BANNER COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS
The Banner County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 19, 2022. This is in accordance with the adjournment of the April 5, 2022, meeting and notice published in the Scottsbluff Star Herald and posting notices in Harrisburg, NE, at the Post Office, the Banner County School, the clerk’s office, and on the front window of the Banner County Courthouse. Proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk and is made a part of the proceedings by reference.
The agenda for the meeting was kept current and was available during the regular business hours at the office of the County Clerk. A copy was emailed to each board member on April 13, 2022. The agenda was not amended less than 24 hours prior to the meeting.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at the hour of 8:46 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Present on roll call were:
Chairman Robert Post; Vice Chairman Robert Gifford; Member Sharon Sandberg; Mark Kovarik, Attorney; Bernice Huffman, Assessor; Monty Stoddard, Treasurer; Zane Hopkins, Deputy Sheriff; Stan McKnight, Sheriff; Kyle Ann Hopkins; Tiffany Hopkins; Deborah Genz; Larry Malm, Kathy Malm; Barb Cross; C Laif Anderson; Art Olsen; Tim Grubbs; Ayden Vrtatko; Jonathon Vrtatko; Nathan Rice; Mark Faden; Lynette Stoddard; Madalyn Soule. At Various Times: Lisa Cross, Clerk. Present via zoom: Kim Henson
The Chairman stated that the open meetings law is posted on the Commissioner meeting room window and that paper copies are available on the table by the door.
The agenda was examined and Sandberg moved to approve the agenda. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Sandberg, yes; Gifford, yes.
The minutes of the previous meeting had been supplied to each board member. Gifford moved to approve the minutes for
April 5, 2022. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
CORRESPONDENCE – Tabled
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
CLAIMS
Gifford made a motion to add the claim for Wildcat Survey claim for $800.00. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
The following claims for April 5, 2022 were audited, and Sandberg moved that the claims be approved warrants and ordered drawn on the respective funds. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Sandberg, yes; Gifford, yes.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
General
BANNER COUNTY COURT CC COST $ 17.00
CENTURY BUSINESS PRODUCTS COPIER $ 125.32
CENTURYLINK CO COURT PHONE $ 779.40
DAS STATE ACCT-CENTRAL FINANCE DATA PROCESSING $ 118.84
ELLISON, KOVARIK & TURMAN LAW FIRM SALARY $ 3,097.72
ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE ES&S $ 687.01
ROBERT GIFFORD DUES $ 120.00
HIGH WEST ENERGY LIGHTS $ 490.95
ZANE HOPKINS MEALS $ 176.70
IDEAL/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTIONS JANITORIAL $ 88.37
MCI PHONE $ 58.47
MODERN MARKETING LAW ENF SUPPLY $ 102.20
NE LAW ENF TRAINING CENTER TRAINING $ 145.13
NE WEED CONTROL ASSOCIATION DUES $ 200.00
NIRMA MISC $ 5,000.00
NOSSAMAN PETITT LAW FIRM COURT APP COUNSEL $ 120.25
PACK RAT DISPOSAL BLDG SUPPLY $ 45.00
PANHANDLE COOP ASSOCIATION SHERIFF FUEL $ 260.26
THE PEETZ FARMERS COOP CO. HEATING FUEL $ 675.57
WILLIAM C PETERS COURT APPT COUNSEL $ 341.50
SCOTTSBLUFF ADV PUBLISHING $ 923.33
THOMSON REUTERS - WEST OFFICE EXPENSE $ 720.00
USDA, APHIS, WILDLIFE SERVICES CONTRACT $ 1,857.92
VERIZON WIRELESS SHERRIFF PHONE $ 112.89
WILDCAT SURVEYING SURVEY MATERIAL $ 800.00
Total $ 17,063.83
Road
A & A PORTA POTTIES LLC SHOP SUPPLIES $ 175.00
CENTURYLINK RD PHONE $ 224.10
FRANK PARTS COMPANY REPAIR PARTS $ 223.97
HIGH WEST ENERGY LIGHTS $ 339.00
IDEAL/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTIONS SHOP SUPPLY $ 25.66
KIMBALL AUTO PARTS, LLC SHOP SUPPLY $ 1,599.33
MOTOR FUELS DIVISION MISC $ 362.00
NEBRASKA ASSOC. COUNTY ENGINEERS DUES $ 110.00
NMC EXCHANGE LLC REPAIR PARTS $ 1,622.30
PANHANDLE COOP ASSOCIATION GREASE OIL $ 13,097.72
THE PEETZ FARMERS COOP CO. HEATING FUEL $ 761.04
VERIZON CONNECT NWF, INC SHOP SUPPLY $ 291.42
VERIZON WIRELESS RD PHONE $ 41.09
WYRULEC CO LIGHTS $ 1.68
Total $ 18,874.31
Fair
CENTRAL BANNER 4-H CLUB CO FAIR EXPENSE $ 989.00
