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
April 20, 2026
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Brainard held a regular meeting on April 20, 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, and Jeff Karber. Randy Robeson was absent.
Staff Present: Treasurer Sander, Clerk Bailey, and Maintenance Supervisor Janak.
Guests included: Brian Foral, Elaine Fortik, Rex Roberts, and Jett Bailey
Business:
- Business:
- Discuss and possibly approve Kinetic lease and design of fiber on poles w/Rex Roberts.
Rex Robert discusses the project to bring fiber-optic cable to the Village. At the last meeting we requested a pole agreement and some additional mapping. Rex provides a new map and we have the Pole Lease they provided the Village is going to fill out. Whichever party has the majority of poles will bill the other party $15.00 per pole per year. This way if a pole breaks or deteriorates, we know whose pole it is and who is responsible for replacement. There is an agreement Rex provides for both parties that we will sign. Most of the permits have been approved. Construction can starts 2-3 weeks after the final permits are approved. The overhead construction will take approximately 1 week, and the underground might take 2 weeks. When the process starts there will be a lot of dig-tickets, but Rex says if it’s a problem we can call him and he’ll try to help.
There was discussion on the East Butler school project regarding Kinetic, but Rex has the details in an email, and is in contact with the engineers of the school project.
Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to accept the design of the fiber optic, the agreement with Kinetic, and the Pole Lease , seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Pesek, Hummel, and Karber.
Voting nay: none
- Hire summer staff.
Discussion was held on the Seasonal workers who have applied for work in 2026. Wyatt Jelinek has applied to be on the Maintenance crew this summer. In addition, there are eight guards who have applied: Jon Pytlik, Jon Kunasek, Jett Bailey, Vance Pelan, Ellie Foral, Addison Rolfsmeier, Tessa Tesinsky, and Blaire Glasshoff. It has also been confirmed that Kate Janak and Kourtney Tejral want to return to work on the Village Islands again this year.
Motion made by Trustee Hummel to hire: Jon Pytlik, Jon Kunasek, Jett Bailey, Vance Pelan, Ellie Foral, Addison Rolfsmeier, Tessa Tesinsky, and Blaire Glasshoff as Lifeguards; and Wyatt Jelinek, Kate Janak, and Kourtney Tejral for Maintenance, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Hummel, Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion passed.
- Consider and approve Seasonal Wage Ordinance #330.
Discussion was held on the Lifeguard positions we are hiring for 2026: Jon Pytlik will be Manager. Addison Rolfsmeier and Jett Bailey will be Assistant Managers. The Seasonal Wage Ordinance needs some increases in order for the Village to stay competitive with wages. It was decided to increase starting Lifeguard hourly wage to $14.00, second year Lifeguard to $15.00, Pool Assistant Managers to $16.00, and Managers will receive $18.00 hourly. Starting hourly wage for Maintenance will be $16.00 (depending on age and experience), and Island Maintenance workers will receive $14.00 per hour. The Board of Trustees would like to see the Island Maintenance workers put in at least 8 hours per week. Pool Manager and Assistant Managers are required to take the POP Certification Class.
Motion made by Trustee Karber to introduce Seasonal Wage Ordinance #330, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Karber, Pesek, Hummel, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
Motion made by Trustee Hummel to accept the first reading of Seasonal Wage Ordinance #330, and waive the 2nd and 3rd readings, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Hummel, Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
Motion made by Trustee Karber to Adopt Seasonal Wage Ordinance #330, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Karber, Hummel, Pesek, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
- Approve JEO authorization to bid 2025 Water Main Replacement Project.
Trustee Vrbka reports that he and Sarah from JEO have discussed the bidding process for the water main project. Advertising will be May 14, May 21, and May 28th of 2026. Bid opening will be June 4th, and bids will be awarded on June15th.
Motion made by Trustee Karber to give JEO authorization to bid 2025 Water Main Replacement project, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Karber, Hummel, Vrbka, and Pesek.
Voting nay: none
- Consider Ord 329 setting $25.00 late fee.
At the last meeting it was decided to start charging late fees to residents when they were 5 days delinquent when paying the monthly bill. The Clerk worked with the Attorney to set this Ordinance. There are usually around 20 residents who are late every month. They will now be charged $25.00 if they are 2 days past the due-date, which is the 10th of the month. The Clerk will put a stuffer in the billing in May to inform the public.
Motion made by Trustee Hummel to Introduce Ordinance #329, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Hummel, Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
Motion made by Trustee Pesek to accept the first reading of Ordinance #329 and waive the 2nd and 3rd readings, seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Hummel, Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to Adopt Ordinance #329, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Hummel, Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
- Discuss and possibly approve addition of electrical system extension for school project, and updating system for south circuit coming out of substation.
