NOTICE OF MEETINGS

May 12, 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 May 12, 2009. The Otoe County Board of Commissioners will convene in regular session at 8:30 A.M. on May 12, 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

                    Discussion and/pr action RE: Over/ under/omitted valued property

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

                                                            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. – Dave LeGrand, Nebraska City Community Foundation: Discussion and/or action RE: Outdoor

                     Community event/street dance scheduled for August 22, 2009

 8:50 a.m.– Gregg Goebel, EMA:Discussion and/or action RE:Approval to proceed with communication project

 9:00 a.m. – Public Hearing to hear support or objections to issuance of liquor license to Connie Gammel

                    Dba Paul Tavern; Discussion and/or action to recommend approval to Liquor Control Commission

 9:15 a.m. – Joe Miller: Discussion and/or action RE: Renewal premiums for property & casualty insurance

 9:30 a.m.–CJ Johnson Region V Systems & Dave Merrill, Region V Services:Annual report & Budget Request

10:00 a.m. – Action to accept bids: Construction FEMA Sites 2 & 3 and Soft Match Projects #14130 & 15515

10:15 a.m. – Chris Kelly, NE Dept of Ag: Weed Control Review

10:30 a.m. – Glen Steffensmeier, Hwy Supt and Lynn Denniston, Lead Supervisor: Road and Bridge matters

1)      Discussion and/or action to approve tractor rental

2)      Discussion and/or action to advertise Burr Shop property for sale

3)      Accepting resignation from road employee

4)      Discussion and/or action RE: Acceptance of proposal to replace fuels tanks at NC Road Shop

5)      Discussion and/or action to put out bids for new motor grader

6)      Discussion and/or action RE: Road Workers’ overtime for Soft Match Projects

7)      Discussion and/or action RE: to change classification of Road 10 between I & K from minimum to local road status

8)      Discussion and/or action to accept proposal for Highway Allocation Bond

9)      Discussion and/or action RE: Repair of 1997 Cat Excavator #39E

10)  Miscellaneous

11:30 a.m. – Kent Trelford-Thompson, Blue Cross/Blue Shield: Discussion and/or action RE: NACO

                    Health Insurance options for renewal

Other business matters to address when time allows:

      Discussion and/or action RE: Discussion and/or action RE: Resolution to amend Co Funeral Procedures 

      Jackie Smith, Co Treasurer: Discussion and/or action RE: Pledged securities

      Commissioner Lade: Discussion and/or action RE: Report from May 6th Safety Committee meeting

      Discussion and/or action RE: Interlocal agreement with City of Nebraska City involving dispatcher services

      Commissioner Nelsen: Discussion of countywide EMS (Emergency Medical Services) System

      Dave Partsch, Co Atty: Discussion and/or action RE: Approval of deed for Valmont Drive easement

      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.            

 

 

May 12, 2009

 

The Otoe County Board of Commissioners convened in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on May 12, 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. None absent

 

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 Freshman 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 Kreifels 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.  

 

Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman 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 Lade 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.

 

Dave LeGrand, representing the Nebraska City Community Foundation, came before the Board to request permission to use the courthouse lawn as part of a community event being held August 22, 2009. He said the event will be a fundraiser for the Foundation. It will include a street dance with several food vendors. They plan to set up the band on the corner of 10th Street and Central Avenue, facing the courthouse. The courthouse lawn would be an ideal place for people to sit on lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music. Set-up will begin at 5:00 p.m. with programs to run from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Allied Refuse will collect garbage and the Street Department will wash down the streets immediately following. Off duty policemen and deputies will provide security for the evening. Commissioner Crook made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to grant the Nebraska City Community Foundation permission to use the courthouse lawn on the evening of August 22, 2009, as a place for people to gather and be seated during the fundraising event. 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.

