Sidney Seeks County as 'Secondary Emergency Contractor'

When disaster strikes, it is too late to start looking for response resources. Surviving a tragedy, including a flood, is preparedness.

That is what brought City of Sidney Assistant City Manager Dawn Martin before the Cheyenne County Commissioners Monday morning.

Martin told the commissioners the City has been seeking an agreement with a contractor to repair the dams in case of an emergency. The last emergency contractor was Nienhueser Construction, Martin told the commissioners. She said Nienhueser Construction is now closed, leaving the City needing a secondary contractor.

Martin said the City has three dams within the city, and possibly a fourth just north of Sidney. A secondary emergency contractor would be called only if the City needed assistance in responding to an emergency. Commissioner Randal Miller asked Martin what the City's timeline is, and if the City has a written agreement. He said he wanted County Attorney Paul Schaub to review the proposal and what the county's liability might be.

“The liability rests with the City,” she said.

She said the agreement would be to assist with equipment, possibly manpower, if needed.

In other business, the commissioners met with County Treasurer Shelley Bowlin. The commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the county treasurer to hold pledged securities, approved designated official depositories of the county. Bowlin also presented a pledged securities report.

The commissioners also also convened as the Board of Equalization. Melody Keller, meeting for her first time as county assessor, presented two issues before the board. Tax exemption for Capstone Child Advocacy Center's personal property was approved. A correction was approved to the tax list for Homestead Exemption for Eleanor Ernest.

“The State had first said she was declined,” Keller said. “After further review, her application was approved.”

Returning to their role as county commissioners, the board approved a subdivision request by Dan and Teri Wolff. The request is to designate a 10.42 acre subdivision known as Wolff Acres Subdivision and change the zoning from Agriculture to Residential Estates. County Planning and Zoning coordinator Colleen Terman said the Wolffs want to add a guest house to their property. Terman said construction of the second house requires subdividing the property. Some adjacent property owners were present at Monday's meeting. Their concern is if the guest house could be used for commercial purposes.

The commissioners also acknowledged the IRS mileage reimbursement rate has increased from 54 cents per mile to 58 cents per mile. The commissioners also approved a $1 surcharge on telephone charges. The surcharge is for the 911 system. County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh said the 911 surcharge was increased to $1 in 1994. The surcharge needs annual approval.