The meeting began with a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Kearney Police Department Honor Guard, and roll call. The council recognized volunteer firefighters for service milestones, swore in a new police officer, approved consent agenda items, received presentations on a new public safety radio system and Flock license plate readers, and approved a claim to NPPD. City Manager Brenda Jensen provided brief reports on community events and airport operations.
Public Safety Radio Upgrade (Informational Presentation):
Flock Safety Camera System (Informational Presentation):
Open Account Claim to NPPD:
Well, good evening, everyone, and welcome to our city council meeting, last one of the year for December and December 20th. A great crowd of our favorite people, the police department and the fire department, and we're just glad to have everybody here with their uh significant others, their families, and that this is gonna be a great night. Uh before we get started, let's uh rise and we'll have a moment of silence, and then we'll have the Carney Police Department honor guard give the uh pledge of allegiance. Thank you. If they have the honor guard. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Uh let's see. I think we can be seated, can't we? We they're staying here for the pinning. Okay. Pardon that appropriate. Yeah, yeah. I'm glad to be seated. In accordance with section eighty-four fourteen twelve, the Nebraska revised statutes, the current copy of the opening meetings act is available for views. Post on all the council chambers. Beggy would take roll, please. Mayor Klaus. Here. Here. Learn. President Nicola. Here more. Here. Okay, thank you. Uh Oral Communications. Before we get to the pinning of the police officer, we're going to have uh some recognition for the volunteer firefighters. They've given them many hours of their time in responding to fire and rescue emergencies, fire fire training, assistant with public fire prevention and safety education programs, serving as fire department officers, and serving on various types of committees. So Jeremy, Captain Fire Chief Fusner is going to present their awards. Good evening, Council members, city staff, Carney Police Department officers and guests. Uh is uh Stan said of Jeremy Fusner, I'm the Carney Fire Chief. Um I'm honored to be here this evening to recognize members from our department for for a variety of accomplishments. We'll be presenting service awards and recognizing our newest members who have successfully completed their firefighter one and hazardous material operations certifications. Our first awards are for years of service. Uh when you consider these awards, you come to realize there are really two things about time as it relates to the fire service. First, depending on where you're at in your life, your ability to serve as a volunteer firefighter year in and year out can be extremely difficult. To remain active, to continue maintaining your certifications, training on new techniques, studying up-to-date research, complete reports, and so on. It takes a level of dedication that many can't comprehend. Well, these numbers are different for every person. A typical five-year member of KVFD has likely responded to nearly 1400 incidents and put in around 750 hours of training over that same time. These numbers don't include other department activities such as business meetings, committee meetings, board and officer meetings, fire prevention activities, training grounds, maintenance and construction, and public outreach events. The second thing you realize is how quickly time flies. One year turns to two, and the next thing you know it's been five, ten, and so on. The Carney Volunteer Fire Department presents service awards at five-year increments. That doesn't make year four any less important than year five, but it's one way we show our members our appreciation and present something to commemorate the milestone. We are proud and honored to share these members' achievements with you this evening. Uh Deputy Chief Jason Whalen will be assisting me in presenting awards. Our first five-year service award is being presented to Ben Kinnison. Ben originally started his fire service career with Firth Volunteer Fire Department, where he served for six years.