Leslie Brestel

The staff meeting agenda included several key items. A legislative update was scheduled with representatives from Kissel, Kohout, ES Associates LLC. A quarterly update on Federal Infrastructure Projects was planned with the County Engineer and Assistant County Engineer. The agenda also included a quarterly update from the Youth Services Center Director. An action item involved an application to the Office for Victims of Crime for FY25 Preventing Trafficking of Girls funding amounting to $305,756. Additionally, the session included a discussion of board member meetings attended since the previous staff meeting and a schedule review of upcoming board member meetings.

The key discussions and actions during this session included the approval of additions and deductions to the tax assessment rolls. A public hearing was conducted concerning motor vehicle tax exemption applications for various organizations, which concluded without public testimony. Following the hearing, the Board formally approved the recommended motor vehicle tax exemption applications. No members of the public provided comment on items not on the agenda.

The staff meeting included a legislative update covering numerous bills such as LB859 (county conflict counsel), LB1255 (juvenile court appeal timelines), LB1195 (repeal of jail matron requirements), LB972 (license plate reform), and LB1219 (2% property tax levy cap). Infrastructure updates detailed progress on federal projects like the Saltillo Road phases, Old Cheney/148th roundabout, and 98th Street projects, noting state assumption of NEPA authority. An action item involved approving an application for FY25 Preventing Trafficking of Girls funding. The quarterly Youth Services Center update discussed staffing, average population stabilization, housing younger youth, reduced length of stay, and increased self-harm incidents, alongside successes in education and cultural programming. The Board also entered executive session to discuss pending litigation, real estate strategy, and legal advice.

Key discussions and actions included the approval of claims, with one amendment for the most recent payroll and approval of claims processed through February 20, 2026, as well as several claims beyond the 90-day period. The Commissioners presented the 2025 Commissioners' Award of Excellence to Brent Wrinkle from County Corrections. Consent items approved involved amendments to multiple County contracts related to specialized advertising, professional IT services (HPE RM support), and electrical equipment, as well as right-of-way contracts for property acquisition. New business featured the approval of resolutions and agreements with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) for intersection improvements and roundabout development, an agreement for engineering services on Saltillo Road, approval of a special event application for a gravel event on April 18, 2026, an agreement with ADP Inc for employment verification services, and contracts for annual automotive paint and body work services. The meeting included a public hearing regarding the closeout and discontinuance of the county-wide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Rehabilitation Program. Another public hearing addressed a petition for the Southeast Rural Fire Protection District to annex a portion of the Bennet Rural Fire Protection District, which concluded with the Board approving the resolution for Special Permit 25045 related to a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The Commissioners also discussed the potential fiscal impact of legislative bill LB1219.

The meeting included a review of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act location. Old Business consisted of a Security Update. New Business focused heavily on contract approvals and amendments. Key discussions involved General Voucher Approval for January 2026 and the AutoClear Contract for an X-ray Scanner at the HOJ Front Entrance. Numerous contract amendments were presented for approval, including updates for Snow and Ice Removal services, Physical Security Building Access Upgrades, Concrete Pavement Services, Electrical and Large Scale Electrical Services, Excavating/Grading/Dozing Services, HVAC Services, Plumbing Services, Roofing Services, and Telephone Answering Services. The administrative staff provided a report and confirmed the next meeting date. A public comment period was also held before adjournment.