Council Summaries - June 6 and 20, 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 Wednesday, July 5 (committee and council meetings are moved back one day in observance of the July 4 holiday)

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

Kyle Frans, Council Member - Ward III, was present for committee meetings and absent for the council meeting.

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: City Council June 6, Finance Committee June 6, Public Safety Committee June 6
• Treasurer’s Report
  • Income Expense Budget, Keno Report
• Payment of claims against the City 
• Mayor's appointment of James Dux to the Airport Advisory Board

Mayor's appointment of Ward III Council Member; Ashley Newmyer took the oath of office.

• Mayor Dave Bauer said he interviewed several candidates and made a recommendation of Ashley Newmyer. He is impressed with her desire to serve on the city council and work to make Crete a better place for families and youth, which are goals they have in common. She will replace Jack Oelschlager on the Finance and Personnel Committees and chair the Parks and Recreation Committee.

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of, in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to a proposed special exception use permit requested by Sandhills Energy LLC to erect a utility facility in the form of a Solar Farm on parcel number 760147235, Crete, Saline County, Nebraska.

• City Administrator Tom Ourada explained this is a triangular piece of city property that would host the solar farm and a new municipal water well. The City also has a long term power purchase contract with Sandhills at a very attractive rate.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the special exception use permit requested by Sandhills Energy LLC to erect a utility facility in the form of a Solar Farm on parcel number 760147235, Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. 

• Ourada said the Public Works Committee, with himself and City Attorney John Zimmer, of Cline Williams, reviewed the eight application findings required. They found which did not apply, which were not impactful, or those which applied favorably.
• Dale Strehle, Committee Chair, said answers to the committee’ questions were provided by Tom, after which they felt confident this meets all requirements.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve payment of claims to Crete Ace Hardware in the amount of $2,688.29. 

• Note: This claim would typically be included in the Consent Agenda with other claims for payment. By separating the item from the Consent Agenda, Council Member Dan Papik can vote on other claims and abstain from one in which he has a conflict as the business owner.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Saline County Fair Parade Application SE23-03.

• Anthony Fitzgerald, Council Member - Ward I, said Police Chief Gary Young explained the parade route and its advantages for efficient traffic control.
• Saline County Fair Board Member Theresa Vernon said this is the preferred route, using 12th Street, partly due to the shaded area.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution No. 2023-12 related to the closing of Nebraska Highway 33 for the Saline County Fair Parade. Ourada explained this is required by the Nebraska Department of Transportation anytime there is use of the highway and also requires a resolution and proof of insurance.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Change Order Request No.005 from Kingery Construction Co. in the amount of $42,679.00 for the Crete Isis Theater Phase I. 

• Shaylene Smith, Executive Director of the Blue River Arts Council, explained structural steel is necessary for the retractable screen and the new marquee; those contracts are already signed. Plans now call for leaving eaves exposed, making additional cross-bracing, at additional expense, necessary while the contractor is already in there. They already have this funding available.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $9,500 from 1229 Main Ave.

• Ourada explained this request by property owner Jaime Casteñeda, which is fully documented and reviewed by SENDD (Southeast Nebraska Development District).
• Fitzgerald, Chair of the Legislative and Community Development Committee, said they had some discussion on this and reviewed the additional costs and reasons for the increases.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the request for increased DTR funds in the amount of $11,000 from 1302 Main Ave, $9,000 from 1314-1316 Main Ave, and $1,000 from 120 E 13th St.

• Ourada said this is a request from property owner Mary Moser and was reviewed through various staff changes at SENDD and the city; it was finally worked through by Kelly Gentrup and Acting Crete City Clerk, Nancy Tellez.
• Fitzgerald said a lot of hard work was done to sort through the finances on this and the committee felt this was the appropriate course of action in this case.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve a contract amendment for construction inspection for 22nd Street Box Culvert from Speece Lewis Engineers.

• Ourada explained this is a request from the design and inspection engineer, not from the contractor; it includes increased costs from construction day overruns, up to $48,500.
• Strehle said this is needed to get this project done, however, they are disappointed it has taken this long to complete.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Police Department to apply for the TC Energy Build Strong Grant.

