MUNICIPAL CODE

of

THE CITY

of

FULLERTON, NEBRASKA

 

ORDINANCE NO. 1215

AS AMENDED

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

of the

MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

 

REISSUE 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Codified by

 

The City of Fullerton, Nebraska

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY OFFICERS

OF

FULLERTON, NEBRASKA

REISSUE

2008

 

 

************

 

 

Patty Noble......................................................................................... Treasurer/Clerk

James Kramer................................................................................. City Administrator

Larry Bird............................................................................................... City Attorney

                             

 

************

 

CITY COUNCIL

Dan Willets, Mayor

Al Steen

Doug Russell

Harold Harris

Rick Collins

Gary Ballantine

Ralph Horacek

 

************


ORDINANCES OF A

GENERAL AND PERMANENT NATURE

of the CITY of

FULLERTON, NEBRASKA

 

ORDINANCE NO. 1215

 

An ordinance of the City of Fullerton, Nebraska, revising the general ordinances of the Municipality, repealing prior ordinances in conflict herewith.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF FULLERTON, NEBRASKA.

 

Section 1       Codification. The general ordinances of the Municipality of Fullerton, Nebraska, are hereby codified into ten (10) chapters and the articles and sections hereunder, which are adopted and declared to be ordinances of this Municipality.

 

Section 2       Repeal of Prior Ordinances in Conflict. All ordinances and parts of ordinances of a general or permanent nature passed and approved prior to the passage and approval of this codification ordinance and in conflict with this ordinance or with any of the provisions of this ordinance, are hereby repealed; Provided, that in construing the provisions of this ordinance the following ordinances shall not be considered or held to be ordinances of a general or permanent nature, to-wit:

 

1.   Ordinances vacating streets and alleys;

2.   Ordinances authorizing or directing public improvements to be made;

3.   Ordinances levying taxes or special assess- ments;

4.   Ordinances granting a franchise, or special license to persons, firms, or corporations;

5.   Ordinances providing for the issuance of bonds or other instruments of indebtedness;

6.   Ordinances establishing grades;

7.   Real Estate Transactions; or

8.   Any other ordinance which by nature would be considered special.

 

Section 3       Exceptions. The repeal of ordinances as provided in Section 2, Ordinance No. 1215 shall not affect any rights acquired, fines, penalties, forfeitures, or liabilities incurred thereunder, or actions involving any of the provisions of such ordinances and parts thereof prior to repeal. Such ordinances above repealed are hereby continued in force and effect after the passage, approval and publication of this general codification ordinance for the purpose of all rights, fines, penalties, forfeitures, liabilities, and actions therefor.

 

Section 4       Defining Chapters, Articles, and Sections. The chapters, articles, and sections as set forth herein shall be and hereby are declared to be the chapters, articles, and sections of this general codification ordinance. All ordinances hereafter passed by the local Governing  Body of the Municipality shall be numbered consecutively, beginning with No. 1216.

 

Section 5       Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, term, or provision of this ordinance should be declared invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this code, which will remain in full force and effect, and the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.

 

Section 6       Blanket Penalty. Any person, his agents, or servants who shall violate any of the provisions of this Municipal Code unless otherwise specifically provided herein, shall be deemed guilty of an offense and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in any sum not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00). Whoever aids, abets, procures, encourages, requests, advises, or incites another to commit any act which is an offense under this Code or under any other ordinance of the Municipality may be prosecuted and punished as though he were the principal offender.

 

Section 7       General Definitions:

 

1.   Person. Whenever used in this code, the word person shall include natural persons, artificial persons, such as corporations, co-partnerships, associations, and all aggregate organizations of whatever character.

2.   Gender and Number. All words used herein implying the masculine gender may apply to, and include the feminine or neuter gender and all words importing the plural may be applied to, and mean a single person, firm, or thing. All words importing the singular number may be applied to and mean the plural number.

3.   Code, Ordinance, and Chapter. Municipal Code shall mean the General Codification Ordinance No. 1215.  Ordinance and chapter are used synonymously unless from the context the contrary clearly appears.

4.   Wholesale Dealer. The words wholesale dealer or sellers of said product at wholesale shall embrace and include manufacturers of any product who sell the said product to other persons for the purpose of future resale to consumers.

5.   Municipal and Municipality. The words Municipal and Municipality whenever used in this code shall mean the City of Fullerton, Nebraska, a Municipal Corporation.

6.   Governing Body. The words Governing Body, whenever they appear in this Code mean the Mayor and City Council of the Municipality.

7.   Mayor. The word Mayor means the Chief Administrative Official of the Municipality whenever it appears in this Code.

8.   Municipal Police. Municipal Police shall mean any police officer of the Municipality or shall mean any officer of the Nance County Sheriff's Department whenever it appears in this Code as it may be changed from time to time by the Governing Body.

 

Section 8  Time. Whenever words fixing or importing time or the hour of the day are used in this Code, they shall be construed to mean Central Standard Time or Central Daylight Savings Time whichever is applicable.

 

Section 9       Construction of Chapters, Articles, and Sections. For purposes of construction each chapter contained and arranged in this Code shall be considered as a separate and distinct ordinance grouped for convenience under the General Codification Ordinance No. 1215, each section appearing in the several chapters of this Code shall be considered a separate and distinct unit of legislation germane to the chapter or article under which it is grouped and each article appearing in the said chapters shall be considered as a group of legislative units germane to the chapter wherein it is placed. Any chapter, article, or section duly enacted by the Governing Body of the Municipality and included in this Code, and any other independent ordinance, chapter, article, section, or subsection of an ordinance duly enacted shall be altered, amended, or revised only by the complete nullification and repeal of such ordinance, chapter, article, section, or subsection and by the substitution of a new ordinance, chapter, article, section, or subsection containing the entire ordinance, chapter, article, section, or subsection as amended, altered, or revised.

 

Section 10     Supplementation of Municipal Code.  When preparing a supplement to this Code, the codifier (meaning the person, agency or organization authorized to prepare the supplement) may make formal nonsubstantive changes in ordinances and parts of ordinances included in the supplement, insofar as it is necessary to do so to embody them into a unified Code.  For example, the codifier may:

 

1.   Organize the ordinance material into appropriate subdivisions;

2.   Provide appropriate catchlines, headings and titles for section and other subdivisions of the Code printed in the supplement, and make changes in such catchlines, headings and titles;

3.   Assign appropriate numbers to sections and other subdivisions to be inserted in the Code and, where necessary, to accommodate new material, change existing section or other subdivision numbers;

4.   Change the words "this ordinance" or words of the same meaning to "this chapter", "this article", "this section", etc., as the case may be, or to "sections            to           " (inserting section numbers to indicated the sections of the Code which embody the substantive section of the ordinance incorporated into the Code); and

5.   Make other nonsubstantive changes necessary to preserve the original meaning of ordinance sections inserted into the Code; but in no case, shall the codifier make any change in the meaning or effect of ordinance material included in the supplement or already embodies in the Code.

 

Section 11     Publication and Distribution. This code was printed in book form under the direction of the Governing Body, and shall be distributed as it may see fit.  (Ref. 17-613, 17-614 RS Neb.)

 

Section 12     When Operative. This ordinance shall be in full force and shall take effect from and after its passage, approval and publication according to law.

 

                     Passed and approved September 19, 1995.

 

                                                                                   

Sandra L. Carey                                                                                   Mayor

 

(SEAL)

 

Lois Plebanek                       

Municipal Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREFACE

 

This 2005 Reissue of the Municipal Code of Fullerton, Nebraska, 1995, contains all the ordinances of the Municipality of a general and permanent nature. Certain ordinances which were in effect prior to 1995 or have been passed since then that are not general and permanent have been omitted from this publication.  In addition, certain zoning ordinances and regulations are published in a separate code book.

 

A Table of Contents appears after this page, and a complete index to the subject matter is found at the end of this volume.  Convenient cross-references to the Statutes of Nebraska indicate the source of legislative power and supplement the text.  However, those statute numbers may have changed since the ordinance was adopted.

 

The text of the Fullerton Municipal Code, Reissue 2005, is arranged in the same manner as the Revised Statutes of Nebraska. The number preceding the hyphen is the chapter number; immediately following the hyphen is the article number; and following that is the section number.  Each section number is complete within itself indicating the number of the chapter, article, and section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Officials of the Municipality

Ordinance Adopting Code

Preface

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1

            Administrative

Article 1.          Elected Officials

Article 2.          Appointed Officials

Article 3.          Bonds and Oaths

Article 4.          Corporate Seal

Article 5.          Meetings

Article 6.          Ordinances

Article 7.          Elections

Article 8.          Fiscal Management

Article 9.          Compensation

Article 10.        Repealed

Article 11.        Penal Provision

 

Chapter 2

            Commissions and Boards

Article 1.          Standing Committees

Article 2.          Commissions and Boards

Article 3.          Penal Provision

 

Chapter 3

            Departments

Article 1.          Water Department

                                    Article 2.          Sewer Department

Article 3.          Utilities Generally

                        Article 4.          Fire Department

                        Article 5.          Rescue Unit

                                    Article 6.          Parks

                                    Article 7.          Swimming Pool

                        Article 8.          Library

                        Article 9.          Municipal Tree Dump

                        Article 10.        Penal Provision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4

Health and Sanitation

Article 1.          General Provisions

Article 2.          Solid Waste Disposal

Article 3.          Nuisances

Article 4.          Penal Provisions

 

Chapter 5

Traffic Regulations

Article 1.          General Provisions

Article 2.          Prohibitions and Enforcement

Article 3.          Parking

Article 4.          Penal Provision

 

Chapter 6

Police Regulations

Article 1.          Dogs

Article 2.          Animals Generally

Article 3.          Municipal Offenses

Article 4.          Penal Provisions

 

Chapter 7

Fire Regulations

Article 1.          Fires

Article 2.          Fire Limits

Article 3.          Fire Prevention

Article 4.          Penal Provision

 

Chapter 8

Public Ways and Property

Article 1.          Municipal Property

Article 2.          Sidewalks

Article 3.          Streets

Article 4.          Curb and Gutter

Article 5.          Trees

Article 6.          Penal Provision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9

Building Regulations

Article 1.          Building Permits

Article 2.          Building Moving

Article 3.          Unsafe Buildings

Article 4.          Building Regulations

Article 5.          Minimum Lighting and Thermal Efficiency Standards

Article 6.          Penal Provisions

 

Chapter 10

Business Regulations

Article 1.          Alcoholic Beverages

Article 2.          Peddlers and Hawkers

Article 3.          Bingo

Article 4.          Junk Yards

Article 5.          Occupation Taxes

Article 6.          Franchises

Article 7.          Penal Provisions

 

Chapter 11

Municipal Planning

Article 1.          General Provisions

Article 2.          Penal Provision

 

Code Index

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1

 

ADMINISTRATIVE

 

Article 1. Elected Officials

 

§1‑101  CITY MAYOR; SELECTION AND DUTIES. The Mayor of the Municipality shall have the general and immedi­ate control over all property, and officials, whether elected, or appointed, of the Municipality. He shall preside at all meetings of the City Council, and may vote when his vote shall be deci­sive and the Council is equally divided on any pending matter, legislation, or transaction and the Mayor shall, for the purpose of such vote, be deemed to be a member of the Council. His signature must appear on the Municipal Clerk's minutes of all meetings, and he must sign all resolutions which have been passed, and warrants for the payment of money when ordered by the City Council; provided, any ordinance vetoed by the Mayor may be passed over his veto by a two‑thirds (2/3) vote by the members of the City Council, but if the Mayor neglects or refuses to sign any ordinance, and returns it to the Council with his objections in writing at the next regular Council meet­ing, the same shall become a law without his signature. He shall from time to time communicate to the Council such in­formation and recommendations as, in his opinion, may im­prove the Municipality. He may require at reasonable intervals any Municipal official to exhibit his accounts and make reports to the Council on any subject pertaining to his office. He shall have the power to remit fines or pardon any offense arising un­der the ordinances of the Municipality. He may remove at any time an appointed police officer of the Municipality. His territo­rial authority shall extend over all places within five (5) miles of the corporate limits of the Municipality for the enforcement of any health ordinance, and one‑half (1/2) mile in all matters vested in him except taxation. He shall also have such other duties as the City Council may by resolution confer upon him, or in any other matters which the laws of the State of Nebraska repose in him. He shall be elected at the Municipal election, and shall serve a four (4) year term of office. (Ref. 17‑110 through 17‑117 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑102  CITY COUNCIL; ACTING PRESIDENT. The City Council shall elect one (1) of its own body each year who shall be styled the President of the Council, and who shall preside at all meetings of the City Council in the absence of the Mayor. In the absence of the Mayor, and the President of the Council, the City Council shall elect one (1) of its own body to occupy his place temporarily, who shall be styled Acting President of the Council. Both the President of the Council and the Acting President of the Council, when occupying the position of the Mayor, shall have the same privileges as the other members of the City Council, and all acts of the President of the Council, or Acting President of the Council, while so acting, shall be as binding upon the City Council, and upon the Municipality as if done by the elected Mayor. (Ref. 17‑148 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑103  CITY COUNCIL SELECTION AND DUTIES. The members of the City Council shall be elected and serve for a four (4) year term. The City Council shall be the legislative division of the Municipal Government, and shall perform such duties, and have such powers as may be authorized by law. The City Council shall maintain the peace, regulate business, protect the public health and safety, and assess such taxes and fees as are necessary and appropriate in the exercise of these functions. (Ref. 17‑103, 17‑104 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑104  CITY COUNCIL ORGANIZATION. City Council members of this Municipality shall take office, and commence their duties on the first regular meeting in December following their election. The newly elected Council members who have qualified as prescribed by law, together with the members of the City Council holding over, shall assemble in a regular meeting at the hour and place hereinafter prescribed and perfect the reorganization of the City Council as herein provided, and all appointive offices in which the terms of incumbents are expired shall be filled by appointment. After the said meeting has been called to order, the Municipal Clerk shall report to the City Council the names of all City Council members‑elect who have qualified for their respective offices, and this report shall be spread upon the minutes of the meeting preceding the roll call. Each ward of the Municipality shall be represented by at least two (2) Council members unless Council members are elected at large. No person shall be eligible who is not at the time of his election an actual resident of the ward for which he is qualified and should any City Councilmember move from the ward from which he was elected, his office shall thereby become vacant. (Ref. 17‑104, 17‑107.02RS Neb.)

 

1‑105  ELECTED OFFICIALS; VACANCY.              

            (1) Vacan­cies in City elected offices shall be filled by the Mayor and Council for the balance of the unexpired term except as pro­vided in this section. Notice of a vacancy, except a vacancy resulting from the death of the incumbent, shall be in writing and presented to the Council at a regular or special meeting and shall appear as a part of the minutes of such meeting.

 

(2) The City Council shall at once give public notice of the vacancy by causing to be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City or by posting in three (3) public places in the City the office vacated and the length of the unexpired term.

 

(3) The Mayor shall within four (4) weeks after the regular meeting at which such notice has been presented, or upon the death of the incumbent, call a special meeting of the City Council at which time the Mayor shall submit the name of a qualified elector to fill the vacancy for the balance of the unexpired term.

 

(4) No officer who is removed at a recall election or resigns after the Initiation of the recall process shall be appointed to fill the vacancy resulting from his or her removal or the removal of any other member of the City Council during the remainder of his or her term of office.

 

(5) Upon a majority vote of approval by the City Council the vacancy shall be filled. If a majority vote is not reached the nomination shall be rejected and the Mayor shall at the next regular meeting submit the name of another qualified elector. If the vote on the nominee fails to carry by majority vote, the Mayor shall continue at such meeting to submit the names of qualified electors and the City Council shall continue to vote upon such nominations until the vacancy is filled.

 

(6) The Mayor shall cast his or her vote only in case of a tie vote of the City Council.

 

(7) All City Council members shall cast a ballot for or against each nominee.

 

(8) The Mayor and Council may, in lieu of filling a vacancy in a City office as provided above in this section, call a special Municipal Election to fill such vacancy.

 

(9) If there are vacancies in the offices of a majority of the members of the City Council, there shall be a special Municipal Election conducted by the Secretary of State to fill such vacancies. (Ref.32‑4,152,32‑1406RS Neb.)

 

§1‑106  ELECTED OFFICIALS; MAYOR: . (1) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, or in case of his disability or absence, the President of the Council shall exercise the office of Mayor for the unexpired term until such vacancy is filled or such disability is removed, or in case of temporary absence, until the Mayor returns.

(2) When the successful candidate for Mayor shall be prevented from assuming office, the incumbent Mayor shall not be entitled to hold over the term, but such office shall automatically become vacant and the President of the Council shall exercise the office of Mayor until such vacancy is filled.

(3) If the President of the Council shall for any cause assume the office of Mayor for the remainder of the unexpired term, there shall be a vacancy on the Council which shall be filled as provided in section 1‑105. (Ref. 17‑107, 17‑115 RS Neb.)

 


Article 2. Appointed Officials

 

§1‑201  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; GENERAL AUTHORITY. The Mayor, by, and with the consent of the City Council, may appoint such officers as shall be required by ordinance or otherwise required by law. Such officers may be removed from office by the Mayor. The Mayor, by, and with the consent of the City Council, shall appoint such a number of regular policemen, and other officials as may be necessary, and may establish a police reserve force as provided by law. All police officers, and other appointed officials shall be subject to removal at any time by the Mayor. (Ref. 17‑107, 81‑1438 through 81‑1446 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑202  APPOINTED OFFICIALS MERGER OF OFFICES. The Governing Body may, at its discretion, by ordinance combine and merge any elective or appointive office or employment or any combination of duties of any such offices or employments, except Mayor and Councilmember, with any other elective or appointive office or employment so that one or more of such offices or employments or any combination of duties of any such offices or employments may be held by the same officer or employee at the same time. The offices or employments so merged and combined shall always be construed to be separate and the effect of the combination or merger shall be limited to a consolidation of official duties only. The salary or compensation of the officer or employee holding the merged or combined offices or employments or offices and employments shall not be in excess of the maximum amount provided by law for the salary or compensation of the office, offices, employment or employments so merged and combined. For purposes of this section, volunteer firefighters and ambulance drivers shall not be considered officers. (Ref. 17‑108.02 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑203  APPOINTED OFFICIALS MUNICIPAL CLERK. (1) The Municipal Clerk shall attend the meetings of the Governing Body, and keep a correct journal of the proceedings of that body. He or she shall keep a record of all outstanding bonds against the Municipality and when any bonds are sold, purchased, paid, or canceled, said record shall show the fact. He or she shall make, at the end of the fiscal year, a report of the business of the Municipality transacted through his or her office for the year. That record shall describe particularly the bonds issued, and sold during the year, and the terms of the sale with each, and every item, and expense thereof. He or she shall file all official bonds after the same shall have been properly executed, and approved. He or she shall make the proper certificate of passage which shall be attached to original copies of all bond ordinances hereafter enacted by the Governing Body.

