CITY OF RALSTON

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Ralston Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider proposed amendment to the City of Ralston Zoning Ordinance, Article Seven, Section 7-5, Fence Regulations.

The hearing will be on Monday, June 14, 2021, at 5:30 PM at Ralston City Hall, 5500 S. 77th Street. Public comments will be accepted and a complete agenda for this meeting is available at Ralston City Hall.

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

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CITY OF RALSTON

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Ralston Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider the adoption of the International Swimming & Spa Code.

The hearing will be on Monday, June 14, 2021, at 5:30 PM at Ralston City Hall, 5500 S. 77th Street. Public comments will be accepted and a complete agenda for this meeting is available at Ralston City Hall.

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

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CITY OF RALSTON

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Ralston City Council will hold a public hearing at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, June 15, 2021.  The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the 3rd reading of Ordinance No. 1284, an ordinance amending the Ralston Municipal Code to adopt the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code.  Public comments will be accepted.  An agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection at the Office of the City Clerk, 5500 S. 77th Street, Ralston, Nebraska 68127. Written comments should be addressed to the City Clerk at the above address.

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

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CITY OF RALSTON

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Ralston City Council will hold a public hearing at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, June 15, 2021.  The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 1285, an ordinance providing for the sale of Lot 1, Serum Industrial Park Replat 1.  Public comments will be accepted.  An agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection at the Office of the City Clerk, 5500 S. 77th Street, Ralston, Nebraska 68127. Written comments should be addressed to the City Clerk at the above address.

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

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CITY OF RALSTON

NOTICE OF MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Ralston, Nebraska, will be held at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in the Council Chambers at Ralston City Hall. An agenda, which is kept continuously current, is available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall.

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

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CITY OF RALSTON

Ralston City Council
Strategic Planning Session

Friday, May 14, 2021

The complete minutes are on file in the office of the City Clerk and are available for public inspection during regular business hours or on the City’s website at www.cityofralston.com.

The Ralston City Council met for a Strategic Planning Session on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Ralston Arena. Roll was called with the following present: Mayor Groesser and Council members Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez, and Preis.  The agenda was available for public inspection and posted prior to the meeting.  The legal notice for the meeting was published in the Ralston Recorder and/or The Daily Record. 

Mayor Groesser said the meeting is subject to the Nebraska Open Meetings Act and a copy of the Act is posted in the meeting room and is available to view on the City’s website at www.cityofralston.com.

The purpose of the strategic planning session is to discuss vision, mission, and guiding principles, and discuss draft strategic priorities.  Hoppe explained the reasons for a strategic plan.  Dave Landis, former 28-year state senator and former Urban Development Director for the City of Lincoln, spoke about how to get the community to be what you want it to be.   Sanchez arrived at 3:12 PM.

Discussion was held on why people choose to live, work and play in Ralston; what are the biggest concerns expressed by residents; what is Ralston city government doing well; what could Ralston city government be doing better; what are Ralston’s opportunities; and what could be a problem. Discussion on which goals meet the definitions of a safe and secure community and what city government is doing to ensure a safe and secure community.  Discussion was held on police programs and activities and Fire Department programs and Police Department and Fire Department rescue calls response times.  Discussion was also held on CPR and AED training.  Discussion on which goals meet the definitions of strong and durable infrastructure.  Discussion was held on problem areas and addressing those areas as well as possible sewer line issues and sizing with the new apartments and the granary development and street panel repairs.  Discussion on debt service, borrowing, and the City’s bond rating.  The funds the City is going to receive through the ARPA can be used for revenue replacement and it is recommended that the money be used to reduce the City’s debt to free up more money in the future. 

There being no further business, the strategic planning session was adjourned at 4:24 PM. 

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

Donald A. Groesser

Mayor

6/9             ZNEZ

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CITY OF RALSTON

Ralston City Council
Regular Meeting

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

The complete minutes are on file in the office of the City Clerk and are available for public inspection during regular business hours or on the City’s website at www.cityofralston.com.

The Ralston City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 5:30 PM at Ralston City Hall.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll was called with the following present: Mayor Groesser and Council members Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez (via ZOOM) and Preis.  The agenda was available at City Hall for public inspection and posted prior to the meeting.  The legal notice for the meeting was published in the Omaha Daily Record.  Claims listed are approved and part of these minutes.

Pastor Greg Berger, Messiah Lutheran Church, gave the invocation.  Mayor Groesser welcomed the press and guests.  Groesser said the meeting is subject to the Nebraska Open Meetings Act.  A copy of the Act is posted at the rear of the Council Chambers and is available to view on the City’s website at www.cityofralston.com.

