Minden City Council Meeting Recap – September 4,2024
The Minden City Council convened on September 4,2024,addressing a range of issues including insurance,grant applications,property condemnation,and budget approvals.
The council initially focused on insurance coverage, selecting the League Association of Risk Management (LARM) as the City’s insurance provider. This decision was approved by a 3-1 vote,with councilwoman sumstine dissenting. A subsequent motion to approve CWG for fire and rescue insurance passed unanimously. Following the selection of LARM, an interlocal agreement was approved, alongside Resolution 1824 to formally join the League Association of Risk Management.
Two public hearings were held regarding Community Advancement Block Grant (CDBG) applications. The first concerned a planning grant to fund a preliminary engineering study of the City’s water system. Lori Ferguson of the South Central economic Development District (SCEDD) presented the application, noting the competitive nature of the process with a September 15 deadline and anticipated grant award notification in November. If awarded, project work wouldn’t begin until funds are released in March 2026. Resident Wayne Anderson inquired about a project timeline, and Ferguson provided the anticipated start date. No opposition to the grant application was voiced.
The second public hearing addressed a CDBG application for a plant expansion at Royal Engineered Composites. Dave Arnold, representing the company, outlined plans to expand and upgrade equipment, highlighting the benefit of potential grant forgiveness that would return funds to the community. Ferguson emphasized Royal engineered Composites’ history as a responsible and accomplished grant recipient, noting this was their third or fourth application of this type. SCEDD would serve as the administering agency if the grant is awarded.
Following the hearings, Resolutions 1822 and 1823 were approved, authorizing the mayor to submit applications for both CDBG funds – one for the water system study and one for the Royal Engineered Composites project. The council also approved accompanying documentation required for the CDBG applications, including a statement of assurances and certifications, a citizen participation plan, and a residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan.
The council also reviewed an order of condemnation for the property located at 1348 N. Colorado Avenue. Councilwoman Sumstine reported speaking with the property owner, who was unable to attend the meeting. The owner indicated plans to demolish existing buildings and remove vehicles from the property within the week, and had secured storage containers. A motion to proceed with the original order of condemnation failed with a 1-3 vote. Councilman Bunger then successfully motioned to rescind the original order and issue a new one with an expiration date of October 6, passing 3-1 with Councilman yant opposing.
In other business, the council approved:
Minutes from meetings held on August 18 and August 27.
Bills and claims.
The FY 2025-2026 employee pay plan.
Resolution 1821,authorizing the mayor and street superintendent to sign the 2025 Nebraska Board of Public Roads classification and standards annual certification of program compliance.
Bid specifications for the K Road paving project.
The purchase and installation of a well and pump for the Minden West Estates II pond, totaling $37,320.24.
* Resolution 1825, amending sections 7, 8, 9, 6.06,10.05, 15.04, and 15.07 of the personnel manual, effective November 9, 2025.
