Stronger Health Care Infrastructure and Healthier Nebraskans: Medicaid Expansion in Nebraska

June 17, 2015 Leave a comment


Center for Rural Affairs report examines economic and income issues of expanding Medicaid
 

LYONS, NE – Today, the Center for Rural Affairs released a Rural Policy Brief examining the basic economic and income issues for all Nebraskans connected to expanding Medicaid. The brief is the second in a series examining findings of the University of Nebraska at Kearney report on the implications of LB 472 and their significance to rural and small town Nebraska.

 

Medicaid expansion in Nebraska will make health care providers, particularly those in rural Nebraska, fiscally stronger, thus ensuring access to health care for all Nebraskans, while also beginning to alleviate health care cost shifting that affects all Nebraskans and Nebraska families. 

Jon Bailey, Center for Rural Affairs

 

To view or download a copy of the Center’s Policy Brief go to: 

http://www.cfra.org/stronger-health-care-infrastructure-nebraska

 

On April 1, 2015, Dr. Allan Jenkins, Professor of Economics at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and Dr. Ron Konecny, Professor of Management at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, released Nebraska Medicaid Expansion: Protecting a Critical Infrastructure, Supporting Main Street, Improving Worker Health and Productivity (the UNK Report). The UNK Report is an extensive benefit-cost analysis of several factors that should be considered in the debate on LB 472, the Medicaid Redesign Act, and Medicaid expansion in Nebraska.

 

“The UNK report also demonstrates that Medicaid expansion will create a healthier work force in Nebraska,” said Jon Bailey, Rural Policy Director at the Center for Rural Affairs and author of the policy brief. “Evidence from states that have expanded their Medicaid programs show that access to health care by expanding Medicaid leads to better health in numerous ways.”

 

“For low-income workers, lack of access to health care – one issue Medicaid expansion would resolve – leads to issues that affect their ability to work, decreases their productivity, negatively affects employers and their businesses, and contributes to the cycle of poverty for individuals and families,” explained Bailey. “Expanding Medicaid will make people healthier, make them more productive workers, and enhance their workforce longevity. Employers and businesses will also benefit from a healthier and more stable labor force.”

 

According to Bailey’s analysis of the UNK report, Medicaid expansion in Nebraska will also address health care cost-shifting and reduce the “hidden health tax” to individuals. This cost shift results from increased health insurance premiums and higher taxes needed to address the bad debts and charity care of health care providers associated with treated uninsured individuals. Medicaid expansion in Nebraska would directly reduce this cost shifting by $30.6 million in 2015-16 and by a total of $156.1 million by 2019-20.
“Medicaid expansion in Nebraska is a policy and economic winner for the state and those who benefit from the additional health insurance coverage it provides,” concluded Bailey. “Nebraska policymakers need to act on expanding the state’s Medicaid program or face losing all the positive health care, economic and workforce benefits while continuing to foist millions of dollars of uncompensated care onto the premiums of the currently insured.”

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Perry “Mike” Martin, 75, of Lincoln NE, Formerly of Granville IA and Emerson NE

June 16, 2015 Leave a comment


Perry “Mike” Martin, 75, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Granville, Iowa and Emerson, Nebraska died on Monday, June 15, 2015 at Lancaster Manor in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Funeral services for Mike are pending at this time with Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Emerson, Nebraska.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

June 16, 2015 Leave a comment


* The senior center provides Information and Assistance to any individual who is looking for services for themselves or another person 60 years and older, the center manager and/or center participant can provide information to individuals on services available within the community. We link individuals to the services and opportunities that are available within or beyond the community itself. We will then establish adequate follow-up procedures to see that their needs were met. For more information call 402-648-3387.

*If you are 60 years and older 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.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walkers. Call 402-648-3387 during office hours.

Meals on Wheels

*Would you like to get Meals on Wheels? Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them each week. You must call 402-687-2332 before 8:30 a.m. if you want a meal that day. The suggested donation for the meals is $4.00.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. June 17: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00. Join us for coffee at 10:00. Have you signed up to play 5-handed Pinochle?

