May 2018 Minutes

CITY OF TERRYTOWN
COUNCIL MINUTES
 
 The City of Terrytown Council met on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at 6:30 PM, for their regular 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 PM by Mayor Kent Greenwalt.  Council Members present were:  Jerry Green, Chris Perales and Marcia Sherlock.  Absent: None.  City Clerk Tamera Leeling recorded the proceedings of the meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting were 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.

There were no additions, changes, or emergency items added to the agenda.

Moved by Green and seconded by Sherlock to approve the appointment of Tyler Feil as City Council Member Position for Ward 1 left vacant by Cyinda Kriner.  Aye’s:  Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.  Feil’s term will expire in January 2019.  Feil was administered the Oath of Office by Mayor Greenwalt following the approval of his appointment, and assumed his duties immediately. 

Ameritas Investment Corp. Representative, Brad Slaughter, addressed the City Council regarding the issuance of water utility bond anticipation notes.  These bonds will be in the amount not to exceed $690,000 and are for the purpose of paying for costs of constructing additions and improvements to the water utility during the duration of the project, as long-term financing will not kick in until the project is completed.  The bonds specifically provide for a paying agent and registrar of the notes.  The City agrees to issue bonds to pay the notes and accrued interest at maturity (June 15, 2020) and to authorize the sale and delivery of the notes to the purchaser. 

Tri-City Transit Manager Shari Hinze and Tri-City Administrative Assistant Curt Richter addressed the City Council regarding current Tri-City Roadrunner (“Roadrunner”) bus routes.  The City Councilmembers sought information about placing a bus stop at the Carpenter Center and Roadrunner staff will be assessing and evaluating possible route changes to take effect in January 2019.  Currently, Roadrunner operates two “Flexible Routes” every 60 minutes.  These offer deviations from the route with prior reservations.  Roadrunner also provides curb-to-curb demand response service outside the Flexible Route Service area in Scotts Bluff County.  Approximately 80 Terrytown residents boarded at bus stops within the city from January 10 to April 30, 2018.  Total Ridership numbers for the fixed routes was 438 in January, 528 in February and 575 in March.  The number of persons utilizing the demand response service was 1058 in January, 1303 in February and 1372 in March 2018.  For more information on services offered through Tri-City Roadrunner, please call (308) 436-6687.

Panhandle Humane Society Executive Director Amy Bartholomew and Office Administrator Dodie Prohs addressed the City Council regarding feral cats.  Feral cats continue to be a problem, but stricter control measures are starting to make a difference.  During March and April, the Humane Society trapped 30 feral cats.  The Humane Society is also being assisted by a few residents along Country Club Road.  Some residents continue feeding the feral cats, which undermines these efforts.  The establishment of additional nuisance ordinances to fine residents for violations including trash piles and abandoned trailers that provide shelter for feral cats was suggested by the Humane Society.

Patriot Parks Property Manager Cinda Munoz addressed the City Council regarding a Patriot Parks update.  Approximately ten people have been hired to help with a major cleanup planned for the end of May.  Patriot Parks is seeking a contractor to remove the abandoned mobile homes in which they have obtained the titles.  Water issues have resulted in an expense of $17,000 and they had an issue with a frozen sewer line.  Tenants have been largely supportive of helping with the feral cat problem.  Patriot Parks has restricted the number of vehicles allowed per lot to two in an effort to alleviate the number of vehicles parked on the streets.

Moved by Perales and seconded by Sherlock to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 5, 2018.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.

