Holiday Hours for Oakland Public Library
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
The Oakland Public Library will be Closed Thursday Dec 24 (Christmas Eve), Friday Christmas Day and Closed Saturday morning.
Oakland City Council Meeting Agenda
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA
MEETING NOTICE:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Oakland, Nebraska, will be held at 5:30 on Monday December 21th, 2015 at the Municipal Building, 401 North Oakland Avenue in Oakland, Nebraska for the regular monthly meeting.
An agenda for such meeting, kept continuously current is available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk. Except for items of an emergency nature, the agenda shall not be enlarged later than twenty-four hours before the scheduled commencement of the meeting.
______________________________________________________________________________
PRELIMINARY AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Roll Call
B. Establishment of a Quorum
C. Reminder of Open Meeting Laws/Poster
D. Approval of Minutes of November 16th, 2015 meeting
E. Treasurer’s Report
- SCHEDULED CITIZENS AND VISITORS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
F. Dave Henke & Tim Adams
G. Phil Lorenzen- Bonding the Water and Sewer project
H. Kent Steinmeyer- Street Skid Loader lease update
I. Patty Plugge- Economic Development Demolition project
- COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS
J. Police Department
K. Street Department- Snow removal at Oakland Heights
- OLD BUSINESS
L. Group B Change No.1
M. Group B Pay Application No. 1 & Final
N. Group A Pay Application No. 1
O. Acceptance of J & K Excavating bid for demolition for 100 N Park
V. NEW BUSINESS
P. Resolution of Acceptance of Work.
Q. Ordinance authorizing issuance of Various Purpose Bonds. Series 2016 to fund Sewer Project Costs and Water System Improvements.
R. Credit/Debit card machine
S. Offering Colonial Life benefits
T. Re-appointment request- Council President, Oakland Street Superintendent, City Attorney, & City Departments
U. Christmas Party
V. Request to use Auditorium at no charge on January 16th, 2016 by Chamber of Commerce
VI. INFORMATION ITEM
W. 2016 Election
- DISCUSSION
X. Holiday Hours
Y. Park department, Street department, Water and Sewer department, Library
Z.
- CLOSED SESSION
AA.
- APPROVAL OF OPERATIONS BILLS AND WARRANTS
Approval by motion
- ADJOURNMENT
Registered Agenda Speakers
The Mayor or Presiding Meeting Officer reserves the right to deny this request, or will call you to the center front podium when your agenda Item is ready to be heard. Presentations, if allowed, may be limited to five (5) minutes per person, with a limit of three (3) individuals speaking per topic position. Please come to the center front podium, and clearly state your name and address for the record and the agenda topic you wish to speak upon in a professional manner.
The Mayor and City Council reserve the right to enter into an executive session at any time during the meeting, in accordance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, even though the closed session may not be indicated on the agenda.
It is the intention of the Mayor and City Council to take up the items on the agenda in sequential order. However, the Mayor and City Council reserve the right to take up matters in a different order to accommodate the schedules of the city council members, persons having items on the agenda, and the public
Burt County Courthouse Closed for Christmas
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
The Burt County Courthouse in Tekamah NE will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Thursday and Friday December 24th and 25th.
Today’s Market Report
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
Markets 12/21/15 10:00am
Dow +82.95
S&P +11.97
Nasdaq +32.90
Crude recently hit 11 year lows on this morning as oil companies continue to aggressively stock pile supplies.
Grain Markets 12/21/15 9:58am
Mar Corn -3’4 @ $3.71’0
Jan Beans -3’2 @ $8.89’0
Commodities in general are negative, and the time of year does exactly help us. But there is definitely some good news. Gas prices are now at a 6 year lows averaging 1.955 per gallon nationwide. This is the first time in six years that the national average has fallen below $2 per gallon. So the silver lining is the opportunity to hedge your fuel either by using brokerage, or by filling your on farm fuel storage. By doing so you potentially lock in a savings on a portion of your fuel expenses.
Corn/Beans nothing new to add for this partial week. With Christmas upon us I would expect to see heavily reduced trade volume this week. Not likely to see any opportunities present themselves until after the first of the year. We continue in the tight range bound range I seem to mention every week. Negativity does not seem to shake the markets, however positive news sure could. So lets wait for the headline.
