The County Commissioners’ meeting was called to order on December 21, 2021, at 9:02 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- Foreman Fred Thomas met with the Commissioners and updated them on road and bridge business. He said they had done some blade work and snow plowing on various roads.
The group discussed dyed diesel prices and Mr. Thomas said the quote he received from a business in Pine Bluffs was $3.06 per gallon. The quote received from Westco was $2.64 per gallon.
Fuel Contract- Commissioner Griffith moved to accept Westco’s bid of $2.64 per gallon for #2 dyed diesel. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried. The contract runs from January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022.
Commissioner Griffith said someone had contacted her about Petz Road. They had asked her if there was any way to place some gravel on the road. Mr. Thomas said he was aware of the situation and would try to get there when it thaws some or there is more moisture on the ground.
Mr. Thomas said he had discussed snow removal on 28 Road with Mark Groh.
Old Business- Chairman Wade discussed the fairgrounds auditorium roof and said he was hopeful that American Rescue Plan Account monies could be used to repair the roof since it is an emergency shelter.
Lawn Care- Commissioner Griffith said she had heard from Wyoming Lawn and Tree regarding weed and feed services for the courthouse, jail, and library. The cost is $885.00 for five treatments and the invoice from TruGreen was $797.30 for five treatments. Commissioner Griffith suggested moving forward with Wyoming Lawn and Tree because she feels they have provided better service throughout the community.
Commissioner Griffith moved to contract with Wyoming Lawn and Tree to perform five weed and feed treatments for summer 2022 for $885.00. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
County Attorney- County Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners to discuss county business.
The group discussed contracting with DRU Consulting, LLC, for the Newcastle Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plan Revision. Attorney Wasserburger said it appears like Weston and Crook Counties have already contracted with the company.
James Santistevan, Emergency Management Coordinator met with the commissioners and discussed the previously awarded Homeland Security Grant the county received to purchase a backup generator for the courthouse. The original award amount was for $30,000.00 and Mr. Santistevan said he expected an amendment would be sent to the county for an additional $34,000.00 bringing the total award to $64,000.00. He expects an amendment to be sent sometime next week.
He also discussed the generator and said that H & H Electric wants to come and review the proposed area where the generator will be placed and evaluate the size we need.
Lisa Shaw, Manager for the Niobrara Conservation District met with the Commissioners to discuss the Conservation District’s upcoming meeting with Mike Noonan of Aspen Consulting.
Copier Service Agreements- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve the Canon copier service agreements, including toner, for copiers located in the courthouse. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
Resolution 21-15- 2022 Official Holidays- Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to approve Resolution 21-15. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried. A full copy of the resolution is on file in the clerk’s office and on the county’s website: www.niobraracounty.org
Resolution 21-16- 2022 Official Commissioners’ Meeting Dates- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve Resolution 21-16. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried. A full copy of the resolution is on file in the clerk’s office and on the county’s website: www.niobraracounty.org
Ratify 24-Hour Malt Beverage Permit- Commissioner Griffith moved to ratify a 24-Hour Malt Beverage Permit for the LEMS Staff Christmas Party held December 17, 2021. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
The group discussed indigent burials and the reimbursement process for counties now allowed through the state.
Commissioner Griffith moved to participate as a Cooperating Agency in the preparation and development of the Newcastle and Nebraska Resource Management Plans Revision and Associated Environmental Impact Statement. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to hire DRU Consulting, LLC, to act as a consultant for the Newcastle Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plan Revision. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
Commissioner Griffith moved to approve the draft FNRPA (Federal Natural Resource Policy Account) application letter that Dru Palmer of DRU Consulting, LLC, submitted. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
Consent Agenda- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve the consent agenda. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda were the minutes of the December 7, 2021 meeting and a tax roll supplement for J P Oil Co., Inc. from the 2021 tax year for $184.09.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Patrick Wade, Chairman
Attest:
Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk
Public Notice No. 5704. Published in The Lusk Herald on January 12, 2022.
