August 11, 2021 at 5:00 PM - Council Meeting Agenda

Discussion:  Utility Foreman Mogus provided a written report to the Council.

Discussion:  Community Redevelopment Authority Chairman Sam Utecht gave the council an update.

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton opened the public hearing at 5:36 P.M. Andrea Larson addressed the council on the grant application for the Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization Grant. Matching funds have been committed by the Community Redevelopment Autthority.  Larson stated that the Income Survey had been terminated due to a lack of participation.

Discussion:  Approve Resolution 10-2021 authorizing the Mayor to sign application and all necessary documents for CBDG grant funds for the Wakefield Downtown Lighting Project.  Matching funds for the project have been committed by the CRA. 

Discussion:  The Mayor conducted the third reading of Ordinance 10-2021.  Council Member Larry Soderberg then moved for final passage to amended use of the City sales and use tax; adopting the economic development plan as voted upon;  establishing an economic development program application review committees; establishing an economic development citizen advisory review committee: repealing all Ordinances in conflict therewith.  Motion seconded by Council Member Val Bard.

Discussion:  Sarah Ekberg went before the council to request a Loading Zone to be allowed along 3rd Street, adjacent to her Lazy Acres business. Sarah discussed her need for parking with her business expansion and the problems she has had over the years of individuals parking next to her business for long periods of time. The Mayor stated that the streets and parking are for public use, and he would like to continue to look for other solutions before making any parking changes that affect the public use of the street.   No action was taken.

Discussion:  Adam Goods, Wakefield Community Club Board member, gave the council an update of Wakefest set to take place on August 21, 2021.  Adam review the logistics layout, timeline of events and road closures they will need for the event.

Discussion:  Request to close alley on the south side of Countyline for a beer garden and band on October 30, 2021
 

Discussion:  Set Public Hearing Date for Workforce Housing Incentive Plan -

Discussion:  Set public hearing date for amendment to Zoning Regis to allow funeral chapels in C-3 District -

Discussion:  Matt Farup addressed the council on behalf of Wakefield Community Schools to request an electrical extension to serve the new stadium project.  City Administrator, Jim Litchfield reviewed the cost estimates with the Mayor and council.

Discussion:  Farup discussed with the council a request to use city right-of-way to install 41 parking spaces on the south side of 8th Street, west of the Michener Street intersection. Farup stated putting the stalls in would coincide with the Athletic Complex project.

Discussion:  Council Member Larry Soderberg discussed the need to continue to talk with landowners about possible properties for land development..  Soderberg state that Mayor Eaton and he had talked with several property owners some time back but that they needed to follow up with them again to see what is available.

Discussion:  Administrator Litchfield recommended the council approve the two test wells requested by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. The purpose of the wells would be to ensure certain contaminants have not spread from Cubby's. The two wells would be located east of Highway 35 and be approximately 35 feet deep.

Discussion:  Discussion on dangerous dog was tabled.

Discussion:  Discussion on unsafe building was tables.

Discussion:  Set public hearing date for October 13, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

Discussion:  The council set a retreat for Tuesday, August 17th at 5:30 pm to discuss job roles and open positions that need filled.