NOTICE OF MEETING

CITY OF RALSTON

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, August 3, 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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NOTICE OF MEETING

CITY OF RALSTON

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Ralston, Nebraska, will be held at 5:30 P.M. on Monday, August 9, 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

NOTICE OF MEETING

The Ralston Civil Service Commission will meet Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Ralston City Hall Council Chambers, 5500 S. 77th Street, Ralston, NE 68127, for the purpose of interviewing police officer candidates.  A complete agenda is available at Ralston City Hall.

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NOTICE OF BUDGET WORK SESSION

CITY OF RALSTON

Notice is hereby given that a Budget Work Session of the Mayor and City Council will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 immediately after the regular City Council meeting in the Council Chambers at Ralston City Hall, 5500 S. 77th Street, Ralston, NE.  An agenda which is kept current is available for public inspection at the Office of the City Clerk, 5500 S. 77th Street, Ralston, Nebraska 68127.

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

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Ralston City Council Regular Meeting

Tuesday, July 6, 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, July 6, 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, 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 Tessa Zehring, Trinity United Method 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 June 15, 2021 regular city council meeting; (2) Claims; (3) Arena Financial Statements ending 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.

Leonardo reported that everything went well for the Independence Day celebration.  Krajewski reported on arena events.  Russell reported there were three more SDL’s issued as of July 4th, all three for Bushwackers.  Scorz Sports Center cancelled their SDL request for July 3rd.  Hoppe complimented Leonardo and Freshman and their teams for the work they did for Independence Day. Hoppe reported the City is putting together a proposal to get some money as a result of a legislative bill, LB 566, the Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery and Investment Act. 

Groesser read a mayoral proclamation from February 15, 2000 declaring “Ralston, Nebraska - Independence City” to be the City’s theme and reminded that Ralston is Independence City.

Groesser presented a proclamation declaring August 22, 2021 as Metro Youth Bowlers Day.

Brousek introduced Ordinance No. 1286.  Russell read Ordinance No. 1286 by title only: 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 7 AND ARTICLE 8 OF CHAPTER 8 OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE, TREES; TO REPEAL ALL PROVISIONS OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH ARE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THAT SAID ORDINANCE BE PUBLISHED IN PAMPHLET FORM.  The City has received some complaints about dead, diseased, dying or unsafe trees in residents’ yards and there is no other mechanism to address the complaints in the City Code other than through the Park and Tree Commission.  It was suggested to add “or authorized agent” to enable a City representative to address the complaints.

The Park and Tree Commission reviewed the draft ordinance and agreed that adding an authorized agent does make sense.  The authorized agent would be the individual sending out the nuisance notice and advising the Park and Tree Commission of the notice.  There was also an appeal process added much like the appeal process for a nuisance violation, where the owner can request a hearing and the hearing will be conducted by the Board of Health.  The Park and Tree Commission recommended approval of Ordinance No. 1286.

Kavanaugh introduced Ordinance No. 1287.  Russell read Ordinance No. 1287 by title only: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9, ARTICLE XI OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE; TO REPEAL ALL PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THAT SAID ORDINANCE BE PUBLISHED IN PAMPHLET FORM.  Over the past several months the City has been working to update the building codes.  The current swimming pool and spa code consists of sections in the City Code and the recently adopted Plumbing Code.  During the process of updating the Plumbing Code, it was determined that the code relating to swimming pools also needed to be updated.  The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the ordinance.

Fideline introduced Ordinance No. 1288.  Russell read Ordinance No. 1288 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE AND AMEND SECTION 7-5 AND 7-6 AND ADD A NEW SECTION 7-7 OF ARTICLE 7 OF CHAPTER 11 OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE, ZONING-FENCE REGULATIONS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL PROVISIONS OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH ARE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THAT SAID ORDINANCE BE PUBLISHED IN PAMPHLET FORM. The fencing section in the Zoning Ordinance is not clear as to the requirements.  In order to clarify that section in the Zoning Ordinance, it is recommended that specific fence requirements be added as listed in ordinance amendment.  The Planning Commission had initially requested changes to the list of materials for fence construction and reviewed the changes and recommended approval of the ordinance amendment.

