Cyber Security and Road Projects Are Main Topics at Monday's Commissioner's Meeting

SIDNEY-The Cheyenne County Commissioners had their regular meeting on Monday, April 1, and Cyber Security and Road Equipment purchases were the main topics of discussion.

With Darrell Johnson absent from the meeting, commissioners Philip Sanders and Randall Miller ran the meeting, and after reviewing and approving a Renewal Agreement with the Lancaster County Youth Services Center for juvenile detention services, the commissioners heard from Scott Bauer about Cyber Security issues.

Bauer stated that he had personally had his personal information stolen via computer, and he was concerned about the rash of "Quick-Claim" deed theft that has been happening throughout the country. Bauer stated that computer hackers could steal all of your identity documents, including driver's license information, and then use that information to "sell" your own house without your knowledge. After speaking with County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh, Bauer brought up his concern that there is no system in place to flag a deed or title to property. Bauer also brought up the concern that the county takes electronic signatures without any validation or verification.

Bauer suggested that the County Clerk update their computer system to use Docusign over Esign, as Docusign requires the sender provide proof of who they are before sending information. He also suggested that county systems flag any suspicions of possible electronic fraud, and require, for example, that a seller shows up in person at the clerk's office to present legitimate identification to prevent fraudulent takeovers of property. Bauer's hope was that by raising awareness of this issue to the commissioners and local law enforcement, identity fraud and "QuickClaim" fraud could be minimized.

Melissa Norgard then addressed the commissioners with a request to use a stage at the Downtown Sounds Concerts on June 21st and August 16th, which was approved.

Brooke DeNovellis, Chairman of the Visitors Committee, addressed the commissioners about an incorrect grant amount that was approved at the last meeting. The commissioners approved a Senior Citizens Improvement Grant for Dalton in the amount of $2000 when it should have been for $2500. The commissioners approved the change.

As last order of business, County Highway Superintendent Doug Hart opened a bid for the Culvert Project C-17-183, and Eaton Metals out of Kearney, who also did the previous culvert project, submitted the winning bid for 46,807.20. The commissioners noted that the price was significantly lower than expected due to a drop in the price of steel. Hart and the commissioners also discussed the possible purchase of a paint striping machine, with options of portable paint stripers that mount to existing trucks or dedicated use paint striping vehicles. As the cost is very high for a dedicated use vehicle, commissioner Sanders noted that perhaps Cheyenne County could buy the equipment and then charge other nearby counties to use the equipment. However, Hart and commissioner Sanders seemed to prefer to go for the cheaper pick-up truck mounted equipment, and not have to worry about defraying costs by doing jobs for other counties. It was decided to table the issue as Hart collects more information on paint stripe units that are available for sale. Also, Hart spoke about repairs being made on roadways through the county, specifically on the I-80 bridge at Road 125. Apparently, a support structure was hit and caused damage to the bridge overpass, which needs to be closed for repair. The road is used by farmers, and an alternate path takes them far away from where they need to be when using Route 80. Commissioner Miller noted the problem was a big deal for the county, saying, "with harvest coming up, we need to impress upon the Nebraska DOT that this project needs to be done and finished quickly."