New mayor, city council members sworn in

The Dec. 2 Kimball City Council meeting brought in a new mayor and council members while other said their farewells.

The meeting was called to order by then-Mayor James Schnell. Schnell presented an award to City Councilwoman Ann Warner in appreciation for her eight years on the council. Warner did not run for re-election in the November election.

"It has been a privilege and an honor to serve this community, it has been a wonderful experience," Warner said.

Warner spent eight years on the planning commission and then another eight on the city council. Her hopes for the council include that it tries to be conservative in spending and that members are approachable for those in the community.

Schnell then presented City Councilwoman Kim Christensen with an appreciation award.

"I have had the privilege of working with Kim on the council as well as in a personal capacity at the (Kimball County) Manor and it has always been wonderful and we want to show thanks for her time serving our community," Schnell said.

Christensen wrapped up her five years on the Kimball City Council by expressing her appreciation for the community.

"It's been great getting to know everyone here and it's been difficult at times, but ultimately it has been a truly rewarding experience and I wish all those staying and those new the best," Christensen said.

City councilman John Morrison then took over and presented Schnell an appreciation award for his time serving as mayor. Schnell did not run for mayor in the November election, but instead ran for city council. He was elected to the city council.

"You come into office and you want to accomplish so much and while not everything you want to accomplish gets done, you still are proud of the things you did manage to get done. I will always think of my time as mayor as a wonderful time. One of my favorite things was getting to work with Mrs. (Jeri) Ferguson's civics class. Those kids are heading in the right direction and they are really the future of this community," Schnell said.

After the appreciation awards were presented the meeting was adjourned. Warner and Christensen stepped down making way for Schnell and Christy Warner as the new city council members. Keith Prunty, the new mayor, also made his way to his seat. Name plaques were changed and Rosie Russell, city clerk, stepped forward to conduct the swearing in of the new council members and mayor.

The meeting was then called to order by Prunty and the council elected new officers. City councilman James Shields nominated Morrison for council president, and Schnell moved that Morrison be city council president with no further nominations to be considered. Shields seconded and the motion passed with Morrison being appointed to the office.

The next order of business was the consideration and acceptance of Prunty's appointments for various positions.

Morrison questioned Prunty's appointment of Greg Fossand to the board of public works.

"I'd like to know why you would appoint Fossand," Morrison said.

"I think it's important to get people in here who have good ideas and fresh ideas for the community. I trust Fossand. He's a great guy and I think that he has a lot of great ideas to offer. We need to get some new people on the boards so we can grow as a community," Prunty said.

The mayor's appointments were accepted. The mayor then signed the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development Civic and Community Center Financing Fund Assistance Award Contract. This allows the city to move forward in pursuing the renovation of the Kimball Event Center, and the city will receive funds in conjunction with the project that the grant permits.

City Administrator Daniel Ortiz gave a brief report on Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN). He is still attending meetings as MEAN discusses how to handle its $6 million shortfall. At this time it seems that customers of MEAN will be impacted by the shortfall. Ortiz will attending additional meetings concerning MEAN, at which time they are discussing with other customers what to do about the situation.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. in the city council chambers.