NOTICE OF MEETINGS

April 14, 2009

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 April 14, 2009. The Otoe County Board of Commissioners will convene in regular session at 8:30 A.M. on April 14, 2009. 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 Trombino, County Assessor: Discussion and/or action RE: Tax List Corrections

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

                                                            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

 8:45 a.m. – Rick Sedersten, Custodian: Discussion and/or action to consider installation of keyless entry on

                    All County Road Shops; Discussion and/or action RE: Proposals to fill in window wells;

                    Discussion and/or action RE: Lawn Care for Courtyard

 9:00 a.m. – Jim Gress, Sheriff: Bid Opening for Patrol Vehicle

 9:15 a.m. – Dave Partsch, Co Attorney: Discussion and/or action RE: Contract with Bryan LGH for payment of

                    medical bills incurred by EPC patients and jail inmates

                    Discussion and/or action RE: Adoption of Addendum to Lottery Operator Agreement regarding

                    unclaimed prizes

 9:30 a.m. – Shawna Silvius: Give quarterly report for RCEDC

 9:45 a.m. – Commissioner Lade: Safety Committee Report; Discussion and/or action to approve Safety

                    Committee schedule of meeting dates for 2009

 

Discussion and/or action regarding Road and Bridge matters

1)      Bid Opening: Bridge replacements Soft Match Projects (C006600425, C006604510, C006604515)

2)      Discussion and/or action RE Program resolutions for the following federal aid bridges:

     C006612935; C006600455; C006632035 and C006632040; C006600705P; C006602825;

     C006614120; C006602815

3)      Discussion and/or action RE: Resolutions to change road classification for M Road between 60 & 62 and N 22nd Rd between D and E

4)      Discussion and/or action RE: Tractor rental for Road Dept

5)      Discussion and/or action RE: Issuance of bonds to complete road and bridge projects

6)      Review of 10 motor grader district boundaries

7)      Discussion of bargaining position with Road Union (may go into executive session)

8)      Discussion and/or action RE: New fueling system at NC County Shop

 

Other business matters to address when time allows:

     Discussion and/or action RE: Renewal of contract with Schendel Pest Control to inspect and monitor

for termite activity at buildings occupied by Duff’s Nursing Home and DHHS

     Jackie Smith, Co Treas: Discussion and/or action RE: Pledge and Custodial Agreement with Arbor Bank

Discussion and/or action RE: Addition of long term disability insurance to NACO’s benefit package

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.            

 

 

 

April 14, 2009

 

The Otoe County Board of Commissioners convened in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on April 14, 2009 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 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 Crook 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 Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman 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.  

 

Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Kreifels to audit and sign payroll claims. 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.

 

Having reviewed the regular claims in advance of this meeting, Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to approve payment of the regular claims. There being no further discussion, Chairman Nelsen called for a vote.  Voting aye were Commissioners Kreifels, Freshman, Lade and Crook; 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.

 

Rick Sedersten, Courthouse Custodian, appeared before the Board to discuss several maintenance issues. He obtained a proposal from National Seal Coat and Striping Inc to block the center basement windows, fill the window wells with dirt and slope it in order to divert water from the building. The bid of $4,200 per side includes removing the shrubbery and furnishing the dirt. To block the basement windows on the northwest and southwest corners would cost an additional $825 each. Sedersten said when he acquired the bid last fall it was about $1400 cheaper, so he recommended getting the work done before the price increases again. This bid is good for 30 days. Commissioner Freshman felt the bid from National Seal Coat was very reasonable.  Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to accept the overall proposal from National Seal Coat & Striping Inc in the total amount of $10,050. 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.

 

Sedersten was asked to find the cost for installing a keyless entry system on every road shop in the County. Security Equipment Inc offered a proposal of $884 per shop to install the system, plus $37 per month per shop for maintenance. That would be a total of $4420 for installation in five shops and $2220 per year for a maintenance contract. As an alternative, he said A-1 Locksmith could key all the shop doors the same for $500 up to $1750 depending on the quality of locks. There was no further discussion or action.