Brousek introduced Ordinance No. 1289.  Russell read Ordinance No. 1289 by title only: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 6, SECTION 6-601 OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE, DOGS AND CATS; LICENSE; TO REPEAL ALL PROVISIONS OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH ARE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THAT SAID ORDINANCE BE PUBLISHED IN PAMPHLET FORM. There is conflicting information in the City Code pertaining to the age of cats and dogs.  This ordinance will amend the City Code to include “over four months of age”.  This ordinance also includes the fee for the licenses to include the $1.25 payable to the State of Nebraska to fund the Nebraska Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Program. 

Moved and seconded to approve the consultation agreement between Nomos Public Affairs, LLC and the City of Ralston.  Aye:  Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez, and Preis.  Nay:  None.  Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Moved and seconded to accept the resignation of Finance Director Timothy Bohling.  Aye:  Brousek, Fideline, Kavanaugh, Krause, Sanchez, and Preis.  Nay:  None.  Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Public comment:  Richard Shively, 7505 Washington Street, commented on the Independence Day Parade and it was nice to have horses back.  Shively commented on the Five Points Intersection and rumors of a round-about, buying the gas station and putting apartments in.  Hoppe said there has been no discussion about a round-about.  There are some conversations about the gas station but everything is very preliminary at this point.

Blake Tomlin, 7723 Highland, commented on attending an Omaha Beef game and it was a really good time.

Council comment: Groesser commended Scott Olsen on the phenomenal work he is doing at Oak Hills Pool.  Kavanaugh thanked the Police Department, Public Works and City staff and the Chamber of Commerce for all the hard work on Independence Day.  Sanchez commented on the administration and the staff of the City and the transformation during the past years.  Bohling is so much more than a Finance Director and offers so much value to the City and he will be greatly missed.  Groesser also congratulated all departments and the Chamber for the great work on Independence Day.  People were happy and excited to be at the parade.  Groesser said the new Chamber Director is Quinn Cooper.  Groesser said one of the most important things that Ralston can start doing with all the new development is to think about new businesses to come into town.

The meeting adjourned at 6:18 PM.

The next regular meeting is Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 5:30 PM.

