PROCEEDINGS OF THE KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

                                                                                                            Center, Nebraska

                                                                                                            February 25, 2010

                                                                                                            9:00 a.m.

 

A regular meeting of the Knox County Board of Supervisors was held at the Court House in Center, Nebraska on the date of February 25, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.  Present were Supervisors O’Connor Dist. #1, Swanson Dist. #2, Miller Dist. #3, Hanefeldt Dist. #4, Mackeprang Dist. #5, Banks Dist. #6 and Fuchtman Dist. #7.  Absent was none.  Chairman Banks presiding.

Supr. Hanefeldt led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman Banks announced to the public that a copy of the Public Open Meeting Act was posted in the Boardroom.

Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by publication in the Crofton Journal newspaper, as shown by the Affidavit of Publication attached to these minutes.

Notice of this meeting was simultaneously given to all members and a copy of their acknowledgment and receipt of notice and agenda is attached to these minutes.  All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was opened to the attendance of the public.

The following people were present at various times during the meeting:  Hwy. Supt. Barta, Scott Bertschinger, Creighton News Editor Rhea Landholm, Wausa Gazette Reporter Deanna Anderson, Tim Braitweit, Terry Gompert, Dale Powers II, Kevin Mlady, Duane Mlady, Economic Development Director Tauber, Co. Assessor McManigal, Deputy Assessor Beckmann, Terry Pfeiffer, John Thompson, Chris Bartak, Co. Attorney Thomas, and Sheriff Janecek.

Correspondence reviewed was:  1. Letter from Northeast Community College regarding College of Nursing Northern Division contribution; 2. Letter from Dept. of Army regarding Niobrara East & West Project; 3. Extension Board Dec. 7, 2009 Meeting minutes; 4. NACO letter announcing that Douglas County Commissioner Chris Rodgers is a candidate for National Association of Counties 2nd Vice President.

The minutes of the February 9, 2010 meeting were read.  Chairman Banks approved the February 9, 2010 minutes as read.

Motion by O’Connor, seconded by Mackeprang to go into executive session at 9:34 a.m. to discuss pending litigation.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried.  Chairman Banks reiterated that the executive session will be held on pending litigation.  The Board came out of executive session at 9:45 a.m.  Chairman Banks stated that the executive session was held solely on pending litigation.

Extension Educator Terry Gompert met with the Board to request health insurance for his two part-time administrative employees.  Midwest Security Health insurance regulations require that an employee work at least 30 hours per week to qualify for coverage and the extension employees would have to meet that requirement.  Mr. Gompert proposed that each of the two employees pay ½ of the monthly premium while the County pays the other ½ of the monthly premium.  County Attorney Thomas, the Dept. of Labor and Insurance Agent Jeff Hammer will be contacted for more information.

Supr. O’Connor left the room at 10:00 a.m. to conduct County business elsewhere in the building.

Motion by Mackeprang, seconded by Swanson to go into executive session at 10:06 a.m. to discuss personnel so as to protect the reputation of an individual. By roll call vote.  Ayes Dist. #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7.  Nays none.  Absent temporarily was Dist. #1.  Motion carried. Chairman Banks reiterated that the executive session will be held to discuss personnel so as to protect the reputation of an individual.  Supr. O’Connor returned to the meeting at 10:15 a.m.  The Board came out of executive session at 10:25 a.m.  Chairman Banks stated that the executive session was held solely on personnel so as to protect the reputation of an individual.  Present during the executive session were Hwy. Supt. Barta and Scott Bertschinger.

Chairman Banks opened the advertised public hearing for vacating and abandoning portions of Sparta Township Roads #509 and #306 at 10:25 a.m.  Dale Powers, Kevin Mlady and Duane Mlady presented a copy of the easement that was signed by all adjoining landowners and where a gate will be placed near the County road.

Motion by Mackeprang, seconded by Miller to adopt Resolution #2010-10 for the 2010 One and Six Year Road Plan.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

 

RESOLUTION #2010-10

 

In pursuant with Section 10 of LB 1302, Knox County did hold its Public Road Hearing on February 4, 2010.  Enclosed under separate cover is a One Year Map and Six Year Map with current project listings and future listings, also proof of publication.  The Knox County Board of Supervisors wishes to adopt these construction plans as compiled by Knox County Highway Superintendent, Kevin R. Barta, at this time.

