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9:05 A.M. Held a Board of Equalization <br /> 9:08 a.m. Adjourned the Board of Equalization meeting and returned to the regular meetings. <br /> 8.a) UPDATE FROM ROB SCHULTZ &THE WEED DEPARTMENT—County Weed <br /> Superintendent Rob Schultz presented information to the board. He stated that he has been <br /> doing some roadside spraying and they have been doing some spraying on the rivers and <br /> streams. He also stated that he has sent out some inspection notices. He stated that there <br /> were concerns that the funding for spaying the rivers would be cut and it was but they will <br /> receive $475,000.00 but in the past it was $1,000,000.00 so it was lowered. They have been <br /> spraying the Platte River. <br /> Lancaster questioned with the cut if they would have to decrease what they spend on the <br /> spraying. Mr. Schultz stated that they still spend $300,000.00 a year spraying the rivers and <br /> streams. They are trying to set up cost sharing programs for the land owners and this is a <br /> benefit to them. The key issue is keeping up with the spraying. <br /> B) APPROVE THE INTER-LOCAL AGREEMENT WITH HOWARD COUNTY FOR PROVIDING <br /> WEED CONTROL SERVICES - Mr. Schultz stated that we have been doing the Howard County <br /> Interlocal for a number of years and it is going well. He usually goes to Howard County 1 to 2 <br /> days a week. There was an increase in the agreement and it is now $23,000.00 this year. <br /> The agreement will need to go to Howard County for their approval. The agreement will need to <br /> be signed by the Chair, County Clerk and County Attorney. <br /> Schuppan made a motion and Quandt seconded to approve the interlocal agreement with <br /> Howard County for weed control services. <br /> Quandt asked if Howard County is getting better and Mr. Schultz stated that he hopes it is. He <br /> is getting issues under control and trying to educate the landowners. <br /> Mr. Schultz stated that he does have another issue in Hall County that he is working on. <br /> The voted on the motion to approve the Howard County agreement and authorize the chair to <br /> sign was taken. Arnold, Bredthauer, Lancaster, Lanfear, Quandt, Richardson and Schuppan all <br /> voted yes and none voted no. Motion carried <br /> Quandt noted that there have been some phone calls and concern on a number of areas that <br /> are not being farmed and a problem with weeds. He questioned what Hall County could do. Mr. <br /> Schultz stated that he has talked to the land owner and his attorney and also the FSA office. <br /> They can use forced control measures. It involves about 1,400 acres and it would be about <br /> $30,000.00 to spray the weeds. The county would have to pay for the treatment and then file a <br /> lien against the land. <br /> Quandt questioned if there are other options but Rob stated the only choice would be force <br /> control and that would be a budget issue. Arnold noted they may have to identify a place in the <br /> budget for force control. Rob also noted that the land owner would not be eligible for some farm <br /> programs. <br /> Arnold stated this is no different that the criminal justice budget these are fees that are outside <br /> of a regular budget. Discussion was held on the reimbursement but Stacey Ruzicka stated that <br /> the county may never get reimbursed. It is a tax assessment on the property. <br /> 3 <br />