Hall County Commissioner Chairman Ron Peterson (right) presents a certificate of appreciation to Hall County Sheriff Rick Conrad (middle), who announced his retirement at the Oct. 21 Commissioners' meeting. Commissioners voted 7-0 to appoint Chief Deputy Josh Berlie (left) to complete the remaining time on Conrad's term, which is approximately one year. (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – Hall County Sheriff Rick Conrad announced to the Hall County Board of Commissioners Oct. 21 that he is retiring as sheriff, effective Dec. 22.
Conrad recommended that Chief Deputy Josh Berlie be appointed to serve the remaining approximately one year on his term. Commissioners voted 7-0 to accept Conrad’s resignation, then appointed Berlie to be sheriff through the remainder of Conrad’s term by a 7-0 vote.
Conrad, 61, has worked in the Sheriff’s Department for 33 years, serving the last seven years as sheriff.
Conrad succeeded Jerry Watson as sheriff.
The sheriff noted three accomplishments during his tenure. First, he is seeing staff liking to come to work. Technology in the department has improved. Having a new radio system “is huge,” Conrad said.
He said the department is fully staffed. It has 50 employees.
Conrad commented on why he’s retiring.
“It’s just time. I’ve been talking about it for quite a while,” he said. He did not want to continue as sheriff and “not be happy.”
Conrad told Commissioners, “It’s time to replace me.”
Conrad and his wife have three adult children and two granddaughters. He is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
Conrad said he previously had decided he didn’t want to seek another term as sheriff. The term is four years.
Conrad described Berlie, whom he highly recommended.
“He’s solid,” Conrad said.
Before becoming sheriff, Conrad said he served in roles including being a dog handler and drug investigator.
Berlie, 45, said he has worked in the Sheriff’s Department for just over four years and has served as chief deputy for four years. He previously worked for the Grand Island Police Department since 2003.
Berlie said he would like to see continued growth of technology. Next, he would like to have improved community engagement. He wants to continue having good relationships with other law enforcement agencies.
Berlie told Commissioners that he “fully appreciated the support of all Board members.”
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Rick Conrad,” Berlie said. “He’s taught me more than I can acknowledge.”
Commissioner Gary Quandt said “it’s a sad day for Hall County” that Conrad is retiring.
Commissioner Pam Lancaster said she really appreciated the continuity of having Conrad serve as sheriff.
Hall County Attorney Marty Klein said, “Sheriff Conrad and I have become close friends.” He said Conrad “always had my back.”
“He’s always had the back of the citizens of Hall County,” Klein said.
Klein said he highly recommended that Berlie be appointed as sheriff for the remainder of Conrad’s term.
In another matter, Commissioners had a public hearing regarding rezoning, the final development plan, and final subdivision plat for Sycamores at Prairie Creek subdivision. However, Commissioners did not vote concerning approval of the matter because of concerns that the item was placed on the agenda less than 24 hours before the Board meeting. Commissioners did not want to violate any laws and will take action on the matter at the next Board meeting in two weeks.
Commissioners have been discussing the proposed subdivision since August. The property was previously used for agriculture. Neighboring farmers objected to the subdivision because it would take prime agricultural land out of production. Farmers also had concerns about drainage from the subdivision running onto their property.
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity wrote a letter to the Board dated Oct. 10. The Regional Planning Commission met Oct. 1 to consider rezoning 42.7 acres of land located north of One-R Road and east of Highway 281 from A-2 secondary agriculture zone to PUD Planned Unit Development.
The Regional Planning Commission approved the rezoning request.
“The change to PUD provides a clean mechanism for the creation of the private road from U.S. Highway 281,” Nabity wrote.
Michael Stanton of 3831 Meadow Road is a co-developer of the project. He previously said that seven lots will be available at the 42.7 acre site, with lots ranging in size from 3 acres to 7 acres. A pond will be on the east side of the subdivision, close to Highway 281.
Keith Ostermeier of 5701 N. Highway 281 previously wrote to Commissioners that the proposed project is approximately 42 acres, with 32 acres of crop ground and 10 acres of Prairie Creek and its bank.
“I still think this is a bad project,” Ostermeier told Commissioners on Oct. 21. He is opposed to the subdivision for reasons including that it would take farm land out of production.
Carl Quandt of 2200 E. One-R Road told Commissioners Oct. 21, “I think the Board needs to take a serious look at what it is opening up.”
Phil Wieck of Grand Island is the auctioneer who sold the property. Wieck said Oct. 21 he understands concerns about possible encroachment in rural areas for development of subdivisions.
“This particular property is unique,” Wieck said. He does not believe that the subdivision would cause an undo problems for agricultural production in the area.
An Aug. 8 letter from Restored Properties at 3831 Meadow Road, which is Stanton’s address, was included in the Commissioners’ packet. The letter had the heading of Oak Creek Engineering.
“To accommodate this additional flow, a detention cell is proposed to detain stormwater and decrease the flow leaving the site before entering the natural channel,” the letter said.
“The proposed development will have a cul-de-sac access that will divide flows on the property,” the letter said. “The proposed detention cell on site is adequately sized to handle the proposed residential development.” The letter was signed by Isaac Hansen with Oak Creek Engineering, under the supervision of Lance Harter.
A proposed resolution in the Commissioners’ packet said that Commissioners held a public hearing on the preliminary development plan on Aug. 12 and approved the preliminary development plan and plat on Aug. 26.
The proposed resolution said that Commissioners approved the development plan and changed the zoning from A-2 Secondary Agriculture District to PUD Planned Unit Development. Also, the proposed resolution said that Commissioners approved the final subdivision plat.
In another matter, Commissioner Gary Quandt noted the death of Monte Czaplewski. Czaplewski, 54, of Grand Island, who died Oct. 16. According to his obituary, in 2006, Czaplewski transferred permanently to Grand Island, where he concluded his FBI career as Coordinator for the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), retiring in 2021. Following his retirement, Czaplewski continued his commitment to public service as Drug Enforcement Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Justice/Attorney General’s Office.
Hall County Sheriff Rick Conrad said, “He’s going to be missed.”
In other action, Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve bids from Hooker Brothers, Central Sand and Gravel, and Mid-Nebraska Aggregate for gravel for the county’s Public Works Department.
Commissioners discussed bids received to purchase a 2025 20-ton, 16-foot tilt, and 6-foot stationary bumper hitch trailer. They voted 7-0 to approve a low bid of $16,500 from Klute Truck Equipment and Trailer Sales in Bradshaw.
Also, Commissioners discussed purchase of a new motor grader for the Public Works Department. They received bids including trade-in from NMC of Doniphan for $260,399 and from John Deere of $259,800. Commissioners noted that because of the value of the trade-in motor grader, it would have to be sold separately rather than traded in. Commissioners decided to put the item on the agenda for their next meeting.