 

Other business matters were addressed:

 

Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to adopt Resolution 2009-24 amending Section 7-000 of the County’s General Assistance Policy, increasing the amount allotted for a county burial not to exceed $1450. Of that amount, $450 shall be used to pay for the opening and closing of the grave. 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 reported that the Safety Committee met on May 6, 2009. They added a section on “office safety” to the Safety Manual and designed a “minor accident report form”. On Friday, May 8th, a safety meeting was held for courthouse employees. About 15 people attended. They viewed a film on how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and discussed safety concerns found in the courthouse and jail facility. Jan Reed, who serves on the Safety Committee, said the Clean Air Act goes into effect on June 1, 2009.  She said there was some discussion as to whether the entire premises should be designated as a non-smoking area - outdoor as well as indoor. No action was taken at this time.

 

Chairman Nelsen noted there are several independent rescue squads throughout the County who have begun discussions on the possibility of creating a countywide Emergency Medical Service. Board Members agreed that Chairman Nelsen and Vice-Chairman Lade shall represent the County in these discussions.

 

Chairman Nelsen reported that he met with Nebraska City Officials and all agreed to extend the interlocal agreement regarding dispatcher service until January of 2010.

 

County Attorney, Dave Partsch, presented a Highway Easement Deed for Valmont Drive, located east of Hwy 2 leading to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. The National Park Service is granting the County a perpetual easement and right of way so that the County has full legal responsibility to maintain the roadway. Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to authorize the Chairman to sign the Highway Easement Deed, accepting its terms and conditions 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.

 

Jackie Smith, County Treasurer, came before the Board to request the release of pledged securities with Arbor Bank, Nebraska City, in the aggregate amount of $400,000. Commissioner Lade made motion, seconded by Commissioner Kreifels to adopt Resolution 2009-25 approving said transaction. 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.

Ms. Smith then requested the addition of pledged securities with Arbor Bank in the aggregate amount of $3,150,339. Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Kreifels to adopt Resolution 2009-26 approving said transaction. 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.

 

Gregg Goebel, Emergency Management Director, reported that the equipment for simulcast broadcasting has been received and is being installed. He noted it will probably be in service before October, which is ahead of the projected completion date.

 

At 10:00 a.m. Chairman Nelsen opened a public hearing for the purpose of hearing support or objections to the issuance of a liquor license to Connie Gammell dba Paul Tavern. Present were Connie Gammell and Don Shallenberger who expressed support of the license. There were no other comments. Chairman Nelsen closed the public hearing. There being no objections, Commissioner Crook made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to make a recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to issue a Class C Retail Liquor License to Connie Gammell dba Paul Tavern. 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 short recess at 9:02 am. At 9:16 a.m. the meeting resumed with all members duly noted as present.

 

Joe Miller, the County’s Liability Insurance Agent, gave a brief overview of the renewed policy that became effective April 17, 2009. He was pleased to announce that the premium rate decreased by 9% from the previous year. He attributed the reduction to a lower experience modification for workman’s compensation claims. This year he plans to update the statement of value by making a physical examination of all county buildings. He included a list of deductibles for each type of claim. With only a $100 comprehensive and $250 collision deductible for auto insurance, Commissioner Freshman questioned how much the County could save by increasing the deductibles. Miller said he would work up quotes for $250/$500 and $500/$1000 policies to use for comparison. Chairman Nelsen asked that he report back to Commissioner Freshman who oversees property matters.

 

CJ Johnson, Regional Administrator for Region V Systems, appeared before the Board to give an annual report and make a budget request. He explained that Region V Systems is the administrative part of the Region V network. Johnson is responsible for contracting and providing behavioral health services to residents of the 16 counties in southeast Nebraska that make up the Region V area. He also coordinates the Emergency Protective Care system working with law enforcement, crisis centers and other mental health providers. When an individual threatens harm to himself or others, a law enforcement officer now has access to an 800 number where he can speak with a therapist/psychiatrist who will determine a plan for the patient and make arrangements for his/her delivery to a contracted facility. Johnson also said that when someone requests general assistance, the County should call Region V first to see if they have funds available to help the individual. He said the budget request for this year will be approximately 1% higher than last year.

 

Dave Merrill, Executive Director for Region V Services, explained that his mission is to provide training and support to people with developmental disabilities and to help them live as independently as possible. According to the 2008 Annual Report, 845 staff members served 829 clients working with a budget of nearly $30,000,000. Merrill said they are primarily funded by the federal government, but counties are asked to contribute about 10% of their cost. The budget request for Otoe County will be the same as last year.

