Council Summaries - Dec. 5 and 19, 2023

Individuals and media outlets are encouraged to contact the City Administrator for additional details or clarification on the following material. Regular meetings of the Crete City Council are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall; Council Standing Committees may meet prior. View a list of City Officials and current council and committee meeting agendas.

The next Crete City Council regular meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 2. 

Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, Dec. 19
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: City Council Dec. 5, Legislative and Economic Development Committee Dec. 5, Parks and Recreation Committee Dec. 5, Public Safety Committee Dec. 5, Personnel Committee Dec. 5, Public Works Committee Dec. 5
• Treasurer’s Report
• Payment of claims against the City 

The Council heard a Crete Comprehensive Plan update by Confluence Staff, member Caitlin Bolte. 

• Bolte gave an overview of the planning schedule, which started in August 2022 and is  wrapping up now for the city’s review; next steps include reviewing suggested changes in zoning codes. She said there was a lot of public engagement throughout multiple phases with seven steering committee meetings, four public meetings, multiple stakeholder interviews, and three workshops.
  • There are five chapters in the plan with goals for each. Chapter 1 explains the plan process with community visioning statements, Welcoming Circle input, guiding principles, 20 big ideas and how this will translate into different policies, goals, and priorities. Chapter 2 includes recommendations, input on community character, housing, parks and recreation, as well as downtown strategic opportunities and how to improve facades and streetscapes. Chapter 3 centers on economic development and transportation with future streets and how best to grow with entertainment nodes and development, as well as with bicycles, pedestrians, cars, and a trail system. Chapter 4 is on land use with existing use maps and breakdowns with planning boundaries, and sets up future zoning code updates. Maps include those on future annexation priorities, future land use, and sports complex concepts with soccer fields (one championship, plus additional), six softball and two baseball fields, concessions, restrooms, and playground space. Chapter 5 includes implementation goals and policies, plus steps the city can take to achieve goals with timelines for short, midterm, ongoing plans.
• Mayor Dave Bauer commented that the presentations throughout have helped explain along the way and we have had a lot of people involved that helped come up with ideas.

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the purchase of Real Property at 1209 and 1211 Main Ave, Crete, Nebraska.

• City Administrator Tom Ourada explained at the previous meeting that these are adjoining downtown buildings for sale where the city is concerned with fixing current exterior damage as well as helping development for usable space. They have an interested party looking to move a business and there may be a symbiotic opportunity here.   

The Council voted 6-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2023-33 to purchase the property located at South 1/2 of Lot 5 & Pt of North 1/2 of Lot 6 Block 1 Crete, Saline County, Nebraska.

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the expansion and purchase of park facilities south Crete, Nebraska.

The Council voted 6-0 to adopt Resolution 2023-34 Approving the purchase 34-0-0 Crete Precinct Pt S 1/2 SE 1/4 Section 34-8-4 39.02 Acres Crete, Saline County, Nebraska  And 3-0-0 Big Blue Precinct Pt N 1/2 NE 1/4 Section 3-7-4 78.86 Acres Crete, Saline County, Nebraska.

• This property is located between Main Ave. and Boswell Ave. south of town and is currently agricultural. Ashley Newmyer, Parks and Recreation Committee chair, said they felt this purchase aligned to the city's current and new comprehensive plans to expand park facilities.

The Council voted 5-0 (Papik abstained) to approve payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,190.99.

The Council voted 6-0 to waive three readings and enact Ordinance 2191 to mandate all sidewalks be constructed five feet wide. 

• Ourada said this item went to the Planning Commission who voted 3-3 and their discussion and concerns were shared with the council’s Public Works Committee for further discussion.
• Dale Strehle, Public Works Committee chair, said discussion with the Planning Commission was about current sidewalks, which are mostly 4 feet wide, connecting with new, wider sidewalks. The committee felt they can find a solution as those situations occur.

The Council voted 6-0 to waive three readings and enact Ordinance 2192 for sidewalks to be built according to current standards.

The Council did not hold a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to Resolution No. 2023-30 To Levy Special Assessments Against Certain Real Property As Crete City North 34 Feet of Lot 11 and all of Lot 12 Block 43, City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. 

• City Attorney Anna Burge said this property owner has settled this account and paid fees in full.

The Council did not vote to adopt Resolution No. 2023-30 To Levy Special Assessments Against Certain Real Property As Crete City North 34 Feet of Lot 11 and all of Lot 12 Block 43, City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska.

• Kyle Frans, Finance Committee chair, said they recommended not to adopt this resolution based on this account being paid in full.

