The Custer County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting on Tuesday morning. The meeting was highlighted by a public hearing and the approval of a Conditional Use permit for a hanger, private airstrip, and new shop to be added to Bakko Farm, formally the Art Anderson farm located between Westerville and Arcadia. Loren Bakko told the Supervisors that they had met with the Westerville and Myrtle townships to explain the plan and worked with the NRCS, FSA, and several other agencies to meet requirements.
Custer County Zoning and Planning Administrator Darci Tibbs provided a comprehensive overview of the Planning Commission’s deliberations to the Supervisors. She informed them that the Commission had received no adverse comments from the public. However, as per Section 4.08 of the Custer County Zoning regulations, a private airstrip must maintain a minimum distance of 1/2 mile from dwellings. In this case, two dwelling owners within the setback area had agreed to sign a waiver if necessary. The Planning Board, in a resounding show of support, unanimously recommended to the Supervisors that the Conditional Use Permit be approved. The Supervisors, echoing this sentiment, unanimously endorsed the Planning Board’s recommendation, leading to the final approval of the permit.
Construction is planned to be completed by the end of 2025. The Bakko shop, a promising addition, will not only repair the farm’s equipment but also serve its customers. This expansion may also lead to the creation of additional jobs.
In other action taken, the Supervisors approved the renewal of Blue Cross Blue Shield group insurance for 2024-2025 with no changes in coverage.
The Board approved Custer Public Power’s request for permission to cross the right of way 7 miles north of Callaway on road 798 to access an irrigation well.
The Custer County Roads Department asked the Board for approval to proceed with a Special Purchase Search for a Steel Vibratory Asphalt Roller. After a lengthy discussion, the authorization to proceed was granted. However, the Supervisors may reject or approve a purchase after the County Roads Department submits the search results for a used Asphalt Roller.
The Board approved the renewal of services with Zelle Human Resource Solutions. The contract will be on a month-by-month basis. Zelle provides the County human resource services such as guidelines for paid time off, handbook changes, recruiting, and staffing.
Custer County Weed Superintendent Tim Conover informed the Board of a possible forced control spraying situation. Conover asked the Supervisors for their support if it became necessary to spray Leafy Spurge spreading in a pasture. The Supervisors supported billing the landowner if they failed to spray it as designated in county regulations.
