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9:05 a.m. Held a Board of Equalization meeting <br /> 9:08 a.m. Adjourned the Board of Equalization meeting <br /> 14. MATT FISHER, SUPERINTENDENT NORTHWEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND RANDY <br /> STUEVEN — DISCUSSION ON RURAL SUBDIVISIONS - Lancaster introduced Superintendent <br /> Matt Fisher and Randy Stueven. <br /> Randy Stueven, 4305 Blauvelt Road distributed information to the board members. He <br /> addressed concerns on the migration of people moving from farms and the rural population. <br /> Fewer people own large number of acres. The current comphrensive development plan only <br /> allows 20 acre tracts to be sold off to build homes. This causes problems for agriculture he <br /> suggested allowing 3 acres tracts of ground to be sold off to build homes. This would help to <br /> shift the ag land valuations to residential. In the past there were issues with septic tanks and <br /> wells but the State has redone the regulations of septic tanks, leach fields and wells and the <br /> state does the inspections. He also noted that the NRD allows selling water rights. He also <br /> noted that some of the newer subdivisions are required to put in city water and sewer. He <br /> would like to see if the regulations on 20 acre tracts could be changed. He stated that if parents <br /> want to send their students to Northwest they have to start in elementary school the classes are <br /> filling up. Grand Island needs another high school. <br /> Mr. Stueven stated that Northwest High school built the northwest area and he would like to see <br /> some way to encourage people to move out in the rural areas and try to shift the tax burden <br /> from ag land. We need to repopulate the rural areas. <br /> Lancaster noted that Northwest High School is very successful. Kids need choices to attend a <br /> different school. <br /> Superintendent Matt Fisher stated he has no expertise in the subdivision area and appreciates <br /> the background. He would support anything that would expand the population and broaden the <br /> tax base in their area. The population has shifted and farmers are bearing the brunt of the cost <br /> of services in the rural areas. Their tax basis 70% ag land if they could grow a residential area <br /> in their tax base it would help ag land values. They may have to raise their tax rate to support <br /> the schools. He also noted the issue with the Chapman School they voted to close and then <br /> decided to keep it open. There were concerns on the low student numbers at Chapman. <br /> Schuppan stated that growing rural subdivisions is a good idea. The have hundreds of people <br /> in Amick Acres. He appreciates the comments. <br /> Lancaster noted that about 30% of the county valuation comes from ag land. <br /> Quandt noted that these are good points Grand Island is growing fast and we have to work <br /> together. <br /> Lancaster noted that Regional Planning is discussing this. She appreciates the input and <br /> suggested that Mr. Stueven could sit in on the committee that is reviewing the comprehensive <br /> development plan. Mr. Stueven stated he would. <br /> Duane Witt stated he lives in Merrick County and noted the issues to build on pivot corners. <br /> The septic, leach fields and water systems are regulated by the state and now they can transfer <br /> 3 <br />