Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes


Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting
June 11, 2015 4:30P.M.
The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 4:30 P.M. at the City Hall on June 11, 2015. Visitors signing in were Nina Mussack, Bob & Sandra Kellogg, Theresa Magill, Dan Magill, Betty Sparks, Steve Kellogg, Dale Wolf, Jim Nicola, Jason Troutman, Jolene Stevens, Jeania McCulloch, Penny Warren, Paul Richards, Debbie Maryott, Joyce McCullock, Jimmy Warren, Stephanie Warren, Larry Lasher, Jackie Anderson, Betty Tyndall, Susan Houck, Karma Farrens, Not signing in Brantley Vavra, Debbie & Charlie Krutilek, Donnie Warren, Ellen Olson, Matt Munderloh, Jamie Horter, Mark Jackson

1)        The meeting was called to order by Chairman Loretta Kellogg.
Roll Call: Bolln-here, Kellogg-here, Richards-here, Tolby-here, Wolf-here.
2)         Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:
Roll Call: Bolln-Yes, Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes.
3)         Approval and/or corrections and suspended reading of the previous month’s minutes.

Correction: None to report
Roll Call: Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes.

4)         EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING MEETING:
            All Present

5)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND OR COMMITTEES
1) Police Monthly Report-Kellogg reported that she that we have had some applications and that she has interviewed Joseph Gotto he is going to need housing, and that he is willing to pay for his police training. His information was passed around to the board members. Bolln asked Kellogg if he would be able to write tickets while he is school. Kellogg stated that he looked into it and yes he would be able to. Wolf asked Kellogg if he had been interviewed Kellogg stated yes and that is concern was housing and that he would need a 2 to 3 bedroom house. She stated that he is looking for housing in Blair and Tekamah, he is moving this way. Richards asked if an interview has been set up Kellogg stated it has already been done. Kellogg stated that he is willing to relocate and pay for his schooling. Kellogg asked if we would be hiring him and that we needed part-time also. Wolf asked Kellogg what her recommendation was. Kellogg stated that we definitely need a police officer and the sooner we get one the better off we will be. Wolf made a motion to hire Joseph Gotto for a full time police. 2nd by Richards, Roll call Tolby-yes, Bolln-yes, Kellogg-Yes, Wolf-yes, Richards, yes. Kellogg also stated we are going to need part time officer John Paul Sparks said that he could fill in on Mondays and Tuesdays part-time and Justin Smith stated that he would be able to work the last part of the month here and there if we need him. Kellogg stated for a part-time person we will need one of those to. Wolf made a motion to give Kellogg the authorization to work out the schedule for the part time officer 2nd Tolby Roll call- Richards-yes Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Wolf- yes, Tolby

2) Lights Monthly Report- Wolf reported everything is has gone well. We had a outage it was 2 miles south of the sub plant had a line break underground. It was not the villages fault. Kellogg asked about the box that was out down at the marina clerk stated that the guys took care of that. The clerk stated that the outage today was due to a tree limb on the wire that the guys took care of.
3) Water & Sewer Monthly Report- Richards stated that there was a pole issue up at John Mussack pole and that was taken care of. He said that he had a resident complain when the generator came on it was very loud. Richards stated that when the generator was purchased it was the lowest decibel available. Kellogg stated that we will look for a solution to the noise. The clerk stated that they had received a proposal from Lee to fix the tank. The cost is $98,850.00 but she thought that when Frank and talked to them that it would be lower than before. She stated that Frank will call when he is back on Monday.
4) Parks Monthly Report – Tolby reported income of $3,886.79 for May. Parks have been mowed and look good. She also stated that the fish cleaning station had water running continually, and that the rail leading down to the boat dock needed repaired.

A)Dan Elder- Boy Scouts- clerk stated that she had received an email from Dan stating the days they will arrive. The will arrive on Wednesdays June 24th and July 15th around noon and devote 2 hours to a service project and leave Thursdays around 7:30 AM. Loretta stated that the poles need to be painted and possibly the bathrooms at Beck Park. Walt asked about the 4-H Bronco’s project. Loretta stated that Amy wants that done so they are working on it.

