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 A.M. on September 12, 2006, in the County Courtroom (108) of the Otoe County Courthouse at Nebraska City.  The meeting will be open to the public.  An agenda for such 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                                       September 12, 2006

 

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

                                meeting, Audit and Sign payroll and regular claims

 

 8:40 a.m. – Dave Schmitz – Discussion and/or action RE: Plat for E & R Steinhoff Subdivision

 

 8:45 a.m. – Gregg Goebel, EM Director – Discussion and/or action RE: National Incident Management System (NIMS) Statement of Compliance

 

 9:00 a.m. – Discussion and/or action RE: Road and Bridge matters

a)      Discussion and/or action RE: Revision to 1& 6 Year Plan-Grading Project C-66(397)

b)      Discussion and/or action RE: Any other projects needing revision to 1 & 6 Year Plan

c)      Discussion and/or action RE: Mileage reimbursement for Highway Supt

d)      Discussion and/or action RE: Purchase of new pickup for Highway Supt

e)      Discussion and/or action RE: Filling position for a full time road department employee

f)        Discussion and/or action RE:  Discussion and/or action RE: BRO-7066(35) Julian East – Approve/disapprove Invoice for payment

 

10:00 a.m. – Jeff Funke, Co Attorney: Discussion and/or action RE: ROW easement for Pharma Chemie

 

10:15 a.m. – Sarah Dean, SENCA: Quarterly Report

 

10:25 a.m. – Janis Riege, Clk of DC: Discussion and/or action RE: Microfilming records as a solution for

                           creating more storage space

 

10:30 a.m. – Budget Hearing: Includes Resolution to Increase Restricted funds by 1% and Resolution for

                            Adoption of Budget

 

10:45 a.m. – Discussion and/or action RE: Resolution to set the final tax request at a different from the previous year

 

10:50 a.m. – Discussion and/or action RE: Annual Road Budget and Expenditure Report

 

11:00 a.m. – Jerry Berggren, Architect: Discussion and/or action RE: Renovating basement, Probation space, Storage issues

                      Mike Hall, American Natl Bank: Available Storage

 

11:30 a.m. – Roy Schneider, Duff Administrator: Discussion and/or action RE: Renovation of Nursing Home

 

            Other business matters to address when time allows:

               Jackie Smith, Treasurer: Discussion and/or action: To stricken unpaid property taxes that are 2 years or more delinquent; Discussion and/or action RE: Returned distress warrants;

               Discussion and/or action RE: Discussion and/or action RE: Position of Zoning Administrator

            

               Discussion and/or action RE: Invitation from Richardson County regarding formation of a Regional

                        Emergency Management Agency and consolidation of Veterans Services

               Discussion and/or action RE: Funding for Phase II Wireless 911 Service

               Brandi Reimers, Assessor: Tax list corrections

   Marv Pesek: Discussion and/or action RE: GA cases/applications (exec session)          

   Miscellaneous Correspondence and other matters that may come before the Board

 

 

11:45 a.m. – Board of Commissioners will convene as the Board of Equalization to conduct a public hearing

                     regarding the loss of tax exemption for property located at 610 Central Ave, Nebraska City

 

 

                                                                                                            Janene Bennett, Otoe County Clerk  

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

September 12, 2006

 

The Otoe County Board of Commissioners convened in regular session at 8:30 a.m. on September 12, 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.

 

Chairman Schroder 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.

 

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.

 

Dave Schmitz, Licensed Surveyor, presented the E & R Steinhoff Subdivision Plat for Board approval. According to Schmitz, the plat was approved by the Planning Commission earlier this year, but the plat was never signed by the County Chairman because the taxes were not paid. Since then, the house has been built; the taxes have been paid and he now recommends Board approval. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to authorize Chairman Schroder to sign the Plat Map for E & R Subdivision located in the south 420 feet of the east 531 feet of the SE ¼ of the SW ¼ S21-T9-R11 as requested by owners Edwin and Ronda Steinhoff. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

Gregg Goebel was scheduled to appear before the Board today, however, he was called to attend a Cooper Nuclear training session this morning. In lieu of his appearance, he submitted a written explanation of the need for the Board action to sign a Statement of Compliance. In order for the County to continue to receive federal funding for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) a Statement of Compliance must be signed and submitted to FEMA. It reiterates the County’s commitment to manage all emergency incidents by following NIMS’ policies and procedures. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to sign and approve the contents of the National Incident Management System Statement of Compliance as prepared by Gregg Goebel. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Commissioner Schroder. Motion carried.

