Ramsey County, ND

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Board is holding its regular monthly meeting to approve minutes, financial reports, and bills, and to discuss old and new business. Key items include reviewing 2023 audit findings and a planned corrective plan, as well as discussing a stream crossing project in Fancher Township. The meeting is largely administrative, with several informational reports and public comment.

• Approve August 2026 financial reports and bills
• Discuss Fenster Slough-Daniel Howell and financing snag
• Cavanaugh Lake Culvert/Gate update with Jim Mikkelsen
• 2023 Audit Findings & Planned Corrective Plan
• Stream Crossing in Fancher Township Sections 21 & 28

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will hold its regular meeting to approve minutes and the agenda, hear a 2027 budget and fund request from Forward Devils Lake, receive an update from the county highway superintendent, and consider unfinished business including a zoning ordinance. New business includes a funding request from Red River. The meeting is open to the public with limited visitor comments.

• 2027 budget and fund request presented by Brady Ash of Forward Devils Lake
• Update from Jason Kraft, county highway superintendent
• Approval of zoning ordinance under unfinished business
• Red River request for funds under new business

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss the 2027 budget and vote on approving the preliminary budget. The agenda also includes time for visitors and delegations, announcements, and adjournment.

• 2027 budget discussion
• Approve 2027 preliminary budget
• Visitors and delegations (5 minutes unless approved by chairman)

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will hold a public hearing on the North SNAG & Clear project, receive a financial update from Old National, and consider approving a zoning ordinance and a mileage reimbursement increase. The board will also discuss the 2027 budget and set a preliminary budget hearing for September 15, 2026.

• Public hearing on Ramsey Co North SNAG & Clear
• Approve zoning ordinance
• Approve mileage increase from $0.725 to $0.76 per mile
• Set preliminary budget hearing for September 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM
• 2027 budget discussion

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Board will convene its regular meeting to approve minutes, financial reports, and bills. A public hearing is scheduled for the Stevens Snag & Clear project, and financing for North and South projects will be discussed. Water complaints and a pledge pool from Western State Bank are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing on Stevens Snag & Clear project (8/4/2026 at 8:30 AM)
• Financing for Snag & Clear projects (Ramsey County North & South)
• Cavanaugh Lake Culvert/Gate project (Jim Mikkelsen)
• Water complaints (Mike Ziegler, Travis Hermanson)
• Western State Bank Pledge Pool

The Ramsey County Water Resource District approved the agenda, minutes, financials, and bills, and selected First United Bank for financing Snag and Clear projects if the county cannot provide Western State Bank with a Certificate of Indebtedness. The board denied Mike Ziegler's water complaint, finding no man-made dike or obstruction. It also approved the Western State Bank pledge pool and signed on to support restrictions on drain tile setbacks for federal wetland easements. Two items were tabled: the Cavanaugh Lake culvert and gate project and Travis Hermanson's water complaint.

• Approved amended agenda (unanimous)
• Approved July 7, 2026 regular and July 21, 2026 public hearing minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July financials and bills (unanimous)
• Selected First United Bank for Snag and Clear project financing, if county cannot provide Certificate of Indebtedness to Western State Bank (unanimous)
• Denied Mike Ziegler's water complaint, no man-made dike or obstruction found (unanimous)
• Approved Western State Bank pledge pool (unanimous)
• Signed on as Water District to support proposed restrictions on drain tile setbacks for federal wetland easements (unanimous)
• Tabled Cavanaugh Lake culvert and gate item and Travis Hermanson water complaint

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Resource District Board will hold a public hearing on August 4, 2026, to consider a petition to snag and clear a natural water course in Stevens, Ontario, and Bartlett townships. The project aims to improve drainage for township and county roads and agricultural land. The hearing will require a Resolution of Necessity approved by two-thirds of both the Water Resource District Board and the County Commission.

• Petition to snag and clear a section of the natural water course in Ramsey County
• Project area from NW1/4 of Section 3, T153N, R62W to NW1/4 of Section 21, T153N, R62W
• Hearing location: Ramsey County Courthouse, 524 4th Ave NE, Devils Lake, ND, Commission Room
• Requires Resolution of Necessity with two-thirds approval from both the Water Resource District Board and County Commission

The Ramsey County Water Board and County Commissioners held a public hearing and voted to address driveway culverts as part of the South Snag & Clear project. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved addressing driveway culverts for South Snag & Clear (unanimous roll call vote)

County Commission

The County Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss the 2027 budget. The session includes a discussion on the salary scale led by Nicole Bakkegard from HR.