 

KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

Martin J. O’Connor /s/                                        Rayder Swanson /s/                                           Virgil H. Miller /s/       _

Marty O’Connor, District #1                                 Rayder Swanson, District #2                               Virgil Miller, District #3

 

Jerry Hanefeldt /s/                                              Norman Mackeprang /s/                                     Steven Banks /s/         _

Jerry Hanefeldt, District #4                                  Norman Mackeprang, District #5                         Steven Banks, District 6

 

ATTEST:           (Seal)                                        Jim Fuchtman /s/                         _

Joann M. Fischer /s/                                          Jim Fuchtman, District #7

Knox County Clerk

 

Hwy. Supt. Barta met with the Board on the following: 1. Motion by Hanefeldt, seconded by Swanson to accept the quote from Husker Steel Inc., Columbus NE in the amount of $22,677.00 for steel products including erection plans, engineering, permits to facilitate the construction and testing of S20” beams for Bridge project C005442380 that replaces a wooden bridge between Sections 3 and 10 in Dolphin Township with a 24’6” x 26’ bridge.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried; 2. Quotes for five culverts were reviewed.  Quotes received were:  B’s Enterprises, Inc., Norfolk NE – 2 – 60” x 40’ (12 gauge), one piece - $6,185.00; 2 – 60” x 45’ (12 gauge), one piece - $6,975.00; 1 – 66” x 40’ (12 gauge), one piece - $3,385.00; Midwest Service & Sales Co., Schuyler NE - 2 – 60” x 40’ (12 gauge), one piece - $6,398.00; 2 – 60” x 45’ (12 gauge), one piece - $7,142.00; 1 – 66” x 40’ (12 gauge), one piece - $3,537.00;  Husker Steel, Inc., Columbus NE - 2 – 60” x 40’ (12 gauge), one piece - $7,470.00; 2 – 60” x 45’ (12 gauge), one piece - $8,160.00; 1 – 66” x 40’ (12 gauge), one piece - $3,998.00.  Motion by Mackeprang, seconded by Hanefeldt to accept the low quote of B’s Enterprises, Inc., Norfolk NE – 2 – 60” x 40’ (12 gauge), one piece - $6,185.00; 2 – 60” x 45’ (12 gauge), one piece - $6,975.00; 1 – 66” x 40’ (12 gauge), one piece - $3,385.00.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried; 3. Motion by Hanefeldt, seconded by Fuchtman to hire Scott Bertschinger for the temporary Bridge Crew position for the summer of 2010 and to hire someone to fill the part-time position vacated by Mike Beckman who transferred to the Wausa Shed District #6.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried; 4.  Fracture Critical Bridge Inspections were completed and the Board reviewed the Critical Finding Reports for a bridge in Dolphin Township between Sections 9 and 10 and for a bridge between the County lines of Knox and Antelope Counties.  Barricades were placed at the Dolphin Township bridge; 5.  The cost to complete the Fracture Critical Bridge Inspections was $68,258 for the inspection of 45 bridges.  The County’s share is 20% totaling $13,651.60.  Motion by O’Connor, seconded by Fuchtman to adopt Resolution #2010-11 that would authorize Chairman Banks to sign a Project Program Agreement between the County of Knox and the Nebraska Dept. of Roads for payment by the County for 20% totaling $13,651.60 for the Fracture Critical Bridge Inspections.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

 

RESOLUTION #2010-11

 

Whereas:  County of Knox is proposing a transportation project for which it would like to obtain Federal funds;

Whereas: County of Knox understands that it must strictly follow all Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, policies and guidelines applicable to the funding of the Federal-aid project; and

Whereas: County of Knox and Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) wish to enter into a Project Program Agreement setting out the various duties and funding responsibilities for the Federal-aid project.

Be It Resolved:  by the Board of Supervisors of County of Knox that:

Steven Banks, Chairman of the Knox County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign the attached Project Program Agreement between the County of Knox and the NDOR.

County of Knox is committed to providing local funds for the project as required by the Project Program Agreement.

NDOR Project Number BR-NBIS(83), NDOR Control Number 00810, Fracture Critical Bridge Inspection Project.

Adopted this 25th day of February, 2010 at Center, Nebraska.

