The County Commissioners’ meeting was called to order on February 21, 2023, at 9:03 a.m. by Chairman Patrick H. Wade. Vice-Chairman John Midkiff, Commissioner Elaine Griffith, and County Clerk Becky L. Freeman were present. Members of the audience included Judy Lucas with The Lusk Herald, Sheriff Randy Starkey, and Kurt Gaukel.
Road and Bridge- Foreman Fred Thomas discussed road and bridge business. He said that most roads are open apart from feeder roads. Josh Harkins and Ben Martin, with BenchMark of Torrington, jointed the meeting and presented Change Order #1 for the 2023 Road Rehabilitation Project. This change order is to add an additional 1.1 miles of road to the project at a cost of $20,270.00. The contract price incorporating this Change Order is $197,683.92.
2023 Road Rehabilitation Project Change Order #1- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve Change Order #1 to the 2023 Road Rehabilitation Project. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
The group discussed signage on county roads during bad weather. Mr. Thomas thought “road closed except for local traffic” signs could be installed. This will help some, but the southern ends of the roads are still a problem. He thought about leaving the signs up all year, but the Commissioners were not in favor of that. Sheriff Starkey said that the sheriff’s office can write tickets if people cross the closed roads.
Planning and Zoning Manual Rewrite Draft Plan- Mr. Harkins presented draft plans for review. Also in attendance were Planning and Zoning Board Members Dan Henry Hanson and Brian Zerbe. Board member Sena Pearson joined by telephone.
Mr. Harkins proposed taking two weeks to review the plan, contact them via email with changes and or concerns, and then have a work session and go through and update. The Commissioners scheduled a work session for March 8, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.
County Attorney- County Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners and discussed county business. The group discussed the contract with AGC Construction.
The group also discussed the latest opioid settlement for which the county could sign up. Attorney Wasserburger said this settlement agreement is similar to an earlier one and nothing needs to be done right now. She wanted everyone to review it and decide a course of action later.
Sheriff Starkey met with the Commissioners to discuss amending the vacation policy. There was no action taken on this matter at this time.
Executive Session- Commissioner Griffith moved to enter into executive session at 11:20 a.m. to discuss personnel issues. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Griffith moved to reconvene the regular session at 11:22 a.m. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. No action was taken.
Greg Starck met with the Commissioners to discuss the old jail asbestos removal plan and the development of contracts for that purpose. Janette Starck joined the meeting and distributed a handout with suggestions on preserving the structure due to its historical value in Niobrara County.
The Commissioners attended a telephone conference for the Congressional Tour which will take place the first week of August.
Independent Contractor Agreement- Commissioner Griffith moved to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement between Niobrara County and Michael Coon d/b/a AGC Construction for remodel work on the public health building. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
Old Business- Commissioner Griffith had no news to report on the Community Juvenile Services Board and there was no new information on the SLIB easements.
Consent Agenda- Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Items on the consent agenda were the minutes of the February 7, 2023 meeting, and receipts for the month of January from the Sheriff for $235.25.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Patrick Wade, Chairman
Attest: Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk
Public Notice No. 5904. Published in The Lusk Herald on March 15, 2023.
