ROAD CONSTRUCTION … Work continues on Mill Street, Randolph Street and Monroe Streets. Pictured is a road closed sign on one of the streets. The city manager reports that lateral lining work is complete on all three roads. (PHOTO BY DANIEL COOLEY, STAFF)
By: Daniel Cooley
The Montpelier Village Council Meeting of April 10 began with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All six council members, Nathan Thompson, Melissa Ewers, Heather Freese, Chris Kannel, Kevin Motter and Don Schlosser were in attendance.
An Arbor Day Proclamation was made and Mayor Steve Yagelski has he declared April 28 as Arbor Day in Montpelier. Residents are encouraged to protect trees and woodlands and plant trees.
Originally, Jay Sterling Morton presented to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture to have a special day of planting trees.
Over one million trees were reportedly planted in Nebraska and Arbor Day eventually was declared to have a special day in each state.
In the first order of business, the council approved the April 10 agenda. Council then approved the minutes from the March 27 council meeting.
Next, council approved the March 2023 financial reports. Council then approved the second reading of Ordinance 2266, for increasing water rates within the village of Montpelier.
That was followed by council approving the second reading of Ordinance 2267, for an increase of sewer rates within the village.
In the income tax report, Nikki Uribes reported that collections were $543,468.97 this year, as compared to $729,805 last year.
Uribes felt that one big difference was that AG collections are not all in yet and the collections were not as large as they were last year.
Also, it was reported that last year’s revenue was way over budget, possibly making a difference in the cost, as well.
In the village manager’s report, work continues on Mill Street, Randolph Street and Monroe Street. The manager said that the mainline crew is done with lining laterals on Mill Street, Randolph Street and Monroe Streets.
No date has been given for the start of the Cranberry Run project, though it needs to be done by November.
Also, there are no bids yet for the Iron Horse River Trail. The village will be checking with two contractors who showed previous interest in the project.
Council then moved into executive session.
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
