June 27, 2022
North Platte, Nebraska
Meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. Present were Commissioners Joe Hewgley, Kent Weems, Micaela Wuehler, Chris Bruns, Jerry Woodruff and County Clerk, Rebecca Rossell. Bruns offered prayer. Bruns called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
Chairman Bruns 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 Weems, seconded by Woodruff to approve the minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting held on June 20, 2022. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Weems to receive and order filed the treasurer’s receipts. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Wuehler, seconded by Hewgley to receive and order filed the fee report submitted by the County Sheriff for $1508.22. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Weems to authorize the Chairman to sign a special designated liquor permit submitted by La Casa Del Rios for a reception at Harbor Lights on July 16, 2022. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff 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 Bruns 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 as well as Deputy County Treasurer, Sheri Newton.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Wuehler to approve the minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting held on June 20, 2022. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Woodruff to authorize the Chairman to sign the certificates of correction or refund submitted by the County Assessor on real property. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Weems to approve the motor vehicle tax exemption application by Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska as recommend for approval by the County Treasurer. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Weems to approve the motor vehicle tax exemption application by American Red Cross as recommend for approval by the County Treasurer. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Wuehler, seconded by Weems to approve the motor vehicle tax exemption application by North Platte Opportunity Center as recommend for approval by the County Treasurer. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Wuehler to approve the motor vehicle tax exemption application by North Platte Catholic Schools as recommend for approval by the County Treasurer. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Wuehler to approve the motor vehicle tax exemption application by Riverside Baptist Church as recommend for approval by the County Treasurer. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Weems to approve the motor vehicle tax exemption application by North Platte Nebraska Four Square Gospel Church as recommend for approval by the County Treasurer. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Hewgley to approve the motor vehicle tax exemption application by Riverside Baptist Church as recommend for approval by the County Treasurer. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Woodruff to approve the notice of valuation change numbered 2022-03 as submitted by the County Assessor. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
The Lincoln County Board of Equalization adjourned at 9:27 A.M. and the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reconvened.
Amanda Carr representing the Ag Society and Katie McNew representing the Jaycees appeared. The Ag Society is over the annual limit for special liquor permits so they have asked the Jaycees to work with them and sell alcohol at the fair event on July 21, 2022. The special liquor permit for this event would be changed to the North Platte Jaycees.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Wuehler to approve changing the special designated liquor permit to the North Platte Jaycees for the July 21, 2022, event at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
The renewal of a lease agreement with Gordon and Mary Petersen for the Probation Offices and Reporting Center located at 102 E 3rd Street Suites 201-204 was tabled. The Building & Grounds Committee will meet with the owners to discuss concerns.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Weems to authorize the Chairman to sign the mini grant application to be submitted to the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety by the Sheriff’s Office for national speeding prevention from July 20 – August 14 in the amount of $25,000. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
A resolution has been written to change the County Board’s authorization concerning conditional use permits for planning.
Commissioner Woodruff asked if the Planning Commission board members would attend public hearings held by the County Board.
Planning Director, Judy Clark, responded that one or two could be available but they cannot have a quorum. The County Board will receive written recommendations from the Planning Commission on the applications and she will attend all hearings. The County Board will have the latitude to change, add or delete items to the permits.
Motion by Wuehler, seconded by Weems to adopt Resolution No. 2022-11 for the revocation of the authorization to grant conditional use permits conferred upon the Lincoln County Planning Commission pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute 23-114.01 (4). Authority to grant conditional use permits will now be the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
The bid received by Dormie Network LLC from Shelco for an asphalt overlay of a portion of North Maxwell Road was $453,789.00. The project will begin after development is completed.
Commissioner Woodruff questioned if Shelco would still honor the price if this project is not completed until 2024.
Deputy County Attorney, Tyler Volkmer, said he would speak with Dormie Network.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Hewgley to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the contribution agreement with Dormie Network LLC for an asphalt overlay project for a portion of North Maxwell Road for the 50% cost share in the amount of $226,894.50. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Commissioner Woodruff reported that NE State Statute §23-3803 allows the county to authorize a prairie dog management program. Sheridan County is the only county to currently have one in place.
Deputy County Attorney, Tyler Volkmer, stated that the county could contract with a third-party vendor to enforce the program such as the USDA wildlife services. The program would be like noxious weed control enforcement. It provides for adjoining landowners rights and does allow appointment of an advisory committee.