• 2027 budget discussion
• Salary scale discussion

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Resource District Board of Managers will hold a public hearing regarding a petition to snag and clear a section of a natural water course. The project aims to remove surface water and debris to improve agricultural land and county and township roads.

• Public hearing for channel maintenance in Stevens, Minnewaukan, Ontario, and South Minnewaukan townships and the City of Crary
• Proposed project area from NE1/4 of Section 30, T154N, R62W to SW1/4 of Section 20, T153N, R62W
• Requirement for a Resolution of Necessity approved by two-thirds of the Board and County Commission

The Ramsey County Water Board and County Commissioners held a public hearing and both unanimously approved the Ramsey County South Snag & Clear Project. The Water Board voted 3-0 and the Commissioners voted 5-0. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Ramsey County South Snag & Clear Project (Water Board 3-0)
• Approved Ramsey County South Snag & Clear Project (Commissioners 5-0)

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission is meeting to discuss the 2027 budget, including presentations from Lake Region District Health and Forward Devils Lake, and a public hearing on the Ramsey Co South SNAG/CLEAR project. Other items include a salary schedule update from HR and a discussion on Fenster Slough. The meeting also covers standing committee reports and routine approvals.

• Public hearing on Ramsey Co South SNAG/CLEAR project
• Lake Region District Health 2027 budget presentation
• Forward Devils Lake 2027 budget and fund request
• Salary schedule update from HR (Nicole Bakkegard)
• Fenster Slough discussion

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will convene to approve minutes, bills, and the 2027 budget. The agenda includes a public hearing for a North Snag & Clear project and a resolution to approve a disaster declaration.

• Public hearing for Ramsey Co North Snag & Clear project
• Discussion of 2027 budget
• Approval of Disaster Declaration Resolution 6/30/26
• Consideration of Tyler Tech training quote
• Approval of Standing Committees via ND Co Commissioners Association

Water Board

The Water Resource District Board will hold a public hearing on a request to snag and clear a section of natural water course across Minnewaukan, Morris, Noonan, Ontario, Hope, and Newbre townships. The board and county commission must attend and approve a Resolution of Necessity by two-thirds vote. The project aims to improve roads and agricultural land by removing sheet water and debris.

• Public hearing for channel maintenance project under ND Century Code 61.16.1-09.1
• Proposed work from NE1/4 Section 18, T154N, R62W to SW1/4 Section 12, T155N, R63W
• Requires two-thirds approval from both the Water Resource District Board and County Commission
• Affects Minnewaukan, Morris, Noonan, Ontario, Hope, and Newbre townships
• Hearing scheduled July 7, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Ramsey County Courthouse Commission Room

The Ramsey County Water Board and County Commissioners held a public hearing on July 7, 2026, regarding the North Snag & Clear Project. Both bodies voted unanimously to approve the project for implementation. The hearing concluded at 8:45 AM with no further discussion or additional items.

• Water Board approved the Ramsey County North Snag & Clear Project (4-0)
• County Commissioners approved the Ramsey County North Snag & Clear Project (5-0)

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Resource Board will approve June 2026 regular meeting minutes, June 2026 financial reports, and June 2026 bills. It will discuss several proposed Snag & Clear projects, including public hearings for the North and South projects and financing for Snag & Clear projects. Additional items include the Highland Center Stream Crossing, Cavanaugh Lake Culvert/Gate, an MSA amendment, a water complaint from Mike Ziegler, and a Fair Board Drain issue. The meeting will conclude with an open public comment period.

• Approve June 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Approve June 2026 financial reports
• Proposed RC Snag & Clear North public hearing – July 7, 2026 at 8:30 AM
• Proposed RC Snag & Clear South public hearing – July 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM
• Financing Snag & Clear projects

The board approved multiple water management actions including a Stevens Snag & Clear project and a Highland Center stream crossing. Financial decisions included selecting Western State Bank for Fancher Township financing and approving reimbursements for Jim Mikkelsen. The board also addressed various water complaints and drain applications.

