Ed Cochran Re-elected as Bartley Village Board Chair

BARTLEY – Prior to the village board meeting, two public hearings were held in Bartley on December 14, 2021.

Jenny Kozal represented Street Superintendent Chris Miller of Miller & Associates during the 1&6 Year Street Improvement Public Hearing. The board passed Resolution #2021 for the adoption of the street improvement plan, that includes maintenance and milling on Commercial Street between Walnut and Ash Street in 2022.

During the public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan, and Zoning & Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Maps, Kozal presented the plan on behalf of Miller & Associates and the Village Planning Commission. The board adopted the updated 2021 Comprehensive Development Plan but held off voting on zoning regulations. Some board members expressed concern regarding potential government overreach with elements in the proposal and will make recommendations for amending the plan. Another zoning hearing will be held prior to the February board meeting.

Kozal shared during the regular board meeting that Bartley was one of 14 Nebraska towns and villages that applied for Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Project funds for economic development but was not among the five entities awarded grant monies. The village will use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to fund the sidewalk improvement project.

The board approved the Miller and Associates Contract for Services for 2022 and designated Chris Miller as Street Superintendent for the annual certification. In other business, the board decided not to raise the BIC water rate for 2022. They also approved a 25% residential electric utility user’s holiday rebate for December 2021 usage.

In his absence, Ed Cochran as re-elected as chairman of the village board. Brandon Brott was re-elected as vice chairman. Both positions were unopposed.

The next regular board meeting will be held on January 11, 2022 and is open to the public.