A regular meeting of the Mayor and the City Council of O'Neill was held at the City Hall in said City on the 4th day of February, 2008 at 7:30 P.M.

 

     Present:  Mayor William Price, City Attorney Boyd Strope, City Clerk/Treasurer Nikki Johnston, Council President Ed Price and Council members;  Don Baker, Vicki Cork, Terri Krysl, Dwayne Philbrick, Tim Schneider and Tim Gleason.  Absent:  Council member Kevin Shelhamer.

 

     Notice of this meeting was given in advance thereof according to Section 84-1408 of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska.  Notice of the meeting

was given to the Mayor and all members of the Council and a copy of the acknowledgement of receipt of notice and the agenda is attached to the minutes.  Availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice. 

All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while convened meeting was open to the attendance of the public.

 

     The meeting was called to order by Mayor Price.

 

Moved by Price, second by Schneider to waive the reading of the minutes

of the January 7th and January 24th meetings and approve them as if read.  Roll call vote as follows:  All Ayes.  Motion carried.

 

     Linda Fitch submitted the North Park Homes I and II annual report to the council.  The report is on file with the City Clerk.

 

Council member Schneider introduced and moved to adopt Resolution No. 08-05, which is on file with the City Clerk.

 

                     RESOLUTION NO. 08-05

 

                            OF THE

 

                   CITY OF O'NEILL, NEBRASKA

 

     BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF O'NEILL, NEBRASKA:

     Sec. 1.  The two parking spaces directly south of the three handicap parking spaces located on the west side of North 4th Street on the three hundred block should be and are hereby designated as “Adoration Committee” parking spaces.

     PASSED AND APPROVED this 4th day of February, 2008.

 

 

                            

                             WILLIAM T. PRICE, MAYOR

ATTEST:

(SEAL)

 

 

NIKKI JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK/TREASURER

 

Second by Gleason to adopt Resolution No. 08-05.  Roll call vote as follows:  Aye; Baker, Krysl, Philbrick, Schneider and Gleason.  Nay:  Cork and Price.  Absent:  Shelhamer.  Motion carried.

 

Moved by Baker, second by Price to approve a minimum goal of one million dollars collected by the Community Center Committee and approve applying for a low interest loan up to $750,000 for the balance after fund raising goal has been reached and grants are received and to authorize the environmental review to be completed.  Roll call vote as follows:  All Ayes.  Motion carried.

 

Library Director Becky Cemper submitted the following annual report to the council:

 

To begin the library staff would like to thank the city council for their support of the library. Mayor Price and Councilwoman Cork are frequent library visitors.

 

Collection Statistics

In 2007 3196 library materials (books, periodicals, audio books, and DVDs/Videos) were added to the collection, an increase of 1228 over last year. The library withdrew 2063 items including books in poor repair or no longer circulating, donations not added and outdated periodicals and newspapers (due to space constraints the library only keeps back issue periodicals 3-5 years excluding National Geographic Magazine).

 

Circulation Statistics

Our total circulation for 2007 was 92,762 a decrease of 10,345 from the 103,107 in 2006. This should not be viewed as a decrease of library patronage, but a reflection of the change in renewal policy. The library no longer automatically renews library materials unless verbally requested by the patron.  This change is the result of a discussion between library management and the library board how to most accurately reflect the library circulation numbers. 

 

5,686 people used the library computers last year. Some libraries use this statistic as part of their circulation, the library does not.

This year the library withdrew 84 patron cards of deceased or relocated patrons. Presently there are 2358 registered borrowers an increase of 164 over last year. The library loaned 227 items to other libraries (39 more than 2006) and borrowed 52 items (46 less than last year). The library placed 969 holds for library materials, 383 more than the 586 placed last year.

 

Fines, Copies and Nonresident Cards

For the 2006/2007 fiscal year the library collected $5,043.00, an increase of $1,088.00 over the $3,955.00 collected last fiscal year. This is a reflection of the change in renewal policy. The library also issued amnesty coupons around Christmas time due to fine increases. Ninety coupons were returned.

 

Programming

After the change of staff the library hosted 10 story hours, 2 movie days, 2 Halloween parties (divided by age levels) and 1 Christmas Extravaganza.

Summer 2007 the library, with the support of The Friends of the O’Neill Public Library, hosted the Get a Clue @Your Library summer reading program. Ninety-eight children registered for the six week program. A weekly story hour was held with a total of 279 children attending. The Northeast Library System provided the library with Omaha Royals tickets that were drawn for at story hours. This was well received by the participants. Jessica attended the Royals game and saw several familiar faces there! The library staff has already began working on the 2008 Catch the Reading Bug summer program.