• Approved June meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved DWR Emergency Drain Application minutes (4-0)
• Approved June special meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved June financial reports (4-0)
• Approved June bills (4-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Stevens Snag & Clear project (4-0)
• Selected Western State Bank for Fancher Township financing (4-0)
• Approved replacing two 24" culverts with one 36" culvert at Highland Center (4-0)

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will hold a regular meeting to hear reports on an electrical upgrade in the courthouse basement and the opening of the courthouse shelter. Unfinished business includes discussion of the Churchs Ferry property and financials. New business includes approval of county liquor licenses as listed.

• Approve county liquor licenses per list
• Discuss Churchs Ferry property (unfinished business)
• Discuss electrical upgrade in basement (report by Roger Gunderson)
• Discuss opening courthouse shelter (report by Chris Jaeger)
• Review financials

The Commission approved a temporary courthouse closure for electrical work and authorized a backup door system. The board also voted to rescind Paul Christensen's authority to manage county property in Churchs Ferry.

• Approved June 2, 2026 meeting minutes (All AYE)
• Approved agenda with DL School payment addition (All AYE)
• Approved courthouse closure July 15-17, 2026 (All AYE)
• Approved $3,000.00 backup door system for emergency shelter (All AYE)
• Approved $15,000.00 mag water for 2026 (All AYE)
• Approved ordering of two 72”x40’ culverts for Overland/Sullivan (All AYE)
• Approved $139,350.00 Tri-State Paving contract (All AYE)
• Approved $37,000.00 Johnson Excavating payment for Fox Lake relief ditch (All AYE)

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Resource board will hold a special meeting to review two proposed projects. The board will also consider an emergency drain application for Fenster Lake.

• Proposed Ramsey County South Project
• Proposed Ramsey County North Project
• Emergency Drain Application for Fenster Lake

The Board approved a public hearing for the Ramsey County South Project on July 21, 2026. A public hearing for the Ramsey County North Project is scheduled for July 7 at 8:30 AM. Both projects will involve a $0.50 assessment across all parcels.

• Approved Ramsey County South Project public hearing for July 21, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved $0.50 assessment per parcel for Ramsey County South Snag & Clear project (3-0)
• Scheduled Ramsey County North Project public hearing for July 7 at 8:30 AM
• Approved $0.50 assessment per parcel for Ramsey County North Snag & Clear project (3-0)

Water Board

The North Dakota Department of Water Resources is holding a meeting on June 11, 2026, to consider an emergency drain application from Fenster Lake in Ramsey County into Devils Lake. The Ramsey County Water Resource Board will provide a recommendation on the application after hearing from the applicant and affected parties.

• Emergency drain application from Fenster Lake into Devils Lake
• Ramsey County Water Resource Board to vote on recommendation
• Meeting location changed from Bismarck to Devils Lake (Lake Region State College)

The Ramsey County Water Board met to review an emergency drain application permit received from the Department of Water Resources. The board voted unanimously to approve the permit for Fenster Lake.

• Approved Emergency Drain Application permit from Fenster Lake (4-0)

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Board will approve minutes, financial reports, and bills totaling $44,150. The agenda includes discussion on snag and clear projects, a 2027 budget, and water complaints.

• Approve May 2026 Financial Reports
• Approve May 2026 Bills ($44,150 total)
• Discuss Proposed RC Snag & Clear South
• Discuss Proposed Stevens Snag & Clear project
• Discuss 2027 Budget Approval

The board accepted the 2027 water district budget without changes. It denied a request to replace the culvert and gate at Cavanaugh Lake. It approved moving forward with a public hearing for the RC (Ontario) North Snag and Clear Project. It also approved the recommendation to use two 72‑inch culverts or one 108‑inch culvert at Newgard Crossing.

• Approved 2027 budget as presented (all members voted aye)
• Denied request to replace Cavanaugh Lake culvert and gate (all members voted aye)
• Moved forward with public hearing for RC (Ontario) North Snag and Clear Project (all members voted aye)
• Approved recommendation for Newgard Crossing culvert option (two 72" culverts or one 108" culvert) (all members voted aye)
• Tabled RC Snag and Clear South Project (no vote recorded)
• Approved petition and hired KL to assess acres and watershed for Stevens Snag & Clear Project (all members voted aye)
• Approved Highland Center Stream Crossing to be done by Dan Fischer (all members voted aye)
• Approved May financials and bills, including $8,150 audit bill and $36,000 Johnson Excavating bill (all members voted aye)

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will hold its annual equalization meeting for property assessments. Unfinished business includes discussion of the Church Ferry property and planning for the 2027 budget. Reports will be given by the extension office and Lake Region Public Library on its 2025 annual report. Routine approvals of minutes, bills, treasurer's checks, and financial reports are also scheduled.