 

(2) The Municipal Clerk shall issue, and sign all licenses, permits, and occupation tax receipts authorized by law, and required by the Municipal ordinances. He or she shall collect all occupation taxes, and license money except where some other Municipal officer is specifically charged with that duty. He or she shall keep a register of all licenses granted in the Municipality, and the purpose for which they have been issued.

           

(3) The Municipal Clerk shall permit no records, public papers, or other documents of the Municipality kept, and preserved in his or her office to be taken therefrom, except by such officers of the Municipality as may be entitled to the use of the same, but only upon their leaving a receipt therefor. He or she shall keep all the records of his or her office, including a record of all licenses issued by him or her in a blank book with a proper index. He or she shall include as part of his or her records all petitions under which the Governing Body shall order public work to be done at the expense of the property fronting thereon, together with references to all resolutions, and ordinances relating to the same. He or she shall endorse the date, and hour of filing upon every paper, or document so filed in his or her office. All such filings made by him or her shall be properly docketed. Included in his or her records shall be all standard codes, amendments thereto, and other documents incorporated by reference, and arranged in triplicate in a manner convenient for reference. He or she shall keep an accurate, and complete account of the appropriation of the several funds, draw, sign, and attest all warrants ordered for the payment of money on the particular fund from which the same is payable. At the end of each month, he or she shall then make a report of the amounts appropriated to the various funds, and the amount of the warrants drawn thereon. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent any citizen, official, or other person from examining any public records at all reasonable times.

 

(4) The Municipal Clerk shall deliver all warrants, ordinances, and resolutions under his or her charge to the Mayor for his or her signature. He or she shall also deliver to officers, employees, and committees all resolutions, and communications which are directed at said officers, employees, or committees. With the seal of the Municipality, he or she shall duly attest the Mayor's signature to all ordinances, deeds, and papers required to be attested to when ordered to do so by the Governing Body. Within thirty (30) days after any meeting of the Governing Body, the Municipal Clerk shall prepare, and publish the official proceedings of the Governing Body in a legal newspaper of general circulation in the Municipality, and which was duly designated as such by the Governing Body. Said publication shall set forth a statement of the proceedings thereof and shall also include the amount of each claim allowed, the purpose of the claim, and the name of the claimant, except that the aggregate amount of all payroll claims may be included as one (1) item. Between July 15 and August 15 of each year, the employee job titles and the current annual, monthly, or hourly salaries corresponding to such job titles shall be published. Each job title published shall be descriptive and Indicative of the duties and functions of the position. The charge for such publication shall not exceed the rates provided by the statutes of the State of Nebraska. Said publication shall be charged against the General Fund. He or she shall then keep in a book with a proper index, copies of all notices required to be published, or posted by the Municipal Clerk by order of the Governing Body, or under the ordinances of the Municipality. To each of the file copies of said notices shall be attached the printers affidavit of publication, if the said notices are required to be published, or the Municipal Clerk's certificate under seal where the same are required to be posted only.

 

(5) The Municipal Clerk shall receive all objections to creation of paving districts, and other street Improvements. He or she shall receive the claims of any person against the Municipality, and in the event that the said claim is disallowed in part, or in whole, the Municipal Clerk shall notify such claimant, his or her agent, or attorney by letter within five (5) days after such disallowance, and the Municipal Clerk shall then prepare transcripts on appeals of any disallowance of a claim in all proper cases.

 

(6) The Municipal Clerk may charge a reasonable fee for certified copies of any record in his or her office as set by resolution of the Governing Body. He or she shall destroy Municipal records under the direction of the State Records Board pursuant to sections 84‑1201 through 84‑1220; provided, the Governing Body shall not have the authority to destroy the minutes of the Municipal Clerk, the permanent ordinances, and resolution books, or any other records classified as permanent by the State Records Board. (Ref. 17‑605, 19‑1102, 19‑1104, 84‑1201 through 84‑1220, 84‑712 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑204  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; MUNICIPAL TREASURER. The Municipal Treasurer shall be the custodian of all moneys belonging to the Municipality. He shall keep all money belonging to the Municipality separate, and distinct from his own money. He shall keep a separate account of each fund or appropriation. and the debits, and credits belonging thereto. He shall issue duplicate (2) receipts for all moneys received by him for the Municipality. He shall give; to every person paying money into the Municipal Treasury, a receipt therefore, specifying the date of payment, and the account paid. One (1) of the receipts shall be filed with his monthly report, and the last copy of the said receipt shall be kept on file in his office. His books and accounts shall always be open for inspection by any citizen of the Municipality whenever any Municipal fiscal record, audit, warrant, voucher, invoice, purchase order, requisition, payroll check, receipt or other record of receipt, cash or expenditure involving public funds is involved. He shall cancel all bonds, coupons, warrants, and other evidences of debt against the Municipality, whenever paid by him, by writing, or stamping on the face thereof, "Paid by the Municipal Treasurer," with the date of payment written or stamped thereon. He shall collect all special taxes, allocate special assessments to the several owners, and shall obtain from the County Treasurer a monthly report as to the collection of delinquent taxes. The Treasurer's daily cash book shall be footed and balanced daily, and he shall adopt such bookkeeping methods as the Governing Body shall prescribe. He shall invest and collect all money owned by, or owed to, the Municipality as directed by the Governing Body. (Ref. 17‑606 through 17‑609, 84‑712 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑205  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; CLERK‑TREASURER‑WATER COMMISSIONER POSITION CREATED. The appointive offices of the Municipal Clerk, Municipal Treasurer, and Water Commissioner are hereby combined and merged in accordance with the authority granted to the Governing Body by section 1‑202.

 

§1‑206  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT. The Municipal Treasurer shall at the end of each, and every month, and such other times as the Governing Body may deem necessary, render an account to the Governing Body under oath showing the financial state of the Municipality at that date, the amount of money remaining in each fund and the amount paid therefrom, and the balance of money remaining in the Treasury. He shall accompany the said account with a statement of all receipts, and disbursements, together with all warrants redeemed, and paid by him. He shall also produce depository evidence that all Municipal money is in a solvent, and going bank in the name of the Municipality. If the Municipal Treasurer shall neglect, or fail for the space of ten (10) days from the end of each and every month to render his accounts as aforesaid, the Governing Body shall, by resolution, declare the office vacant, and appoint some person to fill the vacancy. The Municipal Treasurer shall be present at each regular meeting of the Governing Body at which time he shall read, and file his monthly report. (Ref. 17‑606 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑207  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT. The Municipal Treasurer shall publish in a legal newspaper having general circulation within the Municipality, within sixty (60) days following the close of each fiscal year, a report of the activities of his office which said report shall show in detail. Said report shall include all receipts, disbursements, warrants outstanding, and the debit, or credit balance of the Municipality. (Ref. 19‑1101 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑208  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY. The Municipal Attorney is the Municipality's legal advisor, and as such he shall commence, prosecute, and defend all suits on behalf of the Municipality. When requested by the Governing Body, he shall attend meetings of the Governing Body, and shall advise any Municipal official in all matters of law in which the interests of the Municipality may be involved. He shall draft such ordinances, bonds, contracts, and other writings as may be required in the administration of the affairs of the Municipality. He shall examine all bonds, contracts, and documents on which the Governing Body will be required to act, and attach thereto a brief statement in writing to all such instruments, and documents as to whether, or not, the document is in legal, and proper form. He shall prepare complaints, attend, and prosecute violations of the Municipal ordinances when directed to do so by the Governing Body. Without direction, he shall appear, and prosecute all cases for violation of the Municipal ordinances that have been appealed to, and are pending in any higher court. He shall also examine, when requested to do so by the Governing Body, the ordinance records, and advise, and assist the Municipal Clerk as much as may be necessary to the end that each procedural step will be taken in the passage of each ordinance to insure that they will be valid, and subsisting local laws in so far as their passage, and approval are concerned. The Governing Body shall have the right to compensate the Municipal Attorney for legal services on such terms as the Governing Body and the Municipal Attorney may agree, and to employ any additional legal assistance as may be necessary out of the funds of the Municipality. (Ref. 17‑610 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑209  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; MUNICIPAL PHYSICIAN. The Municipal Physician shall be a member of the Board of Health of the Municipality, and perform the duties devolving upon him as the medical advisor of the said board. In all injuries where a liability may be asserted against the Municipality, the Municipal Physician shall immediately investigate the said injuries, the extent thereof, and the circumstances. He shall then report the results of his investigation with the name of the party injured, and all other persons who may have personal knowledge of the matter. He shall make all physical examinations, and necessary laboratory tests incident thereto, and issue such health certificates as are required by ordinance. For the purpose of making examinations of the sanitary conditions of the property, and the state of health of the inhabitants therein, he shall have the right at all reasonable hours to go upon, and enter all premises, buildings, or other structures in the Municipality. He shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the laws of the State of Nebraska, and the ordinances of the Municipality. When ordered to do so by the Governing Body he shall disinfect, or fumigate the premises, or persons in or about the premises, when the premises are quarantined, and to call upon indigent sick persons, and perform other professional services at the direction of the Governing Body. The Municipal Physician shall receive as compensation for his services such sum as the Governing Body may from time to time set. He shall receive no compensation for his services as a member of the Municipal Board of Health. (Ref. 17‑121, RS Neb.)

 

§1‑210  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; COUNTY SHERIFF AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. The Nance County Sheriff shall direct the police work of the Municipality and shall be responsible for the maintenance of law and order. He shall act as Health Inspector, except in the event the Municipality appoints another person to those offices. He shall file the necessary complaints in cases arising out of violations of Municipal ordinances, and shall make all necessary reports required by the Municipal ordinances or the laws of the State of Nebraska. (Ref. 19‑3801 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑211  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; MUNICIPAL FIRE CHIEF.  The Municipal Fire Chief shall be elected by the members of the Fire Department. He shall enforce all laws and ordinances covering the prevention of fires; the storage and use of explosives and flammable substances; the installation of fire alarm systems; the maintenance of fire extinguishing equipment; the regulation of fire escapes; and the inspection of all premises requiring adequate fire escapes. He shall within two (2) days investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires arising within his jurisdiction. He shall, on or before the first (1st) day in April and October of each year, cause the secretary to file with the Municipal Clerk, and the Clerk of the District Court a certified copy of the rolls of all members in good standing in their respective companies in order to obtain the exemptions provided by law. He shall have the power during  the time of a fire, and for a period of thirty‑six (36) hours thereafter to arrest any suspected arsonist, or any person for hindering the department's efforts, conducting himself in a noisy and disorderly manner, or who shall refuse to obey any lawful order by the Fire Chief or Assistant Fire Chief. The Fire Chief, or his assistant in charge of operations at a fire may command the services of any person present at any fire in extinguishing the same or in the removal, and protection of property. Failure to obey such an order shall be an offense punishable by a fine. The Fire Chief shall have the right to enter at all reasonable hours into buildings, and upon all premises within his jurisdiction for the purpose of examining the same for fire hazards, and related dangers. (Ref. 17‑147, 17‑505, 35‑102, 35‑108, 81‑506, 81‑512 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑212  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; MUNICIPAL ENGINEER. The Municipal Engineer shall make all surveys, estimates, and calculations necessary to be made for the establishment of any public utilities and the costs of labor and materials therefor. He shall accurately make all plats, sections, and maps as may be necessary under the direction of the Governing Body. Upon request, he shall make estimates of the cost of labor and material which may be done or furnished by contract with the Municipality, and make all surveys, estimates, and calculations necessary to be made for the establishment of grades, building of culverts, sewers, electric light system, waterworks, power plant, public heating system, bridges, curbing, and gutters and the improvement of streets and erection and repair of buildings, and shall perform such other duties as the Governing Body may require. (Ref. 17‑150, 17‑405, 17‑568‑01, 17‑919, 81‑839 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑213  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; SPECIAL ENGINEER. The Governing Body may employ a Special Engineer to make or assist the Municipal Engineer in making any particular estimate, survey, or other work. The Special Engineer shall make a record of the minutes of his surveys and all other work done for the Municipality. He shall, when directed by the Governing Body, accurately make all plats, sections, profiles, and maps as may be necessary in the judgment of the Governing Body. He shall, upon request of the Governing Body, make estimates of the costs of labor and material which may be done or furnished by contract with the Municipality, and make all surveys, estimates, and calculations necessary for the establishment of grades, bridges, building of culverts, sewers, electric light system, waterworks, power plant, public heating system, curbing and gutters, and the improvement of streets and erection and repair of buildings, and shall perform such other duties as the Governing Body may require. All records of the Special Engineer shall be public records which shall belong to the Municipality, and shall be turned over to his successor. (Ref. 17‑405, 17‑568, 17‑568.01, 17‑919 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑214  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; MUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSIONER.  The Municipal Water Commissioner shall have general supervision and control over the Municipal Water System, and shall be primarily responsible for its economic operation and prudent management. Included in the said water system shall be the water plant, the pump house, all machinery, and appliances used in connection with producing and distributing water to inhabitants of the Municipality. All actions, decisions, and procedures of the Water Commissioner shall be subject to the general directives and control of the Governing Body. The Municipal Water Commissioner shall have the general control and supervisory authority over all employees of the Water System which the Governing Body may from time to time hire to operate and maintain the said system. Unless some other official is specifically designated, he shall collect all money received by the Municipality on account of the said system of waterworks, and shall faithfully account for, and pay over to the Municipal Treasurer all such money collected in the name of the Municipality and receive a receipt from the Municipal Treasurer for the depository evidence of his faithful discharge of this duty. This receipt shall then be filed with the Municipal Clerk, and the second (2nd) copy shall be kept by the said Commissioner. He shall make a detailed report to the Governing Body at least once every six (6) months, of the condition of the said water system, of all mains, pipes, hydrants, reservoirs, and machinery and such improvements, repairs, and extensions thereof as he may think proper. The report shall show the amount of receipts and expenditures on account thereof for the preceding six (6) months. No money shall be expended for improvements, repairs, or extensions of the said waterworks system except upon the recommendation of the Commissioner. The Water Commissioner who may be removed at any time by the Mayor, and a two‑thirds (2/3) vote of the Governing Body, shall provide a bond conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties which shall amount to not less than the amount set by resolution of the Governing Body and on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk. The Water Commissioner shall perform such additional duties as may be prescribed by the Governing Body. (Ref. 17‑107,17‑541, 17‑543 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑215  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; MUNICIPAL OVERSEER OF STREETS AND SEWERS. (1) The Municipal Overseer of Streets and Sewers shall, subject to the orders and directives of the Governing Body, have general charge, direction, and control of all work on the streets, sidewalks, culverts, and bridges of the Municipality, and shall perform such other duties as the Governing Body may require. It shall be his responsibility to see that gutters and drains therein function properly, and that the same are kept in good repair. He shall, at the request of the Governing Body make a detailed report to the Governing Body on the condition of the streets, sidewalks, culverts, alleys, and bridges of the Municipality, and shall direct their attention to such improvements, repairs, extensions, additions, and additional employees as he may believe are needed to maintain a satisfactory street system in the Municipality along with an estimate of the cost thereof. He shall issue such permits, and assume such other duties as the Governing Body may direct.

 

(2) The Municipal Overseer of Streets and Sewers shall have the immediate control and supervision over all the employees, and property that make up the Municipal sewer system, subject to the general control, and directives of the Governing Body. He shall at least every six (6) months, make a detailed report to the Governing Body on the condition of the sewer system, and shall direct their attention to such improvements, repairs, extensions, additions, and additional employees as he may believe are needed along with an estimate of the cost thereof. He shall have such other duties as the Governing Body may delegate to him. He shall issue permits for all connections to the Municipal sewer system, and inspect and supervise all repairs made to the said system. (Ref. 17‑107, 17‑119 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑216  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; MUNICIPAL TREE DUMP CARETAKER. The Municipal Tree Dump Caretaker shall have the immediate control and supervision of the Municipal Tree Dump subject to the general control and directives of the Governing Body. He shall at least every six (6) months, make a detailed report to the Governing Body on the condition of the Tree Dump, and shall direct their attention to such improvements, additions, and additional employees as he may believe are needed along with an estimate of the cost thereof. He shall issue dumping permits if the Governing Body should require them and shall inspect and supervise all work done to improve or extend the Tree Dump. He shall have such other duties as the Governing Body may delegate to him. He may be removed at any time by the Mayor. (Ref. 17‑107, 17‑604 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑217  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; CITY ADMINISTRATOR. (1) The City Administrator shall be appointed by the Mayor and with the consent of a majority of the City Council. Such person shall be the administrative head of the City Government, under the direction and the control of the Mayor and the City Council, and shall be responsible to the Mayor and the City Council for efficient conduct of his office.

 

(2) The office of the City Administrator may not be held by the Mayor. The City Administrator may be removed at any time by the Mayor.

 

(3) The purpose of the office of the City Administrator is to provide centralization of the administrative responsibilities of the City; such City Administrator to be the administrative head of the City government under the direction and control of the Mayor and the City Council.

 

(4) The duties of the City Administrator shall be as follows:

 

(a)    To make and keep up to date an Inventory of all property, real and personal, owned by the City.

 

(b)    To act as purchasing agent for the purchase of all supplies, goods, wares, and merchandise, equipment and material which may be required for the various departments, divisions, or services of the City.

 

(c)    Shall have prepared and maintained a current inventory of all property, real and personal owned by the City.

 

(d)    To serve as public relations officer of the City government, and in such capacity to investigate and adjust all complaints filed against any employee, department, division, or service thereof: and to cooperate with all community organizations whose aid and purpose is to advance the best Interest of the City and its people: and to attend meetings of such organizations, If, in his judgment, such attendance is necessary and desirable.