 

Secondly, Mr. Goebel asked the Board to adopt a resolution approving a grant application made to the State of Nebraska for 2006 funding on behalf of the First Responders in Otoe County. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to sign Resolution 2006-43 approving the grant application on behalf of the First Responders contingent upon a review of the grant application by the County Attorney. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

The Richardson County Board of Commissioners invited a Commissioner from Otoe and Nemaha Counties to attend a meeting this evening in Auburn to discuss the possibility of consolidating Veterans’ Services and creating an Emergency Management District in an effort to save money for all three counties. Commissioner Stratker volunteered to represent Otoe County.

 

Miscellaneous correspondence was read.

 

Every year, Jack Huck, President of SE Community College, offers to attend a Commissioners’ meeting to give an annual report or submit a written report as an alternative. The Board agreed they would ask him to make a personal appearance this year since it has been several years since he has visited with the County Board.

 

Glen Steffensmeier, County Highway Superintendent, came before the Board to discuss road and bridge matters. He said there will be some revisions to the 1 & 6 Year Plan. One of them will be a grading project. If the cost for improvements is more than $2000, it should be considered a project, not just maintenance. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to sign Resolution 2006-42 requesting the NDOR to add Project C-66(397) to the County’s 1 & 6 Year Road Plan. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye;

 

There was some discussion regarding the purchase of a new pickup for the Highway Superintendent. Steffensmeier said he has checked the car lots for a 2006 pickup. The price tag of a 4WD ½ ton with an extended cab is in the $19,000 to $20,000 range. A 4WD ¾ ton pickup with a regular cab and gas engine costs about $23,000. The ½ ton would get better gas mileage than the ¾ ton, but it wouldn’t have the power to pull trailers; the extended cab has a shorter box than a regular cab, diminishing hauling capacity. If the cost is under $20,000 the purchase can be made by obtaining 3 quotes; otherwise he will need to conduct a formal bid and advertise for 2 consecutive weeks. The Board directed him to advertise for both; then they will decide which one to purchase. In the meantime, he should drive one of the old pickups instead of his private vehicle and eliminate the need for mileage reimbursement.

 

About 2 months ago, Ryan Neemann was hired as a temporary part-time motor grader operator. Foreman Kuenning said he has learned quickly and is a good worker. When Lee Delbert Witt retired in October of 2004, he was never replaced. Irvin Stall has been filling in, but had surgery on his shoulder last fall. When he returned to work, he requested that he be transferred to a truck driver position. With the winter season quickly approaching, the third district is in need of a full-time motor grader operator. The Board will talk with the County Attorney to see if the position should be advertised or if the current temporary part-time man could be promoted to a full time position without advertising.

 

Regarding Bridge Project BRO-7066(35) located east of Hwy 75 on S Rd: The project is nearly complete; guard rails were installed yesterday; markers will be attached; some rip-rap needs to be placed and the ground needs to be seeded. The invoice presented today is for work that is complete. Otoe County’s share is $53, 737.01 and should be made payable to the State of Nebraska Dept of Roads. Steffensmeier said here will be another bill coming because of some minor change orders – one being to install drainage pipes.  

 

Steffensmeier said he is creating a color coded grading map to keep track of the roads that are to be graded during the week. Commissioner Stratker suggested making a similar report form to indicate where trees or shrubs are hindering passage in roadways and creating a traffic hazard. Steffensmeier said he also plans to design an inventory report for sign replacement and repair. He said it is recommended that there be an annual inspection of signs – one during the day and one during nighttime to check visibility of the reflectors.

 

Commissioner Giittinger noted that on Business Hwy 75 (aka G Rd) there are no signs transitioning from 50 mph to 25 mph at the city limits.  Last year, Kimmel Orchard requested speed reduction signs during their busy season. Temporary signs were installed with red flags on top to attract motorists’ attention. Steffensmeier recommended 45 mph regulatory signs with a yellow background.   

 

Steffensmeier said calcium chloride will be applied on G Rd beginning at the curve and eastward to DeBruce’s driveway and on N 60th Rd beginning at the intersection of G-60 (Kimmel Orchard) north to the end of the metal building in an effort to control the dust during the harvest season.

