Council Summaries - Sept. 6 and Sept. 20, 2022

Budget Hearing, Sept. 6

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 Crete City Council regular meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, Sept. 20
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments

Council Member Ryan Hinz was absent.

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: City Council Sept. 6, City Council Budget Hearing Sept. 6, Parks and Recreation Committee Sept. 6, Legislative and Economic Development Committee Sept. 6, Public Works Committee Sept. 6,
• Treasurer’s Report
• Payment of claims against the City

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the payment of Claims Against the City to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $1,010.14

The Council heard a presentation by Kelli Bacon from the State Historic Preservation Office on Historic Preservation Commissions and Certified Local Governments.

• Mayor Dave Bauer explained Kelli Bacon presented additional information to the Legislative and Economic Development committee tonight and answered questions. Some concerns related to how properties in a newly created landmark district could be affected by that designation.
• Kelli Bacon explained the terms of a local commission are flexible. In a Landmark District there can be contributing properties and non-contributing properties and each district can have its own design guidelines. Two main characteristics are considered: 1) Significance, meaning what makes it historically significant to the district/town; and 2) Integrity, meaning does the property still have the resources or operations relating to its original historical use.

The Council voted 5-0 to waive three readings and enact Ordinance 2154: An ordinance relating to historic preservation. This ordinance will establish a Historic Preservation Commission and  govern the operations thereof; provide for the designation of landmarks and landmark districts; and prescribe the procedures for the review and approval of actions affecting historic properties.

The Certified Local Government does not take effect until the Nebraska SHPO and Federal SHPO both review and approve the ordinance outlining how the city would operate and the Commission’s rules and regulations.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Russ Sears's request to paint pumpkins on street corners for the Pumpkin Festival.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve a special event permit with street closures for Crete's Great Pumpkin Festival Children's Parade on Saturday, October 1, 2022.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve a special event permit with street closures for Crete's Great Pumpkin Festival on Sunday, October 2, 2022.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve a right-of-way permit for Unite Private Networks for fiber placement in the alleys of Block 1 and Block 127. City Administrator Tom Ourada explained this is a standard application request that went to the Public Works Committee because it involves multiple properties.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2022-08: A resolution acknowledging the termination of the Airport Authority and accepting all of its rights, properties, and obligations.

• Ourada explained state statute addresses the situation should an airport authority that exists for more than 20 years would hold no debt, it would cease to exist. He asked the city attorney to research this as it seemed automatic. City Attorney Kyle Manley talked with the Department of Aeronautics legal counsel, which confirmed that and requested the city pass a resolution acknowledging the acceptance of all the responsibilities and sponsorship of the municipal airport.
• Public Works Committee chair Dale Strehle said there was thorough discussion with officials of the city, airport operations, and airport authority and the committee recommended this resolution of approval.

The Council voted 5-0 to waive three readings and enact Ordinance 2155: An ordinance relating to the operations of the Crete Municipal Airport.

• Ourada said this ordinance addresses that the airport authority ceases to exist and the council and mayor establish an Airport Advisory Board. As with other boards and commissions, the mayor makes appointments, which go to the council for approval; the board will function as any other city advisory board. Airport Authority members spent a considerable amount of time and effort on their tasks. Ourada said, as per the ordinance, the airport will function as a department of the city and will be operated as such; bills will be approved just like claims to the city and current contracts will not change, including that of Airport Manager Shaun Krzycki. FAA rules and regulations apply to airport operations just as the city’s electric, street, police, wastewater, etc, have regulations. Oversight of the airport would be as it would any other department.
• Krzycki asked about residency restrictions on the members of the new airport board, as currently there are a lot of people who have interest in the airport and what happens, but do not live in the Crete City limits.
• Manley said there is no geographic restriction to the members of the new airport board and the city recognizes that many of those with interest are not residents in Crete city limits.
• Ourada added that a licensed pilot will be one of board members and official board appointments will follow. This action was a result of bonds being paid off this summer. The research and action were started in August and are in no way related to the unfortunate skydiving accident that occurred last Thursday.

The Council voted 5-0 to authorize an additional 1% of restricted funds authority for fiscal year 2022-2023.

• Ourada said the council takes this action every year and it’s advisable to do this if the budget needs it or not. “If you don’t approve access to additional funds and you need it, you can’t get it back. It is cumulative, and builds year after year.”
• City Clerk Jerry Wilcox estimated that 1% amounts to about $40,000 and the city is close on the levy lid as recent years so it can make a difference.

The Council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution 2022-09: A resolution setting the amount of property tax request for fiscal year 2022-2023. 

• Ourada said the budget items on this agenda are as discussed and unchanged from the budget workshop (Aug. 23) and the following council meeting and budget hearing (Sept. 9). Crete residents reported receiving a card about a Southeast Community College property tax increase request and questions circulated in various forums.  

