Madison and Lincoln Sts. School Superintendent Mike Eldridge suggests a 12” pipe may need to be put in. Discussion on who will have to pay for the fix: East Butler or the Village, or both? Discussion on the drainage system in Brainard, and how on-going maintenance needs to be improved – digging out ditches, etc. Discussion on whether this situation is the engineer’s, architects, or Civil Engineer’s responsibility. Mike Eldridge is going to discuss with the Boyd-Jones engineers and the School Board.
e. Motion correction from the August 5 special meeting.
After discussing the donation to the Fire Department for the Lifepak 35 with the Attorney, it was decided the Village should make the check out to the manufacturer, Stryker, directly – instead of the Fire Department.
Motion: Trustee Robeson makes a motion to change the wording from the August 5th, 2026 meeting agenda item b: from “Motion made by Trustee Robeson to approve donation toward Rural Fire Dept’s purchase of the Lifepak 35 for the ambulance, in the amount of $39,912.45, seconded by Trustee Hummel.” To the following: “Motion made by Trustee Robeson to approve contributing to Rural Fire Dept’s purchase of the Lifepak 35 for the ambulance, in the amount of $39,912.45, by giving a check directly to Stryker co., seconded by Trustee Hummel.”, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
1st Robeson 2nd Hummel
Ayes: Robeson, Hummel, Vrbka, Karber, and Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
f. Complete Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance for DOT
Trustee Pesek makes a motion to approve signing the Annual Certification of Program compliance for DOT, seconded by Trustee Vrbka.
1st Pesek 2nd Vrbka
Ayes: Pesek, Vrbka, Robeson, Hummel, and Karber.
Nays: none
The motion passed
g. Complete Signing Resolution for DOT.
Motion: Trustee Robeson makes a motion to approve completing the annual Signing Resolution #2027-07 seconded by Trustee Pesek.
1st Robeson 2nd Pesek
Ayes: Robeson, Pesek, Vrbka, Karber, and Hummel.
Nays: none
The motion passed
h. Review, discuss, and possibly approve the 1 & 6 Year Road Plan. (Hearing next month.)
Motion: Trustee Vrbka makes a motion to approve the 1 & 6 Year Road Plan, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
1st Vrbka 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Vrbka, Robeson, Karber, Hummel, and Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
- Discuss Brainard’s 250th USA Celebration – Sept. 13th.
Trustee Pesek reports the local organizations are gathering tonight at the Legion Club to discuss celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The Legion, SAL, Brainard Fire Department, Knights of Columbus, Brainard Community Club, the PCCW, and the Methodist Church among others are donating to make this celebration happen. This would be a way for them to express thanks to the people that have supported their events over the years. This will be mainly in City Park from 3:00-7:00 pm, but there will be horseshoes, volleyball, and other activities at Evergreen Park as well. There will be a free meal provided at City Park around 4:00 pm. This is not a fundraiser, and there will be nothing charged for this. Lavern Fortik is organizing this celebration. There is a request from the committee planning this that we close the streets on both sides of City Park.
Motion: Trustee Robeson makes a motion to close Hamilton Street from Madison to the West Alley, and close Madison Street from Hamilton to Adams St., from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, September 13, 2026, seconded by Trustee Karber.
1st Robeson 2nd Karber
Ayes: Robeson, Karber, Vrbka, Hummel, and Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
- (Trustee Pesek leaves for a few minutes to report to community meeting at Legion.)
5. Approve minutes for July 20, 2026
The difference between “Tabled” and “Suspended”: Tabled is until later in the meeting, and Suspended means the item will be handled at another meeting in the future.
Motion: Trustee Vrbka makes a motion to approve July 20 minutes with corrections, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
1st Vrbka 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Vrbka, Robeson, Karber, and Hummel.
Absent: Trustee Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
6. Approve minutes for August 5, 2026 Special meeting.
Motion: Trustee Robeson makes a motion to approve August 5, 2026 Special meeting minutes, seconded by Trustee Karber.
1st Robeson 2nd Karber
Ayes: Robeson, Karber, Vrbka, and Hummel.
Absent: Pesek
Nays: none
The motion passed
7. Consider August claims.
Motion: Trustee Robeson makes a motion to approve August claims minus Jeff Karber and Spark, Electric, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
1st Robeson 2nd Hummel
Ayes: Robeson, Hummel, Vrbka, and Karber.
Absent: Trustee Pesek.