 

There was some discussion regarding the position of a Zoning Administrator for Otoe County. Jim Myers, Otoe County Weed Superintendent, presented a proposal that would combine Weed Control and Zoning Administration into one position. He offered two options – 1) to continue both positions as contracted labor or 2) be hired as a full-time county employee. County Attorney, Jeff Funke, was asked if that could be a possibility and what the proper procedures would be to do so. Funke said there is no problem in combining the two positions; however, he said a job description with qualifications should be drawn up for a Zoning Administrator. It is an important and complicated position requiring knowledge of building and zoning codes, the ability to make physical inspections, as well as being able to research and interpret laws. He recommended that the position be advertised separately, although it’s not a requirement. The Board said they would also like to discuss the matter with Dave Schmitz, the County Surveyor who has been serving as an interim Zoning Administrator.

 

Jeff Funke, County Attorney, drew up an easement for Pharma Chemie Inc which needs access to old Hwy 2, now that the company has expanded and constructed a new building on the north side of Syracuse. Old Highway 2 was relinquished to the County several years ago when the four-lane highway was built. However, the NDOR maintains control of ingress/egress from old the Highway. NDOR has given Pharma Chemie permission to enter onto the old highway, but the company now needs an easement from the County. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to sign and approve the right-of-way easement for Pharma Chemie as presented by Jeff Funke. Voting – Commissioners Schroder, aye; Stratker; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried.

 

Sarah Dean, Director for SENCA (Southeast Nebraska Community Action Council) gave her report for quarter ending July 31, 2006. Since October 1, 2005, 108 families have received assistance; 6,437 days of food have been provided; and 3,421 volunteer hours have been donated. They recently received a grant so they have been able to provide more services. Ms. Dean introduced Tonya Uhrs and Susan Boyd who work with the Head Start Program. It is designed for working families who need assistance with daycare costs. Ms. Boyd said they are more than just a daycare center; they have certified teachers on staff and have a busing service to pick up and deliver the children. Ms. Boyd said they are always in need of “foster grandparents” who are 60 years of age or older. Their facility is at full capacity with a waiting list of many others who want to enroll.

 

Janis Riege, Clerk of the District Court, came before the Board to discuss the possibility of having her records scanned and microfilmed in lieu of finding a storage area. She has obtained a cost estimate from a microfilming company who would charge $.07 to $.10 per page. If the staples and metal fasteners are removed before sending the documents up for microfilming, she would save about $2,600 on 18 boxes of case files. Also, she has ten record books that could be scanned and/or microfilmed at the cost of $600 to $900. She said Judge Rehmeier wants all of his files to remain in the courthouse under lock and key. Court records are frequently researched and should be accessible on a daily basis. Official records that are not needed frequently but are required to be retained for long periods of time could be stored offsite. Ms. Riege noted that a person from Records Management will be in the Courthouse next week to go through the storage rooms to determine what needs to be saved and what can be destroyed. Jodi York, Probation Officer, volunteered some of her clients who need community service to help by pulling staples, carrying boxes – whatever else needs to be done to prepare the basement for renovation. Discussion will be continued during the architect’s time later this morning. 

 

As advertised, a Public Hearing was conducted to hear support, opposition, criticism, suggestions or observations relating to the County’s proposed budget for FY06-07. County Clerk, Janene Bennett, explained that due to an increase of over $51,000,000 in valuation and through the increased use of lid exceptions, the County was able to keep within the levy and expenditure lid limits without making any cuts in the budget requests. Even though the tax request will increase by $255,000, the levy will decrease from 35.07 to 34.78 cents per $100 of valuation. By purchasing major items and capital expenditures with inheritance tax funds, the Board is able to minimize the amount of property taxes needed. There being no objections, Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to adopt the 2006-2007 budget for Otoe County as it was published in the notice of hearing. Voting--Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye.  Motion carried. All information relating to the budget is on file for public inspection at the Office of the County Clerk during regular business hours.

 

As allowed by law, Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to pass Resolution 2006-44, approving an additional 1% increase of the 2006-2007 Restricted Funds limit above the 2.5% base limitation.  Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Stratker, aye; Schroder aye. Motion carried.