 

Linda Plager, Area Director for the Nebraska City Region V Office, introduced Terri Ostrand who has been a client for many years and a prime example of achievement. When she first arrived she lived in group home, but now lives independently in her own apartment and works at the Lied Center. Recently, they celebrated 20 years of “tool bag production” which provides work for clients as well as a source of revenue for the agency. They continue to prepare and serve meals for jail inmates and conduct a recycling center.

 

Chairman Nelsen called for a recess at 9:48 a.m. At 10:00 a.m. the meeting resumed with all members present. 

 

Highway Superintendent, Glen Steffensmeier, reported that he and Engineer, Mark Mainelli, met in the County Clerk’s Office on Thursday, May 7th to open sealed bids for various advertised bridge projects with a recommendation to award bids to the low bidders. He said they were impressed with the number of bids received and pleased that the bids came in lower than anticipated. Bid tabulations are listed below.

Project Name: FEMA #3   Location: South of L-20   Description: Materials & Construction

                            Vendor                                        Amount                      Start/Complete

                M E Collins, Wahoo                         $120,855.32                       7/8 - 8/21

                Castle Const, Columbus                 $147,968.77                    7/27 – 10/2

Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to accept the low bid from M E Collins in the amount of $120,855.32 to construct a concrete box culvert for project known as FEMA #3. 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.

Project Name: FEMA #2   Location: North of L-2      Description: Materials & Construction

                                     Vendor                           Amount                      Start/Complete

                        Thiesen Const, Norfolk         $242,338.62        6/8 – 8/21

                        McC Const, Omaha              $314,275.46        8/1 – 12/1

                        Herbst Const, LeMars IA       $290,617.80                  8/31 – 11/13

Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Kreifels to accept the low bid of Thiesen Construction in the amount of $242,338.54 to construct a three span bridge for project known as FEMA #2. 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.

Project Name: Bridge #C006615515     Location: north of H-54    Materials: Twin CMPs

                           Vendor                                       Amount                  Delivery Date 

            Contech, Lincoln                                  $29,900.00                   6/19/09

            Ace-Eaton, Kearney                           $19,620.00                 4-6 weeks

            Midwest Svc/Sales, Schuyler           $19,850.00                    4 weeks

            Metal Culverts, Jefferson City MO      $24,500.00                  4 weeks

Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to accept the low bid from Ace-Eaton in the amount of $19,620 for the purchase of corrugated metal tubes that will be used in the replacement of Bridge #C006615515. 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.

Project Name: Bridge #C006615515   Location: north of H-54   Installation of metal CMPs

                        Vendor                                       Amount                       Start / Complete

            Midwest Underground, Lincoln          $44,764.00                          6/22 – 7/11

            General Excavating, Lincoln              $31,808.00                          7/6 – 7/30

            M E Collins, Wahoo                            $23,618.00                          7/11 – 7/30

Commissioner Crook made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Kreifels to accept the low bid of $23,618 from M E Collins to install twin CMPs replacing Bridge #C006615515. 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.

Project Name: Bridge #C006614130     Location: north of B-40    Materials: Twin CMPs

Vendor                                               Amount                       Delivery Date

            Midwest Svc & Sales, Schuyler               $26,237.80                         4 weeks

            Ace-Eaton, Kearney                                 $33,304.80                        4-6 weeks

            Metal Culverts, Jefferson City, MO        $34754.80                            4 weeks

            Contech, Lincoln                                        $42,147.60                        6/19/09

Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Freshman to accept the low bid of $26,237.80 from Midwest Service & Sales for the purchase of metal culverts that will replace Bridge #C006614130. 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.

Project Name: Bridge #C006614130   Location: north of B-40   Installation of metal CMPs

Vendor                                        Amount                        Start / Complete

            Midwest Underground, Lincoln           $39,794.00                         6/15 – 7/4

            General Excavating, Lincoln               $50,179.20                         6/6 – 7/30

            M E Collins, Wahoo                             $25,369.00                         7/11 – 7/30

Commissioner Kreifels made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to accept the low bid of $25,369.00 from M E Collins to install metal culverts replacing Bridge #C006614130. 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.

