The County Commissioners’ meeting was called to order on August 15, 2023, at 9:00 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 Sheriff Randy Starkey, Tom Wasserburger, J. D. Wasserburger, and Heather Goddard with the Lusk Herald.

Chairman Wade recessed the regular meeting and opened a public hearing to receive public comment on zoning changes for Red Herring Cattle Company from Class V Agriculture to Class II Multiple Family Residential on 2.8 acres of land located in T32N, R62W, portions of sections 28 and 33, and the Thurston Family Trust from Class V Agriculture to Class I Single Family Residential on 5.31 acres +/- located in T32N, R66W, Section 12: W1/2.

John Thurston, Colby Thurston, and Ace Thurston joined the meeting.

1. D. Wasserburger commented that he is pleased to have new neighbors to contribute to the community. He did state that he believed it was a travesty that the landowner had to come and request a change on their property. He and Tom Wasserburger voiced their concerns that in requiring these changes, there could be unintended consequences that could negatively affect the growth of Niobrara County.

Further discussion was held regarding taxation and the ability of the landowner to use the land for agricultural purposes around the residential property.

There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed, and the regular session reconvened at 9:45 a.m.

Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to approve the change of zoning application for Red Herring Cattle Company. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.

Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to approve the change of zoning application for The Thurston Family Trust. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.

Engineers with AVI met briefly with the Commissioners to address moving the flagpole from its current location to the lawn due to the road construction.

Road & Bridge- Foreman Fred Thomas met with the Commissioners and discussed roads. They are still working on washouts and are addressing a major one on Silver Springs. They will dig out and replace the existing culvert.

He noted that the Ruffing Pit stockpile has been measured by engineers from BenchMark of Torrington.

Sheriff Randy Starkey and Town of Lusk Chief of Police Bo Krein discussed a School Resource Officer (SRO). The Town of Lusk is in the process of hiring an SRO, and when that individual is not working in the schools, they will patrol in Lance Creek. Chief Krein said the Town has obtained funding for this fiscal year but will require funding assistance from the County in future years.

Old Business- There was nothing to report on the old jail at this time.

Commissioner Griffith reported on the Community Juvenile Services Board Program and said that a new member from the Town of Lusk Council needed to be appointed to the board to fill the vacancy created when Councilmember Adam Dickson moved.

Juvenile Services Board Member Appointment- Commissioner Griffith moved to appoint Town of Lusk Councilmember Ron Pfister to the board. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.

The Commissioners discussed the upcoming HB0060 required Fiscal Training for Public Officers.

Planning and Zoning Board Member Appointment- Chairman Wade explained that the position had been advertised with no applications having been received. Discussion was held and Vice-Chairman Midkiff moved to appoint Marilyn Nelson to the Planning and Zoning Board for a three-year term, ending June 30, 2026. Commissioner Griffith seconded, and the motion carried.

County Attorney- Attorney Anne Wasserburger met with the Commissioners and discussed county business.

She reviewed the contract with TY Pickett and said it appeared in order.

Commissioner Griffith moved to enter into contract agreement with TY Pickett for industrial business, real, and personal property valuation services for 2024 for 2,500.00. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried.

            Consent Agenda- Commissioner Griffith moved to approve the consent agenda. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, and the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda were the minutes of the August 1, 2023, meeting, and receipts for the month of July from the Sheriff for $1,391.00 and from the Clerk of Court for $641.00.

            There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

                                                                                    NIOBRARA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                    Patrick Wade, Chairman

Attest:
Becky L. Freeman, County Clerk

Public Notice No. 5983. Published in The Lusk Herald on September 13, 2023.