Minutes-2026-February
The City of Oshkosh Council met for regular session February 12th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act of Nebraska, a current copy of the act is posted in the Council Chambers. Notice of this meeting was advertised in the Garden County News and posted at the Oshkosh Post Office, City Hall and Courthouse. The agenda for this meeting was kept current and available for inspection at City Hall.
Mayor Jeannie Schwartz called the meeting to order and read the Open Meetings Act, LV 898.
Present: Mayor Jeannie Schwartz, Council Members: Mike Piva, Gary DeCock, Matthew Krajewski, and Connie Peterson. Also attending: City Attorney Rory Roundtree, City Administrator James Bondegard, Deputy Clerk Kim Martin, Shaun Friedrichsen, Tom Martin, Deb Condra, and Justin Stolzer.
Motion by DeCock, seconded by Krajewski to approve the consent agenda: agenda, minutes, claims, Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried unanimously.
Salaries-23,655.38.66, IRS-4,865.19 Taxes, NE Dept. of Revenue 1,404.27-Taxes, Alter Metal-
242.00-Supplies, Ameriprise Financial-1,870.08-Retirement, Bank of America-1,248.71-
Postage, Supplies, Subscriptions, Dues, Banner Health-1,200-Medical, Black Hills-824.05-Heat,
Blue Cross Blue Shield-9,912.75-Insurance, Brittany Waltman-61.98-Mileage, Bytes-193.36-
Backup and Support, Cathy Blum-61.98-Mileage, Centurylink-88.45-Phone, DWEE-40.00-Pool
Permit, Enviro Service-30.00, Garden County News-119.49-Publishing, Guardian Life-90.13-
Insurance, Heartland Lumber-114.82-Repairs, James Bondegard-116.00-Mileage, Jerry Smith-
700.00-Animal Control, Jordan’s Ag Repair-57.24-Parts, Kim Martin-261.00-Mileage, NPPD-
3,008.22-Electricity, Oshkosh ACE-199.43-Supplies, Rauner Associates-4,696.80-Audit Prep,
RJ Meyer and Assoc.-8,025.00-Annual Audit, Rose Equipment-1,719.57-Repairs, Roundtree
Law-671.60-Attorney Fee’s, Scott Smith-20.00-Reimbursement, Taylor Waltman-136.00-
Mileage, Reimbursement, TextMyGov-1,500.00-Annual Renewal, US Bank-248.00-Equipment
Dues, Valley Tire-240.05-Fuel, Viaero Wireless-131.98-Phones, Waste Connections-12,145.31-
Trash Contract, Wheat Belt-1,605.22-Electricity.
Update on Grants and Trusted Community Development formally Twin Cities Development: Bondegard gave updates on TCD looking into a scrap tire grant. Also working with Jessica Elliot on softball equipment needed for this coming year.
Update on GIS mapping; Bondegard gave update on grant reimbursement. Discussed with council about the new baler that was delivered.
Update on Sewer Project Sewer Main Replacement- Bondegard had a preconstruction meeting with Miller & Associates, the construction is planned to begin in March.
Update on Health Insurance; Peterson discussed her personal plan and cost. Bondegard discussed with council that at the Midwinter Conference an insurance class was offered.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Sheriff’s report was reviewed.
The Animal Control Report was reviewed.
Update on Ace Choice Gas Program and upcoming Ace Event; Deputy Clerk Martin discussed with council the reimbursement check from Ace.
Motioned by DeCock, seconded by Krajewski to approve the building permit at 306 west Ave O. Motion carried unanimously.
Bondegard discussed with council the Proposal from Western Resource Group for Trade for Service for Baler. No action taken.
Motioned by Peterson, seconded by Krajewski to approve the Oshkosh Water Tower SDL for street dance July 3rd, 206. Voting Aye: Peterson, DeCock, Krajewski. Abstain: Piva. Motion carried.
Motioned by Krajewski, seconded by Piva to approve the Animal Control Contract. Motion carried unanimously.
