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 SPECIAL Board Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2026
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Brainard held a Special meeting on Thursday, May 21, 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: Clerk Bailey.
Guests included: Diane Vanderslice.
Business:
- 4. Business:
a. Consider and possibly approve Insurance Policy quote.
Diane Vanderslice begins the discussion about choosing an Insurance Policy for the Village this year. Diane did the policy review with EMC (Employers Mutual), as she always does – only this time she also reviewed a possible policy from CWG (Continental West). When she went to quote CWG she ran into a problem regarding Workman’s Comp; they do not want to cover the Firemen or the Rescue Squad. We would have to put that on the Fire Dept. policy with their Fire Pak.
She spoke to John Bongers about it, and he said that wasn’t the agreement he has with the Village. Diane cannot address that issue, as that is not part of her duties here. There could be some confusion about the Interlocal Agreement with the Village and the Fire Department, and this should be looked into by the Board. Trustee Vrbka would like to see the Interlocal Agreement re-visited as soon as the new ambulance is here.
Discussion on the Aggregate Liability Umbrella, and how we need 5 million, but the quote has 4 million. This would bring the total Aggregate to 8 million, and this would add $539 to the policy premium. Discussion on deductibles for both policies, and CWG has the better rate.
One of the problems Diane ran into when trying to get this quote, is the fact that the Village does not have a formal Safety Program. This puts us at a disadvantage in the Insurance realm, and Diane recommends we implement a Safety Program soon – focusing on safety with heights, heavy lifting, dealing with chemicals, etc.
Comparing the two policies, it was decided going with CWG will give us more coverage, and save us thousands.
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to accept the quote for the CWG Insurance Policy with an annual premium of $20,847.00, and with an additional $539.00 for excess Liability Aggregate, resulting in a total premium of $21,386.00, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Robeson, Hummel, Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
b. Consider reimbursement to Denise Robeson.
Discussion surrounds how long this Resident was on the “low water pressure” list, and it was decided it might have been 3 years. The issue was compounded by a change in Maintenance staff, where this list did not get carried over. It was decided to reimburse the resident because of the length of time they had been dealing with low water pressure.
Motion made by Trustee Pesek to split the Wright Plumbing bill for $700.00 for clearing pipes in Denise Robeson’s house – and reimburse her $350, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Robeson, Hummel, Pesek, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: Karber
The motion carried
c. Review and Approve tree work bid from Gavin Hobson.
Discussion on one of the trees on the bid from Gavin, and a Trustee gave him a call to clarify. It was still in question as to whether the tree needed to be removed from Evergreen Park, and it was decided to check with Mitchell about it.
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to accept Gavin Hobson bid for tree removal for $8,350.00, contingent on Mitchell’s recommendation, seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Robeson, Karber, Hummel, Pesek, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
d. Consider and Approve Single Day Liquor License for Fire Dept. Street Dance July 12, 2026. Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to approve the Special Designated Liquor License for the Fire Department Street Dance on Friday, July 10, 2026, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Pesek, Robeson, Hummel, and Karber.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
10. Additional Business/Items for next meeting.
Street Dance streets closing.
11. Adjournment.
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to adjourn at 7:45, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Robeson, Hummel, Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none The motion carried
The Village of Brainard
Board of Trustees Board Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2026
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Brainard held a regular meeting on May 18, 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, Tyler Fortik, McKensie and Elizabeth Snyder, and Denise Robeson.
Business:
- 4. Business:
- Guest McKensie Snyder spoke for a couple of minutes about becoming manager at the Onyx Social. He invited the Board members to come and sample the food and discussed upcoming events at the establishment.
- Guest Denise Robeson comes to the floor to discuss a bill she received from Wright Plumbing for pumping out her basement last month – due to a clogged drain. The bill is for $700, and she reports it is because she has had low water pressure for a long time. Denise feels the two items are connected, and s he would like the Village to reimburse her for this.
a. Discuss and possibly approve development and utility easement south of 604 S Madison St.