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to Resolution No. 2023-31 To Levy Special Assessments Against Certain Real Property As Crete City Lots 7, 8, And 9 Block 159, City Of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. 

The Council voted 6-0 to a adopt Resolution No. 2023-31 To Levy Special Assessments Against Certain Real Property As Crete City Lots 7, 8, And 9 Block 159, City Of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. This is an avenue to recover costs associated with abating a nuisance property. In effect, a lien is being placed on the property.

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to Resolution No. 2023-32 To Levy Special Assessments Against Certain Real Property Described As Crete City Sacks's Addition Lot 7 Block 2, City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska.

The Council voted 6-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2023-32 To Levy Special Assessments Against Certain Real Property Described As Crete City Sacks's Addition Lot 7 Block 2, City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. This is an avenue to recover costs associated with abating a nuisance property. In effect, a lien is being placed on the property.

The Council voted 6-0 to amend the Non-DOT Anti-Drug Plan.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Change Request -COR 014 from Kingery Construction Co. in the amount of $3,203.00 for the Crete Isis Theatre Phase 1. 

• Blue River Arts Council Director Shaylene Smith said this change order included some things that are different in the lobby construction; she also submitted financials to show money on hand and continued fundraising efforts.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Change Order No. 001 from Kingery Construction Co. for the Crete Isis theater renovation- Phase 2 in the amount of $100,000.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Application for special event permit SE23-10. 

• Ourada clarified this is for fireworks on New Year’s Eve someone wants to use in their driveway; the only way they can do this is by special application to the council. He had no recommendation for the Council.
• Frans commented that this person is asking as is required.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Airport Engineer.

• Ourada explained in the Public Works Committee that the selection committee went through the federal procurement process and did interviews of all candidates; the committee recommended Olsson Associates.
• Will White, Airport Manager, commented that he finds them easy to work with so far in his role at the airport and finds them knowledgeable and their experience sets them apart from everyone else.
• Strehle said the Public Works Committee felt this search went above and beyond the due diligence required.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the LB840 application for funds from the City of Crete. 

• Ourada explained the city applied for these funds in consultation with the Mayor for the buildings at 1209 and 1211 Main Ave. The Economic Development Advisory Board recommended the application and forwarded it to the Legislative and Economic Development Committee of the council.
• Anthony Fitzgerald, committee chair, felt the necessary information was there and recommended this item be approved.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Crete Public Library applying for the Penguin Random House grant for small and rural libraries to help support a community-oriented project. 

• This is a non-participatory grant with no match required and was reviewed and approved by the Library Advisory Board.

Petition - Communication - Citizen Concern:

            Shay Smith shared that BRAC will be ready by February for the process on Creative Districting, which could open up new funding with the Nebraska Arts Council. This would require an agreement with the city and local businesses affected by arts districting. This is already being done in McCook, Beatrice, Schuyler, and Norfolk. Ourada commented that Ashland also has a very active Creative District.

Officer Reports:

Reports may be given by Officers, Departments, Committees, or Council members concerning the current operations of the City. No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.

• Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director:
  • thanked the council for action on items that will affect parks, namely the new comprehensive plan and land purchase for a future sports complex and thanked Tom for coordinating that;
  • parks staff are making fence repairs and fence relocation in City Park around the playground; repairs to signage, picnic tables, etc.
  • Food Bank of Lincoln distribution is Dec. 28 at Tuxedo Park; they are also bringing extra blue barrels which can be available to local organizations for donation collections;'
  • staff arborist and pool certifications are upcoming;
• Gary Young, Police Chief: 
  • the annual Operation Under the Tree local toy distribution was held on Dec, 16 with over 700 kids and 150 families served by many volunteers throughout the community; he is really proud of our community in the way we help people;
  • he met with Crete High School’s Grassroots Leadership students, who also visited City Hall and the fire station;
  • radio changeover is ongoing to increase the capacity, Captain Pucket was working through issues from the implementation today;
• Tom Crisman, Council Member Ward 2, asked about street maintenance and tarring cracks. Ourada said he will check on it.
• Dale Strehle, Council Member Ward 2, wished all a Merry Christmas and safe travels during the holidays.
• Anthony Fitzgerald, Council Member Ward 1, asked about the status of the street sweeper. Ourada said recent mechanical issues have been corrected; it has been out.
• Tom Ourada, City Administrator:
  • our housing non-profit company is investing in workforce housing on a townhouse project in Sack’s subdivision, giving equal opportunity to local developers;
  • the new Casey’s opened on time; he noted utilities, and street departments and the building inspector helped considerably on that;
  • he’s been talking with JEO about creating a paving district on East 15th street with design costs and assessments;
  • he received an email that the north side gap paving projects are substantially complete now, however, they were due in November;
  • police officer interviews are ongoing with good candidates.
• Mayor Dave Bauer wished all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and safe travels to and from their gatherings.

