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Lancaster made a motion and Purdy seconded to approve the exemption applications <br /> for Doane College, Central Nebraska Girl's Soft Ball Association and Hope Harbor. <br /> 3. DISCUSS &APPROVE EXEMPTION APPLICATION FOR PERSONAL AND REAL <br /> PROPERTY FOR PLATTE RIVER WHOOPING CRANE MAINTENANCE TRUST INC. <br /> County Assessor Jan Pelland stated this is for 3 parcels <br /> • 32-10-10 is a total of 256 acres <br /> • 31-10-10 is a total of 94 acres <br /> • 31-10-10 is a total of 276.44 acres <br /> • <br /> She read the information from the trust and she had sent a letter to Mr. Cooper at Platte <br /> Valley and he replied to her and she read the letter into the record. He noted the use of <br /> the land and its location to the nature center. Pelland stated that she has struggled with <br /> this and has a concern on setting prescience on this property. There are 35 parcels and <br /> she does not want to see them omitted from the tax base. Some of the land is crop land <br /> and is leased to farmers. <br /> Schuppan questioned how much of the land is leased and how many tax dollars this <br /> would include. Pelland stated that the total valuation is $1,551,151.00. The parcel that <br /> was exempted was the land with the buildings. <br /> Arnold questioned if there was a deadline when the board has to take action and <br /> Pelland stated that if there would not have to be a decision today. <br /> Lancaster expressed concern regarding the reason for the exemptions and asked if <br /> there could be more investigation. <br /> Richard noted that they have exemption for the main research facilities and Pelland <br /> stated that there is also a small visitor's center. <br /> Chuck Cooper, CEO for Whooping Crane Trust was present He explained that this land <br /> is in walking distance of the nature center and they are expanding the trails. They had <br /> 35,000 visitors in March. All of this is free to the public and it is used for education. It is <br /> vacant land and they now have bison on the land. They have had cattle but they will be <br /> replaced by the bison. Quandt asked when the cattle would be gone and Mr. Cooper <br /> stated they would be gone by the end of the year. <br /> Schuppan expressed concern that the request for exemption may be expanded and Mr. <br /> Cooper stated that there has been no conversation regarding requesting more <br /> exemptions. Schuppan also stated he represents the ag producers and you cannot put <br /> more burden on them. <br /> Schuppan made a motion and Purdy seconded to deny the exemption application for <br /> Platte Valley Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust. <br /> 2 <br />