 

For the past several years the County has contracted with Lind Lawn Service to mow the courthouse lawn and apply herbicides and fertilizer. Sedersten said Lind has done an excellent job in the past and recommended that the County renew his contract for another year. Lind offered to charge the same fees as last year - $90 per mowing and $185 per application. There was some discussion of the possibility of having probationers or jail inmates mow the lawn, but the County would have to rent a lawn mower and there was no guarantee someone would be available when the lawn needed mowed. Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to hire Lind Lawn Service to perform lawn care services for the courthouse lawn for the 2009 season. 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.

 

Sheriff Jim Gress reported that he received only one bid for the purchase of a 2009 Dodge Charger Patrol Model. Larson Motors, Nebraska City, submitted a price of $17,496 which included a trade-in allowance for a 2006 Pontiac GTO. Gary Kruger, Salesman for Larson Motors was present for the bid opening. Sheriff Gress noted that a Dodge Charger is built for speed and durability; they are more reliable and require less maintenance than a Crown Vic. Sheriff Gress was asked to review the bid specs and return later with a recommendation.

 

Other business matters were addressed at this time.

 

Commissioner Freshman said Schendel Pest Control installed a termite control system outside the perimeter of the Duff Nursing Home and DHHS office building in 2007. The agreement included a three year inspection service whereby the company monitors the termite stations every month for an annual fee of $675. Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to continue the monitoring service with Schendel Pest Control for another year and to submit the claim for payment of $675. 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.

 

Jackie Smith, County Treasurer, said she received a “Pledge and Custodial Agreement” from Arbor Bank, requesting that it be signed and returned to the bank. A new federal law was passed requiring banks to assure that public fund depository customers, such as the County, have a perfected security interest in the securities pledged by the depository bank. She had the County Attorney review the form which met his approval. She said there is no need for Board action, but she wanted the Board to be aware of this new requirement.

 

Otoe County has participated in NACO’s (Nebraska Association of County Officials) Health Insurance Plan for over 25 years.  A few years ago, NACO started providing a $15,000 life insurance policy to each employee covered by this health insurance. Beginning in July of 2009, NACO will add long term disability insurance as part of its benefit package with no cost to the counties or employees. NACO also has negotiated a buy-up option for those employees who may want additional coverage. However, it will be the Board’s discretion whether to offer the buy-up option to its employees already on the health insurance plan and/or to its employees who have waived the NACO health insurance plan. The Board agreed to offer the buy-up option to all employees; however, the additional coverage shall be paid by the employee through payroll deduction.

 

At the previous meeting, County Attorney, Dave Partsch, told the Board that he was working with a Bryan LGH Attorney to negotiate a discounted price for past due medical bills as well as future bills. The outstanding bills were incurred when medical services were provided to EPC (Emergency Protective Care) patients or jail inmates. He explained that EPC patients are individuals who have been picked up by law enforcement and threaten to harm themselves or others. The County has an interlocal agreement with Region V for the placement of EPC patients in facilities that accept Medicaid rate for payment; however, when those facilities are full or the physical or mental issues of the individual are too severe, they are taken to Bryan LGH. Partsch presented the Board with a contract in which Bryan LGH has agreed to accept payment of $46,276.84 for the outstanding bills (which is 75% of $61,708.99) and to offer the County a 25% discount on all future bills. Commissioner Crook made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to enter into a contract with Bryan LGH, accepting the terms as set forth above and to authorize the Chairman to sign said contract. 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.

 

Chairman Nelsen noted that he has received some literature from Correctional Risk Services Inc through which an insurance policy can be purchased on inmates to alleviate expensive major medical claims. The company is based in Tennessee and is endorsed by the National Association of County Officials. With the rising cost of medical expenses for inmates, the County needs to examine all budgeting options. He will continue researching the matter.

 

County Attorney Partsch explained that when the Keno Lottery Operator Agreement was drawn up it did not include a specified date as to when winnings became “unclaimed”. He found that most similar agreements use a 30 day period and recommended the same. Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to approve the Addendum to the Lottery Operator Agreement stating that all prizes awarded which are unclaimed by the winner within a 30 day period shall be deemed unclaimed and paid to the County. 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.

 

Sheriff Gress returned to the meeting with a recommendation to accept the bid from Larson Motors for the purchase of a 2009 Dodge Charger Police Model. Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to purchase a 2009 Dodge Charger Patrol Car from Larson Motors in the amount of $17, 496; said amount to be paid out of the Inheritance Tax Fund. 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.