• 2026 County Equalization Meeting (public hearing)
• Stone veneer on building discussed by maintenance supervisor
• Church Ferry property as unfinished business
• 2027 budget discussion as unfinished business
• Lake Region Public Library 2025 annual report presented

The Ramsey County Commission approved the minutes from the May 19 meeting and all general and highway bills. It also approved the 2026 property assessments for Devils Lake and the county, and authorized multiple road‑related contracts and agreements, including culvert replacements, a motor‑grader bid, and a road‑maintenance agreement with Benson and Cavalier Counties. Additional actions included allowing estimates for courthouse stone‑veneer caulking and tabling certain financial and legal items for further review.

• Approved May 19, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous AYE)
• Approved all general & highway bills (unanimous AYE)
• Approved Devils Lake 2026 assessments (unanimous AYE)
• Approved Ramsey County 2026 assessments (unanimous AYE)
• Approved estimates for courthouse stone‑veneer caulking (unanimous AYE)
• Approved culvert replacements on Lawton/Lillehoff Line (unanimous AYE)
• Approved motor‑grader shoulder grinder bid from Foster County (unanimous AYE)
• Approved Road Maintenance Agreement between Benson & Cavalier Counties (unanimous AYE)

County Commission

The commission will discuss new business including the NDDOT US 2 improvement project and steps on the southend of the building. Unfinished business includes the Churchs Ferry property. Visitors and delegations are allowed 5 minutes to address the commission.

• Churchs Ferry property (unfinished business)
• NDDOT US 2 improvement project from Elks Dr to Hefti Rest Area
• Steps on southend of building
• Visitors and delegations public comment period

The Ramsey County Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the May 5 meeting and the agenda for the May 19 session. It also approved the signing of the resolution, electronic version, and task order for Project SC-3600(100). Additional actions included a temporary water‑move permit for Fox Lake, a 36‑inch culvert installation north of Thompsons, right‑of‑way maintenance on RC2, and the decision to table discussion on the Church's Ferry Property.

• Approved minutes of May 5, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved signing of resolution and task order for Project SC-3600(100) (unanimous)
• Approved signing of electronic version for Project SC-3600(100) (unanimous)
• Approved temporary permit to move water off Fox Lake (unanimous)
• Approved installation of 36" culvert on RC/NC line north of Thompsons (unanimous)
• Approved right-of-way maintenance on RC2 (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on Church's Ferry Property for further research (unanimous)

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Resource board is holding a special meeting to discuss proposed snag and clear projects in the north and south areas.

• Proposed Ramsey County North & South Snag & Clear Projects

The board voted to table the Ramsey County South Snag & Clear project until the highway department clears the right‑of‑way at RC 3 and RC 4. The board also approved having KL edit the assessment area for the Ramsey County North Snag & Clear petition to the East area. Both motions were carried unanimously.

• Tabled South Snag & Clear project until highway ROW cleared at RC 3 and RC 4 (motion carried)
• Approved KL edit of assessment area to the East for North Snag & Clear petition (motion carried)

Water Board

The Board of Managers of the Ramsey County Water Resource District and the Ramsey County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on May 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM at the Ramsey County Courthouse. The hearing concerns a petition to snag and clear a section of a natural water course between NE¼ Section 21, T157N, R61W and SW¼ Section 25, T157N, R62W to remove sheet water and debris and improve township and county roads and agricultural land. The agencies must adopt a Resolution of Necessity approved by two‑thirds of each board and commission.

• Public hearing on snag & clear request for channel between NE¼ Section 21, T157N, R61W and SW¼ Section 25, T157N, R62W
• Resolution of Necessity required, needing two‑thirds approval of Water Resource District Board and County Commissioners
• Project aims to remove sheet/surface water and debris to improve township and county roads and agricultural/ranch land
• Hearing location: Ramsey County Courthouse, 524 4" Ave NE, Devils Lake, ND, 9:00 AM May 5 2026
• Petition filed with the Board of Managers of the Ramsey County Water Resource District

The Ramsey County Water Board voted to approve the Fancher Snag & Clear Project, with all four members present voting aye. The Ramsey County Commissioners also voted to approve the same project, with all five commissioners voting aye. The public hearing was then adjourned.