 

The Board of Supervisors of the County of Knox

 

Martin J. O’Connor /s/                                        Rayder Swanson /s/                                        Virgil H. Miller /s/               

Marty O’Connor, District #1                                 Rayder Swanson, District #2                            Virgil Miller, District #3

 

Jerry Hanefeldt /s/                                              Norman Mackeprang /s/                                   Steven Banks /s/              

Jerry Hanefeldt, District #4                                  Norman Mackeprang, District #5                       Steven Banks, District #6

 

ATTEST:           (Seal)                                        Jim Fuchtman /s/                        

Joann M. Fischer /s/                                                      Jim Fuchtman, District #7

Knox County Clerk

 

Hwy. Supt. Barta continued with the following: 6. Discussed purchasing a battery tester to test 6 volt to 24 volt batteries.  Consensus of the Board was to have the County Mechanic obtain price comparisons; 7. Discussed purchasing a snow blower.  Supr. O’Connor will do a study by late spring or early summer to present to the Board the proposal of leasing a tractor and purchasing a snow blower attachment or a self-standing blower; 8.  Repairs are being made to equipment.

Motion by Swanson, seconded by Miller that all claims, audited and approved for payment or rejected by the Claims Committee be allowed or rejected subject to delinquent personal taxes. By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.    Motion carried.  Claims totaling $121,197.65 are listed at the end of these proceedings.

Motion by Fuchtman, seconded by Miller that the receipts be accepted and placed on file, by roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried. Receipts totaled $167,555.13.

#12337 – Brunswick St. Bk., int., 630.14; #12338 – Ed Osborne, snow removal-equip. rental, 25.00; #12339 – Circle E Farms, bridge repairs, 2,843.60; #12340 – St. of Nebr., Hwy. Supt. incentive pmt. & hwy. alloc., 95,481.66;  #12341 – Cedar Co. Treas., Crofton Fire Gen. & Sink, 3,217.08; #12342 – Cedar Co. Treas., Wausa Fire Gen. & Bond, 30.73; #12343 – Chad Mackling, SID #1 sewer & water hookup, 6,000.00; #12344 – Leslie Yule, candidate filing fee, 6.00; #12345 – Knox Co. Clk., marr. lic., 15.00; #12346 – Reg. of Deeds, filing fee & doc. stamps, 3,491.35; #12347- Janell Oelsligle, inh. tax-Ronald M. Oelsligle Est., 654.54; #12348 – Pronto, econ. dev. pmt., 706.70; #12349 – Downtown Auto, econ. dev. pmt., 590.59; #12350 – Sherman St. Apt., econ. dev. pmt., 443.81; #12351 – Verdigre Chiropractic, econ. dev. pmt., 35.33; #12352 – Uptown Beauty, econ. dev. pmt., 340.83; #12353 – White Tail River Lodge, econ. dev. pmt., 306.00; #12354 – Knox Co. Sheriff, work rel., 60.00; #12355 – John Thomas, candidate filing fee, 430.00; #12356 – Pierce Co. Treas., tax coll-School Dist. 13 Gen., Bond., Bldg., & Capital, 70.42; #12357 – Knox Co. Sheriff, reimb. finger printing, 24.00; #12358 – Ernest L. Ibach, voter reg. list., 9.15; #12359 – Jewell, Collins., Delay, Flood & Doele, settlement proceedings to SID #2 from Devils Nest II LLC, 6,000.00; #12360 – Washington Twp., equip. rental, 400.00; #12361 – Great Plains Comm. Inc., 911 surcharges, 13,510.10; #12362 – Vonage, 911 surcharges, 10.00;   #12363 – Knox Co. Sheriff, work rel., 60.00; #12364 – St. of Nebr., lodging tax, 2,339.56; #12365 – Midwest Security, excess funding from pool monies, 27,222.21; #12366 – Brunswick St. Bk., int., 1,512.32; #12367 – Comm. St. Bk., int., 685.59; #12368 – Tierone, int., 403.42.

Motion by Mackeprang, seconded by Swanson to go into executive session at 11:15 a.m to discuss Reuse Loan #01-2010 so as to protect the reputation of an individual.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried.  Chairman Banks reiterated that the executive session will be held on Reuse Loan #01-2010 so as to protect the reputation of an individual.  The Board came out of executive session at 11:23 a.m.  Chairman Banks stated that the executive session was held solely on Reuse Loan #01-2010.

Chairman Banks closed the Public Hearing at 11:24 a.m. for vacation and abandonment of the following portions of Sparta Township roads pursuant to the notice heretofore given: 1. A ¼ mile portion of platted Road #509 from Station 11 to Station 12 between Tract 4, Havlicek’s Rural Subdivision, an Addition to Knox County (portions of this subdivision are located in part of the SE1/4SE1/4 of Section 30) and the NE1/4NE1/4 of Section 31; 2.  A .40 mile portion of platted Road #306 from Station 1 to Station 7, located in a portion of Tract 4, Havlicek’s Rural Subdivision, an Addition to Knox County (portions of this subdivision are located in part of the SW1/4 of Section 29) and a portion of the NW1/4 of Section 32; ALL located in T31N, R6W of the 6th P.M., Knox County, Nebraska.  Also present were Dale Powers II, Kevin Mlady and Duane Mlady.

