Douglas County Board of Commissioners

Board of Equalization adjourned, on to the regular agenda.

Consent agenda approved

Commissioner Maureen Boyle and Chair Mary Ann Borgeson read a resolution recognizing March as Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories”

During citizen comment, Larry Storer said hd received an anonymous letter from someone who watched replays of the meetings on YouTube. The person said she heard someone say “Nobody likes you” to Storer, which isn’t appropriate, especially if it was a County Commissioner

Storer also told the Commissioners they might be interested in @TheReader_Omaha’s series Disinvested

Luis Jimenez brought up the city of Omaha’s climate action plan, which the City Council will vote on today. He asked if the County has a plan, but he acknowledged that the Board has taken action on climate

Next is a presentation from Environmental Services Director Kent Holms on land use issues

Holms said in future meetings, the Board will consider new zoning regulation amendments, special use permits, and an amended application process for special use permits

The department is especially looking at land use in the northeast part of the county

On the landfill, Holms said they have an upcoming feasibility study with OPPD regarding solar power.

Comm Boyle asked if bringing in oil-soaked soil from other states poses a threat for the landfill. Holms said they have safety measures in place

Holms said an analysis found that it was safe to bring soil from a recent oil spill in Kansas to the landfill.

A rep from the landfill said they’re taking the waste because they’re better equipped to handle it than the closest Kansas landfill

Comm Cavanaugh said the Keystone Pipeline had been denied bc of environmental concerns like this

Back on special use permits, Holms said they will reduce the fee for applying.

Comm Cavanaugh said he’s received concern about pollutants making it into the air, water and soil, especially in Bennington near the landfill. A rep from the landfill said they can provide the analysis documentation with the Board

Holms said the county gets $3 per ton of waste and the state will get $1.25 per.

Comm Boyle said it would be helpful if one of the engineers involved in soil testing could come before the Board

She also said she wants information about the lining at the landfill and its ability to contain contaminants

The Board went into executive session at 9:48 am