Representatives from BOLD Nebraska attended the April 18 Commissioner meeting, along with many Nebraska landowners to discuss the implications of carbon pipelines in our state.
Jane Kleeb, a representative with BOLD Nebraska and the Nebraska Easement Action Team (NEAT), informed the board of Nebraska’s lack of regulations regarding carbon pipelines. Kleeb said the state has statutes in place for natural gas pipelines but has not done the same for carbon.
Because of this, BOLD has encouraged county and local governments to enact their own regulations.
“We need to protect local landowners first,” Kleeb said.
Navigator Heartland Greenway and Summit Carbon Solutions are both currently discussing land acquisitions with Wayne County landowners. BOLD wants to educate landowners before they sign contracts they do not fully understand and protect them against eminent domain.
Some recommendations Kleeb gave the board include setting a specific route for pipelines, regulating the depth in which pipelines are buried in agricultural lands, requiring trash removal, implementing a pipeline emergency team and requiring the pipeline companies to give frequent updates on setbacks and construction procedures.
No action was taken by the board following the presentation, but Kleeb urged the Commissioners to wait to sign contracts with pipeline companies until the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) finalizes its regulations on carbon pipelines.
Emergency Manager Nic Kemnitz gave an emergency management update, outlining recent and upcoming meetings and events.
On April 12, Kemnitz attended the Village of Carroll Board Meeting to review their section of the Wayne County Local Emergency Operations Plan.
On the evening of April 18, the Wayne Fire Hall hosted a free National Weather Service Storm Spotter Training Class for the public.
Kemnitz ended by informing the board of Governor Jim Pillen’s extension of the Open Fire Ban in high to extreme risk areas of Nebraska. Due to recent high winds and dry conditions, countless Nebraska communities have experienced dangerous fires.
The Veterans Service Committee presented its new officer, Yancey Keiser. The Commissioners accepted the terms of employment along with a wage of $20.51 per hour. Keiser will work Monday through Friday during the normal courthouse hours.
For a bridge at the junction of 564th Avenue and 860th Road near Carroll, a bid of $124,811 was accepted from Norfolk Contracting to replace the retaining walls. Work is scheduled to begin on Aug. 30.
On May 2, the Board will open another bid for the Wavy Bridge four miles east of Winside.
Jill Brodersen discussed the logistics of the courthouse window replacement project. In total, 103 windows will be replaced. Meetings with different departments within the courthouse will be held before construction begins to avoid disturbances of courthouse proceedings. Brodersen will soon present a plan to replace the blinds as well. The bid opening for the windows will occur on Tuesday, May 9 at 10 a.m.
Pat Brentlinger discussed courthouse maintenance, focusing on the purchase of a full-size generator. This would power the courthouse and the sheriff’s office if the city’s generator ever was down during an emergency. He plans on gathering more information to present in the near future.
The Wayne County Board of Commissioners will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, May 2 at 9 a.m. in the Wayne County Courtroom.
