February 2017

CITY OF TERRYTOWN
COUNCIL MINUTES


The City of Terrytown Council met on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 6:30 PM, for their regular monthly meeting at the Housing Authority, 89A Woodley Park Road in the City of Terrytown.  Notice of said meeting was published in the Scottsbluff Star-Herald according to law and council members were notified of said meeting.  The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Kent Greenwalt.  Council Members present were:  Marcia Sherlock and Cyinda Kriner.  Absent: Chris Perales and Jerry Green. Assistant City Clerk Tamera Leeling recorded the proceedings of the meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting was dispensed with.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.  Mayor Greenwalt pointed out the location of the poster for the Open Meetings Act. Mayor Kent Greenwalt swore in Cyinda Kriner to fill the vacancy as Council Member for Ward I.
Correspondence included the League Association of Risk Management (LARM) February 2017 Newsletter.  Also a thank you note from Richelle Bailey regarding the new city’s snow plow.
Moved by Sherlock and seconded by Kriner to approve the minutes of the January 5, 2017.  Aye’s:  Greenwalt, Kriner and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.
There were no additions, charges, or emergency items added to the agenda, however, City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller clarified that Agenda Item #16 is to “Discuss Appointing Plummer Insurance as Agent of Record for Employee Medical Insurance.”  Our Agent of Record for liability insurance is LARM.
Payment of Claims:  KENO FUND:  Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 96.23; Carpenter Center, Contribution, 250.00; GENERAL FUND:  State of Nebraska, 2016-4th Quarter Wage & Tax, 356.70; Capital Bank & Trust Co., Simple IRA Employee Monthly Contributions, 300.00; Judy Hoatson, Accounting, 740.00; Simmons, Olsen Law Office, Legal Fees, 1318.50; Hugo Chairez, Wages, 1123.95; Tamera Leeling, Wages, 842.60; Dennis McLaughlin, Wages, 901.32; Scottsbluff/Gering Chamber of Commerce, Membership/Banquet Ticket, 473.00; Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 443.04; Off Broadway Business Products, Statement Forms, 643.82; John Deere Farm Plan, Repairs/Maintenance, 734.84; Pitney Bowes Inc., Postage Machine Rental, 168.00; Nebraska Department of Revenue, 2016-4th Quarter Income Tax Withholding, 995.84; U.S. Treasury, 2016 Federal UC Tax, 202.80; Charter Communications, Phone/Internet, 120.16; Nebraska Department of Revenue, Local Sales & Use Tax, 2069.40; City of Scottsbluff, Windstream, Phone, 6.20; Capital Bank & Trust Co., Employer Simple IRA Quarterly Contribution, 711.67; Hugo Chairez, Wages, 1012.52; Tamera Leeling, Wages, 842.60; Dennis McLaughlin, Wages, 820.21; Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 1511.38; Pitney Bowes, Postage, 500.00; Jerry Green, Wages, 69.26; Roy K. Greenwalt, Wages, 230.87; Tamera Leeling, Wages, 230.87; Chris Perales, Wages, 69.26; Marcia Sherlock, Wages, 69.26; Linda Green, Wages, 203.17; Off Broadway Business Products, Office Supplies, 133.37; Capital Bank & Trust Co., Simple IRA Employee Monthly Contributions, 550.00; Carpenter Center, Office Rent/Contract Labor, 1154.00; Charter Communications, Phone/Internet, 166.15; Contractor’s Materials, Shop Tools, 349.00; Cyclone Express, Fuel, 251.79; Docu-Shred, Shredding, 30.00; Heilbrun’s, Shop Tools, 118.56; Panhandle Humane Society, Pest Control, 600.00; Johnson Cashway Lumber Co., Shop Supplies, 24.96; Judy Hoatson, Accounting, 470.00; Kent Greenwalt, Mileage, 40.15; Moneywise, Office Supplies, 60.98; Principal, Employee Insurance, 41.55; Reganis Auto Center, Repair/Maintenance, 142.00; Scottsbluff Police Department, Police Labor, 7683.33; Tim Schuldies d/b/a Tim’s Electric, Christmas Banner Removal, 100.00;  WATER FUND:  Simmons, Olsen Law Firm, Legal Fees, 1004.50; Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 289.44; Enviro Service, Inc., Lab Fees, 36.00; Nebraska Rural Water Association, Membership, 175.00; Northwest Pipe Fittings, Inc., Shop Tools, 39.31; Terry Carpenter, Inc., Well Lease, 438.00; SEWER:  Enviro Service, Inc., Lab Fees, 264.00; City of Scottsbluff, Wastewater, 15565.45; Ideal