ITEMS OF BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. Resolution of Public Censure of Banner County Treasurer and Banner County Assessor – The Censure was read aloud by all three commissioners. Gifford didn’t like the part that stated it would be in the best interest of Banner County for them to resign from office and withdraw from the election. He doesn’t feel that is what is best for Banner County. The reelection process is up to the Banner County Residents through the election. Sandberg agreed with Gifford that the reelection process is up to the Banner County Residents. Gifford suggested that part be stricken. The floor was open for discussion. After discussion, Gifford made the motion to adopt the Resolution with the changes that he suggested. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, no (did not agree with the change of the resolution); Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Monty Stoddard, Treasurer, spoke and let people know that he is not a quitter and that he is going to do his best to
make things better. He respectfully declined to resign.
2. Nathan Rice Extension Office – Nathan reported that Jim Stauffer would like to serve on the Extension Board. It will be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Nathan presented a file of what the Extension Office is doing in Banner County. Jennifer Coleman is now the new assistant. A letter for support of professional development classes for Jennifer will be sent out.
3. Banner County Historical Society-Special Designated License – Gifford moved to approve the special designated license for the Banner County Historical Society. Second by Post. Roll Call Vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, abstained.
4. A Day of Prayer Proclamation – Sandberg made the motion to approve Resolution 22-8. Second by Gifford. Roll Call Vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
Resolution 22-8
WHEREAS:
The Commissioners of Banner County
Acknowledge that all blessings come from GOD and recognize that He has already blessed us with a wonderful place to live.
The past few years, we have endured:
Catastrophic fires and lack of rain
The Pandemic, with isolation, serious illness, and death
Continuing turmoil in our county government
Feeling the effects of the political divide currently in our United States
And the healing of our individual needs.
THERFORE:
We the commissioners of Banner County, Nebraska, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE 29TH DAY OF April 2022 as a day of PRAYER for Banner County. We urge all individuals to pray on their own or with others, according to their faith, for God’s Blessing and Healing for our county.
Resolved this 19th day of April, 2022.
5. Weed Superintendent Contract – Banner County has entered a contract with Baird Family Farm Custom Spraying. The contract will be paid in five equal payments starting in May. Gifford made a motion to make the payments in five equal payments starting in May. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Sandberg, yes; Gifford, yes.
6. Groundskeeper Position – Gifford made a motion to authorize Sharon permission to interview and hire from the two applicants. Second by Post. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
7. Void Check #02204042 – The check was made to the wrong vendor in error. Sandberg made the motion to void check #02204042. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
8. NDCS rate change- The new rates were presented to the board.
9. Scotts Bluff County Consolidated 911 Communications Alarm Contacts – Gifford moved to approve the alarm contract for panic buttons and their permit fee. The Sheriff, State Patrol, and the Clerk will be contacted if an alarm goes off. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes.
10. Deborah Genz – Commissioners Responsibilities – Deborah wanted to discuss responsibilities of the commissioners in the reference to the December 28th incident. Deborah expressed that she felt the commissioners should have made a public statement once the arraignment took place; that there is a zero tolerance for that behavior. She said that she felt let down because no statement was made. Deborah said all trust has been lost in the Treasurer’s and Assessor’s Office and feels they shouldn’t be allowed to run again. She was informed that the Clerk is in charge of the county employee involved. Sandberg brought to Deborah’s attention that items have to be put on the agenda 24 hours in advance and there was not sufficient time to make the agenda for the last meeting. Gifford also stressed that it’s important to proceed with caution. In conclusion, Deborah Genz said that she did appreciate what the commissioners did at this meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Region I Behavioral Health – Post said that they discussed funding.
