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 Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2025
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Brainard held a regular meeting on October 20, 2025 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. Chair Vrbka called the meeting to order.
Roll Call: present: Joel Vrbka, Steve Hummel, Jeff Karber, Randy Robeson, and Tom Pesek.
Staff Present: Clerk Bailey, Treasurer Sander, and Mitch Janak.
Guests included: Elaine Fortik, Brian Foral, Mike Holton (EGA), Chris Grooms, Jerry Abel, (NPPD), Mark Kirby (NPPD) Casey Painter (BCDM), Matthew Erion (BCDM), and Mike Eldridge.
Public Comments:.
Business:
- Call Meeting to Order
- Roll Call: Present: Joel Vrbka, Randy Robeson, Tom Pesek, Jeff Karber, and Steve Hummel.
- Patrons Comments-5 minutes per person.
- Discuss purchasing transformers for Village with Jerry Abel & Mark Kirby from BPPD.
Trustee Vrbka reports he reached out to BPPD after the last meeting. The Village of Brainard is on a lower voltage system than other towns, and they would like to maintain their system, and upgrade it to 7200 as well. The Village will be needing over 40 new transformers to do this, and they are looking for options to purchase these over the next several years. BPPD does have the transformers we need – some of them, and would be willing to sell them to us. They also have connections to other peers in the state that might have what we need. To upgrade our system they will have to add to their budget running a back-feed line of 3-Phase transformers from 1 ½ miles away, coming from the SE part of town. This would improve the reliability of the whole system, as we would have backup for outages, and would allow the Village to upgrade transformers more easily. The substation would have to be rebuilt as part of this process. They will notify the BPPD Board at the November meeting, and they will work on getting us some quotes for this.
- Discuss & consider vacating S. Garfield Street; between W Adams and W Lowell Streets for potential East Butler school addition, with Mike Eldridge.
School Superintendent Mike Eldridge has inquired about the process of vacating a street behind the East Butler school, with the intention of building an addition. Eldridge begins by recounting that last year a Strategic Plan process was began, facilitated by the Nebraska Association of School Boards. As part of that process of community input, a couple of things came to the fore-front. One of those things was a Facility Assessment was needed, and this was conducted by BCDM Architects – the architect firm the district has hired to design any future building projects. Representatives Matthew Erion and Casey Painter are here from BCDM. Mike Holton, a representative from EGA, Ehrhart Griffin & Assoc. – an engineering firm, is here as well.
BCDM: handed out a paper detailing maps and site-plan of the addition. First, they looked at the expansion as a way to enhance the educational spaces. This facility is 100% land-locked, and green-space is needed, but not available. Another issue is parking. There is a need for more spaces as well as more safety for the students. Students having to cross streets is not ideal for safe parking. They need more off-street parking for sporting and other events. The new plan would consolidate the drop-off spots from four to one. These are some of the major drivers for adding on.
Looking at the Proposed Site map, it can be seen that to the West of the school there is an addition of a larger gymnasium with spectator seating, a weight/wellness area, which would be twice as large as the current space, which is presently over-crowded through the day. It is possible to make this part of the new gym available to members of the community as well. There are also two large, flexible classrooms that can be used on-and-off for activities as needed. In addition, to the south, there will be a new bus lane with off-street parking for students and the public. There is also additional parking for administration and staff to the east, with a total of 170 parking stalls. In this proposition there is more green-space for students, and an option for future additions in some of the areas. They expect bidding would start in May of 2026, with completion being the beginning of the school year of 2027.
At this time, Eldridge explains, no decision has been made by the School District to move forward. The district is working on hiring a Construction Manager; a General Contractor who facilitates the project. Once they have decided who that is, they can start the bidding process to get a concrete idea of what the project could cost. The total of the project could cost approximately $10 million.
A lot of this is dependent on the Village agreeing to vacate that part of Garfield Street. Trustee Vrbka discussed this with our attorney, and it was discovered an Ordinance to abandon the street would be needed for this, which the attorney could draw up. Regarding utilities, there is a water main in that area that would have to be moved – at this time it is not clear what the cost of that will be, or who will be responsible for the cost. It is possible to run the water main beneath the green-space, which would not be too big of a re-route. It was suggested that Mike Holton, from EGA, discuss the water-main options with JEO, and get back to the Board. Discussion on the location of the Windstream lines in that area.
Motion: To approve East Butler School’s plans to move forward with the addition, by pursuing an Ordinance vacating that block of Garfield Street; with the stipulation that we need more information about moving the water-main, and the costs involved.
1st Robeson 2nd Hummel
Ayes Robeson, Hummel, Pesek, , Vrbka, and Karber.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Discuss Sargent Drilling well & pump results, and bid to pull and set pump in Well #4.
