Fairgrounds Improvement Explained to Nemaha County Commissioners

Wednesday morning, April 8, the Nemaha County Commissioners were notified about a planned upgrade on the county fairgrounds.
Gary Behrends of the Nemaha County Agricultural Society reported on replacing the livestock building on the east end of the fairgrounds. The current 80’ by 150’ open air structure is where cattle, hogs and sheep are housed.
Installed in the early 1960s, Behrends continued it has served the Agricultural Society well but is in need of replacement. Proposed is a 100’ by 200’ all-steel, clear span open structure. He hoped the new facility will be more efficient. Behrends asked the county officials if they prefer the society come up with an engineered drawing. He continued an exact drawing is unavailable. The project has been considered several years and the organization has the social support to build it. Behrends noted it would likely be locally funded and the fair board has had good support from local financial institutions.
Possible cost is more than $600,000, including concrete, steel and labor. The Agricultural Society generally does not spend that much money, the representative indicated.
It is hoped to start work the first of October, Behrends noted. Fairgrounds facilities have grown over the last 10 years, and have also been used for functions including wedding receptions and family reunions.
“The community uses it as much as it can,” he said.
The Agricultural Society’s goal is to have an edifice that will serve the county’s youth 50 to 60 years as well as a facility the public can use for other purposes.
“It’s good to invest in youth. 4-H is pretty strong with the numbers we have,” stated Chair Michael Weiss, District 3 commissioner.
Behrends added 4-H continues to have strong membership among youth ages 8 to 14 years, while there has been a decline in participation among ages 14 and up because of other activities.
“We want to keep things convenient, safe and lasting,” Behrends concluded.
Brownville Interlocal Agreement
An interlocal agreement with county officials and the Village of Brownville was discussed with Joseph Lauber. Lauber wanted to present it to the commissioners before meeting with the Brownville Village Board. The document will need village board acceptance.
The pact includes use of equipment on a hiking/bicycling nature trail from Seventh Street to the Missouri River. County staff has operated equipment. Lauber continued the trail was built 25 years ago and is operated by the Brownville Fine Arts Association. He noted all property owners in the area had to grant easements to the village. A couple of spots in the trail have high incidence of erosion. The trail is not owned by the village, has a lot of use and is cared for by volunteers, Lauber said.
District 1 Commissioner Mike Hall and Weiss wanted to ensure the Brownville Village Board agreed to the arrangement. Hall requested Brownville representatives compile a listing of what is needed.
“We want to help you but we need to know what is going on,” stated Bryan Mellage, District 2 commissioner.
Lauber thanked the county staff on their past assistance.
Use of Veterans Handicapped Accessible Vehicle
The commissioners also renewed a policy regarding use of the Veterans Service Office handicapped accessible van. The plan, which needs reauthorization every four years, is governed by the Title VI non-discriminatory plan of the Federal Transit Authority. The policy will be forwarded to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. It will be posted in the van and the Veterans Service Office.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It ensures equal access to services including transportation.
The commissioners also accepted:
--a driveway agreement requested by Imogene Dunekacke southwest of Johnson.
--applications to work in county road right of ways. Two were from the Omaha Public Power District, 72218 628 Ave. in the southwestern part of the county and 637 Avenue and 720 Road near the Nemaha-Richardson county line.
--an application allowing Pinpoint Communications to work in county road right of ways in various areas of the county.