Trustee Hummel was approached by property owner who wants to put up a few duplexes in town. Discussion follows. It was decided there is nothing to vote on yet, as the project will have to be laid out and further details will need to be available before an approval can be made.
b. Consider and approve purchase of new computer.
The City Hall computer is dated and will need to be replaced as it cannot be upgraded.
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to approve up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new computer for City Hall, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Robeson, Hummel, Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
c. Consider and approve purchase of Cell phone for City Hall.
Lately there have been reports of calls to City Hall not going through. It was decided to purchase a cell phone to keep at City Hall.
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to purchase a cell phone from Verizon for City Hall, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Robeson, Hummel, Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
d. Consider and approve new application for Island Worker.
Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to approve the hiring of Allison Weverka for a third Island Worker, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Pesek, Hummel, Robeson, and Karber.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
e. Consider new basketball hoop for pool.
Motion made by Trustee Karber to approve the $1,093 purchase of a basketball hoop for the pool, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Karber, Pesek, Hummel, Robeson, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
f. Consider and approve Fee Resolution #2026-03
A few items were added to the Fee Resolution; Late utility fee, Dump fee for non-residents, and Commercial dump fee for out-of-town refuse hauled by professional company.
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to Introduce Resolution 2026-03, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Pesek, Hummel, Robeson, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03 Fee Schedule
WHEREAS, the Village of Brainard, Butler County, Nebraska, may, pursuant to applicable statutes of the State of Nebraska, set a fee schedule for certain events, and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Brainard, Nebraska, shall, pursuant to the aforenoted statute and pursuant to this Resolution, establish said fees for the events listed below,
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Brainard, Nebraska, as follows:
- That the findings hereinabove should be and are hereby made a part of this Resolution as fully as set out at length herein.
- That the following shall be the established fees or charges of the Village of Brainard, Nebraska, to wit:
| Municipal Code or Resolution Pertaining to Fee (if any) | Event | Amount of fee | |
| 1-515(F) | Credit card surcharge fee | Calculated automatically | |
| 2-401 | Board of Adjustment; bond | ||
| 3-203(B) | Dog license | $6.25 | |
| Dump fee – non-residents | $25 | ||
| Annual Commercial dump fee (out of town trees, brush) | $250 | ||
| 3-126 | Illegal Dumping Fee | $500 | |
| 3-205(B) | Duplicate tag fee | ||
| 3-221(B) | Dogs; impoundment fee | $25 (1st offense); (additional offense) | $50 |
| 3-403 | Mowing: over 8 inches overgrowth | $100 per hour minimum) | ($100 |
| 4-219(B) | Illegally parked vehicles; towing | Cost of towing + $100 | |
| 2024-01 | Illegally parked vehicles; storage | ||
| 7-102 | Utilities: deposit | $200 Apartments $400 Residences | |
| 7-102 | Utilities: hook-up fee | $300 per utility | |
| 7-104 (B) | Utilities: late fee | $25 | |
| 7-104(D) | Utilities: reconnection fee | $100 ($150 after hours) | |
| 8-503(A) | Fireworks; retailer’s license | $50 | |
| 9-201(B) | Building permit fee | $10-$50 | |
| 9-204(A) | Demolition fee | $50 | |
| 9-301(A) | Building moving deposit | $50 | |
| Return check fee | $30 | ||
| Copy charge per page | .25 each side | ||
| Special meeting request fee | $150 | ||
Motion made by Trustee Pesek to Adopt Resolution 2026-03 with changes, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Pesek, Hummel, Robeson, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
g. Review and possibly approve 1 & 6 Year Road Plan.
The One and Six Year Road Plan was reviewed, and it was decided to add the Logan Street project to the Six Year Plan. There was also discussion on extending Garfield Street to the South to Novak Street, but this is contingent on plans for a new development in town, and we will look into it as plans firm-up.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Hummel, Pesek, Robeson, and Karber.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
g. Approve Street closing for Car Show July 12, 2026.