 

Steffensmeier said the next bid openings will be held May 22, 2009. which will include the purchase of materials and installation of metal tubes/concrete box culvert for 4 more Soft Match projects. He also said the road crew has completed 87 of the 2007 FEMA projects with only 16 remaining.

 

Chris Kelly with the Department of Agriculture reviewed the annual weed report as it was submitted by Jim Myers, Otoe County Weed Superintendent. Kelly said Myers scored 1988 points out of a possible 2000, which is above the state average. He said Myers seems to have the noxious weed program under control and has filed all of his paperwork in a timely manner. Myers noted that the “non native phragmite” is the newest declared noxious weed in Nebraska; however, he has not found any in Otoe County. It resembles pampas grass and thrives in wet areas, such as along river banks or lakes. It can be treated by chemical control. Myers said he tries to keep a supply of noxious weed pamphlets at the Co-ops and Extension Office.  

 

Glen Steffensmeier, County Highway Superintendent, and Lynn Denniston, Lead Supervisor, came before the Board to discuss several road and bridge items as listed on the agenda.

 

1. Tractor rental: Commissioner Lade reported that he found one person willing to pull the sheep foot roller for $45 per hour. At a previous meeting, Lade obtained a quote from Stubbendick Implement who would charge the County $3,000 to rent a New Holland 5050 Tractor for the first 300 hours; then $14 per hour thereafter. A second tractor (NH 6070) could be rented for $3600 for the first 300 hours and $12 per hour thereafter. Supervisor Denniston recommended renting one tractor that can be shared by both county construction crews since there is not that much road rebuilding work scheduled for this year. Commissioner Crook made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to authorize the Chairman to sign a six month rental contract with Stubbendick Implement agreeing to rent the NH 5050 this season for the quoted price of $3000 for the first 300 hours; then $14 per hour if used more than 300 hours. 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.

 

2. Burr Shop: Commissioner Lade said that he was approached by an individual who was interested in purchasing the Burr Road Shop in “as is” condition. At the last meeting, the Board discussed the possibility of demolishing the building. It was abandoned a few weeks ago when it was damaged by high winds, exposing asbestos in the roof. Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to advertise the Burr Road Shop for sale in “as is” condition and to direct the County Attorney to draft the ad. 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.

 

3. One of the motor grader operators submitted a letter of resignation effective May 1, 2009. Supervisor Denniston said Foreman Pohlman is operating the motor grader after he gets his crew started for the day. Chairman Nelsen suggested not hiring a replacement at this time.  If it gets to be too much for Pohlman to handle, the County will hire a temporary employee for the summer.

 

4. Fuel Tanks: Commissioner Freshman said the specs have been written for the purchase of a new fueling system for the Nebraska City Road Shop. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal has approved the site drawings and permit application to install two 2000 gallon tanks above ground. The County has permission to use a 560 gallon fuel tank temporarily until the permanent tanks are installed. However, the small tank must be set inside a container, such as a water tank, to meet fire codes. Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to proceed with advertising for bids; said bids will be opened at the May 26th meeting. 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.

 

5. Bids for new motor grader: Commissioner Nelsen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to advertise for bids for the purchase of a new motor grader, using the Case Motor Grader as a trade-in. The Board will consider a lease purchase or outright purchase. Nelsen said Caterpillar was interested in presenting a long term agreement to purchase graders when needed over long period of time. Bid opening will be June 9, 2009. 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.

 

6. Overtime for Soft Match Projects – During union negotiations, there was some discussion about paying overtime to county road workers for soft match projects only. Mark Mainelli had noted that overtime wages paid out for soft match projects could be applied to Soft Match Credit. Since the road workers are now working four 10 hour days, they could work on soft match projects on the fifth day and turn in those wages for soft match credit. The Board decided to take bids for materials only for the next 2 soft match projects; then let the county road workers install the tubes on their “off days”.

