HOWARD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MINUTES

 

MARCH 8, 2007

 

 

A meeting of the Howard County Board of Commissioners was convened in open an public session on the 8th day of March, 2007, in the Boardroom, Howard County Courthouse, St. Paul, Nebraska.

 

Notice of the meeting was given thereof by publication in the Phonograph-Herald on the 28th day of February 2007, 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 Seifert called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.  Roll Call:  Bill Sack, AYE; Lauren Scarborough, AYE; Rance Lierman, AYE;  Gary Rasmussen, AYE; Larry Seifert, AYE.    Also present is County Clerk Marge Palmberg.   Chairman Seifert 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.

 

Public Comment - Courthouse parking lot in back of building

Assessor Deloris Heminger and her staff, Carol Williams and Barbara Stoddard were present to discuss with the Board the parking situation in the north parking lot behind the courthouse.  She presented a letter with a list of employees that had signed a petition sheet concerning the parking lot situation.  The letter stated that “We should have a concern for the customers but that they feel they deserved some consideration as well. “They feel that Howard County is not a business selling anything so did not feel this should have been done.”  The petition stated that “employees are here everyday in all types of weather whereas customers have the option to come to the courthouse whenever they have a business need”. She also stated that she “thought five spaces were too many and not many people are using it and they wanted their concerns brought to the attention of the Board”.   It was signed by nine employees, Kim Pedersen from the Sheriff’s office; Shirley Brandt from the County Attorney’s office, Sarah Hilligas and Donna Schilling from the 911 Center, and Deloris Heminger, Barbara Stoddard, Carol Williams and Kristi Clement from the Assessor’s office and Connie Nickel from the County Treasurer’s office.

Commissioner Lierman stated he had been approached by a taxpayer regarding the parking situation, not so much for her, but for elderly people especially in bad weather.  On February 6th the Board of Commissioners had on their agenda the need for public parking and voted to make the front row in the back, which is 5 spaces, customer parking only.   The Board feels it was something that needed to be done for the public as the parking on the street is farther from the building and since this just went into effect on March 1st, the public is not fully aware there is parking in the back.   Commissioner Lierman stated that he feels that any taxpayer that comes into the Courthouse is a customer and he also stated that this needed to be done if it helps people doing county business.

 Deputy Assessor Barb Stoddard stated to the Board they should not have been denied being on the agenda.  Chairman Seifert stated that the Board felt that a decision had been made so there was no need for it to be placed on the agenda again, but told them they were welcome to meet with them during the public comment portion of the agenda.  

 

 

Public Comment - Lakes of the Woods

This had been discussed at the last meeting of the Board and was to be placed on this agenda.  A note was placed on the agenda that the Lake of the Woods zoning issue would not be discussed until legal counsel is sought.  Betty Curtis, Will Henry and Betty Henry were here as they were not aware this would not be discussed.  Chairman Seifert stated they could talk at the public comment time.  Ms. Curtis had some concerns regarding water contamination and the environment.  She stated that we cannot undo what has been done but should try to protect what is there as there is new knowledge of water contamination and can do something about the future.  Betty Henry had concerns for the water contamination and the conservation of the district.

 

Road Discussion

Road secretary Jackie Mayberry had checked with NIRMA regarding the cost of insuring the monuments in front of the courthouse.  She was told it would be $194.00 per year.  This will be placed on the next agenda for determination.

 

She also gave an update to the Board regarding FEMA.

 

Highway Superintendent Jay Meyer discussed the Big Slough project with the Board. He also gave the Board some information regarding the Boelus river bridge that had washed out in the southwest corner.  They hauled in two loads of rock to place there.

 

Tax Corrections

Motion was made by Sack and second by Lierman to go into Board of Equalization at 9:15 am.  Roll Call: All Ayes.  Assessor Deloris Heminger presented two (2) tax corrections to the Board for their signature and approval. They are on accelerated taxes for Gary and Laura Williams who sold their property and Jerry and Vernabelle Cornelius who are moving a mobile home out of the county.

Motion was made by Lierman and second by Sack to accept the tax corrections.  Roll Call: All Ayes. 

Motion was made by Sack and second by Scarborough to come out of Board of Equalization at 9:19 am.  Roll Call: All Ayes.

 

Executive Session

Motion was made by Seifert and second by Lierman to go into executive session at 9:20 am to discuss possible litigation with the County Board and County Attorney present.  Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.

 

Motion was made Sack and second by Scarborough to come out of executive session with no action taken at 9:40 am.  Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.

 

Loup Basin Health Department

Chuck Cone, director of the Loup Basin Health Dept., met with the Board to give them an annual update on information.

 

 

 

Lake of the Woods Zoning Issue

Discussion was had regarding the hiring of outside legal counsel for the Lake of the Woods zoning issue.  Motion was made by Scarborough and second by Sack to hire Charles Campbell from York to assist with this issue.  Roll Call: Sack, AYE; Scarborough, AYE; Lierman, NAY; Rasmussen, NAY; Seifert, AYE. Motion carried 3-2.  Information will be sent to Mr. Campbell regarding this. Commissioner Rasmussen had wanted Attorney Steve Mossman from Lincoln for a second opinion but said we can see what Mr. Campbell has to say.

