like to call this meeting the Shadron City Council order. Would you please
join us in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
As required by section 84-1412 subsection A of the Nebraska statutes,
notice is hereby given that a copy of the opens meeting act is posted for
examination on the wall inside the door to the city council chambers.
I'd like to welcome the guests we have this evening. Could we have roll call,
please? >> George Klein
» here. Shane Shepard >> here.
» Mark Graves >> here.
» Kevin Alexi absent. Klay Anderson >> here.
» Could we have a motion for approval of the agenda?
» I'll make a move. >> I'll make a motion to approve the
agenda. >> I'll second that.
» Motion by Clay, seconded by Shane to approve the agenda. We have roll call,
please. >> Graves,
» yes. >> Anderson,
» yes. >> Klene,
» yes. >> Shepard,
» yes. We have a motion to approve the consent
agenda. >> I'll move to approve of the consent
agenda. >> I'll second.
» Motion by Shane, second by Mark to approve the con approve the consent
agenda which includes minutes for the special and regular city council meeting
held August 3rd. Um a monthly treasures report
for July. Um and the water report for July, fire department membership update.
Um there's currently 45 members
special designation licenses are numerous.
Um, one is Bean Broker Coffee House and Pub and a special designated license for
Slim Days on September 19th on West 2nd Street.
Shatter State College football games on September 3rd, 19th and 26th, October
17th, and 31st, and November [clears throat] 14th.
Nybury Valley Vineyards for the Harvest Moonfall Festival at the Dallas County
Fairgrounds on October 3rd. Wilds Bar and Grill back to school bash
at the Shadron Arts Center on August 22nd.
NCS Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees reception at the Sandos
Center Shakcoin Atrium on September 9th. Slim Days on September 19th on West 2nd
Street. Hall of Fame banquet at the CSC Student
Center on Ballroom on September 25th. Dr. Copper's inauguration reception
[cough] at the CSC Shcoin Center Arena on
October 9th. Shatter State Foundation annual dinner
at the CSC Student Center Ballroom on October 9th and Distinguished Alumni
Banquet at CSC Student Center Ballroom on October 30th.
Any questions about any of those things that
are in the consent agenda? If not, could we have a roll call,
please? >> Graves. Yes.
» Anderson. >> Yes.
» Klein. >> Yes.
» Shepard. >> Yes.
» First thing on the agenda, John Reed, Northwest Nebraska Development
Corporation. Well, hi everybody.
Good news is we got some rain. The bad news is I got a four pager tonight. So,
I'll put you through it. Um we uh co-hosted on the 4th a an event with Six
Regions, One Nebraska. That's their traveling road show. Uh it was a a
really good meeting. She had two presenters that didn't show up, but the
discussion after the presenter that did show up was really good. We ended up
getting a good hour and a half out of that meeting. Uh we had a lot of people
from outside uh our local region that showed up. So good uh discussion starts
uh at the at the end of that meeting and then on the 11th we hosted our first
workforce and housing development roundt at the same uh conference room. What
we're doing is six reasons one Nebraska has an agenda for three major
municipalities and those municipalities are then uh hosting their own individual
events based on uh what we have identified uh as uh the needs for that
community. So, uh, for us, we brought in five rule planning, make my move, uh,
the state of Nebraska certified apprentichip program, and we also had a
presentation from Valerie Beiel, who just finished a housing project, real
small housing project in Gordon. So, uh, we had really good turnout for that. We
had 25, we had 17 in the room and eight online. We had 8 to 10, uh, a couple
people jumped in and out. So, really good turnout, really good online
turnout. And I think we're going to be uh doing more at least one more of these
before the end of the year. Uh since this meeting, we've had expressions of
interest from a uh state agency. Uh the Department of Labor would like to come
to Shadron and do an event. Uh they're talking about a half day event for uh
focused strictly on uh workforce development. And I got an inquiry uh
Thursday evening from uh a person representing a local uh child care uh
organization that wants to have an event sometime before the end of year as well.
So it looks like a lot of the discussion that we're uh bringing to the forefront
is uh resulting in uh action locally which is really what we want to see. We
want these discussions to go on and we really want uh these people to
understand that we have the facilities here to bring people in and have these
kind of events and I think it went really well. So got that to look forward
to throughout the rest of the year. Our social media efforts have been uh have
seen some very good progress. Our Facebook page has gone from se 17
followers when I started in January. We're up to 331 uh as of right now. I uh
every time I check our Facebook page or go to make a post, there's always two or
three new followers on our page, which means that our visibility is uh being
raised considerably. That's a uh the result of our efforts in conjunction
with travel and tourism with Gabby at the chamber. We all work together. Uh
six regions, one Nebraska helps us as well. Uh but the bottom line is we're
really starting to feed off of each other's post and interactions and that's
helping us uh dramatically. Anything that I put up now through our Facebook
page is going to go directly to our uh website, NNDC's website to help increase
traffic there as well. So if I put a article up like for example if we put up
a uh when we put up the article for our um a spotlight on the good life uh for
the museum that article goes in it's well presented created by um uh Golden
Shovel and then the link to read the article goes to our website so we get
the traffic coming and going. It's a it's a really good system that we're
using. It's and it really helps us with what's called uh top of response on
Google. So, if somebody wants to Google this region and find out what's going on
here, uh we're always going to consistently be in the in the top five
of the of that response. And that's uh partially due to result of our traffic.
