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
Cory Burtman, Utilities Superintendent, 402-803-9218
Mitchell Janak, General Maintenance 402-545-2701
Carla Sander, Village Treasurer, 402-545-2701
Ron Hula, General Maintenance, 402-545-2701
Yolanda Bailey, Village Clerk, 402-545-2701
The Village of Brainard
Board of Trustees Board Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2023
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Brainard held a regular meeting on February 20, 2023 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 with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and announced that a copy of the current Open Meetings Act was on display for public inspection.
Roll Call present: Joel Vrbka, Tom Pesek, Steve Hummel, Jeff Karber, and Randy Robeson.
Staff present: Clerk Bailey, Treasurer Sander, and Utility Superintendent Burtman.
Guests included: Brian Foral, Dane Simonsen, Sarah Nguyen, and David Avery
Business:
a. Discuss water survey with JEO Representative, Dane Simonsen
Dane Simonsen, of JEO, provided the board with an agreement for professional services, complete with scope of services and the fee for the survey that will be completed by JEO on our water system. This agreement will kick things off for completing the assessment survey which will put the Village in line for funding on our water projects down the line. The first part of the report will be an overall diagnostic of the water system, focusing on the distribution system. The second part will be looking at the assessment of the system including shortfalls and alternatives to address those problems. This will include a priority list and timeline for completing these fixes, encompassing a 20 year period into the future. The cost for this survey and report, which will take 6-9 months, is $30,000. Discussion on timing and how soon we can move forward with water improvement projects. This time next year we should be in a position to know what funding is available and what projects we want to do—and then the process of designing those projects and getting bids for them can start, as long as we fund it in the interim until funds are available. Chairman Vrbka introduced the subject of the Well #1 and Well #2 repairs that are needed, and the bid from Sargent Drilling for said-work. Question is should we have this work done now, or wait and package the repairs with future water projects. Simonsen did not think we could roll this into a future project, and if there is a possibility of the well-houses failing in the next two years, we should have the work done now. Discussion on using ARPA funds for these projects. Motion made by Trustee Robeson to accept the agreement with JEO for the water survey, seconded by Trustee Vrbka.
Voting aye: Robeson, Vrbka, Pesek, Karber, Hummel
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.
b. Visit by David Avery, Vice President of Gov’t affairs for Windstream: to review an application for a grant to expand fiber broadband service in and near Brainard. Windstream is working on expanding their broadband access, but as this is quite expensive, so they are partnering with the State of Nebraska to do this. There will also be other grant programs in the near-future, funded by the Infrastructure Act, to further expand this access. This project will lay 37 miles of fiber, and provide service to 70 locations that are either unserved or underserved. There is no cost to the Village for this grant. The commission would like to make sure applicants talk to community leaders to explain the project, and are asking for positive feedback to be provided via the feedback form. Awards will be made on this project in June of 2023. Motion made by Trustee Pesek makes a motion to write a letter of support for this project for the Village of Brainard, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
Voting aye: Pesek, Robeson, Vrbka, Karber, and Hummel
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.
c. Consider Parking Resolution 2023-01: Snow removal on Madison. Discussion on problems removing snow when cars are not moved, and what the snow ordinance says about this. It was pointed out the snow ordinance was posted in the Clipper and on Facebook, yet the last time it snowed some vehicles on Madison street were never moved, making it hard to complete snow removal for Cory. Also discussion on Jefferson St., where resident is parking large equipment on both sides of the street, obstructing traffic by narrowing the roadway. It was decided to have board members discuss these issues face-to-face with the resident and business owner who are involved, instead of changing the ordinances at this time. Discussion on the snow ordinance and whether it is adequate as written. It was decided to not change the ordinance, but to work on enforcing this ordinance when it is violated. Staff will contact a board member when there is an issue, so they can contact the person or persons and ask them to move the vehicles, and remove the vehicles if there is no compliance.
d. Consider Resolution #2023-02: to approve joining the National Flood Insurance program. Discussion on completing the application for the NFIP. There are a large number of items on the application that the town will have to consider and change, and it was decided to suspend the item until a future date.
e. Follow-up on nuisances: Cleveland St. 60 day extension is over, and Sheriff visit. Chairman Vrbka reports that deputy Bill Drozd is handling the nuisances. He has been out in the community checking on the list and adding some to it, but the sheriff’s department is short-staffed, so it is taking a bit longer than we expected. It should be finished by this weekend, and he will provide the Village with a report.
