From the Desk of a Gage County Supervisor
By Don Schuller
7/10/23 Committee meeting:
Planning and Zoning Administrator Lisa Wiegand reported that a public hearing for the Island Grove Otto/Summit Pork swine operation has not been scheduled. The public hearing for the Hanover operation is 4:00 p.m., July 19th, in the supervisor’s room, second floor of the courthouse.
Supervisor Emily Haxby informed the board that Nextlink’s application for a grant through the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP) resulted in Barneston, Filley, and Pickrell being awarded grants from Capital Projects.
The Capital Projects Fund (CPF) provides $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring in response to the public health emergency. These funds are addressing many challenges laid bare by the pandemic, especially in rural America, Tribal communities, and low- and moderate-income communities, helping to ensure that all communities have access to the high-quality modern infrastructure, including broadband, needed to access critical services. CPF administers the funds, which were provided by the federal government from President Biden’s Infrastructure bill.
Highway Superintendent Mark Kuhnke has scheduled engineer Mark Mainelli to visit the site of the proposed Island Grove swine operation to study the roads planned as routes for truck traffic, citing safety as the main concern. I requested they consider alternate routes around Liberty for feasibility. The village of Liberty maintains Main Street and additional truck traffic is likely to increase repairs.
I asked Kuhnke why South 80th Road hasn’t been graveled. The rock applied makes it difficult to travel and is very hard on tires. He replied he wants to be sure it has a good base before applying gravel, and thinks it will be ready in a month.
I questioned the rock applied to Spruce Road between 108th and 134th roads in Liberty Township. The township board requested that the county apply ¾” rock for these two miles. Three quarters of a mile received the ¾” rock, while 1¼ mile received what appears to be 2” rock. The 2” rock causes problems which I discovered when driving the road, prompting my questions. Kuhnke said the quarry ran out of ¾” rock. I asked why the township board wasn’t contacted to determine if they wanted the larger rock. Kuhnke said it is policy to apply whatever is available if the requested size isn’t available. I expressed my personal dissatisfaction; I believe it is proper to give the township board the choice. Mr. Kuhnke disagrees. I was not contacted by the township board on this issue.
7/12/23 Regular meeting:
Sheriff Millard Gustafson requested the county board consider approving an assessment to evaluate the needs of the Gage County Detention Center. The last assessment was in 2009. I believe it is wise to have center assessment needs kept up to date for planning purposes. This doesn’t necessarily mean a new jail, or even that a remodel will happen. As much as I would prefer not to do either due to cost, ignoring the issue would be worse. The day will come when it is inevitable that something be done. There is much to consider and it won’t be easy to choose among options, but it’s best to know as much as possible in advance. A motion to approve was made and seconded, followed by a unanimous decision to approve the evaluation.
Veterans Services Officer Scott Bates informed the board that Don Junker stepped down as veteran’s board president and will be replaced by Jason Hartig.
Bates reported that County Government Day, which had been discontinued during the pandemic, will be resumed by request of the American Legion. This action will be taken by the Veterans Office and requires no vote by the county board, but the board was generally in favor.
Bates said the Veterans Office is still looking for volunteer drivers for the office’s van. Please consider helping the veterans in need.
Supervisor Haxby gave the road and bridge report. She included some conversation from Monday’s committee meeting mentioned above concerning the rock on 80th Road south of Highway 8. She said the road was re-worked and rocked in response to complaints when a school bus became stuck in the middle of the road last winter. Now the county is receiving complaints that there is too much rock on the road, making travel difficult and damaging tires. People are aware rock was needed to build a base and are anxious to get the issue resolved.
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This highlights the parts of the county meetings I feel are most relevant to my constituents. Use the link below to view the actual minutes and hear audio of the board meeting, when posted. https://gagecountynebraska.us/board_meetings/enhanced_minutes.aspx
