Michael Kamler, third from right, holds his certificate after being recognized by the National Guard, (City of Kearney, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Michael Kamler with the City of Kearney was honored with recognition of employer from the Nebraska National Guard during the Kearney city council meeting on Tuesday, March 12.
City employee and Army Reserve member Joe Vasquez, along with Garth Schism, who works with service members and employee support nominated Kalmer, a manager in the city utilities department, for an employer recognition award.
The recognition is presented to employers who demonstrate a high level of support and encouragement for military service members, particularly related to deployments.
Kalmer spoke after the recognition and said, “I don’t deserve this, these guys do, they devote their lives for our freedom.”
Speaking to the work they do, Kalmer said the crews don’t get enough credit, like the National Guard members he added, but he said when they show up to help fix a utility issue, the homeowners won’t forget it.
Speaking to the department support for the military members, Kamler said, “We always have their back, that will never change.”
Brenda Jensen, Interim City Manager, said Kamler is a hands-on manager and puts in the time for his employees.
Kamler closed by saying that, the utility work is, “not a job, it’s a responsibility.”
The City of Kearney also recognized National Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month, with members of Mosaic and Arc of Buffalo County in attendance.
A proclamation was read by Mayor Stan Clouse that noted the importance of including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all parts of life, helping them to live their own lives, empower them to make their own choices and to ensure they live fulfilling lives.
During the one public hearing, the council approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Development Plan for the city that allows for a new type of zoning, R1-D, which doesn’t allow for anything denser than duplexes.
It was noted there are several buffer neighborhoods where this new type of zoning could be useful.
In the consent agenda, the council approve:
- The purchase of a sign for the Sportsplex from Mayhew Sign Company for $128,158.
- Passed a resolution affirming we will give some funding to RYDE in the next fiscal year, which is the area public transportation system provider.
- Approved a bid of $143,055 from K&J Elite Sports Turf to improve the drainage in the outfields at Harvey Park.
The council also received the annual financial report, prepared by the accounting firm KSO CPAs + Advisors. The firm found the financials were presented fairly.