f. Discuss sidewalks: re: Foral’s Addition. Trustee Pesek reports on discussion with resident regarding possible sidewalk development on their property, which would allow the kids living in Foral’s Addition a safe place to walk to school. This resident does not want to pursue this action, mainly due to the resistance of their neighbors. The Trustee reports these neighbors concerns’ are for their own personal privacy, while the Board is more concerned with the Village children’s safety and well-being. It was decided a Trustee will to talk to another resident in the area next, to see if there is something that can be worked out with another route to town.
g. Consider garage-door opener for shop. Superintendent Burtman reports the current door is falling apart, and it needs to be replaced. The door is probably at least 30 years old. It will be an automatic door, so will also need some wiring to install. Burtman reports he attempted to get more bids, but none were forthcoming. Motion made by Trustee Robeson to approve the bid from the Overhead Door Co. in Columbus, plus wiring for the job, with a cap of $10,000, seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Robeson, Karber, Pesek, Vrbka, and Hummel
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.
h. Consider bid from Sargent Drilling for Well #1, and Well #2. Superintendent Burtman reports the situation with the Wells is serious, and if there is a failure there, we could possibly lose the use of the Water Tower, so these repairs are needed immediately. Discussion on how much ARPA funds are available, and that they can be used for this purpose. Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to accept both bids from Sargent’s for a total of $37,322.66, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Robeson, Karber, Pesek, and Hummel
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.
i. Consider Plunketts bid for pest control for Fire Hall. Trustee Vrbka reports that Plunkett’s came out and inspected the Fire Hall, and found there was only one trap there from Presto X. It was decided to change providers based on the lack of adequate protection from Presto X. Motion made by Trustee Karber to approve the Plunketts bid for $400 for a year’s service, seconded by Trustee Robeson.
Voting aye: Karber, Robeson, Hummel, Pesek, and Vrbka
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.
j. Consider Topkote proposal for streets. It was noted that Lincoln Street and the Horseshoe could probably use treatment. Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to spend up to $20,000 with Topkote, to cover Lincoln Street and (hopefully) the Horseshoe too, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Hummel, Karber, Pesek, and Robeson
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.
k. Consider Printer lease and service agreements for Eakes Office Solutions. There was a printer fail, and the office was without a printer for a week or so. A refurbished printer was provided by Eakes Office, with a lease and service contract, for a cost of $88.06 per month. Motion by Trustee Pesek, to approve the printer lease and service agreement, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Pesek, Hummel, Karber, Robeson, and Vrbka,
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.
l. Life-Guard Hiring Process. Treasurer Sander reports we have 4 applicants for the lifeguard positions, and we need at least 7. Typically the Pool Committee members interview applicants in mid-March. Discussion on the Ad that has been run, and putting it out again on the Facebook page. The Pool Handbook was copied and distributed to the pool committee members. The Village pays for the life-guards certification and two swimsuits. It was decided to continue to recruit lifeguards, with a possibility to post the ad in the school somewhere.
m. Employee Oath’s of Office – Cory, Carla, and Yola. The Staff read the Oath’s of Office.
Approve minutes for January 16, 2023
Motion to approve the Minutes made by Trustee Robeson, seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Robeson, Karber, Hummel, Pesek, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.
Consider February claims. Discussion on water break situation that required a location of a water meter by Brian Foral on Novak St. This meter was buried and had to be dug up before a shutoff was performed. Discussion on welding fixes at the Pool. Motion made by Trustee Karber to pay the claims, seconded by Robeson.
Voting aye: Karber, Robeson, Hummel, Pesek, and Vrbka,
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.
Committee Reports
Electric/water/sewer: Trustee Vrbka reports he contacted BPPD about the lines over the railroad, to get this project moving, as it’s been 2 years since the bid. He was told they would honor the bid.
Park, Pool, Streets, and Trees:
Trustee Pesek reports there are a lot of large trees in the dump, and that maybe someone needs to look into who is putting them there and whether they have a dump permit. Trustee Pesek will follow up on this. Trustee Pesek reports we bought 10 trees last year from Great Plains Nursery, and we should buy 10 more this year. It was reported that Austin Pierce is interested in working for the Village again this year, which was well-received. Treasurer Sander reports that we need to organize the Island beautification project for this year, Trustee Pesek will follow-up with the Horticulture department at school. The paint for the bottom of the pool is at City Hall. Concessions will continue to be purchased from Didiers Grocery in David City. Discussion on the pool’s 50th Anniversary next year, and how information is being compiled of past lifeguards information, so plans can be made for a big celebration reunion/party.
