OSMOND — The Osmond City Council met Monday, Jan. 12, at the city auditorium, following a town hall meeting to discuss results of the recent Community Survey.
No Street Bids Awarded
Available at the meeting were two sealed bids for the one-year street plan: one from from Husker Asphalt for $1,527,040.00 and another from Knife River for $1,082,765.00. Previously, Barkley Asphalt replaced 13 blocks after the flood for approximately $350,000.
With now 23 blocks to replace, council expected an offer of or about $750,000. After further discussion, the council decided to not award any bids at this time.
Solar Farm Build Progressing Present was Matt Sorenson of Northeast Power to update council about the substation/solar farm east of town. Since building up the dirt, the project is on schedule to begin end of March or beginning of April and is expected to be finished around June or July.
Building of the substation will not interrupt daily power unless notified by Northeast. Shortages may occur at night, Mr. Sorenson stated, but there should be no loss of power during the day.
Vandalism Reported
About two weeks ago, maintenance employee Bert Wattier was cleaning tree debris at the park when he noticed the small yellow playground equipment north of the bathrooms had been vandalized. Upon further inspection, the equipment was cracked and multiple parts of the equipment were broken off leaving large, sharp edges.
Wattier stated he looked back in records to see where the yellow playground equipment may have been purchased for replacement parts, but the needed information was not found. Without cameras at the park, maintenance employees and police are currently unaware of who may have vandalized the yellow playground equipment.
Ultimately, council decided the maintenance employees should take down the playground equipment on a nicer day as soon as possible to keep any accidents from occurring, and a playground grant will be researched.
Septic Issues a Problem
With recent septic issues in south Osmond, maintenance employees explained to council that the reoccur ring issues seem to be neglect on the property owners’ part with prohibited items being put down drains or flushed down the toilets.
The most recent issue was a septic system having to be pumped out, at which time they discovered it had just been pumped three years ago. Every time the company is called in to pump a septic tank, it is costing the taxpayers between $700 and $800.
After some discussion, council members approved changing the ordinance to state that the property owner is now responsible for any part of the septic from their house to the pump pit and the city will remain responsible for the pump pit to the main. The updated ordinance will go before council at the February meeting for adoption.
Vacant Properties Update Given An update on vacant properties was provided by Mayor Dennis Kuhl who stated that the one located on State Street would be demolished, but an exact date has yet to be determined.
He asked if there have been any improvements on the other property since the nuisance property letter had been delivered.
Clerk Timmerman noted that there haven’t been any changes. Mayor Kuhl asked council how they would like to proceed, extend to give the homeowner another 30 days to fix and clean or begin prosecution process with attorney. Council voted to give the homeowner until Jan. 19 to fix and clean up the property or the city attorney will be contacted for prosecution.
Claims Discrepancy Explained Treasurer Timmerman reported the new monthlyACH claim, Quickbooks payroll per employee fee, was taken out of the account on the 30th of last month and was not published on the claims list due to the list being turned in earlier than that date to make the paper deadline.
The fee of $47.00 for 17 employees for November’s payroll was pulled on Dec. 30. Timmerman reached out to try to move the auto withdraw date up but was unable to per Quickbooks customer service representative. She explained moving forward an estimate will be published on the final claims list with any discrepancies being brought to council’s attention at the next month's meeting to update the final claims total. The new final claims
total for December is $266,309.87.
Other Items Discussed
The city’s annual health insurance policy is up for renewal on March 1, 2026. Currently, the city has Medica as their carrier. Agent Josh Sirek provided new monthly premium totals for employees currently using our health insurance coverage and stated that there was only an estimated 5% increase to the premiums and doesn’t recommend switching to any other plan. The council approved the renewal plan of MIC NTL NE 34000% - HSA with 100% Preventive RX Gold.
Councilman Doug Schmit has been in contact with the residents of 6th Street between Main and Meadow to approve street repairs. Most of the residents are on board with the street repairs, but there are a few residents Councilman Schmit hasn’t been able to contact. He said he would like to send paper letters to residents to ensure all are notified of the repairs. Clerk Brittney Timmerman said she would set up a meeting with Schmit to discuss the letters to residents.
The street light on the corner of Dakota and 4th streets is causing issues with some residents as its placement shines brightly into some of the residents’ homes. Council agrees that the street light can be placed on the south side of the area onto an existing pole, which will allow the overhead line and current pole to be removed.
Dennis Collins, city attorney, reported that as of Dec. 18, 2025, the city has now reclaimed an estimated 605 cemetery plots. Mayor Kuhl made mention to thank Clerk Timmerman for taking time to research and organize plots, which in return saved a lot of money in attorney hours. Mayor Kuhl also thanked the maintenance crew for their help finding headstone names to simplify this process that started a year ago. The city can now sell the plots to those who may be in need or to those who are interested for $100 per plot.
Mayor Kuhl has been in contact withAC Land in regards to moving the current city office in the back of 325 N State St to the front of the building in the old insurance office. Clerk Tim - merman mentioned that the front office is front and center, twice the size, more accessible to residents, and with the spare space Clerk Timmerman would be able to keep more files that are in storage in the new office as needed.
Council members agreed to rent the larger office in front for one year, R&M Lawn Care submitted the 2026 annual contract quote for lawn care services at Poolside Park and camper pads which would include steps 1, 3, and 5 and prices will remain the same from 2025’s contract, $2,425.00. The only request is to receive a check for the contract amount up front for a 10% discount. The council approved the 2026 annual lawn care services for the quoted amount, and to send a payment to R&M this month to receive the 10% discount.
Councilman Neil Wattier advised that he was ready to run the pool/ lifeguard ad, and earlier than previous years. Applicants can obtain an application at the city office, 325 N.
State Street, and must apply by March 9. Wattier requested the ad be run the following week (Jan. 21) and an ad delivered to the school for students to notice as well.
Correspondences received were Christmas cards from Leon Herbolsheimer and Patti and Doug Ketelsen thanking the city council for the Christmas remembrances, Jake Dugger with Maguire Iron, Aschoff Construction and First National Bank. Also received was a holiday card from Roger Protzman at JEO, thanking the city for choosing JEO and wishing a Happy Holidays.
Police Chief Tyler Wells presented a short report on recent activity within the city, including one DUI, two noise complaints, one question on a stolen vehicle, one rescue call, and a question from a tow company, to name a few. Chief Wells also stated he completed all 32 continuing education and training hours for 2025.
In other business, the council: — approved Ordinance No. 20261: Water Service Rates-Bulk Water, which is printed in the legal notices section of the paper on Page 4; a true, correct and complete copy of said Ordinance is available for inspection and distribution at the offices of the City Clerk at the City Office.
— after reviewing the work comp audit documents, heard Treasurer Timmerman state that there will be a refund of $2,016.00.
— heard Treasurer Timmerman present the last quarter profit and loss, budget vs. actual.
— heard Mayor Kuhl state city sales tax for October 2025 was $18,976.17 (of that amount $3,715.07 is from motor vehicle tax).