5) Streets Monthly Report – Bolln reported that the crew had been out patching up holes and leveling out the alley down by Jumps. Wolf was asked if there could be asphalt put down on the approach to Elm Creek bridge. Richards stated that last time they were wanting a speed bump down there and that the pot holes are serving a purpose because now people slow down because of the pot holes. Richards stated that there are a couple of holes that need to be filled.

6) Recycling- Nothing to report

6)         OLD BUSINESS
            1) Commercial Insurance- The board were given copies of the proposal and the insurance has gone up $2,116.00 due to workman’s comp. Alta asked if the new dock was covered clerk stated it only is in liability insurance and the clerk stated that the boat docks themselves did not have insurance on them, so if they floated away it wouldn’t be covered. Bolln asked if there would be a difference in the price Kellogg stated it would be a little bit. Tolby made a motion that we insure the new dock under property and liability. 2nd Wolf, Roll call Richards-yes, Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes.

2) Ordinance violation letters. The clerk stated that the letters sent out to property owners in violation was very effective and that there was good response. She stated that Greg Haselhorst replied that he had thought that he hired it out for someone to take care of. Jeff Tracy worked on the front yard and Judy Davis cleaned up her yard. Kellogg stated others have been cleaned up.

7)         NEW BUSINESS Clerk stated that # 3 and #9 are being switched
            1) Employee Health and Life Insurance (Bids). The clerk asked for permission to run the ad for 2 weeks. Permission was given.

2) Street Cleaner (Sweeper)- Kellogg asked if we wanted to have the streets cleaned before Riverfront days. Richards made the motion to hire curb appeal to clean the streets 2nd Bolln, Role call- Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes, Kellogg-yes Richards-yes, Bolln- yes.

 

9) Executive Session- Kellogg stated that they need a motion to go into executive session over possible litigation. Wolf motioned to go into executive session of possible litigation. 2nd by Tolby. Roll-call Richards-yes, Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes Time 4:55. Motion to come out of executive session was made by Bolln 2nd by Tolby Roll call- Richards-yes, Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Tolby- yes, Wolf-yes. Time 5:39

 

4) Basement water coming in- Kellogg stated that water is coming in the basement and ruining the cabinet stands. Kellogg stated that she had talked with Joyce and that it happens when the water table is high. Richards stated that everything has been tried. it has been sealed, and water still comes in. Kellogg stated that we will have to look into other options.

 

5) Burgess lease- Clerk stated that the Burgess lease is up June 30th and I have printed out the lease agreement. The amount of rent was raised to $725.00 per month. This lease will run July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.

 

6) Senior Citizens Center Lease- lease is up June 30th and I have printed out the lease agreement. The amount of rent was raised to $425 per month. This lease will run July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.

 

7) Bridge signs- Resolution #143 Clerk stated she handed out pictures of no truck s allowed and then one that has Truck Route with an arrow. And will leave the weight sign up. Richards made a motion to buy these signs for Broadway Bridge stating No Trucks allowed and truck route. 2nd by Bolln Roll call- Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes, Kellogg-yes

Richards-yes, Bolln-yes.

Richards: I would like to introduce the following: Resolution # 143 to prohibit the operation of trucks or other commercial vehicles or impose limitations as to the weight thereof on designated streets and highways;

Kellogg: Clerk would you read Resolution # 143 to prohibit the operation of trucks or other commercial vehicles or impose limitations as to the weight thereof on designated streets and highways;

Village Clerk: Read the Resolution # 143 to prohibit the operation of trucks or other commercial vehicles or impose limitations as to the weight thereof on designated streets and highways;

Bolln I move that said Resolution # 143 to prohibit the operation of trucks or other commercial vehicles or impose limitations as to the weight thereof on designated streets and highways; be passed

Richards: I second the motion

Kellogg: Shall Resolution # 143 to prohibit the operation of trucks or other commercial vehicles or impose limitations as to the weight thereof on designated streets and highways; be passed and adopted by Roll Call:

Village Clerk: Bolln-y, Kellogg-y Richards-y, Tolby-y, Wolf-y

Kellogg : Motion Carried

RESOLUTION NO. 143

WHEREAS Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-680 and 60-681, as amended, grant the Chairperson and Board of Trustees of the Village of Decatur power to regulate traffic and specifically permit local authorities, by resolution, to prohibit the operation of trucks or other commercial vehicles or impose limitations as to the weight thereof on designated streets and highways;

WHEREAS §§ 71.01 and 71.06 of the Code of Decatur permit the Chairperson and Board of Trustees to designate truck routes and to regulate traffic generally; and

WHEREAS the Chairperson and Board of Trustees deem it necessary to prohibit trucks, commercial vehicles, and other motor vehicles of heavy weight from traveling on or over the bridge located on Broadway Avenue;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Chairperson and Board of Trustees of the Village of Decatur, Nebraska, as follows:

Section 1. No motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 14,000 pounds is permitted to travel at any time on or over the bridge located on Broadway Avenue.