Meeting adjourned.

Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, Dec. 5
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: City Council Nov. 21, Public Safety Committee Nov. 21, Public Works Committee Nov. 21
• Treasurer’s Report
  • City Sales Tax Receipts
  • Keno Report
• Payment of claims against the City
• Approve the Downtown Revitalization Project Drawdown #5. 
• Approve Norris Public Power District Invoice# 10922 for the amount of $11,552.83. 

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the following Mayor's Appointments

• Finance Director, Wendy Thomas
• City Clerk, Nancy Tellez
• City Engineer through 2024, JEO Consulting Group

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the resignation of City Clerk-Treasurer Jerry Wilcox, who is retiring in December after 16 years with the City of Crete.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Maintenance Agreement No. 57 between the Nebraska Department of Transportation and the Municipality of Crete. This is an agreement entered into regularly by the city.

The Council voted 6-0 to waive three readings and enact Ordinance No. 2188 Relating To The Vacation Of Streets Or Alleys; To Vacate Whittier Avenue North of Burlington Estates Plat. City Administrator Tom Ourada explained this approves vacating a portion of an alley north of the Burlington Estates plat approved at the last council meeting; this preserves utility easements to the vacated property.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve review of City Administrator Tom Ourada representative vote on the Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.

• Ourada clarified this item from Nebraska Municipal Power Pool (NMPP) and Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN); this is a restructuring of the schedule M agreement that has existed since 1970s. When power resources fall off, the city would have to find resources at whatever price it could find, however, with the new schedule M, there are available resources the power pool can bring online. Voting for the new agreement is in the city’s best interests.

The Council voted 6-0 to waive three readings and enact Ordinance No. 2189 Amending the Wage Scale on Street, Wastewater, and Water Operator, and Customer Service Rep and Cemetery Sexton.

• Ourada explained earlier in the year the council looked at wage comparability externally and used that data to set wages; there was a little disparity between departments and the city has had trouble hiring recently. He talked with Mayor Dave Bauer on performing comparability internally and they agreed to make these changes to bring some Public Works positions in line with each other.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the Danko Emergency Equipment Co. Proposal for Fire Apparatus in the amount of $146,485.00.

•  Fire Chief Tod Allen discussed the bid with the Public Safety Committee prior. The department has already purchased a Dodge 5500 chassis to accommodate a new grass rig, specified in this proposal. He justified the cost and talked about several items that are needed in this particular unit to make it effective for the department’s use.
• Dan Papik, Committee Chair, said Allen explained their due diligence and why they need what they need on this grass rig.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve Resolution 2023-28 - setting Public Hearing for the  purchase of 1209 and 1211 Main Ave.

• Ourada explained these are adjoining downtown buildings for sale where the city is concerned with fixing current exterior damage as well as helping development for usable space. They have a purchase agreement and will apply for LB840 to buy them. They have an interested party looking to move a business and there may be a symbiotic opportunity here.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve Resolution 2023-29 - setting a Public Hearing for the expansion and purchase of property for park facilities directly south of Crete. Ashley Newmyer, Parks and Recreation Committee Chair, said they recommended this resolution.

The Council voted 6-0 to waive three readings and enact Ordinance No. 2190 Authorizing The Issue Of A Drinking Water Revenue Bond, Series 2023 for $2,745,000. Ourada said this is a component of a large grant and loan agreement received by the city. Bond Council Mike Rogers and City Attorney Anna Burge worked on this particular piece of the loan.

The Council voted 6-0 to enter into the Nestle Purina Agreement. 

• Ourada explained this is between the city and Nestle in a three-way cost share with Saline County for paving on North Boswell Ave.
• Dale Strehle, Public Works Committee Chair, said they are excited for this agreement and project to move forward.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve a 3-way stop at 15th Street and Glenwood Ave. Ourada shared discussions from a meeting with himself and Mayor Bauer with school officials; he suggested a controlled intersection where school property intersected with existing sidewalks at 15th Street and Glenwood. It is a tough area where traffic is unable to see students as they attempt to cross the street with cars parked along 15th Street.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve a paving district on 15th Street from Iris Avenue to Boswell Ave.