And um I'm currently in works with them with Golden Shovel to create an
upcamement events tab on our Facebook. Right now, uh for some reason, we don't
really have a lot of events on our on our uh website. we can uh partner with
uh the other people that we work with for events. They'll help us, like I
said, and we help them, but we don't have anything like that on our on our
website. So, we're going to add that to our website and uh see if that can uh
help uh drive a little bit more traffic, but overall, I think our uh social media
efforts have gone really well this year. We're doing uh really good, and GSA is a
big part of that. Excuse me. [cough and clears throat]
So, right now we still have two loan opportunities that uh are uh still
circling circling the uh effort. They haven't uh really committed yet. And we
had one new one last week that looks very promising. So, and that's an
existing customer that wants to buy a new business. So, uh we uh hope we're
able to work with him before the end of the year. Uh we also have begun very
preliminary high level discussions with a local LD regarding a possible new
child care facility here in Chad. Uh these are very early stages but it looks
very promising. If we can make this effort work, it will help dramatically
with our child care shortage. Housing efforts are also making progress. Our
recent sessions with PAD have sparked a lot of interest and discussion. And I
get calls uh three or four a week now, people talking about housing, want to
know what can be done about housing. Uh there's a a lot of u a lot of uh
momentum starting to build around housing. Uh ultimately, we'll be able to
present an environment that is attractive to developers and residents
in need of affordable housing solutions uh in the future if we follow through
with these efforts. housing, child care, and increased visibility will help
create an attractive economic environment for new investment in e- in
economic growth in in our region. This month, I want to raise aware
awareness around a new grant opportunity I'm going to be pursuing. The USDA has a
grant available to help upgrade and repair wellwater and septic systems that
looks like a great opportunity for our rural residents outside of the city and
water sewer service. So even though uh there's only a few, my research shows we
have maybe two or three septic tanks still within the city limits. Uh but
this grant opportunity, this is a a really um uh
a really strong and wellunded grant that had to be re-extended because they
didn't get enough applicants for it last year. So there's uh about $6 million
sitting in this fund. Uh my goal is to get us registered as the administrating
agency and try to get this money uh into the into the community as quickly as
possible. I took a class this morning on grant writing. It's not going to be the
quite as simple a process as I thought it might be, but uh it'll it if we can
get it through and get it done, it's going to be uh really good for the
community. So I'm hoping we get maybe 250 300,000 out of it be be really good
for us. And I also want to remind everyone that there's also some very low
interest disaster relief loans available through the SB SBA. That's for brick and
mortar businesses as well as farming and rural. Um those disaster uh we qualify
for those because we are adjacent to the identified uh disaster counties. So if
uh anybody has any questions about that, come see me. Happy to explain it and
happy to help get any applications in that we can that I think it's a really
good opportunity. somebody has been impacted by drought and fire. Um,
let's see. Regarding general administration efforts, I have completed
the review and updates on our employee handbook and now I'm going
[clears throat] to start working on our loan program procedures. Uh, that's
going to be most of my attention after we get through the bulk of these summer
efforts. It's not as complex and it's not as pressing an issue right now, but
there are some things about the way we've been administering our loan
program that are going to need to be addressed. uh officially through my uh
through my board. Uh I've also been invited to speak at the cost of freedom
event in Crawford on September 12th. We helped with this event or in the early
stages. I did one of their uh [clears throat] business awareness
flyers that I that I did for CSC early on. And um I'm going to go speak at a um
uh missing man table. Uh that's part of their s that's that ceremony is going on
for like 4 days. It's going to be really big for him, too. So, uh, it's a good
chance for us to go show some support for our sister community in Crawford
and NDC is having a very successful 2026 and I want to thank the council and the
public for its continued support as we move forward. We've got a lot going on.
Any questions? >> Um, talk a little bit more about that
water and sewer thing. >> Sure.
» What you said there was only a couple septics in
» Yeah. My understanding in the city is uh most city residents are on city water
and on city sewer who like >> all of Hidden Valley is has septic tank.
So >> quite a few homes out there.
» That's Yeah, that's great. So the way this is going to work is if you're on a
septic system that needs repair or needs upgrade to modernization, you're going
to qualify for this program. And um it's uh it's a first come first serve like
once they get the funds obligated they're gone. But like I said I I see it
as a good opportunity because um nobody took advantage of it last year. I mean
they had to reissue the request because they didn't get enough respondents. So
and there's a lot of money sitting in that account. I'd sure love to see us
get, you know, like I said, a4 million 300,000 and then the way it'll work is
uh and it has to be run through a uh a nonprofit. So NDC, I would imagine would
partner with the city in some way. I don't know uh how they're going to uh
disperse the funds, but ultimately we're going to have not match not um
lowinterest loans, but actual grant money to help make these changes. So, if
we can get it, it uh the window closes at the end of September. I have a final
uh consultative call with a lady from um from the um
from the USDA uh on Thursday. It's uh basically a
question and answer period of about 15 minutes and then I can start the loan or
the grant application. First grant I've ever done, but um uh I want to do it. I
because I've never done it. So, it it's a good learning opportunity, too.
» Are any of these funds retroactive? >> No, I don't think they'd be retroactive
because we did we they didn't give any out, you know, particularly in our
region. So, uh nothing in the verbiage that I've read so far says they'd be
retroactive. No, >> someone last month Yeah. replace their
drain field or their uh >> their septic or whatever if that would
be covered, but it's something going forward. My position is all they can do
is say no. >> Yeah. From what I see, I don't think it
does, but there's no reason not to apply.
» You're on subject. >> Yeah. Placement.
» And he just did. And he just did his field last. That's awesome. I just got
to think on something. >> Is it for brand new installation?
» Uh yeah, for repair. >> Sure. Yeah. Uh repair and upgrade is is
how it's uh structured now. But um that's the verb verbiage I read, I
should say. says, um, uh, upgrade and repair.
I don't know why it wouldn't be new construction, but
again, that doesn't hurt to ask. I mean, it's it's it's federal money
» in city limits or city the city. >> No, that's that's the other that's the
other aspect of it, too. When I first started looking into this, I didn't
realize I I assumed we didn't have any uh uh septic or well within the city,
but we found out we did have a couple and but the reason I went for it for was
for uh local residents outside of the city limits that can and they still
qualify. That's primarily what it's geared for is for rural residents that
aren't currently on um municipal uh services. So this is an opportunity for
if we can raise awareness we can get people outside city limits more rural
customers uh involved in it as well. I think it's a good really good
opportunity for a lot of people and again I see it as economic development
in a way because the the the more modern our services are the better the better
we more attractive we are as a community.
» Way you look at it new construction is an upgrade.
» Right. >> Right. Yeah. I mean
» my way. Yeah, I'd certainly go after it. I I have no reason not to certainly go
after it. Is anybody building new septic? Really? Wow.
Wow. Okay. Yeah, that's good to know. Yeah. Yeah. Let's get it. Let's see if I
can get it. I don't want to talk too much because if I don't get it, then
then [laughter] I don't get people excited if we don't
get it. But I'd sure like to get it. I think we got a good chance, particularly
if they're having a hard time getting people to take their money. I'm kind of
in the same situation. We've got money to lend. We've got um uh grant money for
child care and stuff. We can't give it away. We're just not uh getting the
applicants applicants that >> So So in your pre-application work, is
it did you conclude that it's needbased or they don't care?
» You have to be able to demonstrate the need. Yeah. You're certainly going to
have to demonstrate that uh you've got an like like a written estimate. You got
everything else covered, but you don't have money for
a septic system. >> Exactly. So you So your your septics in
need repair. You're a rural resident. You haven't uh for whatever reason your
income isn't where it needed to be this year. You don't have the funding to do
it. Uh this is a grant program to make sure that it gets done and make sure it
gets done right. That's that's their motivation here.
» I think it's cool. I'll take it if we can get it.
So, do people just contact you for this grant opportunity
» once if we get it approved? Yeah. Yeah. As it stands right now, um it's going to
be it the the way the ver the the um posting is written, it says it has to be
administered through a quote non uh a local nonprofit entity. So, we would
qualify for that, but I don't but I would assume that it's going to have to
be some type of partnership with the city for to administer the funds. I I I
don't know. We'll have to once we get there if if they've got $300,000 to give
me, we'll figure it out. >> Yep.
» Is there administration fees that are going to be included in that grant?
» Not that I can see. No, I think it's uh I think what they're counting
» for us for doing the additional cost on those. I mean, there's always a cost
when you do pass through funds and everything else, you know, not only are
our staff and and people that are doing that kind of stuff, we need to make sure
that we're asking for those funds to help cover some of our costs, too. Well,
keep in mind I don't know that the city's going to have to be involved yet.
