Gage County Newsletter

By Don Schuller 5/24 Committee meeting:Planning and Zoning administrator Lisa Wiegand provided the board with information on the expansion of the Beatrice Well Head Protection area. Two public hearings will be conducted during the Planning and Zoning meeting beginning at 7:00 pm, June 18th, Supervisor Board Room, second floor of the courthouse. The hearings involve placement of a commercial retail business, diesel engine repair, at a home location, and a Well Head Protection Area enlargement for the city of Beatrice. Wiegand explained the proposal for a subdivision for new homes in Clatonia. She needs approval from the Clatonia village board before proceeding at the county level. If this moves forward, the county will be involved and will conduct a public hearing. Preferably this will be handled by the village's zoning regulations rather than the county’s.The Planning and Zoning Commissioner appointment process was discussed. The board reviewed a letter to be sent to members saying the county is going to begin following an interview and application process for commission membership.Highway Superintendent Mark Kuhnke told the board Pinpoint Communications resubmitted a utility permit for service at the north side of Beatrice. This replaces the permit application that was not approved due to the overlap of grant funds used for fiber installation. Pinpoint Communications CEO, Bachtyer Kholmatov, was present to address the board. Pinpoint construction manager, Mark Bennet, clarified what has been done with the city in regard to fiber placement on their poles. There are technical issues in regard to permit requirements. The overlap issue has been removed and the new permit application reflects this change.In reference to the Extension office agreement, Chairman Tiemann said he has a meeting with Regent Rob Shafer to discuss it. There is an agreement in place, but it is from the late 1990’s. All other counties in the state have signed an updated agreement. 5/29 Regular meeting: Public CommentJeremy Sutter, rural Liberty, spoke to the condition of 176th Road south of Highway 8. He is unhappy with the maintainer operator always bringing dirt into the road. After any kind of rain, the road is sloppy. Vehicles slide to the ditch due to the large crown in the road and get stuck. Marc Hroch, southeast rural Wymore, spoke with the same concerns for the gravel road between Liberty and Barneston. He also asked where the dirt came from to make the large shoulder fill on Kenney Hill and if the county had to pay for it? The board isn’t allowed to respond during public comment. Hroch went on to say the road ditches are in need of cleaning out between Liberty and Barneston. The county doesn’t have to buy this dirt. Hroch also remarked it has been 14 months since he asked about application of a dust control product in front of his rural home. He has received no answer. Road and Bridge:The board addressed issues spoken of in public comment. Kuhnke said rock wasbeing delivered to 176th road as he spoke. Chairman Tiemann asked about the dirt purchased for the Kenney Hill shouldering. Kuhnke said it was purchased rather than cleaning out road ditches for dirt because he could get it done faster. Kenney Hill required a large amount of dirt. When it comes time to shoulder the rest of the road, which will be small fills, he will use dirt from ditches. I said I received more calls than those speaking today. South 10th road has thesame issues as the roads previously mentioned. I stated all those complaining have lived on these gravel roads all their lives. They know how weather affects gravel roads and are used to it. When they complain it is deserved. Kuhnke said the roads will be reworked, rocked and ditches cleaned out. In the past year and a half south 80th and 162nd road had the same issues and have since been reworked. People who complained about those roads are thankful.Chairman Tiemann signed the letter to be sent to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners, as discussed at the last committee meeting. He said it was a difficult decision for him to sign. He fears current commissioners may be offended. I am in favor of the new application process. We need to make the transition. The terms are 3 years. Bids for the Pickrell bridge project will be opened 9:15 AM, June 26th. The completion deadline is September 15th, 2024.A resolution to establish two four-way stops on streets C & D on Second St (county road) in Holmesville was approved unanimously.Sheriff Gustafson said the county resource officer for the schools is working very well. He serves all schools within the county, except Beatrice. Beatrice has two resource officers of their own. The county officer does collaborate with the Beatrice officers as needed, and would assist in time of need. Gustafson is considering proposing sharing salary with the schools at $30,000 per school district.The board unanimously approved Region V Systems and Apace funding. Systems asked for no money this year. Apace requested $54,251, the same amount as last year.The next committee meeting will be Friday, June 7th, with the next regular meeting Tuesday, June 11th. Start times are as usual. Meeting dates were moved to accommodate scheduling around another meeting.This highlights the portions 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.aspxFacebook: Don Schuller – Public Servant.

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Gage County Newsletter