Section 2. Signs shall be posted on each side of the Broadway Avenue bridge stating the weight restrictions set forth in the above, or indicating “cars and pickups only,” or state verbiage of similar effect, so as to notify the traveling public of the weight restrictions.

Section 3. Any violation of this Resolution shall be punished as provided generally in the Code of Decatur.

Passed and adopted this 11th day of June, 2015.

 

Loretta Kellogg-                 Chairperson

ATTEST: Ann Chytka/ Village Clerk

8) 2015-2016 Budget preparations/ Clerk advised the board members that they each had a packet with figures to look over.

 

3) Therese Magill-Who decided to let one employee go and when?/ Therese came before the board- She was wondering where it was decided to let Dan go. Kellogg stated I ended up making that decision, but she cannot discuss it because it is confidential and private. Kellogg stated I do apologized for going about it the wrong way and we will do it right way. Kellogg stated that it will be on the agenda for next month. It will be decided if the current hours will continue. Matt Munderloh stated that Dan is a current employee.
10) Copies for Non-profit groups / Churches (fees) Clerk asked who she should charge .25 to? Clerk stated that she did not want to have to call each time to make sure it is ok to make the copies for Non-profit groups / Churches. Bolln made a motion to not charge a fee for Non-profit groups 2nd Richards Roll call Wolf-yes, Tolby-yes, Kellogg-yes, Bolln-yes, Richards-yes
11) Larry Lasher-Fireworks/ Larry came to the before the board asking for permission to do fireworks on the 4th of July down at the ball field. Wolf made a motion to give $150.00 to Larry Lasher and $150.00 to Community Club for their fireworks. 2nd by Tolby Roll Call Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Wolf-yes, Tolby.

 

12) Resolution #144 – Northeast Nebraska Economic Development

Richards: I would like to introduce the following: Resolution # 144 accepting and adopting the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, INC.) regional owner/occupied housing rehabilitation guidelines.

Kellogg: Clerk would you read Resolution # 144 accepting and adopting the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, INC.) regional owner/occupied housing rehabilitation guidelines.

Village Clerk: Read the Resolution # 144 accepting and adopting the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, INC.) regional owner/occupied housing rehabilitation guidelines.

RESOLUTION NO #144

A RESOLUTION OF THE CHAIRPERSON AND VILLAGE BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF DECATUR, NEBRASKA ACCEPTING AND ADOPTING THE NORTHEAST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, INC.(NED,INC.) REGIONAL OWNER/OCCUPIED HOUSING REHABILITATION GUIDELINES, WHICH ARE ATTACHED HERETO.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHAIRPERSON AND VILLAGE BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF DECATUR, NEBRASKA THAT THE LOCAL HOUSING REHABILITIATION REUSE FUNDS WILL ADHERE TO THE CURRENT NED, INC. REGIONAL HOUSING REHABILITATION GUIDELINES AS APPROVED BY NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICE DEVELOPMENT. IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD THAT PROGRAM INCOME AND RECAPTURED FUNDS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO THE VILLAGE OF DECATUR AND REUSED WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, IS HEREBY APPROVED AND ADOPTED.

PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 11 DAY OF JUNE 2015

Loretta Kellogg/Chairperson

ATTEST: Ann Chytka /Village Clerk

 

Bolln: I move that said Resolution # 144 accepting and adopting the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, INC.) regional owner/occupied housing rehabilitation guidelines be passed

Richards: I second the motion

Kellogg: Shall Resolution # 144 accepting and adopting the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, INC.) regional owner/occupied housing rehabilitation guidelines be passed and adopted by Roll Call:

Village Clerk:Kellogg-y, Tolby-y, Wolf-y, Bolln-y, Richards-y

Kellogg:Motion Carried

 