Okay. I'm I'm thinking based on what I've seen in other other uh you like the
way we run the LBA40 program, that kind of thing. From what I've seen in the
past, uh it usually has to you have there has to be some type of partnership
with the local municipality if we're working within the city limits.
There's got to be some kind of cooperation, coordination. I don't know
what that looks like yet, though. As I was saying, this is the first grant I've
gone after. So, I don't I don't know what it's going to look like, but to me,
it seems like um none of those hurdles would be
insurmountable if we had money to to give out to help people. I think we'd be
able to figure it out. I I just don't know what it look like.
» What are you thinking, George? [laughter]
» It sound like It sounds like a good deal, I think.
» Yeah. Well, I I'm thinking that it only obtain
relate to people in regard to the city if they had a decrepit septic system
and needed to replace so that the city involvement in something like that I
think would just be >> permitting maybe
» permitting. Yeah. >> And [snorts]
making sure it's done according to the code.
» Yeah. I think I think >> and for those outside the city limits,
um you'd probably be talking to the county.
» Yeah. >> Um I think my confusion lies in the fact
that um [snorts] uh from what I my research shows that NDC,
as far as I can see, has never individually and independently
administered a grant. That's one of the things that we talk about all the time.
We have matching funds for loans. We uh refer people to grant programs. We can
help you fill out your grants, that kind of thing. But I don't see that we've
ever as a as an independent entity administered a grant. So that's the part
that I'm still a little gray on.
Anything else? >> Thanks. Okay. Thanks, guys.
» Thank you.
» Okay. And next on the agenda is ordinance number 1449,
second reading. Ordinance number 1449 is before the council for a second reading.
Please read ordinance number 1449 by title. An ordinance to adopt the
2026-2027 budget statement to be termed the annual
appropriations bill to appropriate sums for necessary expenses and liabilities
directing the publication of this ordinance and prescribing the time when
this ordinance shall be in full force and effect.
» Okay, discussion.
We got to have some discussion.
and it is closely tied together with the the budget. Um,
and of course the the big question on the horizon is what's our
tax rate going to be? Um we did receive
the valuation for the city.
Um total taxable value is 372,77,474
$470 and the prior year was 3 million $342,890,580.
Our gross value was 1,514,920.
And if I interpret those things correctly, if I take the t current one,
subtract the prior year and subtract the growth,
our assessed value increase on the same properties
went up by 28 million, which is about 8 and a4%
communitywide. Um
I think this year this was this was the year for residential increases and not
commercial. The county assessor tends to
and there could be some variations to that. They one year they'll do
commercial and the next two they do residential and they do that to bring it
in compliance with the state law that it has to be stacked assessed at a certain
level of what the sales are. So the I always term that is the valuations chase
the sales um to try to get up to that level. So if
anybody has a different of opinion about how that works,
let me know.
So in in the budget
» which will be close to what you kind of estimated too, wasn't it?
» Yeah, Tom. >> Yes. As far as what we estimated for
that, when Michelle and I met this last week, the numbers that we had estimated
for that, we felt it was close enough to that those numbers that we asked for um
was that we stayed with the same numbers of the the 1,427,192.
that'll actually lower the mill levy based off of that information. Last year
we had a growth rate of of 3.03. This year our growth rate's only going
to be 2.44. So um we feel that that's is adequate.
So the mill levy will actually go down with what we actually have here unless
the council decides that they would like to maintain the mill levy and then that
would add some extra dollars into the the funds. Yeah.
The property tax advalorum that's in the budget is like Tom
mentioned was 1,427 $192.93
and last year's was 1,3302
421,330,242
which is a 7.29% 29% increase which is slightly less than 1% of that previous
figure that I gave you. So, and that's why Tom mentioned that the mill levy
will actually decrease ever so slightly,
but your taxes will go up. Uh if if you had if you had an increase
on your property, if they stayed the same, you'll benefit actually couple
dollars.
But the things that received an increase,
I looked at that in my home, I'm probably going to be looking at um
an extra four or $500.
» [laughter]
» $40 a month.
So, any other questions, comments about what we looking at?
» What is the mill levy right now? 39 something something something
something
» I think Michelle's got the actual numbers in front of her on the mill levy
itself. I don't have the actual from last year,
but the um
property tax request for this year for 2627
ends up being a mill levy rate of 3.86794.
And so the 20 526 mil levy is about
a hundth higher 3 point or 39 76 something like that.
It's it's pretty close but it did go down. Um the request uh the actual
property tax request is 1,441 because they have us add in [laughter]
the treasurer fee and that's part of our request. But of that, we would we
wouldn't we wouldn't get all of that. So, um
that's that's it in a nutshell. However, um
wanted to point out that the TA property tax request that that we
are filing for this year does require us to go to the P postcard joint meeting.
So,
» you said we will have to >> Yes.
» I thought you said we didn't have to earlier.
» No. Um, in order to avoid that meeting,
uh, our levy would have to go down to 1 36 million.
So, um, before I fill out the questionnaire
from the treasurer, I need to
let you know that the 1.44 44 requires us to go to the joint meeting. And if
you don't want to do that, then I'll have to
change things around a bit.
in the conference uh in June that I went to the the
finance and clerks conference, the state auditor um gave an a budget
update and he said that this year it's not
required to go to the pink postcard meeting, but next year they're going to
make it required for everybody whether or not you
um surpass that limitation or Not. So that's that's what he said. Whether they
enforced that or not, I don't know. But he did say that he was they were going
to make it required to go to the joint meeting um in future years.
Well, if we got to go to the bank postcard, he's got to go to the bank
postcards. Good. >> When's that meeting?
» They haven't said it yet. >> Be set by the county.
» County is still working on budget. >> Yeah, they haven't said it yet.
I tried to find it out. I got transferred to all forms of offices in
the county today, but um yeah, they haven't said it yet.
Okay. Um,
anyone knows any other comments? This is our second reading and
um, so there'll be one more coming, but um,
Unless somebody buys the lottery ticket and wins the lottery that we can and
donates it all to the city and we can change this. So, [cough]
okay. Ordinance number 1449 has been read by
title on its second reading. The third and final reading of ordinance number
1449 will be on September 8th, 2026,
which is a really late date for the first meeting of a month,
but because Labor Day is the latest it can ever be.
Oh, now that we close this um hearing, I
Michelle on page 40 in the aquatic center.
um that
first column total operating expenses is not totaled
correctly. It only picks up the last item.
And then I I wondered in the budget you have zero in as far as
building maintenance expense, special equipment maintenance expense, and plant
maintenance expense. >> Yeah. The um
the narrative points you to fund 45 44410.
» Tom, I think you kind of explained that last time, right?
» Uh how those were going to be coming out of that other
» be coming out of the account 45 for those expenses.
How would that relate to our reimbursement with the college if we
don't show those operating expenses.