Commissioner Wuehler is supportive but commented that the Noxious Weed Department already has a heavy workload. They could possibly report prairie dog towns they see when they are out spraying.
Commissioner Bruns requested that Commissioner Woodruff and Wuehler work with the County Attorney’s Office to come up with a possible program and resolution and bring it back to the full board for consideration.
Chairman Bruns explained that the proposed inland port authority resolution would clear the county to apply for one of five statewide port authority designations under LB 156, passed in 2021 as we meet all the criteria. If selected this would be integrally related to the industrial rail park that was just awarded 30 million dollars. It would help market Lincoln County and assist local and regional businesses.
Gary Person, President and & CEO of the North Platte Area Chamber & Development Corp., reported that the recent economic development study is included in the resolution. They will be prepared to go to the state when the applications open. They already have a preliminary anchor site that looks promising.
Commissioner Weems commented that the Inland Port Authority would enhance what could be done with the rail park.
Commissioner Woodruff asked if the proximity to the Union Pacific Railroad would help Lincoln County.
Person responded that is a critical piece to have secured access to the UPRR main line. This property is also within range of a four-lane highway system.
Commissioner Bruns reported that a 9-person inland port authority board would have to be created.
Commissioner Woodruff questioned who would own the port authority.
Commissioner Bruns stated it would be a quasi-political subdivision. The County Board would appoint members of the board as well as set the boundaries of the district.
Commissioner Wuehler also felt this would complement the rail park.
Commissioner Weems commented that adoption of this resolution would enhance our position and asked if the resolution could be rescinded if we don’t need it.
Volkmer replied that it could be revoked.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Wuehler to adopt Resolution No. 2022-12 creating an Inland Port Authority. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Discussion was held concerning the purchase of property located 18610 West
Highway 30, Hershey, NE from Greenbrier Rail Services.
Chairman Bruns commented that the closing of that business has given Lincoln County an opportunity. This would a great location for the Inland Port Authority. He recommends that the county purchase the facility and existing rail spur. It is on the market for 4.5 million and APRA (SLFRF funds) could be used for this investment.
Commissioner Weems concurred that ownership of the rail spur is the key to developing the rail park. The county could sell the property in the future.
Deputy County Attorney, Tyler Volkmer, confirmed that the county could sell the property to the highest bidder in the future.
Gary Person, President, and CEO of the North Platte Area Chamber & Development commented it would serve the best interests of the rail park if it could be the catalyst for moving things in and out. The Chamber holds five-year purchase options for the entire rail park with Greenbrier, Dennis Steffes and R.B. Miller.
Commissioner Hewgley questioned if private investors could come in for future growth.
Commissioner Bruns replied in the affirmative. The county would be a facilitator. If we become an inland port authority, this would be the headquarters.
Commissioner Hewgley then asked about recouping costs.
Commissioner Bruns sees this project diversifying revenue streams for the county.
Commissioner Woodruff asked if there would be other costs associated with the purchase.
Person replied there would be closing costs and possible equipment the county might want to purchase.
Commissioners Weems and Wuehler both see this project building our tax base and bringing in good jobs. This project would use the ARPA funds to invest in the county.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Wuehler to approve the negotiation process for purchase of the Greenbrier Rail Park, with the assistance of county legal counsel, for an extended purchase option or direct purchase of Greenbrier Rail Services.
The motion was amended to include the County Board Chairman to be part of the negotiation team. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Lincoln County Employee Recognition: Bruce Rotert – County Roads – 40 years; Amanda Connick – Visitor’s Bureau – 5 Years; and Rowan Gordon – Child Support – 5 Years.
Hear concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, or their representative.