Nays: none
The motion passed
Motion: Trustee Vrbka makes a motion to pay Jeff Karber, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
1st Vrbka 2nd Hummel
Ayes: Vrbka, Hummel, and Robeson.
Abstain: Karber
Absent: Pesek
Nays: none
The motion passed
Motion: Trustee Vrbka makes a motion to Pay Spark, Electric, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
1st Vrbka 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Vrbka, Robeson, and Karber.
Abstain: Hummel
Absent: Pesek
Nays: none
The motion passed
8. Committee Reports.
Electric, Sewer, Water: There will be a walk-around meeting with JEO on August 27th for construction progress on the water main replacement project at 10:00 am, meeting at City Hall. Trustee Vrbka is discussing the lack of a shut-off for the Fire Hall as something to be remedied as part of this project.
Pool, Park, Streets, & Trees: Discussion of a tree by D. Raskey’s (address?) that has been removed and the stump ground out – he wants to know if the concrete will be repaired and the grass reseeded? Mitchell will work on it. Discussion on stump grinding and the refuse that needs to be removed by the tree cutter. Discussion on the trees being put into the dump as part of the school project. The contractor is helping manage the tree dump – there’s a big pile, but it’s being managed and burned as opportunities present themselves. Discussion on the Pool manager and how he has not given an end-of-year report yet.
9. Employee Reports.
August 2026 Clerk Report Yolanda Bailey
I have included a letter from Kirstin Bailey regarding the NE Game and Parks Commission grant cycle. This was in our other email and I did not discover it until the other day. We should discuss this and get back to the Pool Renovation committee about it. It was decided to ask the Pool Renovation Committee to come to the September Board meeting to discuss it.
There is an email in your packet I received from NPPD regarding the planned 10% electricity rate hike for 2027.
I put a stuffer in the billing detailing the water restrictions, but it was very basic. I can put up more notices around town, but am wondering if we need to include more details … see sample Flyers in the packet. Discussion on watering restrictions and the post office well is close to needing to be turned down. The water levels at the wells are down. The Post Office Well only pumps 50 gallons a minute, so when water usage is high it will pump all night. If they have to turn it down, it will pump even less. The watering restrictions are mainly to keep things from dropping too much.
Discussion led by Trustee Pesek on comparing utility rates between David City and Brainard. We could consider charging more for larger than 2 inch meters, like David City does. He thinks some adjustments could be made. Discussion on whether to change the facility service charge or the amount of consumption. It was decided to check with Rural Water for a rate study, and also check other towns that are similar to ours. The Treasurer suggests changing the over 0-10,000 rate as a starting point.
Additional items to consider: Setting hours for watering, setting fee for non-compliance, setting temporary monthly water rate increases, prohibiting underground sprinkling systems or irrigation.
We received a complaint about an aggressive dog, and I sent a letter out which is in your packets. I will be out of the office for a week: August 20 – 27th.
August Treasurer Report:
1. A fiscal year Profit and Loss was provided. All positive projections in all classes. Keep in mind the step increase for the water main project. We received a check for $63,141 from East Butler School for electrical work for the outside addition.
2. The bank account balance report is provided. A decrease of $39,480.27 is reported.
3. July employee earnings report is provided.
4. Collection report: 19 shut offs sent today. Due on August 27, shut off will take place on August 28.
5. Private donations was received for the Tyler Samek tile for the bandstand claim of $8,932.00. Additional donations will be received for the electrical and the stone work labor.
6. End of year pool report is provided.
Superintendent of Maintenance Mitchell Janak:
Mitchell reports he is working with Ed of Rutjens Construction regarding a hydrant by the school that needs installed. Discussion on the water main for the school which might be under where their fence is. Discussion about a hydrant and curb stop by the school. The water main replacement project is done with Lincoln St. and moving to Madison St. and then will be by the school. The pool is drained. Culligan will come and take their water softener this week.
10. Petitions, Communications, Correspondence.
Chairman Vrbka has received some information regarding a resident who is a registered sex-offender, and he is wanting to look into our Ordinances on this.
The Attorney is looking over the new Interlocal Agreement with the Fire Department, and will get back to us.
Chairman Vrbka received communication from Signal Co., stating they could reduce the weekly hours on the contract if the Village was interested.
11. Additional Business/Items for next meeting.
12. Adjournment.
12. Adjournment.
Motion: Trustee Robeson makes a motion to Adjourn at 9:21, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
1st Robeson 2nd Pesek
Ayes: Robeson, Pesek, Hummel, Karber, and Vrbka.