For Fun – According to a Gallup poll, Americans plan to spend $830 on Christmas gifts this year on average, up from $720 last year. Although the average amount all Americans expect to spend is $830, the figure rises to $908 when excluding those who won’t spend anything. In other words eliminating the people who do not shop for Christmas.
Christmas spending intentions vary greatly by household income. Americans living in households earning $75,000 or more per year plan to spend an average of $1,227 on Christmas gifts this season. This drops to $786 among middle-income earners and to $460 among those earning less than $30,000.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/186620/americans-plan-spending-lot-christmas.aspx
Greg Mockenhaupt
ProEdge Risk Management Consultant
P: (402) 685-5613 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com
1007 County Road O
Oakland, NE 68045
Craig Alder Grove Christmas Program
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
‘Twas the Night Before Christ’s Birth
Craig- Alder Grove Parish Sunday School Program, Sunday December 20
Front: Bowen Perez, Deklan Anderson, Logan Gramke, Elijah Gahan, Naomi Gahan, Brinley Eriksen, Genevieve Gramke, Paisley Peterson, Cadence Johansen
Back: Madison Enstrom, Baby Garrison Gramke, Ashlynne Gramke, Karley Eriksen, Olivia Unwin, Brynn Norton, Gavin Enstrom, Ryan Smith, Emma Johansen, Blayr Keller, & Chloe Perez
Photo credit/ Brooke Peterson.
Oakland City Council Meets Tonight
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
The Oakland City Council will meet tonight, Dec. 21st at 5:30 p.m. at the Rosen Room located in the Oakland City Auditorium. An agenda is on file for public viewing at the Oakland City Office. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Santa Claus is Coming to the Oakland Library
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
Santa Claus is coming to the Oakland Public Library tomorrow, Tues., Dec. 22nd at 10:00 a.m. to visit all the girls and boys! All children are invited to see Santa. Don’t forget to bring your wish lists to share with him!
Herman Elementary School to Close at End of School Year
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
By Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent
As have been a part of many of my articles, the future of the district is a topic at the forefront of attention for many of our district patrons. At our most recent Board meeting, there was discussion of two pressing issues that directly affect the future of Tekamah-Herman Schools.
The Board of Education took action and unanimously decided that this would be the last year that classes would be held at Herman Elementary School. While it is something that has been discussed many times in recent years, it was still a difficult decision for the Board. The Herman Elementary School has been a wonderful institution for so many teachers and students that have been educated in our district. The closing of the doors does not diminish the significance of the education or memories of any one individual’s time at Herman Elementary. However, with significantly diminishing enrollments and fewer staff members necessary, the Board and Administration felt it was in the best interest of the district to move all of our students and staff members to the Tekamah campus.
The second major area of interest addressed at the regular Board meeting was reporting of the committee meeting between representatives of the Tekamah-Herman and Oakland-Craig Boards of Education. These merger conversations have been taking place, on and off, for at least the past 30 years. At the most recent meeting, the primary focus of the conversation revolved around the programming and curriculum offerings potentially provided by a merged district. The Oakland-Craig Board was to have a Board retreat on Wednesday, December 16th to discuss all of their potential future options. It is the understanding of the Tekamah-Herman Board that Oakland-Craig will make a decision on pursuing a cooperative effort with Tekamah-Herman at the regular January Board meeting. At that time, our district is hopeful that we can move toward meaningful facility improvements for the students of Tekamah-Herman, however they may appear.
While the two areas discussed evoke strong emotions, I think the Board of Education is to be commended for attempting to focus on progress and moving the district forward. It is not a goal of the Board to close a school building or consolidate a district, but those conversations must take place and decisions made in the best interest of our students. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a Board member or myself. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent
Feeding Birds
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
By John Wilson, Extension Educator
One of the easiest ways to enjoy wildlife in the comfort of your home is to watch birds at a feeder. You’ll be amazed at the variety of birds that will come to your feeder throughout the year. Experts disagree about whether backyard bird feeding will significantly help bird populations. But feeding certainly can help individual birds living near your home.