 

Highway 92 and Parking Lot

Fred Bader from Norfolk met with the Board regarding the crack sealing of the Courthouse parking lot and the road from Paul Street Bridge to old highway 92.  After much discussion, motion was made by Lierman and second by Sack to have Bader’s do the crack and sealing repair.  Roll Call: All Ayes. 

 

Lake of the Woods

Discussion was held regarding the Lake of the Woods zoning issue and getting a second opinion.  It was stated that why get two opinions and they would both charge.  Motion was made by Scarborough and second by Commissioner Rasmussen that Steve Mossman of Lincoln be used for the zoning issue.  After more discussion the motion and second were withdrawn.

 

Sick Leave

Motion was made by Scarborough and second by Seifert that sick leave will be 12 days per year.  Roll Call: Sack, NAY; Scarborough, AYE; Lierman, NAY; Rasmussen, NAY; Seifert, NAY.  The sick leave policy for the county will remain at 15 days per year.

 

Zoning and Planning

Zoning Administrator Franz Trumler met with the Board to discuss subdivision driveways off the highway.  He had spoken with Wes Wahlgren, District 4 Engineer about the guidelines and requirements for this.  Motion was made by Seifert and second by Lierman to accept the State requirements for driveways off of state highways.  Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.

 

Franz also stated that he and Chairman Seifert were asked to attend the meeting of the Village of Dannebrog.  They want to discuss the zoning issues.

 

County Attorney Dave Schroeder left the meeting at 10:50 am.

 

Road Discussion continued.

Highway Superintendent Jay Meyer and the Board had some items to discuss regarding the road department before Jay takes over as full-time highway supt.

 

Discussion was had on the salary increase for the road department employees.  The cost of living index is at 2.1%. but the road employees will be given a 3% increase.  It was decided to adjust wages in July with the fiscal year which will be used for budget purposes. County Attorney Dave Schroeder stated he has continued with the practice of giving an increase in July which is how the previous county attorney had done.

 

County Attorney Dave Schroeder returned to the meeting at 11:10 am.

 

 

One and Six Year Road Plan

Commissioner Rasmussen brought up the one and six year plan to include Twin Forks Lane by the Lake of the Woods which could qualify for state funding.  This is number C-47-200 on the one and six year plan that had been approved at the previous meeting. Motion was made by Rasmussen and second by Seifert to start the engineering process for Twin Forks Lane.  Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.

 

Comp Time

Discussion was had on comp time for county employees.  After much discussion, motion was made by Scarborough that county employees will get paid for their overtime instead of comp time, but any existing comp time as of this date will not be paid but rather taken off as needed.  Roll Call: Sack, NAY; Scarborough, AYE; Lierman, AYE; Rasmussen, NAY; Seifert, AYE.  Motion carried 3-2.

 

Transfer of Funds

County Clerk Marge Palmberg presented two resolutions to the Commissioners regarding the transfer of funds from the Inheritance Funds to three department funds.  Resolution No. 2007-6 will transfer $20,000 to the County Building Fund and Resolution No. 2007-7 will transfer $15,000 to the Civil Defense and $15,000 to the Unemployment Funds.  These resolutions are on file in the Clerk’s office.

 

Consent Agenda

Claims

Motion was made by Rasmussen and second by Seifert to approve the consent agenda which contains the claims, department reports, minutes and adoption of NIRMA’s reports.  Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.  The consent agenda contained the payment of claims in the amount of $76,939.19.  Commissioner Rasmussen abstained from the Charlie’s Station claim in the amount of $1,028.94 as he is the owner of the station.  The claims were audited and checks drawn on their regular funds.  The claims will appear at the end of the minutes.

 

Reports

The Board received and reviewed the reports from the Treasurer’s Office, District Court Reports and the Sheriff’s reports.

 

NIRMA

The Commissioners approved adopting NIRMA’s yearly performance report, their job application and their disciplinary action report.

 

Minutes

The Board approved the minutes of the February 22nd meeting as submitted by the County Clerk

 

 

 

Mail

The Board received a letter from County Attorney Dave Schroeder stating that in an effort in increase the efficiency of the Howard  County Attorney’s office he will maintain the following weekly office hours:

 

            All day Tuesday

            All day Wednesday

            One-half day on Friday (alternating morning and afternoon to coincide with the District   Court schedule.

 

The Board also received a letter from Janet Hruza requesting the Lake of the Woods and approves the rezoning back to A-3.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board, motion was made by Lierman and second by Sack to adjourn the meeting at 1:37 pm.  Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.  The next regular meeting of the Howard County Board of Commissioners will be March 29, 2007.

 

Dated this 8th day of March 2007.

 

 

Larry Seifert, Chairman

 

ATTEST:

 

Marge Palmberg

Howard County Clerk