Lancaster County commissioners are reconsidering their approval last week of a soil-mining operation, though not because of any qualms about the operation or the man behind the plan.

The board signed off last week on a plan to approve the operation on 159 acres along U.S. 77 between Branched Oak and Davey roads. Under the proposal, work would be limited to weekday daylight hours, with access to U.S. 77 prohibited between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The site, once pegged for a quarter-mile drag strip, is owned by motor sports promoter Greg Sanford.

The board was expected to sign off on a resolution Tuesday to formally approve the permit for the operation, until Sanford’s attorney, Mark Hunzeker, asked for a reconsideration.

A contractor working on a state project is eyeing Sanford’s soil, but needs an OK for night hauling before proceeding, Hunzeker said.

He asked the board to adjust for that and to make that approval contingent on the county receiving a copy of the contract for the soil indicating the contractor’s need for night work.

In an interview following the meeting, Sanford confirmed the talks are serious. Although he felt the regulations put on his soil-mining permit were unfairly restrictive, he said the pending contract, not his feelings, are driving the need for adjustments.

Both he and Hunzeker declined to disclose the name of the contractor. Hunzeker said he doubts the state is directly involved enough to know about the plans.

Any plans involving soil and Sanford are unknown to state officials, said Mary Jo Oie, a spokeswoman with the Nebraska Department of Roads.

In the interest of efficiency and safety, it’s fairly typical to require night work in contracts, especially for interstate projects, Oie said.

Bill Hitzeman, a highway construction supervisor with the department, confirmed there is an existing arrangement taking soil from a mining operation also along U.S. 77 for the Interstate 80 widening project.

Commissioner Larry Hudkins said last week that if it was to the benefit of county, state or governmental projects, he would consider adjustments to the regulations.

Of concern to Hunzeker: Approving the permit as is and trying to adjust it later could mean going through the entire planning process again to make changes.

“That takes us into time where, you know, you can’t move dirt,” he said.

County officials, meanwhile, had some uncertainties about procedure. Deputy County Attorney Tom Fox asked for a week to review rules for special permits. He wants to make sure the board can change the hours of operation despite its decision last week.

“I don’t want to steer you wrong with regard to that,” Fox said.

Board Chairman Bob Workman had concerns about closing the public hearing only to make changes later.

Hunzeker said he understood that and the week would give residents a chance to weigh in as well.

“You know as well as I do that nobody’s had any difficulty communicating with you on this issue outside the public hearings,” Hunzeker said.

The board ultimately voted 3-1 to reconsider last week’s action. Ray Stevens voted against the plan and Deb Schorr was absent.

The board expects to bring the issue back Oct. 9, giving Fox time to research and Hunzeker time to come up with a contract. Commissioners also expect to continue discussion at their staff meeting Thursday.

Reach Jean Ortiz at 473-7107 or jortiz@journalstar.com.