Some people, like my wife and I, will feed birds year-round. While this isn’t necessary, we enjoy watching the birds that are attracted to our backyard. However, the most critical time to feed birds is during spring and fall migration, when birds need extra energy, and especially during the winter and early spring when other food sources for birds that spend the winter here may be depleted or covered with snow. At this time of year, it’s important to keep feeding birds once you start. Birds may become dependent on your feeders and an interruption in their food supply can stress them.
Set up your feeders in a quiet place where they are easy to see and convenient to refill. Feeders close to natural shelter such as trees or shrubs offer resting places for birds between feeding bouts and a quick refuge if a hawk flies through. Evergreens are ideal, their thick foliage buffers winter winds and offers year-round hiding places from predators.
Be careful not to locate your feeder too close to cover, though. Nearby branches can provide easy access for seed-hungry squirrels and hiding places for bird-hungry cats. A distance of about 10 feet seems to be a good compromise, but try experimenting. You can provide resting and escape cover for ground-feeding birds by placing shrubs or loosely stacked brush piles near your feeders.
There are many types of feeders and different types will be used by different birds. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Bird feeder options include tray or platform feeders, hopper or house feeders, window feeders, tube feeders, nyjer feeders and suet feeders.
Some feeders will come with shields over the top, or you can get optional shields, that discourage other animals such as squirrels or raccoons from jumping down on a feeder from a nearby tree. Notice I said discourage because my experience is these seed robbing critters like to figure out how to overcome any obstacle you might throw in their way. Other feeders will close access to the feed when the weight of a larger animal is detected, but remain open when birds are feeding.
There are just as many types of bird food as there are types of bird feeders. Some of the more common food sources include sunflower seed, proso millet, milo, cracked corn, or mixtures of these seeds… as well as nyjer seed and suet blocks. Different birds will be attracted to different types of seed. So put up a couple feeders and use different types of bird food in different feeders. Don’t forget to scatter a little seed on the ground for those birds that won’t go to the feeders, but will feed on the ground for seed you left them or that other birds scattered out of the feeders.
There are a number of sources of information about birds on-line, but one I have found particularly helpful is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website at www.allaboutbirds.org. They also have a couple of interesting programs where you watch and count the birds that you observe. One of these is called FeederWatch and the other is the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Just as important as feeding birds during the winter is a supply of fresh water. You can purchase birdbath heaters that keep water from freezing during the winter. Besides drinking water, birds need water to keep their feathers clean and fluffy to protect them against cold temperatures.
Remember, bird feeders and waterers make great Christmas presents for that hard to shop for person. For more information on feeding birds, check out www.allaboutbirds.org or contact your local Nebraska Extension office.
Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes
December 21, 2015 Leave a comment
OFFICE OF THE BURT COUNTY CLERK
Minutes of the Burt County Board of Supervisors
December 8, 2015
TEKAMAH NE 68061
The Burt County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 in the Boardroom of the Burt County Courthouse in Tekamah, Nebraska, pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting. Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by Publication in the Plaindealer, upon a 1st floor bulletin board within the courthouse and on the County’s Website. A copy of the proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk. The following members were present: Cliff Morrow, David Schold, Greg Brummond, Matt Connealy, Perry Rogers, Ted Connealy and Gerald Newill.
The meeting opened at 9:00 A.M. upon motion by Schold, seconded by Newill, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays-none. Chairman Morrow informed the public that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act was posted on the wall.
Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Rogers, the agenda was approved, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays-none.
Dale Huffman addressed the Board as the interim Burt County Roads Foreman.
The County Clerk Report of Fees, the County Court Report of Fines, the District Court Fee Report and the Zoning Report for November, were approved upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Newill, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays – none.
The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by Schold, seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays – none.
The following Miscellaneous Receipts in the amount of $348,380.46 and fund balances were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by T.Connealy, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays – none.
