Source: https://katcountryhub.com/2016/05/
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 18:36:42+00:00

Document:
3) Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.
1) Ordinance §53.07A regarding late fee: Vice Chair asked Village Clerk to read Ordinance §53.07A.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #9-07 IF THE CODE OF DECATUR TO PROVIDE AND CLARIFY CERTAIN LATE, DISCONNECT, AND RECONNECT FEES FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS; AND TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ordinance §53.07A, Meters Read, Bills Made Monthly; Delinquent Bills; Disconnection; Reconnection; Landlord’s Responsibility.
All meters shall be read monthly and billing shall be made monthly. All bills shall be paid at the Village Clerk’s office. If the bill is not paid by the 15th of the month, than a $15.00 late fee shall be added to the bill. Effective June 1, 2016 if the customer shall neglect or refuse to pay his or her bill on or before the 20th day after the billing date, the same shall be considered delinquent, and the Village may discontinue and disconnect service until all amounts in arrears are paid in full, in which case the Village shall assess a $20.00 disconnect fee. The Village shall assess an additional $20.00 reconnect fee once the customer pays in full all amounts in arrears. In the event the premises is a rental property and the renter has vacated the premises, the owner of the premises shall be responsible for the unpaid bill.
SECTION 2. All ordinances and sections in conflict herewith are hereby repealed (§53.07 & #9-07 ).
SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall be in full force and take effect from and after its passage, approval, and publication or posting according to law.
Vice Chair Ordinance §53.07A has been passed by a majority of all members present of the Council.
Vice Chair asked Village Clerk to read Ordinance §111.01A.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE § 111.01 OF THE CODE OF DECATUR TO PROVIDE AND CLARIFY THE PEDDLERS AND HAWKERS SECTION; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS; AND TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Ordinance § 111.01A, Peddlers and Hawkers; Regulation, Permit instructions, Peddlers and hawkers permit and Exceptions.
PEDDLERS AND HAWKERS; REGULATION. To insure the safety and security of the people of the Village of Decatur and insure that the peddlers and hawkers are selling legal products and operating legally and lawfully within the Municipality of the Village of Decatur.
(A) Hours of solicitation. It shall be unlawful for any solicitor, salesperson or peddler to solicit any individual between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., unless they have a previous appointment with the resident or residents of the premises solicited. It shall be unlawful at any hour for a solicitor, salesperson or peddler to solicit without a proper license on his or her person at all times.
Have the applicant fill the form out completely.
Take a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or id provided.
Give a copy of the permit along with a copy of the Regulations to the applicant.
Staple a copy of the applicants Drivers license or id to the permit and place in the permit file. Keep these on file for one year.
Nature of Merchandise being sold: _____________________________________________________________________________.
Under Penalties of perjury, I state that I have never been convicted of any crime or ordinance violation except as follows: _____________________________________________________________________________.
State Nature of offence, court in which convicted, and approximate date: _______________________________________________________________________.
I further state, under penalties of perjury, that to the best of my knowledge I have no infectious or communicable disease. _________________________________.
Date: ____________ Signature of applicant: ______________________________.
NOTE: THIS PERMIT IS GOOD FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M. ON THIS DATE ONLY.
EACH AND EVERY SALES PERSON WILL PAY THE $10.00 FEE AND SUPPLY THE CLERK WITH A COPY OF THEIR DRIVERS LICENCE AND/OR ID.
This permit must be kept on your person and shown to any & everyone that asks for proof of a permit.
PEDDLERS AND HAWKERS; EXCEPTIONS. Nothing herein shall be construed to apply to any person, or persons, selling produce raised within the Burt County, or to wholesale salesmen soliciting merchants directly. Under this exception you are still required to apply for an Exempt Permit at the Village Office.
EACH AND EVERY SALES PERSON WILL SUPPLY THE CLERK WITH A COPY OF THEIR DRIVERS LICENCE AND/OR ID.
SECTION 2. All ordinances and sections in conflict herewith are hereby repealed (§111.10, 1995 Code, § 4-601; 1995 Code, § 4-602).
Vice Chair Ordinance §111.01A has been passed by a majority of all members present of the Council.
Vice Chair asked Village Clerk to read Ordinance §05-12-2016.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF DECATUR, NEBRASKA, TO AMEND ITS ZONING ORDINANCE TO REZONE FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TRACT OF LAND LOCATED IN PART OF LOTS 21-28 IN BLOCK 22, ALL LYING IN THE VILLAGE OF DECATUR, BURT COUNTY, NEBRASKA; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES, SECTIONS, AND REGULATIONS; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
SECTION 1. The following described real property is hereby rezoned from low density residential to commercial district this land is located in Block 22 lots 21-28.