• Water Board approved Fancher Snag & Clear Project (all 4 members aye)
• County Commissioners approved Fancher Snag & Clear Project (all 5 members aye)
• Public hearing adjourned

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Resource Board will hold a public hearing on the Proposed Fancher Snag & Clear project and conduct a second review of the 2027 budget. The board will also discuss cattail spraying decisions, with Grand Harbor-Dry Lake opting out for 2026, and consider stream crossing requests from Overland and Grand Harbor townships. Additional items include water concerns and funding options for water projects.

• Public hearing on Proposed Fancher Snag & Clear
• 2nd Review of 2027 Budget
• Grand Harbor-Dry Lake declines cattail spraying for 2026
• Overland Township Stream Crossing Request
• Grand Harbor Township road-install 36” culvert & stream crossing

The board approved the agenda after removing the Overland Township Stream Crossing request. It approved the April minutes, public hearing minutes, financials, and bills. New business included accepting petitions for the Ramsey County Snag & Clear North and South projects, approving the Western State Bank Pledge Pool, and approving a letter of support to the Department of Water Resources.

• Agenda approved with removal of Overland Township Stream Crossing (all aye)
• April meeting minutes approved (all aye)
• April public hearing minutes for Clara Bartlett Snag & Clear approved (all aye)
• April financial report approved (all aye)
• April bills approved (all aye)
• Petitions for Ramsey County Snag & Clear North and South accepted (all aye)
• Western State Bank Pledge Pool approved (all aye)
• Letter of support to Department of Water Resources approved (all aye)

County Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing for Fancher Snag & Clear, discuss a tourism update, and hear from the sheriff. New business includes the NDIRF annual meeting, abatements, and a Ramsey County wetland easement special use permit.

• Public hearing for Fancher Snag & Clear
• Bartlett Township discussion on Fenster Slough
• Hope Township – Southam Road (Paul Skurdall)
• Churchs Ferry property and bridge discussion
• Ramsey County wetland easement special use permit

The Ramsey County Commission approved several infrastructure and utility projects, including a new culvert, a fiber burial, and a wetland easement. It denied the ND Game & Fish request for a small boat landing on Fenster Lake. The board also postponed the purchase of three parcels pending legal review.

• Approved minutes of the April 21 & 27, 2026 meetings (unanimous AYE)
• Approved installation of a 36" culvert at the Fox Lake crossing (unanimous AYE)
• Approved leaving the Churchs Ferry Bridge structure as is and notifying NDDOT that the bridge removal grant is not needed (unanimous AYE)
• Approved Greater Ramsey Water utility request to bring water to the Olson Shop condo site (unanimous AYE)
• Approved NDTC request to bury 620 ft of fiber in the RC2 south ditch (unanimous AYE)
• Denied ND Game & Fish request for a small boat landing on Fenster Lake (unanimous AYE)
• Approved the Ramsey County Wetland Easement and coordination with US Fish & Wildlife (unanimous AYE)
• Tabled purchase of three parcels in Churchs Ferry City pending State Attorney review (unanimous AYE)

Water Board

The Water Board will hold a special meeting to discuss water management strategies with Ramsey County Commissioners, focusing on protecting county and township infrastructure. No formal votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists of a single discussion item.

• Discussion with Ramsey County Commissioners to discuss water management to protect county and township infrastructure

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will convene a special meeting to discuss bid selections and road and water infrastructure projects. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8:00 A.M. in the Commission Meeting Room.

• Bid discussion
• Road/Water discussion
• Special meeting at 524 4th Ave NE, Devils Lake
• Meeting set for April 27, 2026, at 8:00 A.M.

The commission voted to rescind the previous award of the contract for floor, floor drain and floor heat tubing, which also covered roof repairs. All members voted AYE, so the rescission was adopted. The commission also authorized the chairman to work with the emergency manager to prepare and submit a county disaster declaration once needed numbers are gathered. All members voted AYE on this motion as well.

