May 20, 2024 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Monday May 20, 2024 at the Village Office by Chairman S. Hanes. Notice of the meeting was posted in three public places and availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice. A poster of the “Open Meetings Act” was clearly visible on the wall, and Chairman Hanes directed the attention of those present to the poster. All proceedings hereafter shown occurred while the meeting was in session.

Present: Trustee S. Hanes, Trustee P. Bohochik, Trustee J. Stewart. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, and members of the public Sabrinna Morgan, Kory League and Melissa Dailey.

Motion by Stewart and seconded by Bohochik to excuse Griffiths from the current meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent McDonald. Motion carried.

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the public Kory League inquired about needing a deposit when reconnecting services to his home. There was no objection to waiving the deposit as the prior disconnect was due to displacement from flooding and was out of anyone’s control. Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan stated the tree dump was looking well-kept recently. Member of the public Melissa Dailey inquired as to how the Village attorney was paid and why the Village attorney didn’t attend each board meeting. Board members stated the Village attorney was paid hourly and the attorney would be requested only when matters on the agenda warranted his presence, other correspondence takes place outside of meetings as needed. Dailey inquired as to if the Village board meetings could be posted on Facebook Live, like some surrounding towns were doing. Discussion was had on community involvement and pros and cons of access to watch the meeting without being present and involved at the meeting. Dailey inquired about three readings for Ordinances. Clerk Hedrick offered to post the agenda on Facebook prior to the meetings. Discussion was had regarding posting of minutes.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to approve the previous minutes, claims and treasurers report as presented. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald, Griffiths. Motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Waste Connections was contacted regarding disposal of appliances. They reported that they would pick up limited appliances at a rate of $20 per item during the annual clean up day. With no objection it was agreed to continue not to accept appliances. Other options for residents were discussed.

Vacant property registration ordinance was reviewed and discussed. Motion by Hanes and second by Steward to send the proposed ordinance to the Village attorney for review. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald, Griffiths. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

The first reading completed of Ordinance to establish and fix an hourly and salary pay and compensation for the appointed offices and employees of the Village of Stratton, Nebraska; to allow for voluntary surrender of salary; and for the repeal of any ordinance in conflict herewith; to provide for the effective date of this ordinance.

Truck parking on Village streets was discussed. Options for alternative parking were considered. Warning letters and fines will be sent to those still in violation as needed.

Discussion on removing electric meters at 509 and 511 Baxter. Utilities Superintendent Petersen will have the unused meters disconnected and removed.

A dog complaint at 404 Nebraska was discussed. With no objection the board will allow the temporary housing of five dogs at the residence due to the owners being displaced from their home due to flooding. It was noted the new building permit had recently been approved and two of the dogs will be relocated soon. The board advised that the dogs would still need to be registered with the Village with proof of rabies vaccinations prior to the next meeting.

Employee Report: Clerk Hedrick requested approval to attend the Municipal Accounting and Finance conference in June. With no objection approval was given.  

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Member of the public Sabrinna Morgan inquired if the pot holes in the alley behind her home could be filled in. Superintendent Petersen stated lots of alleys needed repairs. Discussion was had regarding dump signs and access to the dump as well as unauthorized items at the dump and dumping in incorrect areas.

Electricity Committee Report: Member of the public Melissa Dailey inquired about quarterly billing. The board didn’t feel that would be a possibility at this time.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Health & Welfare Committee: Update on employee first aid and CPR training was discussed. Clerk Hedrick is working to find a date that works for all individuals’ schedules.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: Possibility of grants and purchase of new playground equipment was discussed. Stewart inquired about use of dog waste stations.

Correspondence: Complaint regarding fence was received. Board members instructed Clerk Hedrick to ask the alleged offender to submit a fence permit.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald, Griffiths. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday June 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.