It was then moved by Supervisor Hanefeldt, seconded by Supervisor Miller that the publisher’s affidavit of publishing notice herein, be filed with these minutes and as part of this record.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

It was moved by Supervisor Hanefeldt, seconded by Supervisor Miller to adopt Resolution #2010-12 to vacate and abandon portions of Sparta Township Roads #509 and #306. By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #2010 - 12

 

WHEREAS, upon the public hearing duly held, after proper notice given, it appears that it would be in the public interest to require the vacation and abandonment of the following portions of Sparta Township roads:

1.  A ¼ mile portion of platted Road #509 from Station 11 to Station 12 between Tract 4,

                 Havlicek’s Rural Subdivision, an Addition to Knox County (portions of this subdivision are

     located in part of the SE1/4SE1/4 of Section 30) and the NE1/4NE1/4 of Section 31;

            2.  A .40 mile portion of platted Road #306 from Station 1 to Station 7, located in a portion of

     Tract 4, Havlicek’s Rural Subdivision, an Addition to Knox County (portions of

      this subdivision are located in part of the SW1/4 of Section 29) and a portion of the NW1/4

      of Section 32;

                 ALL located in T31N, R6W of the 6th P.M., Knox County, Nebraska, and

 

BE IT, FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the County Clerk mail a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Township Board of Sparta Township in Knox County, by certified mail, filing her receipts therefore as part of this record.

 

Passed and approved this 25th day of February 2010.

 

ATTEST:                                                                       COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

                                                                                    OF KNOX COUNTY, NEBRASKA

Joann M. Fischer /s/                                                      By:  Steven Banks /s/        

Knox County Clerk                                                                Chairman

 

Motion by Fuchtman, seconded by O’Connor to approve the maternity leave proposal submitted at the January 28, 2010 meeting by Econ. Dev. Director Toni Tauber as per the County Attorney’s approval opinion.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

            Chairman Banks moves the Board recess at 11:32 a.m. for Board of Equalization.

            The Knox County Board of Supervisors reconvened at 12:10 p.m.

            There was no public comment on agenda items.

            Public comment on non-agenda items was given by Chris Bartak, Terry Pfeiffer and John Thompson on the Stumble In property that will be auctioned at 1:00 p.m.  Mr. Bartak said that he had talked to Supr. O’Connor earlier in the morning about opening the shed on the Stumble In property for public inspection.  The three gentlemen said it would have been nice if the County and they could have worked together to have a satisfactory outcome about possession of the shed.  Also it was noted that the soft water conditioner was not subject to the sale as there was a lease agreement on the conditioner with ElDorado’s of Wausa.

            Chairman Banks moves the Board recess at 12:20 p.m.

            The Knox County Board of Supervisors reconvened at 1:00 p.m. with all members present.

            The Board attended the Trustee’s Foreclosure Sale of the Stumble In property held on the bottom floor of the Knox County Courthouse.  Forty-three people were in attendance.  Co. Attorney Thomas opened the auction by stating the terms, conditions and procedures of the auction.  Knox County had the minimum bid of $35,000.00 for Tracts 1 and 2 and all personal property.  One bid of $5,000 for Tract 2 (lodge and shop) was given by John Thompson.  County Attorney Thomas closed the auction at 1:20 p.m. with Knox County having the highest bid of $35,000.00 for Tract 1, Tract 2 and all personal property.

            The Board returned to the Boardroom.

            County Attorney Thomas informed the Board the they should make a decision at the March 25, 2010 meeting as to what they want to do with the Stumble In property.

            The Board discussed the County shop inspections that will take place on March 3.  Also discussed was the upcoming Northeast District NACO Workshop on March 19.

            Supr. O’Connor informed the Board that delegates to the County Conventions need to file in the County Clerk’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2010.

            Motion by Fuchtman, seconded by Hanefeldt to place on file the January 12, 2010 Planning Commission Meeting minutes.  By roll call vote.  Ayes all Districts.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

            Discussion was held on the annual trip to Washington D.C. for Congressional and Department meetings.  April 14 through April 17 would be the dates for the meetings for the South Dakota and Northeast Nebraska Delegations.   