13) Bug Guy- Not Spraying @ Marina area- Kellogg stated they have been around twice. Kellogg stated that she has received complaints from the marina that the bug sprayer is not going down there. Kellogg asked if Richards wanted to remind him. Then a question from the audience she wanted to know what they were using to spray, as it smelled like diesel fuel. Richards stated that is what they use to fog. Kellogg stated that we will look into what they are using.
14) NENEDD- Village Representative Clerk stated that they are honoring us again as members and we are needing a representative which Bolln was last year. Bolln agreed to be the representative again this year.
15) Karma Farrens-Siren for storm warnings/ Karma came to the table and stated the other night when the sirens went off she did not hear it and she was in her store. She said that people up west and up north. She couldn’t hear it until she went outside. She stated that she thinks we need more sirens in town. There should be some type of Civil defense grants to help with the Sirens. Jim Maryott is currently working on this. She asked if the second sound was blown, no. Our siren blows 9 continuing cycle blasts to take shelter and the all clear is one 15-second blast. Clerk advised that the notice is out on the message board. Karma would like one up at the store. Clerk will make new signs to post around town. Karma stated campers came to the store and she told them that City Hall was closed. Wolf stated that Jim Maryott was notified and that the City Hall was opened when he was notified. Kellogg stated will check into getting more sirens. Karma was concerned about the Maple Villa residents. Kellogg stated they are to go to their bathtub.

16) Norma Farrens-Dogs Alta stated that Norma had contacted her. The Community Club is hold a 5K race on Saturday during Riverfront days. Norma said when they we doing a trial run they had dogs chasing. Alta asked Kellogg how we can take care of this. Kellogg stated that we need to let the dog owners know that this run is taking place and to keep dogs inside. Bolln suggested put an ad in the paper. It should cost around $25.00. Kellogg stated then the runners will feel safe.

 

8)        CORRESPONDENCE

None

9)       ANNOUNCEMENTS

1) Kellogg stated twelve tons of refuge was collected on clean up day. The Village saved $1,787.70 from last year’s cost by using a different company for its dumpsters. Clerk stated I think that have Chad on site to haul when full was a good thing. Thank you to all who volunteered.

2) The Village would like to thank Brad & Anita Brewer for their donation of multiple kitchen supplies to the Community Center.
10)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Wolf and Tolby

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

 

Richards 2nd Bolln

 

 

Roll Call: Kellogg-Y, Tolby-Y, Wolf-Y, Richards-Y, Bolln-Y

Are there any questions from the audience? There were residents that are concerned with the rehiring of John Paul Sparks as Part-time police officer.

 

10)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          

Richards 2nd Wolf

Adjournment Time:   6:30 pm
 

 

Oakland City Council Meeting Agenda


REGULAR MEETING NOTICE
CITY OF OAKLAND – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY – June 15th ,2015 – 5.30P.M.
CITY AUDITORIUM
______________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA ITEM

1. CALL TO ORDER
A. Participant Sign-In Sheet Available & Disclosure of Meeting Recording Process Notice Posted
B. This is an Open Meeting of the Oakland Nebraska Governing Body. The City of Oakland abides by the Nebraska Open Meetings Act in conducting business. A copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is on display in this meeting room as required by Nebraska State Law. Notice of meeting and copies of this agenda have been publically posted prior to the meeting at the Oakland City Hall, Oakland, U.S. Post Office, First National Bank Northeast.
C. The City Council may vote to go into Executive Closed Session on any agenda item as allowed by Nebraska State Law. The public may re-enter City Council Chambers at any time after Governing Body reconvenes open session
2. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of 04.28.2015 Governing Body Meeting Minutes
B. Claims & Accounts Payable Report
Motion to Approve Consent Agenda

3. PUBLIC HEARING
C. Hearing as to any petitions in opposition to Resolution of Necessity (No. 2015-6) creating Sanitary Sewer Dist 2015-1

4. SCHEDULED CITIZENS AND VISITORS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
D. Sue Beckner-Gazebo
E. Karl Lundquist- Swedish Festival
F. Geneie Andrews-LARM insurance review
5. OLD BUSINESS

6. NEW BUSINESS
G. Adopt resolution 2015-10, finding that publication was made of proposed Resolution of Necessity and Notice of Hearing to be held June 15, that hearing was held and no petition in opposition was filed
H. Bring from table Resolution No. 2015-6, the Resolution of Necessity and put on final passage
I. Approve Terry Poland to purchase new gun for police department.

7. COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS
J. Police department- Terry Poland
K. Library report- Rosa Schmidt

8. INFORMATION ITEM
9. DISCUSSION
L. Northeast NE Housing Tour
M. Water Bond
N. Proposed fee waiver schedule
O. Dog Waste Ordinance
10. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST IF NECESSARY
11. ADJOURNMENT

Registered Agenda Speakers
All individuals requesting to be Registered Agenda Speakers must fill out a Registered Speaker Card & submit to Clerk. 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.

Submittal of Requests For Future Meeting Items
Individuals who have appropriate items for City Council or City Staff consideration should complete the Comment, Concern & Agenda Request Form available at the City Office from the City Clerk. If the issue can be handled administratively without Council Action, notification will be provided. If the item is scheduled for a City Council Meeting or Workshop, notification of the event date will be given.

Oakland Swedish Festival Begins Friday


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Coffee Tasting Open House at Creative Connection During Swedish Festival


coffee tasting open house good one

Swedish Festival Coming to Oakland in June


katcountryhub's avatarKat Country Hub

Valkommen (Welcome) to Oakland, the Swedish Capital of Nebraska.

Oakland is a community rich in Swedish heritage, being named after John Oak, a settler who arrived here in 1855 with many other Swedish families. He is also responsible for the migration of five more Swedish families to the area in 1866.

In honor of this heritage, a Swedish Festival is held bi-annualy, with many festivities during a three-day period in June. This year, the festival will be held Friday, June 19th-Sunday June 21st. Oaklander Karl Lundquist is the chairman for the three-day event. He is being assisted by several other members and organizations of the community.

Below is the current list of events as they stand now. There may be additions as the Festival nears.

Friday, June 19th:

Swedish Coronation at the Methodist Church at 7:00 p.m.

Swedish Tractor Pull to be held downtown at 3rd/4th Street at 7:30 p.m.

View original post 161 more words

Village of Decatur Meeting Agenda


VILLAGE OF DECATUR

REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA

June 11th, 2015
4:30 P.M. CITY HALL

 

NOTE: Everyone must use the microphones at the table. The audience must be quiet during the meeting. If you want to ask a question and you are not on the Agenda, you must raise your hand, get permission from the Chairman, and come to the microphone before speaking. If you are on the Agenda the same rule applies.

 

THE VILLAGE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE AGENDA AT THE PUBLIC MEETING WHEN CONVENED. MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

 

1)         Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg

            Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf

 

2)        Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting received:

            Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf____

 

3)        Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf____
4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

            Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf____

 

5)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:

 

1)         Police: Monthly Report
           A. Policing
                    
2)         Lights: Monthly Report
                                  

            3)         Water & Sewer: Monthly Report

                       
4)         Parks: Monthly Report- Income of $3,886.79
           A. Dan Elder-Boy Scouts.

                      
         5)         Streets: Monthly Report
           6)         Recycling Report:

 

6)        OLD BUSINESS
                       

           1) Commercial Insurance
           2) Ordinance violation letters.


7)        NEW BUSINESS

 

            1) Employee Health and Life Insurance (Bids).

           2) Street Cleaner (Sweeper)

 

          3) Therese Magill-Who decided to let one employee go and when?
            4) Basement water coming in

 

            5) Burgess lease

 

            6) Senior Citizens Center Lease

 

            7) Bridge signs- Resolution #143

 

            8) 2015-2016 Budget preparations

 

         9) Executive Session- Possible Litigation

 

           10) Copies for Non-profit groups / Churches (fees)
           11) Larry Lasher-Fireworks

           12) Resolution 144 – Northeast Nebraska Economic Development

           13) Bug Guy- Not Spraying @ Marina area
           14) NENEDD- Village Representative
           15) Karma Farrens-Siren for storm warnings

           16) Norma Farrens-Dogs

 

8)        CORRESPONDENCE

 

9)       ANNOUNCEMENTS

           1) Twelve tons of refuge was collected on clean up day. The Village saved $1,787.70 from last year’s cost by using a different company for its dumpsters. Thank you to all who volunteered.