Regular Claims (April 5, 2018 to May 2, 2018): 
KENO FUND:  Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 105.63; Carpenter Center, Contribution, 250.00; GENERAL FUND:  Capital Bank & Trust, Simple IRA Employer Contribution, 696.30; Ideal Linen, Supplies, 73.24; Scottsbluff Star-Herald, Publications, 33.98; Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 478.30; Western Nebraska Economic Development, Membership 2016 and 2017, 100.00; Hugo Chairez, Wages, 1144.49; Tamera Leeling, Wages, 966.34; Dennis McLaughlin, Wages, 863.76; Robert Blanco, Jr., Wages, 469.43; Charter Communications, Shop Phone/Internet, 121.34; Guardian Insurance, Life Insurance, 27.75; Simmons Olsen Law Firm, Legal Fees, 3148.00; Staples, Supplies, 26.08; Windstream, Phone, 6.16; Nebraska Department of Revenue, Nebraska Income Tax Withholding/2018-1st Quarter, 884.31; Nebraska Child Support, Child Support Payment, 246.94; Principal Insurance, Vision Insurance, 41.55; Robert Blanco, Jr., Wages, 477.46; Hugo Chairez, Wages, 1205.09; Tamera Leeling, Wages, 937.74; Dennis McLaughlin, Wages, 946.36; Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Insurance, 2582.74; Capital Bank & Trust, Simple IRA Employee Contribution, 1200.00; Carpenter Center, Office Rent/Front Desk Supervision, 1172.00; Charter Communications, Office Phone/Internet, 172.02; City of Scottsbluff, Emergency Management Fee, 205.83; Cyclone Express, Fuel, 232.76; Panhandle Humane Society, Pest Control, 600.00; Indoff Incorporated, Supplies, 24.38; Judy Hoatson, Bookkeeping, 370.00; Kent Greenwalt, Mileage, 35.20; Moneywise Office Supply, Supplies, 42.64; Murdoch’s, Supplies/Safety Clothing, 739.88; Nebraska Safety & Fire Equipment, Repairs/Maintenance, 224.95; Nebraska Child Support, Child Support Payment, 246.94; Prairie Floral, Funeral Floral Arrangement, 59.92; Respond First Aid Systems, Supplies, 75.02; Scottsbluff Screenprinting, Safety Clothing, 266.00; Scottsbluff Police Department, Police Labor, 7683.33; M.C. Schaff & Associates, Engineering, 280.00; Jerry Green, Wages, 69.26; Roy K. Greenwalt, Wages, 230.87; Chris Perales, Wages, 69.26; Marcia Sherlock, Wages, 69.26; WATER FUND:  Panhandle Area Development District, Terrytown Water System Project General Administration, 3000.00; Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 407.21; Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 208.74; Enviro Service, Inc., Lab Fees, 40.00; City of Gering, Utilities, 166.97; Terry Carpenter, Inc., Well Lease, 438.00; City of Gering, Wholesale Water Sales, 5317.65; SEWER FUND:  Ideal Linen, Supplies, 60.68; Scottsbluff Star-Herald, Publication, 161.74; Waste Connections, Recycle Box, 97.10; Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 305.78; City of Scottsbluff, Wastewater, 10904.76; Enviro Service, Inc., Lab Fees, 173.00; Terry Carpenter, Inc., Land Lease, 150.00; Waste Connections, Trash Collection, 7075.29; STREET FUND:  Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 2303.92; Nebraska Public Power District, Utilities, 267.53; Gregory’s Lock Shop, Repairs/Maintenance, 16.00.  Moved by Perales and seconded by Sherlock to approve the payment of regular claims as presented.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.

City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller explained that the City of Gering provides electricity for the water meter vault located on west Country Club Road which was in the amount of $166.97 for April 2018.  Nebraska Public Power District provides electricity for the water meter vault located east on Country Club Road which was in the amount of $63.93 for April 2018.  Both vaults use a similar amount of electricity to operate.  City Engineer Jeff Wolfe determined the noticeable difference in the two utility statement amounts are a result of the different rates charged by the City of Gering and Nebraska Public Power District.  Moved by Perales and seconded by Sherlock to approve payment of Check #15791 in the amount of $166.97 to the City of Gering for electricity to water meter vault on Country Club Road.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.  Moved by Perales and seconded by Sherlock to direct staff to initial discussions of a possible rate adjustment with the City of Gering.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.

