**This is a condensed version of the Banner County Board of Commissioners meeting minutes. These minutes are not the official/approved version. A draft/unapproved copy of the Banner County Board of Commissioner meeting minutes is available for public viewing 10 days post meeting date at the Banner County Clerk’s office. For a complete and/or approved version of the Banner County Board of Commissioner meeting minutes, please contact Katie West, Banner County Clerk, during regular business hours.**
BANNER COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
The Banner County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the courtroom of the Banner County Courthouse.
Notice of the meeting was published in the Western Nebraska Observer. A copy of proof of publication is on file in the office of the Banner County Clerk. Meeting notices posted in Harrisburg, Nebraska at: Post Office, Banner County School, and the Banner County Courthouse.
The agenda for the meeting was kept current and was available during the regular business hours at the office of the Banner County Clerk. A copy was emailed to each board member on Monday, October 23, 2023.
Chairperson Darnall called the meeting to order at 5:53 p.m. Roll call showed all members present. Also present: County Clerk Katie West; County Treasurer Kathy Natale; Sheriff Zane Hopkins; County Attorney Mark Kovarik; Interim Road Superintendent Jim Milner, and Weed Superintendent Tim Grubbs.
Chairperson Darnall stated that the Open Meetings Act is posted in the back of this courtroom by the entrance.
Anderson led prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Agenda: The agenda for meeting was examined. Motion by Anderson to approve agenda. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Minutes from October 10, 2023 we examined. Motion by Anderson to approve October 10, 2023 minutes and September 28, 2023 Budget Hearing minutes. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Correspondence: National Flood Insurance Program - Anderson recommended talking to Homeowner's Insurance, may increase rates.
Public Comments: None
Reports:
Highway Superintendent: Interim Road Superintendent, Jim Milner, reported blading and maintaining roads as best they can during harvest. Mowing has stopped - mower needs repairs. Milner stated once mowing resumes, they will focus on bad areas where snow piles up. One new employee is training as a maintainer operator. Milner spoke with Werner Construction regarding Road 36. The Road Department will maintain this area on Road 36 every eight days. Milner mentioned easements regarding installing fiber optics in Banner County, he has signed 30 permits for the company. An autogate study showed that 70% - 80% of the autogates in Banner County are cement. Plumbing issues at the courthouse have been resolved.
Sheriff Hopkins: Sheriff Hopkins reported the new car is up and running, this will allow the Sheriff's Deputy to patrol as well. Hopkins stated some Banner County residents asked if the night Commissioner meetings would be changed to day meetings during the winter months.
County Attorney: Mark Kovarik reported County Court and District Court coming up next week. Just returned from Lincoln after four days for annual meeting and training. Currently working on a Snow Emergency Resolution.
County Treasurer: Kathy Natale reported a busy month. Attended the NIRMA (Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association) Conference in Kearney. DIvidend check for Banner County from NIRMA was $2,655. Second half of personal property tax is now delinquent. A new law has been passed where the names of people with delinquent taxes will be published in the newspaper. At this time, there is $300,000 in delinquent taxes for real estate and personal property. Treasurer's office sent out thirty - four, 20 - day notices. This notice states if property owner fails to pay taxes by October 31, 2023, the Sheriff will issue Distress Warrants on November 1.
County Clerk: Katie West reported talking with Josie (Kimball County Clerk's Office). Josie is progressing with balancing Banner County. West reported the Expenditure Report due to the Commissioner's each month has been delayed due to prior year not being closed because of Clerk's office not balancing with Treasurer's office. Bytes looked at District Court laptop used for ZOOM and District Court, laptop is at max capacity, ZOOM runs slowly. West has located more filing cabinets for District Court documents.
County Assessor: Kacy Krakow reported all of range 53 has been reviewed, she will be moving to range 54 once adjustments are made to range 53. Working on property and section lines. Last depreciation class is this week, Panhandle Assessor's meeting tomorrow.
County Surveyor: Absent
Weed Superintendent: Tim Grubbs reported attending Weed Conference last week in Kearney.
Commissioner Committee Reports:
Gifford; Panhandle Area Development District (PADD); Office of Human Development (OHD) and Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD): Nothing to report.
Anderson: Office of Aging and Region I Behavioral Health: Nothing to report. Next meetings in November.
Darnall: Region 22 Emergency Management - Anderson attended meeting for Darnall - nothing to report. Darnall attended NIRMA Conference in Kearney. Other counties are dealing with same issues as Banner County - newspaper notices and cyber security expenses.
Items of business before the board:
Preventative Health: Will Arthur introduced Preventative Health Care online portal with Capstone Wellness. Program would not change any other benefits and does not cost Banner County any money. It is an online portal that has a tax incentive for employees with Manhattan Life. It is to lower the number of claims on health plan by including telehealth with no co - pays, speaking to Doctors over the phone. Like Urgent Care on the phone, patients can get prescriptions for chronic issues. Employees must have W-2, major medical plan, log into portal once a year, and participate in one activity for fifteen minutes to receive tax benefits. Lowers the taxable income. Five employees are required to enroll to qualify Banner County for these benefits. Darnall and Anderson would like to research this and review again in a month.