• Chief Young explained Saline County is switching radio systems, which includes the city’s fire department; as part of the change, the police department must install a mini trunking system for interoperability, with about $10,000 in upgrades. The department is able to pay for it and is working with fire department to split the cost. He felt the department had a fair shot at receiving funds from this company’s grant program due to the location of the Keystone pipeline in the county and the police department’s frequent work with the Saline County Sheriff’s Department.
• Dan Papik, Council Member - Ward I, said he appreciated the police department’s efforts to seek out these types of grants to help the department and the city.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2023-13 authorizing the City of Crete to become a participant of the Nebraska CLAS Trust; and the Declaration of Trust and Interlocal Agreement.

• City Clerk Jerry Wilcox explained this is an interlocal agreement between the city, other municipalities, and a third party provider, which may be able to provide more competitive lending terms than local lenders. This third party works nationally and could provide the city with additional opportunities. This agreement doesn’t mean the city has to use the third party, it merely provides for competition with local entities.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Omnify Cafeteria Renewal. Mayor Bauer said this is a renewal of the employee plan for deferred tax contributions toward healthcare, daycare, etc.

The Council Consider the request from Dittmer & Dittmer for the Administrative Subdivision of Lot 2 of the East Ridge 1st Addition. Ourada explained this administrative subdivision is similar to one approved at the last regular meeting and is intended for individual ownership of the subdivided lots, which have a completed two-unit residence/townhomes.

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.

• Steve Reisdorff commented on TIF (tax increment financing) and what he felt were  misunderstandings in what it’s for. It’s required by law to prove the project would not be feasible without the use of TIF and he felt the city has pushed the burden of a recent subdivision to not just other residents of Crete but other local entities. You have active local developers with local crews. I heard a comment that the local developers are vertical monopolies. That isn’t true. I think you have given away the taxpayers money for 15 years; you’ve given it away to people who have simply come in and asked for it. TIF is relatively new to Crete, because Crete’s developed on its own; we are not Hickman, or Seward. I would recommend you take a look at it next time. Other developers will come in looking for the same treatment; there are utilities along Iris, Jasmine, and to Region V; Harold would never sell to anyone. These people seem to be chosen people. I brought a copy of the statute - I don’t think you really want to follow it. I was told I left too early at the last meeting. I don’t want to have to pay for their new infrastructure, you could have gotten it done for half the amount, you could have negotiated. On another note, move your dispatch center to Wilber, I think you’d save $300,000 a year and keep your services consolidated.
  • Mayor Bauer noted that attorney Alison Borer did a super job explaining the TIF process and requirements at the previous meeting; the redevelopers are local people - it’s not true that they are from out of town. The council did the right thing. We are growing and expanding our community and local housing development is not keeping up with our demands.
  • Fitzgerald also mentioned the other plan requesting TIF, at the previous meeting, was a local builder partnering with an outside developer to build needed senior housing.
• Theresa Vernon asked about the discussion on land to move ball fields and the need to get something straightened out about Tuxedo Park. She said the current use of space for soccer games has balls hitting an Ag Society building and parking and trash issues. She said park visitors are using camping spots for temporary parking during games, discouraging campers from using the park.
  •  Mayor Bauer said the city is still is discussions about other property, however, there is nothing active to speak of as of now; we do need to know about park issues so we can check on them and find solutions.

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.