Motion made by Trustee Hummel to close Madison Street between Jefferson and Lowell, leaving those intersections open, with Washington, Hamilton, and Adams Sts. being closed from alley-to-alley, on July 12, 2026, for the Car Show, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Hummel, Pesek, Robeson, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
h. Approve Street closing and SDL for Husker Bar III on July 12, 2026.
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to close Washington Street from Madison to the alley between City Hall and Classic Cuts, seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Pesek, Hummel, Robeson, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to approve the Single Day Liquor License for Husker Bar III, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Hummel, Pesek, Robeson, and Karber.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
- Consider and approve tree bid from Gavin Hobson.
- The item was tabled until the next meeting.
- 5. Approve minutes for April 20, 2026 meeting.
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to approve minutes, seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Robeson, Karber, Vrbka, Pesek, and Hummel.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
7. Consider May claims.
Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to pay May claims, without Spark, Electric, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Robeson, Pesek, Hummel, and Karber.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
Motion made by Trustee Pesek to pay Spark, Electric, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
Voting aye: Pesek, Robeson, Karber, and Vrbka.
Abstains: Hummel
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
7. Committee Reports.
There was discussion on the items still needed for the pool which Trustee Vrbka will purchase. There were changes in the staffing for the pool for the season; one employee stepped down. Trustee Hummel reports on the transformers project; three were changed out, and 7 Pad-mount transformers have arrived. There was discussion at looking at the per-gallon charge on our water rates – it was decided to look for a study that was done approx. 2 years ago.
8. Employee Reports.
May Clerk Report – Yolanda Bailey
Regarding the Kinetic Lease for poles, it has been determined we have 20 more poles than Kinetic, and we will be charging them a one-time pole attachment fee of $15 per pole.
I attended an online meeting about the changes to the pool regulation procedures on April 30. It looks like the local health departments in the state are going to step up to the task. Ours is Four Corners Health Dept. I have called and left a message, but not yet talked to anyone. I imagine they are working on it and we will keep trying to get in touch.
It has been a month full of technical issues and billing frustrations. I tried everything I could do to force the new billing system to go “live” this month, but it did not. We will set our sights on June, and I do think it will happen. There were things to be cleared up, things to be adjusted, and there are still changes we have to make, but it looks like we are very close.
May Treasurer Report:
A December 31-May 11 profit and loss is provided. Positive projections in all classes except water due to engineering costs.
a. This month I will submit a new reimbursement to the State of Nebraska SRF for engineering costs, to date.
b. The sewer bond payment is reflected on the claims for $22,840.00 and due June 15. The village has taken in $30,462.91 payments since the December payment; this is a surplus of $7,622.91 for sewer repairs if needed.
2. The bank account balance report is provided. An increase of $30,957.12 partially due to the SRF payment, which will eventually become an outstanding loan.
3. April employee earnings report is provided. A decrease of $5,403.10. May had back insurance stipend payments received by all employees and board pay.
4. Collection report: 19 shut offs sent (same as last month). Due on May 29, shut off will take place on June 1. A mailing stuffer was included in billing to remind customers about late fees. Late fees will begin in July.
5. Waste Connections pricing went up in May by 3%.
6. Plunkett’s (pest spraying for Fire Hall) is going up 4% due to increased costs.
Maintenance Report: Mitchell Janak
Regarding the fence and the parking situation in the Ballfield, it was decided Mitch should remove the guardrail there. The water tower was worked on – putting a railing up – but that affected the radio antenna for the wells, Mitch is working on getting that fixed. The pool has been filled. The Park bathrooms will be opened this week.
9. Petitions, Communications, Correspondence.
10. Additional Business/Items for next meeting.
Approve Insurance Quote
Consider reimbursing Denise Robeson
Approve Gavin Hobson tree work bid.
11. Adjournment.
Motion made by Trustee Pesek to adjourn at 8:49, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
Voting aye: Pesek, Robeson, Hummel, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none The motion carried