Road Superintendent Interviews: Pat Parsons interviewed for the Road Superintendent position. Motion by Anderson to offer Road Superintendent position to Pat Parsons with annual salary of $45,360 with full benefits beginning November 15, 2023. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Website: Darnall reported the current website agreement with SquareSpace will expire in January 2024. Darnall suggested purchasing a new website with WizNerds (Nathan Rogers), at $5,000 then $55/month for support, maintenance, and security. Kovarik suggested allowing plenty of time to set up the new website. Sheriff Hopkins asked that road closures be available on the County website. Discussion. Motion by Anderson to purchase a new County website with WizNerds/Nathan Rogers at $5,000 then $55/month for support, maintenance, and security. To begin on or around January 1, 2024. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Appoint New Safety Director: Anderson stated he would like to see the Sheriff's office be part of the Safety Committee. Sheriff Hopkins agreed to be on the Safety Committee. Motion by Anderson for Safety Committee to consist of: Jim Milner, Kathy Natale, Carl Gilbert, and Sheriff Hopkins. Second by Gifford. Darnall asked that the Safety Committee have monthly trainings. Discussion. Kovarik mentioned a State incentive for having quarterly training. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Defense Access Road Agreement: Attorney Kovarik mentioned this agreement is the same as in the past, with a slight increase each year. Kovarik questioned if this agreement included the new Sentinel project? Milner suggested adding Pat Parsons to this agreement. Darnall and Anderson would like more information. Tabled until November 7, 2023 meeting.
Resolution 2023 - 27: Snow Emergency Policy and Procedures: Attorney Kovarik stated he has a draft, but this is a process. There will need to be an ordinance including a public hearing. More information is needed on costs for the county, and contracts with towing companies. Attorney Kovarik, Jim MIlner, and Chelsea Mossberg will meet and discuss a cost agreement with type of equipment used for winter rescues. Tabled until November 21, 2023 meeting.
Private Drive Agreement: Jim Milner/Attorney Kovarik: Milner would like to discuss updating fees and a better worded agreement. Anderson would like to see changes and updated rates. Tabled until November 7, 2023 meeting.
2021 Taxes - Distress Warrant Report: Treasurer Natale reported having one report. Treasurer's office is currently working on collection.
Discuss/Act/Approve Claims: Motion by Gifford to approve the following claims. Second by Anderson. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
General: US Bank $245.26 - fuel; CenturyLink $585.42 - phone; Comfort Inn $260.92 - Clerk lodging; DAS (Department Administrative Services) $150.00 - data processing; USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) $2,048.29 - pest control; Region 22 Emergency Management $1,680.28 - emergency management services; Scottsbluff County Detention Center $1,800.00 - inmate housing; Quadient $300,.00 - postage; Personnel Concepts $316.35 - office supplies; Madelung Law $320.00 - attorney fees; Level 3 Communications $771.47 - internet; Scottsbluff ROD $150.00 - training; HIgh West Energy $541.95 - lights; Tim Grubbs $604.70 - chemical & service; Colonial Life $205.06 - insurance; Kody Carpenter $15.00 - fair; Tallyn Chesley $80.00 - fair; Karsyn Chesley $47.00 - fair; Dalton Gilbert $11.00 - fair; Bailie Gilbert $20.00 - fair; Coleson Gilbert $11.00 - fair; Kalea Hageman $10.00 - fair; Marie Hein $9.00 - fair; Jalanna $17.00 - fair; Kohl Krakow $15.00 - fair; Gabe Olsen $19.00 - fair; Tate Olsen $13.00 - fair; Trace Olsen $10.00 - fair; Isaac Olsen $48.00 - fair; Luke Olsen $35.00 - fair; Alaina Sperfslage $67.00 - fair; Jacob Sperfslage $51.00 - fair; Andie West $24.00 - fair; Austin West $16.00 - fair.
Roads: Western Nebraska Observer $19.78 - advertising; Colonial Life $29.48 - insurance; Western Pathology Consultants, Inc. $299.00 - drug testing; Vistabeam $67.90 - internet; Verizon $233.20 - GPS trackers; US Bank $84.97 - dues & building repair; Power Plan $726.47 - repair parts; Platte River Glass $120.00 - equipment repair & labor; Nebraska Machinery Co. $386.16 - repair parts; K & P Welding $447.11 - repair parts & labor; Inland Truck $254.28 - repair parts; High West Energy $316.00 - lights; CenturyLink $85.01 - phone.
Sheriff: Sunset Law Enforcement $538.00 - law equipment; Scottsbluff Screenprinting $144.00 - uniforms; Jones Automotive $22,696.00 - upfit & labor on Explorer; Eakes $20.00 - office supplies; Comfort Inn $629.70 - lodging; CenturyLink $80.98 - phone; US Bank $995.08 - travel expense & law equipment.
Adjournment: Motion by Gifford to adjourn meeting at 8:40 p.m. Second by Anderson. Roll call vote: Anderson yes; Darnall yes; Gifford yes. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be held November 7, 2023 at 8:45 a.m. or at the call of the Clerk. An agenda of the matters to be considered at such date and time is kept continually current and is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Banner County Clerk in the Courthouse in Harrisburg.