The Council voted 5-0 to waive three readings and enact Ordinance 2156: An ordinance adopting the 2022-2023 budget statement as the Annual Appropriation Bill and appropriating all budgeted sums contained therein.

The Council voted 5-0 to waive three readings and enact Ordinance 2157: An ordinance setting the wages and salaries of city officers and non-bargaining unit employees.

• Ourada explained that Human Resources Director Wendy Thomas has done quite a bit of work on this and they talked to the Personnel Committee. Some positions are below scale, some above, some on. Other municipalities are doing high single and double digit percentage increases. They applied a standard, percentage increase; so everybody will see an increase. They want to see where its are going to settle out next year within the labor and wage economy.

Petition - Communication - Citizen Concern: 

Citizen testimony may be limited to 3 minutes per person. Please do not repeat testimony that has already be heard. No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.

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.

• Joy Stevensen, Library Director:
  • reported on two author visits coming in October: Jonis Agee on Oct. 5; and William Kent Krueger on Oct. 22 with dinner tickets available for purchase ahead of time - he will also meet with Doane University’s English majors during his time in Crete;
  • Doane is stepping back in with VITA program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance); the library worked with UNL last year and is glad to be back working with Doane students locally, potentially with in-person meetings;
  • Author Mary Pipher, wrote “Reviving Ophelia,” is in Lincoln and has Dorchester and Crete connections; she has a new memoir coming out and Joy wrote to her and was told she was not doing readings anymore; the author wrote back later and said “for Crete she will make an exception” as a “thank you to a town that is important to my family.”
  • Mayor Bauer thanked the library staff and Friends of Crete Public Library for the retirement party for Susan Church;
  • city officials attended a conference last week and brought back four signed books by Clayton Anderson for the library - a biography, a non-fiction, and two children’s books; each book has personalized inscriptions to the Crete library;
•     Lt. Gary Young:
  • with school back in session, officers are in the community with a presence at football games with the t-shirt gun, among other places;
  • K9 Hunk will certify on Oct. 17 in Grand Island; Officer Arbuckle is honing her skills and Hunk’s in training and working with other K9 teams from the area; they don’t expect any issues with certification; the team was at a recent Doane football game and a Crete Rotary Club meeting where he demonstrated his perfect temperament with the crowd; he’s a big hit;
• Tom Ourada, City Administrator:
  • Lt. Gary Young has been selected to be the next police chief; when Chief Steve Hensel goes on vacation, Gary will be the acting chief and then the permanent chief; 
  • Comprehensive Planning process: the planners will meet with council members and Mayor Bauer on Sept. 28; department heads met earlier this month and will be at that meeting;
  • parachute accident at Crete Municipal Airport: Crete fire and police dealt with this serious incident in a very professional manner; 1011 News said they contacted Crete Police and did not receive a response; he talked with PD and they were not, in fact, contacted by the station and when they were officially contacted, the department had an approved press release ready to go;
  • attendance at the League conference was of great value; 
    • Mayor Bauer said there is always great information and good takeaways from various sessions;
    • Kyle Frans, Council Member - Ward II, said there could have been more information on economic development programs, such as LB840;
  • Fire Chief Tod Allen is in Puerto Rico in his capacity as a professional firefighter with Lincoln Fire and Rescue and Nebraska Task Force One;
  • Safe Drinking Water revolving fund is in the process of issuing the city a grant; if we move forward with our water project, right now we are to receive $1.39 million for our water improvement project which includes new mains and a new water well.

Meeting adjourned.

Summary for Crete City Council budget hearing and regular meeting - Tuesday, Sept. 6
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments / View the budget hearing agenda and attachments

Public hearing on fiscal year 2022-2023 budget and property tax request.

• City Administrator Tom Ourada said this budget remains uncharged from the budget workshop on Aug. 23. Given that, the city does not have to participate in a joint public hearing with other taxing entities.
• City Clerk/Treasurer Jerry said this budget request will be on the next council agenda for approval. He explained parts of the budget as seen in the agenda materials and how the city puts the budget together based on municipal sales tax, property tax, and various funds. 
  • local property valuation increased by 5.5% over last year;
  • general fund: property tax request saw a total increase of 1.28%; 
  • the city is allowed allowed 45 cents on the levy with an additional 5 cents with interlocal agreements; the total levy is 41.7 cents
  • property tax asking totals about $1.45 million
  • municipal equalization went down between $90,000-$100,000
  • 2022-2023 operating expenses are estimated at $37,973,000
  • cash reserve balance, $10,000,000 (37%)
  •  the city records expenses of $603,400 for interlocal agreements (not subject to the levy limit)

Hearing adjourned.