 

(e)    To attend all meetings of the City Council with the duty of reporting any matter concerning City affairs under his supervision or direction; and to attend such other meetings of the City departments and officials as his duties may require.

 

(f)     To analyze the functions, duties, and activities of other various departments, divisions, and services of the City government and of all employees thereof, and to make recommendations regarding the same to the Mayor and the City Council.

 

(g)    To carry out directions and recommendations of the Mayor and City Council in coordinating the administrative functions and operations of the various departments.

 

(h)    To procure facts and submit proposals for long‑range programs and improvements to the Mayor and the City Council and to make recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council in any matter believed by him to be necessary or expedient.

 

(i)     To investigate and make recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council regarding the duties and activities of any and all employees of the City over which he exercises jurisdiction and recommend to the Mayor and the City Council the appointment, dismissal, transfer, commendation, promotion, demotion, or suspension of such employees. Appointment, dismissal, transfer, commendation, promotion, demotion, or suspension of such employees will be made by and upon the recommendations of the Mayor and the confirmation of any by the City Council.

 

(j)     To administer through the heads of departments and to be responsible for all departments and divisions of the City government which are under the direction of the Mayor and the City Council including the police and fire departments, except insofar as such jurisdiction and administration conflicts with the Civil Service Law pertaining to such police and fire departments. The office of the City Attorney and the City Physician shall not come under the administration and responsibility of the City Administrator; said Administrator, however, is to be available to assist these officers in any administrative matter that may arise; and those officers, in turn, shall be available to assist the City Administrator in the discharge of his duties.

 

(k)    To recommend to the Mayor and the City Council the adoption of such measures and ordinances as are deemed necessary or expedient.

 

(1)    To prepare and recommend to the Mayor and the City Council a classification and compensation plan. He shall be the Personnel Officer of the City, and shall keep and maintain appropriate records of the employment status of each employee.

 

(m)    To make investigations into the affairs of the City and any department or division thereof, and any contract, or the proper performance of any obligation pertaining to the City.

 

(n)     To exercise general supervision over all public buildings, streets, and other public property which are under the control and jurisdiction of the Mayor and the City Council.

 

(o)    To review and submit to the Mayor and the City Council at the end of each month and the end of the fiscal year, a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City for the preceding period. As prepared by the City Clerk and Treasurer.

 

(p)    Shall prepare the insurance specifications of the City and send them out for bids. To keep the Insurable property of the City appropriately insured.

 

(q)    To keep open the office of the City Administrator for public affairs during days and hours as set by the Mayor and the City Council.

 

(r)     To perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as may be delegated to him from time to time by ordinances or resolutions of the City Council; and where action of the City Council is not required, such duties and powers as may be prescribed by the Mayor.

 

(s)     Shall have periodic staff meetings with all department heads and employees.

 

(t)     Shall attend seminars and meetings that further educate, aid, and inform the administrator in doing his/her job more effectively and proficiently with the approval of the Mayor and City Council.

 

(u)    Act as the City's liaison to State and Federal economic/industrial development agencies; actively pursue community grant funding, by maintaining a working knowledge of grants, grant companies, loans, and monies available for community/ economic development; be responsible for the application, or assisting in the application, of such grants.

 

(v)    The City Administrator shall act as the agent of the Mayor in the discharge of the Administrator's duties and the superintending and control of all of the officers and the affairs of the City. The City Administrator shall have no independent power to exercise any policy‑making or any legislative functions whosoever. The City Administrator may not commit or bind the City to any plan, action, or program requiring official action by the City Council.

 

(5) The salary and benefits of the City Administrator shall be fixed by ordinance of the City Council.

 

(6) The City Administrator shall furnish a corporate surety bond to be approved by the City Council. The sum of such bond may be determined by the City Council, and shall be conditioned on the faithful performance of the duties imposed on the City Administrator as herein described. Bond fee will be paid by the City.

 

(7) The City Council and its members shall deal with the administrative services of the City only through the City Administrator except for the purpose of inquiry, and neither the City Council nor any members thereof shall give orders to any subordinate of the City Administrator.

 

(8) The City Administrator, in the discharge of his duties, shall have the right to expend an amount, not to exceed the limits set by the City Council, when entering into contracts for City work and/or Improvements and/or purchase of equipment, without advertising for bids, and within any dollar limitation as set by the City Council, to make any contract on behalf of the City for general purchases, maintenance, and improvements. The expenditure limitations herein is to apply to all departments of the City. (Ref. 17‑604 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑218  APPOINTED OFFICIALS; ZONING ADMINISTRATOR. The Mayor may appoint a Zoning Administrator, by and with the consent of the City Council. In the absence of a specific appointment by the Mayor, the City Administrator is hereby designated as the Zoning Administrator. (Ref. 17‑109, 17‑604 RS Neb.)

 

 


Article 3. Bonds and Oaths

 

§1‑301  BONDS; FORM. Official bonds of the Municipality shall be in form, joint and several, and shall be made payable to the Municipality in such penalty as the Governing Body may set by resolution; provided, the penalty amount on any bond shall not fall below the legal minimum, when one has been set by the State of Nebraska, for each particular official. All official bonds of the Municipal officials shall be executed by the principal named in such bonds and by at least two (2) sufficient sureties who shall be freeholders of the county, or by the official as principal and by a guaranty, surety, fidelity, or bonding company; provided no Municipal official, while still in his official term of office, shall be accepted as surety on any other official's bond, contractor's bond, license bond, or appeal bond under any circumstances. Only companies that are legally authorized to transact business in the State of Nebraska shall be eligible for suretyship on the bond of an official of the Municipality. All said bonds shall obligate the principal, and sureties for the faithful discharge of all duties required by law of such principal, and shall inure to the benefit of the Municipality and any persons who may be injured by a breach of the conditions of such bonds. No bond shall be deemed to be given or complete until the approval of the Governing Body, and all sureties are endorsed in writing on the said instrument by the Mayor and Municipal Clerk pursuant to the said approval of the Governing Body. The premium on any official bond required to be given may be paid out of the General Fund, or other proper Municipal fund, upon a resolution to that effect by the Governing Body at the beginning of any Municipal year. All official bonds, meeting the conditions herein, shall be filed with the Municipal Clerk for his official records, and it shall be the duty of the Municipal Clerk to furnish a certified copy of any bond so filed upon the payment of a fee which shall be set by resolution of the Governing Body. In the event that the sureties on the official bond of any officer of the Municipality, in the opinion of the Governing Body, become insufficient, the Governing Body may, by resolution, fix a reasonable time within which the said officer may give a new bond or additional sureties as directed. In the event that the officer should fail, refuse, or neglect to give a new bond, or additional sureties to the satisfaction, and approval of the Governing Body then the office shall, by such failure, refusal, or neglect, become vacant, and it shall be the duty of the Governing Body to appoint a competent, and qualified person to fill the said office. Any official who is re‑elected to office shall be required to file a new bond after each election. (Ref. 11‑103 through 11‑118, 17‑604 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑302  OATH OF OFFICE MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS.  All officials of the Municipality, whether elected or appointed, except when a different oath is specifically provided herein, shall, before entering upon their respective duties, take and subscribe the following oath which shall be endorsed upon their respective bonds:

 

"I ______________________________ do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all en­emies foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, and without mental reservation, or for the pur­pose of evasion; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of according to law, and to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force, or violence; and that during such time as I am in this position I will not advocate, nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence. So help me God." (Ref. 11‑101 RS Neb.)

 


Article 4. Corporate Seal

 

§1-401  SEAL; OFFICIAL CORPORATE. The official Corporate Seal of the Municipality shall be kept in the office of the Municipal Clerk, and shall bear the following inscription, 'The City of Fullerton, Nebraska, Seal." The Municipal Clerk shall affix an impression of the said official seal to all warrants, licenses, permits, ordinances, and all other official papers Issued by order of the Governing Body and countersigned by the Municipal Clerk. (Ref. 17‑502 RS Neb.)

 


Article 5. Meetings

 

§1‑501  MEETINGS; DEFINED. Meetings, as used in this Article shall mean all regular, special, or called meetings, formal or informal, of a public body for the purposes of briefing, discussion of public business, formation of tentative policy, or the taking of any action. (Ref.. 84‑1409(2) RS Neb.)

 

§1‑502  MEETINGS; PUBLIC BODY DEFINED. Public Body as used in this Article shall mean:

 

(1) The Governing Body of the Municipality.

(2) All Independent boards, commissions, bureaus, committees, councils, subunits, or any other bodies, now or hereafter created by Constitution, statute, ordinance or otherwise pursuant to law, and

(3) Advisory committees of the bodies listed above.

 

This Article shall not apply to subcommittees of such bodies unless a quorum of the public body attends a subcommittee meeting or unless such subcommittees are holding hearings, making policy or taking formal action on behalf of their parent body. (get. 84‑1409(1) RS Neb.)

 

§1‑503  MEETINGS; PUBLIC. All public meetings as defined by law shall be held in a Municipal public building which shall be open to attendance by the public. All meetings shall be held in the public building in which the Governing Body usually holds such meetings unless the publicized notice hereinafter required shall designate some other public building or other specified place. The advance publicized notice of all public convened meetings shall be simultaneously transmitted to all members of the Governing Body and to the public by a method designated by the Governing Body or by the Mayor if the Governing Body has not designated a method. Such notice shall contain the time and specific place for each meeting and either an enumeration of the agenda subjects known at the time of the notice, or a statement that such an agenda kept continually current shall be readily available for public inspection at the office of the Municipal Clerk. Except for items of an emergency nature, the agenda shall not be altered later than (a) twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled commencement of the meeting or (b) forty‑eight (48) hours before the scheduled commencement of a meeting of the Governing Body scheduled outside the corporate limits of the Municipality. The Governing Body shall have the right to modify the agenda to include items of an emergency nature only at such public meetings. The minutes of the Municipal Clerk shall include the record of the manner and advance time by which the advance publicized notice was given, a statement of how the availability of an agenda of the then known subjects was communicated, the time and specific place of the meetings, and the names of each member of the Governing Body present or absent at each convened meeting. The minutes of the Governing Body shall be a public record open to inspection by the public upon request at any reasonable time at the office of the Municipal Clerk. Any official action on any question or motion duly moved and seconded shall be taken only by roll call vote of the Governing Body in open session. The record of the Municipal Clerk shall show how each member voted, or that the member was absent and did not vote. (Ref. 84‑1408, 84‑1409, 84‑1411, 84‑1413 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑504  MEETINGS; CLOSED SESSIONS. (1) Any public body may hold a closed session by the affirmative vote of a majority of its voting members if a closed session is clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual and if such individual has not requested a public meeting. Closed sessions may be held for, but shall not be limited to, such reasons as:

 

(a)      Strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate purchases, pending litigation or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body;

 

(b)      Discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices;

 

(c)      Investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; or

 

(d)      Evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting.

 

Nothing in this section shall permit a closed meeting for discussion of the appointment or election of a new member to any public body.

 

(2) The vote to hold a closed session shall be taken in open session. The vote of each member on the question of holding a closed session, the reason for the closed session, and the time when the closed session commenced and concluded shall be recorded in the minutes. The public body holding such a closed session shall restrict its consideration to matters during the closed portions to only those purposes set forth in the minutes as the reason for the closed session. The meeting shall be reconvened in open session before any formal action may be taken. For purposes of this section, formal action shall mean a collective decision or a collective commitment or promise to make a decision on any question, motion, proposal, resolution, order, or ordinance or formation of a position or policy but shall include negotiating guidance given by members of the public body to legal counsel or other negotiations in closed sessions authorized under subsection (1) of this section.

 

(3) Any member of any public body shall have the right to challenge the continuation of a closed session if the member determines that the session has exceeded the reason stated In the original motion to hold a closed session or if the member contends that the closed session Is neither clearly necessary for (a) the protection of the public interest or (b) the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual. Such challenge shall be overruled only by a majority vote of the members of the public body. Such challenge and its disposition shall be recorded in the minutes.

 

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require that any meeting be closed to the public. No person or public body shall fail to invite a portion of its member's to a meeting and no public body shall designate itself a subcommittee of the whole body for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this Article. No closed session, informal meeting, chance meeting, social gathering, or electronic communication shall be used for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this Article. The provisions of this Article shall not apply to chance meetings. or to attendance at or travel to conventions or workshops of members of a public body at which there Is no meeting of the body then intentionally convened and there is no vote or other action taken regarding any matter over which the public body has supervision, control, jurisdiction, or advisory power. (Ref. 84‑1410 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑505  MEETINGS; EMERGENCY MEETINGS.  When it is necessary to hold an emergency meeting without reasonable advance public notice, the nature of the emergency shall be stated in the minutes and any formal action taken in such meeting shall pertain only to the emergency. Such emergency meetings may be held by means of electronic or telecommunication equipment. The provisions of section 1‑508 of this Article shall be complied with in conducting emergency meetings. Complete minutes of such emergency meetings specifying the nature of the emergency and any formal action taken at the meeting shall be made available to the public by no later than the end of the next regular business day. (Ref. 84‑1411 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑506  MEETINGS; MINUTES. (1) Each public body shall keep minutes of all meetings showing the time, place, members present and absent, and the substance of all matters discussed.

 

(2) The minutes shall be public records and open to public inspection during normal business hours.

 

(3) Minutes shall be written and available for inspection within ten (10) working days, or prior to the next convened meeting, whichever occurs earlier. (Ref. 84‑1412, 84‑1413 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑507  MEETINGS; VOTES. (1) Any action taken on any question or motion duly moved and seconded shall be by roll call vote of the public body in open session, and the record shall state how each member voted, or if the member was absent or not voting. The requirements of a roll call or viva voce vote shall be satisfied by the Municipality utilizing an electronic voting device which allows the yeas and nays of each member of the Governing Body to be readily seen by the public.

(2) The vote to elect leadership within a public body may be taken by secret ballot, but the total number of votes for each candidate shall be recorded in the minutes. (Ref. 17‑616, 84‑1413 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑508  MEETINGS; NOTICE TO NEWS MEDIA. The Municipal Clerk, Secretary, or other designee of each public body shall maintain a list of the news media requesting notification of meetings and shall make reasonable efforts to provide advance notification to them of the time and place of each meeting, and the subjects to be discussed at that meeting. (Ref. 84‑1411 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑509  MEETINGS; PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.  (1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, the public shall have the right to attend and the right to speak at meetings of public bodies and all or any part of a meeting of a public body, except for closed meetings called pursuant to section 1‑504 may be videotaped, televised, photographed, broadcast, or recorded by any person in attendance by means of a tape recorder, camera, video equipment, or any other means of pictorial or sonic reproduction or in writing.

 

(2) It shall not be a violation of this section for any public body to make and enforce reasonable rules and regulations regarding the conduct of persons attending, speaking at, videotaping, televising, photographing, broadcasting, or recording its meetings. A body may not be required to allow citizens to speak at each meeting, but it may not forbid public participation at all meetings. No public body shall require members of the public to identify themselves as a condition for admission to the meeting. The body may require any member of the public desiring to address the body to identify himself or herself. No public body shall for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this Article hold a meeting in a place known by the body to be too small to accommodate the anticipated audience. No public body shall be deemed in violation of this section if it holds its meeting in its traditional meeting place which is located in this State. An agency which contracts with municipalities outside the State of Nebraska may hold meetings of any committee outside the State of Nebraska if such meetings are held only in such contracting municipalities. Final action on any agenda item shall only be taken by the agency at a meeting in the State of Nebraska, which meeting shall comply with sections 84‑1408 to 84‑1414 RS Neb. The public body shall, upon request, make a reasonable effort to accommodate the public's right to hear the discussion and testimony presented at the meeting. Public bodies shall make available at the meeting, for examination and copying by members of the public, at least one (1) copy of all reproducible written material to be discussed at an open meeting. (Ref. 84‑1412, 18‑2438 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑510  MEETINGS; ORDER OF BUSINESS. All meetings of the Governing Body shall be open to the public. Promptly at the hour set by law on the day of each regular meeting, the members of the Governing Body, the Municipal Clerk, the Mayor, and such other Municipal officials that may be required shall take their regular stations in the meeting place, and the business of the Municipality shall be taken up for consideration and disposition in the manner prescribed by the official agenda on file at the office of the Municipal Clerk.

 

§1‑511  MEETINGS; CHANGE IN OFFICE . The change in office shall be made as follows: The Mayor and Council shall meet on the first regular meeting date in December of each year in which a Municipal election is held and the outgoing officers and the outgoing members of the Council shall present their reports, and upon the old Council having completed its business up to the said time, the outgoing members of the Council shall surrender their offices to the incoming members, and the outgoing officers shall thereupon each surrender to his successor in office all property, records, papers and moneys, belonging to the same. (Ref. 17‑107.02(9) RS Neb.)

 

§1‑512  MEETINGS; ORGANIZATIONAL. The newly elected Council shall convene at the regular place of meeting in the City on the first (1st) regular meeting in December of each year in which a Municipal election is held immediately after the prior Council adjourns and proceed to organize themselves for the ensuing year. The Mayor elected for the new municipal year shall call the meeting to order. The Council shall then proceed to examine the credentials of its members and other elective officers of the City to see that each has been duly and properly elected, and to see that such oaths and bonds have been given as are required. After ascertaining that all members are duly qualified, the Council shall then elect one of its own body who shall be styled as "President of the Council." The Mayor shall then nominate his candidates for appointive offices. He shall then proceed with the regular order of business. It is hereby made the duty of each and every member of the Council, or his or her successor in office, and of each officer elected to any office, to qualify prior to the first (1st) regular meeting in December following his election. All appointive officers shall qualify within two (2) weeks following their appointments. Qualification for each officer who is not required to give bond shall consist in his subscribing and taking an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Nebraska, the laws of the Municipality and to perform faithfully and impartially the duties of his office, said oath to be filed in the office of the Municipal Clerk. Each officer who is required to give a bond shall file the required bond in the office of the Municipal Clerk with sufficient sureties, conditioned on the faithful discharge of the duties of his office, with the oath endorsed thereon.

 

§1‑513  MEETINGS; REGULAR MEETING. (1) The regular stated meetings of the City Council of the City of Fullerton, Nebraska, shall be held on the third Tuesday of each month, commencing at the hour of seven o'clock P.M., effective May 2007.