» When we do our spreadsheet for the college, we pull everything in because
there's things that don't show up in in in the fun 43 anyway, like our water
usage, we pull that from another line item anyway.
And um we have a whole another spreadsheet that we give Carrie Gazwit.
So, we'll just pull those back in. from
um fund 45. >> Fund 45 is on page 61.
And you'll see there three new accounts, building maintenance, special equipment.
» We take things out that they won't pay for anyway. That's why we have a
separate spreadsheet that we give to the college when we um when I meet with her
every June.
Huh?
Okay. Answer is that I forgot the
I don't know if there's room to make any notations on that, but you might want to
I don't know. If in those lines that say that the
existing line and over there on the budget request, if you can notice C
uh >> C fund 45
» C fund 45 and I think if you put that kind of
verbiage in there, it won't mess up your formulas.
» Okay, >> you can try it and see.
» I can do it.
But I I should have remembered that. But I
I like to think I remember everything, but I don't. [laughter]
Okay. I guess we already concluded that um
ordinance 1449. >> Okay, we concluded ordinance number
1449. Ordinance number 1450
is before the council before its second reading. Please read ordinance number
1450 by title. an ordinance to establish the amount of
certain fees and taxes charged by the city of Shaturn for various services
including but not limited to building and use zoning, library, occupation
licensing and pet licensing, water, sewer and drainage systems and facility
of the city for residential users and commercial users including industrial
users of the city of Shatron for the 2026-2027
fiscal year to provide for the repeal of conflict licting ordinances to provide
for an effective date.
» Okay. Um I believe we have the same information,
but Janet, if you could help us out. >> Yep. The only change that was made
between the first reading and this reading is on page eight
and that is and that corresponds to your next ordinance that we're going to be
talking about with the sewer utility fees.
Uh the sewer tap fee determined by ordinance um is we're suggesting that
that be 105 and that will be for sanitary sewer district number 70 which
is at 6th in Lynden and sanitary sewer district number 71 which is Cedarbutes
and like I said that will tie into the next ordinance that we'll be we'll be
talking about.
Um do we do we have uh we also going to do something out by
um >> Domino's?
» Yeah, >> Domino's is sixth in London.
» Oh, >> that's number that's number 70.
» Gotcha.
» Okay. for the information of the public. What is being changed other than the
item that Janet mentioned is a red on the carousel hanger goes from $150 a
month to $175 a month.
Um Saturday burials
um has changed to same charge all day. Um, it goes so morning service is the
same as the present afternoon service on Saturday, which is $500.
Um, >> page six is the next one.
» Then page six, [cough] running for city council application fee is 1% of the
council member's annual salary. And then the
the ouchie thing is the um franchise fees
for electricity, water and wastewater. Electricity being raised from 13.5% to
14% of gross revenues. And water raised from 12% to 14% of
gross revenues. and wastewater too.
» Yeah. Water and waste water. Yeah. >> Yep.
» Um [clears throat] and sewer utility fees.
The sewer connection tap fee, not to be confused with the new district's tap
fee. >> Yes. That
» goes from $450 to $500. >> Correct.
And usage charge base unit fee goes from
$34.65 to $36.40
per month. And multiple units um first unit is the
same as the single family dwelling and then additional units go from $29.15
to $30.60. And consumption fee goes from the base
fee of $1.21 21 uh per 100 cubic feet of water used to
127 and that's used in excess
that's based on excess of 800 cubic feet on a monthly and each year the city runs
a December February usage when you're not
watering any watering outside to get a base of what
you use because that be hard to calculate each month and changing it.
And commercial wastewater hauler minimum dumping fee goes from $22
to $23. And that covers 0 to 100 gallons and over 100 gallons.
It goes from $44 to $46. And all of those charges are an increase
of 5%.
» And that's everything that I see in red. >> Correct.
» On that sewer tap fee, the $500. Is that is that going to be enough?
» Um for an just a an regular tap fee on an older district,
» right? It's It's what we've been kind of going up $50 every few years.
I mean, we could increase that if you think we should, but
» Well, in other areas I've been in, the the sewer tap fees and the water tap
fees are significantly >> Well, I can [clears throat] tell you
that when we started increasing this um sewer tap fee, it was $25,
which was ridiculous. And so, [laughter] we have been incrementally increasing
it. So, is on what page nine is the water tap
fees. >> Yeah, water tap the water tap fees are
um we suggested increasing those next year
in 2728's budget. Well, I I view that maybe keeping it at
that level kind of a
a reason for people to maybe build something new on an existing vacant lot.
um to kind of instead of having the town sit here with a lot of vacant lots
around, it's be nice to get a new home on some of
those, right?
» And that that was a question I kind of had because the two districts, sewer
districts, you have one that's going to be business operated, so they have a
$10,500 tap fee, but they're going to be generating revenue. And in the other
sewer district, it's homes that do you think that that tap fee could be a
deterrent for people building in that area
» in a in the residential district? >> Yes.
» Um the one person that's already come in and talked to me about building up
there. Um and I told him that it was going to be at the time we were talking
10,000 but I said I don't know if it's going to stay at 10,000. I said it could
go to 12. He did not say anything at all that that was going to be
» I'm familiar with the Shanees in construction dealt with that a lot more.
Is that reasonable? >> Seem to be
» a lot of municipalities when they put the infrastructure in they try to recoup
a certain percentage of the overall cost of that infrastructure. Not 100% just a
certain percentage of that. So, I would say that would be adequate
» and that's what we're doing here. >> Yes, we're trying to recoup. And I was
going to discuss this when we get to the actual ordinance, but that's okay. We
can discuss it now. Um, what we did, where we got this from, where we got the
105. Um, and Tom and I talked, you know, at length. Um, we're trying to recoup
just less than 50% of what the district costs the city. we're recouping almost
48%. If if we go with this 105 um on the commercial lots, there's only three lots
to um collect this tap fee from. On the residential lots, there's six. And it
just so happened that they both came out at 48% at 105. So that's where we got
this. Um we could have gone more. I mean, we I did 50, I did 55, I did 60,
and it was anywhere from 105 to $12,000 roughly. And um Tom felt pretty strongly
that he'd like to keep it under the 50% showing the community that this city's
got some skin in the game. I mean, we're trying to add to our tax base, and
that's, you know, what the city's giving the community as an incentive is over
50% of putting in these sanitary sewer districts.
» No, it makes sense. I think Thank you for that explanation.
» Yep. Like I said, I was going to do it when we actually got the ordinance, but
this is okay.
Any other questions or comments?
» Ordinance number 1450 >> has been read by title on its second
reading. The third and final reading of ordinance number 1450 will be on
September 8th, 2026. Okay. Moving on to item E on the agenda.
Someone care to introduce ordinance number 1451? I can introduce Ordinance
1451 to establish water and sanitary tapping
fees.