Bondegard discussed with council the Blight Study from Panhandle Area Development District which would identify areas that would benefit from the program.
Motion by Piva, seconded by Peterson to Suspend the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by title on three different days to be suspended and that Ordinance No.489 be considered on same day upon reading by number and placed on final passage. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Piva Seconded by Peterson to approve Ordinance 489. Motion Carried Unanimously.
CITY OF OSHKOSHORDINANCE NO. 489
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BLIGHT AND SUBSTANDARD AREA STUDY; MAKING STATUTORY FINDINGS; DESIGNATING A BLIGHTED AND SUBSTANDARD AREA; INCORPORATING EXHIBITS BY REFERENCE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh, Garden County, Nebraska, is authorized under the Nebraska Community Development Law to promote redevelopment and eliminate blight; and
WHEREAS, Nebraska Revised Statute § 18-2109 authorizes municipalities to designate blighted and substandard areas; and
WHEREAS, the City has caused to be prepared a Blight Study entitled “Blight Study Findings and Designation – City of Oshkosh, Garden County, Nebraska,” dated January 19, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed said Blight Study and finds that it supports designation of the study area as blighted and substandard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED:Section 1. The Blight Study dated January 19, 2026 is hereby adopted and approved in its entirety.
Section 2. The area depicted in Exhibit A and parcels identified in Exhibit B are hereby designated as a blighted and substandard area pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 18-2109.
Section 3. Exhibits A and B are incorporated herein by reference and shall be kept on file with the City Clerk.
Section 4. The City is authorized to undertake redevelopment activities as permitted by law.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall be effective upon passage, approval, and publication as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 12th day of February 2026, 2026.
Motioned by Piva, seconded by DeCock to enter into Closed Session at 6:16 P.M. to discuss Evaluation of job Performance and Salaries. No action taken. Council came out of Closed Session at 6:51 P.M.
Motion by Krajewski, seconded by Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
__________________________________
Jeannie Schwartz Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
James Bondegard City Administrator/Clerk
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act of Nebraska, a current copy of the act is posted in the Council Chambers. Notice of this meeting was advertised in the Garden County News and posted at the Oshkosh Post Office, City Hall and Courthouse. The agenda for this meeting was kept current and available for inspection at City Hall.
Mayor Jeannie Schwartz called the meeting to order and read the Open Meetings Act, LV 898.
Present: Mayor Jeannie Schwartz, Council Members: Mike Piva, Gary DeCock, Matthew Krajewski, and Connie Peterson. Also attending: City Attorney Rory Roundtree, City Administrator James Bondegard, Deputy Clerk Kim Martin, Shaun Friedrichsen, Tom Martin, Deb Condra, and Justin Stolzer.
Motion by DeCock, seconded by Krajewski to approve the consent agenda: agenda, minutes, claims, Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried unanimously.
Salaries-23,655.38.66, IRS-4,865.19 Taxes, NE Dept. of Revenue 1,404.27-Taxes, Alter Metal-
242.00-Supplies, Ameriprise Financial-1,870.08-Retirement, Bank of America-1,248.71-
Postage, Supplies, Subscriptions, Dues, Banner Health-1,200-Medical, Black Hills-824.05-Heat,
Blue Cross Blue Shield-9,912.75-Insurance, Brittany Waltman-61.98-Mileage, Bytes-193.36-
Backup and Support, Cathy Blum-61.98-Mileage, Centurylink-88.45-Phone, DWEE-40.00-Pool
Permit, Enviro Service-30.00, Garden County News-119.49-Publishing, Guardian Life-90.13-
Insurance, Heartland Lumber-114.82-Repairs, James Bondegard-116.00-Mileage, Jerry Smith-
700.00-Animal Control, Jordan’s Ag Repair-57.24-Parts, Kim Martin-261.00-Mileage, NPPD-
3,008.22-Electricity, Oshkosh ACE-199.43-Supplies, Rauner Associates-4,696.80-Audit Prep,
RJ Meyer and Assoc.-8,025.00-Annual Audit, Rose Equipment-1,719.57-Repairs, Roundtree
Law-671.60-Attorney Fee’s, Scott Smith-20.00-Reimbursement, Taylor Waltman-136.00-
Mileage, Reimbursement, TextMyGov-1,500.00-Annual Renewal, US Bank-248.00-Equipment
Dues, Valley Tire-240.05-Fuel, Viaero Wireless-131.98-Phones, Waste Connections-12,145.31-
Trash Contract, Wheat Belt-1,605.22-Electricity.
