Justin Barney for Yutan

Good Morning Yutan. I need to clear something up, that relates to my post about transparency. Through back and forth emails between myself and the office, the mayor, and one of our council members, it turns out we are both working for the same cause. Both sides agreed we had a misunderstanding between what I was asking for and what they are working on. Yesterdays meeting started out rough, but with an open discussion I feel it turned out to be very positive.
I'm thankful that they took the time to meet with me regardless of having the big event last night to get ready for. I know it's no secret that what my opinions are, and I'll admit I'm not the easiest person to deal with. But I thought alot last night about what was said in the meeting and I am excited to see what is in store moving forward. I also look forward to working on the park board, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve the community in that capacity. Thank you.

*Side note. I know I make my information public so that if you have questions about anything I am osting you can reach out and ask, or in general if you want to have a conversation about anything. But aside from that, you should also reach out to your representatives or the office if you have questions or concerns. Their information is on the website, but I also included a link below if you need it.

City of Yutan

Thank you to all of our First Responders for the great night out. This was such a great event.
Thank you to all the volunteers that helped put this on.
Thank you to everyone who came out.

Just a reminder of tonights event. My family and I will be there.

Good afternoon everybody. I hope you will take a moment to read this.
I have spoke to a few people in town including 3 city council member about transparency in our government. Before I get to that I want to say this first. I AM NOT ACCUSING THEM OF NOT BEING TRANSPARENT. I DO NOT THINK THEY ARE HIDING ANYTHING.
Ok, with that out of the way here we go.

Currently there are a couple ways to get information on what goes on in our town within the government. The best way of course is to come to the meetings. And I know thats easier said than done for some of us. Life gets busy. So the next logical place to look is the minutes once their posted. Unfortunately the minutes only give you a small summarized version of the meeting. Either you dont get the full story, or your words can be misinterpreted based off of the writers understanding of what you said. So we as citizens do not get to know everything that was said in the meeting unless you were there. It has been brought up before that the meetings need to be recorded. I know the city office does an audio recording of the meetings, and now has better equipment so that the city office is recorded. They are also working to get a video camera up and running to record that way. There has also been discussion of live streaming. These discussion had happened a while back and then there was nothing about it for a little while. So I asked it be put on the agenda, and had requested to share my ideas for better transparency and a proactive approach to how the people are informed. I have now been denied that request twice. The reason is because they are already working towards doing some of the things I am requesting. That's great news!. But part of what I would like to see is that there is an ordinance put in place that would require that the audio or video recording to be posted on the website so that we can access the recording to hear what happened at the meeting. It would also require the meeting to be live streamed to the public and those streams be archived so that we can review them when needed. That would be the basics of the ordinance. I also have some other ideas that could enhance how the informations gets to you so that we can be better informed. I think it is great we are moving to more transparency, but without accountability how long will it last? All I'm asking for is the opportunity to present that to the council, and the people. So far that request is still denied for the August meeting. I am waiting to hear back on when, but I will be meeting with the city office mext week.
In the meantime, if you have questions about this please call me and I'd be happy to answer them. 402-779-1221 if you dont reach me text me. And if this is something you support please reach out to your representatives and mayor and let them know.

The link below will take you to the staff directory on the city's website.

City of Yutan

If you haven't met Allie French, you need to. She is my choice for legislature. She's the strong conservative we need. Check out her page https://www.facebook.com/AllieforNebraska

She's been fighting on the front lines in Lincoln for our Freedoms and for our children.
VOTE FRENCH FOR FREEDOM!

This will be fun.

REMINDER!!!
There is a city council meeting tonight at 7pm. Below is the agenda. I'll point out a couple things that I found interesting about this agenda. 3rd photo is of the planning commision meeting. Notice the description of Resolution 2023-1. It list the requesting company as Thompson and Sons. On the Council meeting agenda it does not. This resolution would provide TIF funding to the Mason Creek apartment project at a total of $182,360.
The other interesting thing is the new park plan will be discussed. This is for the location of the old tennis court. At the least meeting I recommended the City reach out to the citizens for input of what they would like to have in their new park. Now a month later we already have bids, and a plan for what is being put in. I don't recall the town being asked what they want. What would you want to see in your next park? With this not being an open discussion item you'll have to talk about it during the public hearing at the top of the meeting. What's interesting about it, is that it is not listed as an agenda item which means they do not have to have a public hearing on it specifically.
I just thought you should all be informed.

There is a city council meeting this Tuesday. 7pm at the city office. The agenda is posted below.
If you would like more info pm me and I can email you the whole packet.