SECTION 2. All Ordinances, sections, and regulations in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall be in full force and take effect from and after its passage, approval, and publication or posting according to law, and after appropriate entry of the amendment is made on the Village’s Official Zoning Map(s) in accordance with Section 4.3 of the Village’s Zoning Ordinance.
Vice Chair asked if there were any questions: Anderson just wanted to make sure that it was only up to Nico’s property.
Vice Chair Ordinance §05-12-2016 has been passed by a majority of all members present of the Council.
4) 252 W. 3rd St. Clerk wants the ok to line up the abatement of asbestos and clean up of land.
Chytka just wanted to have the permission to get things in place and lined up to have 252 W. 3rd St. demolished.
Anderson made a motion to have the clerk continue forward on 252 W 3rd St. 2nd by Gatewood.
1) Police: Monthly Report- Justin came to the table discussed how they are continuing to pursue ordinance violations, both old and new. Officers have been going around and talking to property owners about violations such as weeds and other violations. Officers have also been talking to people who may need assistance with repairs on their homes, and letting them know what programs are out there.
Justin stated quite a few people have approached him and were very pleased with the board and village government for striving to make positive steps to better Decatur.
Justin reported that recently the PD has had some shifts that were difficult to fill and they are striving to give Decatur residents 24 hour a day coverage. He asked the board to look into hiring additional officers up to three at this time to fill in when officers are sick or on vacation. No additional hours will be needed as we are only looking to fill hours for other officers that are away.
He ended his report by stating 8 new incident reports since the last board meeting, 2 traffic citations, 8 traffic warnings.
Justin asked for the special meeting be changed from the 16th to the 20th of May so he may attend.
The board moved the special meeting to May 20th at 4:30 at City Hall.
He asked if we could pay $15 per year to the Police Officer of Nebraska Association.
2) Lights: Monthly Report- Gatewood has had a couple of people ask for light poles at the south end of Broadway. Siecke would like to see what the costs would be. And then discuss at the next week. Clerk stated that many residents have signed up for budget billing and also more people signed up for auto payments.
Siecke stated that we may need to get signs when entering town that a peddler permit is needed.
Slaughter discussed setting up a farmer’s market. He asked how would the people get a permit, Clerk stated that they could call her cell phone or the cop on duty.
3) Water & Sewer: Monthly Report- Anderson report Layne Western wants to check the filters before they go back online. Siecke said that it would be ok to have them x-rayed. Anderson also stated that we received a bid for the water pit up at Dave Malloy’s Olson’s bid came in at $1,170.00.
Dave Malloy came to the table to discuss his water pit. He said that he understands that the cost is coming in higher than expected. He stated that he would be willing to share in the cost.
Dave said that he is willing to put the pit on the back burner for now.
4) Parks: Monthly Report- Floor paint has been purchased, need to address the lighting in the bath rooms, also paints for the doors have been purchased. Income for the park was $912.75.
5) Streets: Monthly Report- Income from city sales tax for February $3,403.25. He went over the bid to have streets repaired was $222,982.75. He stated that it has been hard to get any bids.
1) Kay Kellogg- Commercial Insurance Kay came to the table she said that recommends that we go with OneBeacon Government risks and Bitco for workers comp. She will come to the Special meeting on Friday the 20th at 4:30. Board members talked about hiring minors for mowing- she said to keep it simple.
2) Community Club Liquor License Riverfront Days- Linda Dunning came to the board explained the dates and times.
Gatewood made a motion to allow the Community Club to serve alcohol June 17,18,and 19th. 2nd by Tolby.
Linda asked for permission to close the street for the dance on Friday night. permission granted.
Linda asked Justin to help get the cars off the street the day of the parade.
The board agreed to supply the copies for the Community Club.
Linda asked if during the BBQ if they could block the street off during that time. Justin will look into being able to do this.
3) City Hall basement flooding- Anderson stated that the basement is leaking- and we need to see about getting it fixed. Siecke said we need to see where it is coming from. Anderson suggested maybe having Thrasher come in? Siecke and Anderson discussed getting bids for the caulking of the windows.
4) Donations to Community Club for fireworks- Community Club is not having fireworks this year.
5) Donations to Business Club for website- Tim Slaughter came to the table and we discussed the business members and how all websites would be linked. The cost could be around $400. This was tabled until we know what the cost is.