Page 2                    Continued                 Payment of Claims
Linen Supply, Repair/Maintenance, 6.04; Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 638.05; Terry Carpenter, Inc., Land Lease, 150.00; Waste Connections, Trash Collection, 7033.08;  STREET FUND:  Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 2784.68.  Moved by Sherlock and seconded by Kriner to approve the payment of claims as presented.  Aye’s:  Greenwalt, Kriner and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.
Lanette Richards, Project Coordinator, reported on the purpose of the Monument Prevention Coalition.  The Coalition meets on a monthly basis to work on health and safety for youth of the community.  Their Human Performance Programs is a school project that looks are revision of code of conduct and change in policy to enhance an alcohol/drug-free environment.  They coordinate with law enforcement on alcohol checks to ensure all those who hold liquor licenses are in compliance and also work with the Nebraska State Patrol in Alcohol Server/Saler Training.  
Earlene Reifschneider proposed that Woodley Park Road become an one way street running west and Spring Valley Lane become an one way street running east.  It is a hazard especially during the winter.  Due to the narrowness of the roads it makes it difficult to pull over so that vehicles can pass.  During the warmer months, children play in the road also creating a hazard.  Several of the neighbors are in agreement to the roads being changed from two-way streets to one-way streets.
Assistant City Engineer Michael Olsen reported that the roads are 28 feet wide back to back (curb to curb).  Parking on both sides utilizes 10 feet leaving 18 feet in the middle for traffic.  If it is decided that one-way streets are necessary, no traffic study is required.  An ordinance and adequate time for signage is needed.  It is recommended that a public hearing be held to obtain comments from the public before proceeding.  Another option would be to allow parking only on one side of the street to improve traffic flow.  A public hearing will be held on March 2, 2017, for public input on this matter.
Assistant City Engineer Michael Olsen presented an update on the water project.  The plans have been approved by the State.  The legal service agreement and property docket pertaining to the purchase of right-of-ways has been sent back to the Rural Development for review.  The CBG is conducting an environmental review.  The bidding will be divided into two bids to keep the payout separate.  The Phase I bidding will include the main connection which includes running a 12” main along Five Rocks Road east to Terry Boulevard, running an 8” main from Toluca Lane to the alley behind South Terry Boulevard and a 4” main from Chinoe Road to South Terry Boulevard.  The second building will involve Phase II and Phase III.  Advertising to bid Phase I will be completed before the City Council meeting in March.  
City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller present the December 2016 Financial Statements.  Sales tax revenues are down.  Revenues are up in the electrical fund.  Salaries are higher in the water fund due to issues with some of the water lines.  
City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller explained a question has arisen regarding the severe weather policy regarding staff compensation and how a closure should be determined.  An unusual occurrence occurred on January 24, 2017, in which the City Office was closed due to a snow storm.  Carpenter Center Director Bob Nemnich determined that the center would be closed and since the City Office is housed at the Carpenter Center, the City Office was also closed resulting in Office Manager/Assistant Tamera Leeling being unable to work on that date.  There is no formal policy in place for the City of Terrytown regarding closures.  Other city offices including Scottsbluff and Gering were also closed on this date.  Lonnie Miller researched surrounding cities regarding their policies and found that Gering, Minatare and Morrill do not have formal policies in place.   The City of Scottsbluff Office was designated to be closed and staff was paid for the day in accordance with their policy.  Until a formal policy in place, Terrytown will follow the City of Scottsbluff’s policy.  Moved by Sherlock and seconded by Kriner to pay Tamera Leeling her regular pay for the full day for January 24, 2017.   Aye’s:  Greenwalt, Kriner and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.
Page 3                    Continued             Employee Medical Insurance