Due to the success of Get a Clue @Your Library, the library implemented the Partners in Reading program last fall. Participation required an adult or older sibling read with a child. Fifty-six children participated in the program. Two daycares and St. Mary’s Kindergarten were among the participants. Based on the outcome measurement the library will hold this program again in 2008.

 

Continuing Education

Jessica is currently working on Basic Skills classes through the Nebraska Library Commission. She has completed one class and will begin the next phase of classes in March. I have completed a college level Library Administration class through Northeast Community College and am presently taking a Collection Development class through Mid-Plains Community College.

 

Maintenance

As the council knows the library has been addressing several maintenance issues.  Retaining walls have been added to the north side of the library beneath each set of the lower front windows. Soil was added to create a slope away from the building and larger overgrown shrubs were replaced with smaller ones.   The garden level window casements on the north side have

been repainted. Repair to the lower interior wall on the northwest side of the garden level was completed last Friday.

 

Upcoming

 

The library is presently working on updating the library’s website. High school senior Breanna Felker designed a new website for us (she also received a grade for her work in one of her classes). The Friends are purchasing the needed software to launch the newly designed site.

March 1st is the anniversary date of Nebraska Statehood. This March 1st history re-enactor Darrel Draper will portray Peter Sarpy in the library’s presentation room.  This program is to be partly funded by the Nebraska Arts Council and the Friends of the O’Neill Public Library and is free to the public.

 

The Friends of the O’Neill Public Library will have a Dinner Theater this year instead of the Carnegie Party in May. Jessica is directing and acting in the play.

 

In closing the library staff looks forward to serving our community with their informational needs and recreational reading needs in 2008!

 

     Council member Schneider introduced and moved to adopt Resolution No. 08-06, which is on file with the City Clerk.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 08-06

 

OF THE

 

CITY OF O’NEILL

 

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF O’NEILL APPROVING

TRANSFER OF FRANCHISE

 

WHEREAS,      the City of O’Neill, Nebraska (the “City”) previously passed

and adopted an Ordinance on November 15, 2001 (the “Franchise”), which Franchise granted to Midcontinent Communications (“Midcontinent”), its successors and assigns,

the right to erect, own, operate and maintain a cable television system in O’Neill, Nebraska; and

 

WHEREAS,      Midcontinent and Cable Nebraska V, LLC (“Cable Nebraska”) have entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement dated January 11, 2008 (the “Agreement”) whereby Cable Nebraska is acquiring all or substantially all of Midcontinent’s assets used in the operation of its cable system in the City; and

 

WHEREAS,      pursuant to the Agreement, on the closing date, Midcontinent will transfer and assign the Franchise to Cable Nebraska, and Cable Nebraska will assume all obligations arising from the Franchise, after the closing date; and

 

WHEREAS,      Midcontinent has requested in writing that the City consent to the transfer of the Franchise to Cable Nebraska,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY AS FOLLOWS:

 

That subject to Cable Nebraska and Midcontinent closing the underlying sale

of Midcontinent’s cable system in the City, the City hereby consents to the

assignment and transfer of the Franchise from Midcontinent Communications to

Cable Nebraska V, LLC.  Nothing in this Resolution constitutes any waiver of

any rights by the City to approve any subsequent transfer, assignment or

sale of the Franchise.

 

PASSED AND APPROVED this 4th day of February, 2008.

 

 

                            

                             WILLIAM T. PRICE, MAYOR

ATTEST:

(SEAL)

 

 

NIKKI JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK/TREASURER

 

Second by Gleason to approve Resolution No. 08-06.  Roll call vote as follows:  All Ayes.  Motion carried.

 

     The Council reviewed the following proposed street projects:

 

1-YEAR PLAN - 2008

Project   Description                                Estimated

 No.                                                   Cost

 

192         Beginning 250’± west of intersection of Hynes Avenue  $300,000

            and Country Club Lane, east to Country Club Lane,

            north on Putter Street to a point 500’± north of

          Cedar Street, east to existing structure under U.S.

          Highway 281

          Construct storm sewer

 

204         4th Street, from Kildare Street to Church Street      $ 80,000

            Construct 7” P.C. concrete paving

 

205         Williams Street, from 8th Street to 9th Street          $ 65,000

            Construct 6” P.C. concrete paving

 

202         Fremont Street, from 8th Street to 10th Street          $120,000

            Construct 6” P.C. concrete paving

 

FUTURE PLANS - 2008

Project   Description                                Estimated

 No.                                                   Cost

 

196         East Clay Street, between 5th Street and 6th Street         $ 65,000

            Construct 6” P.C. concrete paving

 

181         Clay Street, from 2nd Street to 5th Street; 2nd             $210,000

            Street, from 1/2 block north of Benton Street to Clay

            Street

            Construct storm sewer

 

163         Thurman Street intersection, both sides of                  $ 95,000

            Douglas Street

            Construct P.C. concrete intersection

 

