Cambridge City Council approves final reading of Ordinance No. 778 to add Daycare Center to C-1 Zoning District
The Cambridge City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 5, 2021. All Council members were present. An audit report was shared by Schuyler Sharp from Countryman Associates via Zoom. He reported to the Council that they didn’t find anything big to draw any attention. A note was made about segregation of duties as the City does not employee enough people to have a true checks and balances of finances, this is a common problem with small municipalities, but Sharp wanted to point out the response. A motion was made to approve the audit report as submitted. The motion passed.
Council then approved the consent agenda items and approved the final reading of Ordinance No. 778 to add daycare center to C-1 Zoning District. The final reading of Ordinance No. 779 to add daycare center to C-2 Zoning district was then approved. The first reading of Ordinance 780 to increase the cost of sanitation collection followed. It was approved on first reading. The Council then approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 781 which adds a $5.00 fee for fowl permits. This would be a one-time cost to collect the paperwork needed for the permit.
Melissa Jackson was present to give the Economic Development Director report. She said that builders at Harvest Meadows were currently waiting for construction costs to go down before moving forward with projects. She also said she continues to make contacts about bringing new businesses to Cambridge.
Jackson also reported the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department was doing CPR training.
In the Library Report, Maria Downer reported there is possibly asbestos in the ceiling. Downer would like to start the process of surveying the area to see if it is asbestos and if it is, how much is there. She stated she had looked into possibilities of getting financial assistance to remove the ceiling, but that the survey was the first step in the process. The Council agreed and suggested having an insurance adjuster come out and look at the roof to be sure that there wasn’t any leaks causing the damage to the ceiling. Downer stated that construction on the wall to the project room had been stopped, but that all summer programs would go on as planned.
The Council then discussed the Park Board meeting minutes. Discussion was held about hiring Landon Sines to take care of dragging the ball fields. Kandra Kinne said she would do some checking and have everything worked out for the next meeting.
Utilities Supervisor Dave Houghtelling said they have been talking about a rail at the school ramp and that crew members have been repairing curbs. He also said it wouldn’t be long until they begin working to get the pool ready for the upcoming season.
Kandra Kinne, City Clerk/ Treasurer reported the payroll conversion happened on Monday, and there were a few glitches to fix, but overall the process went well. She also spoke about a letter sent from the Nebraska Tax Advantage. Mayor David Gunderson and Council members discussed the American Cares Act possibly providing funds to the City.
Jessica Fisher presented the hospital report. She stated the next big project for the Plaza would be to replace the big windows at the front of the big room. Currently they are looking at possible grants to help with the costs. She also reported the thefts at the Thrift Store had lessened.
Terry Engell from Home Town Agency was also present at the meeting to present the City with a check from the Nebraska Municipality Safety Group Dividend Program. EMC Insurance Companies have paid dividends for 18 of the last 25 years, with this being one of the largest. The Council thanked Engell for coming and Kinne stated she would separate the funds and put them into the funds they use the insurance.
City Attorney Lisa Shifflet made a preliminary presentation about establishing a Land Bank in Southwest Nebraska. Council members had many questions, and asked her to give them more information about the program at future meetings.
In new business, Council discussed the Information Technology Agreement with Ommert Technologies. A motion was made to update and continue the Information Technology Agreement with Ommert Technologies. The motion passed with Council member Jeff Ommert abstaining.
Discussion was also held about the old roping chute at the rodeo arena. The old chute is currently making it hard to mow, and after contacting Spencer Shifflet, a motion was made to sell the old chute and put the money it brings back into the arena. The city will use Midwest Equipment Auctions to sell the chute.
During comments, Council member Tony Groshong reported the basement had yet to be filled in where they moved the house. Kinne said a contractor was supposed to be filling the hole by the middle of April. Discussion was also held about the fence being down again. If something hasn’t been started by the April 19th meeting, the Council will move forward with action against the owner.
Council adjourned at 8:04 pm to convene the CDA. Resolution 2021-04-01 Redevelopment Plan Amendment at Harvest Meadows Fourth Project - Lot 5, Block 1 was approved. Council then approved Resolution 2021-04-02 Redevelopment contract for Harvest Meadows Lot 5, Block 1. The CDA adjourned at 8:08 pm.
The next regular council meeting will be held on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 6:30 pm. A BIC meeting will be held Monday, April 12, 2021 at Cambridge at 6:30 pm. The Planning Commission regular meeting will be Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 5:00 pm.
