March 17, 2025 Minutes
March 20, 2025
A meeting of the Stratton Village Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 pm on Monday March 17, 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 J. Stewart, Trustee H.A. Windecker. Also in attendance were: Utilities Superintendent M. Petersen, Clerk T. Hedrick, and members of the public Melissa Dailey and Sabrinna Morgan.
Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to excuse the absence of Trustee Moore. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker. Nays: None. Absent: Moore. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM:
No public comment made.
Motion by Hanes and seconded by Bohochik to approve the previous minutes, claims and treasurers report as presented. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker. Nays: None. Absent: Moore. Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
With no objection new bank signature cards were accepted and signed by those present.
Michael Hoback with AMGL reviewed the results of the annual Village audit. Hoback reviewed funds in each account. Hoback stated the importance of board oversight due to lack of separation of duties because of limited staff. Hoback advised the board to continue to monitor utility rates, especially electric and sewer funds, for rate increases needed to preserve cash reserves and allow for needed upgrades. It was recommended to adopt a written capitalization policy. Two accounts were found that had sales tax charged on water usage. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to accept the audit results. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker. Nays: None. Absent: Moore. Motion carried.
Bids for surplus playground equipment were reviewed. It was noted that the purchaser would be responsible of removal of the equipment. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Windecker to accept bid from Melissa Dailey to purchase surplus playground equipment for $260.00. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker. Nays: None. Absent: Moore. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Quote for AED was discussed. Motion by Hanes and seconded by Stewart to purchase one AED with case from the Stratton Ambulance to be placed in the hallway of the Village Office. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker. Nays: None. Absent: Moore. Motion carried.
Quotes reviewed for street work on Railway Street. Discussion on how extensive of repairs were needed. Motion by Stewart and seconded by Bohochik to forward information to the Village engineer for review and evaluation. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker. Nays: None. Absent: Moore. Motion carried.
Dates for spring clean up were discussed. It was agreed to have a roll off dumpster available and complete tree limb pick up on May 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Swimming pool applications were reviewed. Applications will continue to be accepted until April 18th at which time it will be decided if enough staff would be available to open the swimming pool.
Employee Report: Hanes advised there have been some concerns and questions from the individual offered the Utility Superintendent position. He will be getting back to the Village soon regarding his decision on whether to take the position.
Streets, Ally and Landfill Report: Nothing new to report.
Electricity Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Water & Sewer Committee Report: There was discussion regarding the Village of Trenton considering purchasing equipment to test and replace lead water lines and shared usage of the equipment with surrounding communities. Superintendent Petersen stated that there weren’t many, if any, lead water lines in Stratton.
Finance Committee Report: Nothing new to report.
Health & Welfare Committee: Nothing new to report.
Park & Recreation Committee Report: Park maintenance discussed. Tree trimming was discussed.
Motion by Stewart and seconded by Hanes to adjourn the meeting. Roll call: Ayes: Hanes, Bohochik, Stewart, Windecker. Nays: None. Absent: Moore. Motion Carried and meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.
The next regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be held on Monday April 21, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Village Office.
| March 2025 Claims | |||
| Vendor | Description | Amount | |
| American Agricultural Laboratory | Water testing | $177.56 | |
| Baker & Taylor | Books | $20.16 | |
| Capital One | Supplies | $71.91 | |
| Charles Schwab & Co., Inc | Retirement Contribution | $537.22 | |
| Culligan Water Conditioning | Monthly Rental | $36.93 | |
| Eakes | Supplies | $566.21 | |
| Farmers Cooperative Grain & Supply | Fuel & Prepaid propane | $289.49 | |
| Great Plains Communication | Phone Service | $489.27 | |
| HonorboundIT | IT support & computers and install | $150.00 | |
| NMC | Skid Steer Lease | $7,400.00 | |
| Scoop Media | Publications | $290.31 | |
| Southwest Public Power District | Power cost | $24,646.75 | |
| Stratton Auto Parts | Supplies | $66.76 | |
| US Bank | Payroll Fee, Books, Water Operator Training Lodging and Meals | $466.51 | |
| Verizon | Cell Phone Service | $161.16 | |
| Waste Connections of Nebraska | Town Disposal Charge | $4,190.16 | |
| Wesco | Thermal Imaging | $4,200.00 | |
| Mandatory Disbursements: | |||
| Aflac | Employee Withholding | $161.38 | |
| MNB- Stratton | ACH Fees | $38.27 | |
| Nebraska Department of Revenue | Sales Tax | $1,635.88 | |
| Payroll | |||
| Salaries | Salaries | $15,297.79 | |
| Payroll Taxes | Employer Contribution | $1,166.35 | |
| Total Claims | $43,760.40 | ||
| Total Mandatory Disbursements | $1,835.53 | ||
| Total Payroll | $16,464.14 | ||
| Total Claims Report | $62,060.07 |