 

7. Steffensmeier presented resolutions for changing the road classification on two sections of County Road 10. Commissioner Nelsen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to sign and adopt Resolution 2009-27 requesting the NDOR to change the functional classification of a 1 mile section of County Rd 10 between I & J from minimum maintenance 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 Nelsen made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to sign and adopt Resolution 2009-28 requesting the NDOR to change the functional classification of a 1 mile section of County Road 10 between J & K from minimum maintenance 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.

 

8. Highway Allocation Bonds – At the last meeting, three financiers presented proposals for the issuance of bonds that would be used to repair/replace bridges and roads throughout the County. Commissioner Crook said she received a call from a former commissioner who suggested they reduce the amount of the bond request; however, all other comments have been very supportive. Commissioners Lade, Freshman and Kreifels noted they received the same positive comments. Commissioner Kreifels said her main consideration was determining the best deal for the county and keeping the bonds local. Edward Jones already has a local office and Ameritas is planning to open an office in Nebraska City in June. Ameritas’s proposal was the lowest by a slim margin and they offered to give Edward Jones the opportunity to purchase as many bonds as they want. Commissioner Nelsen agreed the proposals made by Ameritas and Edward Jones were very competitive, making it difficult to choose one over the other. Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crook to accept the proposal from Ameritas who will issue bonds in the amount of $2,500,000; said bonds will be repaid with highway allocation funds. 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.    

 

9. Repair Excavator: Workers were removing trees on a jobsite when the base section of the excavator split where it pins to the frame. Nebraska Machinery, a Caterpillar dealership, has all parts in stock and the specifications for repairing it. The warranty will cover 10 hours of labor and some materials; bid price for the repair was $4900. Commissioner Freshman made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lade to have Nebraska Machinery repair the caterpillar excavator as soon as possible for the quoted amount of $4900. 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. Two quotes were obtained to rent an excavator while the County’s excavator is being repaired. Nebraska Machinery offered the same size machine for $1900 per week; Tri-State Rentals had a smaller machine for $1600 per week. Commissioner Lade made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Nelsen to rent an excavator from Tri-State rentals at the rate of $1600 per week to use while the County’s excavator is being repaired. 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.

 

10. Miscellaneous: Steffensmeier said Engineer Mark Mainelli has redesigned the plans to replace Bridge #53230 west of P-60. In order to keep the creek channel where it currently is located, Mainelli redrew his plan to move the county road five feet to the south; therefore, requiring an easement from the landowner on the south side of the road. The Board directed Steffensmeier to proceed with the new plan and acquire the necessary easement.

 

When the Village of Unadilla repaved their streets, the old concrete was torn out and placed in a pile. The County was going to haul it away and use it as rip rap underneath a nearby bridge.  But before this could be done, a permit was required from the Corps of Engineers. Steffensmeier said he was notified that the permit has been denied because the old cement contains too much re-bar and is considered demolition debris. The Village would like the cement removed, but the County needs a place to take it.

 

Kent Trelford-Thompson, representing Blue Cross/Blue Shield, came before the Board to review NACO’s Medical and Dental Insurance Plan. With the health insurance premiums increasing 18.34% from last year, he wanted to explain alternative options for the County to consider. Currently, Otoe County’s Plan includes a $1000 deductible. In order to save premium costs, the County could raise the deductible to $1500 or $2500 and offer employees a deductible buy down. He said NACO has made arrangements with a company, Mid American Benefits, who could process the self-insured side for the County. Commissioner Nelsen said he was considering raising the County’s deductible to $1500; making the employee responsible for the first $500 with the County picking up the difference up to $1000. Rather than paying a company $5,000 to process the paperwork, the County Clerk’s Office could handle it. Thompson said the NACO Plan experienced a negative curve last year- more money went out in claims than was received through premium payments – thus causing a significant increase this year. The matter was tabled to the next meeting, allowing Board Members more time to study the various rate plans before signing the subgroup application.

 

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 12:10 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on May 26, 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 12th day of May 2009.

 

 

 

Janene Bennett

Otoe County Clerk