» Ordinance number 1451 has been introduced. Please read ordinance number
1451 by title. An ordinance to amend chapter 3 business regulations article 4
plumbing and draining of the municipal code of the city of Shaturn Nebraska to
enact section 3-418 water and sanitary sewer tapping fees
establishing water and sanitary sewer tapping fees providing for the payment
of such fees prior to connection to the municipal water and/or sanitary sewer
system providing for the administration of such fees repealing all ordinances
are parts of ordinances in conflict therewith and providing for an effective
date.
» Okay. The next thing do we want to suspend the rules about three readings?
» If you do, you can
make a motion. I'll I'll move the motion. Um who the motion the sanitary
rules in regard >> statutory.
» Yeah. Statuto rules in regard to the passage and adoption of ordinance number
1441 be suspended so that the ordinance number 1451 might be introduced approved
and passed at the same meeting.
» Can we get a second? >> I'll second.
Okay, we had a motion by Shane and a second by
Mark. Is there any discussion?
» I asked my question previously, I guess. [laughter]
Yeah, I think this is a >> and the re the reason we want to get it
done in one reading is >> so that when you pass your ordinance on
the fee ordinance, it's all this is already in place so that we can have it
by resolution in the fee ordinance or have it already
in the fee ordinance so that everything follows in the proper order of things.
Um, I have to really thank Katie on this one. she found this um
all of this ordinance language and then Adam looked at it and we all said, "Hey,
this really looks good." So, but she found this language and it's
exactly what we were hoping to achieve. I think it
does exactly what we all talked about.
» Okay. [clears throat] Okay. So now we will have roll call on
the suspension of the rules. >> Graves,
» yes. >> Anderson,
» yes. >> Klein,
» yes. >> Shepard,
» yes. >> I declare that the statutory rules in
regard to the passage and adoption of ordinance number 1451
be suspended so that ordinance number 1451 may be approved and passed at the
same meeting.
Okay, now we're going into final passage of ordinance number 1451.
I move for the final passage of ordinance of number 1451.
» I'll second. >> Motion by Shane, seconded by Mark for
final passage of 14 ordinance number 1451.
Is there any discussion? Maybe I should say additional
discussion. Uh
» so Janet, those on that district 71, those new residential lots, the city
owns those empty lots. Is that >> the city owns? Um all of them, but two.
» Okay. Is there any way like we could create like an incentive
to like I know there's other municipalities they give those lots away
if as long as homes are built. >> Well, first the first things the city
has to do is we have to we can't even offer them for sale yet. We have to have
them appraised and put a to get a price tag on them. And um there are a couple
of them that don't have street in front of them. So, we can't even offer them
for sale. So, our first step is, like I said, is to get the property appraised.
And at that time, once we know what they're worth in the appraisal prop
process, then that would be the time that I would think you would want to
have this conversation. >> Okay?
» So, but that's what we have to start. That's where we have to start. Like I
said, we can't even offer property or put property up for sale until after we
go through that pro that process. So, we have to hire an appraiser to start that.
And um I don't know um I it's not online yet,
but I don't know how much the lot right next to Dunar sold for yet cuz it's not
online yet. But once it is, then that appraisal
process can start [laughter] in my opinion [clears throat]
because our lot is just slightly smaller than that lot. So, they would have a a
good like comparison to do that appraisal.
» Just trying to think of other ways we could help make it easier, especially
with that 10,500 tapping fee. Mhm. But you you got to realize that whoever is
going to buy that lot is not going to um put a small house on it. Probably
we're talking somebody that's going to probably build a 300,000 plus home on
that piece of property. So Oh, Adam's Adam is mouththing to me
500,000. >> I was gonna say to [laughter]
» Okay. So and so is Shane. So, so we're talking, you were talking a pretty, you
know, pretty good size home. So,
any other questions? >> Thank you.
» Ordinance number 1451 has been read by title and moved for passage. The
question is, shall ordinance number 1451 of the city of Shatron, Nebraska,
finally pass? Could we have roll call, please?
» Graves. >> Yes. Anderson,
» yes. >> Klene,
» yes. >> Shepard,
» yes. Ordinance number 1451 is hereby passed and adopted.
» Like to introduce resolution 2026-70 and move forth approval.
» I'll second. Motion by Shane, seconded by Clay for resolution number 2026-70,
which is to approve the request for a state aid project application form for
fiscal year 2027 projects for the Shat Municipal Airport.
Any discussion of >> I'll I'll talk for a little bit and
Janet will make sure that I talk properly. Uh this is on runway uh 21 on
the hammer uh head at the end of it. Uh we're needing to put in some new um
lighting just for safety reasons itself, not only for the planes but for also for
our snow removal equipment as well. Um what the engineers have come up with the
estimate is $182,000. Uh we believe that we will be eligible
for $163,800 uh from state funding. The remaining
$18,200 uh is going to be coming out of the
airport's system improvements, which will allow us to have approximately
$11,800 left to finish off any other um projects
such as some concrete or anything else that's out there. We budgeted uh for
this year's uh budget unit was $30,000. So, we're not asking for any additional
funds. Uh this is just an opportunity where the state is able to to help us
out with this particular funding. >> And these estimates do include the
engineering and administration is the way I read the summary.
» Yep. Approximately $41,000 for engineering.
» Quarter of the >> Oh yeah. It's just like our S sur
building, >> right?
But you look at the documents that they have to produce
uh is pretty extensive when you're dealing with any kind of state and or
federal >> government.
» Yes. >> That by America stuff.
» Yes. >> And so that's just this little loop in
the picture. It's just this little loop at the very end.
» Yes. >> Okay.
» Yep. >> Turn around.
» Yep.
» Any other questions? If not, could we have a roll call,
please? >> Graves,
» yes. >> Anderson,
» yes. >> Flying,
» yes. >> Shepard, [clears throat]
» yes. To introduce resolution 2026-71
and move for its approval. >> I'll second that. Motion by Shane,
second by Mark for resolution 2026-71,
which is to approve progress estimate number one to KO Wooden Company LLC for
the construction of the snow removal equipment, otherwise referred to as the
S sur building access drive and approach at the Shatan Municipal Airport.
And I'll talk again for that uh if that's acceptable to you, mayor. Um what
it is basically is Kalewood is just asking for that first estimate of the
$37,716.72
for the materials that they've already gotten with uh projects supposed to be
this week is what they're estimating. Is that correct, Janet?
» Correct. um where they're going to start moving some dirt and such and start
moving mobilization for this particular project.
» So is that are those materials out there at the airport?
» No, that's in their yards. >> That's in their yards
» alliance and it was >> in a mischievous sort of way. I was
explaining this to Emily. They said they could get paid for this, use it on some
other project and then [laughter] >> they have to produce uh documents to our
engineers, >> produce invoices and everything like
that. Um this is actually for their the doors and they had to um put down money
to get the doors ordered >> and um they're pretty big doors so
they're not going to use them just on anybody else's garage. So
But yeah, but they have to they have to start um
scarifying the site and moving dirt and everything this week.
» Okay. Any other questions? If not, could we have roll call, please?
» Graves, >> yes.
» Anderson, >> yes.
» Klene, >> yes.
» Shepard, >> yes.
