City Council discusses resignations, approves purchases and plans National Night Out at July 6 meeting

By Alan Carman
The Imperial Republican
    The Imperial City Council met Monday, July 6, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Julie Gockley, John Miller, Jan Elliott, Mayor Craig Loeffler were present. Nick Colton was absent. Also present were City Attorney Josh Wendell and Interim City Administrator Al  Vacanti. Sarah Hoskovec was recording the minutes.
    Motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the June 3, June 15 Council meetings and the June 22 Senior Services Board meeting. Motion passed 3-0.
    The resignation of Judy Gaswick from the Imperial Theatre Board was accepted. The Council thanked her for her many years of service.
    The council tabled the payment to Miller Construction until next meeting.
    Next action was to schedule a budget retreat meeting date. The Council decided to hold the budget retreat immediately following their August 3 meeting.
    The council discussed Resolution R26-07-01, LARM insurance renewal, League Association of Risk Management 2026-27 Renewal. Motion passed 3-0 to renew for three years with a 5% discount for doing so.
    The Council approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford F150 Police Responder 4x4 pickup for the Imperial Police Department for $49,387, from Anderson Motors.
    With the police department switching to pickups, the city plans to shuffle the trucks to the utility department after three years to save money in the long run on pickups.
    The Council voted 3-0 to approve street closure of Court street from 7th to 8th street on August 4, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 p.m., for the Imperial Police Department to hold National Night Out.
    The Imperial Police have many safety programs that they will have available that night, free of charge for the kids.
    Discussion was held about a liability payment claim for $21,344 to Lloyd Wilson, stemming from a fire that started from sparks by a city transformer, damaging a fence and some nice trees and shrubbery. The item was tabled until next meeting so the council can investigate insurance questions.
    Bids were considered for the purchase of a new backhoe. Three bids were presented. A bid from Southwest JCB for $127,900; Titan Machinery for $125,000; Murphey Tractor and Equipment for $121,300.
    After some discussion, the Council voted 3-0 to accept the bid of $121,300 for a 2026 John Deere 410 P Backhoe from Murphy Tractor and Equipment.
    Discussion was held about the City’s 2022 bobcat. It has been nothing but problems since purchasing it and now is in need of $13,210.89 in repairs.
    Pat Davison received an offer to trade the old Bobcat for a 2024 model with just 350 hours on it and a 2 year warranty. With the trade of the old Bobcat, the 2024 Bobcat price would be $36,500, instead of putting $13,210.89 into repairing the old machine that has been nothing but problems. The Council voted 3-0 to approve the purchase of the 2024 Bobcat, with funds from the street department.
    Next action was to consider the resignation of City Clerk/Deputy Administrator Sarah Hoskovec. Hoskovec and her husband will be moving out of town.
    Sarah offered to stay on to help with the transition to help Chris, Tricia and Al with daily responsibilities and during the budget process.
    The Council stated that they really did not want to see Sarah go, but would be grateful for her help for as long as she is willing to stay. Sarah thought she would have a better idea of when she would be leaving by next meeting.
    Discussion was held about Resolution R26-07-02; A resolution of the mayor and council of the city of Imperial Nebraska, calling for an election to be held on November 3, 2026, to seek voter approval to authorize the renewal of imposition of a sales and use tax of one percent (1.00%) and the addition of a sales and use tax of one-half percent (0.50%) under certain terms and conditions, and related matters. Council voted 3-0 to pass the resolution.
    With no further business, the Council adjourned.