Exeter Village Board met on Tuesday, July 6 with Vice-Chairman Justin Harre leading the meeting in the absence of Chairman Alan Michl.
After reviewing the minutes and the invoices the board invited Sara Pella to speak to the board about the library position. She explained that three individuals were interested in working together to fill the librarian position since no applications had been received.
Pella, along with Cindy Markowski and Pat Sudrla would cover the library hours and continue the current programs.
The trio also has some new ideas for the library. They hope to do a newsletter to share with the community and possibly start an after school program. “We really want to get some older kids involved along with senior citizens,” explained Pella.
They plan to continue many of the library activities including trunk or treat, summer reading program and story hour. Markowski would take the courses to maintain accreditation and be the main coordinator.
The board voted to hire the three for the librarian position. The board planned to set their pay at the next meeting.
Next on the agenda was a discussion on the American Rescue Plan funds. Clerk Becky Erdkamp explained that the estimated amount the village will receive from the federal government would be $92,388.00 Erdkamp explained the paperwork is extensive and it is recommended that the village spend it on one project to minimize paperwork.
Looking at the qualifications for the grant Erdkamp noted that the village would qualify to use the federal funds on water and waste water projects. The board discussed the possibility of using it on new water meters or the water tower.
Amy Skinner approached the board about a letter she received about junk cars. She asked the board about the criteria on cars and Marshal Tyler Salmon noted that he had included a copy of the ordinance with her letter. Skinner complained about several nuisance properties in her neighborhood. And Salmon responded he is working on those properties as well.
The board had a request to block off two blocks of Exeter Avenue for the car show on July 31. The board approved the closing.
The board also received a request for the Exeter-Milligan of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America to host a 5K run for cancer awareness in Ex.eter on August 1. The board approved the event.
Bob Mueller was on the agenda to discuss park improvements. He explained that there was a rubber mulch grant from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy available starting on July 14. The grant would reimburse 50 percent of the rubber mulch costs. He and Maintenance Supervisor John Mueller got three bids for the mulch as the grant requires.
Bob Mueller noted that the board could apply to the Exeter foundation to help with some of the costs of the mulch a well.
Salmon gave a brief marshals report noting that he was working on junk car and mowing letters.
Maintenance Supervisor Mueller noted he has started to replace some water meters that aren’t working. He also explained that the pool is still leaking and they will work on fixing it after the pool closes for the season.
Erdkamp reported she had a call from Senator Tom Brandt’s office and they had received a complaint from a resident about the roughness of the railroad tracks. They have been working with Burlington Northern and Erdkamp received notification that the tracks will be fixed within 45 days.
Erdkamp reported that April tax receipts were $11,008.26 and May Keno funds were $266.67. The board set the next meeting for August 3.