October 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Council Meeting Agenda

Discussion:  Mayor Lehmkuhl opened the public hearing for the 1- & 6- Year Street Plans at 5:31pm

Discussion:  The Mayor closed the public hearing at 5:39pm for the 1- & 6- Year Street Plan.

Discussion:  Congratulations to Katelyn Pommer who recently earned her Level III Public Librarian Certification through the Nebraska Library Commission. 

To earn this level of certification, along with having my bachelor's degree, I had to complete the required 45 hours of continuing education. I completed 6 Basic Skill courses and 7 elective courses, which were required, along with other training courses and videos to make up the 45 hours needed. 

These courses provide professional training and education in areas relevant to library administration, services, and day-to-day library operations. 

Certification is an ongoing commitment. I [Pommer] will have more continuing education hours to meet to maintain my certificate in the next three years. 

To learn more about the levels and/or certification program, follow this link
 

Discussion:  We had a two-year contract with Placer.AI; however, when it was time to renew the contract, the fee was going to increase substantially from $7500 to $15K annually.  After reviewing other options, Weaver is recommending a contract with Advan Research Corporation for a cost of approximately $6K annually.  The information gleaned from these types of websites collects and organizes invaluable data which is needed for grants and to justify items for economic development.  Advan does this in real time whereas the government census information is older and not as reliable.  

Discussion:  Asbestos removal will be needed prior to demolishing the property at 3rd & Main.  NDEE has a grant for which the City can apply that provides 50% matching funds up to $20K.  The quote to remove asbestos is $9208 for all three buildings, and should the City apply for and be awarded the NDEE grant, our responsibility would be $4604.  However, the City needs to own the building before the grant can be applied for. Nevertheless, the asbestos needs to be removed.  

Discussion:  EMC Insurance representative, Bob Berry, addressed the council regarding a lapse in coverage for the power plant.  As of the end of business Thursday, October 15, 2026, the power plan will be without insurance coverage unless the council chooses one of the other quotes Berry received on the City's behalf.  Berry reiterated that this is for property NOT liability insurance at the power plant.  Inspectors came to the power plant approximately eight months ago and had a list of items the City needed to complete to be considered for insurance renewal. Berry read the list to the council per Council member Geiser's request, and even though Berry thought he may receive two more quotes tomorrow morning which he felt would be comparable in price. Most of the items have been taken care of, EMC is still refusing to insure the power plant.  He noted that there are very few companies anymore that insure power plants due to the liability issue.  One quote Berry received was from Star Stone Specialty company for a cost of $124K annually without terrorism coverage.  Landmark American gave a quote of $82,900 for annual coverage, again without terrorism.  As noted, both plans are annual and cannot be changed during that time.  Geiser mentioned that maybe now is a good time for the City to be looking for a different insurance company for all property and liability coverage.  Last year's coverage with EMC for the power plant was $42K. Berry thought he may receive two more quotes tomorrow morning which he felt would be comparable in price. 

Discussion:  Streets and alleys met earlier in October and gnerated the 1- & 6- Year Street Plans which were approved earlier in the meeting. 

Discussion:  Attorney Henderson has nothing new to report on the WHCC lawsuit.  His office received full collection on one LB840 loan (C Valenzuela) while they continue to pursue the other defaulted LB840 loan (B Valenzuela).  He will address the property purchase later in the meeting. 

Discussion:  No report from Dixon County Sheriff Tom Decker. 

Discussion:  Utility Foreman Buck submitted a written report of which no questions were asked. 

Discussion:  Administrator Mogus also submitted a written report; however, he was asked by council member Geiser if the crew is discharging at the lagoon.  Mogus stated that this is usually done in the spring, but he will address it with the crew.  

Discussion:  Clerk Vander Vein reported that Civic Plus with whom the City contracts for its website, is changing to a new platform.  Because of this, the City's website will begin undergoing a change as it migrates to the new platform--Central Starter.  The new platform will be more user-friendly and will have page options that we currently do not have. It will also allow the City to be more ADA compliant.  Unfortunately, because Central Starter is a different platform, we will lose some of our current features during the migration, such as the calendar, job postings, and news articles.  City Staff have been told that we will learn the necessary skills to add and manage this content. We have been told that we should not lose any online presence during this process; however, it will take upwards of 90 days and must be completed no later than June 30, 2027.  We are in the queue for migration kick-off as of October 12, 2026.  So, the new platform comes with a price increase.  The City Clerk was able to negotiate, so the increase will not take effect until renewal in January 2028.  After this time, a 5% increase will be applied.  The City's current annual fee is around $3700 but in January 2028 that will increase to at least $5600 + 5%.  The website domain fee is paid with Sales Tax dollars.  The City's website is a necessity and is used often by community members, those interested in our community, contractors, and more. 