 

(2) The stated and special meetings of the City Council shall be held at the City office situated at Pt. of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NE1/4SE1/4) of Section Fourteen (14), Township Sixteen (16) North, Range Six (6), West of the 6th P.M., Nance County, Nebraska; 20 rods x 20 rods except 70' x 146', lands in the City, being 2.27 acres.

 

(3) At all meetings of the Council a majority of the Council members shall constitute a quorum to do business.

 

§1‑514  MEETINGS; SPECIAL MEETINGS. (1) Special meetings may be called by the Mayor, or by three members of the City Council, the object of which shall be submitted to the Council in writing. The call and object, as well as the disposition thereof, shall be entered upon the journal by the Municipal Clerk. On filing the call for a special meeting, the Municipal Clerk shall notify the Council members of the special meeting, stating the time and its purpose. Notice of a special meeting need not be given to a Councilmember known to be out of the state, or physically unable to be present. A majority of the members of the City Council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of the absent members. Whether a quorum is present or not, all absent members shall be sent for and compelled to attend.

 

(2) At the hour appointed for the meeting, the Municipal Clerk shall proceed to call the roll of members and announce whether a quorum is present. If a quorum is present, the Council shall be called to order by the Mayor, if present, or if absent, by the President of the Council. In the absence of both the Mayor and the President of the Council, the City Council members shall elect a President pro tempore. All ordinances passed at any special meeting shall comply with procedures set forth in Chapter 1, Article 6 herein. (Ref. 17‑106 RS Neb.)

 


Article 6. Ordinances

 

§1‑601  ORDINANCES; GRANT OF POWER. The Governing Body shall have the responsibility of making all ordinances. by‑laws, rules, regulations, and resolutions, not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Nebraska, as may be necessary and proper for maintaining the peace, good government, and welfare of the Municipality and its trade, commerce, and security. (Ref. 17‑505 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑602  Repealed

 

§1‑603  ORDINANCES; RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS. Resolutions and motions shall be introduced in one of the methods prescribed for the introduction of ordinances. After their introduction, they shall be fully and distinctly read one (1) time in the presence and hearing of a majority of the members elected to the Council. The issue raised by said resolutions or motions shall be disposed of in accordance with the usage of parliamentary law adopted for the guidance of the Council. A majority vote shall be required to pass any resolution or motion. The vote on any resolution or motion shall be by roll call vote.

 

§1‑604  ORDINANCES; STYLE. The style of all Munici­pal ordinances shall be:

"Be it ordained by the Mayor and Council of the City of Fullerton, Nebraska." (Ref. 17‑613 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑605   ORDINANCES; TITLE. No ordinance shall contain a subject not clearly expressed in its title. (Ref. 17‑614 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑606   ORDINANCES; PASSAGE. Ordinances, resolutions, or orders for the appropriation of money shall require for their adoption a concurrence of the majority of the members of the Governing Body. Ordinances of a general or permanent nature shall be read by the title on three (3) different days unless three‑fourths (3/4) of the Governing Body vote to suspend this requirement, except that such requirement shall not be suspended for any ordinance for the annexation of territory. In case such requirement is suspended, the ordinance shall be read by title and then moved for final passage. Three‑fourths (3/4) of the Council may require any ordinance to be read in full before final passage under either process. (Ref. 17‑614 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑607  ORDINANCES; PUBLICATION OR POSTING. All ordinances of a general nature shall be published one (1) time within fifteen (15) days after they are passed in (a) some newspaper published in the Municipality or if no paper is published in the Municipality, then by posting a written or printed copy thereof in each of three (3) public places in the Municipality or (b) in book or pamphlet form. (Ref. 17‑613 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑608  ORDINANCES; CERTIFICATE OF PUBLI­CATION OR POSTING. The passage, approval, and publication or posting of all ordinances shall be sufficiently proven by a certificate under the Seal of the Municipality from the Municipal Clerk showing that the said ordinance was passed and approved, and when, and in what paper the same was published, or when, and by whom, and where the same was posted. (Ref. 17‑613 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑609  ORDINANCES; EMERGENCY ORDINANCES. In the case of riot, infectious or contagious diseases, or other impending danger, failure of a public utility, or other emergency requiring its immediate operation, such ordinance shall take effect upon the proclamation of the Mayor, and the posting thereof in at least three (3) of the most public places in the Municipality. Such emergency notice shall recite the emergency and be passed by a three‑fourths (3/4) vote of the Governing Body, and entered upon the Municipal Clerk's minutes. (Ref. 17‑613 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑610   ORDINANCES; AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS. No ordinance or section thereof shall be revised or amended unless the new ordinance contains the entire ordinance or section as revised or amended, and the ordinance or section so amended shall be repealed. (Ref. 17‑614 RS Neb.)

 

 


Article 7. Elections

 

§1‑701  ELECTIONS; GENERALLY. The Municipal primary and general election shall be held in accordance with the provisions of Chapter Thirty‑two (32) Revised Statutes of Nebraska. Said elections shall be held in conjunction with the State Primary and General Election. Prior to February One (1) of the year in which the first (1st) such joint election takes place, the Governing Body shall receive the consent in writing of the County Board to so hold the election and such authorization shall be prescribed according to state law. The County Clerk shall have charge of the election and shall have the authority to deputize the Municipal Clerk for Municipal election purposes. Charges shall be paid to the County Clerk as set forth in section 32‑4,147 RS Neb.

Commencing with the Statewide Primary Election in 1976, and every two (2) years thereafter, those candidates for Mayor and for positions on the City Council whose terms will be expiring shall be nominated at the Statewide Primary Election and elected at the Statewide General Election. (Ref. 1 7‑107.02(l). (2). 32‑4,146, 32‑4,147 RS Neb.)

                                   

§1‑702  ELECTIONS; TERM OF OFFICE. All elected officers of the Municipality shall serve a term of four (4) years and until their successors are elected and have qualified. (Ref. 17‑107.02 (2) RS Neb.)

 


Article 8. Fiscal Management

 

§1‑801  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Municipality for the purposes of taxation and appropriations, shall begin the first (1st) day in October of each year. (Ref. 17‑701 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑802  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; BUDGET STATEMENT­; FILING.  (1) The Governing Body shall adopt a budget statement to be termed the annual appropriation bill, in which are appropriated such sums of money as may be deemed necessary to defray all necessary expenses and liabilities of the Municipality, not exceeding in the aggregate the amount of tax authorized to be levied. The said ordinance shall specify the objects and purposes for which such appropriations are made and the amount appropriated for each purpose. Any balance unexpended and unobligated at the end of the fiscal year shall, unless reappropriated, lapse to the general fund.

(2) The annual appropriation bill shall not be amended without a majority vote of the Governing Body after a public hearing. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be published at least five (5) days prior to the date set for hearing in a newspaper of general circulation within the Municipality. The income arising from the operation of proprietary functions shall be deemed especially appropriated to the payment of the current expenses of and to the cost of improvements and extensions and additions to such functions and shall not be included in the annual appropriation bill. (Ref. 17‑706 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑803  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; BUDGET HEARING. Subsequent to the filing of the proposed budget statement, the Governing Body shall publish a proposed budget and conduct a public hearing on the proposed budget statement. Notice of the place and time of the said hearing, as well as a copy of the proposed budget, shall be published at least five (5) days prior to the date set for the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the Municipality. After such hearing, the statement shall be adopted, or amended, and adopted as amended, and a written record shall be made of such hearing, if the adopted budget statement reflects a change from that shown in the published proposed budget statement, a summary of such changes shall be published within twenty (20) days after its adoption. (Ref. 13‑506 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑804  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; BUDGET FILING. The Governing Body shall timely file with and certify to the levying board each year, and file with the Nebraska State Auditor, a copy of the adopted budget statement, together with the amount of the tax to be levied and proof of publication. The Governing Body shall not certify any tax that exceeds the maximum levy prescribed by State law; provided, in certifying the amount to be so levied, allowance may be made for delinquent taxes not exceeding five percent (5%) of the amount to be levied plus the actual percentage of delinquent taxes for the preceding tax year. (Ref. 13‑508 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑805  repealed

 

§1‑806  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; BUDGET PROCEDURE. The Manual of Instructions for City Budgets, prepared by the Auditor of Public Accounts, State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509 is incorporated by reference for the purpose of proper budget preparation.

 

§1‑807  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; PROPRIETARY FUNC­TIONS; FISCAL   YEAR; BUDGET STATEMENTS; FILING; HEARING; ADOPTION; RECONCILIATION. (1) Pursuant to the Municipal Proprietary Function Act, the Governing Body may prepare a proprietary budget statement for its proprietary functions separate and apart from its Municipal budget state­ment prepared pursuant to the Nebraska Budget Act. For pur­poses of this section, proprietary function shall mean a water supply or distribution utility, a wastewater collection or treat­ment utility, an electric generation, transmission, or distribution utility, a gas supply, transmission, or distribution utility, an integrated solid waste management collection, disposal, or handling utility, or a hospital or a nursing home owned by the Municipality.

(2) The Governing Body may establish a separate fiscal year for each proprietary function, except that any proprietary function which is subsidized by appropriations from the Municipality's general fund shall have the same fiscal year as the Municipality. For purposes of this section, subsidization shall mean that the costs of operation of a proprietary function are regularly financed by appropriations from the Municipality's general fund in excess of the amount paid by the Municipality to the proprietary function for actual service or services received.

(3) If the Municipality does not include its proprietary functions in Its Municipal budget statement, a proposed proprietary statement shall be prepared in writing on forms provided by the State Auditor and filed with the Municipal Clerk, at least thirty (30) days prior to the start of the fiscal year of each proprietary function, containing the following information:

(a) For the immediate two (2) prior fiscal years, the revenue from all sources, the unencumbered cash balance at the beginning and end of the year, the amount received by taxation, and the amount of actual expenditure;

(b) For the current fiscal year, actual and estimated revenue from all sources separately stated as to each such source, the actual unencumbered cash balance available at the beginning of the year, the amount received from taxation, and the amount of actual and estimated expenditure, whichever is applicable;

(c) For the immediately ensuing fiscal year, an estimate of revenue from all sources separately stated as to each such source, the actual or estimated unencumbered cash balance, whichever is applicable, to be available at the beginning of the year, the amounts proposed to be expended during the fiscal year, and the amount of cash reserve based on actual experience of prior years; and

(d) A uniform summary of the proposed budget statement which shall include a total of all funds maintained for the proprietary function.

Such statement shall contain the estimated cash reserve for each fiscal year and shall whether or not such reserve is encumbered. The cash reserve projections shall be based upon the actual experience of prior years.

(4)(a) After the proposed proprietary budget statement is filed with the Municipal Clerk, the Governing Body shall conduct a public hearing on such statement. Notice of the time and place of the hearing, a summary of the proposed proprietary budget statement, and notice that the full proposed proprietary budget statement is available for public review with the Municipal Clerk during normal business hours, shall be published at least five (5) days prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation within the Governing Body's jurisdiction or by mailing each resident within the Governing Body's jurisdiction.

(b) After such hearing, the proposed proprietary budget statement shall be adopted or amended and adopted as amended, and a written report shall be kept of such healing. If the adopted proprietary budget statement reflects a change from the proposed proprietary statement presented at the hearing, a copy of the adopted proprietary budget statement shall be filed with the Municipal Clerk within twenty (20) days after its adoption and published in a newspaper of general circulation within the Governing Body's jurisdiction or by mailing to each resident within the Governing Body's jurisdiction.

(5) If the actual expenditures for a proprietary function exceed the estimated expenditures in the proprietary budget statement during its fiscal year, the Governing Body shall adopt a proprietary function reconciliation statement within ninety (90) days after the end of such fiscal year which reflects any difference between the adopted proprietary budget statement for the previous fiscal year and the actual expenditures and revenue for such fiscal year. After the adoption of a proprietary function reconciliation statement, it shall be filed with the Municipal Clerk and published in a newspaper of general circulation within the Governing Body's jurisdiction or by mailing to each resident within the Governing Body's jurisdiction. If the difference between the adopted proprietary budget for the previous fiscal year and the actual expenditures and revenues for such fiscal year is greater than ten percent (10%). the proprietary function reconciliation statement shall only be adopted following a public hearing.

(6) Any income from a proprietary function which is transferred to the general fund of the Municipality shall be shown as a source of revenue in the Municipal budget statement created pursuant to the Nebraska Budget Act. (Ref. 18‑2803 to 18‑2808 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑808  REPEALED

 

§1‑809  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; GENERAL PROPERTY TAX. The Governing Body shall cause to be certified to the County Clerk the amount of tax to be levied upon the actual value of all the taxable property of the Municipality for the requirements of the adopted budget for the ensuing year, including all special assessments and taxes. The maximum amount of tax which may be certified and assessed shall not require a tax levy in excess of the legal maximum as prescribed by State law. (Ref. 17‑702 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑810  REPEALED

 

§1‑811  REPEALED

 

§1‑812  FISCAL MANAGEMENT;  ANNUAL AUDIT. The Governing Body shall cause an audit of the Municipal accounts to be made by a qualified accountant as required by State Law. (Ref. 19‑2961 through 19‑2909, 13‑606 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑813  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; CLAIMS. All claims against the Municipality shall be presented to the Governing Body in writing with a full account of the items, and no claim or demand shall be audited or allowed unless presented as provided for in this section. No costs shall be recovered against the Municipality in any action brought against it for an unliquidated claim which has not been presented to the Governing Body to be audited, nor upon claims allowed in part, unless the recovery shall be for a greater sum than the amount allowed, with the interest due. No order, or warrant shall be drawn in excess of eighty‑five (85%) percent of the current levy for the purpose for which it is drawn unless there shall be sufficient money in the Municipal Treasury for the appropriate fund against which it is to be drawn: provided, that in the event there exists obligated funds from the Federal and/or State government for the general purpose of such warrant, then such warrant may be drawn in excess of eighty‑five percent (85%), but not more than one hundred (100%) percent of the current levy for the purpose for which said warrant is drawn. (Ref. 17‑714, 17‑715 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑814  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; WARRANTS. All warrants drawn upon the Municipal Treasury must be signed by the Mayor and countersigned by the Municipal Clerk, stating the particular fund to which the warrant is chargeable, the person to whom it Is payable, and the purpose of the expenditure. No money shall be otherwise paid than upon warrants so drawn. Each warrant shall specify the amount included in the adopted budget statement for the fund upon which it is drawn, and the amount already expended of such fund. (Ref. 17‑711 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑815  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; TRANSFER OF FUNDS. The Governing Body may, whenever during the cur­rent fiscal year it becomes apparent due to unforeseen emer­gencies that there is temporarily insufficient money in a particular fund to meet the requirements of the adopted budget of expenditures for that fund, by a majority vote transfer money from other funds to such fund. No expenditure during any fis­cal year shall be made in excess of the amounts indicated in the adopted budget statement, except as authorized herein. If, as the result of unforeseen circumstances, the revenue of the current fiscal year shall be insufficient, the Governing Body may propose to supplement the previously adopted budget statement and shall conduct a public hearing at which time any taxpayer may appear, or file a written statement protesting the application for additional money. A written record shall be kept of all such hearings. Notice of a place, and time for the said hearing shall be published at least five (5) days prior to the date set for the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the Municipality. The published notice shall set forth the time, and place of the proposed hearing, the amount of additional money required, the purpose of the required money, a statement setting forth the reasons why the adopted budget of expenditures cannot be reduced to meet the need for additional money, and a copy of the summary of the originally adopted budget previously published. Upon the conclusion of the public hearing on the proposed supplemental budget, and the approval by the Governing Body, the Governing Body shall file with the County Clerk and the Nebraska State Auditor a copy of the supplemental budget, and shall certify the amount of additional tax to be levied. The Governing Body may then issue warrants in payment for expenditures authorized by the adopted supplemental budget. The said warrants shall be referred to as "registered warrants." and shall be repaid during the next fiscal year from funds derived from taxes levied therefor. (Ref. 13‑510, 13‑511 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑816  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FUND. All money received on special tax assessments shall be held by the Municipal Treasurer as a special fund to be applied to the payment of the improvement for which the assessment was made, and such money shall be used for no other purpose unless to reimburse the Municipality for money expended for any such improvement. (Ref. 17‑710 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑817  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; SINKING FUNDS. The Governing Body, subject to the limitations set forth herein, shall have the power to levy a tax not to exceed that prescribed by State law upon the assessed value of all taxable property within the Municipality for a term not to exceed that prescribed by State law in addition to the amount of tax which may be annually levied for the purposes of the adopted budget statement of the Municipality, for the purpose of establishing a sinking fund for the construction, purchase, improvement, extension, or repair of the approved uses as authorized by State law. To initiate the said sinking fund, the Governing Body shall declare its purpose by resolution to submit to the qualified electors of the Municipality the proposition to provide the improvement at the next general Municipal election. The resolution shall set forth the improvement, the estimated cost, the amount of the annual levy, the number of years required to provide the required revenue, the name of the sinking fund proposed, and the proposition as It will appear on the ballot.