GENERAL FUND.  Arden Uhlir, mtg. exp., 52.00; AS Central Services, AS400 use, 48.25; Betty Ewald, spelling bee, 34.00; Black Horse Inn, safe house, 50.00; Bloomfield Public School, exhibits, 89.12; Bob Barker Co. Inc., supp., 161.61; Bob’s Candy Service, Inc., gloves, 15.15; Bomgaars, supp., 35.88; Brian Wiese, witness fee, 32.00; Carrot-Top Ind., flag, 64.44; Creighton Pronto, gas, 45.03; Creighton Public School, exhibits, 101.36; Crofton Comm. School, exhibits, 96.12; Crofton Journal/Niobrara Tribune, subs., 92.00; Dale P. Riesberg, mtg. exp., 54.50; Dean Wilken, mtg. exp., 44.00; Delores Ruzicka, spelling bee, 34.00; Donald Doerr, mtg. exp., 43.00; Eakes Office Plus, supp., 73.26; F & M St. Bank, ACH file, 20.00; First Bank Card, gas, maint., meds, supp., lodging, etc., 2,103.65; Fran Blessen, spelling bee, 34.00; Hampton Inn Kearney, lodging, 237.00; Jayne Tschirren, spelling bee, 25.00; JB’s Here 4 U, gas, 52.71; JEO, hazard mitigation, 10,023.00; Keith Nielsen, mtg. exp., 38.50; Ken Foner, mtg. exp., 37.00; Mark Keck, mtg. exp., 62.00; Mary Eiler, spelling bee, 55.00; Mike Kumm, mtg. exp., 52.00; MSC, supp., 103.50; Nebr. Unified Dist. #1-Verdigre School, exhibits, 99.11; Nebr. Dept. of Rev. Charitable Gaming Div., keno lic. renewal, 100.00; Nio. Public School, exhibits, 99.87; NE Nebr. RC & D, dues, 300.00; Postmaster, postage, 220.00; Quality Inn & Suites, lodging, 183.00; Quill, supp., 328.40; Reader’s Digest, subs., 29.98; REPCO Marketing, Inc., pbt. sol., 44.25; Reserve Account, postage for meter, 3,000.00; Robert Ganz, mtg. exp., 36.00; Santee Public School, exhibits, 70.67; Scott McManigal, snow/ice removal, 606.18; St. Ludger Elem. School, exhibits, 58.69; St. Rose of Lima Elem. School, exhibits, 60.19; Susan York, mlge, 90.00; The Verdigre Eagle, publ., 276.64; Vickie McManigal, cust. contr., 2,678.00; Wau. Gazette, ad & subs., 111.81; Wausa Public School, exhibits, 99.87; West Payment Center, library, 28.00; Wingate, lodging, 219.00.

ROAD FUND.  Salaries, 50,249.77; Ag & Ind. Equip., rep., 10.14; Ameritas Life Ins. Corp., retirement Co. pays, 3,368.91; Bernard Glover, prior serv., 20.00; Bomgaars, rep. & supp., 224.94; Cedar-Knox Public Power, elec., 140.29; Central Valley Ag, diesel, 1,423.20; Coll. of Int. Rev. &/or F & M St. Bank, Soc. Sec. Co. pays, 3,769.72; Donald J. Pahl, prior serv., 25.00; Frank’s Food Mart, supp., 62.69; Hagge Glass, rep., 100.00; Health Plan Services, Inc., ins. Co. pays, 353.09; Herbert Feed & Grain Co., diesel, 3,329.35; Holiday Inn Kearney, meals & motel, 157.71; Jeff Sinclair, gravel & haul, 2,675.58; Keith W. Mainquist, prior serv., 12.00; Kevin R. Barta, mlge. & meals, 119.16; Larry D. Pilar, prior service, 21.00; Mark Binnebose, shop tools, 199.15; MW Security Life Ins. Co., ins. Co. pays, 8,111.36; NMC, rep., 17,161.35; NPPD, elec,., 185.68; NCPPD, elec., 188.06; Quill Corp., supp., 111.82; Schaefer Grain & Feed, road salt, 2,521.55; Source Gas Dist. LLC, htg. fuel, 379.67; Steffen’s, Inc., kerosene, 12.50; Stewart Auto, tire rep., 10.00; Thompson Propane, htg. fuel, 1,439.20; The Verdigre Eagle, ad, 11.18.

FLOWAGE EASEMENT FUND.   Missouri Sedimentation Action Coalition, annual contr., 1,000.00.