Thurs. June 18: Rolls and coffee served from 9:00. until noon. Tai Chi class at 9:30 and walking ex class at 10:45. Come and play dominoes or the card game of your choice at 1:30.

Fri. June 19: Today is the birthday party, pitch and hand and foot will start at 1:30. Lunch will be served at 3:30. The honorees invited their friends to come and celebrate with them.

Mon .June 22: Remember to sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:30.

Tues. June 23: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:45. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Fun bingo will be played at 2:00.

Wed. June 24: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00. Join us for coffee time at 10:00. Sign up to play hand and foot at 1:30.

 

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Market Report

June 16, 2015 Leave a comment


Grain Markets 6/15/15 10:36am

July Corn -4 @ $3.49
Dec Corn -4 ½ @ $3.65
July Beans Even @ $9.40
Nov Beans -2 ¼ @ $9.02

 

Corn & Soybeans

As we start the week, weather remains favorable, USD is up, crude is down and grain is searching for new contract lows this morning, Dec Corn previous low at $3.65, this morning touching 3.64 ¼ and the contract low for Nov beans was $8.96 ¾ this morning going down to $8.95 ¾.  A close below previous contract lows could send the market further and provide incentives for additional shorts to enter the market.  A favorable bounce last week in grain, likely cause by weakness in the USD made for a great selling opportunity for those utilizing offers.  Moving forward the bears again take the reins.  USDA Report June 30th may be a market mover.

 

Political

The Pentagon is seeking approval for a plan to put tanks and other heavy weaponry into European countries on the border with Russia. It’s an effort to counter what has become Russia’s increasingly aggressive posture in the region.  Enough for a brigade of about 3000-4000 soldiers, some are saying this violates a 1997 cooperation agreement that NATO, however this agreement was to prevent aggressive nationalism.  That said Russia seems to have already broken the agreement.  None the less Russia may see this as a threat.  Political issues often times affect grain pricing, and conflict with Russia seems significant.  To hear more, listen at Nebraska Public Radio http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=414374840&m=414374841

 

For Fun

With Father’s Day around the corner many of us look forward to a day of tinkering around the shop, grilling up some meat, camping, or taking out the toy car or motorcycle for a spin!  With many different folks out there, this could be your first Father’s Day, the one where you spend a good portion of the day with your new baby on your lap, or the toddler stage, when the zoo seems like a great way to spend the day.  I am currently in the teen years, it gets to be a lot of fun when the kids want to do some of the things you want to do.  Of course then Father’s Day is when the kids come back home, and someday bring the grandkids along.

 

Depending on your stage in life your family determines a good Father’s Day gift.  But no matter the stage you are in, I found the perfect gift…..one you would never buy yourself….but will no doubt make you smile when you open it.  It’s the gift of Bacon…..who knew!  These gift sets are unique and cracked me up.  I said to myself is this real?  Well it should be!

http://www.sayitwithbacon.com/

image002

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | C: (402) 380-9855 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

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Conservation, Crop Insurance and Tax Dollars

June 16, 2015 Leave a comment


By Rachael Meyer, rachaelm@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

America loves farmers. Our government loves them so much that they subsidize, on average, 62 percent of their crop insurance premiums. Crop insurance provides a safety net for farmers when things go wrong, and premium subsidies were intended to get more farmers interested in using crop insurance.
 
Crop insurance guarantees income year after year, but does not require much at all in terms of good soil and water conservation from farmers. Since farmers know they are guaranteed income, there is nothing stopping them from increasing insured acreage by planting marginal land, or land that is unsuitable for farming. Insurance companies ultimately hand farmers a nice cash reward for damaging the heartland.
 
