SYRACUSE - Orv Gigstad was honored for 10 years of service during Syracuse city council meeting.

Mayor Deb Dettmer presented Gigstad with a plaque and  thanked him for his 10 years of service on city council. Gigstad was appointed by past mayor K.C. Ortiz. He was re-elected to the council position for two more terms. Mayor Dettmer read a long list of projects that Gigstad helped complete.

Mayor Dettmer was also sworn in  by city attorney Jerry Stilmock for her second term  as mayor.

Councilman Wes Halvorsen was also sworn in for his second term and Robert Johnson was sworn in to begin his first term.

The city staff positions were approved:

  • City Clerk: Kelly Farmer
  • Superintendent of Public Works: Jeff Vogt
  • Building & Zoning Inspector: Bruce Neemann
  • City Attorney: Brandt, Horan and Hallstrom, consisting of Jerry Stilmock, Bob Hallstrom and Ryan McIntosh
  • City Treasurer: Kelly Farmer
  • City Street Superintendent: Justin Stark
  • City Engineer: Olsson
  • Finance Committee; Nate Patton and Jerry Werner
  • Council President: Jerry Werner

City council approved re-allocated APRA funds for start-up and or expansion of childcare facilities in Syracuse. City administrator Jessica Meyer worked closely with the In-home licensed I and II providers that participate in the U.S.D.A. food program, those providers will receive food vouchers from the Syracuse market grocery store to off-set rising grocery prices. Giving both the childcare providers and the local grocery store an economic boost.

Sonni Graves of the Syracuse Parks Department was contacted by the men's fast pitch softball league to inquire about Syracuse allowing alcohol in their complex if the league decides to have their tournament in Syracuse.
  After a lengthy discussion, alcohol being served during an adult sporting event  at the complex was agreed upon. Graves will take this information back to the Men's league and wait for approval of the tournament.  City attorney Stilmock raised concerns that the tournament may coincide with a legion event. Council agreed they will have to work out the details if that happens. Jeff Vogt of the Public works department welcomed Johnson to the board and offered a tour of the town at Johnson's convenience.

Vogt also received approval to purchase a submersible pump and accessories at the cost of $40,820. Vogt informed the council that there was $50,000 left in the budget for capital improvement.

Melissa Juilfs of the Syracuse Library said they have had a very busy December.

Tour of Homes consisted of 2 homes and 3 businesses, ticket sales went to the Otoe County Museum of Memories.  25 trees were placed in the library by the American Legion Auxiliary for Tannenbaum and will remain through Christmas. With a grant the Syracuse foundation labeled and distributed 375 books to children ages 0-14 during Tannenbaum and ran out in the first hour. Grace Wilnard hosted a Christmas rummage sale, she raised $500.00 for the library.

McKenna Schroeder's cookie walk at the library raised money for the Children's Hospital.

Check the library's upcoming events for 2025.

Staack Furniture's grant from DTR was approved.

 

Kurt Teten's request for the city to vacate an alley located between his two properties at Third and Midland streets was tabled for council to receive more information.