• Ourada explained the council has asked to look at ways to complete these street projects and this section of 15th street is as bad as it gets. He recommended they create a street improvement district and move toward discussions on ways the project could be assessed.
• Strehle said this stretch of street is something that needs to be addressed and this is the first step in doing that.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the policy manual change on Street Operator response time from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.

• Ourada said he talked with the mayor about this item and that the Street Department has a job opening they can’t fill with qualified people; this would widen the labor pool just with the Street Department, as they are less critical in response time that other, similar Public Works departments.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the acquisition of Norris customer conforming with NPRB regulations.

• Ourada explained Nebraska is governed by the Power Review Board in terms of municipal and rural utilities; the city annexed this property and filed with the board to acquire it for city utilities. There is a formula used to transfer property for this purpose and the city has a determined cost payable to Norris Public Power to bring this property into city utility coverage.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve equipment rental rate additions. Ourada said the city’s Master Fee Schedule didn’t have billable rates for some of the city equipment, mainly pickup trucks, when used in nuisance property abatement.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve a grant application to the American Academy of Dermatology for $8,000 in funds for the installation of a shade structure at Wildwood pool.

• Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director, said they were looking for a shade structure for the pool in addition to one on the deck, which doesn’t cover some areas. Ourada added the city has applied for and received this grant in the past for the existing shade structure.

Petition - Communication - Citizen Concern:

Officer Reports:

Reports may be given by Officers, Departments, Committees, or Council members concerning the current operations of the City. No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.

• Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director:
  • thanked the council for support on the property purchase for a sports complex;
  • Rick Brown no longer serves as a local arborist; she has collected a list of arborists who work locally with information in English and Spanish;
  • Tuxedo Park RV campground is closed for the winter;
  • she has an upcoming meeting with the Saline County Ag Society board on future activities in Tuxedo Park;
  • Food Bank of Lincoln’s monthly Crete distribution was held for the first time in Tuxedo Park in November with few issues;
• Joy Stevenson, Library Director shared confirmation from Doane University and the IRS out of Omaha that the library will again be a host site for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. They are still waiting to hear on when the IRS will start excepting returns. The library handles logistics and marketing to aid this program and they are very happy to be working with Doane again.
• Gary Young, Police Chief: 
  • Swap Zone will be up with signage this week; this is a safe place where people can make exchanges for merchandise purchased online; it’s in front of police department, just off the highway with video coverage; Tom Ourada, Anna Burge, and Jenn Lampila helped on getting the details and information out on this; it’s a nice thing to have for the city and the department is a good place to host it; it was a concept brought to us by Russ Hewitt from Doane;
  • The Civil Service Commission has a hiring event on Saturday with several viable candidates;
  • the department basement is once again full of donated toys, healthcare items, etc.; it’s heartwarming to witness the generosity of our community; the toy distribution is on Dec. 16 at the high school and people who are approved have time slots to arrive;
• Tom Crisman, Council Member Ward 2, asked about the process and budget considerations in hiring another police officer; he asked about the current contract and would the city be looking at a reduction in force in the future.
  • Ourada said there were two positions open on the department and they didn’t fill one, but are hiring a patrol officer in place of a sergeant who left, stating the department needs a person in the field; of current candidates, a couple could start immediately and this move works in the current budget;
• Council Members collectively congratulated Nancy Tellez and Wendy Thomas on their new appointments and thanked Jerry Wilcox for his work and service to the city.
• Tom Ourada, City Administrator:
  • the single largest impact of anybody leaving the city is with Jerry Wilcox; a lot of people have come and gone with the city and Jerry has done a lot; the two people who will follow up have trained really hard and are capable people who will take us in different directions; Nancy and Wendy are going to do tremendous jobs; we’re going from great to great;
  • nuisance board hearings are next Wednesday, 4 p.m.;
  • we are getting ready for some transitions and will be busy in the near future with JEO on creating a paving district and an alley project; we will also start on design of all the water work going forward, 
  • Human Resources has started drug testing training with supervisors and will also have training for employees;
  • Confluence, the city’s comprehensive planner, will have a presentation at the next council meeting and they have reaffirmed to the Planning Commission that work the council is already doing aligns with the city’s plan for development;
• Mayor Dave Bauer shared that we have a lot going on in the city and we will see a lot of changes. We have excellent employees who can handle the job and bringing JEO in is exciting. Wendy and Nancy will do great things in the future and Jerry will be missed, but will be on call to help us out.

Meeting adjourned.