September 16, Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:02 pm on Monday September 16, 2024 at the Village Office by Chairman S. Hanes. Notice of the meeting was posted in three public places: Village Clerk’s Office, MNB Bank Stratton, and United States Post Office Stratton: 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, Trustee J. Chivell Griffiths. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, Deputy Clerk D. Burk, and members of the public Melissa Dailey, Linda Zahl, and Sabrinna Morgan.

Excused absence was discussed.

OPEN FORUM: Member of the public Linda Zahl addressed the board regarding weeds on private property that weren’t being taken care of around town. Discussion was had regarding the need to weed eat along the edges of property. It was mentioned that the property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the street and alley adjoining their property.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Bohochik presented selections for new playground equipment for consideration. Options were reviewed and discussed. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Griffiths to select option PKP217 from Summit Supply. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.

Ordinance to amend truck parking was presented and reviewed. Motion by Griffiths and seconded by Stewart to waive the three readings on Ordinance 219 Amending Truck Parking Ordinance. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried. Motion by Bohochik and seconded by Stewart to adopt Ordinance 219 amending Truck Parking Ordinance. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.

Discussion was had regarding amending fence ordinance to include requirement around swimming pools. Motion by Griffiths and seconded by Stewart to table the topic for more review until the next regular meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to approve Resolution 535 to approve 1% budget increase. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.

Resolution 535 to Approve 1% Budget Increase

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHAIRPERSON AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF STRATTON, NEBRASKA: The Village Board of Stratton hereby approves an additional 1% increase on the total 2023-2024 fiscal year funds subject to limitation by law for the fiscal year 2024-2025.

Motion by Griffiths and seconded by Stewart to approve Resolution 536 to approved property tax request. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION SETTING THE PROPERTY TAX REQUEST

RESOLUTION NO 536

WHEREAS, Nebraska Revised Statute 77-1632 and 77-1633 provides that the Governing Body of the Village of Stratton passes by a majority vote a resolution or ordinance setting the tax request; and

WHEREAS, a special public hearing was held as required by law to hear and consider comments concerning the property tax request;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Governing Body of the Village of Stratton resolves that:

1. The 2024-2025 property tax request be set at:

General Fund: $87,110.48

Bond Fund: $        -

2. The total assessed value of property differs from last year’s total assessed value by 2.33 percent.
3. The tax rate which would levy the same amount of property taxes as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of property would be 0.439732 per $100 of assessed value.
4. The Village of Stratton proposes to adopt a property tax request that will cause its tax rate to be 0.45 per $100 of assessed value.
5. Based on the proposed property tax request and changes in other revenue, the total operating budget of the Village of Stratton will increase (or decrease) last year’s budget by 9.98 percent.

A copy of this resolution be certified and forwarded to the County Clerk on or before October 15, 2024.

Motion by Griffiths and seconded by Stewart to waive the three readings for 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance #220. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.

Motion by Griffiths and seconded by Stewart to adopt 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance #220. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion carried.

Motion by Griffiths and seconded by Stewart to approve building permit at 500 Scarber Street. Roll call: Ayes: Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Abstain: Hanes. Motion carried.

Employee Report: Nothing new to report.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Stewart stated that alley by Hamilton and Bonner is needing millings as there is a pipe exposed.

Electricity Committee Report: Superintendent Petersen presented information regarding used radio read electric meters available for purchase from the City of Hastings. Stewart will reach out to the contact for more details. Petersen advised there is a planned power outage for a portion of the town on the morning of September 17^th for approximately half an hour to complete maintenance work.

Water & Sewer Committee Report: Petersen reviewed maintenance work completed on water well pump. Member of the public Melissa Dailey inquired about the status of a new water meter for her service.

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Health & Welfare Committee: Nothing new to report.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: It was noted that the park is looking well and the new landscaping company is doing a good job.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Griffiths to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Griffiths. Nays: None. Absent: McDonald. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 7:56 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday September 16, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.