Trustee Hummel begins by handing out some papers he put together to address the need for a new electrical service East Butler is going to need for the new addition. While we are working on this project, Trustee Hummel says this is a good time to make some improvements to the system. He has provided some material from Chapter 7 of the Ordinance book; definition of commercial three phase electrical services. The definition states that when a commercial consumer requests the Village to furnish three phase service rated 200 amps or larger, the consumer shall furnish, install, and maintain all facilities beyond the Village’s existing system. The Ordinance also states the village shall furnish, install and maintain the facilities, provided the cost of improvements may be charged to the commercial consumer, and the amount will be paid in advance of construction.
Trustee Hummel has put projections of costs together for several parts of this project:
Electrical Service for New Addition: $61,227.00
Electrical Service for Maintenance Garage (Quonset): $2,394.00
These amounts should be reimbursed to the Village from East Butler once the work is finished. Trustee Hummel provides a list of materials for the entire project. There is a total quote of $155,665.00 for changing overhead power lines to underground lines for South Circuit out of substation, of which the Village will bear the cost: $92,044.00. He figured while the boring is being done let’s take advantage of the equipment being in town. The cost of boring might change, as it is just an estimate until the guy comes out and looks at it. Trustee Hummel will contact Boyd-Jones about the school’s part of this expense.
Motion made by Trustee Pesek to approve and upgrade the electrical system for the East Butler new addition, seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Pesek, Karber, and Vrbka.
Abstains: Hummel
Voting nay: none
- Discuss and approve building permit for East Butler School construction project.
A set of plans were submitted for the entire East Butler School addition, along with the building permit and the $50 fee. The school will start with the parking lot on the east side of the school.
Motion made by Trustee Karber to approve the building permit, seconded by Trustee Hummel.
Voting aye: Karber, Hummel, Pesek, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
- Discuss & possibly approve Windstream relocation of phone line by East Butler school.
Sarah Nguyen from JEO has been in touch with the Village and it appears the phone line will need to be moved because of the Gym project.
Motion made by Trustee to approve the relocation – with the condition that the two parties (JEO and Kinetic) work to find the best way forward for both of them (regarding the corner of Lowell and Madison), seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Karber, Pesek and Hummel.
Voting nay: none
- Consider Midwest Coatings bid to repair cracks in the asphalt on Novak Street between Cleveland and Lincoln.
Dan Osborne came into the office and recommended we cut out the cracks on Cleveland St and have them refilled. He said he would send a bid or call, but he did not. It was decided to approve the repair pending clarification of where the issue is.
Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to fix the cracks in Cleveland street, pending clarification of the street and damage, seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Karber, Pesek, and Hummel.
Voting nay: none
- Approve minutes for March 16, 2026 meeting.
Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to approve minutes with changes, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Pesek, Hummel, and Karber.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
- Consider April claims.
There is a claim from a Resident for hiring a company to clean out their water and drain pipes for $700.00. Discussion follows on the situation, and the Ordinance book was referenced: Section 7-208. It was decided to deny the claim due to the fact that the pipes from the incorporation to the residence are the responsibility of the resident, and not the Village, per Ordinance Repairs and Maintenance section 7-208.
Motion made by Trustee Hummel to approve April claims minus Spark, Electric and Denise Robeson, seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Hummel, Karber, Pesek, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried Motion made by Trustee Vrbka to pay Spark Electric, seconded by Trustee Pesek.
Voting aye: Vrbka, Pesek, and Karber.
Abstain: Hummel
Voting nay: none
The motion carried
- Committee Reports.
Discussion on pool concessions and what we did last year seemed to work – Trustee Vrbka will go to Sam’s Club for concessions and Menards for other items like diving sticks, goggles, etc. Discussion on what day the pool might open, and it was decided we could shoot for Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. Mitchell will start filling the pool May 4th or 5th. It was decided if the First Nebraska Bank is going to repeat the savings program perks of giving day-passes to savers – we would participate again by donating the day-passes. It was decided the current rates for the pool are adequate and there was no reason to raise them.
Discussion on the ballpark bench covers, and it was reported Dave Foral is working on it. Evergreen Park is having some issues with railroad ties being moved around by the kids playing there. It was decided to maybe take those timbers out and get some more mulch – and someone might have to call the school and let the teachers know the railroad ties should be left alone. The lights around the bandstand at City park should be removed before the bandstand cover gets installed. A resident has offered to provide some rubber mulch for the parks – it was decided we need two big bags. The park bathrooms will be open once school is out. A Pickle-ball net is needed at Evergreen Park.