Post attended a Cyber Security workshop. Banner County is in pretty good shape, but he wants to go over some of the things presented at another time.
Aging Office of Western Nebraska – Sandberg reported they revised the budget due to the AARPA money.
Panhandle Public Health District – Gifford said that they are going through a lot of policies. They are deciding on how to spend the money from the financing between the state and AARPA.
PADD – Gifford said that, to receive any loans, they have to match with financing. They are needing $70,000.00.
Office of Human Development – Gifford reported that the rates the state pays for clients were raised.
REPORTS
Highway Superintendent – Tom Neal, Highway Superintendent, was gone the last meeting due to taking a test for spraying the right-of-way. The wind and breakdowns have made things go not according to plan. The phone at the east shop needs disconnected. Tom has three applications for the road equipment operator. Banner County will pay the $299.00 for the online training. Road 36 will be closed while they are repairing it.
County Attorney – Mark Kovarik, Banner County Attorney, said that there has been an increase in traffic violations.
Clerk – Lisa Cross, Clerk, Banner County was quarantined for five days. Caily and Bernice did a great job keeping the office running smoothly. Election has kept them very busy.
Sheriff – Stan McKnight, Sheriff, reported that they are getting ready to send Zane Hopkins, Deputy Sheriff, to school.
Sandberg made a motion to adjourn the meeting of the Banner County Board of Commissioners at
10:26 a.m. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Sandberg, yes; Gifford, yes. The next meeting will be held in regular session on May 3, 2022, or at the call of the clerk. A full 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.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BANNER COUNTY, NEBRASKA
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Attest: _______________________ __________________________________________
County Clerk
BANNER COUNTY
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION PROCEEDINGS
The Banner County Board of Equalization met in regular session in the Courtroom of the Banner County Courthouse on April 19, 2022. This is in accordance with the adjournment of the April 5, 2022, meeting and notice published in the Scottsbluff Star Herald and posting notices in Harrisburg, NE, at the Post Office, the Banner County School, at the clerk’s office, and on the front window of the Banner County Courthouse. Proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk and is made a part of the proceedings by reference.
The agenda for the meeting was kept current and was available during the regular business hours at the office of the County Clerk. A copy was emailed to each board member on April 13, 2022. The agenda was not amended less than 24 hours prior to the meeting.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at the hour of 8:33 a.m. Present on roll call were:
Chairman Robert Post; Vice Chairman Robert Gifford; Member Sharon Sandberg; Mark Kovarik, Attorney; Bernice Huffman, Assessor; Monty Stoddard, Treasurer; Zane Hopkins, Deputy Sheriff; Stan McKnight, Sheriff; Kyle Ann Hopkins; Tiffany Hopkins; Deborah Genz; Larry Malm, Kathy Malm; Barb Cross; C Laif Anderson;
Tim Grubbs; Art Olsen; Ayden Vrtatko; Jonathon Vrtatko; Nathan Rice;
Mark Faden; Lynette Stoddard; Madalyn Soule. Present via zoom: Kim Henson.
The Chairman stated that the open meetings law is posted on the meeting room window and that paper copies are available on the table by the door.
The agenda was examined, and Sandberg moved to approve as presented. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Sandberg, yes; Gifford, yes.
The minutes of the previous meeting had been supplied to each board member. Gifford moved to approve the minutes for April 5, 2022, and that the actions therein be ratified. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Sandberg, yes; Gifford, yes.
CORRESPONDENCE – None
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ITEMS OF BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD –
1. None
Gifford made a motion to adjourn the Banner County Board of Equalization meeting at 8:46 a.m. Second by Sandberg. Roll call vote: Post, yes; Gifford, yes; Sandberg, yes. The next meeting will be held in regular session on May 3, 2022, or at the call of the clerk. A full 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.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
BANNER COUNTY, NEBRASKA
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Attest: _______________________ __________________________________________
County Clerk