Cambridge City Council approves Stryker Power Load System for Ambulance

Cambridge City Council met in regular session on Monday, December 20, 2021. Councilmember Tony Groshong was absent from the meeting. Council approved the Consent Agenda items then accepted proposals to camera sewer mains. Miller & Associates received four bids and recommended Council approve the bid from Hydro-Klean, LLC. Council discussed the bids and approved the bid of $126,395.00 from Hydro-Klean, LLC.

Council then heard from John Kutnink about purchasing a Stryker Power Load system for the ambulance. Kutnink and Larry Maatsch both attested the Power Load system is a “back-saver” for the EMTs, as the cot alone weighs around 180 pounds. The Power Load system and upgrades needed for the cot are estimated to cost $26,119.78 plus about $1,800 to install the system. Council discussed how the load system will help with patient transports and then approved the purchase.

The Planning Commission Report, Cemetary Report, Library Report, and Museum Board Report were all individually approved as submitted. Utilities Supervisor Dave Houghtelling reported Rob Musil has been working for the city for 6 months and Houghetelling recommends him to receive a $.50 per hour raise. Council approved the raise. Council also discussed the construction at the swimming pool. At the meeting held on December 16, 2021, the construction company reported being almost on schedule because of the nice weather. Houghtelling also reported he has had interest from an individual about possibly mowing at the park this summer. He said having two people available to mow will help a lot.

City Clerk/Treasurer Kandra Kinne reported she and the office staff were working on getting year-end closed up for payroll and accounts payable. City Attorney Lisa Shifflet reported on the Land Bank meeting held on December 9, 2021. She said not a lot of people attended, but she thought that was due to the holiday season as well as the distances some municipalities had to travel. She plans to set up mini-meetings in various locations after the first of the year.

Jessica Fisher, CEO of Tri-Valley Health Systems, reminded Council Members and Mayor David Gunderson of the Community Health Meeting on February 10, 2022, from 11:30 -1:00 to be held at the Community Building.

In unfinished business, Council discussed the Nuisance Abatement Program for 2022. Mayor Gunderson reminded Council Members that the price was about $13,000 per area. Discussion was held about possibly handling the Nuisance Abatement Process themselves, but Councilmember Jeff Ommert recommended staying with the Abatement program rather than trying to handle it as a Council. Councilmembers Vernita Saylor and Derek Raburn said the process went much smoother when handled by an outside entity.

In new business, Council approved Ordinance No. 798 in second reading. They then approved the Certificate of Compliance for Maintenance Agreement 2021 with the Nebraska Department of Transportation and approved the renewal Maintenance Agreement for 2022 with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Council then discussed adding street lights at the Harvest Meadows addition. Council agreed that adding street lights now, before many houses were added was a good idea. After consulting with Twin Valleys Public Power, it was approved to add the following lights: Light #1, Block 2 on Corn Husk Lane between lots 5 and 6 facing North, Light #2, Block 2 on the Southwest Corner of Corn Hust and Harvest Drive facing North, and Light #3, Block 2 on Harvest Drive between lots 3 and 4 facing Southwest.

Kinne was also advised to begin advertising for seasonal help at the park, cemetery, and swimming pool. There was no public comment or Council comment. Mayor Gunderson suggested meeting on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, to do a third reading of Ordinance No. 798. It was agreed that a special meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 5:00 pm. A motion was made and seconded to close the meeting. It was approved. The next regular City Council meeting will be Monday, January 3, 2022, at 6:30 pm. A BIC Meeting will be held Monday, February 14, 2022, in Indianola at 6:30 pm. The next Planning Commission Regular Meeting is Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 5:00 pm.