Jay D. Osburn

The meeting covered old business related to zoning regulations, noting that new regulations cannot be adopted until the comprehensive plan is finalized. Specific sections of the zoning regulations, including permitted and conditional uses and setbacks, were reviewed, with consensus reached to use the updated draft from September 23, 2025. The commission also discussed differentiating the Niobrara River Corridor Agricultural District from the scenic river designation and determined that proper wording for the jurisdictional area surrounding the city-owned airport would be established at the next meeting. Communications included updates on a virtual workshop registration and a questionnaire regarding radon resistant construction.

The meeting commenced with the annual reorganization for 2026, resulting in the appointment of Commissioner McConaughey as Chairperson and Commissioner DeNaeyer as Vice Chairperson. Road Foremen provided updates on equipment maintenance, road work, and trimming trees, noting that surplus equipment and vehicles were uploaded for auction ending February 3, 2026. The Superintendent of Noxious Weeds presented the 2025 year-end reports, which were subsequently approved. The date for the May 12, 2026 regular meeting was rescheduled to May 5, 2026. The board also approved the reorganization of Board Committees and Liaison designations for 2026, as well as the designation of official publications and depositories for county funds for 2026. Updates were received from the Emergency Management Director. Sealed bids were opened for a wheel loader for Road District 1, with the award ultimately going to General Equipment & Supplies for a 2020 HITA model ZW180-6. Resolution #2026-01 regarding the Abandonment of 908th Road was approved, setting a public hearing for February 10, 2026. The board discussed potential options with the City of Valentine regarding the State Road Maintenance Yard. Finally, the board re-appointed three members to the Planning and Zoning Board, approved Resolution #2026-02 concerning Elected Officials' Salaries for 2027-2030, and approved claims presented from various funds.

The meeting agenda included administrative items such as roll call, approval of the agenda, verification of Open Meetings Act notice, and verification of proper advertisement of the meeting, excluding the approval of previous minutes. Key business discussions focused on Old Business items, specifically discussing and acting upon Zoning Regulations Articles 9, 10, 11, and 12, and discussing/acting regarding the River Setback (outside the Scenic River Ag District). New Business items included discussing/acting on a moratorium for Animal Feeding Operations, Wind, and Solar Conditional Use Permits, commencing definition additions to Zoning Regulations, and setting a future meeting date and time. The agenda also allotted time for public comment and communications.

The Cherry County Planning Commission meeting included discussions on an amendment to zoning regulations filed by Citizen Wayne Eatinger and Citizen William Weller. The commission reviewed a copy of the NPZA Conference to be held in Kearney, the USCOC Nebraska/Kansas LLC application, and updates on new and reappointed members. The board also discussed a letter received from EBI regarding a tower within the City of Valentine's jurisdiction.

The meeting included roll call and noting of the Open Meetings Act and public notice. The minutes from the December 1, 2020 meeting were approved with corrections. The board discussed communications from the Zoning Administrator, including the upcoming NPZA Conference, letters received, and the Supreme Court ruling in the Egan v. County of Lancaster. There was discussion regarding CUP 001/20 Danielski Harvesting & Farming LLC/Valentine Feeders Swine Facility. A public hearing was held and concluded on CUP 004/20 Shane Daniels Amendment of Conservation Easement, followed by a motion to approve it, which carried. Public comments were made by various members of the public.