Reviewed the following items under the consent agenda.  (1) Minutes from the May 4, 2021 regular city council meeting; (2) Claims; (3) Monthly Financial Statements from April 2021; and (4) Department Head and/or Commission Reports.  Moved and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda.  Aye:  Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez, and Preis.  Nay:  None.  Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Ficenec reported the redevelopment plan and agreement with OZVP II, LLC that was approved by the City Council previously and was set up to be done in phases.  Leonardo reported that efforts are still underway to locate the 11-year old from La Vista. Krajewski reported on arena events.  Hoppe reported on a meeting with lobbyist Burke Harr and discussion about the opportunities for Ralston with the ARPA.  Hoppe, Leonardo, Ficenec and Bohling have begun contract negotiations with the FOP.  The second strategic planning session will be held on Thursday, May 20th at the Ralston Arena.

Groesser presented a proclamation declaring May 16th through 22nd, 2021 as Emergency Medical Services Week to Fire Chief Kevin Eischeid.   Eischeid provided information on EMS Week events and thanked the Mayor and City Council for the proclamation.

Moved and seconded to approve the catering endorsement for Bushwackers, Class C – 123819, OZVP II LLC dba Bushwackers Dance Hall & Saloon, 7401 Main Street.  Aye:  Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez, and Preis.  Nay:  None.  Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Moved and seconded to approve the preliminary/final plat of Lots 1, 2 and Outlot A, Serum Industrial Park Replat 1.  Aye:  Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez, and Preis.  Nay:  None.  Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Kavanaugh introduced Ordinance No. 1284.  Russell read Ordinance No. 1284 by title only:  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9, ARTICLE VI SECTION 9-601, OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE; TO REPEAL ALL PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THAT SAID ORDINANCE BE PUBLISHED IN PAMPHLET FORM.

The City adopted the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code in 2008 and this updating to the 2018 version.  The Planning Commission reviewed this and suggested some changes be made.

Moved and seconded to approve Resolution 2021-05 to rescind the Ralston Board of Health order enacting a community mask mandate. Aye:  Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez, and Preis.  Nay:  None.  Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Moved and seconded to approve the Resolution 2021-06 declaring certain property surplus and providing for a method of sale.  Aye:  Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez, and Preis.  Nay:  None.  Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Moved and seconded to approve the appointment of the Omaha Daily Record as the official newspaper of the City of Ralston and the Omaha World Herald as the alternate official newspaper of the City of Ralston.  Aye:  Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez, and Preis.  Nay:  None.  Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Public comment: There was no public comment. 

Council comment: Fideline said he was sorry to see the Recorder go but welcomed the Daily Record aboard.  Groesser informed everyone that the theme for the Ralston parade is “salute to essential workers”.  They would like to try to identify anyone in Ralston who has participated as an essential worker and Groesser asked that the information be provided to the Chamber.  Groesser congratulated Fire Chief Eischeid on EMS week.

The meeting adjourned at 6:09 PM.

There is a strategic planning session on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 3:00 PM at the Ralston Arena.  The next regular meeting is Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 5:30 PM.