Discussion:  No public comments during the meeting.

Discussion:  Mayor Lehmkuhl had the first reading of Ordinance 8-2026 regarding the proposed electric rate increase.  Following the reading, the council asked for information to be made available to the community regarding the proposed increase.  They want the ordinance available for inspection at the City office as well as an article in the Wakefield Republican, the City's website, and Facebook. 

Discussion:  Last night the ad-hoc committee met to review RFPs for the City's comprehensive plan.  Members Megan Weaver, Eric Riewer, Tara Miner, Renee Burmester, Cheryl Greve, and Jason Erb selected three finalists to interview in November:  Hanna Keelan, JEO, and Wilson & Co. 

Discussion:  Administrator Mogus is requesting the Council approve the down payment to approve the design by Timberlyne for the Park Concession Stand.  The Park Board has already approved the design, but council has not.  Mogus reiterated that this approval is for the design only and not to purchase anything.

Discussion:  CA Mogus has been in contact with the Cemetery Board for discussions regarding the groundskeeper/sexton position.  There are only a couple of interested people in the position; however, there are a few options regarding how the position(s) could be filled. For instance, the City could hire someone to fill both positions or just one, but which one?  These positions could be independent contractors (who could charge upwards of $2K per mowing) or hired on as part-time City employees.  Current City staff could assist contracted labor with weed-eating as necessary.  Could someone be hired by the City to take care of Groundskeeping only with current City employees taking over sexton duties?  Mogus would like some discussion as to the council's thoughts so that the cemetery board can be informed at their meeting tomorrow night. Mogus is recommending that the council approve the hiring of Matt Brenn as a part-time City employee (< 29 hours weekly) to take care of the mowing and trimming at the cemetery.  Utility Foreman Cory Buck and his crew would learn and execute the sexton duties and help as needed with trimming at the cemetery.  Council members were in agreement that this seems the best course of action but will wait to formally approve anything until after the Cemetery Board meeting and possible recommendations.
 

Discussion:  Posters have been placed around town, on the City's Facebook page, and the City's website trying to recruit people for the vacancies on committees and boards.  Emails have been sent to Megan Weaver (CRA), City Administrator (park Board), Library Director (Library Board), and Nicki Decker (Citizens Advisory & Project Review) in hopes of them assisting the mayor with filling the vacancies.  As of today, Bill Heimann and Jon McQuistan have agreed to another term on the CRA.  Sheri Eaton will NOT run for another term on the library board. The cemetery board meets tomorrow, so Tom Eaton and Renee Burmester will be asked about their interest in another term.  
CRA --> needs one more member to fill Matt Farup's vacancy
Citizen's Advisory --> Kim White renew?  Jody Denney moved, and one empty spot
Project Review --> Leslie Bebee and empty spot
Park Board --> all five members as they serve one-year terms
Planning Commission --> Dan Brown & Terry Hoffman
Board of Adjustments --> Tim Bebee
Tree Board --> empty spot
Cemetery Board --> Tom Eaton & Renee Burmester
Library Board --> Sheri Eaton (No)
ADA Compliance --> all four members as they serve one-year terms
Council asked that Clerk Vander Veen send letters to incumbents to see what their intentions are.

Discussion:  Premier Pyrotechnics, the company who did the August 2026 fireworks, is offering additional products (not a percentage off) to any contracted amount for 2027.  Council discussed if a fireworks show should take place again, and if so, are monies budgeted, and when should the show take place: July 4th or WakeFest.    It was determined that, because there are no other events on July 4th, WakeFest would be better for the display and monies have been budgeted for this event.  Attorney Henderson asked for this item to be tabled until the next meeting when a resolution could be voted upon.  This still allows enough time for the City to prepay by December 1st to receive the most additional products.  

Discussion:  With the abrupt resignation of Keziah Fischer as Civic Center custodian, Administrator Mogus advertised for the position and held interviews immediately.  He is recommending Leslie Vega as new Civic Center custodian at $19/hr.

Discussion:  Jose Reyes, our current front desk translator/receptionist, who has been with the City for 15 months, has accepted a different full-time position in Norfolk (he used to work full-time in Pender).  Jose's schedule in Norfolk is on a two-week rotation, and for the past 90 days, he has been working  at the city office 13 hours in one week and 22 the second week.  While this schedule is okay, Jose's translation/interpreting skills are greatly missed by the office and those non-English speakers who come to the office.  With the council's approval, Administrator Mogus would like to hire Brenda Barrera as a second translator/interpreter (at $16.50/hr) to work the hours that Jose is unable to.  Basically, two people would be completing one job here at the office.