Hey everybody. I will be over at Derailed & Co. Tuesday 5/8 from 7 to 9am with the Chicken Petition. If you have time and want to sign, come see me. If you have question about the petition or chickens, or whatever. Come see me. If you want to sign or not and want to discuss chickens. Come see me.

Change of plans. I have got to get some yard work done today. If you would like to sign the petition, come on over. Come see me. If you don't know where I live, pm me for the address.

City council meeting tonight. 7pm at the Veterans club. I will have the chicken petition with me for anyone wishing to sign. If you support this and want to avoid a possible special election, you need to be at these meetings. We need to be encouraging the city council to put this into law. We need to show them there is alot of support. We can save alot of time and money if this is passed ahead of certifying signatures.
It may feel like talking to a brick wall at times. However I have had one council member already reach out with concerns and questions. We are gaining traction. This petition is about more than just having chickens. It's about showing the city government that the true power lies with the people.

Side note. Whether you support this or not, please come out and let us know.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE CURRENT CHICKEN PETITION!
There have been some questions about this, so hopefully this post will clear things up.
As always if there are any further questions or concerns please reach out to me. 402-779-1221. Call or text. You can also reach me on Facebook messenger. There are alot of benefits to having these great animals. Alot of people don't know everything they could do for us.

1. Everyone who signs must be a local resident, and registered to vote.

2. All signatures will be confirmed by the county.

3. Once they are confirmed the issue will then be brought to the city council with an ordinance proposal for them to vote on. ( when we get to this point, I urge everyone in support of this to reach out to the city council members and ask the to consider passing it.)

4. If the council approves it with no changes then it would become law. If not it would go to a special election. Yes, that means tax dollars being spent to have this election.

5. If voted in by the people it becomes law. If not then it doesn't.

6. There would be no roosters. Again I say NO ROOSTERS.

7. Each property owner would be allowed up to 2 chickens per resdient. So for folks renting, you would need permission from your landlord (the property owner). If they let you have them, then you can have 2 per person residing there.

8. Minimum needed would be 3 chickens. Research shows that flocks do well with 3 or more. So any less would not be good for the birds.

9. $15 permit fee would be needed each year. I'm looking into having the first fee set to $30 and good for 2 years in order for owners to establish their flocks. Then $15 each year after that.

10. You will need a coop and a chicken run that is covered to keep land and air predators from entering and killing chickens.

11. Coops will need at least 3 sq ft per chicken and runs would need 5 sq ft per chicken.

Good Morning Everybody.
GREAT NEWS! Our petition is ready for signatures. We need 187 signatures in support of owning chickens. That would put us one step closer to making this possible.
I'm sure some of you have questions. Feel free to reach out to me if you do. Shoot a text to my cell 402-779-1221. If you would like to sign it, let me know.
Once the signatures are there the city council will get an opportunity to vote it into law. In the past l, that's usually where this effort ends with the council voting against it. However if that happens, this issue will go to special election. Then the people have the opportunity to vote on it.
My hope, is the city council will pass it in and avoid the cost of a special election. I even requested this be brought up as a discussion item at our last meeting and was denied, unless my proposal still included the need for your neighbors consent to own chickens.
This is about more than just owning chickens. This is about personal property rights, and food security.
The men that wrote our constitution gave us, We the People, the right to be in control of the government. The petition process puts the power back in your hands.

City council meeting tonight at 7pm. It will be at the VFW at 1591 Yutan Rd. instead of the city office. All are welcome.

Wheels are in motion. I have all the things I need to start the petition and will need to have it approved before I can collect signatures. I felt it necessary to approach the city council again with this issue. We have 2 new council members and our new mayor was one of the members that voted yes on this issue back in July. I have just sent off the request for the next meetings agenda. I am working up an information packet for them outlining the wants of the people in support of having chickens. If they approve of this being on the February agenda, I ask that you come to the meeting on the 21st and let your opinion be heard. For or against, all are welcome. As always if you have questions or concerns reach out to me. Email or phone 402-779-1221

Unless..........

I have my snow blower running. If your in need of having your sidewalk cleared, please let me know.

🐔 🐥 PLEASE READ 🥚 🐣
I have seen recently a few of you have posted about wanting chickens within the city limits. I have looked into an official petition for it. I have a few hoops to jump through to make it official and get it put on a ballot. Who would be willing to sign? This goes for those who would want chickens, or those who may not want them but support the people right to have them. Keep in mind in order to be an official signature on the petition, you must live in city limits and be registered to vote. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. 402-779-1221

Friendly reminder, there is a city council meeting tonight at 7pm in the city office. Hope to see you there

I want to take a moment to thank everybody who went out and voted.I reached out to Mike Kelly and congatulated him on his victory.
I appreciate all the support I received. This is the process. The work does not end here. I still encourage you to be involved, attend meetings, and speak out. We have a great community here. It has been a pleasure getting out and meeting alot of you. Please reach out should any of you need anything.