 

Notice of the said proposition shall be published in its entirety three (3) times on successive weeks before the day of the election in a legal newspaper of general circulation In the Municipality. The sinking fund may be established after the election if a majority, or more of the legal votes were in favor of the establishment of the fund. The Governing Body may then proceed to establish the said fund in conformity with the provisions of the proposition, and applicable State law. The funds received by the Municipal Treasurer shall, as they accumulate, be immediately invested with the written approval of the Governing Body in the manner provided by State law. No sinking fund so established shall be used for any purpose or purposes contrary to the purpose as it appeared on the ballot unless the Governing Body is authorized to do so by sixty percent (60%) of the qualified electors of the Municipality voting at a general election favoring such a change in the use of the sinking fund. (Ref. 19‑1301 through 19‑1304, 77‑2337, 77‑2339 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑818  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; DEPOSIT OF FUNDS. The Governing Body, at its first (1st) meeting in each fiscal year, shall designate one (1) or more banks of approved and responsible standing in which the Municipal Treasurer shall keep at all times all money held by him; provided, if more than one (1) bank In the Municipality meets the requirements for approved banks as herein defined, the said funds shall be deposited in each of them, and the Municipal Treasurer shall not give a preference to any one (1) or more of them in the money he shall deposit. A bond shall be required from all banks so selected in a penal sum which equals the maximum amount on deposit at any time less the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or a pledge of sufficient assets of the bank to secure the payment of all such deposits. (Ref. 17‑607, 77‑2362 through 77‑2364 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑819  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; INVESTMENT OF FUNDS. Whenever a city has accumulated a surplus of any fund in excess of its current needs or has accumulated a sinking fund for the payment of its bonds and the money in such sinking fund exceeds the amount necessary to pay the principal and interest of any such bonds which become due during the current year, the Governing Body may invest any such surplus in certificates of deposit, in time deposits, and in any securities in which the State Investment Officer is authorized by law and as provided in the authorized Investment guidelines of the Nebraska Investment Council in effect on the date the investment is made. (Ref. 1 17‑608, 17‑609, 21‑1316.01. 77‑2341 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑820  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; BOND ISSUES. The Governing Body may, after meeting all the requirements of State law, issue bonds, fund bonds, and retire bonds for such purposes as may be permitted by State law. The Governing Body shall have the authority to levy special assessments for the payment of interest and principal on such bonds, and may spread the payments up to the maximum number of years permitted by State law. (Ref. 10‑201 through 10‑411, 10‑601 through 10‑614, 12‑1001. 17‑529.01. 17‑529.08. 17‑534, 17‑905, 17‑908, 17‑911, 17‑939, 17‑958, 17‑968, 18‑1801 through 18‑1805, 23‑343.13, 39‑836 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑821  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; MOTOR VEHICLE TAX. The Governing Body may levy a tax on all motor vehicles owned or used within the corporate limits of the municipality, which tax shall be paid to the County Treasurer when the registration fees as provided in sections 60‑329 to 60‑339, R.S. Neb., are paid. Such taxes shall be credited by the County Treasurer to the road fund of the municipality. Such funds shall be used by the municipality for constructing, resurfacing, maintaining, or improving streets, roads, alleys, public ways, or parts thereof, for the amortization of bonded indebtedness when created for such purposes. (Ref. 18‑1214 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑822  FISCAL MANAGEMENT; LOCAL SALES TAX, ADMINISTRATION; PURPOSE.  (1) From and after the first (1st) day of July, 1989, pursuant to the provisions of the Local Option Revenue Act, sections 77‑27,142 to 77‑27.148 RS Neb., as amended from time to time, there is hereby imposed a sales and use tax of one percent (1%) upon the same transactions within the corporate limits of the City of Fullerton, Nebraska, on which the State of Nebraska is authorized to impose a sales and use tax pursuant to the provisions of the Nebraska Revenue Act of 1967, as amended from time to time.

(2) The administration of the sales and use tax imposed by subsection (1) of this section, the making of returns for the ascertainment, assessment and collection and for the distribution of the taxes so imposed shall be a provided in sections 77‑27,142 to 77‑27.148 RS Neb., as amended from time to time.

(3) The sales and use tax imposed by subsection (1) of this section shall become effective on July 1. 1989, in accordance with the provisions of section 77‑27,143 RS Neb., which provides that for ordinances passed after October 1, 1969, the effective date shall be the first day of the next calendar quarter following receipt by the Tax Commissioner of the certified copy of the adopting ordinance, provided, the certified copy of the adopting ordinance is received sixty (60) days prior to the start of the next calendar quarter.

(4) The local sales and use tax provided for in this section shall continue in full force and effect for so long as it is necessary to provide property tax relief, or until to electorate of the City of Fullerton, Nance County, Nebraska, vote at an election to eliminate the local sales and use tax. (Ref. 77‑27,142 through 77‑27,148 RS Neb.)

 


Article 9. Compensation

 

§1‑901  COMPENSATION; MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS. The compensation of any elective official of the Municipality shall not be increased or diminished during the term for which he shall have been elected except when there has been a merger of offices; provided, the compensation of the members of the Governing Body, a board, or commission may be increased or diminished at the beginning of the full term of any member whether or not the terms of one or more members commence and end at different times. No elected official may be rehired at a greater salary if he resigns and desires to be rehired during the unexpired term of office. He may be rehired after the term of office during which he resigned at a greater salary. All salaries shall be set by ordinance of the Governing Body and will be available for public inspection at the office of the Municipal Clerk. (Ref. 17‑108.02, 17‑612 RS Neb.)

 

§1‑902  COMPENSATION; CONFLICT OF INTEREST. (1) For purposes of this section officer shall mean (a) any member of any board or commission of the Municipality, (b) any appointed official if such municipal official (i) serves on a board or commission which spends and administers its own funds and (ii) is dealing with a contract made by such board or commission, or (c) any elected municipal official. Unless specified otherwise, volunteer firefighters and ambulance drivers shall not be considered officers for purposes of this section, with respect to their duties as firefighters and ambulance drivers.

(2) No officer of the Municipality shall be permitted to benefit from any contract to which the Municipality is a party. The existence of such an interest in any contract renders the contract voidable by decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as to any person who entered into the contract or took assignment thereof with actual knowledge of the prohibited conflict. An action to have a contract declared void under this section may be brought by the Municipality or by any resident thereof and must be brought within one (1) year after the contract is signed or assigned. Any such decree may provide for the reimbursement of any person for the reasonable value of all money, goods, material, labor, or services furnished under the contract, to the extent that the Municipality has benefited thereby. The prohibition in this section shall apply only when the officer or his or her parent, spouse, or child (a) has a business with which the individual is associated or business association which shall mean a business: (i) in which the individual is a partner, director, or officer, (ii) in which the individual or a member of the individual's immediate family is a stockholder of a closed corporation stock worth one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or more at fair market value or which represents more than five percent (5%) equity interest; (iii) or is a stockholder of publicly traded stock worth ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) or more at fair market value or which represents more than ten percent (10%) equity interest or (b) will receive a direct pecuniary fee or commission as a result of the contract, provided however, if such officer is an employee of the business involved in the contract and has no ownership interest or will not receive a pecuniary fee such officer shall not be deemed to have an interest within the meaning of this section.

 

(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply if the interested officer:

 

(a)   Makes a declaration on the record to the Governmental Body responsible for approving the contract regarding the nature and extent of his or her interest, prior to official consideration of the contract;

(b)   Does not vote on the matter of granting the contract, except that if the number of members of the Board declaring an interest in the contract would prevent the Board, with all members present, from securing a quorum on the issue, then all members may vote on the matter; and

 (c)  Does not act for the Municipality as to inspection or performance under the contract in which he or she has an interest.

 

(4) The receiving of deposits, cashing of checks, and buying and selling of warrants and bonds of indebtedness of any Municipality by a financial institution shall not be considered a contract under the provisions of this section. The ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of a corporation shall not constitute an interest within the meaning of this section. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (3), if an officer's parent, spouse or child is an employee of the Municipality, the officer may vote on all issues of the contract which are generally applicable to all employees or all employees within a classification and do not single out his or her parent, spouse, or child for special action. If an officer has the power to employ personnel and he or she hires his or her parent, spouse, or child, such officer shall disclose the hiring pursuant to subsection (5), except that if the parent, spouse, or child is already employed in the position at the time the officer takes office and such position does not change, no disclosure need be made. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any contract entered into with an interested officer shall be subject to applicable competitive bidding requirements and shall be fair and reasonable to the Municipality.

 

(5) The Municipal Clerk shall maintain, separately from other records, a ledger containing the information listed in subdivisions (a) through (e) of this subsection about every contract entered into by the Municipality in which an officer has an interest as specified above for which disclosure is made as provided in subsection (3). Such information shall be kept in the ledger for five (5) years from the date of the officer's last day in office and shall include the:

 

(a) Names of the contracting parties;

(b) Nature of the interest of the officer in question;

(c) Date that the contract was approved by the Municipality involved;

(d) Amount of the contract; and

(e) Basic terms of the contract.

 

      (6) The information supplied relative to the contract shall be provided to the Clerk not later than ten (10) days after the contract has been signed by both parties. The ledger kept by the Clerk shall be available for public inspection during the normal working hours of the office in which it is kept.

 

(7) An open account established for the benefit of any Municipality or entity thereof, with a business in which an officer has an interest, shall be deemed a contract subject to the provisions of this section. The statement required to be filed pursuant to this section shall be filed within ten (10) days after such account is opened. Thereafter, the Clerk shall maintain a running account of all amounts purchased on the open account. Purchases made from petty cash or a petty cash fund shall not be subject to the provisions of this section.

 

(8) The Municipality may enact ordinances exempting from the provisions of this section, contracts involving one hundred dollars ($100.00) or less in which an officer of such Municipality may have an interest.

 

(9) No officer, including volunteer firefighters and ambulance drivers, shall receive any pay or perquisites from the Municipality other than his or her salary. The Governing Body shall not pay or appropriate any money or other valuable thing to pay a person who is not an officer for the performance of any act, service, or duty, which shall come within the proper scope of the duties of any officer of the Municipality. (Ref. 17‑611, 18‑305 through 18‑312, 49‑14,103.01 through 49‑14,103.03, 70‑624.04 RS Neb.)

 


Article 10. Initiative and Referendum

 

§1‑1001 to 1-1015 Repealed

 

 


Article 11. Penal Provision

 

§1‑1101  VIOLATION; PENALTY. Any person who shall violate or refuse to comply with the enforcement of any of the provisions of this Chapter, set forth at full length herein or incorporated by reference shall be deemed guilty of an offense and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than five hundred ($500.00) dollars for each offense. A new violation shall be deemed to have been committed every twenty‑four (24) hours of such failure to comply.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


CHAPTER 2

COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS

 

Article 1.  Standing Committees

 

§2-101 STANDING COMMITTEES; GENERAL PROVISIONS.  At the organizational meeting of the City Council, the Mayor shall appoint members of such standing committees as the City Council may by ordinance, or resolution create. The membership of such standing committees may be changed at any time by the Mayor. The Mayor shall be a member ex officio of each standing committee. The members of the standing committees shall serve a term of office of one (1) year, unless reappointed.

            The following standing committees shall be appointed or reappointed each year until changed by the Governing Body:

 

            Finance

            Public Health Board

            Public Safety

            Public Utilities

            Streets

 


Article 2.  Commissions and Boards

 

§2-201 LIBRARY BOARD. The Library Board shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by a majority vote of the City Council. The Board shall consist of five (5) members who shall be residents of the City.  The members of the Library Board shall serve a four (4) year term of office as specified by Nebraska statutes.  The Board shall serve without compensation and may be required, in the discretion of the City Council, to give a bond in a sum set by resolution of the City Council, and conditioned upon the faithful performance of their duties.  At the time of the Board's first (1st) meeting in July of each year, the Board shall organize by selecting from their number a Chairman and Secretary.  It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep the full and correct minutes and records of all meetings, and to file the same with the City Clerk where they shall be available for public inspection at any reasonable time.  A majority of the Board members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  The Board shall meet at such times as the Board may designate.  Special  meetings may be held upon the call of the Chairman, or any three (3) members of the Board.  The Library Board shall have the authority to appoint a librarian and all other employees.  It shall be the duty of the Board to have general charge of the City Library and to establish appropriate rules and regulations for the management, operation, and use of the same.  The Board shall have supervisory authority over all employees of the library including the librarian.  All actions of the Board shall be subject to the review and supervision of the City Council.  The Board shall be responsible for making such reports and performing such additional duties as the City Council may designate from time to time.  No member of the City Council shall serve as a member of the Library Board while serving a term of office as a member of the City Council.  No member of the Library Board shall serve in the capacity of both the chairman and secretary of the Board.  (Ref. 51-202 RS Neb.)

 

§2-202 PLANNING COMMISSION.  The Governing Body shall appoint the Planning Commission which shall consist of nine (9) members who shall represent, insofar as is possible, the different professions or occupations in the Municipality and who shall be residents of the Municipality.  However, two (2) of such members may be residents of the area over which the Municipality is authorized to exercise extraterritorial zoning and subdivision regulations.  The members of the Commission shall serve a three (3) year term of office unless reappointed, except that three (3) members of the first Commission to be so appointed shall serve for the term of one (1) year, three (3) for the term of two (2) years, and three (3) for a term of three (3) years.  But if the Planning Commission has either five (5) or seven (7) members, approximately one-third (1/3) of the members of the first Commission shall serve for a term of one (1) year, one-third (1/3) for a term of two (2) years, and one-third (1/3) for a term of three (3) years.  The Commission shall serve without compensation and may be required, in the discretion of the Governing Body, to give a bond in a sum set by resolution of the Governing Body, and conditioned upon the faithful performance of their duties.  At the time of the Commission's first (1st) meeting in June of each year, the Commission shall organize by selecting from its membership a Chairman and Secretary.  It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the full and correct minutes and records of all meetings and to file the same with the Municipal Clerk where they shall be available for public inspection at any reasonable time.  The Planning Commission shall be funded by the Governing Body from time to time out of the General Fund.  A majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of doing business.  Special meetings may be held upon the call of the Chairman, or any three (3) members of the Commission.  It shall be the duty of the Commission to make and adopt plans for the physical development of the Municipality, including any areas outside its boundaries which, the Commission's judgment, bear relation to the planning of the Municipality.  All actions by the Commission shall be subject to the review and supervision of the Governing Body.  Recommendations from the Commission shall be received by the Governing Body within forty-five (45) days after the Commission begins consideration of a matter relating to the comprehensive development plan, capital improvements, building codes, subdivision development, the annexation of territory, or zoning.  The Commission shall be responsible for making such reports and performing such other duties as the Governing Body may, from time to time, designate.  No member of the Governing Body, or other Municipal official, except where otherwise specifically provided, shall serve as a member of the Planning Commission while serving any other term of office.  No member of the Planning Commission shall serve in the capacity of both the Chairman and Secretary of the Commission.  (Ref. 19-924 through 19-929 RS Neb.)

 

§2-203 BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT.  The Governing Body shall appoint the Board of Zoning Adjustment which shall consist of five (5) regular members plus one (1) additional member designated as an alternate who shall attend and serve only when one of the regular members is unable to attend for any reason. Each member of the Board shall serve a term of three (3) years, unless reappointed, and shall be removable only for good and sufficient cause by the Governing Body upon written charges and after a public hearing. The members of the Board shall serve without compensation and may be required, in the discretion of the Governing Body, to give a bond in a sum set by resolution of the Governing Body, and conditioned upon the faithful performance of their duties. One (1) member of the Board of Zoning Adjustment shall be at the same time

a member of the Planning Commission at all times. Upon the loss of membership on the Planning Commission the said member shall also lose his membership on the Board of Zoning Adjustment. The Board shall organize at its first (1st) meeting in June of each year and elect from its membership a Chairman and Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep complete and accurate minutes of all Board meetings and to file the same at the office of the Municipal Clerk for examination at any reasonable time by the public. The Board of Zoning Adjustment shall be funded from time to time out of the General Fund by the Governing Body. Meetings of the Board shall be held at such times as the Governing Body may designate, or at such other times as the Chairman may, in his discretion call a meeting. Special meetings may be also held upon the call of any three (3) members of the Board. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of doing business. It shall be the duty of the Board to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by a Municipal official based on any zoning ordinance of the Municipality; to hear and decide in accordance with the provisions of any zoning ordinance, requests for interpretation of any map; and authorize a variance from the strict application of any zoning ordinance if it is found that a specific piece of property, due to exceptional specifications existing at the time of passage of the said ordinance, would result in exceptional difficulties and undue hardship; provided, that no variance shall be granted if the undue hardship appears to affect the property in the district generally, or if the situation of the property concerned appears to be so general or recurring in nature as to make reasonably practicable, the formulation of a general regulation to be adopted by the Governing Body as an ordinance. The concurring vote of four (4) members of the Board shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by a Municipal official on any matter which was governed by any Municipal zoning ordinance. In the event that the Governing Body chooses not to appoint a Board of Zoning Adjustment, the Governing Body may, by ordinance, provide that it shall constitute the Board of Zoning Adjustment and shall have the same duties, powers, and authority as provided herein. The Board shall be responsible for making such reports and performing such other duties as the Governing Body may designate. No member of the Governing Body shall serve as a member of the Board of Zoning Adjustment except as herein provided. No member of the Board of Zoning Adjustment shall serve in the capacity of both Chairman and Secretary of the Board.  (Ref. 19-907 through 19-910, 84-155 RS Neb.)

 

§2-204 BOARD OF HEALTH.  The Governing Body shall appoint a Board of Health which shall consist of four (4) members. The members of the Board shall include the Mayor, who shall serve as Chairman; the Police Chief, who shall serve as Secretary and quarantine officer; a physician who shall serve as the medical advisor; and the President of the City Council. The members of the Board shall serve, without compensation, a one (1) year term of office, unless reappointed, and shall reorganize at the first (1st) meeting in June of each year. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the full and correct minutes and records of all meetings and to file the same with the Municipal Clerk where they shall be available for public inspection at any reasonable time. The Board of Health shall be funded by the Governing Body from time to time out of the General Fund. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of doing business.  The Board shall meet at such times as the Governing Body may designate. Special meetings may be held upon the call of the Chairman, or any two (2) members of the Board. It shall be the duty of the Board to enact rules and regulations which shall have the full force and effect of law, to safeguard the health of the residents of the Municipality. Included in the duties of the Board shall be to enforce the said rules and regulations, and to provide fines and punishments for any violations thereof. It may regulate, suppress, and prevent the occurrence of nuisances and shall actively enforce all laws of the State of Nebraska and ordinances of the Municipality relating to matters of sanitation which affect the health and safety of the people. The Board shall regularly inspect such premises and businesses as the Governing Body may direct. All members of the Board shall be responsible for making such reports and performing such other duties as the Governing Body may, from time to time, designate. No member of the Board of Health shall hold more than one (1) Board of Health position. (Ref. 17-121 RS Neb.)

 

§2-205 PARK, RECREATION AND TREE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.         

            (1) There is hereby created a Park and Recreation Board for the City of Fullerton, Nance County, Nebraska.  Said Board shall be composed of six members who shall be resident land owners of the City.

            (2) Said Board shall have charge of all parks, recreational facilities, including the tennis court and swimming pool belonging to the City. The Board shall have power to establish rules for management, care, and use of facilities. The Board, when requested by the Mayor and City Council, shall consider, investigate and make findings and a recommendation upon any special matter coming within the scope of its authority and work.

            (3) Six members shall be appointed to the Park & Recreation Board.  Members shall be appointed for a term of two years.  The terms of three members will expire in alternating years of the other three members.  Board members shall serve until their successors are appointed.  Board members may be reappointed. 

