The regular meeting of the Niobrara County Commissioners commenced on November 19, 2024, at 9:02 a.m. Present were Chairman Patrick H. Wade, Vice-Chairman John Midkiff, and Commissioner Elaine Griffith. Also present were County Clerk Becky L. Freeman and Sheriff Randy Starkey. Members of the audience included Commissioner-Elect Jeb Hanson, and Brandie Collins with the Lusk Herald were in attendance.
Road & Bridge- Foreman Fred Thomas updated the Commissioners on the 2024 Road Rehab Project. He said that the forms the contractor used for the concrete for flow pan did not hold and one wall at the bottom blew out. The road and bridge crew went to the construction site to assist, but Foreman Thomas had concerns about the quality and stability of the concrete.
He said he met with engineers from BenchMark of Torrington, and they discussed how to move forward. There was discussion about removing the contractor from the project. Should that occur, Thomas said he has alternate plans to complete the project if the flow plan material tests are acceptable and meet specification.. The engineers had concerns about the structural integrity of the pan.
Brian Wakefield with BenchMark of Torrington joined the meeting. He informed the Commissioners that certain concrete cores need to be evaluated on the material poured, to ensure it meets all the requirements. The core testing is a requirement in the contract, and it is up to the contractor to obtain the samples. Mr. Wakefield submitted a draft letter to the contractor addressing concerns about the workmanship and steps that need to be taken to address the issues. He also stated no further payments will be administered until the matter is resolved. The Commissioners will ask Attorney Wasserburger for her opinion on the letter.
Commissioner Griffith said Prevention Coordinator Kassidy Miller had contacted her to ask if there was any way she could drive the ambulance in the event of an emergency and no other drivers were available. The Commissioners did not see a problem with the request but advised her to consult with her direct supervisor regarding the matter.
Commissioner Griffith discussed cleaning at the public health building. She said that Traci Bruegger, who cleans the courthouse, library, and justice center had contacted public health nurse Michelle Kremers, and they conducted a walk-through. More information is needed before a decision is made.
County Attorney- Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners and discussed county business.
She updated the Commissioners on election complaints which were filed with the Secretary of State’s office and then forwarded to her office, regarding the school board mailers which were sent out. The complaints cite a violation of election laws because “Friends of Niobrara County” did not file Political Action Committee (PAC) formation documentation within the allowed timeframe. She forwarded the complaints to the sheriff’s office for investigation.
She explained that there are penalties if the actions were willfully and knowingly committed. Based upon the sheriff’s investigation report, the members of the PAC were unaware they had to file the required paperwork. It was also noted that the candidates listed on the mailer were not aware that it was being sent out on their behalf nor had they been approached by anyone to do so.
In addition, she received an additional complaint regarding a second mailer that was mailed to boxholders, however this mailer had no information about who sent it. This is also a violation of election laws. This complaint was forwarded to the sheriff’s office for investigation, but they were unable to determine who sent it. Based on information contained in the sheriff’s report, her office will not be prosecuting anyone.
Public Hearing- Renewal of Retail Liquor Licenses for the Pronghorn Bar and Paleo Park- Chairman Wade opened the public hearing at 10:15 a.m. to receive public comments regarding the renewals. Clerk Freeman said all paperwork had been submitted in a timely fashion and forwarded to the State Liquor Division for review. She said she had not been contacted by the Division regarding any issues. There was no one else to speak in favor of or in opposition to the renewals of the retail liquor licenses. Chairman Wade closed the hearing at 10:17 a.m.
Commissioner Griffith moved to approve the renewal of the retail liquor licenses for Rex F. Groves d/b/a/ The Pronghorn Bar and for Arlene Zerbst d/b/a/ Paleo Park. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
Dru Bower of DRU Consulting joined the meeting via telephone and provided an update on the Newcastle BLM Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which is out for a 90-day comment period. She discussed upcoming meetings she would like to schedule to get organized.
She updated them on the Greater Sage Grouse EIS, Thunder Basin National Grasslands and BLM New Old Growth Forest Area (NOGA) activities.
Old Business- Commissioner Griffith updated the Commissioners on the last Community Juvenile Services Board meeting. She noted they are still advertising for the vacant coordinator position.
Wyo Lawn & Tree- The Commissioners elected not to pre-pay for lawn care services. They will pay per application.
2024 Road Rehabilitation Project- Letter to Whetsell Carpentry, LLC- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve signing the letter to Whetsell Carpentry, LLC., regarding concerns which have arisen on the 2024 Road Rehab Project- Cattle Guards and Head Wall as prepared by BenchMark of Torrington. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.
Treasurer Keri Thompson briefly met with the Commissioners to ask if she could have one of the unused chairs in the basement. The Commissioners authorized her to take one.
Consent Agenda Commissioner Griffith moved to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2024 meeting, and receipts from October from the Sheriff for $378.75.
There being no further business, Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:10 p.m. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.
NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Patrick Wade, Chairman
Attest: Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk
Public Notice No. 6175 published in The Lusk Herald on December 11, 2024.