Employee Reports
February Treasurer Report: Treaurer Sander
1. A January profit and loss report is provided in the Board packet.
2. A bank account balance report is provided in the Board packets.
3. A January employee pay report is provided in the Board reports.
4. Collection Report-14 overdue utility bills. Shut will went out Tuesday 2/15, Shut offs will be due on 2/28, therefore, Shut offs will take place on March 1.
5. A new Fire Hall expenditure is in the Board Packets.
Trustee Robeson is requesting a yearly comparison – last year to this year – of the monthly profit and loss in the future, which Treasurer Sander will provide.
February Clerk Report, Clerk Bailey:
Community Club: Planning 2 events: June 17th, 2023 (Saturday): 8:00 to 11:00 pm, Mojo Filter will entertain in the park. Lynn Hummel called to request street be blocked off on two sides of the park (no parking/driving), while still leaving the intersection open. This could be a bigger event, so they are planning to put up some Porta-Potties by the park, and are concerned about pedestrians walking after dark, and cars being a safety issue. Close-up may be doing hamburgers as well. This will have to be put on the Agenda in April, to close the streets.
August 26th, 2023 (Saturday): 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Mark Vyhlidal will hold a concert in the park. They are wondering if string-lights can be put up for this event.
Another topic Lynn wanted to talk about was the possibility of a roof or shelter being put up on the stage of the park. Lynn wanted to discuss the Q125 fund as a possible source for financing this project. She relates the amount of that fund is $9,255.50, and is thinking this could happen possibly in conjunction with Margaret Bruner, who has expressed interest in this project. Lynn is thinking a shelter in the park would make other events possible and more numerous if there was shelter there, hopefully with flood-lights installed and attached. Trustee Vrbka reports he talked to Lynn about the funds and the shelter. Vrbka has been involved in the design of the roof. Trustee Pesek reported there was not a time-frame to spend the Q125 funds, but hopefully there would be something there for the Q150 celebration. Trustee Vrbka will discuss this further with Sharon Bruner.
We received a letter from Drew Ratkovec, of the Lower Platte South natural resources district. He is the Storm-water/Watershed specialist, and coordinates the Community Assistant Program. This program supports small communities and homeowner associations, who are having drainage, storm-water, and streambank erosion issues. LPSNRD will cost-share up to 50% on concerns relating to natural resources. This assistance is designated for cities, villages, and homeowners associations, not private homeowners per se. There is a brochure that describes the process for submitting applications for assistance. I will leave the brochure on the back table, by the timeclock, for the boards’ perusal. Trustee Vrbka said there was an issue in Kovar/Bailey pasture with erosion which could possibly use this kind of project to repair. Visitor Foral wonders if ditch-cleaning could be part of this support.
The Municipal Clerk Conference will be taking place in Kearney, from March 12 – 16, therefore Carla will fill in for Yola at the beginning of the week, and the office will be closed for a couple of days while both Carla and Yola are at the conference. That Friday the conference is over we will travel to the office, to post the Agenda and put together Board packets for the following Monday.
I did post the long-minutes on the website, but after some thought, took them down because the Board had not yet had a chance to read them or make corrections. I will put them up after they are approved, and do so every month this way.
The Utility billing went out on February 14, 2023. There was a handout included which is a homeowner lead-pipe survey to be returned to office.
February Maintenance Report, Cory Burtman
Superintendent Burtman reports most of his items have already been covered: the overhead door, the snow, the trees in the dump. Burtman also reports he repaired the support-beams underneath the office floor, which had been decaying and needed replacing. After the Fire Hall floors got waxed, the dividers are going back up at the Fire Hall. There was a repair on the plow-truck. Trustee Vrbka reports that Ron Hula is not going to read meters anymore, and Mitchell Janak will begin doing that job.
Petitions, Communications, Correspondence:
Trustee Vrbka reports on an email from an Evergreen Court resident, asking the Board to move the location of the firework trailer this year, due to the noise bothering the residents and dogs there. Discussion of different locations around town. It was decided to possibly move the location of the fireworks stand this year to the corner lot of Washington and Madison Sts. Discussion of asking for a donation by the stand-owners to cover the power usage. It was decided to table the fireworks location discussion, and revisit at a future date.
Visitor Foral reported the Planning Commission meeting did not have a quorum, so was postponed until March 1, 2023. Trustee Vrbka reports he visited with a PC member that has not been attending meetings, to see if they still wanted to be on the committee. This individual reported they were not getting notified about meetings as their email changed, but this individual is still interested in being on the committee, so the email will be updated.
Adjourn
Motion made by Trustee Robeson to adjourn at 10:00 pm, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Robeson, Pesek, Karber, Hummel, and Vrbka,
Voting nay: none
The motion carried.