September 15, 2014
Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. Present were Commissioners Duane Deterding, Willis Roethemeyer, Joe Hewgley and County Clerk, Rebecca Rossell. Hewgley offered prayer. Chairman Deterding called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
Chairman Deterding announced the Open Meeting Act with amendments is posted for public review and the county board will comply with the open meeting requirements.
Motion by Roethemeyer, seconded by Hewgley to approve the minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting held on September 8, 2014. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Roethemeyer, seconded by Hewgley to receive and order filed the treasurer’s receipts. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Roethemeyer to receive and order filed the fee reports submitted by the Register of Deeds, County Clerk and County Treasurer. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Roethemeyer to set October 6, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. to accept bids for relocating the World War I monument and flag poles. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners recessed at 9:15 A.M. and the Lincoln County Board of Equalization convened.
Chairman Deterding announced the Open Meeting Act with amendments is posted for public review and the county board will comply with the open meeting requirements.
County Assessor, Julie Stenger appeared.
Motion by Roethemeyer, seconded by Hewgley to approve the minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting held on September 8, 2014. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Roethemeyer, seconded by Hewgley to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the certificates of correction or refund submitted by the County Assessor on personal property. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
The Lincoln County Board of Equalization adjourned at 9:17 A.M. and the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reconvened.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Roethemeyer to approve the purchase of materials and/or services from the following for the remodel of the new location of the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau:
Arrowcraft LLC
Bloedorn Lumber
Business Telecommunications Systems
Carhart Lumber
Koroy Construction
Larry’s Glass
PuroClean
Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Planning Director, Judy Clark, appeared to discuss File No. SU14-006 an application by Richard and Glenda Hasenauer for Gier 2nd Administrative Subdivision. The property is located in an A-1 Agricultural District and is described as part of the SW ¼ of Section 8; Township 10 North; Range 30 West of the 6th P.M., Lincoln County, Nebraska.
Planning staff had no objections to the application.
Motion by Roethemeyer, seconded by Hewgley to approve discuss File No. SU14-006 an application by Richard and Glenda Hasenauer for Gier 2nd Administrative Subdivision. The property is located in an A-1 Agricultural District and is described as part of the SW ¼ of Section 8; Township 10 North; Range 30 West of the 6th P.M., Lincoln County, Nebraska.
Commissioner Hewgley questioned the CAFO regulations and what happens if this owner decides to sell it in the future.
Clark responded that a waiver will be filed with the Plat from the CAFO .
Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
A public hearing was opened at 10:00 A.M. to receive comments on the proposed 2014/2015 fiscal year Lincoln County, Nebraska budget as presented.
Susan Maline, CPA, gave a brief overview of the budget documents.
Bernice Zeigler asked questions concerning the building fund expenditures and jail bond payment fund. She reminded people that even though the tax levy went down it is still possible that your taxes may go up due to valuation increases.
Commissioner Roethemeyer reminded those in attendance that our county tax levy is very low compared to other counties our size what are at the 50 cent limit.
Mrs. Zeigler then asked about the inheritance tax fund transfer and where it goes.
Commissioner Hewgley replied that that bulk of the transfer goes to fund the county road department and is used to balance the county budget.
Ken Main stated that the county is very fortunate to have the inheritance fund as a backup.
Commissioner Hewgley responded that the legislature keeps looking at taking this source of funding away from counties but they must realize this revenue stream will have to be replaced for the counties to provide the necessary services.
Ken Main then asked about the Sutherland bridge project.
Commissioner Hewgley commented that the state and federal guidelines changed but the county got the project reinstated.
County Highway Supt., Jerry Hitchcock, said the project should have a place on the list soon.
Main then asked about the DEVCO funding.
Board had that amount remains the same as last few years which was $20,000.
Ken Main asked about helping the Sutherland Dive Team with storage.
Commissioner Hewgley replied they left the current Lincoln County Dive Team budget consistent .
Eric Seacrest congratulated the board on being able to keep the county levy low. He also expressed concern on the road equipment budget of $130,000 when it should be triple that amount.
Commissioner Hewgley agreed but asked how to get the legislature to allow an exemption outside the spending lid for law enforcement and road equipment.
The public hearing was closed at 10:38 A.M.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Roethemeyer to and adopt Resolution No. 2014-15 approving the 2014/2015 fiscal year Lincoln County, Nebraska budget as presented. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
A public hearing was opened at 10:40 A.M. to receive comments relating to setting the final tax levy request at a different amount than the prior year tax request.
No comments were received. The public hearing was closed at 10:41 A.M.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Roethemeyer to adopt Resolution No. 2014-16 to approve setting the final tax levy request at a different amount than the prior year tax request. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Lt. Dan Newton of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and I.T. Director, Les Green, appeared to discuss the purchase of 17 new laptop computers for the Sheriff’s Office vehicles. These will replace the current units as they still running on Windows XP which is not supported. The new units have an “accidental warranty” plan. This was a planned expenditure in the 2014/2015 I.T. budget and some funds will come from the Sheriff’s Office budget. There is $2600 in grant funds available for the purchase according to Lt. Newton. The computers will be purchased through the state contract so sealed bids would not be required.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Roethemeyer to authorize the purchase of 17 new laptop computers and other necessary components through the state contract in the amount of $43,085.85. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Highway Supt., Jerry Hitchcock, told board members there is a sale of property in what used to be the Village of Bignell. During the loan process it was discovered that the property encroached into the county right-of-way. The right-of-way is actually 100’ instead of the standard 66’. He is suggesting we back up the right of way on the western portion from 55’ to 45’ which would still leave the county a 90’ right-of-way on the 140’ length of road. This will take the house out of the county right-of-way.
Deputy County Attorney, Joe Wright, explained current state statute pertaining to this matter.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Roethemeyer to proceed with this matter and have a resolution for consideration at the next county board meeting. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Roethemeyer, seconded by Hewgley to go into closed session at 11:30 A.M. to discuss strategy regarding pending litigation and to protect attorney client privilege, which is clearly necessary to protect the public interest. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Chairman Deterding restated the motion for the closed session.
Motion by Roethemeyer, seconded by Hewgley to go into open session at 11:50 A.M. Upon roll call vote Roethemeyer, Hewgley and Deterding voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Approved the following claims as presented for payment:
The meeting was adjourned at 12:33 P.M.
Advance notice and the agenda for the September 15, 2014 were sent to the county board and all others requesting the same. Notice was posted at the Lincoln County Courthouse, City Hall and on the county website.
The agenda for the meetings to be held on Monday, September 22, 2014 will be kept continually current and open for inspection at the office of the Lincoln County Clerk. The regular meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners will be at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:00 A.M. The regular meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization will be at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at 9:15 A.M.
Rebecca J. Rossell
Lincoln County Clerk