ZONING PERMITS
CO CLERK-FILING & RECORDING FEES
CO CLERK-DOC STAMPS (COUNTY SHARE) CO CLERK-MISC FEES
DISTRICT COURT-FILING FEES
DISTRICT COURT – REFUNDS
DISTRICT COURT-MISC FEES & REVENUE DISTRICT COURT- FEES & COST
250.00 3,134.00 947.90 200.75 409.36 252.50 325.00 10.00
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December 8, 2015
CO COURT-MISC FEES
CO SHERIFF-SERVICE FEES
CO SHERIFF-MILEAGE & COSTS
TITLE INSPECTIONS
GUN PERMITS
OVERLOAD FINES-25% COUNTY SHARE
INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS
MISC REVENUE- SHERIFF REIMBURSE
MISC REVENUE- LOT SALES
MISC REVENUE- INS PYMTS _COURTHOUSE DAMAGES MISC REVENUE -FEES
HIGHWAY/STREET ALLOCATION
TRANSFER -GENERAL TO ROAD
CO CLERK-PRESERVATION & MODERNIZATION DIVERSION – CUMING CO
INHERITANCE TAX
PLAT BOOK SALES
E911 – Oct. & Nov
COUNTY 911
OVERLOAD FINES-75% STATE SHARE
COUNTY COURT FINES-REGULAR
CRAIG FIRE- GENERAL
DECATUR FIRE- GENERAL
DECATUR FIRE – BOND
LYONS FIRE-GENERAL
LYONS FIRE- BOND
OAKLAND FIRE -GENERAL
OAKLAND FIRE – BOND
PRO-RATE FROM STATE – SEPT
137.00 599.00 531.06 280.00
40.00 231.25 962.29 105.00
20.00 5,135.81 4.00 79,362.22 100,000.00 525.50 25.00 129,471.36 34.00 9,529.74 1,239.00 693.75 6,381.64 486.14 78.69 32.36 974.04 154.28 1.41 0.27 5,816.14
Letter from Nebraska Loess Hills, including their 2015 Annual Report, was noted and placed on file.
John Werner, CEO of the Oakland Mercy Hospital, came to introduce himself to the Board and talk about what the facility offers to Burt County.
Jacob Hurla from 360 Energy Engineers spoke with the Board about the results of a building/utilities study he did for energy efficiency and modernization of the Courthouse. Mr. Hurla explained that the money the County spends on utilities is not enough to offset any upgrades for energy efficiency; with a fairly new boiler and new windows, the Courthouse is in good shape as far as energy efficiency. The only needs found were in the form of modernization of the facility’s lighting and duct work for better heating/cooling. The Board agreed that the building has been and will continue to serve Burt County as the Courthouse and maintenance/modernization is a consideration that needs explored. 360
2 December 8, 2015
Energy Engineers will do a next step assessment for duct work and lighting improvements; the Board agreed to continue on in this process for the betterment of the Courthouse structure. Mr. Hurla will be in touch in a couple of months with more extensive reports.
Peggy Smith, Highway Superintendent reported to the Board that she spoke to Tory Penny with regards to the Burt County Weed Superintendent position; Tory expressed his interest in the job. After discussions of the Weeds and Signs jobs, the Board agreed it most effective to combine the two positions into one. M.Connealy made a motion to hire Tory Penny with a $3.00/hr. increase, Brummond seconded the motion, the Board had further discussions of the pay. M.Connealy amended his motion to hire Tory Penny with a $2.00/hr. increase with a probationary period and then a pay increase would be revisited after a satisfactory probabationary period, Brummond seconded the amended motion, roll call vote followed: Ayes-Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays- none. Tory will be offered the job.
Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy , the Board authorized Chairman Morrow to sign the Certification of County Highway Superintendent, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays – none.
At 10:07 A.M. Highway Superintendent Peggy Smith opened bids for Motor Graders. NMC was the only company to submit bids. The following bids were for Model 12M3 AWDs with 5 year warranty.
1) $170,900.00 2) $167,900.00 3) $161,000.00
*above bids are trade in costs, Burt Co will trade in three 2010 140M graders. M.Connealy moved to accept the bids for all 3 Motor Graders for a total of $499,800.00 after trade-ins, T.Connealy seconded, Discussions about pricing followed before roll call vote was taken as follows: Ayes- M.Connealy, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays- Schold, Brummond and Rogers.
There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the meeting adjourned at 10:55 A.M. until 9:00 A.M., December 31, 2015.
ATTEST: SARAH J. FREIDEL CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN BURT COUNTY CLERK BURT COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS
These minutes are not the official record and may be corrected. A copy of the approved official minutes is available to the public at the Clerk’s Office.
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