The County Commissioners’ meeting was called to order on April 18, 2023, at 9:02 a.m. by Chairman Patrick H. Wade. Vice-Chairman John Midkiff, Commissioner Elaine Griffith, and County Clerk Becky L. Freeman were present. Members of the audience included Judy Lucas with The Lusk Herald, Sheriff Randy Starkey, and Undersheriff Kelly Dean.
Road & Bridge- Foreman Fred Thomas met with the Commissioners and updated them on roads. He said they are trying to get them bladed, but some are powdering out. He noted that the road project had begun and that they would be installing culverts tomorrow. He is also trying to get equipment fixed.
Old Business- There was nothing new to report on the SLIB easements, the old jail, or the Community Services Juvenile Justice Program.
Commissioner Griffith did note that the Department of Health grant had been approved and the remodeling of the public health nurse building could begin. She said that Neil Holmes, the County’s project coordinator, would contact the contractor.
Sheriff Randy Starkey said that the Homeland Security Grant application for the Sheriff’s Office side by side has been submitted.
Wyoming Retirement System- Keri Thompson, Chrisanna Lund, Teri Stephens, Becky L. Freeman, Debbie Sturman, Randy Starkey, and Kelly Dean attended the Wyoming Retirement System meeting hosted by Stacy Woita of WRS. Mrs. Woita explained the program and how it could benefit employees. She explained the employer and employee contribution rates and said that the County would have to have complete participation by all eligible employees. There is a 48-month vesting period and an employee could buy additional years once they are vested. The Commissioners will review this more at budget time.
County Attorney- Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners and discussed county business.
Gail Mahnke, with the Niobrara County Weed and Pest, presented the Commissioners with commemorative mugs celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the 23-county weed and pest districts.
Wyoming Child & Family Development- Mary Kugler, Area Coordinator, Kaylene White, Center Director, and Kari Dickson, Board Member, met with the Commissioners to discuss the program and request funding for the upcoming fiscal year.
24-Hour Catering Permit- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve the 24-Hour Catering permit for the Lusk Liquor Store to sell alcoholic beverages on May 5, 2023, for the Barb Rapp Benefit. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Debbie Sturman and Kathy Coon met with the Commissioners to discuss shelving concerns at the library. They said the exterior wall shelving on the main floor needs to be replaced. Ms. Sturman said the Library Foundation will pay for shelving, which is over $22,000.00. She asked if there was any way the Commissioners could fund the labor to paint the walls and install the new shelving. It is estimated to cost $10,000. She said the shelving will take up to 12 weeks to arrive, so this project would occur in the next fiscal year. The Commissioners authorized her to move forward with ordering shelving.
Katie Krein, Prevention Specialist stopped in and updated the Commissioners on the Prevention Program. She said that drug takebacks are starting up. There is a statewide planning meeting occurring on the 21st and 22nd of September. She said the first day will be discussing drug use and the second day will be devoted to mental health awareness. She did note that everyone who sells alcohol must have TIPS training.
Sheriff Randy Starkey and Undersheriff Kelly Dean met with the Commissioners to discuss the water damage at the jail, which is creating structural issues with the building. Rob Dafoe, with the Wyoming Association of Risk Management, called into the meeting to address these issues.
Consent Agenda-Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Items on the consent agenda were the minutes of the April 6, 2023, meeting, a Petition of Affidavit for Reduction in Taxes for Breitburn Operating, LP from the 2020 tax roll in the amount of $137,872.00, and receipts for the month of March from the Sheriff for $576.25.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Patrick Wade, Chairman
Attest: Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk
Public Notice No. 5933. Published in The Lusk Herald on May 10, 2023.
