**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 10, 2023 at 8:45 a.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 Friday, October 6, 2023.
Chairperson Darnall called the meeting to order at 8:47 a.m. Roll call showed all members present. Also present: County Clerk Katie West; County Treasurer Kathy Natale; Sheriff Zane Hopkins; 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 Gifford to approve agenda. Second by Anderson. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Minutes from Budget Hearing were discussed. Tabled until end of meeting.
Correspondence: None
Public Comments: None
Reports:
Highway Superintendent: Jim Milner reported the main drag routes are being maintained. First pass with mowing is complete, beginning second pass for county. Two new hires, Tim Grubbs and Brittney Hollinger. Road department currently has eight employees. No major expenses, however, Milner is currently getting quotes on tires and chains for winter. Milner is reviewing stop sign policy and dates to complete this project. Due to weather, Hubbard's Gap is requiring attention. Milner discussed the asphalt pad on Road 36, this is beating up the road, Milner reported they are hauling water and maintaining this best they can. Banner Feedlot is expanding, trucks in and out of this facility has beat the road some as well. Road Department is also tending to the wear and tear on this portion of Road 36 as well. Anderson stated the community recognizes the work that has been done in the Road Department.
Sheriff Hopkins: Sheriff Hopkins reported 87 traffic stops with 11 citations and 19 vehicle inspections. Hopkins will be traveling to Omaha tomorrow to get new patrol car. Hopkins is making more network connections and learning more on what can be done to improve law enforcement. Plumbing issues on west side of courthouse. Gering Valley Plumbing evaluated the situation, the pipes will need to be dug up to find issue(s). Hopkins stated Chelsea Mossberg (Sheriff and Road secretary) has no protection from the public. Hopkins and Milner suggested installing a half door that can remain closed on the bottom, but top will open for customer service. Darnall asked if they would get estimates, and then place item on the agenda. Hopkins will be getting the WAZE system, this will allow the Sheriff to post closed county roads to show up on Google. Attorney Kovarik suggested a Resolution to address a fine/charge to rescue travelers stranded on closed roads. Sheriff Hopkins stated he can close highways 71, 88 east, and 88 west without State approval. Anderson suggested updating the private driveway agreements.
County Attorney: Mark Kovarik reported business as usual, getting caught up post budget.
County Treasurer: Kathy Natale reported last month she attended the NACO (Nebraska Association of County Officials) district meeting in Bridgeport. Natale transferred county funds from NPAIT (Nebraska Public Agency Investment Trust) back into Banner Capitol Bank. Banner Capitol Bank has given Banner County a better interest rate, and it is easier to transfer funds in Banner Capitol Bank. Natale gave a fund balance listing for end of September to the Board.
County Clerk: Katie West reported budget was turned in on time. West did District Court training. West will be attending election training October 11 - 13. West stated Josie from Kimball County Clerk's office has been working on balancing Banner County Clerk's office.
County Assessor: Kacy Krakow reported she has been reviewing southeast corner of Banner County.
County Surveyor: Absent
Weed Superintendent: Tim Grubbs reported finishing the weed season with 117 inspections totaling 32,000 acres. Reports have been submitted to the State.
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: Meeting with Office of Aging soon. Region I Behavioral Health meeting was cancelled.
Darnall: Region 22 Emergency Management - No meeting. Darnall attended the NACO (Nebraska Association of County Officials) district meeting in Bridgeport and will be attending the NIRMA (Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association) conference next week in Kearney. Darnall spoke with Josie from Kimball County Clerk's office. Josie has agreed to help Banner County Clerk's office get balanced.
Items of business before the board:
Extension Interlocal Agreement - Aaron Berger: There has been an interlocal agreement between Banner County and Kimball County Extension for 20 years. Needs to be reviewed and updated. This will be a five - year agreement. Approximately twenty kids from Banner County participate in 4-H. Darnall stated she believes the kids need the 4-H program. Motion by Anderson to approve interlocal agreement between Kimball and Banner County, authorizing Chairperson to sign. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Website - Chairperson Darnall: Tabled until next meeting.
Copier Quotes - Clerk West: West stated before September 2023, Banner County had an agreement with Copier Connections. West presented the Board with quotes from Copier Connections ($1,100/year new or refurbished copier) and Eakes ($96/month for new copier and maintenance). Discussion regarding price comparison of copies/toner/service, etc. Neither Copier Connections or Eakes will purchase and refurbish the current copier, as it is too old and parts are no longer available. Motion by Darnall to accept the lease from Eakes for $96/moth. Second by Anderson. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Appoint Road Superintendent Interim: Anderson stated he would like Jim Milner to step in until the Road Superintendent position has been filled. Applications will close October 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Motion by Gifford to appoint Jim Milner as interim Road Superintendent at base salary of $45,360 retroactive to September 5, 2023. Second by Anderson. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Approve Audit Findings - Clerk West: Board examined audit report. Motion by Anderson to approve audit report from Don Wilson, CPA. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
Minutes: Minutes from the Budget Hearing were discussed. Tabled until October 24, 2023.
Discuss/Act/Approve Claims: Motion by Anderson to approve the following claims. Second by Gifford. Roll call vote: Gifford yes; Darnall yes; Anderson yes. Motion carried.
General: Ace Hardware $67.98 - weed control; Banner County Treasurer $45,357.17 - interfund transfer & balance funds; Bytes $2,054.00 - office management; Culligan $39.00 - water; Gering Valley Plumbing $655.00 - plumbing; Hulligan Glass & Lock $45.00 - key copies; Ideal Linen & Supply $98.88 - janitorial; Kimball Auto Parts $82.72 - shop supplies; Kimball County Treasurer $11,543.49 - extension office fees; MCI $73.54 - fax; MIPS (Multi - County Information and Programming Services) $3,318.42 - data processing; Nebraska Association $880.21 - postcards; North Platte Natural Resources District $50.12 - water; Pack Rat Disposal $45.00 - trash; Property Assessment $290.00 - Assessor Training; Regional West Medical Center $1,070.30 - autopsy; Sandbert Implement $195.97 - parts; Secretary of State $60.00 - elections; Western Nebraska Papers $576.00 - publications; US Bank $1,473.95 - office supplies & Sheriff equipment; Western Nebraska Observer $489.93 - publications; Donald Wilson, CPA $8,700.00 - audit fees.
Roads: AT & T $31.39 - cell phone; Contractor Materials $149.00 - shop supplies; Home Depot $25.95 - shop supplies; Jim Milner $30.00 - bolts; Motor Fuel Division $302.00 - fuel tax; NRD (Natural Resources District) $33.72 - water; PT Hose & Bearing $257.50 - repairs; US Bank $156.90 - internet & subscriptions; Verizon $233.10 - GPS tracker; First Concord $22.50 - HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement); Ideal Linen $27.76 - janitorial supplies; Kimball Auto Parts $1,823.82 - supplies & repair parts; Western Nebraska Observer $171.00 - advertising.
Sheriff: A T & T $262.76 - cell phone; Great Plains Uniforms $1,122.21 - uniforms; Motorola Solutions $8,581.30 - radio.
Adjournment: Motion by Gifford to adjourn meeting at 11:03 a.m. Second by Anderson. Roll call vote: Anderson yes; Darnall yes; Gifford yes. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 11:03 a.m.
The next regular meeting will be held October 24, 2023 at 5:30 p.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.
