NOTICE OF MEETING

 

Otoe County Courthouse

Nebraska City NE  68410

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Regular meeting of the Otoe County Commissioners of Otoe County, Nebraska will be held at 8:30 o’clock a.m. on January 24, 2006, in the County Courtroom (108) of the Otoe County Courthouse.  The meeting will be open to the public.  An agenda for each meeting is kept continuously current, and is available for public inspection at the office of the County Clerk at the Courthouse, but the agenda may be modified at such meetings to include items of an emergency nature only.

 

 

AGENDA OF THE NEXT MEETING                                          JANUARY 24, 2006

 

          8:30 a.m. -- Open Meeting, call roll, accept agenda, accept minutes from  

                                previous meetings, audit and sign payroll claims and regular claims

 

         8:32 a.m. -- Rick Sedersten: Discussion and/or action RE: Renovation issues

  

          8:45 a.m. –Public Hearings: D Schnitzer 1st and 2nd Subdivision as requested by Diane Schnitzer

                                                      

                                                         Discussion and/or action RE: Zoning seminar

                                                                                 

         9:00 a.m. – Discussion and/or action regarding road and bridge matters

                                    1)   Ron Barrett: Discussion and/or action RE: Request for 2nd entrance to his property

                                    2) Mark Mainelli – Discussion and/or action RE: Proposal as Acting Highway Supt

                                                (may have other issues to discuss and/or approve)

                                    3)   Discussion and/or action RE: Surplus equipment

                                   4)   Miscellaneous

 

         9:45 a.m. – Tim Cortney: Annual audit report

                                               

        10:00 a.m. – Open bids for patrol vehicles

 

        10:15 a.m. – Vanessa Sherman, PUFF: Discussion and/or action RE: Juvenile Service Plan for 2006

 

        10:30 a.m. – Discussion and/or action RE: Road Union Contract

 

        10:45 a.m. – Steve Zimmers, Extension Education: Monthly report

 

       

                                                                                                      

                 Other business matters to address when time allows:   

 

                          Jackie Smith, Treasurer: Tax refunds

                          Brandi Ellis, Assessor: Tax List Corrections

                          Cancel check #05120335

                          Marv Pesek - Executive session to review General Assistance cases and/or applications              

                         Miscellaneous Correspondence and other matters that may come before the Board

 

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                                                                                                        Janene Bennett

                                                                                                        County Clerk        

 

JANUARY 24, 2006

 

The Otoe County Board of Commissioners convened in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on January 24, 2006 to audit and sign payroll claims and regular claims and to take care of such other matters as are on the agenda for this meeting.  This meeting was open to the Public, and the agenda was kept current, and is on file for public inspection at the office of the Otoe County Clerk during regular business hours.

 

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman of the Board Joy W Schroder. Answering present at roll call were Commissioner Schroder, Commissioner Stratker and Commissioner Giittinger. None absent.

 

Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to accept the agenda as posted. Voting -- Commissioners Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to accept the minutes from the previous meeting as mailed to them and not have them read. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to audit and sign payroll claims and regular claims unless otherwise noted. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Commissioner Stratker, aye; Motion carried.

 

Rick Sedersten, representing the Courthouse Renovation Committee, appeared before the Board to review several proposed change orders. Tom Nolan, project manager for RONCO, the general contractor, was also available to answer questions. The first proposal was recommended by Weather Craft, the roofing subcontractor. He would like to replace the metal around the base of the cupola that will provide an ice and water shield to divert water from seeping underneath the new roof. The cost is quoted at $4,142. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by commissioner Stratker to direct the architect to prepare a change order that includes installation of a metal ice and water shield around the cupola on the courthouse in the amount of $4,142. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

The second proposal discussed was to install a sump pump in the fire sprinkler entrance room located on the north side of the basement. The workers were not able to locate the sewer line underneath the basement floor where it originally was thought to be. To install a vent and connect to a drain on the west end would cost as much or more. The contractor suggested installing a new sump pump as an alternative. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to direct the architect to prepare a change order in the amount of $2,691 for the installation of a sump pump in the fire sprinkler room. Voting – Commissioners Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried.

 

The final proposal brought for discussion was to complete the offices on second floor by including painting of the walls, electrical wiring, data cabling and carpentry work. The original contract covered a complete refurbishment of the second floor corridor, but included restoration of the office ceilings. With the rooms partially torn up, the second floor officials are requesting to have their offices painted and wired now, rather than being inconvenienced again at a later time. The total cost of the proposal is $140,785, but does not include floor coverings or window treatments. Mr. Nolan said that nearly half of the cost is for electrical work. They will be adding raceways in the baseboard so that electrical outlets and data cabling can be accessed anywhere in the room. The rooms will be painted in three colors and divided by picture molding and chair railing to match the hallways. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to direct the architect to prepare a change order in the amount of $140,785 to include painting, wiring and carpentry for the second floor offices. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried. Mr. Nolan will compile cost estimates for various types of floor coverings and submit them to the Renovation Committee.

 

Diane Schnitzer came before the Board to request approval for two subdivisions. She explained that the farm where her house is located was owned by her husband and brother. Since her husband is deceased, she would now like to separate the home site from the farm. In addition, her son built a new house down the road so she requested a second subdivision for that home site as well. Bill Umland, representing the Otoe County Planning Commission said that both subdivision plats were approved at their January 19th meeting. Commissioner Stratker made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Giittinger to authorize Chairman Schroder to sign the plat map for D. Schnitzer Subdivision located in the NE ¼ of the NW ¼ of 26-8-14 and the D. Schnitzer 2nd Subdivision located in the NW ¼ of the SE ¼ of 26-8-14 as requested by owners Eugene, Juanita and Diane Schnitzer. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

Bill Umland said that six members of the Planning Commission expressed an interest in attending the annual Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association conference which will be held in Kearney March 30th through the 31st. Registration fee is $70 each plus a lodging cost for one night’s stay and mileage reimbursement. Commissioner Stratker made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Giittinger to approve attendance for 6 members. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried.

 

Last November Ron Barrett asked permission to construct a second driveway leading into his property located on G Rd, former Business Hwy 75. He agreed to pay the entire cost of the project, however, there was an issue pending regarding ingress/egress rights. Since then, it has been determined that the County has the authority to make a recommendation to the State NDOR as to whether a second entrance should be allowed, but the State has the final say. Mr. Barrett assured the Board that the driveway would be used as a field entrance only and will be shared with his neighbor.  Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to have the County Attorney draft a letter to the NDOR recommending that they grant Mr. Barrett permission to construct a second driveway entering his property on G Rd; in addition he will ask the NDOR to inform Mr. Barrett of any required specifications. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

A few weeks ago, Mark Mainelli was asked to draft an agreement as the Acting Highway Superintendent for Otoe County. He gave each Board member a copy of his proposal.  It will be given to the County Attorney for review.

 

Mr. Mainelli said the Nemaha NRD needs to replace a rotted pipe on a road dam structure two miles east and one mile north of Syracuse which is located on a minimum maintenance road. The NRD is responsible for the cost of replacement, but they will need to coordinate a work schedule with the County’s Road Foreman in that area, Rich Kuenning.

 

Mr. Mainelli has reviewed several projects requiring the procurement of right-of-way for various road and bridge projects. He said he will contact the County Attorney; together they will compose a right-of-way policy outlining procedures for establishing a method for measurement that will be consistent countywide.

 

Commissioner Stratker said he was notified that Union Pacific Railroad will not pay any of the cost to replace the railroad crossing on G Road. Mainelli said if the County wishes to proceed with the paving project, they would have to withstand the entire expense for the new crossing increasing its cost by another $100,000. This would result in a total exceeding $350,000. Therefore, there are no plans to proceed at this time.

 

Commissioner Stratker noted there are several items stored at the Nebraska City Road Shop not being used. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to declare the following items as surplus: a single sheep foot roller, the old generator removed from the courthouse; a 1997 Ford Explorer; a 1983 Chevy pickup and a 1980 Chevy pickup. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Schroder, aye; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried. They plan to take these items to auction at the Farmer’s Sale in Syracuse scheduled for February 25th.

 

Tim Cortney, CPA, briefly reviewed the FY05 audit report he recently completed for the County. He noted the County is in full compliance with the state budgetary and GASB34 requirements. There were no significant changes in the overall receipts or disbursements. The County officials demonstrate sound fiscal responsibility. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to accept the budget report of financial statements as presented. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried.

 

At 10:00 a.m. bids were publicly opened and read for the purchase of sheriff patrol vehicles. Larson Motors of Nebraska City was the only bidder. The purchase price for a 2006 Dodge Charger was $24,348.00; a 2006 Crown Vic Interceptor was quoted at $23,874. Trade-in values offered were $300 for 1997 Ford Explorer (needs new motor); $5,500 for a 1998 Chevy Pickup; and $8,000 for 2001 Chevy Pickup. Sheriff Gress said he would like to take the proposals to compare; then return with a recommendation later today.

 

Other business matters were addressed at this time.

 

Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to approve tax refunds payable to Cleon Popelka in the aggregate amount of $144.14 for tax years 2003 and 2004 due to a clerical error. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to approve cancellation of check #5120335 in the amount of $216.66. Voting – Commissioners Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried. The claim was submitted in error by the Visitors Committee.

 

The Assessor presented the following tax list corrections for approval: 1) Sunrise Equitherapy Inc – deduct $404.92 – parcel should have been designated as tax exempt. 2) Thomas Reinhold Teten – deduct $83.10 – removed licensed trailer from personal property. 3) Kenneth Lamb – deduct $11.26 – clerical error. 4) Rinne Fertilizer – deduct $36.90 – incorrect depreciation year on piece of equipment. 5) William Goering – add $131.80 – federal depreciation worksheet contained items not listed on original return. 6) Rood Construction – deduct $38.84 – removed licensed equipment from personal property. 7) Gress Farms – deduct $258.08 – equipment located in Iowa, not Nebraska. 8) Richard Anderson – deduct $3.28 – piece of equipment was added in error. 9) Watkins True Value – add $381.46 – did not file a return until December 2005. 10) Duane Miller, DDS – deduct $63.66 – depreciation year incorrect. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to approve the tax list corrections as presented above. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried.

 

Marv Pesek said he had no general assistance cases to discuss at this time.

 

Vanessa Sherman, representing PUFF (People United for Families), came before the Board to give a brief overview of the Otoe County Comprehensive Juvenile Service Plan for 2006-2008. An analysis assessment was conducted by interviewing Judge John Steinheider, Captain Dave Lacy, Probation Officer Linda Unger and County Attorney Jeff Funke. Priority issues identified and included in this comprehensive plan include 1) underage alcohol consumption in Otoe County exceeds state and national averages; 2) methamphetamine use is affecting the health and safety of youth; 3) people in Otoe County do not hold themselves or their children responsible for their actions; 4) youth need to use their time constructively. It is their goal to reduce youth involvement in alcohol and increase family involvement in constructive activities by continuing or expanding the juvenile services and programs already in place. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to approve the Otoe County Three Year Comprehensive Juvenile Services Plan as presented. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried. The plan must be submitted to the Nebraska Crime Commission by February 1st.

 

At 10:30 a.m. the Board was scheduled to go into executive session to discuss the Road Union Contract; however, no representatives from the Union appeared nor the attorney contracted by the County Board. A telephone conference was held between Commissioner Stratker and the County Board’s attorney, Jerry Pigsley. Upon completion of the conference, Commissioner Stratker announced that Mr. Pigsley advised the Board to sign the contract as proposed; then forward it to the Union for signature. Commissioner Stratker made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Giittinger to sign the collective bargaining agreement between Nebraska Public Employees Local 251 representing the Otoe County Road Employees and the County of Otoe and to direct the County Clerk to mail the agreement to Local 251 for signature. Voting – Commissioners Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried. Effective date on the agreement is July 1, 2005 thru June 30, 2007.

 

Steve Zimmers, UNL Extension Educator, distributed brochures detailing activities scheduled during the month of February. A “Risk Assessed Marketing” interactive workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on February 2nd at the Kimmel Education & Research Center in Nebraska City. On February 3rd and 4th, a joint conference of UNL Extension and the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society is scheduled to take place at the Kimmel Education & Research Center in Nebraska City. The conference will focus on income opportunities for ag producers and rural residents. The market beef weigh-in for those who will be showing cattle at the County and State Fairs and/or Aksarben will take place on February 4th.  Mr. Zimmers will conduct two pesticide certification programs on February 6th; the afternoon session will begin at 1:30 p.m. and the evening session at 7:00 p.m. Both will be held at the First National Bank in Syracuse. On February 13th, UNL is offering a training session for 4-H leaders via satellite at the County Extension Office. Sarah Purcell will host a Food Safety program for volunteers who occasionally prepare food for a crowd of people. In Otoe County, the class will be held February 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Extension Office in Syracuse.

 

Sheriff Gress returned to review the bids received for the purchase of patrol vehicles. He noted there was only $474 difference between the price of a Dodge Charger and a Ford Crown Vic. He said he had no preference, but felt the trade-in value of a Dodge Charger would probably be greater than the trade-in value of a Crown Vic. When the budget was adopted for FY06, he had requested $55,000 for the purchase of new patrol vehicles. He calculated an amount of $57,822 for the purchase of three Crown Vics less trade-ins; $59,244 for three Dodge Chargers; $58,770 for two Chargers and one Crown Vic. Since so many of his vehicles have high mileage, he would like to purchase three vehicles. He noted that the Sheriff’s Office has received several contributions of nearly $3000 that will cover the cost to install cages, lights and radios in the new vehicles. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to approve the purchase of two 2006 Dodge Chargers and one 2006 Ford Crown Vic Interceptor for the quoted price of $58,770 which includes trade-ins of a 1997 Ford Explorer, a 1998 Chevy Pickup and a 2001 Chevy pickup. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, and since all items on the agenda have been disposed of, Joy W Schroder, Chairman of the Board, declared this meeting adjourned, until the next one, which will be on February 14, 2006.

 

I, Janene Bennett, County Clerk for Otoe County, do hereby certify that the above minutes were taken by me, and are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and I therefore set my hand and affix my seal this 24th day of January 2006.

 

 

 

Janene Bennett

Otoe County Clerk