 

Chairman Nelsen called for a 10 minute recess at 9:23 a.m. The meeting resumed at 9:33 a.m. with all Commissioners present.

 

Shawna Silvius, Marketing and Program Coordinator for RCEDC, came before the Board to give a quarterly report of the organization’s activities and upcoming events. With the resignation of Pat Haverty as Executive Director to assume his new job as City Administrator for the City of Nebraska City, the Board of Directors are accepting applications for this position, with hopes to have it filled soon.  The BECA grant money is being used to design a regional website for the communities in southeast Nebraska. It will include a “Career Link” with job listings in an effort to attract residents to the area. The Alcan facility in Syracuse is being listed with a Realty Company in Lincoln. They are working with Nebraska City to define a new zoning designation that will aid in the recruitment of technology related companies to this area. The RCEDC Office will be relocating to the Family Center within the next month.

 

Other correspondence: Norman Anderson, Senior Pastor of the Calvary Community Church requested permission to conduct a prayer service on the north steps of the Courthouse from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p. m. on Thursday, May 7th, 2009 in observance of a world day of prayer. Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to grant said request.  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 furnished each Board member with a draft copy of the Otoe County Safety Manual which he and other members of the Safety Committee have been compiling in an effort to define guidelines to make Otoe County a safe workplace. He asked Board Members to review the document. He said it is still work in progress and they are open for any comments or suggestions. Commissioner Lade reported that an accident occurred on March 31, 2009. A road employee injured his lower back when he lifted a ramp after unloading a piece of equipment from a trailer. The employee was off work for four days, but has since returned for light duty. Commissioner Lade said a safety meeting with road employees is scheduled for Friday, April 17th at 1:30 p.m. A safety meeting for courthouse employees will be held on Friday May 8th. The Committee will conduct safety meetings for employees again in November. The safety committee will start meeting the first Wednesday of each month beginning in May. Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to approve the 2009 Safety Committee Meeting Schedule as presented. 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.

 

Glen Steffensmeier, Highway Superintendent, and Lynn Denniston, Lead Supervisor, came before the Board to discuss road and bridge matters. Also in attendance was Mark Mainelli, Project Engineer.

 

Commissioner Lade obtained a quote from Stubbendick Implement to rent two tractors for use by the road department to pull the sheep’s foot roller and seeder. Rental on a NH 5050 tractor would cost $3000 from May 1st to Nov 1st for the first 300 hours; if usage went over 300 hours, they would charge $14 per hour. Rental on a NH 6070 tractor would cost $3600 from May 1st to Nov. 1st; it would cost $12 per hour for every hour over 300. Denniston said the County has been contracting with private individuals to pull the county’s equipment; they furnish their tractor, gas and labor. Commissioner Lade said he was not aware of this, so he will contact them to see if they are still interested and how much they would charge.

 

At 10:00 a.m. bids were opened to furnish a 72” x 48’ corrugated metal tube and 2 steel headwalls for project #CC006604510 located on S 44th Rd between Roads Q and R.

                               Vendor                                                                                     Amount

Ace Eaton Metals, Kearney …………………………………..……..$16,979.31

Midwest Service & Sales, Schuyler ……………………………… ..$24,709.34

Contech Construction Products, Lincoln ………………………….. $19,139.60

The low bid packet submitted by Ace Eaton Metals was given to the County Attorney for review. Upon his approval, Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to accept the price of $16,979.31 and award the bid to Ace Eaton Metals for the purchase of a metal tube and steel headwalls. 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.

 

Bids were opened to furnish a 48” x 52’ corrugated metal tube for project #C006604515 located on S44th Rd; just north of project C006604510.

                                    Vendor                                                                                   Amount

            Ace Eaton Metals, Kearney …………………………………………….$3,974. 88

            Midwest Service & Sales, Schuyler ……………………………….….. $4,347.36

            Contech Construction Products, Lincoln ………………………………$3,897.92

The low bid packet submitted by Contech Construction Products was given to the County Attorney for review. Upon his approval, Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to accept the price of $3,897.92 and award the bid to Contech Construction Products for the purchase of a 48” metal tube. 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.

