Commissioners Approve Zoning Changes, Beer Garden

The Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners and Board of Equalization held an open and public meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024. Present were Commissioners Randal Miller, Darrell Johnson and Philip Sanders, as well as County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh and County Attorney Paul Schaub.

After a review of the meeting agenda, and minutes from the previous meeting, both of which were unanimously approved, the current expenses were presented and reviewed.

A motion was made by Sanders, seconded by Miller to approve and pay all claims as presented. Delinquent taxes were deducted where owing. Roll Call: Aye: Miller, Sanders, Johnson. Nay: None.

Having no correspondence to review, at 8:05 A.M., Chairman Johnson declared the public hearing open to review and consider approval of an application from Matt Wells for a subdivision known as Parcel 1, Wells Farm Subdivision located in the West Half of Section 22, to change the zoning from Agriculture to Residential Estate. The purpose of the requests is to combine 2 parcels of land into one subdivision. Colleen Terman, Planning and Zoning Administrator, was present and stated that all documentation was in order and there had been no objections to the subdivision and rezoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission met on January 29, 2024 and approved the applications and recommended they be forwarded to the Commissioners for final approval. A motion was made by Sanders, seconded by Miller to adopt Resolution 2024-4 approving the subdivision and rezoning requests. Roll Call: Aye: Sanders, Johnson, Miller. Nay: None.

Next, the Board reviewed and considered approval of an application from James Rieken for a replat of Tract 1, Rieken 06 Subdivision, to increase the number of acres from 10.00 acres to 15.57 acres more or less and considered an application to change the zoning from Agriculture to Residential Estate on the additional acres. Colleen Terman again stated that all documentation was in order and there had been no objections to the subdivision and rezoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission met on January 29, 2024 and approved the applications and recommended they be forwarded to the Commissioners for final approval. A motion was made by Sanders, seconded by Miller to adopt Resolution 2024-5 approving the subdivision and rezoning requests. Roll Call: Aye: Johnson, Miller, Sanders. Nay: None

The Board reviewed Resolution 2024-6 regarding a Fair Housing Policy. The Resolution states, in part, that Cheyenne County through this Resolution shall cause owners of real estate, developers, and builders to become aware of their respective responsibilities and rights under the Federal Fair Housing Act and any local laws or ordinances. A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sanders to adopt Resolution 2024-6 regarding the Fair Housing Policy. Roll Call: Aye: Miller, Sanders, Johnson. Nay: None.

Complete copies of both Zoning changes, and Resolution 2024-6, are on file at the Office of the County Clerk.

Troy Kurz, Ryan Filsinger, Pat Finney and Tyler Bailey representing the Cheyenne County Fair Board, addressed the Commissioners requesting approval to sponsor a beer garden at the 2024 Cheyenne County Fair, and updated the status of the 2024 Fair. A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sanders to approve the beer garden for the 2024 Cheyenne County Fair. Roll Call: Aye: Sanders, Johnson, Miller. Nay: None.

Following a report from Congressman Adrian Smith's office, by Val Jansante, Rita Ross and Sally Loya addressed the Board regarding the use of the fairgrounds arena for a benefit concert. Sally Loya began the Loya Project which supports victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The proceeds from the concert would go to the Loya Project. A donation from the Loya Project would be given to the local Dove's program. The rent for the use of the arena will be paid through donations. A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sanders to approve the use of the arena for the Loya Project benefit concert. Roll Call: Aye: Johnson, Miller, Sanders. Nay: None.

Next, Jason Juracek representing the Sidney Shooting Park addressed the Board and requested a Special Designated Liquor License for the annual Sidney Shooting Park banquet. The event will be held on April 20, 2024 at the fairgrounds. A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sanders to approve the issuance of the Special Designated Liquor license as requested. Roll Call: Aye: Miller, Sanders, Johnson. Nay: None.

Cheyenne County Highway Superintendent Doug Hart presented a Supplemental Agreement No. 1 between Cheyenne County and the State of Nebraska, Department of Transportation. The County and State entered into an Agreement (XL 1924) on May 18, 2020 that provided for a County Road detour onto County Roads 99 and 20 during the State's construction project. The County agreed to maintain County Roads 99 and 20 for a total of 10 weeks over two construction seasons. Due to delays in construction and extended road closures, it was necessary for the County to maintain County Roads 99 and 20 for an additional 27 weeks. The State will reimburse the County for an additional 27 weeks of maintenance on the detour route in the amount of $11,070. The maintenance work to be provided by the County has already been completed. A motion was made by Sanders, seconded by Miller to approve the Supplemental Agreement No. 1 as presented. Roll Call: Aye: Sanders, Johnson, Miller. Nay: None.

Next, the Board reviewed the Hydraulic Study for County Road 42 Bridge Replacement. A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sanders to approve the Hydraulic Study. Roll Call: Aye: Johnson, Miller, Sanders. Nay: None.

It is necessary to obtain quotes for the purchase of culverts for Project C-17-187. A motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sanders to direct Superintendent Hart to obtain quotes for the purchase of culverts for Project C-17-187. Roll Call: Aye: Miller, Sanders, Johnson. Nay: None; followed by Superintendent Hart's update on road activities.

Since there were no public comments, at 9:15 A.M., a motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sanders to enter into executive session to discuss personnel. Roll Call: Aye: Sanders, Johnson, Miller. Nay: None. None. At 10:30 A.M., a motion was made by Miller, seconded by Sanders to exit executive session. Roll Call: Aye: Johnson, Miller, Sanders. Nay: None.

Since there was no further business to come before the Board, Chairman Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 10:30 A.M.