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, May 3, 2022, in the Council Chamber 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.

Maura Kelly

City Clerk

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City of Ralston

Notice of Meeting

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, May 9, 2022, in the Council Chamber 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.

Maura Kelly

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, May 3, 2022.  The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the 1st reading of Ordinance No. 1307, adoption of the 2018 International Building Code and proposed amendments. 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.

Maura Kelly

City Clerk

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City of Ralston

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

The Ralston City Council will conduct a public hearing Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 5:30 P.M. in the Ralston City Hall Council Chambers, 5500 S. 77th St., on a request from OZVP II, LLC, Trade Name Bushwackers, 7401 Main Street, Ralston, Nebraska, for an application for an addition to a liquor license Class C, CK - 123819.  All persons desiring to give evidence before City Council in support of, or protest against the issuance of this addition, may do so at this public hearing.

Maura Kelly

City Clerk

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City of Ralston

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Ralston Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider adoption of the 2018 International Mechanical Code and proposed amendments.

The hearing will be on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. Public comments will be accepted and a complete agenda for this meeting is available at Ralston City Hall.

Maura Kelly

City Clerk

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City of Ralston

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Ralston Planning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider revising and amending Article Eleven:  Sign Regulations of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Ralston, Nebraska.

The hearing will be on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers.  Public comments will be accepted and a complete agenda for this meeting is available at Ralston City Hall.Maura Kelly

City Clerk

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City of Ralston

NOTICE OF PASSAGE AND

PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Ralston, Nebraska at their regular meeting on April 19, 2022 passed and approved Ordinance No. 1306 in pamphlet form:

ORDINANCE NO. 1306

AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE AND AMEND ARTICLE III, TABLE 3-1, CHAPTER 11, OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE, PERMITTED USES BY ZONING DISTRICT; 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.

Copies of the ordinance are available at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 5500 S. 77th Street, Ralston, NE  68127.

Maura Kelly

City Clerk

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Ralston City Council

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

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, April 5, 2022 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 Krause, Brousek, Preis, Kavanaugh, Sanchez and Fideline. Absent: None.  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 Ryon Brons, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, gave the invocation. Mayor Groesser welcomed the press and guests.  Mayor 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.

The City Council reviewed the following items under the consent agenda. Approval of Council Minutes from March 15, 2022 regular Council Meeting; Approval of Claims; Liberty First Credit Union Arena Financial Statements for period ending February 28, 2022; Department Head and/or Commission Reports.  Moved and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda.  On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis Sanchez and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.

Freshman reported that he sent in the city’s annual MS4 storm water permit on April 1st.  He also noted that they will be meeting with the insurance organization ISO in the coming weeks.

Dittmer distributed a Public Works department report breaking down the activities happening within the department.

Leonardo updated Council on the surplus bullet proof vests being donated to the Nebraska State Patrol. Leonardo discussed two recent incidents his department worked with and noted that all Officers have Crisis Intervention training which has assisted greatly with these types of incidents.

Mayor Groesser presented a plaque to Rich Onken to honor his many years of service on both the Ralston Planning Commission and City Council.

Bohling discussed a letter from Papillion Sanitation increasing their diesel fuel cost by .50 per household.  After brief discussion, Council agreed to have the city absorb the cost through the budget year which is approximately $1,000 per month.

Brousek introduced Ordinance No. 1305. Kelly read Ordinance No. 1305 by title only: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9, ARTICLE IX, OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE, 2018 EDITION; TO REPEAL ALL PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND TO AUTHORIZE THAT SAID ORDINANCE BE PUBLISHED IN PAMPHLET FORM.

Moved and seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1305 on second  reading. On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent:  None.  Motion carried. Moved and seconded to waive third reading of Ordinance No. 1305. On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Kavanaugh introduced Ordinance No. 1306.  Kelly read Ordinance No. 1306 by title only: AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE AND AMEND ARTICLE III, TABLE 3-1, CHAPTER 11, OF THE RALSTON MUNICIPAL CODE, PERMITTED USES BY ZONING DISTRICT; 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.

Moved and seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1306 on second  reading. On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Groesser read a proclamation declaring April 3-9, 2022 as National Library Week in the City of Ralston.

Groesser read a proclamation declaring April 29, 2022 as Arbor Day in the City of Ralston.