• Dale Strehle, Council Member - Ward III, welcomed new Council Member Ashley Newmyer.
• Gary Young, Chief of Police:
  • Officer Audrey Arbuckle, was named the American Legion National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and received her state and regional honors recently; she will travel to Charlotte, S.C. for the national award; she was also asked to speak at the American Legion Junior Law Cadet graduation in Kearney. This is a great honor for her and for the city; Mayor Bauer also said the city is very proud of her and this positive honor for the community.
• Joy Stevenson, Library Director:
  • the Summer Reading Program is going gangbusters; Youth Librarian Maridza Vasquez  is doing a wonderful job; 
  • she thanked Tom for allowing city employees to participate in the Reading with Friends program at the library in July; volunteers spend an hour a week reading with a child in the program;
  • Thursday food trucks are going well; they still have a slot open in August;
• Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director: 
  • there is a good team in place with two pool managers, Luke Bonifas and MaShayla Burnett, and swim team coach, Kourtney Martin; Wildwood Pool is hosting a home swim meet on July 1;
  • Martin is excellent at working with kids on the team and seeing everyone working together makes it easier to transition to new assistant coaches in the future as some parents and their kids transition out;
  • we want to make sure we know ways in which the the pool can run more smoothly, from staff duties to computer software and other resources;
  • Tuxedo Park is an area that needs our attention; we are working with Waste Connections on garbage services and coordinating with game schedules and weekend events;
• Tom Ourada, City Administrator:
  • before the next meeting we will have the bid opening on a new transformer - last I heard a transformer similar to what we are looking at, the cost escalation was into 7 figures and 84 weeks out;
  • we will have FOP negotiations on June 28 with myself, the mayor, police chief, and Henry Wiedrich with Cline Williams;
  • pre-construction meeting on the City Park and playground expansion; the start date is July 24 with demo;
  • we are meeting about possible airport privatization;
  • we have a finance policy put together, modeled somewhat after Hastings and Norfolk; it has been sent to the Mayor and will take it to the Finance Committee for review;
  • we’ll start budget work in early July with department heads and the Finance Committee; numbers look good, within tolerances, some departments are behind;
  • he wanted to mention that when you have control of land, the building supplies, and the construction labor to build the houses - that’s the definition of a vertically integrated monopoly;
  • Council Member Tom Crisman asked about bids on the Street Department building - Ourada mentioned that one bid was extremely high on exterior sheeting; I’m hoping for next spring and that the economy will stabilize, providing for more realistic pricing.
• Mayor Dave Bauer 
  • welcomed Ashley Newmyer to the council; 
  • reminder that the next regular meeting will move to July 5 in observance of the July 4 holiday on Tuesday;
  • He wanted to reminded residents that it’s easy to be brought down by something negative, but there are always a lot of positives and the City of Crete is blessed by things that are happening and going to be happening. People are wanting to come back to Crete and we are having those housing problems.

Meeting adjourned.

Summary for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, June 6
View this Meeting Agenda and attachments

Current vacancy in Council Ward III

The council approved the Consent Agenda items:

• Minutes of the following meetings: City Council May 16, Finance Committee May 16, Legislative and Economic Development Committee May 16, Personnel Committee May 16, Public Works Committee May 16,
• Treasurer’s Report
• Payment of claims against the City

The Council Adjourn City Council to a meeting of the Community Development Agency (CDA).

