October 10, 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 Wuehler, seconded by Woodruff to approve the minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting held on October 3, 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 Hewgley, seconded by Wuehler to receive and order filed the fee report submitted by the County Clerk. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Wuehler to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the interlocal agreement with the Village of Wellfleet for snow removal and grading of streets within the village beginning 10-1-2022. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Weems to approve the interlocal agreement with the City of North Platte for dispatch services beginning 10-1-2022. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Weems to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the special designated liquor permit submitted by Old Depot Vineyard & Winery for a private party to be held at the winery on November 10, 2022. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Weems to adopt Resolution No. 2022-26 authorizing the Chairman to sign the County Annual Certification of Program Compliance for Lincoln County Department of Roads. 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.
Angela Forbes appeared for the County Assessor’s Office. Deputy County Treasurer, Sheri Newton appeared as well.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Woodruff to approve the minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting held on October 3, 2022. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Wuehler to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the certificates of correction or refund submitted by the County Assessor on real estate. 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 submitted by North Platte Catholic Schools and recommended 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 notice of valuation change numbered 2022-016 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 9:22 A.M. and the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners reconvened.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Woodruff to approve the re-appointments of Rod Rayburn, Linda Hansen, Mitch Moorhead, and Roger Merritt for three-year terms to the Lincoln County Planning Commission. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Wuehler, seconded by Hewgley to approve the appointment of Judy Pederson to the Lincoln County Planning Commission to finish Brad Stickleman’s three-year term which will be up in 2024. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Hewgley to approve the appointment of Aaron Edwards to the Lincoln County Planning Commission to finish Steve Koch’s three-year term which will be up in 2023. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Wuehler to approve the appointment of Russ Miller as an alternate to the Board of Adjustment. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
A public hearing was opened at 9:35 A.M. to receive comments with respect to the requested vacation or abandonment of part of a public road known as Somerset Road located in the E ½ of SW ¼ Section 26, Township 10 North, Range 31 West of the 6th P.M. and in part of the NW ¼ of SW ¼ of Section 26, Township 10 North, Range 31 West of the 6th P.M., Lincoln County, NE.
No comments were received.
The public hearing was closed at 9:36 A.M.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Hewgley to adopt Resolution No. 2022-27 to allow vacation or abandonment of part of a public road known as Somerset Road located in the E ½ of SW ¼ Section 26, Township 10 North, Range 31 West of the 6th P.M. and in part of the NW ¼ of SW ¼ of Section 26, Township 10 North, Range 31 West of the 6th P.M., Lincoln County, NE. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Deputy County Treasurer, Sheri Newton, appeared to discuss the purchase of office equipment for the Lincoln County Treasurer’s motor vehicle department. The following informal bids were submitted: National Business Furniture – 7 desks & 7 chairs, $16,025.94; Eakes – 7 desks – $18,578. 48 but was reduced per Sheri to $13,603.15.
Commissioner Hewgley stated that he had been in the MV Dept. several weeks ago and only seen one chair that needed replaced. He also questioned if the desk selected was the best design for that office.
Commissioner Bruns commented that the desks are multiple levels and are very low.
Newton reported that they chose a 3-drawer rolling file cabinet that locks with wheels to go under the desks for drawers.
Commissioner Bruns asked if they had contacted Cornhusker Industries.
Newton replied that they did contact them, but they only have wooden desks and with the metal license plates they did not feel this would be a good fit.
Commissioner Woodruff stated that the MV Dept. is up and down a lot and that we also need to consider comfort and safety.
Commissioner Wuehler questioned if they had received input from the employees in that department and if this purchase was in the current budget.
Newton responded in the affirmative to both questions.
Commissioner Weems suggested looking at warranty and quality of the chairs and possibly purchasing a better chair.
Newton said she would glad to get an estimate on better quality chairs.
Commissioner Hewgley suggested possibly ordering one chair and trying it out before they order all of them.
Commissioner Bruns would like them to look at bids again.
Motion by Hewgley, seconded by Weems to authorize the purchase of 7 chairs like the better-quality chairs in the real estate division. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler and Woodruff voted “aye”. Bruns voted “nay”. Motion carried.
Motion by Wuehler, seconded by Woodruff to approve the replacement of 7 desks in the motor vehicle department per the informal bid from National Business Furniture.
Deputy County Attorney, Tyler Volkmer, reported that three informal bids were needed per state statute.
The motion and second was rescinded.
Commissioner Wuehler supplied background information and research she had done on the property located at 103, 105, 107 &111 North Dewey. (The former West Central District Health building). The electrical and data lines have already been updated. It is 6028 sq ft which will allow for future growth. The building would need some renovations. She estimated that it would pay for itself in 7 years due to the savings in rent in other facilities.
Lonnie Folchert, the Chief Probation Officer for District 11, was present to discuss the possibility of moving a portion of his department to this location. He reported that they do need more office space. They are doubled up in some offices and they do need confidentiality with clients. They could utilize this space and have room to grow. They could have larger classes and do more drug testing.
Commissioner Weems commented that the county would not be able to consider this purchase without the ARPA funds. The county will lose tax revenue if we purchase the building. He asked Folchert if they could function without renovations to the building.
Folchert replied that they could but there are plumbing, lighting and some other items that would need to be addressed.
Commissioner Wuehler told board members that the best time to do upgrades or renovations is while the building is empty. She believes this is a good long-term investment for the county.
