The County Commissioners’ meeting was called to order on May 18, 2021, 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 in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Road & Bridge- Road and Bridge Foreman Fred Thomas met with the Commissioners and discussed road and bridge business.
He discussed gravel pits and equipment. He noted that the cost to repair the blade was $36,100.00.
He said he has the Caterpillar out at the Brown Pit and will be stockpiling rock for work to be done on Wasserburger Road. He also said the road and bridge crew is still working on cleaning out auto gates.
Treasurer Keri Thompson met with the Commissioners to continue discussions regarding concerns over SF60, Enrolled Act 9, ad valorem taxation of mineral production.
Old Business- Commissioner Griffith said that JoAnn Wade is ordering the historical sign for the courthouse and the celebration for the 100th anniversary of the courthouse will be held at a later date.
The group also discussed establishing a Health Savings Account for employees. After discussions with the County’s health insurance plan manager, it was determined that the County’s plan does not qualify due to the first dollar coverage (copays) for office visits and prescriptions.
Catering Permits- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve two (2) 24-Hour catering permits for Spirits to sell alcoholic beverages at the Niobrara County School District’s End of Year Party being held May 21, 2021 and for the Christianson wedding reception being held on June 19, 2021. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, motion carried.
Engagement Letter with PMCH- Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to sign the engagement letter with Porter, Muirhead, Cornia, and Howard to perform the County’s audit for FYE 2021. Commissioner Griffith seconded, motion carried.
Assessment Roll- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve the 2021 Assessment Roll provided by the County Assessor. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, motion carried.
Road Crossing Permit- Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to approve the petition to cross county road submitted by the Jack Pfister Ranch. Commissioner Griffith seconded, motion carried. They will be crossing an unimproved portion of Indian Creek Road to install a 2” poly pipe for livestock water.
County Attorney- County Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners and discussed county business.
Executive Session- Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to enter into Executive Session at 11:12 a.m. to discuss an ongoing criminal investigation. Commissioner Griffith seconded, motion carried.
Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to leave Executive Session at 11:22 a.m. Commissioner Griffith seconded, motion carried. There was no action taken.
Consent Agenda- Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Griffith seconded, motion carried. Items on the consent agenda were the minutes of the May 4, 2021 meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PATRICK WADE, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
BECKY L. FREEMAN
Public Notice No. 5634. Published in The Lusk Herald on June 9, 2021