Update on Grants and Trusted Community Development formally Twin Cities Development: Bondegard gave updates on TCD looking into a scrap tire grant. Also working with Jessica Elliot on softball equipment needed for this coming year.
Update on GIS mapping; Bondegard gave update on grant reimbursement. Discussed with council about the new baler that was delivered.
Update on Sewer Project Sewer Main Replacement- Bondegard had a preconstruction meeting with Miller & Associates, the construction is planned to begin in March.
Update on Health Insurance; Peterson discussed her personal plan and cost. Bondegard discussed with council that at the Midwinter Conference an insurance class was offered.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Sheriff’s report was reviewed.
The Animal Control Report was reviewed.
Update on Ace Choice Gas Program and upcoming Ace Event; Deputy Clerk Martin discussed with council the reimbursement check from Ace.
Motioned by DeCock, seconded by Krajewski to approve the building permit at 306 west Ave O. Motion carried unanimously.
Bondegard discussed with council the Proposal from Western Resource Group for Trade for Service for Baler. No action taken.
Motioned by Peterson, seconded by Krajewski to approve the Oshkosh Water Tower SDL for street dance July 3rd, 206. Voting Aye: Peterson, DeCock, Krajewski. Abstain: Piva. Motion carried.
Motioned by Krajewski, seconded by Piva to approve the Animal Control Contract. Motion carried unanimously.
Bondegard discussed with council the Blight Study from Panhandle Area Development District which would identify areas that would benefit from the program.
Motion by Piva, seconded by Peterson to Suspend the statutory rules requiring ordinances to be read by title on three different days to be suspended and that Ordinance No.489 be considered on same day upon reading by number and placed on final passage. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Piva Seconded by Peterson to approve Ordinance 489. Motion Carried Unanimously.
CITY OF OSHKOSHORDINANCE NO. 489
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BLIGHT AND SUBSTANDARD AREA STUDY; MAKING STATUTORY FINDINGS; DESIGNATING A BLIGHTED AND SUBSTANDARD AREA; INCORPORATING EXHIBITS BY REFERENCE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh, Garden County, Nebraska, is authorized under the Nebraska Community Development Law to promote redevelopment and eliminate blight; and
WHEREAS, Nebraska Revised Statute § 18-2109 authorizes municipalities to designate blighted and substandard areas; and
WHEREAS, the City has caused to be prepared a Blight Study entitled “Blight Study Findings and Designation – City of Oshkosh, Garden County, Nebraska,” dated January 19, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed said Blight Study and finds that it supports designation of the study area as blighted and substandard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED:Section 1. The Blight Study dated January 19, 2026 is hereby adopted and approved in its entirety.
Section 2. The area depicted in Exhibit A and parcels identified in Exhibit B are hereby designated as a blighted and substandard area pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 18-2109.
Section 3. Exhibits A and B are incorporated herein by reference and shall be kept on file with the City Clerk.
Section 4. The City is authorized to undertake redevelopment activities as permitted by law.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall be effective upon passage, approval, and publication as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 12th day of February 2026, 2026.
Motioned by Piva, seconded by DeCock to enter into Closed Session at 6:16 P.M. to discuss Evaluation of job Performance and Salaries. No action taken. Council came out of Closed Session at 6:51 P.M.
Motion by Krajewski, seconded by Peterson to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
__________________________________
Jeannie Schwartz Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
James Bondegard City Administrator/Clerk