Superintendent Janak has received a bid from Sargent Drilling to pull and set Well #4. They have been noticing rust and such when they inspect this one, and recommend it be pulled to see the full extent of the damage. They think it will need to be replaced within the next five years, but to be pro-active, it should be at least inspected more now. It would cost $13,513 to pull, video inspect, and re-set pump. The issue is more about the casing than the pump. When the casing begins to deteriorate it can mess up the pump.
Motion: Approve bid from Sargent Drilling to pull and inspect Well #4.
1st Hummel 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Hummel, Robeson, Pesek, Vrbka, and Karber.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Discuss and approve Zoning Permit application for 412 N Lincoln St.
The permit is for a pre-made shed to be placed in the yard at 412 N Lincoln St. There was discussion on the width of the street and the placement of the shed. It appears from the drawing, that the south side of the shed needs to either be moved 20 ft. north, or turn the building so it runs east and west.
Motion: Approve zoning permit – provided it is moved 20 ft. north.
1st Karber 2nd Hummel
Ayes: Karber, Hummel, Pesek, Vrbka, and Robeson.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Discuss noise ordinance with Amber Fencl of Brainard Bar.
The item was tabled – as no one came to discuss it.
- Consider and approve Attachment F for Village water project loan with the State Revolving Fund.
Motion: To Approve Attachment F of the water project loan with the State Revolving Fund.
1st Pesek 2nd Karber
Ayes: Pesek, Karber, Hummel, Vrbka, and Robeson.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Consider and approve new Wholesale Power contract with NPPD.
Motion: To Approve the Wholesale Power Contract
1st Robeson 2nd Pesek
Ayes: Robeson, Pesek, Hummel, Vrbka, and Karber.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Discuss Kinetic’s request to attach fiber to Village poles.
We received a call a couple of weeks ago from a Tyler from Unity – asking about above-ground fiber that they would like to put on poles. He said they found who owns which poles in town. It looks like they own the lines between Lincoln and the downtown area. The Village is trying to move our lines underground, so this would not be ideal regarding that plan. Most of the poles that are there do not have electricity, as it has been moved underground, but just phone lines. It was decided that Steve Hummel will explain to them we are moving things underground, so this will not work for us.
- Discuss property at 109 E Washington St.
Motion: To go into Executive Session to discuss 109 E. Washington Street at 8:21 pm.
1st Vrbka 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Vrbka, Robeson, Pesek, Hummel, and Karber.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
Motion: Come out of Executive Session at 8:28 pm.
1st Vrbka 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Vrbka, Robeson, Pesek, Hummel, and Karber.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
Motion: Offer $20,000 for the property at 109 E. Washington Street
1st Vrbka 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Vrbka, Robeson, Pesek, Hummel, Karber.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Discuss & approve CAT Lease for 2026.
Motion: To approve the CAT Lease for 2026 for $7,600.
1st Vrbka 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Vrbka, Robeson, Karber, Hummel, and Pesek.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Consider Jackson Services contract for uniforms.
Motion: To approve the contract for Jackson Services for 2026.
1st Karber 2nd Hummel
Ayes: Karber, Hummel, Pesek, Vrbka, and Robeson.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Approve Resolution Providing for Depository Bank 2025.
This is a yearly task to inform the public which banks we use. They are: the First Nebraska Bank, Brainard branch; the Bank of the Valley, David City branch; and the First National Bank of Omaha, David City Branch.
Motion: Approve Resolution Providing for Depository Bank.
1st Robeson 2nd Karber
yes: Robeson, Karber, Pesek, Hummel, and Vrbka.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Discuss old Village truck, and consider selling it.
Motion: Approve selling 2006 F-250 Village truck at Kobza Auction.
1st Vrbka 2nd Karber
Ayes: Vrbka, Karber, Pesek, Hummel, and Robeson.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Approve minutes for regular meeting September 22, 2025.
Motion: Approve September 2025 Minutes with one correction.
1st Pesek 2nd Hummel
Ayes: Pesek, Hummel, Vrbka, Karber, and Robeson.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Consider October claims.
Discussing the Claims for October, Trustee Vrbka brings up a claim from Sara Hofpar for $1,400. It was concerning because it was for $1,400, and we did not have any prior knowledge of this claim. Vrbka reached out to Randy Hood, who recommended he seek his Attorney’s council. Trustee Vrbka spoke to Maureen at Lindahl’s office, and she looked into it. She replied that Fire Education expenses are an acceptable expenditure, but because this expenditure was not approved before hand, the Board would have to decide how much of the claim to pay. Our policy is to not repay expenses to individuals, but to make all Village purchases directly with our credit cards – but we were not given any prior information for this expense – just receipts and an invoice to repay the individual, which were placed in the drop-box. This way the Village also ends up paying sales-tax, which is an expense we should not have to pay. The Attorney recommended any expenditures such as this be pre-approved with the Board, and the Village could make the purchases. Trustee Vrbka will speak to John Bongers about this for future expenses regarding the Fire Department.
Motion: To approve October Claims, minus Spark Electric.
