The County Commissioners’ meeting was called to order on this date at 9:00 a.m. with Chairman Patrick H. Wade, Vice-Chairman John Midkiff, Commissioner Elaine Griffith, and County Clerk Becky L. Freeman present.
Chairman Wade led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Road & Bridge- Foreman Fred Thomas met with the Commissioners and discussed roads, pits, and equipment. He said the motor in the service truck has failed and will cost quite a bit to replace. He submitted quotes for a new vehicle that could be used as a service truck or be put in service as a road and bridge pickup and swap out a different pickup to use as a service vehicle. The Commissioners took this under advisement.
BenchMark of Torrington- Brian Wakefield, an engineer with BenchMark of Torrington, presented information for a new Road Rehabilitation Project on the North end of Cheyenne River Road.
Keith Cashman with WY Machinery presented a plaque of appreciation to the Niobrara County Commissioners and Road and Bridge.
County Attorney- County Attorney Anne Wasserburger and County Treasurer Keri Thompson met with the Commissioners to discuss the best way to proceed in collecting delinquent taxes from energy companies. Also in attendance was County Assessor Teri Stephens.
The regular meeting recessed into a public hearing at 11:00 a.m. to receive citizens’ comments on the County’s submission of an application to the Wyoming Business Council under the Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program for upgrades and enhancements to the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Main Building. Those in attendance were Denise E. Smith, Kellie Chichester, Erin Smith, Extension Office, Tandy Dockery, Fairboard Chairman, and Kim Rightmer with Wyoming Business Council.
The group reviewed the resolution, and Commissioner Griffith inquired about whether or not there was a comprehensive operation and maintenance plan as stated in the resolution, and Mrs. Smith said there wasn’t one. Ms. Rightmer suggested removing that paragraph if there was no plan. No other comments were made.
The regular meeting reconvened at 11:55 a.m.
Resolution 19-13- Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to approve Resolution 19-13 - A resolution authorizing the submission of an application to the Wyoming Business Council under the Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program for an enhancement grant on behalf of the governing body of Niobrara County for upgrades and enhancements to the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Main Building. Commissioner Griffith seconded, motion carried.
Malt Beverage Permit- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve a 24-Hour Malt Beverage Permit for Carla Stroh to provide malt beverages for the Sip-n-Paint being held November 20, 2019, at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, motion carried.
Ratify Proposal with GW Mechanical- Commissioner Griffith moved to ratify the proposal with GW Mechanical, Inc. for the removal and disposal of the old steam boiler and installation of the new steam boiler in the Courthouse for $19,650.00. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, motion carried.
Elected Officials & Dept. Heads- James Santistevan, Emergency Mgmt Coordinator, Cary Gill, Sheriff, Keri Thompson, Treasurer, Teri Stephens, Assessor, Chrisanna Lund, Clerk of Court, and Kellie Chichester, Extension Office, met with the Commissioners to discuss county business and office operations.
Mr. Santistevan said it was business as usual. He noted that all 23 counties have entered into mutual aid agreements.
Sheriff Gill said he hired a new deputy, and they are looking for additional help in detention.
Treasurer Thompson said her office was busy collecting tax payments.
Assessor Stephens noted that most of their education courses were done and that Andy Martin is close to being permanently certified as a property tax appraiser. She also stated that she was busy working on ag land values.
Clerk of Court Lund said she would find out soon if there would be any jury trials in December.
Mrs. Chichester discussed repairing and staining the drop-down boards in the auditorium of the fairgrounds. The group agreed to stain and lacquer the boards as well as install new hardware, so they are no longer a hazard and look nicer.
Commissioner Griffith said that everyone is working hard to get the daycare program off the ground, and Mr. Santistevan did note that Manville has a new emergency warning siren.
Consent Agenda- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve the consent agenda. Vice- Chairman Midkiff seconded, motion carried. Items on the consent agenda were the minutes of the October 15, 2019 meeting, receipts for the month of October from the County Clerk for $4,085.21; from the Sheriff for $495.00 and from the Public Health Nurse for $874.59 and a Notice of Valuation Change for Harry Krejci from the 2019 Tax Year resulting in a tax roll supplement for Niobrara County for $794.54.
Payroll and the following vouchers were approved for payment:
Vendor Total Detail Line Description
Alsco $319.47 Shop towels and coveralls
Andy Martin $112.00 Travel expense
ArcaSearch Corporation $5,907.00 Digitizing annual fee
Becky Blackburn $43.21 Supplies
Benzel Pest Control, Inc. $186.02 Pest control
Black Hills Chemical & Janitorial $1,349.27 Supplies
Black Hills Energy $370.46 Utilities
BlueTarp Financial, Inc. $39.99 Parts
Bob Barker Co., Inc. $153.04 Supplies, new equipment
Bob Ruwart Motors, Inc. $464.75 Equipment repairs
Body Builders Body Shop $81.54 Vehicle repairs
Boldon Diesel Service, LLC. $497.94 Vehicle repairs
Cally Lund $500.00 Office rent
Canon Financial Services, Inc. $380.00 Copier service agreement
Century Link $1,360.31 Telephone
Century Link Business Services $81.25 Telephone
Chantry Filener $8,318.00 New equipment