• Dan Papik elected Chairperson for the Community Development Agency in a 4-0 vote. (Papik abstained)
• Kyle Frans elected Secretary for the Community Development Agency in a 4-0 vote. (Frans abstained)
• CDA Voted 5-0 to approve Resolution CDA23-04: An amendment to the Redevelopment Plan of the City of Crete, Nebraska to implement the Cardinal Ventures Redevelopment Project.
  • Alison Borer, City Attorney with Cline Williams, said she would speak on two redevelopment projects, both with amendments and agreements. The first is Cardinal Ventures in Redevelopment Area 3; this amendment adds the Cardinal Ventures project to the Redevelopment Plan; the Planning Commission recommended approval of this in May; it also follows statute. The project site, on the former Jones property, is located in Redevelopment Area 3, in the eastern portion of the city, southeast of East 13th Street and Iris Ave; there are 3 parcels currently that will need to be subdivided and rezoned; there are 33 proposed lots that do not have public infrastructure currently. There are a variety of unit types and sizes proposed, including duplexes, townhome/row houses, 21 single family homes; two acreage home lots would have a private drive from Fairchild Drive. The redeveloper will install all public infrastructure in 2024, sell lots to developers and owners, and may construct some themselves. Infrastructure and streets are estimated to costs about $1,930,000 and they are requesting $1,780,000 in tax increment financing (TIF); the total valuation after development is over $11 million. Approving this amendment for the Redevelopment Plan will allow collection of incremental tax funds on lots for 15 years. These types of TIF projects can have up to 6 phases and have a completion deadline, in this case by 2030. The redeveloper says this project is not feasible in this area without the use of TIF and if approved will decrease the cost of lots by about $60,000; without TIF, the project costs are prohibitive. The project is consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan as it does call for new housing, a variety of housing types, encourages the use of TIF, and addresses a blighted area; it also meets the statutory elements of community redevelopment law. Some lots would require a zoning change from R-2 to R-3 and complete the subdivision process. Approving this project for TIF does not approve those other actions required for construction within city code. Growth is supported by the city and the school district has not voiced any concerns about this project; tax revenue will not exist but for the use of TIF. 
• CDA Voted 5-0 to approve Resolution CDA23-05: The Redevelopment Agreement for the Cardinal Ventures Redevelopment Project. 
  • Alison explained this is the contract between the CDA and the redeveloper; it outlines the CDA’s and developer’s obligations; it also requires written notice from the redeveloper for each phase and which lots are included; and to capture TIF for 15 years.
• CDA Voted 5-0 to approve Resolution CDA23-02: An amendment to the Redevelopment Plan of the City of Crete, Nebraska to implement the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project.
  • Alison explained this amendment would add the Crete Senior Villas project to the general Redevelopment Plan; the Planning Commission recommended approval of this in May. The project site is in Redevelopment Area 1, south of East 29th street; it includes a 3 acre parcel which will need to be subdivided from larger parcels; there is no infrastructure present. The project proposes a 30 unit, 3 story apartment building to create affordable housing in the community for residents age 55 and up and included units for those with income levels at or below 60% of AMI (area medium income); the project will also utilize low income housing funding from NIFA and is to be completed in December 2024; The costs are estimated at $3,700,000 and they are requesting $223,000 in TIF. This project site specifically requires a lot of preparation; the unit types will not generate a higher level of income due to the low-income nature of the project. The Comprehensive Plan does call for residential units in this area, as well as for affordable housing for seniors. It meets statutory requirements and some parcels will have to be rezoned and subdivided.
• CDA Voted 5-0 to approve Resolution CDA23-03: The Redevelopment Agreement for the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project. 
  • Alison explained this is the contract between CDA and redeveloper with effective dates for final completion of this project and to capture TIF for 15 years.

Adjourn the CDA to the City Council meeting.

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and/or the opposition of the Redevelopment Plan Amendment for the Cardinal Ventures Redevelopment Project.

• Darcie Ross, 2215 Lothrop Lake Circle, Cardinal Ventures - Explained this project proposal does not decrease the amount of tax revenue to entities; the city’s Comprehensive Plan says that TIF should encourage housing development. We have not heard that the school has raised any concerns and they have acknowledged that Crete needs housing. Other towns have used TIF for housing, including Wayne, Wahoo, and York. We won’t be able to proceed with the project without TIF; in the long run it will be a big revenue increase on this land for the city.
• Anthony Fitzgerald, Council Member - Ward I, asked if Cardinal Ventures had any concerns about meeting their deadlines; Darcie Ross said it’s an aggressive deadline, but they will do their best; they would like to sell most of the lots, but may need to put up spec homes in the process.
• Robert Griffith, real estate attorney with Fullenkamp, Jobeun, Johnson & Beller, representing Cardinal Ventures, said this project will create tax revenue not being realized now and will also create a range of housing types; if your goal is to grow and attract families, this is how to do it.
• Steve Reisdorff, 520 Iris Ave., local attorney, commented that the redeveloper estimates costs of improvement and said the city is not shifting taxes, but shifting costs. He said Crete has two very successful developers with lots available. This redeveloper paid for their own blight study; the city is making a short term decision that is going to change the residential development for the city. I don’t know of anyone who can compete with this redeveloper; they will make a lot of money from selling these lots; this is not in the city’s best interest. I get the opinion that the city does not appear to be very open; when I started as city attorney, almost everyone on the council was veterans and you didn’t have to tell them what was right and wrong. If you make a mistake, is not the administrator or the mayor’s mistake, it will be the council’s mistake to make.
• Mike Pavelka, currently of Arizona - I lived in Crete for the last 10 years and when I first did, I had a difficult time finding a house. There were discussions to attract more talent and have housing available; a local group formed and the question arose on why people weren’t living in Crete. We interviewed a lot of people from different angles - the housing stock wasn’t there and we presented findings to the council. Eleven years later I want to move back and there are about five houses on the market; we need more homes. The purpose of this development is just that; current developers are great, but we need to accelerate that process.  This project will not happen if we don’t get these funds and it’s a great location for development. It will fit many different needs for the community and we know the council knows what it’s doing.

