SEWARD CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS AUGUST 5, 2025 The Seward City Council met at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, with Mayor Joshua Eickmeier presiding and Deputy City Clerk Mattie Hans recording the proceedings. Upon roll call, the following Council members were present: Zane Francescato, Megan Kahler, Karl Miller, John Singleton, Matt Stryson, Rich Wergin. Councilmembers absent: Tatum Tonniges, Jessica Kolterman. Other officials present: City Clerk Derek Bargmann, City Attorney’s representative Connor Madsen, City Engineer Mike Oneby, Street Superintendent Bob Miers, Building/Zoning & Code Enf. Director Tim Dworak, and Police Sergeant Russell Frazey. Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof, and Mayor Eickmeier announced that a copy of the Open Meetings Act and tonight’s agenda is posted in the meeting room and is accessible to members of the public. Mayor Eickmeier led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA CONSIDERATION ITEMS The following Consent Agenda items were approved in one single motion made by Councilmember Wergin, seconded by Councilmember Singleton. 1. Claims & Payables Report (totaling $1,245,313.27) 2. Report on Recreation Fees – Golf Event on July 18, 2025 3. Draft Minutes of July 15, 2025, City Council Meeting Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 1. CONSIDERATION OF A SEWARD FOUNDATION APPLICATION: SEWARD IMAGINATION LIBRARY – SEWARD KIWANIS CLUB - $2,500 Seward Kiwanis representative Earl Pierce informed the Council on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. While the books are free, the local organization needs to cover the cost of postage, thus is looking for funding sources. Current cost is expected to be $30.00 per child per year. Councilmember Singleton moved, seconded by Councilmember Francescato, to forward the application to the Seward Foundation as presented. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. 2. CONSIDERATION OF A VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION REQUEST (SECOND READING) FOR LOT 1 MEYCO SUBDIVISION PUD AND THE REMAINING PORTIONS OF SEWARD RAIL CAMPUS FIRST ADDITION CORRECTED PLAT AND SEWARD RAIL CAMPUS PUD SECOND ADDITION Mayor Eickmeier read the ordinance for the second time. The final reading and consideration of action is expected at the August 19th meeting. 3. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE A CROSSWALK ON WAVERLY ROAD, 163’ EAST OF THE EAST CURB LINE OF EATON DRUMMER BOULEVARD, RUNNING NORTH TO SOUTH Mr. Miers noted a lighted crosswalk is expected to be installed to assist pedestrians in safely crossing Waverly Road. Additionally, the biking/walking trail is currently being constructed from Karol Kay Boulevard to Columbia Avenue on the south side of the road to improve safety for all. Councilmember Singleton introduced Resolution No. 2025-26. Councilmember Wergin moved, seconded by Councilmember Kahler, to approve the resolution as presented. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. 4. CONSIDERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH THE SCHEMMER ASSOCIATES FOR THE SEWARD RECYCLING CENTER SLOPE STABILIZATION PROJECT City Engineer Oneby denoted the revised plan is to provide a gentle slope over the existing parking lot and carboard shed. The City would then place containers for recyclables. The project is expected later this fall. Councilmember Stryson moved, seconded by Councilmember Singleton, to approve a professional services agreement with Schemmer Associates for the Seward Recycling Center Slope Stabilization Project. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. 5. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO RATIFY ALL ACTIONS TAKEN DURING THE JULY 2025 MEETINGS City Clerk Bargmann noted at the recommendation of bond counsel, Mike Rogers of Gilmore & Bell, to create ordinance to ratify actions since Nebraska Press Association did not post notices of the meetings as per the Nebraska Open Meetings Act. Mayor Eickmeier identified the ordinance was a failsafe to ensure compliance with the Act. Councilmember Wergin introduced Ordinance No. 2025-22. Councilmember Francescato moved, seconded by Councilmember Kahler, to dispense with the statutory rule. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. Councilmember Stryson moved, seconded by Councilmember Francescato, that the minutes of the proceeding of the Mayor and the Council of the City of Seward, Seward County, Nebraska in the matter of passing: Ordinance No. 2025-22, AN ORDINANCE MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS; TO RATIFY ACTION TAKEN AT THE JULY 1, 2025 AND JULY 15, 2025, SEWARD CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS; TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS ORDINANCE IN PAMPHLET FORM; AND TO PROVIDE FOR A TIME WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL TAKE EFFECT. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. Councilmember Singleton moved, seconded by Councilmember Wergin, that all ordinances be added to the permanent record. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. 6. CONSIDERATION OF A FARM LEASE WITH GADE FARMS, LLC, FOR THE TRANSPORTATION AND APPLICATION OF THE CITY’S WASTEWATER/SLUDGE Mr. Bargmann explained the exchange between Gade Farms, LLC and the City for wastewater/sludge disposal from the Wastewater Treatment Plant and leased farm ground as mutually beneficial for both parties. Councilmember Singleton moved, seconded by Councilmember Stryson, to approve the farm lease with Gade Farms, LLC. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. 7. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM SEWARD COUNTY BRIDGES TO ALLOW FOR THE SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON CITY PROPERTY (SAND VOLLEYBALL COURTS AT PLUM CREEK PARK) FOR AN EVENT HELD BY THE SEWARD COUNTY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2025 Colin Hain from Seward County Young Professionals group noted they were seeking approval for alcohol on City property for a private event. The event would only be open to those of legal drinking age with a fenced in area around volleyball courts. Councilmember Stryson moved, seconded by Councilmember Singleton, to approve the request of the Seward County Young Professionals request for consumption of alcohol on City premises as stated. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Councilmember Wergin moved, seconded by Councilmember Francescato, that the City Administrator’s report of August 5, 2025, be accepted. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. MOTION TO ADJOURN Councilmember Singleton moved, seconded by Councilmember Kahler, that the August 5, 2025, City Council Meeting be adjourned. Aye: Francescato, Kahler, Miller, Singleton, Stryson, Wergin. Nay: None. Absent: Tonniges, Kolterman. Motion carried. Adjourned approximately 7:25 p.m. THE CITY OF SEWARD, NEBRASKA Joshua Eickmeier, Mayor Derek Bargmann, City Clerk SCI — August 27, 2025 ZNEZ