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

Donald A. Groesser

Mayor

CLAIMS-07-06-2021

A & C Tree Service, 575.00, Tree Service; Access Systems Leasing, 1,996.68, Printers/Copiers; Ally, 13,104.24, 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe; American United Life Insurance, 1,004.84, Life Insurance; Aramark/Ameripride, 329.63, Building Maint/Rugs; Axon, Cody, 106.99, Reimbursement; Barnes, Jeff, 100.00, Activity Program; Baxter Auto, 5,018.51, Repairs; Blackstone Publishing, 100.82, Audio Visual Materials; Blue Cross & Blue Shield of NE, 38,341.22, Health Insurance; BMI Janitorial Group, 325.00, Janitorial Services; Buck’s Inc., 29.95, Services; Caselle, Inc., 876.00, Contract Support; Cengage Learning Inc., 192.70, Books; Center Point Large Print, 89.28, Books; Century Certified Services, 160.50, Pest Control; City or Ralston Lottery Jackpot Fund, 3,851.53, Transfer to Lottery Jackpot Account; Collaborative Summer Library Program, 39.50, Library Supplies; Controlled Comfort LLC, 14,863.00, Maintenance; Cox Business Services, 830.34, Telephone; Deere Credit, 473.28, Skid Loader Pymt; Donald Ficenec, 3,902.50, Legal Services; Douglas County Treasurer, 5,000.00, Visitor Improvement Fund Refund; Eakes Office Solutions, 322.05, Office Supplies; Experian, 27.00, Professional Services; Fireguard, Inc., 211.75, Fire Sprinkler Inspection; Fleek, Brianna, 180.00, Janitorial; Fraternal Order of Police, 720.00, FOP Dues; Glatfelter Specialty Benefits, 777.99, Ralston Fire Dept Life Ins; Great Western Bank-Pension, 20,965.86, Pension Funding; Great Western Bank-Visa, 10,215.61, Miscellaneous Expenses; Heather Gamon, 452.58, Office Supplies; Herc Rentals, Inc., 324.30, Equipment Rental; Humana Insurance Co., 1,885.03, Dental & Vision Insurance; Husch Blackwell, 5,000.00, Professional Fees; Hy Vee Accounts Receivable, 9.98, Activity Program; International Code Council, 52.50, Code Books; JEO Consulting Group, Inc., 9,753.50, Professional Services; Johnathon McKenzie, 90.00, Mowing Svcs; Jones Automotive, Inc., 110.00, Labor/Repair; LaVista, City of, 1,288.96, Cost Share City Bus; League of Nebraska Municipalities, 840.00, Conference; L-Tron, 195.00, Equipment; Lueders Lock & Key, Inc., 125.00, Lock Repair; Martin Asphalt, 140.60, CSS-1H Bulk Gallon; McClure Engineering Co., 750.00, Planning Services; Menards-Ralston, 218.50, Supplies; Metro, 811.00, Service Contract; Michael Todd & Co., Inc., 2,710.73, Supplies/Materials; Mid-American Benefits, Inc., 50.00, Cobra Administration Fees; Midwest Regional Health Services, 75.00, COVID Testing; MUD-Utilities, 3,109.16, Utilities; Nebraska Iowa Supply Co., Inc., 2,607.02, Fuel; OCLC, Inc., 365.21, Supplies; Omaha Compound Company, 344.50, Supplies; Omaha Public Power District, 61,396.44, Utilities; O’Malley, Margaret, 209.00, Janitorial; Omni Engineering, 1,263.87, City Patch; Overhead Door Co. of Omaha, 862.50, Door Repair; Papillion Sanitation, 58,204.16, Trash Collection; Project Control, 1,621.25, Hinge Project; Quill Corporation, 972.33, Supplies; Ralston Automotive, 1,578.59, Services/Repair; Ralston Volunteer Fire Dept., 16,737.00, Fire Protection Agreement; Recorded Books, Inc., 59.80, Books; Robertson Properties, LLC, 600.00, Parking; Sarpy County, 1,827.34, Animal Control; Sign It, 215.75, Sign; SoySolv Industrial Products, 950.00, Supplies; The Daily Record, 678.82, Legals/Subscription; Trans Union Risk & Alternative, 89.10, Credit Services; USPS, 550.00, Postage; Valla, Kari, 59.00, Reimbursement; Verizon Wireless, 1,091.47, Telephone; Voya Institutional Trust Company, 5,950.00, Pension; West Omaha Winsupply, 46.57, Supplies; Wex Bank/Shell, 135.81, Fuel; Wildlife Encounters, 295.00, Program.

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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, August 3, 2021.  The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the 3rd reading of Ordinance No. 1286, an ordinance amending Article 7 and Article 8 of Chapter 8 of the Ralston Municipal Code pertaining to trees.  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, August 3, 2021.  The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the 3rd reading of Ordinance No. 1287, an ordinance amending Chapter 9, Article 11 of the Ralston Municipal Code to adopt the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa 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

7/28           ZNEZ

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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, August 3, 2021.  The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the 3rd reading of Ordinance No. 1288, an ordinance amending Sections 7-5 and 7-6 and adding a new Section 7-7 of Article 7 of Chapter 11 of the Ralston Municipal Code, Zoning – Fence Regulations.  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

7/28           ZNEZ

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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, August 3, 2021.  The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the 3rd reading of Ordinance No. 1289, an ordinance amending Chapter 6, Article 6, Section 6-601 of the Ralston Municipal Code pertaining to dogs and cats licenses.  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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ORDINANCE NO. 1290

CITY OF RALSTON

DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA

AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT AN AMENDED BUDGET STATEMENT FOR THE CITY OF RALSTON; TO APPROPRIATE SUMS FOR NECESSARY EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RALSTON, NEBRASKA:

Section 1.  That after complying with all procedures required by law, the amended budget presented and set forth in the revised budget statement is hereby approved the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021.  All sums of money contained in the amended budget statement are hereby appropriated for the necessary expenses and liabilities of the City of Ralston.  A copy of the amended budget document shall be forwarded as provided by law to the Auditor of Public Accounts, State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska, and to the County Clerk of Douglas County, Nebraska, for use by the levying authority.

Section 2.  This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage, approval, and publication or posting as required by law.

Passed and adopted this 20th day of July, 2021.

ATTEST:

Rosemarie D. Russell

City Clerk

Donald A. Groesser

Mayor

CITY OF RALSTON

Approved as to form:

Donald F. Ficenec

City Attorney

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