Beaver Crossing trustees approve permits, $5,000 recreational grant and routine municipal business

The Beaver Crossing Village Board of Trustees met Feb. 12 at Village Hall and approved a slate of routine municipal actions, including two building permits, the addition of a Planning Commission alternate and acceptance of a $5,000 grant to develop river-access amenities on South Main Street. Chairman Jerry Zieg called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and trustees present were Jere Leif, Kaely Eberspacher, Ray Foreman and Brandon Mares. Clerk/Treasurer Peggy Pankoke and Maintenance Supervisor Steve Brackhan attended.

Trustees unanimously approved the Jan. 8 regular meeting minutes and Feb. 3 Planning Commission minutes. They also approved the treasurer’s report and claims on roll call votes that were all aye. Trustee Jere Leif moved to approve the treasurer’s report and claims; motions carried on unanimous roll call votes.

Planning and building items included review of the tower ordinance (no changes), a requirement that a survey be completed before a lot split at 302 Dimery proceeds, and approval of two building permits. Permit 25-1, for M. Banks to move a home to 607 Detroit Street, and permit 25-2, for C. Heater to replace a basement at 419 Main Street, were both approved on motions by Leif with unanimous roll call votes. The board also voted to add E.J. Potter as an alternate to the Planning Commission.

Maintenance matters and parks work were discussed. Supervisor Steve Brackhan reported that enzyme treatments are performing well, lift-station cleaning needs scheduling, and several ballfield repairs are needed, including sprinkler replacements and overseeding. The board authorized Witt 360 to clear trees on Miller and Main streets and approved purchasing four motor grader blades. The minutes note potential assistance from Potter Repair and that Brackhan is registered for water-certification classes in May.

Under unfinished business, Attorney Solheim outlined options for addressing nuisance properties and requested up-to-date photographs so the office can issue letters and orders where appropriate. Sidewalk work in the park was put on hold and the proposed awning over the baseball bleachers will not receive Fire Department funding. Trustees were assigned review of ordinance Chapters 8–10 before the March meeting.

Trustee Brandon Mares presented a plan tied to a Tree Grant to improve the village's west entrance with berms, trees, mulch and lighting. The board voted to move forward with the west entrance project; the motion carried 4-0-1 with Mares recorded as abstaining.

In new business the board approved an assignment of the Steckly Farm lease to Gaven Schernikau and granted a special designated liquor (SDL) permit for the Sons of the American Legion fish fry March 21. Mares reported he applied for and received a Seward County Legacy Fund grant; the board accepted the $5,000 award and approved moving forward with a recreational project to create public river access and viewing for fishing and birdwatching. That motion carried 4-0-1, with Mares abstaining.

The board also approved payment of registration fees for any trustee to attend the Mid‑Winter Conference in Lincoln, Feb. 24–25; the motion passed 3-0-2, with Mares and Eberspacher abstaining.

The trustees entered executive session at 9:12 p.m. to discuss employee certifications and left executive session at 10:06 p.m. Trustee Mares reported a possible sublease of the old city shop that may conflict with lease terms. Clerk Pankoke reminded the board that pool-staff hiring will begin in March and that she will be on leave Feb. 25–Mar. 4. The meeting adjourned at 10:12 p.m.

Votes at a glance: minutes approved (5-0); treasurer’s report approved (5-0); claims approved (5-0); Permit 25-1 (M. Banks) approved (5-0); Permit 25-2 (C. Heater) approved (5-0); E.J. Potter added as Planning Commission alternate (5-0); west entrance Tree Grant project approved (4-0-1, Mares abstained); Steckly Farm lease assignment approved (5-0); SDL for Sons of the American Legion approved (5-0); acceptance of Seward County Legacy Fund $5,000 grant for recreational project approved (4-0-1, Mares abstained); conference registration fees approved (3-0-2, Mares and Eberspacher abstained).