Regular Meeting opened:

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: Public Works Committee Aug. 2 and Aug. 16, City Council Aug. 16, Finance Committee Aug. 16, Public Safety Committee Aug. 16, Legislative and Economic Development Committee Aug. 16, City Council Special Meeting Aug. 23
• Treasurer’s Report
• Payment of claims against the City 
• Approve the Mayor's appointment of Jay Quinn to the Planning Commission as regular member for a term ending April 1, 2025. 
• Approve the Mayor's appointment of Tom Ourada to the Planning Commission as alternate member for the term September 1, 2022 to April 1, 2025.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve the purchase order for Mellen & Associates in the amount of $543.38 for wastewater treatment plant parts. Ourada explained this purchase was in contractual form between the City and Mellen and Associates. The city attorney recommended this be taken up by the Council; it was also recommended by the Public Works Committee.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve Application for Payment No. 3 for Stephens & Smith Construction in the amount of $28,979 for sidewalk improvements. Ourada noted this is the final payment for completion of the downtown sidewalk and the Public Works Committee recommended this.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve plans, specifications, and cost estimate from Gilmore & Associates for the south drive of the City Park project.

• Ourada explained these improvement plans have been ongoing in the planning stage for over a year and this final design was taken to Parks and Recreation Committee. Committee Chair Kyle Frans said the committee was happy with the plans and is excited to see how it turns out. The bid letting date was set for Thursday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. at City Hall.

The Council voted 6-0 to approve on third reading and enact Ordinance 2151: An ordinance relating to the annexation of property south of 29th Street and Betten Drive. nThis was the final reading on this annexation, which was requested by property owners, Dittmer and Dittmer.

The Council held a public hearing on (1) amending the Comprehensive Plan to change the Land Use Plan and future zoning map and (2) changing the zoning of the north one-half of the NE Quarter of Section 26-8-4.

• Ourada explained the Legislative and Economic Development Committee met on this and discussed how the city’s comprehensive plan is a living, dynamic document. He talked with the previous land use map consultant on these changes and the only concern, which was addressed, was the infrastructure in the area, however they concurred with the change request. Committee Chair Ryan Hinz said the  change from C2 to C1 and R3 is intended to better match what the developer is wanting to do with the property.
• These proposed changes are reflected in the following two agenda items.

The Council voted 6-0 to adopt Resolution 2022-07: A resolution amending the land use plan and future land use maps in the Comprehensive Plan.

The Council voted 6-0 to change the zoning of the north one-half of the NE Quarter of Section 26-8-4 from C-2 General Commercial to C-1 Central Commercial and R-3 Multi-Family Residential.

The Council tabled the following item: enacting Ordinance 2154: An ordinance relating to historic preservation. 

• Ourada said the city has been working on this for several years with help from SHPO (State Historical Preservation Office). The Planning Commission did recommend this to the city. Hinz said the Legislative and Economic Development Committee is asking to table this and take more time to go over how this will impact Crete.
• Mayor Dave Bauer posed questions in the prior committee meeting about how property owners would be affected in requests for landmark district designations as opposed to individual landmark building designations. Ourada offered to have Kelli Bacon, SHPO’s Certified Local Government Coordinator come to Crete again to present to the Council. The Mayor and Council were agreeable to this.

Petition - Communication - Citizen Concern: 

Citizen testimony may be limited to 3 minutes per person. Please do not repeat testimony that has already be heard. No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.

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.

• Steve Hensel, Police Chief, reported that Officer Audrey Arbuckle and K9 Hunk have returned to Crete and made a visit to City Hall today (Sept. 6). They will need to be certified as a Handler/K9 team and will be seen in training around town.
• Wendy Thomas, HR Director, introduced new librarian Maridza Vasquez, who will start on Sept. 7. She is a former library staff member and is taking the position of Susan Church who officially retires on Sept 16. Laura Renker, Assistant Library Director, shared that Susan’s retirement party is on Monday, Sept. 19 from 3-5 p.m.
• Dale Strehle, Council Member - Ward II, filled in for Mayor Bauer in his role as Council President on Friday night to give remarks at 150Fest, a downtown celebration by Doane University and the Blue River Arts Council that also encompassed Crete High School Homecoming. Strehle accepted a plaque on behalf of the city from Doane Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Marty Fye. He said it was a well-attended event in celebration of 150 years of community partnerships.
• Tom Ourada, City Administrator shared more about Officer Arbuckle’s return to Crete with K9 Hunk; he said when the dog, which is still a puppy, comes to a different environment he is confused and overwhelmed, but what he knows is his training, so they launched into those stabilizing activities right away upon arrival with Sgt. Jon Pucket. Hunk found it calming and settling. Audrey has been tremendous throughout the training both here and in Texas. Hunk will appear at a council meeting soon. Hensel said it may be up to a month before they could be certified at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island, however the department is looking for other options which could certify the team sooner.
• Mayor Dave Bauer thanked Strehle for filling in for him Friday night as he had a previously scheduled event out of town.

Meeting adjourned.