Local paper reached out about the election.
This is my response.
You know in case the have to make edits for space.

ELECTION: Yutan Mayor

NOTE: The Wahoo Newspaper may make minor edits to your remarks or shorten the answers to fit space available in the paper. Every effort will be made to retain the main principles of your remarks.

Name: Justin Barney

Address: 510 E Vine St.

Background (career, public office, volunteer organizations, etc.)

I am a family man, with 4 children. I have worked in the auto industry for 17 years. During that time I went from washing cars to managing the sales floor. I always put my customers and employees first.

I have donated my time to multiple different charities over the years, because the company I work for is very big in giving back to the community. It’s one of the reason I enjoy working for them.



Why are you running for mayor?

I’m running for mayor because I care about the people here. I will work to ensure the people are my first priority. Without them there is no city. I want to get them involved in our Planning and City Council Meetings. I will start an email list to get the agenda to those who want it. I will also utilize the city website and page to inform the community of current agenda and break it down so they understand what is being voted on. I will encourage everyone to attend the monthly meetings. A more informed community leads to a more involved community. That is the best way to grow a community.

Growth is happening in Yutan currently, and is expected to continue. How should the mayor and city council handle residential and commercial growth in the city and the one-mile zoning district surrounding the city?

The Mayor should plan for the future. I want to keep that small town feeling. Having the community involved as we grow will be very important. As we grow we should build on our current assets to promote our city rather than investing in “the next big thing”. This includes making sure we look locally first for growing businesses and giving them an opportunity to thrive. In addition, getting a land use plan together and making sure we have the infrastructure in place to not only handle the planned growth, but growth moving forward.





Recently the city has begun enforcing ordinances regarding residents who extend their yards or gardens into city right-of-way. What are your thoughts on the issue?



What are your thoughts on the issue of having chickens within city limits?

What are other key issues in Yutan at this time? How will you deal with them?

We will always have issues that arise. Some have come up multiple times to the city. What I want the citizens of Yutan to know is that I will have an open door policy. I will always listen to what you have to say. When it comes to your issues I will always look at them from every angle and debate myself on them from every angle. At the end of the day as a city government the people have to come first. I will always do what is in your best interest. I encourage you to be involved in what goes on in your local meetings. I will do my part to keep you informed and provide all the information available. This is our city. Let’s grow it together.



Oct 30, 2022

If you intend to vote on Nov. 8th you need to make sure you are registered. Today is the last day to get it done. You'll have to do it in person at the Saunders county courthouse in Wahoo. 3rd floor in the election commission office. They wanted to remind anyone going to bring your ID. The dealine is 6pm today.

27 days and counting. 🇺🇲

Signs are here. I believe in "Strength in Community Involvement",and personal property rights. I believe the community's best interest should be represented in the city council meetings. I'm ready to put in the work for you. If this is what your looking for in a leader then consider supporting me. I have an open door policy and if you would like to visit with me all you have to do is reach out. Email me at [email protected]. If you would like a sign to show your support let me know and I'll bring it over. Together we can make our community strong and grow it the best way possible.

I will have campaign signs in roughly a week. If anyone would like to support me, let me know. No donations needed, just your willingness to support me as your mayor.

I want to know what matters to you? What do you seek in your city officials. I had a really positive response from the people I visited with today. I'd like to visit with more of you. I'll be at the city meeting on Tuesday at 7 pm. You should join me and share your opinion. If you can't make it, share it here or send me a message.

Is it ever good for a government body to fail at informing its citizens? I want you to think about that for a minute. Then I want to ask if you know what your city council is meeting about this Tuesday, or at any of their meetings? July was the last time they posted about what was on the meeting agenda. They didn't post about it last month and have yet to post this month. I have included the agenda in this post to get the information out to you. I should have done it sooner, but wanted to see if the city, the council, the administrator, or the mayor would step up and inform you. So far from what I can find, they haven't. Yes, you can request it from the office, but how many of you knew you could. This should be publicly posted. You won't find it on our website, because it is still down. It is not posted on Facebook, it was not sent out in a newsletter. So now I ask, why? You should all be informed and I feel that our city government should exhaust any effort to make sure they have informed you. That is one of the pillars I will stand on as Mayor. As your voice I will make sure we do everything we can to inform you of what is being decided on so you have the opportunity to be heard.

Your support would be greatly appreciated. Contact me if you have any questions.