Approved the following claims as presented for payment:
General:
AT Emblem ex 967.95
Ace su 13.16
Agri Cmptr eq 19444.59
Als Lck/Safe eq 1506.68
Amazon su 415.66
Andrsn Sns se 127.68
C Bazata se 891.00
B Boyer reb 213.35
Brouillette,Dgn se 77.37
Browns ex 114.75
Capital Sol se 2990.95
Cash-Wa se 179.20
St of NE-Admin cont 204.30
Cntrl NE Crmtn se 5740.00
Chrtr Comm se 149.97
NP Sanitation se 17.50
Clk Dist Crt se 960.00
Cohagens su 351.68
E Wood se 1492.25
Comm Inv rt 375.00
Commnty Conn se 9803.16
Crowne Plz ldg 624.75
C Schliep se 250.00
Dawson Cnty Sher se 19.26
DOI/BLM su 187.56
Douglas Cnty Sher se 24.92
DXP se 808.00
Eakes su 9580.17
ES&S su 6500.00
Elec Eng su 108.08
Elletts Auto re 398.78
Fairfield Inn ldg 192.00
Fmly Skill se 1116.00
Futurity IT eq 150.00
Galls su 5791.90
Gov Frms su 285.00
Gp Comm se 313.34
GP Health se 4125.89
GP Hmcr se 30.00
Hinton’s se 40.00
HUB Intl ins 210607.50
Ideal se 129.16
Intoximtrs su 6007.00
Jacks Unifrms ex 1244.40
Jorgensons se 375.00
K Bargell se 140.00
K Lenz reb 931.50
Knobel Ref se 749.00
Kohler Trlr eq 424.00
Lncstr Cnty Sher se 37.23
LC Ext pstg 58.00
LC Jail PC su 176.10
Lndmr Law reb 3597.64
M McKeone se 533.50
M Hanes ex 83.00
Menards su 946.49
Mentzer Oil su 642.63
M Nozicka se 12650.00
Midwst Conn pstg 79.15
Midwst Process se 55.20
NE HHS se 774.25
NE Inst Frnsc se 4000.00
Newegg Bsnss se 951.12
NP Anml Shltr se 56.00
NP Area Chmbr dues 240.00
NP Fire Dept eq 11628.00
NP Telegrph adv 113.78
Nr5oute Ent se 300.00
NSA/POAN reg 340.00
OReilly’s su 11.58
Pathology se 233.27
Photogrphic Imgs se 1135.00
Pro Prtg su 157.00
Quadient Fin se 289.01
R Rossell mi 114.66
Rcgntn Unl su 19.85
RW Cnty Sher se 7.23
Rdwd Toxclgy se 122.92
Ricks Twg se 90.00
Rssll Rntl Xprs se 1193.20
Snells se 1273.73
Squeegee Cln se 950.00
Staples su 3201.93
Staples CP se 8746.89
S Elmshaeuser se 1190.00
Summit Fd se 5398.96
T&S Rep re 994.01
TO Haas re 444.29
Home Dept Pro su 1271.67
Thyssenkrupp Elev agre 286.77
Twn Rvrs BS re 822.70
US Bank su 7880.73
Uline eq 345.86
Unitech su 478.80
UNL-Linc mi 111.87
US Cell se 88.96
Wtrsprts Unl eq 1533.80
Whitetail SP su 417.30
County Rds:
AT&T se 53.93
AKRS re 118.88
Altec re 1055.53
B Gloss reb 31.00
Carquest su 134.63
Croell su 13196.78
DPPD se 55.97
Fastenal su 25.73
Garrett re 23105.62
Herbst Ent re 1371.95
Ideal su 161.57
Mentzers su 1698.25
Meyer Crtv su 31.50
Murphy Trctr re 6445.07
NSG su 35000.00
NE Trk Ctr re 2907.01
Newman Sgns se 111.75
NMC re 22388.26
NP Hrdwr su 13.14
O’Reilly re 227.11
Paulsen su 1236.12
Rockmnt su 216.22
Sthrlnd Frm re 38.26
Titan Mach re 18.40
US Bnk se 41.89
W Michl Cont se 84757.50
Federal Buyback Fund
Paulsens re 332909.51
Child Support Inc:
Zones eq 698.00
Lodging:
Affrdbl Strg rt 109.00
Crnhskr Clng se 560.00
Fandangles se 224.00
HUB Intl ins 738.00
KS Plus rt 3500.00
Lngmr Htg re 400.00
Link Media se 500.00
M&A Sprnklrs se 470.00
Meyer Crtv se 75.00
NP PowWow se 5000.00
NP Telegrph adv 572.36
Pro Prtg se 282.00
Probitas Promo se 1830.00
Unltmt Bullrdg se 2000.00
Self-Funded Ins:
First Cncrd se 1315.51
Building Fund:
Mid-Cntintl Res re 8644.54
Jhnsn Ctls se 28732.00
The meeting was adjourned at 11:48 A.M.
Advance notice and the agenda for the June 27, 2022, board meetings were sent to the county board and all others requesting the same. Advance public notice (includes agenda) of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting and the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting was posted at the Lincoln County Courthouse, City Hall, and the Lincoln County website on June 24, 2022; and was also emailed to the media on June 24, 2022.
The agenda for the meetings to be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, 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