CHILD SUPPORT FUND.   Postmaster, postage, 447.00.

VISITOR’S IMPROVEMENT FUND.  Great Plains Comm. Inc., kiosk internet, 45.00.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND.  Creighton News, trustee’s sale ad, 45.00; Knox Co. Court, auth. copy, 4.00.

911 EMERGENCY FUND.  Qwest, ph., 513.84.

 

TOTALS

                                     General Fund                                                      22,748.74                                  

Road Fund                                                          96,394.07

Flowage Easement Fund                                        1,000.00

Child Support Fund                                                  447.00

Visitor’s Improvement Fund                                         45.00

Economic Development Fund                                      49.00

911 Emergency Fund                                                513.84

                                                                                    TOTAL             $121,197.65

                                               

Chairman Banks adjourned the Knox County Board of Supervisors at 2:05 p.m., February 25, 2010 until Thursday, March 11, 2010 for a regular meeting.

            I, Joann M. Fischer, Knox County Clerk, do hereby certify that the County Board minutes are correct to the best of my knowledge. 

 

ATTEST:                                                                                   COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

                                                                                                OF KNOX COUNTY, NEBRASKA

 

_____________________________________________                 By___________________________________________

Joann M. Fischer, Knox County Clerk                                               Steven Banks, Chairman

 

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

               

                                                                                                                                                                February 25, 2010

                                                                                                                        Center, Nebraska

                                                                                                                                                                11:32 a.m.

 

            A regular meeting of the Knox County Board of Equalization was held at the Court House in Center, Nebraska on the date of February 25, 2010 at 11:32 a.m.  Present were Supervisors O’Connor Dist. #1, Swanson Dist. #2, Miller       Dist. #3, Hanefeldt Dist. #4, Mackeprang Dist. #5, Banks Dist. #6 and Fuchtman Dist. #7.  Absent were none.  Chairman O’Connor presiding. 

Chairman O’Connor announced to the public that a copy of the Public Open Meeting Act was posted in the Boardroom.

            Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by publication in the Crofton Journal newspaper, as shown by the Affidavit of Publication attached to these minutes.

            Notice of this meeting was simultaneously given to all members and a copy of their acknowledgment and receipt of notice and agenda is attached to these minutes.  All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was opened to the attendance of the public.

            The following people were present at various times during the meeting:  Creighton News Editor Rhea Landholm, Wausa Gazette Reporter Deanna Anderson, Co. Assessor McManigal and Deputy Assessor Beckmann.

The minutes of the February 9, 2010 meeting were read.  Chairman O’Connor approved the February 9, 2010 minutes as read.

            There was no public comment on agenda items.

            Public comment on non-agenda items was given by Supr. Mackeprang commenting that an ad to rent 160 acres for $50,000 with a one-year lease was seen in the High Plains Journal.

            Co. Assessor McManigal and Deputy Assessor Beckmann presented a 2009 Knox County Tax Spending chart.

            Co. Assessor McManigal presented the proposed three market areas for 2010.  The State approved making three market areas this year.  Co. Assessor McManigal said that there were less sales however the dollar amounts of the sales have not decreased.  As there were only a few sales in the southeast corner of the County, sales were used from Cedar and Pierce Counties for the Knox County ratios.  This is per State regulations.

Supr. Hanefeldt presented information on Greenbelt.  Many questions were raised during the Equalization process in 2009 about the recreational use of land driving up the prices of the ag land so Supr. Hanefeldt contacted the Property Assessment Division for information on Greenbelt where the valuation is determined by recreational and non-ag influence.  Twenty Counties use Greenbelt.  Applicants need to complete an application for each of their parcels by June 30.  Co. Assessor McManigal said that anyone can apply for Greenbelt but she would have to prove that the sales in the area are non-ag use and then she could set a market area of Greenbelt however she said there have not been any sales.   Supr. Hanefeldt said there would need to be an income approach to show there is an influence by recreation.  The Property Assessment Division will be contacted to attend the Northeast District NACO Workshop in Norfolk on March 19 to discuss Greenbelt options. 

Chairman O’Connor adjourned the Knox County Board of Equalization at 12:10 p.m. on February 25, 2010 until 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010 for a regular meeting.

            I, Joann M. Fischer, Knox County Clerk, do hereby certify that the County Board of Equalization minutes are correct to the best of my knowledge.

 

ATTEST:                                                                                   KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

 

_____________________________________________                 By___________________________________________

Joann M. Fischer, Knox County Clerk                                              Martin J. O’Connor, Chairman

 

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