VILLAGE OF CLATONIA

CLATONIA, NE 68328

 

The Clatonia Village Board met Monday June 16, 2025. Chairperson Sheri Holsing called the meeting to order at 7:32p.m. at the Clatonia Community Center Village Office. Members present were Sheri Holsing, Shelby Hajek, John Schuerman, Jesse Hajek, and Mike Waltke. Also present was Dan Ebeler, Bob Sykes, Stacy Sykes, Keith Heckenliable, Andrea Albertson, Jason Moore, Kerri McGrury, Harlan Schlichting, Tammy Schlichting, and Emily Haxby.

 

All proceedings were held while the convened meeting was open to the public. The posting of the Open Meetings Act was noted.

 

Consent Agenda:

 

1. Approve last meetings minutes

2. Approve financials

3. Approve Village of Clatonia Claims to be paid in the amount of $250

4. Approve Village of Clatonia Claims to be paid in the amount of $24,272.51

5. Approve Community Center Claims to be paid in the amount of $1,049.10

6. Approve Clatonia Rescue Squad Claims to be paid in the amount of $73,027.53

7. Clatonia Fire Department presented no Claims to be paid.

 

Mike made a motion to approve the items listed under the consent agenda. John seconded. Voting yes was Schuerman, S. Hajek, J. Hajek, Waltke, and Holsing. Motion carried 5-0.

** c) Voting yes was Schuerman, S. Hajek, Waltke, and J. Hajek. Holsing abstained. Motion carried 4-0**

 

Old Business:

 

Update on parcel 007093000: Jena Mahin had given the papers to Gage County to serve Carol Jones. Upon talking to them she had found they have attempted to serve Carol but have been unsuccessful. They will keep trying and if they can’t get her served then Jena will certify and mail the documents to Carol. The board was also notified by Don Kracke that the lots have gone up for sale. As of June 16th, the sign read sold. The board will continue communication with Carol Jones and the new owners on how to proceed with demolition of the house on the property.

 

The board was provided with quotes for a new AC system in the fire hall from Vern Mueller, Wilber Plumbing Heating and Air, and Pribyl Plumbing. After much discussion the board decided to go with Vern Mueller. John made a motion to accept the bid from Vern Mueller in the amount of $5,202.16 for installation of a 1.5 ton 23 seer high efficiency Daykin mini-split with an indoor air handler. Jesse seconded. Voting yes was Schuerman, J. Hajek, Waltke, and S. Hajek. Holsing abstained. Motion carried 4-0.

 

New Business:

 

Jason Moore and Kerri McGrury from MARS Recycling came to the meeting to let the board know of their services. They already provide service to several communities around us. The Village is currently in a 5 year contract with Waste Connections. The board was interested in MARS services and would like Sarah to look into the contract with Waste Connections to see if there are any penalties for early termination. If not, the board would like to continue discussion with Jason and Kerri about possibly setting up service with them.

 

Emily Haxby came to the meeting to discuss and give updates on grants. She had already submitted a grant for a new fire hall last year that had made it all the way through appropriations and technically did get approved. However, funding for all grants were put on hold. They are allowing recipients to resubmit the grants to get approved in 2026. Emily will resubmitting the fire hall grant as well as the well grant. There is also another grant for $450,000 that she will be submitting that would also help pay for a new fire hall.

There was also discussion from Village residents about the new property assessments. A large majority of properties in town seen a significant increase in value after the assessor came through. Emily explained about the process and how the numbers were configured. She advised that if you do not agree with the current valuation of your property, you can go to the Gage County Assessors website or the courthouse in Beatrice and fill out Form 422 to protest the valuation. Make sure to do it soon as the deadline to protest is June 30th.

 

Bob Sykes asked the board to clarify what he is able to fix when it comes to maintenance at the Community Center. The board said he needs to keep communicating with the board and Sarah and if something needs purchased to let Sarah know so she can get it bought. He asked about the $250 incidental that the board approved previously. Sheri explained the $250 was approved for Sarah and John to use for small items needed for the Village and not specifically only for the Community Center. They were pleased that there is more communication than in the past and that he needs to keep communicating.

 

Mike Mackey at 235 N Oak St submitted an application for construction of private drive. According to Village Ordinance Article IV Section 5-402 Private drives shall not exceed 24ft width. Mike had requested to go 36ft. The board had no problems with that. Mike made a motion to approve the application and allow Mike to go to 36ft. Jesse seconded. Voting yes was Schuerman, Waltke, S. Hajek, J. Hajek, and Holsing. Motion carried 5-0.