           2) The Village would like to thank Brad & Anita Brewer for their donation of multiple kitchen supplies to the Community Center.
10)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

            1) Claims preapproved by Wolf and Tolby  

            2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

 

            ________________2nd_________________

 

 

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg _____, Richards _____, Tolby _____, Wolf _____

 

Are there any questions from the audience?

 

10)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING                      

_______________2nd________________

Adjournment Time:                                                
                                               

Reviewing the Legislative Session, tax relief and agriculture


By Senator Lydia Brasch

With the legislative session completed for over a week now, the Capitol is a much quieter place mostly populated by visitors from near and far on hourly tours of this magnificent institution and structure. The hallways are no longer filled with the voices of student visitors from across the State with exception of Boys and Girls State and Unicam Youth Legislature students. Lobbyists are not watching the legislative chambers attentively from the rotunda or walking the hallways in search of a senator to discuss their interests on specific legislation. Most Senators living a distance from Lincoln are working remotely with out-of-session business. Trips to Lincoln for us include scheduled meetings, office needs, or interim hearings. Our District 16 office staff continues to keep busy with constituent services and research for next year’s legislative proposals.

 

This first interim update provides a brief overview of some key legislation debated during session worth repeating or received little or no coverage during session. Other updates will follow leading into what issues we may expect to see in 2016.

 

As this year was the beginning of the biennium (two-year period), the Legislature’s priority was the constitutional duty to pass a budget. The budget passed with an average 3.3 percent increase in annual spending over the next two years which is the fifth lowest increase over the last thirty years. Most of the spending goes toward education, Medicaid, university/college system, health and human services, corrections, and special education. The budget also leaves a projected $718 million in the cash reserve or “rainy day fund.”

 

Regarding tax relief, the Legislature granted two forms of tax relief, added an additional tax burden, and left unaddressed a number of other areas. The Legislature provided relief by increasing the property tax credit relief fund. As well, businesses and farmers will receive a partial property tax break on machinery, computers, and other personal property. However, the gas tax will increase 6 cents a gallon over the next four years. Unfortunately, the Legislature did not address the property tax burden shouldered by our farmers and ranchers which I attempted to address with LB350.

 

As for agriculture, the Legislature ended the session by addressing the issue whether to allow meatpacker ownership of hogs (LB176). The bill had significant opposition from some rural senators arguing this would be a death blow to small, independent hog producers and eventually lead to loss of independent cattle producers. The bill did not survive a second-round filibuster as it fell two votes short of cloture.

 

Next week’s column will continue covering legislation from criminal justice, the death penalty, education, health and human services.

 

As always, please contact me, administrative aide, Katie Wattermann, or legislative aide, Tom Venzor, with questions or thoughts at (402) 471-2728 or e-mail at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.

 

Keeping the Good Life Growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

Wallerstedt Making Swedish Love Knots and Woven Hearts for Swedish Festival


Tom Wallerstedt, curator at the Swedish Heritage Center, has been very busy making Swedish Love Knots and Swedish Woven Hearts which will be available for purchase at the Swedish Festival June 19th-21st. Photo Credit, Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Tom Wallerstedt, curator at the Swedish Heritage Center, has been very busy making Swedish Love Knots and Swedish Woven Hearts which will be available for purchase at the Swedish Festival June 19th-21st. Photo Credit, Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Nebraska Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program


The Nebraska Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income senior citizens with coupons to purchase fresh produce or honey (pure only) at Nebraska farmers’ markets and roadside stands. The purposes of the program are to provide fresh, nutritious unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey to low-income seniors.

 

In order for participants to be eligible for the program, individuals must meet categorical and income eligibility requirements. Categorically, participants must be 60 years of age or older. Income is measure in one of two ways. An individual, single household’s gross income cannot exceed $21,589.50; a two-person household’s gross income cannot exceed $29,100.50. You must provide documentation showing age and income eligibility at the time of registration.

 

Contact the Bancroft Senior Center at 402-648-3387 if interested in participating in the program. There will be a farmer’s market in Bancroft and some of the vendors are registered to accept these coupons. Coupons will be distributed in June.

 

 

 

Caregiver Support Group to Meet


The monthly Caregiver Support Group will meet at the Bancroft Senior Center, this coming Monday, June 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. The information that is shared by those in attendance is kept confidential. If you are a caregiver; please feel free to come and join us and if you have never attended a meeting you are also welcome.