January 21, 2025 Minutes

A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Tuesday January 21, 2025, 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 R. Moore. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, Assistance Utilities Superintendent C. Stout, and members of the public Alexis Windecker, Jerhome Windecker, Jen Moore, Gavin Klie, Richard Hageman, Joel Richardson, Cindy Richardson and Terra Riggs.

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

OPEN FORUM:

Member of the Stratton Community Foundation, Terra Riggs spoke to the board regarding grant requests and potential projects that the Foundation may be able to assist with. Riggs suggested that the board submit a priority list for projects the foundation may be able to help with. Riggs also mentioned that Nebraska Community Foundation Tour would be in Stratton next fall and would like to have projects completed prior to then.

Member of the public, Richard Hagman advised there was water backup into his yard due to what he believes a blocked culvert. Utilities Superintendent Petersen stated that street has had drainage issues for years and not much can be changed but he can look into cleaning it out again.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to approve the purchase of modernized computers as presented by quote from Honor Bound IT. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart and Griffiths. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Quote for thermal imaging of powerlines from Fast Forward was reviewed. Item was tabled until more quotes can be requested.

Fence permit at 703 Hamilton Street was reviewed and questions answered. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to approve fence permit at 703 Hamilton with amendment to limit the fencing 32’ north of existing structure and 32’ south of existing structure, not to block current driveway at 611 Hamilton. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart and Griffiths. Motion carried. Chairman Hanes noted that approved fence is located on existing Village utility easement.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to accept resignation from Jilene Chivell Griffiths. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart and Griffiths. Motion carried.

Chairman Hanes declared notice of vacancy on the Stratton Board of Trustees and asked any interested party to submit their name for consideration of appointment at the next regular board meeting.

Four employment applications have been received for the position of Utilities Superintendent. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to table consideration of employment applications until more board trustees could be present. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Employee Report: Potential changes to employee retirement benefits discussed. It was agreed that the retirement benefits will remain the same.

Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Utilities Superintendent Petersen advised that the tree pit had been burnt out.

Electricity Committee Report: The annual meeting with SWPPD was reviewed. The production cost adjustment credit will be ending in the next year. Chairman Hanes inquired if the tree service had made arrangements for trimming branches away from powerlines. Superintendent Petersen had not heard from anyone yet. Hanes will reach out again. Options available for mutual aid were discussed. Member of the public A. Windecker inquired as to what the reason was for SWPPD not providing maintenance support. Chairman Hanes reviewed the needed maintenance and testing items requested in the letter from SWPPD and explained that SWPPD couldn’t take on the liability. J. Richardson inquired if the new hire for Utilities Superintendent would be sent to rubber glove school. Hanes advised that training had been discussed as a possibility.     

Water & Sewer Committee Report: It was reported that Assistant Utility Superintendent Stout would be attending water operator course on February 4-6^th in Norfolk. Clerk Hedrick was requested to make lodging arrangements.

Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.

Health & Welfare Committee: Nothing new to report.

Park & Recreation Committee Report: It was noted that the new playground equipment had been delivered, and the old set would need to be removed. Discussion on disposal of the old play set. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to declare the old play equipment at the Village Park as surplus item and advertise for bids to sell it. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion carried.

Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Moore. Nays: None. Absent: Stewart. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday February 18, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.