Connie Ahlschwede

The board meeting agenda covered a variety of administrative and operational topics. Key items included a leadership lesson, a legislative update, and a presentation of the Continuum annual report. The board held an executive session to discuss pending litigation and legal advice, and reviewed requests for Visitors Improvement Fund grants. Action items involved approving grant applications for the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program. Additionally, the board reviewed reports on recent committee and board meetings attended by members and discussed the schedule for upcoming external board engagements.

The Board meeting covered various topics including a leadership lesson on the importance of deliberate decision-making, a comprehensive legislative update on the 2026 session, and an annual service overview from Continuum. Key action items included the approval of Visitors Improvement Fund grant allocations, and the approval of two grant applications to the Nebraska Crime Commission and the Nebraska State Patrol for justice assistance and substance use programs. The Board also conducted an executive session for pending litigation and legal advice, and members provided updates on their attendance at various committee and regional board meetings.

The board approved additions and deductions to the tax assessment rolls. Additionally, the board conducted a public hearing and subsequently approved multiple motor vehicle tax exemption applications from various local organizations.

The board discussed and approved several claims, including those processed through the specified dates and claims for goods and services beyond the 90-day time period. Consent items were approved, involving contract amendments for various county partners, rightway contracts, change orders, and the scheduling of a future public hearing regarding a zone change. The board held a public hearing for a liquor license application, ultimately recommending approval for the applicant to continue existing operations despite ongoing zoning and health department compliance requirements. Additionally, the board began discussion on a new agreement for project expense reimbursements via an environmental trust grant.

The board meeting included a celebration of County Government Day, which welcomed local students and featured presentations from community organizers. The board addressed various administrative items, including the approval of claims, and considered the approval of right-of-way contracts. A public hearing was held regarding an application for a liquor license for a bed and breakfast, during which zoning requirements for commercial use were discussed as a necessary step for compliance.