            (4) Each Board member shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council.  The Mayor may dismiss any member of the Board at his/her pleasure at any time.

            (5) The Board shall have power to expend funds form the City Treasury not to exceed, however, the Park and Recreation budget allotted in the City budget.  This power of the Board to expend funds is, however, subject to the restriction that before any expenditure of $1,500.00 or more is made that such expenditure will be presented to the Mayor and City Council for their approval. 

 

§2-206  JOINT HOUSING AUTHORITY.  (1) Pursuant to the authority granted in section 71-1519, the City of Fullerton hereby joins the Central Nebraska Joint Housing Authority to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing for persons of low income residing within the corporate limits of the Municipality.  The area of operation of the Central Nebraska Joint Housing Authority shall be an area equivalent to the total areas of operation which the housing authorities, if created separately by the members establishing the Joint Housing Authority, would have.

            (2) The Mayor shall appoint, with the consent of the City Council, one (1) Commissioner who shall serve a term of five (5) years from the date of his or her appointment.  All vacancies in that position of Commissioner shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the Mayor, with the consent

of the City Council.  Tenancy in a project established by the Central Nebraska Joint Housing Authority shall not preclude the appointment of any person to serve as a Commissioner on such Joint Housing Authority.  (Ref. 71-1519, 71-1522 through 71-1524 RS Neb.)

 

§2-207 COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE COMMITTEE.  (1) There is hereby created a Community Health Service Committee in conjunction with Saint Francis Medical Center of Grand Island, Nebraska.  The Community Health Service Committee shall consist of six (6) members; four (4) of which shall be appointed by the Mayor, by and with the consent of the City Council and two (2) to be appointed by Saint Francis Medical Center.  The Committee member's terms shall be staggered according to the Committee's by-laws.

            (2) A fund shall be set up which fund shall be administered by the Community Health Service Committee.  The Municipality shall place thirty thousand dollars ($30.000.00) into the fund and Saint Francis Medical Center shall place fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) into the fund.  The expenditures of funds from the fund established by this section shall be handled by the approval of a majority of the Committee members.  In the event that the Committee would be disbanded, any funds left in the fund established by this section shall be distributed in the same percentage as the fund were contributed to the fund.

 


Article 3.  Penal Provision

 

§2-301 VIOLATION; PENALTY.  Any person who shall violate or refuse to comply with the enforcement of any of the provisions of this Chapter, set forth at full length herein or incorporated by reference shall be deemed guilty of an offense and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than five hundred ($500.00) dollars for each offense. A new violation shall be deemed to have been committed every twenty‑four (24) hours of such failure to comply.


CHAPTER 3

DEPARTMENTS

 

Article 1.  Water Department

 

§3-101 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; OPERATION AND FUNDING.  The Municipality owns and operates the Municipal Water Department through the Water Commissioner. The Governing Body, for the purpose of defraying the cost of the care, management, and maintenance of the Municipal Water Department may each year levy a tax not exceeding the maximum limit prescribed by State law, on the actual valuation of all real estate and personal property within the corporate limits that is subject to taxation. The revenue from the said tax shall be known as the Water Fund and shall remain in the custody of the Municipal Treasurer. The Water Commissioner shall have the direct management and control of the Municipal Water Department and shall faithfully carry out the duties of his office.  The Water Commissioner shall have the authority to adopt rules and regulations for the sanitary and efficient management of the Water Department subject to the supervision and review of the Governing Body. The Governing Body shall set the rates to be charged for services rendered by ordinance and shall file a copy of the rates in the office of the Municipal Clerk for public inspection at any reasonable time. (Ref. 17-531, 17-534, 19-1305 RS Neb.)

 

§3-102 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; DEFINITIONS.  The following definitions shall be applied throughout this Article. Where no definition is specified, the normal dictionary usage of the word shall apply.

 

MAIN.  The term ''main'' is hereby defined to be any pipe other than a supply or service pipe that is used for the purpose of carrying water to, and dispersing the same in the Municipality.

 

SUPPLY PIPE.  The term ''supply pipe'' is hereby defined to be any pipe tapped into a main and extending from there to a point at or near the lot line of the consumer's premise where the shut-off, stop box, or curb cock is located.

 

SERVICE PIPE.  The term ''service pipe'' is hereby defined to be any pipe extending from the shut-off, stop box, or curb cock at or near the lot line to and beyond the property line of the consumer to the location on the premise where the water is to be dispersed.

 

SEPARATE PREMISE.  The term ''separate premise'' is hereby defined to be more than one (1) consumer procuring water from the same service or supply pipe. The second (2nd) premise may be a separate dwelling, apartment, building, or structure used for a separate business.

 

§3-103       MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; CONSUMER'S APPLICATION.  Every person or persons desiring a supply of water must make application therefore to the Water Commissioner. The Commissioner shall require applicants who do not or have not had, in existence a past payment history in "GOOD STANDING" meaning a history of no late payments, late charges or reconnect fees of at least 12 months consecutively, the following shall apply.

      Effective June 1, 2002 a 12-month period of "GOOD STANDING" will take effect and apply to all existing accounts, providing passage of amendment of ordinance by council.

1 .  The Water Commissioner shall require a service deposit in the amount of $ 100.00 to be placed on file at the office of the Municipal Clerk.

2.   A service deposit may be refunded to the consumer after a period of 12 months only if the following criteria is met. The consumer has had no late payments, no late charges or no reconnect fees on file of each individual account.

3.   The Water commissioner may at its reasonable discretion make a decision to determine a late payment status due to an emergency situation, which could show just cause of a late payment to be excused. An excused late payment shall only be allowed 1 time in a 12-month billing period.

4.   Should a service deposit be returned after a period of 12 months of good standing, the Water Commissioner shall be able to require a new deposit in the amount of $100.00 if the individual account shall fall into a non-excusable past due status at any time during a regular billing cycle.

5.   Should any person or persons require more than 1 service of utility supply to more than 1 individual occupancy, the Water Commissioner shall require a single deposit to apply to all service accounts, provided that billing shall be applied to only one (1) individual responsible party. Should any other party be responsible for the billing of service for the sole purpose of occupancy that individual responsible patty will be required to make a deposit of $100.00.

      a.         If during a 12 month period, should 1 or more accounts become delinquent, where a single deposit has been applied, a new deposit will be required for each individual past due account.

6.   Payments must be received non-delinquent non-cxcusable for a period of 12 consecutive months, if at any time during that 12 month time period should a payment fall past due, the 12 month period will start again until status is 12 months consecutive.

7.   After a 12-month period of "GOOD STANDING" the City of Fullerton will credit the deposit amount to the account. If the party who paid the deposit requests a complete refund and not credit, that option will also be available. Credit to accounts will not take effect until after June 1, 2003 and will be done accordingly to a bimonthly-billing basis.

8.   Should the account terminate for whatever reason, the City of Fullerton will not refund a deposit until after a period of 30 days of final reading. If there remains a balance due to the City of Fullerton, the deposit shall first be applied to balance; any remaining deposit amount will then be refunded. If no balance remains, full reimbursement of deposit will be refunded.

 

§3-104 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; SERVICE TO NONRESIDENTS.  The Water Department shall not supply water service to any person outside the corporate limits without special permission from the Governing Body.  If special permission is granted by the Governing Body, and a commercial main is within one hundred feet (100') of the corporate limits, the cost of running a supply pipe to the corporate limits shall be borne by the Municipality, and all other costs of providing water service shall be paid by the consumer.  In all other cases in which special permission is granted, the entire cost of laying mains, supply pipe, and service pipe shall be paid by the consumer.  Nothing herein shall be construed to obligate the Municipality to provide water service to nonresidents. (Ref. 19-2701 RS Neb.)

 

§3-105 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; WATER CONTRACT.  The Municipality through its Water Department, may furnish water to persons within its corporate limits whose premises abut a street or alley in which a commercial main now is laid. The Municipality may furnish water to persons within its corporate limits whose premises do not abut a street or alley in which a Municipal commercial main is now or may hereafter be laid and may also furnish water to persons whose premises are situated outside the corporate limits of the Municipality, as and when, according to law, the Governing Body may see fit to do so. The Municipality shall pay the cost of running a supply pipe one hundred feet (100') or to the property owner's line, whichever comes first.  All other costs of providing water service shall be paid by the consumer.  The rules, regulations, and water rates hereinafter named in this Article, shall be considered a part of every application hereafter made for water service and shall be considered a part of the contract between every consumer now or hereafter served. Without further formality, the making of application on the part of any applicant or the use or consumption of water service by present consumers thereof and the furnishing of water service to said consumer shall constitute a contract between the consumer and the Municipality, to which said contract both parties are bound. If the consumer shall violate any of the provisions of said contract or any reasonable rules and regulations that the Governing Body may hereafter adopt, the Water Commissioner or his agent, may cut off or disconnect the water service from the building or premise or place of such violation.  No further connection for water service to said building, premise, or place shall again be made

except by order of said Commissioner or his agent.

 

§3-106 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; INSTALLATION PROCEDURE.  In making excavations in streets, alleys, or sidewalks for the purpose of installing pipe, or making repairs, the paving, stones, and earth must be removed and deposited in a manner that will occasion the least inconvenience to the public and provide for adequate drainage. No person shall leave an excavation made in the street, alley, or sidewalk open at any time without a barricade, and during the night, warning lights. After service pipes are laid, the streets, alleys, and sidewalks shall be restored to good condition. If the excavation in any street, alley, or sidewalk is left open or unfinished for a period of twenty-four (24) hours or more, the Water Commissioner shall have the duty to finish or correct the work, and all expenses so incurred shall be charged to the consumer. All installations or repairs of pipes require two (2) inspections by the Water Commissioner.  The first (1st) inspection shall be made when connections or repairs are completed and before the pipes are covered. The second (2nd) inspection shall be made after the dirt work is completed and the service is restored. It is the customer's responsibility to notify the Water Commissioner at the time the work is ready for each inspection. All installation shall be done under the supervision and strictly in accordance with the rules, regulations, and specifications prescribed for such installation by the Water Commissioner; provided that the said rules, regulations, and specifications have been reviewed and approved by the Governing Body. (Ref. 17-537 RS Neb.)

 

§3-107 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; INSTALLATION EXPENSE.  The Municipality shall pay the cost of tapping the main, installing the meter, and providing fixtures and labor up to and including the stop box or curb stop at the lot line of the customer.  The customer shall pay a tap fee in the amount as set by ordinance of the Governing Body.  Such tap fees shall be on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk and available for public inspection during office hours.  No person other than the Water Commissioner or his duly authorized agent shall tap the water main.  The customer shall at his own expense bring service from the stop box or curb stop to the place of dispersement and shall employ a plumber who shall install water service to the place of dispersement.  (Ref. 17-542 RS Neb.)

 

§3-108 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE.  The Municipality shall repair or replace, as the case may be, all supply pipe between the commercial main and the stop box.  The customer at his own expense shall replace and keep in repair all service pipe from the stop box to the place of dispersement. When leaks occur in service pipes, the Water Commissioner shall shut off water service until the leak is repaired at the expense of the customer to the satisfaction of the Water Commissioner. All water meters shall be kept in repair by the Municipality at the expense of the Municipality. When meters are worn out, they shall be replaced and reset by the Municipality at the expense of the Municipality; provided, that if the customer permits or allows a water meter to be damaged, injured, or destroyed through his own recklessness, carelessness, or neglect so that the meter must be repaired or replaced, the Water Commissioner shall bill and collect from the customer the cost of such meter repair or replacement in the same manner as water rent is collected. Permitting a water meter to be damaged or destroyed by freezing shall always be considered negligence on the part of the customer. All meters shall be tested at the customer's request at the expense of the customer any reasonable number of times; provided, that if the test shows the water meter to be running two (2%) percent or more fast, the expense of such test shall be borne by the Municipality. The Municipality reserves the right to test any water service meter at any time, and if said meter is found to be beyond repair the Municipality shall always have the right to place a new meter on the customer's water service fixtures at Municipal expense. Should a consumer's meter fail to register properly, the customer shall be charged for water during the time the meter is out of repair on the basis of the quarterly consumption during the same quarter of the preceding year; provided, that if no such basis for comparison exists, the customer shall be charged such amount as may be reasonably fixed by the Water Commissioner. It shall be unlawful for any person to tamper with any water meter, or by any means or device to divert water from the service pipe so that the same shall not pass through said meter, or while passing through said meter, to cause the same to register inaccurately.  (Ref. 17-537 RS Neb.)

 

§3-109 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; WATER RATES.  The Mayor and City Council shall establish water rates and charges and regulations for the payment of the same.  The rates and regulations are not of a permanent nature and are kept on record at the City Offices.

 

§3-110 (Rates) Not published herein but kept on record at the City Offices.

 

§3-111 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; MINIMUM RATES.  All water consumers shall be liable for the minimum rate provided by ordinance unless and until the consumer shall, by written order, direct the Water Commissioner to shut off the water at the stop box, in which case he shall not be liable thereafter for water rental until the water is turned  on again. (Ref. 17-542 RS Neb.) In the event a consumer directsw the Water Commissioner to shut off the water and the stop box, as set out above, and thereafter requests te water to be turned on again, the consumer shall pay a reconnection fee in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00)

 

§3-112 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; SINGLE PREMISE.  No consumer shall supply water to other families, or allow them to take water from his premise, nor after water is supplied into a building shall any person make or employ a plumber or other person to make a tap or connection with the pipe upon the premise for alteration, extension, or attachment without the written permission of the Water Commissioner. It shall further be unlawful for any person to tamper with any water meter or by means of any contrivance or device to divert the water from the service pipe so that the water will not pass through the meter or while passing through said meter to cause the meter to register inaccurately.  (Ref. 17-537 RS Neb.)

 

§3-113 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; RESTRICTED USE.  The Governing Body or the Water Commissioner may order a reduction in the use of water or shut off the water on any premise in the event of a water shortage due to fire or other good and sufficient cause. The Municipality shall not be liable for any damages caused by shutting off the supply of water of any consumer while the system or any part thereof is undergoing repairs or when there is a shortage of water due to circumstances over which the Municipality has no control. (Ref. 17-537 RS Neb.)

 

§3-114 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; FIRE HYDRANTS.  All hydrants for the purpose of extinguishing fires are hereby declared to be public hydrants, and it shall be unlawful for any person other than members of the Municipal Fire Department under the orders of the Fire Chief, or the Assistant Fire Chief; or members of the Water Department to open or attempt to open any of the hydrants and draw water from the same, or in any manner to interfere with the hydrants.

 

§3-115 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; POLLUTION.  It shall be unlawful for any person to pollute or attempt to pollute any stream or source of water for the supply of the Municipal Water Department. (Ref. 17-536 RS Neb.)

 

§3-116 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; WATER SERVICE CONTRACTS.  Contracts for water service are not transferable. Any person wishing to change from one location to another shall make a new application and sign a new contract. If any consumer shall move from the premise where service is furnished, or if the said premise is destroyed by fire or other casualty, he shall at once inform the Water Commissioner who shall cause the water service to be shut off at the said premise. If the consumer should fail to give such notice, he shall be charged for all water used on the said premise until the Water Commissioner is otherwise advised of such circumstances.  (Ref. 17-537 RS Neb.)

 

§3-117 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; INSPECTION. The Water Commissioner, or his duly authorized agents, shall have free access, at any reasonable time, to all parts of each premise and building to, or in which, water is delivered for the purpose of examining the pipes, fixtures, and other portions of the system to ascertain whether there is any disrepair or unnecessary waste of water. (Ref. 17-537 RS Neb.)

 

§3-118 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; POLICE REPORTS.  It shall be the duty of the Municipal Police to report to the Water Commissioner all cases of leakage and waste in the use of water and all violations of the Municipal Code relating to the Water Department. They shall have the additional duty of enforcing the observance of all such regulations.

 

§3-119 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.  It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully or carelessly break, injure, or deface any building, machinery, apparatus, fixture, attachment, or appurtenance of the Municipal Water Department. No person may deposit anything in a stop box or commit any act tending to obstruct or impair the intended use of any of the above mentioned property without the written permission of the Water Commissioner.

 

§3-120 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; TIME.  All taps or plumbing work done on or to the Municipal water system shall be done between the hours of seven (7:00) o'clock A.M. and four (4:00) o'clock P.M. Monday through Friday. (Ref. 17-537 RS Neb.)

 

§3-121 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; PURPOSE.

(1)  To protect the public potable water supply served by the Fullerton Water Department from the possibility of contamination or pollution by isolating, within its consumers internal distribution system, such contaminants or pollutants which could backflow or backsiphon into the public water system.

(2)  To promote the elimination or control of existing cross connections, actual or potential, between its customers' in-plant potable water systems, and non-potable systems.

(3)  To provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of cross connection control which will effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of all potable water systems by cross connection.

 

§3-122 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; AUTHORITY.

(1)  The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act of 1874, and the statutes of the State of Nebraska Chapter 71, the water purveyor has the primary responsibility for preventing water from unapproved sources, or any other substances, from entering the public potable water system.

(2)  Fullerton Water Department, Rules and Regulations, adopted.

 

§3-123 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; RESPONSIBILITY.  The Water Commissioner shall be responsible for the protection of the public potable water distribution system from contamination or pollution due to the backflow or backsiphonage of contaminants or pollutants through the water service connection.  If, in the judgment of the Water Commissioner, an approved backflow device is required at the City's water service connection to any customer's premises, the Water Commissioner, or his delegated agent shall give notice in writing to said customer to install an approved backflow prevention device at each service connection to his premises.  The customer shall, within 90 days install such approved device, or devices, at his own expense, and failure or refusal, or inability on the part of the customer to install said device or devices within ninety (90) days, shall constitute a ground for discontinuing water service to the premises until such device or devices have been properly installed.

 

§3-124 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; DEFINITIONS.

  (1) Approved - Accepted by the Water Commissioner as meeting an applicable specification stated or cited in this regulation, or as suitable for the proposed use.

  (2) Auxiliary Water Supply - Any water supply, on or available, to the premises other than the purveyor's approved public potable water supply.

  (3) Backflow - The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances, under positive or reduced pressure in the distribution pipes of a potable water supply from any source other than its intended source.