To cut the budget, congress took money out of programs that support conservation such as the Conservation Stewardship Program. At the same time that they made this decision, they had spent $58.7 billion (from 2003-2012) on premium subsidies and administrative and loss reimbursements for insurance companies like Wells Fargo, which had $1.4 trillion in assets in 2013, and Ace, which had a $2.7 billion net income in 2012. But why put money toward conserving the soil and water we rely on for food when so much money goes to the very companies that are paying farmers through insurance regardless of their conservation efforts?
 
America needs to reexamine the effect crop insurance is having on our food industry or else taxpayers will continue to pour money into supporting farming practices that only destroy our environment.

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Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes

June 16, 2015 Leave a comment


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
 

 

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Wendy Lynn Ziemann, 41, of Oakland NE

June 15, 2015 Leave a comment


Wendy Lynn Ziemann was born to Gwendolyn and Irvin Ziemann on December 7, 1973 in Spooner, Wisconsin. She passed away in her sleep on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at her home in Oakland, Nebraska at the age of 41 years.

As a child, Wendy moved to Florida with her parents. Wendy attended school in Lakeland.

On July 2, 1995, Wendy gave birth to a son named Corey McLaughlin.

Wendy worked from 1997-1999 as Assistant Manager at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida.

She is survived by her son, Corey of Oakland; mother, Gwendolyn Timmons of Oakland; father, Irvin of Lakeland; sister, Heidi Creason of Bartow, FL.

BURIAL at a later date in Lakeland, Florida.

MEMORIALS: To the family for designation at a later date.

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

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Oakland City Council Meeting Agenda

June 15, 2015 Leave a comment


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.

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Personalized Learning for Every Student

June 15, 2015 Leave a comment


Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education 

Over the past few weeks I have had several opportunities to think about how the State Board of Education should lead to ensure personalized or individualized learning for every student. This month, Sandra Dop, from the Iowa Department of Public Instruction, provided an outstanding overview on the work underway in Iowa around competency-based education. Competency-based education is generally defined as students demonstrating they have learned the expected knowledge and skills in specific subjects or grade levels. For more information on competency-based education in Iowa go to www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/standards-curriculum/competency-based-pathways. One of the strengths of competency-based education is the ability to truly personalize or individualize learning for each and every student.

The personalization of learning leads me to my next topic this month, the individualization of education that we provide for students with disabilities. In October 2013, I shared with you that I was once a special education teacher and administrator, and I have a passion for all students, including students with disabilities. In that article, I highlighted some amazing young people who should be recognized for their capabilities rather than their disabilities. Though federal and state laws have created an opportunity for all students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate and individualized education and the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) sets the rules and provides a variety of supports and services to children with disabilities from birth through age 21, it might be time to re-think the rules and processes that we use to serve individuals with disabilities.

In April, I had an opportunity to attend a convening of teams of representatives from Special Olympics, state boards, departments of education and school districts from across the country to share ideas and strategies for improving social inclusion and outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Schools and communities need to be welcoming places of hope, opportunity and access and work collaboratively with non-profit organizations, parents and students to ensure the inclusion of all students

In May, Clarice Jackson, the CEO of the Voice Advocacy Center made a compelling case for personalizing education through her presentation to the Nebraska State Board of Education. As an advocate and service provider for individuals with dyslexia, she shared with us that dyslexia is the most common learning disability and that one out of every five individuals has some degree of dyslexia. Her advocacy is for improved processes of early identification and an improved system of supports for children with dyslexia. Go to www.voiceadvocacycenter.com to learn more. As a former special education teacher, her comments resonated with me. I concur with her statements on the importance of early identification and the need to prioritize the teaching of reading with strategies that are individualized to meet the unique needs and learning pace of each child.

In my opinion, the Nebraska State Board of Education has an opportunity and a responsibility to review the current regulatory environment and to ensure best practices and strategies to individualize learning and social inclusion for each student is in place at every school in Nebraska.

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.

 

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Oakland Swedish Festival Begins Friday

June 15, 2015 Leave a comment


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