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

Donald A. Groesser

Mayor

CLAIMS-05-18-2021

Access Systems Leasing, 2,726.97, Printers/Copiers; Accurate Testing, 385.80, Backflow Preventor Testing; AFLAC, 703.44, Insurance; Agrivision Equipment Group, 585.75, Parts; Amazing Lawns & Lighting; Aramark/Ameripride, 112.90, Building Maint/Rugs; Benefit Plans, Inc., 362.50, Administration; BMI Janitorial Group, 1,125.00, Janitorial; Capital One Trade Credit, 31.99, Northern Tool Acct; Caselle, Inc., 876.00, Caselle Support; Cavanaugh Macdonald Consulting, 275.00, Benefit Calculation; CCL Supply, LLC, 213.25, Supplies; Cengage Learning Inc., 190.45, Books; Century Certified Services, 129.00, Pest Control/Management; CompChoice, 115.00, DOT Testing; Cox Business Services, 1,931.82, Telephone; Deere Credit, 473.28, Skid Loader; Diamond Laundry Service, 49.90, Laundry Service; Donald Ficenec, 3,027.50, Legal Services; Douglas County Treasurer, 957.00, License Fee; Eakes Office Solutions, 133.22, Office Supplies; Experian, 27.96, Credit Services; Factory Motor Parts Co., 1,073.26, Parts; Findaway, 69.99, Library Materials; Fleek, Brianna, 120.00, Janitorial; Fraternal Order of Police, 780.00 FOP Dues; Glatfelter Specialty Benefits, 509.64, RVFD Life Insurance; Graybar, 148.41, Building Supplies; HDR, 5,950.00, Professional Services; Houghton Bradford Whitted, 5,062.25, Professional Fees; Integrated MSP, 5,825.00, Computer System Maintenance; International Institute of Municipal Clerks, 175.00, Annual Membership Fee; JEO Consulting Group, Inc., 25,869.50, Professional Services; League Association of Risk Management, 85.33, Insurance; Library Ideas, 190.59, Books; Martin Asphalt, 177.60, Asphalt Materials; Menards – Ralston, 99.71, Supplies/Parts; Metro, 908.00, Bus Service contract; Mid-American Benefits, Inc., 2,452.64, Cobra Administration/FSA Plan Admin; Motion Picture Licensing Corp, 120.55, MPLC Umbrella License; Nebraska Iowa Supply Co., Inc., 1,111.53, Fuel; Omaha Compound Company, 73.72, Cleaning Supplies; Omaha Douglas Publ Bldg., 7.00, Parking; Omaha Public Power District, 19,105.42, Utilities; O’Malley, Margaret, 209.00, Janitorial; Omni Engineering, 1,867.53, Materials; One Call Concepts, Inc., 81.13, Locate Fees; Oriental Trading Co., Inc., 89.56, Activity Supplies; Papillion Sanitation, 2,362.26, Garbage Collection; Port-A-Johns, Inc., 75.00, Portable Restroom Rental; Quality Tire, Inc., 190.00, Tires; Ralston Automotive, 983.51, Repairs/Service; Ralston House, $50,000.00, Annual Fee; Ralston Volunteer Fire Department, 16,737.00, Fire Protection Agreement; Sarpy County, 1,827.34, Animal Control; Sirchie, 104.55, Evidence Collection Kits; Suburban Newspapers, Inc., 465.79, Legals; The Daily Record, 48.90, Legals; The Safariland Group, 425.00, Training; Trans Union Risk & Alternative, 75.00, Credit Services; Verizon Wireless, 3,904.81, Cell Phones; Westlake Ace Hardware, 173.54, Supplies.    

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CITY OF RALSTON

Ralston City Council
Strategic Planning Session

Thursday, May 20, 2021

The complete minutes are on file in the office of the City Clerk and are available for public inspection during regular business hours or on the City’s website at www.cityofralston.com.

The Ralston City Council met for a Strategic Planning Session on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 3:30 PM at the Ralston Arena. Roll was called with the following present: Mayor Groesser and Council members Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, and Preis.  Council member Sanchez was absent.  The agenda was available for public inspection and posted prior to the meeting.  The legal notice for the meeting was published in the Daily Record. 

Mayor Groesser said the meeting is subject to the Nebraska Open Meetings Act and a copy of the Act is posted in the meeting room and is available to view on the City’s website at www.cityofralston.com.

Groesser said the purpose of the strategic planning session is to discuss vision, mission, and guiding principles, and discuss draft strategic priorities.

Discussion was held on strong and durable infrastructure and the significant gap between the City Council’s prioritization and the City Staff priorities. Hoppe presented information on Ralston’s demographics including median age, race & ethnicity, income, persons below the poverty line; travel time to work, birth rate, median value of owner-occupied housing units and people under the age of 65 with a disability.  Discussion was held on proposed strategic actions to work with granary developers to create young professional outreach program, develop a survey of Ralston families to determine needs and programming for the use of parks; create an outreach plan to South Omaha/Latino community, and millennials are starting to have kids. 

Discussion about houses in Ralson being too small for families.  Brousek commented on not worrying about the space to build bigger homes but create a niche for Ralston and focus on the business side to bring people into Ralston.  Further discussion on the smaller homes being perfect for families just starting out, the great school system in Ralston, and programming in the parks for families that are very low cost to create a sense of community.  Discussion was held on performance indicators including the importance of home ownership, correct size housing stock, establishing a landlord registration program to assist with code enforcement.  There are many housing assistance programs to help achieve goals.  Discussion was held on promoting and supporting local businesses.

Lynn Rex, Executive Director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, spoke about LB-464 which is the land bank legislation, and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, as well as the work that elected and appointed officials do for their communities.  She said the Ralston Arena is a true gem.

Hoppe indicated there are a few more areas that need to be discussed before the strategic plan is finalized so there will be another session in the future.

Discussion was held on installing and/or repairing sidewalks.

The strategic planning session was adjourned at 6:03 PM. 

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

Donald A. Groesser

Mayor

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