  (4) Backflow Preventer - A device or means designed to prevent backflow or backsiphonage.  Most commonly categorized as air gap, reduced pressure principle device, double check valve assembly, pressure vacuum breaker, atmospheric vacuum breaker, hose bib vacuum breaker, residential dual check, double check with intermediate atmospheric vent, and barometric loop.

 

(a)   Air Gap - A physical separation sufficient to prevent backflow between the free-flowing discharge end of the potable water system and any other system.  Physically defined as a distance equal to twice the diameter of the supply side pipe diameter but never less than one (1) inch.

(b)   Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker - A device which prevents backsiphonage by creating an atmospheric vent when there is either a negative pressure or sub-atmospheric pressure in a water system.

(c)   Barometric Loop - A fabricated piping arrangement rising at least thirty-five (35) feet at its topmost point above the highest fixture it supplies.  It is utilized in water supply systems to protect against backsiphonage.

(d)        Double Check Valve Assembly - An assembly of two (2) independently operating spring loaded check valves with tightly closing shut off valves on each side of the check valves, plus properly located test cocks for the testing of each check valve.

(e)   Double Check Valve with Intermediate Atmospheric Vent - A device having two (2) spring loaded check valves separated by an atmospheric vent chamber.

(f)    Hose Bib Vacuum Breaker - A device which is permanently attached to a hose bib and which acts as an atmospheric vacuum breaker.

(g)   Pressure Vacuum Breaker - A device containing one or two independently operated spring loaded check valves and an independently operated spring loaded air inlet valve located on the discharge side of the check or checks.  Device includes tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valves and properly located test cocks for the testing of the check valve(s).

(h)   Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer - An assembly consisting of two (2) independently operating approved check valves with an automatically operating differential relief valve located between the two (2) check valves, tightly closing shut-off valves on each side of the check valves plus properly located test cocks for the testing of the check valves and the relief valves.

(i)         Residential Dual Check - An assembly of two (2) spring loaded, independently operating check valves without tightly closing shut-off valves and test cocks.  Generally employed immediately downstream of the water meter to act as a containment device.

 

  (5) Backpressure - A condition in which the owners system pressure is greater than the suppliers system pressure.

  (6)      Backsiphonage - The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply system from any source other than its intended source caused by the sudden reduction of pressure in the potable water supply system.

  (7) Containment - A method of backflow prevention which requires a backflow prevention preventer at the water service entrance.

  (8) Contaminant - A substance that will impair the quality of the water to a degree that it creates a serious health hazard to the public leading to poisoning or the spread of disease.

  (9) Cross Connection - Any actual or potential connection between the public water supply and a source of contamination or pollution.

(10) Department - City of Fullerton Water Department.

(11) Department of Health - The State of Nebraska Department of Health.

(12) Fixture Isolation - A method of backflow prevention in which a backflow preventer is located to correct a cross connection at an in-plant location rather than at a water service entrance.

(13) Owner - Any person who has legal title to, or license to operate or habitat in, a property upon which a cross connection inspection is to be made or upon which a cross connection is present.

(14) Person - Any individual, partnership, company, public or private corporation, political subdivision or agency of the State Department agency or instrumentality or the United States or any other legal entity.

(15) Permit - A document issued by the Department which allows the use of a backflow preventer.

(16)      Pollutant - A foreign substance, that if permitted to get into the public water system, will degrade its quality so as to constitute a moderate hazard, or impair the usefulness or quality of the water to a degree which does not create an actual hazard to the public health but which does adversely and unreasonably effect such water for domestic use.

(17) Water Service Entrance - That point in the owners water system beyond the sanitary control of the Department; generally considered to be the outlet end of the water meter and always before any unprotected branch.

(18)      Water Commissioner - The Director or his delegated representative in charge of the Fullerton Water Department, is invested with the authority and responsibility for the implementation of a cross connection control program for the enforcement of the provisions of sections 3-121 through 30-133.

 

§3-125 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; ADMINISTRATION.

(1)  The Department will operate a cross connection control program, to include the keeping of necessary records, which fulfills the requirements of the Department of Health's Cross Connection Regulations and is approved by the Department of Health.

(2)  The owner shall allow his property to be inspected for possible cross connections and shall follow the provisions of the Department's program and the Department of Health's Regulations if a cross connection is permitted.

(3)  If the Department requires that the public supply be protected by containment, the owner shall be responsible for water quality beyond the outlet end of the containment device and should utilize fixture outlet protection for that purpose. 

 

      He may utilize public health officials, or personnel from the Department or their delegated representatives, to assist him in the survey of his facilities and to assist him in the selection of proper fixture outlet devices, and the proper installation of these devices.

 

§3-126 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; REQUIREMENTS.

(1)  Department

 

(a)  On new installations, the Department will provide on-site evaluation and/or inspection of plans in order to determine the type of backflow preventer, if any, that will be required, will issue permit, and perform inspection and testing.  In any case, a minimum of a dual check valve will be required in any new construction.

(b)  For premises existing prior to the start of this program the Department will perform evaluations and inspections of plans and/or premises and inform the owner by letter of any corrective action deemed necessary, the method of achieving the correction, and the time allowed for the correction to be made.  Ordinarily, ninety (90) days will be allowed, however, this time period may be shortened depending upon the degree of hazard involved and the history of the device(s) in question.

(c)  The Department will not allow any cross connection to remain unless it is protected by an approved backflow preventer for which a permit has been issued and which will be regularly tested to insure satisfactory operation.

(d)  The Department shall inform the owner by letter, of any failure to comply, by the time of the first re-inspection.  The Department will allow an additional fifteen (15) days for the correction.  In the event the owner fails to comply with the necessary correction by the time of the second re-inspection, the Department will inform the owner by letter, that the water service to the owner's premises will be terminated within a period not to exceed seven (7) days.  In the event that the owner informs the Department of extenuating circumstances as to why the correction has not been made, a time extension may be granted by the Department but in no case will exceed an additional thirty (30) days.

(e)  If the Department determines at any time that a serious threat to the public health exists, the water service will be terminated immediately.

(f)   The Department shall have on file, a list of private contractors who are certified backflow device testers.  All charges for these tests will be paid by the owner of the building or property.

(g)  The Department will begin initial premises inspections to determine the nature of existing or potential hazards, following the approval of this program by the Department of Health, during the calendar year 1990.  Initial focus will be on high hazard industries and commercial premises.

 

(2)        Owner

 

(a)  The owner shall be responsible for the elimination or protection of all cross connections on this premises.

(b)  The owner, after having been informed by a letter from the Department, shall at his expense, install, maintain, and test, or have tested, any and all backflow preventers on his premises.

(c)  The owner shall correct any malfunction of the backflow preventer which is revealed by periodic testing.

(d)  The owner shall inform the Department of any proposed or modified cross connections and also any existing cross connections of which the owner is aware but has not been found by the Department.

(e)  The owner shall not install a by-pass around any backflow preventer unless there is a backflow preventer of the same type on the bypass.  Owners who cannot shut down operation for testing of the device(s) must supply additional devices necessary to allow testing to take place.

(f)   The owner shall install backflow preventers in a manner approved by the Department.

(g)  The owner shall install only backflow preventers approved by the Department or the Department of Health.

(h)  Any owner having a private well or other private water source must have a permit if the well or source is cross connected to the Department's system.  Permission to cross connect may be denied by the Department.  The owner may be required to install a backflow preventer at the service entrance if a private water source is maintained, even if it is not cross connected to the Department's system.

(i)   In the event the owner installs plumbing to provide potable water for domestic purposes which is on the Department's side of the backflow preventer, such plumbing must have its own backflow preventer.

(j)         The owner shall be responsible for the payment of all fees for permits, annual or semiannual device testing, re-testing in the case that the device fails to operate correctly, and second re-inspections for noncompliance with Department or Department of Health requirements.

 

§3-127 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; DEGREE OF HAZARD.  The Department recognizes the threat to the public water system arising from cross connections.  All threats will be classified by degree of hazard and will require the installation of approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention devices or double check valves.

 

§3-128 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; PERMITS.

(1) The Department shall not permit a cross connection within the public water supply system unless it is considered necessary and that it cannot be eliminated.

(2) Cross connection permits that are required for each backflow prevention device are obtained from the Department.  A fee of $5.00 will be charged for the initial permit and $5.00 for the renewal of each permit.

(3) Permits shall be renewed every five (5) years and are non-transferable.  Permits are subject to revocation and become immediately revoked if the owner should so change the type of cross connection or degree of hazard associated with the service.

(4) A permit is not required when fixture isolation is achieved with the utilization of a non-testable backflow preventer.

 

§3-129 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; EXISTING IN-USE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES.  Any existing backflow preventer shall be allowed by the Department to continue in service unless the degree of hazard is such as to supersede the effectiveness of the present backflow preventer, or result in an unreasonable risk to the public health.  Where the degree of hazard has increased, as in the case of a residential installation converting to a business establishment, any existing backflow preventer must be upgraded to a reduced pressure principle device, or a reduced pressure principle device must be installed in the event that no backflow device is present.

 

§3-130 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; PERIODIC TEST- ING.

(1) Reduced pressure principle backflow devices shall be tested and inspected at least semi-annually.

(2) Periodic testing shall be performed by the Department's certified tester or his delegated representative.  This testing will be done at the owner's expense.

(3) The testing shall be conducted during the Department's regular business hours.  Exceptions to this, when at the request of the owner, may require additional charges to cover the increased costs to the Department.

(4) Any backflow preventer which fails during a periodic test will be repaired or replaced.  When repairs are necessary, upon completion of the repair the device will be re-tested at owners expense to insure correct operation.  High hazard situations will not be allowed to continue unprotected if the backflow preventer fails the test and cannot be repaired immediately.  In other situations, a compliance date of not more than thirty (30) days after the test date will be established.  The owner is responsible for spare parts, repair tools, or a replacement device.  Parallel installation of two (2) devices is an effective means of the owner insuring that uninterrupted water service during testing or repair of devices and is strongly recommended when the owner desires such continuity.

(5) Backflow prevention devices will be tested more frequently than specified in (1) above, in cases where there is a history of test failures and the Department feels that due to the degree of hazard involved, additional testing is warranted.  Cost of the additional tests will be born by the owner.

 

§3-131 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; RECORDS AND REPORTS.

(1)  Records

 

      The Department will initiate and maintain the following:

 

(a)  Master files on customer cross connection tests and/or inspections.

(b)  Master files on cross connection permits.

(c)  Copies of permits and permit applications.

(d)  Copies of lists and summaries supplied to the Department of Health.

 

(2)  Reports

 

      The Department will submit the following to the Department of Health.

 

(a)  Initial listing of low hazard cross connections to the State.

(b)  Initial listing of high hazard cross connections to the State.

(c)  Annual update lists of items 1 and 2 above.

(d)  Annual summary of cross connection inspections to the State.

 

§3-132 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; FEES AND CHARGES.  The Department will publish a list of fees or charges for the following services or permits:

 

(1)  Testing fees

(2)  Re-testing fees

(3)  Fee for re-inspection

(4)  Charges for after-hours inspections or tests.

 

§3-133 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; BACKFLOW/ BACKSIPHONAGE PREVENTION; RESIDENTIAL DUAL CHECK DEVICES REQUIRED; STRAINERS.  (1) Effective the date of the acceptance of this Cross Connection Control Program for the Town of Fullerton all new residential buildings will be required to install a residential dual check device immediately downstream of the water meter.  Installation of this residential dual check device on a retrofit basis on existing service lines will be instituted at a time and at a potential cost to the homeowner as deemed necessary by the Department.

            (2) The owner must be aware that installation of a residential dual check valve results in a potential closed plumbing system within his residence.  As such, provisions may have to be made by the owner to provide for thermal expansion within his closed loop system, i.e., the installation of thermal expansion devices and/or pressure relief valves.

            (3) The Department strongly recommends that all new retrofit installations of reduced pressure principle devices and double check valve backflow preventers include the installation of strainers located immediately upstream of the backflow device.  The installation of strainers will preclude the fouling of backflow devices due to both foreseen and unforeseen circumstances occurring to the water supply system such as water main repairs, water main breaks, fires, periodic cleaning and flushing of mains, etc.  These occurrences may "stir up" debris within the water main that will cause fouling of backflow devices installed without the benefit of strainers.

 

§3-134 MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT; FLUORIDATION OF WATER SUPPLY.  That necessary equipment be installed and maintained for the injection of fluoride into the Municipal water supply to comply with the vote of the people on November 5, 1974 according to the provisions of LB 449 (Laws 1973) and to comply with the regulations as prescribed by Division of Environmental Engineering, State Department of Health.  Fluoride shall be injected into the Municipal water supply in an amount adequate to comply with LB 449 and the vote of the people. 

       

 

§3‑135. DRILLING OR INSTALLATION OF OTHER FACILITIES WITHIN DESIGNATED DISTANCE FROM MUNICIPAL WATER SOURCES; PROHIBITED. (1) Under no circumstances shall the City Council approve any permit to drill or operate any of the below described facility within the indicated number of feet from the City of Fullerton Municipal water wells:

 

Non potable water well ‑ within 1,000 feet;

Any other well ‑ within 1,000 feet;

Sewage lagoon ‑ within 1,000 feet;

Absorption or disposal field for water ‑ within 500 feet;

Cesspool ‑ within 500 feet;

Dumping grounds ‑ within 500 feet,

Feedlot or feedlot runoff ‑ within 500 feet;

Livestock pasture or corral ‑within 500 feet;

Chemical product storage facility ‑ within 500 feet;

Petroleum product storage facility ‑ within 500 feet;

Pit toilet ‑ within 500 feet;

Sanitary landfill ‑ within 500 feet;

Septic tank ‑within 500 feet;

Sewage treatment plant ‑ within 500 feet;

Sewage wet well ‑ within 500 feet.

 

            (2) No well may be drilled within the zoning jurisdiction of the City of Fullerton without applying for a permit and paying a fee of $15.00. The permit will be reviewed by the City Council at a regular meeting at which the Council will review the application and either approve or deny the application. No permit will be approved for a potable water well unless the applicant has first applied for public water services and such services were denied or unless the applicant can show that public water service is not feasible. All wells must be drilled by a licensed well driller and all wells must be drilled according to state regulations and meet state set-back requirements and the City set-back requirements set forth in part in part one of this Ordinance, whichever is more restrictive.

 

§ 3-136 PENALTIES AND ABATEMENT PROCEDURE. In the event any of the above described facilities are installed or operated without first having obtained a permit from the City of Fullerton and/or within a designated number of feet from the municipal water supply, then such facilities shall be deemed a nuisance and the governing board shall abate such facility as a public nuisance.  In addition thereto, any person violating any of the terms of this ordinance is hereby determined to be "guilty" of an offense and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than five hundred ($500.00) dollars for each offense.  A new violation shall be deemed to have been committed every twenty-four hours of such failure to comply.

 


Article 2.  Sewer Department

 

§3-201 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; OPERATION AND FUNDING.  (1) The Municipality owns and operates the Municipal Sewer System through the Sewer Superintendent. The Governing Body, for the purpose of defraying the cost of the operation, maintenance and replacement (OM&R) of the Municipal Sewer System may establish a user charge system based on actual use and revise the charges, if necessary, to accomplish the following:

 

(a) Maintain the proportional distribution of operation, maintenance and replacement (OM&R) costs among  users  and user classes;

(b)  Generate adequate revenues to pay the costs of OM&R;

(c)  Apply excess revenues collected  from a class of users to the costs of OM&R attributable to that class for the next year and adjust the rates accordingly.

 

            (2) The revenue from the said user charge system based on actual use shall be known as the Operation, Maintenance and Replacement Fund. The Sewer Superintendent shall have the direct management and control of the Sewer Department and shall faithfully carry out the duties of his office. He shall have the authority to adopt rules and regulations for the sanitary and efficient management of the Department subject to the supervision and review of the Governing Body.  (Ref.  17-149, 17-925.01 RS Neb.)

 

§3-202 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; DEFINITION OF TERMS.  Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this Article shall be as follows:

 

"BOD" (denoting Biochemical Oxygen Demand) shall mean the quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under

standard laboratory procedure in five (5) days at twenty (20) degrees C., expressed in milligrams per liter.

 

"Building Drain" shall mean that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system which receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the building sewer, beginning five (5) feet (1.5 meters) outside the inner face of the building wall.

 

"Building Sewer" shall mean the extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal.

 

"Combined Sewer" shall mean a sewer receiving both surface runoff and sewage.

 

"Consumer"  shall mean all users of the Municipal sewerage system of the City; the owners and tenants of real estate and buildings connected with said sewerage system, or served thereby; and all users of said system who in any way use the same or discharge sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, water or other liquid either directly or indirectly into the sewerage system of said City.

 

"Garbage" shall mean solid wastes from the domestic and commercial preparation, cooking, and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage, and sale of produce.

 

"Industrial Wastes" shall mean the liquid wastes from industrial manufacturing processes, trade, or business as distinct from sanitary sewage.

 

"Natural Outlet" shall mean any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake, or other body of surface or groundwater.

 

"Person" shall mean any individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation, or group.

 

"pH" shall mean the logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution.

 

"Properly Shredded Garbage" shall mean the wastes from the preparation, cooking, and dispensing of food that have been shredded to such a degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than one-half (1/2) inch (1.27 centimeters) in any dimension.

 

''Public Sewer'' shall mean a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have equal rights, and is controlled by public authority.

 

"Residential Contributor" shall mean any contributor to the City's sewerage system whose lot, parcel of real estate, or building is used for single family dwelling purposes only.

 

''Sanitary Sewer'' shall mean a sewer which carries sewage and to which storm, surface, and groundwaters are not intentionally admitted.

 

''Sewage'' shall mean a combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions, and industrial establishments together with such ground, surface, and stormwaters as may be present.

 

''Sewage Treatment Plant'' shall mean any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.

 

"Sewage Works" shall mean all facilities for collecting, pumping, treating and disposing of sewage.

 

''Sewer'' shall mean a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.

 

''Shall'' is mandatory; ''May'' is permissive.

 

''Slug'' shall mean any discharge of water, sewage, or industrial waste which in concentration of any given constituent or in quantity of flow exceeds for any period of duration longer than fifteen (15) minutes more than five (5) times the average twenty-four (24) hour concentration or flows during normal operation.