City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller explained the City of Gering included sales tax on the wholesale water purchased by the City of Terrytown which is then passed on to the residents.  Items purchased for resale are generally not taxed.  Mr. Miller contacted City of Gering Water Director Pat Heath and City of Gering Finance Director John Mejia concerning the sales tax.  Mr. Miller also submitted Form 13 to the City of Gering and requested a refund from the State of Nebraska for approximately $2,000.00 for the sales tax previously paid.  The original statement for the April, 2018 wholesale water sales was for $5,689.89 which included sales tax of $372.24.  A revised statement was received by the City of Terrytown on May 3, 2018, prior to the City Council meeting for $5,317.65.  Moved by Green and seconded by Perales for payment of Check #15809 in the amount of $5,317.65 to the City of Gering for wholesale water sales.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.   

City Attorney Libby Stobel explained that Legacy Communications submitted a tort claim in the amount of $9,414.10 for damages to the KOAQ main transmitter line in the alleyway behind South Street caused during Phase I of the Water Project.  Due to the line to the transmitter being cut, monitoring equipment has been damaged resulting in the transmitter operating below FCC guidelines.  As a result, a junction was placed before the dike to correct the problem.  Moved by Sherlock and seconded by Feil to take no action regarding the Legacy Communications tort claim in the amount of $9,414.10 for costs incurred regarding repairs to damages of a radio cable, other than to refer the claim to the City’s insurance carrier, League Association of Risk Management (LARM) for possible review and investigation.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.

City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller reviewed the March 2018 Financial Statements.

City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller discussed providing AirMedCare Network’s Membership to the City employees. Recently, the City increased its health insurance deductible to $4,000.00 for each employee, and would like to offer this service to its full time employees.  In the event of a major medical emergency and an employee would be required to be flown, AirMedCare will accept the amount from the insurance company’s payment without requesting any additional money from the member. Out of pocket, emergency AirMedCare flights can cost roughly $20,000-$30,000.  The City of Terrytown does not qualify for the group membership because it has too few employees, so employees would be required to purchase the membership on their own for $55.00 per employee and then be reimbursed by the City upon proof of membership.  This benefit would be taxable to the employee.  Moved by Sherlock and seconded by Green to provide AirMedCare Network Membership compensation for the three full-time employees (Hugo Chairez, Tamera Leeling and Dennis McLaughlin).  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.  Moved by Perales and seconded by Feil to reimburse employees, upon proof of AirMedCare Network membership, $59.56 (for a net amount of $55.00 after social security withholdings).  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.

City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller explained that the City currently only has a back-up system for the City’s utilities and business accounts.  In the event of a disaster, it would be costly and expensive and require additional time to reenter data.  As a precaution, it would be beneficial to have a back-up system in place locally and through the “cloud”.  Mr. Miller requested that this agenda item be tabled to the June 7, 2018 City Council meeting so that more research can be conducted to determine the amount of storage space, software and hardware needed to implement the future water meter system.  Moved by Perales and seconded by Sherlock to table discussion and approval of a back-up program for the City computer system until the June 7, 2018 City Council meeting.   Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.
 
Clint Schaff from M.C. Schaff and Associates reported that all of the plans and specifications for the Phase 2 of the Terrytown Water Meter Project have been submitted to the state and to Rural Development and approval is expected shortly.  Upon approval, the required 30-day advertising for bids will be conducted.  The next phase will begin in approximately six weeks.   

Clint Schaff from M.C. Schaff and Associates explained that cracks in the pavement in front of the residence at     55 Ridge Drive is being investigated.  The cracks are located above the water pipes.  It is recommended to patch the cracks and level the street in that area.  At this time, it would be an expensive process to do an intensive repair because during Phase 2 of the Terrytown Water Meter Project, a new water main will be located in the area of the cracks.  Jack Medearis, board member the Bellevue Sanitary and Improvement District #3 (SID #3), advised that the SID #3 board is in agreement with this repair.