136         Cleveland Street, from Douglas Street to Fremont            $600,000

            Street; Morton Street, from Douglas Street to

            Fremont Street; Fremont Street, from Cleveland

            Street to Jefferson Street; Everett Street, from

            Cleveland Street to Harrison Street

            Construct storm sewer

 

201         Intersection of East Hynes Avenue and Londonderry Drive     $ 25,000

            Construct P.C. concrete intersection

 

194         North 1st Street, from Hynes Avenue to Kros Drive           $120,000

          Construct storm sewer

 

206         10th Street, from Hynes Avenue to Benton Street             $350,000

            Construct 7” P.C. concrete paving and storm sewer inlets

 

     City Clerk Johnston requested that Putter Street paving for the housing subdivision project be placed on the one year plan.  This would serve as gap

financing for the grant.  The Council allowed the project to be added to the plan.

 

Council members Baker and Cork wanted a storm drain at the intersection of Hynes Avenue and Londonderry Drive to be looked at and added to the future plans.

 

Council member Schneider introduced and moved to adopt Resolution No. 08-07 which is on file with the City Clerk.

 

                     RESOLUTION NO. 08-05

 

                            OF THE

 

                   CITY OF O'NEILL, NEBRASKA

 

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF O'NEILL, NEBRASKA, THAT:

     Sec. 1.  The City of O'Neill is owner of a 1965 Ford 5500 Tractor with backhoe and loader and it is hereby determined the City no longer, or in the future, shall need said property and that the same should be and is hereby directed to be sold.

     Sec. 2.  Said personal property has a fair market value of less than $5,000.00 and shall be sold on the following terms and conditions:

     - Minimum bid - $350.00

     - Sealed Bid submitted to the O'Neill City Clerk, 401 East Fremont, O'Neill, Nebraska prior to 7:30 p.m. March 3, 2008, at which time bids will be opened.

     Sec. 3.  Notice of said sale stating a general description of said property and the terms and conditions of said sale shall be posted at O'Neill City Hall, Holt Co. Independent and Pinnacle Bank at least seven days prior to said sale.  After said notice and posting period the City shall cause said sale to be made, subject to the City's right to accept or reject bids.

     Sec. 4.  The proper City officials are hereby authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary to effect said sale.  

     PASSED AND APPROVED this 4th day of February, 2008.

 

 

                            

                             WILLIAM T. PRICE, MAYOR

ATTEST:

(SEAL)

 

 

NIKKI JOHNSTON, CITY CLERK/TREASURER

Second by Krysl to adopt Resolution No. 08-07.  Roll call vote as follows:  All Ayes.  Motion carried.

 

Moved by Price, second by Cork to approve a REAP CDBG drawdown in the amount of $20,350.  Roll call vote as follows:  All Ayes.  Motion carried.

 

Moved by Baker, second by Cork to approve the bills.  Roll call vote as follows:  All Ayes.  Motion carried.

 

ALL FUNDS

Payroll, salary      76,129.96   Fed & FICA, tax          16,395.16

Alltel, ser             392.62   American Family, ins        323.38

Appeara, su             876.47   Bomgaars, su              1,227.75

Coventry Health Care, ins 19,468.60                Cubby’s, fuel                      6,976.07

Life Secure, su         146.86   Metlife, dental ins       1,196.54

Nationwide, pension   4,070.95   NE Dept of Revenue, tax   1,820.68

NPPD, util           12,146.67   NT&T, phone               1,723.33

Ogden Hardware, su      213.82   Pitney Bowes, postage     1,000.00

SourceGas, util       3,723.25   Standard Insurance, ins     177.00

Western Office, su      409.78

 

GENERAL FUND

Pete Bolln, re           45.00   Carhart Lumber, su           80.71

Contingent Fund, misc 1,321.85   Emergency Medical, su       533.06

Michelle Lindbloom, ser  20.00   Fort Dearborn, ins          141.04

Great Western, su        45.00   Holiday Inn, lodging        127.90

Holt Co. Independent, ad 333.96   Island Supply, su           368.59

K&K Welding, su         152.07   KBRX, ad                     12.50

Lab Safety, su          119.97   Leeroy Lauridsen, re        509.20

Lincoln Nat’l, ins       59.35   McIntosh Jewelry, ser         4.50

Scott Menish, clean      85.00   Morcomm, ser                 10.00

NE Child Support, garn    9.27   NE Dept. of Labor, pmt      248.00

O’Neill Heating & Air, re 328.90  O’Neill Tire & Supply, re   154.28

Prairie Hills, su       154.32   Qwest, phone                 39.10

Ranchland Auto, su       14.90   Sarah Sidak, clean          175.00

Wendell Auto, su         20.00