Discussion on a plan to regularly flush the sewer system in town. It was recommended this be done every three years. We need a schedule in place and a route plan. Discussion on flushing hydrants and water mains. Sometimes this can cause backlash in town as the manganese gets moved around and can clog things in residences.
- Employee Reports.
April Clerk Report – Yolanda Bailey
- Clerk School was earlier this month, and I learned a lot. Even after a few years as Clerk I find there are things we can improve in our daily practices as well as our organization and efficiency.
For instance: This year I found out we should be “introducing” Resolutions before the vote – just like we do for Ordinances – per State Statute 17-614. Resolutions should also be noted in full in the minutes. It is also recommended we have our attorney review ALL Ordinances and Resolutions.
- A good deal of time at Clerk school is spent helping Clerks figure out how to get things done without getting too stressed out. I took one session called “Efficient by Design: how to streamline labor intensive tasks”. This Lincoln clerk has come up with tips to improve tasks that are repetitive, frequently get interrupted or delayed, and tasks that cause dread or high stress.
The first step is identifying what is the problem that is slow, wasteful, error-prone, or causes dread. Then address it. Plan: Identify the problem and decide what you want to achieve.
This got me thinking about the only thing that causes me a sense of dread at work: The billing process. Back in 1991 Lavern Fortik sub-contracted me to come into Coop after hours and go to his computer and enter all the billing numbers into a system called Redwing. The same process had been followed for years – someone goes to the houses and writes down numbers, someone else puts them into the computer and sends the bills. This was 35 years ago. You would think things would have improved by now – well, yes and no.
Mitch still goes to some of the houses and writes down the numbers on the “meter sheets;” these 30-40 houses have older water meters that cannot communicate via Radio Transmission. Then Carla and I go through and fill the numbers he collected into tiny boxes in Power Manager. It takes us a couple of hours to input all those numbers, and it’s a very tedious process. I have included a set of meter sheets in your packets so you can see what I am talking about. Without this part of it – the billing would only take ½ hour, but as it is, I start first thing in the morning and can’t get the bills to the post office before they close at 3:00.
Next month we should begin using the new meter-reading system from Tantalus. This system has cost us a lot of money, but they tell us it is an upgrade from the Itron system because we can see all the meters and accounts – including usage – on our computer. It should be as easy as pushing a button and the billing is ready to print.
That is what the goal is – but until we replace the 30-40 water meters that are not Radio ID equipped, we will have the same situation every month.
Replacing these meters should only take 15 minutes to ½ hour each. It is a complicated task mainly because residents need to be home while it is happening, as it involves shutting of the water and working in the house. I think some letters to residents explaining the situation and asking for their availability could go a long way in organizing the success of this.
If we pushed hard to get this done this year, then we would finally have a truly upgraded and integrated billing system – and that would be a real improvement over what we have now and what we have been working with for years. I understand our maintenance staff may not have the time to do this, but we could get an estimate from a plumber and go from there.
April Treasurer Report: Carla Sander
- A fiscal year profit and loss is provided. Positive projections in electric, fire, garbage, park & rec, sewer street & water. Negative in general. The engineering costs for the water project has been reimbursed for $86,500.00. Located on the profit and loss under CWSRF payment.
- The bank account balance report is provided. An increase of $75,059.59 partially due to the CWSRF payment.
- March employee earnings report is provided. An increase of $7,870.19 due to back insurance stipend received by all employees and board pay.
- Collection report: 19 shut offs sent. Due on April 24, shut off will take place on April 27.
Maintenance Report: Mitchell Janak
The pool lounge chairs are being put together. They are light, so the lifeguards might have to stack them when a storm is coming. Casey and Vance have been doing a good job raking around town, and today they are starting to mow.
There is a collapsed culvert running under Lincoln street that needs to be fixed, Dave Foral will get it done when he has a chance. There are two or three on the list to get incorporations cleaned out, and it will happen around June.
Discussion was held about replacing the basketball hoop at the pool. It was decided to look into a new one – but Mitchell does not think we should mount it because the deck is going to have to be replaced in the next year or so.
Discussion on the ballpark and the planned parking area – but concern because there is a fire hydrant in the area. Discussion on the well-house and what is in the Lease with East Butler. Mitch is confused by some things he was instructed to do by Valerie Vandenberg there regarding handicap signs and such. It was decided to ask Valerie to come and discuss this at a meeting.
- Petitions, Communications, Correspondence.
- Additional Business/Items for next meeting.
- Adjournment.
Motion made by Trustee Pesek to Adjourn at 9:17 pm., seconded by Trustee Karber.
Voting aye: Pesek, Hummel, Karber, and Vrbka.
Voting nay: none
The motion carried