1st Robeson 2nd Karber
Ayes: Robeson, Karber, Pesek, Hummel, and Vrbka.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
Motion: To approve Spark, Electric Claim.
1st Vrbka 2nd Robeson
Ayes: Vrbka, Robeson, Pesek, and Karber.
Hummel: Abstain
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.
- Committee Reports.
Pools Parks & Trees: Discussion on the Pool Brochure mailing, and the Clerk will compile numbers for supplies and get that ball rolling. Trustee Pesek reports that Wayne Pernicek contacted him that he is having erosion problems. Water is backing up, because the road is too high, and the culvert under 30 Road is eroding. There are a couple of holes in that ditch which could cause it to collapse in the future. Trustee Vrbka contacted Dave Foral about replacing the culvert, and he said he can’t get to it until next year.
- Employee Reports.
October 2025 Clerk Report Yolanda Bailey
October 2025 Clerk Report: Yolanda Bailey
We contacted Power Manager about the garbage situation with two bins, and they did create a second rate for garbage with two bins. We changed the rates on the ten residents with two bins, and sent them a note with the utility bill. They have the option to “opt out” if they contact Mitch and return the second bin.
There is a resident who has called and complained about too many cats running around their yard. They say there are 7 or 8 cats that belong to a neighbor that are always in their yard. As we don’t have an Ordinance about it, there is not much we can do – should I send a letter to the offending neighbor?
The ceiling is still leaking in the meeting room, and paint chips are constantly raining down – let’s discuss what we can do about fixing it.
Trustee Vrbka came in October 2nd and inquired about three incidents of “on call” I had on my timecard – I had written down two hours for each. He was questioning if we had a formal policy for on-call that details the two-hour amount. I remembered two-hours being approved as an on-call amount at a meeting last year. This page of the January 2024 Minutes is included in the packet.
Trustee Vrbka tells me he would like to consider a lesser amount for this – like a half-hour, or one hour instead of two. I don’t get calls outside of work very often, but when I do, they are usually interrupting one of my two other business activities: Fox Run Farms and Bailey’s Bubbles. A half hour at my pay-rate would be $10.00 – this would put a financial burden on myself and my business that I cannot accept. Looking at the Personnel Handbook, it appears that the Clerk is not required to be on-call, only the Maintenance position. With this in mind, I am letting you know that from here on I will not be available for any on-call duties. This way there will be no need to consult the lawyer or change the Personnel Handbook.
The October edition of the Clipper is in your packets.
October Treasurer Report: Carla Sander
- A September profit and loss is provided. Positive projections in fire, street & sewer. Negative projections in electric, garbage, general park & rec and water, with an overall negative balance of $6,819.37. A second month in a row with an overall negative balance.
- The bank account balance report is provided. A decrease of $27,103.64 in the bank deposits since September is reported.
- A September employee pay report is provided. A decrease in pay of $6,841.25 since August due to pool staffing income ceasing.
- Collection report: 29 overdue utility bills. Shut offs went out 10/15/25, due on 10/24/25. Shut offs will be on 10/27/25.
- Garbage issue solution. Two bin customers will be charged $30.60 and provided a letter of explanation. They may become a one bin customer, $15.30 by contacting Mitchell and surrendering one bin. If bin is surrendered, Mitchell will contact Yola or myself to decrease them to a one bin customer after the next billing cycle.
- Treasurer report is provided. This report has posted at City Hall, Post Office & Legion as per state statue. This is the fiscal year driven report for all classes, electric, fire, garbage, general, park & recreation, sewer, street & water. All classes are positive except general due to engineering & the new pick up.
- NPPD historical since 2023 is provided. Green means a decrease & red means an increase from the prior year’s bills. This year our costs to date are $197,652.75 with three months to go. The bills for Oct, Nov & Dec would have to average $20,206.89 or less to be in the green, historically this has not happened, therefore, as expected, it’s looking like we will be in the red again for the end of 2025.
- The two CD’s at Bank of the Valley come due Oct 23 2025. BOV has a 21 month @ 3.90%. First Nebraska has a 3.75% for 18 months. It was decided to renew both.
Maintenance Supervisor report:
Supervisor Janak relates there are infringements at the Burn Pile that need to be addressed in the Clipper. Please remind people the burn pile is a privilege – and if they abuse it we will be shut down. Two by Fours with paint on them, building material, beer bottles, – only things that can be there is branches and leaves. No lumber, no plywood, no trash, no construction materials.
The bathrooms are closed for the season. The pool is put away including diving boards down. Regarding people with low water pressure, Mo Mohachek is trying to get here – hopefully soon.
- Petitions, Communications, Correspondence.
- Additional Business/Items for next meeting.
- Adjournment.
Motion: To Adjourn at 9:10 pm.
1st Robeson 2nd Karber
Ayes: Pesek, Hummel, Vrbka, Karber, and Robeson.
Nays: none
The Motion Passed.