 

Bids were opened for the construction of a 12’x12’x42’ Concrete Box Culvert located on Road B between Roads 8 and 10; replacement of bridge #C006600425

                                    Vendor                                                                                   Amount

M E Collins Construction, Wahoo …………………………………….$61,716.79

Castle Construction, Columbus ……………………………………….$68,889.98

Dobson Brothers, Lincoln ………………………………………………$76,416.40

The low bid packet submitted by M E Collins was given to the County Attorney for review. Upon his approval, Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to accept the price of $61,716.79 and award the bid to M E Collins for the construction of a box culvert as a replacement of Bridge #C006600425 located on Road B between Roads 8 and 10. 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.

 

Bids were opened for the installation of a 72”x48’ corrugated metal tube with headwalls, replacing Bridge #C006604510 located on S 44th Rd between Q & R.

                                    Vendor                                                                                   Amount

ME Collins Construction, Wahoo ……………………………..………$35,070.00

Midwest Underground, Syracuse ……………………………………..$24,844.00

Miracle Mudjacking Co, Nebraska City ……………………………… $40,970.00

General Excavating Co, Lincoln ……………………………………… $30,958.00

Kreifels Conservation & Excavation, Nebraska City ………………...$29,979.25

T J Osborn Construction, Lincoln …………………………………… ..$54,090.00

The low bid packet submitted by Midwest Underground was given to the County Attorney for review. Upon his approval, Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to accept the price of $24,844 and award he bid to Midwest Underground for the installation of a metal tube replacing Bridge #C006604510. 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.

 

Bids were opened for the installation of a 48” corrugated metal tube replacing Bridge #C006604515 located on S 44th Rd between Roads Q & R, just north of Bridge #C0066004510.

                                    Vendor                                                                                     Amount

M E Collins Construction, Wahoo …………………………………….. $20,796.00

Midwest Underground, Syracuse ………………………………………$17,490.00

Miracle Mudjacking Co., Nebraska City ……………………………….$10,760.00

General Excavating Co, Lincoln ………………………………………. $15,988.00

Kreifels Conservation & Excavation, Nebraska City ………………… $22,488.00

T J Osborn Construction, Lincoln ……………………………………… $20,800.00

The low bid packet submitted by Miracle Mudjacking was given to the County attorney for review. He noted the bond was not signed, but Chairman Nelsen said he would get the signature later. Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to accept the bid of $10,760.00 and award the job to Miracle Mudjacking to replace Bridge #C006604515 with a 48”x52’ metal tube. 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.

 

Supervisor Denniston drew a color coded map indicating ten grader districts throughout the county and each board member was given a copy.

 

On May 4th the road crew will begin working four 10 hour days using the following schedule:

Nebraska City Crew – Work days: Monday through Thursday; Syracuse Crew – Tuesday through Friday. Hours:  May through August: - 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; September - 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; October - 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

Separate resolutions were presented to change the functional classification of two roads. Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to adopt Resolution 2009-14 requesting the NDOR to change a one mile section of N 22nd Road (located between Roads D & E) from Minimum Maintenance Status to Local Road Status. 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. Commissioner Crook made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Kreifels to adopt Resolution 2009-15 requesting the NDOR to change a one mile section of M Road (located between Roads 60 & 62) from Minimum Maintenance Status to Local Road Status. 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.

 

Program Resolutions were presented for adoption to initiate construction of seven federal aid bridge projects. Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to authorize the Chairman to sign Resolution 2009-16 requesting the NDOR to program Bridge #C006612935 for replacement; estimated cost $490,000; located north of B-28. 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 authorize the Chairman to sign Resolution 2009-17 requesting the NDOR to program Bridge #C006600455 for replacement; estimated cost $490,000; located east of B-28. 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. Commissioners Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to authorize the Chairman to sign Resolution 2009-18 requesting the NDOR to program Bridge #C006632035 and Bridge #C006632040 for replacement; estimated cost $915,000; located east of J-32. 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. Commissioners Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to authorize the Chairman to sign Resolution 2009-19 requesting the NDOR to program Bridge #C006600705P for replacement; estimated cost $200,000; located on the southwest edge of Palmyra. 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. Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to authorize the Chairman to sign Resolution 2009-20 requesting the NDOR to program Bridge #C006602825 for replacement; estimated cost $215,000; located east of N-12. 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 Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to authorize the Chairman to sign Resolution 2009-21 requesting the NDOR to program Bridge #C006602815 for replacement; estimated cost $390,000; located east of N-8. 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 Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Kreifels to authorize the Chairman to sign Resolution 2009-22 requesting the NDOR to program Bridge #C006614120 for replacement; estimated cost $690,000; located south of F-40. 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.