Commissioner Weems wondered if there were any larger known issues on the building such as the roof.
Robbie Stefka, of Commercial Investment Services, replied there were none to their knowledge.
Commissioner Woodruff stated he supports the purchase. He thanked the probation office for the work they do and Commissioner Wuehler for her efforts on this item.
Commissioner Hewgley felt the bones of the building were sound and that it was probably worth the asking price.
Motion by Woodruff, seconded by Wuehler to approve the purchase of real estate located at 103, 105, 107 &111 North Dewey, North Platte, Nebraska, in the amount of $259,000 by Lincoln County. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Weems voted “nay”. Motion carried.
Motion by Weems, seconded by Hewgley to approve entering into a 99-year lease agreement with the North Platte Chamber & Development Corporation for property located in the NE ¼ of Section 28, Township 14N, Range 32 West of the 6th P.M., Lincoln County, Nebraska, commonly known as Greenbrier. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Chairman Bruns commented that this is an updated resolution to replace Resolution No. 2022-12 concerning creating an inland port authority. He reported that the application must be submitted through AmpliFund to the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development. He then explained how an inland port authority functions.
Commissioner Woodruff asked how long it would be before we learn if it was approved.
Commissioner Bruns said we should know in 90 days.
Deputy County Attorney, Tyler Volkmer, reminded them that the inland port authority would be its own entity. The County Board will pick the 9-member board of directors who will run the day-to-day operations.
Commissioner Hewgley questioned if the outside boundaries could be changed in the future.
Volkmer responded in the affirmative. Boundaries can be increased or decreased.
Motion by Wuehler, seconded by Hewgley to adopt Resolution No. 2022-28 (which rescinds Resolution No. 2022-12) creating an Inland Port Authority in Lincoln County, Nebraska. Upon roll call vote Hewgley, Weems, Wuehler, Bruns and Woodruff voted “aye”. Nays, none.
Hear concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, or their representative.
Approved the following claims as presented for payment. Motion carried.
General:
Agri Comp Sls se 6321.45
Allo se 1841.79
Amzn Cptl Serv su 366.01
A Shafer reb 130.00
Br Cmrcl Flr se 1200.00
Cptl Bsns Sys se 528.57
Cntry Lnk se 579.97
Crvl Adcmc Cnsltg se 1638.30
C Korf reb 402.25
Cty of Np su 191.38
E Wood se 1096.16
C Lembke reb/mls 157.43
Clign se 35.76
Dwsn Cnty Shrf se 51.41
Dr Debs se 100.00
Eakes se 937.90
Elctn Sys Sftwr se 6128.59
F Fair se 4865.00
Galls ex 55.67
Gnrl Rprtg Serv se 900.00
Hmtwn Lsng cont 293.29
J Rudolph se 180.00
K Smith mi/reb 298.77
Pty Csh/Chld Sprt se 387.00
Lncln Cnty Crt se 3804.03
B Malcom se 4863.26
M McKeone se 2182.95
McChsny Mrtn Sghrn se 8150.00
Mnrds se 44.68
Mntzr Oil se 105.91
Mntzr Oil Co su 203.68
Mcrflm Imgng Sys se 600.00
Mdwst Cnct se 3122.44
Mips se 3549.56
Mlw se 11010.43
Ne Tx Eqlztn se 27.90
N Sorensen reb 17.21
Nowstrn En se 18.14
Plr Str Cr Wa se 19.00
Pr Sts Comm rt 405.00
Rgn II Hmn Serv se 11900.59
Rgn II Srvs se 17598.00
Rsnbrg se 70.00
R Gordon reb/mls 174.42
Schbn Sani se 909.60
Cnty Shrfs Fee se 1933.40
Shrwn Wlms Co se 59.57
Shred It se 420.00
Snl Serv se 2467.99
S Finke reb 32.73
Hm Dpt Pro se 1333.76
Ups se 59.90
Tks Wldng se 230.00
Trnsun Rsk contr 125.00
Trvlrs Cl Rem ins 650.00
Unitech su 314.10
Unl mi 850.00
Us Clr se 235.95
Vrzn Wrls se 239.04
Wex Bank su 7269.58
Roads:
Akrs se 166.84
Allo se 207.92
Andrsn Sons se 42.48
Blk Hls Engy se 75.38
Crqst su 924.35
Cty of Np se 83493.53
Crnhskr Inter Trk se 927.97
Dppd se 436.57
Envro Srvs eq 12305.15
Garrett su 11732.47
Her Corp Tele se 78.98
Idl Lnen se 553.99
Inlnd Trk Prts se 2471.76
Lrys Gls se 100.00
Lvl su 11322.37
Mnrds se 143.76
Mdlnds Ocptnl Med su 20.00
Mrphy Trctr Eq se 4262.95
Ne Trk Cntr se 3602.57
Nmc se 13755.78
Pls Prta Pty su 305.00
Schbn Sani se 153.43
Suth Frm Auto se 325.02
Vlg of Brady se 88.29
Vlg of Hershey se 129.44
Vlg of Max se 70.00
Vlg of Wall se 25.00
Self-Funded Ins:
First Cncrd Bnfts Grp ins 903.50
ARPA Fund:
Cmnts Kids Lncln Co grant 45000.00
The meeting was adjourned at 11:31 A.M.
Advance notice and the agenda for the October 10, 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 October 7, 2022; and was also emailed to the media on October 7, 2022.
The agenda for the meetings to be held on Monday, October 17, 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
