HOWARD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

SPECIAL MEETING

 

JULY 24, 2006

 

 

A meeting of the Howard County Board of Commissioners was convened in open an public session on the 24th day of July 2006, in the Boardroom, Howard County Courthouse, St. Paul, Nebraska.

 

Notice of the meeting was given thereof by publication in the Phonograph-Herald on the 12th day of July 2006, a proof of publication filed in the Clerk’s office. Copies of the agenda were posted in the courthouse, the county web site, mailed to each Commissioner, and kept current and available to the public at the County Clerk’s office.

 

Notice of the meeting was given to the County Board and a receipt of their acknowledgment is also filed in the Clerk’s office.

 

Chairman Bader called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Roll Call: Jim Watson, AYE; Bill Sack, AYE; Larry Seifert, AYE; Gary Rasmussen, ABSENT; Philip Bader, AYE. Also present are County Clerk Marge Palmberg and Acting Howard County Attorney Mark Young. Chairman Bader also stated to those in attendance that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is available for review and indicated the location of such copy in the room where the meeting is being held. Commissioner Rasmussen had called and stated he would be a little late.

 

The purpose of this meeting is for the appointment of a Howard County Attorney. The Commissioners interviewed the following attorneys today: Rick Barnica and Rachel Daugherty. They had previously interviewed Rodney Wetovick and David Schroeder.

 

Commissioner Rasmussen is present at 9:25 am.

 

Discussion centered on the applicant, Sandra Allen, who is a Deputy County Attorney in Platte County who has applied for the position. She is having a jury trial and not able to meet with the Board. Commissioner Watson feels we should visit with her if she is able to meet with them or on the telephone. After some time and more discussion, it was decided to continue with the selection process.

 

After much discussion, motion was made by Seifert and second by Watson to appoint Rachel Daugherty as the Howard County Attorney. Roll Call: Bader, NAY; Rasmussen, NAY; Seifert, AYE; Sack, NAY; Watson, AYE. Motion fails 3-2.

 

Motion was made by Rasmussen and second by Sack to appoint David Schroeder as the Howard County Attorney. Roll Call: Rasmussen, AYE; Seifert, NAY; Sack, AYE; Watson, NAY; Bader, AYE. Vote is 3-2 in favor of hiring David Schroeder. Commissioner Rasmussen will contact Mr. Schroeder regarding the position and Chairman Bader will contact the Hall County Attorney’s office. Chairman Bader will also send a letter to those who had applied to thank them for their time in applying for the position. The Board stated they felt all were very well qualified candidates but felt fortunate that we had two applicants that are from Howard County and it has always been the feeling of the Commissioners that they do what they can locally if they are able.

 

Commissioner Seifert is excused at 1:28 pm.

 

Attorney Dave Schroeder came to meet with the Commissioners and discuss the position of County Attorney. There was some question as to the salary and the benefits. Mr. Schroeder stated it would probably be around August 15th before he would be able to assume the duty of county attorney. It was decided to change the regular meeting date of the county board from August 10th to August 17th because a board member will be absent. Roll Call: Bader, AYE; Rasmussen, AYE; Sack, AYE; Watson, AYE; Seifert, ABSENT. A notice will be placed in the paper regarding this change.

 

Motion was made by Rasmussen that Mr. Schroeder be paid the same as what has been paid and he is given the health insurance package. Roll Call: 4 Ayes – 1 Absent.

 

Motion is made by Bader and second by Sack that the county attorney appointment reflects the completion of the term providing no one comes forward before the general election with a write in. Roll Call: 4 Ayes-1 Absent.

 

There being no further discussion regarding the county attorney position, motion was made by Sack and second by Watson to adjourn at 2:02 pm. Roll Call: 4 Ayes – 1 Absent.

 

Dated this 24th day of July 2006.

 

 

                                                            _________________________________

                                                            Philip G. Bader, Chairman

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

_____________________________________

Marge Palmberg

Howard County Clerk