County Moving Ahead With Water Project

The Cheyenne County Commissioners Monday were offered a plan on how to address the water system at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds.

The county has been seeking an answer the the fairgrounds aging system while meeting the needs of events at the fairgrounds this summer.

Ben Schmitt, registered mechanical engineer with Farris Engineering in Sidney, met with the commissioners Monday to present their plan to address the water needs of the fairgrounds. The goal is to replace the water infrastructure, building a system that will supply the buildings and fire suppression system.

Schmitt said his staff mapped as much of the water system as possible, noting they did not want to guess at the route of piping. With that said, their first focus is on the water main at the east side of the property. A four-inch main has been identified, with a six-inch meter. Schmitt said the line is very corroded.

“The ultimate goal is to replace the line,” he said.

The second phase, if a second phase is necessary, would include a loop around the north side of the fairgrounds. He added that expanding the project to Phase 2 would be a “significant cost.”

Bids will be sought with the expectation of the project starting after Oktoberfest.

In other business, the commissioners approved an application for a subdivision request from Daniel Dalton. The request to subdivide 5.94 acres, then have the parcel removed from Agriculture to Residential Estates (RE).

The commissioners also met with County Attorney Paul Schaub regarding a service contract with Guardian Light Family Services. The contract would be to assist with supervisory visits and home visits. The services would be funded by a grant already awarded to the county.

The commissioners also received a report on the county’s emergency response plan. Ron Kissler, speaking about the plan, said it currently addresses the courthouse.

“It will eventually be a Cheyenne County plan, not just a courthouse plan,” Kissler said.

He said he doesn’t want a plan that only addresses the expectations.

“My goal will be to overachieve, not just what everybody else does,” he added.

He said he wants the plan to be simple to follow with plans for nearly any kind of situation. The Emergency Response Plan will address everything from severe weather to how to respond to an active shooter. He said the plan will detail everything except how employees are taught to respond to an active shooter.

“We truly want this to be a safe place for people to come and work,” he said.

The commissioners also received the semi-annual report from county treasurer Shelley Bowlin, met with county assessor Melody Keller as the board of equalization regarding over/under valued property, a three-year plan of assessment, and review of ownership and use of cemetery properties in the county. Highway Superintendent Doug Hart also updated the commissioners on road activity.

Much of the rest of the day was scheduled for Property Valuation Protest Hearings.