 

Finally, a second public hearing was held for the purpose of hearing support or opposition to set the property tax request at a different amount than the previous year.  According to the County Clerk, the property tax request for FY05-06 was $3,750,698.78; the County’s valuation was $1,069,265,595 resulting in a tax rate of .350773.  For FY06-07, the property tax request is $4,005,748.43 with a valuation of $1,151,575,121 resulting in a tax rate of .347850. If the tax request would have remained the same as last year, the levy would have been .325702. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Schroder to adopt Resolution 2006-46 setting the FY06-07 property tax request for Otoe County at $4,005,748.43.  Voting -- Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye.  Motion carried.

 

Highway Supt Steffensmeier presented a copy of the annual Year End Road Report that is required to be sent to the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards for approval.  This report includes a complete listing of the year’s expenditures and revenues, projected projects and costs, and a detailed inventory of the County’s equipment, machinery and materials on hand.  In addition, the County must certify that all the road and bridge projects have met state standards and all revenues have been spent in accordance with the State Board’s rules and regulations.  Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to approve said report and authorize Chairman Schroder to sign the required documents.  Voting -- Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye.  Motion carried. The fully executed report will be filed in the Otoe County Highway Superintendent’s office.

 

With the County Attorney present, Commissioner Schroder asked him if the freeze on hiring could be lifted. (The Board had implemented a hiring freeze for the road crew in April of 2005) After reviewing the motion for the freeze, Mr. Funke said there was no time frame given within the motion when it was approved. Therefore, Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Schroder to rescind the hiring freeze adopted in April of 2005. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Schroder, aye; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Schroder made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Giittinger to hire Ryan Neeman as a full-time road employee as of September 12, 2006, to be placed under the supervision of Rich Kuenning at the Syracuse Shop. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Stratker, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried. It was determined that his probationary period will start today (when he was hired as a permanent full-time employee, not when he was hired as a temporary part-time).

 

Jerry Berggren, Architect and Jodi York, Chief Probation Officer, were present to discuss the architectural plans for renovating the basement into a day service area for probationers. After the August 22nd meeting, Commissioner Giittinger met with some of the county officials who wanted to express their concerns and ideas for alleviating the storage space issue. They had suggested that the prisoner’s tunnel should remain where it is and eliminate a corridor between the proposed “job search” room and utility room. This would add an additional 5 feet on the south side. They also felt the old probation office should be kept as a store room; the driver’s examiners room could be moved to the east end where the waiting area could be shared with probation; and the old examiner’s room could be changed into a probation office and interview room.  Berggren responded by saying the corridor couldn’t be moved because there must be access to the chiller in the utility room; Ms. York said she will have 2 fulltime people and 4 part time people so she did not want to give up the old probation office for storage.

 

Mike Hall from American National Bank said he came to the meeting to answer questions regarding storage rental space he has available at the bank. As discussed earlier today, the judges and court systems need to have record storage on site; other officers who don’t need daily access could move their documents offsite. Mr. Hall said he would need 30 – 40 days to get the storage room ready. The Board agreed to rent space from the bank for 1 year beginning November 1, 2006. Mr. Hall will write an agreement which will be reviewed by the County Attorney before signing.

 

Tom Nolan, Project Manager for Ronco, said that he would like to start the basement project within the next two weeks. He thought it would take two months to complete. If the Board would approve the project today, he could start ordering materials.

 

Berggren reviewed the list of proposed change orders that he prepared: #1) Acquire space for storage or driver’s examiners – no dollar amount given; #2) Finish out basement for Emergency Management and Probation - $151,721 (includes overhead cost thru November); #3) Replace water closets in second floor restrooms - $2,434;  #4) Finish out first floor break room - $9,414; #5) Contractor’s overhead cost from June 15 thru Sept 15 - $27,794; #6) Contractor’s overhead cost Sept 15 thru Oct 15 - $13,898. The Board questioned the cost to finish the break room. Nolan explained the price included plumbing, wiring for outlets, cabinets and a sink. The room will also be used to store paper and office supplies. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to approve items 2, 3, 4 (tentative-try to adjust the cost down), 5 and 6 for a total of $205,259. Voting – Commissioners Schroder, aye; Giittinger, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to direct the Clerk of the District Court have her documents microfilmed then shredded in an effort to alleviate some of the storage space problem. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried.

