The Seward County Commissioners on Sept. 9 adopted an updated Seward County Safety Action Plan, a document that helps leaders identify and address county-wide concerns.
Seward County Commission Chair Misty Ahmic in May facilitated discussion among about 30 people, including elected officials, school leaders, law enforcement officials, volunteer firefighters and EMTs, health care providers, businesspeople and state and regional partners.
She said the plan is a “living document” that can be updated and expanded as needed, and should provide information and resources for anyone applying for grants to address specific or general safety areas.
Seward County Emergency Management Director Gary Petersen was the only person to speak at the public hearing at the commissioners’ meeting.
He said the plan will also help the county identify actions that can be taken to address some of the issues.
Eight priority areas were identified with possible actions and strategies to move forward: Distracted driving, gravel road conditions, driving in construction zones, risks associated with animals and rights of way, pedestrian travel, mental health, addiction and abuse and car seats.
The Seward County Safety Action plan is now available on the county’s website under the commissioners: www.sewardcountyne.gov.
Also at the commissioners’ Sept. 9 meeting, the updated zoning fee schedule was approved, including two changes requested at their last meeting – raising the fee for sign applications from $75 to $400 and decreasing the fee for kennel applications from $600 to $125.
In other action, the commissioners:
• Authorized a bridge replacement contract for Raymond Road west of 350th Road with Midwest Infrastructure for $805,556.
• Authorized a five-year, $16,500 per year roads department tractor lease with a purchase option at the end from Nebraska Equipment.
• Vacated the historical Johnson Dam Road in Section 21 Township 12 N and adopted the path of the newer road there.