Hearing closed

Council discussion:

• Mayor Dave Bauer said he was informed that Doane University is planning in the next three years to grow between 300-400 more students; there is now no place for those students to go and the new dormitory under construction will not be enough either. Our local builders have put Crete where they are today and built commercial and residential and I am proud of their work. We need to continue to move forward and this project, the developer will not lock local builders out of participation in building. The schools, Crete Public Schools and Doane, are both having problems attracting teachers, partly because of housing. We need to find places for these people to go; the need is there and it’s not slowing down. We also need opportunities for people to move up and make room for other home buyers. TIF is not new in Nebraska; for Crete’s size, we have utilized very little in TIF opportunities. Seward has 29 TIF projects, Wayne has 26; Hickman is growing fast and using TIF for housing. We can benefit just the same; we can have small town living and be close to Lincoln. Housing is the first thing that comes up in every meeting I go to and this project will not halt other development. The city is also talking with another developer for commercial and residential properties that is not requesting TIF.
• Dale Strehle, Council Member - Ward II, said he agreed 100% that this is a needed project.
• Fitzgerald said developers need to know what is TIF eligible and where; there is a ton of homework to make sure it can happen and Alison has done the work with the city.
• Tom Crisman, Council Member - Ward II, said we do need more housing; my issue is with how long we have seen this TIF information and this is the first I’ve seen it.
• City Administrator Tom Ourada said this information was sent by email last week to the council.
•  Kyle Frans, Council Member - Ward III, said TIF is a great tool and Crete should be using it. We are following the comprehensive plan and here are two great opportunities for housing and senior living; TIF is open to everyone to use it.
• Ourada commented that nearby Dorchester has recently passed two TIF projects.
• Dan Papik, Council Member - Ward I, said he appreciated everyone’s hard work and the city has been talking housing for a long time; everyone knows we don’t have enough; TIF is a tool we have to use.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2023-10: Approving an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the City of Crete, Nebraska, including the Cardinal Ventures Redevelopment Project. 

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2023-11: Approving the form of the Redevelopment Agreement and authorizing the Community Development Agency to enter into said agreement. 

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and/or the opposition of the Redevelopment Plan Amendment for Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project. 

• Matt Danner, CSV, LP, representing the redeveloper, commented on Crete’s shortage of housing and affordable housing. They are proposing this 30-unit building. They are requesting TIF to make sure this project can happen. This can also open up existing housing if local seniors move into this development.

Council discussion:

• Mayor Bauer said this is great project  and an example to see if seniors will utilize this and open up their former homes for sale to other families and first-time homebuyers. He knows of several seniors who moved to Lincoln and now want to come back, but have no place to buy here.
• Fitzgerald said it’s important to have good options for our seniors.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2023-08: Approving an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the City of Crete, Nebraska, including the Crete Senior Villas Redevelopment Project. 

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2023-09: Approving the form of the Redevelopment Agreement and authorizing the Community Development Agency to enter into said agreement. 

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the bid for inspection of Well 1 (18th and Kingwood) from Sargent Drilling in the amount of $5,375.00. City Administrator Tom Ourada explained this is one of two water wells that supply the city’s Water Treatment Plants, and has recently been pumping sand; this work will look at the issue.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Agreement Regarding Renewable Energy Certificate Management Services between the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) and the City of Crete, Nebraska. Ourada explained that MEAN is the city’s primary power supplier and the city gets renewable energy credits; this agreement will specify that MEAN is the manager for the city’s RECs.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Application for a Permit to Occupy the City of Crete Right-Of-Way from ALLO Communications. ALLO is excited to come into town and start building, this month if approved. Ourada said they are asking for permits for one section, or “PON” of work at a time.

The Council voted 5-0 to enact Ordinance 2170: An ordinance to annex Area #5 into the corporate limits of the City of Crete on third and final reading. Note: The Planning Commission has held a hearing on this as well as the City Council. It was approved on its first and second readings on May 2 and 16, respectively.

The Council voted 5-0 to deny Claim: 96A139963 to accept the revised ACV settlement offer of $5,992.37 from Dairyland Insurance.