 

''Storm Drain'' (sometimes termed ''storm sewer'') shall mean a sewer which carries storm and surface waters and drainage, but excludes sewage and industrial wastes, other than unpolluted cooling water.

 

''Superintendent'' shall mean the Sewer Superintendent of the City of Fullerton, Nebraska or his authorized deputy, agent, or representative.

 

''Suspended Solids'' shall mean solids that either float on the surface of, or are in suspension in water, sewage, or other liquids, and are removable by filtering.

 

''Watercourse'' shall mean a channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently.

 

§3-203 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; APPLICATION FOR PERMIT.  Any person wishing to connect with the Sewer System shall make an application therefor to the Municipal Clerk. The Municipal Clerk may require any applicant to make a service deposit in such amount as set by ordinance of the Governing Body.  Sewer service may not be supplied to any house or building except upon the written order of the Sewer Superintendent. The Department shall not supply sewer service to any person outside the corporate limits without special permission from the Governing Body; provided, that the entire cost of pipe and other installation charges shall be paid by such consumers. Nothing herein shall be construed to obligate the Municipality to provide sewer service to nonresidents.  (Ref. 17-149, 18-503 RS Neb.)

 

§3-204 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; SEWER CONTRACT.  The Municipality through the Municipal Sewer Department shall furnish sewer services to persons within its corporate limits whose premises abut a street or alley in which a commercial main is now or may hereafter be laid. The Municipality may also furnish sewer service to persons whose premises are situated outside the corporate limits of the Municipality, as and when, according to law, the Governing Body may see fit to do so.  The rules, regulations, and sewer rental rates hereinafter named in this Article, shall be considered a part of every application hereafter made for sewer service and shall be considered a part of the contract between every customer now or hereafter served. Without further formality, the making of the application on the part of any applicant or the use of sewer service by present customers thereof shall constitute a contract between the customer and the Municipality to which said contract both parties are bound. If the customer shall violate any of the provisions of said contract or any reasonable rules and regulations that the Governing Body may hereafter adopt, the Sewer Superintendent, or his agent, may cut off or disconnect the sewer service from the building or premise of such violation. No further connection for sewer service to said building or premise shall again be made save or except by order of the Sewer Superintendent or his agent. (Ref. 17-901, 17-902, 18-503 RS Neb.)

 

§3-205 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; SERVICE CONTRACTS.  Contracts for sewer service are not transferable. Any person wishing to change from one location to another shall make a new application and sign a new contract. If any customer shall move from the premise where service is furnished, or if the said premise is destroyed by fire or other casualty, he shall at once inform the Sewer Superintendent who shall cause the sewer service to be shut off from the said premise. If the customer should fail to give notice, he shall be charged for that period of time until the official in charge of sewers is otherwise advised of such circumstances. (Ref. 17-901, 17-902, 18-503 RS Neb.)

 

§3-206 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; USER CHARGE RATES.  Sewer rates are non-permanent in nature and are kept on record at the City Offices.

 

§3-207 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPLACEMENT FUND.  (1) All monies raised from user charges for sewerage shall be used for maintenance or operation of the existing system and for principal and interest on bonds issued, as provided by law, or to create a replacement fund for the purpose of future maintenance or construction of a new sewer system, or construction of a new treatment system for the City of Fullerton, Nebraska.  That portion of the total user charge collected which is designated for operation and maintenance, including replacement purposes as established in section 3-206, shall be deposited in a separate non-lapsing fund known as the Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement Fund, and will be kept in two primary accounts, as follows:

 

(a)        An account designated for the specific purpose of defraying operation and maintenance costs, excluding replacement, of the sewerage system (Operation and Maintenance Account).

(b)  An account designated for the specific purpose of ensuring replacement needs over the useful life of the sewerage system (Replacement Account).  Deposits in the Replacement Account shall be made annually from the operation, maintenance, and replacement revenue in the amount of $2,750.00 annually.

 

            (2) Fiscal year-end balances in the Operation and Maintenance Account and the Replacement Account shall be carried over to the same accounts in the subsequent fiscal year, and shall be used for no other purposes than those designated for these accounts.  Monies which have been transferred from other sources to meet temporary shortages in the operation, maintenance and replacement fund shall be returned to their respective accounts upon appropriate adjustment of the user charge rates.  The user charge rate shall be adjusted such that the transferred monies will be returned to their respective accounts within the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the monies were borrowed.

 

§3-208 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; USER CHARGE REVIEW.  At least once every two years, the Mayor and Council shall review the sewer user charge system in order to maintain its adequacy to pay the costs of operation and maintenance, including replacement costs, and the proportionality of charges among the users.  Any excess revenues collected for a class of users shall be credited to that class for the next year, and its rates will be adjusted accordingly.

 

§3-209 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; USER CHARGE NOTIFICATION.  The City shall notify each user at least annually, in conjunction with a regular bill, of the rate being charged for operation and maintenance, including replacement, of the sewerage system.

 

§3-210 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; USER CHARGE RATES; EXCEPTION.  Where, in the judgment of the Sewer Superintendent, special conditions surrounding the use of City water to the extent that the application of the service charges, user charge rates, or rentals, as specified herein, would be inequitable and unfair to either the City of Fullerton or the contributors, the Sewer Superintendent shall recommend to the City Council a special rate applying to such contributors.  Such special rates shall apply to all contributors to the sanitary utilities of the City under like circumstances.

 

§3-211 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; CLASSIFICATION.  The Governing Body may classify for the purpose of rental fees the customers of the Municipal Sewer Department; provided, that such classifications are reasonable and do not discriminate unlawfully against any consumer or group of consumers.  (Ref. 17-925.02 RS Neb.)

 

§3-212 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT;  PUBLIC SEWERS REQUIRED; UNLAWFUL DEPOSIT OF WASTES.  It shall be unlawful for any person to place, deposit, or permit to be deposited in any unsanitary manner on public or private property within the City of Fullerton, or in any area under the jurisdiction of said City, any human or animal excrement, garbage, or other objectionable waste.

 

§3-213 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PUBLIC SEWERS REQUIRED; UNLAWFUL DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED SEWAGE.  It shall be unlawful to discharge to any natural outlet within the City of Fullerton, or in any area under the jurisdiction of said City, any sewage or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with subsequent provisions of this Article.

 

§3-214 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PUBLIC SEWERS REQUIRED; CESSPOOLS, PRIVIES, AND SEPTIC TANKS PROHIBITED.  Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage.

 

§3-215 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PUBLIC SEWERS REQUIRED; MANDATORY HOOK-UP.  The owner of all houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purposes, situated within the City abutting on any street, alley, or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located a public sanitary or combined sewer of the City is hereby required at his expense to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this Article, within ninety (90) days after date of official notice to do so, provided that said public sewer is within thirty (30) feet of the property line.

 

§3-216 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL; WHEN APPLICABLE.  (1) Where a public sanitary or combined sewer is not available under the provisions of section 3-215, the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this Article.

                        (2) At such time as a public sewer becomes available to a property served by a private sewage disposal system, as provided in section 3-215, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in compliance with this Article, and any septic tanks, cesspools, and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material.

 

§3-217 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM; PERMIT REQUIRED; FEE.  Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the Superintendent.  The application for such permit shall be made on a form furnished by the City which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications, and other information as are deemed necessary by the Superintendent.  A permit and inspection fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be paid to the Municipal Clerk at the time the application is filed.

 

§3-218 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM; PERMIT, WHEN EFFECTIVE; INSPECTIONS.  A permit for a private sewage disposal system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the Superintendent.  He shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction and, in any event, the applicant for the permit shall notify the Superintendent when the work is ready for final inspection, and before any underground portions are covered.  The inspection shall be made within twenty-four (24) hours of the receipt of notice by the Superintendent.

 

§3-219 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM; SPECIFICATIONS.  The type, capacities, location, and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the Department of Health of the State of Nebraska.  No permit shall be issued for any private sewage disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities where the area of the lot is less than 20,000 square feet.  No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any natural outlet.

 

§3-220 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM; MAINTENANCE.  The owner shall operate and maintain the private disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the City.

 

§3-221 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM; ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.  No statement contained in this Article shall be construed to interfere with any additional requirements that may be imposed by the Health Officer.

 

 

§3-222 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM; CONNECTION TO PUBLIC SEWER; WHEN REQUIRED.  When a public sewer becomes available, the building sewer shall be connected to said sewer within sixty (60) days and the private sewage disposal system shall be cleaned of sludge with clean bank-run gravel or dirt.

 

§3-223 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; BUILDING SEWER INSTALLATION; CLASSIFICATION; PERMIT APPLICATION; FEE.  There shall be two (2) classes of building sewer permits:  (a) for residential and commercial service, and (b) for service to establishments producing industrial wastes.  In either case, the owner or his agent shall make application on a special form furnished by the City.  The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the Superintendent.  A permit and inspection fee of ten dollars ($10.00) for a residential or commercial building sewer permit and ten dollars ($10.00) for an industrial building sewer permit shall be paid to the Municipal Clerk at the time the application is filed.

 

§3-224 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; BUILDING SEWER INSTALLATION; EXPENSE.  All costs and expense incident to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner.  The owner shall indemnify the City from any loss or damage that may directly be occasioned by the installation of the building sewer.

 

§3-225 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; BUILDING SEWER INSTALLATION; SINGLE PREMISE.  A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building; except where one building stands at the rear of another on an interior lot and no private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, court, yard, or driveway, the building sewer from the front building may be extended to the rear building and the whole considered as one building sewer.

 

§3-226 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; BUILDING SEWER INSTALLATION; USE OF EXISTING SEWERS.  Old building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, on examination and test by the Superintendent, to meet all requirements of this Article.

 

§3-227 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; BUILDING SEWER INSTALLATION; CONSTRUCTION CODES.  (1) The size, slope, alignment, materials of construction of a building sewer, and the methods to be used in excavating, placing of the pipe, jointing, testing, and backfilling the trench, shall all conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations of the City. In the absence of code provisions or in amplification thereof, the materials and procedures set forth in appropriate specifications of the A.S.T.M. and W.P.C.F. Manual of Practice No. 9 shall apply.

            (2) Whenever possible, the building sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the basement floor.  In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building drain shall be lifted by an approved means and discharged to the building sewer.

                        (3) The connection of the building sewer into the public sewer shall conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations of the City, or the procedures set forth in appropriate specifications of the A.S.T.M. and the W.P.C.F. Manual No. 9.  All such connections shall be made gastight and watertight.  Any deviation from the prescribed procedures and materials must be approved by the Superintendent before installation.

 

§3-228 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; BUILDING SEWER INSTALLATION; INSPECTIONS.  The applicant for the building sewer permit shall notify the Superintendent when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer.  The connection shall be made under the supervision of the Superintendent or his representatives.

 

§3-229 MUNICIPAL SEWER SYSTEM; REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT. The Municipal Sewer Department may require the owner of any property which is within the Municipality and connected to the public sewers or drains to repair or replace any connection line which serves the owner's property and is broken, clogged or otherwise in need of repair or replacement. The property owner's duty to repair or replace such a connection line shall include those portions upon the owner's property and those portions upon public property or easements up to and including the point of junction with the public main.

            The Municipal Clerk shall give the property owner notice by registered letter or certified mail, directed to the last-known address of such owner or the agent of such owner, directing the repair or replacement of such connection line. If within thirty (30) days of mailing such notice the property owner fails or neglects to cause such repairs or replacements to be made, the Superintendent may cause such work to be done and assess the cost upon the property served by such connection.  (Ref. 18-1748 RS Neb.)

 

§3-230 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; PROHIBITED DISCHARGES; STORMWATER, SURFACE WATER, GROUND WATER, COOLING WATER, AND PROCESS WATER.  (1) No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, ground water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, including interior and exterior foundation drains, uncontaminated cooling water, or unpolluted industrial process waters to any sanitary sewer.

                        (2) Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated as combined sewers or storm sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the Superintendent.  Industrial cooling water or unpolluted process waters may be discharged, on approval of the Superintendent, to a storm sewer, combined sewer, or natural outlet.

 

§3-231 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; HAZARDOUS AND PROHIBITED DISCHARGES; FLAMMABLE, TOXIC, CORROSIVE, AND OBSTRUCTIVE SUBSTANCES.  No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes to any public sewers:

(1)  Any gasoline, benzene, naptha, fuel oil, or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid, or gas.

(2)  Any waters or wastes containing toxic or poisonous solids, liquids, or gases in sufficient quantity, either singly or by interaction with other wastes, to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals, crate a public nuisance, or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant, including but not limited to cyanides in excess of two (2) mg/1 as CN in the wastes as discharged to the public sewer.

(3) Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5, or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment, and personnel of the sewage works.

(4)  Solid or viscous substances in quantities or of such size capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers, or other interference with the proper operation of the sewage works such as, but not limited to, ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, wood, unground garbage, whole blood, paunch manure, hair and fleshings, entrails and paper dishes, cups, milk containers, etc. either whole or ground by garbage grinders.

 

§3-232 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; HAZARDOUS AND PROHIBITED DISCHARGES; SPECIFIC PROHIBITIONS AS DETERMINED BY SUPERINTENDENT; PRELIMINARY TREATMENT.  No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged the following described substances, materials, waters, or wastes if it appears likely in the opinion of the Superintendent that such wastes can harm either the sewers, sewage treatment process, or equipment, have an adverse effect on the receiving stream, or can otherwise endanger life, limb, public property, or constitute a nuisance.  In forming his opinion as to the acceptability of these wastes, the Superintendent will give consideration to such factors as the quantities of subject wastes in relation to flows and velocities in the sewers, materials on construction of the sewers, nature of the sewage treatment process, capacity of the sewage treatment plant, degree of treatability of wastes in the sewage treatment plant, and other pertinent factors.  The substances prohibited are:

     

(1)     Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than one hundred fifty (150)°F (65°C).

(2)     Any water or waste containing fats, wax, grease, or oils, whether emulsified or not, in excess of one hundred (100) mg/1 or containing substances which may solidify or become viscous at temperatures between thirty-two (32) and one hundred fifty (150)°F (0 and 65°C).

(3)     Any garbage that has not been properly shredded.  The installation and operation of any garbage grinder equipped with a motor of three-fourths (3/4) horsepower (0.76 hp metric) or greater shall be subject to the review and approval of the Superintendent.

(4)     Any waters or wastes containing strong acid iron pickling wastes, or concentrated plating solutions whether neutralized or not.

(5)     Any waters or wastes containing iron, chromium, copper, zinc, and similar objectionable or toxic substances; or wastes exerting on excessive chlorine requirement, to such degree that any such material received in the composite sewage of the sewage treatment works exceeds the limits established by the Superintendent for such materials.

(6)     Any waters or wastes containing phenols or other taste- or odor-producing substances, in such concentrations exceeding limits which may be established by the Superintendent as necessary, after treatment of the composite sewage, to meet the requirements of the State, federal, or other public agencies of jurisdiction for such discharge to the receiving waters.

(7)     Any radioactive wastes or isotopes of such half-life or concentration as may exceed limits established by the Superintendent in compliance with applicable State or Federal regulations.

(8)        Any waters or wastes having a pH in excess of 9.5.

(9)     Materials which exert or cause:

(a)  Unusual concentrations of inert suspended solids (such as, but not limited to, Fullers earth, lime slurries, and lime residues) or of dissolved solids (such as, but not limited to, sodium chloride or sodium

sulfate).

(b)  Excessive discoloration (such as, but not limited to, dye wastes and vegetable tanning solutions).

(c)  Unusual BOD, chemical oxygen demand, or chlorine requirements in such quantities as to constitute a significant load on the sewage treatment works.

(d)  Unusual volume of flow or concentration of wastes constituting "slugs" as defined herein.

 

(10)   Waters or wastes containing substances which are not amenable to treatment or reduction by the sewage treatment processes employed, or are amenable to treatment only to such degree that the sewage treatment plant effluent cannot meet the requirement of other agencies having jurisdiction over discharge to the receiving waters.

(11)   Any waters or wastes having a 5-day biochemical oxygen demand greater than 300 parts per million by weight, containing more than 350 parts per million by weight of suspended solids, or having an average daily flow greater than 2 percent of the average sewage flow of the City shall be subject to the review of the Superintendent.  Where necessary in the opinion of the Superintendent, the owner shall provide, at his expense, such preliminary treatment as may be necessary to reduce the biochemical oxygen demand to 300 parts per million by weight, reduce the suspended solids to 350 parts per million by weight, or control the quantities and rates of discharge of such waters or wastes.  Plans, specifications, and any other pertinent information relating to proposed preliminary treatment facilities shall be submitted for the approval of the Superintendent and no construction of such facilities shall be commenced until said approvals are obtained in writing.

 

§3-233 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; HAZARDOUS AND PROHIBITED DISCHARGES; REJECTION, PRETREATMENT, CONTROL OF DISCHARGE RATE, OR USE FEE SURCHARGE. (1) If any waters or wastes are discharged, or are proposed to be discharged to the public sewers, which waters contain the substances or possess the characteristics enumerated in section 3-232, and which in the judgment of the Superintendent, may have a deleterious effect upon the sewage works, processes, equipment, or receiving waters, or which otherwise create a hazard to life or constitute a public nuisance, the Superintendent may:

(a)        Reject the wastes;

(b)        Require pretreatment to an acceptable condition for discharge to the public sewers;

(c)        Require control over the quantities and rates of discharge; and/or

(d)        Require payment to cover the added cost of handling and treating the wastes not covered by existing taxes or sewer charges under the provisions of section 3-234 of this Article.

 

            (2) If the Superintendent permits the pretreatment or equalization of waste flows, the design and installation of the plants and equipment shall be subject to the review and approval of the Superintendent, and subject to the requirements of all applicable codes, ordinances, and laws.

 

§3-234 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; HAZARDOUS AND PROHIBITED DISCHARGES; SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS PERMITTED; USE FEE SURCHARGE.  No statement contained in this Article shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the City and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the City for treatment, subject to payment thereof, by the industrial concern.

 

§3-235 MUNICIPAL SEWER DEPARTMENT; GREASE, OIL, AND SAND INTERCEPTORS; WHEN REQUIRED.  Grease, oil, and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the Superintendent, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand, or other harmful ingredients; except that such interceptors shall not be required for private living quarters or dwelling units.  All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the Superintendent, and shall be located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.