The County Commissioners’ meeting was called to order on August 18, 2022, at 9:03 a.m. with Chairman Patrick H. Wade, Vice-Chairman John Midkiff, Commissioner Elaine Griffith, and County Clerk Becky L. Freeman present. Members of the audience included Judy Lucas with The Lusk Herald, Randy Starkey, and Alex Miller of Miller Construction.
Chairman Wade led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Road & Bridge- Foreman Fred Thomas met with the Commissioners and updated them on road and bridge business.
He also noted that the millings from the State’s Hwy 85 road project had been hauled and stockpiled.
He met with DEQ, and they looked at some of the county’s gravel pits. Mr. Thomas said that according to DEQ Land Quality Statutes, the County doesn’t need to have a permit. He is waiting for more information on DEQ Air and Water quality requirement.
Fairgrounds Auditorium East Side Roof Bid Opening- The commissioners received a bid from Miller Construction for $83,000.00 for the Niobrara County Fairground’s Auditorium partial roof removal, restructure, and replacement project.
Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to award the bid to Miller Construction for $83,000.00. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
Deputy County Attorney Doyle J. Davies met briefly with the Commissioners to discuss the Abraxas building inspection report as well as present a title insurance report.
Old Business- There were no updates to items under old business.
Planning and Zoning Board Member Appointment- The Commissioners reviewed the applications received from Jordan Reed and Heather Goddard for the vacant position on the planning and zoning board.
Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to appoint Jordan Reed to fill the vacancy on the planning and zoning board for a three-year term. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
24-Hour Catering Permit- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve a 24-Hour Catering Permit for Spirits to sell alcohol at John Graham’s Coyote Days Banquet being held August 18, 2022. Vice- Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
24-Hour Malt Beverage Permit- Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to approve a 24-Hour Malt Beverage Permit for Wendi Dutcher to give away malt beverages at the Dutcher wedding reception being held September 3, 2022. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
County Attorney- Attorney Wasserburger met with the Commissioners and discussed county business. She said the Guardian Ad Litem contract is ready to sign.
Guardian Ad Litem Memorandum of Understanding- Commissioner Griffith moved to sign the MOU between the Wyoming Guardian Ad Litem and Niobrara County. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
The group discussed the agreement between BenchMark of Torrington and Niobrara County for the planning and zoning manual rewrite.
Executive Session- Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to enter executive session with Attorney Wasserburger at 11:10 a.m. to discuss personnel issues. Commissioner Griffith moved to leave executive session at 11:21 a.m. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried. No action was taken.
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 August 2, 2022, meeting, and receipts for July from the County Sheriff for $3,283.25.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned
NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Patrick Wade, Chairman
Attest:
Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk
Public Notice No. 5829. Published in The Lusk Herald on September 14, 2022