I'll introduce resolution 2026-72 and move for its approval.
» I'll second. >> Motion by Mark, seconded by Clay.
Resolution 2026-72, which is to approve contractor
application for payment number one to Infinity Construction, Inc. for the East
6 Street, Cedar Street to Spruce Street improvement project.
Okay, this is payment number one for 122,82265.
Um, actually this project is now done. Um, they opened the um street up on last
Tuesday, several days, actually almost a week ahead of schedule. Um, if you
haven't driven the street yet, >> you need to.
» It's wonderful. Um the transition off of Cedar Street is very smooth. You don't
even know that it wasn't constructed at the same time, which usually there's
some kind of transition, >> right?
» Um uh very very well done project. The uh
residents in the area are very pleased. Um,
I was sitting there waiting for the construction meeting to begin and I'm in
Dustin's pickup and I said, "I wonder when they're going to crack seal." And
he said, "It's already done." I said, "No, it's not." He said, "Yes, it is."
And I says, "Well, there aren't any slobers anywhere. You know, when the
they dribble the the tar everywhere and they overfill and they none of that. It
is the cleanest, nicest crack seal I've ever seen, but it's a
very, very well completed project. I'm very, very happy with this project. So,
um I'm sure we will have our final pay payment number two and final at our next
meeting. Very very nice job. >> Yeah, I I I saw it, too. It's it's a
nice nice job. And um as far as all the homeowners up there
said they were easy to get along with and
» Yep. Yep. >> and being ahead of schedule even.
» Yeah. >> Very nice.
» They said they'd be done before school started. They were which was very very
nice. >> So
any other questions or comments? Could we have roll call, please?
» Graves. Yes. >> Anderson.
» Yes. >> Klene.
» Yes. >> Shepard.
» Yes. We won't disclose when the drag race takes taking place.
[clears throat] >> Yeah. Let's not have
» leave rubber marks on it. >> Let's not have any of that. [laughter]
» I'll introduce resolution 2026-73. Move for its approval.
» I'll second that. Motion by Shane, seconded by Mark for resolution 2026-73
is to approve contractor's application for payment number two to KO Wooden
Company for the fourth street water main replacement project.
uh to zoo utility super dam for a city um $1590 South Maple. Um yeah, so that
total amount will be 111,000 9 $930.90.
Uh the waterline part of this is all done.
Um they're just doing touch-up stuff on the outside and then like on grounds and
then um concrete work now. So,
» has anybody [cough and clears throat] in past it? I I've looked it a little bit,
but I can't look too much when I'm driving. So,
» yeah, it's kind of a congested street right there. So, right now, so it's kind
of hard to unless you actually stop and get out and look. It's kind of tough to
look as you're going by. But, [snorts]
» but the water is thin and flowing, right?
» Yes. Yep.
» I only imagine they reported to you without any problems that they ran into
or >> Yeah, I was there for most of them that
they had little issues here and there, but um
yeah, we got those resolved. So, >> Yep.
» And you were there to make sure they hooked up the lines correctly to the
» Yeah, we were on there. We were there for the most of the tie-in stuff. So,
yep.
» Okay. Any other questions? >> If not,
» you had that question. So, have we had that problem in the past?
» They they tied it in wrong. [laughter]
» We have a roll call, please. >> Graves,
» yes. >> Anderson,
» yes. Klein, >> yes.
» Shepard, >> yes.
» I'll introduce resolution 2026-74
and move for its approval. Second that. >> Motion by Clay, second by Shane for
resolution number 2026-74, which is to approve contractor's
application for payment number two to Bitner Construction for the water main
replacement project on an street. >> Yeah. And so this is just for that 300
block of AM. We still have the 200 block to do yet. Um, so that total amount
right now is going to beund $100,31459.
Um, that's went really well. Um, there's been a few issues here and there that
they've come across, but they've gotten those resolved and some service line
issues. So, where they had to fix things and go a
little further than what they wanted to, but it had to be done. So, other than
that, it's been pretty smooth over there.
Hey, any other questions?
» If not, um, could we have roll call, please?
» Graves, >> yes.
» Anderson, >> yes.
» Flying, >> yes.
» Shepard, >> yes.
» Um, item number K on the agenda.
I'll introduce resolution 2026-75. Move for its approval.
» Second that >> motion by Shane, second by Mark for
resolution 2026-75 which is to approve the Shatron State
College and city of Shadron Shatan Police Department interlocal agreement
for facilities use. Good evening mayor, city council uh
members. the Rick Hickstein representing the Shatter Police Department located at
125 Main Street here in Shatter, Nebraska. Um Dr. Wat with the Criminal
Justice Department brought this to me. They've got a vacant building up there,
I believe, Brooks Hall that's due for demolition coming up relatively soon,
but in the meantime, while it's still there, it he offered up using that
building as training for law enforcement. Sounds like the state
patrol is doing the same thing we are with um partnering with them to use a
building with actual we can use we can go in building clear
if you will active shooter type training domestic violence type calls. So we'd
like to have this agreement approved so that we can work with the college to get
that done. It's a rare opportunity to actually have a a space to train in.
» So it's a good opportunity for my staff.
» Sounds great. Yeah. >> Yeah. No, it's it's it's a win for us.
Absolutely. >> How long do you think how many years
will be? One year or two? Three? >> I think we'll have it for this year. I I
don't I'm not going to pretend to try to plan out what the college will do with
that. Okay. When they'll tear it down. >> I always
as a builder I when a building gets torn down, it's sad to me to see the history
of that. But I guess college has to do what they have to do.
» They do. I think if you look at it right now, the bottom windows are already torn
out of it and and boarded up. So, they're they're starting to prep for it.
So, I'm sure it's about a year and we'll get use out of it. But, it's a nice
opportunity for the guys and gals of the department to be able to do something
like that in
any other questions? If not, have roll call, please.
» Graves, >> yes.
» Anderson, >> yes.
» Klene, >> yes.
» Shepard, >> yes.
Okay. Um, September is the end of a fiscal year for the city and we always
have year-end bills to take care of. Um, so the con the city staff is request
recommending a special meeting be held on September 30th to approve the bills
that they prepare to end the year and they have suggested on about 4:30 on
that. Um, don't anticipate a lot of questions
but if we ask questions we'll deal with it. What was the What date was that?
» September 30th. >> It's a Wednesday.
» Okay,
that >> works to me.
» Problems. >> Okay. I make a motion that we
schedule a special meeting on September 30th to approve year end fiscal year
claims. I'll second.
» Motion by me, seconded by Clay. Could we have roll call, please?
» Graves, >> yes.
» Anderson, >> yes.
» Klein, >> yes.
» Shepard, >> yes.
» Make a motion to approve the claims that are presented in our packet.
» I'll second that.
» Motion by me, second by Shane for the claims. Um,
we'll make uh a couple comments going over the bills that Axon
Enterprises it says incar camera system. It was seven of them. Um, according to
what I read on the invoice. Um,
and Blue Logic was an annual renewal of 21 times $52.40.