Tim Slaughter- Lighting at the Memorial Trailer- Slaughter said that he talked with Max Christiansen to run wire to the power pole to the Decatur sign Max said it would be around $360.00.
and they camp at the park.
2) Nate Wright. Bike and Build-Clerk informed that she had received an email and they are requesting some where to stay. The board would like more info. Asked the Clerk to have something by next meeting.
Boaters enjoying some of Nebraska’s major public waters may be contacted by boat inspectors this summer. Inspections will reduce the risk of aquatic invasive species (AIS) being spread across the state.
Inspections will include a brief examination of the watercraft and a survey of boat operators about their recent boating activities. Participants also will be provided information on ways to prevent the spread of AIS. Inspection and survey results will be used to determine if a risk of spreading an invasive species exists.
Regulations state that boaters are not allowed to launch or leave a boat ramp facility with any water unless it is from a domestic water source. In addition, boaters are required to drain all lake or river water from the watercraft and remove any vegetation or mud from the boat and trailer before leaving a boat ramp.
— Rinse the boat and all equipment with hot tap water, ideally more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill zebra and quagga mussels. Vinegar also can be used to kill young zebra and quagga mussels, especially in live wells.
— Pull the plugs from bilge, live wells and engine to drain upon leaving a water body. Trim the motor up and down to facilitate the draining of water.
— If washing the boat away from the water body you are leaving, do not allow runoff to enter a drainage.
— Dry the boat and all equipment for at least five days. Use a towel to speed up the drying process, especially in the live well.
The education and compliance by recreational water users is necessary to eliminate the movement of AIS in Nebraska. For more information on all invasive species, visit neinvasives.gov.
In my 38-year Extension career, I never remember talking so long about a pest that wasn’t even here! I’m sure part of the reason is that emerald ash borers (EAB) are so devastating to ash trees. Since its arrival, EAB has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees.
EAB was first discovered in the United States in 2002 near Detroit in southeastern Michigan. I attended a conference in Michigan in the summer of 2007 and saw the devastation first hand. By then, EAB had spread through most of Michigan’s lower peninsula as well as into the upper peninsula, Ontario (Canada), neighboring states, and to an isolated outbreak in Maryland. The Maryland area was over 300 miles away from the closest confirmed case of EAB at that time.
The Maryland outbreak is significant because it shows how EAB can move over long distances. On its own, the adult EAB is not a strong flyer, according to the USDA Forest Service, and most will move less than two miles a year. (About 1% of the mated females may disperse up to 12 miles.) With help from humans, however, it is a great traveler. It has been known to travel large distances, migrating in firewood or nursery stock from infected areas.
Currently, the closest confirmed infestation to Nebraska is in Union County, Iowa, about 80 miles east of Plattsmouth on Highway 34. Other infestations have been confirmed in the Kansas City area as well as in Boulder, Colorado.
Our current recommendation is to not start treating for EAB until its presence has been confirmed within a 15-mile radius of your ash trees. Thus, at this time, we would not recommend treating any ash tree in Nebraska for EAB.
I’m sure many of you thought I’d completely lost my mind (and you might have a point) when you saw a reference to camels in this column’s title. Let me explain.
Last summer I was visiting with an older gentleman who lived near Pierce. When he found out what I did for a living he was quick to ask what I knew about emerald ash borer. I explained that it will almost certainly get here – someday, but I would not recommend treating for this pest until it has been confirmed within 15 miles of his home.
He told me he recently went to a large chain nursery and asked them about EAB. They told him he needed to start treating his ash trees immediately and sold him a treatment costing several hundred dollars.
I asked him if he knew that same product would be 100% effective on preventing camel damage to his ash trees. He glared at me and snapped back that he wasn’t worried about camel damage, he didn’t have any camels. Before I could respond, his glare turned to a big grin and all he said was, “I get it!” He also mentioned that he would be returning any unused product. When I counted my many blessings that night, I included that I would NOT be the person at the nursery accepting the product he returned.
EAB adults are small, metallic green beetles. They are about 1/2 inch long and 1/16 inch wide. Several other green insects are easy to mistake for EAB, but you can distinguish EAB based on body shape. If you look at EABs from above, their body is shaped like the head of an ax, blunt and flat across the head and tapered toward the tail. One other unique characteristic is that when their wings are spread like they are flying, the top of their body which is normally hidden by their wings is reddish in color.
Adult EABs emerge in late May to late June, leaving a “D-shaped” hole in the trunk. Females lay eggs about two weeks after they emerge and these eggs hatch in one to two weeks. The tiny larvae bore through the bark and into the cambium, the area between the bark and the wood, where nutrient levels are high.