City Administrator/Treasure Lonnie Miller discussed the appointment of Plummer Insurance as Agent of Record for the Employee Medical Insurance.  Principal Insurance is our current supplemental medical insurance provider.  The Principal Insurance representative has a small office with a small support staff which has not been prompt in responding to our concerns regarding medical insurance issues.  Mike Thompson, representative for Plummer Insurance, advised that it would be advisable to have everything under one group for both medical insurance and supplemental insurance.  Lonnie Miller will contact Compro Insurance, an insurance broker, concerning one representative for all medical insurance aspects.  No action was taken and it shall be discussed again at the March 2, 2017, City Council meeting.
City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller discussed waiving the water reconnection fee for Brenda Prickett.  Ms. Prickett has a history of paying promptly for the past several months and has never been in a disconnect situation.  At the end of December, 2016, she had overpaid for services.  Ms. Prickett has been hospitalized for the past three weeks and did not received her disconnect letter so that she could respond.  A neighbor advised her about the disconnection and she contacted the City Office in a timely manner to explain her situation and request a reconnection with the fee waived.  Motion made by Kriner and seconded by Sherlock to waive the water reconnection fee.  Aye’s:  Greenwalt, Kriner and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.
City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller discussed approving and authorizing a release to Raul Ayala for property damages and destruction resulting in a sewer line back flow incident.  While working on a clogged sewer line on January 24, 2017, a back flow occurred when the line became unplugged resulting in property damages/destruction in the bathroom at the residence of Raul Ayala.  Nate Fox, LARM Insurance Representative, advised it would be in the City’s best interest to pay Mr. Ayala for the cost of cleaning up the bathroom damaged and for items that were either damaged or destroyed and avoid an insurance deductible.  City Attorney Libby Stobel advised that a release should be issued to release the City for future costs for damages or destruction that may arise once payment is made to Raul Ayala.  Motion made by Sherlock and seconded by Kriner to pay $367.00 for damages/destruction after release is signed by Raul Ayala.  Aye’s:  Greenwalt, Kriner and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.
City Attorney Libby Stobel reviewed and discussed revisions to Terrytown’s Employment Policy Manual.  The current employment policy manual is a very simple seven page document and was last revised in 2007.  Suggestions for the updated manual are based on best practices from employees.  Some of the new revisions include a policy for severe weather, jury/witness leave pay, payment for sick leave upon retirement, internet use and smoking in city vehicles.  The new revisions are steps that are helpful to address issues that may arise in the future.  No action was taken and it will be discussed again at the March 2, 2017, City Council meeting.
Police Chief Kevin Spencer reported on recent police activities.  During the month of January, 2017, the Scottsbluff Police Department responded to 44 calls for service in the City of Terrytown.  A successful search warrant resulted in an arrest and helped to solve some crimes in Scottsbluff.  Also, a vehicle stolen from Terrytown was recovered in Gering.
Mayor Kent Greenwalt reported on a meeting he attended at Nebraska Public Power District.  The solar panels that were recently construction have the capability to produce enough electricity to power 20-30 houses.  Due to saving $44 million, Nebraska Public Power District will be replacing all streetlights in every city within Nebraska at no cost to the cities.  The new streetlights will be LED and brighter.  Nebraska Public Power is bound and determined not to raise the cost of electricity.  
Mayor Greenwalt also reported that the Nebraska Public Power District has the capability to read water meters from their office which we may want to research when the water meters are installed in Terrytown.

Page 4                    Continued                     Adjourn    
There being no further business to come before the Council, moved by Sherlock and seconded by Kriner to adjourn to the next called meeting on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 6:30 PM, subject to the call of the Mayor.  Aye’s:  Greenwalt, Kriner and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.

                                                                                    ____________________________________
                                Mayor of the City of Terrytown
ATTEST:

_____________________________________
Assistant City Clerk










​