 

Discussion continued regarding several other bridges that will be submitted to the NDOR for programming as federal aid projects. Commissioner Crook questioned the status of Bridge #53230 west of P-60. Mainelli explained that the bridge replacement was designed several years ago to include a change in the creek channel. Since then, the Corp Permit has expired and he is redesigning the bridge replacement without changing the channel. He said he will work up several options, but if the bridge could be built by the county crew, he would submit the project for Soft Match and it would get done faster. 

 

Regarding Bridge #C006622210, southeast of Syracuse: Mainelli said this bridge would have the best chance for becoming eligible for stimulus money. The County just needs to acquire right-of-way and submit the environmental paperwork to make this project “shovel ready”.

 

The County Construction Crews have been assigned to complete the 2007 and 2008 FEMA projects as their primary goal. As soon as they are finished, they will begin work on the “red flag” projects which number over 390.

 

Chairman Nelsen has been researching the possibility of issuing bonds as a means to pay for the pending road and bridge projects. In accordance with state statute 66-4,101 bonds may be issued for construction of roads and bridges. Payment is guaranteed by pledging a portion of the highway allocation funds received. This year, Otoe County was allotted $1.2 million in highway allocation. He proposed taking out a $2.5 million bond and setting it up for 15 years, making the annual payments approximately $250,000. He stressed the point that no tax money would be used for these projects. Commissioner Lade agreed this type of bond is the best means to get the road projects done. Commissioner Crook said the Board must be proactive; we need to improve roads and stay ahead of the game. Commissioner Kreifels concurred; the County needs money to pay for the FEMA projects up front; even though the County will get reimbursed, it will take 60 – 90 day turn around time.  Commissioner Freshman added that now is a good time to act - interest rates are low. Chairman Nelsen said he will contact financial advisors for competitive pricing. Since there a number of hungry contractors, there should be good competitive construction bids as well.

 

After talking with Foreman Pohlman, Commissioner Freshman suggested installing the above ground fuel tanks in a new area; then remove the old tanks later. Quotes have been submitted by two vendors, but he questioned what size of tanks was needed. If the sheriff patrol vehicles fueled up there as well, we may want a larger gasoline tank. Another option to consider was the type of pump. If the Sherriff and Road Departments shared the fuel, a swipe card system would be good to keep track of how much fuel goes in each vehicle and the cost credited to the appropriate funds. Supt Steffensmeier recommended that Commissioner Freshman contact the Fire Marshal to ensure that the County meets all fire code requirements before purchasing and installing new tanks.  No new tanks are needed at the Syracuse Shop, just a pump with a card reader. Commissioner Freshman will get solid quotes for two 2000 gallon tanks (one for diesel and one for gasoline) and two card reader pumps.

 

Chairman Nelsen called for a short recess at 11:30 a.m.  The meeting resumed at 11:38 a.m. with all board members present.

 

Together with Engineer Mark Mainelli, Highway Supt Steffensmeier and Lead Supervisor Denniston, Board members continued to study the road and bridge map. Each Commissioner selected priority soft match projects. Supt Steffensmeier was instructed to proceed with the bidding process for getting these projects started. Some should be ready for bid letting at the May 12th meeting.

 

At 12:06 p.m. Commissioner Nelsen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to go into executive session to discuss strategies for collective bargaining with Local 251. Voting aye were Commissioners Nelsen, Lade, Crook, Kreifels and Freshman. Nay – none. Motion carried. Also present were the County Attorney and County Clerk.

 

At 12:38 p.m. Commission Nelsen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to go back to regular session. Voting are were Commissioners Lade, Crook, Kreifels, Freshman and Nelsen. Nay – none. Motion carried. No action was taken while in executive session.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, and since all items on the agenda have been disposed of, Commissioner Nelsen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Kreifels to adjourn. Voting aye were Commissioners Crook, Kreifels, Freshman, Nelsen and Lade. Nay – none. Motion carried. The next regular meeting will be held on April 28, 2009.  

 

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 14th day of April 2009.

 

 

 

Janene Bennett

Otoe County Clerk