EAB larvae injure ash trees by feeding under the bark where they damage the conductive tissue or “plumbing” of the tree, disrupting the flow of moisture and nutrients. The larvae eventually form a pupa and the new generation of adults emerge the following May or June to begin the cycle again.
Understandably, homeowners are concerned about losing their ash trees to the EAB. However, it is important to not begin insecticide treatment too early as premature treatments can have negative consequences. Some treatment involve drilling holes around the trunk through the bark and into the cambium to inject a systemic insecticide. Research has shown that healthy trees can be injected seven to 10 times before trunks become so damaged that trees begin to decline.
The drilled holes also open the trunk to insect pests and decay fungi. Drilling may break through the internal barriers in the trunk the tree is using to wall off internal decay, causing decay to spread. Also, the insecticide itself can cause internal damage. This is why treating ash trees for EAB is not, and will not, be recommended for trees until it has been found within 15 miles of a tree’s location… or if you are concerned your ash trees might be overrun by camels.
For more information including images to help identify this pest and the damage it causes, visit the Emerald Ash Borer Information Network at http://www.emeraldashborer.info/ or contact your local Nebraska Extension office.
*If you are 60+ and need information on programs designed to help keep you in your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648-3387 or in the evening at 402-648-7648. There are no membership fees or attendance requirements and new faces are always welcome.
Thurs. June 2: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:40 a.m. Rolls and coffee from 9-11 a.m. Come and do the chair exercises with us at 1:00. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.
Fri. June 3: Sign up to play in the pinochle and hand & foot card tournament that begins at 1:30 p.m.
Sat. June 4: Music Jam at 7:00 p.m.
Mon. June 6: Coffee time at 9:30 a.m. Bring a covered dish and join us for lunch at 12:00. Cards will be played in the afternoon.
Tues. June 7: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 a.m. Walking exercises 10:40 a.m. Chair Exercises at 1:00 p.m. Have you signed up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.?
Wed. June 8: Coffee time 9:30 a.m. Meldody chimers play at Legacy Gardens at 2:30 p.m. Rummikub or cards at 1:30 p.m.
Services are Pending at Pelan Funeral Services.
The Burt County Courthouse in Tekamah NE honors those serving or have served our country. God Bless them living and those that have died to protect our freedoms. Both photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Bertha Mellor was born March 6, 1920 to Hugo and Ellen (Johnson) Gustafson near Craig, Nebraska. She passed away May 27, 2016 at Oakland Heights in Oakland, Nebraska, at the age of 96 years.
Bertha grew up on a farm near Oakland and graduated from Oakland High School. She moved from the farm to Omaha where she worked at Immanuel Hospital with her sister Vivian. Bertha and Vivian traveled to California. While there, Bertha met and married Sherril Mellor in 1943, when she was 23.
Sherril’s service in the military led him and Bertha to live in Utah, California and Nebraska. The couple eventually made Nebraska their permanent home, and lived in Omaha, where they raised three boys; Raymond, Darrel and Gary. Sherril passed away in 1994.
Bertha was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Omaha. She loved planting and growing flowers, sewing, quilting and taking care of her family. She lived in the same house for over 50 years. Before suffering a stroke in 2011, Bertha was an ardent reader of the Bible and many Bible related books. She daily read and listened to Christian radio programs and took careful notes.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Arlene; husband, Sherril Mellor; brother, Clifford Gustafson; sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Cleo Smith; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Oscar Anderson.
Survivors include her sons, Raymond Mellor of Wilsonville, OR, Darrel Mellor of Olympia, WA, Gary (Jayne) Mellor of Omaha, NE; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wed., June 1st from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland with family receiving friends.
The Funeral Service is Thurs., June 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland NE.
Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service at the church.
The regular monthly Board of Education meeting was held Monday, May 9, 2016 in the Board Meeting Room in the Elementary Building. Administrators present were Superintendent Smith and Elementary Principal Bland. President Thiele called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and noted the Nebraska Open Meetings Law. Notice of this meeting was properly posted and/or published by advance Public Notice in accordance with Board Policy #2008 with notice and advance agenda given to the President of the Board and all members prior to the meeting date.
Schmidt moved that Kiley Johnson is absent, excused. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
Roll Call was called with the following members present: Anderson, Brett Johnson, Magnusson, Pille, Ray, Richards, Schmidt and Thiele.