Please report. [laughter] Mayor, Council, Sir Kickstein, again,
um, Blue Logic is the training platform that we use at the police department.
It's u it's a software basically and those are the for $52 a year I can go in
as a supervisor assign scenario-based training to my staff. It maps it out. So
we talked about school shootings earlier. So if we want to train an
active shooter training I can set up and actually it this platform allows us to
use an actual map of Shatron High School or of the primary school and the the
officers have to go through the scenario put X's on where they would park where
they would make entry and then it ask policy questions. So we use this on and
off throughout the year for the the staff, not only for the officers, but
also for the dispatchers and how they dispatch things out as well. So fairly
cheap training for the price. Um I mean 52 bucks.
» And the previous one, are we replacing old incar systems?
» No, that's a contract we have with Axon for the current cameras that we have in
the cars. It's not a replacement. >> That's an annual fee.
» That is correct. They maintain them for everything that can go
wrong or >> correct. Yes. And then we have they have
to get installed when we outfit the car. They get taken out and then put into the
new car. So like the last the truck that we got, we took the old camera out and
then had the installers put that one in. Uh also for our body cameras as well. We
have a contract for that as well. >> So we never really own those things. No.
» No. Um it's technology. I don't know. So, how do they determine if it's needs
to be replaced? >> So, like our body cameras back in May,
we actually within the contract, 2 and 1/2 years into the contract, they
refresh them all. So, they send you brand new equipment, you send the old
equipment in, and so they they give you new halfway through.
» Mhm.
» Well, I like know stuff. Absolutely. [laughter]
Um, >> be curious, not judgmental. George,
» yeah, curious. Don't make a bad joke about curious George. [laughter]
» Walt Walt Whitman said that >> um
I just wanted to note under KO Wood that takes care of that.
The amount is $149,000 some dollars. that takes care of both
the airport deal at 37,000 and then the the water project for 111 almost
$112,000.
Um, and then that
deductible and insurance claim related to a sewer backup,
which the total cost was $9,89.90.
And we had to stand the deductible of 5,000.
And in Sunset Law Enforcement, it says PD firearm,
but I believe that way I read the invoice, it's for shells, 240 boxes of
them at $118. >> That's 12,000 rounds of 9mm handgun
ammunition for training purposes. When you consider that I've got 12 full-time
law enforcement officers within my department, you can do the math. It's
not really that many, but it seems like a lot. Um, we Sunset is a law
enforcement distributor. We order it from them. They ship it to us for free.
So, it's an all-inclusive press.
Okay, that's really the only comment I had. Um,
I was really wondering about the weed control chemicals. Is that something
that we will use a lot yet this year or did we get those some before? Well, it's
weed control, but it's also mosquito control because he'll buy the larvaide
» tablets now while they're still available and then come January,
December, he'll start throwing them out in the areas that we need them.
» So, he gets stocked up for those things. Uh, but then yes, there is also Roundup
Pro and Confront and I think he's got some Super Trimax on those invoices if I
remember correctly. All of those items are being used for the end of the season
type stuff. And if he doesn't get them used, then obviously he got a warm spot
to keep them so that we can utilize them for next year.
» And a lot of times if we don't buy them now, they're not available in the
spring, >> especially the larvaite, the mosquito
control stuff. >> So,
okay. Um, could we have roll call, please?
» Graves, >> yes.
» Anderson, >> yes.
» Klene, >> yes.
» Shepard, >> yes.
» Like to introduce resolution number 2026-76
to excuse Kevin Alexi from this council meeting. He had training to go through
in Wyoming, he stated. So, >> I'll second that
» motion by me, seconded by Shane to excuse Kevin.
Could we have roll call, please? >> Graves,
» yes. >> Anderson,
» yes. >> Fine.
» Yes. >> Shepard,
» yes. >> Um, public comment. Anyone wishing to
address the council on a matter not on this agenda may now do so. Individuals
are allowed a total of three minutes to speak.
Now, I'm Carolyn Brennan, 800 Main Street.
I'd like to know what our ordinances are, the rules of the road or whatever
for these electric scooters. I saw one a week ago yesterday.
I see this kid going up and down Main Street a lot.
And that particular Sunday afternoon, he was going on the left side of the street
and then he was on the right side of the street and then the left side of the
street back and forth. There was a car in front of me that had his foot on the
brake, not knowing which way he was going. When he got to Common Sense, he
zipped through Common Sense and got across the highway and before I could
get around onto the highway, he was way down in Safeway parking lot on the
sidewalk and he was flying. I could see him just about over the hill
out by Ace Hardware then and I finally found he went around the corner behind
Ace Hardware. I see him a lot this morning.
I didn't. Thank God it didn't happen. There was a kid coming from on 8th
Street on an electric scooter. He was in the middle of the intersection.
There was a car coming from the south that couldn't have been two car lengths
away from him. Another one was coming from the north. He was making a
right-hand turn. So, I assume the kid thought, "Okay, I can go." But didn't
see the one in the south coming north. I've seen a kid on a bicycle hit by a
semi years ago. And I don't want to see a kid around town here get hit. There's
got to be some kind of control. The one this morning didn't have a helmet on. I
don't think a helmet would help them anyway, but I just wanted to know what
the rules of the road are for those. And not just the scooters.
Bicycles, too. You don't see a lot of kids riding the bicycles. I saw a lot of
them on scooters this summer. And one girl went by and she looked at me the
whole time she went a half a block. Just kept looking at me like she could have
hit a hole in the street and gone over. And I just think we need to watch those.
I've had other three or four people say, "Oh, that guy I he turned a U-turn right
in front of me. I just about hit him." Well, that was my granddaughter.
I've had a couple other people that have said those little suckers pop out of
nowhere and I'd be the I can I can see a couple of people that might miss them
and then accidentally hit them and that I hate to see that happen. So I don't
know what the rules are. Yeah. Well, thank you for your comments and it's
been a topic of discussion at the agenda
meetings and probably other meetings uh about it and um
just this evening coming out of my office instead of being on the street
they were on my sidewalk. Um the young girl did slow up when she
saw me, but um she was going pretty a pretty good click down the sidewalk. So,
» but we appreciate why I'm here. We appreciate your com. We appreciate your
comments. >> Where we live, they're going to school.
» Yeah. You know, >> come over by Wilson Park and watch them
over there. Hasn't >> started yet.
» Yeah. Go-karts, everything. Anyway. Yeah,
» Nelson Stevens, 402 West 8th Street. I was at the last meeting and caught the
conversation about the license plate cameras and I want to be on the other
side. I appreciate those that were against the system that was after I
researched it. I hadn't really looked into these and the name of that company
comes up pretty regularly, pro and con, but I am for the city maintaining some
type of license plate camera system as is used now because I think that's a
valuable tool to catch people. People can be so elusive
and I appreciate the job law enforcement does. A lot of times it's thankless and
I really support them in using these tools reasonably. If it ever gets out of
hand and comes to mind, then there needs to be a mechanism in place that might be
a joint law enforcement and committee of citizens
that oversees this would be a nice compromise,
but and the company that's been mentioned most often, I don't know if
they're the only one. I don't believe they are. So maybe at some point in the
future an alternate company if this one gets a bad reputation or goes out of
business. But I am for the use of those readers. I think they're a good
deterrent or can be used as a tool. >> Thank you for your comments.