Clint Schaff from M.C. Schaff and Associates presented an updated on the Storm Water Management Program.  The City of Terrytown has an agreement with the cities of Scottsbluff and Gering to assist with this program.  The cities of Scottsbluff and Gering are mandated to be part of this program due to their size in population.  The City of Terrytown is also mandated to participate in this program because of its proximity to both cities.

Clint Schaff from M.C. Schaff and Associates explained that an update to the City of Gering’s SCADA System involving installing a radio communication panel at the City of Terrytown’s maintenance building is necessary as part of the Terrytown Water Meter Project.  This agenda item has been tabled to the June 7, 2018 City Council meeting so that the City Engineer Jeff Wolfe can provide more information on requirements for this system.

City Attorney Libby Stobel reported that the City of Terrytown Board of Health met on April 26, 2018.  Several properties were discussed and Ms. Stobel has sent several letters to direct property owners to take corrective action and explaining the city’s ordinances.  The City of Terrytown Board of Health will meet again on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at 6:30 PM at the Housing Authority, 89A Woodley Park Road, Gering.

Police Chief Kevin Spencer announced that a law enforcement memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at 11:00 AM.  Police Chief Kevin Spencer reported that the Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System will be tested and evaluated as the system is being placed in patrol cars.  This will be a county-wide program that will allow agencies to share the system and the data. 

City Clerk Tamera Leeling gave the second reading of Ordinance No. 445.  This ordinance would prohibit parking on the northwest side of Terry Boulevard (from Woodley Park Road/Canal to the dead end).  The City Council did not waive the second readings of this ordinance to allow the residents on Terry Boulevard (from Woodley Park Road/Canal to the dead end) ample opportunity to address the City Council with concerns that they may have.

Moved by Perales and seconded by Sherlock to waive the three readings of Ordinance No. 446 regarding Water Utility Bond Anticipation Notes.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.  Moved by Perales and seconded by Sherlock to approve Ordinance No. 446 regarding Water Utility Bond Anticipation Notes.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Motion approved. Ordinance No. 446 provides for publication in pamphlet form.

Moved by Sherlock and seconded by Green to approve the Tri-City Roadrunner request for funding of $1,000 for Fiscal Year 2018.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.
 
During the opportunity for Public Comment, Bellevue Resident, Jack Medearis, addressed the City Council regarding an easement the City is seeking on his property for purposes of the water project.  During Phase 2 of the Terrytown Water Meter Project, the City is planning for a loop that will cross Mr. Medearis’s property.  Mr. Medearis would like to trade this easement in exchange for a sewer line to be ran at the end of his property.  No action could be taken at this time so this will be placed as an agenda item on the June 7, 2018 City Council Meeting.
 
City of Terrytown Representative Mike Minzey of the Active Living Advisory Committee explained to the City Council that he had been contacted by a bicyclist regarding a vehicle that has been parking with all four tires on the pathway.  City Attorney Libby Stobel and Police Chief Kevin Spencer will investigate this issue and request corrective action be taken.
 
Mike Minzey also addressed the City Council to advise that he noticed at least 45 discrepancies on the City’s website.  City Administrator/Treasurer Lonnie Miller requested that Mr. Minzey submit a list of the discrepancies to the city office.  Mr. Miller and Office Manager Tammy Leeling will look at the list and have this issue corrected.
 
City Clerk Tamera Leeling announced that the Panhandle Clerks Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2018, at 12:00 PM at the Carpenter Center.  The City of Terrytown will be hosting this event.
 
There being no further business to come before the Council, moved by Sherlock and seconded by Green to adjourn to the next called meeting on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at 6:30 PM, subject to the call of the Mayor.  Aye’s:  Feil, Green, Perales and Sherlock.  Nay’s:  None.  Motion approved.
                                                                                                                    Mayor of the City of Terrytown
ATTEST:
City Clerk