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9:05 a.m. Held a Board of Equalization meeting <br /> 9:17 a.m. Recessed the Boada of Equalization meeting to hold the executive session <br /> later. <br /> PUBLIC PARTICIPATION — Chair Lancaster call for public participation and no one <br /> responded. <br /> 9:15 A.M. JOHN HILGERT, STATE DIRECTOR NDVA— PRESENTATION - <br /> Veterans Service Officer Don Shuda stated he Hero Flight Association is a 5013c <br /> formed to honor veterans. The first 10 years they raised money to fund tips to <br /> Washington, DC to the war monuments and other points of interest they raised over <br /> $1,300,000 to pay for the flights. Now their goal has changed to the Nebraska Veterans <br /> Home Cemetery to be changed to a Nebraska State Veterans Cemetery. Originally it <br /> was established for burial of members of the Soldiers and Sailor Home. The home has <br /> now moved to Kearney. The Hall County Hero Flight is working with the Nebraska <br /> Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration to cover the cost of an expanded <br /> cemetery the estimated cost is $7.5 million with local community support for 10% or <br /> $750,000. They have raised $147,000 so far and they plan to have the money raised <br /> by August 1, 2021. The City has donated 20 acres and they have the Governors <br /> support. Don stated there will be a general update today from 2 to 4 today. <br /> John Hilgert, Sate Director of the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs was <br /> present. This will be another state cemetery in Nebraska this request was introduced <br /> by the local senator with the support from the community. They will continue this <br /> mandate. Grand Island is in-between Omaha and Alliance and to include the history <br /> cemetery at the veteran's home is significant. They have the support of the City of <br /> Grand Island with the donation of the 20 acres and the project is funded by the <br /> Department of Veterans Affairs. The property is to be under control of the state and <br /> 10% of the establishment of the cemetery has to be available. The project is about $7.5 <br /> million and JEO will be preparing the project statement. It is important to have 10% <br /> money upfront so the plans can be submitted and the funds will be available. This is on <br /> a fast track the revolving fund of 10% will be have expenses taken out of it. There <br /> revolving fund will continue to operate until the end of the project there are certain <br /> things this revolving fund will pay for. For example the carillon that plays chimes is not <br /> funded but could funds could be used from the revolving funds for this. This fund is <br /> raised for the enhancements for the cemetery this cemetery is to reflect the desires of <br /> the community. There are regulations that govern the cemetery. These are identical to <br /> the national cemetery regulations. They follow federal regulations and the standards <br /> will be the same. Mr. Hilgert stated he is looking forward to working with community <br /> and to be engaged with the Hall County community and operate it according to national <br /> standards. There is no limitation to who can be buried in the cemetery. <br /> Shuda noted the veteran and his spouse can be buried there. Don showed drawing of <br /> the proposed cemetery and noted some of the tree would be removed the memorial <br /> area will be upfront the carillon will be visible from Capital Avenue. Through all of the <br /> 3 <br />