 

Harlan Schlichting came to the meeting to also discuss a new drive at his property. The board told him about the ordinances and requirements. He told them where he wanted to put it and it would meet requirements. Sarah gave him an application for construction of private drive and a copy of the ordinances. The board asked him to fill out the application and get everything marked so the board could look at it and discuss and approve it at the next meeting.

 

It was discussed previously with the board about keeping the dumpster around longer. They agreed at this time they are staying with the 3 dumpsters. However, that could change if the Village switches to MARS Recycling in the future. But at this time, there are no changes.

 

Bob Sykes had asked about stripping and waxing the kitchen floor at the community center. The board agreed that would be a good idea to do.

 

The fan blades on the north fan in the pavilion have broken again. The board told Sarah to order an extra set of blades so we have them on hand when it breaks.

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The board would like to remind residents of Village Ordinance Section 5-310: Duty to remove branches and shrubbery. It shall be the duty of the occupant of each lot or parcel of ground in said village to keep the sidewalks adjacent thereto free from overhanging branches and free from limbs to a height of seven feet, and to keep such sidewalks free from encroaching hedges or shrubbery; and no tree, shrubbery or hedge shall be permitted closer than 18 inches to the sidewalk. It shall be the duty of the occupant of each lot or parcel of ground abutting on any intersection to trim and or remove any shrubbery or other obstacle which obstructs the view for a distance of ten feet from such intersection. Any such occupant or owner who fails to remove the overhanging branches and limbs or other encroachments within three days after receiving written notice to do so, upon conviction shall be fined not more than $10.00 and shall pay the costs of prosecution and the costs of the removal of such encroachments.

While the minimum requirement is 10 feet, the board requests 12 feet above the street and at least 3 feet from the edge of the curb as this will help the Village properly maintain the streets and alleys. All residents will be receiving a letter that will include the ordinance, recommendations, and time frame of when the trees, branches, and shrubbery need to be trimmed by.

 

Water Operator Curtis Klabenes recommended the board start budgeting in water meter replacements. Our current water meters have a battery life span of 10-12 years and we are nearing that mark. Unfortunately the batteries are not replaceable so you have to get a whole new unit. Sarah will find out the cost of each unit and the board will then discuss how they want to proceed.

 

The Village has seen a lot more golf cart and ATV activity lately. The board just wants to remind residents to obey traffic laws and be safe when driving around.

 

The maintenance shop needs some electrical work finished. John got a bid from Filipi Electric. The board would like a few more bids before deciding.

 

Dealings With The Public:

 

No dealings with the public were discussed.

 

Adjournment:

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John made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m. Shelby seconded. Voting yes was Schuerman, S. Hajek, J. Hajek, Waltke, and Holsing. Motion carried 5-0.

The next meeting will be held THURSDAY JULY 17th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Office located at the Clatonia Community Center.

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Claims were as follows. Description of claims for this legal, bond-bond expense, pymt-payment, in-interest; const-construction; don-donation; eq-equipment; ex-expense; ft-funds transfer; ins-insurance; ls-license; mi-miscellaneous; pr-payroll; pf-professional services; ps-power supplier; rb-reimbursement; rp-repairs and maintenance; st-sales tax; se-service; sup-supplies; tn- training; tr-transfer of funds; tx-taxes, ut-utilities; wt-water tests. Black Hills, ut, 111.31; Adobe, mi, 21.09; Exelon/Constellation, ut, 17.01; NPPD, ps, 1123.80; Waste Connections, se, 3175.82; Ace Hardware, sup, 70.91; Windstream, ut, 190.48; Solheim Law Firm LLC, pf, 297.50; Schuerman Welding, rp, 62.91; ABC Pest, rp, 94.95; Nebraska Dept of Revenue, st, 89.90; Zoro, sup, 56.16; Wilber Plumbing, Heating, and Air, sup, 27.58; HMKB Billing, pf, 777.559; FYR-TEK, sup, 2020.00; FYR-TEK, eq, 70129.98; payroll, pr, 4555.19.

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Copies of previous months minutes and claims are available at the Village Office. If you would like a copy, please email Sarah at clatoniavillage@diodecom.net