Pille moved that the agenda be approved as presented. Anderson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
President Thiele welcomed 10 visitors. One patron addressed the Board.
Bill Clark from Karr TuckPoint gave a presentation of the costs to alleviate the leaking around the roof of the elementary gym. Discussion followed. It was decided to table a decision on the project until next month.
Ray ­­moved that the May 2016 claims from the General Fund, in the amount of $33,292.53 be approved as presented. Anderson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
Pille ­­moved that the May 2016 claims from the Lunch Fund, in the amount of $13,444.78 be approved as presented. Anderson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
Magnusson ­­moved that the May 2016 claims from the Bond Fund, in the amount of $82,688.75 be approved as presented. Ray seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
Pille ­­moved that the May 2016 claims from the QCPUF, in the amount of $81,359.12 be approved as presented. Magnusson seconded the motion. This is the final payment on the QCPUF bonds. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
Magnusson ­­moved that the May 2016 claims from the Unemployment Fund, in the amount of $280.00 be approved as presented. Ray seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
Pille ­­moved that the May 2016 claims from the Building Fund, in the amount of $22,539.30 be approved as presented. Anderson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
Magnusson moved to approve the minutes from the April 11, 2016 board meeting as presented. Anderson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
Student Representative, James Moseman, reported on the happenings at the High School. Moseman reported that 2 of the 3 picnic tables are in place and are being used daily. James reported on several activities that have taken place since the last report. James concluded his report by providing a list of upcoming events and activities.
The Buildings and Grounds Committee reported that they did a walk around of the school property to determine projects for the summer. Some of the projects include new carpet at the Sped House and sidewalk repair.
Smith reported that Adhoc meetings are continuing and gave a summary of the meetings. Community meetings will be held sometime in June. Much discussion followed.
Superintendent Smith explained that one of the next steps in possible consolidation is to form a project review committee. Possible committee members are: Chamber members David Deemer and Andy Rennerfeldt; faculty members Mike Selk and Kylie Penke; PTO/Booster members Travis Thomsen and Alison Mockenhaupt; community members Bob Moseman and Teresa Schieber; and Board Members Tim Magnusson and Terry Richards. Much discussion followed. Brett Johnson moved for the formation of the Consolidation Review Committee. Schmidt seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1. Motion carried.
Pille reported that the school has been gifted a barn quilt which was purchased by Dave and Kathy Pearson at the Burt County Fair Foundation auction. Student Council will be in charge of finding an appropriate place to display it.
Thiele congratulated Mrs. Bland and her family on the birth of their new son.
Elementary Principal Jess Bland reported that NeSA testing has been completed. Results will be embargoed until sometime this summer. Mrs. Weitzenkamp, Mr. Brand and Mr. Smith will be attending Canvas training in Colorado in July. Thirty-seven children have signed up for preschool. Our class size is limited to 34 so we are applying for a waiver with Head Start to increase our class size to 37. Mrs. Bland reviewed the teaching assignments for 2016-2017: Preschool – Megan Unwin; Kindergarten – Marla Slaughter; 1st Grade – Nancy Wonka and Jen Anderson; 2nd Grade – Tammy Case and Lindzie Munderloh; 3rd Grade – Sharon Loftis and Heidi Johnson; 4th Grade – Kris Reinert and Lana Hagedorn; 5th Grade – Katie Doggett and Stef Weitzenkamp; 6th Grade – Aaron Meyer and Lorrie Frank. A list of upcoming events and activities was presented. Current PK-6th grade enrollment is 257 students, which is the same as last month and up 6 students from last year.
Superintendent Smith presented the Secondary Principal’s report in Mr. Droescher’s absence. He reported current enrollment for the 7th through 12th grades at 186 students which is down 1 from last month and the same as last year. NeSA testing has been completed and results will be reported at a later date. The senior class donated time to several projects in both the Craig and Oakland communities. A list of upcoming school activities was provided.
Superintendent Smith provided a list of upcoming Board Member workshops and asked members for plans to attend. Smith reviewed the parking lot bid schedule. He reported that Jensen Heating and Air will start demolition of the existing boiler on May 16th. Smith reported that he and Julie Ehlers attended an Educators Health Alliance meeting and reviewed some of the new programs they are offering. Superintendent Smith recommended that we pay the sponsors of the summer weight program $10 per hour. The total cost to the district would be $1,200. Several copiers and printers currently under lease will be replaced with more efficient models. A 2-year lease for renting the bus barn has been signed.
There being no further business on the agenda of this meeting, President Thiele adjourned this meeting at 9:52 p.m.

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