 

Roy Schneider, Administrator for Duff Nursing Home, reported that he still has not received a construction contract from Olsson and Associates so that the Nursing Home renovation project can get started. Ronco, who was awarded the bid to do the work, drew up and submitted a generic contract. Tom Nolan said he has ordered the bond, but the surety company needs a copy of the contract before issuing a bond. Schneider said it seems the only way he can get anything from Olsson is by withholding payment. The Board asked the County Attorney to check the architectural contract to see if there is a provision of penalty for not having things done in a timely manner.

 

Brandi Reimers, County Assessor, presented several tax list corrections for approval, mostly due to adjustments that were errors in assessing. Watermeier Farms – deduct $97.28 – bins and Quonset were combined with Parcel 000107700 in 2002 and should have been removed from the original parcel; Randall & Victoria Adkins – deduct $264.40 – error on property card for tax years 2003 to 2005; Anthony & Takako McCrann – deduct $887.64 – error on property card for tax years 2003 to 2005; Thomas & Corrine Bryant – homestead exemption decreased from 70% to 40% changing the share of taxes paid by the State and the taxpayer. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to approve the tax list corrections as presented. Voting – Commissioners Schroder, aye; Giittinger, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

A 911 Wireless Advisory Board has been working with the Public Service Commission to implement Phase II wireless (cell phone) technology to all 911 centers in Nebraska. Currently, Nebraska has a 50 cent surcharge on all cell phones to help pay for the costs. All lines and line costs are being paid 100% from the wireless fund. Now through October 2, 2006, the Public Service Commission is taking public comments trying to determine what percentage of the costs to upgrade or replace 911 centers should be paid by the surcharge fund. It costs about $150,000 per 911 Center. Commissioner Stratker made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Schroder to send a letter to the Public Service Commission expressing the County’s opinion that 100% of the funding to upgrade or replace Phase II wireless centers should be paid from surcharge collections. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Stratker, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried.

 

Mary Lou Rivett, Deputy County Treasurer, presented a list of personal property taxes that are two years or more delinquent. As per statue #77-1738 these delinquent taxes are to be stricken from the tax roll by action of the Board. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to direct the County Treasurer to stricken the delinquent taxes from the tax roll as prepared by the Treasurer. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Schroder, aye; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried.

 

At 12:28 p.m. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to go into executive session to discuss General Assistance matters with Marv Pesek, General Assistance Administrator. Voting – Commissioners Schroder, aye; Giittinger, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried. Chairman Schroder restated that the subject matter discussed in this closed session will be limited to general assistance matters only. In accordance with HIPPA regulations, privacy protected information shall not be exposed to the public.

 

At 12:38 p.m. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to go back into regular session. Voting – Commissioners Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye. Motion carried. No action was taken while in executive session.

 

At 12:39 p.m. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to go into executive session to discuss personnel issues with the County Attorney. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried. Chairman Schroder restated that the subject matter discussed in this closed session will be limited to personnel issues only.

 

At 12:58 p.m. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to go back into regular session. Voting – Commissioners Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried. No action was taken while in executive session.

 

Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to direct the County Attorney to write a job description for the position of a Zoning Administrator. 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, Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to adjourn the meeting, until the next one, which will be on September 26, 2006. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

At 1:00 p.m. the Board convened as the Board of Equalization to review a statement of tax exemption. Answering present at roll call were Commissioner Stratker, Commissioner Giittinger, and Commissioner Schroder.

 

County Assessor, Brandi Reimers, noted that when exempt property is transferred or converted to a non-exempt use, the Board of Equalization is required to hold a public hearing. Property located at 610 Central Avenue in Nebraska City and formerly owned by the American Legion Post #8 was sold to private owners in October of 2005 who converted it to a restaurant known as the “Avenue Grill”, a non exempt business. The transfer was made after the levy date of October 15th so they were allowed to keep the exemption for tax year 2005. Now the Board must take formal action to get the exemption removed before the levy is set for tax year 2006. Commissioner Giittinger made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Stratker to direct the County Assessor to remove the tax exemption status from the property legally described as Lot 10 and W ½ Lot 11, Blk 7, Nebraska City Proper. Voting – Commissioners Giittinger, aye; Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye. Motion carried.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board of Equalization, Commissioner Schroder made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Giittinger to adjourn. Voting – Commissioners Schroder, aye; Stratker, aye; Giittinger, aye. Motion carried.

 

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 12th day of September 2006.

 

 

 

 

Janene Bennett

Otoe County Clerk