City council adopts budget, tax request

OSMOND — The Osmond City Council met Monday, Sept. 14, at the city council conference room.

City Insurance Reviewed

Lisa Schmit, servicing agent of Town & Country Insurance, was present to review the city’s proposed coverage against prior years’ comparisons. She noted an increase in auto coverage since the 2020 Dodge Durango will replace the 2010 Dodge Charger; the workers compensation rate decreased; and, she pointed out that there were two workers comp claims during this fiscal year, which might cause an increase next year.

It was mentioned that the new shelter at the park beside the auditorium and the new bathhouse at the ballpark’s north field needs to be added to the 2020-21 coverage. It was explained, even though the current general liability does cover the city in the event of a claim which arises out of error and/or omissions in the administration of a benefit plan, the city might want to consider adding Employment Practices Liability. It was also suggested the city consider adding Cyber Liability coverage.

Council members approved the proposed coverage of $37,734 for FY 2020-21, plus the additional coverage for the new shelter at the park and the bathhouse at the ballpark, effective Oct. 1, 2020.

Hearings Held

In addition to the regular meeting, a number of hearings were held.

The public hearing to present the city’s budget for the period of Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021, was held first. The property tax figures were reviewed and Mayor James Bessmer asked if there were any comments and/or questions. With no public comment, the public hearing was closed and the council approved the budget and adopted Resolution 2020-9 setting the total 2020-21 property tax request at $329,000: the general property taxes for non-bond purposes at $189,000 and the principal and interest on bonds at $140,000.

The annual One- and Six-Year Street Plan hearing was held next. Steve Parr of JEO Consulting Group, Inc. was present and provided handouts showing detail of the street improvement plans according to council’s request.

For the upcoming year, the plan includes street improvements for Fourth Street from Dakota to Logan and east from Logan a half block, plus State to Maple; Third Street from Main to Maple; Logan from Second to Fourth; and storm sewer improvements on Meadow from Fourth to south of Third plus 400’ west of Meadow.

Following discussion and Parr answering questions, the council closed the hearing and adopted Resolution 2020-10 to accept the plans and data furnished by the City Street Superintendent for the One-Year and Six-Year Plan for the Street Improvement Program for the City of Osmond.

The council also adopted Resolution 2020-11, authorizing the signing of the Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance to Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classification and Standards 2020 by the Mayor.

Parr provided another handout to introduce discussion on creating a plan for the city to begin repair of streets that were extensively damaged by the flood. He also reviewed a preliminary opinion of cost to do these street repairs.

Parr said that Lowell Schroeder, community planner of Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District, thought the project would be eligible for applying for CDBG funding. The next funding cycle deadline is August 2021 with funding available in 2022. Council will review the information and possibly hold a special meeting to further discuss all options.

Parks, Cemetery Report Given

Councilman John Aschoff reported the 2014 Ferris mower needs to be replaced. He had priced a Ferris 800X – 61-in. at Manzer Equipment for about $8,000. All three of the maintenance staff tried it out at the city cemetery on a trial basis and they were all pleased with its performance.

Following discussion, it was decided Aschoff will also price a 52-in. mower, check on its performance, and ask about a full-year warranty starting with possession in Spring 2021, but with purchase in 2020.

Councilman Aschoff reported on the concern of using a weed kill product in the sprayer, not getting it cleaned out and causing destruction when using it for another project. He priced a 50-gallon sprayer with a 5-6-ft. boom for about $1,000. Before making a purchase, he will get other prices to do a comparison.

After looking over a memo from Kyle Petersen, associate attorney of Jewell & Collins, regarding the procedure for reclaiming city cemetery lots, Mayor Bessmer asked city office staff to put together a list of abandoned lots including the date purchased, owner’s name and their address for review at a future city council meeting.

Other Items of Discussion

Cindy Hoffman was not present, but provided a written report on FEMA. She said the Grants Portal shows $212,406.12 pending (not obligated) for street repairs. She will forward an update to all members of council once she hears from the FEMA representative. She also reminded council members of the need to move forward with city offive repairs in order to utilize FEMA dollars.

Police Chief Tyler Wells reported the new Dodge Durango should be available sometime next week. Love Signs has already completed the painted design work. He said it looks fantastic and extended a thank you to council members. In other business, the council:

In other business, the council:

— agreed to continue making the annual donation to Osmond Senior Citizens Center for Down Memory Lane utility costs in the amount of $1,000.

— heard the Interlocal Cooperation Act Agreement By and Between the County of Pierce, Nebraska and The City of Osmond providing financing for the city library budget had increased from $6,000 to $6,500 for the 2020-21 FY and authorized the execution of the agreement.

— approved payment to Christiansen Commercial Contracting, Inc., dba Christiansen Construction Co. for their Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 13-Final for the new pool in the amount of $40,000.00.

— heard city sales tax for June 2020 was $18,806.21.

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