• Rescinded contract award for floor, floor drain & floor heat tubing (including roof repairs) – motion carried, all AYE
• Authorized chairman to collaborate with Emergency Manager to draft and submit a county disaster declaration – motion carried, all AYE

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will hold a regular meeting on April 21, 2026. New business includes considering a letter of support for DL Outlets, a settlement in opioid litigation involving six remnant defendants, and a discussion on the VSO (Veterans Service Officer) position. The board will also receive a presentation from Steve Biby regarding bridge removal in Churchs Ferry and recognize National Fallen Firefighters Week.

• Bridge removal in Churchs Ferry presented by Steve Biby
• Letter of support for DL Outlets
• Opioid litigation new settlement with six remnant defendants
• Discussion on VSO (Veterans Service Officer) position
• Proclamation for National Fallen Firefighters Week (April 26 - May 2)

The commission approved the amended minutes and all general and highway bills with a 4‑1 vote. It also approved the signing of the 2026 County/Township blading contract, declared a case payloader surplus, tabled the Devils Lake blading contract, replaced No Fishing signs, awarded a contract to Morris SealCoat, and approved two tax abatements.

• Approved amended minutes (unanimous)
• Approved all general & highway bills (4 AYE, 1 NAY)
• Approved Auditor & Chairman signing of 2026 blading contracts (unanimous)
• Declared 621 Case Payloader surplus/trade‑in (unanimous)
• Tabled blading contract with City of Devils Lake (unanimous)
• Replaced No Fishing signs on RC4 South Crossing (unanimous)
• Awarded contract to Morris SealCoat (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatements ID #39-1900-00006-000 & #39-1503-000-000 for 2025 (unanimous)

Water Board

The Grand Harbor Operating Committee is meeting to review financial reports and maintenance needs. The board will discuss the 2026 assessment amount per acre, which is currently $2.50.

• 2026 assessment amount per acre (currently $2.50)
• Cattail spraying
• Maintenance issues and culverts
• Financials review

The Grand Harbor Operating Committee approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting's minutes. It voted to forgo cattail spraying for the year, to keep the water assessment at $2.50 per acre for 2026, and to send a support letter to the Department of Water Resources about the East & West Outlets. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved no cattail spraying needed this year (unanimous)
• Approved keeping assessment at $2.50/acre for 2026 taxes (unanimous)
• Approved sending letter of support for East & West Outlets to Dept. of Water Resources (unanimous)

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will hold its regular meeting on April 7, 2026. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes, bills and the agenda, and a vote on two abatements. A public hearing on the Snag/Clear project for Clara Bartlett is scheduled for 3:00 PM at the Lakota Community Center.

• Approve two abatements
• Public hearing on Snag/Clear project for Clara Bartlett at Lakota Community Center (3:00 PM)
• Approve minutes from previous meeting
• Approve bills (roll call)
• Approve agenda

The commission approved the meeting minutes, passed all general and highway bills, and authorized several contract actions including signing the 2026 blading agreements, declaring a payloader surplus, tabling a Devils Lake contract, replacing No Fishing signs on RC4, awarding a contract to Morris SealCoat, and approving two tax abatements for 2025. Votes were recorded as all AYE except one NAY on the highway bills.

• Approved minutes as amended (all AYE)
• Approved all general & highway bills; 4 AYE, 1 NAY
• Approved auditor & chairman signing of 2026 County/Township blading contracts (all AYE)
• Declared 621 Case Payloader Serial #JEE0043025 surplus/trade‑in (all AYE)
• Tabled blading contract with City of Devils Lake (all AYE)
• Replaced No Fishing signs on RC4 South Crossing to No Fishing from Road (all AYE)
• Awarded contract to Morris SealCoat (all AYE)
• Approved tax abatements ID #39-1900-00006-000 & #39-1503-00045-000 for tax year 2025 (all AYE)

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Resource Board will consider a culvert installation request for Sections 6‑Ontario and Noon Townships, originally requested in 2024. It will also discuss assessment fees of $0.75 for Hammer Sullivan and $2.50 for Dry Lake/Grand Harbor, as well as the first review of the 2027 budget. Additional items include a public hearing on the Clara Bartlett Snag & Clear project and updates on drainage assessments and spray programs.

