Commissioners Approve New Highway Superintendent

SIDNEY--The Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners met on Monday, July 1 and listened to a number issues and took action where necessary. After initially approving of minutes and agenda, the commissioners first designated printing services for joint public hearing postcards. The cost works out to 50¢ per card. The commissioners unanimously approved to continue with CSG Printers in Lincoln for these services.

Next, Jason Nelke asked for a letter of support for a City of Sidney grant for revitalization and enhancement of Northside Park. Nelke has been contracted through the City to write the grant request for this project. The grant would come from the Nebraska Game & Parks Division, and Nelke said the City is applying for $600,000 in grant money, and was asking for a letter of support from Cheyenne County to help bolster his case while writing the grant. The grant deadline is September 5, 2024, and Commissioner Miller made a motion to have County Attorney Paul Schaub write a letter in support of the Northside Park project. The commissioners unanimously approved the motion.

Cheyenne County resident Mindy Cape next addressed the commissioners about a weed spraying issue. She explained that weed spraying was being done in high winds of over 20 mph, and the chemicals had been landing in her garden and among newly-planted willow trees. Although residents can “opt-out” of spraying on their own property, the ditches and culverts along the roadways are maintained by the county. Cape said she understood the issue, but said there was no excuse for the new Weed Control agent to spray in such high winds. Commissioner Sanders said that the weed control agent was new, and that the commissioners would speak with him about spraying in high winds and other issues to get him acclimated with Cheyenne County.

Members of the Cheyenne County Fair Board gave an update on the 2024 County Fair. Fair Board President Troy Kurz and Board member Ryan Filsinger spoke to the commissioners about the dimensions and security fence requirements for the Beer Garden. After explaining the changes and adjustments made to the space, Commissioner Sanders asked if the fencing and security measures were in compliance with the regulations, and Filsinger said yes. Filsinger also said that early ticket sales have been good, with a “typical” amount of event tickets being sold at this time compared to previous years.

In Board of Equalization business, Cheyenne County Assessor Jordan Hajek spoke with the commissioners about a date to conduct Protest Hearings for tax evaluations. The dates are scheduled for July 15 and 16, with the second date likely being unnecessary.

Returning to Board of Commissioners business, County Attorney Paul Schaub informed the commissioners that effective July 13, Regional West Medical Center will cease to have a forensic pathologist available for coroner services in Cheyenne County. Schaub has searched for a new provider for these services, and the closest provider he could find is in Larimer & Weld County, CO. However, this provider does not provide transportation services. Schaub said the closest provider that would provide transportation services was in Denver, and the cost would be $900 per transport. If Cheyenne County wanted to stay in Nebraska for these services, autopsies would have to be performed in Omaha. Schaub said the county performs about 10 to 15 autopsies per year. The commissioners decided to table the issue until the received more information on service by Laramie & Weld Counties.

Schaub next brought up an addendum to the Ambulance Agreement with Morrill County. Schaub said an extension on the current agreement has been made until August 31, and the groups are working on a more long-term solution. The commissioners approved the extension, 3-0.

The commissioners then talked about progress in the use of ARPA funds, which have to be allocated by the end of 2024. A new county evidence building has been discussed, and Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs has been actively searching for sites that would suit a new evidence building. An area has been approved, and contractors are already visiting the site to give estimates on costs. Ron Kissler then addressed the commissioners about an ongoing Cyber Security project. Kissler said the goal was to host all the county’s files and programs for all county departments on a county-wide secure server. He said there were a few licensing issues that were delaying the implementation of the project for a short while. He said that the server would cost between $45-$50,000, but $19,000 of that cost was covered by a grant from the state. He said all of the county offices would be included, and he was hoping to also get a few new computers that would be able to utilize Windows 11. Kissler noted that the project was expensive, but worth it. He said potential damages from a lawsuit involving a security breech could cost far more than what the County is spending on this project. He also said he was going to keep looking for grants to minimize any current or future costs of the project. The commissioners unanimously approved Kissler to continue moving forward with the project.

The commissioners accepted the resignation of Cheyenne County Highway Superintendent Doug Hart, effective July 5, 2024. They then unanimously approved Skyler Saucedo to replace Hart, effective July 5, 2024. Saucedo gave some road updates to the commissioners. He said the State of Nebraska will be setting up barriers on Rd. 125, restricting one lane to 17 feet wide for traffic, which will be open for Harvest. Saucedo also told the commissioners of equipment problems with an RD18 and a 922 Loader. Sanders told Saucedo to make note of areas that needed to be sprayed for bindweed and noxious plants, and to coordinate with Weed Control as to not duplicate efforts.