That okay city manager report.
» Thank you mayor. I just wanted to mention it to the council and then also
to the citizens of Shatron. We're having a program here on September 2nd and 3rd
since we're not going to have another meeting before then in which it's called
the community partnership program. It is a program that we're going to have our
National Guard representatives here into in in our community. Uh we're going to
be doing a wreath laying. Uh we're going to have several meetings with different
community members that'll be invited. Then then we're going to have some
different opportunities for them. Uh they're going to finish up on Thursday
the September 3rd where they're going to be down at the uh Legion. Uh we're going
to have Major General Craig Strong. Is that correct, Kelsey?
» Yes. uh which will be here uh to to represent and it's a way to have just a
collaboration with what the National Guard does mean to our community, what
they do for our area, what they do for the state, and then what they also do
for the nation as well. Um so I'd encourage anybody uh we are trying to
get the information out to everybody. It's on the website. Um, it's one of
those things that if you have an opportunity to come and and just
participate or just see what they're all about, I' I'd encourage everyone and
anyone to come out to to see what they have to offer and and just ask a lot of
questions. Um, that's what they're here for. Um, it's a celebration
slashinformation slash whatever else it needs to be for that uh those two days.
So, I just encourage everybody to do that. And then uh just wanted to also
just put one more thing out there for our citizens. Um you know with the the
use of our community service officer, he's been going around and doing a lot
of things. Uh trying to just help everybody to understand what what the
expectations are, what the ordinance state as far as weed trees, different
things throughout the whole thing. I think it's been very very successful.
Um, want to also just stress to everybody that it's not a a a ticket
catching type thing. It's a way of just informing our public this is what the
standards are set. And if they see something that we maybe need to change
or or switch around, I'd encourage the public to come in and talk to the
council, talk to any of the city staff, let us know what we need to be working
on, too, because it needs to be both ways. Uh, the communications needs to be
just opened up. And I I think for as far as our staff itself, it's been very very
good. Um because we are digging into those things and and we'll be expanding
more things as Mike gets more comfortable in his position and what's
being responsible for. So I just wanted to thank everybody for cooperating with
us on all those things. I believe he's sent out in excess of what 300 now
letters that he's talked to different people. Um, and it's just a basic way,
like I said, it's to let everybody know what's what the expectations are. That's
what the ordinance are stating. Um, and it's just a way for everybody to be on
the same page. And I just wanted to appreciate everybody that's been very
receptive to it on on all of the things that we've talked about. Um, it actually
has helped us as a city too to uh make sure that we're following what we are
asking our public to do. And we are. Uh it's just sometimes we can't get to
everything like we see all the all the time too. I know Mike's pointed out
several things to the uh parks and cemetery guys on some of the different
things and it is just one of those things that we're trying to let
everybody know. So I appreciate that and and that's all I have for tonight.
Okay, >> council closing comments. We'll start
with Mark. I >> I guess I really don't have too much. I
I drive by this sign multiple times a day and I I glance at I never really
think much about it. Uh but it's in a in a citizen's yard and and I I got to
thinking about it. It seems pretty profound to me today for some reason,
but it's it says truth builds democracy, misinformation destroys it. And I got to
thinking about that as much social media and other media types that we have. Uh
and at the bottom of the sign it says uh research and think. So I think you know
if we can all be critical thinkers and think for ourselves and not take
everything at face value uh I think that'll make us uh
stronger better community. >> That's all I have.
[clears throat and snorts] >> I'll just add on to what Mark said just
a little bit. You know, part of doing the research is, you know, looking at
other people's deferring opinions and perspectives and not just looking for
confirmation bias as you research any topic. That's
be safe as the school year gets started. And
that's all I've got.
Okay. Well, this Thursday
is bands on Bordeaux. It's kind of the welcoming back of the Shadron State
College students. And I got a little challenge for the council members.
I got some name tags for you. I think it'd be a nice idea if we stood by the
gate. I'm going to be working one of the gates at 9:30 or 7:30,
but we could be behind the people that attach the wristbands and just welcome
the pe out of towners to Shadron. I think it'd be kind of nice. Um I plan to
do that. Um so it be a challenge to you. um
going to mention and Do County Museum
has a special program that's right at this
um museum right now. It's called Spark um at Places of Innovation
and it's here until September 11th. So, uh you need to take advantage of it and
go out and see it. um uh before it departs town. Um and I had
on my little list the National Guard um
partnership thing and and if and I have to do a little talk a couple times. If
any National Guard members have something that some story that they want
to tell me, good or bad, um let me know. I'll probably leave out the bad stuff,
but I appreciate knowing it um that maybe I could use in my five or six
minutes. Um and then Crawford on September 8th, they
have the escort from Whitney to Crawford for the traveling wall from Vietnam and
other activities scheduled from September 9th through the 13th. So, I
think most of us should probably get over there and try to support Crawford
in this endeavor. Um,
and my personal Emily and I's condolences to Keith Spencer and his
family um and the death of his wife Nita. Um, I was thinking when we Emily
and I came here and I talked to Keith and then
he took us out to dinner at the chuck wagon.
And so Nita was except for maybe someone in the motel where we registered to stay
and I couldn't tell you their names, but Nita would been the second person I met
in Shadron. Uh, Keith would have been the first one. And then
we had after dinner um took us over to his house and Bevon Bump and Maxine were
there. So that's [snorts]
back in 1981. And then I wanted to mention um I've kind of done a little
more work trying to get people to to do some weed control. and I had little
success with the corner of Third and Lake um both properties
east and west of the intersection there. Um so I like to get the weeds out of the
streets. I I think and maybe it's just me, but when I drive into town and I see
those growing there and I think this town doesn't really care. When we lived
in liberal Kansas, we had kind of similar discussions. It
would have been on the chamber of commerce
and without it, everyone when they went from liberal Kansas to Witchah, you went
through Pratt, Kansas. They said, "How does that community get everybody
that lives on Main Street to make it look nice?" And I probably should call
and ask Pratt if they're still continuing that and how they do that.
» Well, uh I think I think you guys um said almost everything I had to say. Um
challenge accepted. George, I'll have my name tag on.
» Okay. And uh uh I would also like to wish Mark a happy birthday tomorrow
29 and Janet a happy belated birthday from yesterday. So
» yes I was 30 >> 30. [laughter]
So um other than that I didn't have a whole lot. So
» 38. >> Thank you. [laughter]
» I make a motion we adjourn. I'll second that. Motion by me, seconded by Shane.
Could we have a roll call, please? >> Graves,
» yes. >> Anderson, [snorts]
» yes. >> Fly,
» yes. >> Shephard,
» yes.