Cambridge City Council meets
CAMBRIDGE - Mayor David Gunderson presided over the Cambridge City Council regular meeting on Monday, December 21 with all six council members present. Also in attendance were three city staff—Lisa Shifflet (City Attorney), Kandra Kinne (Clerk/Treasurer), and Dave Houghtelling (Utility Supervisor) and two visitors Howard Johnson (Ho Jo’s) and Guyla Mills (Valley Voice).
The minutes of the last regular meeting were approved. The minutes of the Planning Commission were also approved.
Mayor Gunderson reported that the Park Advisory/Tree Board discussed recognizing Sarah Downey’s excellent volunteer service throughout this past summer in tending the flower garden. The council approved his request for a $100 gift certificate as a measure of thanks and appreciation for her tireless contribution to the beautification of Cambridge.
Dave Houghtelling asked for approval to sign a three-year maintenance contract for the two Lift Stations and Sewer Plant. The council approved the contract with Cummins Sales and Service, located in Des Moines, Iowa. He also explained that snow removal took longer than usual following the last snow fall because the grader is being repaired. Thankfully, several residents with skid loaders helped in snow removal. Dave also reported that he obtained a permit to burn trees in the pit following the last snow. At the time of the council meeting, the pit was still burning.
Kandra Kinne is in the process of updating the City Employee Handbook and plans to have it available for the next board meeting. In other employee related business, she reported that the cost of Workmen’s Comp Insurance has been reduced since the “experience rating” is now below one and that there is no financial incentive for the city to pay Unemployment Insurance early.
The city clerk also reported that by the end of January, the website will be updated to reflect utility policies adopted by the Nebraska Legislature last session. The law stipulates that service cannot be discontinued for a least seven business days following notice and that disconnection or reconnection fees cannot exceed reasonable costs of providing such services. Kandra is also working on records requests forms that will be available for council member review by the next meeting. Since Clint Wickizer is retiring as lineman, city staff members are meeting prior to the next council meeting to look at Twin Valley Public Power District’s proposed contract to provide services on a contractual basis verses hiring an employee to assume the responsibilities of the position.
The Library Board Minutes reveal something that may pique the interest of younger residents. A $1200 grant, which was awarded to the Butler Memorial Library, was used for the purchase of Legos and other supplies.
The council approved Jake Swisher’s request for a sign at 42503 Wheat Ridge Drive and Howard Johnson’s request for a special designated liquor permit for Saturday, February 6, 2021. The council also approved advertising for three grounds and upkeep summer positions for the park, cemetery, and swimming pool. Advertising will begin the last week of December and continue for two weeks in January.
The next Regular Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 4 at 6:30 p.m. and the next Planning Commission Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. The bimonthly Bic Meeting (comprised of council members from Bartley, Indianola, and Cambridge) is scheduled for February 8, 2021 in Indianola at 6:30 p.m.