Brousek introduced Resolution 2022-03 – Declaring certain property surplus.

Moved and seconded to approve Resolution 2022-03.  On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez, and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Groesser opened consideration of the agreement between The Nebraska Humane Society and the cities of Ralston, Bellevue, Gretna, LaVista, Papillion, Springfield and Sarpy County.

Leonardo stated that this agreement is one we have every year with the Humane Society.  Our payment went down about $100 per month.

Ficenec noted that this will require license fees to increase as of the first of the year and that it will eventually require a change to our Ordinance to reflect the increase.

Moved and seconded to approve the Agreement between The Nebraska Humane Society and the cities of Ralston, Bellevue, Gretna, LaVista, Papillion, Springfield and Sarpy County.  On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez, and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Groesser opened consideration of the Agreement between the State Department of Roads and the City of Ralston for maintenance of Highways.

Hoppe explained that this is the annual agreement with the State of Nebraska to take care of HWY 85, also known as 84th Street. The city is paid approximately $8400 per year for our responsibility of four lane miles.

Moved and seconded to approve the Agreement between the State Department of Roads and the City of Ralston for maintenance of Highways. On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez, and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Groesser opened consideration of the Memorandum of Understanding between the members of the Ralston Arts and Creative District.

Hoppe discussed the purpose of a creative district and the positive effect of creating one in the City of Ralston. The governance of this MOU includes the following partners; The City of Ralston, The Ralston Foundation, The Ralston Economic Development Corporation and Debra Joy Groesser Fine Arts.

Several members of the Ralston Arts and Creative District Board spoke about their experiences with creative districts and their support of this MOU.

Moved and seconded to approve the City of Ralston becoming a signature to the Memorandum of Understanding between the members of the Ralston Arts and Creative District. On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez, and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Groesser opened consideration of hiring a Ralston Tourism and Events Director.

Hoppe discussed the many projects going on in the city and the importance of this position to create more events which will bring people to the City of Ralston.

Several members of the Ralston Arts and Creative District Board spoke about their support for this position.

Sanchez expressed his support for the Ralston Creative District and it’s positive long - term impact on the City of Ralston.

Brousek supports the Creative District, however he expressed concern about the cost.

Bohling estimates the position to cost the city approximately $36,000 with benefits for the rest of this year with an ongoing annual cost estimate of $78,000 to $80,000 per year. Bohling suggested that there is enough money in the contingency fund to cover this.

Brousek expressed his support of the position but not spending contingency money to fund it.

Kavanaugh expressed his support for this position and the city funding it.

Fideline expressed his support for this position and the need to have this position promoting events within the city.

Groesser expressed the importance of hiring someone to lead this and doing things right.

Moved and seconded to approve the hiring of a Ralston Tourism and Events Director with the initial job description provided which may be modified as necessary. On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez, and Fideline. Nay: Brousek. Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Fideline introduced Resolution 2022-04 – Declaring and donating certain property surplus

Leonardo Reported that the Nebraska State Patrol asked law enforcement agencies with surplus body armor to take it to their regional state patrol troop area who will in turn give it to the National Guard. The National Guard is coordinating the effort to send the body armor overseas to Ukraine. We have fourteen vests as surplus property.

Moved and seconded to approve Resolution 2022-04. On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez, and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Groesser opened consideration of a Leasing Agreement with Enterprise.

Dittmer stated that they are trying to standardize across the board with vehicles.  The city has some vehicles needing replacement. Looking for an alternative to get some things replaced.  This leasing agreement seems to be the most reasonable thing to do.

Bohling went through the memo submitted in the Council packets and the financials.

Krause discussed passed experience with leasing and there was a significant savings to his past employer.

In a response to a question from Brousek, Bohling reported that there are eleven vehicles and this agreement will lease four with the remaining seven being owned by the city.

Ficenec made clear that this is a master agreement which offers some flexibility.

Moved and seconded to approve a Leasing Agreement with Enterprise. On roll call vote, the following votes were recorded on the electronic voting board. Aye: Brousek, Kavanaugh, Krause, Preis, Sanchez, and Fideline. Nay: None. Absent:  None.  Motion carried.