• Culvert install Section 6‑Ontario & Noon Townships (original request 2024)
• Assessment fees: Hammer Sullivan ($0.75) and Dry Lake/Grand Harbor ($2.50)
• Public hearing Tuesday, April 7 at 3 PM – Clara Bartlett Snag & Clear – Nelson County
• 2027 budget first review
• 2026 Cattail spraying and Starkweather Coulee assessment

The Water Board approved assessment rates of $0.25 per acre for Hammer Sullivan and $2.50 per acre for Dry Lake/Grand Harbor for 2026. It also kept the Starkweather Coulee Assessment at $0.00 and moved the proposed Fancher Snag & Clear project to the County Commissioners. The 2026 Cattail Spraying item was tabled.

• Approve Hammer Sullivan assessment at $0.25/acre (all members voted aye, motion carried)
• Approve Dry Lake/Grand Harbor assessment at $2.50/acre (all members voted aye, motion carried)
• Keep Starkweather Coulee Assessment at $0.00 (all members voted aye, motion carried)
• Take Fancher Snag & Clear proposal to County Commissioners (Schemionek, Berg, Ash voted aye; Martinson abstained, motion carried)
• Table 2026 Cattail Spraying (no vote recorded, item tabled)
• Accept Resolution of Policy Regarding Tile Drainage Permit Fees (all members voted aye, motion carried)
• Approve agenda, minutes, financials, and bills as presented (all members voted aye, motions carried)
• Adopt recommendation for Culvert Install Section 6 (Ontario & Noonan Townships) per June 4, 2024 (no vote recorded, recommendation followed)

Water Board

The Ramsey County Water Board will hold a public hearing to consider a petition to snag and clear a section of the Clara Bartlett Watershed channel. The hearing will address a proposed project to remove surface water and debris to protect township and county roads and agricultural land. Approval requires a Resolution of Necessity signed by two‑thirds of each County Water Resource District Board and each County Commission.

• Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM, Lakota Community Center, 404 US‑2, Lakota, ND
• Project area: from Section 34 T 153 N R61 W (Bartlett Township) to North Part Section 33 T155.N_ R 60 W (Lillehoff Township)
• Two‑thirds members of the Nelson and Ramsey County Water Resource District Boards and County Commissions must attend and file a Resolution of Necessity
• Goal: remove surface/sheet water and debris to improve and save township roads, county roads, and agricultural/ranch land

The board and commissioners of Ramsey County and Nelson County each voted to approve the Clara Bartlett 2026 Snag & Clear Project. The agenda for the public hearing was also approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 PM.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Ramsey County Water Board approved Clara Bartlett 2026 Snag & Clear Project (unanimous)
• Ramsey County Commissioners approved Clara Bartlett 2026 Snag & Clear Project (unanimous)
• Nelson County Water Board approved Clara Bartlett 2026 Snag & Clear Project (unanimous)
• Nelson County Commissioners approved Clara Bartlett 2026 Snag & Clear Project (unanimous)
• Meeting adjourned at 3:50 PM (unanimous)

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will meet on March 17, 2026. The agenda includes a resolution to adopt a Home Rule Charter and the approval of a township fund balance certification sheet. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as approving minutes, the agenda, and a pledge of allegiance.

• Home Rule Charter Resolution
• Approve Township Fund Balance Certification Sheet
• Approve Minutes
• Approve Agenda

The commission unanimously approved the March 3 meeting minutes and the agenda, accepted OtterTail’s request for a substation approach on RC#10, approved payment for a new tar kettle, and approved a letter to the ND Highway Patrol on load‑limit restrictions. It also approved a resolution to place the Ramsey County Home Rule Charter on the June 9, 2026 ballot. A public hearing on the Clara Bartlett Snag & Clear channel maintenance was scheduled for April 7, 2026.

• Approved minutes of March 3, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved agenda for March 17, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved OtterTail request on RC#10 for substation approach to NDDOT standards (unanimous)
• Approved payment to Stepp Manufacturing for new tar kettle (unanimous)
• Approved letter to ND Highway Patrol on load‑limit restrictions (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to place Home Rule Charter on June 9, 2026 ballot (motion carried)
• Scheduled public hearing on Clara Bartlett Snag & Clear channel maintenance for April 7, 2026

County Commission

The Ramsey County Commission will meet to review financial reports and bills. The agenda includes unfinished business regarding a Model D Ordinance and a Home Rule draft. The County Highway Superintendent and the RC Water Resource District Board are also scheduled to appear.

• Model D Ordinance
• Home Rule draft
• Report from Jason Kraft, County Highway Superintendent
• RC Water Resource District Board
• Bev Bachmeier, Recorder, regarding plat cabinet