Nays: none The motion passed.
The Village of Brainard
Board of Trustees Special Board Meeting Minutes
August 5, 2026
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Brainard held a SPECIAL meeting on August 5, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. at City Hall. The meeting notice and agenda were posted at three public places: City Hall, the Community Bulletin Board, and the Brainard Post Office. The agenda is kept current at the City Clerk’s Office and available for public inspection. This method is designated by the public body.
Pledge of allegiance. Chair Vrbka directed attendees to the Open Meetings Act and called the meeting to order.
- 4. Business:
- a. Discuss and approve changes to the current Interlocal Agreement between Village of Brainard and Fire Department.
- Discussion on the interlocal agreement begins with Chairman Vrbka introducing the subject. Greg Kozisek points out the ownership of the ambulance will change when the new ambulance comes, with the Rural Fire Department being the owners of the new ambulance, and the Village of Brainard retaining ownership of the old ambulance. John Bongers has a document he has drafted that can possibly serve as the new interlocal agreement.
- He states the biggest change is in the Insurance portion of it. Because the Village switched their insurance carrier in May, there were changes in parts of the policy; such as who covers which part. Some of the policy premiums have switched from the Village to the Rural’s insurance – such as Workman’s comp. One of the biggest decisions the Board has to make is whether or not they are going to continue to pay the Fire dept. Workman’s Comp premiums; approx. $1,078 per year. If so, they will have to reimburse this amount to the Fire dept. because it is now on the Rural Fire dept. insurance policy. Some discussion on the possible legal issues that may come with the reimbursement, and how this will have to be documented carefully for the audit. The Village Board members expressed their support for continuing to pay 100% of the Workman’s Comp premium.
- The other insurance premium to consider is the life insurance for the firemen. The Village was paying 100% of this until they took ownership of the ambulance, approx. 25 years ago. At that time, the Village dropped their 100% coverage to 50%, because they were taking on extra expenses with the ambulance. Due to the ambulance ownership being back in the Rural’s hands the Village will not have as many expenses, and they are wondering if the Village would go back to covering the life insurance premium 100% again (adding approx. $561 annually). The Village Board members expressed their agreement to pay 100% of the cost of the life insurance for the firemen.
- Discussion on Fire Hall maintenance and what repairs might be coming up: the bathrooms need repair; the hot water heater is not working (and there is no water shut-off at the firehall – we should talk to JEO about this); some issues with the sanitary drain; Soffits and gutters that need replacing, etc. Discussion on Fire Hall repairs and how the Fire Dept. and the Village can cooperate financially on projects as they arise. Discussion on what to do with the old ambulance, and it was decided to see if we can store it while we try to sell it (consult the attorney)– and use the money to apply to Fire Hall maintenance and repairs.
- Discussion on the internet cable that runs from City Hall across the street to the Fire Hall, and it was decided to disconnect it because it possibly interferes with the internet connection at City Hall. The Fire Hall will have to get its own router, and the Village of Brainard will cover that expense along with the telephone and the hot-spot. It was decided to pursue this when the fiber optic is installed in town.
- It was decided to revisit, formally pass and sign the new interlocal agreement when the new ambulance arrives.
b. Discuss and possibly approve equipment donation of $39,912.45 (for Lifepak 35) to the Fire Department.
The Fire Department has some grant proceeds (ARPA funds) they can use toward this important piece of equipment (approx. $5,000), but the deadline for this purchase is coming up. They can get a trade-in for the old unit (approx. $5,000) but beyond that they are short by $39,912.45.
The LifePak 35 is a multi-use piece of equipment for heart attacks. This allows them to monitor the heart in multiple ways, treat the heart with the defibrillator, and be instantly transmitting the patient’s stats to the hospital. There are several important upgrades from the Lifepak 15 that is in the ambulance currently. It is unknown how much longer they will be supporting the Lifepak 15 into the future.
With all this in mind, Fire Chief Bongers is requesting a donation from the Village of Brainard of $39,912.45.
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to approve donation toward Rural Fire Dept’s purchase of the Lifepak 35 for the ambulance, in the amount of $39,912.45, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Robeson, Hummel, Karber, Pesek, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
6. Adjournment.
Motion made by Trustee Karber to adjourn at 7:52 pm, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Karber, Pesek, Robeson, Hummel, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried