NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Otoe County Courthouse

Nebraska City NE  68410

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Otoe County Board of Commissioners will convene as the Board of Equalization at 8:15 a.m. on February 9, 2010. The Otoe County Board of Commissioners will convene in regular session at 8:30 A.M. on February 9, 2010. Both meetings will be held in the County Courtroom (108) of the Otoe County Courthouse at Nebraska City. An Agenda for such meetings is kept continuously current, and is available for public inspection at the office of the County Clerk at the Courthouse; however, the agenda may be modified at such meetings to include items of an emergency nature only.

 

AGENDA FOR THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION MEETING

 

 8:15 a.m. – Open meeting, Roll Call, Open Meetings Act Posted, Accept Agenda, Accept Minutes from

                   previous meeting

    Therese Gruber, County Assessor: Discussion and/or action to consider a request for waiver by Masonic

                   Lodge in Palmyra; Discussion and/or action RE: Approval/disapproval of Permissive Exemptions;

                  Discussion and/or action RE: Tax List Correction(s); Discussion and/or action RE: Application for

                  Exemption from MV taxes  

************************************************************************************************************************

                                                            AGENDA OF THE REGULAR MEETING

 

8:30 a.m. -- Open Meeting, Call roll, Open Meetings Act Posted, Accept agenda, Accept minutes from

                     Previous meeting, Audit and Sign payroll claims; Audit and sign regular claims

8:40 a.m. – Steve Zimmers: Extension Office quarterly report

8:45 a.m. – Brian Volkmer and/or Pat Haverty: Discussion and/or action RE: Museums’ Resident Program

8:50 a.m. – Pat Haverty and/or Arnold Ehlers: Discussion and/or action RE: Proposed increase of building

                        permit fees

9:00 a.m. – Jan Reed: Safety Committee Report

9:05 a.m. – Jan Reed: Discussion and/or action RE: Proposed lease for an upgraded scanner/copier

9:10 a.m. – Discussion and/or action RE: Subcommittee report of County’s Noxious Weed Control Policy

 

9:15 a.m. - Lynn Denniston, Lead Supervisor: Road and Bridge matters:

1)      Discussion and/or action RE: Pending road and bridge projects

2)      Discussion and/or action RE: Road priorities for 2010 including list of red flag projects

3)      Discussion and/or action RE: Resolutions to appoint RC “Responsible Charge” person for the following bridge projects - BRO-7066(36); BRO-7066(32); BRO-7066(29)

4)      Discussion and/or action to rent a tractor for road work in 2010

5)      Discussion and/or action RE: Replacement of #94 Rock Truck

6)      Discussion and/or action RE: Proposed 1 & 6 Year Road Plan 2010-2016

7)      Miscellaneous

 

     

Other business matters to address when time allows:

       

         Jackie Smith, County Treasurer: Discussion and/or action RE: Pledged Security(s)

         Miscellaneous Correspondence and other matters that may come before the Board

 

 

Janene Bennett

                                                                                                                        Otoe County Clerk

 

 

The County Board reserves the right to go into executive session when and if they deem it necessary.

 

Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations, including interpreter service, Braille, large print or recorded materials, please contact Janene Bennett, County Clerk, Otoe County Courthouse, P O Box 249, Nebraska City, NE 68410, (402) 873-9505), no later than 12:00 noon the day before the meeting.               

 

 

February 9, 2010

 

The Otoe County Board of Commissioners convened in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on February 9, 2010 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. Advance notice of this meeting was published in the Nebraska City News Press and Syracuse Journal Democrat, announced on KNCY Radio Station and posted in at least three public places. 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 Chairman of the Board, Timothy Nelsen. Answering present at roll call were Commissioner Nelsen, Commissioner Lade, Commissioner Crook, Commissioner Kreifels and Commissioner Freshman.

 

Chairman Nelsen informed the public in attendance that a current copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted on the south wall of the Courtroom. Additional copies are available upon request. He asked that all attendees turn off their cell phones or set them to vibrate while present in the meeting room.

 

Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to accept the agenda as posted. There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote. Voting aye were Commissioners Nelsen, Lade, Crook, Kreifels and Freshman. Nay – none. Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to accept the minutes from the previous meeting and not have them read as each member was furnished with a copy of same. There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote. Voting aye were Commissioners Lade, Crook, Kreifels, Freshman and Nelsen. Nay – none. Motion carried.  

 

Due to the implementation of “once a month” payroll, there were no payroll claims submitted for approval.

 

Having reviewed the regular claims in advance of this meeting, Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to approve payment of the regular claims. There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote.  Voting aye were Commissioners Crook, Kreifels, Freshman, and Lade; Commissioner Nelsen approved payment of all claims except those claims submitted by the Public Defender’s Office to which he abstained. Nay – none. Motion carried.

 

Since the County’s General Assistance Policy has not been revised since 2003, Chairman Nelsen appointed Commissioners Kreifels and Crook to review its procedures and regulations to determine whether they are still in compliance with state statutes and whether updating is necessary.

 

Jackie Smith, County Treasurer, requested the release of a pledged security with Farmers Bank, Nebraska City, in the amount of $200,000 and replacing it with a pledging of the same amount. Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to adopt Resolution 2010-4 approving said transactions. There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote. Voting aye were Commissioners Lade, Crook, Kreifels, Freshman and Nelsen. Nay – none. Motion carried.

 

Steve Zimmers, Extension Educator, came before the Board to present a quarterly report of recent and upcoming activities. 1) Zimmers aided 4th grade students in conducting a wind energy experiment by teaching them to build a wind powered pinwheel that produced enough electricity to turn on an LED light. 2) A weigh-in was held for beef that will be entered and shown at the County Fair this summer. 3) UNL will sponsor the Annual Water Festival at Peru College in March where over 250 5th grade students will learn the importance of preserving our environment and its natural resources. 4) New Extension Board members will attend a training workshop at UNL to learn and understand what their duties will be while serving on the Board. 5) Extension Educator, Sarah Purcell, will be conducting a “babysitting” workshop in Nebraska City this spring.

 

Brian Volkmer, Director of the Nebraska City Museum Association, explained his intent for establishing an Otoe County Museums’ Resident Program. He said there are nine museums in Nebraska City that are members of the Museum Association. He recently met with the Mayor of Nebraska City who would like to make the museums more accessible to the general public and increase local resident visitation. To do this, he would like to hire a part-time attendant for each museum and offer free admission to all Otoe County residents. The museums will be open four afternoons per week from April 30th through mid-October. Volkmer said he will be responsible for marketing the proposed concept and the attendants will be required to track visitation statistics. He will compile a report from the statistics to determine how many locals take advantage of the free admission and whether paid admissions increase. He is asking for a $15,000 contribution from both the City and the County. Volkmer hopes that local residents will bring out-of-town guests to the museums, thus stimulating the local economy. Pat Haverty, City Administrator for Nebraska City, said the City plans to fund the project with LB840 receipts. Volkmer said the Otoe County Museum in Syracuse is not currently a member of the Museum Association, but if the County would contribute to the Residents’ Program, he would waive the $1000 membership fee and the County’s Museum would be included in the Program. Chairman Nelsen said he would like to take more time to consider the proposal; therefore no action was taken at this time.

 

Pat Haverty, City Administrator for Nebraska City, came before the Board to review a new building permit fee schedule that is being proposed by the City. A few years ago, the City and the County entered into an interlocal agreement whereby the City’s Building Inspector issues county building permits and conducts inspections in exchange for half of the building permit fees. Haverty said the City proposes to increase the fees by using an $85 per square foot valuation base formula. A permit to construct a 1500 sq ft house would increase from $735.75 to $941.98.  Commissioner Crook made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to agree with the proposed schedule of building permit fees as presented and to authorize the Chairman to sign an addendum to the interlocal agreement to notate said increase of fees. There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote. Voting aye were Commissioners Crook, Kreifels, Freshman, Nelsen and Lade. Nay – none. Motion carried.

 

As a side note, Mr. Haverty said the City is ready to hire an architect to design a master plan for utilizing space at the Memorial Building. He questioned whether the County would be interested in renting storage or office space in the building. Chairman Nelsen offered to meet with Haverty to discuss possibilities.

 

Jan Reed, Chairperson of the County’s Safety Committee, provided each Board Member with a revised copy of the Safety Manual which includes changes and suggestions made by the County Board a few weeks ago. Chairman Nelsen said he will turn it over to the County Attorney to review for legal content before attaining the approval of all other elected officials.

 

Ms. Reed requested permission to upgrade the Konica Minolta Bizhub Copier/Scanner that is located in her office. She said the machine was leased in May of 2006, but is starting to show wear in copy quality, especially in the mylar copies made by the Surveyor. The overall cost to upgrade would be about $300 for the year. Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to allow Ms. Reed to upgrade to a new Bizhub Copier/Scanner and enter into a new lease agreement. There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote. Voting aye were Commissioners Kreifels, Freshman, Nelsen, Lade and Crook. Nay – none. Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Lade reported that he and Commissioner Crook met with Jim Myers to discuss the County’s Noxious Weed Control Policy that was adopted in accordance with the Noxious Weed Control Act (Nebraska Revised Statute 2-953). For the past several years, the County has contracted with Mr. Myers to perform the duties of a weed superintendent including the authority to notify landowners of noxious weed violations, perform inspections of infestations and completing education and reporting requirements for the State. They asked Myers to start submitting a monthly report to include location of infestations, activities performed and an accounting of his expenses. Commissioner Lade said the old contract has expired and a new one should be drawn up.

 

Chairman Nelsen called for short recess at 9:11 a.m. The meeting resumed at 9:23 a.m. with all members being duly noted as present.

 

Lynn Denniston, Lead Supervisor, Chad Watkins, Crew Supervisor and Engineer Mark Mainelli came before the Board to discuss road and bridge matters.

 

Proposed 1 & 6 Year Road Plan 2010-2016: Mainelli said that he has been working with the County Road Supervisors and each Commissioner in putting together a One & Six Road Plan for the County. He stressed the importance of setting realistic goals – only list projects that can be completed this year in the One Year Plan and place longer term projects in the Six Year Plan.   He reviewed the previous years’ plans and recommended placing “carry-over projects” in the One Year Plan; this includes two Federal Aid Projects that are shovel ready, but are on hold due to funding.  They are bridge replacements known as Syracuse SW on Angle Road and Talmage NE west of P-60. He recommended that all FEMA bridges remain on the One Year Plan as well. Mainelli reminded Board Members that grade work to restore roads to good condition is considered maintenance and should not be listed on the Plan. However, work that will change the characteristic of the road or bridge is considered reconstruction and must be placed on the Plan. In addition, all work that is contracted is required to be listed on the Plan. He asked the Board to look over the proposed Plan and to let him know within the next 2 weeks if they want to make changes. A copy will be on file for public review in the County Clerk’s Office or the Road Department Office located in the Courthouse. A public hearing is scheduled at 9:00 a.m. on February 23rd.

 

Pending & Red Flag Projects: Commissioner Nelsen talked with personnel at the NDOR regarding the County’s four pending bridge projects. In order to get the Shallenberger Bridge (west of P-60) started this year, the County may need to negotiate the amount of soft match credit that can be contributed toward this project, unless the project would get approved for stimulus funding.

 

Nelsen asked each Commissioner to prioritize red flag and maintenance projects in their respective districts. Taking some projects from each list, they will make a reasonable work schedule for the road crew to work on this year. Denniston said he compiled cost estimates for each red flag project last year.

 

Mainelli said he and his personnel have been examining culverts and didn’t find as many problem areas as originally expected. He met with FEMA agents and asked them to reconsider the amount that was allotted for debris removal since the contractor bids were so high. They thought they could review the areas again in the spring - after the snow melts.

 

Commissioner Lade said he has found about 9 acres that the landowner may be willing to sell to the County in the Unadilla/Palmyra area. He has been looking for a place to store surplus materials, rip-rap, burn brush piles, etc. Mainelli warned them that the land cannot be located in a flood plain.

 

Resolutions to Appoint RC: The NDOR requires a separate resolution designating an RC (Responsible Charge) person for each federal aid project. The two Crew Supervisors Jonathan Brinkman and Chad Watkins, have successfully completed the course to become certified “RCs”. They are responsible for supervising and inspecting the projects as they are being constructed; they ensure that the projects are in compliance with the plans and remain eligible for federal funding. In addition, they must keep adequate supporting documentation. Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to sign Resolution 2010-5 designating Jonathon Brinkman as the RC for Bridge Project BRO-7066(36). There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote. Voting aye were Commissioners Freshman, Nelsen, Lade, Crook and Kreifels. Nay – none. Motion carried. Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to sign Resolution 2010-6 designating Jonathan Brinkman as the RC for Bridge Project BRO-7066(32). There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote. Voting aye were Commissioners Nelsen, Lade, Crook, Kreifels and Freshman. Nay – none. Motion carried. Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to sign Resolution 2010-7 designating Jonathan Brinkman as RC for Bridge Project BRO-7066(29). There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote. Voting aye were Commissioners Lade, Crook, Kreifels, Freshman and Nelsen. Nay – none. Motion carried.

 

Renting Tractor for Road Work – Denniston said the County leased a tractor last season for use in the western half of the County. The dealer charged $3000 for 300 hours, but the County had to supply the labor and fuel. In the eastern half, the County paid an individual a little over $3000 to do road work and he furnished his tractor, fuel and labor. All agreed to renew the contract with the individual as long as he is willing to do the work. Commissioner Lade will get proposals to rent a tractor for use in the western half and submit them at the next meeting.

 

Rock Truck: Unit #94, a Mack tractor, is starting to have a lot of problems. Only one “soft proposal” has been obtained for a new rock truck. Denniston will try to get at least two more.

 

Miscellaneous: Mainelli said he received a posting sheet from the NDOR recommending tonnage limits at each bridge site in Otoe County. Signs were purchased last year that display three truck types – a single axle, double axle and trailer with a pup. The appropriate tonnage sticker needs to be affixed to each one for placement at the bridge sites. Mainelli said he will compare the NDOR list with the one he has on file in his office.

 

Chairman Nelsen said he would like an estimate for replacing the bridge on S Road which is the county line road between Johnson and Otoe Counties. The two counties would share the cost, but both need to know how much to allow in their budgets.

 

Commissioner Lade said there are over 1800 curve signs to install this year. Chairman Nelsen suggested hiring part-time labor this summer to help install signs and mow county property.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, and since all items on the agenda have been disposed of, Chairman Nelsen declared this meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m. The next regular meeting will be held on February 23, 2010.

 

I, Janene Bennett, County Clerk of 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 the county seal this 9th day of February 2009.

 

 

 

 

Janene Bennett

Otoe County Clerk