Public comment:  Deb Groesser, 7770 Park Lane, thanked the Council for supporting the Creative Arts District and the Director position.

Council comment:  Brousek thanked Rich Onken for his years of service to the Ralston community. Kavanaugh spoke to the arena and the success of last night’s concert.

There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:21  P.M.

The next regular meeting is Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 5:30 PM.

Maura Kelly

City Clerk

 

Donald A. Groesser

Mayor

Claims – April 5, 2022

Access Systems, $2,435.54, Copiers; Agrivision Equipment Group, $35.54, Parts; Amanda Pena, $1,455.00, Tuition Reimbursement; American United Life Insurance Co, $1,111.55, Employee Life Insurance; Applied Concepts, Inc., $5,548.00, Parts; Aramark, $245.34, Building Maint/Rugs; BKD, LLP, $12,000.00, Audit Services; Black Hills Energy, $2,183.05, Utilities; Blackstone Publishing, $51.99, Audio Visual Materials; Blackstrap Inc., $5,139.23, Street Salt; Blue Cross & Blue Shield, $41,736.07, Employee Health Insurance; Caselle, $876.00, Contract Support; Cengage Learning, $156.70, Books; Century Certified Services, $96.00, Pest Control; City of LaVista, $1,197.36, Special Services; City of Omaha, $62,069.98, Sewer; City of Ralston Lottery Jackpot Fund, $3,046.79, Lottery Jackpot Fund; Consolidated Management Co, $76.08, Training; Cornhusker International Trucks, $63.84, Parts/Labor; Cox Business Services, $582.17, Telephone/Internet; Creative Service of New England, $350.95, Gold Badge Stickers; Donald F. Ficenec, $5,000.00, Hinge/Retainer; Drexel Mechanical, Inc., $200.00, Boiler Repair; Eakes Office Solutions, $638.32, Office Supplies; Experian, $27.00, Testing; Factory Motor Parts Co, $493.44, Parts/Batteries for Mowers; FP Mailing Solutions, $66.00, Postage; Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1, $1,170.00, Dues Withheld; Grainger, $63.06, Shop Supplies; Great Western Bank – Pension, $34,434.68, Employee Pension; Great Western Bank-Visa, 11,198.07, Conferences/Travel/Supplies; Groesser, Donald, $1,387.78, Conferences; Houghton Bradford Whitted, $12,388.71, Legislative Services; Humana Insurance Co, $2,361.53, Employee Dental/Vision Insurance; Husch Blackwell Strategies, $5,000.00, Legislative Consulting; International Code Council, $145.00, Member Dues; Intoximeters, Inc., $140.00, Equipment; John Deere Financial, $957.66, Equipment Lease; Kriha Fluid Power, $84.68, Parts; Marriott Hotels & Resorts, $504.00, Conference Expense; Menards – Ralston, $80.64, Supplies; Michael Todd & Co, $1,992.22, Materials; Money Handling Machine, $394.00, Signature Plate; MUD, $868.47, Utilities; Nebraska Department of Revenue, $100.00, City Lottery Tax; Nebraska Iowa Supply Co, $3,388.41, Fuel; Nebraska Law Enforcement Training, $970.00, Training; Nebraska State Patrol, $562.50, Tracs User License Fees; NOMOS Public Affairs, $5,000.00, March Consulting; NPZA, $20.00, Workshop; OPPD, $12,176.91, Utilities; O’Malley, Margaret, $159.50, Janitorial Services; Papillion Sanitation, $29,207.01, Trash Collection; Project Control, $2,567.50, Hinge; Quill, $343.10, Office Supplies; Ralston Fire Department, $17,239.58, Fire Contract; Ralston-Byers Insurance Agency, $5,243.01, Tapco/McGowan Renewal; Ramada Midtown Conference Center, $464.75, Clerks Academy; Richard Hoppe, $675.68, Conference Reimbursement; Sarpy County, $1,726.00, Animal Control; School Specialty, $395.00, Educational Materials; The Daily Record, $75.20, Legal Publications; Trede Electric & Lighting, $28,653.14, Labor/Materials; Verizon Wireless, $1,146.58, Telephone; Voya, $1,725.00, Employee Retirement Contributions; West Omaha Winsupply, $178.32, Supplies; Westlake Ace Hardware, $60.65, Supplies.

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