• Ourada said the city is being asked by the driver’s insurance company to settle at 85% of the replacement cost of the damaged traffic device. A person in a motor vehicle hit a pedestrian crossing signal. This was taken to the City Council and Finance Committee to make a recommendation and decision.
• Kyle Frans, Finance Committee Chair, said they rejected the settlement as the cost to replace is more than this amount.

The Council held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of, in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to a proposed special exception use permit requested by Tillman Infrastructures to erect a communications tower at 1968 County Road G, Crete, Nebraska. 

• Ourada said the application does conform with the city’s zoning as a special exception use; additional fall zone data was provided. It was recommended by the Public Works Committee.
• The developer, who was out of state and on the phone for the hearing, said there is no construction date yet, however it is estimated for December 2023 to February 2024.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the application for a special exception use permit SEP 23-01 from Tillman Infrastructures to erect a communications tower at 1968 County Road G, Crete, Nebraska. 

The Council voted 5-0 to allow the Police Department to apply for the Speed Prevention Driving Enforcement Highway Safety Grant. Police Chief Gary Young explained that officers work overtime and the department is reimbursed for those expenses. There have been recent discussions on speeding in town and they have some areas to focus on through this grant.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Application for Prohibited Animal Exception from Saline County 4-H/Extension.

• Ourada said the Public Safety Committee met on this and multi-day prohibited animal exceptions are required to go to the council and committee.
• Papik, Public Safety Committee Chair, said this is requested every year for the 4-H extension during Saline County Fair activities in July.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Change Order No. 1 from JEO Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $52,980.34 for the additional charges on the gap paving project by Constructors Inc. Ourada said this involved some exceptional earth work encounters with debris on one street and additional tree work on another street; they did provide justification for the change order after the fact. This work has already been completed.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Constructor’s Inc. Application for Payment in the amount of $657,130.82 for the gap paving project. Ourada said about a third of the project is completed. People in the area are happy they are moving quickly and doing a good job.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the Master Fee Schedule. Ourada explained that a number of changes were made; they reduced some higher costs fees that might have been priced too high by mistake and altered some other costs to be more reflective of the time spent and true costs of performing some of those services. This was recommended by the Finance Committee.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve Application # SE23-02 for The Gardens 4th of July celebration from Tabitha. Ourada said this was for council consideration; and pointed out that it is for an event on July 6 and was recommended by the Public Safety Committee.

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the request from Dittmer & Dittmer for the Administrative Subdivision of Lot 3 of the East Ridge 1st Addition. Ourada explained this administrative subdivision is for two lots and does comply with subdivision and zoning regulations.

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.

• Gary Young, Chief of Police:
  • reported on the last Click It or Ticket campaign grant numbers: 3 officers, 122 hours, 8 arrests, 157 contacts, 32 citations, lot of warning, and corrections; this work reflected a number of people who attract our attention, in addition to the regular work the department does; 
  • Community Assistance Director Marilyn Schacht brought to my attention some opportunities to put together educational opportunities with our immigrant communities and we are pursuing those.
• Tom Crisman, Council Member - Ward II, announced Officer Audrey Arbuckle was selected by the American Legion as State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, then awarded the Regional honor, and now American Legion National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
• Kyle Frans, Council Member - Ward II, commented he’s excited about housing opportunities moving forward in Crete.
• Tom Ourada, City Administrator:
  • the bid opening on the transformer and PDC are delayed; one manufacturer said the original bid deadline couldn’t be met, then other potential bidders said the same; Olsson Associates advised a move to June 29, 10:30 a.m., for transformer, PDC bid opening is 10 a.m.;
  • we have draft data for the wage comparability study; we have asked for some changes and are meeting with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and bargaining staff; we’ve  talked with Cline Williams and hope to get this done before September;
  • we have hired a new city attorney and sent those details to council members and will send it out to staff; I’ve talked with Cline Williams attorneys and will have her work with them for a while, but she’ll be a quick study;
  • the pool opened on schedule and Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody will be back, full-time, on June 12.
• Mayor Dave Bauer wanted to thank everyone for passing what the council did tonight in terms of moving forward on redevelopment and future housing opportunities, stating, “this is a big step for Crete.”

Meeting adjourned.